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Andresen K, Klæboe LG, Lie ØH, Broch K, Kvaslerud AB, Bosse G, Hopp E, de Lange C, Haugaa KH, Edvardsen T. No adverse association between exercise exposure and diffuse myocardial fibrosis in male endurance athletes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6581. [PMID: 38503845 PMCID: PMC10951320 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57233-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The potential association between endurance exercise and myocardial fibrosis is controversial. Data on exercise exposure and diffuse myocardial fibrosis in endurance athletes are scarce and conflicting. We aimed to investigate the association between exercise exposure and markers of diffuse myocardial fibrosis by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in endurance athletes. We examined 27 healthy adult male competitive endurance athletes aged 41 ± 9 years and 16 healthy controls in a cross sectional study using 3 Tesla CMR including late gadolinium enhancement and T1 mapping. Athletes reported detailed exercise history from 12 years of age. Left ventricular total mass, cellular mass and extracellular mass were higher in athletes than controls (86 vs. 58 g/m2, 67 vs. 44 g/m2 and 19 vs. 13 g/m2, all p < 0.01). Extracellular volume (ECV) was lower (21.5% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.03) and native T1 time was shorter (1214 ms vs. 1268 ms, p < 0.01) in the athletes. Increasing exercise dose was independently associated with shorter native T1 time (regression coefficient - 24.1, p < 0.05), but expressed no association with ECV. Our results indicate that diffuse myocardial fibrosis has a low prevalence in healthy male endurance athletes and do not indicate an adverse dose-response relationship between exercise and diffuse myocardial fibrosis in healthy athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristoffer Andresen
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, P. O. Box 4950, N-0424, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Gunnar Klæboe
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, P. O. Box 4950, N-0424, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cardiology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Øyvind Haugen Lie
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, P. O. Box 4950, N-0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kaspar Broch
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, P. O. Box 4950, N-0424, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anette Borger Kvaslerud
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, P. O. Box 4950, N-0424, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gerhard Bosse
- Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar Hopp
- Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Charlotte de Lange
- Institution of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristina Hermann Haugaa
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, P. O. Box 4950, N-0424, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Heart and Lung Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Thor Edvardsen
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, P. O. Box 4950, N-0424, Oslo, Norway.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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2
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Zilio F, Di Fusco SA, Flori M, Malvezzi Caracciolo D'Aquino M, Pollarolo L, Ingianni N, Lucà F, Riccio C, Gulizia MM, Gabrielli D, Oliva F, Colivicchi F. Physical activity and the heart: from well-established cardiovascular benefits to possible adverse effects. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2024; 34:18-25. [PMID: 35738324 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The favorable effects of physical activity on the cardiovascular system have been well described in scientific literature. Physical activity reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in both healthy subjects and in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, different intensity levels of physical activity have a different impact on the cardiovascular system. Some data support the hypothesis of a "physical activity paradox": repetitive exposure to vigorous physical activity may induce biological effects that counteract the benefits of moderate intensity levels of physical activity. In this review, we report the main effects of acute and chronic physical activity on the cardiovascular system and we summarize the biochemical mechanisms that may explain these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Zilio
- Department of Cardiology, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS, Trento Italy.
