Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in experimental models

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Small Animal Research
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is crucial for studying heart and vasculature structure and function.
• Small animals are vital models for genetic and translational cardiovascular research, including myocardial infarction.
• Characterizing functional and anatomical parameters in small animal models presents unique challenges due to physiological differences like rapid heart rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review principal cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques for small animal imaging.
• To discuss methods for assessing cardiovascular parameters and analyzing CMR data in small animals.
• To highlight current and emerging CMR methods for imaging the developing heart and congenital defects.

Main Methods:

• Overview of specialized magnetic resonance (MR) systems, novel gating strategies, and optimized pulse sequences for small animal CMR.
• Description of cine, angiography, and perfusion imaging techniques for measures like ejection fraction, vessel anatomy, and blood flow.
• Application of MR contrast agents for assessing regional cardiac dysfunction and semi-automated tools for data analysis.

Main Results:

• High-quality CMR images can be obtained in small animals despite physiological challenges.
• CMR enables comprehensive assessment of cardiac structure, function, blood flow, and regional dysfunction.
• Advanced CMR facilitates characterization of congenital cardiovascular defects in developing hearts.

Conclusions:

• Advanced small animal CMR offers unparalleled cardiovascular assessments.
• These methods provide new insights into the structural, functional, and molecular basis of the cardiovascular system.
• Optimized CMR techniques are essential for robust small animal cardiovascular research.