Diagnostic Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Strain Analysis for Detection of Cardiac Sarcoidosis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived strain parameters in patients with sarcoidosis, and to compare results to standard CMR markers of sarcoidosis (edema/T2 ratio, early gadolinium enhancement, late gadolinium enhancement) for prediction of disease outcome.

Materials And Methods: 61 patients with biopsy-proven sarcoidosis underwent CMR examination. According to CMR results, patients were divided into two different groups: patients with (CMR+; n = 23) and without (CMR-; n = 38) findings consistent with cardiac sarcoidosis. In addition, a group of healthy age-matched volunteers (controls; n = 22) served as controls. Left ventricular functional parameters as well as left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential strain were evaluated in all three groups.

Results: Compared to controls, global longitudinal strain (GLS) was significantly impaired in patients with sarcoidosis, irrespective of cardiac involvement. No significant differences in GLS could be revealed between CMR+ and CMR- patients. Circumferential strain parameters were significantly impaired in CMR+ patients in comparison to CMR- patients and controls, while no significant differences could be revealed between CMR- patients and controls. GLS was significantly lower in patients with a negative outcome compared to controls. Compared to the rest of the CMR+ and CMR- patients, the GLS in patients with a negative outcome was further reduced but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion: GLS is the only strain parameter detecting left ventricular functional impairment in sarcoidosis patients with otherwise unsuspicious CMR and controls. GLS is further reduced in patients with a negative outcome. Thus, GLS may have the potential to serve as a marker for early cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis.

Key Points: · GLS is significantly impaired in sarcoidosis patients with an otherwise inconspicuous CMR, compared to controls. · GLS is reduced in patients with a negative outcome. · GLS may serve as a marker for early cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis.

Citation Format: · Dabir D, Meyer D, Kuetting D et al. Diagnostic Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Strain Analysis for Detection of Cardiac Sarcoidosis. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2018; 190: 712 - 721.