Early Detection of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Minipigs Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This study investigated the early myocardial response to high-dose doxorubicin chemotherapy in a large animal model using multiparametric MRI. Five young female Yucatan minipigs received doxorubicin, while two received saline as controls. The study found that minipigs in the doxorubicin group experienced alopecia and diarrhea, along with decreased white blood cell and platelet counts. MRI data showed a decrease in ejection fraction, shortening fraction, and aortic blood flow in the doxorubicin group, which was not observed in the control group. Additionally, stress and strain values decreased in the doxorubicin group during systole and end-diastole. These findings highlighted the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin, emphasizing the need for early detection and monitoring in patients undergoing chemotherapy.