Delayed contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for the prediction of regional functional improvement after acute myocardial infarction.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated whether delayed contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) using an extracellular contrast agent could predict improvement of dysfunctional but viable myocardium after acute reperfused myocardial infarction (MI).


BACKGROUND
The transmural extent of hyperenhancement at DCE-MRI has been related to improvement of function in reperfused MI. However, evidence is still limited, and earlier reports have produced conflicting results regarding the significance of contrast patterns after infarction.


METHODS
Thirty patients (mean age 59 +/- 11 years, 27 males) underwent cine MRI and DCE-MRI 7 +/- 3 days after a first reperfused acute MI and follow-up cine MRI at 13 +/- 3 weeks. Segmental wall thickening and segmental extent of hyperenhancement were scored in 1,689 segments.


RESULTS
Of 500 dysfunctional segments, 273 (55%) improved at follow-up. There was no difference in likelihood of improvement or complete functional recovery between segments with 0% and 1% to 25% hyperenhancement. The likelihood of improvement of segments without hyperenhancement was 2.9, 14.3, and 20 times higher than that of segments with 26% to 50%, 51% to 75%, and >75% hyperenhancement, respectively (p < 0.001). The likelihood of complete functional recovery of segments without hyperenhancement was 3.8, 11.1, and 50 times higher than that of segments with 26% to 50%, 51% to 75%, and >75% hyperenhancement, respectively (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with recent reperfused MI, functional improvement of stunned myocardium is predicted by DCE-MRI.
Beek
Aernout M
AM
Department of Cardiology, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. am.beek@vumc.nl
Kühl
Harald P
HP
Bondarenko
Olga
O
Twisk
Jos W R
JW
Hofman
Mark B M
MB
van Dockum
Willem G
WG
Visser
Cees A
CA
van Rossum
Albert C
AC
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003287:Contrast Media; D003971:Diastole; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D016015:Logistic Models; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017682:Myocardial Stunning / Q000209:etiology; D015588:Observer Variation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013318:Stroke Volume; D013599:Systole
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA