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Ako, J., Takenaka, K., Uno, K., Nakamura, F., Shoji, T., Iijima, K., Ohike, Y., Kim, S., Watanabe, T., Yoshizumi, M. and Ouchi, Y. (2001) Reversible left ventricular systolic dysfunction—Reversibility of coronary microvascular abnormality. Japanese Circulation Journal, 42, 355-363. doi:10.1536/jhj.42.355

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• TITLE: Gadolinium enhanced MRI in patients with left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome implicates myocarditis as an etiology

  AUTHORS: Andrew O. Maree, Christian Witzke, Godtfred Holmvang, Gregory D. Lewis, Hani Jneid, Lindsay B. Reardon, Nadeem Afridi, Marc J. Semigran, G. William Dec, Harry C. Lowe, Igor F. Palacios

  KEYWORDS: Left Ventricular Apical Ballooning Syndrome; Gadolinium-Enhanced Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Myocarditis; Catecholamine

  JOURNAL NAME: World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, Vol.3 No.1A, March 26, 2013

  ABSTRACT: Aims: Left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome (LVABS) is a clinical condition of unknown etiology, characterized by acute onset of atypical apical wall motion and absence of coronary artery disease. Gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-MRI) may be used to identify patients with myocarditis. Using cardiac MRI, we evaluated whether acute myocarditis may be an etiology that underlies LVABS. Methods and Results: Consecutive patients who presented with LVABS during a three-year period were included. Demographic data was recorded and echocardiography, coronary angiography, and hemodynamic assessment performed. Gd-MRI was performed in all patients. The study was deemed consistent with myocarditis when global myocardial to skeletal muscle enhancement ratio was ≥3.5. Regional Gd-MRI analysis was also performed. Patients (n = 11) were female (100%) and of mean age 72 years (72 ± 11). Preceding febrile illness occurred in 4 (36.3%) and leukocytosis in 6 (54.4%) patients. Initial mean left ventricular ejection fraction (41% ± 12%) improved (70.2% ± 8%) upon follow-up (39 ± 43 days). Global MRI analysis was positive in 5/11 (45.5%) (mean relative enhancement ratio 4.8 ± 1.4). Regional MRI analysis was positive in 4/6 further patients (overall: 9/11 (82%)). Conclusions: Gadolinium enhanced MRI imaging in LVABS implicates myocarditis as a possible etiology. Regional MRI analysis adds sensitivity to global cardiac MRI evaluation.