Contrast-Enhanced Cardiac MRI Reveals Pathological Myocardial Alterations – Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Linked to Portal Hypertension

Background and Aims: Portal hypertension and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy are known complications of end stage liver disease (ELD). Cardiac failure contributes to morbidity and mortality in patients, particularly after liver transplantation and TIPS. Early and more accurate diagnosis of heart disease could improve risk stratification and the management of patients at risk. Methods: Twenty patients suffering from end stage liver disease underwent cardiac MRI for morphological, functional and tissue characterization by late contrast enhancement (LE). Based on the extent of LE, patients were dichotomized into a high or…