MRI T2 Mapping Yields Non-Invasive Measure of Heart Failure Severity, Study Finds

Overview

• In a 30‑patient comparison, the MRI formula for mixed venous oxygen saturation closely matched values from right heart catheterization.
• The approach was validated in 628 newly diagnosed patients followed for about three years, with higher MRI‑derived oxygenation linked to lower risks of death or heart failure hospitalization.
• The technique uses standard cardiac T2 mapping, requires no additional hardware or contrast, and adds only seconds to routine MRI workflows.
• Authors say the method could reduce the need for invasive catheter procedures, particularly for older or frail patients at higher procedural risk.
• The findings, published in JACC Advances, require external multi‑center validation and implementation studies, with one report noting stronger prognostic performance than common non‑invasive assessments.