Assessment of myocardial viability by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Short-axis CMR images obtained after contrast administration are compared with corresponding short-axis 201-thallium (Tl) tomograms at rest and after redistribution (REDIST). Persistent enhancement (arrow) develops in the inferolateral wall, corresponding to severe irreversible 201TI defect in same region (arrowhead in REDIST image). The inferior wall also demonstrates substantial perfusion defect at rest but shows mild redistribution, indicating myocardial viability; CMR images in this area show lesser degree of enhancement than in area of irreversible injury.