title: Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in the study of cardiovascular disease.
abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques are now being applied to clinical medicine. Magnetic resonance imaging has particular advantages in evaluating cardiovascular disease: it is noninvasive; it can estimate blood flow velocity; it does not require contrast medium; and it can image in several planes. The major current limitations are resolution and cost. There are also patient-specific limitations involving implanted metal, pacemakers, metallic life support systems, and involuntary motion. NMR spectroscopy allows on-line analysis of important biochemical processes. 31P spectroscopy allows analysis of high-energy phosphate metabolism and is being used to study the effects of and recovery from ischemic cell injury. 13C can be used to monitor metabolism of carbon-containing compounds. The applications of these techniques are rapidly evolving.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D051381:Rats; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*