Gerald Gahide, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

David Bertrand MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

fFançois Roubille MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cristophe Tron, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alain Cribier MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cristophe Piot, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Helene Vernhet-Kovacsik MD,PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jean-Nicolas Dacher MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate cardiac MRI in patients with clinical–biological diagnosis of myocarditis

Two Centre study performed in 72 patients (mean age 46 years) referred for: 1) chest pain or discomfort 2) < 8 weeks history of a flu-like infection 3) increased serum troponin, 4) normal coronary arteries. Cardiac MRI was performed within the 7 days after admission. (1.5 T, Magnetom Sonata, Siemens, Germany). The protocol included ECG triggered cine sequences, first-pass myocardial perfusion images after Gd-DTPA administration (0.1 mmol/kg), and short and long axis delayed contrast-enhanced series.

MRI could assert the diagnosis of myocarditis in 35 patients (49%) with a subepicardial (n=27) or patchy (n=8) late Gadolinium enhancement. Ten patients had typical MR findings of myocardial infarction associating “no-reflow” and late subendocardial enhancement in a vascular territory (14%). Twenty-five exams were normal. Finally, a case of cardiac tumor and one Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy were diagnosed as well.

MRI confirmed the diagnosis of myocarditis in 49% cases and allowed the differential diagnosis of myocardial infarction in spite of a normal coronary network in 14% of cases.

MR imaging should be recommended in the evaluation of suspected myocarditis in order to confirm the diagnosis and eliminate a misdiagnosed myocardial infarction.

Gahide, G, Bertrand, D, Roubille, f, Tron, C, Cribier, A, Piot, C, Vernhet-Kovacsik, H, Dacher, J, et al, , Impact of MR Imaging on the Diagnosis of Myocarditis.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4437123.html