T1 mapping and extracellular volume of myocardium in patients with systemic sclerosis - preliminary results of prospective study
Abstract
Aim: Comparison of myocardial T1 mapping analysis in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and a control group of healthy volunteers as part of the preliminary results of a prospective study focusing on detection of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Methods: 33 SSc patients and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled in a prospective study and underwent MR examination, echocardiographic examination and determination of laboratory parameters.
The study was approved by the local ethics committee and the participants signed an informed consent. Within the complex MR examinations were performed sequences for analysis of T1 relaxation time (T1 mapping) in myocardium prior and after intravenous administration of Gd contrast agents with subsequent calculation of extracellular volume (ECV).
Comparison of results between SSc and control group was performed in first phase of assessment. Results: Statistically significant (p < 0.0001) higher native T1 values was proved in SSc group (mean 1259.3 ? 51.2) compared with the control group (1203.6 ? 29.9).
Similarly, statistically significant (p < 0.0001) difference was detected in calculated ECV (%) when in a group of SSc was demonstrated higher mean value (28.6 ? 4.9) than in the control group (23.3 ? 2.1). In the case of T1 values after intravenous administration of Gd contrast agents has been also demonstrated a difference of average values, however, with only a small statistical significance (p = 0.026), when the average value of T1 in SSc group decreased to 586.6 ? 64 and control file to 639.4 ? 38th.
Conclusions: Preliminary results of a prospective study showed significantly higher native T1 values and ECV in patients with systemic sclerosis compared with a control group. These results confirm the contribution of the methodology used in the assessment of diffuse fibrosis of the myocardium, which will is the main focus of the study.