Click on any image below to see an enlargement of that image.
Images 1 and 2: Images from cine studies showing left ventricular outflow tract view (Image 1, left) and four chamber view (Image 2, right). Additional scan planes routinely acquired include two chamber, three chamber and short axis views along with cross sectional images through the valves.
Image 1	Image 2
Images 3 and 4: Short axis cineangiograms are obtained sequentially through the left ventricle. By plotting endocardial and epicardial contours at end diastole (Image 3, left) and end systole, global left ventricular function can be assessed (Image 4, right).
Image 3	Image 4
Images 5 and 6: Short axis end systolic (Image 5, left) and end diastolic (Image 6, right) images using myocardial tagging to assess mechanical function. Tags are deformed in end systole when circumferential shortening is greatest.
Image 5	Image 6
Image 7: Flow quantification method used to assess pressure gradients across tricuspid valve.	Image 8: First pass myocardial perfusion obtained in short axis performed with a scan sequence that acquires three images per second.
Image 7	Image 8

Above images are all original MR scans performed at Parkside MR Center.

Discussion

Parkside MR Center unveils its new capabilities in functional cardiac imaging. The images shown here represent some examples of efforts begun over two years ago when Parkside made a major commitment to develop and refine cardiac MR imaging. Advances in this field have made MRI the likely comprehensive test of choice as a “one stop shop” in the evaluation of cardiac function. Parkside's current capabilities in cardiac MRI include the following:

• Assessment of global left ventricular function including ejection fraction, ventricular volume and myocardial muscle mass using segmented cine angiography
• Quantification of myocardial viability using contrast enhanced techniques
• Assessment of regional myocardial function including regional wall thickening and wall motion using myocardial tagging techniques
• Assessment of transvalvular blood flow and valvular function using phase contrast angiography
• Assessment of aortic and pulmonary blood flow
• Myocardial perfusion imaging using gadolinium enhanced first pass and delayed imaging techniques
• Assessment of coronary artery anatomy using navigator echo, single shot bright blood and three dimensional time of flight gadolinium enhanced techniques
• Morphologic assessment in congenital heart disease

Look for clinical examples of these exciting new techniques in future case studies from Parkside MR Center.

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