MRI relaxation parameters predict functional outcome after experimental myocardial infarction

Background Characterization of infarcted myocardial tissue by current cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) methods is predominantly carried out after i.v. application of Gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents (CA). However, recent advances in CMR enable the acquisition of parametric maps making use of endogenous tissue properties for diagnostic purposes, which may supersede the need for injection of CA. In the present study, we systematically compared myocardial tissue characterization by Gd-based techniques with intrinsic T1/T2 mapping and their correlation with local cardiac function after experimental myocardial infarction (MI).