Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the infarcted muscle: a rat model.

Abstract

Sprague-Dawley rats (11) with experimentally produced infarction of the lower extremities were imaged by NMR immediately after infarction, and 6 and 24 h later. Contrast between the infarcted and control muscles was noted immediately and continued to increase through 24 h. These changes corresponded to a significant increase in the water content of the infarcted extremity at 24 h. These results suggest promise for NMR imaging in the identification of myocardial infarction and should encourage further investigation in this area.