Clinical efficacy analysis of different interventional approaches for patent ductus arteriosus in children (≤7 years) / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To explore the safety and effectiveness of different interventional approaches for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in children. Methods    The children (≤7 years) who underwent interventional treatment for PDA from 2019 to 2020 in our hospital were retrospectively included. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the procedures: a conventional arteriovenous approach group, a simple venous approach group, and a retrograde femoral artery approach group. The clinical efficacy of the patients was compared. Results     A total of 220 patients were included. There were 78 males and 142 females, with an average age of 3.21±1.73 years, weight of 14.99±5.35 kg, and height of 96.19±15.77 cm. The average diameter of the PDA was 3.35±1.34 mm. A total of 85 patients received a conventional arteriovenous approach, 104 patients received a simple venous approach, and 31 patients received a retrograde femoral artery approach. The diameter of PDA in the retrograde femoral artery group was smaller than that in the other two groups (3.44±1.43 mm vs. 1.99±0.55 mm; 3.69±1.17 mm vs. 1.99±0.55 mm, P<0.001); the contrast medium usage [40 (30, 50) mL vs. 20 (20, 30) mL; 35 (25, 50) mL vs. 20 (20, 30) mL, P≤0.001] and operation time [32 (26, 44) min vs. 25 (23, 30) min; 29 (25, 38) min vs. 25 (23, 30) min, P<0.05] in the simple venous approach group were significantly less or shorter than those in the other two groups; the length of hospital stay of the conventional arteriovenous group was longer than that in the other two groups [3 (3, 5) d vs. 4 (3, 6) d; 4 (3, 5) d vs. 4 (3, 6) d, P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications. Conclusion    It is safe and effective to close PDA through simple venous approach. The retrograde femoral artery approach has the advantage of simplifying the surgical procedure for PDA with small diameters.

Feasibility of three-dimensional CT axial sequence assisted volumetric measurement for atrial septal defect evaluation / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility of three-dimensional CT axial sequence assisted volumetric measurement (CTAS) in evaluating atrial septal defect (ASD).Methods:The patients with single secundum ASD who successfully underwent interventional therapy in Fuwai Hospital from January 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively collected. The patients underwent coronary CT angiography (CTA) before and on the second day after closures, and DSA examinations during operation. A total of 52 cases met the inclusion conditions, among them, there were 37 patients with large defects which had deficient inferior rims ≤3 mm, and 15 patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension that occluded with fenestrated ASD occluder. The CT data of patients before and after operation were reconstructed by CTAS. Then the anatomical structure of ASD before the operation was evaluated, including the long diameter and short diameter of ASD, and the CT three-dimensional volume diameter of ASD was calculated by using the equivalent circle conversion formula of ellipse. The waist diameter of occluder and rims of the ASD were measured after occlusion on postoperative CT three-dimensional volume reconstruction images. Meanwhile, the deployed occluder waist dimension was measured in DSA examination during the operation by simulating the balloon measurement of ASD. Lastly, paired t-test and consistency analysis were carried out among the values of parameters. Results:Before operation, the equivalent circle diameter of ASD was (32.3±5.4) mm measured by CTAS. After ASD occlusion, the size of the waist dimension measured by DSA and CTAS were (32.5±4.9) mm and (32.6±4.9) mm. There were no significant differences between them ( P>0.05). There were also no significant differences for each rims of the ASD pre and post operation on CTAS except for the inferior rims and the total length of atrial septum in superior-inferior direction ( P>0.05). Conclusion:As an alternative to balloon sizing, CTAS can be used as a reference standard to conduct ASD interventional treatment.

