Magnetic resonance of mouse models of cardiac disease

In recent years magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the noninvasive standard for the quantitative evaluation of cardiac function, masses, and infarct size. Wall motion analysis is used to display myocardial dysfunction and microcirculatory deficits can be displayed by perfusion imaging and quantification of the myocardial regional blood volume. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) also provides quantitative information on cardiac energetics and, in combination with MRI, insights into cardiac structure and function. The use of both techniques permits complementary data collection within the same experimental setup.Nevertheless, it should be mentioned that MR does not directly visualize genes or gene product expression but morphological or bioenergetical outcomes of gene expression instead. In conclusion, cardiac MR is a valuable tool applicable to mouse phenotyping and, also, can be applied to assess the effects of therapeutic agents. Thus, MR of mouse models of cardiac disease has great potential to substantially contribute to the understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms and can help to evaluate new therapy options.