first-pass perfusion
Cardiac MRI technique that tracks contrast agent passage through myocardium to assess tissue perfusion.
Full Definition
First-pass perfusion imaging is a cardiac MRI technique that monitors the initial transit of gadolinium-based contrast agent through the myocardium to evaluate regional blood flow. The technique captures rapid T1-weighted images during the first passage of contrast from the right ventricle through the coronary circulation to the myocardium. Areas of reduced perfusion appear as regions of delayed or diminished contrast enhancement compared to normally perfused tissue, making this technique valuable for detecting ischemia and assessing the hemodynamic significance of coronary stenoses.
Usage
Usage note: Typically performed in conjunction with stress testing (pharmacologic or dobutamine) for ischemia detection.
In Context
- "First-pass perfusion imaging demonstrated a large anterior perfusion defect during adenosine stress." — cardiac MRI report
- "The patient underwent first-pass perfusion study to evaluate the functional significance of the LAD stenosis." — clinical indication