Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart: a review of the experience in 172 subjects.

Abstract

Gated magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was used to evaluate central cadiovascular anatomy in 172 subjects, 31 of whom were healthy volunteers. Using the spinecho technique, images of diagnostic quality were obtained in 93% of cases with TE [delay time] = 28 ms and in 65% of cases with TE = 56 ms. Transverse multisection sequences encompassing most of the left ventricle required approximately 6-8 min. Corroborative studies were available in 134 of 141 patients who had cadiovascular disease; 2 dimensional echocardiograms and angiography in 133 and 100 patients, respectively. Gated MR demonstrated the wall thinning and complications caused by prior myocardial infarctions and high signal intensity of the myocardium at the site of acute myocardial infarctions. MR accurately demonstrate anatomic abnormalities owing to hypertrophic and congestive cardiomyopathies, congenital abnormalities of the heart and great vessels, rheumatic heart disease, pulmonary hypertension and cardiac and paracardiac masses. Depiction of cardiovascular anatomy and pathoanatomy was attained without the use of any contrast media. Consequently, gated MR is an effective technique for cardiac diagnosis. The short time required for tomographic examination of the entire heart using the multisection technique renders this a practical cardiac imaging modality.