Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography
08:13

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography

Published on: February 16, 2016

Towards risk stratification in systemic atherosclerosis: value of myocardial function and viability imaging as an

Achim Seeger1, Michael Fenchel, Ulrich Kramer

  • 1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany. achim.seeger@med.uni-tuebingen.de

European Radiology
|September 18, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac MRI enhances risk assessment in peripheral arterial disease patients. It identifies myocardial infarctions and reduced ejection fraction, predicting cardiac events and guiding intensified management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Radiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic disease commonly affects multiple vascular beds.
  • Cardiac complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with peripheral arterial disease.
  • Standard MR angiography may not fully assess cardiac risk in these patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the added value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) functional and viability imaging alongside MR angiography.
  • To assess the prognostic significance of CMR findings in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.

Main Methods:

  • 195 patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease underwent cardiac MRI.
  • 186 patients were followed for a mean of 22 months for cardiac events.
  • Cardiac events included cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome, and heart failure hospitalization.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of known (31) and occult (26) myocardial infarctions (MI) was detected.
  • Reduced ejection fraction (EF) was associated with increased cardiac events.
  • Both known and occult MI significantly increased the risk of cardiac events, particularly in patients with normal EF.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced EF and the presence of MI are significant prognostic indicators in patients with peripheral arterial disease.
  • Cardiac MRI provides valuable prognostic information beyond MR angiography.
  • Integrating cardiac MRI into patient management may lead to more intensive risk factor intervention.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI01:21

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...