first-pass perfusion
A cardiac MRI technique that tracks contrast agent passage through the myocardium to assess coronary microcirculation.
Full Definition
First-pass perfusion imaging is a dynamic cardiac MRI technique performed during the initial passage of gadolinium contrast through the coronary circulation and myocardium. The technique captures rapid T1-weighted images during contrast injection to evaluate myocardial blood flow and detect perfusion abnormalities that may indicate coronary artery disease or microvascular dysfunction. Images are typically acquired every heartbeat during contrast transit, allowing assessment of contrast uptake kinetics in different myocardial segments. The technique is often performed at rest and during pharmacological stress (adenosine, regadenoson) to detect flow-limiting coronary stenoses. Quantitative analysis can provide absolute myocardial blood flow measurements, while visual assessment identifies regional perfusion defects.
Usage
Usage note: Specify stress agent used and distinguish from late enhancement imaging in the same study.
In Context
- "First-pass perfusion imaging revealed a subendocardial perfusion defect in the inferior wall during stress." — Cardiac MRI report
- "No perfusion abnormalities were detected on first-pass imaging at rest or during adenosine stress." — Stress perfusion MRI report