Myocardial Fibrosis and Inflammation in Liver Cirrhosis: MRI Study of the Liver-Heart Axis

Deep Learning Virtual Contrast-Enhanced T1 Mapping for Contrast-Free Myocardial Extracellular Volume Assessment

BACKGROUND

The acquisition of contrast-enhanced T1 maps to calculate extracellular volume (ECV) requires contrast agent administration and is time consuming. This study investigates generative adversarial networks for contrast-free, virtual extracellular volume (vECV) by generating virtual contrast-enhanced T1 maps.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective study includes 2518 registered native and contrast-enhanced T1 maps from 1000 patients who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance at 1.5 Tesla. Recent hematocrit values of 123 patients (hold-out test) and 96 patients from a different institution (external evaluation) allowed for calculation of conventional ECV. A generative adversarial network was trained to generate virtual contrast-enhanced T1 maps from native T1 maps for vECV creation. Mean and SD of the difference per patient (ΔECV) were calculated and compared by permutation of the 2-sided t test with 10 000 resamples. For ECV and vECV, differences in area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for discriminating hold-out test patients with normal cardiovascular magnetic resonance versus myocarditis or amyloidosis were tested with Delong's test. ECV and vECV showed a high agreement in patients with myocarditis (ΔECV: hold-out test, 2.0%±1.5%; external evaluation, 1.9%±1.7%) and normal cardiovascular magnetic resonance (ΔECV: hold-out test, 1.9%±1.4%; external evaluation, 1.5%±1.2%), but variations in amyloidosis were higher (ΔECV: hold-out test, 6.2%±6.0%; external evaluation, 15.5%±6.4%). In the hold-out test, ECV and vECV had a comparable AUC for the diagnosis of myocarditis (ECV AUC, 0.77 versus vECV AUC, 0.76; P=0.76) and amyloidosis (ECV AUC, 0.99 versus vECV AUC, 0.96; P=0.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Generation of vECV on the basis of native T1 maps is feasible. Multicenter training data are required to further enhance generalizability of vECV in amyloidosis.

No differences in native T1 of the renal cortex between Fabry disease patients and healthy subjects in cardiac dedicated native T1 maps

BACKGROUND

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked inherited lysosomal storage disease that is caused by deficient activity of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can detect cardiac sphingolipid accumulation using native T1 mapping. The kidneys are often visible in cardiac CMR native T1 maps, however it is currently unknown if the maps can be used to detect sphingolipid accumulation in the kidneys of FD patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate if cardiac dedicated native T1 maps can be used to detect sphingolipid accumulation in the kidneys.

METHODS

FD patients (n=18, 41 ± 10 years, 44% male) and healthy subjects (n=38, 41 ± 16 years, 47% male) were retrospectively enrolled. Native T1 maps were acquired at 1.5T (MAGNETOM Aera) using MOLLI research sequences. Native T1 values were measured by manually delineating regions of interest (ROI) in the renal cortex, renal medulla, heart, spleen, blood, and liver. Endo- and epicardial borders were delineated in the myocardium and averaged across all slices. Blood ROIs were placed in the left-ventricular blood pool in the midventricular slice.

RESULTS

There were no differences in native T1 between the FD patients and the healthy subjects in the renal cortex (1034±88 ms vs 1056±59 ms, p=0.29), blood (1614±111 ms vs 1576 ± 100 ms, p=0.22), spleen (1143±45 ms vs 1132±70 ms, p=0.54) or liver (568±49 ms vs 557±47 ms, p=0.41). Native T1 was lower in the hearts of the FD patients compared to healthy subjects (951±79 vs 1006±38, p<0.01), and higher in the renal medulla (1635±144 vs 1514±81, p<0.01). The results were similar when stratified for sex.

CONCLUSION

Compared to healthy subjects, patients with FD and cardiac involvement had no differences in native T1 of the renal cortex. FD patients had higher native T1 in the renal medulla, which is not totally explained by differences in blood native T1 but may reflect a hyperfiltration state in the development of renal failure. The findings suggest that sphingolipid accumulation in the renal cortex in FD patients could not be detected with cardiac dedicated research native T1 maps.

Simultaneous Multiparameter Mapping of the Liver in a Single Breath-Hold or Respiratory-Triggered Acquisition Using Multi-Inversion Spin and Gradient Echo MRI

BACKGROUND

Quantitative parametric mapping is an increasingly important tool for noninvasive assessment of chronic liver disease. Conventional parametric mapping techniques require multiple breath-held acquisitions and provide limited anatomic coverage.

PURPOSE

To investigate a multi-inversion spin and gradient echo (MI-SAGE) technique for simultaneous estimation of T1, T2, and T2* of the liver.

STUDY TYPE

Prospective.

SUBJECTS

Sixteen research participants, both adult and pediatric (age 17.5 ± 4.6 years, eight male), with and without known liver disease (seven asymptomatic healthy controls, two fibrotic liver disease, five steatotic liver disease, and two fibrotic and steatotic liver disease).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

1.5 T, single breath-hold and respiratory triggered MI-SAGE, breath-hold modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI, T1 mapping), breath-hold gradient and spin echo (GRASE, T2 mapping), and multiple gradient echo (mGRE, T2* mapping) sequences.

ASSESSMENT

Agreement between hepatic T1, T2, and T2* estimated using MI-SAGE and conventional parametric mapping sequences was evaluated. Repeatability and reproducibility of MI-SAGE were evaluated using a same-session acquisition and second-session acquisition.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Bland-Altman analysis with bias assessment and limits of agreement (LOA) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

RESULTS

Hepatic T1, T2, and T2* estimates obtained using the MI-SAGE technique had mean biases of 72 (LOA: -22 to 166) msec, -3 (LOA: -10 to 5) msec, and 2 (LOA: -5 to 8) msec (single breath-hold) and 36 (LOA: -43 to 120) msec, -3 (LOA: -17 to 11) msec, and 4 (LOA: -3 to 11) msec (respiratory triggered), respectively, in comparison to conventional acquisitions using MOLLI, GRASE, and mGRE. All MI-SAGE estimates had strong repeatability and reproducibility (ICC > 0.72).

