Quantitative assessment of magnetic resonance derived perfusion measurements using advanced techniques: comparison with microspheres in an explanted pig heart system

Background Quantitative cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) myocardial perfusion imaging has the potential to evolve into a routine clinical method allowing for the assessment of myocardial blood flow (MBF). Multiple quantification pathways are available based on different algorithms. These algorithms involve complex modeling and quantitative results may not necessarily be the same. At present it remains unclear which algorithm is the most accurate. An isolated perfused, magnetic resonance (MR) compatible pig heart model allows very accurate titration of MBF and in combination with high-resolution assessment of fluorescently-labeled microspheres represents a near optimal platform for validation. We sought to investigate which algorithm is most suited to quantify myocardial perfusion by CMR imaging at 1.5 and 3 Tesla using state of the art CMR perfusion techniques and quantification algorithms.