2D Echocardiogram Research Articles

Pheochromocytoma - an unusual cause of broken heart syndrome

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or stress induced cardiomyopathy is a recently emerged clinical entity though it was known as broken heart syndrome for sometime. Here we report a 47-year- old female with type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with an episodic chronic headache and excessive sweating of face and head. She had an acute coronary syndrome leading to cardiogenic shock, respiratory failure and needed assisted ventilation during the hospital stay while being evaluated for headache. She had marked haemodynamic instability as well. A coronary angiogram confirmed normal epicardial vessels and the 2D echocardiogram revealed antero-septal and apical hypokinesia with poor systolic function. Considering the clinical picture, a presumptive diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was made and a right supra renal mass was detected by ultrasonography and subsequently confirmed by a CT scan. However, the urinary Vanillin Mandalic Acid (VMA) and metanephrine levels were repeatedly within normal limits. Once she recovered from the acute cardiac event, she under went a laparoscopic adrenalectomy and the histology of the tumour and subsequent immunohistochemical studies confirmed a pheochromocytoma. All her symptoms completely disappeared, and she was normotensive with stable blood pressure recordings after the surgery.

Dynamic Annular Modeling of the Unrepaired Complete Atrioventricular Canal Annulus

Repair of complete atrioventricular canal (CAVC) is often complicated by atrioventricular valve regurgitation, particularly of the left-sided valve. Understanding the 3-dimensional (3D) structure of the atrioventricular canal annulus before repair may help to inform optimized repair. However, the 3D shape and movement of the CAVC annulus has been neither quantified nor rigorously compared with a normal mitral valve annulus. The complete annuli of 43 patients with CAVC were modeled in 4 cardiac phases using transthoracic 3D echocardiograms and custom code. The annular structure was compared with the annuli of 20 normal pediatric mitral valves using 3D metrics and statistical shape analysis (Procrustes analysis). The unrepaired CAVC annulus varied in shape significantly throughout the cardiac cycle. Procrustes analysis visually demonstrated that the average normalized CAVC annular shape is more planar than the normal mitral annulus. Quantitatively, the annular height-to-valve width ratio of the native left CAVC atrioventricular valve was significantly lower than that of a normal mitral valve in all systolic phases (P<.001). The left half of the CAVC annulus is more planar than that of a normal mitral valve with an annular height-to-valve width ratio similar to dysfunctional mitral valves. Given the known importance of annular shape to mitral valve function, further exploration of the association of 3D structure to valve function in CAVC is warranted.

Abstract 17426: Acute Myocardial Infarction Due to Right Coronary Artery Occlusion Following Blunt Thoracic Trauma

Blunt thoracic wall trauma can rarely lead to acute coronary artery injury and occlusion , and mostly involves the left anterior descending artery due to its vulnerable anterior anatomic positioning. Herein, we present a case of a young man who presented as a ST segment elevation MI (STEMI) with right coronary artery (RCA) occlusion after a blunt thoracic wall trauma. Clinical Vignette: A 37-year-old man with no previous medical history was brought to our ER with blunt chest wall trauma following a motor vehicle collision. Initial workup showed multiple fractures, a right pneumothorax and a pelvic hematoma. EKG performed for chest pain showed STEMI in the inferior and lateral leads. A 2D echocardiogram then showed inferolateral wall hypokinesis. Serial troponin I levels trended up sharply from 0.4 initially. After initiating intravenous heparin and cangrelor, the patient underwent emergent coronary angiography which revealed a rare, RCA occlusion with a thrombus. The patient then successfully underwent aspiration thrombectomy with restoration of TIMI grade III blood flow. Discussion: Hence, we presented a rare case of RCA occlusion resulting from blunt thoracic wall trauma. While musculoskeletal pain may mask the symptoms of myocardial hypoperfusion, a high index of suspicion for coronary artery thrombosis can lead to desirable outcomes in such patients.

Clinical impact of interruption in adjuvant Trastuzumab therapy in patients with operable HER-2 positive breast cancer

BackgroundTrastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity (TIC) can lead to early discontinuation of adjuvant therapy, however there is limited evidence on long-term survival outcomes in patients with operable human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer (BC) experiencing treatment interruption or discontinuation.MethodsThe primary objective of the study was to evaluate disease-free survival (DFS) in non-metastatic, HER2-positive, female BC patients who experienced treatment interruption or early discontinuation of trastuzumab therapy. Clinical and histopathological data were collected on 400 patients at The Ohio State University, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center between January 2005 and December 2015. Treatment interruption was defined as any delay of ≥2 weeks during trastuzumab therapy, including permanent cessation prior to completing planned therapy. TIC was defined as LVEF < 50% or > 15 points decline from baseline as evaluated by 2D echocardiogram after initiation of (neo) adjuvant therapy. DFS was defined as the time from diagnosis to first recurrence (loco-regional or distant recurrence) including second primary BC or death. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from diagnosis to death or last known follow up. OS/DFS estimates were generated using Kaplan-Meier methods and compared using Log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for OS/DFS.ResultsA total of 369 patients received trastuzumab therapy; 106 (29%) patients experienced treatment interruption at least once and 42 (11%) permanently discontinued trastuzumab prior to completing planned therapy. TIC was the most common reason for interruption (66 patients, 62%). The median duration of trastuzumab in patients with treatment interruption was 11.3 months (range: 0.5–16.9) with 24 (23%) patients receiving ≤6 months of therapy. This duration includes the time delay related to treatment interruption. Patients with any treatment interruption had worse DFS (aHR: 4.4, p = 0.001) and OS (aHR: 4.8, p < 0.001) after adjusting for age, stage, grade, ER, node status and TIC.ConclusionsTreatment interruption or early discontinuation of trastuzumab therapy in early HER2-positive BC, most often from TIC, is an independent prognostic marker for worse DFS and OS in operable HER2-positive BC. Future prospective studies should consider targeting at-risk populations and optimizing cardiac function to avoid interruption in trastuzumab therapy.

Apixaban versus Warfarin in Patients with Left Ventricular (LV) Thrombus, a prospective randomized trial

Abstract Background Patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) have an elevated risk of stroke, mostly due to left ventricular (LV) thrombus formation, which typically occur within the first 2 weeks following an anterior MI. Currently the recommended management of LV thrombus after acute MI is anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonist. To date, there are no prospective data on the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS) for stroke prevention in the setting of LV thrombus. Aim To assess the efficacy of apixaban vs. warfarin in treating LV thrombus after MI. Methods The study is a prospective, randomized, multi-center open label trial comparing apixaban (at a dose of 5 mg twice daily) with s.c enoxaparin 1mg/kg BID followed by dose-adjusted warfarin to achieve a target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.0 to 3.0 for 3 months in patients with LV thrombus detected by echocardiography 3 to 14 days after acute MI. The primary outcome was the presence and size of LV thrombus 3 months after initiation of anticoagulation as assessed by 2D echocardiogram. Secondary outcomes were stroke or systemic embolism, major bleeding and death from any cause. Results 25 patients have been enrolled to date in 3 medical centers, 13 were randomized to apixaban and 12 to warfarin. Mean age was 59.8±10.7 and 19 (76%) were males with no difference between the study groups. Mean LV thrombus size at enrollment was 24X15 mm in the apixaban group and 19X14 in the warfarin group (p=NS). After 3 months of treatment thrombus completely resolved in all patients in the warfarin group and in 12 of 13 in the apixaban group. In one patient in the apixaban group who had a very large thrombus of 40x20mm size upon enrollment the thrombus size was reduced significantly to 20x12 after 3 months. No death, stroke or systemic embolism was documented in either group. There were two patients with major bleeding in the warfarin group, one had sub-arachnoid hemorrhage after 2 months and anticoagulation was stopped, and another had GI bleeding after 1 month and was switched to enoxaparin. One patient in the warfarin group refused to continue the treatment after 3 weeks. No major bleeding events were recorded in the apixaban group and all patients completed 3 months of treatment. Conclusions Our preliminary results indicate that apixaban is a safe and effective treatment for patients with LV thrombus post anterior wall MI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Fully automated contrast and non-contrast cardiac view detection in echocardiography a multi-centre, multi-vendor study

Abstract Background Correctly identifying views acquired in a 2D echocardiographic examination is paramount to post-processing and quantification steps often performed as part of most clinical workflows. In many exams, particularly in stress echocardiography, microbubble contrast is used which greatly affects the appearance of the cardiac views. Here we present a bespoke, fully automated convolutional neural network (CNN) which identifies apical 2, 3, and 4 chamber, and short axis (SAX) views acquired with and without contrast. The CNN was tested in a completely independent, external dataset with the data acquired in a different country than that used to train the neural network. Methods Training data comprised of 2D echocardiograms was taken from 1014 subjects from a prospective multisite, multi-vendor, UK trial with the number of frames in each view greater than 17,500. Prior to view classification model training, images were processed using standard techniques to ensure homogenous and normalised image inputs to the training pipeline. A bespoke CNN was built using the minimum number of convolutional layers required with batch normalisation, and including dropout for reducing overfitting. Before processing, the data was split into 90% for model training (211,958 frames), and 10% used as a validation dataset (23,946 frames). Image frames from different subjects were separated out entirely amongst the training and validation datasets. Further, a separate trial dataset of 240 studies acquired in the USA was used as an independent test dataset (39,401 frames). Results Figure 1 shows the confusion matrices for both validation data (left) and independent test data (right), with an overall accuracy of 96% and 95% for the validation and test datasets respectively. The accuracy for the non-contrast cardiac views of &amp;gt;99% exceeds that seen in other works. The combined datasets included images acquired across ultrasound manufacturers and models from 12 clinical sites. Conclusion We have developed a CNN capable of automatically accurately identifying all relevant cardiac views used in “real world” echo exams, including views acquired with contrast. Use of the CNN in a routine clinical workflow could improve efficiency of quantification steps performed after image acquisition. This was tested on an independent dataset acquired in a different country to that used to train the model and was found to perform similarly thus indicating the generalisability of the model. Figure 1. Confusion matrices Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Ultromics Ltd.

Emergency department-based 3D echocardiogram use: a case series

BackgroundThree-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) with real-time volumetric imaging can be a vital modality in clinical practice. Despite its potential, it remains underutilized in the acute care setting.Case presentationWe present two cases describing the use of 3DE in the emergency department (ED) for acute heart failure (AHF) and discuss the potential benefits of routine use in acute care settings.ConclusionsThree-dimensional echocardiography offers unique information as it relates to cardiac structure and function, and can be valuable for diagnosis and clinical decision-making in the ED.

Cardiac manifestations of dengue fever in pediatrics age group

Background: Dengue infection is a serious public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Cardiac involvement is a known but rare complication of dengue. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and 2D echocardiogram (ECHO) are preferred non invasive instant diagnostic tool to evaluate the status of heart in dengue infection. Objectives: The present study was carried out to confirm the cardiac manifestation in dengue fever, along with its correlation with the severity of the disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 subjects were included over a period of 1-year time from inpatient and outpatient departments presenting with clinical features suggestive of dengue and further confirmed by positive serology test of IgM and/or NS1 antigen by rapid and/or by ELISA method. Cardiac manifestations were analyzed with the help of ECG and 2D ECHO in all serologically confirmed cases. Results: 16 out of 60 cases had cardiac findings in the form of tachycardia, bradycardia, and myocarditis. ECG showed some nonspecific findings like sinus tachycardia followed by sinus bradycardia. Myocarditis diagnosed by ECHO as ejection fractions &lt;50% was observed in four cases of dengue with warning sign and in one of severe dengue, while mild TR was seen in three cases of dengue with a warning sign, two cases of probable dengue, and one case of severe dengue. Conclusion: This study showed that cardiac involvement of dengue infections runs a benign course without any complications. Early diagnosis, strict monitoring, and prompt supportive management reduce the mortality rate in dengue.

Williams-Beuren syndrome presenting as pulmonary edema with pleural effusion: a new pulmonary manifestation of elastin vasculopathy

Introduction: Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a gene deletion disorder characterized by distinct facial features, cardiovascular anomalies, and intellectual disability. Many genes are involved in WBS, of which the elastin (ELN) gene deletion is almost present in all cases. Limited data exist about pulmonary diseases in children with WBS. Furthermore, pleural effusion (PE) has not been reported in these patients. Case Presentation: A term, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) male Caucasian newborn presented with respiratory distress shortly after vaginal birth. A chest radiograph showed significant pulmonary edema with bilateral pleural effusion. A 2D Echocardiogram demonstrated supravalvular aortic stenosis and branch pulmonary stenosis suspecting WBS. A genetic evaluation revealed an interstitial 1.5Mb deletion in the long arm of chromosome 7 involving band q11.23 confirming the diagnosis of WBS. The child underwent surgical repair at 4 months for age due to cardiac disease progression. Conclusions: An unexplained finding of pulmonary edema and PE in a newborn can be associated with genetic disorders and warrants investigation for WBS, especially in SGA newborns.

Acute Blindness In An Athlete

TITLE: Acute Blindness in an Athlete PRESENTER: Sarah Abdellatif, DO HISTORY: A 24 yo weightlifter with a past medical history of mitral valve prolapse and Raynaud’s syndrome experienced sudden right eye blindness about one month ago after training at the gym. She finished her session at the gym that day with no issues. Once patient returned home, she decided to sit down and read for a bit when she suddenly lost vision of her right eye. She had no precipitating symptoms. Patient took an aspirin and her vision returned in about thirty minutes. She states that the image was slightly pixelated when it returned. Patient had never had anything like this happen before and had not happened again after that episode. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Height- 66 inches Weight- 112 pounds Blood Pressure- 132/76HEENT- Extraocular movements intact. Pupils equal and reactive to light.Neck- JVP normal, carotid pulses are full and equal bilaterally without bruitsCardiac- Regular rhythm and rate, S1 normal, S2 normal, so S3 or S4, no murmurs, no gallops, no rubs detectedPeripheral Pulses- Femoral, popliteal, dorsalis pedis, and posterior tibial pulses are full and equal bilaterally with no bruits auscultated.Neuro- Cranial nerves 2-12 intact. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1. Patent Foramen Ovale 2. Central Retinal Artery Occlusion 3. Carotid Stenosis 4. Hemiplegic Migraine 5. Multiple Sclerosis TEST AND RESULTS: Complete 2D Echocardiogram-- The left ventricular systolic function is normal with an estimated EF 60-64%.- Patent foramen ovale is seen with left to right shunting.- Qp:Qs ratio is 0.72.- There are no hemodynamically significant valvular abnormalities or insufficiencies noted on this study. FINAL/WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Large bidirectional shunting via patent foramen ovale with possible aborted central retinal artery occlusion stroke TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: 1. Start aspirin and Plavix daily. 2. TEE and a cardiac CTA to include origin of great vessels and carotid arteries. 3. Check a seven day cardiac monitor. 4. Schedule for PFO closure once results return. Risks and benefits discussed, given patient’s level of activity. 5. Refer to stroke neurologist for multidisciplinary evaluation.

