Cardiac magnetic resonance angiography (CMRA)

Cardiac magnetic resonance angiography (CMRA)  is an imaging modality that provides a mechanism to assess cardiac or vascular anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characteristics in a highly reproducible manner, during a single examination. CMRA can also be used to determine coronary artery patency in adults with coronary artery disease (CAD), and as a diagnostic modality for patients with suspected anomalous coronary anatomy.

Status: Decision completed

Why is CMRA being reviewed?

There have been a number of CMRA technological advances in the past decade; however, its accuracy and clinical utility for diagnosis in routine clinical practice are unclear. This topic was selected because of medium-level concerns about the safety and efficacy of CMRA and high-level concern about costs. The objective of the health technology assessment (HTA) is to evaluate the diagnostic validity (i.e., accuracy), clinical utility (i.e., effectiveness), safety, and cost-effectiveness of CMRA in adults or children with known or suspected coronary vessel anomalies or congenital heart disease.

Primary Criteria Ranking

  • Safety = Medium
  • Efficacy = High
  • Cost = High

Documentation

Assessment timeline

  • Draft key questions published: March 15, 2021
    • Public comment period: March 16 to March 30, 2021
  • Final key questions published: April 12, 2021
  • Draft report published: September 7, 2021
    • Public comment period: September 7 to October 6, 2021
  • Final report published: October 20, 2021
  • HTCC public meeting: November 19, 2021