2-dimensional Echocardiography Research Articles

Normative Values of Echocardiographic Chamber Size and Function in Older Healthy Adults: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Echocardiographic (2-dimensional echocardiography) thresholds indicating disease or impaired functional status compared with normal physiological aging in individuals aged ≥65 years are not clearly defined. In the present study, we sought to establish standard values for 2-dimensional echocardiography parameters related to chamber size and function in older adults without cardiopulmonary or cardiometabolic conditions. In this cross-sectional study of 3032 individuals who underwent 2-dimensional echocardiography at exam 6 in the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), 608 participants fulfilled our inclusion criteria of healthy aging, with normative values defined as the mean ± 1.96 standard deviation and compared across sex and race and ethnicity. Functional status measures included NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), 6-minute walk distance, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Prognostic performance using MESA cutoffs was compared with established guideline cutoffs using time-to-event analysis. The normative aging cohort (69.5±7.0 years, 46.2% male, 47.5% White) had lower NT-proBNP, higher 6-minute walk distance, and higher (better) Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire summary values. Women had significantly smaller chamber sizes and better biventricular systolic function. White participants had the largest chamber dimensions, whereas Chinese participants had the smallest, even after adjustment for body size. Current guidelines identified 81.6% of healthy older adults in MESA as having cardiac abnormalities. Among a large, diverse group of healthy older adults, we found significant differences in cardiac structure and function by sex and race/ethnicity, which may signal sex-specific cardiac remodeling with advancing age. It is crucial for existing guidelines to consider the observed and clinically significant differences in cardiac structure and function associated with healthy aging. Our study highlights that existing guidelines, which grade abnormalities in echocardiographic cardiac chamber size and function based on younger individuals, may not adequately address the anticipated changes associated with normal aging.

Value of 2D speckle tracking technique combined with real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography in the evaluation of the right atrial function in patients with 3-branch coronary artery disease without myocardial infarction.

To evaluate the right atrial function in patients with 3-branch coronary artery disease (TBCAD) without myocardial infarction by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) combined with real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE). Fifty-six patients admitted to our hospital without myocardial infarction with TBCAD were selected. We divided them into 2 groups according to the coronary angiography results: 28 patients in group B (the rate of stenosis is 50% ~< 75%); 28 patients in group C (the rate of stenosis is ≥75%); in addition, 30 healthy volunteers were screened as group A. All subjects underwent RT-3DE to obtain the right atrial volume (RAVmax, RAVmin, and RAVp), and then we calculated the right atrial passive and active ejection fraction (RAPEF, RAAEF), and maximum volume index (RAVImax). In addition, to measure the strain rates (RASRs, RASRe, RASRa) of the right atrium during systole, early diastole, and late diastole, 2D-STE was applied. Correlations between the 2D-STE parameters and the results of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and Gensini scores were analyzed by Pearson linear analysis. Compared with group A, RAPEF and RASRe were reduced, while RAAEF and RASRa were elevated in group B (P < .05). RAPEF, RASRs, RASRe, and RASRa were decreased compared with groups A and B, while RAVmax, RAVmin, RAVp, RAVImax, and RAAEF were increased in group C (P < .05). There was a significant correlation between 2D-STE parameters and the results of NT-proBNP and Gensini scores (P < .05). The storage, conduit, and pump functions of the right atrium are reduced in patients with 3-branch coronary artery disease without myocardial infarction; 2D-STE combined with RT-3DE is valuable in the evaluation of the right atrium in patients with coronary artery disease.

Contemporary Valvular Mechanisms of Aortic Regurgitation in Tricuspid Aortic Valves: Importance in Repair Versus Replacement Strategy.