1069-P: Effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan Combination Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Elevated NT-proBNB and Preserved Ejection Fraction

Aim: study the effect of Sacubitril/valsartan (SV) combination therapy on cardio-renal (CR) biomarkers in T2DM with preserved ejection fraction (pEF); diastolic dysfunction and or LVH on 2D echocardiogram (E) and elevated N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) &amp;gt;125. Methodology: between July and Sept 2018, 109 T2DM patients aged 18-75 yrs, irrespective of baseline A1c, receiving SV were identified. Patients were analysed every 2-3months for CR biomarkers (body mass index (BMI), A1c, systolic (S) BP, diastolic (D) BP, Lipid profile (TC, LDL, TG, HDL), Hs-CRP, NT-ProBNP, creatinine, eGFR and microalbumin/creatinine ratio {UACR} and data presented at 1 yr. T2DM with H/O IHD, reduced EF(&amp;lt;50%) or wall motion abnormalities on E, malignancy, major surgery, hyperkalemia &amp;gt;5.5Meq/L and eGFR&amp;lt;45 were excluded. Baseline characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Continuous variables were analysed using paired and unpaired t-test expressed as mean ± standard error. For interaction between drug class, ANOVA was used and p value &amp;lt;0.05 was considered significant (S). Results: Baseline characteristics: Male 43%, Female 66%. Avg (age 63.16 ±8.325yrs, BMI 30.45±5.52, A1c% 7.1±1.2, egfr 90.31±30.45, UACR mg/gm 180.07±553.4, hs-CRP mg/dl 2.53±3.41, NT-proBNP 370.07±543.30 Ng/L). 64.2% received canagliflozin, 11.9% liraglutide, 94.5% Metformin, 61.5% gliptins, 65.1% gliclazide, 44% calcium channel blockers and 100% statin (rosuvastatin) Baseline (B) to 1yr: There was S reduction in SBP, DBP, A1c, TC, LDL, HDL, UACR, hs-CRP and NT-ProBNP NT-proBNP: there was S reduction from B to 3 mths (84.26±31.86, p-0.009), 6mth - 12 mths (39.95±17.40,p-0.024) and B-12mths (155.69±744.10,p-0.001). There was no diff seen 3-6mths (38.09±38.03, p-0.320). There was an interaction seen with Liraglutide in terms of NT-proBNP and UACR. Conclusion: SV may be effective in reducing NT-ProBNP in T2DM with pEF Disclosure V. Gupta: None. V. Teli: None.

P1133Impact of mid-septal versus apical pacing on the right ventricle performance of patients with right bundle branch block undergoing pacemaker implantation

Abstract Background pacemaker induced cardiomyopathy or transient impairment of the left ventricle (LV) function could be common collateral effects of the prolonged right ventricle (RV) pacing in patients with a pacemaker (PM) and pre-existing intra-ventricular conduction disturbances. However, the impact of RV pacing-site on RV performance of patients with right bundle branch block(RBBB) is still under-investigated. Purpose to study the effects of RV pacing in the mid-septal versus apical site on the morpho-functional performance of RV in patients undergoing permanent PM implantation. Methods We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with a pre-existent complete RBBB and undergoing dual-chamber PM implantation in our institution. We randomized the patients 1:1 to receive the RV catheter fixed either in the apex or in the mid-septal position. Patients with LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF &amp;lt;50%), severe valvulopathies, left bundle branch block (LBBB), or preserved intraventricular conduction were excluded. Patients who received PM implantation were evaluated both at baseline and after two months with a 12-lead ECG, 2D, and 3D echocardiogram with analysis focused on RV performance according to the guidelines of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging. Results a total of 22 patients were randomized in the study, 11 (50%) received RV catheter positioned in the apex and 11 (50%) in the mid-septum, respectively. No baseline differences were recorded between the two groups in clinical characteristics, ECG and echocardiographic parameters. At 2 months follow up, there were no statistically significant difference in the % of RV pacing between the two groups. Nonetheless, RV mid-septal group showed significantly shorter duration of the stimulated QRS (146 ± 12 msec vs. 161 ± 20 msec, p = 0.05), significantly reductions in the RV dimensions (pre: 42 ± 8 mm vs. post: 37 ± 7 mm, p = 0.05) telediastolic area (pre: 12 ± 3 cm2/m2 vs post: 9 ± 4 cm2/ m2, p = 0.02) telediastolic volume (pre: 55 ± 16 ml/m2 vs post: 50 ± 17 ml/m2, p = 0.02) and a significant improvement of RV ejection fraction (pre: 54 ± 9% vs post: 57 ± 11%, p = 0.02) than patients in the RV-apical group. Moreover, patients in the RV-apical group showed significant lowering in the GLS of the LV (pre: -16 ± 3% vs post: -11.7 ± 3%, p &amp;lt;0.001) and in the TAPSE (pre: 23 ± 5 mm vs post: 21 ± 2, p = 0.07) at follow up. Conclusions In this study, mid-septal pacing seems associated with a better morpho-functional RV performance than apical pacing in patients with pre-existent RBBB undergoing permanent PM implantation.

