Qmass mr

Images were analysed with commercial software (Qmass MR, Medis Medical Imaging Systems, Leiden, the Netherlands) by an experienced, observer-blinded to the patients’ profile (KMJ). LV volumes, ejection fraction, and compacted mass were calculated as previously described [12 ]. Published sex-specific normal values were used to assess the normalization of LV parameters [13 (link)]. Three-chamber and LV outflow tract cine images were used for aortic annulus assessment. The average diameter of the annulus was calculated from minimal and maximal annulus diameters. Anatomical aortic valve area (AVA) planimetry was performed at the systolic frame (largest aortic valve opening) after careful confirmation of the correct imaging plane. Maximum cross-sectional measurements of the aortic root, STJ, and ascending aorta were performed. From phase-contrast images, forward and backward flow through the aortic valve was measured. Regurgitant volume and regurgitant fraction were calculated. In order to minimize phase offset errors background correction was applied with the region of interest in the stationary tissue (pectoralis muscle).

Patient scanning was performed with a 3.0-T or a 1.5-T system (Tim Trio and Aera, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). Detailed imaging information was reported previously[9 (link),10 (link)]. All patients underwent standard cine imaging for acquisition of left and right ventricular mass and function, along with LGE imaging in matching slice locations. Patients were further categorized if the left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDV_i) was enlarged in comparison to reference values[18 ], and LVEF was ≤50%. LGE presence was quantified visually and the extent of enhancement was quantified by using the full width half maximum signal intensity (FWHM) threshold cut-off and expressed as a percent of the LV myocardium[19 (link)]. From 2007, T2w inversion recovery images were included into the protocol and myocardial oedema was evaluated by assessing the ratio of the signal intensity in the LV myocardium compared to the skeletal muscle (musculus pectoralis major or minor). Since 2009, patients also underwent acquisition of T1 mapping and ECV calculations. Image analysis was performed with MASS v15 and QMASS MR (Medis Medical Imaging Systems, Leiden, the Netherlands).