Advanced Left Ventricular Dysfunction Research Articles

The implementation of modern guideline-directed medical therapy among hospitalized patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: real-world experience from two tertiary cardiac centers

Abstract Background According to the 2021 ESC HF Guidelines (GLs), the conventional triple therapy (TT) (RASi+βB+MRA) of HFrEF has been supplemented with the SGLT2 inhibitor dapa- and empagliflozin as the fourth pillar of the foundational quadruple therapy (QT) recommended for all HFrEF patients. Aim To assess the changes in the implementation of GDMT and investigate its impact on the prognosis among hospitalized HFrEF patients in light of the 2021 HF GLs. Patients and methods A retrospective data analysis of a consecutive cohort of HFrEF patients hospitalized due to HF between 01/01/2019 and 31/12/2023 at two tertiary cardiac centers was performed. Patients were classified into two groups: those hospitalized before and those after the publication of the 2021 ESC HF GLs (27/08/2021). Differences in the implementation of the drug therapy were analysed using the Chi-square test. 1-year all-cause mortality (ACM) was compared using Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The independent predictors of the 1-year ACM were investigated with uni-, and multivariate Cox-regression analysis. Results A total cohort of 560 patients (male: 76%, age: 63 [51-72] years, coronary artery disease: 46%, diabetes: 38%, atrial fibrillation: 44%, LVEF: 25 [20-30]%, eGFR: 57 [43-74]mL/min/1.73m²; NT-proBNP: 5574 [2529-10960]pg/mL) was treated with a high proportion of TT (80%) and with QT (TT + SGLT2i) in 34% at discharge. After the publication of the 2021 ESC HF GLs, the proportion of patients on these SGTL2is improved (10% vs 57%, p<0.001; in the group before vs. after the publication of the GLs), resulting in an increased proportion of patients on QT (10% vs. 52%, p<0.001). There was no significant difference between groups regarding the use of TT (6% vs. 3%) or QT (1% vs. 3%) at target doses. The 1-year ACM was more favourable for those receiving QT (non-QT and non-TT: 41% vs. TT: 16% vs. QT: 11%, p<0.001). According to the multivariate Cox-regression analysis, older age, and more advanced left ventricular systolic dysfunction proved to be negative independent predictors of 1-year ACM, while "de novo" diagnosis of HFrEF and the application of TT/QT (adjusted HR: 0.303, 95% CI: 0.207-0.445, p<0.001) resulted in better outcomes. Conclusions The 2021 ESC HF GLs have led to a breakthrough regarding the modern drug treatment recommended for all patients in HFrEF. Our results demonstrated that the introduction of SGLT2is and the use of QT was feasible even in the everyday practice among complex, multimorbid HFrEF patients requiring hospitalization and the implementation of TT/QT was accompanied by a better prognosis.

The impact of comorbidities on therapy-optimization and their prognostics role among hospitalized patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Abstract Background The early, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of comorbidities (CMs) are of strategic importance in heart failure (HF), as stated in the current ESC HF Guidelines. Unquestionably, the presence of CMs is associated with worse prognosis. Moreover, CMs can unfavourably affect the implementation of the guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Aim To assess the prevalence of the relevant prognosis-modifying CMs among patients requiring hospitalization due to HFrEF, investigate their effect on the implementation and optimization of GDMT, and examine the impact of the presence of CMs on the prognosis in HFrEF. Patients and methods The data of 313 patients requiring hospitalization at our Institution due to HFrEF between 2021-2023 (male: 77%, age: 60[50-70]years, coronary artery disease: 46%, diabetes: 36%, hypertension: 65%, atrial fibrillation: 42%, LVEF: 24[20-30]%, eGFR at admission: 57[46-74]mL/min/1.73m², NT-proBNP at admission: 5035[2376-9369]pg/mL, SBP: 121[110-140]mmHg; GDMT at admission - RASi[ACEi/ARB/ARNI]: 60%, βB: 59%, MRA: 44%, SGLT2i: 14%) were analyzed retrospectively. Based on the number of diagnosed CMs, patients were divided into 3 categories: 0-1 vs. 2-3 vs. ≥4 CMs. The implemented GDMT at discharge was compared among CM categories with Chi-square test, while all-cause mortality (ACM) rates were investigated with Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox-regression analysis. Results During the hospitalization in the total cohort the proportion of patients on GDMT increased significantly (RASi: 91%, βB: 85%, MRA: 96%, SGLT2i: 57%; patients on triple [TT] therapy [RASi+βB+MRA]: 83%, patients on quadruple therapy [TT+SGLT2i]: 52%; p＜0.05). However, among patients with higher rates of CMs, the application of GDMT was less favourable (RASi: 97% vs. 94% vs. 82%; βB: 93% vs. 89% vs. 75%; p＜0.05; 0-1 vs. 2-3 vs. ≥4 CMs), the proportion of patients on TT and QT remained remarkably high even among those with ≥4 CMs (TT: 93% vs. 87% vs. 71%; QT: 65% vs. 52% vs. 45%; p＜0.05). During the median follow-up period of 1.3 year, the ACM of patients with increased burden of CMs was higher (12% vs. 18% vs. 37%, p＜0.001). According to the results of the multivariate Cox-regression analysis, more advanced left ventricular systolic dysfunction (/1%), previously confirmed diagnosis of HFrEF, the growing number of CMs proved to be negative independent predictors of ACM, while the application of TT or QT reduced the risk of ACM significantly (HR: 0.471, 95% CI: 0.271-0.819, p=0.008). Conclusions According to our real-world analysis, although among HFrEF patients with an increased burden of CMs, less favourable prognosis can be expected, the application of modern GDMT is even possible among them, resulting in a significantly improved prognosis. Thus, clinicians should insist on the early, conscious implementation of GDMT among these patients as well.

MR 4D flow–derived left atrial acceleration factor for differentiating advanced left ventricular diastolic dysfunction

ObjectivesThe magnetic resonance (MR) 4D flow imaging–derived left atrial (LA) acceleration factor α was recently introduced as a means to non-invasively estimate LA pressure. We aimed to investigate the association of α with the severity of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction using echocardiography as the reference method.MethodsEchocardiographic assessment of LV diastolic function and 3-T cardiac MR 4D flow imaging were prospectively performed in 94 subjects (44 male/50 female; mean age, 62 ± 12 years). LA early diastolic peak outflow velocity (vE), systolic peak inflow velocity (vS), and early diastolic peak inflow velocity (vD) were evaluated from 4D flow data. α was calculated from α = vE / [(vS + vD) / 2]. Mean parameter values were compared by t-test; diagnostic performance of α in predicting diastolic (dys)function was investigated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.ResultsMean α values were 1.17 ± 0.14, 1.20 ± 0.08, 1.33 ± 0.15, 1.77 ± 0.18, and 2.79 ± 0.69 for grade 0 (n = 51), indeterminate (n = 9), grade I (n = 13), grade II (n = 13), and grade III (n = 8) LV diastolic (dys)function, respectively. α differed between subjects with non-advanced (grade < II) and advanced (grade ≥ II) diastolic dysfunction (1.20 ± 0.15 vs. 2.16 ± 0.66, p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for detection of advanced diastolic dysfunction was 0.998 (95% CI: 0.958–1.000), yielding sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 84–100%) and specificity of 99% (95% CI: 93–100%) at cut-off α ≥ 1.58. The AUC for differentiating grade III diastolic dysfunction was also 0.998 (95% CI: 0.976–1.000) at cut-off α ≥ 2.14.ConclusionThe 4D flow–derived LA acceleration factor α allows grade II and grade III diastolic dysfunction to be distinguished from non-advanced grades as well as from each other.Clinical relevance statementAs a single continuous parameter, the 4D flow–derived LA acceleration factor α shows potential to simplify the multi-parametric imaging algorithm for diagnosis of advanced LV diastolic dysfunction, thereby identifying patients at increased risk for cardiovascular events.Key Points• Detection of advanced diastolic dysfunction is typically performed using a complex, multi-parametric approach.• The 4D flow–derived left atrial acceleration factor α alone allows accurate detection of advanced left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.• As a single continuous parameter, the left atrial acceleration factor α could simplify the diagnosis of advanced diastolic dysfunction.

