Patients with pulmonary fibrosis: Cardiac function assessed with MR imaging

PURPOSE: To detect abnormalities in cardiac function by using magnetic reso nance (MR) imaging in patients with mild to moderate pulmonary fibrosis and to evaluate the relationship between pulmonary function and cardiac functi on. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients were compared with 16 sex- and age- matched healthy control subjects. Systolic function was assessed by using m ultisection multiphase cine MR imaging. Diastolic function was assessed wit h flow-sensitive MR imaging across the mitral and tricuspid valves. MR imag ing results were compared with the severity of impairment in pulmonary func tion. RESULTS: Biventricular systolic function and left ventricular diastolic fun ction were normal in patients, but right ventricular diastolic function was significantly impaired versus that of control subjects, with a ratio of pe ak-flow during early diastolic (E) filling to peak flow during atrial contr action (A) of 0.85 +/- 0.40 versus 1.28 +/- 0.50 (P = .035). Biventricular E/A ratios were strongly correlated to age in patients and control subjects . The right ventricular E/A ratio in patients corresponded with values that are normally expected in people 20 years older. Diastolic left and right v entricular functions were significantly correlated with each other. There w as no relationship between pulmonary function and cardiac function. CONCLUSION: Impairment of right ventricular diastolic function was found by using MR imaging in patients with mild to moderate pulmonary fibrosis, whe reas left ventricular diastolic function and biventricular systolic functio n were preserved.