Coronary magnetic resonance imaging: Current status

Over the past decade, coronary MRA has been transformed from a scientific curiosity to clinical useful imaging tool in selected populations, including the identification and/or characterization of anomalous coronary arteries and for the assessment of coronary artery bypass graft patency. Coronary MRA also appears to be of value for assessment of native vessel integrity in selected patients, especially those with suspected left main/multivessel disease. A normal coronary MRA strongly suggests the absence of severe multivessel disease. Technical and methodologic advances, along with increasing clinical experience, will no doubt facilitate improved visualization of the distal and branch vessels. Data from multicenter trials will continue to define the clinical role of coronary MRA.