MEASUREMENT OF THE EXTRACTION EFFICIENCY AND DISTRIBUTION VOLUME FOR GD-DTPA IN NORMAL AND DISEASED CANINE MYOCARDIUM

We have previously shown that the myocardial Gd-DTPA concentration ([ Gd-DTPA]t(t)) after a bolus injection of Gd-DTPA can be predicted by t he Modified Kety Equation (MKE). If [Gd-DTPA]t(t) can be determined by MRI and the data fit to the MKE, then the distribution volume (lambda ) of Gd-DTPA and the myocardial flow (F) times the extraction efficien cy (E), i.e., the FE product, can be determined. Therefore F can only be quantified if E is known. We measured the global E in vivo in norma l canine myocardium, and measured E and lambda, in vitro, locally in n ormal, acute ischemic (n = 5; coronary artery occlusion < 4 h), infarc ted (n = 4; coronary artery occlusion, 6 days) and reperfused (n = 4; coronary artery occlusion 2 h, and reperfusion 2 h and 6 days) myocard ium. Results indicate that E differs with F and with individuals and c onsequently, F cannot be quantified using the MKE unless the local E i s also determined in vivo.