Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Cardiac MRI in Casablanca
Cardiac MRI provides images of the heart in motion, without X-rays. It measures the volume of the heart chambers, the strength of contraction and the thickness of the heart muscle (myocardium). After a gadolinium injection, it can show areas of inflammation or scarring in this muscle. It often complements a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) and helps the cardiologist clarify a diagnosis or monitor a known condition. Electrodes placed on the chest synchronize the images with the heartbeats.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the protocol and on how regular the breath-holds are.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Assessment of heart failure or an enlarged heart.
- Abnormal thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).
- Suspected myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), for example after chest pain with abnormal test results.
- Assessment of the after-effects of a heart attack and of the part of the muscle that is still viable.
- Search for the cause of certain heart rhythm disorders.
- Congenital heart defect, a mass in the heart or a disease of the pericardium (the sac around the heart).
How the exam is done
The radiographer places a few electrodes on your chest: they record the electrocardiogram and trigger the images at the right moment of each heartbeat. A catheter is placed in a vein in your arm. You lie on your back with a coil on your chest and headphones that relay the instructions.
Most sequences are done while holding your breath: breathe in, breathe out, then hold your breath for about ten seconds, many times over. These breath-holds must be repeated in exactly the same way; breathe calmly between each one. The gadolinium is injected during the exam, then late images are acquired about ten minutes later.
Preparation
- Take your usual heart medication, unless your cardiologist instructs otherwise.
- Do not apply any cream or body lotion to your chest, so that the electrodes stick; local shaving may be necessary.
- Practice holding your breath for about fifteen seconds after breathing out gently.
Fasting
No fasting is needed.
Contrast injection
A gadolinium injection is given in most cardiac MRIs, through a vein in the arm. It allows the study of late enhancement, which shows areas of fibrosis (scarring) or inflammation of the muscle.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker or defibrillator: only with an MRI-compatible system, programmed by the cardiology team before and after the exam.
- Heart valves, coronary stents and valve rings: most often compatible, to be reported with their card.
- Very irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation, frequent extra beats), which requires an adapted protocol.
- Inability to hold your breath or to lie flat.
- Severe kidney failure or a previous reaction to gadolinium.
- Neurostimulator, older vascular clip or metal fragment.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
Documents to bring
- Prescription and letter from the cardiologist stating the clinical question
- Recent electrocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound and coronary angiography reports
- Pacemaker, defibrillator or heart valve card, if applicable
- Recent kidney function test (creatinine)
- Complete list of your medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a cardiac MRI takes into account the gadolinium injection, which is given in most cases.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have to hold my breath so often?
The heart moves with each beat but also with breathing. The electrodes handle the heartbeats, and the breath-holds keep the chest still. Each sequence lasts only a few seconds. Regular breath-holds, always at the same level of breathing, give sharp images that can be compared with one another.
I have an arrhythmia: is the exam possible?
Yes, in most cases. An irregular rhythm makes synchronization more difficult and some images may be less sharp. The team adapts the sequences. Mention your rhythm disorder when you book and bring your latest electrocardiogram.
How is it different from a cardiac ultrasound?
Ultrasound is the first-line exam of the heart: quick and without injection. MRI measures volumes and function in a highly reproducible way and characterizes the muscle tissue, which ultrasound does less well. It is requested in addition, to answer a specific question.
Does my pacemaker prevent an MRI?
Not always. Some recent systems are designed for MRI, provided they are reprogrammed before and after the exam. Others remain incompatible. Mention it when you book and bring the card for the device and the card for the leads.
Cardiac MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a cardiac MRI takes into account the gadolinium injection, which is given in most cases. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.