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Cardiac MRI technologists face a critical challenge when performing late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and early gadolinium enhancement (EGE) imaging: selecting the appropriate inversion time (TI) for phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) sequences. The TI time directly affects image quality and diagnostic accuracy, especially when identifying myocardial scar or fibrosis. This post explains how to choose the right TI time for PSIR imaging, clarifies the differences between

Phase contrast imaging is a powerful tool in cardiac MRI that provides unique insights into blood flow and velocity within the heart and vessels. For cardiac MRI technologists, mastering this technique can significantly enhance the diagnostic value of scans and improve patient outcomes. This post explores what phase contrast imaging is, why it stands apart from other sequences like cine imaging or mapping, when to use it, and the best anatomical locations for acquiring these

Cardiac MRI is a powerful tool that provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function. Yet, if you work as a cardiac MRI technologist, you’ve likely noticed that the sequences used in one scan can differ significantly from those in another. Why do some sequences take priority over others? Why do protocols vary between patients or institutions? Understanding these differences is key to performing effective scans and delivering accurate diagnostic information. This

The right ventricle 2 chamber view provides a focused perspective for evaluating right heart anatomy and function. This guide covers the essential planning steps and clinical applications for acquiring this specialized cardiac MRI view. 2 Chamber Planning Plan on 4ch view bisecting the tricuspid valve to the apex. Planning shown on short axis adjust to plane parallel to the septum. Right ventricle 2 chamber view shown above. Right Ventricle 2 Chamber View Planning The 2 cham

The right ventricle inflow view is a specialized cardiac MRI imaging plane that visualizes the right atrium, tricuspid valve, and right ventricular inflow tract. This view is essential for assessing right heart structure and function, particularly in patients with congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, or right ventricular pathology. RV Inflow Planning Right ventricle inflow view shown above. Bisect right atrium on a basal short axis view. Bisect RV outflow tract o

The right ventricle axial stack view is a fundamental cardiac MRI sequence for comprehensive right ventricular volume assessment and functional analysis. This imaging plane provides detailed visualization of RV geometry, wall motion, and chamber dimensions throughout the cardiac cycle. Understanding proper planning considerations ensures diagnostic accuracy and complete anatomical coverage for clinical decision making. RV Axial Planning This is a straight axial stack use sagi

The right ventricle 3-chamber view is a critical imaging plane in cardiac MRI that visualizes the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary outflow tract in a single comprehensive plane. Understanding proper planning techniques ensures optimal image quality and accurate clinical assessment. RV 3 Chamber Planning Planning using 3 point shown below on tricuspid valve on 4ch view, pulmonary valve shown on sag RVOT view, and RV apex shown on RV 2 chamber view. Right Ventricle

Cardiac MRI is a powerful, non-invasive imaging tool that provides detailed, high resolution pictures of the heart's structure, function, and tissue characteristics. As one of the most sophisticated imaging modalities in cardiovascular medicine, it has become the gold standard for assessing ventricular function, myocardial viability, and detecting a wide range of cardiac pathologies. For new MRI technologists stepping into the specialized field of cardiac imaging, the transit

Cardiac MRI is a crucial tool for assessing the aortic valve and its associated structures. The planning for imaging the aortic valve involves specific techniques to ensure optimal visualization of the aortic valve itself and the surrounding structures which provides comprehensive insights into its anatomy and function. Aortic Valve Planning Close Open Right Coronary leaflet is next to the right ventricle and Non Coronary leaflet is next to the septum Planning for short axis

The right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is a critical anatomical region connecting the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. Accurate visualization of this area is essential for evaluating right ventricular function, detecting outflow tract abnormalities, and assessing the pulmonary vasculature. In cardiac MRI, obtaining optimal sagittal and coronal views requires careful planning and precise positioning. This guide covers key planning techniques for both the sagittal R

