Magnetic resonance cardiac perfusion imaging-a clinical perspective

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Medical Diagnostics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a primary cause of mortality globally, necessitating early detection.
• Non-invasive imaging is crucial for identifying asymptomatic CAD, particularly myocardial perfusion deficits.
• Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging shows potential for myocardial perfusion assessment but faces clinical application challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in MR imaging techniques for first-pass myocardial perfusion.
• To assess the impact of these developments on the clinical utility of MR perfusion imaging for CAD.
• To identify unresolved issues hindering widespread clinical adoption.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent technical developments in MR hardware.
• Analysis of software improvements for MR perfusion imaging.
• Evaluation of novel contrast agents for enhanced myocardial perfusion assessment.

Main Results:

• Technical innovations in MR hardware, software, and contrast agents are enhancing myocardial perfusion imaging.
• These advancements hold promise for improved early detection of CAD.
• Despite progress, certain technical challenges remain, impacting broad clinical implementation.

Conclusions:

• MR imaging is a developing tool for non-invasive myocardial perfusion quantification in CAD.
• Continued technical progress is expected to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical application.
• Addressing current limitations is key to establishing MR perfusion imaging as a standard diagnostic method.