Assessment of Anomalous Coronary Arteries by Imagers and Surgeons: Comparison of Imaging Modalities

Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) is associated with sudden cardiac death. High-risk characteristics are most commonly assessed using a 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiogram (echo) or cardiac computed tomography (CT). We hypothesize that these characteristics will be more accurately assessed when they are presented in the form of a 3D digital model. Fourteen participants, including cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiac imaging specialists, assessed image representations, including echo, CT images, and a 3D digital model, from 6 patients who had undergone AAOCA repair. Accuracy of assessment was evaluated by comparing responses with operative findings (the gold standard). The reported type of AAOCA was most accurately assessed on CT (100%) and 3D models (92.31%) compared with echo (80.77%). The accuracy of the AAOCA course was highest on CT (91.03%), followed by the 3D model (80.77%), and lowest on echo (61.54%). The accuracy of intramurality was low across all imaging modalities (17.95% echo, 29.49% CT, and 21.79% 3D model). Accurate assessment of a separate AAOCA ostium was highest on 3D models (97.40%). Ostial stenosis was more accurately assessed on 3D models (56.41%). When accuracy was separated by subspecialty, CT and 3D models were more accurately assessed by all participants regardless of training. Cardiac imagers and congenital cardiothoracic surgeons most accurately assessed AAOCA presence, type, and course on cardiac CT and 3D models. 3D models were superior in representation of ostial characteristics. CT and 3D models are overall more accurately assessed by specialists regardless of training.

Cardiac Safety of the Trastuzumab Biosimilar ABP 980 in Women with HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer in the Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Controlled LILAC Study.

IntroductionAlthough the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) blocker trastuzumab is generally well tolerated, cardiotoxicity can be an important therapeutic limitation.ObjectiveIn this prespecified analysis, we compared the cardiac safety of the trastuzumab biosimilar ABP 980 (KANJINTI™) and the trastuzumab reference product (RP; Herceptin®) in the phase III LILAC study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01901146).MethodsIn the neoadjuvant phase of LILAC, after run-in chemotherapy, 725 patients were randomized 1:1 to ABP 980 (n = 364) or trastuzumab RP (n = 361) plus paclitaxel (every 3 weeks [Q3W] or every week [QW]) for four cycles. After surgery, patients continued treatment Q3W for up to 1 year; ABP 980-treated patients continued ABP 980 (ABP 980/ABP 980; n = 364), and trastuzumab RP-treated patients either continued on the RP (trastuzumab RP/trastuzumab RP; n = 190) or switched to ABP 980 (trastuzumab RP/ABP 980; n = 171). Cardiac safety was monitored by computerized 12-lead electrocardiogram, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was assessed by two-dimensional (2D) echocardiogram. LVEF decline was defined as LVEF value decrease from study baseline by ≥ 10 percentage points and to < 50%.ResultsOver the entire study, 22 (3.1%) patients had protocol-defined LVEF decline; no meaningful between-group differences were observed (ABP 980/ABP 980: 2.8%; trastuzumab RP/trastuzumab RP: 3.3%; trastuzumab RP/ABP 980: 3.5%). The incidence of cardiac adverse events was low and comparable in the treatment groups. One grade 3 cardiac failure event reported in the trastuzumab RP/ABP 980 arm, and another in the trastuzumab RP/trastuzumab RP arm, were coincident with LVEF decline. One patient discontinued the investigational product during the adjuvant phase because of cardiac failure.ConclusionThese prespecified analyses confirm the tolerability of ABP 980 and demonstrate clinical similarity of ABP 980 and trastuzumab RP with respect to cardiac safety. No new cardiac safety signals were observed whether patients were receiving ABP 980 or switched from the RP to ABP 980.

