ABSTRACT
AIM: To assess the ability of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to exclude prognostically significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of patients who underwent both X-ray angiography and CMR since 2006 was reviewed retrospectively. Records of those with European criteria for LVSD (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <50% or LV end-diastolic volume index [LVEDVI] ≥97 ml/m2) on CMR or transthoracic echo were analysed. The presence and extent of subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was recorded with the 17-segment model. The degree of coronary stenosis at X-ray angiography was assessed visually and significant disease defined as stenosis of the LMS ≥50%, or proximal left anterior descending ≥75%, or ≥70% in two main coronary vessels. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen patients were included. The mean age was 64 years and 78% were male. The mean LVEF was 40%. The prevalence of prognostic CAD was 47%. The presence of subendocardial LGE detected prognostically significant CAD with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 94-100%) with no false-negative results. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of subendocardial LGE on CMR reliably excludes prognostic CAD in patients with LVSD.
