Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Assessment Research Articles

Clustering analysis based on clinically available data for improving risk stratification and outcome prediction of hypertension

Abstract Background Hypertension (HTN) is a heterogeneous condition with several factors contributing to adverse outcomes. Machine learning can harness complex data to unveil outcome predictors and guide prevention. Purpose To use clustering analysis on clinical data to identify HTN risk profiles and their associations with cardiovascular abnormalities and clinical outcomes. Methods A cohort of 14,840 UK Biobank hypertensive participants without pre-existing heart failure (HF) who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) assessment was examined using K-means clustering on 79 clinical attributes. The clusters’ association with incident HF, mortality, atrial fibrillation (AF), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were evaluated, alongside imaging characteristics, with mediation analysis probing the role of imaging in risk differentiation. All post-hoc analyses were adjusted for vascular risk factors (VRFs), including diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, previous myocardial infarction. Results Three distinct clusters differing considerably in lifestyle habits, cardiovascular risk factors, electrocardiographic parameters, and cardiometabolic profiles were identified. Cluster 1 (lowest risk), predominantly females, exhibited the most favourable metabolic profile and outcomes. Cluster 2 (highest risk), predominantly males, had the most adverse metabolic and cardiovascular profiles, and the highest risk of all adverse outcomes, especially AF and HF (hazard ratio (HR) 1.80 [1.45–2.25] and 1.85 [1.39–2.46]; p <0.005). This group was associated with more eccentric LV hypertrophy (LVH), overall poorer left atrial emptying function (LAEF), bi-ventricular systolic function and LV mechanics, and higher systemic vascular resistance (Figure 1). Cluster 3 (intermediate risk) was a more heterogeneous group with the highest burden of diabetes and adiposity and a moderate rise in AF and MACE risk (HR 1.61 [1.12-2.32] and 1.30 [1.07-1.58]; p <0.05). This cluster was associated with concentric LV remodelling and better indices of cardiac mechanics, but greater impairment in LA booster pump function (active LAEF) than Cluster 2 (Figure 1). Cluster 2's effect on MACE was mostly mediated through LV mass increase (proportion mediated, 67%), followed by changes (reducing) in LV global longitudinal strain (33%), and ejection fraction (25.4%). The indirect effect of CMR changes in the association between cluster 3 and MACE was much smaller with the highest proportion of the effects mediated through increased myocardial wall thickness (26%) but not LV mass, and changes in all the components of LA function. Conclusions Clinical data clustering provides insight into distinct HTN risk profiles, each with specific imaging characteristics and clinical trajectories, hinting at different pathophysiological mechanisms. Enhanced phenotyping can facilitate tailored interventions based on the disease subtype and improve clinical outcomes.Figure 1.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance insights into anomalies of the mitral valve apparatus in Fabry cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Despite different etiopathogenesis, Fabry Disease cardiomyopathy (FDc) and sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) share a similar hypertrophic phenotype, including anomalies of the mitral valve apparatus (AMVA). Some of these anomalies have also been described in the pre-hypertrophic stage of both diseases. This cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study aimed to: (i) compare AMVA between FDc and HCM with a similar degree of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), to add new insights into differential diagnosis; (ii) assess whether AMVA represent an early and progressive alteration in FDc; (iii) propose simple and potentially reproducible measurements of AMVA. This observational, retrospective study enrolled: (i) 80 Fabry patients, divided into three groups with increasing severity of cardiac phenotype (20 patients LVH-/normal T1, 20 patients LVH-/low T1 and 40 patients LVH+), and (ii) 40 patients with HCM. All patients underwent CMR. The LVH + FDc and the HCM groups were matched for age, sex, body surface area and left ventricular (LV) mass. The following AMVA were measured on cine images: papillary muscles (PMs) hypertrophy (maximal diameter (Dmax) of anterolateral (Al) and posteromedial (Pm) PM), apical displacement, anteriorization of Al PM and anterior mitral valve leaflet (AMVL) elongation. Reference values for defining AMVA were derived from a matched healthy control group (n = 40). Both HCM and FDc LVH + patients showed PMs hypertrophy, with a greater degree in the FDc LVH + group [Dmax Al PM 16 ± 3.4 vs. 15 ± 3.1 mm, p 0.017; Dmax Pm PM 14 ± 4.0 vs.12 mm (10.0-14.0), p 0.039] As compared to controls, both HCM and FDc LVH + patients showed PMs apical displacement (HCM 83% vs. healthy volunteers 8%, p < 0.001; FDc LVH + 65% vs. healthy volunteers 8%, p < 0.001), with a greater prevalence in HCM. Anteriorization of Al PM was only evident in HCM (15 ± 6.2 vs. healthy controls 21 ± 5.3 mm, p < 0.001). Elongation of AMVL was detected both in HCM and FDc with LVH + (HCM 29 ± 4.0 vs. healthy volunteers 24 ± 2.9 mm, p < 0.001; FDc LVH + 27 ± 4.0 vs. healthy volunteers 24 ± 2.9 mm, p < 0.001) without significant differences between the two phenocopies. The prevalence of myocardial crypts was higher among HCM patients than in FDc LVH + patients (75% vs. 48%, p 0.012). we report greater PMs hypertrophy in FDc and a higher prevalence of PMs positional alterations (anterior and apical displacement) and myocardial crypts in HCM. All these AMVA became more pronounced with the progression of the FDc phenotype. We suggest the systematic inclusion of the analysis of AMVA by simple linear measurements on cine images in the CMR assessment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathies, to help in the differential diagnosis between HCM and FDc and to facilitate early detection of cardiac involvement in FDc.

