Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) describes the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the anatomical and functional evaluation of the heart and vascular tree. CMR is a contemporary and complementary technology to add to the traditional arsenal of non-invasive imaging modalities available to the cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon, and is rapidly gaining popularity in this dynamic field. This book provides an easily digestible and portable synopsis of the technique which will suit the needs of cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons wishing to acquaint themselves with what CMR can do, and what it cannot. Beginning with an outline of some of the basic principles of MRI, the following chapters concentrate on the cardiac side of CMR with a later section on its more established vascular uses.