Abnormal Myocardial Performance Index Research Articles

The Significance of the Myocardial Performance Index and Fetal Doppler Abnormalities in Growth-Restricted Fetuses: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Introduction: This review aims to investigate the clinical implications of using the myocardial performance index (MPI), obtained through tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and spectral Doppler, in assessing fetal cardiac function in growth-restricted fetuses. It explores the MPI's potential in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes and its utility when combined with conventional pulsed-wave Doppler assessments for enhanced fetal well-being evaluations. Material and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases spanning from 2004 to 2023 was conducted to identify pertinent articles on the MPI's clinical application in managing growth-restricted fetuses. Inclusion criteria followed the Fetal Medicine Barcelona definition of fetal growth restriction (FGR) to mitigate study group heterogeneity. The research sources were PubMed and Google Scholar databases, and the review was conducted without any specific clinical or laboratory setting. Only articles meeting the inclusion criteria for FGR, as per the Fetal Medicine Barcelona definition, were considered. Six studies meeting these criteria were included in the review. The review analyzed the correlation between MPI values and conventional Doppler parameters, investigating the progression of myocardial function impairment and its association with the risk of fetal demise. The primary outcome measures included the relationship between MPI values, fetal well-being, and the potential for prenatal cardiac dysfunction in growth-restricted fetuses. Results: The findings indicate that as conventional Doppler parameters deteriorate, MPI values increase, suggesting progressive myocardial dysfunction. The MPI may cross the 95th percentile before abnormal flow in the ductus venosus and aortic isthmus, highlighting the potential for diastolic dysfunction preceding hypoxia in growth-restricted fetuses. Elevated MPI levels were observed in both growth-restricted and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses, indicating prenatal cardiac impairment. The strong association between an abnormal MPI and perinatal mortality has been shown for early FGR. Conclusions: MPI alterations appear to precede abnormal Doppler parameters in early- and late- onset FGR, potentially indicating diastolic dysfunction preceding hypoxia. Additionally, the MPI correlates with the risk of fetal demise. However, larger studies are needed to establish its sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, the significance of prenatal cardiac impairment in some SGA fetuses raises questions about its potential impact on perinatal outcomes and cardiovascular programming.

Proteomics discovery in children and young adults with HIV identifies fibrosis, inflammatory, and immune biomarkers associated with myocardial impairment.

People with HIV are at increased risk of cardiac dysfunction; however, limited tools are available to identify patients at highest risk for future cardiac disease. We performed proteomic profiling using plasma samples from children and young adults with perinatally acquired HIV without clinical cardiac disease, comparing samples from participants with and without an abnormal myocardial performance index (MPI). We identified four proteins independently associated with subclinical cardiac dysfunction: ST2, CA1, EN-RAGE, and VSIG2.

Fetal Echocardiographic Evaluation of Tricuspid Valve and Right Ventricular Function Including Global Longitudinal Strain in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Association with Postnatal Outcomes.

Despite significant advancements in the care of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) morbidity and mortality remain high. Postnatal right ventricular dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are associated with worse outcomes in HLHS. We aim to determine if right ventricle functional parameters and TR on fetal echocardiogram are associated with postnatal outcomes in HLHS patients. Retrospective review was performed on all fetuses with HLHS from 2014 to 2022 at our institution. Initial and follow up fetal echocardiogram measurements of right ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI), fractional area change (FAC) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were retrospectively measured. The presence and severity of TR was recorded from the fetal echocardiogram reports. Postnatal outcomes including transplant-free survival, hospital length of stay > 30days after initial palliation and need for bidirectional Glenn at < 4months were reviewed. Forty-three subjects met inclusion criteria. Mean gestational age at presentation was 26.1 ± 5.9weeks. Nine subjects died and 3 required heart transplantation. Initial fetal echocardiogram MPI was significantly lower (better) (0.36 ± 0.06 vs 0.44 ± 0.11; p = < 0.001) and FAC was significantly higher (better) (45 ± 6% vs 40 ± 8%; p = 0.035) in transplant-free survivors. Fetal right ventricular GLS and presence of mild TR were not associated with postnatal outcome. In fetuses with HLHS, abnormal MPI and right ventricular FAC are associated with decreased transplant-free survival. There was no observed association between GLS and postnatal outcomes. To our knowledge this is the first study examining fetal right ventricular function and GLS in HLHS patients and its link to postnatal outcomes.

