Prognostic role of cardiac magnetic resonance in left ventricular non compaction

Abstract

Introduction Left ventricular non compaction (LVNC) is a heterogeneous entity with uncertain prognosis. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is widely used in the diagnosis of LVNC. However, its role in risk stratification has not been well established. Purpose Therefore, the aim of our study was to identify prognostic CMR variables in LVNC. Methods We conducted a retrospective longitudinal multicentre cohort study of consecutive patients fulfilling CMR LVNC criteria. The endpoints were heart failure (HF), ventricular arrhythmias (VA), systemic embolisms (SE) and all-cause mortality. Biventricular volumes, ejection fraction (LVEF and RVEF) as well as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were analysed. Results A total of 310 patients were included: age was 44.4±19 and 43% female. LVEF was 47% ± 15%, RVEF was 48±12 and 28 patients (9%) presented LGE. After a median follow-up of 3.8 2.5 years, 40 patients (13%) presented HF, 31 (10%) had VA, SE occurred in 6 (2%) and 3 patients (1%) died. Baseline characteristics of patients with and without HF and VA are described in Table 1. In univariate analysis, LVEF, LV volumes, LGE, and RVEF were associated with both HF and VA risk. In multivariate analysis, LVEF was the only variable independently associated with HF (HR 0.932, CI 95% 0.88–0.97, p 0.003). Patients with an LVEF >35% were at very low risk of HF (Figure 1A). With regards to VA, LGE was the only independent predictor (HR 2.64, IC 95% 1.059–6.61, p 0.003) (Figure 1B). In LGE negative patients, the arrhythmic risk was higher among those with an LVEF <35% (HR 2.81, 95% CI 1.02–8.12, p 0.047). Conclusions In a large multicentre retrospective LVNC study, left ventricular ejection fraction and late gadolinium enhancement were the main predictors of cardiovascular events. Patients with an LVEF <35% and with LGE were at markedly increased risk. Therefore, we suggest that these variables should be combined to enhance risk stratification in LVNC. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.