| | | | - Marco Flori
- Cardiology Unit, Presidio Ospedaliero Unico Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Pollarolo
- Cardiology Unit, Santo Spirito Hospital, Casale Monferrato, Italy
| | - Nadia Ingianni
- Cardiologo ASP Trapani Distretti Marsala e Castelvetrano, Marsala, Italy
| | - Fabiana Lucà
- Division of Cardiology, Big Metropolitan Hospital, Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Carmine Riccio
- UOSD "Follow up del paziente post acuto", Dipartimento Cardiovascolare, Azienda Ospedaliera Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano, Caserta, Italy
| | - Michele Massimo Gulizia
- Cardiology Division, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy; ANMCO Heart Care Foundation, Florence, Italy
| | - Domenico Gabrielli
- Cardiology/CCU Unit, Cardiovascular Department, San Camillo Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Oliva
- De Gasperis Cardio Center, Niguarda Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Furio Colivicchi
- Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology Unit, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy
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3
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Bakogiannis C, Mouselimis D, Tsarouchas A, Papatheodorou E, Vassilikos VP, Androulakis E. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or athlete's heart? A systematic review of novel cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging parameters. Eur J Sport Sci 2023; 23:143-154. [PMID: 34720041 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.2001576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common cause of sudden cardiac death in athletes. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging is considered an excellent tool to differentiate between HCM and athlete's heart. The aim of this systematic review was to highlight the novel CMR-derived parameters with significant discriminative capacity between the two conditions. A systematic search in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Reviews databases was performed. Eligible studies were considered the ones comparing novel CMR-derived parameters on athletes and HCM patients. Therefore, studies that only examined Cine-derived volumetric parameters were excluded. Particular attention was given to binary classification results from multi-variate regression models and ROC curve analyses. Bias assessment was performed with the Quality Assessment on Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. Five (5) studies were included in the systematic review, with a total of 284 athletes and 373 HCM patients. Several novel indices displayed discriminatory potential, such as native T1 mapping and T2 values, LV global longitudinal strain, late gadolinium enhancement and whole-LV fractal dimension. Diffusion tensor imaging enabled quantification of the secondary eigenvalue angle and fractional anisotropy in one study, which also proved capable of reliably detecting HCM in a mixed athlete/patient sample. Several novel CMR-derived parameters, most of which are currently under development, show promising results in discerning between athlete's heart and HCM. Prospective studies examining the discriminatory capacity of all promising modalities side-by-side will yield definitive answers on their relative importance; diagnostic models can incorporate the best performing variables for optimal results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos Bakogiannis
- Cardiovascular Prevention and Digital Cardiology Lab, Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Mouselimis
- Cardiovascular Prevention and Digital Cardiology Lab, Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasios Tsarouchas
- Cardiovascular Prevention and Digital Cardiology Lab, Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Vassilios P Vassilikos
- Cardiovascular Prevention and Digital Cardiology Lab, Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Graziano F, Juhasz V, Brunetti G, Cipriani A, Szabo L, Merkely B, Corrado D, D’Ascenzi F, Vago H, Zorzi A. May Strenuous Endurance Sports Activity Damage the Cardiovascular System of Healthy Athletes? A Narrative Review. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9100347. [PMID: 36286299 PMCID: PMC9604467 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9100347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The positive effects of physical activity are countless, not only on the cardiovascular system but on health in general. However, some studies suggest a U-shape relationship between exercise volume and effects on the cardiovascular system. On the basis of this perspective, moderate-dose exercise would be beneficial compared to a sedentary lifestyle, while very high-dose physical activity would paradoxically be detrimental. We reviewed the available evidence on the potential adverse effects of very intense, prolonged exercise on the cardiovascular system, both acute and chronic, in healthy athletes without pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. We found that endurance sports activities may cause reversible electrocardiographic changes, ventricular dysfunction, and troponin elevation with complete recovery within a few days. The theory that repeated bouts of acute stress on the heart may lead to chronic myocardial damage remains to be demonstrated. However, male veteran athletes with a long sports career show an increased prevalence of cardiovascular abnormalities such as electrical conduction delay, atrial fibrillation, myocardial fibrosis, and coronary calcifications compared to non-athletes. It must be underlined that the cause-effect relationship between such abnormalities and the exercise and, most importantly, the prognostic relevance of such findings remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Graziano
