Prognostic value of unrecognised myocardial infarction detected by late gadolinium-enhanced MRI in diabetic patients with normal global and regional left ventricular systolic function

Stronger positive correlation of the left ventricular mass index and extracellular volume fraction with diastolic function in diabetic patients without myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The structural and functional characteristics of the heart in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and without myocardial infarction (MI) are not fully understood.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the data of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 40% who underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), which was also used to exclude MI, at two hospitals. Volumetric data and extracellular volume fraction (ECVf) of the myocardium evaluated using CMR were compared between patients with and without DM, and their association with diastolic function was evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 322 analysed patients, 53 had DM. CMR revealed that the left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and ECVf were increased while LVEF was decreased in patients with DM after adjusting for patient characteristics (all P < 0.05). A stronger positive correlation was observed between LVMi and the early diastolic transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity ratio (E/e') in patients with DM than in those without DM (correlation coefficient [R] = 0.46, p = 0.001; R = 0.15, p = 0.021, respectively; p for interaction = 0.011). ECVf correlated with E/e' only in patients with DM (R = 0.61, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with DM have increased LVMi and ECVf. Importantly, there was a difference between patients with and without DM in the relationship between these structural changes and E/e', with a stronger relationship in patients with DM. Furthermore, DM is associated with mildly reduced LVEF even in the absence of MI.

Predictors and prognostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography for unrecognized myocardial infarction in patients with chronic coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Unrecognized myocardial infarction (UMI) on delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (DE-CMR) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) derived high-risk features provide prognostic information in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). The study aimed to assess the prognostic value of UMI and predictors of UMI using CCTA in patients with CCS who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

This study enrolled 181 patients with CCS who underwent DE-CMR and CCTA before elective PCI. The CCTA-derived predictors of UMI and the association of baseline clinical characteristics, CCTA findings, and CMR-derived factors, including UMI, with MACEs, defined as death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unplanned late revascularization, hospitalization for congestive heart failure, and stroke, were investigated.

RESULTS

UMI was detected in 57 (31.5%) patients. ROC analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off values of Agatston score and mean peri-coronary fat attenuation index (FAI) for predicting the presence of UMI were 397 and -69.8, respectively. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that left ventricular mass, Agatston score >397, mean FAI >-69.8, positive remodeling of the target lesion, and CCTA-derived stenosis severity were independent predictors of UMI. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with UMI were associated with increased risk of MACEs. The Cox proportional hazards analysis showed post-PCI minimum lumen diameter and the presence of UMI were independent predictors of MACEs. The risk of MACEs significantly increased according to the number of four preprocedural CCTA-relevant features of UMI.

CONCLUSION

Preprocedural comprehensive CCTA analysis may help predict the presence of UMI and provide prognostic information in patients with CCS who underwent PCI.

Association of myocardial fibrosis detected by late gadolinium-enhanced MRI with clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis assessed the associations of myocardial fibrosis detected by late gadolinium-enhanced (LGE)-MRI with the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with diabetes.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis reported in accordance with the guidelines of the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement.

DATA SOURCES

We searched the Medline, Embase and Cochrane by Ovid databases for studies published up to 27 August 2021.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Prospective or respective cohort studies were included if they reported the HR and 95% CIs for MACCEs/MACEs in patients with either type 1 or 2 diabetes and LGE-MRI-detected myocardial fibrosis compared with patients without LGE-MRI-detected myocardial fibrosis and if the articles were published in the English language.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the quality of the included studies. Pooled HRs and 95% CIs were analysed using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using forest plots and I2 statistics.

