Magnetic resonance imaging of myocardial infarction using a manganese-based contrast agent (EVP 1001-1): preliminary results in a dog model.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the MRI characteristics of an intracellular manganese-based contrast agent, EVP 1001-1 (Eagle Vision Pharmaceutical Corp.), in a canine model of myocardial infarction.

METHODS

Three dogs were imaged 14-37 days following permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Measurements of the longitudinal relaxation rate R(1) were made prior to EVP 1001-1 administration (20 micromol/kg i.v.) and for one hour thereafter. Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to document infarction.

RESULTS

In normal myocardium, EVP 1001-1 produced a substantial increase in the longitudinal relaxation rate, which remained fairly constant over the postcontrast imaging period (DeltaR1= 1.47 +/- 0.58 sec(-1) (mean +/- SD) at 35 minutes, P < 0.05). In the infarct, the response to EVP 1001-1 was small or negligible (DeltaR1= 0.27 +/- 0.28 sec(-1)). This resulted in a significant postcontrast difference in relaxation rate between normal and infarcted tissue (R1(normal) - R1(infarct) = 1.08 +/- 0.26 sec(-1), P < 0.05). The infarct remained clearly delineated in all animals throughout the steady-state imaging period, and qualitatively matched TTC results.

CONCLUSIONS

The persistent enhancement pattern revealed by MRI following EVP 1001-1 administration may be beneficial for identifying and characterizing myocardial infarction.