Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study Research Articles

Evolution of myocardial oedema and fibrosis in HIV infected persons after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy: a prospective cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected persons on antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been shown to have functionally and structurally altered ventricles and may be related to cardiovascular inflammation. Mounting evidence suggests that the myocardium of HIV infected individuals may be abnormal before ART is initiated and may represent subclinical HIV-associated cardiomyopathy (HIVAC). The influence of ART on subclinical HIVAC is not known.MethodsNewly diagnosed, ART naïve persons with HIV infection were enrolled along with HIV uninfected, age- and sex-matched controls. All participants underwent comprehensive cardiovascular assessment, including contrasted cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with multiparametric mapping on a 1.5T CMR system. The HIV group was started on ART (tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir) and prospectively evaluated 9 months later. Cardiac tissue characterisation was compared in, and between groups using the appropriate statistical tests for the cross sectional data and the paired, prospective data respectively.ResultsSeventy-three ART naïve HIV infected individuals (32 ± 7 years, 45% female) and 22 healthy non-HIV subjects (33 ± 7 years, 50% female) were enrolled. Compared with non-HIV healthy subjects, the global native T1 (1008 ± 31 ms vs 1032 ± 44 ms, p = 0.02), global T2 (46 ± 2 vs 48 ± 3 ms, p = 0.006), and the prevalence of pericardial effusion (18% vs 67%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the HIV infected group at diagnosis. Global native T1 (1032 ± 44 to 1014 ± 34 ms, p < 0.001) and extracellular volume (ECV) (26 ± 4% to 25 ± 3%, p = 0.001) decreased significantly after 9 months on ART and were significantly associated with a decrease in the HIV viral load, decreased high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and improvement in the CD4 count (p < 0.001). Replacement fibrosis was significantly higher in the HIV infected group than controls (49% vs 10%, p = 0.02). The prevalence of late gadolinium enhancement did not change significantly over the 9-month study period (49% vs 55%, p = 0.4).ConclusionSubclinical HIVAC may already be present at the time of HIV diagnosis, as suggested by the combination of subclinical myocardial oedema and fibrosis found to be present before administration of ART. Markers of myocardial oedema on tissue characterization improved on ART in the short term, however, it is unclear if the underlying pathological mechanism is halted, or merely slowed by ART. Mid- to long term prospective studies are needed to evaluate subtle myocardial changes over time and to assess the significance of subclinical myocardial fibrosis.

Relationship Between Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Variation and Systemic Vascular Resistance: A Prospective Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study.

Introduction: This cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study aims to determine whether changes in systemic vascular resistance (SVR), obtained from CMR flow sequences, might explain the significant long-term changes in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) observed in subjects with no cardiac disease history.Methods: Cohort subjects without any known cardiac disease but with high rates of hypertension and obesity, underwent CMR with phase-contrast sequences both at baseline and at a median follow-up of 5.2 years. Longitudinal changes in EF were analyzed for any concomitant changes in blood pressure and vascular function, notably the indexed SVR given by the formula: mean brachial blood pressure / cardiac output x body surface area.Results: A total of 118 subjects (53 ± 12 years, 52% women) were included, 26% had hypertension, and 52% were obese. Eighteen (15%) had significant EF variations between baseline and follow-up (7 increased EF and 11 decreased EF). Longitudinal changes in EF were inversely related to concomitant changes in mean and diastolic blood pressures (p = 0.030 and p = 0.027, respectively) and much more significantly to SVR (p < 0.001). On average, these SVR changes were −8.08 ± 9.21 and +8.14 ± 8.28 mmHg.min.m2.L−1, respectively, in subjects with significant increases and decreases in EF, and 3.32 ± 7.53 mmHg.min.m2.L−1 in subjects with a stable EF (overall p < 0.001).Conclusions: Significant EF variations are not uncommon during the long-term CMR follow-up of populations with no evident health issues except for uncomplicated hypertension and obesity. However, most of these variations are linked to SVR changes and may therefore be unrelated to any intrinsic change in LV contractility. This underscores the benefits of specifically assessing LV afterload when EF is monitored in populations at risk of vascular dysfunction.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT01716819 and NCT02430805.

Left atrial structure and function are associated with cardiovascular outcomes independent of left ventricular measures: a UK Biobank CMR study.

AimsWe evaluated the associations of left atrial (LA) structure and function with prevalent and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), independent of left ventricular (LV) metrics, in 25 896 UK Biobank participants.Methods and resultsWe estimated the association of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) metrics [LA maximum volume (LAV), LA ejection fraction (LAEF), LV mass : LV end-diastolic volume ratio (LVM : LVEDV), global longitudinal strain, and LV global function index (LVGFI)] with vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking), prevalent and incident CVDs [atrial fibrillation (AF), stroke, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), myocardial infarction], all-cause mortality, and CVD mortality. We created uncorrelated CMR variables using orthogonal principal component analysis rotation. All five CMR metrics were simultaneously entered into multivariable regression models adjusted for sex, age, ethnicity, deprivation, education, body size, and physical activity. Lower LAEF was associated with diabetes, smoking, and all the prevalent and incident CVDs. Diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol were associated with smaller LAV. Hypertension, IHD, AF (incident and prevalent), incident stroke, and CVD mortality were associated with larger LAV. LV and LA metrics were both independently informative in associations with prevalent disease, however LAEF showed the most consistent associations with incident CVDs. Lower LVGFI was associated with greater all-cause and CVD mortality. In secondary analyses, compared with LVGFI, LV ejection fraction showed similar but less consistent disease associations.ConclusionLA structure and function measures (LAEF and LAV) demonstrate significant associations with key prevalent and incident cardiovascular outcomes, independent of LV metrics. These measures have potential clinical utility for disease discrimination and outcome prediction.

