Why is MRI necessary when my cath showed normal coronaries and valves?
Coronary angiography (cath) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) provide different information. As a pre-operative evaluation, it is often very...
Archives
What is the general progression of mitral valve disease in a young healthy adult?
1) It’s quite variable. There do not presently seem to be indicators of an impending need for mitral valve repair....
Do statin drugs or neuroendocrine cancer contribute to arrhythmias (SVT episodes)?
Statins do not. If the neuroendocrine cancer involves the heart, it can cause heart arrhythmias. It is more likely this...
Can you help me determine my probability for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)?
The problem in your case is that the data is discordant and prevents us from making a simple diagnosis. On...
Can left bundle branch block be reversed?
The prevalence of left bundle branch block (LBBB) increases with advancing age in the general population. LBBB is associated with...
Is there any specific protocol to repeating echoes and/or cardiac MRI’s if normal results occur when first done?
Question #1: Answer: It all depends on the diagnosis. Some conditions evolve, and some evolve quicker than others, warranting repeat...
Is this considered an aneurysm or just consistent with acromegaly?
This is a relatively straightforward situation. At 4.3cm for the ascending aorta – this is below what we would define...
My heart disease may be related to radiation I had for breast cancer. How dangerous is this?
Dear Sue, First of all congratulations at getting through your treatment for breast cancer. It is also great news about...
My father has a mechanical heart valve. Can he have an MRI for a shoulder problem?
Our MRI specialists tell us that mechanical heart valves currently available commercially are MRI-compatible. The facility where the MRI is...
Should I see a cardiologist to evaluate my aorta?
Dear Patricia, The enlarged ascending aorta that is ectatic warrants close follow up by a cardiologist, who will likely follow...
Should I be concerned about a diagnosis of right ventricular dysplasia?
RV dysplasia is difficult to diagnose by MRI (although this test is considered the gold standard). The MRI lab has...
How long does it take to recover from viral myocarditis?
Viral myocarditis can vary dramatically. Some patients may be asymptomatic while others require intensive care in the hospital. It is...
