Objective To explore the clinical usefulness of low-dose dual-source CT (DSCT) angiography in detecting coronary artery anomaly (CAA) in patients with complex congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods A total of 615 consecutive patients with complex CHD who underwent DSCT angiography between 2008 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. According to the ultrasonic results, a total of 312 patients with tetralogy of Fallot (n=176 cases) or double outlet right ventricle (n=72 cases) or pulmonary artery atresia (n=64 cases) were included. Scans were divided into 3 groups: retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered spiral scanning in 75 cases, prospective ECG?triggered spiral scanning in 158 cases, and prospective ECG?triggered high?pitch spiral scanning in 79 cases. The subjective image quality was evaluated with a four?point scale by two radiologists. Radiation dose values were calculated. Interobserver agreement in subjective image quality grading was assessed by using Kappa statistics. The scanning groups were compared with the Kruskal?Wallis test. Results The incidence of CAA was 8.0 %(25/312). CAA was detected in 7.9%(14/176)patients with tetralogy of Fallot, 8.3%(6/72)patients with double outlet right ventricle, 7.8%(5/64)patients with pulmonary artery atresia. In 76%(19/25)of the patients, the anomalous vessels were crossing the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Thirty of 312 CT examinations were nondiagnostic (9.6%). Two radiologists acquired good agreement (Kappa=0.72,P<0.01). The median subjective image quality score of three scan groups was 3 (range 1—4). The score in high?pitch spiral scanning group was significantly lower than those in other two groups (H=29.1,P<0.01). Retrospective ECG?triggered scans had a median dose of 1.19 mSv(range 0.52—3.29 mSv), prospectively ECG?triggered scans had a median dose of 0.51 mSv(range 0.27—2.13 mSv), and prospectively ECG?triggered high?pitch spiral scans had a median effective dose of 0.30 mSv(range 0.18—0.62 mSv). The difference between groups was statistically significant (H=160.0, P<0.01). Conclusions DSCT angiography is a reliable diagnostic method for the assessment of CAA with complex CHD and low?dose prospectively ECG?triggered DSCT scan is the best choice.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of MRI for assessment of re-distribution of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells injected intramyocardially in main organs (heart, liver, spleen and kidney) under different heart status (beating or arresting) in a porcine model. Methods Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from the male swine and labeled with iron oxide during culture. Acute myocardial infarction was created in female swine, one week later, the survivors were randomly divided into 4 groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass was set up to arrest the heart, and then labeled cells (1×108) were intramyocardially injected into the border of the infracted myocardium in group 1 (n=6). The same volume of cells was grafted into the beating heart in group 2 (n=6). In group 3 and 4, saline was injected into either the arresting or beating myocardium. Three days later, re-distribution of stem cells and cardiac function were assessed by T2*WI and cine MRI, respectively. All animals were sacrificed for histology and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of sex-determining region on Y-chromosome (SRY) investigation.The ANOVA and t test was used for statistics. Results The left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) before transplantation for group 1-4 were: (56.8±5.3),(54.8±6.8),(57.4±4.3)and(56.8±2.8) ml, and after transplantation for group 1-4 were: (65.2±5.2),(63.2±3.7),(60.2±4.7)and(62.2±4.4) ml. The left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) before transplantation for group 1-4 were: (33.5±7.6),(32.3±5.3),(33.5±3.6)and(32.7±4.6) ml,and after transplantation for group 1-4 were: (37.3±5.6),(36.3±6.9),(34.3±5.4)and(36.3±8.1) ml. The left ventricular EF values (LVEF) before transplantation for group 1-4 were: (42.3±7.2)%,(41.7±6.8)%,(41.8±8.6)% and(42.7±7.7)%,and after transplantation for group 1-4 were: (44.5±8.7)%,(43.1±7.4)%,(42.8±5.6)% and(43.3±8.4)%. The myocardial infarction area (MI) before transplantation for group 1-4 were: (6.5±2.1),(6.4±1.9),(6.5±2.5)and(6.4±2.6) cm2,and after transplantation for group 1-4 were: (6.4±2.3),(6.2±2.6),(6.3±2.5)and(6.4±2.8) cm2 . There were no statistical differences before and after transplantation in these 4 groups[P values of before and after transplantation for LVEDV, LVESV, LVEF,MI were >0.05 (F= 0.277, 0.066,0.066, 0.003); and >0.05 (F= 1.137,0.182,0.021,0.008),respectively]. The T2 value of the infracted myocardium in group 1 decreased more obviously than that in group 2[(-22.3 ± 2.2) vs (-17.0 ± 0.8) ms, t=-5.489, P＜0.01], while the T2 value of the spleen decreased more significantly in group 2 than that in group 1[(-7.7 ± 0.7) vs (-13.3 ± 1.1) ms,t=9.055, P＜0.01]. The T2 values of the liver and kidney were no significant differences in group 1 and 2 (liver, t=-0.532,P>0.05 and kidney, t=-0.113,P>0.05). The results of RT-PCR in group 1 and 2 showed significant differences in heart[(150±62) vs (72±4) U/L ,P<0.05, t=3.109], spleen[(131±1) vs (233±17) U/L, P＜0.01, t=- 13.286]and liver[(17±1) vs (9±5) U/L ,P<0.01,t= 3.492]. Pathological examination demonstrated that the transplanted stem cells were positive for Prussian blue staining, which had a good correlation with MRI results. Conclusion MRI can serve as a convenient and efficient imaging method to track the migration of stem cells with SPIO labeled in early stage and evaluate its early re-distribution in vivo. Injection of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the arresting heart could favor retaining more cells in the myocardium.

marked hi-atrial dilation, near-normal ventricular chambers and near-normal ventricular thickness were presented. Conclusion MRI is an excellent imaging modality for the diagnosis of restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Objective To define the diagnostic criteria of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in distinguishing isolated left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) from lesser degrees of hypertrabeculation. Methods Twenty-five patients with LVNC, 39 with dilated cardiomyopathy ( DCM), 16 with aortic stenosis(AS), 15 with aortic regurgitation(AR) , 19 with hypertension (HT) and 22 normal subjects were enrolled in this study. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed to evaluate the left chamber diameter, functional parameters and noncompaction or hypertrabeculation of the left ventricle in diastole with one-way ANOVA. The left ventricle was divided into 17 segments for localizing all involved segments in this present study. Results The LVNC patients had the commonest myocardial segments involved (10±2)in all subjects. Each patient with LVNC was unexceptionally associated with apical noncompaction (17th segment) , which was seldom found in the other subjects. The lateral walls including 16th, 12th and 11th segments were the most vulnerable segments in all subjects, but nobody was found to involve the basal and mid septum including 2nd, 3rd, 8th and 9th segments. The end-diastolic NC/C (noncompaction/compaction) ratio was, on average, the greatest in patients with LVNC (3.3±0.6), compared with all other subjects(AS:1.0 ±0.3, AR:1.0 ±0.3,HT:0.8 ±0.1,healthy volunteers:0.9 ±0. 2) (F = 169. 62,P <0.05). Receiver operating characteristics analysis identified the end-diastolic NC/C ratio of>2.5 as a valuable parameter to distinguish LVNC from DCM.with values for sensitivity of 96.O%(24/25)and specificity of 94.9%(37/39),respectively.The mean number of NC/C ratio>2.5 segments in the LVNC patients was 4.0 ±2.0.while 8 of 39 patients with DCM had only one segment of NC/C ratio >2.5.Conclusions MRI is all exceUent imaging modality to diagnose LVNC and distinguish LIVNC from hypertrabeeulation.The criteria of LVNC is the NC/C ratio>2.5 in two or more than two segments of free ventricular walls associated with the left ventrieular apex involved.

Objective To characterize the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) features of peripartum cardiomyopathy(PPCM) and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy(IDCM), and to explore the value of MRI in the diagnosis of PPCM. Methods Ten cases of PPCM and 10 cases of Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) were included in this study. With 1.5 T MRI scanner, the heart shape (atrioventricular size, hypertrabeculation, thickness of the thinnest ventricular wall), function (ventricular wall movement and the overall function), cardiomyopathy perfusion were comprehensively evaluated. Paired samples t?test and Fisher exact probability method were used for statistical analysis. Results Between PPCM and IDCM group, there was no statistical significant difference in the atrioventricular size, cardiac output(CO), end diastolic volume(EDV), ejection fraction (EF), end systolic volume (ESV) and stroke volume (SV) (P>0.05). IDCM and PPCM group both showed ventricular wall thinning on MRI, with 4 cases of PPCM and 3 cases of IDCM presenting hypertrabeculation in the left ventricular apex. Seven cases of PPCM and 4 cases of IDCM depicted left ventricular local dysfunction, while 3 cases of PPCM and 6 cases of IDCM had abnormal integral movement. Two cases of PPCM appeared local delayed enhancement, while 4 cases of IDCM showed intramural delayed enhancement. After one year of follow?up, heart function recovered in 10 cases of PPCM and 4 cases of IDCM. Conclusions MRI diagnosis using multiple sequences is an ideal method in the evaluation of PPCM. Although there were no differences in cardiac morphology and function between PPCM and IDCM, the prognosis of PPCM is better than IDCM.

ObjectiveTo assess the value of free-breathing 3D phase sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) turbo FLASH for demonstrating the left ventricular myocardial scar in patients with myocardial infarction.MethodsTwenty-three patients with myocardial infarction underwent 2D and 3D phase sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) Turbo FLASH sequences 10-15 minutes after injection of dimeglumine gadopentetate.The image quality,the area,location and volume of hyperenhanced scar were independently assessed by two experienced radiologists.Student′s t test or rank sum test and Pearson linear correlation were used for the statistics.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the overall image quality (2.57 ±0.59 vs 2.39 ±0.66,Z=-0.93,P =0.35),the area (24.48 ±10.83 vs 29.00 ± 11.56,Z=-1.41,P =0.16) and location ( 16.78 ± 6.51 vs 18.87 ± 6.76,Z =- 1.17,P =0.24) of hyperenhanced scar between 2D and 3D PSIR sequences.The mean volume of hyperenhanced scar was significantly greater in 3D PSIR sequence than that in 2D PSI R sequence [(23.46 ± 10.61 ) vs (31.65 ±　 13.86) cm3,t =-2.25,P =0.03].There was a good correlation in the volume of hyperenhanced scar between 2D PSIR and 3D PSIR sequences (r=0.940,P＜0.01 ;y =2.851 + 1.228x,R2 =0.883).ConclusionFree-breathing 3D PSIR Turbo FLASH is a promising new imaging technique for accurate assessment of myocardial scar.

ObjectiveTo investigate reproducibility of cardiac MRI for assessment of cardiac morphology and ventricular function in selected normal Chinese Han population.MethodsTwo hundred and sixty-nine normal volunteers underwent cardiac MRI using a 1.5 T MR system.HASTE and steady state free precession imaging were performed with long and short axis images and cine mode through the ventricle with wireless vector cardiac gating.The images were reviewed by two independent observers.The dimensions of cardiac chambers and ventricular function including ejection fraction (EF),end diastolic volume( EDV),end systolic volume (ESV) and myocardial mass were evaluated.The data between male and female were compared by using two-tailed unpaired t test.Results Total imaging time was (15 ± 3 ) min.The anteroposterior diameter of the left atrium was( 2.87 ± 0.77 ) cm,the right atrial diameter perpendicular to the atrial septum was ( 3.61 ± 0.57 ) cm,the end diastolic diameter of the left ventricle was (4.97 ±0.52) cm,the end diastolic diameter of the right ventricle was (2.65 ± 0.48) cm.On the left ventricle,EF was(60.62 ±7.08)％,EDV was (115.37 ±26.71) ml,ESV was (46.02+15.72) ml and LV mass was ( 82.97± 24.03 ) g.On the right ventricle,EF was (47.73 ± 6.50 ) ％,EDV was ( 128.27 ± 32.16 )ml,ESV was (67.7 ± 21.07) ml and RV mass was (48.24 ± 13.42) g.There were no statistically significant differences in LVESV( P =0.144 ),LVEDV index ( P =0.714 ),LVESV index ( P =0.113 ),LVCI ( P =0.199),RVEF ( P =0.296 ) and RV mass ( P =0.093 ),and statistically significant differences in other cardiac parameters between male and female.Conclusion Cardiac MRI can provide useful information about cardiac function and morphology with a high level of reproducibility in normal Chinese Han population.

Objective: To compare the imaging characteristics and long-term prognosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM) patients with or without left ventricular apical aneurysm(LVAA). Methods: Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from 18 patients diagnosed as HCM complicating with LVAA(HCM-LVAA group), hospitalized and underwent cardiac magentic resonance (CMR) examination in Fuwai Hospital between December 2012 and December 2016. Eighteen age and gender matched patients with HCM diagnosed by CMR served as control(HCM group). Outpatient and in-hospital clinical data as well as follow up results were compared. The major adverse cardiovascular events were defined as malignant arrhythmia events (including sudden cardiac death, ventricular flutter/ventricular fibrillation) and heart failure events (including heart transplantation, progressive heart failure). Results: Compared with HCM group, patients in HCM-LVAA group had a more positive family history of HCM(P=0.04), higher incidence of ST-T segment changes and abnormal Q wave in electrocardiograms (both P<0.01), the CMR derived left ventricular end-diastolic transverse diameter and end-diastolic volume index were also significantly higher (both P<0.05), and delayed enhancement was more significant ((25.26±10.60)% vs. (15.78±7.33)%, t=3.12, P=0.004) in HCM-LVAA group. Moreover, the left ventricular ejection fraction ((54.4±10.6)% vs. (67.5±7.6)%, t=-4.28, P<0.000 1) and the thickness of the apical wall ((3.11±1.05) mm vs. (5.46±1.94) mm, t=-4.49, P<0.000 1) were significantly lower in HCM-LVAA group than in HCM group. The mean follow-up duration was (3.46±1.64) years, 4 patients in HCM-LVAA group (22.2%) developed 4 cardiovascular events, including 1 sudden cardiac death, 3 progressive heart failures. One patient in HCM group developed progressive heart failure. Conclusion The prognosis of the HCM complicating with LVAA patients is worse than that of HCM patients without LVAA, and the amount of late gadolinium enhancement is higher than that of HCM patients without LVAA.