Myocardial T1 mapping by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging shows early myocardial changes in treatment-naive patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and positive autoantibodies.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study whether myocardial changes are already detectable by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging at the time of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis. METHODS: This single-centre prospective study included 39 treatment-naive patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA, symptom duration <1 year) without any history of heart disease, and 38 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. The disease severity was assessed with clinical evaluation (Disease Activity Score-28 for Rheumatoid Arthritis with CRP (DAS28-CRP) score) and serological testing (rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA)). The ERA patients were classified into group A (DAS28-CRP score ≥3.2, positive RF and ACPA; n=17) and group B (not fulfilling the group A criteria). The ERA patients and healthy controls underwent 1.5T CMR. RESULTS: Group A patients had significantly higher myocardial global T1 relaxation times than the healthy controls, 987 [965, 1003] ms vs. 979 [960, 991] ms (median [IQR]; p=0.041). A significant difference in T1 was found in the basal, mid inferior and mid anterolateral segments. In a multivariate analysis, prolonged global T1 relaxation time was independently associated with female sex (95% CI [5.62, 51.31] ms, p=0.016), and group A status (95% CI [4.65, 39.01] ms p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: At the time of diagnosis, ERA patients with a higher disease activity (DAS28-CRP score ≥3.2) and both positive RF and ACPA showed prolonged T1 relaxation times in basal myocardial segments. These segments could be most susceptible to the development of myocardial fibrosis, and a segmental reporting style could be useful when estimating the first signs of myocardial fibrosis.

Reducing cardiac implantable electronic device-induced artefacts in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)-induced metal artefacts possibly significantly diminish the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly cardiac MR (CMR). Right-sided generator implantation, wideband late-gadolinium enhancement (LGE) technique and raising the ipsilateral arm to the generator during CMR scanning may reduce the CIED-induced image artefacts. We assessed the impact of generator location and the arm-raised imaging position on the CIED-induced artefacts in CMR. METHODS: We included all clinically indicated CMRs performed on patients with normal cardiac anatomy and a permanent CIED with endocardial pacing leads between November 2011 and October 2019 in our institution (n = 171). We analysed cine and LGE sequences using the American Heart Association 17-segment model for the presence of artefacts. RESULTS: Right-sided generator implantation and arm-raised imaging associated with a significantly increased number of artefact-free segments. In patients with a right-sided pacemaker, the median percentage of artefact-free segments in short-axis balanced steady-state free precession LGE was 93.8% (IQR 9.4%, n = 53) compared with 78.1% (IQR 20.3%, n = 58) for left-sided pacemaker (p < 0.001). In patients with a left-sided implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, the median percentage of artefact-free segments reached 87.5% (IQR 6.3%, n = 9) using arm-raised imaging, which fell to 62.5% (IQR 34.4%, n = 9) using arm-down imaging in spoiled gradient echo short-axis cine (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Arm-raised imaging represents a straightforward method to reduce CMR artefacts in patients with left-sided generators and can be used alongside other image quality improvement methods. Right-sided generator implantation could be considered in CIED patients requiring subsequent CMR imaging to ensure sufficient image quality. KEY POINTS: • Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)-induced metal artefacts may significantly diminish the diagnostic value of an MRI, particularly in cardiac MRIs. • Raising the ipsilateral arm relative to the CIED generator is a cost-free, straightforward method to significantly reduce CIED-induced artefacts on cardiac MRIs in patients with a left-sided generator. • Right-sided generator implantation reduces artefacts compared with left-sided implantation and could be considered in CIED patients requiring subsequent cardiac MRIs to ensure adequate image quality in the future.