DATA CONCLUSION

Hepatic T1, T2, and T2* estimates obtained using an MI-SAGE technique were comparable to conventional methods, although there was a 12%/6% for breath-hold/respiratory triggered underestimation of T1 values compared to MOLLI. Both respiratory triggered and breath-hold MI-SAGE parameter maps demonstrated strong repeatability and reproducibility.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Cardiac evaluation of the liver transplant candidate

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to summarize recent changes in the cardiac evaluation of adult liver transplant candidates. Over the last several years, there have been significant advances in the use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with and without fractional flow reserve (FFR) and increasingly widespread availability of coronary calcium scoring for risk stratification for obstructive coronary artery disease. This has led to novel strategies for risk stratification in cirrhotic patients being considered for liver transplant and an updated American Heart Association (AHA) position paper on the evaluation of liver and kidney transplant candidates. The diagnosis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy has been refined. These new diagnostic criteria require that specific echocardiographic parameters are evaluated in all patients. The definition of pulmonary hypertension on echocardiography has been altered and no longer utilizes right atrium (RA) pressure estimates based on inferior vena cava (IVC) size and collapse. This provides more volume neutral estimates of pulmonary pressure.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although CCTA has outstanding negative predictive value, false positive results are not uncommon and often lead to further testing. Revised diagnostic criteria for cirrhotic cardiomyopathy improve risk stratification for peri-operative volume overload and outcomes. Refined pulmonary hypertension criteria provide improved guidance for right heart catheterization (RHC) and referral to subspecialists. There are emerging data regarding the safety and efficacy of TAVR for severe aortic stenosis in cirrhotic patients.

SUMMARY

Increased utilization of noninvasive testing, including CCTA and/or coronary calcium scoring, can improve the negative predictive value of testing for obstructive coronary artery disease and potentially reduce reliance on coronary angiography. Application of the 2020 criteria for cirrhotic cardiomyopathy will improve systolic and diastolic function assessment and subsequent perioperative risk stratification. The use of global strain scores is emphasized, as it provides important information beyond ejection fraction and diastolic parameters. A standardized one-parameter echo cut-off for elevated pulmonary pressures simplifies both evaluation and follow-up. Innovative transcutaneous techniques for valvular stenosis and regurgitation offer new options for patients at prohibitive surgical risk.

Cardiac dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis and acute decompensation

The prevalence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) has been reported as high as 60%-70% in patients with liver cirrhosis and is associated with various negative outcomes. There has been a growing understanding of CCM over recent years. Indeed, the development of imaging techniques has enabled new diagnostic criteria to be proposed by the Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium. However, important unanswered questions remain over pathophysiological mechanisms, optimal diagnostic modalities and potential treatment options. While there has been an increasing volume of literature evaluating CCM, there is a lack of clarity on its implications in acute decompensation, acute-on-chronic liver failure and following interventions such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion and liver transplantation. This review aims to summarise the literature in these challenging domains and suggest where future research should focus. We conclude that systemic inflammation and structural myocardial changes are likely to be crucial in the pathophysiology of the disease, but the relative contribution of different components remains elusive. Furthermore, future studies need to use standardised diagnostic criteria for CCM as well as incorporate newer imaging techniques assessing both myocardial structure and function. Finally, while specific treatments are currently lacking, therapeutics targeting systemic inflammation, microbial dysbiosis and bacterial translocation are promising targets and warrant further research.

Liver T1 Mapping Derived From Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Potential Prognostic Marker in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Hepatic alterations are common aftereffects of heart failure (HF) and ventricular dysfunction. The prognostic value of liver injury markers derived from cardiac MRI studies in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients is unclear.

PURPOSE

Evaluate the prognostic performance of liver injury markers derived from cardiac MRI studies in DCM patients.

STUDY TYPE

Prospective.

POPULATION

Three hundred fifty-six consecutive DCM patients diagnosed according to ESC guidelines (age 48.7 ± 14.2 years, males 72.6%).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

Steady-state free precession, modified Look-Locker inversion recovery T1 mapping and phase sensitive inversion recovery late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) sequences at 3 T.

ASSESSMENT

Clinical characteristics, conventional MRI parameters (ventricular volumes, function, mass), native myocardial and liver T1, liver extracellular volume (ECV), and myocardial LGE presence were assessed. Patients were followed up for a median duration of 48.3 months (interquartile range 42.0-69.9 months). Primary endpoints included HF death, sudden cardiac death, heart transplantation, and HF readmission; secondary endpoints included HF death, sudden cardiac death, and heart transplantation. Models were developed to predict endpoints and the incremental value of including liver parameters assessed.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Optimal cut-off value was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden method. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard. Discriminative power of models was compared using net reclassification improvement and integrated discriminatory index. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

47.2% patients reached primary endpoints; 25.8% patients reached secondary endpoints. Patients with elevated liver ECV (cut-off 34.4%) had significantly higher risk reaching primary and secondary endpoints. Cox regression showed liver ECV was an independent prognostic predictor, and showed independent prognostic value for primary endpoints and long-term HF readmission compared to conventional clinical and cardiac MRI parameters.

DATA CONCLUSIONS

Liver ECV is an independent prognostic predictor and may serve as an innovative approach for risk stratification for DCM.

EVIDENCE LEVEL

1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Detection of Liver Fibrosis and Inflammation in Autoimmune Hepatitis: A State-of-the-Art Review

Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare chronic liver disease, associated with a high level of morbidity and high mortality; approximately 40% of patients with severe untreated disease die within 6 months of diagnosis. It should be treated to achieve complete biochemical and histologic resolution of the disease using corticosteroids and immunosuppression to prevent further progression to cirrhosis. The use of invasive liver biopsy is recommended for the staging and assessment of inflammation and fibrosis for treatment decision-making in the face of an unsatisfactory response or clinical remission, including being a determinant for withdrawal of immunosuppression. On the other hand, liver biopsy is invasive, costly, and not free of complications. It also has potential sampling error and poor interobserver agreement. The limitations of liver biopsy highlight the importance of developing new imaging biomarkers that allow accurate and non-invasive assessment of autoimmune hepatitis in terms of liver inflammation and fibrosis, developing the virtual biopsy concept. Therefore, we review the state-of-the-art of Magnetic Resonance Imaging sequences for the noninvasive evaluation of autoimmune hepatitis, including historical advances and future directions.

Liver fibrosis is associated with left ventricular remodeling: insight into the liver-heart axis

OBJECTIVE

In nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis is the strongest predictor of adverse outcomes. We sought to investigate the relationship between liver fibrosis and cardiac remodeling in participants from the general population using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as explore potential mechanistic pathways by analyzing circulating cardiovascular biomarkers.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we prospectively included participants with type 2 diabetes and individually matched controls from the SCAPIS (Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study) cohort in Linköping, Sweden. Between November 2017 and July 2018, participants underwent MRI at 1.5 Tesla for quantification of liver proton density fat fraction (spectroscopy), liver fibrosis (stiffness from elastography), left ventricular (LV) structure and function, as well as myocardial native T1 mapping. We analyzed 278 circulating cardiovascular biomarkers using a Bayesian statistical approach.

