ESR Essentials: imaging in stable chest pain - practice recommendations by ESCR.

Stable chest pain is a common symptom with multiple potential causes. Non-invasive imaging has an important role in diagnosis and guiding management through the assessment of coronary stenoses, atherosclerotic plaque, myocardial ischaemia or infarction, and cardiac function. Computed tomography (CT) provides the anatomical evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) with the assessment of stenosis, plaque type and plaque burden, with additional functional information available from CT fractional flow reserve (FFR) or CT myocardial perfusion imaging. Stress magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear stress myocardial perfusion imaging, and stress echocardiography can assess myocardial ischaemia and other cardiac functional parameters. Coronary CT angiography can be used as a first-line test for many patients with stable chest pain, particularly those with low to intermediate pre-test probability. Functional testing may be considered for patients with known CAD, where the clinical significance is uncertain based on anatomical testing, or in patients with high pre-test probability. This practice recommendations document can be used to guide the selection of non-invasive imaging for patients with stable chest pain and provides brief recommendations on how to perform and report these diagnostic tests. KEY POINTS: The selection of non-invasive imaging tests for patients with stable chest pain should be based on symptoms, pre-test probability, and previous history. Coronary CT angiography can be used as a first-line test for many patients with stable chest pain, particularly those with low to intermediate pre-test probability. Functional testing can be considered for patients with known CAD, where the clinical significance of CAD is uncertain based on anatomical testing, or in patients with high pre-test probability. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS: Non-invasive imaging is an important part of the assessment of patients with stable chest pain. The selection of non-invasive imaging test should be based on symptoms, pre-test probability, and previous history. (Level of evidence: High). Coronary CT angiography can be used as a first line test for many patients with stable chest pain, particularly those with low to intermediate pre-test probability. CT provides information on stenoses, plaque type, plaque volume, and if required functional information with CT fractional flow reserve or CT perfusion. (Level of evidence: High). Functional testing can be considered for patients with known CAD, where the clinical significance of CAD is uncertain based on anatomical testing, or in patients with high pre-test probability. Stress MRI, SPECT, PET, and echocardiography can provide information on myocardial ischemia, along with cardiac functional and other information. (Level of evidence: Medium).

Evaluating Radiation Exposure in Patients with Stable Chest Pain in the SCOT-HEART Trial.

Background In the Scottish Computed Tomography of the Heart (SCOT-HEART) trial in individuals with stable chest pain, a treatment strategy based on coronary CT angiography (CTA) led to improved outcomes. Purpose To assess 5-year cumulative radiation doses of participants undergoing investigation for suspected angina due to coronary artery disease with or without coronary CTA. Materials and Methods This secondary analysis of the SCOT-HEART trial included data from six of 12 recruiting sites and two of three imaging sites. Participants were recruited between November 18, 2010, and September 24, 2014, with follow-up through January 31, 2018. Study participants had been randomized (at a one-to-one ratio) to standard care with CT (n = 1466) or standard care alone (n = 1428). Imaging was performed on a 64-detector (n = 223) or 320-detector row scanner (n = 1466). Radiation dose from CT (dose-length product), SPECT (injected activity), and invasive coronary angiography (ICA; kerma-area product) was assessed for 5 years after enrollment. Effective dose was calculated using conversion factors appropriate for the imaging modality and body region imaged (using 0.026 mSv/mGy · cm for cardiac CT). Results Cumulative radiation dose was assessed in 2894 participants. Median effective dose was 3.0 mSv (IQR, 2.6-3.3 mSv) for coronary calcium scoring, 4.1 mSv (IQR, 2.6-6.1 mSv) for coronary CTA, 7.4 mSv (IQR, 6.2-8.5 mSv) for SPECT, and 4.1 mSv (IQR, 2.5-6.8 mSv) for ICA. After 5 years, total per-participant cumulative dose was higher in the CT group (median, 8.1 mSv; IQR, 5.5-12.4 mSv) compared with standard-care group (median, 0 mSv; IQR, 0-4.5 mSv; P < .001). In participants who underwent any imaging, cumulative radiation exposure was higher in the CT group (n = 1345; median, 8.6 mSv; IQR, 6.1-13.3 mSv) compared with standard-care group (n = 549; median, 6.4 mSv; IQR, 3.4-9.2 mSv; P < .001). Conclusion In the SCOT-HEART trial, the 5-year cumulative radiation dose from cardiac imaging was higher in the coronary CT angiography group compared with the standard-care group, largely because of the radiation exposure from CT. Clinical trial registration no. NCT01149590 © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Dodd and Bosserdt in this issue.

