Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Criteria Research Articles

Value of cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking technology in the differential diagnosis of isolated left ventricular noncompaction and dilated cardiomyopathy.

This study explored the value of myocardial strain in the differential diagnosis of isolated left ventricular myocardial noncompaction (ILVNC) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking technology. This retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive patients (25 with ILVNC, 30 with DCM, and 30 healthy controls) presenting to Shanxi Cardiovascular Hospital. All ILVNC patients met echocardiographic and CMR criteria for ventricular non-compaction. All patients with DCM met the 2016 American Heart Association and 2018 Chinese Medical Association Cardiovascular Branch diagnostic criteria. cvi42 software (Circle Cardiovascular Imaging) was used to measure radial, circumferential, and longitudinal strain (LS) globally and in segments of the left ventricle. Analysis of variance was used to compare strains among groups and among different segments within the same group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of different parameters in ILVNC and DCM. Basal circumferential strain was lower in the DCM than in the ILVNC group (P=0.05). Both median and apical LS were lower in the ILVNC than in DCM group (P=0.02 and P=0.01, respectively). ROC curves showed that apical LS was the most effective in distinguishing ILVNC from DCM [area under the curve (AUC) =0.883; P<0.001; 95% CI: 0.850-0.977]. Comparing strains among different segments within the same group revealed that in DCM, the circumferential and LS of the apex were higher than those of the basal segment, which is consistent with the pattern in healthy controls; however, has no such regular pattern was seen in ILVNC. Myocardial strain parameters are of considerable value in the differential diagnosis of ILVNC and DCM. Differences in patterns between ILVNC and DCM can be sensitively identified, providing more comprehensive information for early clinical diagnosis.

Role of cardiac magnetic resonance in the differential diagnosis between arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular involvement and previous infectious myocarditis.

AimsArrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular involvement (ACM-LV), particularly in case of isolated left ventricular involvement (i.e. left dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, LDAC) and previous infectious myocarditis (pIM) may have overlapping clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) features. To date, there are no validated CMR criteria for the differential diagnosis between these conditions. The present study aimed to identify CMR characteristics to distinguish ACM-LV from pIM. Methods and resultsThis observational, retrospective, single-centre study included 30 pIM patients and 30 ACM-LV patients. In ACM-LV patients CMR was performed at diagnosis; in patients with pIM, CMR was performed six months after acute infection. CMR analysis included quantitative assessment of left ventricle (LV) volumes, systolic function and wall thicknesses, qualitative and quantitative assessment of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) sequences. Compared with pIM, ACM-LV patients showed slightly larger LV volumes, more frequent regional wall motion anomalies and reduced wall thicknesses. ACM-LV patients had higher amounts of LV LGE and extension. Notably, the LDAC subgroup had the highest amount of LV LGE. LV LGE amount > 15 g and a LV LGE percentage > 30% of LV mass discriminated ACM-LV from pIM with a 100% specificity. LGE segmental distribution was superimposable among the groups, except for septal segments that were more frequently involved in ACM-LV and LDAC patients. ConclusionsA great extension of LV LGE (a cut-off of LGE >15 g and a percentage above 30% of LV LGE in relation to total myocardial mass) discriminates ACM-LV from pIM with extremely high specificity.

Characteristics and long-term survival of patients with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy.

Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is a poorly understood entity resulting in heart failure. Whether it is a distinct form of cardiomyopathy or an anatomical phenotype is a subject of discussion. The current diagnosis is based on morphologic findings by comparing the compacted to non-compacted myocardium. The study aimed to compare demographic and prognostic variables of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and LVNC. Emphasis was given to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging analysis. Data on survival were also assessed. We retrospectively evaluated the characteristics and outcomes of 262 non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy patients with LVNC and DCM phenotypes. Petersen's CMR criteria of non-compacted to the compacted myocardial ratio 2.3 were used to diagnose LVNC. The primary endpoint was a composite endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events comprising cardiovascular-related death, left ventricular assisted device implantation, or heart transplantation. A total of 262 patients with CMR data were included in the study. One hundred fifty-five patients who fulfilled CMR criteria were diagnosed as LVNC. CMR findings revealed that LVNC patients had higher left ventricular end-diastolic (137.2±51.6, 116.8±44.6, P=0.002) and systolic volume index (98.4±49.5, 85.9±42.7, P=0.049). Cardiac haemodynamics, cardiac output (5.61±2.03, 4.96±1.83; P=0.010), stroke volume (73.9±28.8, 65.1±25.1; P=0.013), and cardiac index (2.85±1.0, 2.37±0.72; P<0.0001), were higher in LVNC patients. Of all the 249 patients, 102 (40.9%) patients demonstrated late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). According to Petersen's criteria, the Kaplan-Meier survival outcome did not reveal significant differences (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.89-2.63], P=0.11). The presence or pattern of LGE did not show significant importance for endpoint-free survival. Most of the sub-epicardial LGE pattern was found in LVNC patients (94.4%). When receiver operator characteristics analysis was applied to NC/C ratio to discriminate the primary endpoint, a higher NC/C ratio of 2.57 was associated with adverse events (HR: 1.90, 95% CI: [1.12-3.24], P=0.016). Our study questions the criteria being used for the diagnosis of LVNC. Further evaluation of CMR variables and association of these findings with demographic variables and survival is mandatory.

