Native T1 mapping in diffuse myocardial diseases using 3-Tesla MRI: An institutional experience

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR)
• Myocardial Diseases

Background:

• Native T1 mapping is an emerging cardiac MRI technique for diagnosing myocardial fibrosis.
• Its clinical utility, particularly in the Indian population, requires further validation.
• Establishing normal native T1 values is crucial for accurate disease assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine normal native T1 values in healthy Indian adults using a 3-Tesla MRI system.
• To assess the capability of native myocardial T1 mapping in differentiating normal hearts from diffuse myocardial diseases.

Main Methods:

• Native T1 mapping was performed on 12 healthy controls and 26 patients with diffuse myocardial diseases (myocarditis, HCM, DCM, amyloidosis) using a 3-Tesla MRI.
• Modified Look-Locker inversion recovery sequence was employed in short axis and four-chamber views.
• Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA with Tukey's Post-Hoc test and Chi-Square test.

Main Results:

• The mean native T1 value in healthy individuals was 1186.47 ± 45.67 ms.
• Patients with acute myocarditis, HCM, nonischemic DCM, and RCM due to amyloidosis exhibited significantly higher mean T1 values (P = 0.0005).
• Specific mean T1 values for disease groups ranged from 1341.31 ± 41.48 ms to 1418.68 ± 8.62 ms.

Conclusions:

• Native myocardial T1 mapping demonstrates significant potential as a diagnostic tool.
• It can effectively differentiate between healthy individuals and those with diffuse myocardial diseases.
• The study provides essential reference values for the Indian population.