Serial tissue Doppler imaging in the evaluation of bronchopulmonary dysplasia-associated pulmonary hypertension among extremely preterm infants: a prospective observational study.

To evaluate serial tissue Doppler cardiac imaging (TDI) in the evolution of bronchopulmonary dysplasia-associated pulmonary hypertension (BPD-PH) among extremely preterm infants. Prospective observational study. Single-center, tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit. Infant born <28 weeks gestation. Utility of TDI in the early diagnosis and prediction of BPD-PH and optimal timing for screening of BPD-PH. A total of 79 infants were included. Of them, 17 (23%) had BPD-PH. The mean gestational age was 25.9 ± 1.1 weeks, and mean birth weight was 830 ± 174 g. The BPD-PH group had a high incidence of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (83% vs. 56%, p < 0.018), longer oxygen days (96.16 ± 68.09 vs. 59.35 ± 52.1, p < 0.008), and prolonged hospital stay (133.8 ± 45.9 vs. 106.5 ± 37.9 days, p < 0.005). The left ventricular eccentricity index (0.99 ± 0.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.7, p < 0.01) and the ratio of acceleration time to right ventricular ejection time showed a statistically significant trend from 33 weeks (0.24 ± 0.05 vs. 0.28 ± 0.05, p < 0.05). At 33 weeks, the BPD-PH group showed prolonged isovolumetric contraction time (27.84 ± 5.5 vs. 22.77 ± 4, p < 0.001), prolonged isovolumetric relaxation time (40.3 ± 7.1 vs. 34.9 ± 5.3, p < 0.003), and abnormal myocardial performance index (0.39 ± 0.05 vs. 0.32 ± 0.03, p < 0.001). These differences persisted at 36 weeks after conceptional gestational age. TDI parameters are sensitive in the early evolution of BPD-PH. Diagnostic accuracy can be increased by combining the TDI parameters with conventional echocardiographic parameters. BPD-PH can be recognizable as early as 33-34 weeks of gestation.

Abstract 12735: Investigating Cardiac Function After Anthracycline Exposure in Childhood Cancer Survivors With Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Introduction: Anthracycline exposure can lead to cardiac dysfunction, which may possibly be worsened by secondary cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity and diabetes. The prognostic impact of CVRFs in childhood cancer survivors is largely unknown. Now with advanced cardiac imaging, it is now possible to identify how CVRFs might influence subclinical cardiac function. Hypothesis: Anthracycline-exposed childhood cancer survivors with CVRFs will demonstrate echocardiogram-based subclinical cardiac dysfunction more frequently than those without. Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective study. Inclusion criteria are: &lt; 18 years old, history of anthracycline-containing chemotherapy and 2 echocardiograms performed. Exclusion criteria are: congenital cardiac disease, subsequent cancer relapse and inadequate imaging quality. Echocardiographic images were analyzed for longitudinal left ventricular strain, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and myocardial performance index (MPI). Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare measures of cardiac function between patients with at least one CVRF (at time of cancer diagnosis) and patients without. Results: There were 111 patients identified with 49.5% having dysfunction at some point in time. CVRFs were identified in 19 patients with the majority of those being obese (52.6%). At baseline, there was a statistically significant difference in mean strain between those with CVRFs vs those without (-19.4% vs -21.3%). At 1-6 months after chemotherapy completion, LVEF was significantly reduced in those with CVRFs vs those without (48.7% vs 59.7%) as well as mean strain (-15.8% vs -20.0%). At &gt;5 years after chemotherapy, there was a decrease in strain magnitude in those with CVRFs vs those without (-17.7% vs -20.5%) along with abnormal mean MPI (0.57 vs 0.44). Conclusions: Anthracycline-exposed pediatric cancer survivors with CVRFs demonstrate reduced cardiac function at baseline and both at near-and long-term follow-up. Further investigation is warranted to investigate the significance of these reduced echocardiographic measures and CVRFs among childhood cancer survivors to mitigate cardiac morbidity as they age into adulthood.

