Simultaneous LV pressure-volume measurement in mice with MRI and ventricular catheterization

Background Stroke work normalized to end diastolic volume derived from pressure volume relationship is regarded as a gold standard for the measurement of the contractile status. Though conductance catheters are widely used to obtain pressure-volume relationships in the heart, they greatly underestimate end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes in mice. MRI on the other hand provides accurate measurement of left ventricular (LV) cavity volume but does not provide absolute measurement of ventricular pressure. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of acquiring LV volume data while invasively measuring LV pressure in mice using an MR compatible fluid filled pressure transducer. Stroke work was calculated from the integrated area within the pressurevolume loop.