T2 Heart Mapping in AMI Population for the Prediction of Short Term Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events

In our initial feasibility project, a novel Cardiac MRI sequence (Double Inversion radial
fast Spin Echo T2 mapping)developed by Dr. Maria Altbach at the University of Arizona, has
been tested clinically. It demonstrated a high sensitivity to the heart muscle swelling
("edema") in different types of heart injury, including heart attacks. The investigators
have successfully tested the reproducibility of the new method in a series of healthy
volunteers. Our Phase I study revealed a robust clinical performance of the T2-Map sequence
in multiple cardiac disorders.

Based on these promising results, presented on several international Cardiac Imaging
meetings, the investigators propose to use T2-Map methodology in patients with acute heart
attacks and to compare value of this method with other clinical and imaging parameters in
predicting short-term (30 day) clinical outcomes of these patients.

If successful, the project will provide an effective risk-stratification tool to identify
patients with heart attack as a result of atherosclerotic disease, who require more
aggressive therapeutic approach and closer follow-up after initial hospitalization.

Inclusion Criteria:

- between 18 to 89 years old

- diagnosis of Acute MI

- clinically

Exclusion Criteria:

- contraindications for contrast enhanced CMR

- acute congestive heart failure

- ventricular or atrial arrhythmias

- ongoing chest pain/unstable angina

- ECG changes suggestive of acute/ongoing ischemia

- hypotension with systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg

- severe hypertension despite therapy, with systolic BP>180 mmHg,

- Patients without a telephone number and/or address for follow up

- Patients with severe claustrophobia.

- Vulnerable populations, such as minors, pregnant women, prisoners, or cognitively
impaired patients