Afección pericárdica y miocárdica tras infección por SARS-CoV-2: estudio descriptivo transversal en trabajadores sanitarios

Introduction and objectivesThe cardiac sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection are still poorly documented. We conducted a cross-sectional study in healthcare workers to report evidence of pericardial and myocardial involvement after SARS-CoV-2 infection. MethodsWe studied 139 healthcare workers with confirmed past SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants underwent clinical assessment, electrocardiography, and laboratory tests, including immune cell profiling and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Clinically suspected pericarditis was diagnosed when classic criteria were present and clinically suspected myocarditis was based on the combination of at least 2 CMR criteria. ResultsMedian age was 52 (41-57) years, 71.9% were women, and 16.5% were previously hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia. On examination (10.4 [9.3-11.0] weeks after infection-like symptoms), participants showed hemodynamic stability. Chest pain, dyspnea or palpitations were present in 41.7% participants, electrocardiographic abnormalities in 49.6%, NT-proBNP elevation in 7.9%, troponin in 0.7%, and CMR abnormalities in 60.4%. A total of 30.9% participants met criteria for either pericarditis and/or myocarditis: isolated pericarditis was diagnosed in 5.8%, myopericarditis in 7.9%, and isolated myocarditis in 17.3%. Most participants (73.2%) showed altered immune cell counts in blood, particularly decreased eosinophil (27.3%; P<.001) and increased cytotoxic T cell numbers (17.3%; P <.001). Clinically suspected pericarditis was associated (P <.005) with particularly elevated cytotoxic T cells and decreased eosinophil counts, while participants diagnosed with clinically suspected myopericarditis or myocarditis had lower (P <.05) neutrophil counts, natural killer-cells, and plasma cells. ConclusionsPericardial and myocardial involvement with clinical stability are frequent after SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with specific immune cell profiles.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en

Pericardial and myocardial involvement after SARS-CoV-2 infection: a cross-sectional descriptive study in healthcare workers

Introduction and objectivesThe cardiac sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection are still poorly documented. We conducted a cross-sectional study in healthcare workers to report evidence of pericardial and myocardial involvement after SARS-CoV-2 infection. MethodsWe studied 139 healthcare workers with confirmed past SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants underwent clinical assessment, electrocardiography, and laboratory tests, including immune cell profiling and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Clinically suspected pericarditis was diagnosed when classic criteria were present and clinically suspected myocarditis was based on the combination of at least 2 CMR criteria. ResultsMedian age was 52 (41-57) years, 71.9% were women, and 16.5% were previously hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia. On examination (10.4 [9.3-11.0] weeks after infection-like symptoms), participants showed hemodynamic stability. Chest pain, dyspnea or palpitations were present in 41.7% participants, electrocardiographic abnormalities in 49.6%, NT-proBNP elevation in 7.9%, troponin in 0.7%, and CMR abnormalities in 60.4%. A total of 30.9% participants met criteria for either pericarditis and/or myocarditis: isolated pericarditis was diagnosed in 5.8%, myopericarditis in 7.9%, and isolated myocarditis in 17.3%. Most participants (73.2%) showed altered immune cell counts in blood, particularly decreased eosinophil (27.3%; P<.001) and increased cytotoxic T cell numbers (17.3%; P <.001). Clinically suspected pericarditis was associated (P <.005) with particularly elevated cytotoxic T cells and decreased eosinophil counts, while participants diagnosed with clinically suspected myopericarditis or myocarditis had lower (P <.05) neutrophil counts, natural killer-cells, and plasma cells. ConclusionsPericardial and myocardial involvement with clinical stability are frequent after SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with specific immune cell profiles.

Magnetic Resonance Detects Structural Heart Disease in Patients with Frequent Ventricular Ectopy and Normal Echocardiographic Findings.

The prognosis of patients with ventricular ectopy and a normal heart, as evaluated by echocardiography, is virtually unknown. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can detect focal ventricular anomalies that could act as a possible site of origin for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of cardiac anomalies in patients with normal findings at echocardiogram. Methods: Fifty-one consecutive patients (23 women, 28 men, mean age 59 years) with very high PVC burden (>10,000 PVC/day) and normal findings at standard echocardiography and exercise test were examined with CMR. The outcome was pathologic findings, defined as impaired ejection fraction, regional wall motion abnormalities, abnormal ventricular volume, myocardial edema and fibrosis. Results: Sixteen out of 51 patients (32%) had structural ventricular abnormalities at CMR. In five patients CMR showed impairment of the left ventricular and/or right ventricular systolic function, and six patients had a dilated left and/or right ventricle. Regional wall motion abnormalities were seen in six patients and fibrosis in four. No patient had CMR signs of edema or met CMR criteria for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Five patients had extra-ventricular findings (enlarged atria in three cases, enlarged thoracic aorta in one case and pericardial effusion in one case). Conclusions: In this study 16 out of 51 patients with a high PVC burden and normal findings at echocardiography showed signs of pathology in the ventricles with CMR. These findings indicate that CMR should be considered in evaluating patients with a high PVC burden and a normal standard investigation.

Cardiac MRI-Derived Myocardial Deformation Parameters Correlate with Pulmonary Valve Replacement Indications in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.

Right ventricular (RV) volumetric cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) criteria serve as indicators for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF). Myocardial deformation and tricuspid valve displacement parameters may be more sensitive measures of RV dysfunction. This study's aim was to describe rTOF RV deformation and tricuspid displacement patterns using novel CMR semi-automated software and determine associations with standard CMR measures. Retrospective study of 78 pediatric rTOF patients was compared to 44 normal controls. Global RV longitudinal and circumferential strain and strain rate (SR) and tricuspid valve (TV) displacement were measured. Correlation analysis between strain, SR, TV displacement, and volumes was performed between and within subgroups. The sensitivity and specificity of strain parameters in predicting CMR criteria for PVR was determined. Deformation variables were reduced in rTOF compared to controls. Decreased RV strain and TV shortening were associated with increased RV volumes and decreased RVEF. Longitudinal and circumferential parameters were predictive of RVESVi (> 80ml/m2) and RVEF (< 47%), with circumferential strain (> -15.88%) and SR (> -0.62) being most sensitive. Longitudinal strain was unchanged between rTOF subgroups, while circumferential strain trended abnormal in those meeting PVR criteria compared to controls. RV deformation and TV displacement are abnormal in rTOF, and RV circumferential strain variation may reflect an adaptive response to chronic volume or pressure load. This coupled with associations of ventricular deformation with traditional PVR indications suggest importance of this analysis in the evolution of rTOF RV assessment.

Acute myocarditis: prognostic role of speckle tracking echocardiography and comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance features.

To evaluate longitudinal systolic function in patients with myocarditis, its correlation with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) features, and its predictive value in functional recovery and arrhythmias onset during follow-up (FU) on optimized medical therapy (OMT). Patients with acute myocarditis, confirmed through CMR criteria, and age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography, including speckle tracking analysis, was performed at admission and after 6months of FU. Patients of myocarditis group also underwent 24h ECG Holter monitoring during FU. 115 patients with myocarditis (mean age 41 ± 17, 70% males) and 70 healthy subjects were enrolled. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and sub-epicardial strain were markedly lower in the myocarditis group than in controls (mean GLS%: -14.1 ± 5.1 vs -23.1 ± 3.6, p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation between total scar burden (TSB) on CMR and baseline LV GLS was found (r = 0.67, p < 0.0001). GLS improved after 6months of FU in myocarditis on OMT (mean GLS%: -14.1 ± 5.1 vs -16.5 ± 4.8, p < 0.01). By bivariate correlation analysis, baseline LVEF, GLS, and TSB were all associated with LVEF at 6months of FU. Moreover, by multivariable linear regression analysis, these parameters confirmed to be independent predictors of functional recovery at 6months (LVEF β 0.38, p < 0.01; GLS β -0.35, p < 0.01; total scar burden β -0.52, p < 0.0001). Segmental peak systolic strain was significantly different between segments with and without late gadolinium enhancement on CMR (-13.2 ± 3.1% vs -18.1 ± 3.5%, p < 0.001). A segmental strain of - 12% identified scar with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 84% (AUC = 0.91; 95% CI 0.73-0.97; p < 0.001). In addition, baseline LV GLS in myocarditis resulted predictive of non-sustained ventricular tachycardias (cut-off value > -12%; sensitivity84%; specificity74.4%; AUC = 0.75). Parameters of myocardial longitudinal deformation are importantly associated with the presence of a scar on CMR and are predictors of functional outcome and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with acute myocarditis. Their assessment during ultrasound examination should be considered to get more information about the prognosis and risk stratification of this subset of patients.

