Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) scans are more effective at diagnosing coronary heart disease than existing methods.
This is the main conclusion from new research from Leeds General Infirmary,
which tested MRI scan results against that of the current gold standard in
cardiac diagnostic testing - a radioactive SPECT scan.
The British Heart Foundation's (BHF) medical director professor Peter
Weissberg said that the MRI scanning had the additional benefit of not
subjecting patients to radiation.
"At present, not all hospitals have the expertise to undertake such
scans but these findings provide clear evidence that MRI should be more widely
used in the future," he added.
The researchers hope the findings will allow the condition to be more
accurately and safely diagnosed over the coming years.
According to the BHF, magnetic resonance relies on the water content of
tissues to produce an outstandingly detailed representation of a person's heart
after an hour of tests.
© Adfero Ltd
Heart treatment news : 29 December 2011
