Coronary angiogenesis: detection in vivo with MR imaging sensitive to collateral neocirculation--preliminary study in pigs.

PURPOSE: To assess the ability to track neovascularization over time with a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique sensitized to new intramyocardial collateral development as a means of evaluating therapeutic angiogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Magnetization preparation plus spatial frequency reordering was applied to distinguish new intramyocardial collateral vessels from normal circulation on the basis of geometric differences. A vascular occluder was inserted in 34 pigs, and they were assigned randomly to treatment groups with either placebo or angiogenic growth factor. Collateral extent determined with collateral-sensitive MR imaging was correlated with direct measurements by means of three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT), coronary blood flow distribution determined with microspheres, and findings at histologic examination. Changes in the signal at collateral-sensitive MR imaging before and after treatment were assessed by two observers blinded to treatment.

RESULTS: The collateral extent determined with collateral-sensitive MR imaging correlated well with findings at 3D CT (r = 0.95) and with microspheres (r = 0.86). Furthermore, the collateral extent determined with collateral-sensitive MR imaging increased significantly (P < .001) in response to the administration of an angiogenic growth factor but not to placebo. The correspondence of findings at collateral-sensitive MR imaging to collateral neovascularization was confirmed at histologic examination.

CONCLUSION: The presence of intramyocardial collateral microvessels was accurately determined with collateral-sensitive MR imaging. The technique may be useful in clinical studies of therapeutic angiogenesis.