Impairment Of Right Ventricular Function Research Articles

Evaluation of cardiac function in asthmatic children by Tissue Doppler Echocardiography

BackgroundBronchial asthma is a global health problem with rising prevalence in developing countries. Children with severe asthma can experience cor pulmonale later in life, but little is known about the cardiac changes that might be present earlier in mild or moderate severity of disease. This study aimed to evaluate biventricular function among children suffering from persistent asthma by Tissue Doppler Echocardiography (TDE).ResultsThirty-five asthmatic children enrolled from Alexandria Children’s Hospital between September 2021 to May 2022; they were compared to 35 healthy matched children. Chronic respiratory disease, cardiac disease, or other comorbidities were excluded. The mean age of cases was 8.87 ± 2.03 years with a male/female ratio of 54.3%:45.7%. There were 28.3% mild cases, 45.7% moderate, and 25.7% severe. Conventional echocardiographic variables of cardiac function were normal for both ventricles. The TDE indices of medial mitral annulus (S’ velocity and peak E’) were significantly reduced (14.55 ± 2.30 and 14.69 ± 2.30) versus controls (15.68 ± 1.96, 15.69 ± 1.76, P; 0.044, P < 0.0045) but with preserved LV function. The lateral tricuspid annulus (S’ velocity and peak E’) was significantly reduced (11.53 ± 3.24 and 11.56 ± 3.18) versus controls (15.71 ± 0.98, 16.02 ± 1.75, < 0.001*), while E/A and IVRT were significantly increased (1.49 ± 0.06 versus 1.70 ± 0.18 and 102.39 ± 5.37 versus 140.10 ± 34.35, respectively, P < 0.001*) with impaired RV function. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was negatively correlated with the IVRT of the tricuspid annulus (P = 0.002, r = −0.503*) and to the E'/A' (P = 0.036, r =−0.355*). All TDE variables of lateral tricuspid annulus of severe subgroups were significantly changed versus moderate or mild subgroups.ConclusionsTissue Doppler echocardiography is the recommended modality for early detection of biventricular cardiac dysfunction among children with different levels of asthma severity. Periodic screening is advised through the use of IVRT especially for RV.

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors for left ventricular assist device implantation complicated by right ventricular failure.

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5I) are frequently implemented after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation to improve haemodynamics in patients with early postoperative right ventricular (RV) failure. It is unknown if long-term PED5I therapy beyond the early post-operative period provides any clinical benefit in stable outpatients, who have recovered from post-operative RV failure under univentricular device support. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PDE5I discontinuation on RV function and cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in patients on durable LVAD support. We enrolled 31 clinically stable LVAD recipients on long-term oral PDE5I therapy. The mean age was 53years, and 90% were male. Patients discontinued PDE5I and underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography, LVAD interrogation, and biomarker analysis at baseline and 4weeks after PDE5I withdrawal. At 4weeks, no significant changes were observed in echocardiographic indices of RV morphology and function but an increase in peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (2.1 vs. 2.4m/s, P=0.01). Peak oxygen consumption (11.4 vs. 11.8mL/min/kg, P=0.52), minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope (33 vs. 35, P=0.56), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1455 vs. 1399pg/mL, P=0.55), flow and power readings of the device, and quality of life (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score 78.3% vs. 77.5%, P=0.62) exhibited no significant changes. We observed an increase in 6-min walking distance (346 vs. 364m, P=0.03). Two patients were hospitalized for non-cardiac reasons (subtherapeutic INR, driveline infection). No patient was hospitalized for cardiac decompensation. In LVAD patients with a history of early post-operative RV failure, discontinuation of long-term PDE5I therapy was not associated with deterioration of RV function, exercise capacity, and quality of life. PDE5I should be critically evaluated until more evidence regarding the net clinical benefit of this pharmacologic intervention becomes available.

Cardiovascular indicators associated with ventricular remodeling in chronic high-altitude disease: a cardiovascular MRI study.