Comparing Cardiac Mechanics and Myocardial Fibrosis in DBD and DCD Heart Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation (HTx) after donation after circulatory death (DCD) is an expanding practice but is associated with increased warm ischemic time. The impact of DCD HTx on cardiac mechanics and myocardial fibrosis has not been reported. We aimed to compare cardiac mechanics and myocardial fibrosis using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in donation after brain death (DBD) and DCD HTx recipients and healthy controls. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive HTx recipients between March 2015 and March 2021 who underwent routine surveillance CMR imaging were included. Cardiac mechanics were assessed using CMR feature tracking to compute global longitudinal strain, global circumferential strain, and right ventricular free-wall longitudinal myocardial strain. Fibrosis was assessed using late gadolinium enhancement imaging and estimation of extracellular volume. There were 82 (DBD n = 42, DCD n = 40) HTx recipients (aged 53 years, interquartile range 41-59 years, 24% female) who underwent CMR imaging at median of 9 months (interquartile range 6-14 months) after transplantation. HTx recipients had increased extracellular volume (29.7 ± 3.6%) compared with normal ranges (25.9%, interquartile range 25.4-26.5). Myocardial strain was impaired after transplantation compared with controls (global longitudinal strain -12.6 ± 3.1% vs -17.2 ± 1.8%, P < .0001; global circumferential strain -16.9 ± 3.1% vs -19.2 ± 2.0%, P = .002; right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain -15.7 ± 4.5% vs -21.6 ± 4.7%, P < .0001). There were no differences in fibrosis burden (extracellular volume 30.6 ± 4.4% vs 29.2 ± 3.2%; P = .39) or cardiac mechanics (global longitudinal strain -13.1 ± 3.0% vs -12.1 ± 3.1%, P = .14; global circumferential strain -17.3 ± 2.9% vs -16.6 ± 3.1%, P = .27; right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain -15.9 ± 4.9% vs -15.5 ± 4.1%, P = .71) between DCD and DBD HTx. CONCLUSIONS: HTx recipients have impaired cardiac mechanics compared with controls, with increased myocardial fibrosis. There were no differences in early CMR imaging characteristics between DBD and DCD heart transplants, providing further evidence that DCD and DBD HTx outcomes are comparable.

Comparative accuracy and cost-effectiveness of dynamic contrast-enhanced CT and positron emission tomography in the characterisation of solitary pulmonary nodules.

INTRODUCTION: Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT (DCE-CT) and positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) have a high reported accuracy for the diagnosis of malignancy in solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of these. METHODS: In this prospective multicentre trial, 380 participants with an SPN (8-30 mm) and no recent history of malignancy underwent DCE-CT and PET/CT. All patients underwent either biopsy with histological diagnosis or completed CT follow-up. Primary outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity and overall diagnostic accuracy for PET/CT and DCE-CT. Costs and cost-effectiveness were estimated from a healthcare provider perspective using a decision-model. RESULTS: 312 participants (47% female, 68.1±9.0 years) completed the study, with 61% rate of malignancy at 2 years. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values for DCE-CT were 95.3% (95% CI 91.3 to 97.5), 29.8% (95% CI 22.3 to 38.4), 68.2% (95% CI 62.4% to 73.5%) and 80.0% (95% CI 66.2 to 89.1), respectively, and for PET/CT were 79.1% (95% CI 72.7 to 84.2), 81.8% (95% CI 74.0 to 87.7), 87.3% (95% CI 81.5 to 91.5) and 71.2% (95% CI 63.2 to 78.1). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) for DCE-CT and PET/CT was 0.62 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.67) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.85), respectively (p<0.001). Combined results significantly increased diagnostic accuracy over PET/CT alone (AUROC=0.90 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.93), p<0.001). DCE-CT was preferred when the willingness to pay per incremental cost per correctly treated malignancy was below £9000. Above £15 500 a combined approach was preferred. CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT has a superior diagnostic accuracy to DCE-CT for the diagnosis of SPNs. Combining both techniques improves the diagnostic accuracy over either test alone and could be cost-effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02013063.

