 Cardiovascular MRI
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MRI is a way to take pictures of the body using a large magnet, radio waves and a computer. It is considered a "non-invasive" test because the machine takes pictures without touching the body. MRI does not use X-rays or any radioactive radiation.
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MRI is done to evaluate the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels. Your cardiologist (heart doctor) requests this test to find out more about the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels. MRI may provide your cardiologist with information that cannot be obtained by other tests.
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- The MRI machine sits in a large room and looks like a tunnel. The patient lies down on a table that slides into the tunnel.
- One parent, spouse or friend may remain in the MRI room during the exam. No one who is pregnant can get an MRI or stay in the room for safety reasons. Another adult may stay with your child if you are a pregnant woman.
- A technologist operates the MRI machine from outside the room behind a glass window. He or she talks and listens to you/your child through an intercom. The technologist will help you if you need anything during the exam.
- An MRI examination of the heart usually lasts 45-90 minutes.
- The MRI machine makes loud banging and clicking noises during most of the exam. We will give your child earplugs to soften the noise.
- During the exam you may be asked to hold your breath for brief periods (10-20 seconds). This helps create clearer pictures. We will check with you before the test begins whether you feel comfortable holding your breath.
- Most patients receive a contrast dye, called gadolinium, during the exam to help obtain a better picture of blood vessels. The medicine is given through an intravenous line (IV) placed before the examination. A cream that numbs the skin may be applied before the IV is placed (patients will need to arrive one hour prior to the exam time to allow time for the cream to numb the skin).
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To obtain clear pictures, the patient needs to remain still in the MRI scanner during the test. Young children and some older patients who are unable to lie still or are too afraid of the machine need to be asleep during the examination. In most young children with heart problems, general anesthesia, supervised by a specialist in cardiac anesthesia, is the safest method to maintain sleep inside the MRI machine. General anesthesia causes deep sleep and requires placement of a breathing tube. Patients who are scheduled for general anesthesia have an appointment at the Cardiology Pre-Op Clinic a few days before the MRI. During the visit your child will have a physical check-up, and you will have a chance to meet the anesthesiologist and ask questions.
Some patients may experience anxiety inside the tunnel (claustrophobia). Most of the time this feeling disappears after they get used to the tunnel. If you feel that you might have claustrophobia, please let your doctor know so he/she can prescribe a medication that relieves anxiety (such as Valium or a similar medication). In general, this option may be considered in adolescents and adults and should be discussed well in advance with your cardiologist. Please remember that you cannot drive after receiving Valium or a similar medication.
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All patients receiving anesthesia: Do not give your child any solid foods or full liquids according to the following guidelines in the six hours before the scan. For example, if the MRI is scheduled for 10 a.m., stop giving solid foods and full liquids at 4 a.m. Examples of solid foods are cereals, bread and candy. Examples of full liquids are milk, formula and orange juice. You may give your child clear liquids up to three hours before the time of the MRI. For example, if the MRI is scheduled for 10 a.m., stop giving clear liquids at 7 a.m. Examples of clear liquids are water, ginger ale, tea without milk and broth. If you are nursing and your child is six months old or younger, you may give your child breast milk up to three hours before the MRI is scheduled.
Patients who do not receive anesthesia or sedation: No food or drink one hour before the scheduled exam.
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- Dress your child in comfortable clothing that does not have metal zippers, buttons or snaps. Do not put on Hanes' brand underwear; barrettes; hairpins; jewelry, other than 14k gold; or a watch. These items can affect the way the magnet works.
- For children, it is helpful to explain in an age-appropriate way why the MRI is needed and what to expect. Let your child know that you will be nearby during the scan. Bring a favorite storybook or toy for the waiting time. Bring a special blanket or small stuffed animal for your child to hold during the MRI.
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Please make your travel plans carefully to ensure that you arrive on time. Keep in mind that traffic around the medical area is very congested. If you are late, the MRI may have to be rescheduled or delayed. Every effort will be made to keep MRI exams on time, but sometimes an emergency may delay the schedule.
If you have to reschedule the examination, please contact our scheduling office 617-355-2797 as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that many patients like you are waiting to get their MRI test, and if you miss the appointment or do not let us know at least several days in advance we cannot use the machine for another patient.
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- If your child is scheduled for anesthesia, please arrive no later than one hour before the exam time.
- If your child is not scheduled for sedation or anesthesia, please arrive no later than 30 minutes before the exam time.
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The MRI suite is located on the second floor of the Main building, in the Department of Radiology. After arriving at the hospital, proceed to the Radiology Inpatient Registration Desk located on the 2nd floor of the Main building.
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- After you fill out a screening form, a nurse will explain the exam, answer your questions and let you or your child know if you need to change into a hospital gown.
- A nurse or technologist will then put ECG leads (stickers) on you/your child's chest or back.
- All patients who need gadolinium (contrast dye), anesthesia or a drug test require an intravenous line (IV). A cream that numbs the skin may be applied before the IV is placed (patients need to arrive one hour prior to the exam time to allow time for the cream to take effect).
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You may stay with your child during the MRI. If you are pregnant, you may bring someone to stay with your child (only one person may stay). You will be asked to remove watches, credit cards and all jewelry, except 14k gold. These items will be kept in a locker.
You may listen to music or a radio program during the test. If you want, you can bring your favorite CD with you.
The technologist who operates the MRI machine will talk and listen to you and your child through a two-way speaker. He or she will help you if you need anything during the exam.
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- Children who receive anesthesia will go to the catheterization lab recovery room to recover. When your child is fully awake and can drink, he or she will be ready to go home. This takes about one to two hours.
- Patients who receive anesthesia, sedation or Valium (or a similar medication) must have a responsible adult with them when they leave the hospital. Any patient who receives sedation will not be allowed to drive home. If a ride has not been arranged, the procedure will be rescheduled.
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When the MRI scan is finished, the cardiac MRI specialist will review the images. He or she will report the results to your child's cardiologist, who will call you with the results, usually within several days.
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If you must cancel the MRI appointment, please call 617-355-2797 at least three days before the scan. For cancellation the night before the scheduled test, please leave a message at 617-355-6300. This phone is answered throughout the night. If you must reschedule the test it is very important that you call us as soon as possible.
Patients with pacemakers, defibrillators and certain implants may not be able to have an MRI. If you have any questions, please discuss with your cardiologist or call us at 617-355-2797.
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Contact Children's Hospital Boston Cardiovascular Program physicians for a second opinion.
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