Reduced CMR right/left ventricular blood pool T2 ratio indicates cognitive impairment in heart failure

Motivation: Systemic hypoxia is considered as a contributor to cognitive impairment in patients with heart failure (HF). Right/left ventricular blood pool T2 ratio (RV/LV T2 ratio) is a novel MRI biomarker of the blood oxygen saturation difference between RV and LV. Goal(s): We investigated the relationship between RV/LV T2 ratio and cognitive performance in HF patients. Approach: RV/LV T2 ratio, cardiac function, and cognitive performance were evaluated. Results: RV/LV T2 ratio partially mediated the correlation between stroke volume and cognitive performance, and it is a valuable indicator for assessment of cognitive impairment in HF patients. Impact: Right/left ventricular blood pool T2 ratio is a complementary index of venous and arterial blood oxygenation difference based on routine T2 mapping and may serve as a simple and noninvasive indicator for cognitive impairment in patients with heart failure.