Vascular Thrombosis in Severe COVID-19 Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: Coronavirus disease 2019 has been reported to be a prothrombotic condition; however, multicenter data comparing this with other viral pneumonias in those requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are lacking. We conducted a multicenter study using whole-body CT to examine the prevalence, severity, and nature of vascular complications in coronavirus disease 2019 in comparison with patients with other viral pneumonias. DESIGN: We analyzed whole-body CT scans for the presence of vascular thrombosis (defined as pulmonary artery thrombus, venous thrombus, systemic arterial thrombus, or end-organ infarct). The severity, distribution, and morphology of pulmonary artery thrombus were characterized. Competing risk cumulative incidence analysis was used to compare survival with discharge. SETTING: Three centers of the English national extracorporeal membrane oxygenation service. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients admitted with either coronavirus disease 2019 or noncoronavirus disease 2019 viral pneumonia admitted from January 2019. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One-hundred thirty-six patients (45.2 ± 10.6 yr old, 39/146 [27%] female) requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support underwent whole-body CT scans at admission. Of these, 86 had coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia, and 50 had noncoronavirus disease 2019 viral pneumonia. Vascular thrombosis was seen more often in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (odds ratio, 12.9 [95% CI 4.5-36.8]). In those with coronavirus disease 2019, 57 (73%) demonstrated pulmonary artery thrombus or pulmonary perfusion defects. Eighty-two percent of thrombus exhibited emboli-like morphology. The location of pulmonary artery thrombus and parenchymal perfusion defects was only concordant in 30% of cases. The risk of mortality was higher in those with coronavirus disease 2019 compared with noncoronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia (χ2 = 3.94; p = 0.047). Mortality was no different in coronavirus disease 2019 patients with or without vascular thrombosis (χ2 = 0.44; p = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: In patients who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, coronavirus disease 2019 is associated with a higher prevalence of vascular thrombosis compared with noncoronavirus disease viral pneumonias. The pattern of pulmonary vascular changes suggests concurrent embolic disease and small vessel disease. Despite this, vascular thrombosis was not linked to poorer short-term prognosis in those with coronavirus disease 2019.

Acute aortic regurgitation due to fibrous strand rupture.

A 60-year-old male presented with sudden onset chest pain and pulmonary edema. The investigation confirmed torrential aortic regurgitation of a bicuspid valve. At surgery, a ruptured fibrous strand was identified which had been supporting the left-right cusp commissure with loss of attachment to the aortic wall. This case demonstrates that fibrous strands may be present as a supporting structure of the aortic valve, and rupture can be a rare cause of torrential aortic regurgitation, similar in pathogenesis to how it may be associated with acute severe mitral regurgitation and chordae tendineae rupture.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography for the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to determine the diagnostic performance of dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCE-CT) for the differentiation between malignant and benign pulmonary nodules. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for studies published up to October 2018 on the diagnostic accuracy of DCE-CT for the characterisation of pulmonary nodules. For the index test, studies with a minimum of a pre- and post-contrast computed tomography scan were evaluated. Studies with a reference standard of biopsy for malignancy, and biopsy or 2-year follow-up for benign disease were included. Study bias was assessed using QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies). The sensitivities, specificities, and diagnostic odds ratios were determined along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a bivariate random effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included, including 2397 study participants with 2514 nodules of which 55.3% were malignant (1389/2514). The pooled accuracy results were sensitivity 94.8% (95% CI 91.5; 96.9), specificity 75.5% (69.4; 80.6), and diagnostic odds ratio 56.6 (24.2-88.9). QUADAS 2 assessment showed intermediate/high risk of bias in a large proportion of the studies (52-78% across the domains). No difference was present in sensitivity or specificity between subgroups when studies were split based on CT technique, sample size, nodule size, or publication date. CONCLUSION: DCE-CT has a high diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules although study quality was indeterminate in a large number of cases. KEY POINTS: • The pooled accuracy results were sensitivity 95.1% and specificity 73.8% although individual studies showed wide ranges of values. • This is comparable to the results of previous meta-analyses of PET/CT (positron emission tomography/computed tomography) diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules. • Robust direct comparative accuracy and cost-effectiveness studies are warranted to determine the optimal use of DCE-CT and PET/CT in the diagnosis of SPNs.