Prognostic utility of exercise cardiovascular magnetic resonance in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Systemic sclerosis complicated by pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH) is a rare condition with poor prognosis. The majority of patients are categorized as intermediate risk of mortality. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is well placed to reproducibly assess right heart size and function, but most patients with SSc-PAH have less overtly abnormal right ventricles than other forms of PAH. The aim of this study was to assess if exercise CMR measures of cardiac size and function could better predict outcome in patients with intermediate risk SSc-PAH compared with resting CMR. Fifty patients with SSc-PAH categorized as intermediate risk underwent CMR-augmented cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Most patients had normal CMR-defined resting measures of right ventricular (RV) size and function. Nine (18%) patients died during a median follow-up period of 2.1 years (range 0.1-4.6). Peak exercise RV indexed end-systolic volume (ESVi) was the only CMR metric to predict prognosis on stepwise Cox regression analysis, with an optimal threshold < 39 mL/m2 to predict favourable outcome. Intermediate-low risk patients with peak RVESVi < 39 mL/m2 had significantly better survival than all other combinations of intermediate-low/-high risk status and peak RVESVi< or ≥39 mL/m2. In our cohort, ventilatory efficiency and resting oxygen consumption (VO2) were predictive of mortality, but not peak VO2, peak cardiac output, or peak tissue oxygen extraction. Exercise CMR assessment of RV size and function may help identify SSc-PAH patients with poorer prognosis amongst intermediate risk cohorts, even when resting CMR appears reassuring, and could offer added value to clinical PH risk stratification.

Noninvasive Advanced Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance-Derived Fontan Hemodynamics Are Associated With Reduced Kidney Function But Not Albuminuria.

Kidney disease is the most important predictor of death in patients with a Fontan circulation, yet its clinical and hemodynamic correlates have not been well established. A total of 53 ambulatory patients with a Fontan circulation (median age, 16.2 years, 52.8% male patients) underwent advanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance assessment, including 4-dimensional flow imaging and computational fluid dynamics. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <90 mL/min per 1.73 m2 was observed in 20.8% and albumin-to-creatinine ratio >3 mg/mmol in 39.6%. The average eGFR decline rate was -1.83 mL/min per 1.73 m2 per year (95% CI, -2.67 to -0.99; P<0.001). Lower eGFR was associated with older age, larger body surface area at examination, longer time since Fontan procedure, and lower systemic ventricular ejection fraction. Higher albumin-to-creatinine ratio was associated with absence of fenestration at the Fontan operation, and older age and lower systemic ventricular ejection fraction at the assessment. Lower cross-sectional area of the Fontan conduit indexed to flow (r=0.32, P=0.038), higher inferior vena cava-conduit velocity mismatch factor (r=-0.35, P=0.022), higher kinetic energy indexed to flow in the total cavopulmonary connection (r=-0.59, P=0.005), and higher total cavopulmonary connection resistance (r=-0.42, P=0.005 at rest; r=-0.43, P=0.004 during exercise) were all associated with lower eGFR but not with albuminuria. Kidney dysfunction and albuminuria are common among clinically well adolescents and young adults with a Fontan circulation. Advanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived metrics indicative of declining Fontan hemodynamics are associated with eGFR and might serve as targets to improve kidney health. Albuminuria might be driven by other factors that need further investigation.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Left Ventricular Filling Pressure Is Associated with NT-proBNP in Patients with New Onset Heart Failure.