Successful palliative resection of giant epimyocardial lymphatic malformation with 14 years of follow-up: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Primary tumors of the heart are a rare phenomenon. Lymphatic malformations are congenital anomalies of the lymphatic system that tend to grow progressively. Lymphatic malformations are typically found in the cervical and axillary regions and found on pediatric patients. We report a 40-year-old woman with giant epimyocardial lymphatic malformation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old woman was assessed due to suspected traumatic cardiac tamponade. Computed tomography of the heart and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were compatible with either a large pericardial hemangioma or angiosarcoma. The tumor infiltrated deeply into the myocardium and could only be partially resected. Histopathological diagnosis was a cardiac lymphatic malformation with micro- and macrocystic components. The patient has remained asymptomatic for fourteen years after the surgery. In the latest follow-up, her left ventricular function had remained normal and the maximum thickness of the residual tumor had regressed. CONCLUSIONS: Even when a complete removal of a cardiac lymphatic malformation is not possible, a debulking procedure can yield a good long-term result.

Magnetic resonance imaging safety in patients with abandoned or functioning epicardial pacing leads.

OBJECTIVES: The European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on cardiac pacing from 2021 allow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) but do not recommend MRI in patients with epicardial pacing leads. The clinical dilemma remains whether performing an MRI in patients with CIED and epicardial leads is safe. We aimed to evaluate the safety of performing an MRI in patients with CIED and abandoned or functioning epicardial pacing leads. METHODS: We included all adult patients who underwent clinically indicated MRIs with CIED and functioning or abandoned epicardial leads in a single tertiary hospital between November 2011 and October 2019. The data were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: Twenty-six MRIs were performed on 17 patients with functioning or abandoned epicardial pacing leads. Sixty-nine percent of the MRI scans (18/26) were conducted on patients with functioning epicardial pacing leads. A definite adverse event occurred in one MRI scan. This was a transient elevation of the pacing threshold in a patient with a functioning epicardial ventricular pacing lead implanted 29 years previously. An irreversible atrial pacing lead impedance elevation was detected 6 months after the MRI in another patient; the association with the previous MRI remained unclear. No adverse events were detected in MRIs performed on patients with modern (implanted in 2000 or later) functioning epicardial leads. CONCLUSIONS: MRIs in patients with CIED and modern functioning epicardial pacing leads were performed without detectable adverse events. Further large-scale studies are necessary to confirm MRI safety in patients with epicardial pacing leads. KEY POINTS: • Currently, MRI in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and functioning or abandoned epicardial pacing leads is not recommended. • MRIs in patients with CIED and modern functioning epicardial leads (implanted in 2000 or later) were performed without detectable adverse events in our patient cohort. • Allowing MRI in patients with epicardial pacing leads may significantly improve the diagnostic work-up, especially in specific patient groups, such as patients with congenital heart disease.

Peak flow measurements in patients with severe aortic stenosis: a prospective comparative study between cardiovascular magnetic resonance 2D and 4D flow and transthoracic echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the most prevalent valvular disease in the developed countries. Four-dimensional (4D) flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is an emerging imaging technique, which has been suggested to improve the evaluation of AS severity compared to two-dimensional (2D) flow and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). We investigated the reliability of CMR 2D flow and 4D flow techniques in measuring aortic transvalvular peak systolic flow in patients with severe AS. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 90 patients referred for aortic valve replacement due to severe AS (73.3 ± 11.3 years, aortic valve area 0.7 ± 0.1 cm2, and 54/36 tricuspid/bicuspid), and 10 non-valvular disease controls. All the patients underwent echocardiography and 2D flow and 4D flow CMR. Peak flow velocity measurements were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank sum test and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: 4D flow underestimated peak flow velocity in the AS group when compared with TTE (bias - 1.1 m/s, limits of agreement ± 1.4 m/s) and 2D flow (bias - 1.2 m/s, limits of agreement ± 1.6 m/s). The differences between values obtained by TTE (median 4.3 m/s, range 2.7-6.1 m/s) and 2D flow (median 4.5 m/s, range 2.9-6.5 m/s) compared to 4D flow (median 3.1 m/s, range 1.7-5.1 m/s) were significant (p < 0.001). The difference between 2D flow and TTE were insignificant (bias 0.07 m/s, limits of agreement ± 1.5 m/s). In non-valvular disease controls, peak flow velocity was measured higher by 4D flow than 2D flow (1.4 m/s, 1.1-1.7 m/s and 1.3 m/s, 1.1-1.5 m/s, respectively; bias 0.2 m/s, limits of agreement ± 0.16 m/s). CONCLUSIONS: CMR 4D flow significantly underestimates systolic peak flow velocity in patients with severe AS. 2D flow, in turn, estimated the AS velocity accurately, with measured peak flow velocities comparable to TTE.