Amniotic fluid biomarkers of fetal stress response to cardiac dysfunction in twin-twin transfusion syndrome

Recipient twin (RT) cardiovascular changes in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) are associated with increased mortality. This relationship is likely related to a cascade of pathophysiologic changes in the RT progressing to multisystem organ failure. We sought to evaluate biomarkers of inflammation, stress, and tissue injury within amniotic fluid (AF) of RTs undergoing selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (SFLP) for TTTS and examine their relationship with fetal echocardiographic findings. AF samples from RTs were obtained from 39 monochorionic-diamniotic pregnancies complicated by TTTS. Those without preoperative fetal echocardiograms or evidence of selective intrauterine growth restriction were excluded from analysis with 24 remaining samples. 15 commonly utilized clinical biomarkers for inflammation, stress, and tissue injury were assessed using a flow-cytometry based multiplex immunoassay. Fetal echocardiograms were performed prior to SFLP with myocardial performance index (MPI) utilized as a measure of cardiac dysfunction. Pearson’s correlation was used for data analysis. RT Left ventricular MPI (LV-MPI) ranged from 0.28-0.74, with 11/24 RTs demonstrating abnormal MPI for GA (Z-score > 2). RT AF cortisol (r = 0.4527, p = 0.020), IL-6 (r = 0.44, p = 0.025), CRP (r = 0.431, p = 0.028), and myoglobin (r = 0.401, p = 0.042) levels correlated with recipient left ventricular MPI (LV-MPI). AF cortisol strongly correlated with AF myoglobin (r = 0.576, p < 0.001). RT with abnormal LV-MPI exhibited significantly higher AF cortisol levels compared to those with normal LV-MPI (p = 0.029). RT amniotic fluid demonstrates markers of inflammation, stress and cardiac injury in recipient twins with cardiac dysfunction. These markers may be indicators of disease progression in TTTS secondary to cardiac dysfunction. The presence of these markers implicate stress and the immune response in the pathophysiologic response to cardiac dysfunction in TTTS.

Echocardiographic abnormalities in children and adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus on highly active antiretroviral treatment.

The availability and use of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) has turned human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into a chronic disease, allowing patients to live much longer. To report asymptomatic cardiac abnormalities in children and adolescents based on both conventional and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) echocardiography. One hundred and fifty-one patients on HAART were recruited. Demographic and clinical variables were collected through patient interviews and medical record reviews. Conventional echocardiography and TDI were performed on each patient. Mean age was 13.0 ± 3.2 (4.0-19.0) years. Eightythree patients (55%) were female. Age at diagnosis of HIV infection was 5.7 ± 3.3 years. Age at initiation of HAART was 7.34 ± 3.54 years, while duration of HAART was 59 ± 39.1 months. On conventional echocardiography, three cases of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, two of pulmonary hypertension and one of minimal pericardial effusion were identified. Calculation of myocardial mass index (MMI) revealed that 16 patients had abnormal values. Twenty-seven (17.9%) patients had evidence of LV diastolic dysfunction and 18 (11.9%) had right ventricular (RV) diastolic dysfunction. Nineteen (12.6%) patients had tricuspid annular systolic velocity of < 9.5 cm/s, indicating asymptomatic RV systolic dysfunction. While few patients had abnormalities such as reduced LV ejection fraction, pulmonary hypertension and minimal pericardial effusion detectable on conventional echocardiography, a larger proportion of patients had subtle abnormalities such as increased MMI, LV diastolic dysfunction on TDI, RV dysfunction and abnormal myocardial performance index. Such patients may need routine screening and cardiac follow up.

