HEART MRI
Maximum precision without radiation: The heart MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart is the gold standard in modern tissue diagnostics. With the help of strong magnetic fields and radio waves - completely without X-rays - it generates PD Dr. med. Raphael Bruno high-resolution, three-dimensional images of your heart. Whether you need to differentiate between inflammation, scar tissue or circulatory disorders, cardiac MRI provides answers where other procedures reach their limits.
HEART MRT Düsseldorf
Looking deeper: 7 advantages of cardio MRI
A heart MRI offers a level of detail that was previously only possible with a tissue sample (biopsy). Dr. med. Raphael Bruno uses these high-end diagnostics to analyze the condition of your heart muscle at a cellular level. We don't just see, like the heart beats, but also, from what the fabric - a decisive advantage for your safety.
- Tissue characterization: Unique distinction between healthy muscle, inflammation, fat or scar tissue.
- Vitality check:Precise determination of how much living muscle tissue is present after an infarction (late gadolinium enhancement).
- Scar diagnostics Visualization of the smallest scar areas, which often remain invisible in ultrasound.
- Check precise volume measurement: The current „gold standard“ for measuring the ventricles and cardiac output.
- Detection of inflammation: The most reliable method for diagnosing inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) using edema imaging.
- Circulation analysis: Measurement of blood flow under stress (adenosine stress) without cardiac catheterization.
- Radiation-free examination:Maximum image quality without any exposure to X-rays or radioactive isotopes.
When is an MRI scan of the heart advisable?
Due to its high precision, MRI is used specifically when basic diagnostics (ECG, echo) do not provide clear results or there are complex questions about the heart tissue.
After myocarditis (inflammation)For the safest assessment of healing and to decide on fitness for sport.
For unclear cardiac insufficienciesTo clarify the cause of the pump weakness (e.g. storage diseases or old inflammations).
Clarification of scarsAfter a heart attack, to check whether occluded vessels can be resuscitated by surgery.
CardiomyopathiesFor the diagnosis of genetic heart muscle diseases (e.g. HCM or ARVC).
What we measure - tissue precision in MRI
In cardiac MRI, we use specialized sequences to analyze the heart „layer by layer“. Each measurement provides a different perspective on the health of your heart muscle.
| Field of investigation | Method & medical benefits |
| Morphology & Function | CINE sequencesHigh-resolution „films“ of the beating heart for exact determination of volume and function. |
| Inflammation markers | T2 mapping / edema formationDetection of fluid retention in the muscle as a sign of acute inflammation. |
| Visualization of scars | Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE)Gold standard for the detection of dead tissue or scars after infarcts. |
| Fabric conversion | T1 mapping / ECVMeasurement of the finest connective tissue proliferation (fibrosis), which indicates chronic stress. |
| Circulation (stress) | Perfusion MRIMeasurement of the blood flow reserve under medical stress to detect constrictions (stenoses). |
| Anatomy of the vessels | MR angiographyVisualization of the aorta and the ventricles without radiation exposure. |
HEART MRI
Frequently asked questions about cardio-MRI
Early clarification of symptoms or risk factors is the key to long-term heart health. Our cardiology practice in Düsseldorf offers you the right specialized care for every need.
Modern pacemakers are usually „MRI-compatible“. Nevertheless, it is essential that we check your model in advance and, if necessary, reprogram it for the duration of the examination.
A standard cardiac MRI takes between 30 and 45 minutes. As the heart beats, you will have to hold your breath briefly (approx. 10 seconds) during the measurement.
In most cases, yes. However, the MRI contrast agent (gadolinium) does not contain iodine (as is the case with CT) and is generally very well tolerated - even by patients with thyroid problems.
Today's modern devices have a much wider opening. If you wish, we can also administer a mild sedative to help you relax during the examination.
Not for a normal MRI. However, if a „stress MRI“ (with adenosine) is planned, you must not consume any caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate) 24 hours beforehand.
Yes, loud knocking noises are generated by the magnetic coils during the measurement. However, we will provide you with high-quality headphones with music or hearing protection.
HEART MRI
Precision in an exclusive setting
A cardiac MRI is a complex examination that requires rest and time. Dr. med. Raphael Bruno works together with specialized centers to guarantee you the most modern equipment technology. The evaluation of the complex data sets is carried out personally by Dr. Bruno at the Neuer Stahlhof. We take the time to explain the fascinating 3D images of your heart on the monitor so that no questions remain unanswered.
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