A cardiac MRI scan is indicated in individuals who are affected with cardiac disease or are at an increased risk of cardiac disease. An MRI scan does not use ionizing radiation and it is used to study the cardiac muscles and their functionality in detail. When a pharmacological agent like adenosine is used to check the condition of heart under stress. Cardiac adenosine MRI test or scan is a rather advanced procedure for cardiac ailment diagnosis and it is important that you ask your treating doctor about the details and suitability of the same for you.
Is cardiac adenosine MRI scan advised in all cardiac patients ?
No, cardiac adenosine MRI scan is advised in individuals after a complete examination by a cardiologist, who decides whether the procedure is suitable for your condition or not.
What is cardiac MRI scan ?
Cardiac MRI scan is an advanced diagnostic technique which uses high intensity magnetic waves to study or image the human body or an organ like the human heart. The images obtained in an MRI scan are much clear, especially the soft tissue details. In some patients, a contrast media may be used for better imaging of the cardiac tissues. Ask your cardiologist about the types of contrast media used and when they are advised and what are the risks associated with them.
What is the principle of cardiac adenosine MRI scan ?
In a cardiac adenosine, MRI scan or also known as stress perfusion MRI scan is a specialized scanning procedure where adenosine (a pharmacological agent) is used during the test to check the flow of blood through the heart under normal and stress conditions.
Why is adenosine used during the scan ?
Adenosine is a vasodilator, which is also normally found in the human body. When adenosine is injected it dilates the blood vessels of the heart (the coronary vessels) thereby the blood moves with an increased velocity. Hence, it functions to put the heart under stress which is used to check the functionality of the heart and heart muscles. It is also advised in individuals when an exercise test is either not advised or is a contraindication.
When is a cardiac adenosine MRI scan not advised ?
Use of adenosine during a cardiac MRI scan is not advised in the below mentioned conditions.
- Cardiac MRI scan is not advised in patients with cardiac devices (pacemakers or stents)
- Severely obese patients which cannot be stabilized on an MRI table
- In individuals who are diagnosed with severe heart block
- Asthmatic patients or patients who have respiratory diseases
- Patients who are affected with sick sinus syndrome
- Patients with a systolic blood pressure less than 90mm of Hg
There might be other conditions where a cardiac MRI with adenosine is not advised, hence it is advised that you ask your treating doctor about all the possible risks and contraindications of the same.
How do you prepare for a cardiac adenosine MRI scan ?
The test is mostly advised by a cardiologist who has clearly evaluated your medical health, your signs symptoms and past and present medical history. You will be either admitted in the hospital or the test can also be done on an outpatient basis. You will be asked to abstain from any caffeine consumption at-least 6-8 hours before the procedure. You will also be asked to change into hospital gown before the test, you will also be asked to empty your bladder before the test as it may take roughly an hour to finish the test.
What happens during a cardiac adenosine MRI scan ?
You will be made to lie down on the examination table and Intravenous (IV) line will be placed on your arm for injection of contrast media, pharmacological agent, or any medication. You will be awake during the procedure. ECG leads will be attached to your chest, arms and legs for monitoring of your heart rate and rhythm. The radiologist or the cardiologist will start the scan, the scan will be taken with adenosine and without adenosine injection, to obtain images of the heart during normal and stress conditions. The images with and without adenosine are then compared to evaluate the condition of the heart. The entire scan can take up to an hour.
Who reports a cardiac adenosine MRI scan ?
A cardiologist or a radiologist reports a cardiac adenosine MRI scan.
What are the risks and complications of a cardiac adenosine MRI scan ?
MRI scan can appear to be a claustrophobic test for some individuals who have fear of closed spaces. The side effects of adenosine may include dizziness, headache, low blood pressure, difficulty in breathing, gastric problems, and other cardiac symptoms. It is advisable that you ask your cardiologist about the side effects and complications associated with the procedure before going ahead with it.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