Prediction value of Mid right ventricle longitudinal strain to the tetralogy patient selection for pulmonary valve replacement

Objectives: Most cases of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) require pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) after tetralogy of fallot total correction (TFTC) in order to reduce further complications. We used Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings in order to determine prediction value of the ventricular longitudinal strain to the tetralogy patient selection for PVR. Methods: In this retrospective study,data from 46 patients with previous TFTC referred to radiology ward of Rajaei Hospital were analyzed. During a one-year follow-up, 26 of which were subjects to pulmonary valve replacement (PVR+ group) and 20 patients were not (PVR- group), based on the clinical, electrocardiographic and CMR criteria. CMR findings including end-diastolic volume index (EDVI), right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and right ventricular strain values were compared between the two groups to assessing their discriminate power. Results: Although EDVI was significantly greater in PVR+ group (161.8±55.6 vs. 123.99±22.98; p=0.36), LVEF (p= 0.68) and RVEF (p= 0.47) were not significantly different in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, EDVI (OR= 1.02; 95% CI= [1.00, 1.04]; p= 0.013) and Mid longitudinal strain rate (LSR) (OR= 0.35; 95% CI= [0.14, 0.92]; p= 0.033) were significant indicators of the need for PVR. The cut-off point for EDVI was 173 with 46.15% sensitivity and 100% specificity. For Mid LSR, -1.99 was determined as the cut-off point with 46.15% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Conclusion: According findings of this study,EDVI and mid LSR are early indicators of RV dysfunction in patients with a history of TFTC and therefore it is suggested that be used as indicators of the need for PVR surgery.

Myocardial injury in systemic lupus erythematosus according to cardiac magnetic resonance tissue characterization: clinical and echocardiographic features.

To determine the prevalence of myocardial injury (MInj) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) according to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) criteria. To compare clinical and echocardiographic features of patients with and without MInj and identify predictors of myocardial tissue characteristics according to CMR. SLE inpatients underwent CMR screening for MInj based on the Lake Louise Criteria (LLC). Tissue characteristics included inflammation (increased T2-weighted signal or early gadolinium enhancement ratio (EGEr)) and necrosis or fibrosis (late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)). Echocardiographic parameters included left (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)) and right ventricular function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)), global longitudinal strain (GLS), wall motion score (WMSi) and left ventricular internal diameter index (LVIDi). Variables were compared with regards to the presence/absence of CMR criteria. Logistic regression identified variables predictive of CMR tissue characteristics. A hundred and six SLE patients were screened of whom 49 patients were included. Fifty-seven patients were excluded due to intolerance of or contraindication to CMR (27/57 due to renal impairment). Twenty-three patients had CMR evidence of MInj, of which 60.9% was subclinical. Inflammation occurred in 16/23 and necrosis/fibrosis in 12/23 patients. Patients with any evidence of MInj were more frequently anti-dsDNA positive (p = 0.026) and patients fulfilling LLC for myocarditis had higher SLE disease activity (p = 0.022). The LVIDi (p = 0.005), LVEF (p = 0.005) and TAPSE (p = 0.011) were more abnormal in patients with an increased EGEr, whereas WMSi (p = 0.002) and GLS (0.020) were more impaired in patients with LGE. On multivariable logistic regression analyses, TAPSE predicted inflammation (OR: 0.045, p = 0.006, CI: 0.005-0.415) and GLS predicted necrosis/fibrosis (OR: 1.329, p = 0.031, CI: 1.026-1.722). A model including lymphocyte count, TAPSE and LVIDi predicted an increased EGEr on CMR (receiver operating characteristic-curve analyses: area under the curve: 0.901, p < 0.001, sensitivity: 88.9%, specificity: 76.3%). CMR evidence of MInj frequently occurs in SLE and is often subclinical. The utility of CMR in SLE is limited by a high exclusion rate, mainly due to renal involvement. Models including echocardiographic parameters (TAPSE, LVIDi and GLS) are predictive of CMR myocardial injury. Echocardiography can be used as a cost-effective screening tool with a high negative predictive value, in particular when CMR is contraindicated or unavailable.

Left-ventricular non-compaction–comparison between different techniques of quantification of trabeculations: Should the diagnostic thresholds be modified?

