Objective : Endoventricular circular patch plasty (Dor procedure) in the management of ischemic cardiomyopathy is widely used nowadays. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) evolves into the routine preoperative diagnostic modality in our hospital. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possibility in the quantitative prediction of postoperative left ventricular functional recovery after the Dor procedure. Methods : From March 2004 to August 2004, 8 consecutive patients were treated with Dor procedure. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting was routinely performed. cMRI was checked preoperatively in all patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 24+/-8% (ranged 15 to 36%) on echocardiography. On the four chamber view of cMRI, average left ventricular wall thickness was measured and compared with both diastolic and systolic phase at 6 reference points on the septal and lateral wall. Operative plan including the area of septal exclusion and patch design was established according to the shape of left ventricular aneurysm and the viability imaging on cMRI. Results : On operative view, anteroseptal scar area was well-demarcated and correlated with the viability imaging on cMRI. Complete exclusion of anteroseptal scar was achieved using Hemashield patch (N=6) or purse-string suture alone (N=2). Postoperative echocardiography showed improved left ventricular function in all patients. Average LVEF was significantly increased upto 38+-11% (ranged 25 to 60%, p<0.05). Percent changes in systolic wall thickness in cMRI correlated well with those of postoperative increase in LVEF on echocardiography. (R=0.54, p=0.16). Postoperative follow-up cMRI was performed in two patients and showed remarkable improvement in the left ventricular systolic wall motion and thickness. Conclusion : cMRI showed the possibility of quantitative prediction model in left ventricular functional recovery after the Dor procedure. Viability imaging also helped us to make an operative plan.