Quantitative evaluation for lung glucose metabolism using 18F-FDG PET imaging in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension related to congenital heart disease / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET imaging in evaluating the 18F-FDG influx rate of lungs and its relationship with parameters of pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension related to congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD). Methods:From January 2018 to June 2019, a total of 16 PAH-CHD patients (6 males, 10 females, age (29.2±10.6) years) and 22 health controls who received physical examinations (8 males, 14 females, age (45.4±3.8) years) in Fuwai Hospital were respectively enrolled. All cases underwent dynamic 18F-FDG PET imaging for whole lung 18F-FDG influx rate (presented as Ki). Right heart catheterization was performed to evaluate pulmonary hemodynamic parameters such as pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), mean pulmonary vascular pressure (mPAP) in PAH-CHD patients after imaging within one week. Independent-sample t test was used to compare Ki of 2 groups, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between Ki and PVR, mPAP in PAH-CHD patients. Results:Ki of the lungs was significantly higher in PAH-CHD patients than that in controls ((0.000 6±0.000 3) vs (0.000 4±0.000 3) ml·g -1·min -1; t=2.15, P=0.038). Ki was not correlated with PVR ((10.86±4.45) Wood units) or mPAP ((69.75±18.93) mmHg; 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) in PAH-CHD patients ( r values: 0.202 and 0.006, both P>0.05). Conclusions:Pulmonary vascular remodeling can lead the increasing lung 18F-FDG uptake in patients with PAH-CHD. 18F-FDG PET may have the ability in monitoring and evaluating pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH-CHD.

Quantitative evaluation of right ventricular myocardial blood flow using dynamic CZT SPECT imaging in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To establish SPECT quantitative method for assessment of right ventricular myocardial blood flow (MBF) and investigate the relationship between right ventricular MBF and pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.Methods:From January 2018 to June 2019, 14 patients (13 females, 1 male; age: (30.9±13.5) years) in Fuwai Hospital with pulmonary arterial hypertension related to congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD), whose right ventricular function were preserved, were retrospectively analyzed in this study. All subjects underwent dynamic SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging using cadmium-zine-telluride (CZT) SPECT. Full physical correction was applied for imaging reconstruction. One-tissue two compartmental model was used for kinetic analysis and the spill-over effect from right ventricular blood pool to right ventricular myocardium was considered into the correction, thus right ventricular MBF and left ventricular MBF was calculated. Right heart catheterization was performed within one week after SPECT imaging to evaluate the pulmonary hemodynamic parameters, and the right ventricular end-diastolic dimension (EDD) was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Correlations between the MBF and other parameters were analyzed with Pearson correlation analysis.Results:The right ventricular MBF was (0.70±0.19) ml·min -1·g -1, which was significantly correlated with mean pulmonary artery pressure ((68.64±18.18) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa); r=0.716, P<0.05) and pulmonary vascular resistance ((14.10±7.81) Wood units; r=0.768, P<0.05). The right ventricular MBF was also significantly correlated with right ventricular EDD ((32.00±7.75) mm; r=-0.624, P<0.05). Meanwhile, there was no significant relationship between left ventricular MBF and hemodynamic parameters ( r values: from -0.350 to 0.310, all P>0.05). Conclusions:A method using SPECT to quantitively measure right ventricular MBF in patients with PAH-CHD is preliminarily established. Right ventricular MBF is increased with the increased pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with PAH-CHD.

Short and Mid-term Efficacy of Device Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale for Treating the Patients With Patent Foramen Ovale Combining Cryptogenic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To explore the short and mid-term efficacy of device closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) for treating the patients with PFO combining cryptogenic stroke (CS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: A total of 56 PFO patients with CS and TIA receiving device closure in our hospital from 2009-05 to 2015-12 were retrospectively studied. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray were examined at 24h, 1 month, 3 and 6 months after theoperation; telephone visit was conducted every 6 months thereafter. Results: There were 54/56 PFO patients combining CS and 2 combining TIA; 53 (94.6%)patients received PFO occluder from Starway medical technology. Aspirin was used for 6 months after the operation. The patients were followed-up for the average of (34.67±23.24) months. No body suffered from post-operative stroke and TIA; no residual shunt was observed. Conclusion: The short and mid-term efficacy of device closure has been satisfactory for treating the patients with PFO combining CS and TIA; its overall clinical value should be further investigated in large population and long-term study.

MRI late gadolinium enhancement of left ventricular apical aneurysms in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy / 中华放射学杂志