RESULTS

In total, 92 participants were enrolled (mean age 59.5 ± 4.6 years, 32 women). The mean liver stiffness was 2.1 ± 0.4 kPa. 53 participants displayed hepatic steatosis. LV concentricity increased across quartiles of liver stiffness. Neither liver fat nor liver stiffness displayed any relationships to myocardial tissue characteristics (native T1). In a regression analysis, liver stiffness was related to increased LV concentricity. This association was independent of diabetes and liver fat (Beta = 0.26, p = 0.0053), but was attenuated (Beta = 0.17, p = 0.077) when also adjusting for circulating levels of interleukin-1 receptor type 2.

CONCLUSION

MRI reveals that liver fibrosis is associated to structural LV remodeling, in terms of increased concentricity, in participants from the general population. This relationship could involve the interleukin-1 signaling.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Liver fibrosis may be considered a cardiovascular risk factor in patients without cirrhosis. Further research on the mechanisms that link liver fibrosis to left ventricular concentricity may reveal potential therapeutic targets in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

KEY POINTS

Previously, studies on liver fibrosis and cardiac remodeling have focused on advanced stages of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is associated with left ventricular (LV) concentricity and may relate to interleukin-1 receptor type 2. Interleukin-1 signaling is a potential mechanistic interlink between early liver fibrosis and LV remodeling.

Shared genetic architecture and causal relationship between liver and heart disease

This study investigates the relationship and genetic mechanisms of liver and heart diseases, focusing on the liver-heart axis (LHA) as a fundamental biological basis. Through genome-wide association study analysis, we explore shared genes and pathways related to LHA. Shared genetic factors are found in 8 out of 20 pairs, indicating genetic correlations. The analysis reveals 53 loci with pleiotropic effects, including 8 loci exhibiting shared causality across multiple traits. Based on SNP-p level tissue-specific multi-marker analysis of genomic annotation (MAGMA) analysis demonstrates significant enrichment of pleiotropy in liver and heart diseases within different cardiovascular tissues and female reproductive appendages. Gene-specific MAGMA analysis identifies 343 pleiotropic genes associated with various traits; these genes show tissue-specific enrichment primarily in the liver, cardiovascular system, and other tissues. Shared risk loci between immune cells and both liver and cardiovascular diseases are also discovered. Mendelian randomization analyses provide support for causal relationships among the investigated trait pairs.

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy: Pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis

Cardiac dysfunction among cirrhotic patients has long been recognized in the medical community. While it was originally believed to be a direct result of alcohol toxicity, in the last 30 years cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) has been described as a syndrome characterized by chronic cardiac dysfunction in cirrhotic patients in the absence of known cardiac disease, regardless of the etiology of cirrhosis. CCM occurs in about 60% of patients with cirrhosis and plays a critical role in disease progression and treatment outcomes. Due to its predominantly asymptomatic course, diagnosing CCM is challenging and requires a high index of suspicion and a multiparametric approach. Patients with CCM usually present with the following triad: impaired myocardial contractile response to exercise, inadequate ventricular relaxation, and electrophysiological abnormalities (notably prolonged QT interval). In recent years, research in this area has grown expeditiously and a new set of diagnostic criteria has been developed by the Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium, to properly identify patients with CCM. Nevertheless, CCM is still largely unknown among clinicians, and a major part of its pathophysiology and treatment is yet to be understood. In the present work, we aim to compile and summarize the available data on the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of CCM.

Heart failure with severely reduced ejection fraction after liver transplantation: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) is a strenuous event for the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular events (CVE), including heart failure (HF), arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia, are important causes of peri- and post-liver transplantation morbidity and mortality.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe the case of a 45-year-old male patient who developed heart failure with severely reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) after receiving liver transplantation (LT) for end-stage post-alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) demonstrated borderline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 50% and diastolic dysfunction grade 2. On coronary angiography, the patient had no coronary stenoses. Persistent vasopressor need, increasing creatinine levels and progressive pleural effusion characterized the early postoperative period. TTE on postoperative day 6 revealed a new finding of a markedly reduced LVEF of 15%, accompanied by a discrete increase in hs-TnI and CK-MB without electrocardiographic (ECG) ST-T abnormalities. LVEF did not recover completely (EF 45%) during follow-up. The patient had a sudden death 4.5 months post-liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Our case demonstrates that the risk of post-LT systolic dysfunction is not excluded by preoperative resting examinations within normal range and highlights the need for preoperative cardiac stress assessment (e.g. dobutamine echocardiography or stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging) before LT. In addition, patients on a liver-transplant waiting list with cardiac dysfunction should be followed by a multidisciplinary team including a dedicated cardiology team experienced in managing liver-related cardiac pathology.

The Contemporary Role of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is characterized by elevated cardiac output at rest, an inability to further increase contractility under stress, and diastolic dysfunction. The diagnosis of CCM is crucial as it can lead to complications during liver transplantation. However, its recognition poses challenges with conventional echocardiography techniques. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), particularly global longitudinal strain (GLS), is a novel index that enhances the diagnostic efficacy of echocardiography for both ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. GLS proves more sensitive in identifying early systolic dysfunction and is also influenced by advanced diastolic dysfunction. Consequently, there is an expanding scope for GLS utilization in cirrhotic cases, with newly updated diagnostic criteria for CCM incorporating GLS. Specifically, systolic dysfunction is now defined as either a left ventricular ejection fraction below 50% or an absolute GLS below 18%. However, conflicting data on GLS alterations in liver cirrhosis patients persist, as many individuals with advanced disease and a poor prognosis exhibit a hyperdynamic state with preserved or increased GLS. Consequently, the presence of CCM, according to the updated criteria, does not exhibit a significant association-in the majority of studies-with the severity of liver disease and prognosis. Furthermore, information on other indices measured with STE, such as left atrial and right ventricular strain, is promising but currently limited. This review aims to offer a critical assessment of the existing evidence concerning the application of STE in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Left atrial strain and ventricular global longitudinal strain in cirrhotic patients using the new criteria of Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium

BACKGROUND

The new criteria of Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium (CCC) propose the use of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) for evaluation of systolic function in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate LV-GLS and left atrial (LA) strain in association with the severity of liver disease and to assess the characteristics of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM).

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-five cirrhotic patients were included. Standard echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) were performed, and dual X-ray absorptiometry was used to quantify the total and regional fat mass. CCM was defined, based on the criteria of CCC, as having advanced diastolic dysfunction, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤50% and/or a GLS <18%.

RESULTS

LV-GLS lower or higher than the absolute mean value (22.7%) was not associated with mortality (logrank, p = 0.96). LV-GLS was higher in patients with Model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score ≥15 compared to MELD score <15 (p = 0.004). MELD score was the only factor independently associated with systolic function (LV-GLS <22.7% vs. ≥22.7%) (Odds Ratio:1.141, p = 0.032). Patients with CCM (n = 11) had higher values of estimated volume of visceral adipose tissue compared with patients without CCM (median: 735 vs. 641 cm3 , p = 0.039). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, MELD score [Hazard Ratio (HR):1.26, p < 0.001] and LA reservoir strain (HR:0.96, p = 0.017) were the only factors independently associated with the outcome.

