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Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Pepe A, Lupi A, Apostolou D, Argyriou P, Velitsista S, Vartela V, Quaia E, Mavrogeni SI. Combined brain-heart MRI identifies cardiac and white matter lesions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome: A pilot study. Eur J Radiol 2024; 176:111500. [PMID: 38772161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2024.111500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) can occur primarily (PAPS) or secondary to another autoimmune disease (SAPS), most commonly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recently, we reported that subclinical brain involvement was highly prevalent in patients with autoimmune diseases, including SLE. We aimed to investigate whether patients with SLE, PAPS or SAPS and cardiac symptoms showed differences in cardiac/brain involvement based on combined brain-heart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS We prospectively recruited 15 patients with SAPS (86 % with SLE) and 3 patients with PAPS and compared their MRI findings to those of 13 patients with SLE from our previous publication. All patients underwent routine cardiovascular/neurological examination and standard echocardiography. RESULTS No patients had abnormalities in routine clinical workup/echocardiography. The vast majority had white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and all had evidence of myocardial fibrosis and/or inflammation. Patients with SAPS had a lower median WMH number [1.00 (1.00, 2.00)] than those with PAPS [3.00 (2.50, 3.00)] or SLE [2.00 (2.00, 3.00)] (p = 0.010). Subcortical and deep WM were highly prevalent. Periventricular WMHs were more frequent in patients with SLE [6 (46.2 %)] or PAPS [2 (66.7 %)] (p = 0.023). Higher lesion burdens (1 WMH vs. 2 WMHs vs. ≥ WMHs) were associated with the presence of cardiac fibrosis [3 (33.3 %) vs. 10 (83.3) vs. 7 (77.8), p = 0.039] and affected the deep and periventricular WM (p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION In patients with PAPS, SAPS or SLE, cardiac symptoms and normal routine workup, combined brain-heart MRI identified abnormalities in both organs in the majority of patients. Combined brain-heart MRI offers excellent diagnostic value, but its incorporation into routine clinical practice should be further investigated. Clinical relevance statement Combined brain-heart magnetic resonance imaging in antiphospholipid syndrome may help to assess the presence of abnormalities in both organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Markousis-Mavrogenis
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Alessia Pepe
- Institute of Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Amalia Lupi
- Institute of Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Vasiliki Vartela
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Emilio Quaia
- Institute of Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sophie I Mavrogeni
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece; Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece.
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Gulhane A, Ordovas K. Cardiac magnetic resonance assessment of cardiac involvement in autoimmune diseases. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1215907. [PMID: 37808881 PMCID: PMC10556673 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1215907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is emerging as the modality of choice to assess early cardiovascular involvement in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) that often has a silent presentation and may lead to changes in management. Besides being reproducible and accurate for functional and volumetric assessment, the strength of CMR is its unique ability to perform myocardial tissue characterization that allows the identification of inflammation, edema, and fibrosis. Several CMR biomarkers may provide prognostic information on the severity and progression of cardiovascular involvement in patients with ARDs. In addition, CMR may add value in assessing treatment response and identification of cardiotoxicity related to therapy with immunomodulators that are commonly used to treat these conditions. In this review, we aim to discuss the following objectives: •Illustrate imaging findings of multi-parametric CMR approach in the diagnosis of cardiovascular involvement in various ARDs;•Review the CMR signatures for risk stratification, prognostication, and guiding treatment strategies in ARDs;•Describe the utility of routine and advanced CMR sequences in identifying cardiotoxicity related to immunomodulators and disease-modifying agents in ARDs;•Discuss the limitations of CMR, recent advances, current research gaps, and potential future developments in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avanti Gulhane
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
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O'Brien AT, Gil KE, Varghese J, Simonetti OP, Zareba KM. T2 mapping in myocardial disease: a comprehensive review. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2022; 24:33. [PMID: 35659266 PMCID: PMC9167641 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-022-00866-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is considered the gold standard imaging modality for myocardial tissue characterization. Elevated transverse relaxation time (T2) is specific for increased myocardial water content, increased free water, and is used as an index of myocardial edema. The strengths of quantitative T2 mapping lie in the accurate characterization of myocardial edema, and the early detection of reversible myocardial disease without the use of contrast agents or ionizing radiation. Quantitative T2 mapping overcomes the limitations of T2-weighted imaging for reliable assessment of diffuse myocardial edema and can be used to diagnose, stage, and monitor myocardial injury. Strong evidence supports the clinical use of T2 mapping in acute myocardial infarction, myocarditis, heart transplant rejection, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Accumulating data support the utility of T2 mapping for the assessment of other cardiomyopathies, rheumatologic conditions with cardiac involvement, and monitoring for cancer therapy-related cardiac injury. Importantly, elevated T2 relaxation time may be the first sign of myocardial injury in many diseases and oftentimes precedes symptoms, changes in ejection fraction, and irreversible myocardial remodeling. This comprehensive review discusses the technical considerations and clinical roles of myocardial T2 mapping with an emphasis on expanding the impact of this unique, noninvasive tissue parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron T O'Brien
