[Cardiac imaging using magnetic resonance].

Abstract

Today, two types of cardiac imaging may be obtained in MRI. The spin-echo technique with ECG dependency permits to obtain multiple sections in all spatial planes; the morphology of the heart cavities may then be evaluated as well as the condition of the myocardium (thickness, signal, movements). The gradient-echo technique permits a quick imaging or cine-MRI. 16 to 32 images per cardiac cycle are obtained: therefore, analysis of the flows, turbulence and regurgitations. Early developments involve computer sciences: automatic analysis of the heart cavities (volume, stroke volume, etc.) and regurgitations in order to quantify them. Comparative trials show a good correlation with standard explorations. Late developments at 4-5 years: these are newly acquired techniques such as echo planar (spirals of Fourier's plane) permitting to obtain in one second, 8 stages of the heart cycle. This would then be a true and fast cardiac recording. The same techniques of computer analysis will permit to obtain precise measurements.