Letter Regarding Article by Selvanayagam et al, “Value of Delayed-Enhancement Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Predicting Myocardial Viability After Surgical Revascularization”

Abstract

To the Editor: With interest we read the study by Selvanayagam et al1 addressing the value of MRI with contrast enhancement to assess myocardial viability and predict subsequent improvement of function after revascularization. In 52 patients, contrast-enhanced MRI was performed early preoperatively (6 days) and late postoperatively (6 months). Clinically most important is the improvement of function at late follow-up because recovery of function may require sufficient time.2 In the article by Selvanayagam et al,1 viability was defined as segments with delayed enhancement on MRI involving <25% in transmurality. Using this cutoff value, the authors reported a positive and negative predictive value of 73% and 69%, respectively, to predict improvement of function. Re-analysis of the data revealed a sensitivity and specificity …