regarded as ischaemic in age = 66.7 ± 13.0 years; aetiology, whereas mid-wall scars male = 62%; and absence of scar were regarded as indicative of a QRS interval = 144.2 ± aetiology. 29.1 milliseconds; LVEF (CMR) = 23.9 ± 9.7%; permanent AF = 20%; CRT-D implantation = 2%; NYHA class: III = 73%, IV = 27%; medications: ACE inhibitor/ARB = 93%, = 52% Median follow-up: 2.8 years (maximum 8.7 years) Retrospective Inclusion criteria: patients Scanner: 1.5-T scanner with a Li et al. () N=293 patients with DCM: ICD implantation: Not described cohort with DCM who were admitted phased-array cardiac coil n=145 (49%) LGE+ Outcomes: in Fuwai Hospital from June n=148 (51%) LGE– Cardiac function sequence: Not 2005 to September 2011 China HR for likelihood of having: reported. NHMRC level Patient characteristics: Exclusion criteria: Not all-cause mortality LGE sequence: phase-sensitive reported age = 49.2 ± 14.9 years; inversion recovery spoiled in LGE+ patients compared with those gradient-echo sequence male = 87%; that are LGE– SIGN: acceptable Contrast agent: 0.2 mmol/kg QRS interval = 113.9 ± quality with a 28.1 milliseconds; moderate risk of bias Time delay: 15–20 minutes LVEF (Echo) = 33.3 ± 8.1; LVEF (CMR) = 22.6 ± 8.3%; LV function: Not reported history of AF = 24%;
age = 66.7 ± 13.0 years; male = 62%; QRS interval = 144.2 ± 29.1 milliseconds; LVEF (CMR) = 23.9 ± 9.7%; permanent AF = 20%; CRT-D implantation = 2%; NYHA class: III = 73%, IV = 27%; medications: ACE inhibitor/ARB = 93%, = 52% Median follow-up: 2.8 years (maximum 8.7 years) regarded as ischaemic in aetiology, whereas mid-wall scars and absence of scar were regarded as indicative of a aetiology. Li et al. () China Retrospective cohort NHMRC level SIGN: acceptable quality with a moderate risk of bias N=293 patients with DCM: n=145 (49%) LGE+ n=148 (51%) LGE– Patient characteristics: age = 49.2 ± 14.9 years; male = 87%; QRS interval = 113.9 ± 28.1 milliseconds; LVEF (Echo) = 33.3 ± 8.1; LVEF (CMR) = 22.6 ± 8.3%; history of AF = 24%; Inclusion criteria: patients with DCM who were admitted in Fuwai Hospital from June 2005 to September 2011 Exclusion criteria: Not reported Scanner: 1.5-T scanner with a phased-array cardiac coil Cardiac function sequence: Not reported. LGE sequence: phase-sensitive inversion recovery spoiled gradient-echo sequence Contrast agent: 0.2 mmol/kg Time delay: 15–20 minutes LV function: Not reported ICD implantation: Not described Outcomes: HR for likelihood of having: all-cause mortality in LGE+ patients compared with those that are LGE–