Clinical experience of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cardiac pacing devices: unrestricted patient population.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with cardiac pacing devices has become available despite previously being considered absolutely contraindicated. However, most institutional safety protocols have included several limitations on patient selection, leaving MRI unavailable for many patients. Purpose: To evaluate the first 1000 MRI examinations conducted on patients with cardiac pacing devices at Helsinki University Hospital for any potential safety hazards and also to evaluate the long-term functionality of the safety protocol in "real-life" clinical practice. Material and Methods: A total of 1000 clinically indicated MRI scans were performed with a 1.5-T MRI scanner according to the safety protocol. The following information was collected from the electronic medical record (EMR): patients' date of birth; sex; pacing device generator model; date of MRI scan; date of the latest pacing device generator implantation; and the body region scanned. The EMR of these patients was checked and especially searched for any pacing device related safety hazards or adverse outcomes during or after the MRI scan. Results: Only one potentially dangerous adverse event was noted in our study group. In addition, patients with abandoned leads, temporary pacing devices, and newly implanted pacing device generators were scanned successfully and safely. Conclusion: MRI scans can be performed safely in patients with cardiac pacing devices if the dedicated safety protocol is followed.

Peak CK-MB has a strong association with chronic scar size and wall motion abnormalities after revascularized non-transmural myocardial infarction - a prospective CMR study.

BACKGROUND: Large myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling (LVR). We studied the nature of LVR, with specific attention to non-transmural MIs, and the association of peak CK-MB with recovery and chronic phase scar size and LVR. METHODS: Altogether 41 patients underwent prospectively repeated cardiovascular magnetic resonance at a median of 22 (interquartile range 9-29) days and 10 (8-16) months after the first revascularized MI. Transmural MI was defined as ≥75% enhancement in at least one myocardial segment. RESULTS: Peak CK-MB was 86 (40-216) µg/L in median, while recovery and chronic phase scar size were 13 (3-23) % and 8 (2-19) %. Altogether 33 patients (81%) had a non-transmural MI. Peak CK-MB had a strong correlation with recovery and chronic scar size (r ≥ 0.80 for all, r ≥ 0.74 for non-transmural MIs; p < 0.001). Peak CK-MB, recovery scar size, and chronic scar size, were all strongly correlated with chronic wall motion abnormality index (WMAi) (r ≥ 0.75 for all, r ≥ 0.73 for non-transmural MIs; p < 0.001). There was proportional scar size and LV mass resorption of 26% (0-50%) and 6% (- 2-14%) in median. Young age (< 60 years, median) was associated with greater LV mass resorption (median 9%vs.1%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Peak CK-MB has a strong association with chronic scar size and wall motion abnormalities after revascularized non-transmural MI. Considerable infarct resorption happens after the first-month recovery phase. LV mass resorption is related to age, being more common in younger patients.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging reveals frequent myocardial involvement and dysfunction in active rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cardiac involvement is common and often subclinical. We used cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to identify myocardial abnormalities in patients with active RA, free of clinical cardiac disease. METHODS: Sixty female patients with active RA aged <70 years and 21 sex- and age-matched control subjects underwent either 1.5T or 3T CMR imaging for analyses of T1 relaxation times, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and the volumes, and function of both ventricles. RESULTS: Determined using 1.5T CMR, the native left ventricular (LV) septal T1 time averaged 1011 (range 973-1046) ms in 20 patients with RA vs. 976 (range 970-988) ms in 10 control subjects (p=0.045). With 3T CMR, the T1 time measured 1173 (range 1154-1187) ms in 29 RA patients vs. 1053 (range 942-1148) ms in 9 control subjects (p=0.002). Myocardial LGE was detected in 55% of the RA patients. LV ejection fraction averaged 58 (range 56-61)% vs. 66 (61-74)% (p<0.001) in the RA (n=60) and control groups (n=21), respectively, and corresponding means for LV peak filling rate were 2.99 (range 2.32-3.33) s-1 vs. 3.39 (range 2.96-3.70) s-1 (p=0.012). The end-diastolic volumes of either ventricle were enlarged in RA compared to the control group (p<0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: In active RA, myocardial T1 relaxation times are prolonged suggesting diffuse inflammation or fibrosis. Local myocardial scars and inflammation, visible as LGE, are also common, as are impairments of LV systo-diastolic function.

