Redefinition of uremic cardiomyopathy by contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Mark, P.B. , Johnston, N., Groenning, B.A., Foster, J.E., Blyth, K.G., Martin, T.N., Steedman, T., Dargie, H.J. and Jardine, A.G. (2006) Redefinition of uremic cardiomyopathy by contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Kidney International, 69(10), pp. 1839-1845. (doi: 10.1038/sj.ki.5000249)

Abstract

Patients with end stage renal failure (ESRF) have an increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Left ventricular (LV) abnormalities, so called 'uremic cardiomyopathy', are associated with poorer outcome. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) accurately defines LV dimensions and identifies underlying myocardial pathology. We studied the relationship between LV function and myocardial pathology in ESRF patients with CMR. A total of 134 patients with ESRF underwent CMR. LV function was assessed with further images acquired after gadolinium-diethylentriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). The presence of myocardial fibrosis was indicated by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Two main myocardial pathologies were identified. A total of 19 patients (14.2%) displayed 'subendocardial LGE' representing myocardial infarction, which was associated with conventional cardiovascular risk factors including a history of ischemic heart disease (IHD) (P<0.001), hypercholesterolemia (P<0.05), and diabetes (P<0.01). Patients with subendocardial LGE had greater LV mass (P<0.05), LV dilation (P<0.01), and LV systolic dysfunction (P<0.001) compared to patients with no evidence of LGE. The second pattern, 'diffuse LGE', seen in 19 patients (14.2%) appeared to represent regional areas of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Diffuse LGE was associated with greater LV mass compared to patients without LGE (P<0.01) but not systolic dysfunction. In total, 28.4% of all patients exhibited evidence of myocardial fibrosis demonstrated by LGE. In contrast to published literature describing three forms of uremic cardiomyopathy – left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), dilation, and systolic dysfunction, we have shown that LVH is the predominant cardiomyopathy specific to uremia, while LV dilation and systolic dysfunction are due to underlying (possibly silent) ischemic heart disease.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mark, Professor Patrick and Dargie, Professor Henry and Jardine, Professor Alan
• Authors: Mark, P.B., Johnston, N., Groenning, B.A., Foster, J.E., Blyth, K.G., Martin, T.N., Steedman, T., Dargie, H.J., and Jardine, A.G.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Kidney International
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• ISSN: 0085-2538
• ISSN (Online): 1523-1755
• Published Online: 01 March 2006