Cardiovascular magnetic resonance

This chapter outlines general considerations on magnetic resonance safety. Cardiac magnetic resonance spectroscopy substantially preceded the development of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) views the water and fat in the human body by observing the hydrogen nuclei in these molecules. The most important feature of the CMR scanner is the magnet. These magnets are kept permanently at magnetic field. Careful preparation of the patient is necessary in order to maximize diagnostic information from the CMR scan. Cardiac anatomy can easily be demonstrated using MRI techniques, which are not confined to the three orthogonal planes as in conventional imaging. CMR has rapidly become the imaging method of choice and the gold standard in the assessment of cardiac function of both normal and abnormal ventricles. The ability of CMR to image in any plane without the need for optimal imaging windows allows for unprecedented flexibility for the interrogation of abnormal heart structures.