Baseline Transthoracic Echocardiography Research Articles

Effect of Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy on Right Ventricular Function: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the changes in right ventricular (RV) function among patients undergoing percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) for mitral stenosis (MS). Methodology: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Cardiology at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from April 2021 to October 2021. Initially, baseline transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed, followed by PTMC for all patients. Post-procedure, patients were monitored in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) for 24 hours. A follow-up TTE was conducted 24 hours post-PTMC to assess changes in RV function, specifically evaluating parameters such as RV systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening (RVOT-FS), right ventricular Tei index (RV Tei index), RV wall thickness, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure. Results: Significant changes were observed in RV parameters before and after 24 hours of PTMC. The mean change in RVSP was 5.70 ± 4.50 mmHg (p < 0.001). The mean change in RVOT-FS was -1.22 ± 3.02% (p = 0.003). The RV Tei index showed a mean change of 0.14 ± 0.015 (p < 0.001). The mean change in RV wall thickness was 0.10 ± 0.03 mm (p < 0.001). Additionally, pulmonary artery systolic pressure demonstrated a mean change of 17.09 ± 4.20 mmHg (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings indicate that PTMC significantly improves right ventricular function in patients with mitral stenosis. These results underscore the importance of PTMC in the management of RV dysfunction associated with mitral stenosis.

Heterogeneity of right ventricular echocardiographic parameters in systemic lupus erythematosus among four clinical subgroups, as stratified by clinical organ involvement in observational cohort

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease. Cardiac involvement in SLE is rare but plays an important prognostic role. The degree of cardiac involvement according to SLE subsets...

New-onset as opposed to established atrial fibrillation as a risk factor for incident stroke

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is an established risk factor for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). It remains unclear if new-onset AF confers a higher risk of AIS than longer-standing AF. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all stroke-free patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in the Henry Ford Health System between March 6 and September 6, 2016. Incident AIS and new-onset AF were ascertained by the presence of new diagnostic codes in the electronic medical record over a follow-up period of up to 5 years. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify risk factors for new-onset AF or AIS. ResultsOf 7310 patients who underwent baseline TTE the mean age was 65 years, 54% were female, 51% were Caucasian, and 46% had left atrial enlargement (LAE). Of at-risk patients, 10.9% developed new-onset AF and 2.9% experienced incident AIS. The risk of new-onset AF among at-risk patients was 3.1 times higher among patients with any degree of LAE compared to those with normal LA size (95% CI 2.6–3.6, P < 0.0001). New-onset AF, more than established AF, in turn had a powerful association with incident AIS. The cumulative 5-year risk of AIS was 3.5% in those without AF, 5.9% in those with established AF prior to TTE, and 20.1% in those with new-onset AF (P < 0.0001). In multivariable analysis new-onset AF had the strongest association with incident AIS (P < 0.0001), followed by increasing age (P = 0.0025), black race (P = 0.0032), and smoking (P = 0.0063). ConclusionsNew-onset AF has a strong relationship with incident AIS. LAE was present in nearly half of stroke-free patients undergoing TTE, and was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of new-onset AF during follow-up. Vigilant cardiac monitoring for AF in individuals with LAE, coupled with the timely initiation of anticoagulation, may be an important strategy for the primary prevention of AF-related stroke.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography imaging in assessing early stages of aortic valve degeneration after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a standard treatment for severe aortic stenosis, primarily in elderly patients. With an increasing number of procedures and younger patients, understanding the valve degeneration and its risk factors becomes crucial. We aimed to utilize 18F‑sodium fluoride (18F‑NaF) and 18F‑fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‑FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to evaluate early TAVI valve degeneration. In this prospective study with a prespecified follow‑up protocol, 71 TAVI patients underwent baseline transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, and PET/CT with 18F‑NaF and 18F‑FDG. Of these, 31 patients completed 24‑month control examinations, while the others were lost to mortality and the COVID‑19 pandemic. We measured PET tracer activity and compared 18F‑NaF and 18F‑FDG PET/CT uptake at baseline and 24‑month follow‑up. PET/CT and echocardiography data were analyzed for 31 of the 71 enrolled TAVI patients at a median age of 84 years (interquartile range, 80-86). After TAVI, an improvement in the valve function was observed. During follow‑up, the valve function remained stable. PET/CT demonstrated an increase in 18F‑FDG maximal uptake in the inner (tissue‑to‑background ratio, P = 0.009) and outer (P = 0.01) sides of the TAVI valve stent, but no difference in 18F‑NaF maximal activity (inner, P = 0.17; outer, P = 0.57). Twenty‑four months post‑TAVI, an increase in 18F‑FDG uptake, indicative of inflammation, was observed in the valve, while the uptake of the calcification marker (18F‑NaF) remained stable. Theseobservations might suggest early stages of TAVI valve degeneration, although further investigation is required to confirm this interpretation.