Objectives To discuss the characteristics of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular apical aneurysm (LVAA) and its related prognostic value. Methods Thirty HCM patients with LVAA were collected from August 2004 to August 2013. All cases with coronary artery diseases were ruled out, and all patients underwent LGE derived by cardiac MR (CMR). Five cases of LVAA were pathological confirmed. Atrial and ventricular diameters, apical aneurysm diameters and left ventricular ejection fraction were measured, and apical aneurysm LGE was evaluated. All patients were then followed up. Comparisons in continuous parameters between patients with or without LGE were performed by independent t test. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard rate for adverse cardiovascular events. Results LGE was identified in 21 LVAAs and non-LGE in 9 LVAAs. Between two groups, there was no significant difference in the size of LVAA [(16.4 ± 11.5) mm vs. (20.3 ± 9.8) mm, P=0.63]. In particular, the complete transition from non-LGE to LGE LVAA was recorded during follow-up in one patient. Pathological findings confirmed that LGE indicated fibrous tissue in LVAA, and LVAA without LGE indicated viable myocardium. The follow-up suggested that the patterns and the size of LVAA were associated with the adverse events in these patients (LGE of LVAA, HR=7.94, P=0.064; the size of LVAA, HR=1.08, P=0.009). Conclusions LGE-MR had important clinical significance in HCM patients with LVAA. LGE in LVAA corresponded with the fibrous tissue and was associated with the prognosis.

Clinical Features in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Combining Left Ventricular Apical Aneurysm / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To analyze the clinical features in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) combining left ventricular apical aneurysm (LVAA) . Methods: A total of 1194 HCM patients treated in our hospital from 2007-01 to 2013-01 were studied. There were 23 (1.93%) patients combining with LVAA including 19 male and 4 female; coronary artery disease (CAD) was excluded and the patients received echocardiography and coronary angiography (CAG) examinations. Results: There were 21/23 LVAA patients having left mid-ventricular obstruction and 7 of them combining simultaneous left ventricular outflow obstruction.The average pressure gradient in those 21 patients was (56.8 ± 12.9) mmHg and the rest 2 patients suffered from apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.The mean maximum thickness of left ventricular wall was (21.8 ± 6.3) mm and the dimension of left ventricle was (39.4 ± 5.2) mm. Electrocardiography showed that 3 patients had paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia;CAG indicated that 6 patients combined with coronary artery muscular bridge at left anterior descending (LAD) artery. The patients were followed-up for (2.7 ± 1.3) years and adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 5 patients during that period. Conclusion: HCM combining LVAA was most frequently happened in patients with left mid-ventricular hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, some of them combining simultaneous left ventricular outflow obstruction and had the higher occurrence rate of adverse cardiovascular events. Early and accurate diagnosis is very important for guiding clinical treatment.

Clinical study application of Amplatzer duct occluder Ⅱ to occlude aortopulmonary collateral arteries / 中国介入心脏病学杂志

Objective To assess the feasibility and efficacy of Amplatzer duct occluder Ⅱ (ADOⅡ) in occlusion of aortopulmonary collateral arteries. Methods Seven patients,6 males and 1 female, with aortopulmonary collateral circulation diagnosed previously by cardiac Computed Tomograpy or cardioangiography from Mar 2014 to Apr 2015 were enrolled. All of them were treated with ADO Ⅱ. Results The age of the patients ranged between 5 - 71 months old and weight 4. 2 - 22. 0 kg. Successful hybrid approach was achieved in 6 of 7 patients. One patient failed the occlusion because of severe hypoxemia and mild-moderate residual shunt after catheter intervention. Total 15 aortopulmonary collateral vessels were embolized by 7 ADO-Ⅱ, 22 non-detachable coils ( Cook corp. ) and 2 detachable micro-coils ( Boston Scientific corp. ). Complete embolization was achieved in 2 patients,4 patients had mild residual shunt and 1 patient had mild-moderate residual shunt after the embolisation. No interventional complications recorded. Conclusions ADO Ⅱ has high controllability and suitable for application through small delivery catheter for minimally-invasive procedures to the vessels. It is a preferable alternative in treating pediatric patients with large and tortuous aortopulmonary collateral arteries.

Relationship Between Right Ventricular Glucose Metabolism and Right Heart Function in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To investigate the relationship between right ventricular (RV) glucose metabolism by18F-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) and right heart function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods: The18F-FDG PET imaging was performed in 34 consecutive DCM patients, with the reference of Herrero method, the corrected RV standard uptake value (cRVSUV), corrected left ventricular standard uptake value (cLVSUV) and the ratio of RV to LV SUV (cR/L) were obtained. And all 34 patients received cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) examination within 7 days, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and RVEF were automatically calculated with Simpson’s principle. The pulmonary arterial systolic pressure was measured by echocardiography. Results: The corrected cRVSUV and cR/L by18F-FDG PET were negatively related to RVEF by cMRI, (r=-0.513, P Conclusion: Increased RV glucose metabolism closely related to RV dysfunction, the18F-FDG uptake value by PET might be used as an index for assessing the right heart function and prognosis in DCM patients.

