What is a Cardiac MRI?

Also known as: MRI of the heart, magnetic resonance imaging of the heart.

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI of the heart, is a medical test that provides high-definition images of the heart (or body) and surrounding veins and arteries using a combination of magnetic and radio waves and a computer. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is the portion of the test that looks at the blood vessels.

• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is the portion of the test that looks at the blood vessels.
• Many times a Cardiac MRI or MRA will require contrast, a liquid substance to help create the details in the pictures.
• MRI does not use radiation but instead uses magnets. You and your child must be screened for any metal inside the body and will be asked to remove any jewelry or clothing that may contain metal. 
• ​A CMRA is not painful. The bed moves slowly through the tunnel and the camera remains around your child, never touching the child. A lot of children think the camera looks like a spaceship or doughnut!
• In order to get good results, it is very important that your child holds still for the scan. A Cardiac MRI and MRA may take between one to two hours.
• In some cases, your child may be given a mild sedative medication by mouth to help them stay calm and still.
• Patients who need stronger sedation medication (typically, children younger than 6 to 8 years-old and some older children with developmental delays) will be re-scheduled for a future scan under general anesthesia.

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Reviewed by: Dept. of Radiology and Dept. of Children's Experiences

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM