Myocardial Fiber Length Mapping with MR Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Diffusion tensor MRI is emerging as a rapid, nondestructive method to map myocardial fiber organization. A precise biological description of myocardial fiber performance requires knowledge of four variables: length, force, velocity and time. However, study of quantification of myocardial fiber length is lacking. The current study aims to show myocardial fiber length maps of formalin-fixed heats. Diffusion tensor MRI with medium diffusion resolution (15 directions) was performed in one isolated pig heart. Fiber length maps were investigated in multiple short-axis slices. The results provide supplementary information of myocardial fiber organization. To our knowledge, the present study is the first report of the myocardial fiber length mapping.