Cardiac MRI feature-tracking-derived torsion mechanics in systolic and diastolic dysfunction in systemic light-chain...

To describe the myocardial torsion mechanics in cardiac amyloidosis (CA), and evaluate the correlations between left ventricle (LV) torsion mechanics and conventional parameters using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging feature tracking (CMR-FT).

One hundred and thirty-nine patients with light-chain CA (AL-CA) were divided into three groups: group 1 with preserved systolic function (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] ≥50%, n=55), group 2 with mildly reduced systolic function (40% ≤ LVEF <50%, n=51), and group 3 with reduced systolic function (LVEF <40%, n=33), and compared with age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n=26). All patients underwent cine imaging and late gadolinium-enhancement (LGE). Cine images were analysed offline using CMR-FT to estimate torsion parameters.

Global torsion, base-mid torsion, and peak diastolic torsion rate (diasTR) were significantly impaired in patients with preserved systolic function (p<0.05 for all), whereas mid-apex torsion and peak systolic torsion rate (sysTR) were preserved (p>0.05 for both) compared with healthy controls. In patients with mildly reduced systolic function, global torsion and base-mid torsion were lower compared to those with preserved systolic function (p<0.05 for both), while mid-apex torsion, sysTR, and diasTR were preserved (p>0.05 for all). In patients with reduced systolic function, only sysTR was significantly worse compared with mildly reduced systolic function (p<0.05). At multivariable analysis, right ventricle (RV) end-systolic volume RVESV index and NYHA class were independently related to global torsion, whereas LVEF was independently related to sysTR. RV ejection fraction (RVEF) was independently related to diasTR. LV global torsion performed well (AUC 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61, 0.77) in discriminating transmural from non-transmural LGE in AL-CA patients.

LV torsion mechanics derived by CMR-FT could help to monitor LV systolic and diastolic function in AL-CA patients and function as a new imaging marker for LV dysfunction and LGE transmurality.