This study was performed to determine cusp causes of aortic regurgitation in patients with tricuspid aortic valves without significant aortic dilatation and define cusp pathologies amenable to surgical repair (aortic valve repair [AVr]) versus aortic valve replacement. We retrospectively reviewed surgical reports of consecutive adults with tricuspid aortic valves undergoing surgery for clinically significant aortic regurgitation within a prospective registry from January 2005 to September 2019. Valvular mechanisms were determined by systematic invivo intraoperative quantification methods. Of 516 patients, 287 (56%) underwent repair (AVr; mean±SD age, 59.9±12.4 years; 81% men) and 229 (44%) underwent replacement (aortic valve replacement; mean±SD age, 62.8±13.8 years [P=0.01 compared to AVr]; 67% men). A single valvular mechanism was present in 454 patients (88%), with cusp prolapse (46%), retraction (24%), and perforation (18%) being the most common. Prolapse involved the right cusp in 86% of cases and was more frequent in men (P<0.001). Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography accuracy for predicting mechanisms was 73% to 82% for the right cusp, 55% to 61% for the noncoronary cusp, and 0% for the left-coronary cusp. Cusp prolapse, younger age, and larger patient size were associated with successful AVr (all P<0.03), whereas retraction, perforation, older age, and concomitant mitral repair were associated with aortic valve replacement (all P<0.03). Right cusp prolapse is the most frequent single valvular mechanism in patients with tricuspid aortic valve aortic regurgitation, followed by cusp retraction and perforation. The accuracy of 2-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography is limited for left and noncoronary cusp mechanistic assessment. Prolapse is associated with successful AVr, whereas retraction and perforation are associated with aortic valve replacement. With systematic intraoperative quantification methods and current surgical techniques, more than half of tricuspid aortic valve aortic regurgitation cases may be successfully repaired.

Reference Values for Indexed Echocardiographic Chamber Sizes in Older Adults: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Normalization of echocardiographic chamber measurements for body surface area may result in misclassification of individuals with obesity or sarcopenia. Normalization for alternative measures of body size may be preferable, but there remains a dearth of information on their normative values and association with cardiovascular function metrics. A total of 3032 individuals underwent comprehensive 2-dimensional echocardiography at Exam 6 in MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). In the subgroup of 608 individuals free of cardiopulmonary disease (69.5±7.0 years, 46% male, 48% White, 17% Chinese, 15% Black, 21% Hispanic), normative values were derived for left and right cardiac chamber measurements across a variety of ratiometric (body surface area, body mass index, height) and allometric (height1.6, height2.7) scaling parameters. Normative upper and lower reference values were provided for each scaling parameter stratified across age groups, sex, and race or ethnicity. Among scaling parameters, body surface area and height were associated with the least variability across race and ethnicity categories and height2.7 was associated with the least variability across sex categories. In this diverse cohort of community-dwelling older adults, we provide normative values for common echocardiographic parameters across a variety of indexation methods.

Infective Endocarditis due to Unusual Pathogens Complicated with Pulmonary Thromboembolism: A Rare Occurrence in a Premature Infant

Background: Survival of low birth weight preterm neonates has increased with the availability of better neonatal care, however, the use of central lines for longer duration increases the risk of bacterial and fungal sepsis. Neonatal infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare presentation of neonatal sepsis and is often associated with complications and high mortality. Clinical Description: A 36 weeker, premature baby, hospitalized for early onset sepsis, was transferred to our hospital on day 15 of life, with an umbilical catheter in situ, with fever, respiratory distress, and persistent thrombocytopenia. Clinical examination revealed decreased oxygen saturation, crepitations in the right lung field, systolic murmur, and hepatomegaly. Management and Outcome: Baseline investigations revealed positive septic screen with thrombocytopenia with meningitis, neonatal cholestasis, and right sided consolidation on chest X ray. A two dimensional echocardiography (ECHO) revealed vegetation on the tricuspid valve, and blood culture from two sites revealed growth of Candida tropicalis and Serratia marcescens. Colistin, tigecycline, and amphotericin B therapy were initiated as per sensitivity along with low molecular weight heparin for prevention of embolization. The baby developed acute worsening in respiratory distress after 4 weeks of therapy. Repeat ECHO revealed increased size of cardiac vegetation and computed tomography of thorax with pulmonary angiography revealed pulmonary thromboembolism. Unfortunately, the baby succumbed to complications of IE. Conclusion: Invasive instrumentations such as umbilical catheterization and prolonged hospitalizations of premature newborns predispose them to develop IE, especially with unusual organisms. Such infections have a complicated course and may be fatal.