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Vencel Juhasz
- Heart and Vascular Center of Semmelweis University, Hataror Rd. 18, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Giulia Brunetti
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Cipriani
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Liliana Szabo
- Heart and Vascular Center of Semmelweis University, Hataror Rd. 18, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center of Semmelweis University, Hataror Rd. 18, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Sports Medicine, Semmelweis University, Gaal Jozsef Str. 9-11, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Flavio D’Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Hajnalka Vago
- Heart and Vascular Center of Semmelweis University, Hataror Rd. 18, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Sports Medicine, Semmelweis University, Gaal Jozsef Str. 9-11, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8212322
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Patel P, Thompson PD. Diagnosing COVID-19 myocarditis in athletes using cMRI. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2022; 32:146-150. [PMID: 34954013 PMCID: PMC8695309 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
An early report during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) outbreak noted myocardial involvement with cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels >99th percentile in approximately 20% of hospitalized patients. Patients with cTnI elevations had higher in-hospital mortality. Additionally, myocarditis is associated with exercise-related sudden cardiac death in athletes. Therefore, reports of COVID-19 myocarditis concerned the sports cardiology community, which issued two guidelines on managing athletes with COVID-19 infection. We reviewed reports of myocardial involvement in athletes after COVID-19 infection published before June 2021. The incidence of the diagnosis of myocarditis in athletes post-COVID-19 ranged from 0 to 15.4% based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) performed 10 to 194 days after initial diagnosis of COVID-19. Only a few studies adhered to accepted myocarditis diagnostic guidelines and only two studies included a control group of uninfected athletes. There was significant heterogeneity in the method and protocols used in evaluating athletes post-COVID-19. The incidence of COVID-19 myocarditis in athletes appears to be over-diagnosed. The evaluation of myocarditis post-COVID-19 should be individually performed and managed according to the current guidelines. This can potentially prevent needless training restrictions and the inability to participate in competitive sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak Patel
- Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102, United States.
| | - Paul D Thompson
- Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102, United States.
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SARS-CoV2 infection: functional and morphological cardiopulmonary changes in elite handball players. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17798. [PMID: 34493765 PMCID: PMC8423785 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97120-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence of cardiac involvement post-SARS-CoV-2 infections in symptomatic as well as in oligo- and asymptomatic athletes. This study aimed to characterize the possible early effects of SARS-CoV-2 infections on myocardial morphology and cardiopulmonary function in athletes. Eight male elite handball players (27 ± 3.5 y) with past SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared with four uninfected teammates (22 ± 2.6 y). Infected athletes were examined 19 ± 7 days after the first positive PCR test. Echocardiographic assessment of the global longitudinal strain under resting conditions was not significantly changed (- 17.7% vs. - 18.1%). However, magnetic resonance imaging showed minor signs of acute inflammation/oedema in all infected athletes (T2-mapping: + 4.1 ms, p = 0.034) without reaching the Lake-Louis criteria. Spiroergometric analysis showed a significant reduction in VO2max (- 292 ml/min, - 7.0%), oxygen pulse (- 2.4 ml/beat, - 10.4%), and respiratory minute volume (VE) (- 18.9 l/min, - 13.8%) in athletes with a history of SARS-CoV2 infection (p < 0.05, respectively). The parameters were unchanged in the uninfected teammates. SARS-CoV2 infection caused impairment of cardiopulmonary performance during physical effort in elite athletes. It seems reasonable to screen athletes after SARS-CoV2 infection with spiroergometry to identify performance limitations and to guide the return to competition.
