On the day of your cardiac magnetic resonance imaging you should have with you
- Any recent examination related to the reason for referral
- Previous imaging examinations of the same region
- A medical note from the referring physician with the indication for the examination (reason for which the examination is being performed)
- The referral form given to you by your physician
- The preparations prescribed by your physician and the creatinine test, if it has not been performed at Metropolitan General
- Any identification document (e.g. identity card, passport, driving license) and your Social Security Number (AMKA)
How the examination is performed
For maximum safety you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire before your examination is performed. Due to the strong magnetic field, before entering the examination area you must remove from yourself any metallic object (e.g. jewelry, belt, hearing aids, glasses, removable dental prostheses). For the induction of pharmacological stress you will be given adenosine.
Then, you will lie on your back on a narrow examination table that slides into a ring. When the examination begins you will hear a humming noise, while the technologist can communicate with you throughout the examination via intercom.
The total examination time does not exceed 45 minutes.
How to prepare
You must abstain from coffee, tea or any other beverage containing caffeine (e.g. cola-type soft drinks) for 12 hours before your examination. You can take your medication at the usual time.
Because you will be administered an intravenous contrast medium, you must have undergone a blood creatinine test, up to 30 days before the magnetic resonance imaging. If you wish the test can be performed at Metropolitan General on the day of the examination, however you should consider that 1 hour is required for the result to be issued from the time the sample is taken.
You can undergo the examination, if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator compatible with the MRI scanner (MRI conditional). However, the device must be checked and appropriately programmed before the examination. Please call +30 210 6502510-2511 8:00 – 22: 00, in order to schedule it.
Pulmonological problems, such as COPD or asthma constitute a contraindication for the performance of the examination.
The use of clothing and other accessories (e.g. jewelry) that are easy to remove is recommended.
- If you are a woman
Magnetic resonance imaging can be performed without contrast medium throughout the entire duration of pregnancy, while it is not contraindicated during breastfeeding even with contrast medium. - If you have claustrophobia
Ask your physician to recommend an anxiolytic preparation for the day of the examination. Contact the Department of Radiology – Medical Imaging at +30 210 6502510-2511 8:00 – 22: 00 regarding the possibility of SEDATION. - If you are allergic
If you have previously experienced an allergy to MRI CONTRAST MEDIUM, you should contact the Department of Radiology – Medical Imaging by phone at +30 210 6502510-2511. The referring physician may prescribe special preventive medication. - If you have a defibrillator or pacemaker
You can undergo the examination, if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator compatible with the MRI scanner (MRI conditional). However, the device must be checked and appropriately programmed before the examination. Please call +30 210 6502510-2511 8:00 – 22: 00, in order to schedule it.
When you should arrive
Come 30’ before your appointment time to complete the required formalities. If you are going to use your private insurance you may need to come considerably earlier than your appointment.
After your examination
After the examination you can return to your daily activities. It is recommended after the end of the examination that you drink plenty of fluids to help the elimination of the contrast medium from your body.
If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, the device settings must be restored after the end of the examination.
When you will receive your result
On the day of the examination You will be informed by the Secretariat about the expected date of issue of your result.