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Long-term follow-up of patients with acute myocarditis by magnetic resonance imaging

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Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals cardiac signal intensity changes in patients with acute myocarditis; however, the natural history of these changes and their relationship to individual outcomes are unknown. The relationship of MRI findings to long-term outcome was studied by serial MRI studies in 16 patients with acute myocarditis who were followed for 30±4 (SE) months. Myocardial contrast enhancement was monitored using contrast-enhanced T1-weighted fast spin-echo images. Left ventricular ejection fraction was measured with gradient-echo sequences. Clinical symptoms were scored. The results were compared to a control group of 26 age-matched, healthy volunteers. Myocardial contrast enhancement, which was markedly increased in the early course of the disease, decreased at 4 weeks and remained within the normal range in most patients after 30 months. Contrast enhancement 4 weeks after onset of symptoms was predictive for the functional and clinical long-term outcome.

Contrast-enhanced MRI may be a useful, noninvasive tool for long-term follow-up of patients with acute myocarditis. Furthermore, relatively early MRI findings may predict longer-term outcomes.

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Acknowledgements

We are indebted to Professor Friedrich C. Luft, M.D., for a thorough review of the manuscript and his helpful comments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Franz-Volhard-Klinik, Working group 'Cardiac Magnetic Resonance', Charité Campus Buch, Humboldt University, Wiltbergstrasse 50, 13122 , Berlin, Germany

    Anja Wagner, Jeanette Schulz-Menger, Rainer Dietz & Matthias G. Friedrich

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  1. Anja Wagner
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  2. Jeanette Schulz-Menger
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  3. Rainer Dietz
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  4. Matthias G. Friedrich
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Correspondence to Matthias G. Friedrich.

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Wagner, A., Schulz-Menger, J., Dietz, R. et al. Long-term follow-up of patients with acute myocarditis by magnetic resonance imaging. MAGMA 16, 17–20 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-003-0007-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-003-0007-7

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