Abstract 17185: Percutaneous Intervention in Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion: Impact on Ventricular Arrhythmia and Mortality Compared to Medical Therapy

Background: The incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in patients with chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO) in the absence of advanced left ventricular dysfunction is not well described. Moreover, little is known about how revascularization may impact VA in this population compared to medical therapy alone. Methods: In this single-center retrospective cohort study from January 2010 to January 2019. We identified 100 patients with CTO on cardiac catheterization with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &gt;35% who did not undergo coronary artery bypass surgery following CTO diagnosis. Percutaneous revascularization was performed for 44 patients. The primary outcomes evaluated were VA and mortality rates at end of the study period. Secondarily, cardiovascular outcomes were compared between the intervention and optimal medical therapy (OMT) groups at the end of the study period. Survival analysis was performed via Kaplan Meier calculation for VA and mortality. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 15 and R-studio. Results: Mean age was 59.91(± 13.05) and BMI was 31.8(± 7.41). Patients were 66% male, 64% White, and 23% Black. Baseline characteristics, use of antiarrhythmic therapy, baseline LVEF, and the number of CTOs and locations of CTOs were not significantly different between groups. During a median follow-up of 4.1(± 2.54) years, the OMT group experienced higher rates of VA (21.4% vs 7.7 %, p = 0.011), and mortality (37.5% vs 15.9%, p=0.031). Conclusion: CTO in the absence of severe LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF &lt;35%) is associated with a high rate of VA and all-cause mortality, suggesting the need for further study on the impact of CTOs and their revascularization on VA and mortality in patients with LVEF &gt;35%.

Subannular repair in secondary mitral regurgitation with restricted leaflet motion during systole

ObjectiveVentricular secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) (Carpentier type IIIb) results from left ventricular (LV) remodelling, displacement of papillary muscles and tethering of mitral leaflets. The most appropriate treatment approach remains controversial....

Abstract 12085: Cardiac Structural and Functional Differences Between the Types of Sleep Apnea in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Introduction: In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) may affect, or be affected by cardiac structure and function. We hypothesized that patients with OSA would demonstrate left ventricular (LV) remodeling and impaired LV function intermediate between that of patients with CSA and patients with no SDB. Methods: ADVENT-HF is a multinational randomized trial investigating the effect of adaptive servo ventilation in patients with HFrEF and SDB. Inclusion required LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤45%, and a polysomnographic (PSG) apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15. Subjects with an AHI &lt;15 were excluded from randomization but comprised a no-SDB (NSDB) group. All transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) and PSGs were analyzed in core laboratories at University Health Network in Toronto. Patients with SDB were subdivided into those with OSA and those with CSA. We then compared baseline demographic and TTE characteristics of the NSDB, OSA and CSA cohorts. Results: Among them, 665 with acceptable TTE were analyzed. As shown in the table, the CSA group was older, more predominantly male, and had a higher AHI than the other groups, and a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation and a lower minimum arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation level than the NSDB group. The CSA group also had greater LV mass index than the other groups, greater LV volume indices and lower LVEF than the OSA group, and lower cardiac index than the NSDB group. Although the OSA group had no significant differences in TTE findings compared to the NSDB group, the OSA group was older, more predominantly male, and had a greater AHI than the NSDB group and a higher BMI than the CSA group and lower minSaO 2 than the other groups. Conclusion: In patients with HFrEF, the degree of LV remodeling and dysfunction did not differ between the OSA and NSDB groups, but those with CSA had more advanced LV remodeling and dysfunction than the other groups signaling more advanced HF.