RESULTS

Eight studies with 1121 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were included in this meta-analysis, and the follow-up ranged from 17 to 70 months. The presence of myocardial fibrosis detected by LGE-MRI was associated with an increased risk for MACCEs (HR: 2.58; 95% CI 1.42 to 4.71; p=0.002) and MACEs (HR: 5.28; 95% CI 3.20 to 8.70; p<0.001) in patients with diabetes. Subgroup analysis revealed that ischaemic fibrosis detected by LGE was associated with MACCEs (HR 3.80, 95% CI 2.38 to 6.07; p<0.001) in patients with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that ischaemic myocardial fibrosis detected by LGE-MRI was associated with an increased risk of MACCEs/MACEs in patients with diabetes and may be an imaging biomarker for risk stratification. Whether LGE-MRI provides incremental prognostic information with respect to MACCEs/MACEs over risk stratification by conventional cardiovascular risk factors requires further study.

2019 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS expert consensus statement on catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias: executive summary

Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and come in a variety of forms, from single premature ventricular complexes to sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Rapid developments have taken place over the past decade in our understanding of these arrhythmias and in our ability to diagnose and treat them. The field of catheter ablation has progressed with the development of new methods and tools, and with the publication of large clinical trials. Therefore, global cardiac electrophysiology professional societies undertook to outline recommendations and best practices for these procedures in a document that will update and replace the 2009 EHRA/HRS Expert Consensus on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias. An expert writing group, after reviewing and discussing the literature, including a systematic review and meta-analysis published in conjunction with this document, and drawing on their own experience, drafted and voted on recommendations and summarized current knowledge and practice in the field. Each recommendation is presented in knowledge byte format and is accompanied by supportive text and references. Further sections provide a practical synopsis of the various techniques and of the specific ventricular arrhythmia sites and substrates encountered in the electrophysiology lab. The purpose of this document is to help electrophysiologists around the world to appropriately select patients for catheter ablation, to perform procedures in a safe and efficacious manner, and to provide follow-up and adjunctive care in order to obtain the best possible outcomes for patients with ventricular arrhythmias.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking: A Novel Method to Assess Left Ventricular Three-Dimensional Strain Mechanics After Chronic Myocardial Infarction

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to assess left ventricular deformation after chronic myocardial infarction (CMI) using cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) technology, and analyze its relationship with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and infarcted transmurality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-six patients with CMI and 72 controls underwent 3.0 T CMR scanning. Strain parameters were measured by dedicated software, including global peak longitudinal strain (GPLS), global peak circumferential strain (GPCS), global peak radial strain (GPRS), segmental peak longitudinal strain (PLS), peak circumferential strain (PCS), and peak radial strain (PRS). All enhanced myocardium segments were divided into subendocardial infarction (SI) and transmural infarction (TI) group. Pearson, intraclass correlation coefficient and receiver operating characteristic analysis were performed to compare the parameters' mean values between SI and TI groups.

RESULTS

GPLS, GPRS, and GPCS in CMI group were significantly decreased comparing with control group. PRS and PCS in TI group were significantly lower than those in SI group, whereas no statistical difference was observed in PLS. In Pearson correlation analysis, LVEF was strongly correlated with GPLS, GPRS, and GPCS in CMI patients. Additionally, excellent reproducibility of all strain parameters was observed. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, segmental PRS and PCS might differentiate SI from TI with higher diagnostic efficiency (p < 0.05), while PLS was less valuable (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CMR-FT could noninvasively and quantitatively assess global and regional myocardial strain in CMI patients with excellent reproducibility and strong correlation with LVEF. Additionally, segmental myocardial strain parameters indicate potential clinical value in differentiating myocardial infarction subtype.

Late gadolinium enhancement is a risk factor for major adverse cardiac events in unrecognised myocardial infarction without apparent symptoms: a meta-analysis

AIM

To assess the prognostic role of unrecognised myocardial infarction (UMI) detected at late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-CMRII).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane were searched systematically for studies exploring the predictive value of UMI detected by LGE-CMRI for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and all-cause mortality in patients without apparent symptoms. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained from a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the different participants and outcomes.