Two-Dimensional and Doppler trans-thoracic echocardiographic patterns of suspected pediatric heart diseases at Tibebe--Ghion specialized Teaching Hospital and Adinas General Hospital, Bahir Dar, North-west Ethiopia:-An experience from an LMIC.

Transthoracic Echocardiography is the first-line, non-invasive, and accessible imaging modality to evaluate heart disease anatomy, physiology, and hemodynamics. We aim to describe the trans-thoracic echocardiography pattern of pediatric heart diseases and reasons for referral in children referred to Bahir Dar University Tibebe-Ghion Hospital and Adinas General Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study of the archived Transthoracic, Two Dimensional, and Doppler Echocardiography assessments of children from birth to fifteen years of age performed between June 2019 to May 2023 was done. Data were collected retrospectively from February 01, 2023 -May 31, 2023. Categorical variables like gender, referral reasons for echocardiography, and patterns of pediatric heart lesions were analyzed in the form of proportions and presented in tables and figures. Discrete variables including age were summarized as means (SD) and medians(IQR). Out of 3,647 Children enrolled; 1,917 (52.6%) were males and 1,730 (47.4%) were females. The median (IQR) age of children enrolled was 24 months (5 to 96). Cardiac murmur (33%) was the most common reason for echocardiography followed by, Respiratory Distress (18%), Syndromic Child (15%), easy fatigability/ Diaphoresis (14.3%), congestive heart failure (14%), and rheumatic fever (13.2%). Congenital heart defect (CHD) accounts for 70% of all heart diseases, followed by rheumatic heart disease (21%). Isolated ventricular septal defect(VSD) was the most common CHD (21%) followed by isolated Patent ductus arteriosus (15%), isolated atrial septal defect (10%), Isolated atrioventricular septal defect (6%) and isolated pulmonary stenosis (5%). Cyanotic CHD accounts for 11.5% of all heart diseases. Tetralogy of Fallot (30%), d-TGA (20%), and double outlet right ventricle (19%) were the most common cyanotic CHDs. In our study, congenital heart lesions are the most common diagnosis and cardiac murmurs are the most common presenting reasons for echocardiography evaluation.

Feasibility Value of Right Ventricular Longitudinal Shortening Fraction and the Prognostic Implications in Patients With Heart Transplantation.

Right ventricular longitudinal shortening fraction (RVLSF) is a 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography parameter based on tricuspid annular displacement analysis that could be used to assess right ventricular (RV) systolic function. The value of RVLSF in the assessment of RV systolic function in recipients of heart transplantation (HT) and whether RVLSF can replace strain parameters remains unknown. A total of 153 adult patients who underwent HT were consecutively enrolled in this prospective longitudinal study. All subjects were examined by conventional transthoracic 2-dimensional echocardiography and 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography to evaluate the RV end-diastolic basal diameter, RV end-diastolic area, fractional area change, peak systolic velocity of tricuspid annulus, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, RV free wall strain, and RVLSF. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to test if the parameters of interest had independent prognostic value for adverse outcome prediction in patients who underwent HT. A significant positive correlation was found between the measurements of RVLSF and RV free wall strain (r=0.927, P<0.001). Compared with the event-free group, the adverse outcome group displayed reduced RVLSF and RV free wall strain and higher age (P<0.001, <0.001, =0.016, respectively) in patients who underwent HT. RVLSF and RV free wall strain were independently associated with poor prognosis in multivariable analysis (both P<0.001). RVLSF assessment provides an effective evaluation of RV longitudinal systolic function in the transplanted hearts and has prognostic value for adverse outcomes in patients undergoing HT.

