Small animal cardiovascular MR imaging and spectroscopy
Publication date: Available online 30 March 2015
Source:Progress in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Author(s): Adrianus J. Bakermans , Desiree Abdurrachim , Rik P.M. Moonen , Abdallah G. Motaal , Jeanine J. Prompers , Gustav J. Strijkers , Katrien Vandoorne , Klaas Nicolay
The use of MR imaging and spectroscopy for studying cardiovascular disease processes in small animals has increased tremendously over the past decade. This is the result of the remarkable advances in MR technologies and the increased availability of genetically modified mice. MR techniques provide a window on the entire timeline of cardiovascular disease development, ranging from subtle early changes in myocardial metabolism that often mark disease onset to severe myocardial dysfunction associated with end-stage heart failure. MR imaging and spectroscopy techniques play an important role in basic cardiovascular research and in cardiovascular disease diagnosis and therapy follow-up. This is due to the broad range of functional, structural and metabolic parameters that can be quantified by MR under in vivo conditions non-invasively. This review describes the spectrum of MR techniques that are employed in small animal cardiovascular disease research and how the technological challenges resulting from the small dimensions of heart and blood vessels as well as high heart and respiratory rates, particularly in mice, are tackled.
Graphical abstract
Highlights
Multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy are powerful tools for measuring the anatomy, structure, function and metabolism of the cardiovascular system in small animals. The use of targeted contrast agents in addition provides handles for the detection of molecular markers. This review describes the state-of-the-art of small animal MRI and MRS for studying cardiovascular disease processes and highlights recent advances, covering the entire timeline from early changes at the molecular level to gross impairments in function and anatomy.
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