Occurrence of Late Gadolinium Enhancement is Associated with Increased Left Ventricular Wall Stress and Mass in Patients with Non-Ischaemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

The present study shows that occurrence of LGE in cardiomyopathy is associated with increased LV wall stress and mass. Suspected causes are an increased capillary leakage by stretch, impaired contrast agent redistribution, or increased diffusion distances. It is proposed that LGE should be considered as a potential prognostic determinant of heart failure and severe arrhythmias.