Cardiac MRI: technical basis

Radiol Med. 2020 Nov;125(11):1040-1055. doi: 10.1007/s11547-020-01282-z. Epub 2020 Sep 16.

Abstract

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is an effective method for noninvasively imaging the heart which in the last two decades impressively enhanced spatial and temporal resolution and imaging speed, broadening its spectrum of applications in cardiovascular disease. CMR imaging techniques are designed to noninvasively assess cardiovascular morphology, ventricular function, myocardial perfusion, tissue characterization, flow quantification and coronary artery disease. These intrinsic features yield CMR suitable for diagnosis, follow-up and longitudinal monitoring after treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this paper is to review the technical basis of CMR, from cardiac imaging planes to cardiac imaging sequences.

Keywords: CMR; Cardiac MR; Cardiac MRI; Sequences; Technique.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Imaging Techniques / methods
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine / methods
  • Myocardial Contraction
  • Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
  • Respiratory-Gated Imaging Techniques
  • Time Factors