Myocardial injury aggravated by hypothyroidism in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: the evidence based on 99Tcm-MIBI SPECT/18F-FDG PET imaging and cardiac MRI / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective To explore the relationship between hypothyroidism and myocardial injury in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) by 99Tcm-MIBI SPECT/18 F-FDG PET and late-gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI-LGE).Methods Sixty-three consecutive patients (42 males and 21 females,(52±11) years) with IDC were enrolled from October 2010 to December 2012.Serum TT3,TT4,FT3,FT4 and TSH were determined using a fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay.All patients underwent 99Tcm-MIBI myocardial perfusion SPECT/18F-FDG myocardial metabolism PET imaging and cMRI-LGE.Seventeen segments model was used for segmental analysis.Patterns of perfusion/metabolism were classified as normal,mismatch,mild-to-moderate match and complete match.cMRI-LGE was classified into 3 categories (non-LGE,mid-wall LGE and transmural LGE).x2 test was used for data analysis.Results All patients were divided into euthyroid group (n =53) and hypothyroidism group (n =10) according to the levels of serum thyroid hormones.The percentage of normal perfusion/metabolism segments in the euthyroid group was apparently higher than that in the hypothyroidism group:71.8％ (647/901) vs 57.6％ (98/170),x2 =13.50,P＜0.001 ; whereas the percentage of perfusion/metabolism mismatch segments in the euthyroid group was significantly lower than that in the hypothyroidism group:17.8％ (160/901) vs 31.2％ (53/170),x2=16.20,P＜0.001.The euthyroid group had a higher percentage of non-LGE segments (88.0％ (793/901) vs 69.4％ (118/170),x2 =35.70,P＜0.001) and a lower percentage of mid-wall LGE segments (4.8 ％ (43/901) vs 24.1％ (41 / 170),x2 =74.70,P＜ 0.001) compared to hypothyroidism group.Conclusions Hypothyroidism has a detrimental effect on myocardium.99Tcm-MIBI SPECT/18F-FDG PET imaging is sensitive in detecting viable/ischemia myocardium,and cMRI-LGE is good at detecting moderate fibrosis.Combining SPECT/PET imaging and cMRI-LGE for assessing myocardial injury would provide more comprehensive information.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance characteristics in children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance has provided important information on the diagnosis and risk stratification of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in adults; however, comparable data are absent for HCM in children. The study was performed to evaluate cardiovascular magnetic resonance characteristics in children with idiopathic HCM. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was performed in 71 consecutive children with idiopathic HCM (age, 12.8±4.1 years; 46 boys and 25 girls). The left ventricular (LV) parameters indexed by body surface area were calculated and compared with those in 71 healthy children (age, 13.1±3.3 years; 51 boys and 20 girls). Among those with HCM, concentric LV hypertrophy occurred in 9 patients (12.7%): in 2 children, it progressed into end-stage phase. The prevalence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was 73%, and the extent of LGE was 10.4±8.3% of LV mass. Children with HCM with LGE had greater LV mass indexed (112.7±57.9 versus 70.3±37.4 g/m(2); P=0.025) but had no significant difference in maximal LV wall thickness indexed (19.4±6.3 versus 18.1±7.9 mm/m(2); P=0.513). In addition, the hazard ratio of adverse events for the extent of LGE was 1.1 (P=0.004). The follow-up (2.4±1.6 years) demonstrated that LGE was associated with adverse events in children with HCM (log-rank; P=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence and extent of LGE in children with HCM approximate to those in adults with HCM. Furthermore, children with HCM with LGE tend to have adverse events, and larger researches with longer follow-up are required.

