High in-plane resolution T2-weighted magnetic resonance Imaging of acute myocardial ischemia in pigs using the intravascular contrast agent NC100150 injection

Rationale and Objectives: The intravascular contrast agent NC100150 injection was tested for its ability to demarcate nonperfused myocardium in a porcine model of coronary occlusion. Materials and Methods: A T2-weighted fast spin echo sequence was acquired ex vivo and in vivo during first pass and steady-state circulation of the contrast agent in 2 dosages (2 and 5 mg Fe/kg bw) or saline. Results: Ex vivo, in the high-dose group, the volume of nonperfused myocardium determined from T2-weighted images was 99% of that determined from photographs where perfused myocardium stained with fluorescein. A significantly higher contrast to noise ratio between perfused and nonperfused myocardium was found (both ex and in vivo in steady state) compared with the control group. During first pass, a significant reduction in signal intensity (74 +/- 18%) was found in perfused myocardium after contrast injection. Conclusion: NC100150 injection, combined with T2-weighted turbo spin echo imaging, allowed detailed visualization of nonperfused myocardium in the steady state, which corresponded to the area at risk as determined by fluorescein.