Key result
Unenhanced 1.5T cardiac magnetic resonance in healthy men was associated with transient DNA damage in T lymphocytes from day 2 to 1 month, returning to baseline at 1 year.
Why the study?
Does unenhanced 1.5T CMR induce DNA damage and blood cell alterations in healthy men?
Observational (n=20)
Does unenhanced 1.5T CMR induce DNA damage and blood cell alterations in healthy men?
Unenhanced 1.5T CMR induces transient DNA damage in T lymphocytes and minor inflammatory responses that persist for up to a month but resolve by 1 year, suggesting caution for repeated exams within a short timeframe.
BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is increasingly used for the diagnosis and management of cardiac diseases. Recent studies have reported immediate post-CMR DNA double-strand breaks in T lymphocytes. We sought to evaluate CMR-induced DNA damage in lymphocytes, alterations of blood cells, and their temporal persistence. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 20 prospectively enrolled healthy men (31.4±7.9 years), blood was drawn before and after (1-2 hours, 2 days, 1 month, and 1 year) unenhanced 1.5T CMR. Blood cell counts, cell death, and activation status of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and platelets were evaluated. The first 2-hour post-CMR were characterized by a small increase of lymphocyte B and neutrophil counts and a transient drop of total lymphocytes because of a decrease in natural killer cells. Among blood cells, only neutrophils and monocytes displayed slight and transient activation. DNA double-strand breaks in lymphocytes were quantified through flow cytometric analysis of H2AX phosphorylation (γ-H2AX). γ-H2AX intensity in T lymphocytes did not change early after CMR but increased significantly at day 2 ≤1 month before returning to baseline levels of 1-year post-CMR. CONCLUSIONS: Unenhanced CMR is associated with minor but significant immediate blood cell alterations or activations figuring inflammatory response, as well as DNA damage in T lymphocytes observed from day 2 until the first month but disappearing at 1-year follow-up. Although further studies are required to definitely state whether CMR can be used safely, our findings already call for caution when it comes to repeat this examination within a month.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Lancellotti et al. (2015) conducted an observational in Healthy (n=20). Unenhanced 1.5T cardiac magnetic resonance vs. Baseline (pre-CMR) was evaluated on Blood cell counts, cell death, activation status, and DNA double-strand breaks in lymphocytes. Unenhanced 1.5T cardiac magnetic resonance in healthy men was associated with transient DNA damage in T lymphocytes from day 2 to 1 month, returning to baseline at 1 year.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: