Value of contrast-enhanced, balanced cine-MR sequences in the assessment of apparent infarct size after acute myocardial infarction: a prospective comparison with delayed-enhancement sequences.

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced (CE) delayed cine steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequences in the assessment of apparent infarct size after acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Materials And Methods: Contrast-enhanced (CE) balanced cine-SSFP sequences were compared with delayed-enhancement (DE) T1 sequences for their ability to detect segmental abnormal enhancement in 29 consecutive patients with recent successfully reperfused acute MI.

Results: The extent of myocardial involvement revealed by postcontrast cine-SSFP sequences and DE images was closely correlated (Spearman r = 0.86, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two sequences in assessing subendocardial or transmural involvement.

Conclusion: In addition to DE sequences, CE cine-SSFP sequences should play a role in assessing necrotic and jeopardized myocardium after acute MI.