Impact of moderately reduced renal function on the diagnostic and prognostic value of galectin-3 in patients with exertional dyspnea.

Blood concentration of galectin-3 (Gal-3) - a biomarker of fibrosis useful in diagnostics and prognostication in heart failure (HF) - is known to be elevated in patients with renal impairment, a condition which often accompanies cardiac insufficiency. To investigate the effect of moderately reduced renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m2) on the diagnostic and prognostic utility of circulating Gal-3 in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic variables were collected at baseline in 154 patients with HFpEF: 101 with normal and 53 with moderately reduced renal function, who were followed up for 48 (24-60) months for HF hospitalization and cardiovascular (CV) death (composite endpoint). Patients with moderately impaired renal function were characterized by higher age, Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) risk score, Gal-3, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, lower hemoglobin, and more advanced left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Older age, female sex and deeper impairment of renal performance were determinants of higher Gal-3 blood concentrations. Lower exercise capacity (lower peak VO2) was associated with higher Gal-3 level and more pronounced renal impairment. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated the significance of renal dysfunction as a determinant of lower exercise capacity and revealed a significant interaction between Gal-3 and eGFR with respect to peak VO2. The addition of Gal-3 to the prognostic models based on clinical data improved their predictive power for the study endpoint. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the presence of moderately reduced renal function with eGFR 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m2 did not enhance the increased risk of adverse outcome associated with Gal-3 above the median. In patients with HFpEF, the coexistence of moderate renal dysfunction does not deteriorate the prognostic usefulness of circulating Gal-3. However, renal impairment modifies the association between Gal-3 and exercise capacity, which supports the need to adjust for kidney function when interpreting the contribution of Gal-3 to exercise intolerance in this population.

Activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor by ITE Improves Cardiac Function in Mice After Myocardial Infarction.

BackgroundThe immune and inflammatory responses play a considerable role in left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). Binding of AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) to its ligands modulates immune and inflammatory responses; however, the effects of AhR in the context of MI are unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the potential association between AhR and MI by treating mice with a nontoxic endogenous AhR ligand, ITE (2‐[1’H‐indole‐3’‐carbonyl]‐thiazole‐4‐carboxylic acid methyl ester). We hypothesized that activation of AhR by ITE in MI mice would boost regulatory T‐cell differentiation, modulate macrophage activity, and facilitate infarct healing.Methods and ResultsAcute MI was induced in C57BL/6 mice by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Then, the mice were randomized to daily intraperitoneal injection of ITE (200 µg/mouse, n=19) or vehicle (n=16) to examine the therapeutic effects of ITE during the postinfarct healing process. Echocardiographic and histopathological analyses revealed that ITE‐treated mice exhibited significantly improved systolic function (P<0.001) and reduced infarct size compared with control mice (P<0.001). In addition, we found that ITE increased regulatory T cells in the mediastinal lymph node, spleen, and infarcted myocardium, and shifted the M1/M2 macrophage balance toward the M2 phenotype in vivo, which plays vital roles in the induction and resolution of inflammation after acute MI. In vitro, ITE expanded the Foxp3+ (forkhead box protein P3‐positive) regulatory T cells and tolerogenic dendritic cell populations.ConclusionsActivation of AhR by a nontoxic endogenous ligand, ITE, improves cardiac function after MI. Post‐MI mice treated with ITE have a significantly lower risk of developing advanced left ventricular systolic dysfunction than nontreated mice. Thus, the results imply that ITE has a potential as a stimulator of cardiac repair after MI to prevent heart failure.