RESULTS

Eight studies (2,009 participants) were identified comprising 442 patients with UMI detected at LGE-CMRI and 1,567 without UMI. The presence of UMI on LGE was associated with a significantly increased risk for MACEs (HRs: 3.44, 95% CI: 2.06 to 5.75; p<0.001) and all-cause mortality (HRs: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.00 to 5.87; p=0.05). In the subgroup analysis, the presence of UMI on LGE remained significantly associated with the risk of MACEs in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (HRs: 3.82, 95% CI: 2.49 to 5.85; p<0.01) and diabetes mellitus (HRs: 4.97, 95% CI: 3.02 to 8.18; p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The presence of UMI detected by LGE-CMRI is associated with an increased risk of MACEs and all-cause mortality in patients without symptoms. LGE-CMRI could provide important prognostic information and guide risk stratification in patients with UMI.

2019 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS expert consensus statement on catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias

Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and come in a variety of forms, from single premature ventricular complexes to sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Rapid developments have taken place over the past decade in our understanding of these arrhythmias and in our ability to diagnose and treat them. The field of catheter ablation has progressed with the development of new methods and tools, and with the publication of large clinical trials. Therefore, global cardiac electrophysiology professional societies undertook to outline recommendations and best practices for these procedures in a document that will update and replace the 2009 EHRA/HRS Expert Consensus on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias. An expert writing group, after reviewing and discussing the literature, including a systematic review and meta-analysis published in conjunction with this document, and drawing on their own experience, drafted and voted on recommendations and summarized current knowledge and practice in the field. Each recommendation is presented in knowledge byte format and is accompanied by supportive text and references. Further sections provide a practical synopsis of the various techniques and of the specific ventricular arrhythmia sites and substrates encountered in the electrophysiology lab. The purpose of this document is to help electrophysiologists around the world to appropriately select patients for catheter ablation, to perform procedures in a safe and efficacious manner, and to provide follow-up and adjunctive care in order to obtain the best possible outcomes for patients with ventricular arrhythmias.

Distinct non-ischemic myocardial late gadolinium enhancement lesions in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) have described localised non-ischemic late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) lesions of prognostic importance in various non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. Ischemic LGE lesions are prevalent in diabetes (DM), but non-ischemic LGE lesions have not previously been described or systematically studied in DM.

Methods

296 patients with type 2 DM (T2DM) and 25 sex-matched control subjects underwent echocardiography and CMR including adenosine-stress perfusion, T₁-mapping and LGE.

Results

264 patients and all control subjects completed the CMR protocol. 78.4% of patients with T2DM had no LGE lesions; 11.0% had ischemic LGE lesions only; 9.5% had non-ischemic LGE lesions only; and 1.1% had both one ischemic and one non-ischemic lesion. The non-ischemic LGE lesions were situated mid-myocardial in the basal lateral or the basal inferolateral part of the left ventricle and the affected segments showed normal to high wall thickness and normal contraction. Patients with non-ischemic LGE lesions in comparison with patients without LGE lesions had increased myocardial mass (150 ± 34 vs. 133 ± 33 g, P = 0.02), average E/e’(9.9 IQR8.7–12.6 vs. 8.8 IQR7.4–10.7, P = 0.04), left atrial maximal volume (102 IQR84.6–115.2 vs. 91 IQR75.2–100.0 mL, P = 0.049), NT-proBNP (8.9 IQR5.9–19.7 vs. 5.9 IQR5.9–10.1 µmol/L, P = 0.02) and high-sensitive troponin (15.6 IQR13.0–26.1 vs. 13.0 IQR13.0–14.6 ng/L, P = 0.007) and a higher prevalence of retinopathy (48 vs. 25%, P = 0.009) and autonomic neuropathy (52 vs. 30.5%, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

A specific LGE pattern with lesions in the basal lateral or the basal inferolateral part of the left ventricle was found in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Trial registrationhttps://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02684331.

