Assessment of cardiac function: magnetic resonance and computed tomography

A complete cardiac study requires both anatomic and physiologic evaluation. Cardiac function can be evaluated noninvasively by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)or ultrafast computed tomography (CT). MRI allows for evaluation of cardiac function by cine gradient echo imaging of the ventricles and flow analysis across cardiac valves and the great vessels. Cine gradient echo imaging is useful for evaluation of cardiac wall motion, ventricular volumes and ventricular mass. Flow analysis allows for measurement of velocity and flow during the cardiac cycle that reflects cardiac function. Ultrafast CT allows for measurement of cardiac indices similar to that provided by gradient echo imaging of the ventricles.