Cardiac MRI and MRA are considered medically necessary (standard of care) for the diagnosis and ongoing treatment of an increasing number of cardiac and vascular diseases, including the following indications:

Atrial fibrillation Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) Cardiac masses Congenital heart disease

Intracardiac thrombus Ischemic heart disease Pericardial disease Valvular disease Vascular disease

The clinical use of MRI for these indications is well-established by research, and considered medically necessary by major insurance company policies and Medicare. The list of MRI-appropriate indications continues to expand with advances in technology.

See also:  Aetna Policy 0520 (CMR). Cigna Policy 0154 (MRA). Cigna Policy 0168 (CMR).

Additional Indications for Cardiac and Vascular MRI:

• iScan Cardiac MRI diagnostic exams (.PDF)
• iScan Vascular MRA diagnostic exams (.PDF)
• Peripheral Vascular MRA
  • Pedal MRA
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Renal Vascular MRA

Resources:

Berrington A, Mahesh M, Kim K, Bhargavan M, Lewis R, Mettler F, Land C. “Projected Cancer Risks From Computed Tomographic Scans Performed in the United States in 2007” Internal Medicine, 169:22, Dec 2009.

Bruder O, et al. EuroCMR (European Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance) Registry: Results of the German Pilot Phase. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2009.

Pennell DJ, Sechtem UP, Higgins CB, Manning WJ, Pohost GM, Rademakers FE, van Rossum AC, Shaw LJ, Yucel EK. Clinical indications for cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR): Consensus Panel report. European Heart Journal, 25:21, 2004.