401 Myocardial viability and ischaemia assessment in chronic coronary total occlusions according to collaterals distribution: a retrospective analysis

Abstract Aims Whether CTO-PCI (chronic total occlusions—percutaneous coronary intervention) offers clinical benefit over optimal medical therapy is still a matter of debate. Viability and ischaemia assessment could improve selection of candidates to PCI. Traditionally, well-developed collaterals are considered a marker of myocardial viability in CTO territory. Current literature offers few data concerning the relationship between viability/ischaemia and collaterals distribution. Methods and results We retrospectively analysed the Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) studies and coronary angiographies of patients with at least one CTO referred at Humanitas Research Hospital between June 2009 and September 2020. We included 131 patients who underwent CMR with LGE assessment; of them, 111 (85%) underwent stress-CMR with adenosine. AHA segments (16 segment/patient for a total of 2096 segment assessed) were assessed on three short axis projection and scored for WMSI on cine images, for the presence of ischaemia on first pass perfusion, and for viability on LGE images. Viability was defined as LGE transmurality ≤50% and WMSI (wall motion score index) &amp;gt;1. Patients were divided in three groups according to collaterals distribution at coronary angiography: Patients with TD collaterals were more likely to have viable segments in the CTO-territory (90% of the segments in TD, 76% in WD, and 71% in PD, coeff. 0.107, P &amp;lt; 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between groups as regard the amount of ischaemic segments (61% of the segments in TD, 65% in WD, and 60% in PD, P = 0.189). Conclusions The presence of myocardial viability is slightly associated with the degree of coronary collateralization at coronary angiography while the amount of ischaemia is not. Stress CMR should be considered in CTO patients before a reopening attempt.

Insights into diastolic function analyses using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: impact of trabeculae and papillary muscles

BackgroundThis cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study investigates the impact of trabeculae and papillary muscles (TPM) on diastolic function parameters by differentiation of the time-volume curve. Differentiation causes additional problems, which is overcome by standardization.MethodsCine steady-state free-precession imaging at 1.5 T was performed in 40 healthy volunteers stratified for age (age range 7–78y). LV time-volume curves were assessed by software-assisted delineation of endocardial contours from short axis slices applying two different methods: (1) inclusion of TPM into the myocardium and (2) inclusion of TPM into the LV cavity blood volume. Diastolic function was assessed from the differentiated time-volume curves defining the early and atrial peaks, their filling rates, filling volumes, and further dedicated diastolic measures, respectively.ResultsOnly inclusion of TPM into the myocardium allowed precise assessment of early and atrial peak filling rates (EPFR, APFR) with clear distinction of EPFR and APFR expressed by the minimum between the early and atrial peak (EAmin) (100% vs. 36% for EAmin < 0.8). Prediction of peak filling rate ratios (PFRR) and filling volume ratios (FVR) by age was superior with inclusion of TPM into the myocardium compared to inclusion into the blood pool (r2 = 0.85 vs. r2 = 0.56 and r2 = 0.89 vs. r2 = 0.66). Standardization problems were overcome by the introduction of a third phase (mid-diastole, apart from diastole and systole) and fitting of the early and atrial peaks in the differentiated time-volume curve.ConclusionsOnly LV volumetry with inclusion of TPM into the myocardium allows precise determination of diastolic measures and prevents methodological artifacts.

Serial assessment of right ventricular function and deformation in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

Abstract Background In patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and failure is a major cause of adverse outcome. Most studies have assessed RV function and size during staged palliation but serial data about RV deformation and function after completion of the Fontan circulation are rare. We assessed RV function and deformation by analysing serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) studies in a large cohort of HLHS patients after completion of the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). Methods CMR examinations of 105 HLHS patients (female: 31, male: 74) were retrospectively analysed. Short axis cine images were used to measure RVEF and end-diastolic myocardial mass indexed to body surface area (RVMMi). 2-dimensional CMR feature tracking (2D-CMR-FT) was performed using long-axis and short axis cine images to measure myocardial global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain (GLS, GCS, GRS) values. Results From 105 patients, all had at least two CMR examinations after TCPC completion (mean age at TCPC: 2.7±0.8 years; mean interval between examinations 5.4±1.6 years). 36 patients had three examinations (mean interval between first and third scan 9.9±2.2 years). The first scan was performed at a mean age of 5.6±2.9 years. Global strain values and RVEF decreased from the first to the third examination with a significant decline in GLS from the first examination to the second examination (median and interquartile range (IQR): −18.6%, IQR −20.4 to −16.3 vs. −16.8%, IQR −19.2 to −14.7) and from the first to the third examination in 36 patients (−18.6%, IQR −20.8 to −16.1 vs. −15.9%, IQR −18.3 to −12.4) (all p-values &amp;lt;0.004). RVEF decreased significantly from the first to the third examination (55.9%, IQR 50.2–59.8 vs. 50.4%, IQR 45.0–57.6; p&amp;lt;0.002) and from the second to the third examination (55.1%, IQR 47.1–58.7 vs. 50.4%, IQR 45.0–57.6; p&amp;lt;0.0004). The decrease in RVEF between the first and second scan and the changes in GCS and GRS across the examinations did not reach statistical significance. Median RVMMi increased significantly between the first and second scan (47.4 g/m2, IQR 39.0–55.3 vs. 50.2 g/m2, IQR 42.6–61.7; p&amp;lt;0.0007) and slightly but not significantly between the first and third scan in patients with three examinations (47.4 g/m2, IQR 39.5–56.2 vs. 50.1 g/m2, IQR 45.3–60.4). Negative correlations between GCS and RVEF (r=−0.57 to −0.76; p all &amp;lt;0.0001) as well as between GLS and RVEF (r=−0.31 to −0.59; p all &amp;lt;0.002) at all three time points could be demonstrated. Conclusion Serial assessment of CMR studies in HLHS patients after TCPC completion demonstrates a significant reduction in global strain values and RVEF at mid-term follow-up. The significant reduction in GLS between the first two examinations with non-significant changes in RVEF suggest that 2D-CMR-FT might be a suitable technique for the detection of early myocardial dysfunction. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Bioelastic properties of the aorta in children, adolescents and young adults after cardiac transplantation: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