Cardiomyopathy in Pregnancy: A Review Literature

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is an experience that many women can achieve. Pregnancy is generally well tolerated in asymptomatic patients with cardiomyopathies but in restrictive form cardiomyopathy, pregnancy cannot be tolerated because of poor prognosis. Prior cardiac events, poor functional class (New York Heart Association class III or IV), or advanced left ventricular systolic dysfunction are present, the risk of maternal cardiac complications during pregnancy are markedly increased. Worsening of the clinical condition can occur during pregnancy, despite intensive medical treatment. Although the incident of cardiovascular disease is present 0.5-4% in developed countries, our knowledge about various of cardiomyopathy and pregnancy should be updateable. CONCLUSION: Our literature provide three types of cardiomyopathy in pregnancy with an example condition for each type that relevant during pregnancy. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is the most common form of cardiomyopathy occured in pregnancy therefore a thorough review is needed to give best outcome for pregnancy. Arryhtmia is the commonnest form in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which need to be regularly monitored and measure should be taken if the arryhtmia is life threatening for mother and the child. Cardiac amyloidosis is the common form of restrictive cardiomyopathy in pregnancy.

Prevalence and Outcome of Advanced Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction among Consecutive Patients Referred for Echocardiography

Aim: To assess the prevalence of advanced left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in a cohort of consecutive patients referred for echocardiography and its association with mortality. Methods: The cohort included 4,481 (85% hospitalized) patients who underwent echocardiography, had normal or preserved LV systolic function and diastolic function assessment. LVDD was graded as none or mild (0/I) and advanced grade (II/III). Mortality data were derived from the National Israeli Population Registry. Results: LVDD grade II/III was found in 1,262 patients (28%), was more prevalent among the elderly, females, diabetic and hypertensive patients. Independent predictors associated with LVDD grade II/III (OR; 95% CI) were: age (1-year increment) 1.015 (1.01-1.02), p&lt;0.001; female sex 1.2 (1.04-1.39), p=0.012; hypertension 1.53 (1.30-1.80), p&lt;0.001, while ischaemic heart disease was negatively associated 0.73 (0.63- 0.85), p&lt;0.001. 1-year mortality rates were higher among grade II/III LVDD as compared to grade 0/I DD patients, 19% vs. 10.2%, respectively, p&lt;0.0001. Independent predictors for all-cause mortality after adjusting for pertinent variables were: LVDD grade II/III 1.72 (1.40-2.11); age (1-year increment) 1.08 (1.07-1.09) and diabetes 1.54 (1.26-1.70), p&lt;0.001 for all. Conclusion: LVDD grade II/III was more prevalent among the elderly, females, diabetic and hypertensive patients. Advanced LVDD was a strong independent predictor for all-cause mortality after adjustment for risk factors. Intensive pharmacological therapies at an earlier stage of LVDD may improve patients’ outcome.

Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic correlations of dilated cardiomyopathy in Aden Governorate

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM), which represents ventricular chamber enlargement and contractile dysfunction is an often fatal cause of heart failure (HF) in young adults. In Yemen, the incidence and prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) appears to be increasing, whether secondary to improved detection or due to local factors, such as chronic khat use. In this prospective study, we sought to investigate the electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings in patients with IDCM. A total of 50 patients with IDCM, from three hospitals in Aden were studied. The mean age of patients was 44.6 ±12 years, 39 were males and 11 were females. History of chronic khat use was found in 84% and family history of DCM was found in 32% of the patients. All secondary causes of DCM were excluded. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was excluded by coronary angiography. Electrocardiography (ECG) and two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography were done for all these patients using standard techniques. Diagnosis of DCM was one by echocardiography. Sinus tachycardia and ventricular ectopic beats were common ECG abnormalities, but atrial fibrillation, left bundle branch block, weak R wave progression in the chest leads were found to be associated with advanced left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. There was a markedly dilated LV cavity with mean LV ejection fraction (EF) of 28%. While mitral regurgitation was seen in 40% of the patients, thrombus formation was found in 16% of patients with LVEF of &lt;20%.

Assessment of left ventricular myocardial work in Turner syndrome patients: insights from the novel non-invasive pressure-strain loop analysis method

Turner syndrome (TS), a relatively rare chromosomal disease, is associated with multiple cardiovascular risk factors that possibly lead to increased left ventricular afterload and functional impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether alterations in myocardial work and work efficiency can be found in TS patients through left ventricular pressure-strain loop analysis (PSL). Thirty-eight patients with TS and 19 healthy, age-matched controls were recruited for this study. Global peak systolic strain (GLPS) and PSL of the left ventricle was assessed in study participants. TS patients whose history included coarctation of the aorta or prior cardiac surgery were excluded from GLPS and PSL analyses (n=5). Median age was 16.00 years in the TS group and 16.35 years in the control group (P=0.236). GLPS did not show significant differences between both groups (P=0.524). TS patients demonstrated, compared to controls, a significantly higher global myocardial work index (BSA) (mean ± SD: 1,497±505 vs. 1,214±245 mmHg*%/m2; P=0.027). Heart rate was significantly increased in TS patients, compared to controls (mean ± SD: 90.08±14.79 vs. 73.95±15.05 bpm; P<0.001), and correlated significantly with global myocardial work index [body surface area (BSA)] within the TS cohort (r=0.558, P=0.001). TS patients showed signs of increased myocardial workload that were only detectable through the novel PSL analysis method and not through GLPS. Moreover, elevated resting heart rate was linked with increased myocardial workload in TS patients. Further studies will have to investigate whether TS patients may develop advanced left ventricular systolic dysfunction later in life.

The role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and sudden cardiac death prevention: indications, device selection, and outcome.

Multiple randomized multicentre clinical trials have established the role of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) as the mainstay in the treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) prevention. These trials have focused mainly on heart failure patients with advanced left ventricular dysfunction and were mostly conducted two decades ago, whereas a more recent trial has provided conflicting results. Therefore, much remains to be determined on how best to balance the identification of patients at high risk of SCD together with who would benefit most from ICD implantation in a contemporary setting. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators have also evolved from the simple, defibrillation-only devices implanted surgically to more advanced technologies of multi-chamber devices, with physiologic bradycardic pacing, including cardiac resynchronization therapy, atrial and ventricular therapeutic pacing algorithms, and subcutaneous ICDs. These multiple options necessitate individualized approach to device selection and programming. This review will focus on the current knowledge on selection of patients for ICD treatment, device selection and programming, and future directions of implantable device therapy for SCD prevention.

P1248Characteristics and clinical significance of right ventricular involvement in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background A few studies have demonstrated bi-ventricular hypertrophy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, clinical significance of HCM with right ventricular (RV) involvement has not been fully established. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the structural characteristics and clinical significance of RV hypertrophy in patients with HCM. Methods In a single center, large HCM registry, 256 patients with HCM who underwent both cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and transthoracic echocardiography within 6 months were retrospectively analyzed. RV involvement was defined as increased RV wall thickness &gt;7 mm on CMR in any segments of RV free wall and apex. Patients who had evidence of significant RV pressure overload (RV systolic pressure &gt;50mmHg) or had undergone septal myectomy were excluded. Cardiovascular outcomes were defined as the composite of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for cardiovascular disease. Results Among 256 patients, 41 (16%) showed RV involvement. During follow-up period (median 1099 days), 32 cardiovascular outcomes (3 cardiovascular death and 29 cardiovascular hospitalization) were occurred. Patients with RV involvement showed a significantly higher left ventricular (LV) thickness (23.8±5.8 vs. 21.2±5.0 mm, p=0.004), more advanced diastolic dysfunction, and larger left atrial volume index (LAVI, 48.5±20.3 vs. 40.2±14.9 mm/m2, p=0.016) compared to those without RV involvement. In multivariate cox regression analysis, presence of RV involvement (HR: 4.21, 95% CI: 1.99–8.90, p&lt;0.001) and LV ejection fraction &lt;50% (HR: 4.29, 95% CI: 1.37–13.43, p=0.012) were independently associated with cardiovascular outcomes. The Kapan-Meier curve showed that there was a significant decrease in probability of cardiovascular outcomes-free survival in patients with RV involvement (p=0.007) after using 1:1 propensity score matching (n=82) to adjust for age, sex, LV ejection fraction, LV maximal wall thickness, LAVI, and RV systolic pressure than patients without RV involvement (Figure 1). Figure 1 Conclusion RV involvement in patients with HCM were not rare (16%). Patients with RV involvement showed more advanced LV structure and dysfunction, suggesting an indicator of severe HCM. RV involvement in HCM has clinical significance related to cardiovascular outcomes.

