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Cardiolucent

Procedure

Cardiac MRI (CMR)

Advanced tissue characterization and functional imaging

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is the most detailed non-invasive imaging study available for the heart. It produces precise measurements of chamber size and function, characterizes the tissue properties of the heart muscle itself (scarring, inflammation, infiltration, edema), and provides high-resolution images of valves and great vessels — all without ionizing radiation. CMR is the gold standard for evaluating cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, infiltrative disease, and many congenital lesions.

What's Included

  • High-resolution cine imaging of all chambers
  • Precise ejection fraction and volume measurement
  • Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) for scar detection
  • T1 and T2 mapping for tissue characterization
  • Stress perfusion imaging when indicated
  • Detailed valve and great-vessel assessment
  • Personal review of findings with Dr. Kedan

How It's Performed

CMR is performed at a partner imaging center. After an IV is placed for gadolinium contrast (most studies require it), you lie on a table that slides into the MRI scanner. You will hear loud knocking sounds during image acquisition and will be asked to hold your breath periodically. Total scan time is typically 45 to 75 minutes depending on the protocol. The technologist communicates with you throughout.

How to Prepare

  • Tell the team about any implanted devices, metal fragments, or recent surgeries.
  • Tell the team about kidney disease — gadolinium use is adjusted accordingly.
  • For stress CMR: avoid caffeine for 24 hours.
  • Wear comfortable clothing without metal; you may need to change into a gown.
  • Continue routine medications unless told otherwise.

What to Expect After

There is no recovery — you can resume all normal activity immediately. Drink extra water for the rest of the day to help clear the contrast. Dr. Kedan reviews the cine images, contrast sequences, and quantitative report personally. CMR findings often resolve diagnostic uncertainty in a single test, which translates directly into a clear and confident treatment plan.

Indications

  • Suspected or known cardiomyopathy (hypertrophic, dilated, restrictive)
  • Suspected myocarditis
  • Suspected infiltrative disease (cardiac amyloid, sarcoid, hemochromatosis)
  • Unexplained ventricular arrhythmia or syncope
  • Detailed congenital heart disease assessment
  • Indeterminate cardiac mass
  • Pre-procedure planning for ablation or device implantation

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cardiac MRI?
Cardiac MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves — no X-rays — to produce highly detailed moving pictures of the heart, precise measurements of chamber size and pumping function, and unique sequences that show whether the heart muscle has scarring, inflammation, or infiltration.
How is it different from an echocardiogram?
Echo is fast, portable, and excellent for valves and pumping function. CMR provides higher spatial resolution, more reproducible measurements, and the unique ability to characterize heart-muscle tissue — distinguishing scar from inflammation from amyloid deposition, for example. The two studies are complementary.
How long does the scan take?
Typically 45 to 75 minutes depending on the protocol. Stress perfusion studies are longer than routine cine and contrast studies.
How do I prepare?
Tell the team about any implanted devices or metal fragments (these can be MRI safety issues), report any kidney disease, and avoid caffeine for 24 hours if you are having a stress CMR. Wear comfortable clothing without metal.
Is it claustrophobic?
The MRI bore is a tunnel and the scan is long. Some patients find it confining and benefit from a mild oral anxiolytic. Open MRI scanners are not adequate for cardiac imaging. The technologist communicates with you throughout.
What are the risks?
MRI itself uses no radiation. Risks relate primarily to gadolinium contrast (rare allergic reactions; special considerations in advanced kidney disease) and to safety issues with implanted devices, which are screened in advance.
What does the result show?
Precise chamber volumes and ejection fractions, valve function, the presence and pattern of any scarring or inflammation, infiltration in conditions like amyloid, and detailed congenital anatomy when relevant. The level of detail often resolves diagnostic uncertainty in a single study.
Who interprets the study?
A cardiac imaging radiologist or cardiologist trained in CMR generates the report, and Dr. Kedan reviews the images personally and integrates the findings into your overall plan.
When will I get the results?
Typically within 24 to 72 hours of the scan. Dr. Kedan walks you through the findings at a dedicated follow-up visit.
How do I schedule one?
Call Cardiolucent at (310) 304-5555. CMR is ordered after a clinical evaluation and coordinated at a center with a high-quality cardiac MRI program.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.