Cardiovascular Imaging Clinical Trials Unit – MRI/CT Scanning
Myocardial Viability Assessment by MRI
The capabilities of MRI for assessment of myocardial morphology, perfusion, global and regional function (systolic and diastolic), and scar formation are allowing this developing technique to assume an important role in the evaluation of myocardial viability (vs. necrosis) in patients with ischemic heart disease, especially those with chronic forms. State-of-the–art MRI techniques are being investigated for their value to distinguish viable from non-viable myocardium relative to more commonly used methods (i.e. PET, stress echocardiography).
Physician: Richard D. White, MD (216) 444-2740
Clinical Director, Center for Integrated Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Imaging
Coronary CTA: Myocardial-Viability MRI Co-Registration
Due to the increased demand for high-quality pre-revascularization (bypass surgery or angioplasty/stenting) planning, techniques are being developed to combine the data acquired by Coronary Computerized Tomographic Angiography (CTA) and the data regarding Myocardial Viability acquired by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The coronary arteries are the vessels that supply the heart muscle (myocardium) with oxygenated blood. When coronary artery disease occurs, the myocardium may not receive adequate blood supply. CTA obtains a noninvasive "roadmap" of the coronary arteries, while MRI identifies areas of the myocardium not getting enough blood supply and in need of revascularization. Based on the image co-registration of the CTA and MRI data, a spatial relationship can be directly established between the diseased coronary artery distribution and the myocardium at risk. With the advancement of these imaging modalities, patients may expect to realize improved pre-revascularization planning and reduced invasiveness of the diagnostic process.
Physician: Richard D. White, MD (216) 444-2740
Clinical Director, Center for Integrated Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Imaging
Non-Invasive Plaque Detection/Characterization with MRI and CT
Myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral vascular disease are often a result of the build-up of plaque in the arterial walls. It is, therefore, important to visualize the vessel wall and provide detailed information regarding the composition of the plaque before it causes an acute event and/or irreversible changes. Atherosclerotic plaque is detectable and able to be characterized by cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerized Tomography (CT). The detection and characterization of the plaque as stable or unstable will assist in identifying asymptomatic individuals at increased risk for future cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and/or peripheral vascular events and may make it possible to monitor the effects of medical treatments for atherosclerosis.
Physician: Richard D. White, MD (216) 444-2740
Clinical Director, Center for Integrated Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Imaging
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