Impact of Mitral Regurgitation Severity and Cause on Effort Tolerance-Integrated Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging and Echocardiographic Assessment of Patients With Known or Suspected Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Exercise Treadmill Testing.

BackgroundMitral regurgitation (MR) has the potential to impede exercise capacity; it is uncertain whether this is because of regurgitation itself or the underlying cause of valvular insufficiency.Methods and ResultsThe population comprised 3267 patients who underwent exercise treadmill myocardial perfusion imaging and transthoracic echocardiography within 6±8 days. MR was present in 28%, including 176 patients (5%) with moderate or greater MR. Left ventricular systolic function significantly decreased and chamber size increased in relation to MR, paralleling increments in stress and rest myocardial perfusion deficits (all P<0.001). Exercise tolerance (metabolic equivalents of task) decreased stepwise in relation to graded MR severity (P<0.05). Workload was significantly lower with mild versus no MR (mean±SD, 9.8±3.0 versus 10.1±3.0; P=0.02); magnitude of workload reduction significantly increased among patients with advanced versus those with mild MR (mean±SD, 8.6±3.0 versus 9.8±3.0; P<0.001). MR‐associated exercise impairment was accompanied by lower heart rate and blood pressure augmentation and greater dyspnea (all P<0.05). Both functional and nonfunctional MR subgroups demonstrated significantly decreased effort tolerance in relation to MR severity (P≤0.01); impairment was greater with functional MR (P=0.04) corresponding to more advanced left ventricular dysfunction and dilation (both P<0.001). Functional MR predicted reduced metabolic equivalent of task–based effort (B=−0.39 [95% CI, −0.62 to −0.17]; P=0.001) independent of MR severity. Among the overall cohort, advanced (moderate or greater) MR was associated with reduced effort tolerance (B=−1.36 [95% CI, −1.80 to −0.93]; P<0.001) and remained significant (P=0.01) after controlling for age, clinical indexes, stress perfusion defects, and left ventricular dysfunction.Conclusions MR impairs exercise tolerance independent of left ventricular ischemia, dysfunction, and clinical indexes. Magnitude of exercise impairment parallels severity of MR.

Correction: Persistent abnormalities in pulmonary arterial compliance after heart transplantation in patients with combined post-capillary and pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188383.].

Clinical implication of LAVI over A′ ratio in patients with acute coronary syndrome

PurposeThe ratio of the left atrial volume index (LAVI) and late diastolic mitral annular velocity (A′) is a useful echocardiographic index for identifying advanced left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction in...

Torsion Mechanics as an Indicator of More Advanced Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Secondary Mitral Regurgitation in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A 2D Speckle-Tracking Analysis

