Detection of myocardial oedema with the use of diffusion-weighted imaging in acute myocardial infarction

Methods In preliminary study myocardial oedema in 15 patients (13 male) with STEMI within 2-4 days were evaluated . The CMR examination was performed on a 1,5 T scanner (Magnetom Avanto; Siemens; Germany; Erlangen;) using a 8-channel phased-array coil. The parameters of the diffusion-weighted EPI sequence (DWI) were as follows: slice thickness 10mm, repetition time (depending on patient breath cycle) 3-4s, echo time 78ms, bandwidth 1,736 Hz/Px. The DW sequence was ECG-gated and synchronized to the respiratory cycle using PACE technique. Each slice was acquired with b = 50 s/mm2, 400s/mm2 and 800 s/mm2 with three perpendicular directions of the diffusion gradient. DW, STIR T2-weighted and LGE images were obtained in 2-chamber, 4-chamber or short-axis planes. Images were analysed quantitatively, contrast to noise ratio (CNR) of high signal (oedema) to healthy myocardium (CNR1)