N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients Presenting with Acute Breathlessness in Emergency Department

Introduction: Breathlessness is one of the most common symptoms in patients presenting to the emergency department. Differentiating Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) from other causes of dyspnea is of extreme importance. N-Terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) levels may be valuable for the diagnosis of Heart Failure (HF) in patients with acute breathlessness when used in combination with other clinical information. Aim: To find the utility of NT-proBNP levels in patients presenting with acute breathlessness. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 255 patients presenting with acute breathlessness. Details of clinical history, clinical examination, laboratory tests, Electrocardiogram (ECG), X-ray chest, and 2D echocardiogram were collected from each patient. A 5 mL sample of peripheral venous blood was taken from the patients for the quantitative determination of NT-proBNP levels. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare medians of continuous variables. Sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) and accuracy were determined for NT-proBNP levels. Results: The mean age of the patients was 58.9 years. The median NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in patients who had HF compared to respiratory failure and Hyperventilation Syndrome (HVS). The sensitivity and specificity of NT-proBNP level &gt;450 pg/mL was 76.9% and 90.0%, respectively for patients &lt;50 years of age. The sensitivity and specificity of NT-proBNP level &gt;900 pg/mL was 82.9% and 92.3%, respectively for patients 50-75 years of age. The sensitivity and specificity of NT-proBNP level &gt;1800 pg/mL was 61.5% and 100.0%, respectively for patients &gt;75 years of age. Conclusion: NT-proBNP measurement is a useful biochemical tool for the emergency room physician in the rapid and reliable diagnosis of HF in patients with acute breathlessness.

P247 Added value of 3D echo in diagnosing and monitoring transcatheter valve in mac procedure in a patient with severe mitral stenosis

Abstract INTRODUCTION Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a chronic degenerative process involving calcification of the fibrous base of the mitral valve accounting for 12% to 26% of all mitral stenosis (MS) and eventually for significant mitral regurgitation. Calcification often extends to other parts of the mitral valve apparatus but, unlike rheumatic stenosis, does not produce commissural fusion. Surgical treatment carries a high mortality rate due to technical difficulties involving the heavily calcified annulus, advanced age and comorbidities of affected patients. In recent years, transcatheter mitral valve replacement using ballon expandable transcatheter aortic valves in severe MAC (valve-in-MAC) has been used with acceptable success rates. PURPOSE To describe the added value of 3D echo in the diagnostic work-up, decision making and monitoring during the interventional procedure of valve-in-MAC. CASE PRESENTATION Two years ago a 90-year-old female in sinus rhythm with hypertension and known coronary artery disease (CAD) was admitted with symptoms of pulmonary congestion (PC). At that time, a transthoracic 3D echocardiogram showed important MAC with a mitral valve area (MVA) estimated through 3D planimetry of 1.1 cm2, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) of 53 mmHg, preserved biventricular function and left atrial enlargement. One year later, she was readmitted with unstable CAD and treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. At that time a 3D transesophageal echocardiogram (3DTOE) showed worsening of the MVA now estimated in 0.6 cm2, a mean gradient of 19 mmHg and PAP of 88 mmHg. Albeit optimized medical therapy, her functional status worsened and less than a month later she was again readmitted in NYHA functional class III. Therefore decision making for valve-in-MAC was undertaken. Valve sizing was performed with computed tomography (CT) using the D-shape method with similar findings when compared with 3D TOE measurements. Both methods showed a favourable anatomy of the left ventricular outflow tract. Valve-in-MAC procedure was performed through transvenous transseptal access and an Edwards Sapien3-nr 29 balloon-expandable valve was deployed uneventfully, except for a residual interatrial septal defect measuring 2.2x0.8cm closed two weeks after, as she persisted with PC and pulmonary hypertension. During the procedure, 3DTOE showed a partial thrombosis involving one of the prosthesis leaflets with preserved transvalvular gradients despite anticoagulation. After that, PC resolved and PAP dropped dramatically. The patient was discharged under lifelong anticoagulation and remains asymptomatic until now. CONCLUSION Diagnosing and treating patients with severe MS due to MAC remains a challenge as traditional parameters and interventional procedures don’t apply for this population. Valve-in-MAC is a feasible alternative and 3DTOE may have a pivotal role in the diagnostic work-up and interventional monitoring of these cases. Abstract P247 Figure. 3D echo timeline valve in MAC

P167 The burden of post-actinic heart disease: a case of severe valvular and coronary artery disease in a cancer survivor