Determinants of Rejection Rate for Coronary CT Angiography Fractional Flow Reserve Analysis.

Background Coronary artery fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from CT angiography (FFTCT) enables functional assessment of coronary stenosis. Prior clinical trials showed 13%-33% of coronary CT angiography studies had insufficient quality for quantitative analysis with FFRCT. Purpose To determine the rejection rate of FFRCT analysis and to determine factors associated with technically unsuccessful calculation of FFRCT. Materials and Methods Prospectively acquired coronary CT angiography scans submitted as part of the Assessing Diagnostic Value of Noninvasive FFRCT in Coronary Care (ADVANCE) registry (https://ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02499679) and coronary CT angiography series submitted for clinical analysis were included. The primary outcome was the FFRCT rejection rate (defined as an inability to perform quantitative analysis with FFRCT). Factors that were associated with FFRCT rejection rate were assessed with multiple linear regression. Results In the ADVANCE registry, FFRCT rejection rate due to inadequate image quality was 2.9% (80 of 2778 patients; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1%, 3.2%). In the 10 621 consecutive patients who underwent clinical analysis, the FFRCT rejection rate was 8.4% (n = 892; 95% CI: 6.2%, 7.2%; P < .001 vs the ADVANCE cohort). The main reason for the inability to perform FFRCT analysis was the presence of motion artifacts (63 of 80 [78%] and 729 of 892 [64%] in the ADVANCE and clinical cohorts, respectively). At multivariable analysis, section thickness in the ADVANCE (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% CI: 1.001, 1.09; P = .045) and clinical (OR, 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.04; P < .001) cohorts and heart rate in the ADVANCE (OR, 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.08; P < .001) and clinical (OR, 1.06; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.07; P < .001) cohorts were independent predictors of rejection. Conclusion The rates for technically unsuccessful CT-derived fractional flow reserve in the ADVANCE registry and in a large clinical cohort were 2.9% and 8.4%, respectively. Thinner CT section thickness and lower patient heart rate may increase rates of completion of CT fractional flow reserve analysis. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Sakuma in this issue.

Mitral Valve Imaging with CT: Relationship with Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions.

The role of noninvasive imaging to help guide transcatheter aortic valvular interventions is well established and has grown with the advances in the procedure. With the rapid development of new transcatheter mitral valve interventions there is both an opportunity and a challenge for noninvasive imaging to grow understanding of mitral valve anatomy and disease, help with patient selection, and improve downstream clinical outcomes. This review will discuss the role of both echocardiography and multidetector CT in the diagnosis of mitral regurgitation, as well as grading of its severity and defining its etiology. Additionally, new concepts including measurements pertaining to mitral annular sizing, segmentation of mitral annular calcium, prediction of neo-left ventricular out flow tract obstruction, hybrid or fusion multidetector CT/echocardiographic imaging, and CT-based fluoroscopic guidance will be discussed.

Prevalence and Distribution of Atherosclerosis in a Low- to Intermediate-Risk Population: Assessment with Whole-Body MR Angiography.