Misidentification of the True Aortic Annulus With 2-dimensional Echocardiography: A Critical Appraisal Using 3-Dimensional Imaging

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of identifying the 'true aortic valve (AV) annulus' using 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography with the aim of highlighting potential misidentification issues in clinical practice. DesignAn observational study employing 3-dimensional (3D) datasets to generate 2D images of the AV annulus for analysis. SettingThe study was conducted in an academic medical center. ParticipantsThree-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) datasets were obtained from 11 patients with normal AV and aortic root anatomies, undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Attending anaesthesiologists certified by the national board of echocardiography (NBE) were subsequently approached to participate in this study. InterventionsTwo images per patient were generated from 3D datasets, reflecting the mid-esophageal long-axis view of the AV: a 'True AV Annulus Image' and an 'Off-Axis Image'. A survey was distributed to NBE certified perioperative echocardiographers across 12 academic institutions to identify the 'true AV annulus' from these images. Measurements and Main ResultsThe survey, completed by 45 qualified respondents, revealed a significant misidentification rate of the 'true AV annulus', with only 36.8% of responses correctly identifying it. The rate of correct identification varied across image sets, with 44.4% of participants unable to correctly identify any 'true AV annulus' image. ConclusionsThe study highlights the limitations of 2D echocardiography in accurately identifying the 'true AV annulus' in complex 3D structures like the aortic root. The findings suggest a need for greater reliance on advanced imaging modalities, such as 3D echocardiography, to improve accuracy in clinical practice.

Intraoperative and Intraprocedural Use of 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography: An International European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and Intensive Care Survey of Cardiac Surgical Centers

ObjectiveTo assess the intraoperative use of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) in cardiac surgical centers, we created a survey aimed at evaluating the availability of equipment, the use of 3D TEE for specific surgical and interventional procedures and single image modalities. Finally, we asked to identify the perceived impact on patient's management and current limitations to its routine use. DesignMultiple-choice 25-questions online survey submitted to the members of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and Intensive Care (EACTAIC) on December 6th, 2021 and closed on January 31st, 2022. SettingOnline survey. ParticipantsRegistered EACTAIC members in 2021. InterventionsNone. Measurements and Main ResultsA total of 239 respondents from 44 different countries took part in the survey (27% of total 903 EACTAIC members). Most respondents (59%) were TEE certified by National Board of Echocardiography (NBE), European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI/EACTAIC) or had a national certificate. Sixty-eight percent of respondents had no formal 3D TEE training. Eight percent of respondents had no 3D machines. While 40% had one for each operating room, 33% had only one for the entire operating room block. 3D TEE was performed most frequently in more than 67% of cases for mitral valve (MV) surgery and in more than 54% of cases for mitral- and tricuspid clips, aortic valve- (AV), tricuspid valve- (TV) and aortic surgery. ConclusionCurrent guidelines suggest integrating 3D TEE in all comprehensive examinations. Our survey reports that intraoperative 3D TEE was used in the majority of mitral valve surgery and only half of other valve surgeries and transcatheter procedures. Its use may be explained by the availability of 3D machines, trained personnel and limited time to perform TEE in the operating room. Educational initiatives for training in 3D TEE may further increase its routine use.

Automated echocardiographic left ventricular dimension assessment in dogs using artificial intelligence: Development and validation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) could improve accuracy and reproducibility of echocardiographic measurements in dogs. A neural network can be trained to measure echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) linear dimensions in dogs. Training dataset: 1398 frames from 461 canine echocardiograms from a single specialist center. 50 additional echocardiograms from the same center. Training dataset: a right parasternal 4-chamber long axis frame from each study, labeled by 1 of 18 echocardiographers, marking anterior and posterior points of the septum and free wall. End-diastolic and end-systolic frames from 50 studies, annotated twice (blindly) by 13 experts, producing 26 measurements of each site from each frame. The neural network also made these measurements. We quantified its accuracy as the deviation from the expert consensus, using the individual-expert deviation from consensus as context for acceptable variation. The deviation of the AI measurement away from the expert consensus was assessed on each individual frame and compared with the root-mean-square-variation of the individual expert opinions away from that consensus. For the septum in end-diastole, individual expert opinions deviated by 0.12 cm from the consensus, while the AI deviated by 0.11 cm (P = .61). For LVD, the corresponding values were 0.20 cm for experts and 0.13 cm for AI (P = .65); for the free wall, experts 0.20 cm, AI 0.13 cm (P < .01). In end-systole, there were no differences between individual expert and AI performances. An artificial intelligence network can be trained to adequately measure linear LV dimensions, with performance indistinguishable from that of experts.

