Cardiological MRT

MRT is the abbreviation for magnetic resonance imaging. It uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate data that are translated into images. This allows the anatomy and function of organs and tissues of the human body to be depicted.

An MRI of the heart is also known as cardio-MRI and represents a further development of equipment technology in recent years, as moving organs such as the heart could not previously be depicted in this way. With a cardiac MRI, for example, it is possible to determine in a single examination whether the heart muscle is being properly supplied and whether a vessel in the heart has been changed. The MRI examination of the heart is mainly used to be able to draw precise conclusions as to which part of the heart is affected.

MRI is a safe examination method that has not yet been able to detect any harmful effects on the body. It does not involve cell-damaging radiation as in the case of an X-ray examination or computer tomography (CT). During the examination, certain bodily functions are monitored.

For this purpose, electrodes are attached to the chest to monitor heart function by means of an electrocardiogram (ECG), a blood pressure cuff is placed on the upper arm and usually a plug is attached to the finger to measure the oxygen content in the blood (oxygen saturation). In addition, during the MRI examination, drugs can be administered to simulate stress situations on the heart and, for example, to increase heart activity (e.g. in dobutamine stress MRI). For example, it can be shown how much blood flows through the coronary arteries under stress. In this way, the danger of a narrowing of the vessels can be better assessed.

Contrast medium for a heart MRI

An MRI examination of the heart is usually only possible with the help of a contrast medium. Contrast agents can amplify and absorb the signal that the MRI scanner is to record, so that the heart and the structures to be examined can be better visualized (i.e. appear darker or lighter on the computer-generated black-and-white image). This requires one or two vascular accesses (infusions) through which contrast agents and drugs can be administered for the examination.

Drugs are used, for example, to simulate a stress situation on the heart. Contrast media can have undesirable side effects, which is why the risks and benefits must be carefully weighed up according to the existing pre-existing disease. Possible complications when contrast agents are administered as part of an MRI of the heart are a severe stress condition of the heart.

Depending on the underlying underlying disease, various medications administered during the MRI examination can: come to In addition, a heart stumbling can be triggered, which can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmia. In some cases, the injection of the contrast medium is perceived as unpleasant or the affected person feels cold or warm. As a rule, however, MRI contrast media are much better tolerated than many X-ray contrast media, especially since they are not harmful to the kidneys.

  • Chest pain (angina pectoris)
  • Headaches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swindle or
  • Increase or decrease in blood pressure