The short axis view of the atria is a valuable imaging plane in cardiac MRI, providing a unique window into the structure and function of the heart’s upper chambers. As cardiac MRI continues to advance, optimized planning of the atrial short axis is increasingly important for both diagnosing and monitoring a variety of cardiac conditions. This perspective helps clinicians and technologists evaluate atrial morphology, identify subtle structural abnormalities, and accurately as

The tricuspid valve, often overlooked in favor of its left-sided counterparts, plays a vital role in maintaining proper cardiac function. Located between the right atrium and right ventricle, this three-leaflet valve ensures unidirectional blood flow through the heart's right side. When tricuspid valve disease occurs—whether from regurgitation, stenosis, or structural abnormalities—accurate imaging becomes essential for diagnosis and treatment planning. Cardiac MRI has emerge

In cardiac MRI, precise imaging views are essential for comprehensive assessment of cardiac anatomy and function. Among these, the bicaval view plays a vital role as it uniquely visualizes both the superior vena cava (SVC) and inferior vena cava (IVC), as well as their entry into the right atrium. This view not only helps in evaluating venous return and right atrial anatomy but also aids in diagnosing abnormalities involving these major venous structures. Effective planning o

The pulmonary valve is one of the four cardiac valves that plays a critical role in the normal function of the heart. Located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, this semilunar valve ensures unidirectional blood flow from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. Accurate assessment of the pulmonary valve is essential for diagnosing and managing conditions such as pulmonary stenosis, regurgitation, and congenital heart defects. Cardiac MRI has become the gold

The mitral valve scallops view is an essential imaging technique in cardiac MRI that provides detailed visualization of the mitral valve's complex anatomy. Using the Carpentier classification system, the mitral valve is divided into six distinct segments or scallops, three anterior (A1, A2, A3) and three posterior (P1, P2, P3) which allows for precise localization of valvular pathology. This imaging approach is particularly valuable for evaluating mitral valve prolapse, regur

The short axis (SAX) stack is the definitive approach for evaluating the LV in cardiac MRI. The left ventricle short-axis cine stack is acquired perpendicular to the long axis of the heart, extending contiguously from the mitral valve plane at the base down to the true apex. Coverage should allow complete assessment of the LV myocardium and accurate volumetric analysis in both end-diastole and end-systole. Short Axis Planning The short axis view will align perpendicular to th

Proper sampling of the left ventricle in short axis orientation at base, mid, and apex levels is essential for technologists to master. Understanding the unique anatomy at each level ensures precise volumetric quantification and comprehensive wall motion analysis. Short Axis Sample (Base Mid Apex) Short axis left ventricle sample (Base, Mid, Apex) slices shown above. The base slice to left is too close to LVOT, want to see full circle of myocardium shown in image on right. Th

Mastering the coronal left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) view is essential for cardiac MRI technologists performing comprehensive cardiovascular imaging. This specialized plane provides critical anatomical and functional information for evaluating valvular disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital heart conditions, and procedural planning. Whether you're establishing a new cardiac MRI program or refining your existing protocols, this comprehensive guide will walk you

The left ventricle three-chamber (LV 3ch) view is a powerful diagnostic tool that uniquely visualizes the LV outflow tract, both mitral and aortic valves, and the relationship between the left ventricle and ascending aorta. Acquired after standard chamber views, this plane is essential for evaluating valvular disease, outflow obstruction, and basal myocardial segments. This guide provides expert techniques for precise 3ch planning and optimization. 3 Chamber Planning Left ven

Aortic Valve Closed aortic valve during diastole True FISP. Open aortic valve during systole True FISP. Short axis view of the aortic valve True FISP sequence, notice artifact over valve. Short axis view of the aortic valve GRE sequence same slice location. GRE vs True FISP: Sequence Selection and Artifact Considerations Choosing the appropriate imaging sequence is critical when evaluating the aortic valve. The comparison between Gradient Recalled Echo (GRE) and True Fast Ima