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Banks L, Altaha MA, Yan AT, Dorian P, Konieczny K, Deva DP, LA Gerche A, Akhavein F, Bentley RF, Connelly KA, Goodman JM. Left Ventricular Fibrosis in Middle-Age Athletes and Physically Active Adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 52:2500-2507. [PMID: 32472930 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and T1 mapping techniques enable the quantification of focal and diffuse myocardial LGE, respectively. Studies have shown evidence of fibrosis in middle-age athletes, but not relative to physically active (PA) adults who perform recommended physical activity levels. Therefore, we examined cardiac remodeling and presence of left ventricular (LV) LGE and T1 values in both recreational middle-age endurance athletes (EA) and PA adults. METHODS Healthy EA and PA adults (45-65 yr) completed a standardized 3-T CMR protocol with ventricular volumetry, LV LGE, and T1 mapping. RESULTS Seventy-two EA and 20 PA participants (mean age, 53 ± 5 vs 56 ± 4 yr; P < 0.01; V˙O2peak = 50 ± 7 vs 37 ± 9 mL·kg·min, P < 0.0001) were examined, with CMR data available in 89/92 participants. Focal LV LGE was observed in 30% of participants (n = 27/89): 33% of EA (n = 23/69; 33%) and 20% of PA (n = 4/20; 20%). LGE was present at the right ventricular hinge point (n = 21/89; 23.5%) or identified as ischemic (n = 2/89; 2%) or nonischemic (n = 4/89; 4%). Focal LV LGE was observed similarly in both EA and PA (P = 0.25). EA had larger LV chamber sizes and T1 native values (1169 ± 35 vs 1190 ± 26, P = 0.02) compared with PA, with similar LV ejection fraction. Global extracellular volume (ECV) was similar in both EA and PA (22.6% ± 3.5% vs 21.5% ± 2.6%, P = 0.26), with no relationship between global ECV and LV mass (r = -0.16, P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS Focal LGE at the right ventricular hinge point was detected at the same frequency in both groups, was unrelated to demographic or clinical indices, and was found without evidence of global ECV expansion in EA, suggesting a physiologic remodeling response. The long-term clinical implications of hinge-point LGE require clarification using prospective, long-term follow-up studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Banks
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Farhad Akhavein
- Division of Cardiology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
| | - Robert F Bentley
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
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Moulson N, Baggish A. Subclinical COVID-19 Cardiac Imaging Findings: Resurgence of the Athletic "Grey-Zone". JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 14:556-558. [PMID: 33454267 PMCID: PMC7836850 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Moulson
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aaron Baggish
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Kawel-Boehm N, Hetzel SJ, Ambale-Venkatesh B, Captur G, Francois CJ, Jerosch-Herold M, Salerno M, Teague SD, Valsangiacomo-Buechel E, van der Geest RJ, Bluemke DA. Reference ranges ("normal values") for cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in adults and children: 2020 update. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2020; 22:87. [PMID: 33308262 PMCID: PMC7734766 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-020-00683-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) enables assessment and quantification of morphological and functional parameters of the heart, including chamber size and function, diameters of the aorta and pulmonary arteries, flow and myocardial relaxation times. Knowledge of reference ranges ("normal values") for quantitative CMR is crucial to interpretation of results and to distinguish normal from disease. Compared to the previous version of this review published in 2015, we present updated and expanded reference values for morphological and functional CMR parameters of the cardiovascular system based on the peer-reviewed literature and current CMR techniques. Further, databases and references for deep learning methods are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kawel-Boehm
- Department of Radiology, Kantonsspital Graubuenden, Loestrasse 170, 7000, Chur, Switzerland
- Institute for Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology (DIPR), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 10, 3010, InselspitalBern, Switzerland
| | - Scott J Hetzel
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, 610 Walnut St, Madison, WI, 53726, USA
| | - Bharath Ambale-Venkatesh
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Gabriella Captur
- MRC Unit of Lifelong Health and Ageing At UCL, 5-19 Torrington Place, Fitzrovia, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
- Inherited Heart Muscle Conditions Clinic, Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Hampstead, London, NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Christopher J Francois
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Michael Jerosch-Herold
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Michael Salerno
- Cardiovascular Division, University of Virginia Health System, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Shawn D Teague
- Department of Radiology, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
| | - Emanuela Valsangiacomo-Buechel
- Division of Paediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rob J van der Geest
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - David A Bluemke
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
