Acute reverse remodelling after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A link between myocardial fibrosis and left ventricular mass regression

Laura Elizabeth Dobson, Tarique A. Musa, Akhlaque Uddin, Timothy A. Fairbairn, Peter P. Swoboda, Bara Erhayiem, James Foley, Pankaj Garg, Philip Haaf, Graham J. Fent, Christopher J. Malkin, Daniel J. Blackman, Sven Plein, John P. Greenwood

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)
7 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Despite the wealth of data showing the positive effects on cardiac reverse remodelling in the long-term, the immediate effects of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on the left ventricle are yet to be comprehensively described using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Also, the link between myocardial fibrosis and acute left ventricular (LV) mass regression is unknown.

Methods: Fifty-seven patients with severe aortic stenosis awaiting TAVI underwent paired cardiovascular magnetic resonance scans before and early after the procedure (4 [interquartile range, 3-5] days). LV mass, volume, and function were measured. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging was performed to assess for the presence of and pattern of myocardial fibrosis.

Results: After the procedure, 53 (95%) patients experienced an immediate (10.1 ± 7.1%) reduction in indexed LV mass (LVMi) from 76 ± 15.5 to 68.4 ± 14.7 g/m2 (P < 0.001). Those with no LGE experienced the greatest LVMi regression (13.9 ± 7.1%) compared with those with a midwall/focal fibrosis pattern LGE (7.4 ± 5.8%) and infarct pattern LGE (7.2 ± 7.0%; P = 0.005). There was no overall change in LV ejection fraction (LVEF; 55.1 ± 12.1% to 55.5 ± 10.9%; P = 0.867), however a significant improvement in LVEF was seen in those with abnormal (< 55%; n = 24; 42%) baseline LVEF (43.2 ± 8.9 to 46.7 ± 10.5%; P = 0.027). Baseline LVMi (P = 0.005) and myocardial fibrosis (P < 0.001) were strong independent predictors of early LVMi regression.

Conclusions: LV reverse remodelling occurs immediately after TAVI, with significant LV mass regression in the total population and an improvement in LVEF in those with preexisting LV impairment. Those without myocardial fibrosis at baseline experience greater LV mass regression than those with fibrosis.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1411-1418
Number of pages8
JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology
Volume32
Issue number12
Early online date26 Apr 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2016

Cite this