Abnormal myocardial performance index in M-mode color tissue Doppler-echocardiography

The myocardial performance index (MPI) is used for global systolic-diastolic left ventricular function and prognosis assessment in patients with heart disease, allowing assessment of the patient‘s current condition and disease development follow-up. The classic method of calculation is pulsed Doppler echocardiography. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation of myocardial performance index with established left ventricular systolic and diastolic function indices and to determine cut-off values of the myocardial performance index in M-mode color tissue Doppler echocardiography through the aortic and mitral valves predicting abnormal myocardial performance index by pulsed Doppler echocardiography. One hundred and fi ve subjects were studied, including 30 healthy controls, 45 hypertensive patients, and 30 patients with CHD. MPI was calculated using pulsed Doppler (MPIPW) and M-mode color tissue Doppler echocardiography through the aortic (MPIAO1 and MPIAO2) and mitral (MPIMV) valves. In all patients, the myocardial performance index showed a low to moderatenegative correlation with the left ventricular ejection fraction, and the correlation with the diastolic function indices was moderate to high. In healthy persons, the correlations were not signifi cant in almost all comparisons. The MPIAO1, MPIAO2,and MPIMV values predicting abnormal MPI by pulsed Doppler (MPIPW ≥ 0.50) are MPIAO1 ≥ 0.578, MPIAO2 ≥ 0.446, and MPIMV ≥ 0.552. The cut-off values of MPI by M-mode color tissue Doppler echocardiography through the aortic and mitral valve obtained can be used for global left ventricular function assessment in patients with heart disease. Further studies, on a larger number of patients, are necessary to estimate the predictive value of the parameters established.

The value of echocardiography and Doppler in the prediction of fetal demise after laser coagulation for TTTS: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the value of echocardiography and Doppler before fetoscopic laser coagulation for twin‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in the prediction of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD). We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare preoperative parameters between fetuses with and without demise after laser surgery. Eighteen studies were included. Recipient twins have an increased risk of demise in case of preoperative absent/reversed flow (A/REDF) in the umbilical artery (odds ratio [OR] 2.76, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78‐4.28), absent or reversed a‐wave in the ductus venosus (OR 2.32, 95% CI, 1.70‐3.16), or a middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity > 1.5 multiples of the median (MoM) (OR 7.59, 95% CI, 2.56‐22.46). In donors, only A/REDF in the umbilical artery (OR 3.40, 95% CI, 2.68‐4.32) and absent or reversed a‐wave in the ductus venosus (OR 1.66, 95% CI, 1.12‐2.47) were associated with IUFD. No association was found between donor‐IUFD and preoperative myocardial performance index (MPI). Two studies found an association between abnormal MPI and recipient demise. With this study, we have identified a set of preoperative Doppler parameters predictive of fetal demise after laser surgery. More research is needed to assess the utility of preoperative echocardiographic parameters such as the MPI in predicting IUFD.