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Gastl M, Lachmann V, Christidi A, Janzarik N, Veulemans V, Haberkorn S, Holzbach L, Jacoby C, Schnackenburg B, Berrisch-Rahmel S, Zeus T, Kelm M, Bönner F. Cardiac magnetic resonance T2 mapping and feature tracking in athlete's heart and HCM. Eur Radiol 2020; 31:2768-2777. [PMID: 33063183 PMCID: PMC8043946 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-07289-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Distinguishing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) from left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) due to systematic training (athlete’s heart, AH) from morphologic assessment remains challenging. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of T2 mapping and deformation imaging obtained by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to discriminate AH from HCM with (HOCM) or without outflow tract obstruction (HNCM). Methods Thirty-three patients with HOCM, 9 with HNCM, 13 strength-trained athletes as well as individual age- and gender-matched controls received CMR. For T2 mapping, GRASE-derived multi-echo images were obtained and analyzed using dedicated software. Besides T2 mapping analyses, left ventricular (LV) dimensional and functional parameters were obtained including LV mass per body surface area (LVMi), interventricular septum thickness (IVS), and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Results While LVMi was not significantly different, IVS was thickened in HOCM patients compared to athlete’s. Absolute values of GLS were significantly increased in patients with HOCM/HNCM compared to AH. Median T2 values were elevated compared to controls except in athlete’s heart. ROC analysis revealed T2 values (AUC 0.78) and GLS (AUC 0.91) as good parameters to discriminate AH from overall HNCM/HOCM. Conclusion Discrimination of pathologic from non-pathologic LVH has implications for risk assessment of competitive sports in athletes. Multiparametric CMR with parametric T2 mapping and deformation imaging may add information to distinguish AH from LVH due to HCM. Key Points • Structural analyses using T2 mapping cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) may help to further distinguish myocardial diseases. • To differentiate pathologic from non-pathologic left ventricular hypertrophy, CMR including T2 mapping was obtained in patients with hypertrophic obstructive/non-obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM/HNCM) as well as in strength-trained athletes. • Elevated median T2 values in HOCM/HNCM compared with athlete’s may add information to distinguish athlete’s heart from pathologic left ventricular hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Gastl
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany.
| | - Vera Lachmann
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Aikaterini Christidi
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Nico Janzarik
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Verena Veulemans
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Sebastian Haberkorn
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Leonie Holzbach
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Christoph Jacoby
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Berrisch-Rahmel
- KardioPro, Praxis für Innere Medizin, Kardiologie, Sport Medizin und Sportkardiologie, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tobias Zeus
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Malte Kelm
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany.,CARID (Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Florian Bönner
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
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11
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Zhang CD, Xu SL, Wang XY, Tao LY, Zhao W, Gao W. Prevalence of Myocardial Fibrosis in Intensive Endurance Training Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2020; 7:585692. [PMID: 33102537 PMCID: PMC7545401 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.585692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To review the published literature reporting on the incidence of myocardial fibrosis (MF) in high-intensity endurance athletes measured by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Methods: Five databases (PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus) were searched to obtain case cohort studies published before November 10, 2019. From 96 abstracts or reports extracted, 18 full-text articles were reviewed. The incidence of LGE was reported as outcome measures. Subgroup analysis was performed by age (under or above 50 years). Pooled estimates were obtained using a fixed-effects model. Results: After a full-text assessment, 12 studies involving 1,359 participants were included for analysis. Among them, 163/772 participants in the endurance athletes group showed LGE positive, compared with 19/587 participants in the comparison group. The results of the meta-analysis suggested that the prevalence of LGE was higher in the athletes group with long-term endurance exercise (OR 7.20;95%CI: 4.51-11.49). In addition, the same conclusion was drawn after the stratification of age. Conclusions: The available evidence demonstrates that high-intensity endurance athletes is associated with an increased incidence of LGE positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Duo Zhang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shun-Lin Xu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Yu Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Yuan Tao
- Department of Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Gao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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12