Purpose To quantify the burden and distribution of asymptomatic atherosclerosis in a population with a low to intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease. Materials and Methods Between June 2008 and February 2013, 1528 participants with 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease less than 20% were prospectively enrolled. They underwent whole-body magnetic resonance (MR) angiography at 3.0 T by using a two-injection, four-station acquisition technique. Thirty-one arterial segments were scored according to maximum stenosis. Scores were summed and normalized for the number of assessable arterial segments to provide a standardized atheroma score (SAS). Multiple linear regression was performed to assess effects of risk factors on atheroma burden. Results A total of 1513 participants (577 [37.9%] men; median age, 53.5 years; range, 40-83 years) completed the study protocol. Among 46 903 potentially analyzable segments, 46 601 (99.4%) were interpretable. Among these, 2468 segments (5%) demonstrated stenoses, of which 1649 (3.5%) showed stenosis less than 50% and 484 (1.0%) showed stenosis greater than or equal to 50%. Vascular stenoses were distributed throughout the body with no localized distribution. Seven hundred forty-seven (49.4%) participants had at least one stenotic vessel, and 408 (27.0%) participants had multiple stenotic vessels. At multivariable linear regression, SAS correlated with age (B = 3.4; 95% confidence interval: 2.61, 4.20), heart rate (B = 1.23; 95% confidence interval: 0.51, 1.95), systolic blood pressure (B = 0.02; 95% confidence interval: 0.01, 0.03), smoking status (B = 0.79; 95% confidence interval: 0.44, 1.15), and socioeconomic status (B = -0.06; 95% confidence interval: -0.10, -0.02) (P < .01 for all). Conclusion Whole-body MR angiography identifies early vascular disease at a population level. Although disease prevalence is low on a per-vessel level, vascular disease is common on a per-participant level, even in this low- to intermediate-risk cohort. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Pulmonary arterial stiffening in COPD and its implications for right ventricular remodelling.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary pulse wave velocity (PWV) allows the non-invasive measurement of pulmonary arterial stiffening, but has not previously been assessed in COPD. The aim of the current study was to assess PWV in COPD and its association with right ventricular (RV) remodelling. METHODS: Fifty-eight participants with COPD underwent pulmonary function tests, 6-min walk test and cardiac MRI, while 21 healthy controls (HCs) underwent cardiac MRI. Thirty-two COPD patients underwent a follow-up MRI to assess for longitudinal changes in RV metrics. Cardiac MRI was used to quantify RV mass, volumes and PWV. Differences in continuous variables between the COPD and HC groups was tested using an independent t-test, and associations between PWV and right ventricular parameters was examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Those with COPD had reduced pulsatility (COPD (mean±SD):24.88±8.84% vs. HC:30.55±11.28%, p=0.021), pulmonary acceleration time (COPD:104.0±22.9ms vs. HC: 128.1±32.2ms, p<0.001), higher PWV (COPD:2.62±1.29ms-1 vs. HC:1.78±0.72ms-1, p=0.001), lower RV end diastolic volume (COPD:53.6±11.1ml vs. HC:59.9±13.0ml, p=0.037) and RV stroke volume (COPD:31.9±6.9ml/m2 vs. HC:37.1±6.2ml/m2, p=0.003) with no difference in mass (p=0.53). PWV was not associated with right ventricular parameters. CONCLUSIONS: While pulmonary vascular remodelling is present in COPD, cardiac remodelling favours reduced filling rather than increased afterload. Treatment of obstructive lung disease may have greater effect on cardiac function than treatment of pulmonary vascular disease in most COPD patients KEY POINTS: • Pulmonary pulse wave velocity (PWV) is elevated in COPD. • Pulmonary PWV is not associated with right ventricular remodelling. • Right ventricular remodelling is more in keeping with that of reduced filling.

Impact of noncardiac findings in patients undergoing CT coronary angiography: a substudy of the Scottish computed tomography of the heart (SCOT-HEART) trial.

