Myocardial perfusion measurements by spin-labeling under different vasodynamic states

In this study absolute myocardial perfusion was determined using a spin-labeling magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique at 2 Tesla. The technique was applied to 16 healthy volunteers at resting conditions, adenosine-induced stress, and oxygen breathing. Overall myocardial quantitative perfusion was determined as 2.3 +/- 0.8 mL/g/min (rest), 4.2 +/- 1.0 mL/g/min (adenosine), and 1.6 +/- 0.6 mL/g/min (oxygen), respectively. T1 of left ventricular blood pool decreased from 1709 +/- 101 ms (rest) to 1423 +/- 61 ms (oxygen), whereas T1 of right ventricular blood did not change significantly (1586 +/- 126 ms and 1558 +/- 150 ms). In conclusion, the presented technique for quantification of myocardial perfusion is an alternative to contrast agent-based methods. The spin labeling method is noninvasive and easily repeatable and it could therefore become an important tool to study changes in myocardial perfusion under different vasodynamic states.