CONCLUSION

In our study, absolute LV-GLS was higher in more severe liver disease, and LA reservoir strain was significantly associated with the outcome in patients with end-stage liver disease.

How non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis affect the heart

Liver diseases affect the heart and the vascular system. Cardiovascular complications appear to be a leading cause of death in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis. The predominant histological changes in the liver range from steatosis to fibrosis to cirrhosis, which can each affect the cardiovascular system differently. Patients with cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) and NAFLD are at increased risk of impaired systolic and diastolic dysfunction and for suffering major cardiovascular events. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms behind these risks differ depending on the nature of the liver disease. Accurate assessment of symptoms by contemporary diagnostic modalities is essential for identifying patients at risk, for evaluating candidates for treatment, and prior to any invasive procedures. This review explores current perspectives within this field.

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy influences clinical outcomes and enhances performance of conventional risk prediction models in acute-on-chronic liver failure with severe sepsis

BACKGROUND

Point-of-care echocardiography (POC-Echo) is an essential intensive care hemodynamic monitoring tool.

AIMS

To assess POC-Echo parameters [i.e., cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) markers] and serum biomarkers in predicting circulatory failure (need for vasopressors) and mortality in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) having sepsis-induced hypotension.

METHODS

We performed serial POC-Echo within 6 hours (h) of presentation and subsequently at 24, 48 and 72 h in patients with ACLF and sepsis-induced hypotension admitted to our liver intensive care unit. Clinical data, POC-Echo data and serum biomarkers were collected prospectively.

RESULTS

We enrolled 120 patients [59% men, aged 49 ± 12 years, 56% alcohol-related disease and median MELDNa of 30 (27-32)], of whom 68 (56.6%) had circulatory failure, with overall mortality of 60%. CCM was present in 52.5%. The predictors of circulatory failure were CI (aHR -1.5; p = 0.021), N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (aHR -1.1; p = 0.007) and CCM markers; e' septal mitral velocity (aHR -0.5; p = 0.039) and E/e' ratio (aHR -1.2; p = 0.045). Reduction in CI by 20% and SVRI by 15% at 72 h predicted mortality with a sensitivity of 84% and 72%, and specificity 76% and 65%, respectively (p < 0.001). The MELD-CCM model and CLIF-CCM model were computed as MELDNa + 1.815 × E/e' (septal) + 0.402 × e' (septal) and CLIF-C ACLF + 1.815 × E/e' (septal) + 0.402 × e' (septal), respectively, based on multivariable logistic regression. Both scores outperformed MELDNa (z-score = -2.073, p = 0.038) and CLIF-C ACLF score (z score = -2.683, p-value = 0.007), respectively, in predicting 90-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

POC-Echo measurements such as CCM markers (E/e' and e' velocity) and change in CI reliably predict circulatory failure and mortality in ACLF with severe sepsis. CCM markers significantly enhanced the CLIF-C ACLF and MELDNa predictive performance.

A novel and simple cardiac magnetic resonance score (PE2RT) predicts outcome in takotsubo syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To find simple imaging-based features on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) that are associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in takotsubo syndrome (TTS).

METHODS

Patients with TTS referred for CMR between 2007 and 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Besides standard CMR analysis, commonly known complications of TTS based on expert knowledge were assessed and summarised via a newly developed PE2RT score (one point each for pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, right ventricular involvement, and ventricular thrombus). Clinical follow-up data was reviewed up to three years after discharge. The relationship between PE2RT features and the occurrence of MACE (cardiovascular death or new hospitalisation due to acute myocardial injury, arrhythmia, or chronic heart failure) was examined using Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier estimator.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients (mean age, 68 ± 14 years; 72 women) with TTS were included. CMR was performed in a median of 4 days (IQR, 2-6) after symptom onset. Over a median follow-up of 13.3 months (IQR, 0.4-36.0), MACE occurred in 14/79 (18%) patients: re-hospitalisation due to acute symptoms (9/79, 11%) or chronic heart failure symptoms (4/79, 5%), and cardiac death (1/79, 1%). Patients with MACE had a higher PE2RT score (median [IQR], 2 [2-3] vs 1 [0-1]; p < 0.001). PE2RT score was associated with MACE on Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio per PE2RT feature, 2.44; 95%CI: 1.62-3.68; p < 0.001). Two or more PE2RT complications were strongly associated with the occurrence of MACE (log-rank p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The introduced PE2RT complication score might enable an easy-to-assess outcome evaluation of TTS patients by CMR.

KEY POINTS

• Complications like pericardial effusion, pleural effusion, right ventricular involvement, and ventricular thrombus (summarised as PE2RT features) are relatively common in takotsubo syndrome. • The proposed PE2RT score (one point per complication) was associated with the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events on follow-up. • Complications easily detected by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can help clinicians derive long-term prognostic information on patients with takotsubo syndrome.

Cardiac involvement in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: MRI detects myocardial fibrosis and oedema similar to compensated cirrhosis

AIMS

The exact role of portal hypertension in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether cardiac abnormalities also occur in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH). This magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study aimed to evaluate the presence of subclinical myocardial dysfunction, oedema, and fibrosis in NCPH.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this prospective study (2018-2022), participants underwent multiparametric abdominal and cardiac MRI including assessment of cardiac function, myocardial oedema, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and abdominal and cardiac mapping [T1 and T2 relaxation times, extracellular volume fraction (ECV)]. A total of 111 participants were included [44 participants with NCPH (48 ± 15 years; 23 women), 47 cirrhotic controls, and 20 healthy controls]. The cirrhotic group was dichotomized (Child A vs. Child B/C). NCPH participants demonstrated a more hyperdynamic circulation compared with healthy controls (cardiac index: 3.7 ± 0.6 vs. 3.2 ± 0.8 L/min/m², P = 0.004; global longitudinal strain: -27.3 ± 4.6 vs. -24.6 ± 3.5%, P = 0.022). The extent of abnormalities indicating myocardial fibrosis and oedema in NCPH was comparable with Child A cirrhosis (e.g. LGE presence: 32 vs. 33 vs. 69%, P = 0.004; combined T1 and T2 elevations: 46 vs. 27 vs. 69%, P = 0.017; NCPH vs. Child A vs. Child B/C). Correlations between splenic T1 and myocardial T1 values were found (r = 0.41; P = 0.007). Splenic T1 values were associated with the presence of LGE (odds ratio, 1.010; 95% CI: 1.002, 1.019; P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

MRI parameters of myocardial fibrosis and oedema were altered in participants with NCPH to a similar extent as in compensated cirrhosis and were associated with splenic markers of portal hypertension, indicating specific portal hypertensive cardiomyopathy.

