Conocimientos básicos necesarios para realizar resonancia magnética en cardiología

Magnetic resonance imaging is routinely employed for diagnosis in cardiology. Its proven usefulness and superior imaging ability in ischemic heart disease probably explain the increasing attention it has received in the last decade. Its ability to quantify global and regional ventricular function as well as myocardial perfusion and viability means that it is possible to carry out a thorough evaluation of the patient using just one technique. Nevertheless, many basic features of magnetic resonance imaging are unknown to clinicians. In this article, we describe the fundamental principles of the technique, technical details of the equipment, the different imaging sequences used, the use of contrast, safety, and contraindications.