Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
MRI vs Echo vs Cath
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests
MRI vs Echo vs Cath
by Brent, Nov 20, 1999 12:00AM
MRI vs Echo vs Cath
I understand how Doppler echo can visualize
flowmetrics using false coloration. This, in
itself, is a less "direct" method than X-ray
based catheterization with contrast media.
I was recently subjected to a Cardiac MRI, which
was arguably the most unpleasant and tortuous
exams I have ever undertaken. My question is,
for multiple fenestrations or perimembraneous
defect search, how can MRI be definitive and
preferable to direct Catheterization for anatomic
shunt search and evaluation? I know it is
non-invasive, but it is highly "detached" from
the underlying real-time phenomenon. Thanks.
I understand how Doppler echo can visualize
flowmetrics using false coloration. This, in
itself, is a less "direct" method than X-ray
based catheterization with contrast media.
I was recently subjected to a Cardiac MRI, which
was arguably the most unpleasant and tortuous
exams I have ever undertaken. My question is,
for multiple fenestrations or perimembraneous
defect search, how can MRI be definitive and
preferable to direct Catheterization for anatomic
shunt search and evaluation? I know it is
non-invasive, but it is highly "detached" from
the underlying real-time phenomenon. Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD JMF, Nov 22, 1999 12:00AM
Catheterization is still the gold standard for evaluating the functional significance of a VSD or shunt.
You are correct in your assessment. MRI however, will likely become a very useful too in the near future as flow mechanics are visualized via computer modelling.
You are correct in your assessment. MRI however, will likely become a very useful too in the near future as flow mechanics are visualized via computer modelling.
is Children's Hospital, and I feel like
I'm being taken for a ride. You are
absolutely correct, and I have a surgeon
straining at the leash to have his Cath
done, while the Cardios want to stay
"non-invasive". IMHO, this is nonsense,
especially after a long history of complaints
and echo data suggesting shunt.
THANKS.