Coronary magnetic resonance angiography: technical developments and clinical applications.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a promising method for noninvasive coronary artery imaging. The interesting features of coronary MRA are its non-invasive nature, the absence of ionizing radiation, and the possibility of imaging the coronary arteries without exogenous contrast. Moreover, three-dimensional volume information and tomographic image planes in any direction can be obtained. The current review presents an overview of the recent technical developments of coronary MRA and the potential clinical applications. New MR techniques, such as parallel image acquisition, spiral imaging, steady-state free precession and the introduction of blood pool contrast agents may result in more efficient data acquisition. After implementation of these fast techniques, coronary MRA may be integrated in a comprehensive cardiac exam.