Minjie Lu MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Shihua Zhao MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Shiliang Jiang MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Gang Ying MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new free-breathing 3D phasesensitive inversion-recovery (PSIR) turbo FLASH pulse sequence for the detection of left ventricular myocardial scar in a swine myocardial infarction model.

After inducing a myocardial infarction, eight mini chinese swines were examined on a 1.5-T MR scanner for myocardial late enhancement after the administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine using a segmented 2D PSIR turbo FLASH sequence followed by a navigator-gated 3D PSIR turbo FLASH sequence. Image quality was scored by two independent readers using a 4-point Likert scale (0 = poor, nondiagnostic; 1 =moderate, diagnostics may be impaired by artifacts; 2 = good, some artifacts but not interfering in diagnostics; 3 = excellent, no artifacts). Scars were compared quantitatively in volume and graded qualitatively on the basis of size and location in these two sequences.

One pig died from anesthetic accidents. The quality of the 3D PSIR images was acceptable in 6 pigs. Qualitative analysis of scar area (p = 0.88), and scar location (p = 0.81) were similar for both techniques. More hyperenhanced scar volumes (p = 0.02) and small hyperenhanced scars(P=0.03), corresponding mostly to nonischemic distribution patterns, were detected using 3D PSIR than 2D PSIR. Although 2D and 3D results were found to be highly correlated for scar volume, Bland-Altman analysis indicated a systematic smaller infarct volume on the 2D PSIR scans (R2 = 0.81).

Free-breathing 3D PSIR turbo FLASH imaging is a promising technique for the assessment of left ventricular scar particularly for scar quantification and the detection of small nonischemic scars in the myocardium.

Free-breathing 3D PSIR turbo FLASH imaging can be an alternative method to detect of the infarcted myocardium In the clinic, particularly suitable for patients who can not breath-hold.

Lu, M, Zhao, S, Jiang, S, Ying, G, Free-Breathing 3D Late Gadolinium Enhancement Cardiac MR for the Evaluation of Left Ventricular Infarction in a Swine Myocardial Infarction Model.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12043740.html