Assessing the available techniques for testing myocardial viability: what does the future hold?

Cardiac MRI T1 mapping in unrepaired anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery

A 29-year-old gravida1 para1 woman presented with increasing fatigue. Multi-modality imaging demonstrated the left coronary artery arising from the main pulmonary artery with large collateral vessels in the interventricular septum, in keeping with unrepaired anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. Cardiac MRI T1 mapping demonstrated globally elevated non-contrast T1 and extracellular volume fraction values, which suggested the presence of diffuse interstitial myocardial fibrosis. Cardiac MRI T1 mapping allows for a new dimension of myocardial characterisation, providing insight into subtle, diffuse abnormalities at the tissue level.

Late intervention in an asymptomatic pediatric patient with anomalous left coronary artery

Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is most commonly diagnosed within the first year of life with congestive heart failure symptomatology reflecting left ventricle (LV) dysfunction. The late diagnosis of ALCAPA is presented in a 5-year-old without significant LV dysfunction, mild LV dilatation and only mild mitral regurgitation that did not change significantly after surgery. The timing of surgical intervention in the late diagnosis of ALCAPA remains unclear despite risks of significant ongoing myocardial injury secondary to coronary artery hypoperfusion and progressive mitral valve dysfunction. Intervention in this case allows for revascularization which may reverse ventricular and valvular dysfunction.

Cardiac MRI as a diagnostic tool in pulmonary hypertension

ABSTRACT: Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by alterations in the viscoelastic properties of the pulmonary arteries, leading to increased pulmonary arterial stiffness and elevated pressures. Early detection and accurate quantification of pulmonary hypertension are limitations to conventional noninvasive imaging and may have therapeutic implications. Cardiac MRI provides important information that can aid the clinician, particularly relating to morphologic right ventricular alterations and quantification of stiffness, as well as providing a novel prognostic framework.

Clinical and research applications of simultaneous positron emission tomography and MRI

Evaluation of the molecular processes responsible for disease pathogenesis and progression represents the new frontier of clinical radiology. Multimodality imaging lies at the cutting edge, combining the power of MRI for tissue characterization, microstructural appraisal and functional assessment together with new positron emission tomography (PET) tracers designed to target specific metabolic processes. The recent commercial availability of an integrated clinical whole-body PET-MRI provides a hybrid platform for exploring and exploiting the synergies of multimodal imaging. First experiences on the clinical and research application of hybrid PET-MRI are emerging. This article reviews the rapidly evolving field and speculates on the potential future direction.