MRI assessment of ventricular function.
Cine-MRI is a robust non invasive technique able to assess regional and global systolic function of both ventricles. Conventinal cine-MRI was used for LV global function parameters both on horizontal long axis and vertical long axis, applying area-length methods, as in echocardiography. Recent developments of segmented k-space techniques allowed breath-held cine-MRI, making possible a rapid acquisition of the entire ventricles, both left and right. Using the Simpson's rule volumes are estimated with high accuracy, without any geometrical assumption; this method is considered gold standard for global function assessment. Regional function is studied by cine-MRI both qualitatively and quantitatively, as it represents the best technique in defining endo- and epi-cardial borders. The ability of quantify wall thickness and wall thickening makes cine-MRI highly suitable for stress-imaging, both in ischemia detection and viability assessment. Tagging is a novel technique, able to assess the complex mechanism of myocardial contraction and to quantify myocardial strain. Finally MRI is also able to assess diastolic function with phase velocity mapping.
Natale
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L
Istituto di Radiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168 Roma, Italia. lnatale@rm.unicatt.it
Meduri
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A
Caltavuturo
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C
Palladino
F
F
Marano
P
P
D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis; D016276:Ventricular Function