Abstract Background Long-term complications after cardiac transplantation are common and typically include arterial hypertension and coronary allograft vasculopathy. Few studies also suggested that heart transplant recipients have an increased arterial stiffness. Purpose This prospective study aimed to assess the bioelastic properties of the aorta as well as LV function, morphology and structure in children and young adults after cardiac transplantation. Methods CMR studies from 34 patients (median age: 17.1 years, range: 8–24 years) who underwent cardiac transplantation in childhood were analysed. Aortic anatomy and distensibility were assessed at five locations of the thoracic aorta using steady-state free precession cine sequences. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the aortic arch and the descending thoracic aorta was measured from 2-dimensional phase contrast images. Size and function of the left atrium and the ventricles were assessed from a stack of short axis slices. Myocardial T1 times were determined using a standard MOLLI sequence. Results Cross-sectional areas of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch tended to be lower in patients compared to controls (ascending aorta 464.5±172.5 mm2 vs. 515.3±186.3 mm2, aortic arch 342.4±113.3 mm2 vs. 376.9±148.5 mm2) whereas cross-sectional areas of the descending aorta tended to be higher (aortic isthmus 283.7±102.1 mm2 vs. 257.9±89.5 mm2, aorta descendens diaphragmal 218.4±75.8 mm2 vs. 214.2±75.0 mm2) and showed a correlation with systolic blood pressure (r=0.33). PWV was higher in the aortic arch (4.8±2.4 m/s vs. 3.6±0.7 m/s). Aortic distensibility was slightly higher at all measuring points in the study population compared to the control group and showed an increase with rising distance from the heart (ascending aorta 10.5±5.8 10–3 mm Hg-1, aortic isthmus 13.1±7.5 10–3 mm Hg-1, descending aorta 16.6±6.8 10–3 mm Hg-1). Biventricular volumes were slightly reduced in the patient group compared to the control group but this was not statistically significant. Only left ventricular mass messured during the systolic phase was higher in the study population compared to the control group (males 55.1 g/m2 vs. 53.0 g/m2, females 46.2 g/m2 vs. 45.2 g/m2). T1 mapping demonstrated increased T1 times in the heart-transplanted group compared to published data in healthy adults. In particular, T1 times of the lateral and inferior myocardial segments were higher. Conclusion Patients who underwent cardiac transplantation in childhood seem to have a reduced bioelasticity of the thoracic aorta. Increased myocardial T1 times suggesting alterations in myocardial structure. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Cardiac function is normal in most patients recovered from COVID-19

Abstract Background There are conflicting results regarding impaired cardiac function in patients that have recovered from COVID-19. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) studies have revealed a very high frequency of cardiac involvement (78%) and ongoing myocardial inflammation (60%) in patients recently recovered from COVID-19. Findings are advocating further investigation of the long-term myocardial consequences of COVID-19 disease. Purpose We aimed to investigate left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function by a comprehensive echocardiographic study in patients recovered from COVID-19 infection 3 months after admission to hospital. Methods All patients (n=92) had been hospitalized for COVID-19 and were examined with echocardiography three months after hospitalization. They were 59±13 years, and 43% were women. LV function was assessed by ejection fraction (EF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV function was measured by fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV GLS free wall. Tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient was measured to estimate pulmonary artery pressure. Results LV EF was 63±6% and LV GLS was −18.6±2.2%. All patients had normal EF &amp;gt;53%, but 10 showed signs of subtle impaired LV function by LV GLS (≥ −16%). Only two of these did not have hypertension, LV hypertrophy, diabetes or other preexisting diagnosis of heart disease explaining subtle LV dysfunction. All had normal RV FAC (48±7%) and TAPSE (2.3±0.3 cm). We found modestly impaired RV longitudinal function (RV GLS free wall &amp;gt;−25%) in 30% patients, but none had RV GLS worse than −20%. One-third of all patients with reduced RV GLS had signs of elevated pulmonary arterial pressures, which might impact the assessment of RV function. Conclusions Traditional echocardiographic parameters showed normal function in all hospitalized COVID-19 patients three months after hospital admittance. Approximately one-third had subtle ventricular dysfunction detected by sensitive echocardiographic methods, but these findings could mostly be explained by systemic or pulmonary hypertension. We cannot, however, exclude that a slight reduction in cardiac function in a minority of our patients was caused by the COVID-19 infection. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): National Clinical Therapy Research in the Specialist Health Services, Norway

