Overview
All examinations are carried out without the use of X-rays, which makes MRI a gentle method.
Together with the Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at ETH and the University of Zurich, the department has state-of-the-art MR equipment (1.5 Tesla and 3.0 Tesla). There is also close cooperation with the Zurich Children’s Hospital for the examination of adults with congenital heart defects. Over 2000 heart MRI examinations were carried out in 2020.
In order to further improve MRI technologies, the University Heart Center works closely with the internationally renowned Institute of Biomedical Engineering at ETH and the University of Zurich. Over 20 publications were published in high-ranking scientific journals last year.
Indications for cardiac MRI
- Assessment of the morphology and function of the heart
- Diagnosis of circulatory disorders (ischemia) in the context of coronary artery disease (coronary heart disease)
- Identification of vital and scarred heart muscle tissue after a heart attack
- Assessment of the functionality of the heart valves with regard to constrictions (stenoses) or leaks (insufficiencies)
- Visualization of the aorta and precise assessment of the blood flow.
- Recognizing inflammation of the heart muscle and pericardium (myocarditis, perimyocarditis and cardiac sarcoidosis)
- Diagnosis and assessment of genetic and acquired diseases of the heart muscle such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy(ARVC), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and many others
- Diagnosis and follow-up assessment of congenital heart defects, which are managed together with the local congenital heart defect consultation and the pediatric cardiology department of the Children’s Hospital
- Assessment of cardiac storage diseases(amyloidosis network, Fabry disease)
- Further diagnostics for heart failure
- Assessment of cardiac involvement in rheumatic and neuromuscular diseases
- Cardiovascular diagnostics for athletes
