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Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Cardiac MR perfusion imaging: where we are
Riccardo Marano1, Luigi Natale, Amedeo Chiribiri
1Department of Radiological Sciences-Institute of Radiology, Catholic University of Rome, "A. Gemelli" University Hospital, L.go Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy, riccardo.marano@rm.unicatt.it.
Insights
Perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance accurately detects myocardial ischemia and offers prognostic value. Its safety and availability make it a leading diagnostic tool for assessing heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Myocardial ischemia detection is crucial for cardiovascular disease management.
- Accurate non-invasive diagnostic tools are essential for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the technical aspects, clinical indications, and diagnostic performance of perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).
- To summarize the prognostic value and compare CMR with other non-invasive techniques for detecting myocardial ischemia.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of clinical and multicentre studies.
- Comparison of perfusion CMR with quantitative coronary angiography, SPECT, PET, and fractional flow reserve.
- Analysis of diagnostic accuracy and prognostic data.
Main Results:
- Perfusion CMR demonstrates high accuracy in detecting myocardial ischemia, comparable to invasive methods.
- Evidence supports the prognostic value of perfusion CMR findings.
- Favorable safety profile and increasing availability enhance its clinical utility.
Conclusions:
- Perfusion CMR is a reliable and preferred modality for diagnosing myocardial ischemia.
- Its diagnostic and prognostic capabilities are well-established.
- CMR offers a valuable alternative to other non-invasive and invasive assessments.
Abstract:
To date, several clinical and multicentre studies have demonstrated the accuracy of perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance to detect ischaemia in comparison with quantitative coronary angiography, other noninvasive diagnostic techniques (single photon emission computed tomography; positron-emission tomography), and invasive haemodynamic measurements (fractional flow reserve). Moreover, the favourable safety profile and increasing availability contribute to make perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance one of the modalities of choice for the detection of myocardial ischaemia. Recently, the first evidence of the prognostic value of perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance results has also become available. This review summarises the technical and interpretation key points of perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance scan, the clinical indications, the most recent available literature about its diagnostic performance and prognostic value, and how perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance compares with other noninvasive techniques.
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