Left ventricular (LV) twist serves as a compensatory mechanism in systolic dysfunction and its degree of reduction may reflect a more advanced stage of disease. Aim: The aim was to investigate twist alterations depending on the degree of functional mitral regurgitation (MR) by speckle-tracking echocardiography. Methods: Sixty-three patients with symptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were included. Patients were divided according to MR vena contracta width (VCW): group 1 with VCW <7 mm (mild/moderate MR) and group 2 with VCW ≥7 mm (severe MR). Results: There were no differences in LV geometry and function between groups. Group 2 showed lower endocardial basal rotation (BR) (–2.04° ± 1.83° vs. –3.23° ± 1.83°, p = 0.012); epicardial BR (–1.54° ± 1.18° vs. –2.31° ± 1.22°, p = 0.015); endocardial torsion (0.41°/cm ± 0.36°/cm vs. 0.63°/cm ± 0.44°/cm, p = 0.033) and mid-level circumferential strain (CSmid) (–6.12% ± 2.64% vs. –7.75% ± 2.90%, p = 0.028), when compared with group 1. Multivariable linear regression analysis identified endocardial BR, torsion and CSmid, as the best predictors of larger VCW. In the ROC curve analysis, endocardial BR and CSmid values greater than or equal to –3.63° and –9.35%, respectively, can differentiate patients with severe MR. Conclusions: In DCM patients, torsional profile was more altered in severe MR. Endocardial BR, endocardial torsion, and CSmid, can be used as indicators of advanced structural wall architecture damage.

Persistent abnormalities in pulmonary arterial compliance after heart transplantation in patients with combined post-capillary and pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension.

BackgroundThe hemodynamic definitions of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in left heart disease have recently been refined to better match the characteristics required to reflect the presence of pulmonary vascular disease. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that abnormalities in the stiffness of pulmonary circulation would persist after heart transplantation in patients with combined post-capillary and pre-capillary PH (Cpc-PH) in contrast to those with isolated post-capillary PH (Ipc-PH).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed right heart hemodynamics in a cohort of 295 consecutive patients with heart failure and advanced left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) before and 1 year after heart transplantation.ResultsAccording to their baseline hemodynamic profile, patients were classified as: 75 Cpc-PH, 111 Ipc-PH, and 98 without PH (no-PH), and 11 pre-capillary PH. One year after heart transplantation, pulmonary artery pressures, pulmonary vascular resistance and cardiac index normalized in all patients regardless of the baseline hemodynamic profile. However, pulmonary arterial compliance remained lower in Cpc-PH patients (from 1.6±1.2 at baseline to 3.7±1.4 ml/mmHg at 1 year) than in Ipc-PH (from 1.2±2.0 to 4.4±2.3 ml/mmHg) and no-PH patients (from 3.7±2.0 to 4.5±1.8 ml/mmHg); (adjusted p = 0.03 Ipc-PH vs. Cpc-PH INT<0.001).ConclusionsIn heart failure patients with advanced LVSD, a hemodynamic profile characterized by Cpc-PH predicts the persistence of a stiffer pulmonary circulation at 1 year after heart transplantation.

Long-term outcome of patients with triphasic mitral flow with a mid-diastolic L wave: prognostic role of left atrial volume and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide.

A mid-diastolic L wave has been recognized as a marker of advanced left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. However, its prognostic implication is unclear. This study assessed long-term prognosis and independent predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with a mid-diastolic L wave. A total of 144 consecutive patients (mean age 63 ± 12 years, 88 female) with a mid-diastolic L wave of ≥0.2m/s and in sinus rhythm were identified. Patients with significant valvular heart disease, low LV ejection fraction and arrhythmias were excluded. Subjects were followed up for cardiovascular (CV) mortality and hospitalization for heart failure (HF). During follow-up for a median of 44 months (1-76), CV deaths and hospitalization for HF occurred in 41 (28%) patients. In multivariate Cox analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.11; p = 0.001), log N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)(HR 3.81; 95% CI 1.78-8.15; p = 0.001), and left atrial volume index (HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.04; p = 0.019) were independent predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with a mid-diastolic L wave. In a stepwise model, NT-proBNP showed an incremental prognostic value for prediction of adverse outcomes when added to the clinical and echocardiographic parameters (Chi square from 30.1 to 41.1, p < 0.001). Patients with a mid-diastolic L wave and clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic evidence of advanced diastolic dysfunction showed poor long-term clinical outcome.