Related Experiment Videos
MRI in ischemic heart disease: expansion of the current capabilities with MR contrast
C B Higgins1, M Saeed, M Wendland
1Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to identify acute and chronic myocardial infarctions and the complications of myocardial infarctions. Studies in animals have shown high accuracy in the quantification of the volume (mass) of acute myocardial infarctions. However, the role of MRI in ischemic heart disease has been limited by the inability to detect noninfarctional myocardial ischemia or to reliably indicate relative myocardial perfusion. Studies in animal models of various myocardial ischemic events have shown that these aims can be addressed using MR contrast media. The effect of MR contrast media on regional myocardial signal intensity is complex and determined by several factors, including: (1) the type of contrast medium; (2) the dose of the contrast medium; (3) the T1- or T2-weighting of the imaging sequence; and (4) the type of imaging technique applied (spin echo, gradient echo, or echoplanar). This article describes some of the potential applications of MR contrast media in ischemic heart disease and the several factors that interact to cause the regional myocardial signal alterations induced by MR contrast media.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can now detect myocardial ischemia and perfusion using MR contrast media. This advancement overcomes previous limitations in diagnosing ischemic heart disease, improving accuracy in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is established for identifying myocardial infarctions and their complications.
- Current MRI limitations include detecting noninfarctional ischemia and reliably assessing myocardial perfusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the application of MR contrast media in diagnosing ischemic heart disease.
- To understand the factors influencing myocardial signal alterations induced by MR contrast media.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MR contrast media in animal models of myocardial ischemic events.
- Analyzed the effects of contrast media type, dose, imaging sequence weighting (T1/T2), and imaging technique (spin echo, gradient echo, echoplanar) on myocardial signal intensity.
Main Results:
- MR contrast media show potential in addressing limitations of MRI for detecting myocardial ischemia and perfusion.
- Regional myocardial signal intensity is complexly determined by contrast media properties and imaging parameters.
Conclusions:
- MR contrast media offer a promising approach to enhance MRI's role in evaluating ischemic heart disease.
- Understanding the interplay of various factors is crucial for optimizing contrast-enhanced MRI protocols.