Safety of adenosine stress magnetic resonance imaging using a mobile cardiac magnetic resonance system.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (ceMRI) allows for the detection of ischemic heart disease. Aim of this prospective study was to show feasibility, practicability and safety of adenosine stress ceMRI in routine outpatients with a mobile scanner. METHODS: Consecutive patients were scanned in six different cardiac outpatient centers with a 1.5 T mobile ceMRI scanner. First-pass wash-in patterns of gadolinium chelate were evaluated after three minutes of adenosine infusion. After a second bolus of gadolinium chelate myocardial late enhancement (MLE) images of the left ventricle were acquired to visualize myocardial necrosis. RESULTS: Five hundred seventy-four patients were enrolled to the study. No major complications during examination and adenosine infusion were observed. One hundred seventy-three minor complications as temporary atrio-ventriculare blockade, mild chest pain or dyspnea and nausea were noticed. None of the complications led to further special treatment CONCLUSION: This ceMRI protocol is suitable for application in outpatient settings. CeMRI stress testing using a mobile scanner in an outpatient setting is feasible and safe.