Practical instructions for using drugs in CT and MR cardiac imaging

The progressive increase in numbers of noninvasive cardiac imaging examinations broadens the spectrum of knowledge radiologists are expected to acquire in the management of drugs during CT coronary angiography (CTCA) and cardiac MR (CMR) to improve image quality for optimal visualization and assessment of the coronary arteries and adequate MR functional analysis. Aim of this review is to provide an overview on different class of drugs (nitrate, beta-blockers, ivabradine, anxiolytic, adenosine, dobutamine, atropine, dipyridamole and regadenoson) that can be used in CTCA and CMR, illustrating their main indications, contraindications, efficacy, mechanism of action, metabolism, safety, side effects or complications, and providing advices in their use.

Automated summary

The increasing number of noninvasive cardiac imaging examinations requires radiologists to acquire more knowledge in drug management during CT coronary angiography and cardiac MR to improve image quality and assessment of the coronary arteries. This review aims to provide an overview of different classes of drugs that can be used in CTCA and CMR, including their indications, contraindications, efficacy, mechanism of action, metabolism, safety, and potential side effects or complications.