Clinique Pasteur Tunis
Cardiac MRI
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Cardiac MRI

Cardiac MRI in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Cardiac MRI in Tunis: assessment of the heart muscle, how it contracts and the after-effects of heart attack or myocarditis, without X-rays.

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What is it?

Cardiac MRI gives precise images of the heart in motion. It measures the size of the heart chambers, the pumping strength of the heart muscle (myocardium), and the condition of the valves and the pericardium (the sac around the heart). After an injection of contrast agent (gadolinium), it shows areas of the muscle damaged by a heart attack, inflammation (myocarditis) or a disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). It thus helps the cardiologist make a diagnosis and choose the treatment. It takes a little longer than other MRI scans: the images are synchronised with the heartbeat using electrodes, and many series are taken while you hold your breath. In some cases, the cardiologist requests a "stress" MRI, with a medicine that speeds up or changes the work of the heart during the examination, under medical supervision.

When is it indicated?

Assessment after a heart attack

It shows the extent of the damaged area and how much of the muscle is still viable, which guides the treatment decision.

Suspected myocarditis

After chest pain with abnormal blood tests but normal arteries, it looks for inflammation of the heart muscle.

Cardiomyopathy, heart failure

It accurately measures heart function and helps find the cause of a weak heart.

Valve or pericardial disease

It complements the heart ultrasound when that is not enough.

Detection of ischaemia (stress MRI)

It shows whether part of the heart lacks blood during effort, without going straight to a coronary angiography.

Preparation

1Remove jewellery, watch, piercings, hair clips, bank cards and any metal object before entering the scanner room
2Tell us in advance about any pacemaker or defibrillator, implant (cochlear implant, neurostimulator, pump), surgical clip, heart valve, prosthesis or metal fragment: some are MRI-compatible, others are not
3Tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be
4Let us know if you are afraid of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia): the team will support you and your doctor can prescribe a mild sedative
5If an injection is planned, tell us about any kidney disease, allergy or past reaction to a contrast agent; a recent blood test (creatinine) may be requested
6For a stress MRI: follow the cardiologist's instructions (avoid coffee, tea, chocolate and caffeinated drinks the day before and on the day, possible adjustment of some medicines)
7Bring your recent cardiology reports (heart ultrasound, ECG, coronary angiography)

Procedure

1

You change in a cubicle and put your metal objects in a locker

2

Electrodes are placed on your chest to follow your heartbeat, and a drip is placed in your arm

3

You lie on your back, with a coil placed on your chest

4

Many series of images are taken while you hold your breath for a few seconds, when the team tells you to

5

The contrast agent is injected during the examination; for a stress MRI, a medicine is also given through the drip under supervision

6

The scanner makes loud, repetitive noises while the images are being taken: headphones or earplugs are provided

7

You stay in contact with the team through a microphone and a call bell that you hold in your hand

Duration

About 45 to 60 minutes

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.

Precautions and contraindications

No X-rays: MRI does not use ionising radiation
Not possible with a pacemaker, defibrillator or implant that is not MRI-compatible, or with a metal foreign body in the eye
Allergic reaction to gadolinium: rare, and usually mild (redness, itching)
In case of severe kidney failure, the gadolinium injection is avoided or adjusted by the doctor
Stress MRI: possible temporary effects of the medicine (warmth, breathlessness, palpitations), constantly monitored by the medical team
During pregnancy, MRI is only performed if it is really useful, and usually without an injection
You may feel enclosed inside the tunnel; the examination can be stopped at any time

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.

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Radiology centre direct line+216 36 402 036Clinic switchboard+216 36 402 000

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