This slide presents a pig infarction model, illustrating both infarcted and non-infarcted tissue within the heart wall. The MRI image shows the infarcted area comprised of dead collagen, while the adjacent tissue remains viable. Using creatine chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging, we can quantify the absolute levels of creatine in vivo. Creatine plays a critical role in ATP metabolism, and we observe significantly lower levels in the infarcted tissue compared to the remote, non-infarcted tissue.

In the pre-infarction state, the creatine distribution appears normal, with values around 12 to 14%. Post-infarction, the tissue exhibits thinning, and the parametric map highlights the stark contrast in creatine levels. Specifically, the infarcted tissue shows a creatine concentration of approximately 4% or 4.33 millimolar, while the remote tissue maintains levels around 11% or 13.5 millimolar, which are considered normal.

The CEST technique allows for rapid measurement, leveraging higher magnetic field strengths to achieve two orders of magnitude greater sensitivity. Additionally, it offers four times faster imaging compared to traditional magnetic resonance spectroscopy, along with enhanced spatial resolution.