Use of quantitative analysis of remote myocardial fibrosis with delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging to predict outcomes after surgical ventricular restoration for ischemic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Preserved myocardial function remote from surgical site is crucial for good outcome after surgical ventricular restoration in ischemic cardiomyopathy. We hypothesized that left ventricular scarring untouched by operation would negatively affect postoperative outcome.

METHODS: In 15 consecutive patients (mean age 61 +/- 12 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 20% +/- 7.5%), left ventricular assessments by magnetic resonance imaging and right heart catheterization were performed before and after operation. Left ventricular basal scarring remote from surgical exclusion site was quantified from hyperenhancement area on preoperative delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging as percentage of fibrosis (total infarct size relative to ventricular mass).

RESULTS: Calculated percentage of fibrosis varied from 0% to 29.9% (mean 12% +/- 9.6%). Percentage of fibrosis linearly correlated with significantly worse postoperative hemodynamic variables and left ventricular function recovery: left ventricular ejection fraction (P = .0005, R = -0.79), left ventricular end-systolic volume index (P = .05, R = 0.51), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (P = .004, R = 0.70), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (P = .009, R = 0.65), and cardiac index (P = .005, R = -0.69). At mean 30-month follow-up, 4 patients with recurrent heart failure had significantly greater percentage of fibrosis than did those without recurrence (19% +/- 8.2% vs 8.8% +/- 8.6%, P = .04).

CONCLUSION: Amount of myocardial scarring at left ventricular base affected postoperative left ventricular function and hemodynamic improvements. Preoperative quantitative assessment of remote myocardial status with delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging may predict outcomes for patients undergoing surgical ventricular restoration.