Using Cardiac MRI to Predict Outcomes in Patients With STEMI

This is a prospective, multicenter observational study designed to investigate the prognostic value of comprehensive cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging parameters in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)-based analysis to extract predictive features from a wide range of standard and advanced CMR sequences, aiming to identify imaging-derived biomarkers that provide independent and incremental value in forecasting long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Traditional CMR indicators such as infarct size, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and microvascular obstruction (MVO) have demonstrated utility in post-MI risk stratification. However, these parameters do not fully exploit the wealth of information embedded within the full CMR dataset, especially data reflecting myocardial and atrial mechanics. In this study, we apply advanced computational methods-including radiomics, machine learning, and survival modeling techniques-to analyze multidimensional features extracted from routine, non-contrast CMR sequences.

CMR image acquisition includes short-axis cine imaging and dedicated functional sequences allowing for the quantification of bi-ventricular and bi-atrial function and deformation. Specifically, the following parameters are collected and analyzed:

• Left Ventricular (LV) Parameters LV End-Diastolic Volume (LVEDV) LV End-Systolic Volume (LVESV) LV Stroke Volume (LVSV) LVEF Global Longitudinal Strain (LVGLS) Global Circumferential Strain (LVGCS) Global Radial Strain (LVGRS)
• Right Ventricular (RV) Parameters RVEDV RVESV RVSV RV Mass RVEF RVGLS, RVGCS, RVGRS
• Left Atrial (LA) Parameters Maximum Volume (LAVmax) Pre-Atrial Contraction Volume (LAVpac) Minimum Volume (LAVmini) Total, Passive, and Booster Emptying Fractions (LAEF) Reservoir, Conduit, and Booster Strain
• Right Atrial (RA) Parameters RAVmax RAVpac RAVmini Total, Passive, and Booster RAEF RA Reservoir, Conduit, and Booster Strain All images are analyzed by trained imaging specialists using semi-automated tools (e.g., CVI42) for myocardial and atrial contouring. The left ventricular myocardium is segmented at the end-diastolic phase, and regions of interest (ROIs) are exported for radiomic analysis using ITK-SNAP and PyRadiomics. Preprocessing includes voxel size resampling, normalization, and gray-level discretization.

To ensure reliability and minimize redundancy, feature selection is performed in several stages. First, features with intra- and inter-observer intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ≥ 0.75 are retained. Second, highly collinear features are removed using correlation thresholding. Third, feature importance is assessed via random survival forests (RSF), followed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression to construct an optimized feature set. Selected features are used to calculate a radiomics-based risk score (RAD score), which is incorporated into survival models.

Patients are divided into a training and validation cohort using stratified random sampling based on MACE incidence. The primary outcome is the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, reinfarction, and heart failure hospitalization. Prognostic models are developed using multivariable Cox regression and evaluated using Harrell's concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Risk stratification analyses are conducted across subgroups defined by conventional imaging markers (e.g., infarct size, LVEF, MVO).

The analysis pipeline is implemented using R software, and internal validation is performed to assess model stability. Multiple imputation is used to address missing data, and sensitivity analyses are conducted to test the robustness of the predictive models under various assumptions. No experimental intervention or investigational drug is administered in this study; data collection is non-interventional and integrated into routine clinical care.

The anticipated contribution of this study is to establish a multimodal, AI-enhanced imaging framework that enables individualized post-STEMI risk assessment using routinely available CMR data. By going beyond visually assessed or conventional parameters, this study may uncover novel patterns of myocardial and atrial dysfunction predictive of long-term outcomes. Furthermore, the use of non-contrast imaging sequences enhances the generalizability and safety of the proposed risk evaluation method.

The protocol is approved by the institutional ethics committee. Quality control includes standardized image acquisition and analysis procedures across centers. Data processing follows pre-specified standard operating procedures (SOPs) for image segmentation, radiomic feature extraction, and modeling. Manual and automated data checks are implemented to ensure consistency and accuracy. The imaging core lab and analytic team remain blinded to outcome data during feature extraction and model construction phases.

By combining cutting-edge image analysis with real-world clinical data, this study aims to inform future CMR-based guidelines for post-infarction care and to facilitate clinical translation of advanced imaging biomarkers into personalized cardiology.

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 18 and 80 years

Diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), defined as chest pain with ST-segment elevation on ECG and elevated cardiac troponin levels

Underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

Able to undergo cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging within 7 days post-PCI

Provided written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Contraindications to CMR (e.g., severe claustrophobia, implanted cardiac defibrillators or non-compatible pacemakers)

History of revascularization therapy (PCI or CABG) within the previous 6 months

Severe valvular heart disease or known cardiomyopathy

Presence of bundle branch block or fascicular block that interferes with image interpretation

Known allergy to gadolinium-based contrast agents (for those undergoing contrast-enhanced sequences)

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73m² (if contrast use is anticipated)

Pregnant or breastfeeding women