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Katarzyna E Gil
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Juliet Varghese
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Orlando P Simonetti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Karolina M Zareba
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
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Mavrogeni S, Piaditis G, Bacopoulou F, Chrousos GP. Cardiac Remodeling in Hypertension: Clinical Impact on Brain, Heart, and Kidney Function. Horm Metab Res 2022; 54:273-279. [PMID: 35352334 DOI: 10.1055/a-1793-6134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is the most common causative factor of cardiac remodeling, which, in turn, has been associated with changes in brain and kidney function. Currently, the role of blood biomarkers as indices of cardiac remodeling remains unclear. In contrast, cardiac imaging, including echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), has been a valuable noninvasive tool to assess cardiac remodeling. Cardiac remodeling during the course of systemic hypertension is not the sole effect of the latter. "Remodeling" of other vital organs, such as brain and kidney, also takes place. Therefore, it will be more accurate if we discuss about "hypertensive remodeling" involving the heart, the brain, and the kidneys, rather than isolated cardiac remodeling. This supports the idea of their simultaneous assessment to identify the early, silent lesions of total "hypertensive remodeling". In this context, magnetic resonance imaging is the ideal modality to provide useful information about these organs in a noninvasive fashion and without radiation. For this purpose, we propose a combined protocol to employ MRI in the simultaneous assessment of the heart, brain and kidneys. This protocol should include all necessary indices for the evaluation of "hypertensive remodeling" in these 3 organs, and could be performed within a reasonable time, not exceeding one hour, so that it remains patient-friendly. Furthermore, a combined protocol may offer "all in one examination" and save time. Finally, the amount of contrast agent used will be limited granted that post-contrast evaluations of the three organs will be performed after 1 injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Mavrogeni
- Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Piaditis
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Errikos Ntynan Hospital Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Bacopoulou
- Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Detects Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy in Symptomatic Patients with Inflammatory Joint Diseases and a Normal Routine Workup. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051428. [PMID: 35268519 PMCID: PMC8911388 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Patients with inflammatory joint diseases (IJD) are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared with the general population. We hypothesized that cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) could identify cardiac abnormalities in patients with IJD and atypical symptoms unexplained by routine clinical evaluation. Patients-Methods. A total of 51 consecutive patients with IJD (32 with rheumatoid arthritis, 10 with ankylosing spondylitis, and 9 with psoriatic arthritis) and normal clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic workups, were referred for CMR evaluation due to atypical chest pain, shortness of breath, and/or palpitations. Their CMR findings were compared with those of 40 non-IJD controls who were referred for the same reason. All participants were examined using either a 1.5 T or 3.0 T CMR system. For T1/T2 mapping, comparisons were performed separately for each field strength. Results. Biventricular systolic function was similar between groups. In total, 25 (49%) patients with IJD vs. 0 (0%) controls had replacement-type myocardial fibrosis (p < 0.001). The T2 signal ratio, early/late gadolinium enhancement, and extracellular volume fraction were significantly higher in the IJD group. Native T1 mapping was significantly higher in patients with IJD independent of the MRI field strength (p < 0.001 for both). T2 mapping was significantly higher in patients with IJD compared with controls only in those examined using a 1.5 T MR system—52.0 (50.0, 55.0) vs. 37.0 (33.5, 39.5), p < 0.001. Conclusions. In patients with IJD and a mismatch between cardiac symptoms and routine non-invasive evaluation, CMR uniquely identified a significant proportion of patients with myocardial inflammation. A CMR examination should be considered in patients with IJD in similar clinical settings.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) affect 8% of the population and approximately 78% of patients are women. Myocardial disease in ARDs is the endpoint of various pathophysiologic mechanisms including atherosclerosis, valvular disease, systemic, myocardial, and/or vascular inflammation, as well as myocardial ischemia and replacement/diffuse fibrosis. RECENT FINDINGS The increased risk of CVD in ARDs leads to excess comorbidity not fully explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. It seems that the chronic inflammatory status typically seen in ARDs, promotes both the development of myocardial inflammation/fibrosis and the acceleration of atherosclerosis. CMR (cardio-vascular magnetic resonance) is the ideal imaging modality for the evaluation of cardiac involvement in patients with ARDs, as it can simultaneously assess cardiac function and characterize myocardial tissues with regard to oedema and fibrosis. Due to its high spatial resolution, CMR is capable of identifying various disease entities such as myocardial oedema /inflammation, subendocardial vasculitis and myocardial fibrosis, that are often missed by other imaging modalities, notably at an early stage of development. Although generally accepted guidelines about the application of CMR in ARDs have not yet been formulated, according to our experience and the available published literature, we recommend CMR in ARD patientS with new-onset heart failure (HF), arrhythmia, for treatment evaluation/change or if there is any mismatch between patient symptoms and routine non-invasive evaluation.
