Myocardial Microvascular Function Assessed by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance First-pass Perfusion in Patients with Takotsubo Syndrome

Overview

Journal Eur Radiol

Date 2025 Jan 22

PMID 39841202

Authors

Riccardo Cau

Carolina Pitzalis

Francesco Pisu

Cesare Mantini

Gianluca Pontone

Maria Francesca Marchetti

Roberta Montisci

Rodrigo Salgado

Antonio Esposito

Luca Saba

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore microvascular function impairment using first-pass cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TS). Moreover, we explored myocardial microcirculation in patients with TS and related this to demographic data, cardiovascular risk factors, clinical parameters, cardiac biomarkers, and cardiac function.

Methods: This retrospective study performed CMR first-pass perfusion scans in 42 consecutive patients with TS (37 females, 70.6 ± 9.4 years). Moreover, we included 44 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (33 females, 66.4 ± 10.5 years). CMR-derived myocardial microcirculation function was analyzed and compared between TS patients and controls.

Results: Compared to age-, sex-, and cardiovascular risk factors-matched control group, TS patients demonstrated a lower perfusion index (PI) (0.140 ± 0.060 vs. 0.182 ± 0.056, p = 0.001). In multivariable analysis with adjustment for demographic data and cardiovascular risk factors, an impairment in PI was independently associated with left ventricle ejection fraction (β coefficient = 3.793, p = 0.001) and T2 mapping (β coefficient = -4.316, p = 0.001).

Conclusion: TS patients exhibited myocardial microvascular dysfunction, which was non-invasively assessed using first-pass CMR. This impaired myocardial microvascular function was found to be independently associated with left ventricular ejection fraction and myocardial edema.

Key Points: Question Can cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) cardiac MR first-pass perfusion help to better understand Takotsubo pathophysiology by exploring microvascular impairment? Findings CMR first-pass perfusion revealed significant microvascular dysfunction during the acute phase of Takotsubo syndrome, independently associated with left ventricular ejection fraction and myocardial edema. Clinical relevance Identifying an abnormal microvascular network using non-invasive biomarkers could enhance risk stratification and guide tailored management during the acute phase of Takotsubo syndrome.

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