Prevalence and predictors of right ventricular dysfunction in cancer patients treated with cardiotoxic chemotherapy – a prospective cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) function has an established incremental prognostic value in cardiomyopathy. Studies on cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) primarily focused on the left ventricle (LV), with conflicting results from small studies dedicated to RV dysfunction. Purpose We sought to investigate the influence of chemotherapy on RV function relative to LV function using serial cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods Patients were enrolled as part of Cardiotoxicity Prevention Research Initiative (CAPRI) Registry aimed at evaluating CMR-based markers for surveillance of CTRCD. Patients underwent non-contrast CMR imaging prior to initiation of anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab and serially every 3 months during the first year, then annually thereafter. We included patients who had a baseline and ≥1 follow-up scan and excluded those with baseline LV ejection fraction (EF)&amp;lt;50%, providing 320 patients completing 1,453 CMR studies. Cine images were analysed to calculate chamber volumes indexed to body surface area and EF. We defined LV CTRCD using CMR modality specific criteria of a drop in LV EF ≥5% from baseline to &amp;lt;57%; RV CTRCD as a drop ≥5% to &amp;lt;49% in females and &amp;lt;47% in males. We used linear mixed models to study the changes in ventricular volumes and EF with time. Results The majority of patients were females (80%), had breast cancer (68%) or lymphoma (32%), with a mean age of 52.7±13 years. Figure 1 shows temporal changes in mean ventricular volumes and function over the first year. Mean changes in RV function followed those of the LV, with the nadir of EF and maximum of volumes occurring at 6 months. Respective values for mean decrease in LV and RV EF at this time point versus baseline were 4.1 and 2.9% (p&amp;lt;0.001). Concomitant mean increase in indexed RV end-diastolic (ED) and end-systolic (ES) volumes were 1.6 and 2.7 ml/m2 (p=0.2 and &amp;lt;0.001). There was significant interaction of chemotherapy regimen with time for RV volumes (p=0.001 and 0.003), but not RV EF (p=0.7), with worst changes occurring with combined anthracyclines and trastuzumab. In all, 70 (22%) and 28 (9%) patients met criteria for LV and RV CTRCD, respectively. Among those who developed RV CTRCD, 10 had persistently normal LV function. Figure 2 shows the results of logistic regression to predict RV CTRCD. Significant univariable predictors included combined chemotherapy regimen and baseline LV and RV volumes and LV EF. Adjusting for age, sex, and chemotherapy regimen, baseline RV ED volume remained associated with RV CTRCD (odds ratio 1.6; p=0.005). Conclusion In this large study, RV volumes and function were similarly influenced by chemotherapy versus comparable LV-based measures. Using similar threshold criteria, the incidence of RV CTRCD was lower than for LV CTRCD; however, one third of those who develop RV CTRCD showed normal LV function. Future studies are warranted to study the prognostic influence of RV injury in cancer patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Alberta InnovatesGenome Alberta Figure 1. Temporal changes in LV &amp; RV functionFigure 2. Predictors of RV CTRCD

Diagnosis of Cardiac Involvement in Amyloid A Amyloidosis by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Background: Diagnosis of cardiac involvement in amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is challenging since AA amyloidosis is a rare disease and cardiac involvement even less frequent. The diagnostic yield of currently available non-invasive imaging methods is not well-studied and rather limited, and invasive endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is rarely performed due to the potential risk of this procedure. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-based myocardial tissue characterization by late-gadolinium-enhancement (LGE) imaging and novel-mapping approaches may increase the diagnostic yield in AA amyloidosis.Methods: Two patients with AA amyloidosis in whom cardiac involvement was suspected based on CMR findings and subsequently proven by biopsy work-up are presented. CMR studies were performed on a 1.5-T system and comprised a cine steady-state free precession pulse sequence for ventricular function and a late-gadolinium-enhancement (LGE) sequence for detection of myocardial pathology. Moreover, a modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) T1-mapping sequence was applied in basal, mid and apical short-axes prior to contrast agent administration and ~20 min thereafter to determine native T1 and ECV values.Results: Both patients showed slightly dilated left ventricles (LV) with mild to moderate LV hypertrophy and preserved systolic function. Only a very subtle pattern of LGE was observed in both patients with AA amyloidosis. However, markedly elevated native T1 (max. 1,108 and 1,112 ms, respectively) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) values (max. 39 and 48%, respectively) were measured in the myocardium suggesting the presence of cardiac involvement - with subsequent EMB-based proof of AA amyloidosis.Conclusion: We recommend a multi-parametric CMR approach in patients with AA amyloidosis comprising both LGE-based contrast-imaging and T1-mapping-based ECV measurement of the myocardium for non-invasive work-up of suspected cardiac involvement. The respective CMR findings may be used as gatekeeper for additional invasive procedures (such as EMB) and as a non-invasive monitoring tool regarding assessment and modification of ongoing treatments.

