delayed enhancement
MRI technique using gadolinium contrast to identify areas of myocardial scar or fibrosis by imaging 10-20 minutes post-injection.
Full Definition
Delayed enhancement is a cardiac MRI technique that uses gadolinium-based contrast agents to visualize areas of myocardial scar tissue or fibrosis. The imaging is performed 10-20 minutes after contrast injection, allowing the contrast to wash out of normal myocardium while being retained in areas of damaged tissue. This technique is crucial for assessing myocardial viability and identifying infarct patterns. The hyperenhanced areas appear bright on T1-weighted images and correlate with regions of irreversible myocardial damage.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with late gadolinium enhancement, which is the same technique but uses specific terminology.
In Context
- "The delayed enhancement sequence revealed transmural scarring in the anterior wall." — Cardiac MRI report
- "Absence of delayed enhancement suggests preserved myocardial viability." — Clinical assessment