Diagnosis of left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is challenging, and different imaging techniques propose different criteria. To compare the value of two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D-TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) criteria in diagnosing LVNC, and to test a new trabecular quantification method obtained by 2D-TTE, exploring its relationship with CMR non-compacted mass quantification. From a multicentre French study, we selected 48 patients with LVNC and 20 with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) who underwent 2D-TTE and CMR. Current 2D-TTE (Jenni et al.) and CMR criteria (Petersen et al., Jacquier et al.), were tested. A new 2D-TTE method of trabecular quantification (percentage of trabecular area) was also proposed, and compared with current criteria. The best cut-off values for the diagnosis of LVNC were a non-compacted/compacted ratio≥2.3 (Petersen et al.), a trabeculated left ventricular mass≥20% (Jacquier et al.) and a non-compacted/compacted ratio≥1.8 (Jenni et al.). Lowering the threshold for the criterion of Jenni et al. from>2 to ≥1.8 improved its sensitivity from 69% to 98%. The 2D-TTE percentage of trabecular area was 25.9±8% in the LVNC group vs. 9.9±4.4% in the DCM group (P<0.05), and was well correlated with CMR non-compacted mass (r=0.65; P<0.05). A 15.8% threshold value for 2D-TTE percentage of trabecular area predicted LVNC diagnosis with a specificity of 95% and a sensitivity of 92%; its sensitivity was better than that for the criteria of Jenni et al. (P<0.01) and Petersen et al. (P=0.03). Revision of the current threshold for the criterion of Jenni et al. from>2 to ≥1.8 is necessary to improve LVNC diagnosis in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. A new 2D-TTE trabecular quantification method improves TTE diagnosis of LVNC.

Screening relatives in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: yield of imaging and electrical investigations.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited disease and presymptomatic screening of relatives is recommended. In 2010, the Task Force Criteria (TFC2010) introduced specific diagnostic imaging parameters. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of family screening and the value of different diagnostic modalities. Family evaluation, including cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), is routinely offered to ARVC relatives at our institution. We retrospectively registered baseline characteristics, symptomatology, and results of non-invasive examinations from 2010 to 2016 and assessed the findings according to TFC2010. A total of 286 relatives (150 females; age 12-76 years; 251 first-degree) were included. A total of 103 (36%) individuals reported cardiovascular symptoms. The non-invasive workup showed that 101 (35%) relatives had ≥1 positive parameter on signal-averaged electrocardiogram (ECG), 40 (14%) had abnormal findings on Holter monitoring, 36 (13%) fulfilled an ECG criterion, six (2%) fulfilled CMR criteria, and echocardiographic abnormalities was seen in one (0.3%) relative. In total, 21 (7% overall; 13% among gene-positive subgroup) relatives were diagnosed with ARVC and 78 (27% overall; 49% among gene-positive subgroup) with borderline ARVC based on the combined non-invasive evaluations. Family history and electrical investigations alone diagnosed 20 out of 21 (95%) ARVC cases and 73 out of 78 (94%) borderline cases. Consecutive evaluation of ARVC relatives diagnosed 7% with definite and 27% with borderline ARVC according to the TFC2010. Screening relatives for electrical abnormalities with 12 lead ECG, signal-averaged ECG, and Holter monitoring was more sensitive than imaging modalities.

Patients with Isolated Focal Right Ventricular Dyskinetic Segments: Toward a Better Understanding of This Cohort.

BACKGROUNDThe 2010 revised Task Force criteria for the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) provided guidance for the classification of patients as definitive, borderline or possible ARVC. However, many patients with clinical suspicion for ARVC have isolated RV dyskinetic segments only and partly meet cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging criteria. This subgroup of patients and the implication of this imaging finding remain not well defined.METHODSThere were 65 consecutive patients with clinical suspicion for ARVC who were referred for CMR between 2015 and 2017. The presence of fatty infiltration and fibrosis were assessed using T2 imaging and myocardial delayed enhancement sequences, respectively. RV wall motions, volumes and ejection fraction (EF) of all patients were re-analysed and quantified. Available data on family history, Holter findings, and electrocardiograms were also reviewed.RESULTSThere were 5 patients (7.7%) that fulfilled major CMR criteria for ARVC: 4 were classified as having definitive ARVC; and 1/5 as borderline. There were 33 patients with no RV dyskinetic segments: none were classified as having definitive or borderline ARVC; 4/33 were classified as possible ARVC, leaving 29/33 as normal or no ARVC. Finally, there were 27 remaining patients (41.5%) with isolated RV dyskinetic segments: 1/27 was classified as definitive ARVC; 4/27 as borderline; 8/27 as possible; leaving 15/27 as indeterminate. Compared to control, those with isolated RV dyskinesia (including the subgroup labelled as indeterminate 15/27) had more abnormal RVEF, larger RV end-diastolic volume index (82 ± 12 mL/m2 vs. 72 ± 12 mL/m2, p-value 0.0127), and a trend for higher odds of dilated RV (odds ratio 3.0 [0.81–11], p-value 0.09).CONCLUSIONSAmong patients with a clinical suspicion for ARVC, almost 40% had isolated focal RV dyskinetic segments with the majority remaining unclassified. This cohort had more RV dilation and abnormal EF compared to control.

