The extent of myocardial damage assessed by contrast-enhanced MRI is a major determinant of N-BNP concentration after myocardial infarction

Aims: To evaluate the relationship between N‐terminal Pro‐Brain Natriuretic Peptide (N‐BNP) level and contrast‐enhanced MRI in patients after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Eighty‐two patients were studied. Venous blood samples were obtained 3 days after MI and MRI was performed from 2 to 7 days after MI, with determination of left ventricular function and acquisition of perfusion data after injection of gadolinium‐DTPA. First‐pass images (FPI) and Delayed contrast‐enhanced (CE) images were analyzed using a 17‐segment model, and the extent of transmurality was determined by a visual score. Results: Univariate analysis showed that age (P