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is emerging as an important imaging tool for sub-phenotyping and estimating left ventricular (LV) filling pressure (LVFP). The N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is released from cardiac myocytes in response to mechanical load and wall stress. This study sought to investigate if CMR-derived LVFP is associated with the serum levels of NT-proBNP and, in addition, if it provides any incremental prognostic value in heart failure (HF). Materials and Methods: This study recruited 380 patients diagnosed with HF who underwent same-day CMR and clinical assessment between February 2018 and January 2020. CMR-derived LVFP was calculated, as previously, from long- and short-axis cines. During CMR assessment, serum NT-proBNP was measured. The pathological cut-offs were defined as follows: NT-proBNP ≥ 125 pg/mL and CMR LVFP > 15 mmHg. The incidence of HF hospitalisation was treated as a clinical outcome. Results: In total, 305 patients had NT-proBNP ≥ 125 pg/mL. Patients with raised NT-proBNP were older (54 ± 14 vs. 64 ± 11 years, p < 0.0001). Patients with raised NT-proBNP had higher LV volumes and mass. In addition, CMR LVFP was higher in patients with raised NT-proBNP (13.2 ± 2.6 vs. 15.4 ± 3.2 mmHg, p < 0.0001). The serum levels of NT-proBNP were associated with CMR-derived LVFP (R = 0.42, p < 0.0001). In logistic regression analysis, this association between NT-proBNP and CMR LVFP was independent of all other CMR variables, including LV ejection fraction, LV mass, and left atrial volume (coefficient = 2.02, p = 0.002). CMR LVFP demonstrated an independent association with the incidence of HF hospitalisation above NT-proBNP (hazard ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 6, p = 0.01). Conclusions: A CMR-modelled LVFP is independently associated with serum NT-proBNP levels. Importantly, it provides an incremental prognostic value over and above serum NT-proBNP levels.

Phenotyping left ventricular systolic dysfunction in asymptomatic individuals for improved risk stratification.

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LSVD) is a heterogeneous condition with several factors influencing prognosis. Better phenotyping of asymptomatic individuals can inform preventative strategies. This study aims to explore the clinical phenotypes of LVSD in initially asymptomatic subjects and their association with clinical outcomes and cardiovascular abnormalities through multi-dimensional data clustering. Clustering analysis was performed on 60 clinically available variables from 1563 UK Biobank participants without pre-existing heart failure (HF) and with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) assessment. Risks of developing HF, other cardiovascular events, death, and a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) associated with clusters were investigated. Cardiovascular imaging characteristics, not included in the clustering analysis, were also evaluated. Three distinct clusters were identified, differing considerably in lifestyle habits, cardiovascular risk factors, electrocardiographic parameters, and cardiometabolic profiles. A stepwise increase in risk profile was observed from Cluster 1 to Cluster 3, independent of traditional risk factors and LVEF. Compared with Cluster 1, the lowest risk subset, the risk of MACE ranged from 1.42 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.96; P < 0.05] for Cluster 2 to 1.72 (95% CI: 1.36-2.35; P < 0.001) for Cluster 3. Cluster 3, the highest risk profile, had features of adverse cardiovascular imaging with the greatest LV re-modelling, myocardial dysfunction, and decrease in arterial compliance. Clustering of clinical variables identified three distinct risk profiles and clinical trajectories of LVSD amongst initially asymptomatic subjects. Improved characterization may facilitate tailored interventions based on the LVSD sub-type and improve clinical outcomes.