This study aimed to assess biventricular function and mechanics in patients with the chronic high-altitude disease (CHAD) using cardiovascular MRI and explore the possible risk factors associated with ventricular remodeling. In this prospective study, consecutive CHAD patients and healthy controls at high-altitude (HA) and at sea level (SL) underwent cardiovascular MRI. Right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) function and global strain parameters were compared. To identify risk factors associated with ventricular remodeling, multiple linear regression analyses were used. A total of 33 patients with CHAD (42.97years ± 11.80; 23 men), 33 HA (41.18years ± 8.58; 21 men), and 33 SL healthy controls (43.48years ± 13.40; 21 men) were included. A Significantly decreased biventricular ejection fraction was observed in patients (all p < 0.05). Additionally, the HA group displayed lower magnitudes of biventricular longitudinal peak strain (PS) (RV, - 13.67% ± 4.05 vs. - 16.22% ± 3.03; LV, - 14.68% ± 2.20 vs. - 16.19% ± 2.51; both p < 0.05), but a higher LV circumferential PS (- 20.74% ± 2.02 vs. - 19.17% ± 2.34, p < 0.05) than the SL group. Moreover, multiple linear regression analyses revealed that HGB (β = 0.548) was related to the LV remodeling index, whereas BUN (β = 0.570) was associated with the RV remodeling index. With the deterioration of RV function in patients with CHAD, LV function was also impaired concomitantly. Hypoxia-induced erythrocytosis may contribute to LV impairment, while BUN was considered an independent risk factor for RV remodeling. • A significantly lower biventricular ejection fraction was observed in patients, with a decreased magnitude of left ventricular (LV) peak systolic strain rate (radial and circumferential) and peak diastolic strain rate (all p < 0.05). • High-altitude healthy natives showed a lower biventricular longitudinal peak strain (all p < 0.05). • Hemoglobin was related to LV remodeling (β = 0.548), while BUN (β = 0.570) was independently associated with RV remodeling in CHAD patients.

Transcatheter Valve Implantation in Patients with Multivalvular Heart Disease

Transcatheter Valve Implantation in Patients with Multivalvular Heart Disease

Right ventricular cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with right ventricular conduction delay and heart failure

Right ventricular cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with right ventricular conduction delay and heart failure

Different Causes of Functional Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation Are Linked to Differences in Tricuspid Valve and Right-Sided Heart Geometry and Function: 3D Echocardiography Study.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to clarify the tricuspid valve (TV) and right ventricular (RV) geometry and function characteristics using 3D echocardiography-based analysis and to identify echocardiographic predictors for severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in different etiologies of functional TR (fTR). Methods and Results: The prospective study included 128 patients (median age 64 years, 57% females): 109 patients with moderate or severe fTR (69-caused by dominant left-sided valvular pathology (LSVP), 40 due to precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH)), and 19 healthy controls. The 2D and 3D-transthoracic echocardiography analysis included TV, right atrium, RV geometry, and functional parameters. All the RV geometry parameters as well as 3D TV parameters were increased in both fTR groups when compared to controls. Higher RV diameters, length, areas, volumes, and more impaired RV function were in PH group compared to LSVP group. PH was associated with larger leaflet tenting height, volume, and more increased indices of septal-lateral and major axis tricuspid annulus (TA) diameters. LVSP etiology was associated with higher anterior-posterior TA diameter and sphericity index. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression and ROC analyses revealed that different fTR etiologies were associated with various 2D and 3D echocardiographic parameters to predict severe TR: major axis TA diameter and TA perimeter, the leaflet tenting volume had the highest predictive value in PH group, septal-lateral systolic TA diameter-in LSVP group. The 3D TA analysis provided more reliable prediction for severe fTR. Conclusions: TV and RV geometry vary in different etiologies of functional TR. Precapillary PH is related to more severe RV remodeling and dysfunction and changes of TV geometry, when compared to LSVP group. The 3D echocardiography helps to determine echocardiographic predictors of severe TR in different fTR etiologies.

Predictors of in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19: a large dual tertiary centre study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of echocardiographic parameters, laboratory findings and clinical characteristics with in-hospital mortality in adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive...

