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.
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.