T1 Mapping in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance-A Marker of Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients Undergoing...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients face elevated cardiovascular disease risks.
• Subclinical myocardial changes post-HSCT require sensitive detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate subclinical myocardial tissue alterations in HSCT recipients using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) tissue imaging.
• To assess changes in myocardial fibrosis and edema using T1 and T2 mapping techniques post-HSCT.

Main Methods:

• Prospective analysis of 44 HSCT patients (autologous and allogeneic) from October 2021 to February 2023.
• Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, including T1 and T2 mapping, performed before and 12 months after HSCT.
• Calculation of left ventricular (LV) volumes, mass, ejection fraction, and measurement of T1/T2 mapping values.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase in T1 mapping values was observed post-HSCT (1226.13 ± 39.74 ms pre-HSCT vs. 1248.70 ± 41.07 ms post-HSCT, p=0.01).
• No significant changes were found in other assessed parameters, including LV volumes, mass, and ejection fraction.
• T2 mapping values remained unchanged, suggesting no significant edema or active inflammation at 12 months post-HSCT.

Conclusions:

• Elevated T1 mapping values after HSCT may indicate progressive diffuse myocardial fibrosis.
• CMR T1 mapping is a valuable tool for detecting subclinical myocardial injury in HSCT survivors.
• T2 mapping suggests a lack of significant myocardial edema or inflammation 12 months post-HSCT.