Information for Patients

Cardiovascular Imaging

Procedures: Cardiac MRI, Coronary CTA
Contact the Department of Radiology at (804) 628-2340.

Scan of heartSpecialty-trained radiologists at VCU Medical Center offer magnetic resonance (MRA) and computerized tomography angiography (CTA) to evaluate the blood vessels and the heart and provide an accurate snapshot of the heart and coronary anatomy. This technology can also evaluate blood vessels throughout the body. Using state-of-the-art technology, we offer patients these noninvasive options to examine the heart and blood vessels from head to toe. MRA and CTA are entirely noninvasive unlike conventional angiography or cardiac catheterization, which require puncture of an artery and insertion of a catheter.

In approximately 30 minutes, MRA and CTA provide radiologists with a complete, 360-degree image of the heart and vessels without having to move the patient, meaning a degree of precision in diagnosing vascular obstructions that is simply not possible with conventional angiography. Once vascular obstructions are identified, treatment planning can begin.

To schedule an appointment with the Department of Radiology, complete the Request for Coronary CTA Procedure [PDF] and fax to (804) 828-5570.

For more information about the procedure, consult the patient preprocedure brochures for the Adenosine MRI stress test, Cardiac MRI test and Coronary CTA test [PDF].

Common Uses

Cardiac MRI, MRA and CTA are routinely used to examine and assess the following:

  • Vessels of the head and neck
  • The heart and pericardium
  • Great vessels
  • Thoracic and abdominal aorta and their branches
  • Vessels of the extremities
  • Renal artery stenosis
  • Renal and liver donors

Benefits of Cardiovascular Imaging

  • Noninvasive.
  • Imaging dye is not toxic to the kidneys.
  • 360-degree viewing of the vessels and heart not possible with catheter procedure.
  • Painless.
  • Approximately half the cost of catheter procedure.
  • No risks/complications provided the patient is screened for contraindications to MRA.
  • No hospital stay required.

For additional information, contact the Department of Radiology at (804) 628-2340.

VCU Department of Radiology Virginia Commonwealth University VCU Medical Center