MRI evaluation of myocardial perfusion without a contrast agent using magnetization transfer

Magn Reson Med. 1993 Aug;30(2):267-70. doi: 10.1002/mrm.1910300219.

Abstract

We propose a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that is sensitive to myocardial tissue perfusion that obviates the use of an extrinsic contrast agent. Significant advantages of such a technique are that it avoids accumulation of contrast agent when repeated studies are performed on the same subject and that it is completely noninvasive. The method makes use of a combination of magnetization transfer (MT) and T1sat (measured spin-lattice relaxation time in the presence of MT) weighting. In this Communication, we present observations from experiments with an isolated rat heart model that demonstrate increase of MT-weighted signal intensity and T1sat with flow. Also included are data showing that these effects can be made synergistic for enhancing the sensitivity to perfusion. We have observed about a 3% change in MT-weighted intensity and up to 10% change in MTT1sat-weighted intensity for a change of 1 ml/min in global flow rate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Contrast Media*
  • Coronary Circulation*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Magnetics
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Contrast Media