Tissue edema does not change gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA)-enhanced T1 relaxation times of viable myocardium

Purpose To determine whether tissue edema changes gadolinium‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd‐DTPA)‐enhanced T1 relaxation times of the viable myocardium. Materials and Methods A total of 16 isolated pig hearts were divided into four groups (N = 4/group) and perfused in a Langendorff apparatus. Gd‐DTPA was injected into the aortic perfusion line. Tissue edema was then induced by two hours of simultaneous arterial/venous perfusion (SAVP). Myocardial water content and T1 relaxation times were monitored throughout SAVP. The volumes of the extracellular and intracellular compartments were assessed using 31P MRS‐detectable markers, phenylphosphonic acid (PPA) and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP). Results Tissue water content in both viable and infarcted myocardium increased significantly during two‐hour SAVP. However, Gd‐DTPA‐enhanced T1 relaxation times of the viable myocardium remained relatively unchanged. Infarcted myocardium, on the other hand, exhibited significant T1 shortening during SAVP. Furthermore, SAVP resulted in significant expansions of both extracellular and intracellular compartments, but the ratio of the volumes of the two compartments remained relatively constant. Conclusion Tissue edema in the viable myocardium does not increase the relative distribution volume of the contrast agent. As a result, edema does not change Gd‐DTPA‐enhanced T1 relaxation times of the viable myocardium. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:744–751. Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.