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Ordovas KG, Baldassarre LA, Bucciarelli-Ducci C, Carr J, Fernandes JL, Ferreira VM, Frank L, Mavrogeni S, Ntusi N, Ostenfeld E, Parwani P, Pepe A, Raman SV, Sakuma H, Schulz-Menger J, Sierra-Galan LM, Valente AM, Srichai MB. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in women with cardiovascular disease: position statement from the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR). J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2021; 23:52. [PMID: 33966639 PMCID: PMC8108343 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-021-00746-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This document is a position statement from the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) on recommendations for clinical utilization of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in women with cardiovascular disease. The document was prepared by the SCMR Consensus Group on CMR Imaging for Female Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and endorsed by the SCMR Publications Committee and SCMR Executive Committee. The goals of this document are to (1) guide the informed selection of cardiovascular imaging methods, (2) inform clinical decision-making, (3) educate stakeholders on the advantages of CMR in specific clinical scenarios, and (4) empower patients with clinical evidence to participate in their clinical care. The statements of clinical utility presented in the current document pertain to the following clinical scenarios: acute coronary syndrome, stable ischemic heart disease, peripartum cardiomyopathy, cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction, aortic syndrome and congenital heart disease in pregnancy, bicuspid aortic valve and aortopathies, systemic rheumatic diseases and collagen vascular disorders, and cardiomyopathy-causing mutations. The authors cite published evidence when available and provide expert consensus otherwise. Most of the evidence available pertains to translational studies involving subjects of both sexes. However, the authors have prioritized review of data obtained from female patients, and direct comparison of CMR between women and men. This position statement does not consider CMR accessibility or availability of local expertise, but instead highlights the optimal utilization of CMR in women with known or suspected cardiovascular disease. Finally, the ultimate goal of this position statement is to improve the health of female patients with cardiovascular disease by providing specific recommendations on the use of CMR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chiara Bucciarelli-Ducci
- Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol, UK
- Bristol National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical , Research Centre, Bristol, UK
- University Hospitals Bristol, Bristol, UK
- University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - James Carr
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Vanessa M Ferreira
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Luba Frank
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sophie Mavrogeni
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
- Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ntobeko Ntusi
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ellen Ostenfeld
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Clinical Physiology, Skåne University Hospital Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Purvi Parwani
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Alessia Pepe
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio C.N.R., Pisa, Italy
| | - Subha V Raman
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Hajime Sakuma
- Department of Radiology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Jeanette Schulz-Menger
- harite Hospital, University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- HELIOS-Clinics Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
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Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Sfikakis PP, Koutsogeorgopoulou L, Dimitroulas T, Katsifis G, Giannakopoulou A, Voulgari P, Kolovou G, Kitas GD, Mavrogeni SI. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Reveals Cardiac Pathophysiology in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2021; 32:15-20. [PMID: 34386698 PMCID: PMC8314875 DOI: 10.31138/mjr.32.1.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims The high incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) is the main driver towards increased mortality in this patient group. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can non-invasively and robustly detect CVD in ARD patients at an early stage of development. The review summarises the diagnostic information provided by CMR in ARD patients. Summary CMR uses a strong magnetic field combined with radio-frequency pulses (pulse sequences) to generate images. Firstly, balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) can be used for evaluating cardiac anatomy, mass, wall motion, atrial/ventricular function. Secondly, T2-weighted imaging (T2-W) can be used for oedema detection, which appears as a high signal intensity area on STIR (short tau inversion recovery) images. T2 mapping is a newer T2-W technique that can provide more optimal identification of myocardial oedema. Lastly, late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) T1-W images, taken 15 min. after injection of contrast agent, allow the detection of myocardial replacement fibrosis, which appears as a bright area in a background of black myocardium. However, LGE has inherent disadvantages for the assessment of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Therefore, T1 mapping and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) have been developed to quantify diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Results Although multicentre studies are still missing, the CMR parameters have been extensively applied for the identification of oedema/fibrosis and treatment decision making in ARDs. Conclusions Tissue characterisation with CMR allows early and robust identification of CVD in ARD patients and contributes to personalized management in the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- Joint Rheumatology, Laikon Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Department of Pathophysiology, Laikon Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Loukia Koutsogeorgopoulou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laikon Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | - George D Kitas
- Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, Manchester University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie I Mavrogeni
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece.,Department of Pathophysiology, Laikon Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Poulos G, Dimitroulas T, Giannakopoulou A, Mavragani C, Vartela V, Manolopoulou D, Kolovou G, Voulgari P, Sfikakis PP, Kitas GD, Mavrogeni SI. Ventricular Tachycardia Has Mainly Non-Ischaemic Substrates in Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases and a Preserved Ejection Fraction. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030519. [PMID: 33804066 PMCID: PMC8001227 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) is a potentially lethal arrhythmia that is most commonly attributed to coronary artery disease. We hypothesised that among patients with NSVT and preserved ejection fraction, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) would identify a different proportion of ischaemic/non-ischaemic arrhythmogenic substrates in those with and without autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). In total, 80 consecutive patients (40 with ARDs, 40 with non-ARD-related cardiac pathology) with NSVT in the past 15 days and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction were examined using a 1.5-T system. Evaluated parameters included biventricular volumes/ejection fractions, T2 signal ratio, early/late gadolinium enhancement (EGE/LGE), T1 and T2 mapping and extracellular volume fraction (ECV). Mean age did not differ across groups, but patients with ARDs were more often women (32 (80%) vs. 15 (38%), p < 0.001). Biventricular systolic function, T2 signal ratio and EGE and LGE extent did not differ significantly between groups. Patients with ARDs had significantly higher median native T1 mapping (1078.5 (1049.0–1149.0) vs. 1041.5 (1014.0–1079.5), p = 0.003), higher ECV (31.0 (29.0–32.0) vs. 28.0 (26.5–30.0), p = 0.003) and higher T2 mapping (57.5 (54.0–61.0) vs. 52.0 (48.0–55.5), p = 0.001). In patients with ARDs, the distribution of cardiac fibrosis followed a predominantly non-ischaemic pattern, with ischaemic patterns being more common in those without ARDs (p < 0.001). After accounting for age and cardiovascular comorbidities, most findings remained unaffected, while only tissue characterisation indices remained significant after additionally correcting for sex. Patients with ARDs had a predominantly non-ischaemic myocardial scar pattern and showed evidence of diffuse inflammatory/ischaemic changes (elevated native T1-/T2-mapping and ECV values) independent of confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Poulos
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece; (G.M.-M.); (G.P.); (V.V.); (D.M.); (G.K.)
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | | | - Clio Mavragani
- Pathophysiology Department, Laikon Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Joint Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece;
| | - Vasiliki Vartela
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece; (G.M.-M.); (G.P.); (V.V.); (D.M.); (G.K.)
| | - Dionysia Manolopoulou
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece; (G.M.-M.); (G.P.); (V.V.); (D.M.); (G.K.)
| | - Genovefa Kolovou
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece; (G.M.-M.); (G.P.); (V.V.); (D.M.); (G.K.)
| | | | - Petros P. Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Joint Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece;
- First Department of Propeudeutic and Internal Medicine, Laikon Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George D. Kitas
- Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley DY1 2HQ, UK;
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Sophie I. Mavrogeni
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece; (G.M.-M.); (G.P.); (V.V.); (D.M.); (G.K.)