Cardiac MRI in patients with cardiac pacemakers: practical methods for reducing susceptibility artifacts and optimizing image quality.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of pacemaker patients has become available despite of previous contraindications. However, pacing systems containing ferromagnetic material may hamper the diagnostic quality of cardiac MR (CMR) images. PURPOSE: To study methods for reducing susceptibility-based artifacts in CMR examinations of pacemaker patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Altogether 16 patients were scanned with 1.5T MRI scanner using cine balanced steady-state free-precession (bSSFP) and spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) sequences. The use of frequency-scout was also evaluated. For myocardial late gadolinium-enhanced (LGE) imaging, SPGR or bSSFP readout inversion-recovery prepared gradient echo sequences were used with and without phase-sensitive inversion-recovery (PSIR). Two radiologists subjectively compared the image quality (IQ) and the ranges of susceptibility artifacts were evaluated objectively. RESULTS: The IQ proved adequate for diagnosing each patient, although in a few patients with a left-side implanted generator, artifacts hampered IQ in the anterior and anteroseptal segments of the myocardium in bSSFP cine and LGE sequences. In bSSFP cine, the use of frequency-scout could often transfer the banding artifacts away from the left ventricular myocardium. In LGE imaging, the artifacts were more pronounced in IR-bSSFP and PSIR than in IR-SPGR sequences. The ranges of generator-based artifacts were greater in bSSFP (10-12 cm) than in SPGR (6 cm) sequences due to banding artifacts. CONCLUSION: The artifacts caused by pacemakers typically did not compromise the diagnostic IQ. The use of frequency-scout prior to bSSFP cine or the use of SPGR-based sequences could also improve IQ.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings in patients with PRKAG2 gene mutations.

BACKGROUND: Autosomal dominantly inherited PRKAG2 cardiac syndrome is due to a unique defect of the cardiac cell metabolism and has a distinctive histopathology with excess intracellular glycogen, and prognosis different from sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We aimed to define the distinct characteristics of PRKAG2 using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS: CMR (1.5 T) and genetic testing were performed in two families harboring PRKAG2 mutations. On CMR, segmental analysis of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH), function, native T1 mapping, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were performed. RESULTS: Six individuals (median age 23 years, range 16-48; two females) had a PRKAG2 mutation: five with an R302Q mutation (family 1), and one with a novel H344P mutation (family 2). Three of six mutation carriers had LV mass above age and gender limits (203 g/m2, 157 g/m2 and 68 g/m2) and others (with R302Q mutation) normal LV masses. All mutation carriers had LVH in at least one segment, with the median maximal wall thickness of 13 mm (range 11-37 mm). Two R302Q mutation carriers with markedly increased LV mass (203 g/m2 and 157 g/m2) showed a diffuse pattern of hypertrophy but predominantly in the interventricular septum, while other mutation carriers exhibited a non-symmetric mid-infero-lateral pattern of hypertrophy. In family 1, the mutation negative male had a mean T1 value of 963 ms, three males with the R302Q mutation, LVH and no LGE a mean value of 918 ± 11 ms, and the oldest male with the R302Q mutation, extensive hypertrophy and LGE a mean value of 973 ms. Of six mutations carriers, two with advanced disease had LGE with 11 and 22 % enhancement of total LV volume. CONCLUSIONS: PRKAG2 cardiac syndrome may present with eccentric distribution of LVH, involving focal mid-infero-lateral pattern in the early disease stage, and more diffuse pattern but focusing on interventricular septum in advanced cases. In patients at earlier stages of disease, without LGE, T1 values may be reduced, while in the advanced disease stage T1 mapping may result in higher values caused by fibrosis. CMR is a valuable tool in detecting diffuse and focal myocardial abnormalities in PRKAG2 cardiomyopathy.

