Measuring Myocardial Fibrosis with Gadolinium MRI: Infusion vs. Bolus
Author Information
Author(s): Schelbert Erik B, Testa Stephen M, Meier Christopher G, Ceyrolles William J, Levenson Joshua E, Blair Alexander J, Kellman Peter, Jones Bobby L, Ludwig Daniel R, Schwartzman David, Shroff Sanjeev G, Wong Timothy C
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Hypothesis
A bolus technique accurately measures myocardial extravascular extracellular volume fraction (Ve), facilitating its integration into cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) workflows.
Conclusion
Myocardial Ve can be measured reliably and accurately 12-50 minutes after a simple bolus, and these measures are reproducible across CMR scans.
Supporting Evidence
- Ve measures by bolus and infusion did not differ significantly.
- Both techniques identified higher Ve values in older subjects with comorbidity.
- Ve measures were reproducible across different scans.
Takeaway
Doctors can measure heart tissue health using a quick injection instead of a long drip, making it easier for patients.
Methodology
We compared Ve measures from two scans in 10 volunteers: one with a constant infusion and another with a bolus injection of gadoteridol.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the absence of late gadolinium enhancement abnormalities in subjects.
Limitations
The study did not include histologic validation of Ve measures and lacked a wide spectrum of myocardial remodeling.
Participant Demographics
Median age of participants was 33 years (range 20-81), with 3 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.38
Confidence Interval
95% CI not specified
Statistical Significance
p = 0.38
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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