Magnetic resonance imaging

A method of detecting cardiac remodelling in an individual, said method comprising:

• (i) administering a manganese contrast agent, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to said individual;
• and
• (ii) subjecting said individual to a MRI procedure whereby to determine myocardial tissue viability/function by determining the amount of intracellular manganese in the myocardium of said individual.

A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said administration of manganese contrast agent is conducted outside of the magnetic field used for said MRI procedure and MRI is carried out within 0.5 to 6 hours, preferably 1 to 4 hours, e.g. 1.5 to 3 hours thereafter.

A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said administration of manganese contrast agent is conducted inside of the magnetic field used for said MRI procedure and MRI is carried out intermittently before, during and/or thereafter (e.g. for a preferred period of 30 to 60 minutes thereafter).

A method of determining the amount of intracellular manganese in the myocardium of an individual pre-administered with a manganese contrast agent, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising subjecting said individual to a MRI procedure to assess the signal intensity (SI) of images wherein the amount of intracellular Mn is essentially proportional to the signal intensity and wherein the signal intensity is then analysed to provide a graded assessment of myocardium function.