Right Ventricular Function at Cardiac MRI Predicts Cardiovascular Events in Patients with an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance as an Etiological Diagnosis Tool in Recovered Sudden Cardiac Death or Unstable Ventricular Arrhythmia Patients

BACKGROUND

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has an increasing diagnostic relevance in survivors of sudden cardiac death (SCD) or unstable ventricular arrhythmia (UVA) in developed countries.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate retrospectively the additional role of CMR in a developing country where few resources are available, and should be used more effectively.

METHODS

The study included SCD or UVA survivors admitted between 2009 and 2019 at a tertiary academic institution referred to CMR. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from the medical records. CMR images and reports were reviewed and their impact on the final etiological diagnosis was determined. A descriptive analysis was performed and p<0.05 established as significant.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients, 54.9±15.4 years old, and 42 (71.9%) males. Most events (81.3%) were out of the hospital and ventricular tachycardia was the most common rhythm. Cardiovascular medications were previously used by 55 patients, and beta-blockers were the most used medications (37.5%). Electrocardiogram had electrical inactive areas in 21.9% and all of them had fibrosis at CMR. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 44±14%, with 60.9% ≤50% and only 29.7% ≤35%. Late gadolinium enhancement was identified in 71.9%, with a transmural pattern in 43.8%. Chagas cardiomyopathy was the most common etiology (28.1%), followed by ischemic cardiomyopathy (17.2%). Among 26 without a previously identified etiology, CMR could define it (15 patients - 57%).

CONCLUSION

In accordance with previous studies in developed countries, CMR was capable of increasing etiological diagnosis and identifying the arrhythmogenic substrate, allowing better care in half of the underdiagnosed patients.

Clinical Usefulness of Right Ventricle-Pulmonary Artery Coupling in Cardiovascular Disease

Right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling (RV-PA coupling) refers to the relationship between RV contractility and RV afterload. Normal RV-PA coupling is maintained only when RV function and pulmonary vascular resistance are appropriately matched. RV-PA uncoupling occurs when RV contractility cannot increase to match RV afterload, resulting in RV dysfunction and right heart failure. RV-PA coupling plays an important role in the pathophysiology and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, early and accurate evaluation of RV-PA coupling is of great significance for a patient's condition assessment, clinical decision making, risk stratification, and prognosis judgment. RV-PA coupling can be assessed by using invasive or noninvasive approaches. The aim of this review was to summarize the pathological mechanism and evaluation methods of RV-PA coupling, the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and the application value of RV-PA coupling in various cardiovascular diseases.