Regional variability of cardiovascular magnetic resonance access and utilization in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Clinical guidelines and scientific data increasingly support the appropriate use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) . The extent of CMR adoption across the United States (US) remains unclear. This observational analysis aims to capture CMR practice patterns in the US. METHODS: Commissioned reports from the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR), pre-existing survey data from CMR centers, and socioeconomic and coronary heart disease data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were used. The location of imaging centers performing CMR was based on 2018 Medicare claims. Secondary analysis was performed on center-specific survey data from 2017-2019, which were collected by members of the SCMR US Advocacy Subcommittee for quality improvement purposes. The correlation between the number of imaging centers billing for CMR services per million persons, socioeconomic determinants, and coronary heart disease epidemiology was determined. RESULTS: A total of 591 imaging centers billed the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services for CMR services in 2018 and 112 (of 155) unique CMR centers responded to the survey. In 2018, CMR services were available in almost all 50 states. Minnesota was the state with the highest number of CMR centers per million Medicare beneficiaries (52.6 centers per million), and Maine had the lowest (4.4 per million). The total density of CMR centers was 16 per million for US Medicare beneficiaries. Sixty-eight percent (83 of 112) of survey responders were cardiologists, and 28% (31/112) were radiologists. In 72% (71/112) of centers, academic health care systems performed 81%-100% of CMR exams. The number of high-volume centers (>500 scans per year) increased by seven between 2017 and 2019. In 2019, 53% (59/112) of centers were considered high-volume centers and had an average of 19 years of experience. Centers performing <50 scans had on average 3.5 years of experience. Approximate patient wait time for a CMR exam was 2 weeks to 1 month. CONCLUSION: Despite increasing volume and availability in almost all 50 states, CMR access remains geographically variable. Advocacy efforts to improve access and innovations that reduce imaging time and exam complexity have the potential to increase the adoption of CMR technology.

Stress myocardial perfusion imaging in patients presenting with syncope: Comparison of PET vs. SPECT.

BACKGROUND: The role of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) presenting with syncope is controversial. We aimed to determine diagnostic yield of MPI for evaluation of syncope in patients without known CAD, as a function of pre-test patient risk and test modality (PET vs SPECT). METHODS: Between 1/2010 and 12/2016, 1324 consecutive patients presenting with syncope without known CAD underwent MPI with PET (n = 640) or SPECT (n = 684). Rates of abnormal MPI (summed difference score (SDS) > 2 or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) reserve ≤ 0 for PET and SDS > 2 or post-stress LVEF ≤ 45% for SPECT) were determined among patients stratified by pre-test risk. In patients who were referred for coronary angiography, diagnostic yield of obstructive CAD was calculated in the overall cohort as well as in a propensity-matched cohort compared to patients without syncope. RESULTS: Abnormal MPI was noted in 36.5% (201/551) of patients who had PET compared with 13.0% (87/671) who had SPECT (P < 0.001), which is largely related to higher comorbidity burden and greater pre-test CAD risk in the PET population. Among patients who had an abnormal MPI, 8.5% (47/551) with PET and 0.7% (5/671) with SPECT were found to have obstructive CAD if referred for coronary angiography. Patients at intermediate-high pre-test risk had a higher proportion of abnormal MPIs and obstructive CAD as compared to those at low risk in both the PET and SPECT cohorts. The rate of abnormal testing and diagnostic yield of PET MPI was similar and proportionate to pre-test likelihood among matched patients with and without syncope. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients referred for PET MPI with syncope at an intermediate-high pre-test CAD risk, 1 in 3 had an abnormal MPI and 1 in 10 had obstructive CAD. The value of MPI was related to pre-test risk as opposed to the presence of syncope, and MPI testing with PET or SPECT in the low-risk population was low value.

Technetium pyrophosphate nuclear scintigraphy for cardiac amyloidosis: Imaging at 1 vs 3 hours and planar vs SPECT/CT.