Predictive value of cardiac magnetic resonance-derived parameters on the improvement of left ventricular function in patients with acute viral myocarditis

Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived parameters on the improvement of left ventricular function in patients with acute viral myocarditis. Methods: Forty patients, who referred for acute viral myocarditis in our hospital from September 2011 to September 2015, were prospectively enrolled in this study.All patients were examined by CMR during hospitalization for acute viral myocarditis (baseline) and after 12 months.The CMR sequences include: two dimension steady state free precession, 2D SSFP; triple inversion recovery, triple IR; early gadolinium enhancement; phase sensitive inversion recovery turbo field echo, PSIR TFE. Results: Thirty out of 40 patients with susceptive acute viral myocarditis met the CMR criteria of acute viral myocarditis (Lake Louise Criteria) (LL+ ) and the other 10 patients did not meet the diagnostic criteria (LL-). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values were significantly lower in LL+ group than in LL- group at baseline and at 12 months after discharge (P<0.01 or 0.05, respectively). The baseline left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) was significantly higher in LL+ group than in LL- group (P<0.05) and was similar between the groups at 12 months follow up.Left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI )was similar between the two groups at baseline and at 12 months follow up.LVEF was significantly higher during 12 months follow up compared to baseline in LL+ group and remained unchanged in LL- group during the two time points.LVESVI and LVEDVI remained unchanged at baseline and during 12 months follow up both in LL+ and LL- groups (P>0.05). Results showed that LL+ , edema ratio (ER) positive and global relative enhancement (gRE) positive were associated with significant increase of LVEF at 12 months follow up.However, LL-, ER negative, gRE negative, late gadolinium enhancement(LGE) negative and LGE positive linked with unchanged LVEF at 12 months follow up (P>0.05). Patients were further divided into LVEF increase (ΔLVEF≥5%) group and non LVEF increase group (ΔLVEF<5%), the results of Chi-square test showed that LL+ and ER positive were related to the improvement of LVEF (P<0.05), while gRE and LGE were not associated with improvement of cardiac function (P>0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis, using ER, gRE and LGE as independent variables and LVEF as dependent variables, showed that the presence of myocardial edema was the strongest independent predictor of an increase in LVEF at follow up (full model: non-standardized coefficient 0.445, P=0.043; reduced model: non-standardized coefficient 0.442, P=0.12). Conclusion: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging monitoring is valuable to observe the cardiac function and morphology changes in patients with acute viral myocarditis, and myocardial edema imaging is the most powerful parameter to predict the improvement of LVEF in this patient cohort.

MACHINE LEARNING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL LEFT VENTRICULAR DEFORMATION FOR AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTIC SUPPORT IN AMYLOID, FABRY, AND HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY: A CARDIOVASCULAR MRI IMAGING STUDY

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) is considered a reference standard diagnostic tool for the evaluation of cardiomyopathy, and is frequently used to differentiate cause of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The capacity to differentiate etiology based upon myocardial deformation alone is particularly attractive when contrast is contraindicated. 3-dimensional (3D) feature tracking allows for spatial mapping of both conventional (radial, circumferential and longitudinal) and principal strain markers from routine, non-contrast 2D cine images. In this study, we investigated the potential of this analysis approach to differentiate the cause of LVH in patients with confirmed cardiomyopathies associated with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH): Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Fabry cardiomyopathy, and cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Forty-five subjects were recruited with confirmed LVH and a known cardiomyopathy state (HCM, N=15; Fabry, N=15; Cardiac Amyloid, N=15). All cardiomyopathy states were confirmed by published CMR criteria (HCM and CA) and/or genetic testing (Fabry and HCM). CMR imaging was performed at 3T using a standardized protocol inclusive of multi-planar cine imaging. LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was quantified using commercially available software (cvi42, Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc.). 3D strain analysis was performed using custom in-house software (GIUSEPPE) with generation of endocardial, epicardial and transmural spatial strain maps using a dynamic 3D mesh model. Principal component analysis was performed (Matlab, MathWorks) on the amplitude of peak-systolic strain obtained in all AHA segments in both conventional (longitudinal, circumferential, radial) and principal directions. The mean age was 57.9±15.2 years with 17 (37%) female. The respective LVEFs were 57.9±13.6%, 69.1±6.1%, and 69.5±9.8% among CA, Fabry’s, and HCM, respectively. 3D strain distributions were successfully computed for all patients. Segmental strain amplitude measures were subjected to principal component analysis. The first and second principal components of the regional strain data were used as a diagnostic marker by means of a Naive Bayes classifier. Both the posterior predictive distribution and the classification probability were visualized (Figure 1), showing capacity for disease state discrimination. The confusion matrix revealed an overall accuracy of 0.80, with true positive rates of 0.73 for CA, 0.8 for Fabry’s, and 0.67 for HCM. The concomitant evaluation of regional values of systolic strain amplitude in multiple directions was able to correctly classify patients by disease, based on the exclusive knowledge of regional strain amplitude patterns. These results offer strong promise for the use of 3D strain analysis to assist in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy state among patients with LVH.