Accuracy of Rapid Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Left Ventricular Function During Community Cancer Cardiotoxicity Surveillance (WF98213)

Accuracy of Rapid Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Left Ventricular Function During Community Cancer Cardiotoxicity Surveillance (WF98213)

Cardiac magnetic resonance left ventricular filling pressure is linked to symptoms, signs and prognosis in heart failure.

Left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) can be estimated from cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). We aimed to investigate whether CMR-derived LVFP is associated with signs, symptoms, and prognosis in patients with recently diagnosed heart failure (HF). This study recruited 454 patients diagnosed with HF who underwent same-day CMR and clinical assessment between February 2018 and January 2020. CMR-derived LVFP was calculated, as previously, from long- and short-axis cines. CMR-derived LVFP association with symptoms and signs of HF was investigated. Patients were followed for median 2.9years (interquartile range 1.5-3.6years) for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, HF hospitalization, non-fatal stroke, and non-fatal myocardial infarction. The mean age was 62±13years, 36% were female (n=163), and 30% (n=135) had raised LVFP. Forty-seven per cent of patients had an ejection fraction<40% during CMR assessment. Patients with raised LVFP were more likely to have pleural effusions [hazard ratio (HR) 3.2, P=0.003], orthopnoea (HR 2.0, P=0.008), lower limb oedema (HR 1.7, P=0.04), and breathlessness (HR 1.7, P=0.01). Raised CMR-derived LVFP was associated with a four-fold risk of HF hospitalization (HR 4.0, P<0.0001) and a three-fold risk of MACE (HR 3.1, P<0.0001). In the multivariable model, raised CMR-derived LVFP was independently associated with HF hospitalization (adjusted HR 3.8, P=0.0001) and MACE (adjusted HR 3.0, P=0.0001). Raised CMR-derived LVFP is strongly associated with symptoms and signs of HF. In addition, raised CMR-derived LVFP is independently associated with subsequent HF hospitalization and MACE.

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Myocardial Injury in Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Myocardial Injury in Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

A distinct septal pattern of late gadolinium enhancement specific for COVID-induced myocarditis: A multicenter cardiovascular magnetic resonance study.

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a great medical challenge provoking acute respiratory distress, pulmonary manifestations, and cardiovascular (CV) consequences. This study compares cardiac injury in COVID-19 myocarditis patients with non-COVID myocarditis patients. Patients who recovered from COVID-19 were scheduled for cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) owing to clinical myocarditis suspicion. The retrospective non-COVID-19 myocarditis (2018-2019) group was enrolled (n=221 patients). All patients underwent a contrast-enhanced CMR, conventional myocarditis protocol, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The COVID study group included 552 patients with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age 45.9 (12.6) years old. CMR assessment confirmed a myocarditis-like LGE in 46% of the cases (68.5% of the segments with LGE <25% transmural extent), left ventricular (LV) dilatation in 10%, and systolic dysfunction in 16%. The COVID-myocarditis group showed a smaller median (interquartile range [IQR]) LV LGE (4.4% [2.9%-8.1%] vs. 5.9% [4.4%-11.8%]; P <0.001), lower LVEDV (144.6 [125.5-178] ml vs. 162.8 [136.6-194] ml; P <0.001), limited functional consequence (LVEF, 59% [54.1%-65%] vs. 58% [52%-63%]; P = 0.01), and a higher rate of pericarditis (13.6% vs. 6%; P = 0.03) compared to non-COVID myocarditis. The COVID-induced injury was more frequent in septal segments (2, 3, 14), and non-COVID myocarditis showed higher affinity to lateral wall segments (P <0.01). Neither obesity nor age was associated with LV injury or remodeling in subjects with COVID-myocarditis. COVID-19-induced myocarditis is associated with minor LV injury with a significantly more frequent septal pattern and a higher pericarditis rate than non-COVID-19 myocarditis.

