Global and regional cardiac dysfunction quantified by F-FDG PET scans can predict ventricular arrhythmia in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Background: A low appropriate therapy rate indicates that a minority of patients will benefit from their implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Quantitative measurements from F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (F-FDG PET) may predict ventricular arrhythmia (VA) occurrence after ICD placement.

Methods: We performed a prospective observational study and recruited patients who required ICD placement. Pre-procedure image scans were performed. Patients were followed up for VA occurrence. Associations between image results and VA were analyzed.

Results: In 51 patients (33 males, 53.9 ± 17.2 years) analyzed, 17 (33.3%) developed VA. Compared with patients without VA, patients with VA had significantly larger values in scar area (17.7 ± 12.4% vs. 7.0 ± 7.9%), phase standard deviation (51.4° ± 14.0° vs. 34.0° ± 15.0°), bandwidth (172.9° ± 39.8° vs. 128.7° ± 49.9°), sum thickening score (STS, 29.5 ± 11.1 vs. 17.8 ± 13.2), and sum motion score (42.9 ± 11.5 vs. 33.0 ± 19.0). Cox regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that scar size, dyssynchrony, and STS were associated with VA occurrence (HR, 4.956, 95% CI 1.70-14.46).

Conclusion: Larger left ventricular scar burden, increased dyssynchrony, and higher STS quantified by F-FDG PET may indicate a higher VA incidence after ICD placement.