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In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography
Published on: February 16, 2016
MRI quantification of left ventricular function in microinfarct versus large infarct in swine model
Maythem Saeed1, Steve W Hetts, Loi Do
1Interventional Radiology Laboratory, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, 185 Berry Street, Suite 350, Room 320, San Francisco, CA 94107-5705, USA. Maythem.saeed@ucsf.edu
The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
|October 16, 2012
Summary
Coronary microemboli cause acute left ventricular (LV) dysfunction comparable to larger infarcts, despite smaller myocardial damage. This MRI study highlights the impact of microemboli on cardiac function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Myocardial Infarction Research
- Cardiac Physiology
Background:
- Coronary microemboli are a significant cause of myocardial damage.
- Assessing the functional impact of microemboli versus larger infarcts is crucial for understanding cardiac injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the acute effects of coronary microemboli on myocardial viability and left ventricular (LV) function using MRI.
- To compare these effects with those of LAD occlusion/reperfusion as a reference.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MRI (contrast-enhanced and cine) to assess LV viability and function in pigs post-intervention.
- Induced microinfarcts (16 mm3, 40-120 μm) and large infarcts (90 min LAD occlusion/reperfusion).
- Confirmed myocardial damage with microscopy and cardiac injury enzymes.
Main Results:
- Microembolization resulted in smaller myocardial damage (6.5% LV mass) compared to occlusion/reperfusion (12.6% LV mass).
- LV dysfunction (increased end-systolic volume, decreased ejection fraction, cardiac output, and wall thickening) was comparable between microemboli and occlusion/reperfusion groups.
- MRI revealed microvascular obstruction in both intervention groups, with distinct patterns.
Conclusions:
- Coronary microemboli acutely impair LV function, similar to larger infarcts, despite less myocardial damage.
- The pattern of myocardial damage, not just its size, influences LV dysfunction.
- MRI is effective in characterizing microvascular obstruction and assessing functional consequences.
