Magnetic resonance imaging versus Doppler guide wire in the assessment of coronary flow reserve in patients with coronary artery disease.

Background: Coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), defined as the ratio of maximal hyperaemic to baseline flow velocity, has been validated as a marker of physiological significance of a coronary lesion. Clinically, this parameter is measured invasively during X-ray angiography using the Doppler guide wire. With magnetic resonance (MR) imaging it is possible to quantify CFVR non-invasively.

Assessment of coronary artery bypass graft disease using cardiovascular magnetic resonance determination of flow reserve.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-determined graft flow and flow reserve in differentiating significant from non-significant vein graft disease.

Background: In patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), non-invasive testing may be helpful in the detection of recurrent graft disease.

Methods: Randomly selected patients (n = 21) scheduled for X-ray angiography because of recurrent chest complaints after CABG were included for evaluation of vein grafts (n = 40) by CMR.

Three-dimensional magnetic resonance coronary angiography using a new blood pool contrast agent: initial experience.

Objective: The aim of this feasibility study was to assess the effect of a new blood pool contrast agent on magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRCA) in patients suspected of having coronary artery disease.

Methods: Nine patients referred for diagnostic x-ray coronary angiography in the evaluation of chest pain underwent MRCA using a thin-slab three-dimensional (3D) breath-hold segmented gradient echo technique at 1.5 T before and after intravenous administration of feruglose, a new blood pool contrast agent.