The role of serum lipoprotein(a) levels in bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration

Abstract Introduction Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is associated with an increased incidence of aortic stenosis. Bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration and native aortic stenosis share similar pathological mechanisms. Evidence regarding the role of serum Lp(a) concentrations in bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration is lacking. Purpose To evaluate the association between serum Lp(a) concentrations and bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration. Methods In this retrospective multicenter study, consecutive patients who underwent a bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement between Jan-2010 and Dec-2020 and had a preoperatory serum Lp(a) measurement were included. A baseline transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed following the aortic valve replacement and a follow-up TTE was performed at least 24 months after the baseline study to determine the presence of bioprosthetic valve degeneration. Significant degeneration was defined as: (a) an increase &amp;gt;10 mmHg in mean bioprosthetic aortic valve gradient from baseline status + a decrease in effective orifice area + a decrease in Doppler velocity index + exclusion of clinically thrombotic leaflet thickening, OR (b) new moderate or severe prosthetic aortic regurgitation (if the main component was periprosthetic, then it was not considered). Lp(a) concentrations were compared between patients with and without degeneration and regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association between bioprosthetic valve degeneration and Lp(a) levels. Results In total, 211 cases were included (mean age 74.1 ±9.4 years, 72.0% males, 29.9% transcatheter aortic valve replacements) (Figure 1). Median time between baseline and follow-up TTE was 5.0 (IQR 3.7) years. Bioprostheses degeneration was observed in 33 (15.6%) patients at follow-up. Median serum levels of Lp(a) were significantly higher in the patients affected by degeneration versus non-affected cases (50.0 vs 15.7 mg/dl, p=0.003). In the regression analysis, high Lp(a) levels (≥30 mg/dl) were associated with degeneration both in a univariate analysis (OR 4.8, 95%CI 2.2-10.9, p&amp;lt;0.001) and multivariate analysis adjusted by other risk factors for bioprostheses degeneration (age, sex, hypertension, smoking, patient prosthesis mismatch, creatinine levels, and body surface area) (OR 5.2, 95%CI 2.1-12.8, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion Serum Lp(a) concentrations seem to be a risk factor for bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration (Figure 2). There is an increasing need to accurately predict bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration and to develop novel methods and treatments to increase their durability. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to investigate whether lowering Lp(a) could slow bioprostheses degradation.Population characteristicsLp(a) and bioprostheses degeneration

Abstract 12116: Identifying the Underlying Causes of Unexplained Dyspnea at High Altitude Using Normobaric Hypoxia With Transthoracic Echocardiography

Introduction: Exposure to high altitude results in hypobaric hypoxia, leading to physiological changes in the cardiovascular system that may result in dyspnea. Hypoxic simulation testing (HSTs) simulates changes in physiology that occur at a specific altitude. Hypothesis: The use of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) during HST can detect the raise in right-sided pressures revealing underlying causes of high-altitude dyspnea. Methods: We performed a prospective observational study of consecutive patients with unexplained dyspnea at high altitude who were referred to an aerospace medicine program at a single institution between August 2021 and March 2023. Reduced FiO 2 was administered for 20 minutes to simulate altitude levels specific to patients’ history. TTE images were obtained at baseline and during peak hypoxia to evaluate right ventricular (RV) function, RV systolic pressure, and any possible shunts. Result: The study included 27 patients, with a mean age of 64.7 ±14.4 years and 14 (51.9%) females. No significant abnormalities were seen on baseline TTE and no significant differences in blood pressure and heart rate between baseline and hypoxia simulation were detected. Notably, RV systolic pressure increased at peak hypoxia, while RV systolic function declined as shown by a decrease in S’ wave and TAPSE ( Figure 1 ). Additionally, right to left shunts were present in 19 (70.4%) patients. Of these, four patients (21.1%) had shunts present at baseline with no changes at peak hypoxia, while the severity of shunts increased at peak hypoxia in eight cases (42.1%) and the shunts were only evident during hypoxia in seven patients (36.8%). Conclusion: TTE during HST provides valuable information by revealing the presence of symptomatic, sustained shunts and confirming the decline in RV hemodynamics explaining dyspnea at altitude. Further studies are necessary to establish the optimal clinical role of this physiologic method.

