Left circumflex scar burden quantified using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) predicts severity of ischemic mitral regurgitation and postoperative mortality

Abstract

METHODS: Cardiac delayed gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DGE-MRI) was performed on 72 patients with CAD and IMR presenting for surgical consultation. The Otsu’s method was used to quantify total and segmental (coronary territory) scar. Severity of IMR and sub-leaflet mitral dynamics were quantified and correlated to scar volume. 81.9% (59/72) of these patients underwent surgery: 45.7% CABG, 40.6% CABG with MV surgery, and 13.5% MV surgery. Surgical patients were followed for a median period of 3.3 years. A Cox model of all-cause mortality, and survival curves based on differential levels of SB (mild 30%) were developed