BACKGROUND: Multi-societal consensus recommendations endorse both planar and single photon emission tomographic (SPECT) image acquisitions for the evaluation of cardiac amyloidosis. However, the correlation between planar and SPECT findings and the optimal timing of image acquisitions remain uncertain. METHODS: This is an analysis of 109 consecutive patients who underwent technetium pyrophosphate nuclear scintigraphy for the evaluation of cardiac amyloidosis. Patients were imaged at 1 and 3 hours after radiotracer injection using both planar and SPECT/CT, and the correlations between imaging protocols were compared. RESULTS: In the overall cohort (median age 77 years, 75% male), 33 patients had radiotracer localized to the myocardium on SPECT/CT images. There was strong correlation between 1- and 3-hour planar heart-to-contralateral lung ratios (mean difference 0.07, r = 0.94). However, there was discordance between planar image interpretation (based upon semiquantitative score and H/CL ratio) and myocardial localization of radiotracer on SPECT/CT in 17 patients (16%). The pattern of SPECT/CT uptake was identical at 1 and 3 hours in all cases (32 diffuse, 1 focal). CONCLUSION: These data support the recommendation that SPECT/CT should be obtained in addition to planar images when performing nuclear scintigraphy for the detection of cardiac amyloidosis. A 1-hour planar and SPECT/CT protocol appears optimal.

Evolution of Diagnostic and Treatment Patterns of Cardiac Sarcoidosis.

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) may impart substantial morbidity and mortality, and novel imaging modalities are now available to aid in early diagnosis of this clinically silent disease. A better understanding of the clinical experience with CS is important. Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed with the aid of multimodality imaging techniques and were treated by a multidisciplinary team. Demographics, symptomatology, imaging, and therapeutic interventions were compiled from our referral center. In patients with CS, nuclear and MR techniques were often the first studies performed. Echocardiographic findings differed widely. Immunosuppressive therapy and cardiac devices were frequently used. Importantly, isolated CS was not an infrequent finding.

Treatment of recurrent isolated right atrial metastatic cavitary mass from breast cancer with radiation therapy: A case report and review of literature.

The heart is a destination for metastases of various types of primary tumors, with lung, breast, melanoma, and mesothelioma being the most common types. Recurrent isolated cardiac metastasis presenting as a cavitary mass is rare. We present a case of recurrent isolated cavitary metastatic mass to the right atrium in a patient with the history of breast cancer who presented with new-onset atrial fibrillation. The patient successfully received radiation therapy with the resolution of the mass confirmed on repeat echocardiography.

Left Ventricular Thrombus in the Setting of Normal Left Ventricular Function in Patients with Crohn's Disease.

Crohn's disease results in a hypercoagulable state increasing the risk of venous or arterial thromboembolism. Cardiac involvement has not been routinely identified. Two cases are presented to illustrate that patients with Crohn's disease may represent an exception to the rule that left ventricular apical thrombus should be associated with an underlying wall motion abnormality and reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction.

Impact of sex on the heart's metabolic and functional responses to diabetic therapies.

Increased myocardial lipid delivery is a determinant of myocardial substrate metabolism and function in animal models of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Sex also has major effects on myocardial metabolism in the human heart. Our aims were to determine whether 1) sex affects the myocardial metabolic response to lipid lowering in T2DM, 2) altering lipid [fatty acid (FA) or triglyceride] delivery to the heart would lower the elevated myocardial lipid metabolism associated with T2DM, and 3) decreasing lipid delivery improves diastolic dysfunction in T2DM. To this end, we studied 78 T2DM patients (43 women) with positron emission tomography, echocardiography, and whole body tracer studies before and 3 mo after randomization to metformin (MET), metformin + rosiglitazone (ROSI), or metformin + Lovaza (LOV). No treatment main effects were found for myocardial substrate metabolism, partly because men and women often had different responses to a given treatment. In men, MET decreased FA clearance, which was linked to increased plasma FA levels, myocardial FA utilization and oxidation, and lower myocardial glucose utilization. In women, ROSI increased FA clearance, thereby decreasing plasma FA levels and myocardial FA utilization. Although LOV did not change triglyceride levels, it improved diastolic function, particularly in men. Group and sex also interacted in determining myocardial glucose uptake. Thus, in T2DM, different therapeutic regimens impact myocardial metabolism and diastolic function in a sex-specific manner. This suggests that sex should be taken into account when designing a patient's diabetes treatment.