Mitral regurgitation outcomes after transcatheter atrial septal defect closure

BackgroundWorsening mitral regurgitation (MR) is a complication of intervention for atrial septal defect (ASD). Little is known about mitral valve (MV) characteristics associated with worsening MR. We aimed to elucidate MR outcomes and predictors of worsening MR after transcatheter ASD closure. MethodsWe analyzed changes in MR from prior to transcatheter ASD closure to 6 months after the procedure and predictors of worsening MR via baseline transthoracic echocardiography in 238 patients (64.7% females; mean age, 53 ± 22 years). ResultsWorsening MR was defined as worsening to moderate in patients with less than or equal to mild MR at baseline or vena contracta width increasing of ≥2 mm by 6-month follow-up in patients with moderate MR. Worsening MR was observed in 29 patients (12.2%). The associated echocardiographic findings were pseudoprolapse, hamstringing, stiffness, and anteroposterior and intercommissural mitral annulus diameter in the univariable logistic regression analysis (all P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis after adjusting for age; long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation; and ASD size showed that models combining MV leaflet findings such as pseudoprolapse or hamstringing, or anterior leaflet stiffness with the ratio of the sum of anterior and posterior leaflet lengths to intercommissural mitral annulus diameter were statistically significant for predicting worsening MR (R2 = 0.393, P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.385, P < 0.001, respectively). ConclusionsWorsening MR after transcatheter ASD closure might depend on MV leaflet findings and annulus size in patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation.

Echocardiographic findings in cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction versus heart failure

BackgroundAcute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the prototypical cause of cardiogenic shock (CS), yet CS due to heart failure (HF-CS) is increasingly common. Little is known regarding cardiac function in AMI-CS versus HF-CS. We compared transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) findings in AMI-CS versus HF-CS and identified predictors of mortality in AMI-CS patients. MethodsWe performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of CS admissions between 2007 and 2018. We compared baseline demographic and TTE parameters in patients with AMI-CS and HF-CS as well as ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)-CS versus non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI)-CS. ResultsWe included 893 unique patients, including 581 (65%) with AMI-CS. AMI-CS patients were older but had lower illness severity and non-cardiac comorbidity burden. AMI-CS patients had better left ventricular function (LVEF 35% versus 28%), lower biventricular filling pressures, and higher stroke volume versus those with HF-CS. Among TTE measurements, myocardial contraction fraction had the highest discrimination for mortality in AMI-CS (AUC: 0.64); AUC values for LVEF and SOFA score were 0.61 and 0.65, respectively. Differences in TTE findings between STEMI-CS versus NSTEMI-CS were modest. There were no significant differences in unadjusted or adjusted in-hospital mortality between AMI-CS and HF-CS (31% versus 35%) or STEMI-CS and NSTEMI-CS (31% versus 30%) groups (all p > 0.05). ConclusionsPatients with HF-CS and AMI-CS differ in terms of clinical and TTE variables yet have similar prognoses. TTE is useful in determining prognosis of patients admitted with AMI-CS and may allow for early triage and directed therapy.

Misplacement in myocardial contrast echo during alcohol septal ablation in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy indicates intraseptal collateralization.

A 42-year-old patient with HOCM was submitted for percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA). Coronary angiography (Panel A) identified the first septal branch (SB) (yellow arrow) as estimated target vessel and a second SB (white arrow). Compared with intraprocedural baseline transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (Panel B), myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) with injection of 1.5 mL cold gelafundin 4% through an inflated over the wire balloon catheter (OTW-BC) in the first SB (Panel C) identified a correct septal depot (orange arrow), but also opacification at the left ventricle apex (dotted orange arrow). Contrast dye injection through the OTW-BC (dotted yellow arrow) showed collateralization from the first (yellow arrow) into the second SB (yellow arrow) and drainage into the left anterior descending (LAD) (red arrow) as reason for the misplacement (Panel D). We placed a second OTW-BC in the collateralized second SB (dotted white arrow; Panel E). Contrast injection through both inflated OTW-BC showed only distal first (yellow arrow) and second SB (white arrow) without further collaterals and without drainage into the—in the meantime wired—LAD (red arrow). MCE (Panel E) showed only opacification of the targeted septal area (orange arrow) as TTE (Panel F) does after injection 1.5 cc of alcohol through each balloon. After deflation and retraction of the BCs, 10 min after alcohol injection, haemodynamic measurements ensured elimination of resting and provocable gradients. Final coronary angiography (Panel G) showed occluded SBs (arrows) and unchanged LAD.

Developing an Echocardiography-Based, Automatic Deep Learning Framework for the Differentiation of Increased Left Ventricular Wall Thickness Etiologies

Increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness is frequently encountered in transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). While accurate and early diagnosis is clinically important, given the differences in available therapeutic options and prognosis, an extensive workup is often required to establish the diagnosis. We propose the first echo-based, automated deep learning model with a fusion architecture to facilitate the evaluation and diagnosis of increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness. Patients with an established diagnosis of increased LV wall thickness (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), cardiac amyloidosis (CA), and hypertensive heart disease (HTN)/others) between 1/2015 and 11/2019 at Mayo Clinic Arizona were identified. The cohort was divided into 80%/10%/10% for training, validation, and testing sets, respectively. Six baseline TTE views were used to optimize a pre-trained InceptionResnetV2 model. Each model output was used to train a meta-learner under a fusion architecture. Model performance was assessed by multiclass area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). A total of 586 patients were used for the final analysis (194 HCM, 201 CA, and 191 HTN/others). The mean age was 55.0 years, and 57.8% were male. Among the individual view-dependent models, the apical 4-chamber model had the best performance (AUROC: HCM: 0.94, CA: 0.73, and HTN/other: 0.87). The final fusion model outperformed all the view-dependent models (AUROC: HCM: 0.93, CA: 0.90, and HTN/other: 0.92). The echo-based InceptionResnetV2 fusion model can accurately classify the main etiologies of increased LV wall thickness and can facilitate the process of diagnosis and workup.

Clinical, functional and prognostic correlates of excess left ventricular force in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Excess force generation during myocardial contraction represents a cardinal feature of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Purpose To evaluate the anatomical, functional and prognostic correlates of left ventricular (LV) force in HCM. Methods We prospectively recruited a consecutive sample of 408 HCM patients with LV ejection fraction (EF) &amp;gt;50%, referred for baseline transthoracic echocardiography in 2 primary HCM centers in Hungary and Italy between 1999 and 2021. LV force was calculated as LV outflow tract gradient+systolic blood pressure/LV end-systolic volume. Patients were followed for a median of 107 months (IQ range, 58–158 months), the study endpoint was all-cause mortality. Results Mean LV force was 6.0±4.6 mm Hg/ml. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis identified 7.5 mm Hg/ml the best cut-off value to predict mortality. LV force &amp;gt;7.5 mm Hg/ml was present in 86 patients (21%), more frequently in women (58 vs 27%, p&amp;lt;0.0001), more often in patients with diabetes (16 vs 6%, p=0.003), beta-blocker (81 vs 58%, p&amp;lt;0.0001), calcium channel-blocker (19 vs 9%, p=0.012) and diuretic therapy (19 vs 8%, p=0.004), compared to patients with LV force ≤7.5 mm Hg/ml. Patients with excess LV force had more advanced NYHA class (1.8±0.7 vs 1.4±0.7, p=0.0001), greater left atrial diameter [(LAd), 46.7±6.6 vs 43.0±7.2 mm, &amp;lt;0.0001], LV maximal wall thickness (23.2±5.5 vs 21.6±5.5 mm p=0.01), LV EF (74.6±6.4 vs 67.0±6.8%, &amp;lt;0.0001), mitral regurgitation grade (1.2±0.7 vs 0.7±0.7, p&amp;lt;0.0001) and E/e' (10.3±5.0 vs 7.8±5.0, p=0.005). During follow-up 43 deaths occurred. All-cause death was more frequent in patients with excess LV force (21 vs 8%, p&amp;lt;0.0001). At multivariable Cox regression analysis, excess LV force was an independent predictor of mortality (HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.14–7.26, p=0.025) independent of age (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.05, p=0.022) and LAd (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.14, p=0.005). Conclusion LV force with a threshold of 7.5 mm Hg/ml, independently predicts adverse outcome in patients with HCM and preserved systolic function. Excess LV force generation is associated with female sex, diabetes, NYHA class, medications, LAd, LV wall thickness, EF, mitral regurgitation grade and E/e'. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Predictability of cardiotoxicity: Experience of a Belgian cardio-oncology clinic

BackgroundNew oncological treatments improved survival but also increased awareness of cardiovascular side-effects during and after cancer therapy. MethodsWe report the experience of the cardio-oncology clinic at a large Belgian tertiary care center and investigated the predictability of cardiotoxicity based on referring department, cardiovascular risk factors, cancer treatment and existing risk scores of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) and Mayo Clinic. Cardiotoxicity was defined as a 10% reduction in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) compared to the baseline transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in asymptomatic patients or 5% in symptomatic patients. ResultsOf the 324 patients included, 14.5% died during follow-up. Most deaths were oncological, yet 19% of deaths were attributable to cardiovascular diseases. Models based on cardiovascular risk factors alone and cardiovascular risk factors combined with cardiotoxic medication poorly predicted cardiotoxicity. Existing risk scores from ASCO and Mayo Clinic also poorly predicted cardiotoxicity. A weighed model based on the Mayo Clinic cardiotoxicity risk score was the best risk assessment tool with still a limited predictive value with an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve of 0.654 (CI 95%: 0.601–0.715). ConclusionCardiovascular morbidity and mortality are common in cancer patients and survivors and stress the unmet need of adequate risk prediction tools for systematic screening and rigorous cardiovascular follow-up. In our outpatient cohort, cardiotoxicity risk could not be adequately predicted by cancer type, using classic cardiovascular risk factors, nor by the combination of cardiovascular risk factors and the proposed cancer treatment. Furthermore, we showed that existing cardiotoxicity risk scores are suboptimal and should thus be interpreted with caution.

