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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Myocardial Infarction by Percutaneous Embolization Coil Deployment in a Swine Model
Published on: November 4, 2021
Heterogeneous microinfarcts caused by coronary microemboli: evaluation with multidetector CT and MR imaging in a
Marcus Carlsson1, David Saloner, Alastair J Martin
1Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging and Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, 185 Berry St, Suite 350, Campus Box 0946, San Francisco, CA 94107-5705, USA.
Purpose:
To directly compare the sensitivity of 64-section multidetector computed tomography (CT) with that of 1.5-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the depiction and measurement of heterogeneous 7-8-week-old microinfarcts and the quantification of regional left ventricular (LV) function and perfusion in the territory of coronary intervention in a swine model.
Materials And Methods:
Approval was obtained from the institutional animal committee. An x-ray/MR system was used to catheterize the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery with x-ray guidance and to delineate the perfusion territory. The vessel was selectively microembolized in six pigs with small-diameter embolic material (40-120 microm, 250000 count). At 7-8 weeks after microembolization, multidetector CT and MR imaging were used to assess LV function, first-pass perfusion, and delayed contrast enhancement in remote myocardium and microinfarct scars. Histochemical staining with triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) was used to confirm and quantify heterogeneous microinfarct scars. The two-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to detect differences between modalities and myocardial regions.
Results:
The LAD territory was 32.4% +/- 3.8(stadard error of the mean) of the LV mass. Multidetector CT and MR imaging have similar sensitivity in the detection of regional and global LV dysfunction and extent of microinfarct. The mean LV end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction were 93 mL +/- 8, 46 mL +/- 4, and 50% +/- 3, respectively, on multidetector CT images and 92 mL +/- 8, 48 mL +/- 5, and 48% +/- 3, respectively, on MR images (P > or = .05). The extent of heterogeneous microinfarct was not significantly different between multidetector CT (6.3% +/- 0.8 of the LV mass), MR imaging (6.6% +/- 0.5 of the LV mass), and TTC staining (7.0% +/- 0.6 of the LV mass). First-pass multidetector CT and MR imaging demonstrated significant regional differences (P < .05) in time to peak between the heterogeneous microinfarct and remote myocardium (17.0 seconds +/- 0.3 and 12.4 seconds +/- 0.6, respectively, for multidetector CT and 17.2 seconds +/- 0.8 and 12.5 seconds +/- 1.0, respectively, for MR imaging).
Conclusion:
Modern multidetector CT and MR imaging are sensitive modalities with which to depict heterogeneous microinfarcts and determine regional LV dysfunction and decreased perfusion in the territory of intervention. (c) RSNA, 2010.
Insights
Multidetector computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging show similar sensitivity for detecting microinfarcts and assessing left ventricular (LV) function and perfusion. These advanced imaging techniques accurately depict heterogeneous microinfarcts and regional LV dysfunction in swine models.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Medical Diagnostics
- Animal Models in Research
Background:
- Microinfarcts are small areas of myocardial damage that can impair left ventricular (LV) function.
- Accurate assessment of microinfarcts and LV function is crucial for guiding therapeutic interventions.
- Comparing the sensitivity of multidetector computed tomography (CT) and 1.5-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in preclinical models is essential for advancing cardiovascular diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly compare the sensitivity of 64-section multidetector CT and 1.5-T MR imaging.
- To evaluate the depiction and measurement of heterogeneous 7-8-week-old microinfarcts.
- To quantify regional left ventricular (LV) function and perfusion in the territory of coronary intervention in a swine model.
Main Methods:
- Six pigs underwent selective microembolization of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery.
- Multidetector CT and MR imaging were performed 7-8 weeks post-microembolization.
- Histochemical staining (TTC) was used for confirmation and quantification of microinfarct scars.
Main Results:
- Both CT and MR imaging demonstrated similar sensitivity in detecting regional/global LV dysfunction and microinfarct extent.
- LV volumes and ejection fraction showed no significant difference between CT and MR imaging.
- Microinfarct extent was comparable across CT, MR imaging, and TTC staining (6.3-7.0% of LV mass).
- Both modalities detected significant regional differences in perfusion (time to peak) within the LAD territory.
Conclusions:
- Modern multidetector CT and 1.5-T MR imaging are sensitive for depicting heterogeneous microinfarcts.
- These imaging techniques can accurately determine regional LV dysfunction and decreased perfusion.
- The findings support the utility of CT and MR imaging in evaluating myocardial injury in preclinical settings.