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging as an Adjunct to the Evaluation of Cardiovascular Involvement in Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a new epidemic which has presented an immense increase in recent decades, due to the rapid increase in obesity. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) significantly reduces life expectancy and is the main cause of death in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Strict glycemic control is a well-established method to combat microvascular CVD of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM); its role against CVD of the T2DM risk has not been well documented. Therefore, the most efficient prevention is multifactorial risk factor reduction. Recently, the European Society of Cardiology published its 2019 recommendations on CVD in DM. Although all clinical points were discussed in this document, only a few comments were presented about when and how we should recommend cardiovascular (CV) imaging. Currently, CV imaging is the "must" in CV noninvasive evaluation. Alterations in CV imaging parameters can lead to early recognition of various types of CVD. In this paper, we briefly discuss the role of noninvasive imaging modalities, emphasizing the benefits of including cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the evaluation of DM. CMR, in the same examination, can provide an assessment of tissue characterization, perfusion and function, with excellent reproducibility and without radiation or limitations, due to the body habitus. Therefore, it can play a dominant role in the prevention and risk stratification of DM. The suggested protocol for DM evaluation should include routine annual echocardiographic evaluation of all DM patients and CMR assessment of those with poorly controlled DM, microalbuminuria, heart failure, arrhythmia and recent alterations in clinical or echocardiographic evaluation.

Non-invasive cardiovascular magnetic resonance assessment of pressure recovery distance after aortic valve stenosis

BackgroundDecisions in the management of aortic stenosis are based on the peak pressure drop, captured by Doppler echocardiography, whereas gold standard catheterization measurements assess the net pressure drop but are limited by associated risks. The relationship between these two measurements, peak and net pressure drop, is dictated by the pressure recovery along the ascending aorta which is mainly caused by turbulence energy dissipation. Currently, pressure recovery is considered to occur within the first 40–50 mm distally from the aortic valve, albeit there is inconsistency across interventionist centers on where/how to position the catheter to capture the net pressure drop. MethodsWe developed a non-invasive method to assess the pressure recovery distance based on blood flow momentum via 4D Flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Multi-center acquisitions included physical flow phantoms with different stenotic valve configurations to validate this method, first against reference measurements and then against turbulent energy dissipation (respectively n = 8 and n = 28 acquisitions) and to investigate the relationship between peak and net pressure drops. Finally, we explored the potential errors of cardiac catheterisation pressure recordings as a result of neglecting the pressure recovery distance in a clinical bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) cohort of n = 32 patients. ResultsIn-vitro assessment of pressure recovery distance based on flow momentum achieved an average error of 1.8 ± 8.4 mm when compared to reference pressure sensors in the first phantom workbench. The momentum pressure recovery distance and the turbulent energy dissipation distance showed no statistical difference (mean difference of 2.8 ± 5.4 mm, R2 = 0.93) in the second phantom workbench. A linear correlation was observed between peak and net pressure drops, however, with strong dependences on the valvular morphology. Finally, in the BAV cohort the pressure recovery distance was 78.8 ± 34.3 mm from vena contracta, which is significantly longer than currently accepted in clinical practise (40–50 mm), and 37.5% of patients displayed a pressure recovery distance beyond the end of the ascending aorta. ConclusionThe non-invasive assessment of the distance to pressure recovery is possible by tracking momentum via 4D Flow CMR. Recovery is not always complete at the ascending aorta, and catheterised recordings will overestimate the net pressure drop in those situations. There is a need to re-evaluate the methods that characterise the haemodynamic burden caused by aortic stenosis as currently clinically accepted pressure recovery distance is an underestimation.

Hemodynamic force assessment by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in HFpEF: A case-control substudy from the HFpEF stress trial.

The diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains challenging. Exercise-stress testing is recommended in case of uncertainty; however, this approach is time-consuming and costly. Since preserved EF does not represent normal systolic function, we hypothesized comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) assessment of cardiac hemodynamic forces (HDF) may identify functional abnormalities in HFpEF. The HFpEF Stress Trial (DZHK-17; Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03260621) prospectively recruited 75 patients with exertional dyspnea, preserved EF (≥50%) and signs of diastolic dysfunction (E/e' ≥8) on echocardiography. Patients underwent rest and exercise-stress right heart catheterisation, echocardiography and CMR. The final study cohort consisted of 68 patients (HFpEF n=34 and non-cardiac dyspnea n=34 according to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)). HDF assessment included left ventricular (LV) longitudinal, systolic peak and impulse, systolic/diastolic transition, E-wave deceleration as well as A-wave acceleration forces. Follow-up after 24 months evaluated cardiovascular mortality and hospitalisation (CVH) - only two patients were lost to follow-up. HDF assessment revealed impairment of LV longitudinal function in patients with HFpEF compared to non-cardiac dyspnoea (15.8% vs. 18.3%, p=0.035), attributable to impairment of systolic peak (38.6% vs 51.6%, p=0.003) and impulse (20.8% vs. 24.5%, p=0.009) forces as well as late diastolic filling (-3.8% vs-5.4%, p=0.029). Early diastolic filling was impaired in HFpEF patients identified at rest compared with patients identified during stress only (7.7% vs. 9.9%, p=0.004). Impaired systolic peak was associated with CVH (HR 0.95, p=0.016), and was superior to LV global longitudinal strain assessment in prediction of CVH (AUC 0.76 vs. 0.61, p=0.048). Assessment of HDF indicates impairment of LV systolic ejection force in HFpEF which is associated with cardiovascular events. German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK).

Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and the maternal heart

Abstract Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (pE) are both associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, including an increased risk of developing heart failure in later life. Both conditions are increasing in prevalence; GDM affects up to 12% and pE affects 3–5% of pregnancies worldwide. Compromised cardiac energy production is an important contributor to most forms of heart disease. The changes in myocardial energetics in GDM and pE have not been characterised previously. Purpose We sought to assess if women with GDM and women with pE in the third trimester of pregnancy exhibit adverse cardiac alterations in myocardial energetics, function or tissue characteristics. Methods Thirty-eight healthy pregnant (HP) women, thirty women with GDM and fifteen women with pE were recruited, matched for age and ethnicity. Participants underwent phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy and cardiovascular magnetic resonance for assessment of myocardial energetics (phosphocreatine to ATP ratio (PCr/ATP)), tissue characteristics, biventricular volumes and ejection fractions, left ventricular (LV) mass, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mitral in-flow E/A ratio. Results The biochemical characteristics and multiparametric MR results are given in Table 1. The women in the GDM and the pE groups had higher body-mass index. There was a stepwise increase in the systolic and diastolic BP from the HP to the GDM to the pE group. There was no difference in NTproBNP concentrations between the groups. The gestational weight gain was higher in women with GDM and pE compared to the HP group. The women in the GDM and the pE groups showed similar reductions in myocardial PCr/ATP ratios compared to HP group (Figure 1a), accompanied by lower LV end-diastolic volumes and higher LV mass (Figure 1b) and enhanced LV concentricity in both groups (Figure 1c). While LV ejection fractions were similar across the groups, the GLS was reduced in women with GDM and in women with pE (Figure 1d). Conclusions We show here for the first time that despite no prior diagnosis of diabetes or hypertension, women with GDM or pE manifest impaired myocardial contractility and higher LV mass, associated with reductions in myocardial energetics. These findings may aid our understanding of the long-term cardiovascular risks associated with these conditions. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Wellcome Trust

Maternal Cardiac Changes in Women With Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

We investigated if women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the third trimester of pregnancy exhibit adverse cardiac alterations in myocardial energetics, function, or tissue characteristics. Thirty-eight healthy, pregnant women and 30 women with GDM were recruited. Participants underwent phosphorus MRS and cardiovascular magnetic resonance for assessment of myocardial energetics (phosphocreatine [PCr] to ATP ratio), tissue characteristics, biventricular volumes and ejection fractions, left ventricular (LV) mass, global longitudinal shortening (GLS), and mitral in-flow E-wave to A-wave ratio. Participants were matched for age, gestational age, and ethnicity. The following data are reported as mean ± SD. The women with GDM had higher BMI (27 ± 4 vs. 33 ± 5 kg/m2; P = 0.0001) and systolic (115 ± 11 vs. 121 ± 13 mmHg; P = 0.04) and diastolic (72 ± 7 vs. 76 ± 9 mmHg; P = 0.04) blood pressures. There was no difference in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentrations between the groups. The women with GDM had lower myocardial PCr to ATP ratio (2.2 ± 0.3 vs. 1.9 ± 0.4; P < 0.0001), accompanied by lower LV end-diastolic volumes (76 ± 12 vs. 67 ± 11 mL/m2; P = 0.002) and higher LV mass (90 ± 13 vs. 103 ± 18 g; P = 0.001). Although ventricular ejection fractions were similar, the GLS was reduced in women with GDM (-20% ± 3% vs. -18% ± 3%; P = 0.008). Despite no prior diagnosis of diabetes, women with obesity and GDM manifest impaired myocardial contractility and higher LV mass, associated with reductions in myocardial energetics in late pregnancy compared with lean women with healthy pregnancy. These findings may aid our understanding of the long-term cardiovascular risks associated with GDM.

