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Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

Myocardial T2 mapping reveals age- and sex-related differences in volunteers

Authors: Florian Bönner, Niko Janzarik, Christoph Jacoby, Maximilian Spieker, Bernhard Schnackenburg, Felix Range, Britta Butzbach, Sebastian Haberkorn, Ralf Westenfeld, Mirja Neizel-Wittke, Ulrich Flögel, Malte Kelm

Published in: Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

T2 mapping indicates to be a sensitive method for detection of tissue oedema hidden beyond the detection limits of T2-weighted Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR). However, due to variability of baseline T2 values in volunteers, reference values need to be defined. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effects of age and sex on quantitative T2 mapping with a turbo gradient-spin-echo (GRASE) sequence at 1.5 T. For that reason, we studied sensitivity issues as well as technical and biological effects on GRASE-derived myocardial T2 maps. Furthermore, intra- and interobserver variability were calculated using data from a large volunteer group.

Methods

GRASE-derived multiecho images were analysed using dedicated software. After sequence optimization, validation and sensitivity measurements were performed in muscle phantoms ex vivo and in vivo. The optimized parameters were used to analyse CMR images of 74 volunteers of mixed sex and a wide range of age with typical prevalence of hypertension and diabetes. Myocardial T2 values were analysed globally and according to the 17 segment model. Strain-encoded (SENC) imaging was additionally performed to investigate possible effects of myocardial strain on global or segmental T2 values.

Results

Ex vivo studies in muscle phantoms showed, that GRASE-derived T2 values were comparable to those acquired by a standard multiecho spinecho sequence but faster by a factor of 6. Besides that, T2 values reflected tissue water content. The in vivo measurements in volunteers revealed intra- and interobserver correlations with R²=0.91 and R²=0.94 as well as a coefficients of variation of 2.4% and 2.2%, respectively. While global T2 time significantly decreased towards the heart basis, female volunteers had significant higher T2 time irrespective of myocardial region. We found no correlation of segmental T2 values with maximal systolic, diastolic strain or heart rate. Interestingly, volunteers´ age was significantly correlated to T2 time while that was not the case for other coincident cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion

GRASE-derived T2 maps are highly reproducible. However, female sex and aging with typical prevalence of hypertension and diabetes were accompanied by increased myocardial T2 values. Thus, sex and age must be considered as influence factors when using GRASE in a diagnostic manner.

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Title: Myocardial T2 mapping reveals age- and sex-related differences in volunteers
Authors: Florian Bönner
Niko Janzarik
Christoph Jacoby
Maximilian Spieker
Bernhard Schnackenburg
Felix Range
Britta Butzbach
Sebastian Haberkorn
Ralf Westenfeld
Mirja Neizel-Wittke
Ulrich Flögel
Malte Kelm
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1532-429X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12968-015-0118-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Myocardial T2 mapping reveals age- and sex-related differences in volunteers

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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