T2-weighted MRI of post-infarct myocardial edema in mice

T2-weighted, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (T2w CMR) can be used to noninvasively detect and quantify the edematous region that corresponds to the area at risk (AAR) following myocardial infarction (MI). Previously, CMR has been used to examine structure and function in mice, expediting the study of genetic manipulations. To date, CMR has not been applied to imaging of post-MI AAR in mice. We developed a whole-heart, T2w CMR sequence to quantify the AAR in mouse models of ischemia and infarction. The B0 and ?B1 environment around the mouse heart at 7 T were measured, and a T2-preparation sequence suitable for these conditions was developed. Both in vivo T2w and late gadolinium enhanced CMR were performed in mice after 20-min coronary occlusions, resulting in measurements of AAR size of 32.5 +/- 3.1 (mean +/- SEM)% left ventricular mass, and MI size of 50.1 +/- 6.4% AAR size. Excellent interobserver agreement and agreement with histology were also found. This T2w imaging method for mice may allow for future investigations of genetic manipulations and novel therapies affecting the AAR and salvaged myocardium following reperfused MI. Magn Reson Med, 2011. (C) 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.