Left ventricular blood flow kinetic energy after myocardial infarction - insights from 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance

J Cardiovasc Magn Reson. 2018 Aug 30;20(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s12968-018-0483-6.

Abstract

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to complex changes in left ventricular (LV) haemodynamics that are linked to clinical outcomes. We hypothesize that LV blood flow kinetic energy (KE) is altered in MI and is associated with LV function and infarct characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the intra-cavity LV blood flow KE in controls and MI patients, using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) four-dimensional (4D) flow assessment.

Methods: Forty-eight patients with MI (acute-22; chronic-26) and 20 age/gender-matched healthy controls underwent CMR which included cines and whole-heart 4D flow. Patients also received late gadolinium enhancement imaging for infarct assessment. LV blood flow KE parameters were indexed to LV end-diastolic volume and include: averaged LV, minimal, systolic, diastolic, peak E-wave and peak A-wave KEiEDV. In addition, we investigated the in-plane proportion of LV KE (%) and the time difference (TD) to peak E-wave KE propagation from base to mid-ventricle was computed. Association of LV blood flow KE parameters to LV function and infarct size were investigated in all groups.

Results: LV KEiEDV was higher in controls than in MI patients (8.5 ± 3 μJ/ml versus 6.5 ± 3 μJ/ml, P = 0.02). Additionally, systolic, minimal and diastolic peak E-wave KEiEDV were lower in MI (P < 0.05). In logistic-regression analysis, systolic KEiEDV (Beta = - 0.24, P < 0.01) demonstrated the strongest association with the presence of MI. In multiple-regression analysis, infarct size was most strongly associated with in-plane KE (r = 0.5, Beta = 1.1, P < 0.01). In patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (EF), minimal and in-plane KEiEDV were reduced (P < 0.05) and time difference to peak E-wave KE propagation during diastole increased (P < 0.05) when compared to controls with normal EF.

Conclusions: Reduction in LV systolic function results in reduction in systolic flow KEiEDV. Infarct size is independently associated with the proportion of in-plane LV KE. Degree of LV impairment is associated with TD of peak E-wave KE. In patient with preserved EF post MI, LV blood flow KE mapping demonstrated significant changes in the in-plane KE, the minimal KEiEDV and the TD. These three blood flow KE parameters may offer novel methods to identify and describe this patient population.

Keywords: 4D flow CMR; Flow quantification; Hemodynamics; Myocardial infarction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage
  • Coronary Circulation
  • Female
  • Gadolinium DTPA / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Perfusion Imaging / methods*
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prospective Studies
  • ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction / diagnostic imaging*
  • ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction / pathology
  • ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Function, Left

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium DTPA