Systematic review: Impact of the new task force criteria in the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

BackgroundArrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited disorder of cardiac desmosomes associated with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The clinical diagnosis is problematic and relies on a complex criteria composed of clinical and non-clinical parameters. In 2010, the original 1994 Task Force Criteria (TFC) was revised with particular attention given to the imaging parameters. MethodsFive retrospective studies compared the diagnostic concordance between the 1994 and 2010 TFC. Three studies used cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and compared major and minor CMR criteria and three studies compared definite ARVC cases; one study assessed both. ResultsThree studies with 1435 patients compared the 1994 imaging and the 2010 CMR criteria. Using the 1994 criteria, 123 (8.6%) and 419 (29.2%) patients satisfied major and minor criteria compared to only 52 (3.6%) and 28 (1.9%) using the 2010 criteria; 57.7% and 94.3% reduction in major and minor criteria (p value, 0.0001 and 0.0001). Three studies with 611 patients assessed for definite ARVC. Using the 1994 and 2010 criteria, 207 (33.9%) and 243 (39.8%) patients satisfied the parameters respectively. This resulted in a statistically significant 17.4% (p value, 0.0379) increase in ARVC cases driven largely by two sub-groups. ConclusionsThe 2010 revised TFC have resulted in a significant reduction in the number of patients that satisfy CMR criteria particularly those that satisfied minor imaging abnormalities using the 1994 criteria. In addition, in certain groups the revised criteria have significantly increased the number of patients diagnosed with definite ARVC.

Quantitative changes in late gadolinium enhancement at cardiac magnetic resonance in the early phase of acute myocarditis

BackgroundThe presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has diagnostic and prognostic value in patients with acute myocarditis (AM). Aim of our study was to quantify the changes in LGE extension (LGE%) early after AM and evaluate its relations with biventricular function and morphology. MethodsWe investigated 76 consecutive patients with AM (acute onset of chest pain/heart failure/ventricular arrhythmias not explained by other causes, and raised troponin) that met CMR criteria based on myocardial oedema at T2-weighted images and LGE on post-contrast images at median time of 6days from onset of symptoms. We quantified LGE% at baseline and after 148days in 49 patients. ResultsMedian left ventricular (LV)-ejection fraction (EF) was 64% (interquartile range [Q1–Q3]: 56–67%), and LGE% 9.4% (Q1–Q3: 7.5–13.2%). LGE% was correlated with LV end-systolic volume index (LV-ESVi; r=+0.34; p=0.003). LGE% was inversely correlated with LV-EF (r=−0.31; p=0.009) and time to CMR scan (r=−0.25; p=0.028). In the 49 patients with a second CMR scan, despite no significant variations in LV-EF, a significant decrease of LGE% was observed (p<0.0001) with a relative reduction of 42% compared with baseline. Patients showing increased LV-ESVi at follow up had a lower decrease of LGE% (p=0.038). ConclusionsIn the acute phase of AM the LGE extension is a dynamic process that reflects impairment of LV function and is time dependent. LGE% appears one of the CMR parameters with the largest relative variations in the first months after AM.

Cardiac Enlargement in US Firefighters: Prevalence Estimates by Echocardiography, Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Autopsies