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Survivors of Critical Illness: Cardiac Abnormalities Are Associated With Acute Kidney Injury

Background The objective of this study was to investigate cardiac abnormalities in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors of critical illness and to determine whether temporary acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with more pronounced findings on cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Methods and Results There were 2175 patients treated in the ICU (from 2015 until 2021) due to critical illness who were screened for study eligibility. Post-ICU patients without known cardiac disease were prospectively recruited from March 2021 to May 2022. Participants underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance including assessment of cardiac function, myocardial edema, late gadolinium enhancement, and mapping including extracellular volume fraction. Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ2 tests were used. There were 48 ICU survivors (46±15 years of age, 28 men, 29 with AKI and continuous kidney replacement therapy, and 19 without AKI) and 20 healthy controls who were included. ICU survivors had elevated markers of myocardial fibrosis (T1: 995±31 ms versus 957±21 ms, P<0.001; extracellular volume fraction: 24.9±2.5% versus 22.8±1.2%, P<0.001; late gadolinium enhancement: 1% [0%-3%] versus 0% [0%-0%], P<0.001), more frequent focal late gadolinium enhancement lesions (21% versus 0%, P=0.03), and an impaired left ventricular function (eg, ejection fraction: 57±6% versus 60±5%, P=0.03; systolic longitudinal strain: 20.3±3.7% versus 23.1±3.5%, P=0.004) compared with healthy controls. ICU survivors with AKI had higher myocardial T1 (1002±33 ms versus 983±21 ms; P=0.046) and extracellular volume fraction values (25.6±2.6% versus 23.9±1.9%; P=0.02) compared with participants without AKI. Conclusions ICU survivors of critical illness without previously diagnosed cardiac disease had distinct abnormalities on cardiovascular magnetic resonance including signs of myocardial fibrosis and systolic dysfunction. Findings were more abnormal in participants who experienced AKI with necessity of continuous kidney replacement therapy during their ICU stay. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT05034588.

Dual-energy CT quantification of extracellular liver volume predicts short-term disease progression in patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis-acute decompensation

BACKGROUND

Liver cirrhosis-acute decompensation (LC-AD) has rapid short-term disease progression and difficult early risk stratification. The purpose is to develop and validate a model based on dual-energy CT quantification of extracellular liver volume (ECV_IC-liver) for predicting the occurrence of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) within 90 days in patients with hepatitis B (HBV) LC-AD.

METHODS

The retrospective study included patients with HBV LC-AD who underwent dual-energy CT scans of the liver from January 2018 to March 2022 and were randomized to training group (215 patients) and validation group (92 patients). The primary outcome was the need for readmission within 90 days due to ACLF. Based on the training group data, independent risk factors for disease progression in clinical and dual-energy CT parameters were identified and modeled by logistic regression analysis. Based on the training and validation groups data, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision analysis curves (DCA) were used to verify the discrimination, calibration, and clinical validity of the nomogram.

RESULTS

Chronic liver failure consortium-acute decompensation score (CLIF-C ADs) (p = 0.008) and ECV_IC-liver (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for ACLF within 90 days. The AUC of the model combined ECV_IC-liver and CLIF-C ADs were 0.893 and 0.838 in the training and validation groups, respectively. The calibration curves show good agreement between predicted and actual risks. The DCA indicates that the model has good clinical application.

CONCLUSION

The model combined ECV_IC-liver and CLIF-C ADs can early predict the occurrence of ACLF within 90 days in HBV LC-AD patients.

Assessment of hepatic fat content and prediction of myocardial fibrosis in athletes by using proton density fat fraction sequence

PURPOSE

To explore the characteristics of the hepatic fat content in athletes, and predict late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) based on magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From March 2020 to March 2021, 233 amateur athletes and 42 healthy sedentary controls were prospectively recruited. The liver fat content of four regions of interest (ROIs 1-4), the mean liver fat fraction (FF), cardiac function, and myocardium LGE were recorded, respectively. The values of ROIs 1-4 and FF were compared between athletes and controls. According to the liver fat content threshold for distinguishing athletes and controls, the cutoff total exercise time that induced a change in liver fat was obtained. The correlations among the liver fat content, cardiac function, and other parameters were analyzed. Moreover, the liver fat content was used to predict myocardium LGE by logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were significant differences for the values of ROI 1, ROI 3, ROI 4, and FF between athletes and controls (allp< 0.05). The cutoff total exercise time for inducing a change in the liver fat content was 1680 h (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.593, specificity = 83.3,p< 0.05). Blood indexes, cardiac function, and basic clinical parameters were related to liver fat content (allp< 0.05). The prediction model for LGE had an AUC value of 0.829 for the receiver operator characteristic curve.

CONCLUSION

MRI-PDFF could assess liver fat content and predict cardiac fibrosis in athletes for risk stratification and follow-up.

Cardiovascular and hepatic disease associations by magnetic resonance imaging: A retrospective cohort study

Background

Hepatic disease is linked to cardiovascular events but the independent association between hepatic and cardiovascular disease remains unclear, given shared risk factors.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients with a clinical cardiac MRI (CMR) and a serological marker of hepatic fibrosis, the FIB-4 score, within one year of clinical imaging. We assessed the relations between FIB-4 scores grouped based on prior literature: low (< 1.3), moderate (1.3–3.25), and high (>3.25), and abnormalities detected by comprehensive CMR grouped into 4 domains: cardiac structure (end diastolic volumes, atrial dimensions, wall thickness); cardiac function (ejection fractions, wall motion abnormalities, cardiac output); vascular structure (ascending aortic and pulmonary arterial sizes); and cardiac composition (late gadolinium enhancement, T1 and T2 times). We used Poisson regression to examine the association between the conventionally defined FIB-4 category (low <1.3, moderate 1.3–3.25, and high >3.25) and any CMR abnormality while adjusting for demographics and traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

Of the 1668 patients studied (mean age: 55.971 ± 7.28, 901 [54%] male), 85.9% had ≥1 cardiac abnormality with increasing prevalence seen within the low (82.0%) to moderate (88.8%) to high (92.3%) FIB-4 categories. Multivariable analyses demonstrated the presence of any cardiac abnormality was significantly associated with having a high-range FIB-4 (prevalence ratio 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01–1.13); notably, the presence of functional cardiac abnormalities were associated with being in the high FIB-4 range (1.41, 1.21–1.65) and any vascular abnormalities with being in the moderate FIB-4 range (1.22, 1.01–1.47).

