High-resolution T2 relaxometry detects intramyocardial hemorrhage post myocardial infarction in swine

Background Intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) secondary to myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with adverse prognosis [1]. The byproducts of blood breakdown lead to decreases in T2 and T2*, and have been shown to be related to microvascular obstruction (MVO) as detected by early contrast enhanced (EGE) imaging [2]. However, EGE is heavily influenced by contrast agent kinetics and measures the lack of contrast agent penetrance rather than IMH directly. Here, we present high-resolution T2 mapping for accurate assessment of IMH without the need for contrast agents. Hypothesis: Quantitative high resolution T2 mapping can detect IMH, without the need for contrast agents.