Background: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) accounts for 45% of on-duty deaths in US fire service; cardiac enlargement is common among US firefighters; and plays a major role in firefighter Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). Objective: To estimate the prevalence of cardiac enlargement in US Firefighters by autopsies, echocardiography (ECHO) and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR). Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, the prevalence of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH)/ cardiomegaly was a) estimated non-invasively among active career firefighters and b) examined by reviewing autopsies of firefighters who suffered a non-cardiac, on-duty fatality. Left ventricular mass (LVM) among active career firefighters was assessed by ECHO and CMR, and normalized (indexed) for body surface area (BSA) and height. Autopsy estimates were based on cardiac weights and other forensic parameters. Results: LVH prevalence estimates among active career firefighters presented a range from 3.3% to 32.8% among ECHO; and 0.0% to 5.3% among CMR criteria. LVH was present in 17.5% and 0.4% of the active firefighters as defined by LVM indexed to height 1.7 (by ECHO and CMR, respectively). LVM indexed to BSA as measured by CMR indicated zero prevalence of LVH. Among non-cardiac traumatic autopsies, prevalence estimates of cardiomegaly and LVH were 39.5% (95% CI 33.7–45.3) and 45.4% (95% CI 39.5–51.4) respectively, even after adjustment for age and BMI. Conclusions: The prevalence of cardiac enlargement varied widely depending on the imaging assessment, the cutoffs and the normalization techniques. For autopsy data, BMI was a major determinant of heart weight. Future CVD-outcome based studies are needed to provide evidence for the most accurate clinical cutoffs, while standardization of autopsies is needed across protocols and jurisdictions.

Functional and Morphological Parameters with Tissue Characterization of Cardiovascular Magnetic Imaging in Clinically Verified "Infarct-like Myocarditis".

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has increasingly proved to be a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating patients with suspected myocarditis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of functional and morphological parameters including tissue characterization in patients with "infarct-like myocarditis". 43 patients with clinically verified cases of "infarct-like myocarditis" (median time to MRI scanning after admission for acute symptoms 3 days) and 35 control patients matched by age and sex were included in this retrospective case control study. In this study we used a 1.5 T MRI scanner conducting steady-state-free-precession sequences, T2-weighted imaging, T1-weighted imaging before and after contrast administration and late gadolinium enhancement sequences. According to the recommendations for CMR diagnosis of myocarditis (Lake Louise consensus criteria), a scan was positive for acute myocarditis if 2 of 3 CMR criteria were present. 30 % of the patients with "infarct-like myocarditis" had a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, 11 % had an increased LV end-diastolic volume index and 35 % had an increased LV mass index. The sensitivity of wall motion abnormalities was 63 % with a regional distribution in 49 %. In 47 % of cases regional wall motion abnormalities were present in the lateral left ventricular segments. Pericardial effusions were discovered in 65 % of cases with a circular appearance in 21 % and focal manifestation in 44 %. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CMR in patients with "infarct-like myocarditis" were 67 %, 100 % and 82 %, respectively. The LGE alone was the most sensitive test parameter with 86 %, providing a specificity of 100 % and accuracy of 92 %. Our study results can be applied to the subgroup of patients with "infarct-like myocarditis", where we found that LGE alone was the most sensitive test parameter. In addition to tissue characterization, the functional and morphological analysis of patients with acute myocarditis provides a useful further diagnostic tool. •Infarct-like myocarditis can be diagnosed by CMR with high validity and reliability. •LGE allone performed best with a sensitivity of 86 %. •Functional and morphological CMR parameters in addition to tissue characterization are useful tool in the diagnosis of acute myocarditis.

Right Ventricular Strain and Dyssynchrony Assessment in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature-Tracking Study.

Analysis of right ventricular (RV) regional dysfunction by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy (ARVC) may be inadequate because of the complex contraction pattern of the RV. Aim of this study was to determine the use of RV strain and dyssynchrony assessment in ARVC using feature-tracking CMR analysis. Thirty-two consecutive patients with ARVC referred to CMR imaging were included. Thirty-two patients with idiopathic RV outflow tract arrhythmias and 32 control subjects, matched for age and sex to the ARVC group, were included for comparison purpose. CMR imaging was performed to assess biventricular function; feature-tracking analysis was applied to the cine CMR images to assess regional and global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial RV strains and RV dyssynchrony (defined as the SD of the time-to-peak strain of the RV segments). RV global longitudinal strain (-17±5% versus -26±6% versus -29±6%; P<0.001), global circumferential strain (-9±4% versus -12±4% versus -13±5%; P=0.001), and global radial strain (18 [12-26]% versus 22 [15-32]% versus 27 [20-39]%; P=0.015) were significantly lower and SD of the time-to-peak RV strain in all 3 directions were significantly higher among patients with ARVC compared with patients with RV outflow tract arrhythmias and controls. RV global longitudinal strain >-23.2%, SD of the time-to-peak RV longitudinal strain >113.1 ms, and SD of the time-to-peak RV circumferential strain >177.1 ms allowed correct identification of 88%, 75%, and 63% of ARVC patients with no or only minor CMR criteria for ARVC diagnosis. Strain analysis by feature-tracking CMR helps to objectively quantify global and regional RV dysfunction and RV dyssynchrony in patients with ARVC and provides incremental value over conventional cine CMR imaging.