A Longitudinal Study of Mitral Regurgitation Detected after Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is common following myocardial infarction (MI). However, the subsequent trajectory of MR, and its impact on long-term outcomes are not well understood. This study aimed to examine the change in MR severity and associated clinical outcomes following MI. Methods: Records of patients admitted to a single centre between 2016 and 2017 with acute MI treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were retrospectively examined. Results: 294/1000 consecutive patients had MR on baseline (pre-discharge) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), of whom 126 (mean age: 70.9 ± 11.4 years) had at least one follow-up TTE. At baseline, most patients had mild MR (n = 94; 75%), with n = 30 (24%) moderate and n = 2 (2%) severe MR. Significant improvement in MR was observed at the first follow-up TTE (median 9 months from baseline; interquartile range: 3–23), with 36% having reduced severity, compared to 10% having increased MR severity (p < 0.001). Predictors of worsening MR included older age (mean: 75.2 vs. 66.7 years; p = 0.003) and lower creatinine clearance (mean: 60 vs. 81 mL/min, p = 0.015). Change in MR severity was significantly associated with prognosis: 16% with improving MR reached the composite endpoint of death or heart failure hospitalisation at 5 years, versus 44% (p = 0.004) with no change, and 59% (p < 0.001) with worsening MR. Conclusions: Of patients with follow-up TTE after MI, MR severity improved from baseline in approximately one-third, was stable in around half, with the remainder having worsening MR. Patients with persistent or worsening MR had worse clinical outcomes than those with improving MR.

Association between cardiovascular risk factors and cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction in patients with breast cancer

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is one of the major complications being reported in breast cancer (BC) patients. The clinical relevance of CTRCD and its cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) remains unclear. Purpose Our aim was to investigate the impact of baseline CVRF on ventricular systolic function in BC patients. Methods Retrospective study of patients with BC treated with anthracyclines (A) and/or trastuzumab between Jan 2017 and Dec 2018 who underwent a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before, during, and after chemotherapy. CTRCD is defined as a reduction of LVEF &amp;gt;10% to a value &amp;lt;50% or as a relative reduction of GLS &amp;gt;15%. Results We included 128 females with median age of 54 ± 11 years-old, treated with A (78; 60.9%), T (14; 10.9%) or A followed by T (36; 28.1%). LVEF at baseline was 64,7 ± 5,7%. At baseline, hypertension was present in 34,4% (44), dyslipidaemia in 29,9% (38), overweight (BMI: 25-30kg/m2) in 33,6% (43), obesity (BMI: &amp;gt;30kg/m2) in 28,1% (36), diabetes in 13 (10,2%) and smoker status in 11 (8,6%). No one had ischemic heart disease. During a mean follow-up of 38 months, 35 (27%) patients developed CTRCD from which 9 (7%) suffered clinical heart failure. After multivariate analysis, in the group treated with T (with or without A), the BMI &amp;gt;25 kg/m2 was the only CVRF associated to the development of CTRCD (p &amp;lt; 0,01). In the group treated with A, no CVRF was associated with CTRCD. During follow-up, BMI &amp;gt;25kg/m2 was not associated to a lower survival (log-rank p test = 0.627). In the baseline TTE did not occur statistically significant differences between the groups according to the absence or presence of CVRF. Nonetheless, some statistically significant differences occurred during follow-up. In hypertensive patients, treated with T, the TTE at 2 years of follow-up had a significant decrease in LVEF (5,9 ±2,8; p = 0,047) compared to non-hypertensive patients. In diabetic patients, treated with A, there was a significant decrease in tricuspid annular systolic velocity (S") in the TTE after chemotherapy (2,8 ±1,4; P = 0,049) compared to non-diabetic. The group of patients with dyslipidaemia treated with A had a significant decrease in GLS in the TTE after chemotherapy (1,5 ± 0,7; p = 0,037) compared to patients without dyslipidaemia; The same group treated with T (without A) revealed a significant decrease in S’ in the TTE during T therapy (5,2 ± 1,6; p = 0,034). The group of patients with BMI &amp;gt;25 kg/m2 treated with T (without A) showed a significant decrease in the GLS during T therapy (5,1 ± 1,6; p = 0,021) and in the LVEF at 2 years of follow-up (15,3 ± 5,7; p = 0,036) compared to patients with BMI &amp;lt;25 kg/m2. Conclusions In our cohort, a high BMI was an independent risk factor for CTRCD among patients treated with T. This finding is in agreement with literature data. These results should encourage further research into the mechanisms linking overweight/obesity to CTRCD.