OBJECTIVES: Noncardiac findings are common on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). We assessed the clinical impact of noncardiac findings, and potential changes to surveillance scans with the application of new lung nodule guidelines. METHODS: This substudy of the SCOT-HEART randomized controlled trial assessed noncardiac findings identified on CCTA. Clinically significant noncardiac findings were those causing symptoms or requiring further investigation, follow-up or treatment. Lung nodule follow-up was undertaken following the 2005 Fleischner guidelines. The potential impact of the 2015 British Thoracic Society (BTS) and the 2017 Fleischner guidelines was assessed. RESULTS: CCTA was performed in 1,778 patients and noncardiac findings were identified in 677 (38%). In 173 patients (10%) the abnormal findings were clinically significant and in 55 patients (3%) the findings were the cause of symptoms. Follow-up imaging was recommended in 136 patients (7.6%) and additional clinic consultations were organized in 46 patients (2.6%). Malignancy was diagnosed in 7 patients (0.4%). Application of the new lung nodule guidelines would have reduced the number of patients undergoing a follow-up CT scan: 68 fewer with the 2015 BTS guidelines and 78 fewer with the 2017 Fleischner guidelines; none of these patients subsequently developed malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically significant noncardiac findings are identified in 10% of patients undergoing CCTA. Application of new lung nodule guidelines will reduce the cost of surveillance, without the risk of missing malignancy. KEY POINTS: • Clinically significant noncardiac findings occur in 10% of patients undergoing CCTA. • Noncardiac findings may be an important treatable cause of chest pain • Further imaging investigations for noncardiac findings were recommended in 8% of patients after CCTA. • New lung nodule follow-up guidelines will result in cost savings.

Systemic arteriosclerosis is associated with left ventricular remodeling but not atherosclerosis: a TASCFORCE study.

BACKGROUND: Arteriosclerosis (arterial stiffening) is associated with future cardiovascular events, with this effect postulated to be due to its effect on cardiac afterload, atherosclerosis (plaque formation) progression or both, but with limited evidence examining these early in disease formation. The aim of the current study is to examine the association between arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis and ventricular remodelling in a population at low-intermediate cardiovascular risk. METHODS: One thousand six hundred fifty-one subjects free of clinical cardiovascular disease and with a < 20% 10 year cardiovascular risk score underwent a cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study and whole body CMR angiogram. Arteriosclerosis was measured using total arterial compliance (TAC) - calculated as the indexed stroke volume divided by the pulse pressure. Atherosclerosis was quantified using a standardised atheroma score (SAS) which was calculated by scoring 30 arterial segments within the body based on the degree of stenosis, summating these scores and normalising it to the number of assessable segments. Left ventricular remodelling was measured using left ventricular mass to volume ratio (LVMVR). RESULTS: One thousand five hundred fifteen (38% male, 53.8 ± 8.2 years old) completed the study. On univariate analysis TAC was associated with SAS but this was lost after accounting for cardiovascular risk factors in both males (B = - 0.001 (- 0.004-0.002),p = 0.62) and females (B = 0.000(95%CI -0.002--0.002),p = 0.78). In contrast compliance correlated with LVMVR after accounting for cardiovascular risk factors (B = - 0.12(95%CI -0.16--0.091),p < 0.001 in males; B = - 0.12(95%CI -0.15--0.086),p < 0.001 in females). CONCLUSION: Systemic arteriosclerosis is associated with left ventricular remodelling but not atherosclerosis. Future efforts in cardiovascular risk prevention should thus seek to address both arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis individually.

