Sensitivity of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to fluid shifts induced by an external leg compression device

The assessment of thoracic flfluid status is crucial for diagnosis, management, stratifification, and follow-up of heart failure patients. Indicator dilution theoretical framework allows absolute volume estimation; magnetic resonance contrast agents have been proposed as indicators, with the advantage of a non-invasive detection. In this pilot study, we investigated the changes in intra-thoracic blod volume (ITBV) measured by cardiac magnetic resonance during fluid shifts induced by a pneumatic leg compression device. Preliminary results on 8 healthy volunteers suggest the sensitivity of the proposed measurement technique; a signifificant increase in ITBV after the leg compression was observed.