Assessment of myocardial infarct size with body surface potential mapping: validation against contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of myocardial infarct (MI) size is important for therapeutic and prognostic reasons. We used body surface potential mapping (BSPM) to evaluate whether single-lead electrocardiographic variables can assess MI size. METHODS: We performed BSPM with 120 leads covering the front and back chest (plus limb leads) on 57 patients at different phases of MI: acutely, during healing, and in the chronic phase. Final MI size was determined by contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (DE-CMR) and correlated with various computed depolarization- and repolarization-phase BSPM variables. We also calculated correlations between BSPM variables and enzymatic MI size (peak CK-MBm). RESULTS: BSPM variables reflecting the Q- and R wave showed strong correlations with MI size at all stages of MI. R width performed the best, showing its strongest correlation with MI size on the upper right back, there representing the width of the "reciprocal Q wave" (r = 0.64-0.71 for DE-CMR, r = 0.57-0.64 for CK-MBm, P < 0.0001). Repolarization-phase variables showed only weak correlations with MI size in the acute phase, but these correlations improved during MI healing. T-wave variables and the QRSSTT integral showed their best correlations with DE-CMR defined MI size on the precordial area, at best r = -0.57, P < 0.0001 in the chronic phase. The best performing BSPM variables could differentiate between large and small infarcts at all stages of MI. CONCLUSIONS: Computed, single-lead electrocardiographic variables can estimate the final infarct size at all stages of MI, and differentiate large infarcts from small.

Quantifying late gadolinium enhancement on CMR provides additional prognostic information in early risk-stratification of nonischemic cardiomyopathy: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Suspected nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) is a common clinical setting with highly variable prognosis. Early noninvasive risk-stratification is important for justification of invasive examinations, specific treatment and patient surveillance. We studied the additional prognostic value of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and segmental wall motion abnormality (SWMA) extent on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) compared to traditional risk factors in suspected NICM. METHODS: In this observational cohort study, we enrolled 86 consecutive patients referred for CMR due to suspected NICM. Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy were excluded. CMR images were analysed for left ventricular LGE and SWMA extents and patients were followed-up for major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, aborted sudden death and cardiac transplantation. RESULTS: Of 86 patients (median age: 53 years, 45% female), mainly presenting with ventricular arrhythmias (40%) and congestive heart failure (44%), 76% were finally diagnosed with NICM, 17% with left ventricle hypertrophy and 7% with idiopathic arrhythmia. On CMR, 61 patients (71%) had LGE and 56 (65%) SWMA. During median follow-up of 835 days, 15 patients (17%) reached MACE. In univariant analysis, LGE volume (hazard ratio [HR] 1.028 per 1% increase in LGE, p < 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HR 0.959, p = 0.009) and SWMA score (HR 1.067, p = 0.012) had strongest associations with MACE. In multivariate analysis, the best overall model for event prediction included LGE volume (HR 1.027, p = 0.003), sustained ventricular tachycardia (HR 4.7, p = 0.011) and LVEF (HR 0.962, p = 0.034). Among patients with LGE, there was an event rate of 26% (14 of 61) versus 4% (1 of 25) in patients without LGE (p = 0.041, Log-rank). The highest event rate was observed in patients with LGE volume of ≥ 17%. Patients without SWMA did not experience MACE (p = 0.002, Log-rank), giving additional information in the subgroup of patients with preserved LVEF (≥ 50%). CONCLUSIONS: In suspected NICM, presenting with ventricular arrhythmias or heart failure, LGE extent gives additional prognostic information compared to traditional risk factors, while the absence of SWMA may give prognostic information beyond normal LVEF. Even though the final diagnosis is uncertain in NICM, extensive amount of LGE should be considered as a sign of poor prognosis.

