Quantitative first pass perfusion in cardiovascular magnetic resonance for determination of peak ventricular transit time--a technique for evaluation of heart function.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine peak ventricular transit time (PVTT) using cardiac magnetic resonance (cMRI) imaging with first-pass perfusion and to evaluate PVTT as a potential new predictor of cardiac failure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

cMRI was performed on 150 patients. The PVTT between the right and left ventricle was measured. Patients were divided into three groups based on their pump function: (1) severely reduced pump function (left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF<30%), (2) moderately reduced pump function (left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF 30-54%), and (3) normal pump function (LVEF>55%). PVTT from the right to left ventricle was significantly prolonged in patients with a reduced LVEF compared to the group with a normal pump function. The longest PVTT (13.4±4.8 s) was measured in patients with a severely reduced pump function, prolonged PVTT was also found in the group with moderately reduced pump function (8.5±2.1 s). The shortest PVTT (6.3±1.8 s) was observed in the group with a normal pump function. Additionally, a highly significant negative correlation was revealed between PVTT and LVEF (r=-0.696, p<0.01). PVTT presented a positive significant correlation to end diastolic volume (EDV, r=0.572, p<0.01) and to end systolic volume (ESV, r=0.666, p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Peak ventricular transit times measured by cMRI may be an additional and simple tool to evaluate cardiac function in patients, independent of the other common cardiac functional parameters.