Myocardial Performance Index In Prediabetes In Medical Staff

Background: To study myocardial performance index in prediabetes in medical staff. To correlate MPI with cardiovascular risk factors.&#x0D; Methods: After subject selection, informed consent was taken from the cases and controls. Detailed history was taken and physical examination was done which included weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR) and blood pressure measurement. After physical examination, biochemistry measurements including fasting blood sugar (FBS), post-meal blood sugar (PMBS), serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) were done. Myocardial performance index (MPI) was calculated by 2D-ECHO.&#x0D; Results: BMI, male WHR, serum cholesterol, TG, LDL and MPI was significantly higher in cases (prediabetics) as compared to controls while serum HDL was lower in cases as compared to controls, which was non-significant. Out of 50 prediabetics, 32 (64%) had abnormal MPI with p=0.0001. There was no correlation of MPI with cardiovascular risk factors like BMI, WHR and fasting lipid profile.&#x0D; Conclusion: BMI, male WHR, serum cholesterol, TG, LDL and MPI was significantly higher in cases as compared to controls. However, there was no significant correlation between MPI and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Presystolic Wave is Associated with Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction Assessed by Myocardial Performance Index in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BackgroundMyocardial performance index (MPI), demonstrates both systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle. Presystolic wave (PSW) is frequently detected on Doppler examination of the left ventricular outflow tract and possible mechanism of PSW is impaired LV compliance and left ventricular stiffness.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between PSW and MPI in type 2 diabetic patients.MethodA total of 129 type 2 diabetic patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of PSW on Doppler echocardiography. There were 90 patients (38 male, mean age 57.77 ± 10.91 years) in the PSW-positive group and 39 patients (13 male; mean age: 55.31 ± 11.29 years) in the PSW-negative group. The p values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsMPI was higher in PSW- positive group (0.63 ± 0.17vs 0.52 ± 0.13, p < 0.001). In addition, subclinical left ventricle dysfunction (LVD) was higher in the PSW- positive group (p = 0.029). Univariate analysis showed that the presence of PSW associated with abnormal MPI (p = 0.031). Pearson correlation analysis showed that PSW velocity correlated with MPI (r: 0.286, p = 0.006).ConclusionPresence of the PSW on Doppler examination was associated with subclinical LV dysfunction in patients with DM type 2. This easy-to-perform echocardiographic parameter may be related to subclinical LVD among patients with type 2 DM.

Echocardiographic parameters to identify sickle cell patients with cardio-pathology.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects millions of people and causes chronic hemolytic anemia leading to vasculopathies such as pulmonary hypertension and abnormalities in cardiac function that increase complications and mortality. It is therefore crucial to identify cardiac abnormalities in SCD. We aimed to assess the prevalence of echocardiographic parameters in SCD to help identify cardiopulmonary risk. Ninety-one patients (53% male), median age of 30, body surface area (BSA) of 1.79m2 , hemoglobin of 8.8g/dL, and creatinine of 0.7mg/dL identified. We retrospectively measured laboratory and echocardiographic parameters in patients with SCD : left ventricular (LV) dimensions, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV Myocardial Performance Index (MPI), LV Mass Index (MI), Left Atrial Volume Index (LAVI), Tricuspid Regurgitation Velocity (TRV), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right heart dimensions. Prevalence of left heart abnormalities was 32%: increased LV end-diastolic diameter (EDD), 78%: LV MPI, 21%: diastolic dysfunction, 38%: decreased LVEF, 24%: increased LVMI, and 47%: increased LAVI. Right heart abnormalities were 39%: TAPSE, 38%: increased TRV, and 59%: increased pulmonary systolic pressure (PASP). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was significant for increased LVMI and LAVI in those with hemoglobin ≤8g/dL (odds ratio (OR) 7.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.23-24.6, P=.001) and (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.18-9.33, P=.023). We confirmed increased prevalence of abnormal LVEDD, LVMI, diastolic function, LAVI, and PASP in SCD. In addition, we identified abnormal LV MPI (78%), TAPSE (29%). These parameters may be useful and readily accessible echocardiographic prognostic tools in this population.

