Cardiovascular MR Differentiates Ischemic, Non-Ischemic Injuries

December 29, 2009 - In patients with known or suspected myocardial infarction, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides a comprehensive, multifaceted view of the heart, according to a study published in the Dec. 29, 2009 to Jan. 5, 2010 issue of Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Kim and colleagues review the data, which indicate that delayed enhancement (DE)-CMR is a well-validated, robust technique. Because DE-CMR can differentiate between ischemic and various nonischemic forms of myocardial injury, it is especially useful when there is diagnostic uncertainty. Furthermore, CMR provides clinically relevant information, such as residual viability, microvascular damage, stunning, and right ventricular infarction. Because quantification of infarct size by DE-CMR is highly reproducible, it may provide a useful surrogate end point for clinical trials.

Source: Kim, H.; Farzaneh-Far, A.; Kim, R. "Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Patients With Myocardial Infarction: Current and Emerging Applications." Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Dec. 29, 2009/Jan. 5, 2010. Vol. 55, No. 1

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