Core Concepts
Heart sphericity predicts cardiomyopathy and AF.
Abstract
The study analyzed MRI images from 39,000 participants to determine the predictive value of left ventricle sphericity for cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation (AF). Key findings include:
- Increase in sphericity index linked to higher incidence of cardiomyopathy and AF.
- Genetic analysis suggests a shared architecture between sphericity and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.
- Sphericity index predicts cardiomyopathy, AF, and heart failure.
- Four loci associated with sphericity identified.
- Sphericity emerges as a distinct morphologic trait with unique features.
- Potential for evaluating sphericity in echocardiograms for broader application.
- Translation of findings to patient care and future research highlighted.
Stats
An increase of 1 standard deviation in the sphericity index was associated with a 47% increased incidence of cardiomyopathy and a 20% increased incidence of AF.
After adjustment for age at MRI and sex, an increased sphericity index was associated with an increased risk for cardiomyopathy (hazard ratio [HR], 1.57), AF (HR, 1.35), and heart failure (HR, 1.37).
Overall, a single standard deviation in the sphericity index was associated with increased risk of cardiomyopathy (HR, 1.47) and of AF (HR, 1.20), independent of clinical factors and usual MRI measurements.
Quotes
"Physicians should be extra careful and think about treatments when they notice a patient's heart is particularly round." - Dr. David Ouyang
"The study was well done and may serve as a foundation for future research." - Dr. Richard C. Becker