Wasted myocardial work may affect left ventricular remodelling occurrence after primary percutaneous coronary revascularization

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Left ventricular function recovery (LV-REC) or left ventricular adverse remodelling (LV-REM) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) play an important role for identifying patients at risk of heart failure. Purpose In this study we aim to evaluate the usefulness of non-invasive myocardial work (MW), a new index of global and regional myocardial performance, to predict LV-REC or LV-REM after AMI. Methods Fifty patients with AMI (mean age, 63,8 ±13,4 years), treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), were prospectively enrolled. They underwent a baseline transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) within 48 hours after PCI and a second TTE after a median of 31 days during the follow-up. MW was derived from the strain-pressure loops, integrating in its calculation the non-invasive arterial pressure, according to standard speckle tracking echocardiography recommendations. LV-REC was defined as an absolute improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 5% from LVEF at baseline, whereas LV-REM was defined as an increase of ≥ 20% of the LV end diastolic volume (LVEDV) at 1 month follow up. Results We overall found a significant improvement from baseline to one-month follow-up for values of LVEF (49,8 ± 9,5 % vs 52,8 ± 9,3 %, p = 0.001), Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) (-13,4 ± 3,9 % vs -18,7 ± 5,4 %, p = 0.016), Global Work Index (GWI) (1368,6 ±435,2 vs 1788 ±493 mmHg/%, p = 0.0001), Global Work Efficiency (GWE) (89,96 ± 9,3 % vs 91,3 ± 6,4 %, p = 0.001), Global Constructive Work (GCW) (1619,16 ± 497,9 mmHg/% vs 2008,6 ± 535,3 mmHg/%, p = 0.0001), Global Wasted Work (GWW) (188,8 ± 19,8 mmHg/% vs 149,2 ± 16,5 mmHg/%). However, LV-REC at 1 month of follow-up was observed only in 36 % of the population enrolled, whereas LV-REM was described in 18% of cases. Using ROC curve analysis, we identified a cut off value of 202 mmHg/% for baseline GWW (Sensitivity 75%, Specificity 62%, AUC 0.6667, CI 95%: 0,51618 - 0,81715, p =0.0001) to identify patients with LV-REM at 1 month. With regards to conventional echo parameters, patients with LV-REC showed lower baseline Wall Motion Score Index (WMSI) than those without LV-REC (1,73 vs 1,38, p = 0.007). Conclusions Among standard and advanced TTE parameters, only baseline GWW is able to predict early LV-REM at 1 month after primary PCI. Therefore, it could be used during baseline evaluation of AMI patients for a more accurate stratification of those at higher risk of heart failure. However, further larger scale studies are needed to validate these findings. Abstract table 1 Abstract table 2

Right ventricular diastolic function predicts clinical atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft.

Background:Patients with moderate-severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery are at high risk of mortality and morbidity. Our aim is to evaluate the right ventricular (RV) diastolic function in these patients, and monitor its effects on postoperation outcomes.Materials and Methods:In a cohort study, patients with moderate-severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤35%) who were candidate for CABG were included. Baseline transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed, and RV diastolic function measures were obtained. After CABG, the length of intubation, inotrope dependency, hospital stay in intensive care unit and ward, in-hospital and after discharge mortality, postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) were evaluated in all patients.Results:Sixty-seven patients were prospectively included in the study. The mean ± standard deviation age of our patients was 61.4 ± 9.3. There was no difference between grades of RV diastolic function and postoperative outcomes. However, we found significant difference between grades of RV diastolic function and onset of in hospital, and total POAF (P-value = 0.017). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that preoperative tricuspidEt/E’t (ratio of peak early-diastolic flow rate across the tricuspid valve orifice to peak early-diastolic velocity at the lateral tricuspid annulus), left atrial volume and “high risk” Euroscore II were independent predictors for POAF during hospitalization and total POAF in patients with moderate to severely impaired left ventricular systolic function (P-values were 0.04, 0.003 and 0.001, respectively).Conclusion:We believe that patients with increased tricuspid Et/E’t are high risk for POAF; therefore, any risk score for POAF should include a comprehensive TTE including evaluation of RV diastolic function before surgery.

709 Non-invasive assessment of myocardial work: an useful tool for predicting LV remodelling after myocardial infarction?

Abstract Aims Left ventricular function recovery (LV-REC) or left ventricular adverse remodelling (LV-REM) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) play an important role for identifying patients at risk of heart failure. In this study we aim to evaluate the usefulness of non-invasive myocardial work (MW), a new index of global and regional myocardial performance, to predict LV-REC or LV-REM after AMI. Methods and results Fifty patients with AMI (mean age, 63.8 ± 13.4 years), treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), were prospectively enrolled. They underwent a baseline transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) within 48 h after PCI and a second TTE after a median of 31 days during the follow-up. MW was derived from the strain-pressure loops, integrating in its calculation the non-invasive arterial pressure, according to standard speckle tracking echocardiography recommendations. LV-REC was defined as an absolute improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 5% from LVEF at baseline, whereas LV-REM was defined as an increase of ≥ 20% of the LV end diastolic volume (LVEDV) at 1 month follow-up. We overall found a significant improvement from baseline to one-month follow-up for values of LVEF (49.8 ± 9.5% vs. 52.8 ± 9.3%, P = 0.001), global longitudinal strain (GLS) (−13.4 ± 3.9% vs. −18.7 ± 5.4%, P = 0.016), global work index (GWI) (1368.6 ± 435.2 vs. 1788 ± 493 mmHg/%, P = 0.0001), global work efficiency (GWE) (89.96 ± 9.3% vs. 91.3 ± 6.4%, P = 0.001), global constructive work (GCW) (1619.16 ± 497.9 mmHg/% vs. 2008.6 ± 535.3 mmHg/%, P = 0.0001), global wasted work (GWW) (188.8 ± 19.8 mmHg/% vs. 149.2 ± 16.5 mmHg/%). However, LV-REC at 1 month of follow-up was observed only in 36% of the population enrolled, whereas LV-REM was described in 18% of cases. Using ROC curve analysis, we identified a cut off value of 202 mmHg/% for baseline GWW (sensitivity 75%, specificity 62%, AUC 0.6667, CI 95%: 0.51618–0.81715, P = 0.0001) to identify patients with LV-REM at 1 month. With regards to conventional echo parameters, patients with LV-REC showed lower baseline wall motion score index (WMSI) than those without LV-REC (1.73 vs. 1.38, P = 0.007). Conclusions Among standard and advanced TTE parameters, only baseline GWW is able to predict early LV-REM at 1 month after primary PCI. Therefore, it could be used during baseline evaluation of AMI patients for a more accurate stratification of those at higher risk of heart failure. However, further larger scale studies are needed to validate these findings.

Patterns of left ventricular recovery in patients with heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction

Abstract Background Heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmEF) represents a new classification of heart failure with intermediate clinical characteristics to those with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). A proportion of HFmEF is attributed to atrio-ventricular dyssynchrony from atrial fibrillation (AF) as opposed to a primary cardiomyopathy with intrinsic cardiac myocyte dysfunction. Purpose We aim to compare the rate of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery in those with AF-mediated cardiomyopathy compared to those with primary myocyte dysfunction. Methods Consecutive patients with stable non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy with LVEF 40–49% on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were recruited from our institution's heart failure clinic and followed for 18 months. Patients with ischaemic, valvular or congenital heart disease, incomplete follow-up or poor quality TTE images were excluded. Eligible patients were separated into two groups: AF-mediated (n=44); and primary myocyte dysfunction (n=116). Results A total of 160 patients (62.1±16.4 years, 62% men) were included. There was no significant difference in age (p=0.06) and gender (p=0.59). Comorbid AF was higher in those with AF-mediated HFmEF (100 vs 28.4%; p&amp;lt;0.01), otherwise no significant differences in clinical history was found between groups. AF-mediated HFmEF had lower rates of cardiac-specific beta-blocker use (15.9 vs 47.4%; p&amp;lt;0.01). Baseline TTE showed similar LVEF and LV global longitudinal strain. On log-rank analysis there was no significant difference in all-cause death (p=0.75), or HF-related hospitalisation (p=0.14), however, higher rates of LVEF recovery were observed in the AF-mediated HFmEF group (p&amp;lt;0.01). See figure 1. Conclusion There were higher rates of LVEF recovery in those with AF-mediated HFmEF compared to those with a primary myocardial disorder despite lower rates of cardiac-specific beta-blocker use. This did not translate to improvements in intermediate-term survival or HF related hospitalisation. These findings provide insight into the natural history of the disorder and its clinical phenotype. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Rate of LVEF Recovery

