Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of cardiac sarcoidosis: an Australian single-centre experience.
BACKGROUND
Cardiac involvement in systemic sarcoidosis is common; however, current diagnostic tools are imprecise. Recognition of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is important as it has a relatively poor prognosis. Gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (Gad-CMR) is emerging as an excellent technique in determining the presence of and extent to which cardiac muscle is affected by sarcoidosis.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients with biopsy-proven systemic sarcoidosis referred for Gad-CMR scanning to evaluate potential cardiac involvement. All patients also underwent an electrocardiogram, Holter monitor and echocardiography. Gallium-67 radionuclide investigation, positron emission tomography and cardiac biopsy were ordered at the discretion of the treating physician.


RESULTS
Eleven of the 20 patients had Gad-CMR images supportive of the diagnosis of CS. Eight of these 11 patients met the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare (JMHW) criteria for the diagnosis of CS; three abnormal Gad-CME scans consistent with diagnosis of CS were seen in patients who did not meet JMHW criteria. No patients with normal Gad-CMR scan met JMHW criteria for CS.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that Gad-CMR is potentially superior to the JMHW criteria in the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis.
Manins
V
V
Heart Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Habersberger
J
J
Pfluger
H
H
Taylor
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology