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Cardiac MRI
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cardiac MRI) is an advanced test that produces highly detailed images of the heart without using ionising radiation.
It measures the size of the heart chambers and their pumping function precisely and, above all, it allows the heart muscle tissue to be studied, distinguishing for example areas of inflammation, fibrosis or scarring after a heart attack.
What it is used for
- diagnosis and follow-up of myocarditis and pericarditis;
- cardiomyopathies (hypertrophic, dilated, arrhythmogenic and others);
- assessing heart muscle viability and scarring after a heart attack;
- accurate measurement of heart volumes and ejection fraction;
- congenital heart disease, valve disease and cardiac masses;
- further investigation of arrhythmias or abnormalities found on echocardiography.
How the test is carried out
You lie on the couch and a few electrodes are placed on your chest to synchronise the images with your heartbeat. During the scan you will be asked several times to hold your breath for a few seconds, following the radiographer’s instructions.
The test usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. A gadolinium-based contrast medium, injected into a vein, is often used to characterise the heart muscle. The scanner makes rhythmic knocking noises, which are completely normal.
Preparation and precautions
Instructions on fasting and medication are given when you book. Before the scan you fill in the MRI safety questionnaire and must tell us about:
- pacemakers, defibrillators or other implanted devices (some are MRI-compatible only under specific conditions);
- prosthetic valves, stents, clips, metal fragments or previous surgery;
- claustrophobia, pregnancy, allergies and kidney disease (a recent creatinine test may be required).
Please bring your referral, a recent echocardiogram and your cardiology records.
Services
Cardiac MRI
Send us your request
*Waiting times refer to working days and to the first available specialist.
CalatafimiMed is in Palermo and is open from Monday to Saturday. For any further information you can contact the centre here.