Validation of a noninvasive cardiac output monitor in maternal cardiac disease: comparison of NICOM and transthoracic echocardiogram

The physiological changes to the cardiovascular system during pregnancy are considerable and are more pronounced in those with cardiac disease. In the general population, noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring is a valid alternative to pulmonary artery catheterization, which poses risk in the pregnant population. There is limited data on noninvasive cardiac output monitoring in pregnancy as an alternative to pulmonary artery catheterization. We sought to compare transthoracic echocardiography with a noninvasive cardiac output monitor (NICOM, Cheetah Medical) in pregnant patients with and without cardiac disease. This was a prospective, open-label validation study that compared 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography with NICOM estimations of cardiac output in each trimester of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Participants with and without cardiac disease with a singleton gestation were included. NICOM estimations of cardiac output were derived from thoracic bioreactance and compared with 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography for both precision and accuracy. A mean percentage difference of ±30% between the 2 devices was considered acceptable agreement between the 2 measurement techniques. A total of 58 subjects were enrolled; 36 did not have cardiac disease and 22 had cardiac disease. Heart rate measurements between the 2 devices were strongly correlated in both groups, whereas stroke volume and cardiac output measurements showed weak correlation. When comparing the techniques, the NICOM device overestimated cardiac output in the control group in all trimesters and the postpartum period (mean percentage differences were 50.3%, 52.7%, 48.1%, and 51.0% in the first, second, and third trimesters and the postpartum period, respectively). In the group with cardiac disease, the mean percentage differences were 31.9%, 29.7%, 19.6%, and 35.2% for the respective timepoints. The NICOM device consistently overestimated cardiac output when compared with 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography at all timepoints in the control group and in the first trimester and postpartum period for the cardiovascular disease group. The physiological changes of pregnancy, specifically the mean chest circumference and total body water, may alter the accuracy of the cardiac output measurement by the NICOM device as they are currently estimated. Although NICOM has been validated for use in the critical care setting, there is insufficient data to support its use in pregnancy.

Reference intervals for various measurements of canine left atrial size and function obtained using two-dimensional and three-dimensional echocardiography

BackgroundMany canine cardiac diseases are associated with left atrial (LA) remodeling and decreased function. For accurate assessment of LA indices, large-scale and prospectively determined reference intervals are necessary. ObjectivesTo generate reference intervals of LA size and function using two-dimensional and three-dimensional echocardiography. AnimalsTwo hundred and one healthy adult dogs. MethodsLeft atrial volume was assessed in right parasternal long-axis, left apical four-chamber and two-chamber views using monoplane Simpson’s method, two-dimensional and three-dimensional speckle tracking. Additionally, LA diameter was measured in right parasternal short-axis and long-axis views. Furthermore, LA function was determined by measuring strain and calculating LA fractional shortening and ejection fraction. All variables were tested for correlation to heart rate, age, and body weight. For LA diameter and volume, scaling exponents and prediction intervals were generated using allometric scaling. Reference intervals for LA function parameters were calculated using nonparametric methods. ResultsLeft atrial diameter and volume showed a strong correlation with body weight. The scaling exponent for LA diameter was approximately 1/3 (0.34–0.40) and approximately one for volume measurements (0.97–1.26). Parameters of LA function showed no clinically relevant correlation with body weight, except for two variables, which showed a mild negative correlation. No clinically relevant correlations with age or heart rate were found. ConclusionsReference intervals for linear, two-dimensional and three-dimensional measurements of LA size and function were established. The wide range of measurement methods offers the opportunity to select the appropriate reference values for LA evaluation depending on the available technical possibilities.

Association of thyroid dysfunction in individuals ≥ 65 years of age with subclinical cardiac abnormalities.

