Cardiac MR evaluation of a myocarditis mouse model

Tools were developed to evaluate mice models of myocarditis with cardiac MRI. Cine imaging with self-gating, T2 mapping using ECG-gated multi-spin echo acquisition, and pre- and post-contrast injection T1 mapping were employed. In twelve mice, including 4 mice models of myocarditis, normal T2 values were 19ms±2ms at 11.7T, and regions of higher T2 (25±2ms) were observed in some myocarditis mice. T1 mapping showed reduced T1 after injection of gadolinium, and regions of lower T1 in myocarditis vs. normal regions. These tools will be useful in improved characterization of myocarditis in mice.