Introduction: Cardiac illness is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Cardiac imaging plays a key role in early heart disease detection and characterization. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is experiencing rapid evolution. Purpose: We intended to examine how the available literature discusses slice orientation, pulse sequence selection and protocol design in cardiac MRI. Furthermore, we wanted to describe the execution of a cardiac MRI examination at the Center for Clinical Physiology and compare it with the reviewed literature. Methods: In the theoretical part we used a descriptive method to explain the concepts and method of compilation for the use of extracts, statements and quotations from other authors. We used books in English. In the practical part, we used the descriptive method to describe the clinical case of a previously performed the magnetic resonance imaging of the heart. The exam was done at the Center for Clinical Physiology. We used the MR tomograph Philips Achieva 3.0 T TX, the Sense XL Torso Coil 16 Channel coil and integrated Philips trigger devices. On the basis of the obtained data and images, we compared different ways of setting the basic planes and the selection of pulse sequences. Results: We focused on three slice orientation protocols in the literature. These differed in the sequencing and number of acquisitions. We described bright blood, black blood and cine pulse sequences separately. We also summarise advanced techniques common in cardiac MR imaging. Parallel imaging, partial Furier acquisition and the UNFOLD method are described. The protocol executed at our facility included structural and functional sequences. EKG and respiration based gating was employed. Discussion and conclusion: The reviewed sources do not provide consensus regarding the procedure by which the basic imaging planes can be set, the specific pulse sequences to be selected, their parameters or the precise method of gating. There is, however, consensus regarding the final orientation of the basic planes as well as the contrast attributes needed in structural and functional images. The procedure we described still requires optimization.
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