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Małek ŁA, Bucciarelli-Ducci C. Myocardial fibrosis in athletes-Current perspective. Clin Cardiol 2020; 43:882-888. [PMID: 32189357 PMCID: PMC7403702 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several previous studies suggested that prolonged and extensive physical activity might lead to increased prevalence of myocardial fibrosis in athletes. The review summarizes these studies focusing on common patterns of myocardial fibrosis observed in athletes, their potential causes and significance. It also presents recent research on parametric imaging shedding new light on diffuse myocardial fibrosis in athletes. Finally, it reviews how these traditional and novel cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques can be incorporated in the diagnostic work up to differentiate athlete's heart from cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz A Małek
- Department of Epidemiology, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland.,Msc in Sports Cardiology, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Chiara Bucciarelli-Ducci
- Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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13
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The "Extreme Exercise Hypothesis": Recent Findings and Cardiovascular Health Implications. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2018; 20:84. [PMID: 30155804 PMCID: PMC6132728 DOI: 10.1007/s11936-018-0674-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The "Extreme Exercise Hypothesis" is characterized by a U-shaped or reverse J-shaped, dose-response curve between physical activity volumes and cardiovascular health outcomes. In this review, we summarize recent findings that may support or refute the "Extreme Exercise Hypothesis." Furthermore, we discuss potential cardiovascular health implications of the cardiac anatomical, structural, contractility, and biomarker abnormalities that have been reported in some veteran endurance athletes. RECENT FINDINGS Emerging evidence from epidemiological studies and observations in cohorts of endurance athletes suggest that potentially adverse cardiovascular manifestations may occur following high-volume and/or high-intensity long-term exercise training, which may attenuate the health benefits of a physically active lifestyle. Accelerated coronary artery calcification, exercise-induced cardiac biomarker release, myocardial fibrosis, atrial fibrillation, and even higher risk of sudden cardiac death have been reported in athletes. There is primarily circumstantial evidence that supports the "Extreme Exercise Hypothesis." Subclinical and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as structural cardiovascular abnormalities and arrhythmias are present in some of the most active veteran endurance athletes and need appropriate clinical follow-up to reduce the risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Future studies are warranted to establish the long-term cardiovascular health effects of these findings in veteran endurance athletes.
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14
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Eijsvogels TMH, Oxborough DL, O'Hanlon R, Sharma S, Prasad S, Whyte G, George KP, Wilson MG. Global and regional cardiac function in lifelong endurance athletes with and without myocardial fibrosis. Eur J Sport Sci 2017; 17:1297-1303. [PMID: 28910586 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2017.1373864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare cardiac structure as well as global and regional cardiac function in athletes with and without myocardial fibrosis (MF). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with late gadolinium enhancement was used to detect MF and global cardiac structure in nine lifelong veteran endurance athletes (58 ± 5 years, 43 ± 5 years of training). Transthoracic echocardiography using tissue-Doppler and myocardial strain imaging assessed global and regional (18 segments) longitudinal left ventricular function. MF was present in four athletes (range 1-8 g) and not present in five athletes. MF was located near the insertion points of the right ventricular free wall on the left ventricle in three athletes and in the epicardial lateral wall in one athlete. Athletes with MF demonstrated a larger end diastolic volume (205 ± 24 vs 173 ± 18 ml) and posterior wall thickness (11 ± 1 vs 9 ± 1 mm) compared to those without MF. The presence of MF did not mediate global tissue velocities or global longitudinal strain and strain rate; however, regional analysis of longitudinal strain demonstrated reduced function in some fibrotic regions. Furthermore, base to apex gradient was affected in three out of four athletes with MF. Lifelong veteran endurance athletes with MF demonstrate larger cardiac dimensions and normal global cardiac function. Fibrotic areas may demonstrate some co-localised regional cardiac dysfunction, evidenced by an affected cardiac strain and base to apex gradient. These data emphasize the heterogeneous phenotype of MF in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs M H Eijsvogels
- a Research Institute for Sports and Exercise Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , UK.,b Department of Physiology , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , Netherlands
| | - David L Oxborough
- a Research Institute for Sports and Exercise Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , UK
| | - Rory O'Hanlon