Late gadolinium enhancement on CMR and sustained ventricular tachycardia predict severe cardiac inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis of severe inflammatory forms of non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), e.g. cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) or giant cell myocarditis (GCM), may enable unique treatment. However, there is limited information on how to identify CS or GCM in unselected patients with suspected NICM. We studied the clinical and imaging predictors of severe cardiac inflammation at the era of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS AND RESULTS: In this observational cohort study, we enrolled 86 consecutive patients referred for LGE-CMR due to suspected NICM. Patients were extensively examined for underlying aetiology and followed up for at least two years to assure the final diagnosis. Ischaemic cardiomyopathy was excluded. During follow-up, 11(13%) patients were diagnosed with CS (n = 8) or GCM (n = 3). At baseline, sustained ventriculartachycardia (OR = 20.8, P = 0.001) and the volume of left ventricular LGE (OR = 1.06 for each 1% increase in LGE, P = 0.001) were significant adjusted predictors of CS or GCM. Palpitation, a disease course less than 3 months, septal abnormality in echocardiography, reduced stroke volume and atrioventricular block were other unadjusted predictors of CS or GCM. Multifocal LGE, affecting several myocardial layers and not confined to coronary artery perfusion territories, was useful in identifying CS or GCM, with 52-fold unadjusted OR (P < 0.001), sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 84%. In addition, positron emission tomography detected mediastinal lymph node biopsy targets in CS. CONCLUSIONS: In consecutive patients suspected for NICM, LGE volume and sustained ventricular tachycardia predict independently CS or GCM. Multifocal LGE is useful in identifying severe cardiac inflammation.

[When ultrasonic imaging is not enough--cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography?]. / Kun kaikukuvaus ei riitä--sydämen magneettikuvaus vai tietokonetomografia?

Ultrasonic imaging is the first-line method for imaging the structure of the heart. Cardiovascular computed tomography is rapidly complementing ultrasonic imaging and replacing invasive methods of examination in many problem settings. CMR is important in the monitoring of congenital heart defects and diagnosis of severe inflammatory cardiomyopathies. CMR is beneficial especially in the imaging of regurgitant valvular disease, assessment of ventricular volume and contractility and in cases of limited visibility on ultrasonic imaging. ECG-synchronized computed tomography is well suited as a preoperative examination for young patients undergoing aorthic or valve surgery.

Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on the Symptoms and Echocardiographic Evaluation of Patients With Aortic Stenosis.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and complicates the assessment of AS severity. The overlapping of symptoms in these 2 conditions may postpone valve replacement. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of AF on the severity assessment of AS and its impact on symptoms and quality of life (QoL). Patients with severe AS were prospectively recruited. Echocardiography, symptom questionnaires, and RAND-36 QoL assessment were performed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The aortic valve calcium score (AVC) was measured using computed tomography. Of the 279 patients, 74 (26.5%) had AF. Patients with AF had lower mean gradients and 45.9% had a low-gradient phenotype, with a mean gradient <40 mm Hg, compared with 22.4% of those without AF (p <0.001). The AVC measurements revealed severe valve calcification equally in patients with or without AF (85.7% vs 87.7%, p = 0.78). Patients with AF were more symptomatic at baseline, with 50.0% versus 27.3% in New York Heart Association class III or higher (p <0.001), and after intervention. Patients with AF had more residual dyspnea (27.3% vs 12.0%, p = 0.007) and exercise intolerance (36.4% vs 17.0%, p = 0.002). The QoL improved significantly in both groups but was worse at baseline in patients with AF and remained impaired after intervention. In conclusion, low-gradient AS phenotype is overrepresented in patients with AF, but they have equally severe stenosis determined using AVC, despite the lower gradients. Patients with AF have more symptoms and worse QoL, but they improve significantly after intervention. In patients with AF, multimodality imaging is important in the assessment of AS severity.