Relation between aortic knob width and subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in hypertensive patients

ABSTRACTBackground: The assessment of left ventricular (LV) structure and function is important in the evaluation of hypertensive heart disease, as it provides information on the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Aortic knob width (AKW) is a measurement of radiographic structure formed by the foreshortened aortic arch and a portion of the descending aorta. The main aim of this study was to investigate the relation between AKW on the routine chest radiography and subclinical LV dysfunction in hypertensive patients.Patients and Methods: A total of 144 patients with hypertension admitted to the cardiology outpatients clinic were enrolled consecutively. The patients were divided into two groups according to tissue Doppler-derived myocardial performance index (MPI): subclinical LV dysfunction group (abnormal MPI ≥ 0.5, n = 85) and absence of subclinical LV dysfunction group (normal MPI< 0.5, n = 59).Results: Patients with subclinical LV dysfunction were older (60 ± 8 vs. 54 ± 8, p = 0.001). Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (96 ± 27 vs. 74 ± 24, p < 0.001) and prevalence of LV hypertrophy (28 vs. 8%, p = 0.011) were significantly different between two groups. Patients with subclinical LV dysfunction had higher AKW (42 ± 6 vs. 34 ± 5, p < 0.001) compared with patients without subclinical LV dysfunction. There was a significant correlation between MPI and AKW (r = 0.7, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that AKW (β = 0.617, p = 0.001) and posterior wall thickness (PWth) (β = 1.189, p = 0.021) were independently associated with subclinical LV dysfunction. Analysis using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve has demonstrated that aortic knob of 37 mm constitutes the cutoff value for the presence of subclinical LV dysfunction with 85.9% sensitivity and 86.4% specificity (The Area under the Curve ± Standard Error (AUC±SE) = 0.916 ± 0.024, p < 0.001).Conclusion: AKW may provide important predictive information on subclinical LV dysfunction in patients with hypertension.

Predictors of sepsis induced myocardial dysfunction at admission in children with septic shock

Background : Sepsis induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) is commonly seen in patients with septic shock and is often associated with poor clinical outcomes. Determining predictors of myocardial dysfunction at admission by clinical examination and simple bedside laboratory tests would help identify such patients prior to 2 D echocardiography or even in its absence. Such information would help exercise caution with fluid administration and warrant early initiation of inotropes. It would also help in predicting the clinical course and prognosis. Methods : In this retrospective review, we reviewed records of children =17 years of age, admitted with a diagnosis of septic shock in our pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between 2015 and 2017. Detailed information on demographic, clinical, laboratory variables, treatment received and clinical course were recorded in all who had undergone 2 D echocardiography at admission. SIMD was defined as presence of systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction. Systolic dysfunction was defined as an abnormal ejection fraction (EF) and diastolic dysfunction as an abnormal doppler tissue velocity (E’) and/or an abnormal Myocardial Performance Index (MPI). Data were analyzed using Stata 11 software. Results : A total of 149 children were eligible. Of these 27 had not undergone echocardiography and were excluded; 122 children (54% boys) were included in the analysis. Median (IQR) age was 5 (1, 10) years. Most common cause of sepsis was pneumonia (45; 37%). The prevalence of SIMD was 43% (95% CI: 34 to 51) in the study population. Systolic plus diastolic dysfunction was present in 30% (95% CI: 22 to 38) patients and only diastolic dysfunction was present in 13% (95% CI: 8 to 20) patients. The mean (SD) ejection fraction (EF) was 0.47 (0.13) and 0.62 (0.06) ( p Conclusion : SIMD is commonly seen in children with septic shock and the mortality and mortality are higher in those with SIMD as compared to those without. Clinical and laboratory parameters like prolonged CRT, increased lactate, lower platelet count, increased blood urea and elevated liver enzymes at admission may predict presence of SIMD in children with septic shock.

THE EFFECT OF WELL-CONTROLLED MATERNAL DIABETES ON FETAL HEART FUNCTION: A TISSUE DOPPLER STUDY

Previous studies on fetal heart function in infants of diabetic mothers have shown altered diastolic myocardial velocities on tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and an abnormal myocardial performance index (MPI) in affected fetuses even without hypertrophy. It is unclear whether better maternal glycemic

P.2.16 Cooperative International Neuromuscular Research Group (CINRG) study of echocardiographic outcome measures for use in clinical trials in muscular dystrophy

