Aims
To determine the proportion of patients with confirmed cardiac involvement, stratified according to specific disease phenotype (i.e. acute or chronic myocarditis, takotsubo syndrome, sarcoidosis or other inflammatory conditions), among consecutive patients with suspected or known ICARD in a multicentre study. Then, we will aim to evaluate the prognostic value of imaging markers (Echo, CMR and CT) and non-imaging markers (clinical, biological…) to predict the occurrence of outcomes after 2-year of follow-up.
Methods
Prospective observational study assessing all consecutive patients referred to a Cardiovascular imaging Department for CMR and/or nuclear imaging exams with a suspicion of cardiac involvement in ICARDs. The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients with confirmed cardiac involvement among consecutive patients with suspected or known ICARD. The clinical composite outcome after 2-year of follow-up will include cardiovascular mortality, sustained ventricular arrhythmias, hospitalisation for heart failure (HF), incident atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, recurrent cardiac involvement of ICARD and stroke. Survival analysis will be conducted using Cox regression to assess the relationship between survival outcomes and predictor variables.
Expected results and perspectives
The multicentric EACVI-INFLAME study will serve as a valuable resource, providing a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, diagnosis methods, management approaches, and prognostic factors associated with different ICARDs worldwide. Through this collaborative effort, we can bridge the existing knowledge gaps and lay the foundation for evidence-based recommendations for the optimal management of ICARD patients.