Outcome of MRI in Patients with Nonconditional Devices with Mismatch between Manufacturer of Leads and Generator.

In a series of 35 MRI examinations with non-MRI-conditional devices with a mismatch between the manufacturer of the device generators and leads, there were no adverse events.

Relationship Between Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Abnormalities on Positron Emission Tomography and Anginal Symptoms, Functional Status, and Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) identifies abnormalities that occur early in the ischemic cascade leading to angina. Our aim was to study the association between ischemic measures on positron emission tomography MPI and patients' health status; their symptoms, function, and quality of life. METHODS: Health status was collected using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ-7, 0-100, higher=better) and Rose Dyspnea Score (RDS) on 1515 outpatients with known or suspected coronary artery disease presenting for clinically indicated pharmacological 82Rb positron emission tomography MPI from July 2018 to July 2019. Adjusted multivariable ordinal regression models were used to assess the association between MPI findings of ischemia and the SAQ physical limitation, angina frequency, quality of life, summary score, and the RDS. RESULTS: The mean SAQ and RDS scores of the cohort (mean age 71.7 years, 55% male, 37.6% prior myocardial infarction or revascularization) were 73.8±28.6 (physical limitation), 87.4±21.7 (angina frequency), 79.0±26.1 (quality of life), 81.3±19.0 (summary score), and 2±2 (RDS). No perfusion, flow or function abnormalities were significantly associated with SAQ angina frequency scores. Low left ventricular ejection fraction reserve (≤0%), low global and regional myocardial blood flow reserve (<2) were independently associated with worse SAQ Physical Limitation score, SAQ summary score, and RDS (30% to 57% greater odds; all P≤0.01), but reversible perfusion defects were not. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired augmentation of left ventricular ejection fraction and myocardial blood flow with stress is associated with significant angina-associated functional limitation, health status, and dyspnea in patients who underwent positron emission tomography MPI, but not the frequency of their angina. Future studies should evaluate whether therapies that improve stress-induced abnormalities in systolic function and myocardial flow may improve patients' health status.

Potentiation of abnormalities in myocardial metabolism with the development of diabetes in women with obesity and insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND: Because studies in animal models of type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) show that excessive myocardial fatty acid (FA) metabolism (at the expense of glucose metabolism) cause cardiac dysfunction, we hypothesized that women with DM would have more FA and less glucose myocardial metabolism than normal or even obese (OB) women. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Women who were lean volunteers (NV) (N = 14; age 35 ± 17 years, body mass index 23 ± 1 kg/m(2)), OB (N = 28;31 ± 6 years, BMI 39 ± 7 kg/m2), and DM (n = 22; 54 ± 11 years, BMI 38 ± 5 kg/m2) were studied. Cardiac positron emission tomography was performed for the determination of myocardial blood flow, oxygen consumption, FA and glucose metabolism. Cardiac work was measured by echocardiography and efficiency by the ratio of work to myocardial oxygen consumption. RESULTS: Fractional glucose uptake was comparable between NV and OB but lower in DM (P < .05 versus NV). Myocardial FA utilization and oxidation were both higher in DM compared with NV and OB (P < .0001). Myocardial FA utilization and oxidation had positive correlations with HOMA (R = 0.35, P = .005 and R = 0.40, P = .001, respectively) whereas fractional glucose uptake exhibited an inverse correlation (R = -.31, P = .01). Cardiac work and efficiency were similar among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: In women, the presence of OB and DM compared with OB alone is associated with a greater reliance on myocardial FA metabolism at the expense of glucose metabolism. These perturbations in myocardial metabolism are not associated in a decline left ventricular efficiency or function suggesting that the metabolic perturbations may precede an eventual decline left ventricular function as is seen in animal models of DM.

Correlation of Hepatic Steatosis Among Cohabitants Using Hounsfield Unit From Coronary Computed Tomography.

