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Updated: Sep 17, 2025
Primary Outcome Assessment in a Pig Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Published on: October 14, 2016
Interventional real-time molecular MRI for targeting early myocardial injury in a pig model
Timo Heidt1,2, Simon Reiss2,3, Julien Thielmann1,2
1Department of Cardiology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Myocardial ischemia induces tissue injury with subsequent inflammation and recruitment of immune cells. Besides myocardial tissue characterization, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for functional assessment using molecular imaging contrast agents. Here, we assessed ischemic cardiac lesions non-invasively directly after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in a porcine model by advanced MRI techniques and molecular imaging, targeting the cell adhesion molecule P-selectin functionalized with microparticles of iron oxide (MPIO). We used a closed-chest model of I/R by temporary coronary balloon-occlusion, real time 3T MRI-guided coronary injection of MPIO-based contrast agents, as well as injury, edema and iron-sensitive MRI. Within the first hours after I/R, we found T1 mapping to be most sensitive for tissue injury, with no changes in edema-sensitive MRI. Intriguingly, P-selectin MPIO contrast agent selectively enhanced the ischemic area in iron-sensitive MRI. In conclusion, this approach allows for sensitive detection of early myocardial inflammation beyond traditional edema-sensitive imaging.
Insights
Advanced MRI techniques can detect early myocardial inflammation after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. P-selectin microparticles of iron oxide (MPIO) targeted inflammation, offering sensitive detection beyond traditional edema imaging.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Molecular Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Myocardial ischemia causes tissue injury and inflammation.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers functional and molecular assessment of cardiac tissue.
- Early detection of inflammation is crucial for managing ischemic heart disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess ischemic cardiac lesions non-invasively using advanced MRI and molecular imaging.
- To target the cell adhesion molecule P-selectin with microparticles of iron oxide (MPIO) for enhanced imaging.
- To evaluate the sensitivity of different MRI techniques in detecting early post-ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) inflammation.
Main Methods:
- A closed-chest porcine model of I/R was induced via temporary coronary balloon occlusion.
- Real-time 3T MRI-guided coronary injection of MPIO contrast agents was performed.
- Injury, edema, and iron-sensitive MRI sequences were utilized for assessment.
Main Results:
- T1 mapping demonstrated the highest sensitivity for tissue injury within the first hours after I/R.
- Edema-sensitive MRI showed no significant changes in the early post-I/R phase.
- P-selectin MPIO contrast agent selectively enhanced the ischemic area on iron-sensitive MRI.
Conclusions:
- Advanced MRI with P-selectin MPIO allows sensitive, non-invasive detection of early myocardial inflammation.
- This molecular imaging approach surpasses traditional edema-sensitive MRI in identifying early inflammatory changes.
- The technique holds promise for improved diagnosis and management of acute myocardial injury.