Follow-up of intramyocardial bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation beyond 10 years.

Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) have been evaluated for their ability to improve cardiac repair and benefit patients with severe ischemic heart disease and heart failure. In our single-center trial in 2006-2011 we demonstrated the safety and efficacy of BMMCs injected intramyocardially in conjunction with coronary artery bypass surgery. The effect persisted in the follow-up study 5 years later. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of BMMC therapy beyond 10 years. A total of 18 patients (46%) died during over 10-years follow-up and 21 were contacted for participation. Late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) and clinical evaluation were performed on 14 patients, seven from each group. CMRIs from the study baseline, 1-year and 5-years follow-ups were re-analyzed to enable comparison. The CMRI demonstrated a 2.1-fold larger reduction in the mass of late gadolinium enhancement values between the preoperative and the over 10-years follow-up, suggesting less scar or fibrosis after BMMC treatment (- 15.1%; 95% CI - 23 to - 6.7% vs. - 7.3%; 95% CI - 16 to 4.5%, p = 0.039), compared to placebo. No differences in mortality or morbidity were observed. Intramyocardially injected BMMCs may exert long-term benefits in patients with ischemic heart failure. This deserves further evaluation in patients who have received BMMCs in international clinical studies over two decades.

Cardiac magnetic resonance -detected myocardial injury is not associated with long-term symptoms in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Long-term symptoms are frequent after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We studied the prevalence of post-acute myocardial scar on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 and its association with long-term symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective observational single-center study, 95 formerly hospitalized COVID-19 patients underwent CMR imaging at the median of 9 months after acute COVID-19. In addition, 43 control subjects were imaged. Myocardial scar characteristic of myocardial infarction or myocarditis were noted from late gadolinium enhancement images (LGE). Patient symptoms were screened using a questionnaire. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation or median (interquartile range). RESULTS: The presence of any LGE was higher in COVID-19 patients (66% vs. 37%, p<0.01) as was the presence of LGE suggestive of previous myocarditis (29% vs. 9%, p = 0.01). The prevalence of ischemic scar was comparable (8% vs. 2%, p = 0.13). Only two COVID-19 patients (7%) had myocarditis scar combined with left ventricular dysfunction (EF <50%). Myocardial edema was not detected in any participant. The need for intensive care unit (ICU) treatment during initial hospitalization was comparable in patients with and without myocarditis scar (47% vs. 67%, p = 0.44). Dyspnea, chest pain, and arrhythmias were prevalent in COVID-19 patients at follow-up (64%, 31%, and 41%, respectively) but not associated with myocarditis scar on CMR. CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial scar suggestive of possible previous myocarditis was detected in almost one-third of hospital-treated COVID-19 patients. It was not associated with the need for ICU treatment, greater symptomatic burden, or ventricular dysfunction at 9 months follow-up. Thus, post-acute myocarditis scar on COVID-19 patients seems to be a subclinical imaging finding and does not commonly require further clinical evaluation.

