Quantitative myocardial first-pass cardiovascular magnetic resonance perfusion imaging using hyperpolarized [1- 13 C] pyruvate

Background The feasibility of absolute myocardial blood flow quantification and suitability of hyperpolarized [1-13C] pyruvate as contrast agent for first-pass cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) perfusion measurements are investigated with simulations and demonstrated in vivo in a swine model.