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Joint Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +30-210-98-82-797
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Patel KHK, Jones TN, Sattler S, Mason JC, Ng FS. Proarrhythmic electrophysiological and structural remodeling in rheumatoid arthritis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 319:H1008-H1020. [PMID: 32946265 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00401.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are associated with a twofold increase in the incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared with the healthy population. Although this is partly explained by an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease, growing evidence suggests that ischemia alone cannot completely account for the increased risk. The present review explores the mechanisms of cardiac electrophysiological remodeling in response to chronic inflammation in RA. In particular, it focuses on the roles of nonischemic structural remodeling, altered cardiac ionic currents, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction in ventricular arrhythmogenesis and SCD. It also explores whether common genetic elements predispose to both RA and SCD. Finally, it evaluates the potential dual effects of disease-modifying therapy in both diminishing and promoting the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susanne Sattler
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Justin C Mason
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Fu Siong Ng
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
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11
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Mavrogeni S, Gargani L, Pepe A, Monti L, Markousis-Mavrogenis G, De Santis M, De Marchi D, Koutsogeorgopoulou L, Karabela G, Stavropoulos E, Katsifis G, Bratis K, Bellando-Randone S, Guiducci S, Bruni C, Moggi-Pignone A, Dimitroulas T, Kolovou G, Bournia VK, Sfikakis PP, Matucci-Cerinic M. Cardiac magnetic resonance predicts ventricular arrhythmias in scleroderma: the Scleroderma Arrhythmia Clinical Utility Study (SAnCtUS). Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:1938-1948. [PMID: 31764972 PMCID: PMC7382593 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cardiac rhythm disturbances constitute the most frequent cardiovascular cause of death in SSc. However, electrocardiographic findings are not a part of risk stratification in SSc. We aimed to translate 24 h Holter findings into a tangible risk prediction score using cardiovascular magnetic resonance. METHODS The Scleroderma Arrhythmia Clinical Utility Study (SAnCtUS) was a prospective multicentre study including 150 consecutive SSc patients from eight European centres, assessed with 24 h Holter and cardiovascular magnetic resonance, including ventricular function, oedema (T2 ratio) and late gadolinium enhancement (%LGE). Laboratory/clinical parameters were included in multivariable corrections. A combined endpoint of sustained ventricular tachycardia requiring hospitalization and sudden cardiac death at a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 1 (1.0-1.4) year was generated. RESULTS Only T2 ratio and %LGE were significant predictors of ventricular rhythm disturbances, but not of supraventricular rhythm disturbances, after multivariable correction and adjustment for multiple comparisons. Using decision-tree analysis, we created the SAnCtUS score, a four-category scoring system based on T2 ratio and %LGE, for identifying SSc patients at high risk of experiencing ventricular rhythm disturbance at baseline. Increasing SAnCtUS scores were associated with a greater disease and arrhythmic burden. All cases of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (n = 7) occurred in patients with the highest SAnCtUS score (=4). Having a score of 4 conveyed a higher risk of reaching the combined endpoint in multivariable Cox regression compared with scores 1/2/3 [hazard ratio (95% CI): 3.86 (1.14, 13.04), P = 0.029] independently of left ventricular ejection fraction and baseline ventricular tachycardia occurrence. CONCLUSION T2 ratio and %LGE had the greatest utility as independent predictors of rhythm disturbances in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Mavrogeni
- Department of Cardiology, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Luna Gargani
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa
| | - Alessia Pepe
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio C.N.R, Pisa
| | - Lorenzo Monti
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Maria De Santis
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele De Marchi
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio C.N.R, Pisa
| | | | | | | | - Gikas Katsifis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Navy Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Divisions of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology AOUC, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Divisions of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology AOUC, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cosimo Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Divisions of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology AOUC, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Moggi-Pignone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Divisions of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology AOUC, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Genovefa Kolovou
- Department of Cardiology, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki-Kalliopi Bournia
- First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laikon Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laikon Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Divisions of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology AOUC, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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12
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Updating the Risk Stratification for Sudden Cardiac Death in Cardiomyopathies: The Evolving Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An Approach for the Electrophysiologist. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10080541. [PMID: 32751773 PMCID: PMC7460122 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10080541] [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: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in cardiomyopathies (CM) remains a challenge. The current guidelines still favor the implantation of devices for the primary prevention of SCD only in patients with severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and heart failure (HF) symptoms. The implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a protective barrier against arrhythmic events in CMs, but the benefit does not outweigh the cost in low risk patients. The identification of high risk patients is the key to an individualized prevention strategy. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) provides reliable and reproducible information about biventricular function and tissue characterization. Furthermore, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) quantification and pattern of distribution, as well as abnormal T1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV), representing indices of diffuse fibrosis, can enhance our ability to detect high risk patients. CMR can also complement electro-anatomical mapping (EAM), a technique already applied in the risk evaluation and in the ventricular arrhythmias ablation therapy of CM patients, providing a more accurate assessment of fibrosis and arrhythmic corridors. As a result, CMR provides a new insight into the pathological substrate of CM. CMR may help identify high risk CM patients and, combined with EAM, can provide an integrated evaluation of scar and arrhythmic corridors in the ablative therapy of ventricular arrhythmias.
