Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography
Published on: February 16, 2016
Characterization of peri-infarct zone heterogeneity by contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography: a
Karl H Schuleri1, Marco Centola, Richard T George
1Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
Objectives:
This study examined whether multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) improves the ability to define peri-infarct zone (PIZ) heterogeneity relative to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Background:
The PIZ as characterized by delayed contrast-enhancement (DE)-MRI identifies patients susceptible to ventricular arrhythmias and predicts outcome after myocardial infarction (MI).
Methods:
Fifteen mini-pigs underwent coronary artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. Both MDCT and MRI were performed on the same day approximately 6 months after MI induction, followed by animal euthanization and ex vivo MRI (n = 5). Signal density threshold algorithms were applied to MRI and MDCT datasets reconstructed at various slice thicknesses (1 to 8 mm) to define the PIZ and to quantify partial volume effects.
Results:
The DE-MDCT reconstructed at 8-mm slice thickness showed excellent correlation of infarct size with post-mortem pathology (r2 = 0.97; p < 0.0001) and MRI (r2 = 0.92; p < 0.0001). The DE-MDCT and -MRI were able to detect a PIZ in all animals, which correlates to a mixture of viable and nonviable myocytes at the PIZ by histology. The ex vivo DE-MRI PIZ volume decreased with slice thickness from 0.9 +/- 0.2 ml at 8 mm to 0.2 +/- 0.1 ml at 1 mm (p = 0.01). The PIZ volume/mass by DE-MDCT increased with decreasing slice thickness because of declining partial volume averaging in the PIZ, but was susceptible to increased image noise.
Conclusions:
A DE-MDCT provides a more detailed assessment of the PIZ in chronic MI and is less susceptible to partial volume effects than MRI. This increased resolution best reflects the extent of tissue mixture by histopathology and has the potential to further enhance the ability to define the substrate of malignant arrhythmia in ischemic heart disease noninvasively.
Insights
Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) offers a more detailed assessment of the peri-infarct zone (PIZ) after myocardial infarction (MI) than MRI. This advanced imaging technique better reflects tissue mixture and aids in identifying arrhythmia substrates noninvasively.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Radiology
- Cardiac Pathology
Background:
- The peri-infarct zone (PIZ) is crucial for identifying ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility and predicting outcomes post-myocardial infarction (MI).
- Delayed contrast-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI) is currently used to characterize the PIZ.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) enhances the definition of PIZ heterogeneity compared to MRI.
- To assess the impact of slice thickness on PIZ characterization by both MDCT and MRI.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen mini-pigs underwent induced myocardial infarction (MI) followed by reperfusion.
- Both MDCT and MRI were performed approximately 6 months post-MI, with ex vivo MRI on a subset of animals.
- Signal density threshold algorithms were applied to datasets reconstructed at varying slice thicknesses (1-8 mm) to define PIZ and quantify partial volume effects.
Main Results:
- DE-MDCT at 8-mm slice thickness strongly correlated with infarct size determined by post-mortem pathology (r² = 0.97) and MRI (r² = 0.92).
- Both DE-MDCT and DE-MRI identified PIZ in all animals, reflecting a mix of viable and nonviable myocytes.
- DE-MDCT showed increased PIZ volume/mass with decreasing slice thickness due to reduced partial volume averaging, despite increased image noise.
Conclusions:
- Delayed contrast-enhancement MDCT provides a more detailed assessment of the PIZ in chronic MI compared to MRI.
- DE-MDCT is less susceptible to partial volume effects and better reflects histological tissue mixture, potentially improving noninvasive identification of malignant arrhythmia substrates in ischemic heart disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...