LGE
Also written as: LGE — Late Gadolinium Enhancement
Late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac MRI, indicating myocardial fibrosis or scar tissue.
Full Definition
Late gadolinium enhancement is a cardiac MRI technique that identifies areas of myocardial fibrosis, scar, or infiltration by imaging 10-15 minutes after gadolinium contrast administration. The gadolinium accumulates in areas with expanded extracellular space, appearing bright on T1-weighted images. LGE patterns help distinguish between ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies: subendocardial or transmural patterns suggest ischemic etiology, while mid-wall or epicardial patterns suggest non-ischemic causes. The presence and extent of LGE provide important prognostic information and guide treatment decisions in various cardiomyopathies, including assessment of myocardial viability before revascularization.
Usage
Usage note: Describe pattern (transmural, subendocardial, mid-wall, epicardial) and extent for complete assessment.
In Context
- "Extensive transmural LGE in the inferior wall indicated non-viable myocardium." — Cardiac MRI viability study
- "Mid-wall LGE pattern was consistent with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy." — Cardiomyopathy evaluation