Thomas M. Grist, MD
Charles A. Mistretta, PhD

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is one of the most significant and exciting developments in MR application of this and the next decade. The Cardiovascular MRI Service at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics provides referring physicians and their patients the highest quality in MR imaging for the diagnosis and treatment evaluation of heart and vascular diseases. Advanced diagnostic services are made possible through a joint arrangement between Cardiovascular Medicine and Radiology.

The MRI service has close relationships with industry and the UW College of Engineering to ensure cutting-edge hardware and software. Although several cardiac-capable systems are available, we primarily use a dedicated, state-of-the-art cardiovascular MRI scanner, in collaboration with General Electric Medical Systems. This new magnet is shorter, reducing the incidence of claustrophobia during scanning. Experienced subspecialty film interpretation ensures that high quality clinical images are translated into high quality information.

MRI Service capabilities include:

• advanced cardiac MR imaging (including coronary artery imaging, performed as a research-based procedure)
• advanced vascular MR imaging-­aortic, carotid, peripheral vascular, renal
• real-time MR imaging 'movie' generated as the scanner acquires the imaging data. This allows for real-time studies of heart and blood vessel function and studying the flow of blood to and from the heart (cardiac perfusion) with improved resolution. Many of these techniques are being developed in ongoing UW research.

The Cardiovascular MRI Service is also very active in clinical and technological research. Referring physicians and patients benefit from access to clinical trials and the results of ground-breaking UW research in cardiac MRI. UW physicians and scientists are developing better techniques for assessing ventricular function, myocardial perfusion, evaluating masses in the heart, and evaluating congenital heart disease in children and adults. Cardiac MRI is proving especially powerful in evaluating complex congenital heart disease. Ongoing clinical trials provide new techniques for MR evaluation of the vascular systems and tissue perfusion.

Contact Information

H6/372 CSC
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53792
Phone: (608) 263-4856
Fax: (608) 263-0405