Basic processing in cardiovascular MRI: Tips and tricks

Abstract

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has gained popularity in the past few years as a reliable, comprehensive assessment tool for the evaluation of patients with congenital and acquired heart disease. However, the overwhelming amount of data generated by CMR makes it difficult to know where to start and what to report. To ensure consistency and reproducibility of CMR reporting, the Society of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) Board of Trustees Task Force on Standardised Post Processing has published guidelines to standardise CMR imaging and post processing. The present article aims to provide a pictorial review of these guidelines as well as a framework to basic processing that encompasses: left ventricular function and mass assessment; right ventricular function assessment; atrial size measurements; flow analysis; and T2 analysis and aortic measurements. Cardiac MRI is a robust and rapidly developing field that has significantly advanced the management of cardiac patients. It is important that accuracy and consistency be maintained to ensure that we gain and maintain clinicians' confidence in the use of this modality.