Impaction of regurgitation jet on anterior mitral leaflet is associated with diastolic dysfunction in patients with bicuspid aortic valve and mild insufficiency: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

To assess the impact of regurgitant jet direction on left ventricular function and intraventricular hemodynamics in asymptomatic patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and mild aortic valve regurgitation (AR), using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking and 4D flow imaging. Fifty BAV individuals were retrospectively selected: 15 with mild AR and posterior regurgitation jet (Group-PJ), 15 with regurgitant jet in other directions (Group-nPJ) and 20 with no regurgitation (Controls). CMR protocol included cine steady state free precession (SSFP) sequences and 4D Flow imaging covering the entire left ventricle (LV) cavity and the aortic root. Cine-SSFP images were analyzed to assess LV volumes, longitudinal and circumferential myocardial strain. Circumferential and longitudinal peak diastolic strain rate (PDSR) and peak diastolic velocity (PDV) were reduced in group PJ if compared to group nPJ and control group (PDSR = 1.10 ± 0.2 1/s vs. 1.34 ± 0.5 1/s vs. 1.53 ± 0.3 1/s, p:0.001 and 0.68 ± 0.2 1/s vs. 1.17 ± 0.2 1/s vs. 1.05 ± 0.4 1/s ; p < 0.001, PDV = − 101.6 ± 28.1 deg/s vs. − 201.4 ± 85.9 deg/s vs. − 221.6 ± 67.1 deg/s; p < 0.001 and − 28.1 ± 8 mm/s vs. − 38.9 ± 11.1 mm/s vs. − 43.6 ± 14.3 mm/s, p < 0.001, respectively), whereas no differences have been found in systolic strain values. 4D Flow images (available only in 9 patients) showed deformation of diastolic transmitral streamlines direction in group PJ compared to other groups. In BAV patients with mild AR, the posterior direction of the regurgitant jet may hamper the complete mitral valve opening, disturbing transmitral flow and slowing the LV diastolic filling.

A cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging-based pilot study to assess coronary microvascular disease in COVID-19 patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is primarily characterised by a respiratory disease. However, SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect vascular endothelium and subsequently cause vascular inflammation, atherosclerotic plaque instability and thereby result in both endothelial dysfunction and myocardial inflammation/infarction. Interestingly, up to 50% of patients suffer from persistent exercise dyspnoea and a post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) after having overcome an acute COVID-19 infection. In the present study, we assessed the presence of coronary microvascular disease (CMD) by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in post-COVID-19 patients still suffering from exercise dyspnoea and PVFS. N = 22 patients who recently recovered from COVID-19, N = 16 patients with classic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and N = 17 healthy control patients without relevant cardiac disease underwent dedicated vasodilator-stress CMR studies on a 1.5-T MR scanner. The CMR protocol comprised cine and late-gadolinium-enhancement (LGE) imaging as well as velocity-encoded (VENC) phase-contrast imaging of the coronary sinus flow (CSF) at rest and during pharmacological stress (maximal vasodilation induced by 400 µg IV regadenoson). Using CSF measurements at rest and during stress, global myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) was calculated. There was no difference in left ventricular ejection-fraction (LV-EF) between COVID-19 patients and controls (60% [57–63%] vs. 63% [60–66%], p = NS). There were only N = 4 COVID-19 patients (18%) showing a non-ischemic pattern of LGE. VENC-based flow measurements showed that CSF at rest was higher in COVID-19 patients compared to controls (1.78 ml/min [1.19–2.23 ml/min] vs. 1.14 ml/min [0.91–1.32 ml/min], p = 0.048). In contrast, CSF during stress was lower in COVID-19 patients compared to controls (3.33 ml/min [2.76–4.20 ml/min] vs. 5.32 ml/min [3.66–5.52 ml/min], p = 0.05). A significantly reduced MPR was calculated in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls (2.73 [2.10–4.15–11] vs. 4.82 [3.70–6.68], p = 0.005). No significant differences regarding MPR were detected between COVID-19 patients and HCM patients. In post-COVID-19 patients with persistent exertional dyspnoea and PVFS, a significantly reduced MPR suggestive of CMD—similar to HCM patients—was observed in the present study. A reduction in MPR can be caused by preceding SARS-CoV-2-associated direct as well as secondary triggered mechanisms leading to diffuse CMD, and may explain ongoing symptoms of exercise dyspnoea and PVFS in some patients after COVID-19 infection.

Clinical Significance of Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connections (Isolated and Atrial Septal Defect Associated) Determined by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.