Abstract Background A 47-year old female complaining of exertional dyspnoea (NYHA class III) was admitted at our Cardiology department. She had a history of nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), treated with chemo- and radiotherapy, and complicated by post-actinic pneumopathy and cardiopathy. At the age of 39, she had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting with left internal mammal artery (LIMA) to left anterior descendent artery and saphenous vein to obtuse marginal branch, and aortic valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis due to severe aortic stenosis. Some years later, she had undergone percutaneous stenting of the left main (LM) due to occlusion of the LIMA bypass graft. At admission, the patient was hemodynamically stable, with signs of right-sided congestive heart failure. Both 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed preserved biventricular function, normal function of the aortic prosthesis, and diffuse calcification of the whole mitral valve apparatus, involving the leaflets, the annulus, the tendinous chords and the anterolateral papillary muscle (Figure Panels A-B), causing severe mitral stenosis (mean gradient 10 mmHg, 3D planimetric area 0.9 cm2, Wilkins score 12) and moderate organic insufficiency (Panel C). The tricuspid valve was also affected, with thickened, hypomobile leaflets, causing mild stenosis (mean gradient 4 mmHg, 3D planimetric area 3.8 cm2) and severe insufficiency (Panel D). Transesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) couldn"t be performed because of actinic oesophagitis. Percutaneous valvuloplasty was contraindicated due to moderate mitral insufficiency, high Wilkins score and a huge amount of calcium affecting the whole valve apparatus but sparing the commissures. The patient was scheduled to PCI on the LM due to intrastent restenosis, but died during the procedure as a consequence of an intrastent massive thrombosis leading to cardiac arrest. Learning points Hodgkin lymphoma survivors are at increased cardiovascular and intraoperative risk. Old radiotherapy protocols for HL may cause severe post-actinic valvular and coronary disease. Post-actinic valvular heart disease often affects aortic and mitral valve more than a decade after irradiation, and may manifest as stenosis, insufficiency or both. Organic regurgitation and stenosis of tricuspid valve are uncommon, but may also occur and lead to worse patient outcome. Despite TOE may bring additional valuable informations in challenging cases, the coexistence of oesophageal sequelae from post-actinic oesophagitis may limit its applicability. TTE is the first line and often the only diagnostic tool available for identifying the characteristic valvular lesions in cancer survivors exposed to radiotherapy. 3D TTE may be particularly useful to identify subtle signs of primary involvement of tricuspid apparatus and quantify the anatomical area of a stenotic tricuspid valve, when severe regurgitation coexists and transvalvular gradients may be unreliable. Abstract P167 Figure

P262 Left ventricular pseudoaneurism due to a non-reperfused myocardial infarction: multi-modality cardiac imaging approach

Abstract Introduction Cardiac rupture has been one of the most frequent fatal complications of acute myocardial infarction in cases series reported since 1977. However, in exceptional cases, the rupture of the left ventricle is contained by the pericardium and by fibrous tissue, forming a pseudoaneurysm, which is characterized by the absence of myocardial tissue in its wall and a relatively narrow neck between the ventricle and the ventricular chamber. Although there is no estimated time for rupture, it is well established that the risk of rupture is 30 to 40% and mortality up to 10%. Pseudoaneurysm is a rarer entity than rupture and is usually diagnosed incidentally by imaging methods in up to 48% of cases. The most frequent imaging method for their diagnosis is 2D echocardiography, followed by cardiac catheterization and finally cardiac magnetic resonance. The most frequent location of the pseudoaneurysm secondary to acute myocardial infarction is the inferior wall and the posterolateral wall of the left ventricle. Case Report We present 72-year-old male patient with a history of type 2 diabetes and smoking, who started symptoms with sudden onset of oppressive chest pain of 20 minutes duration, he did not attend medical attention. A month later, he went for a valuation with a first-contact physician, who referred him to our institution with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction without reperfusion therapy. At the initial assessment, it was found asymptomatic, in the resting ECG was found QS pattern with reversal of the T wave in leads DII, DIII and AVF. Cardiac SPECT was performed and showed an inferior transmural infarction, which extended as non-transmural to the inferolateral and inferoseptal walls, without ischemia. (Img. 1 and 2). A 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiogram was performed, in which akinesia of the inferoseptal and apical walls was documented, as well as a saccular pseudoaneurysm of 5.6 X 4.7 cm in the basal and middle segment of the inferior and inferolateral walls, with an entrance orifice. 2.6 X 2.4 cm, as well as pericardial effusion. (Fig. 3 and 4). Coronary angiography was performed, demonstrating chronic total occlusion of the right coronary in its proximal segment and ostial obstruction of the left anterior descending. Cardiac magnetic resonance revealed inferior infarction and the presence of a pseudoaneurysm with lamellar thrombus was corroborated. (Img. 5). The patient was taken to surgical treatment, by reconstruction of the left ventricle with the Dor technique and CABG of the right coronary artery and the anterior descending artery. Receives medical treatment and a 1-month follow-up is in class I of the NYHA. Conclusion It is a clinical case about a potentially fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction, which in our case was detected incidentally since the patient had remained asymptomatic, there lies the importance of obtaining an accurate diagnosis in order to impact on the patient survival. Abstract P262 Figure. Pseudoaneurysm multi-modality images

P243 A rare association of isolated persistent left superior vena cava(PLSVC) with anomalous right coronary artery (RCA) in a symptomatic patient. Role of saline contrast echo (SCE) with multimodal imaging