2019 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS expert consensus statement on catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias: Executive summary

Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and come in a variety of forms, from single premature ventricular complexes to sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Rapid developments have taken place over the past decade in our understanding of these arrhythmias and in our ability to diagnose and treat them. The field of catheter ablation has progressed with the development of new methods and tools, and with the publication of large clinical trials. Therefore, global cardiac electrophysiology professional societies undertook to outline recommendations and best practices for these procedures in a document that will update and replace the 2009 EHRA/HRS Expert Consensus on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias. An expert writing group, after reviewing and discussing the literature, including a systematic review and meta-analysis published in conjunction with this document, and drawing on their own experience, drafted and voted on recommendations and summarized current knowledge and practice in the field. Each recommendation is presented in knowledge byte format and is accompanied by supportive text and references. Further sections provide a practical synopsis of the various techniques and of the specific ventricular arrhythmia sites and substrates encountered in the electrophysiology lab. The purpose of this document is to help electrophysiologists around the world to appropriately select patients for catheter ablation, to perform procedures in a safe and efficacious manner, and to provide follow-up and adjunctive care in order to obtain the best possible outcomes for patients with ventricular arrhythmias.

2019 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS expert consensus statement on catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias

Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and come in a variety of forms, from single premature ventricular complexes to sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Rapid developments have taken place over the past decade in our understanding of these arrhythmias and in our ability to diagnose and treat them. The field of catheter ablation has progressed with the development of new methods and tools, and with the publication of large clinical trials. Therefore, global cardiac electrophysiology professional societies undertook to outline recommendations and best practices for these procedures in a document that will update and replace the 2009 EHRA/HRS Expert Consensus on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias. An expert writing group, after reviewing and discussing the literature, including a systematic review and meta-analysis published in conjunction with this document, and drawing on their own experience, drafted and voted on recommendations and summarized current knowledge and practice in the field. Each recommendation is presented in knowledge byte format and is accompanied by supportive text and references. Further sections provide a practical synopsis of the various techniques and of the specific ventricular arrhythmia sites and substrates encountered in the electrophysiology lab. The purpose of this document is to help electrophysiologists around the world to appropriately select patients for catheter ablation, to perform procedures in a safe and efficacious manner, and to provide follow-up and adjunctive care in order to obtain the best possible outcomes for patients with ventricular arrhythmias.

Silent Myocardial Perfusion Abnormalities Detected by Stress Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Case-Control Study

Objective: To examine the prevalence of silent myocardial ischemia and fibrosis in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), using stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods: Forty-four consecutive APS patients without prior cardiac disease (22 primary APS, 22 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)/APS, mean age 44 (12.9) years, 64% women) and 44 age/gender-matched controls were evaluated using CMR at 1.5 T. Steady-state free precession imaging for function assessment and adenosine stress-CMR for perfusion-fibrosis evaluation were employed. The myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI), and myocardial fibrosis expressed as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), were evaluated. Coronary angiography was indicated in patients with LGE. Associations with APS characteristics, classic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) and high-sensitivity Troponin (hs-TnT) levels were tested. All patients were followed up for 12 months. Results: Median MPRI was significantly lower in APS patients versus controls [1.5 (0.9-1.9) vs. 2.7 (2.2-3.2), p < 0.001], independently of any LGE presence. LGE was detected in 16 (36.3%) patients versus none of controls (p < 0.001); 12/16 were subsequently examined with coronary angiography and only two of them had coronary artery lesions. In multivariable analysis, none of the APS-related and classic CVD risk factors, or hs-CRP and hs-TnT covariates, were significant predictors of abnormal MPRI or LGE. At the twelve month follow-up, three (6.8%) patients experienced coronary artery disease, notably those with the lowest MPRI values. Conclusions: Abnormal MPRI and LGE are common in asymptomatic APS patients, independently so of any APS-related and classic CVD risk factors, or coronary angiography findings in cases with LGE. Stress-CMR is a valuable tool to detect silent myocardial ischemia and fibrosis in APS.