Predictors of Right ventricular Pacing induced Left Ventricular dysfunction in Pacemaker Recipients with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Abstract Background Pacemaker (PM) has been an effective treatment in the management of patients with brady-arrhythmias. Chronic RV pacing may cause electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony which lead finally to reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This deterioration of LVEF has been defined as pacemaker induced cardiomyopathy (PICM). The incidence of PICM was described by many studies and ranged between 10% to 26%. The predictors for PICM have not been well studied. These studies were limited by variation in follow-up period and definition of PICM. Objective to study the incidence and predictors of PICM in patients who underwent pacemaker implantation in Ain shams University hospital. Patients and Methods This retrospective study included 160 patients who underwent single or dual chamber pacemaker implantation in Ain shams university hospital between 2010 and 2017 with the mean period 4.7±2.0 years. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) patients were excluded. Individuals who had baseline transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with normal LVEF ≥ 50% before implantation were included. Results This study included 160 patients who had single or dual chamber pacemaker implantation between 2010 and 2017. 45% were males and 55% were females, mean age was 55.5 years. It showed that the incidence of PICM is 7.5%. Wider native QRS durations, particularly &amp;gt;140 ms (p &amp;lt; 0.001), wider pQRS duration &amp;gt;150 ms (p &amp;lt; 0.001), Low normal ejection fraction &amp;lt;56 % preimplantation (p = 0.023) and increased LVEDD&amp;gt;53 mm and LVESD&amp;gt;38 mm (p &amp;lt; 0.001) are predictors for the development of PICM. Female gender was independent predictor for PICM (p = 0.058). There was no association between burden of right ventricular pacing (p = 0.782) or pacing site (p = 0.876) with the risk of development of left ventricular dysfunction. Conclusion The incidence of right ventricular pacing-induced left ventricular dysfunction is not uncommon, with an observed incidence of 7.5% in the current study. Wider native and paced QRS durations, Low normal ejection fraction (&amp;lt; 56 %) pre-implantation and increased LVEDD /LVESD post implantation are the most important predictors for the development of PICM. List of abbreviations PM= pacemaker, RV= Right ventricle, PICM = pacemaker induced cardiomyopathy, TTE= transthoracic echocardiography, DM= Diabetes Mellitus, HTN= Hypertension, BMI= Body Mass index, pQRSd= Paced QRS duration, SWMA= segmental wall motion abnormality, AF= Atrial fibrillation, SSS= Sick sinus syndrome, CHB= Complete heart block, AVB= Atrioventricular block, LVEF = left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEDD= Left ventricular end diastolic diameter, LVESD= Left ventricular end systolic diameter, ms= milli second.

Left atrial strain imaging evaluation: a strong predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence after single-procedure catheter ablation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Identification of predictors of arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a clinically relevant issue. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a readily accessible exam that can be useful in estimating left atrial (LA) mechanical function. The aim of this study was to evaluate LA structure and LA strain imaging at baseline and its association with AF recurrence after an index AF catheter ablation. Methods: Analysis of patients with symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent AF who underwent a single-procedure for AF ablation between 2015 and 2019 and had performed TTE in our centre prior to AF ablation. LA parameters were assessed by 2D speckle-tracking at baseline. LA diameter index (LAVi), LA ejection fraction, LA phasic strain: reservoir (LASr), conduit (LAScd) and contraction phases (LASct), as well as integrated backscatter (IBS) values were analysed. AF recurrence was documented with 12-lead ECG, 24h Holter monitoring, external loop recorder or pacemaker analysis during a 12-month follow-up period. Results: Of a total of 106 patients, 28 patients were excluded due to poor image quality. We studied 78 patients who underwent pulmonary veins isolation (PVI) (age 59 ± 14 years, 65% male, 40% with structural heart disease, 69% paroxysmal AF) with cryoballoon ablation in 53% and radiofrequency ablation in 47%. In a 12-month follow-up there was a 28% (22 patients) AF recurrence rate. Patients with AF recurrence had a baseline significantly superior LAVi (47 ± 17 mL/m2 vs. 36 ± 12 mL/m2, adjusted HR 1.04 [95% CI 1.01-1.06], p = 0.002) and lower estimated LA ejection fraction (25 ± 19.7% vs. 45.4 ± 21%, adjusted HR 0.96 [95% CI 0.94-0.98], p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that baseline LA strain parameters were independent predictors of AF recurrence, as patients with AF recurrence showed impaired LASr (9.81 ± 5.79% vs 22.94 ± 9.98%, adjusted HR 0.81 [95% CI 0.73-0.89], p &amp;lt; 0.001) and LAScd (-6.74 ± 4.11% vs. -11.85 ± 7%, adjusted HR 1.11 [95% CI 1.03-1.19], p = 0.004). In patients in sinus rhythm during baseline TTE, LASct also correlated with AF recurrence, as patients with recurrence also showed impaired baseline LASct (-7.49 ± 3.65% vs -13.74 ± 5.4%, adjusted HR 1.39 [95% CI 1.11-1.75], p = 0.005). LASr &amp;lt;18% showed a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 70% to predict AF recurrence. Kaplan-Meier curves (figure 1) showed that patients with LASr below the 18% cut-off had a significantly higher rate of AF recurrence. Baseline IBS did not reveal significant differences in AF recurrence (111.2 ± 23.9 dB vs. 105.9 ± 33.5 dB, HR 1.007 [0.993-1.002], p = 0.349). Conclusion: Baseline LA strain imaging parameters, including reservoir phase LA strain, were demonstrated to be independent predictors of AF recurrence after PVI. A LASr &amp;lt;18% showed good accuracy to predict AF recurrence. Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier curves - time to recurrence