Cardiomyopathy is a significant clinical outcome for muscular dystrophy. Echocardiography (echo) is a versatile measure of cardiac function that is available in most muscular dystrophy centers and, therefore, has high utility for clinical care and multicenter clinical trials. Echo outcomes for treatment trials in muscular dystrophy have traditionally measured ejection fraction (EF). However, this measure can be challenging to obtain with more advanced disease due to chest wall deformities and difficulty with positioning for testing. This study was performed to pilot prospective measures of echo outcomes at 5 centers of the Cooperative International Neuromuscular Research Group (CINRG) using a central sonography protocol and 2 central readers. Forty-eight participants 8–18 years old with genetically confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy or limb girdle muscular dystrophy underwent electrocardiogram, echo and B-type natriuretic peptide testing. Notably, the echo quality was insufficient to read EF for 23 studies by one reader and for 5 studies by the other reader. In contrast, myocardial performance index (MPI) measured by Doppler could be read by both readers in 46 studies. Furthermore, the agreement of cardiac measures between the 2 independent readers and between one reader performing 2 different reads was greater for MPI than for EF. In 35% of studies, an abnormal MPI while EF remained normal suggested early cardiac dysfunction. This finding suggests that MPI may demonstrate increased sensitivity to detect cardiomyopathy when compared to EF. In subsequent analyses to explore echo measures of even greater sensitivity to detect cardiac dysfunction, speckle tracking was performed to measure longitudinal and circumferential strain. The results suggest that MPI and strain measures are sensitive and amenable to central reading for muscular dystrophy clinical trials. Cardiomyopathy is a significant clinical outcome for muscular dystrophy. Echocardiography (echo) is a versatile measure of cardiac function that is available in most muscular dystrophy centers and, therefore, has high utility for clinical care and multicenter clinical trials. Echo outcomes for treatment trials in muscular dystrophy have traditionally measured ejection fraction (EF). However, this measure can be challenging to obtain with more advanced disease due to chest wall deformities and difficulty with positioning for testing. This study was performed to pilot prospective measures of echo outcomes at 5 centers of the Cooperative International Neuromuscular Research Group (CINRG) using a central sonography protocol and 2 central readers. Forty-eight participants 8–18 years old with genetically confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy or limb girdle muscular dystrophy underwent electrocardiogram, echo and B-type natriuretic peptide testing. Notably, the echo quality was insufficient to read EF for 23 studies by one reader and for 5 studies by the other reader. In contrast, myocardial performance index (MPI) measured by Doppler could be read by both readers in 46 studies. Furthermore, the agreement of cardiac measures between the 2 independent readers and between one reader performing 2 different reads was greater for MPI than for EF. In 35% of studies, an abnormal MPI while EF remained normal suggested early cardiac dysfunction. This finding suggests that MPI may demonstrate increased sensitivity to detect cardiomyopathy when compared to EF. In subsequent analyses to explore echo measures of even greater sensitivity to detect cardiac dysfunction, speckle tracking was performed to measure longitudinal and circumferential strain. The results suggest that MPI and strain measures are sensitive and amenable to central reading for muscular dystrophy clinical trials.

Correlates of Impaired Global Right Ventricular Function in Patients With a Reperfused Acute Myocardial Infarction and Without Right Ventricular Infarction

BackgroundThe frequency and clinical correlates of global right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention for a first acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) without a coexisting...

The Assessment and Potential Implications of the Myocardial Performance Index Post Exercise in an at Risk Population.

