Protocols and Indications for Magnetic Resonance (Stress) First-Pass Perfusion Imaging of the Myocardium

Protocols and Indications for Magnetic

Resonance (Stress) First-Pass Perfusion

Imaging of the Myocardium

D. D. Lubbers, D. Kuijpers, M.Oudkerk

Department of Radiology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

Correspondence to:

D. D. Lubbers, M.D

Department of Radiology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

Tel: +31 503611451; Fax: +31 503617008; E-mail: d.d.lubbers@rad.umcg.nl

Key words: MRI, heart, ischemie, perfusion, protocols.

Summary

First-pass perfusion imaging with MRI under pharmaco-

logically induced stress for the detection of myocardial

ischemia has gained a lot of interest over the past years.

With adenosine as the main pharmacological ‘stressor’.

Issues regarding the best contrast dose and injection speed

have become clear. Several perfusion sequences have been

studied over the past. Even some large multi-centre

trail results have been published. Some issues are still

extensively research, like interpretation strategies and

patient population in regard to protocols. This review

highlights the technique of adenosine perfusion MRI and

other perfusion techniques. The short history and current

important literature are reviewed. Furthermore building

blocks for different stress perfusion examinations are

discussed.

Imaging Decisions MRI, Volume 13, Issue 2 (p 52-58)

Nov 4 2009