Cardiac MRI

The Department

Cardiac MRI as a diagnostic method for congenital heart disease began in 2000 abroad and in 2002 in Greece.

The Cardiac MRI scanner conducts a blood- and radiation-free investigation of congenital heart disease, to avoid diagnostic catheterizations, minimize the discomfort for children and increase diagnostic accuracy. The scan is performed by radiologists specialized in heart imaging, who work closely with pediatric cardiologists. This special exam has become very popular due to the multitude of information it provides; information which is necessary before any complex transcatheter or surgical procedure.

Neonates and young children under the age of 6 who require anesthesia before undergoing the scan are monitored by an anesthesiologist experienced in children with heart conditions. After the scan, the children are hosted in the MITERA Pediatric Cardiology Clinic until they fully recover from the anesthesia.

For newborns and children with severe heart disease, a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist is constantly present during the scan, while the Pediatric ICU team is also notified in the event an emergency arises and the child has to be admitted to the Pediatric ICU.

Cardiac MRIs, even in preterm neonates, are safely carried out at MITERA, with help from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit staff, and the pediatric cardiology and pediatric anesthesiology teams.