Diagnosing Ischemia With Vasodilatatory Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance: The Benefit of a Comprehensive Approach

See article on pageS 383-91 Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has developed into a powerful and unparallel non-invasive technique for the evaluation of cardiovascular disease. Besides optimal structure definition, it provides some tissue characterization and simultaneous information about cardiac function and viability. Furthermore, in combination with a pharmacological challenge using vasodilator or inotropic drugs, CMR has the capability to diagnose ischemia. Stress CMR is increasingly used for the diagnosis and evaluation of myocardial ischemia and viability, providing a safe and effective evaluation of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).