Figure 11

T2-weighted short tau inversion recovery (STIR), T2 map and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images – all obtained in a similar mid-short axis plane – are shown from CMR examination performed in a 53 year-old male who suffered ST-elevation myocardial infarction. CMR performed 1 day following percutaneous coronary revascularization of a large obtuse marginal coronary artery yielded a calculated LVEF of 55%. STIR imaging suggested increased signal intensity in the inferolateral wall (arc), but does not demonstrate an abnormality within this region. Quantitative T2 mapping shows a region of increased T2 with a hypointense core indicating microvascular obstruction (MO). Mean T2 values in the edematous region (dotted line), MO (black arrow) and remote myocardium (solid circle) were 71, 59 and 48 msecs. 10 min after intravenous gadolinium-based contrast administration, LGE confirms a region of MO in this post-STEMI patient. (Image provided courtesy of Subha V. Raman, MD, MSEE; Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.).