Theodorus Albertus Kaandorp MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Hildo J. Lamb PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Don Poldermans, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eric Viergever MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Albert De Roos MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jeroen J Bax MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Evaluation contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess right ventricular (RV) infarction in patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction. Contrast-enhanced MRI has been used for assessment scar tissue after left ventricular infarction. The value of contrast-enhanced MRI to assess RV infarction is unknown and was evaluated.

Consecutive patients (n=18) with first acute inferior infarction were included. Resting ECG, and right-sided ECG were acquired to assess RV involvement. Resting cine MRI was performed to evaluate RV function and volumes, whereas extent of RV scar tissue was assessed by contrast-enhanced MRI. Cine MRI was repeated at 6 months follow-up to re-assess RV function and volumes.

Sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 100% and 78% to detect RV infarction (using the right-sided ECG as the gold standard). At 6 months follow-up, patients with scar tissue on contrast-enhanced MRI showed RV dilatation. Moreover, the extent of RV scar tissue was linearly related to the severity of RV dilatation.

Contrast-enhanced MRI permits accurate assessment of RV scar tissue. Patients with extensive RV infarction demonstrate RV dilatation at 6 months follow-up.

CE MRI permits accurate assessment of RV scar tissue. Patients with extensive RV infarction demonstrate RV dilatation at 6 months follow-up; Aggressive medical therapy may prevent or halt dilatation.

Kaandorp, T, Lamb, H, Poldermans, D, Viergever, E, De Roos, A, Bax, J, Assessment of Right Ventricular Infarction with Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4440008.html