Prognostic Relevance of Ischemic Late Gadolinium Enhancement in Apparently Healthy Endurance Athletes: A Follow-up Study Over 5 years.

Our findings indicate that athletes with ischemic LGE due to unrecognized myocardial infarction are at increased risk for SCD. Our findings highlight the value of LGE CMR to detect occult ischemic scar in asymptomatic apparently healthy athletes, which is of importance, since current guidelines do not recommend to incorporate routine cardiac imaging in pre-participation screening. Athletes with ischemic myocardial scar should at least consider to refrain from high-level exercise as an individual decision.