Reference ranges for functional and volumetric CMR in pigs as pre-clinical model

Motivation: Domestic pigs are frequently used as experimental animals for cardiovascular research but are subject to somatic growth. Goal(s): To investigate the relationship of cardiac functional and volumetric parameters with animal somatic growth. Approach: In this retrospective CMR study in 58 female Swiss large white pigs, we correlate functional volumetric and dimensional CMR parameters to animal weight. Results: : Left ventricular mass, left and right ventricular volumes and stroke volumes correlate with animal weight. Weight-independent parameters were left and right ejection fractions. Our findings match values found in humans. Impact: We provide a regression analysis of clinical functional, volumetric and dimensional CMR parameters for experimental planning and refinement of animal experiments in pigs and illustrate healthy parameter ranges.