Characterisation of cardiomyopathy by cardiac and aortic magnetic resonance in patients new to hemodialysis

Objectives: Cardiomyopathy is a key factor in accelerated cardiovascular mortality in haemodialysis (HD) patients. We aimed to phenotype cardiac and vascular dysfunction by tagged cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients recently commencing HD.

Methods: Fifty-four HD patients and 29 age and sex-matched controls without kidney disease were studied. Left ventricular (LV) mass, volumes, ejection fraction (EF), concentric remodelling, peak-systolic circumferential strain (PSS), peak diastolic strain rate (PDSR), LV dyssynchrony, aortic distensibility and aortic pulse wave velocity were determined.

Results: Global systolic function was reduced (EF 51 ± 10%, HD versus 59 ± 5%, controls, p < 0.001; PSS 15.9 ± 3.7% versus 19.5 ± 3.3%, p < 0.001). Diastolic function was decreased (PDSR 1.07 ± 0.33s(-1) versus 1.31 ± 0.38s(-1), p = 0.003). LV mass index was increased (63[54,79]g/m(2) versus 46[42,53]g/m(2), p < 0.001). Anteroseptal reductions in PSS were apparent. These abnormalities remained prevalent in the subset of HD patients with preserved EF >50% (n = 35) and the subset of HD patients without diabetes (n = 40). LV dyssynchrony was inversely correlated to diastolic function, EF and aortic distensibility. Diastolic function was inversely correlated to LV dyssynchrony, concentric remodelling, age and aortic pulse wave velocity.

Conclusion: Patients new to HD have multiple cardiac and aortic abnormalities as characterised by tagged CMR. Cardio-protective interventions are required from initiation of therapy.

Key points: • First characterisation of cardiomyopathy by tagged CMR in haemodialysis patients. • Diastolic function was correlated to LV dyssynchrony, concentric remodelling and aortic PWV. • Reductions in strain localised to the septal and anterior wall. • Bioimpedance measures were unrelated to LV strain, suggesting volume-independent pathogenetic mechanisms. • Multiple abnormalities persisted in the HD patient subset with preserved EF or without diabetes.