The relationship between thyroid dysfunction and measures of myocardial disease in older individuals remains to be defined. To evaluate the impact of thyroid dysfunction on structure and function of the left-heart chambers and blood markers of cardiac disease. Cross-sectional analysis. The Cardiovascular Health Study, a community-based cohort of older individuals recruited from four urban areas in the United States. Of 3163 participants studied, 2477 were euthyroid, 465 had subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), 47 overt hypothyroidism (OH), 45 endogenous (endo) subclinical hyperthyroidism (endo-SCT), and 129 had exogenous (exo) SCT due to thyroid hormone supplementation. Clinical evaluation, blood sampling and biomarker measurement, 2-dimensional and speckle-tracking echocardiography. Left heart myocardial deformation, circulating biomarkers of diastolic overload (NT-proBNP), fibrosis (sST2, gal-3), and cardiomyocyte injury (hs-cTnT). SCH was associated with higher NT-proBNP (beta = 0.17, p = 0.004), whereas OH was associated with higher hs-cTnT (beta = 0.29, p = 0.005). There were also suggestive associations of SCH with higher sST2, as well as endo-SCT with higher gal-3 and lower (worse) left atrial reservoir strain. Left ventricular longitudinal strain and end-diastolic strain rate did not differ significantly from euthyroid participants in SCH, OH, or exo-SCT. In this free-living elderly cohort, subclinical and overt hypothyroidism were associated with abnormalities of blood biomarkers consistent with diastolic overload and myocardial necrosis respectively, whereas subclinical hyperthyroidism tended to be associated with myocardial fibrosis and decreased left atrial strain. Our findings could represent stage B heart failure and illuminate distinct aspects of the pathobiology of heart disease related to thyroid gland dysfunction with potential clinical implications.

Right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling ratio derived from 3-dimensional echocardiography predicts outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension patients.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune connective tissue disease (CTD) that is an important cause of devastating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and persistent progression of PAH can lead to right heart failure, predicting a poor prognosis for SLE patients. Right ventricular-pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) coupling with echocardiography has been demonstrated to be a noninvasive alternative method for evaluating PAH patients' predictive outcomes. Whether the ratio of right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV) to right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESV) measured by three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is a new index of RV-PA coupling has not been discussed as a new predictor for the clinical outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SLE-PAH). From June 2019 to February 2023, 46 consecutive patients with SLE-PAH were enrolled prospectively, and their clinical data and echocardiographs were studied and analyzed. The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects matched for age, sex, and body surface area (BSA). The main endpoints of this study were a composite of all-cause mortality and adverse clinical events. Baseline clinical characteristics and echocardiographic assessments were analyzed. During a median of 24months (IQR 18-31), 16 of 46 SLE-PAH patients (34.7%) experienced endpoint-related events. At baseline, patients who experienced mortality or adverse events had a worse WHO functional class (WHO FC) and lower anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody levels. The right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction in SLE-PAH subjects was significantly worse than that in the healthy control group, especially in SLE-PAH patients in the endpoint event group. Compared to controls, patients with SLE-PAH had a lower RVSV/RVESV ratio. In the group comparison, patients who had experienced an endpoint event had a sequentially worse ratio (1.86 (1.65-2.3) versus 1.30 (1.09-1.46) versus 0.64 (0.59-0.67), p < .001). There were statistically significant associations between the RVSV/RVESV ratio to routine RV systolic function and clinical parameters. The RVSV/RVESV ratio was negatively correlated with the WHO FC (r = -0.621, p < .001) and positively correlated with the anti-dsDNA level. The ROC curve showed that the optimal cutoff for RVSV/RVESV < 0.712 determined a higher risk of poor prognosis. Kaplan‒Meier survival curves showed that an RVSV/RVESV ratio >0.712 was associated with more favorable long-term outcomes. The 3DE-derived SV/ESV ratio as a noninvasive alternative surrogate of RV-PA coupling was an eximious indicator for identifying endpoint events in SLE-PAH patients and can provide a diagnostic basis for clinical intervention.