Background Individuals living in the same household are exposed to common risk factors. We hypothesized that living with someone who has fatty liver disease increases the risk of having the same disease. Methods This was a retrospective study that included pairs of men and women who shared the same residential addresses, underwent screening non-contrast computed tomography for coronary calcium scoring and had Hounsfield Unit density for liver and spleen in the field of view available for measurement. The primary goal was to determine the association between hepatic steatosis and living in the same household. Secondary end-points compared to body mass index, triglyceride levels, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension. Results Out of 1,362 cohabitant pairs, there were 202 couples with either the male or female having hepatic steatosis and 10 cohabitant pairs with both the male and female having hepatic steatosis. In 1,150 cohabitant pairs out of 1,362, neither man nor woman had hepatic steatosis. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) for hepatic steatosis between cohabitant pairs was 0.122 (p-value: < 0.001), suggesting that no correlation was found. Elevated triglyceride levels were prevalent among cohabitant pairs with hepatic steatosis, when compared to pairs without hepatic steatosis (p-value < 0.05). Female gender and having a diagnosis of hepatic steatosis also showed a strong association with higher body mass index, T2DM and hypertension (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion Despite the assumption of exposure to similar environmental factors, our results did not show any correlation of hepatic steatosis among the cohabitants.

Relative Prognostic Significance of Positron Emission Tomography Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Markers in Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Rubidium-82 positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging provides measurements of perfusion, myocardial blood flow and reserve (MBFR), and changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at rest and peak stress. Although all of these variables are known to provide prognostic information, they have not been well studied in patients with heart failure due to reduced LVEF. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2016, 1255 consecutive unique patients with LVEF≤40% were included in this study who underwent rubidium-82 positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging and did not have subsequent revascularization within 90 days. Perfusion assessment was scored semiquantitatively, and LVEF reserve (stress-rest LVEF) and global MBFR (stress/rest MBF) were quantified using automated software. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for 14 clinical and 7 test characteristics were used to define the independent prognostic significance of MBFR on all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Of 1255 patients followed for a mean of 3.2 years, 454 (36.2%) died. After adjusting for clinical variables, the magnitude of fixed and reversible perfusion defects was prognostic of death (P=0.02 and 0.01, respectively), while the rest LVEF was not (P=0.18). The addition of LVEF reserve did not add any incremental value, while the addition of MBFR revealed incremental prognostic value (hazard ratio per 0.1 unit decrease in MBFR=1.08 [95% CI, 1.05-1.11], P<0.001) with fixed and reversible defects becoming nonsignificant (P=0.07 and 0.29, respectively). There was no interaction between MBFR and cause of cardiomyopathy (ischemic versus nonischemic). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a known cardiomyopathy who did not require early revascularization, reduced MBFR as obtained by positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging is associated with all-cause mortality while other positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging measures were not.

Acute Heart Failure From Coronary Cameral Fistula: Diagnostic Challenge and Therapeutic Opportunity.

A 40-year-old African American woman presented with dyspnea, orthopnea, weight gain, and ankle edema. She was admitted for acute decompensated heart failure. Coronary angiography revealed coronary cameral fistula. We used multiple imaging modalities to confirm the fistula's pathway. Her left ventricular systolic function improved after repair of coronary cameral fistula. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

Safety and Clinical Impact of MRI in Patients with Non-MRI-conditional Cardiac Devices.

PURPOSE: To explore the safety and clinical utility of MRI in participants with non-MRI-conditional cardiac implantable electronic devices, by establishing the Patient Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Non-Approved DEvices (PROMeNADe). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2015 to June 2019, 532 participants (211 women) with a mean age of 69 years ± 14 (standard deviation) were enrolled prospectively in the PROMeNADe registry (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03081364) and underwent a total of 608 MRI examinations (61 cardiac MRI examinations). All participants had device interrogations performed before and after each MRI. Pacemaker-dependent patients received asynchronous pacing. Patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) had tachycardia therapies disabled during the MRI. An electrophysiology nurse monitored participants for any hemodynamic or rhythm abnormalities. Referring physicians were surveyed regarding the clinical utility of the MRI. Standard descriptive analyses included summary statistics with percentages and means. RESULTS: Cardiac devices included pacemakers (46%), ICDs (30%), cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacemakers (4%), and CRT defibrillators (17%), as well as abandoned leads (2%). Pacemaker-dependent patients comprised 27% of all MRI examinations. There were no patient- or device-related complications. Clinical utility surveys of MRI examinations were completed by 150 physicians. According to the survey responses, these MRI examinations changed the suspected diagnosis 25% of the time and changed suspected prognosis in 26% of participants, with planned medical or surgical treatment being changed 42% of the time. CONCLUSION: This registry demonstrates that MRI examinations, including thoracic MRI examinations, can be performed safely in patients who have non-MRI-conditional devices, in pacemaker-dependent patients with ICDs, and in patients with abandoned leads. These MRI examinations can have a substantial impact on patient care, justifying the extensive resources used to perform them.Supplemental material is available for this article.© RSNA, 2020See also the commentary by Peshock in this issue.