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Nil Introduction PLSVC with absent right superior vena cava (RSVC) is an extremely rare venous anomaly. Most of the patients with this anomaly have other associated cardiac anomalies. However, presence of an anomalous RCA has not been one of these anomalies. Case report A 36-year-old Asian healthy female with no significant medical history presented with over 3 years symptoms of chest heaviness and shortness of breath on walking two blocks. Examination was unremarkable. 2D echocardiogram revealed a 36mm dilated coronary sinus (CS), grade II tricuspid regurgitation (TR) with estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) of 40 mmhg. Normal right and left side of the heart. SCE using 50:50 agitated saline and Gelofusine injected intravenously through the left arm showed opacification of the dilated CS first before opacifying the right atrium (RA). Right arm injection depicted the same pattern of contrast opacification which denotes presence of PLSVC with congenital absence of RSVC. No detected intracardiac shunts by SCE. No partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC). However, findings did not justify patient’s symptoms. Seven days loop recorder ruled out any arrhythmias that might be associated with isolated PLSVC. An exercise stress ECG was equivocal with chest discomfort but no ECG changes. We opted for CT coronary angiography (CTCA) to rule out obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). CTCA confirmed our diagnosis of isolated PLSVC with absence of RSVC with huge CS. In addition, there was an anomalous origin of RCA from sinotubular junction above the commissure between left and right aortic CS and not from LM CS proper, taking a malignant interarterial course of a slit origin RCA with first part of it showing intramural course within the aortic wall. In view of symptoms we as a heart team explained the present risk of sudden cardiac death and possible indication for corrective surgery. A month later patient again presented with chest discomfort. We decided to do Coronary angiography to delineate actual size and dominance of RCA. RCA was a non-dominant small 1.75 mm vessel. There was a left anterior descending artery myocardial bridge. We started a beta blocker (BB) for the patient after which her symptoms improved. Patient followed up for two years later with no symptoms. We attributed her chest pain to the myocardial bridge since she improved on BB. We found there was no solid role for surgery in view of a very small non dominant RCA with no further chest pain. Conclusions Isolated PLSVC is a very rare condition. It is usually asymptomatic. But since our patient had symptoms, a search for another diagnosis was convenient. A dilated CS should always alert us to search for PLSVC. SCE is a simple, inexpensive and reproducible diagnostic tool that might help in solving a challenging diagnosis. Multimodal imaging has a leading role in both proper diagnosis and in management of this condition Abstract P243 Figure. Anomls. RCA - PLSVC to CS -Contrast echo

1180 2D and 3D assessment of the left ventricle volume and ejection fraction in a general population

Abstract Introduction In standard practice, LV volumes and EF are estimated by 2D technique. 3D echocardiographic assessment seems more reliable; however, this method has not yet been validated in the general population. Purpose To validate 3D echocardiography in a large population sample and investigate differences between 2D and 3D LVEF and volumes Methods In The Copenhagen City Heart Study, 4466 echocardiograms were available for analysis. The echocardiograms were obtained during four consecutive heartbeats in both 2D and 3D with GE Vivid E9. Offline analysis was performed on EchoPac v. 201. LVEF was calculated by the modified Simpsons Biplane Auto EF for 2D and by the 4LVQ method for 3D. Results The study included 2090 echocardiograms. The mean 2D LVEF was 57.3 ± 6.1% (IQR 54 - 61%) and 51.7 ± 7.9% (IQR 47 - 57%) by 3D. The mean end-diastolic volume (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV) by 2D and 3D techniques were: EDV 2D 106.1 ± 29.6 ml vs EDV 3D 128.2 ± 32.3 ml , ESV 2D 45.7 ± 15.6 ml vs. ESV 3D 45.7 ± 20.7 , p &amp;lt; 0.05 among all variables. The average difference of means between 2D and 3D LVEF was 5.6 ± 11.2%, -22.1 ± 56.8 ml for EDV, and -16.9 ± 32.9 ml for ESV. The correlation coefficient for LVEF was 0.42, EDV 0.76 and for ESV 0.70. Conclusion In our study, we found a significant difference in both LVEF and ventricular volumes when comparing 2D echocardiograms with 3D. 3DE had, in general, lower LVEF, higher EDV and ESV compared to 2D. Table 1: Summary of results Table 1 - Summary of results n = 2090 Variable Min Max Mean IQR (25-75) p-value LVEF, 2D (%) 18 76 57.3 ± 6.1 54-61 &amp;lt; 0.05 LVEF, 3d (%) 13 77 51.7 ± 7.9 47-57 &amp;lt; 0.05 EDV, 2D (ml) 13 275 106.1 ± 29.6 85-123.8 &amp;lt; 0.05 EDV, 3D (ml) 50 270 128.2 ± 32.3 106-148 &amp;lt; 0.05 ESV, 2D (ml) 15 150 45.7 ± 15.6 35-54 &amp;lt; 0.05 ESV, 3D (ml) 13 185 45.7 ± 20.7 48-74 &amp;lt; 0.05 LVEF: left ventricle ejection fraction, EDV: end-diastolic volume, ESV: end systolic volume, IQR: Inter-quartile range Abstract 1180 Figure 1: Correlation and BA-plot