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In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography
08:13

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography

Published on: February 16, 2016

Myocardial perfusion in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with and without atrial fibrillation

Felix T Range1, Matthias Paul, Klaus P Schäfers

  • 1Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.

Journal of Nuclear Medicine : Official Publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine
|February 19, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation have significantly reduced myocardial blood flow and perfusion reserve compared to those in sinus rhythm. This indicates worsened heart function in nonischemic DCM patients with AF.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

  • Idiopathic atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to reduced myocardial perfusion and perfusion reserve.
  • AF often develops during dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) progression and can worsen heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare myocardial perfusion in patients with nonischemic DCM, with and without AF.
  • To assess the impact of AF on myocardial blood flow and perfusion reserve in DCM.

Main Methods:

  • Compared 12 men with DCM and persistent AF to 18 men with DCM and sinus rhythm, and 22 healthy controls.
  • Quantified myocardial blood flow (MBF) at rest and during adenosine stress using PET and H(2)(15)O.

Main Results:

  • DCM patients without AF showed impaired hyperemic perfusion and perfusion reserve compared to controls.
  • DCM patients with AF exhibited further reduced resting and hyperemic perfusion compared to DCM patients without AF.
  • DCM patients with AF had the highest coronary vascular resistance and diminished perfusion reserve compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Patients with nonischemic DCM and AF have significantly reduced myocardial perfusion reserve and increased coronary resistance compared to those with sinus rhythm.
  • Further research is needed to understand the pathomechanisms underlying these findings.
Abstract

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