Relationship Between Fractional Myocardial Blood Volume and T1 Reactivity using Ferumoxytol-Enhanced Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

Motivation: Fractional myocardial blood volume (fMBV) and T1 reactivity derived from magnetic resonance imaging have emerged as promising biomarkers for assessing tissue perfusion. Ferumoxytol, an off-label intravascular MRI contrast agent, enhances the dynamic range of T1 reactivity and enables fMBV computation using a two-compartment water exchange model. Goal(s): This study seeks to evaluate the relationship between fMBV and T1 reactivity. Approach: Ten participants underwent T1 mapping with ferumoxytol-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (FE-CMR) at both rest and regadenoson-induced stress. Results: Our results reveal an inverse relationship between fMBV and T1 reactivity in healthy volunteers undergoing stress FE-CMR. Impact: Our findings demonstrate the distribution of ferumoxytol-enhanced fractional myocardial blood volume and its relationship with T1 reactivity. If validated, these biomarkers could offer valuable insights into local tissue perfusion without requiring invasive procedures or gadolinium-based contrast agents.