151 Myocardial Perfusion, Strain and Pre-Contrast T1 Values in Moderate Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis

Abstract

Introduction In severe aortic stenosis (AS) myocardial perfusion and myocardial strain (in particular longitudinal strain-LS) are reduced. Reduced myocardial perfusion in severe AS is thought to occur in the subendocardium due to increased LV pressure, leading to reduced LS and increased fibrosis. Our group previously showed a good correlation between pre-contrast T1 values using SHMOLLI (Shortened Modified Look-Locker Inversion recovery) sequence and histological quantification of diffuse fibrosis in severe AS. We hypothesised that impaired myocardial perfusion in patients with moderate AS would relate to impaired LS and increased precontrast T1 values (reflecting more diffuse fibrosis). Methods 31 patients (8 female) with asymptomatic moderate AS (by echo criteria) and normal ejection fraction were recruited. All subjects underwent CMR scanning at 1.5T for pre-contrast T1-mapping using the ShMOLLI sequence, stress and rest perfusion imaging, tagging and valve assessment. Average T1 values were analysed on a per-case basis. Perfusion scans were analysed to determine the myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) and tagging to determine strain. Results All patients (average age 67±12 years) underwent CMR scanning at 1.5 T. The average MPRI was 1.3±0.4. Average T1 values were 956±32 ms. There was a significant correlation between MPRI and LS (<0.05, r=−0.4, figure 1) but not circumferential strain (CS). Average LS was −11.1%±2%, average CS was −17%±3%. There was also a significant correlation of MPRI with aortic valve area (as measured by CMR planimetry mean (1.7 ±0.4 cm