Radiotherapy-induced diffuse myocardial fibrosis in early-stage breast cancer patients - multimodality imaging study with six-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Breast radiotherapy (RT) induces diffuse myocardial changes, which may increase the incidence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This study aimed to evaluate the early signs of diffuse fibrosis after RT and their evolution during a six-year follow-up. METHODS: Thirty patients with early-stage left-sided breast cancer were studied with echocardiography and electrocardiography (ECG) at baseline, after RT, and at three-year and six-year follow-up visits. Echocardiography analysis included an off-line analysis of integrated backscatter (IBS). ECG was analysed for fragmented QRS (fQRS). In addition, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed at the six-year control. The left ventricle 16-segment model was used in cardiac imaging, and respective local radiation doses were analysed. RESULTS: Regional myocardial reflectivity in inferoseptal segments increased by 2.02 (4.53) dB (p = 0.026) and the percentage of leads with fQRS increased from 9.2 to 16.4% (p = 0.002) during the follow-up. In CMR imaging, abnormal extracellular volume (ECV) and T1 mapping values were found with anteroseptal and apical localization in a median of 3.5 (1.00-5.75) and 3 (1.25-4.00) segments, respectively. A higher left ventricle radiation dose was associated with an increased likelihood of having changes simultaneously in CMR and echocardiography (OR 1.26, 95% Cl. 1.00-1.59, p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: After radiotherapy, progressive changes in markers of diffuse myocardial fibrosis were observed in a multimodal manner in ECG and echocardiography. Changes in echocardiography and abnormal values in CMR were localized in the septal and apical regions, and multiple changes were associated with higher radiation doses.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Screening for Cardiac Sarcoidosis in Patients With Atrioventricular Block Requiring Temporary Pacing.

Background Some myocardial diseases, such as cardiac sarcoidosis, predispose to complete atrioventricular block. The European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on cardiac pacing in 2021 recommend myocardial disease screening in patients with conduction disorder requiring pacemaker with multimodality imaging, including cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. The ability of CMR imaging to detect myocardial disease in patients with a temporary pacing wire is not well documented. Methods and Results Our myocardial disease screening protocol is based on using an active fixation pacing lead connected to a reusable extracorporeal pacing generator (temporary permanent pacemaker) as a bridge to a permanent pacemaker. From 2011 to 2019, we identified 17 patients from our CMR database who underwent CMR imaging with a temporary permanent pacemaker for atrioventricular block. We analyzed their clinical presentations, CMR data, and pacemaker therapy. All CMRs were performed without adverse events. Pacing leads induced minor artifacts to the septal myocardial segments. The extent of late gadolinium enhancement in CMR imaging was used to screen patients for the presence of myocardial disease. Patients with evidence of late gadolinium enhancement underwent endomyocardial biopsy. If considered clinically indicated, also 18-F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and extracardiac tissue biopsy were performed if sarcoidosis was suspected. Eventually, 8 of 17 patients (47.1%) were diagnosed with histologically confirmed granulomatous inflammatory cardiac disease. Importantly, only 1 had a previously diagnosed extracardiac sarcoidosis at the time of presentation with high-degree atrioventricular block. Conclusions CMR imaging with temporary permanent pacemaker protocol is an effective and safe early screening tool for myocardial disease in patients presenting with atrioventricular block requiring immediate, continuous pacing for bradycardia.

Late gadolinium enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance of lamin A/C gene mutation related dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify early features of lamin A/C gene mutation related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). We characterise myocardial and functional findings in carriers of lamin A/C mutation to facilitate the recognition of these patients using this method. We also investigated the connection between myocardial fibrosis and conduction abnormalities. METHODS: Seventeen lamin A/C mutation carriers underwent CMR. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and cine images were performed to evaluate myocardial fibrosis, regional wall motion, longitudinal myocardial function, global function and volumetry of both ventricles. The location, pattern and extent of enhancement in the left ventricle (LV) myocardium were visually estimated. RESULTS: Patients had LV myocardial fibrosis in 88% of cases. Segmental wall motion abnormalities correlated strongly with the degree of enhancement. Myocardial enhancement was associated with conduction abnormalities. Sixty-nine percent of our asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients showed mild ventricular dilatation, systolic failure or both in global ventricular analysis. Decreased longitudinal systolic LV function was observed in 53% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac conduction abnormalities, mildly dilated LV and depressed systolic dysfunction are common in DCM caused by a lamin A/C gene mutation. However, other cardiac diseases may produce similar symptoms. CMR is an accurate tool to determine the typical cardiac involvement in lamin A/C cardiomyopathy and may help to initiate early treatment in this malignant familiar form of DCM.