Comparison of 99Tcm-MIBI SPECT/18F-FDG PET imaging and cardiac MRI in assessment of myocardial injury cases with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective To evaluate the relationship of myocardial MR contrast delay-enhancement and nuclear perfusion-metabolism pattern in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM).Methods Forty-two consecutive patients (29 men and 13 women,age:(53 ±12) years) diagnosed clinically with IDCM were enrolled.All patients underwent 99Tcm-MIBI SPECT,18F-FDG PET imaging and MR contrast delay-enhancement imaging within 3-7 d.The myocardial perfusion-metabolism segment analysis was performed using a 17-segment model.Segmental 99Tcm-MIBI and 18F-FDG uptakes were scored visually using a 4-grade scoring system (0 =normal uptake,1 =mildly reduced uptake,2 =moderately reduced uptake,3 =severely reduced uptake).Patterns of perfusiorn/metabolism were classified as normal,mismatch,mild-to-moderate match and severe match.Myocardial MR contrast delay-enhancement was classified into 3 categories (non,mid-wall and transmural delay-enhancement).x2 test was used to analyze the differences of perfusion/metabolism patterns among non,mid-wall and transmural delay-enhancement groups and the myocardial MR contrast delay-enhancement incidence among four perfusion/metabolism groups.Resuits Among the 42 patients,myocardial delay-enhancement was present in 18 patients,of which 94.4％ (17/18) showed abnormal myocardial perfusion/metabolism patterns and only 33.3 ％ (8/24) patients without abnormal myocardial delay-enhancement had abnormal myocardial perfusion/metabolism patterns (x2 =15.944,P ＜ 0.001).Perfusion/metabolism patterns varied in three different categories of non,mid-wall and transmural delay-enhancement (x2 =14.276,P ＜ 0.001).The normal peffusion/metabolism pattern proportions in the non,mid-wall and transmural delay-enhancement groups were 86.2％ (526/610),71.0％ (44/62) and 28.6％ (12/42),respectively.The incidence of transmural delay-enhancement (44.4％ (12/27)) was significantly higher in segments with severe match than that in the other 3 groups (normal:2.1％ (12/582) ; mismatch:18.1％ (15/83) ; mild-to-moderate match:13.6％ (3/22) ; x2 =112.530,P ＜ 0.001).Conclusions MR contrast delay-enhancement is much more sensitive in detecting moderate fibrosis,while nuclear perfusion-metabolism imaging can detect more impaired but viable myocardium.Combining the two imaging modalities is useful for providing comprehensive evaluations of myocardial injury in patients with IDCM.

Value of echocardiography in transcatheter closure of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of echocardiography in transcatheter closure of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm(TC-RSVA).Methods TC-RSVA was attempted in 11 patients.The location,shape,size of defects and its relationship with the neighbor structures were revealed before the procedure.Then the deployment of occluder was monitored during the procedure,and the effectiveness was observed in the follow-up.Results Eleven patients were diagnosed as the isolated RSVA by echocardiography.The size of defects was 2 - 13 mm estimated by echo.The procedures were successful in all patients.Usually the Amplatzer duct occluders were chosen to be 1 to 5 mm larger than the size of defects.Three patients had mild residual shunt during the procedure,which all dispeared in the first month of follow-up,but one of them demonstrated recurrent mild residual shunt in the 32nd month of follow-up.There was no aggravating aortic regurgitation in the follow-up.Conclusions TC-RSVA is relatively safe and effective.Observation of long-term effectiveness is still necessary.Echocardiagraphy plays an important role in TC-RSVA.

Assessment of cardiac morphology and ventricular function in healthy Chinese individuals using MRI / 中华放射学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate reproducibility of cardiac MRI for assessment of cardiac morphology and ventricular function in selected normal Chinese Han population.MethodsTwo hundred and sixty-nine normal volunteers underwent cardiac MRI using a 1.5 T MR system.HASTE and steady state free precession imaging were performed with long and short axis images and cine mode through the ventricle with wireless vector cardiac gating.The images were reviewed by two independent observers.The dimensions of cardiac chambers and ventricular function including ejection fraction (EF),end diastolic volume( EDV),end systolic volume (ESV) and myocardial mass were evaluated.The data between male and female were compared by using two-tailed unpaired t test.Results Total imaging time was (15 ± 3 ) min.The anteroposterior diameter of the left atrium was( 2.87 ± 0.77 ) cm,the right atrial diameter perpendicular to the atrial septum was ( 3.61 ± 0.57 ) cm,the end diastolic diameter of the left ventricle was (4.97 ±0.52) cm,the end diastolic diameter of the right ventricle was (2.65 ± 0.48) cm.On the left ventricle,EF was(60.62 ±7.08)％,EDV was (115.37 ±26.71) ml,ESV was (46.02+15.72) ml and LV mass was ( 82.97± 24.03 ) g.On the right ventricle,EF was (47.73 ± 6.50 ) ％,EDV was ( 128.27 ± 32.16 )ml,ESV was (67.7 ± 21.07) ml and RV mass was (48.24 ± 13.42) g.There were no statistically significant differences in LVESV( P =0.144 ),LVEDV index ( P =0.714 ),LVESV index ( P =0.113 ),LVCI ( P =0.199),RVEF ( P =0.296 ) and RV mass ( P =0.093 ),and statistically significant differences in other cardiac parameters between male and female.Conclusion Cardiac MRI can provide useful information about cardiac function and morphology with a high level of reproducibility in normal Chinese Han population.