Towards automatic classification of cardiovascular magnetic resonance Task Force Criteria for diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

BackgroundArrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is diagnosed according to the Task Force Criteria (TFC) in which cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging plays an important role. Our study aims to apply an automatic deep learning-based segmentation for right and left ventricular CMR assessment and evaluate this approach for classification of the CMR TFC.MethodsWe included 227 subjects suspected of ARVC who underwent CMR. Subjects were classified into (1) ARVC patients fulfilling TFC; (2) at-risk family members; and (3) controls. To perform automatic segmentation, a Bayesian Dilated Residual Neural Network was trained and tested. Performance of automatic versus manual segmentation was assessed using Dice-coefficient and Hausdorff distance. Since automatic segmentation is most challenging in basal slices, manual correction of the automatic segmentation in the most basal slice was simulated (automatic−basal). CMR TFC calculated using manual and automatic−basal segmentation were compared using Cohen’s Kappa (κ).ResultsAutomatic segmentation was trained on CMRs of 70 subjects (39.6 ± 18.1 years, 47% female) and tested on 157 subjects (36.9 ± 17.6 years, 59% female). Dice-coefficient and Hausdorff distance showed good agreement between manual and automatic segmentations (≥ 0.89 and ≤ 10.6 mm, respectively) which further improved after simulated correction of the most basal slice (≥ 0.92 and ≤ 9.2 mm, p < 0.001). Pearson correlation of volumetric and functional CMR measurements was good to excellent (automatic (r = 0.78–0.99, p < 0.001) and automatic−basal (r = 0.88–0.99, p < 0.001) measurements). CMR TFC classification using automatic−basal segmentations was comparable to manual segmentations (κ 0.98 ± 0.02) with comparable diagnostic performance.ConclusionsCombining automatic segmentation of CMRs with correction of the most basal slice results in accurate CMR TFC classification of subjects suspected of ARVC.Graphical abstract

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance assessment of left atrial size and function in endurance athletes.

Background: Left atrial (LA) dilatation is linked to cardiovascular disease and atrial fibrillationbut its associations in athletes are unknown. The authors investigated whether aerobic fitness and clinical parameters are associated with LA dilatation and emptying fraction (EF) in endurance athletes. Materials & methods: 65 endurance athletes underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonanceto assess LA size and function along with fitness assessment. 25 sedentary controls underwent an identical cardiovascular magnetic resonance protocol. Results: In athletes, LA volume index was elevated, while total and passive LAEFs were decreased versus sedentary controls. Increasing age and maximal oxygen uptake were associated with LA volume index. Only older age was associated with decreased total LAEF. Conclusion: LA dilatation in athletes is associated with increasing age and aerobic fitness rather than conventional cardiovascular risk factors.

Stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance and serial fractional flow reserve assessment of the left anterior descending artery in patients undergoing right coronary artery chronic total occlusion revascularization.

BackgroundFractional flow reserve (FFR) assessment of remote arteries, in the context of a bystander chronic total occlusion (CTO), can lead to false positive results. Adenosine stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) evaluates perfusion defects across the entire myocardium and may therefore be a reliable tool in the work-up of remote lesions in CTO patients. The IMPACT-CTO study investigated donor artery invasive physiology before, immediately post, and at 4 months following right coronary artery (RCA) CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of this subanalysis was to assess the concordance between baseline perfusion CMR and serial FFR evaluation of left anterior descending artery (LAD) ischemia in patients from the IMPACT-CTO study.MethodsBaseline adenosine stress CMR examinations from 26 patients were analyzed for qualitative evidence of LAD ischemia. The results were correlated with the serial LAD FFR measurements.ResultsThe present findings demonstrated that before RCA CTO PCI, there was 62% agreement between perfusion CMR and FFR (ischemic threshold ≤ 0.8) in the assessment of LAD ischemia (k = 0.29; fair concordance). At 4 months after revascularization, there was 77% agreement (k = 0.52; moderate concordance) between the index CMR assessment of LAD ischemia and the follow-up LAD FFR. Concordance was improved at a LAD FFR ischemic threshold of ≤ 0.75.ConclusionsIn this hypothesis generating study, baseline CMR assessment of LAD ischemia correlated better with the 4 months LAD FFR data (threshold ≤ 0.8) as compared to the FFR measurements taken prior to RCA CTO revascularization.

