Incremental Effects of Obesity on Myocardial Interstitial Fibrosis and Subclinical Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Patients withT2DM

Motivation: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are obese had increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Goal(s): To evaluate the impact of obesity on myocardial interstitial fibrosis and its association with subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with T2DM. Approach: T2DM patients without and with obesity were prospectively recruited and underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Obesity has incremental effects on myocardial fibrosis and subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in patients with T2DM, and that increased myocardial interstitial fibrosis is independently associated with impaired LV systolic function. Impact: Appropriate obesity management may be beneficial for cardiac health in patients with T2DM, which should be thoroughly evaluated in future longitudinal studies.