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Visualization of myocardial microstructure using high‐resolution T * 2 imaging at high magnetic field
Author(s) -
Köhler Sascha,
Hiller KarlHeinz,
Waller Christiane,
Jakob Peter M.,
Bauer Wolfgang R.,
Haase Axel
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
magnetic resonance in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.696
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1522-2594
pISSN - 0740-3194
DOI - 10.1002/mrm.10346
Subject(s) - microstructure , contractility , myocardial infarction , biomedical engineering , high resolution , magnetic resonance imaging , materials science , image resolution , nuclear magnetic resonance , nuclear medicine , medicine , cardiology , radiology , physics , optics , remote sensing , metallurgy , geology
The analysis of myocardial microstructure in vivo is important for the determination of myocardial contractility and function. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate that high‐resolution T * 2imaging has the potential to visualize the microstructure of beating, isolated rat hearts. To perform T * 2imaging, a multiple gradient‐echo sequence was implemented on an 11.75 Tesla microscopy system. An in‐plane resolution of 78 μm and a slice thickness of 250 μm were achieved in 24 min. In comparison to histological sections, the T * 2maps showed an excellent spatial correspondence to the myocardial fiber structure. To demonstrate the utility of this technique, morphologic alterations in myocardial microstructure were investigated in hearts with chronic myocardial infarction. Scar tissue and the extent of the infarcted region were clearly visualized and quantified using high‐resolution T * 2imaging. Magn Reson Med 49:371–375, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.