A Pesco-Mediterranean Diet With Intermittent Fasting: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

As opportunistic omnivores, humans are evolutionarily adapted to obtain calories and nutrients from both plant and animal food sources. Today, many people overconsume animal products, often-processed meats high in saturated fats and chemical additives. Alternatively, strict veganism can cause nutritional deficiencies and predispose to osteopenia, sarcopenia, and anemia. A logical compromise is a plant-rich diet with fish/seafood as principal sources of animal food. This paper reviews cumulative evidence regarding diet and health, incorporating data from landmark clinical trials of the Mediterranean diet and recommendations from recent authoritative guidelines, to support the hypothesis that a Pesco-Mediterranean diet is ideal for optimizing cardiovascular health. The foundation of this diet is vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and extra-virgin olive oil with fish/seafood and fermented dairy products. Beverages of choice are water, coffee, and tea. Time-restricted eating is recommended, whereby intermittent fasting is done for 12 to 16 h each day.

Reconstructed 4-chamber views compared with axial imaging for assessment of right ventricular enlargement on CT pulmonary angiograms.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that right enlargement assessed from right ventricular/left ventricular (RV/LV) dimension ratios of computed tomographic (CT) angiograms are equivalent irrespective of whether measured on axial views or reconstructed 4-chamber views. METHODS: RV/LV dimension ratios were calculated from measurements on axial views, manually reconstructed 4-chamber views and computer generated reconstructed 4-chamber views of CT angiograms in 152 patients with PE. RESULTS: Paired readings of the axial view and manually reconstructed 4-chamber view showed agreement with RV/LV > or =1 or RV/LV <1 in 114 of 127 (89.8%). Paired readings also showed agreement in 119 of 127 (93.7%) with axial views and computer generated reconstructed 4-chamber views. The McNemar test showed no statistically significant difference between assessments of RV enlargement (RV/LV > or = 1) with any method. CONCLUSION: Right ventricular enlargement can be determined from axial views on CT angiograms, which are readily and immediately available, without obtaining 4-chamber reconstructed views.

Increasing Rate of Hospital Admissions in Patients With Amyloidosis (from the National Inpatient Sample).

Cardiac amyloidosis is an increasingly recognized cause of heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction with emerging treatment options. We sought to analyze the temporal trends and impact of hospital admissions in patients with amyloidosis. The National Inpatient Sample was queried to identify patients from 2005 to 2014 who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of amyloidosis using ICD9 codes. Trends over time of prevalence, demographics, co-morbidities, and outcomes were described. Propensity-matching was used to assess the impact of amyloidosis on in-hospital outcomes, including mortality. A total of 156,914 admissions in patients with amyloidosis (age 69.86 +/- 12.33 years, 45.7% female, 68.5% Caucasian) were identified. Hospitalizations more than doubled with a peak of 21,740 per year and 62 per 100,000 admissions in 2014. Over time, patients admitted with amyloidosis were older and more likely to have co-morbid medical conditions. A diagnosis of heart failure was present in 34.7% of patients, increased over time (p = 0.001), and was associated with further morbidity and mortality. In a propensity-matched analysis, patients admitted with amyloidosis had a longer length of stay (7.5 vs 6.2 days), were less likely to be discharged home (43.6% vs 48.7%), and were more likely to die during the hospitalization (7.4% vs 4.9%, p <0.001 for all). In conclusion, inpatient hospitalizations in the United States in patients with amyloidosis have increased over time and are associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly when there is concomitant heart failure.