Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
3D Whole-heart Myocardial Tissue Analysis
Published on: April 12, 2017
Three-dimensional MRI assessments of patchy and large myocardial infarction in beating and nonbeating swine hearts:
Robert Jablonowski1, Mark W Wilson1, Noor Joudi1
1Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 185 Berry St, Suite 350, Campus Box 0946, San Francisco, CA 94107-5705.
Rationale And Objectives:
To measure and validate patchy and large myocardial infarction (MI) at 3 days and 5 weeks in beating and nonbeating hearts using contrast-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) inversion-recovery gradient echo (IR-GRE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and microscopy.
Materials And Methods:
Pigs (n = 28) were subjected to 1) patchy MI (group I), 2) large MI (group II), or 3) combined (patchy and large) MI (groups III and IV) using microemboli and/or 90-minute left anterior descending (LAD) occlusion and imaged at 3 days and 5 weeks after interventions. Gadolinium diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA)-enhanced 3D and two-dimensional (2D) IR-GRE were performed for comparison in beating and nonbeating hearts. Macroscopic histochemical and microscopic histopathologic measurements were used for validation.
Results:
Three-dimensional images demonstrated hyperenhanced patchy microinfarction, large MI, hypoenhanced/hyperenhanced microvascular obstruction, and infarct resorption. Acute and chronic combined MI on 3D was underestimated compared to microscopy (bias: -1.8 ± 3.8%) but overestimated acute large infarction. In beating and nonbeating hearts, close correlations/agreements were found between 3D/2D acquisitions in all groups (beating hearts: r = 0.70-0.99; bias: group I 0.47 ± 2.0%, II 0.33 ± 1.2%, III 0.54 ± 1.5%, and IV 0.28 ± 1.0%).
Conclusions:
The 3D IR-GRE underestimated the extent of acute and chronic combined MI compared to microscopic measurements. This sequence may have the potential to differentiate patchy from large MI and demonstrate MI healing after coronary interventions.
Insights
Contrast-enhanced 3D inversion-recovery gradient echo MRI can measure myocardial infarction (MI) in pigs. While underestimating combined MI, it shows potential for differentiating MI types and tracking healing.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Myocardial infarction (MI) assessment is crucial for patient outcomes.
- Differentiating patchy from large MI and tracking healing are key challenges.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers non-invasive assessment capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure and validate patchy and large myocardial infarction (MI) using contrast-enhanced 3D inversion-recovery gradient echo (IR-GRE) MRI.
- To compare MRI findings with microscopy in beating and nonbeating hearts at 3 days and 5 weeks post-MI.
- To assess the potential of 3D IR-GRE MRI in differentiating MI types and monitoring infarct healing.
Main Methods:
- Pigs (n=28) underwent induced patchy, large, or combined MI.
- Contrast-enhanced 3D and 2D IR-GRE MRI were performed at 3 days and 5 weeks.
- Macroscopic and microscopic histopathology served as validation standards.
Main Results:
- 3D MRI visualized hyperenhanced patchy microinfarction, large MI, and microvascular obstruction.
- 3D MRI underestimated acute and chronic combined MI compared to microscopy (bias: -1.8 ± 3.8%).
- Strong correlations (r=0.70-0.99) and agreement were observed between 3D/2D MRI in beating and nonbeating hearts.
Conclusions:
- 3D IR-GRE MRI can assess myocardial infarction (MI) extent and characteristics.
- The technique shows potential for differentiating patchy from large MI.
- 3D IR-GRE MRI may be valuable for monitoring MI healing after interventions.
