Comprehensive cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with idiopathic premature ventricular contractions: role of feature-tracking strain and T1/T2 mapping in detecting subclinical myocardial dysfunction

Background: Although standard cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings are typically normal in patients with idiopathic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), it remains unclear whether a comprehensive protocol incorporating left ventricular (LV) strain and tissue characterization can detect subclinical myocardial abnormalities. This study aimed to determine if advanced CMR parameters can reveal a burden-dependent myocardial phenotype in patients with idiopathic PVCs. Methods: In this retrospective study, 72 patients with idiopathic PVCs and 25 controls underwent comprehensive 3T CMR with feature-tracking (FT) strain analysis and native T1/T2 mapping. Patients were stratified by 24-hour PVC burden into three groups: 10,000 PVC/24 h (n=25). Results: 49.4±3.1 ms in controls; P