Importance of Reference Muscle Selection in Quantitative Signal Intensity Analysis of T2-Weighted Images of Myocardial Edema Using a T2 Ratio Method

Figure 3

(a) Mean edema mass (±SE), obtained with the T2 SI ratio in different muscles in patients with acute MI. Increased T2-w SI area referenced to the serratus anterior muscle was closely correlated with myocardial edema measured visually. (b) Comparison between the mean T2-w hyperintense area (±SE), obtained with the T2 SI ratio, and other muscles in patients with chronic MI. False positive areas with increased T2-w SI area were very small, whereas with the use of other muscles they led to an apparent edematous area of more than 20 g. SA: serratus anterior; SS: subscapularis; ITM: infraspinatus-teres minor; P: major and minor pectoralis.

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