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13
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Current understanding and future perspectives of brain-heart-kidney axis in psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:1361-1368. [PMID: 32594220 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04633-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients are at a higher risk of systemic inflammatory sequelae, leading to microalbuminuria, cardiovascular (CVD) and neuropsychiatric (NPD) disease. Our aim is to present the existing literature about the relationship between CVD, kidney and NPD in PsA. The literature evaluation of PsA revealed that chronic T-cell activation and increased levels of circulating immune complexes can cause glomerular injury leading to microalbuminuria, which predicts CVD and all-cause mortality in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Furthermore, it is a marker of preclinical brain damage and identifies patients at higher risk of NPD/CVD events. Among the currently used imaging modalities in PsA, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) maintains a crucial role, because it is ideal for concurrent evaluation of brain/heart involvement and serial follow up assessment. There is increasing evidence regarding the relationship between kidneys, heart and brain in PsA. Although currently there are no official recommendations about a combined brain/heart MRI in PsA, it could be considered in PsA with microalbuminuria, arrhythmia, HF, cognitive dysfunction and/or depression.
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14
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Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Giannakopoulou A, Andreou N, Papadopoulos G, Vartela V, Kolovou G, Bacopoulou F, Tsarouhas K, Kanaka-Gantenbein C, A Spandidos D, I Mavrogeni S. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance clarifies arrhythmogenicity in asymptomatic young athletes with ventricular arrhythmias undergoing pre-participation evaluation. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:561-571. [PMID: 32537014 PMCID: PMC7282016 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-participation sports examination (PPE) is a frequent reason for consultation. However, the exact role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in PPE remains undefined. The additive value of CMR in adolescent athletes with ventricular rhythm disturbances (VRDs) was investigated. We prospectively recruited and evaluated with CMR 50 consecutive, asymptomatic young athletes referred to our tertiary center after identification of VRDs on electrocardiogram (ECG) with otherwise normal standard PPE and echocardiography, and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteer athletes who underwent the same evaluations. The primary outcome was case-control status and the secondary outcome was the discrimination between athletes with VRDs with and without non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). CMR identified arrhythmogenic substrates in all athletes with VRDs. The predominant condition was myocarditis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in patients with and without VT, respectively. Based on penalized regression analysis, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), early gadolinium enhancement (EGE), extracellular volume fraction (ECV), and T2-mapping, best distinguished between case-control status. The aforementioned indices predicted case-control status independent of age and sex: EGE [Odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 6.89 (2.19-21.62) per 0.5-unit, P<0.001], LGE (perfect prediction), ECV [1.66 (1.25-2.22), P<0.001] and T2 mapping [1.40 (1.13-1.72), P=0.002], among other independent CMR-derived predictors. Only indexed ventricular volumes independently discriminated between VRD patients with and without VT. In this study, asymptomatic young athletes with VRDs and normal PPE/echocardiography were optimally discriminated from healthy control athletes by CMR-derived indices, and CMR allowed for the identification of arrhythmogenic substrates in all cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nikolaos Andreou
- Department of Cardiology, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - George Papadopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
| | | | | | - Flora Bacopoulou
- Exercise Physiology and Sports Medicine Clinic, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsarouhas
- Exercise Physiology and Sports Medicine Clinic, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41334, Greece
| | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- Exercise Physiology and Sports Medicine Clinic, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Sophie I Mavrogeni
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens 17674, Greece.,Exercise Physiology and Sports Medicine Clinic, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
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15
