Abstract 10573: Left Ventricular Structure, Function, and Clinical Outcomes in Methamphetamine-Associated Heart Failure

Abstract

Introduction: Methamphetamine use and overdose deaths are increasing. People who use methamphetamine are at risk for methamphetamine-associated heart failure (meth-HF). Cardiac fibrosis has been reported in nonischemic cardiomyopathies, but the role of cardiac fibrosis and other factors underlying the pathophysiology and reversibility of meth-HF remain unknown. Methods: Participants with meth-HF were recruited into a prospective cohort at a safety net hospital in San Francisco. Data collection included medical history, clinical outcomes, longitudinal echocardiograms (TTEs), markers of inflammation and fibrosis, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Outcomes included mortality, changes in LVEF, and hospital readmission. Results: Forty-six participants enrolled: median age 51 years, 83% male, 41% Black, 20% Asian, 33% unstably housed, 76% actively using methamphetamine. Baseline TTEs demonstrated LV dilation (median LVIDd 5.7cm, LVIDs 4.7cm) and severely reduced LV systolic function (LVEF<30% in 62%). After median 9 months follow-up, 13% were deceased. Compared to survivors, baseline LV dimensions were larger (mean LVIDd 6.7 vs 5.5cm, p<0.05; LVIDs 6.1 vs 4.5cm, p<0.05) and LVEF was lower (mean 19% vs 29%, p<0.05) among those who died. At baseline, smaller LV size, higher LVEF, and guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) were more common in those with LVEF improvement >10% (Fig). CMRs were often abnormal with late gadolinium enhancement and elevated extracellular volume, but there was no clear association with LV recovery. Conclusions: Despite their young age, the meth-HF population has a high mortality rate and severely reduced LVEF with LV dilation. Smaller LV size, higher LVEF, and GDMT were more common in those with LVEF improvement. These findings suggest that early identification and treatment of heart failure in people who use methamphetamine, along with drug cessation, may be associated with reversibility and improved outcomes.