The Clinical Cardiac MRI Service at MGH utilizes state-of-the-art MRI scanners with high performance gradients and parallel acquisition coils. Dr. Ricardo Cury directs the Cardiac MRI Program.

On this web site please find information for patients, physicians, indications and contra-indications of cardiac MRI, and how to schedule a Cardiac MRI Exam.

CARDIAC MRI STAFF

• Suhny Abbara, MD  (Radiologist)
  
• Ricardo C. Cury, MD, Director (Radiologist)
  
• Godfred Holmvang, MD (Cardiologist)
  
• David Sosnovik, MD (Cardiologist)
  

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

• About the procedure
  
• MRI Information
  
• How to prepare for MR Cardiac Exam
  
• What to expect during the MR Cardiac Exam
  
• Information of the Results
  
• MRI Locations
  

INFORMATION FOR PHYSICIANS

• How to refer/schedule a patient
  
• Indications
  
• Contra-indications
  

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

I - About the procedure

MRI Information

MRI is a test that uses large magnets and radio-frequency waves to produce high quality still or moving pictures of structures inside the body. Some advantages of MRI over other methods for imaging the body (such as CAT scans or Nuclear Medicine) are that no X-rays or radioactivity are used to create the pictures.
MRI can provide information about the anatomy, function, perfusion and the damage that the heart has sustained, depending on the indication for your study. MRI may also be used to assess the blood vessels in the body.


How to prepare for a Cardiac MR Exam

• We ask you to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment time. There are many questions we need to ask prior to having the MRI. Your early arrival will help to ensure that we are able to perform the test efficiently and safely.
  
  
• If you are claustrophobic, you may ask your doctor to schedule your MRI with sedation (a medication to help you relax).
  
  

• We will also ask you a series of questions that will determine whether or not it is safe for you to undergo the MRI. Specifically, you will be asked if you have any metal objects inside of your body. Some examples include: Pacemakers, heart valves, aneurysm repairs, injuries in which metal could have lodged within the body, especially into your eyes.
  
  

• We will assess whether it is safe for you to undergo the MRI based on the information you provide. We may also order additional tests or request further information from you or your doctor concerning any metal implants you may have.
  
  

• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and to remove all metal objects, such as jewelry, hairpins, dentures, or dental bridgework. We recommend that you leave metal accessory items at home.

What to expect during the MRI scan

Prior to the MRI exam, an intravenous catheter may be inserted in your arm for intravenous contrast injection. Electrocardiogram leads will be placed in order to monitor your heart. Before beginning the study you will be coached in a method to hold your breath. You will be asked to hold your breath for 10-15 seconds on several occasions.

The MRI machine is a tube with a 3 feet wide opening in the center. You will be asked to lie on a table that slides into the central opening. Using a speaker and headphone system, we will be able to communicate with you throughout the exam. It is very important for you to stay as still as possible because movements can create blurring of the images. The scanner will make a knocking, hammer noise every time you will be asked to hold your breath.  Earplugs will be given to you to muffle the noise. The length of the MRI scan varies depending on what kind of information your doctor has requested, but typically is approximately 60 minutes.


Information of the Results

Typically, the results of any examination will be available to your doctor within 24 hours. Your doctor will communicate the results of your study directly to you.


MRI Location
The MRI scanners are located on the second floor of the Ellison building.



INFORMATION FOR PHYSICIANS

I - How to refer / schedule a patient for MR Cardiac Exam:

To refer a patient, please call (617) 726-5954. To assist us with scheduling a patient, please have the following information available when you call:

1. Patient name and phone number
2. Indication(s) for the exam
3. Referring Physician name and phone number
4. MGH Medical record number (MRN)

II - Indications:

• Ischemic heart disease including evaluation of left ventricular function, perfusion and viability
  
• Viability assessment – detection of the presence, extent and severity of infarcted and viable myocardium.
  
• Cardiomyopathies such as: ARVD, Hypertrophic, Dilated, Restrictive, Myocarditis
  
• Pericardial disease
  
• Heart Failure
  
• Congenital heart disease (pre and post operative)
  
• Cardiac mass/tumor/thrombus
  
• Aortic aneurysms and dissections
  
• Pulmonary veins evaluation before and after radio-frequency ablation procedures
  
• Valvular heart disease
  
• Cardiac shunt

III - Contra-indications to MRI:

• Metal injury to the eyes
  
• Cardiac pacemaker / Implanted cardiac defibrillator
  
• Aneurysm clips
  
• Carotid artery vascular clamp
  
• Neurostimulator
  
• Implanted drug infusion device / Bone growth/fusion stimulator
  
• Cochlear, otologic, or ear implant