MRI relaxation parameters predict functional outcome after experimental myocardial infarction
Background Characterization of infarcted myocardial tissue by current cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) methods is predominantly carried out after i.v. application of Gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents (CA). However, recent advances in CMR enable the acquisition of parametric maps making use of endogenous tissue properties for diagnostic purposes, which may supersede the need for injection of CA. In the present study, we systematically compared myocardial tissue characterization by Gd-based techniques with intrinsic T1/T2 mapping and their correlation with local cardiac function after experimental myocardial infarction (MI).
A full-scope Level 3 Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) has been performed for the Westinghouse-designed advanced passive light-water reactor (AP600) [1], The PRA study estimates the core damage frequency and release frequency of the AP600 design for both power and shutdown conditions. The analysis also includes an internal fire PRA and an internal flood PRA. A seismic margins analysis has been performed to evaluate the plant’s capability to withstand seismic events. Westinghouse designers and PRA analysts worked closely together for over five years to assess the safety of a variety of passive plant design configurations.