ISMRM: AI model could reduce contrast agents in cardiac MRI

This study presents an effective, non-invasive, and contrast-free method for predicting LGE in acute [myocardial infarction], potentially reducing the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents and shortening cardiac MR examinations,” Qian noted. In cardiac MRI, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is a standard tool widely used for diagnosing various myocardial diseases, primarily by detecting injured areas such as scars in the heart muscle. LGE can detect acute myocardial infarction, for instance, yet the technique can’t be used in patients with contraindications to gadolinium contrast agent, Qian noted. Hence, the researchers explored the feasibility of generating LGE images using only contrast-free cine images (images captured at a rapid rate over time) and in doing so developed a novel technique they’ve called “Cine Generated Enhancement” (CGE). In the presentation, Qian discussed developing and validating the approach in a group of acute myocardial infarction patients, with the study comparing scar size and extent of the injury (transmurality) in patients on CGE images and standard LGE images.Visualization CGE of varying generated contrasts (gray, intermediate and bright blood) compared with LGE for two AMI patients. (A) A patient with large transmural LGE; (B) A patient with tiny LGE on basal slices.Image courtesy of Pengfang Qian, PhD In brief, a crucial step involved first aligning the contrast-free cine and LGE images using automatic slice-by-slice pairing a...
Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: ISMRM 2024 Source Type: news