Cardiovascular MRI

A cardiovascular MRI is a non-invasive test that uses radio waves to take pictures of your child’s heart. Doctors use the test to evaluate the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels.

• usually lasts 45-90 minutes
• doesn’t hurt

During the exam, your child lies on a table that slides into a tunnel.

• To help obtain clearer pictures of blood vessels, most children undergoing a cardiovascular MRI are injected with a contrast dye before the exam.
• Your child can watch a movie or listen to music during the MRI.

Cardiovascular MRI at Boston Children’s Hospital

The cardiovascular MRI program at Children's is among the most experienced programs in the country.

Our clinical program performs and interprets cardiovascular MRI examinations in patients of all ages, with a wide variety of heart disease. Over the past several years, the number of cardiac MRI examinations has greatly increased as the diagnostic capabilities of MRI have expanded. Currently, we perform more than 1,000 exams each year.

Our cardiovascular MRIs are performed on the 6th floor of the Main South building on the main campus of Boston Children's Hospital.