The assessment of atrial function by velocity-encoded magnetic resonance imaging

摘要

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess velocity-encoded cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (Ve-CMR) in a population of patients referred for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), to determine the variability of atrial function, and to identify clinical parameters associated with left atrial function. Methods: This is a prospective study evaluating patients who were referred to our CMR center for a clinical CMR. Left atrial function was obtained via Ve-CMR thru-plane images across the mitral valve after acquiring 2 perpendicular in-plane images as “scouts”. The atrial function and mitral inflow were quantified by computer analysis (Argus, Siemens). Atrial function was defined as atrial contraction (A-wave) volume divided by total inflow volume. Left atrial volumes were calculated via computer analysis. Mitral regurgitation and left ventricular ejection fractions were assessed visually. Results: Thirty-nine patients, with mean age 56 +/- 10 years, were enrolled. The mean left atrial function was 22.9% +/-14.5%;the range in left atrial function was 0% - 57%. There was a significant positive correlation between atrial function and increased left ventricular ejection fraction (r= 0.44, P < 0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between atrial function and severity of mitral regurgitation (r = -0.60, P < 0.01), as well as left atrial volume (r = -0.36, P = 0.02). Conclusion: Our results indicate a wide variability in left atrial function and a significant association between left atrial function and left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial volume and mitral regurgitation.