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Document Details :

Title: Feasibility of cardiac MR examination during quantitative isometric muscular exercise
Author(s): K. Chida , T. Nagasaka , M. Kohuzuki , H. Saito , I. Mori , S. Maruoka , S. Takahashi , S. Yamada , M. Zuguchi
Journal: Acta Cardiologica
Volume: 63    Issue: 5   Date: 2008   
Pages: 547-552
DOI: 10.2143/AC.63.5.2033219

Abstract :
Objective — MR examination during quantitative muscular exercise is currently unavailable because the MR instrument has a long gantry and exercise machines are made from ferromagnetic materials such as iron. The purpose of this study was to develop a quantitative, continuously monitored, voluntary isometric exercise device (QIED) for MR examination and to analyse the feasibility of performing MR examination using the new device.
Methods and results — The QIED, which consists of 1) a handgrip (rubber cuff), 2) an extension plastic tube, 3) a pressure transducer, and 4) a pressure digital display that includes the power supply. Components 1 and 2 are non-magnetic. Although components 3 and 4 are ferromagnetic, they can be set up outside the MR examination room using component 2 to prevent them from influencing the MR instrument and examination.We did not observe MR image noise or artifacts in the phantom study using the QIED. MR examination and low sensitivity 31P-MRS could be feasible during quantitative isometric exercise using the QIED.
Conclusion — Exercise MR examination using the QIED will provide useful information for the detailed evaluation of cardiac patients.