2019 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS expert consensus statement on catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias: Executive summary

Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and come in a variety of forms, from single premature ventricular complexes to sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Rapid developments have taken place over the past decade in our understanding of these arrhythmias and in our ability to diagnose and treat them. The field of catheter ablation has progressed with the development of new methods and tools, and with the publication of large clinical trials. Therefore, global cardiac electrophysiology professional societies undertook to outline recommendations and best practices for these procedures in a document that will update and replace the 2009 EHRA/HRS Expert Consensus on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias. An expert writing group, after reviewing and discussing the literature, including a systematic review and meta-analysis published in conjunction with this document, and drawing on their own experience, drafted and voted on recommendations and summarized current knowledge and practice in the field. Each recommendation is presented in knowledge byte format and is accompanied by supportive text and references. Further sections provide a practical synopsis of the various techniques and of the specific ventricular arrhythmia sites and substrates encountered in the electrophysiology lab. The purpose of this document is to help electrophysiologists around the world to appropriately select patients for catheter ablation, to perform procedures in a safe and efficacious manner, and to provide follow-up and adjunctive care in order to obtain the best possible outcomes for patients with ventricular arrhythmias.

2019 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS expert consensus statement on catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias

Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and come in a variety of forms, from single premature ventricular complexes to sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Rapid developments have taken place over the past decade in our understanding of these arrhythmias and in our ability to diagnose and treat them. The field of catheter ablation has progressed with the development of new methods and tools, and with the publication of large clinical trials. Therefore, global cardiac electrophysiology professional societies undertook to outline recommendations and best practices for these procedures in a document that will update and replace the 2009 EHRA/HRS Expert Consensus on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias. An expert writing group, after reviewing and discussing the literature, including a systematic review and meta-analysis published in conjunction with this document, and drawing on their own experience, drafted and voted on recommendations and summarized current knowledge and practice in the field. Each recommendation is presented in knowledge byte format and is accompanied by supportive text and references. Further sections provide a practical synopsis of the various techniques and of the specific ventricular arrhythmia sites and substrates encountered in the electrophysiology lab. The purpose of this document is to help electrophysiologists around the world to appropriately select patients for catheter ablation, to perform procedures in a safe and efficacious manner, and to provide follow-up and adjunctive care in order to obtain the best possible outcomes for patients with ventricular arrhythmias.

Molecular imaging of diabetes and diabetic complications: Beyond pancreatic β-cell targeting

Diabetes is a chronic non-communicable disease affecting over 400 million people worldwide. Diabetic patients are at a high risk of various complications, such as cardiovascular, renal, and other diseases. The pathogenesis of diabetes (both type 1 and type 2 diabetes) is associated with a functional impairment of pancreatic β-cells. Consequently, most efforts to manage and prevent diabetes have focused on preserving β-cells and their function. Advances in imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, positron emission tomography, and single-photon-emission computed tomography, have enabled noninvasive and quantitative detection and characterization of the population and function of β-cells in vivo. These advantages aid in defining and monitoring the progress of diabetes and determining the efficacy of anti-diabetic therapies. Beyond β-cell targeting, molecular imaging of biomarkers associated with the development of diabetes, e.g., lymphocyte infiltration, insulitis, and metabolic changes, may also be a promising strategy for early detection of diabetes, monitoring its progression, and occurrence of complications, as well as facilitating exploration of new therapeutic interventions. Moreover, molecular imaging of glucose uptake, production and excretion in specified tissues is critical for understanding the pathogenesis of diabetes. In the current review, we summarize and discuss recent advances in noninvasive imaging technologies for imaging of biomarkers beyond β-cells for early diagnosis of diabetes, investigation of glucose metabolism, and precise diagnosis and monitoring of diabetic complications for better management of diabetic patients.

Unrecognized myocardial infarction detected on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: Association with coronary artery calcium score and cardiovascular risk prediction scores in asymptomatic Asian cohort

Background

To investigate the association between unrecognized myocardial infarction (UMI) assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) and cardiovascular risk prediction scores in asymptomatic Asian subjects.