- c St. Vincent's University Hospital and The Blackrock Clinic , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- d Department of Heart Muscle Disorders and Sports Cardiology , St. Georges Hospital , London , UK
| | - Sanjay Prasad
- e Department of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Royal Brompton and Harefield National Health Service Trust , London , UK
| | - Greg Whyte
- a Research Institute for Sports and Exercise Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , UK
| | - Keith P George
- a Research Institute for Sports and Exercise Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , UK
| | - Mathew G Wilson
- f ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital , Doha , Qatar
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15
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Reiber JHC, De Sutter J, Schoenhagen P, Stillman AE, Vande Veire NRL. Cardiovascular imaging 2016 in the International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2017; 33:761-770. [PMID: 28315986 PMCID: PMC5406479 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-017-1111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johan H C Reiber
- Department of Radiology, Division of Image Processing, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Johan De Sutter
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Maria Middelares Gent and University Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paul Schoenhagen
- Department of Radiology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Arthur E Stillman
- Department of Radiology, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nico R L Vande Veire
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Maria Middelares Gent and Free University Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
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16
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van de Schoor FR, Aengevaeren VL, Hopman MTE, Oxborough DL, George KP, Thompson PD, Eijsvogels TMH. Myocardial Fibrosis in Athletes. Mayo Clin Proc 2016; 91:1617-1631. [PMID: 27720455 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a common phenomenon in the late stages of diverse cardiac diseases and is a predictive factor for sudden cardiac death. Myocardial fibrosis detected by magnetic resonance imaging has also been reported in athletes. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, but there may be a limit of benefit in the exercise dose-response relationship. Intense exercise training could induce pathologic cardiac remodeling, ultimately leading to MF, but the clinical implications of MF in athletes are unknown. For this comprehensive review, we performed a systematic search of the PubMed and MEDLINE databases up to June 2016. Key Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords pertaining to MF and exercise (training) were included. Articles were included if they represented primary MF data in athletes. We identified 65 athletes with MF from 19 case studies/series and 14 athletic population studies. Myocardial fibrosis in athletes was predominantly identified in the intraventricular septum and where the right ventricle joins the septum. Although the underlying mechanisms are unknown, we summarize the evidence for genetic predisposition, silent myocarditis, pulmonary artery pressure overload, and prolonged exercise-induced repetitive micro-injury as contributors to the development of MF in athletes. We also discuss the clinical implications and potential treatment strategies of MF in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freek R van de Schoor
- Department of Physiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent L Aengevaeren
- Department of Physiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria T E Hopman
- Department of Physiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - David L Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Keith P George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Thijs M H Eijsvogels
- Department of Physiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK; Division of Cardiology, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT.
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17
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The evaluation of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with T1 mapping and ECV methods using 3T cardiac MRI. Radiol Med 2016; 122:106-112. [PMID: 27785679 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-016-0701-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between ventricular function and the extracellular volume fraction (ECV) in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) using 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also hypothesized that native T1 and ECV values would be increased in patients with NIDCM, independent of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The findings of our study could lead to further studies of the follow-up protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 53 consecutive dilated cardiomyopathy patients who had undergone cardiac MRI were functionally evaluated and underwent tissue characterization. RESULTS The mean native T1 value was 1235 ± 10 ms, and the mean ECV value was 35.4 ± 2.7% in the myocardia. The LVEF values ranged from 29 to 44%. No significant correlations were observed between functional analysis measurements and native T1 or ECV values. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that myocardial fibrosis is unrelated to cardiac functional findings in NIDCM patients. Therefore, we propose that these patients should be evaluated using MRI and tissue characterization techniques, in addition to cardiac functional analysis.
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