Cardiac MRI/MRA
Your doctor has recommended you for either magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of your chest and heart. MR imaging procedures use a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create detailed images organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures.
Cardiac MRI imaging is performed to help
evaluate the structures and function of the heart, valves, major vessels, and surrounding structures; diagnose and manage a variety of cardiovascular problems; detect and evaluate the effects of coronary artery disease. The angiography procedure is specifically designed to examine the heart and the blood vessels entering your lungs. Using cardiac MRI, physicians can examine the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart; determine the extent of damage caused by a heart attack or progressive heart disease; and detect the buildup of plaque and blockages in the blood vessels.
Our team of physicians, nurses and technologists is led by our Chief of Cardiac Imaging and Nuclear Cardiology, Daniel S. Berman, MD, and our Chief of Thoracic Imaging, Peter J. Julien, MD.
Before Arriving at the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center
You should not have anything to eat or drink three to four hours prior to the exam start time, unless instructed to do so by your physician.
If you are claustrophobic (fearful of small, enclosed areas) or experience pain when lying on your back for more than 30 minutes, your referring physician may prescribe a relaxant or pain medication to help you through the exam. The imaging physicians at Cedars-Sinai will not prescribe such medications for you.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time. You may also bring a CD to listen to during the procedure.
Please wear comfortable clothing.
After Arriving
You must tell the technologist, radiology nurse and/or imaging physician of any allergies you may have, and if you are pregnant or are nursing.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, which will help determine if an MRI is safe for you. People with various implants (usually metallic) or with metal in their bodies (including some tattoos) may have difficulty with an MRI, which utilizes a strong magnetic field. The imaging physician needs to be informed of any of these potential problems.
During the Exam
You will be positioned on the scanning table head-first with your arms at your side.
Coils (special devices to improve image quality) may be placed on or around your chest. The scanning table will slide your entire body into the magnet.
During the scan you will not feel anything, but you will hear intermittent humming, thumping, clicking and knocking sounds. Earplugs will be provided to help mask the noise and to allow you to listen to music.
In most cases, the imaging physician requests a contrast agent (dye) to improve the quality of the images.
The contrast agent is injected into a vein in the arm, and may cause a cool sensation.
As pictures are taken, you must hold very still, and in some cases, hold your breath for up to 25 seconds.
The technologist is always able to see and hear you during the exam.
The MRI exam will take approximately 60 minutes. The MRA exam will take approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
After Your Exam
There are no restrictions placed upon you. You may eat or drive as normal.
Your films will be examined by an imaging physician and a report sent to your doctor. Your doctor will review the results with you.
To request a copy of your images on a CD or film, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
Parking Information
Valet parking is available in front of the Imaging center from 7:30am-5:00pm.
For self parking, please enter parking lot P4, located at the corner of San Vicente Blvd. and 3rd Street. The entrance is on San Vicente Blvd.
If you are arriving after 5:00pm, please park in parking lot P1, located off of George Burns Rd. between Beverly Blvd. and Alden Dr. The entrance is off of George Burns Rd.
Partially validated parking at a cost of $4.00 is provided to our imaging patients for valet and self parking in the lots mentioned above.
Please Note: We do not validate for parking lots in the Medical Office Towers located at 8631 and 8635 W. 3rd St.