Prognostic impact of cardiac MRI in acute myocardial injury with non-obstructive coronary arteries: The role of 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography and CMR imaging

Acute myocardial injury with non-obstructive coronary arteries (aMINOCA), broader term than MINOCA, including ischemic and non-ischemic causes, represents a diagnostic dilemma, and the prognostic markers have not been clarified. this study sought to assess the prognostic impact of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with aMINOCA. Prospective study including patients presenting aMINOCA, admitted from June 2019 to September 2020, undergoing 2D STE Echocardiography and CMR assessment at admission. A 1.5-T CMR was performed using a comprehensive protocol (cines, T2-STIR and late gadolinium enhancement sequences). CMR (performed at an average of 3.22 days from presentation) was able to identify the cause for the troponin rise in 82% (24/29) of the patients (41% myocarditis, 35% MI, and 7% Takotsubo cardiomyopathy), whereas a normal CMR was identified in 17%. 2D LV Global longitudinal systolic myocardial strain (2D GLS) correlated significantly with the amount of LGE (r 2 = 0.230; P = 0.021). Pick troponin level was significantly higher in groups of patients with LGE (18.6 vs. 1.6; P = 0.012) and with myocardial edema (24.4 vs. 4.1; P = 0.026). At follow-up, we found that both LVEF assessed by CMR and amount of myocardial edema were significantly correlated with the absence of recovery of the GLS at 6 months-follow-up echocardiography (r 2 = 0.243; P = 0.032 and r 2 = 0.410; P = 0.003). In contrast, no significant correlation between echography LVEF, 2D GLS and recovery of the GLS at follow-up was founded (r 2 = 0.07; P = 0.71 and r 2 = 0.185; P = 0.06). In a prospective study including 29 patients with non-obstructive coronary myocardial injury, CMR identified a final diagnosis in 82% of patients. 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography was a useful tool in the diagnostic process and follow-up. Presence of myocardial oedema assessed by CMR at admission is a strong predictive factor of absence of LV systolic function recovery.

Long-term clinical outcomes in patients with a working diagnosis of myocardial infarction with non-obstructed coronary arteries (MINOCA) assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

BackgroundMyocardial infarction with non-obstructed coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a distinct entity among patients presenting with troponin-positive acute chest pain. We have previously reported on the incremental diagnostic capability of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in this cohort. There is paucity of evidence on the long-term (> 5 years) clinical outcomes of these patients as graded by their acute CMR diagnosis. Methods and resultsA total of 229 patients with a working diagnosis of MINOCA who underwent CMR assessment during the acute admission (2010–2017) were prospectively studied. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as a composite of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular readmissions, identified from hospital and primary care records. CMR performed at a median of 6 days (IQR 2, 8) from presentation provided a diagnosis in 85% of the patients (38% myocarditis, 28% acute myocardial infarction and 19% Takotsubo cardiomyopathy). Over a median follow-up of 7.1 years (IQR 3.7, 8.2), 56 (24%) patients experienced a MACE. We found a strong association between CMR diagnosis and MACE (log rank 30.47, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio = 1.07; 95% confidence interval = 1.05, 1.10; p < 0.001) and CMR diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (hazard ratio = 8.87; 95% confidence interval = 2.58, 30.4; p = 0.001) were independent predictors of MACE. ConclusionsIn a large cohort of patients with a working diagnosis of MINOCA, one in four suffer a MACE during long-term clinical follow-up. CMR diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and age were significant predictors of MACE even in the absence of significant coronary artery obstruction.