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Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Mitsikostas DD, Koutsogeorgopoulou L, Dimitroulas T, Katsifis G, Argyriou P, Apostolou D, Velitsista S, Vartela V, Manolopoulou D, Tektonidou MG, Kolovou G, Kitas GD, Sfikakis PP, Mavrogeni SI. Combined Brain-Heart Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Patients with Cardiac Symptoms: Hypothesis Generating Insights from a Cross-sectional Study. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020447. [PMID: 32041234 PMCID: PMC7074384 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) may affect both the heart and the brain. However, little is known about the interaction between these organs in ARD patients. We asked whether brain lesions are more frequent in ARD patients with cardiac symptoms compared with non-ARD patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS 57 ARD patients with mean age of 48 ± 13 years presenting with shortness of breath, chest pain, and/or palpitations, and 30 age-matched disease-controls with non-autoimmune CVD, were evaluated using combined brain-heart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a 1.5T system. RESULTS 52 (91%) ARD patients and 16 (53%) controls had white matter hyperintensities (p < 0.001) in at least one brain area (subcortical/deep/periventricular white matter, basal ganglia, pons, brainstem, or mesial temporal lobe). Only the frequency and number of subcortical and deep white matter lesions were significantly greater in ARD patients (p < 0.001 and 0.014, respectively). ARD vs. control status was the only independent predictor of having any brain lesion. Specifically for deep white matter lesions, each increase in ECV independently predicted a higher number of lesions [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.16 (1.01-1.33), p = 0.031] in ordered logistic regression. Penalized logistic regression selected only ARD vs. control status as the most important feature for predicting whether brain lesions were present on brain MRI (odds ratio: 5.46, marginal false discovery rate = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS Subclinical brain involvement was highly prevalent in this cohort of ARD patients and was mostly independent of the severity of cardiac involvement. However, further research is required to determine the clinical relevance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimos D. Mitsikostas
- First Neurology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10679 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Department of Rheumatology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Gikas Katsifis
- Rheumatology Department, Naval Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - Panayiotis Argyriou
- MRI Unit, Mediterraneo Hospital, 16675 Athens, Greece; (P.A.); (D.A.); (S.V.)
| | - Dimitrios Apostolou
- MRI Unit, Mediterraneo Hospital, 16675 Athens, Greece; (P.A.); (D.A.); (S.V.)
| | - Stella Velitsista
- MRI Unit, Mediterraneo Hospital, 16675 Athens, Greece; (P.A.); (D.A.); (S.V.)
| | - Vasiliki Vartela
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece; (G.M.-M.); (V.V.); (D.M.); (G.K.)
| | - Dionysia Manolopoulou
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece; (G.M.-M.); (V.V.); (D.M.); (G.K.)
| | - Maria G. Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laikon Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.G.T.); (P.P.S.)
| | - Genovefa Kolovou
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece; (G.M.-M.); (V.V.); (D.M.); (G.K.)
| | - George D. Kitas
- Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, Manchester University, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Petros P. Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laikon Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.G.T.); (P.P.S.)
| | - Sophie I. Mavrogeni
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece; (G.M.-M.); (V.V.); (D.M.); (G.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +30-210-98-82-797
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16
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Mavrogeni S, Koutsogeorgopoulou L, Dimitroulas T, Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Boki K, Katsifis G, Vartela V, Kallenberg CG, Kolovou G, Kitas G. Combined Brain/Heart Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Curr Cardiol Rev 2020; 16:178-186. [PMID: 31368877 PMCID: PMC7536815 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x15666190801122105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) has an estimated prevalence of 50% and 40%, respectively and both constitute major causes of death among SLE patients. In this review, a combined brain/heart Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for SLE risk stratification has been proposed. The pathophysiologic background of NPSLE includes microangiopathy, macroscopic infarcts and accelerated atherosclerosis. Classic brain MRI findings demonstrate lesions suggestive of NPSLE in 50% of the NPSLE cases, while advanced MRI indices can detect pre-clinical lesions in the majority of them, but their clinical impact still remains unknown. Cardiac involvement in SLE includes myo-pericarditis, valvular disease/endocarditis, Heart Failure (HF), coronary macro-microvascular disease, vasculitis and pulmonary hypertension. Classic and advanced Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) indices allow function and tissue characterization for early diagnosis and treatment follow-up of CVD in SLE. Although currently, there are no clinical data supporting the combined use of brain/heart MRI in asymptomatic SLE, it may have a place in cases with clinical suspicion of brain/heart involvement, especially in patients at high risk for CVD/stroke such as SLE with antiphospholipid syndrome (SLE/APS), in whom concurrent cardiac and brain lesions have been identified. Furthermore, it may be of value in SLE with multi-organ involvement, NPSLE with concurrent cardiac involvement, and recent onset of arrhythmia and/or heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Mavrogeni
- Address correspondence to this author at the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, FESC, 50 Esperou Street, 175-61 P. Faliro, Athens, Greece; Tel/Fax: +30-210-98.82.797; E-mail:
