ECG-gated dynamic magnetic resonance imaging method for examination of the pig heart

A dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method was developed for in vivo examination of the pig heart. Measurements were carried out on 15 meat-type pigs of different liveweight using a 1.5 T equipment. Inhalation anaesthesia was applied, then data acquisition was synchronised by ECG gating. Depending on the heart rate and heart size, in each case 8 to 10 slices and in each slice 8 to 14 phases were acquired prospectively according to one heart cycle. During the post-processing of the images the left and the right ventricular volumes were determined. The values measured at 106 kg liveweight are 2.5 times higher than those obtained at 22 kg, while the ejection fractions are equal. The calculated cardiac output values were 3.5 l (22 kg, 132 beats/min.), and 6.0 l (106 kg, 91 beats/min.), respectively. After measuring the wall thickness, the contraction values were also determined for the septum (70%), and for the anterior (61%), posterior (41%) and lateral (54%) walls of the left ventricle. Three-dimensional animated models of the ventricles were constructed. Based on the investigations performed, the preconditioning, the anaesthetic procedure, the specific details of ECG measurement and the correct MR imaging technique were worked out.