Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging characteristics in patients with methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy

J Cardiovasc Magn Reson. 2022 Dec 1;24(1):67. doi: 10.1186/s12968-022-00898-6.

Abstract

Background: Methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy (MA-CMP) is an increasingly recognised aetiology of cardiomyopathy. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a specialised cardiac imaging modality commonly used in assessment of cardiomyopathy. We aimed to identify specific CMR features associated with MA-CMP.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of CMR scans was performed in a single centre between January 2015 and December 2020. Thirty patients with MA-CMP who had undergone CMR were identified. MA-CMP was defined as those with a history of significant methamphetamine use hospitalised with acute decompensated heart failure (other causes of cardiomyopathy excluded). A retrospective analysis of index admission CMRs was performed. All studies were performed on a 1.5 T CMR scanner.

Results: The mean age of MA-CMP patients was 43.7 ± 7.5 years, and 86.7% were male. The mean left ventricular (LV) volume obtained in this cohort was consistent with severe LV dilatation (LV end-diastolic volume (334 ± 99 ml); LV end-systolic volume: 269 ± 98 ml), whilst the right ventricular (RV) volume indicated moderate-to-severe dilatation (RV end-diastolic volume: 272 ± 91 ml; RV end-systolic volume: 173 ± 82 ml). Mean LV ejection fraction (20.9 ± 9.2%) indicated severe LV dysfunction, with moderate-to-severe RV dysfunction also detected (RV ejection fraction: 29.4 ± 13.4%). 22 patients (73.3%) had myocardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), of which 59.1% were located in the mid-wall, with all of these involving the interventricular septum. 22.7% displayed localised regions of sub-endocardial LGE in a variety of locations, and 18.2% had transmural regions of LGE that were located in the inferior and inferolateral segments. 6 patients (20%) had intracardiac thrombus (4 LV, 2 both LV and RV).

Conclusion: MA-CMP was associated with severe biventricular dilatation and dysfunction, with a high prevalence of intraventricular thrombus. This cohort study highlights that MA-CMP patients have a high prevalence of CMR findings.

Keywords: Dilated cardiomyopathy; Heart failure; Imaging; Methamphetamine.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiomyopathies* / chemically induced
  • Cardiomyopathies* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cohort Studies
  • Contrast Media / adverse effects
  • Cytidine Monophosphate
  • Female
  • Gadolinium
  • Heart Failure* / chemically induced
  • Heart Failure* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Ventricles
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine* / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Ventricular Septum*

Substances

  • Methamphetamine
  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium
  • Cytidine Monophosphate