Role of Myocardial Strain Analysis by 2-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Assessment of Severity of Coronary Artery Stenosis in Coronary Artery Disease Patients

Role of Myocardial Strain Analysis by 2-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Assessment of Severity of Coronary Artery Stenosis in Coronary Artery Disease Patients

The Probability of Multidetector Row Computed Tomography (MDCT) for Assessment of Transmitral Flow Velocities and Transannular flow Velocities in Comparison with 2-Dimensional (2D) Echocardiography

Two-Dimensions (2D) echocardiography using TDI has been used most commonly to evaluate diastolic LV function. Although the role of MDCT imaging for evaluation of coronary atherosclerosis has been explored extensively. Moreover, assessment of LV volumes and systolic function using MDCT were studied before and showing accurate myocardial border delineation despite its clinical significance use regarding radiation and contrast. The probability to evaluate diastolic function using MDCT has not been studied well yet. The present study was aimed to evaluate the probability of cardiac CT for assessment of diastolic function in a direct comparison with 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography using combined assessment of transmitral velocity and transannular mitral velocity. One hundred and twenty patients’ consecutive patients who had been referred for 64-MDCT imaging were prospectively selected from our clinical registry. After exclusion criteria had been applied, forty patients who had undergone 64-MDCT and 2D echocardiography with TDI were enrolled. MDCT and 2D echocardiography were performed within the same day and no acute coronary events or worsening of angina occurred between the examinations and no changes in the use of medication occurred between both examinations. A good correlation was found for demonstrate the probability of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) for assessment of trans-mitral flow velocities and trans-annular flow velocities in comparison with 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).

Introduction of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in patients with congenital heart disease at a children's hospital.

Atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR) is a devastating complication in children and young adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), particularly in patients with single ventricle physiology. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is a rapidly expanding, minimally invasive option for the treatment of AVVR in adults that avoids the morbidity and mortality associated with open heart surgery. However, application of TEER in in CHD and in children is quite novel. We describe the development of a peri-procedural protocol including image-derived pre-intervention simulation, with successful application to four patients. To describe the initial experience using the MitraClip system for TEER of dysfunctional systemic atrioventricular valves in patients with congential heart disease within a pediatric hospital. A standardized screening and planning process was developed using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, three dimensional echocardiography and both virtual and physical simulation. Procedures were performed using the MitraClip G4 system and patients were clinically followed post-intervention. A series of fourCHD patients with at least severe AVVR were screened for suitability for TEER with the MitraClip system: three patients had single ventricle physiology and Fontan palliation, and one had repair of a common atrioventricular canal defect. Each patient had at least severe systemic AVVR and was considered at prohibitively high risk for surgical repair. Each patient underwent a standardized preprocedural screening protocol and image-derived modeling followed by the TEER procedure with successful clip placement at the intended location in all cases. The early results of our protocolized efforts to introduce TEER repair of severe AV valve regurgitation with MitraClip into the CHD population within our institution are encouraging. Further investigations of the use of TEER in this challenging population are warranted.

Effect of left bundle branch pacing on right ventricular function: A 3-dimensional echocardiography study

BackgroundThe effect of left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) on right ventricular (RV) function is not well known, and there is conflicting evidence regarding whether cardiac resynchronization therapy improves RV function. ObjectivesThe study aimed to investigate the effect of LBBP on RV function and to evaluate the response of RV dysfunction (RVD) to LBBP. MethodsSixty-five LBBP candidates were prospectively included in the study and underwent echocardiography at baseline and 6-month follow-up. LBBP response was left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling, defined as a reduction in LV end-systolic volume of ≥15% at follow-up. ResultsPatients were assigned to 2 subgroups on the basis of 3-dimensional echocardiography–derived RV ejection fraction (EF) before LBBP implantation: 30 patients (46%) in the no RVD group and 35 patients (54%) in the RVD group. The RVD group was characterized by higher N-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide levels, New York Heart Association functional class, and larger LV/RV size. LBBP induced a significant reduction in QRS duration, LV size, and improvement in LVEF and mechanical dyssynchrony in both the no RVD and RVD groups, and a significant improvement in RV volumes and RVEF in the RVD group (all P<.01). LBBP resulted in a similar percentage reduction in QRS duration, LV dimensions, LV volumes, and percentage improvement in LVEF in RVD and no RVD groups (all P＞.05). LV reverse remodeling (29 of 35 patients vs 27 of 30 patients; P = .323) in the RVD group was similar to that in the no RVD group after LBBP. ConclusionLBBP induces excellent electrical and mechanical resynchronization, with a significant improvement in RV volumes and function. RVD did not diminish the beneficial effects on LV reverse remodeling after LBBP.

