Magnetic resonance imaging in acute myocardial infarction.

Advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have led to more widespread utilization of this diagnostic imaging modality in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. With MRI, the complexity and heterogeneity of myocardial infarcts can be demonstrated. By using this technique, much insight has been gained into the pathophysiologic mechanisms of acute coronary thrombosis and reperfusion. MRI has significant diagnostic potential, particularly if one can combine studies of myocardial function, perfusion, and sodium metabolism with the noninvasive assessment of coronary anatomy and epicardial coronary artery blood flow.