MR imaging assessment of cardiac function.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is an accurate and reproducible technique for assessment of ventricular function. Although echocardiography is the mainstay for evaluation of cardiac function, dobutamine stress MR imaging has been shown to be as safe as echocardiography for patients with coronary artery disease and more accurate in patients with suboptimal echocardiographic image quality. This article reviews MR imaging techniques, methods of pharmacologic stress, and clinical applications for assessment of cardiac function, primarily left ventricular function. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.