Combined first-pass perfusion and viability study at MR imaging in patients with non-ST segment-elevation acute coronary syndromes: feasibility study.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of combined perfusion and viability testing by using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in one setting in patients with non–ST segment-elevation acute coronary syndromes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 13 patients (mean age, 68 years; range, 40–85 years) at high risk for myocardial infarction who underwent MR imaging at 1.5 T were reviewed. Risk factors were increased troponin T levels in seven, reversible ST depression on an electrocardiogram in four, history of myocardial infarction in two, and presence of heart failure in four. Cine imaging of the left ventricle was performed with a true–fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP) sequence to assess the regional myocardial contraction and ejection fraction. After injection of 0.1 mmol per kilogram of body weight of gadopentetate dimeglumine, first-pass MR images were obtained by using an inversion-recovery true-FISP sequence at rest and during infusion of adenosine (140 μg/kg/min). Resting and stress images were...