Global and Regional Myocardial Strain and Power Output In Patients With Single Ventricles Using Novel MRI Techniques

Study Summary

The investigators are beginning a clinical research study here at UCSF to learn more about how hearts with single ventricles work. The investigators hypothesize that myocardial strain , as measured by cardiac MRI,in patients with single ventricles differs from normal hearts. This abnormality is associated with depressed cardiac power output and impaired exercise capacity. The study will utilize cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, exercise testing, and lung function testing to study how the single ventricle heart works so that in the future the investigators can improve how the investigators care for patients with this type of congenital heart disease. The research protocol involves: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI of the heart), exercise tests, and lung function tests. Some of these tests are routinely used to follow patients with single ventricles. Some of these tests are part of the research protocol. If you agree to participate in this study, these tests will be performed at UCSF. The results of the routine tests will be shared with your doctor. Participation will require approximately 30 additional minutes to the cardiac MRI procedure to collect the research data. The exercise tests, and lung function tests time commitment will take about two hours.