Researchers advocate MR perfusion as first-line tool
The role of MR perfusion imaging in clinical decision making is being refined, based on new techniques that allow measuring blood flow to the heart with better spatial resolution and without any ionizing radiation, according to a presentation at the 12th annual scientific sessions of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) last week in Orlando, Fla.
The presenters said the data suggests that new "techniques with faster imaging will further improve spatial resolution and enhance diagnostic accuracy."
MR perfusion imaging may also be used in patients after bypass surgery, due to its capability to discriminate areas with scar from complex flow patterns, according to the authors. Similarly, the high spatial resolution enables the detection of remaining areas with reduced blood flow after therapy. The new areas for using MR perfusion imaging "expand the indications of this relatively young technique and lead to a reconsideration of the application of MRI mainly as a second-line technique."
"Given the amount of information we get from a single examination, ranging from the size and function of the heart, through scar tissue after myocardial infarction, to an excellent visualization of myocardial blood flow; we should use MRI as the premier imaging technique in a large group of patients," said Christoph Klein, MD, from the German Heart Institute Berlin.
Further research is being conducted toward quantitative assessment of myocardial blood flow to allow discrimination between normal and abnormal blood flow, as well as measuring the effect of therapy and guiding patient management.
The presenters said the data suggests that new "techniques with faster imaging will further improve spatial resolution and enhance diagnostic accuracy."
MR perfusion imaging may also be used in patients after bypass surgery, due to its capability to discriminate areas with scar from complex flow patterns, according to the authors. Similarly, the high spatial resolution enables the detection of remaining areas with reduced blood flow after therapy. The new areas for using MR perfusion imaging "expand the indications of this relatively young technique and lead to a reconsideration of the application of MRI mainly as a second-line technique."
"Given the amount of information we get from a single examination, ranging from the size and function of the heart, through scar tissue after myocardial infarction, to an excellent visualization of myocardial blood flow; we should use MRI as the premier imaging technique in a large group of patients," said Christoph Klein, MD, from the German Heart Institute Berlin.
Further research is being conducted toward quantitative assessment of myocardial blood flow to allow discrimination between normal and abnormal blood flow, as well as measuring the effect of therapy and guiding patient management.