Epicardial adipose tissue is related to arterial stiffness and inflammation in patients with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is an emerging cardio-metabolic risk factor and has been shown to correlate with adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcome; however the underlying pathophysiology of this link is not well understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between EAT and a comprehensive panel of cardiovascular risk biomarkers and pulse wave velocity (PWV) and indexed left ventricular mass (LVMI) in a cohort of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes compared to controls. METHODS: One hundred forty-five participants (mean age 63.9 ± 8.1 years; 61% male) were evaluated. All patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) examination and PWV. EAT measurements from CMR were performed on the 4-chamber view. Blood samples were taken and a range of CV biomarkers was evaluated. RESULTS: EAT measurements were significantly higher in the groups with CVD, with or without T2DM compared to patients without CVD or T2DM (group 1 EAT 15.9 ± 5.5 cm2 vs. group 4 EAT 11.8 ± 4.1 cm2, p = 0.001; group 3 EAT 15.1 ± 4.3 cm2 vs. group 4 EAT 11.8 ± 4.1 cm2, p = 0.024). EAT was independently associated with IL-6 (beta 0.2, p = 0.019). When added to clinical variables, both EAT (beta 0.16, p = 0.035) and IL-6 (beta 0.26, p = 0.003) were independently associated with PWV. EAT was significantly associated with LVMI in a univariable analysis but not when added to significant clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with cardio-metabolic disease, EAT was independently associated with PWV. EAT may be associated with CVD risk due to an increase in systemic vascular inflammation. Whether targeting EAT may reduce inflammation and/or cardiovascular risk should be evaluated in prospective studies.

Research cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in end stage renal disease - incidence, significance and implications of unexpected incidental findings.

OBJECTIVES: Left ventricular mass (LVM) at cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a frequent end point in clinical trials in nephrology. Trial participants with end stage renal disease (ESRD) may have a greater frequency of incidental findings (IF). We retrospectively investigated prevalence of IF in previous research CMR and reviewed their subsequent impact on participants. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2006, 161 ESRD patients underwent CMR in a transplant assessment study. Images were used to assess LV mass and function. In the current study a radiologist reviewed the scans for IF. Review of patient records determined the subsequent clinical significance of IF. RESULTS: There were 150 IF in 95 study participants. Eighty-four (56 %) were new diagnoses. One hundred and two were non-cardiac. Fifteen were suspicious of malignancy. There was a clinically significant IF for 14.9 % of the participants. In six cases earlier identification of an IF may have improved quality of life or survival. CONCLUSIONS: Without radiology support clinically important IF may be missed on CMR. Patients undergoing CMR in trials should be counselled about the frequency and implications of IF. Patients with ESRD have a higher prevalence of IF than reported in other populations. Nephrology studies require mechanisms for radiologist reporting and strategies for dealing with IF. KEY POINTS: • Incidental findings on research cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can have significant consequences. • We considered incidental findings in historical renal cardiac resonance imaging clinical trials. • Incidental findings are common and important in the chronic kidney disease population. • Without radiology support, clinically significant incidental findings may be missed on imaging. • Study protocols, approvals and consent processes should take account of possible findings.

Effects of inaccuracies in arterial path length measurement on differences in MRI and tonometry measured pulse wave velocity.

BACKGROUND: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) and aortic PWV measured using MRI (MRI-PWV) show good correlation, but with a significant and consistent bias across studies. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether the differences between cf.-PWV and MRI-PWV can be accounted for by inaccuracies of currently used distance measurements. METHODS: One hundred fourteen study participants were recruited into one of 4 groups: Type 2 diabetes melltus (T2DM) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) (n = 23), T2DM without CVD (n = 41), CVD without T2DM (n = 25) and a control group (n = 25). All participants underwent cf.-PWV, cardiac MRI and whole body MR angiography(WB-MRA). 90 study participants also underwent aortic PWV using MRI. cf.-PWVEXT was performed using a SphygmoCor device (Atcor Medical, West Ryde, Australia). The true intra-arterial pathlength was measured using the WB-MRA and then used to recalculate the cf.-PWVEXT to give a cf.-PWVMRA. RESULTS: Distance measurements were significantly lower on WB-MRA than on external tape measure (mean diff = -85.4 ± 54.0 mm,p < 0.001). MRI-PWV was significantly lower than cf.-PWVEXT (MRI-PWV = 8.1 ± 2.9 vs. cf.-PWVEXT = 10.9 ± 2.7 ms-1,p < 0.001). When cf.-PWV was recalculated using the inter-arterial distance from WB-MRA, this difference was significantly reduced but not lost (MRI-PWV = 8.1 ± 2.9 ms-1 vs. cf.-PWVMRA 9.1 ± 2.1 ms-1, mean diff = -0.96 ± 2.52 ms-1,p = 0.001). Recalculation of the PWV increased correlation with age and pulse pressure. CONCLUSION: Differences in cf.-PWV and MRI PWV can be predominantly but not entirely explained by inaccuracies introduced by the use of simple surface measurements to represent the convoluted arterial path between the carotid and femoral arteries.

