Impairment in Quantitative Microvascular Function in Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy as Demonstrated Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Abstract Purpose Microvascular dysfunction (MVD)—defined as impaired augmentation of the microcirculation in response to stress—is present in various cardiovascular diseases and portends worse outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between MVD and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) utilizing stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) as compared to a cohort of control patients. Methods We retrospectively studied 41 consecutive patients with NICM (mean age 51 ± 14, 59% male) and 58 controls with preserved systolic function (mean age 51 ± 13, 31% male) who underwent adenosine stress CMR exams between 2011–2016. Microvascular function was assessed visually and with myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI), quantified using first pass perfusion imaging by comparing perfusion slopes of myocardium and blood pool at rest/stress. MVD was defined visually as presence of subendocardial stress perfusion defect and quantitatively by MPRI < 1.51. MPRI was compared between NICM and controls using univariate analysis and multivariable linear regression. Results Impaired MPRI was noted in 37 patients (23 in NICM and 14 in control cohorts). In patients with NICM, 23 (56%) had MVD by quantitative assessment, while 11 (27%) by visual evaluation. No differences in comorbidities were noted between cohorts. Compared with controls, NICM patients had lower rest perfusion slope (3.9 vs 4.9, p = 0.05), stress perfusion slope (8.8 vs 11.7, p < 0.001), and MPRI (1.41 vs 1.74, p = 0.02). MPRI remained associated with NICM after controlling for age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, and late gadolinium enhancement (log MPR, β coefficient = -0.17, p = 0.009). Conclusions MVD assessed with stress CMR is highly prevalent in NICM as compared to control patients with preserved systolic function. Quantitative MPRI assessment identities more NICM patients with MVD as compared to visual evaluation. NICM remains independently associated with an impaired MPRI after controlling for covariates. Further studies are needed to determine whether targeted therapies to treat MVD are beneficial in NICM.