Relationship between duration of atrial fibrillation and right heart structure remodeling as assessed by 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography

BackgroundTricuspid valve (TV) remodeling occurs in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF); however, the affecting factor related to TV remodeling in AF remains to be elucidated. We sought to explore whether the AF persistence itself affects right heart remodeling. MethodsA total of 372 lone AF patients (234 paroxysmal AF [paroxAF] and 138 persistent AF [persAF]) who underwent 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) was retrospectively reviewed. The duration from first-detected episode of AF to the TEE exam date was defined as AF duration. ResultsPersAF patients had a larger TV area index (625.4 vs 719.0 mm2/m2; P < 0.001) and a higher right atrium area-to-right ventricle end-systolic area ratio (RA/RVESA ratio, 1.7 vs 1.9; P = 0.005) than paroxAF patients. The prevalence of AF-tricuspid regurgitation was higher in persAF than in paroxAF patients (1.3% vs 12.3%; P < 0.001). In persAF patients, AF duration was moderately correlated with TV diameter and 3D-TEE-derived TV annular area but not in paroxAF. On multivariable analysis, AF duration was independently associated with TV annular dilatation even after adjustment for RA/RVESA ratio and tricuspid regurgitation severity (β 0.37 [95% CI: 0.77–1.81]; P < 0.001). Additionally, AF duration with cutoff values of 20 months for predicting TV annular dilatation and 37 months for predicting RA/RVESA ratio > 2.1 had both high diagnostic accuracies among persAF patients (both P < 0.01). ConclusionsAF duration itself is independently associated with right heart remodeling in persAF but not in paroxAF, such as TV annular dilatation and predominant RA remodeling which may lead to subsequent TR progression and adverse outcomes.

Right Ventricle Strain Assessed by 2-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (2D-STE) to Evaluate Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs with Dirofilaria immitis.

Echocardiographic assessment of the right ventricle is helpful for analysing the pathophysiology of heartworm disease and detecting pulmonary hypertension (PH) in dogs. In veterinary cardiology, the study of myocardial deformation using two-dimensional speckle tracking (2D-STE) echocardiography has become increasingly acknowledged as useful for quantifying right ventricular function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of myocardial deformation strain of the right ventricular free wall (FWS), global deformation strain of the right ventricle, including the interventricular septum (GS), and tissue motion annular displacement of the tricuspid valve (TMAD) in a cohort of dogs with heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease and to determine cut-off values for detecting the presence of PH. Out of the 93 dogs tested, 71% were diagnosed with heartworm infection. PH was identified in 41% of the infected dogs following the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) guidelines, based on the peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity to calculate the tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG), while other routine measurements were used, including the right pulmonary artery distensibility index (RPADi). The 2D-STE mode measurements were determined using Right Ventricular Automated Function Imaging (RV AFI®) software. The statistical analysis showed significant differences in the studied parameters among dogs with and without PH. Additionally, sensitivity (sen) and specificity (sp) cut-off values were obtained (GS ≥ -21.25%, sen 96%, sp 86.4%; FWS ≥ -21.95%, sen 92.56%, sp 95.5%; TMAD ≤ 0.85 cm, sen 70.4%, sp 83.3%). These results demonstrated that GS, FWS, and TMAD could be used as supplementary and alternative variables to conventional echocardiographic measurements when detecting PH in dogs with heartworm disease.