MRI detection of myocardial perfusion changes by gadolinium-DTPA infusion during dipyridamole hyperemia

To detect abnormal regional myocardial coronary flow reserve, serial spin‐echo MR tomograms of four control dogs and six with a partial balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery were acquired before and after dipyridamole infusion and during the paramagnetic effect of a bolus plus infusion of gadolinium‐DTPA. Microsphere myocardial blood flow was measured for correlation with serial regional changes in MR signal intensity. Significant difference in gadolinium‐enhanced MR signal intensity existed between the hypoperfused LAD and the hyperemic left circumflex perfusion beds (46 ± 22% vs 78 ± 29% above baseline, respectively; P < 0.05). The percentage changes in gadolinium‐enhanced MR signal and microsphere myocardial blood flow were significantly correlated (r2 = 0.93). © 1989 Academic Press, Inc.