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17
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Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Identifies High-Risk Systemic Sclerosis Patients with Normal Echocardiograms and Provides Incremental Prognostic Value. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9040220. [PMID: 31835765 PMCID: PMC6963862 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9040220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute cardiac events are a significant contributor to mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, echocardiographic evaluation may be deceptively normal during an acute presentation. We hypothesized that in diffuse SSc patients presenting with acute cardiac events and a normal echocardiogram, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) would have incremental diagnostic/prognostic value. METHODS 50 consecutive diffuse SSc patients with normal echocardiograms were evaluated using a 1.5T system. A total of 27 (63%) had experienced an acute cardiac event three to tendays before CMR evaluation (rhythm disturbances, angina pectoris, shortness of breath). Left/right ventricular (LV/RV) volumes and ejection fractions (EF), as well as LV mass, the T2-signal ratio, early/late gadolinium enhancement (EGE/LGE), native/post-contrast T1-mapping, T2-mapping and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) were compared between the event and no-event groups. RESULTS No differences were identified in LV/RV volumes/EF/mass. In logistic regression analyses, independent predictors of belonging to the event group were EGE (odds ratio (95% CI): 1.55 (1.06-2.26), p = 0.024), LGE (1.81 (1.23-2.67), p = 0.003), T2 mapping (1.20 (1.06-1.36), p = 0.004) and native/post-contrast T1 mapping (1.17 (1.04-1.32), p = 0.007 and 0.86 (0.75-0.98), p = 0.025). At a median follow-up of ~1.2 years, 42% vs. 11% of the event/no-event group respectively reached a combined endpoint of event occurrence/recurrence or cardiovascular mortality. Of the independent predictors resulting from logistic regression analyses, only LGE (hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.20 (1.11-1.30), p < 0.001), T2-mapping (1.07 (1.01-1.14), p = 0.025) and native T1-mapping (1.08 (1.01-1.15), p = 0.017) independently predicted the combined endpoint. CONCLUSIONS A normal echocardiogram does not preclude myocardial lesions in diffuse SSc patients, which can be detected by CMR especially in symptomatic patients.
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18
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Mavrogeni SI, Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Aggeli C, Tousoulis D, Kitas GD, Kolovou G, Iliodromitis EK, Sfikakis PP. Arrhythmogenic Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: A Challenge for Cardio-Rheumatology. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9040217. [PMID: 31835542 PMCID: PMC6963646 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9040217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) is an expression of autoimmune inflammatory cardiomyopathy (AIC), caused by structural, electrical, or inflammatory heart disease, and has a serious impact on a patient’s outcome. Myocardial scar of ischemic or nonischemic origin through a re-entry mechanism facilitates the development of VA. Additionally, autoimmune myocardial inflammation, either isolated or as a part of the generalized inflammatory process, also facilitates the development of VA through arrhythmogenic autoantibodies and inflammatory channelopathies. The clinical presentation of AIC varies from oligo-asymptomatic presentation to severe VA and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Both positron emission tomography (PET) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can diagnose AIC early and be useful tools for the assessment of therapies during follow-ups. The AIC treatment should be focused on the following: (1) early initiation of cardiac medication, including ACE-inhibitors, b-blockers, and aldosterone antagonists; (2) early initiation of antirheumatic medication, depending on the underlying disease; and (3) potentially implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) and/or ablation therapy in patients who are at high risk for SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie I. Mavrogeni
- Onassis Cardiac surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece; (G.M.-M.); (G.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Constantina Aggeli
- First Cardiac Clinic, Hippokration University Hospital, 17674 Athens, Greece; (C.A.); (D.T.)
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- First Cardiac Clinic, Hippokration University Hospital, 17674 Athens, Greece; (C.A.); (D.T.)
| | - George D. Kitas
- Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, Manchester University, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Genovefa Kolovou
- Onassis Cardiac surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece; (G.M.-M.); (G.K.)
| | | | - Petros P. Sfikakis
- First Department of Propeudeutic and Internal medicine, Laikon Hospital, Athens University Medical School, 17674 Athens, Greece;
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19
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Another small puzzle card in the cardiac involvement due to autoimmune diseases. Int J Cardiol 2019; 289:150-151. [PMID: 31085081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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