Understanding the Metabolic and Functional Derangement of Primary Mitral Regurgitation: a Feasibility Study Using Carbon 11(C-11) Acetate Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET-MRI)

The aim of this pilot imaging study is to investigate the underlying changes in myocardial oxidative metabolism, myocardial inflammation and alterations in extracellular volume in patients with chronic compensated moderate-severe primary mitral regurgitation (PMR). The PET tracer \[11C\] acetate will be used to image and quantify myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) in hearts of the study participants. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) using a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) will be performed to assess for and quantify expansion of myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) and myocardial inflammation. We will enroll a total of 12 participants, nine of whom will be patients with chronic, compensated asymptomatic moderate-severe PMR evaluated at the UAB Cardiovascular Disease and Structural Valve Clinic and three normal control subjects.