Abstract
BACKGROUND: Native T1 mapping has emerged as a noninvasive non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method to assess for diffuse myocardial fibrosis. However, LV native T1 time in AF patients and its clinical relevance are unclear. METHODS: Fifty paroxysmal AF patients referred for PVI (60 ± 8 years, 37 male) and 11 healthy control subjects (57 ± 8 years, 10 male) were studied. All patients were in sinus rhythm during the MRI scan. Native T1 mapping images were acquired using a Modified Look-Locker imaging (MOLLI) sequence in 3 short-axis planes (basal, mid and apical slices) using an electrocardiogram triggered single-shot acquisition with a balanced steady-state free precession readout. Late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) MRI was acquired to evaluate for LV myocardial scar. RESULTS: LV ejection fraction was similar between groups (AF: 61 ± 6%; controls: 60 ± 6%, p=0.75). No LV myocardial scar was observed in any patient on LGE. Myocardial native T1 time was greater in AF patients (1099 ± 52 vs 1042 ± 20 msec, p<0.001). During a median follow-up period of 326 days, 18 of 50 (36%) patients experienced recurrence of AF. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis identified elevated native T1 time as an independent predictor of recurrence of AF (HR: 6.53, 95% CI: 1.25-34.3, p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in the native LV myocardial T1 time between AF patients with preserved LV function referred for PVI and normal controls. Native T1 time is an independent predictor of recurrence of AF after PVI in patients with paroxysmal AF.