first-pass perfusion
Real-time MRI technique that tracks contrast agent passage through myocardial tissue to assess blood flow.
Full Definition
First-pass perfusion is a cardiac MRI technique that monitors the initial passage of gadolinium contrast through the myocardium to assess regional blood flow. The technique involves rapid imaging during the first circulation of contrast agent, typically acquired every heartbeat for 40-60 seconds after contrast injection. Analysis of signal intensity changes over time allows quantitative assessment of myocardial perfusion, with areas of reduced flow appearing as darker regions on perfusion maps. This method is particularly valuable for detecting ischemia during pharmacologic stress and provides superior spatial resolution compared to nuclear perfusion imaging.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as compound modifier; specify stress vs. rest when relevant.
In Context
- "First-pass perfusion imaging revealed a subendocardial perfusion deficit in the anterior wall during adenosine stress." — Cardiac MRI report
- "The first-pass perfusion sequence demonstrated homogeneous myocardial enhancement at rest." — Stress cardiac MRI report