Conclusions

Elevated FIB-4 was associated with cardiac functional and vascular abnormalities even after adjustment for shared risk factors in a cohort of patients with clinically referred CMR. These CMR findings indicate that cardiovascular abnormalities exist in the presence of subclinical hepatic fibrosis, irrespective of shared risk factors, underscoring the need for further studies of the heart-liver axis.

Hepatic T1-Time Predicts Cardiovascular Risk in All-Comers Referred for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance: A Post-Hoc Analysis

BACKGROUND

Liver damage is frequently observed in patients with cardiovascular disease but infrequently quantified. We hypothesized that in patients with cardiovascular disease undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance, liver T1-times indicate liver damage and are associated with cardiovascular outcome.

METHODS

We measured hepatic T1-times, displayed on standard cardiac T1-maps, in an all-comer cardiac magnetic resonance-cohort. At the time of cardiac magnetic resonance, we assessed validated general liver fibrosis scores. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox-regression models were used to investigate the association between hepatic T1-times and a composite endpoint of non-fatal myocardial infarction, heart failure hospitalization, and death.

RESULTS

One thousand seventy-five participants (58±18 year old, 47% female) were included (972 patients, 50 controls, 53 participants with transient elastography). Hepatic T1-times were 590±89 ms in patients and 574±45 ms in controls (P=0.052). They were significantly correlated with cardiac size and function, presence of atrial fibrillation, NT-pro-BNP levels, and gamma-glutamyl-transferase levels (P<0.001 for all). During follow-up (58±31 months), a total of 280 (29%) events occurred. On Cox-regression, high hepatic T1-times yielded a significantly higher risk for events (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.45-1.89] per 100 ms increase; P<0.001), even when adjusted for age, sex, left and right ventricular ejection fraction, NT-proBNP (N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide), and myocardial T1-time. On receiver operating characteristic analysis and restricted cubic splines, we found that a hepatic T1-time exceeding 610 ms was associated with excessive risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic T1-times on standard cardiac magnetic resonance scans were significantly associated with cardiac size and function, comorbidities, natriuretic peptides, and independently predicted cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. A hepatic T1-time >610 ms seems to indicate excessive risk.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT04220450.

Layer-specific Strain Analysis with Cardiac MRI Feature Tracking in Acute Myocarditis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of layer-specific cardiac MRI feature-tracking (FT) strain analysis in patients with acute myocarditis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy patients (mean age, 43 years ± 19 [SD]; 46 men) with clinically defined acute myocarditis and 42 healthy controls who underwent cardiac MRI from March 2014 to November 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. FT-based left ventricular peak systolic global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) were assessed at subendocardial, midmyocardial, and subepicardial layers. The 2018 Lake Louise criteria (LLC) were assessed. Patients with myocarditis were dichotomized into two groups: those with preserved and those with reduced ejection fraction. For statistical analysis, unpaired t test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and receiver operating characteristic analysis were used.

RESULTS

GLS and GCS values of all layers (eg, midmyocardial GCS: -21.3% ± 5.5 vs -28.0% ± 4.3; P < .001) were impaired in patients with myocarditis compared with controls. Only subepicardial GLS (-20.0% ± 3.3 vs -17.5% ± 3.3; P < .001) and midmyocardial GCS values (-28.0% ± 4.3 vs -23.1% ± 4.3; P < .001) could differentiate between controls and patients with preserved ejection fraction. Midmyocardial GCS correlated with inflammatory myocardial parameters (eg, late gadolinium enhancement percentage, r = 0.48, P < .001). Midmyocardial GCS (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.82) and subepicardial GLS (AUC, 0.77) had the highest diagnostic performance for acute myocarditis diagnosis (P < .05 against all other strain parameters). The diagnostic performance of the 2018 LLC was significantly improved by inclusion of these two strain parameters (AUC, 0.92 vs 0.97; P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic performance of cardiac MRI FT strain was different between myocardial layers in acute myocarditis, with midmyocardial GCS and subepicardial GLS providing the highest diagnostic performance.Keywords: MRI, Cardiac, Heart, Left Ventricle, Inflammation, Tissue Characterization, MR-Functional Imaging, Feature-Tracking Strain, Acute Myocarditis Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2022.

Comparison of Hepatic Tissue Characterization between T1-Mapping and Non-Contrast Computed Tomography

Background: Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) is frequently used to assess non-alcoholic/metabolic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MAFLD), which is associated with cardiovascular risk. Although liver biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosis, standardized scores and non-contrast computed tomography (CT) are used instead. On standard cardiac T1-maps on cardiovascular imaging (CMR) exams for myocardial tissue characterization hepatic tissue is also visible. We hypothesized that there is a significant correlation between hepatic tissue T1-times on CMR and Hounsfield units (HU) on non-contrast CT. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients undergoing a non-contrast CT including the abdomen, a CMR including T1-mapping, and laboratory assessment within 30 days. Patients with storage diseases were excluded. Results: We identified 271 patients (62 ± 15 y/o, 49% female) undergoing non-contrast CT and CMR T1-mapping within 30 days. Mean hepatic HU values were 54 ± 11 on CT and native T1-times were 598 ± 102 ms on CMR and there was a weak, but significant, correlation between these parameters (r = −0.136, p = 0.025). On age and sex adjusted regression analysis, lower liver HU values indicated a dismal cardiometabolic risk profile, including higher HbA1C (p = 0.005) and higher body mass index (p < 0.001). In contrast, native hepatic T1-times yielded a more pronounced cardiac risk profile, including impaired systolic function (p = 0.045) and higher NT-proBNP values (N-Terminal Brain Natriuretic Peptide) (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Hepatic T1-times are easy to assess on standard T1-maps on CMR but only weakly correlated with hepatic HU values on CT and clinical NAFLD/MAFLD scores. Liver T1-times, however, are linked to impaired systolic function and higher natriuretic peptide levels. The prognostic value and clinical usefulness of hepatic T1-times in CMR cohorts warrants further research.

Cardiovascular CT and MRI in 2020: Review of Key Articles

Despite the global coronavirus pandemic, cardiovascular imaging continued to evolve throughout 2020. It was an important year for cardiac CT and MRI, with increasing prominence in cardiovascular research, use in clinical decision making, and in guidelines. This review summarizes key publications in 2020 relevant to current and future clinical practice. In cardiac CT, these have again predominated in assessment of patients with chest pain and structural heart diseases, although more refined CT techniques, such as quantitative plaque analysis and CT perfusion, are also maturing. In cardiac MRI, the major developments have been in patients with cardiomyopathy and myocarditis, although coronary artery disease applications remain well represented. Deep learning applications in cardiovascular imaging have continued to advance in both CT and MRI, and these are now closer than ever to routine clinical adoption. Perhaps most important has been the rapid deployment of MRI in enhancing understanding of the impact of COVID-19 infection on the heart. Although this review focuses primarily on articles published in Radiology, attention is paid to other leading journals where published CT and MRI studies will have the most clinical and scientific value to the practicing cardiovascular imaging specialist.