Materials and methods

Total 872 asymptomatic subjects without prior cardiovascular event (male:female, 817:55; age, 53.88 ± 5.91) who underwent both CMR and CAC scoring CT were included. UMI were accessed and framingham risk score (FRS) and ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) risk score by ACC/AHA were calculated.

Results

Late gadolinium enhancement indicating UMI was noted in 23 of 872 subjects (2.64%), but only three of them showed ECG abnormality (13.04%). Subjects with UMI showed higher CAC scores, FRS, and ASCVD scores than those without UMI (p < .001, p = .011 and p = .024, respectively). The prevalence of UMI differed significantly according to the CAC scores as follows: 1% in CAC = 0 (4/403), 1% in 1 ≤ CAC <100 (2/293), 6.1% in 100 ≤ CAC < 400 (7/114) and 14.5% in CAC ≥ 400 (9/62), respectively (p < .001). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis by using CAC score demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.816 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.780–0.848; p < .0001) for predicting UMI, which is superior to FRS [AUC, 0.712; 95% CI, 0.671–0.751; p = .009] and ASCVD risk score [AUC, 0.689; 95% CI, 0.648–0.729; p = .036].

Conclusion

The prevalence of UMI increases with increasing burden of CAC and FRS. CAC score is a good discriminator for UMI, superior to FRS and ASCVD score, in asymptomatic population.

Identifying and Managing Hibernating Myocardium: What's New and What Remains Unknown?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hibernation is an important and reversible cause of myocardial dysfunction in ischaemic heart failure.

RECENT FINDINGS

Hibernation is an adaptive process that promotes myocyte survival over maintaining contractile function. It is innate to mammalian physiology, sharing features with physiological hibernation in other species. Advanced imaging methods have reasonable accuracy in identifying hibernating myocardium. Novel superior hybrid methods may provide diagnostic potential. New evidence supports the role of surgical revascularisation in ischaemic heart failure, but the role of viability tests in planning such procedures remains unclear. Research to date has exclusively involved patients with ambulatory heart failure: Investigating the role of hibernation in ADHF is a key avenue for the future. Whilst our understanding of hibernation pathophysiology has improved dramatically, the clinical utility of identifying and targeting hibernation remains unclear.

Long-Term Prognostic Value of Late Gadolinium-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With and Without Left Ventricular Dysfunction Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The value of late gadolinium-enhanced (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the prediction of functional recovery after surgical revascularization has been previously established. However, the impact of LGE-MRI on the long-term prognosis after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains incompletely understood. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the long-term prognostic value of LGE-MRI, based on the presence or absence of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing CABG. One hundred forty-six consecutive patients underwent cine- and LGE-MRI before CABG. Adverse cardiac events included cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, heart failure, and unstable angina. A 3-year landmark analysis of the primary end point was also performed for patients surviving beyond 3 years after CABG. During a median follow-up of 9.4 years, 44 patients (30%) experienced adverse cardiac events. Although a LV ejection fraction <50% was associated only with adverse cardiac events at 3 years after CABG, LGE was associated with a worse outcome both at and beyond 3 years after CABG. In the overall study population, LGE presence (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.58; p = 0.027), score (adjusted HR 1.06; p <0.001), and extent (adjusted HR 1.08; p <0.001) were independent predictors of adverse cardiac events. Moreover, in both the LV ejection fraction <50% and ≥50% groups, the LGE extent was an independent predictor of adverse cardiac events. In conclusion, our qualitative and quantitative analyses of LGE-MRI provide long-term prognostic information after surgical revascularization. The LGE extent was a strong predictor of adverse cardiac events, independent of the LV function.

[Prognostic value of cardiovascular MRI in diabetics]

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE

Despite an increased cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes mellitus they are a heterogeneous population with very different individual manifestation of diseases; therefore, a profound stratification is recommended.

STANDARD METHODS

Clinical examinations and blood biomarkers are typically used in diabetic patients to determine the risk for developing cardio-cerebrovascular events.