Partial anomalous venous connections (PAPVC) are associated with left to right shunting and right heart dilatation. Identification of PAPVC has increased with widespread use of cross-sectional imaging modalities. However, management strategies are mostly based on expert opinion given the scarcity of data from large series. We aimed to define types and significance of isolated and atrial septal defect (ASD) associated PAPVC detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance. We retrospectively reviewed our cardiovascular magnetic resonance database from 2002 to 2018 to identify isolated or ASD-associated PAPVC cases. A total of 215 patients (median age 46 years; range, 6-83) with isolated or ASD-associated PAPVC were identified among 102 135 clinical cardiovascular magnetic resonance studies. Of these, 104 were isolated and 111 were associated with an ASD. Anomalous connection of right upper pulmonary vein was the most common single venous anomaly (99/215), but in the isolated PAPVC group there were more anomalous left than right upper pulmonary veins (39 versus 34). The Qp/Qs was significantly higher for isolated anomalous single right upper pulmonary vein than left upper pulmonary vein (1.6 versus 1.4 respectively; P=0.01) as were right ventricular end-diastolic volumes (113.7±30.9 versus 90 [57-157] mL/m2, P=0.004). In the PAPVC with an ASD group, sinus venosus ASDs (82%) were associated with right-sided PAPVCs while both right and left-sided venous anomalies were seen in secundum ASDs (18%). In a substantial number of patients (30 out of 91) with sinus venosus ASDs, PAPVCs were more complex and involved more than a single anomalous right upper pulmonary vein; and in 5 patients with ASD, PAPVC was identified only after the ASD closure. This large series provides descriptive and hemodynamic features for isolated and ASD-associated PAPVCs. Anomalous isolated right upper pulmonary vein may cause a significant shunt (Qp/Qs >1.5). PAPVC associated with sinus venosus and secundum ASDs might be more complex than a single anomalous pulmonary vein and missed before ASD correction.

CMR-based T1-mapping offers superior diagnostic value compared to longitudinal strain-based assessment of relative apical sparing in cardiac amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative disease. In the present study, we compared the diagnostic accuracy of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-based T1-mapping and subsequent extracellular volume fraction (ECV) measurement and longitudinal strain analysis in the same patients with (a) biopsy-proven cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and (b) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). N = 30 patients with CA, N = 20 patients with HCM and N = 15 healthy control patients without relevant cardiac disease underwent dedicated CMR studies. The CMR protocol included standard sequences for cine-imaging, native and post-contrast T1-mapping and late-gadolinium-enhancement. ECV measurements were based on pre- and post-contrast T1-mapping images. Feature-tracking analysis was used to calculate 3D left ventricular longitudinal strain (LV-LS) in basal, mid and apical short-axis cine-images and to assess the presence of relative apical sparing. Receiver-operating-characteristic analysis revealed an area-under-the-curve regarding the differentiation of CA from HCM of 0.984 for native T1-mapping (p < 0.001), of 0.985 for ECV (p < 0.001) and only 0.740 for the “apical-to-(basal + midventricular)”-ratio of LV-LS (p = 0.012). A multivariable logistical regression analysis showed that ECV was the only statistically significant predictor of CA when compared to the parameter LV-LS or to the parameter “apical-to-(basal + midventricular)” LV-RLS-ratio. Native T1-mapping and ECV measurement are both superior to longitudinal strain measurement (with assessment of relative apical sparing) regarding the appropriate diagnosis of CA.

Non-invasive characterization of pleural and pericardial effusions using T1 mapping by magnetic resonance imaging.

Differentiating exudative from transudative effusions is clinically important and is currently performed via biochemical analysis of invasively obtained samples using Light's criteria. Diagnostic performance is however limited. Biochemical composition can be measured with T1 mapping using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and hence may offer diagnostic utility for assessment of effusions. A phantom consisting of serially diluted human albumin solutions (25-200 g/L) was constructed and scanned at 1.5 T to derive the relationship between fluid T1 values and fluid albumin concentration. Native T1 values of pleural and pericardial effusions from 86 patients undergoing clinical CMR studies retrospectively analysed at four tertiary centres. Effusions were classified using Light's criteria where biochemical data was available (n = 55) or clinically in decompensated heart failure patients with presumed transudative effusions (n = 31). Fluid T1 and protein values were inversely correlated both in the phantom (r = -0.992) and clinical samples (r = -0.663, P < 0.0001). T1 values were lower in exudative compared to transudative pleural (3252 ± 207 ms vs. 3596 ± 213 ms, P < 0.0001) and pericardial (2749 ± 373 ms vs. 3337 ± 245 ms, P < 0.0001) effusions. The diagnostic accuracy of T1 mapping for detecting transudates was very good for pleural and excellent for pericardial effusions, respectively [area under the curve 0.88, (95% CI 0.764-0.996), P = 0.001, 79% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 0.93, (95% CI 0.855-1.000), P < 0.0001, 95% sensitivity; 81% specificity]. Native T1 values of effusions measured using CMR correlate well with protein concentrations and may be helpful for discriminating between transudates and exudates. This may help focus the requirement for invasive diagnostic sampling, avoiding unnecessary intervention in patients with unequivocal transudative effusions.

Evaluation of the effects of glycated hemoglobin on cardiac function in patients with short-duration type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

AimsTo investigate the association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and myocardial dysfunction and to determine whether its association is independent of myocardial perfusion. MethodsSixty-four patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were recruited. They were divided into groups according to their HbA1c level: the controlled T2DM group (HbA1c < 7%) and uncontrolled T2DM groups (HbA1c ≥ 7%). Meanwhile, 30 age-matched healthy volunteers were included. All patients with T2DM and healthy controls underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the myocardial mechanics and perfusion parameters. ResultsThe circumferential and longitudinal peak strain (PS) (p = 0.009 and 0.002 respectively) and global radial, circumferential, and longitudinal peak strain diastolic strain rates (PDSRs) (p = 0.002, 0.001, and 0.001 respectively) were lower in the uncontrolled T2DM group than in the controls without diabetes. In multivariable linear regression analysis, HbA1c was independently related to all directions of the PS and PDSR. The myocardial perfusion parameters were not independently associated with the PS or PDSR. ConclusionsCardiac function is impaired in Chinese T2DM patients with poor glucose control (HbA1c ≥ 7%), with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, and disease duration <10 years. Poor blood glucose control is an independent predictor of LV myocardial dysfunction for patients with short-term T2DM.

