Comprehensive and Serial Evaluation of Myocardial Structure, Function and Perfusion in Reperfused Infarct

Maythem Saeed¹, Alastair J. Martin¹, Loi Do¹, David Saloner¹, Mark Wilson¹

MR imaging was used to 1) assess the changes in LV volumes, ejection fraction, LV mass, regional wall thickness, and 3D wall strain as well as myocardial structure, edema, microvascular obstruction and intramyocardial haemorrhage in reperfused infarct in a single imaging session, to ensure image co-registration and 2) compare LV changes over 10 weeks. MR imaging provides comprehensive and serial characterization of evolved infarct. Myocardial edema, microvascular obstruction and hemorrhage are transient features of reperfusion injury. Based on the MR pulse sequences used it appears five weeks is enough time to arrest fibrosis, but not LV dilation, in reperfused infarct.