BackgroundThe myocardial performance index (MPI) first described by Chuwa Tei in 1995 is a relatively new echocardiographic variable used for assessment of overall cardiac function. Previous studies have demonstrated the MPI to be a sum representation of both left ventricular systolic and diastolic function with prognostic value in patients with coronary artery disease as well as symptomatic heart failure.MethodsNinety patients with either established coronary artery disease (CAD) or CAD risk factors underwent routine treadmill exercise stress testing with two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography using the standard Bruce protocol. Both resting and stress MPI values were measured for all 90 of the patients.ResultsUsing a normal MPI cut off of ≤ 0.47, the prevalence of an abnormal resting MPI in our 90 subjects was 72/90 or 80% and the prevalence of an abnormal stress MPI in our 90 subjects was 48/90 or 53.33%. The average MPI observed in the resting portion of the stress test for the cohort was: 0.636 with a standard deviation of 0.182. The average MPI in the stress portion of the stress test for the cohort was 0.530 with a standard deviation of 0.250. The P value with the use of a one-tailed dependent T test was calculated to be < 0.05.ConclusionWe postulate that these findings reflect that the MPI (Tei) index assessed during exercise may be a sensitive indicator of occult coronary disease in an at risk group independent of wall motion assessment.

Right Ventricular Echocardiographic Predictors of Postoperative Supraventricular Arrhythmias After Thoracic Surgery: A Pilot Study

We used echocardiographically derived myocardial performance index (MPI) to assess changes in global right ventricular function with lung isolation. We hypothesized that changes in MPI with lung isolation may be related to the incidence of postoperative supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Transesophageal echocardiographic examinations were performed after induction of general anesthesia in patients undergoing elective lung resections. Doppler tissue imaging was used to calculate MPI at baseline and 10 minutes after institution of one-lung ventilation (OLV). Arrhythmias occurring within the first 5 postoperative days were recorded. Fifty-nine patients completed the study. Nineteen of 59 patients with a normal baseline MPI (<0.40) had a higher incidence of SVT as compared with patients with an abnormal baseline MPI (42% versus 10%; p = 0.012). The MPI worsened during OLV in 46 patients; a worsening of MPI with lung isolation that was normal at baseline was associated with higher incidence of SVT (57% versus 0%; p = 0.045) compared with a worsening of MPI in patients with an abnormal baseline MPI (13% versus 6%; p = 0.62). A normal baseline MPI value that worsened after OLV, left atrial dilation, and advanced age were identified as predictors of postoperative SVT. Lung isolation is associated with acute changes in global right ventricular function. A normal baseline MPI that worsens after lung isolation is a better predictor of postoperative SVT as compared with baseline abnormal MPI that does not worsen after lung isolation. Myocardial performance index has a potential to be used as a right ventricular stress test to tolerate OLV before thoracic surgery.

Impact of altered loading conditions on ventricular performance in fetuses with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation and twin–twin transfusion syndrome

In the fetus with a structurally normal heart, two conditions--giant chest mass, such as congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM), and twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)--alter ventricular loading conditions and may result in cardiovascular compromise. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of cardiovascular dysfunction by comparing geometry-independent, Doppler flow-derived measures of ventricular performance in fetuses with altered loading conditions vs. those in normal fetuses. Doppler flow-derived measures of myocardial performance index (MPI) as described by Tei, ventricular ejection force as described by Isaaz, and combined cardiac output (CCO) were obtained by echocardiography in fetuses with a normal cardiovascular system (n = 76) or CCAM (n = 36) and fetal partners with TTTS (n = 22). In the CCAM group, systolic performance as evidenced by the ejection forces was preserved, right ventricular (RV) MPI was increased and CCO diminished, suggesting diastolic dysfunction and poor filling secondary to cardiac compression and a tamponade effect. In TTTS, recipient twins exhibited greater left ventricular (LV) ejection forces and higher CCO than donor twins, and had abnormal RV and LV MPI, reflecting increased preload, preserved left systolic performance, but diastolic dysfunction. Donor twins had diminished ejection forces and CCO in comparison with normal controls and recipient partners, reflecting hypovolemia. In both CCAM and recipient twins of the TTTS, diastolic dysfunction plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of each disorder and precedes changes in systolic performance. Measures of ventricular performance can help elucidate poorly understood mechanisms of cardiovascular compromise in the developing fetus.