Cardiovascular MR imaging — Indications, techniques and protocols

Cardiovascular MR is a rapidly developing field with expanding clinical applications. It is a very powerful adjunct to the established modes of echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. It provides exceptional visualization of 3D anatomy and reliable measures of cardiovascular function and haemodynamics. In the centers producing comprehensive scans, it is becoming an integral part of the management of complex cardiac lesions and facilitates communication between providers. The future will see an increasing use of cardiovascular MR in pediatric congenital heart disease, particularly as it becomes fully integrated in pediatric cardiac units and is incorporated into catheterization-based interventions.