Characteristics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on delayed contrast-enhanced MRI

Objective To analyze the characteristics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) on delayed contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). Methods All patients underwent delayed contrast-enhanced CMRI. The left ventricle was divided into 9 segments to assess the location,extent and function of the hypertrophic segments. The t test was applied for the statistics. Results Of 154 patients, delayed enhancement of hypertrophic segment was found in 95 cases and non-delayed enhancement in 59 cases. The thickness and number of hypertrophic segment in patients with delayed enhancement were larger than those with non-delayed enhancement [ (24. 8 ± 5. 5 ) mm vs (20. 4 ±3.8) mm, t = 3.82, P < 0.05; (3.3 ± 1.9) vs (2.4 ± 1.7), t = 2. 26, P < 0.05 ], and the age was younger [ (46. 0 ± 15.2) years vs (55.0 ± 11.9) years, t = - 3. 67, P <0. 05 ]. The diffuse enhancement was found in 62 patients, and confluent enhancement in 33 patients. Confluent enhancement was found in all 14 patients after the alcohol ablation procedure. Conclusion The age, thickness and number of hypertrophic segments in patients with delayed enhancement are different from those with non-delayed enhancement. Key words: Cardiomyopathy,hypertrophic; Magnetic resonance imaging; Image enhancement