Cardiac MRI Depicts Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-induced Myocarditis: A Prospective Study

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for cancer treatment are associated with a spectrum of immune-related adverse events, including ICI-induced myocarditis; however, the extent of subclinical acute cardiac effects related to ICI treatment is unclear. Purpose To explore the extent of cardiac injury and inflammation related to ICI therapy that can be detected with use of cardiac MRI. Materials and Methods In this prospective study from November 2019 to April 2021, oncologic participants, without known underlying structural heart disease or cardiac symptoms, underwent multiparametric cardiac MRI before planned ICI therapy (baseline) and 3 months after starting ICI therapy (follow-up). The cardiac MRI protocol incorporated assessment of cardiac function, including systolic myocardial strain, myocardial edema, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), T1 and T2 relaxation times, and extracellular volume fraction. The paired t test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and McNemar test were used for intraindividual comparisons. Results Twenty-two participants (mean age ± standard deviation, 65 years ± 14; 13 men) were evaluated, receiving a median of four infusions of ICI therapy (interquartile range, four to six infusions). Compared with baseline MRI, participants displayed increased markers of diffuse myocardial edema at follow-up (T1 relaxation time, 972 msec ± 26 vs 1006 msec ± 36 [P < .001]; T2 relaxation time, 54 msec ± 3 vs 58 msec ± 4 [P < .001]; T2 signal intensity ratio, 1.5 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 0.3 [P = .03]). Left ventricular average systolic longitudinal strain had decreased at follow-up MRI (-23.4% ± 4.8 vs -19.6% ± 5.1, respectively; P = .005). New nonischemic LGE lesions were prevalent in two of 22 participants (9%). Compared with baseline, small pericardial effusions were more evident at follow-up (one of 22 participants [5%] vs 10 of 22 [45%]; P = .004). Conclusion In participants who received immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for cancer treatment, follow-up cardiac MRI scans showed signs of systolic dysfunction and increased parameters of myocardial edema and inflammation. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Mechanistic insights into the pathophysiology of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy

Myocardial dysfunction in end stage cirrhotic liver disease, termed cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, is a long known, but little understood comorbidity seen in ∼50% of adults and children who present for liver transplantation. Structural, functional, hemodynamic and electrocardiographic aberrations that occur in the heart as a direct consequence of a damaged liver, is associated with multi-organ failure and increased mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing surgical procedures such as porto-systemic shunt placement and liver transplantation. Despite its clinical significance and rapid advances in science and pharmacotherapy, there is yet no specific treatment for this disease. This may be due to a lack of understanding of the pathogenesis and mechanisms behind how a cirrhotic liver causes cardiac pathology. This review will focus specifically on insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive this liver-heart interaction. Deeper understanding of the etio-pathogenesis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy will allow us to design and test treatments that can be targeted to prevent and/or reverse this co-morbid consequence of liver failure and improve health care delivery and outcomes in patients with cirrhosis.

Non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in autoimmune hepatitis: Diagnostic value of liver magnetic resonance parametric mapping including extracellular volume fraction

Purpose

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated chronic liver disease that leads to severe fibrosis and cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of T1 and T2 mapping as well as extracellular volume fraction (ECV) for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in AIH patients.

Methods

In this prospective study, 27 patients (age range: 19–77 years) with AIH underwent liver MRI. T1 and T2 relaxation times as well as ECV were quantified by mapping techniques. The presence of significant fibrosis (≥ F2) was defined as magnetic resonance elastography (MRE)-based liver stiffness ≥ 3.66 kPa. MRE was used as reference standard, against which the diagnostic performance of MRI-derived mapping parameters was tested. Diagnostic performance was compared by utilizing receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

MRE-based liver stiffness correlated with both, hepatic native T1 (r = 0.69; P < 0.001) as well as ECV (r = 0.80; P < 0.001). For the assessment of significant fibrosis, ECV yielded a sensitivity of 85.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 60.1–96.0%) and a specificity of 84.6% (CI 60.1–96.0%); hepatic native T1 yielded a sensitivity of 85.7% (CI 60.1–96.0%); and a specificity of 76.9% (CI 49.7–91.8%). Diagnostic performance of hepatic ECV (area under the curve (AUC): 0.885), native hepatic T1 (AUC: 0.846) for assessment of significant fibrosis was similar compared to clinical fibrosis scores (APRI (AUC: 0.852), FIB-4 (AUC: 0.758), and AAR (0.654) (P > 0.05 for each comparison)).

Conclusion

Quantitative mapping parameters such as T1 and ECV can identify significant fibrosis in AIH patients. Future studies are needed to explore the value of parametric mapping for the evaluation of different disease stages.

Advances in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a well-recognized entity. When patients with CCM encounter challenges such as liver transplantation, overt cardiac dysfunction manifests, leading to morbidity and mortality. Although revised diagnostic criteria for CCM have recently been proposed, these still need to be validated.

RECENT FINDINGS

Previous reviews have summarized the mechanisms of CCM, such as abnormalities of the β-adrenergic pathway, cardiac plasma membrane biophysical and biochemical properties, and electrophysiological changes. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress also play important roles. The present review details further mechanisms of CCM, which include myosin heavy chain isoform shifts and abnormalities in cellular calcium transients. Additionally, we review recent studies on therapeutic strategies. Recent work underscores the importance of CCM in the natural history of the immediate and medium-term postoperative period after liver transplantation. Appropriate management strategies for CCM remain the area of greatest unmet need, requiring much further research.

SUMMARY

CCM is a clinically relevant syndrome affecting patients with cirrhosis, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. New diagnostic criteria have been recently proposed by an expert working group. The pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely clarified and optimal management strategies need much further study.

Hepatocardiac or Cardiohepatic Interaction: From Traditional Chinese Medicine to Western Medicine

There is a close relationship between the liver and heart based on "zang-xiang theory," "five-element theory," and "five-zang/five-viscus/five-organ correlation theory" in the theoretical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Moreover, with the development of molecular biology, genetics, immunology, and others, the Modern Medicine indicates the existence of the essential interorgan communication between the liver and heart (the heart and liver). Anatomically and physiologically, the liver and heart are connected with each other primarily via "blood circulation." Pathologically, liver diseases can affect the heart; for example, patients with end-stage liver disease (liver failure/cirrhosis) may develop into "cirrhotic cardiomyopathy," and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may promote the development of cardiovascular diseases via multiple molecular mechanisms. In contrast, heart diseases can affect the liver, heart failure may lead to cardiogenic hypoxic hepatitis and cardiac cirrhosis, and atrial fibrillation (AF) markedly alters the hepatic gene expression profile and induces AF-related hypercoagulation. The heart can also influence liver metabolism via certain nonsecretory cardiac gene-mediated multiple signals. Moreover, organokines are essential mediators of organ crosstalk, e.g., cardiomyokines link the heart to the liver, while hepatokines link the liver to the heart. Therefore, both TCM and Western Medicine, and both the basic research studies and the clinical practices, all indicate that there exist essential "heart-liver axes" and "liver-heart axes." To investigate the organ interactions between the liver and heart (the heart and liver) will help us broaden and deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of both liver and heart diseases, thus improving the strategies of prevention and treatment in the future.

Cardiac MRI in Suspected Acute COVID-19 Myocarditis

Keywords: COVID-19; coronavirus; myocarditis; cardiac MRI; T1 mapping; T2 mapping

Controlled underdilation using novel VIATORR® controlled expansion stents improves survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt implantation

Background & Aims

Smaller 8-mm diameter transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) appear to be more beneficial than larger 10-mm TIPS stent-grafts, but lack the ability for secondary dilation in cases of clinical ineffectiveness. Underdilated VIATORR® TIPS stent grafts (VTS) expand passively, whereas novel VIATORR Controlled Expansion (VCX) stent grafts do not. This study evaluated the impact on survival of underdilated VCX compared with VTS in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Methods

This was a prospective case-control study including patients with cirrhosis receiving TIPS using 10-mm VCX underdilated to 8 mm. Patients with cirrhosis receiving 10-mm VTS underdilated to 8 mm were matched for age, sex, indication for TIPS, and liver function.

Results

A total of 114 patients (47 VCX, 47 VTS, and 20 fully dilated VCX/VTS) were included. After TIPS implantation, underdilated VCX diameter was 8.0 (7.8-9.2) mm at a median time of 359 (87-450) days, compared with VTS at 9.9 (9.7-10.0) mm (p <0.001). The portosystemic pressure gradient immediately after TIPS procedure and after 7 days did not change significantly in VCX [mean 9.4 (± 0.8) vs. 10.4 (± 0.7) mmHg, p = 0.115). Hospital readmission rates for hepatic encephalopathy were 23% (n = 11) vs 51% (n = 24) for VCX and VTS (p <0.001), respectively. Patients with VCX had significantly lower rates of large-volume paracentesis (n = 5 [11%] vs. n = 10 [21%], p = 0.017) and heart failure (n = 1 [2%] vs. n = 7 [15%], p = 0.015). One-year mortality for underdilated VCX and VTS was 15% (n = 7) and 30% (n = 14) and, for fully dilated VCX/VTS, was 45% (n = 9) (log-rank p = 0.008), respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that VCX stent grafts underdilated to 8 mm do not passively expand to nominal diameter and suggests reduced hospital readmissions because of hepatic encephalopathy, uncontrolled ascites, and heart failure, and improved 1-year survival compared with underdilated VTS.

Lay summary

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) improves survival in selected patients with liver cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding or refractory ascites. Smaller 8-mm diameter TIPS stent grafts appear to improve patient outcome compared with larger 10-mm diameter stent grafts. Novel VIATORR® Controlled Expansion (VCX) stent grafts facilitate safe and stable underdilation to 8 mm of large 10-mm diameter stent grafts with improved patient outcome (survival, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites and heart failure) compared with legacy VIATORR TIPS stent graft (VTS). Thus, the use of underdilated VCX could preserve heart function.

Clinical Trials Registration

The study is registered at Clinicaltrials.govNCT03628807.

Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM), cardiac dysfunction in end-stage liver disease in the absence of prior heart disease, is an important clinical entity that contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. The original definition for CCM, established in 2005 at the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCG), was based upon known echocardiographic parameters to identify subclinical cardiac dysfunction in the absence of overt structural abnormalities. Subsequent advances in cardiovascular imaging and in particular myocardial deformation imaging have rendered the WCG criteria outdated. A number of investigations have explored other factors relevant to CCM, including serum markers, electrocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging. CCM characteristics include a hyperdynamic circulatory state, impaired contractility, altered diastolic relaxation, and electrophysiological abnormalities, particularly QT interval prolongation. It is now known that cardiac dysfunction worsens with the progression of cirrhosis. Treatment for CCM has traditionally been limited to supportive efforts, but new pharmacological studies appear promising. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in CCM can be improved by targeted heart rate reduction. Ivabradine combined with carvedilol improves left ventricular diastolic dysfunction through targeted heart rate reduction, and this regimen can improve survival in patients with cirrhosis. Orthotopic liver transplantation also appears to improve CCM. Here, we canvass diagnostic challenges associated with CCM, introduce cardiac physiology principles and the application of echocardiographic techniques, and discuss the evidence behind therapeutic interventions in CCM.

Multiparametric cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric and adolescent patients with acute myocarditis

BACKGROUND

The diagnostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) employing the 2018 Lake Louise criteria in pediatric and adolescent patients with acute myocarditis is undefined.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic value of the Lake Louise criteria in pediatric and adolescent patients with suspected acute myocarditis and to show the utility of cardiac MRI for follow-up in this patient cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-three patients (age range: 8-21 years) with suspected acute myocarditis and 13 control patients who underwent cardiac MRI were retrospectively analyzed. T2-weighted and late gadolinium enhancement imaging were performed in all patients. T1 and T2 mapping were available in 26/43 patients (60%). The Lake Louise criteria were assessed. In 27/43 patients (63%), cardiac MRI follow-up was available. Receiver operating characteristic analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient and paired Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In the total cohort, the Lake Louise criteria achieved a sensitivity of 86% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72-95%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 79-100%) for the diagnosis of acute myocarditis. In the subgroup of patients with available mapping parameters, the diagnostic performance of the Lake Louise criteria was higher when mapping parameters were implemented into the score (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.944 vs. 0.870; P=0.033). T2 relaxation times were higher in patients with admission to the intermediate care unit and were associated with the length of intermediate care unit stay (r=0.879, P=0.049). Cardiac MRI markers of active inflammation decreased on follow-up examinations (e.g., T1 relaxation times: 1,032±39 ms vs. 975±33 ms, P<0.001; T2 relaxation times: 58±5 ms vs. 54±5 ms, P=0.003).

CONCLUSION

The Lake Louise criteria have a high diagnostic performance for the diagnosis of acute myocarditis and are a valuable tool for follow-up in pediatric and adolescent patients. The mapping techniques enhance the diagnostic performance of the 2018 Lake Louise criteria.