Contrast agents in acute myocardial infarction

The experimental design in examination of acute myocardial infarctions shou ld be valid in terms of flow, perfusion and re-flow after intervention. The contrast agents concentration in experimental studies can be measured by m icrodialysis. We have assessed the usefulness of different extracellular and blood pool c ontrast agents for visualization of the area at risk in coronary artery occ lusions, The double contrast technique, where Dy-DTPA-BMA was combined with Gd-DTPA-BMA yielded a superior infarct visualization. Blood pool agents fo r example NC100/150 injection is also promising in first path myocardial pe rfusion imaging. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.