Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
11:13
Quantification of Mouse Heart Left Ventricular Function, Myocardial Strain, and Hemodynamic Forces by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: May 24, 2021
Quantitative cardiovascular magnetic resonance for molecular imaging
Patrick M Winter1, Shelton D Caruthers, Gregory M Lanza
1Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Department of Radiology, 3333 Burnet Ave,, ML 5033, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA. patrick.winter@cchmc.org
Summary
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) molecular imaging uses targeted contrast agents to detect disease biomarkers at the cellular level. This technology promises earlier diagnosis, targeted therapy, and improved monitoring for cardiovascular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Molecular Imaging
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) molecular imaging seeks to visualize and quantify disease biomarkers at the cellular level.
- Contrast agents are designed for targeted delivery to disease-specific biochemical signatures, enhancing image contrast.
- These agents can also be engineered for drug delivery or to report on physiological conditions like pH, temperature, or oxygen levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the applications and potential of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) molecular imaging.
- To highlight various quantification techniques used in CMR molecular imaging.
- To discuss the clinical benefits and future impact of CMR molecular imaging in cardiovascular disease management.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing targeted contrast agents for cellular-scale biomarker identification.
- Employing diverse quantification techniques: signal change measurement, contrast enhancement area calculation, relaxation time mapping.
- Exploring multi-nuclear imaging or spectroscopy for direct contrast agent detection.
Main Results:
- CMR molecular imaging enables early detection of therapeutic response and localization of ruptured atherosclerotic plaques.
- It facilitates patient stratification based on biochemical disease markers and allows for tissue-specific drug delivery.
- Confirmation of drug uptake and noninvasive monitoring of disease recurrence are key outcomes.
Conclusions:
- CMR molecular imaging offers significant clinical benefits, including early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.
- It holds the potential for noninvasive monitoring of disease progression and therapeutic efficacy.
- Ultimately, this technology can reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease through improved diagnostics and targeted therapies with fewer side effects.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Imaging 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,...
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Introduction:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, can include a specialized imaging technique of the urinary system known as Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU). This radiation-free technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images with the help of a computer. MRU is particularly effective for visualizing fluid-filled structures like the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.Applications of MRI in the Genitourinary SystemKidneys and Ureters: MRI detects tumors, cysts,...
01:28Imaging 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...
01:20Imaging 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...
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...