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS

Cardiac as well as whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including cardiovascular sequences are established methods for clinical diagnostics. Their significance in predicting the outcome and the corresponding risk stratification for patients with diabetes is becoming increasingly more important based on recent study results.

PERFORMANCE

Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac MRI detects silent myocardial ischemia in up to 30% of diabetic patients, which is associated with a hazard ratio of 3-6 for cardiovascular events. Regional left ventricular wall motion abnormalities and decreased ejection fraction also have a prognostic value in diabetics. Based on whole-body MRI, the vessel score as well as carotid artery stenosis have been evaluated as additional predictors for cardio-cerebrovascular events.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The MRI-based predictors have independent and incremental prognostic value beyond traditional risk stratification for cardio-cerebrovascular events; however, only the comprehensive assessment of whole-body MRI including angiography allows the identification of patients who remain free of cardio-cerebrovascular events over a period of 6 years.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Cardiac MRI, particularly the detection of LGE, can be recommended for risk stratification of patients with diabetes mellitus. The clinical relevance of the added prognostic value of whole-body MRI needs to be clarified in further studies.

[Imaging in syndrome complex diabetes mellitus: Current standards and future perspectives]

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE

Diabetes mellitus is a highly prevalent multisystemic disorder with numerous potential complications and substantial socioeconomic consequences. In many cases, the patient history, physical examination and laboratory tests are not sufficient for a comprehensive evaluation of complicating disorders.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

Imaging modalities, such as sonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are of major significance in the evaluation of complicating disorders of diabetes according to current guidelines. Examples include assessment of coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke and diabetic foot syndrome.

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS

Technical developments allow a substantial reduction in radiation dose and scan time in CT and MRI, respectively and could therefore justify a broader application in this patient population.

PERFORMANCE

In the future CT and MRI could also be used for the early detection of diabetic complications. Furthermore, they could also be used for risk stratification, e.g. measurement of hepatic fat content and evaluation of atherosclerosis in whole body MRI.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Prior to widespread application of advanced imaging techniques in this patient population, improved outcomes with respect to survival, quality of life and cost-effectiveness need to be demonstrated.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Diagnostic imaging modalities for the evaluation of the syndrome complex of diabetic disorders should be used according to the current guidelines but the use is predicted to increase given the high potential in this population.

Diagnostic and prognostic utility of non-invasive imaging in diabetes management

Medical imaging technologies are acquiring an increasing relevance to assist clinicians in diagnosis and to guide management and therapeutic treatment of patients, thanks to their non invasive and high resolution properties. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography are the most used imaging modalities to provide detailed morphological reconstructions of tissues and organs. In addition, the use of contrast dyes or radionuclide-labeled tracers permits to get functional and quantitative information about tissue physiology and metabolism in normal and disease state. In recent years, the development of multimodal and hydrid imaging techniques is coming to be the new frontier of medical imaging for the possibility to overcome limitations of single modalities and to obtain physiological and pathophysiological measurements within an accurate anatomical framework. Moreover, the employment of molecular probes, such as ligands or antibodies, allows a selective in vivo targeting of biomolecules involved in specific cellular processes, so expanding the potentialities of imaging techniques for clinical and research applications. This review is aimed to give a survey of characteristics of main diagnostic non-invasive imaging techniques. Current clinical appliances and future perspectives of imaging in the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of diabetic complications affecting different organ systems will be particularly addressed.

Subclinical Myocardial Disease in Heart Failure Detected by CMR

Noninvasive cardiac imaging plays a central role in the assessment of patients with heart failure at all stages of disease. Moreover, this role can be even more important for individuals with asymptomatic cardiac functional or structural abnormalities-subclinical myocardial disease - because they could have benefits from early interventions before the onset of clinical heart failure. In this sense, cardiac magnetic resonance offers not only precise global cardiac function and cardiac structure, but also more detailed regional function and tissue characterization by recent developing methods. In this section, some of the main methods available for subclinical myocardial disease detection are reviewed in terms of what they can provide and how they can improve heart failure assessment.