Rationale and Objectives. We evaluated the feasibility of using contra
st-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for in vivo monitoring of
tracheal transplants in rabbits. Methods. Plain and gadolinium-enhance
d, high-resolution MR images were obtained fr om six rabbits 4 weeks t
o 6 months after an orthotopic tracheal transplantation (after heterot
opic revascularization). The animals were sacrificed after the MR exam
ination, and comparisons were made among tile MR images, macroscopic o
bservations, and histologic sections. Results. All transplants were cl
early identifiable on the MR images; they produced slight-to-moderate
narrowing of the airway diameter. Enhancement of the transplant tissue
s was clearly present. There was close correspondence between the MR m
orphology and tile macroscopic and histologic sections. Conclusion. MR
imaging can be used to monitor in vivo tracheal transplantation after
heterotopic revascularization.