How to perform cardiac MR imaging

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Medical Physics

Background:

• The beating heart's motion poses challenges for clinical Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) gating is crucial for acquiring diagnostic-quality cardiac images.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize cardiac MR imaging protocols for enhanced diagnostic quality.
• To highlight the importance of ECG gating and proper lead placement for efficient cardiac examinations.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing ECG gating to synchronize image acquisition with the cardiac cycle, effectively "stopping" heart motion.
• Implementing careful placement of chest wall ECG electrodes and routing of ECG leads to maximize signal quality.
• Developing tailored clinical protocols based on the referring physician's question to acquire relevant morphologic and physiologic data.
• Constructing imaging planes parallel or orthogonal to intrinsic cardiac axes for optimal visualization of intracardiac anatomy.

Main Results:

• ECG gating enables high-quality imaging of cardiac chambers, valves, pericardium, and great vessels.
• Optimized ECG signal quality leads to improved image quality.
• Efficient examination protocols are necessary due to increased acquisition time with ECG gating.

Conclusions:

• Proper planning and execution of cardiac MR examinations, including precise ECG gating and tailored imaging planes, maximize the modality's potential.
• Cardiac MR is a powerful noninvasive tool for cardiac imaging when utilized effectively.