MRI of the Heart with Contrast Enhancement

Contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI is one of the most accurate and informative methods for evaluating myocardial structure and function. It allows physicians to study myocardial viability, detect ischemia and inflammation, assess scar tissue after myocardial infarction, and visualize even minimal pathological changes that are invisible on standard MRI.

Indications for the Procedure

• Preoperative assessment before cardiac surgery;
• Diagnosis of vascular and coronary pathologies;
• Evaluation of myocardial infarction risk;
• Assessment after a previous heart attack;
• Early detection of atherosclerosis;
• Detailed imaging of coronary vessels.

What Cardiac MRI with Contrast Shows

The use of a gadolinium-based contrast agent allows visualization of:

• severity of ischemic heart disease after myocardial infarction;
• extent of post-infarction cardiosclerosis;
• areas of myocardial hyperemia or edema;
• zones of irreversible necrotic injury;
• primary cardiac tumors (if present).

How the Examination Is Performed

The contrast agent is administered intravenously using a catheter. Electrodes are placed on the patient's chest to synchronize the scanner with cardiac rhythm. The patient is instructed to hold their breath and remain still for optimal image quality.

The duration of the study is 30–60 minutes. After the exam, images are processed and a detailed radiology report is prepared.