Successful percutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair for primary mitral regurgitation results in functional improvement and positive cardiac reverse remodelling

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Percutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair can be an effective treatment for primary mitral regurgitation (MR) patients deemed high-risk for surgery. Accurate assessment of cardiac reverse remodelling is essential to optimise future patient selection. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is the reference standard for cardiac volumetric assessment and compared to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) provides superior reproducibility in MR quantification. Prior CMR studies have analysed cardiac reverse remodelling following percutaneous intervention in combined cohorts of primary and secondary MR patients. However, as aetiology of MR can significantly impact outcomes, focused studies are warranted. Purpose Assess cardiac reverse remodelling and quantify changes in MR following percutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair for primary MR using the reference standard (CMR). Methods 12 patients with at least moderate-severe MR on TTE were prospectively recruited to undergo CMR imaging and 6-minute walk tests (6MWT) at baseline and 6 months following percutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair (MitraClip). CMR protocol involved: left-ventricular (LV) short axis cines (bSSFP, SENSE-2, 10mm, no gap), transaxial right-ventricular (RV) cines (bSSFP, SENSE-2, 8mm, no gap), two and four chamber cines and aortic through-plane phase contrast imaging, planned at the sino-tubular junction. MR was quantified indirectly using LV and aortic stroke volumes. Results 12 patients underwent percutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair (MitraClip) for posterior mitral valve leaflet prolapse, however 1 patient declined follow up after single-leaflet clip detachment resulting in 11 patients (age 83 ± 5years, 9 male) completing follow up imaging. At 6-months: significant improvements occurred in New York Heart Association functional class (Table 1) and 6MWT distances (223 ± 71m to 281 ± 65m, p = 0.005) and significant reductions occurred in indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volumes (LVEDVi) (118 ± 21ml/m2 to 94 ± 27ml/m2, p = 0.001), indexed left ventricular end-systolic volumes (58 ± 19ml/m2 to 48 ± 21ml/m2, p = 0.007) and quantitated MR volume (55 ± 22ml to 24 ± 12ml, p = 0.003) and MR fraction (49 ± 9.4% to 29 ± 14%, p= &amp;lt;0.001). There were no statistically significant changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right ventricular dimensions/ejection fraction or bi-atrial dimensions (Table 1). All patients demonstrated decreased LVEDVi and quantified MR (Figure 1). Conclusion Successful percutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair for primary MR results in reduction in MR, positive LV reverse remodelling, preservation of LVEF, and functional improvements. Larger CMR studies are now required to further guide optimal patient selection.

Aortic regurgitation and left ventricle remodeling in cardiac magnetic resonance and transthoracic echocardiography

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Medical University of SIlesia Background Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the main imaging modality used to assess patients with chronic aortic regurgitation (AR). However, it is not possible to provide a precise quantification in all patients. Our aim was to compare TTE and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) measurements in grading AR and left ventricle (LV) remodeling. Methods A total of 51 consecutive patients with isolated AR in TTE were enrolled into the study and finally forty nine individuals (age: 57.1 (14); 61% males) underwent a non-contrast CMR (2 pts excluded for CMR contraindications). AR severity grading and LV remodeling were assessed according to the current ASE guidelines, including a semi-quantitative and quantitative parameters. All CMR studies were obtained on ecg-gated cine images acquired on 1.5T system (GE Optima MR450w, GE Healthcare, Wisconsin, USA) with a dedicated cardiac coil using a non-contrast protocol, including a quantitative approach (phase-contrast velocity encoded imaging). Results Most of the study patients showed mild symptoms (NYHA I/II/III – 55%/38%/7%; CCS 0/I/II/III/IV – 79%/2%/12%/6%) and typical cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension (83%), dyslipidemia (91%), diabetes (12%) and obesity (16%). Twenty patients (40%) showed combined AV disease and 14 patients (28,5%) had a bicuspid AV. The AR jets were central (53%) or eccentric (47%) and multiple in 7 cases (14%). The inter-modality agreement (TTE-CMR) in AR grading was high in mild AR (91%) and low in mild-to-moderate (12%), moderate-to-severe (10%) and severe (20%) AR. The comprehensive quantitative grading with AR volume (AR vol) and regurgitant fraction (RF) were measurable in TTE in 24 cases and showed a significant association with CMR parameters (AR vol: r = 0.75; p &amp;lt; 0.001 and RF: r = 0.55; p &amp;lt; 0.01). Moreover, CMR revealed significantly larger LV end-diastolic volumes (EDV) (185,5 ± 61ml vs 158,4 ± 61ml; p = 0.03) and a trend towards higher left ventricle ejection fraction (59 ± 8 vs 56 ± 8%; p = 0.08). The association of AR vol and LV EDV was stronger in CMR (r = 0.85; p &amp;lt; 0.0001) compared to TTE (r = 0.6; p = 0.001). Conclusions CMR provides a comprehensive assessment of AR severity and LV remodeling with a moderate agreement with TTE.

