Sequential analysis of infarcted and normal myocardium in piglets using in vivo gadolinium-enhanced MR images

Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed before, and 1 and 3 wk after coronary occlusion in domestic piglets. After administration of the contrast agent gadopentetate dimeglumine, two different enhancement patterns within the infarcted region were observed. The first pattern, showing peripheral enhancement of the infarcted region with absence of contrast in the center, was seen at 1 wk after occlusion at 5 min after administration of the contrast agent. The second pattern showed signal enhancement of the center of the infarcted region and was observed at 1 wk after occlusion, 30 min following contrast administration, and at 3 wk after occlusion, both 5 and 30 min following contrast administration. Infarct size and left ventricular (LV) mass by MR imaging, measured 3 wk after infarction, corresponded well with pathologic assessment. LV mass, measured by static and dynamic MR imaging, increased during the period of investigation. It is concluded that gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging clearly identifies infarcted myocardium early and late after coronary occlusion in the piglet. Combined results of infarct size and LV mass can be obtained simultaneously during one imaging procedure.