The use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in coronary artery disease

A new noninvasive imaging technique, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has been developed that has the potential to assess anatomical and functional data of patients with coronary artery disease. None of the other cardiac investigations to date can combine all aspects of information. Cardiac MRI is a challenging task because of the motion of the structure during cardiac contraction and the motion with respiration. We reviewed the technique and the use of cardiac MRI in various aspects. The emerging area in cardiac MRI is the analysis of the plaque morphology information, and the use of the new contrast agents. Further investigation is needed in order for cardiac MRI to achieve a better image information within a shorter period of time.