Assessment of re-distribution and efficacy of stem cell transplantation in different heart status after acute myocardial infarction by MRI: an experimental study / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of MRI for assessment of re-distribution of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells injected intramyocardially in main organs (heart, liver, spleen and kidney) under different heart status (beating or arresting) in a porcine model. Methods Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from the male swine and labeled with iron oxide during culture. Acute myocardial infarction was created in female swine, one week later, the survivors were randomly divided into 4 groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass was set up to arrest the heart, and then labeled cells (1×108) were intramyocardially injected into the border of the infracted myocardium in group 1 (n=6). The same volume of cells was grafted into the beating heart in group 2 (n=6). In group 3 and 4, saline was injected into either the arresting or beating myocardium. Three days later, re-distribution of stem cells and cardiac function were assessed by T2*WI and cine MRI, respectively. All animals were sacrificed for histology and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of sex-determining region on Y-chromosome (SRY) investigation.The ANOVA and t test was used for statistics. Results The left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) before transplantation for group 1-4 were: (56.8±5.3),(54.8±6.8),(57.4±4.3)and(56.8±2.8) ml, and after transplantation for group 1-4 were: (65.2±5.2),(63.2±3.7),(60.2±4.7)and(62.2±4.4) ml. The left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) before transplantation for group 1-4 were: (33.5±7.6),(32.3±5.3),(33.5±3.6)and(32.7±4.6) ml,and after transplantation for group 1-4 were: (37.3±5.6),(36.3±6.9),(34.3±5.4)and(36.3±8.1) ml. The left ventricular EF values (LVEF) before transplantation for group 1-4 were: (42.3±7.2)%,(41.7±6.8)%,(41.8±8.6)% and(42.7±7.7)%,and after transplantation for group 1-4 were: (44.5±8.7)%,(43.1±7.4)%,(42.8±5.6)% and(43.3±8.4)%. The myocardial infarction area (MI) before transplantation for group 1-4 were: (6.5±2.1),(6.4±1.9),(6.5±2.5)and(6.4±2.6) cm2,and after transplantation for group 1-4 were: (6.4±2.3),(6.2±2.6),(6.3±2.5)and(6.4±2.8) cm2 . There were no statistical differences before and after transplantation in these 4 groups[P values of before and after transplantation for LVEDV, LVESV, LVEF,MI were >0.05 (F= 0.277, 0.066,0.066, 0.003); and >0.05 (F= 1.137,0.182,0.021,0.008),respectively]. The T2 value of the infracted myocardium in group 1 decreased more obviously than that in group 2[(-22.3 ± 2.2) vs (-17.0 ± 0.8) ms, t=-5.489, P＜0.01], while the T2 value of the spleen decreased more significantly in group 2 than that in group 1[(-7.7 ± 0.7) vs (-13.3 ± 1.1) ms,t=9.055, P＜0.01]. The T2 values of the liver and kidney were no significant differences in group 1 and 2 (liver, t=-0.532,P>0.05 and kidney, t=-0.113,P>0.05). The results of RT-PCR in group 1 and 2 showed significant differences in heart[(150±62) vs (72±4) U/L ,P<0.05, t=3.109], spleen[(131±1) vs (233±17) U/L, P＜0.01, t=- 13.286]and liver[(17±1) vs (9±5) U/L ,P<0.01,t= 3.492]. Pathological examination demonstrated that the transplanted stem cells were positive for Prussian blue staining, which had a good correlation with MRI results. Conclusion MRI can serve as a convenient and efficient imaging method to track the migration of stem cells with SPIO labeled in early stage and evaluate its early re-distribution in vivo. Injection of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the arresting heart could favor retaining more cells in the myocardium.