Prospective case-control study of cardiovascular abnormalities six months following mild COVID-19 in healthcare workers

Funding AcknowledgementsType of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Barts Charity UCLH CharityOnBehalfCOVIDsortiumBackgroundRecent CMR studies have reported cardiac abnormalities after COVID-19 are common, even after mild, non-hospitalised illness with evidence of ongoing myocardial inflammation. Such a prevalence of chronic myocarditis after mild disease has prompted societal concerns in diverse domains, and suggests that screening should be considered post COVID-19, even in asymptomatic individuals. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has proven utility for diagnosis in patients with COVID-19 infection and elevated troponin from unclear causes by measuring cardiac structure, function, myocardial scar (late gadolinium enhancement) and oedema (T1 and T2 mapping).ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the prevalence and extent of late cardiac and cardiovascular sequelae after mild non-hospitalised SARS-CoV-2 infection.MethodsParticipants were recruited from COVIDsortium, a three-hospital prospective study of 731 healthcare workers who underwent first wave weekly symptom, PCR and serology assessment over 4 months, with seroconversion in 21.5% (n = 157). At 6 months post infection, 74 seropositive and 75 age-, sex-, ethnicity-matched seronegative controls were recruited for cardiovascular phenotyping (comprehensive phantom-calibrated Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and blood biomarkers). Analysis was blinded, using objective AI analytics where available.Results149 subjects (mean age 37 years, range 18-63, 58% female) were recruited. Seropositive infections had been mild with case definition/non-case definition/asymptomatic disease in 45(61%), 18(24%) and 11(15%) with one person hospitalised (for 2 days). Between seropositive and seronegative groups, there were no differences in cardiac structure (left ventricular volumes, mass; atrial area), function (ejection fraction, global longitudinal shortening, aortic distensibility), tissue characterisation (T1, T2, ECV mapping, late gadolinium enhancement) or biomarkers (troponin, NT-proBNP). With abnormal defined by the 75 seronegatives (2 standard deviations from mean, e.g. EF < 54%, septal T1 > 1072ms, septal T2 > 52.4ms), individuals had abnormalities including reduced EF (n = 2, minimum 50%), T1 elevation (n = 6), T2 elevation (n = 9), LGE (n = 13, median 1%, max 5% of myocardium), biomarker elevation (borderline troponin elevation in 4; all NT-proBNP normal). These were distributed equally between seropositive and seronegative individuals.ConclusionsCardiovascular abnormalities are no more common in seropositive vs seronegative otherwise healthy, workforce representative individuals 6 months post mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our study provides societal reassurance for the cardiovascular health of working-aged individuals with convalescence from mild SARS-CoV-2. Screening asymptomatic individuals following mild diseases is not indicated.

Myocardial perfusion quantification by CMR for detection of obstructive coronary artery disease in patients with previous coronary artery bypass surgery

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation Background Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an established treatment for patients with advanced coronary artery disease (CAD). A subsequent recurrence of symptoms can cause the need for re-assessment of the coronary circulation. The accuracy of visually assessed stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for the detection of obstructive CAD is reduced in patients with prior CABG. In patients with complex multi-vessel CAD, myocardial perfusion quantification by CMR is superior to visual assessment (VA) for detection of obstructive disease however patients with CABG have been absent from previous studies. Purpose This study sought to assess the performance of myocardial perfusion quantification by CMR against invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for detecting obstructive CAD in patients with previous CABG. Methods Twenty-nine patients with a history of previous CABG and subsequent clinically indicated perfusion CMR study and invasive coronary angiography were recruited. Patients underwent a dual bolus stress perfusion CMR with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging at 3 Tesla. Stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) was estimated at the coronary territory level according to the AHA 16 segment model using Fermi function-constrained deconvolution. Segments with transmural LGE were excluded from MBF analysis. Stress perfusion images were analysed visually alongside LGE images and matched perfusion-LGE defects were considered negative. On ICA, coronary territories with lumen stenosis &amp;gt;70% without an unobstructed bypass graft (&amp;lt;70% stenosis) were considered positive. Results 86/87 coronary territories were suitable for analysis. Sixty-five territories had at least one bypass graft including 32 territories with arterial grafts. 28/86 territories (33%) had obstructive disease on angiography. Territories with obstructive CAD had significantly lower stress MBF than unobstructed territories (1.21 [IQR: 0.96–1.45] vs 1.58 [1.40–1.84] ml/g/min, p &amp;lt; 0.001, Figure 1). Stress MBF had good accuracy to detect coronary territories with obstructive CAD (sensitivity 71%, specificity 84%, area under the curve (AUC) 0.83, p &amp;lt; 0.001, Figure 2A). For visual assessment, sensitivity was 79%, specificity 78% and diagnostic accuracy 78%. When analysis was confined to only territories with bypass grafts, stress MBF had 78% sensitivity, 81% specificity and AUC of 0.85, p &amp;lt; 0.001 (Figure 2B).. In this subgroup, VA had a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 76% and a 77% diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions In patients with previous surgical revascularisation, quantification of stress myocardial blood flow by CMR offers good diagnostic accuracy for the detection and localisation of anatomically significant stenoses. Accuracy is reduced compared with published data in patients without coronary grafts but remains comparable to expert visual assessment.