3T MRI investigation of cardiac left ventricular structure and function in a UK population: The tayside screening for the prevention of cardiac events (TASCFORCE) study.

PURPOSE: To scan a volunteer population using 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI of the left ventricular (LV) structure and function in healthy volunteers has been reported extensively at 1.5T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population of 1528 volunteers was scanned. A standardized approach was taken to acquire steady-state free precession (SSFP) LV data in the short-axis plane, and images were quantified using commercial software. Six observers undertook the segmentation analysis. RESULTS: Mean values (±standard deviation, SD) were: ejection fraction (EF) = 69 ± 6%, end diastolic volume index (EDVI) = 71 ± 13 ml/m2 , end systolic volume index (ESVI) = 22 ± 7 ml/m2 , stroke volume index (SVI) = 49 ± 8 ml/m2 , and LV mass index (LVMI) = 55 ± 12 g/m2 . The mean EF was slightly larger for females (69%) than for males (68%), but all other variables were smaller for females (EDVI 68v77 ml/m2 , ESVI 21v25 ml/m2 , SVI 46v52 ml/m2 , LVMI 49v64 g/m2 , all P < 0.05). The mean LV volume data mostly decreased with each age decade (EDVI males: -2.9 ± 1.3 ml/m2 , females: -3.1 ± 0.8 ml/m2 ; ESVI males: -1.3 ± 0.7 ml/m2 , females: -1.7 ± 0.5 ml/m2 ; SVI males: -1.7 ± 0.9 ml/m2 , females: -1.4 ± 0.6 ml/m2 ; LVMI males: -1.6 ± 1.1 g/m2 , females: -0.2 ± 0.6 g/m2 ) but the mean EF was virtually stable in males (0.6 ± 0.6%) and rose slightly in females (1.2 ± 0.5%) with age. CONCLUSION: LV reference ranges are provided in this population-based MR study at 3.0T. The variables are similar to those described at 1.5T, including variations with age and gender. These data may help to support future population-based MR research studies that involve the use of 3.0T MRI scanners. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1186-1196.

Whole body cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging to stratify symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerotic burden in patients with isolated cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to use whole body cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (WB CVMR) to assess the heart and arterial network in a single examination, so as to describe the burden of atherosclerosis and subclinical disease in participants with symptomatic single site vascular disease. METHODS: 64 patients with a history of symptomatic single site vascular disease (38 coronary artery disease (CAD), 9 cerebrovascular disease, 17 peripheral arterial disease (PAD)) underwent whole body angiogram and cardiac MR in a 3 T scanner. The arterial tree was subdivided into 31 segments and each scored according to the degree of stenosis. From this a standardised atheroma score (SAS) was calculated. Cine and late gadolinium enhancement images of the left ventricle were obtained. RESULTS: Asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease with greater than 50% stenosis in arteries other than that responsible for their presenting complain was detected in 37% of CAD, 33% of cerebrovascular and 47% of PAD patients. Unrecognised myocardial infarcts were observed in 29% of PAD patients. SAS was significantly higher in PAD patients 24 (17.5-30.5) compared to CAD 4 (2-11.25) or cerebrovascular disease patients 6 (2-10) (ANCOVA p < 0.001). Standardised atheroma score positively correlated with age (ß 0.36 p = 0.002), smoking status (ß 0.34 p = 0.002), and LV mass (ß -0.61 p = 0.001) on multiple linear regression. CONCLUSION: WB CVMR is an effective method for the stratification of cardiovascular disease. The high prevalence of asymptomatic arterial disease, and silent myocardial infarctions, particularly in the peripheral arterial disease group, demonstrates the importance of a systematic approach to the assessment of cardiovascular disease.