Abstract 10388: Impact Of Right Ventricular Function On Cardiopulmonary Exercise Capacity In Mitral Regurgitation Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair

Background/Objectives: To investigate the role of right ventricular (RV) function on exercise capacity in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) we aimed to perform cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and to show a correlation between an improved RV function and maximal and submaximal exercise capacity. Methods: Constant work rate exercise time testing (CWRET) reflects submaximal/endurance exercise capacity, which is more likely to be relevant for daily life activities, and gives a more differentiated physiologic insight into the nature of exercise intolerance. Thus, 28 Patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) and symptomatic heart failure (NYHA≥II) underwent CPET by assessment of maximal oxygen uptake (peak VO 2 ) and submaximal exercise capacity (at 75% of maximal achieved work rate in the initial incremental exercise test) accompanied by echocardiography prior to TMVR and 3 months post-procedure. Results: Mean age of the patients was 75.0±8.7 years and 32.1% of them were female. One patient presented a reduction of MR &lt;2 grades. RV function (assessed with fractional area change, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, longitudinal strain of the RV free wall and S`) was at least moderately impaired in 25% of the patients. The submaximal exercise capacity of these patients was impaired, but did not significantly differ (416.4±359.6sec vs. 296.1 ±216.5sec; p=0.152) compared to patients without a deteriorated RV function. Three months after intervention, exercise time at 75% of maximal achieved work rate significantly improved (from 337.4±262.2sec to 517.4±393. sec p=0.006), reflecting a gain in submaximal exercise tolerance. peak VO 2 showed a positive trend, but no statistically significant difference (10.3±3.1ml/min/kg vs. 11.3±3.4ml/min/kg; p=0.056). RV function (at least 2 of 4 parameters) improved in 35.7% and these patients showed a significantly higher submaximal exercise time increasement (471.7±153.9sec vs. 82.7±47.0sec, p=0.003). Discussion/Conclusions: TMVR may have a beneficial effect on RV remodeling. Furthermore, submaximal exercise capacity is significantly increased, reflecting an improvement especially regarding daily life activities in MR patients and impaired RV function.

Impairment of Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis and Interstitial Lung Disease: Tissue Doppler Evaluation

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune tissue connective disease that courses with fibrosis and microvascular dysfunction. Involvement of the visceral organs, including the lungs and heart, is the main cause of death among patients with SSc. In this context, here we analyzed the relationship between right ventricle (RV) parameters assessed by tissue Doppler echocardiography and lung involvement in patients with SSc. Methods: Patients fulfilling the 2013 SSc Classification Criteria underwent tissue Doppler echocardiography for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic function (ejection fraction) and RV fractional area change (FAC), tissue Doppler s’ (systolic) velocity, myocardial performance index, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion for the assessment of RV systolic function. Pulmonary systolic pressure was estimated using tricuspid regurgitation. Chest high-resolution computed tomography was used to evaluate the presence of pulmonary fibrosis. The patients were divided into two subgroups accordingly: Group I, patients with pulmonary fibrosis (n=26); and Group II, those without fibrosis (n=17). Results: Among the 43 patients with SSc, most were female (86%), and the mean age was 51 ± 12 years. All patients had normal systolic ventricular function as evidenced by an LV ejection fraction &gt; 55% and an RV FAC &gt; 35%. No significant intergroup difference was noted in age or disease duration. Except for a decreased tissue Doppler s’ velocity in patients with lung fibrosis, all indexes of RV performance were similar. Conclusion: In patients with SSc and pulmonary fibrosis, tissue Doppler identified early RV longitudinal myocardial involvement despite preserved RV radial systolic performance.

Right Heart Failure in Mice Upon Pressure Overload Is Promoted by Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress

We sought to unravel pathomechanisms of the transition of maladaptive right ventricular (RV) remodeling to right heart failure (RHF) upon pressure overload. Exposure of C57BL/6J and C57BL/6N mice to pulmonary artery banding disclosed a tight relation of structural remodeling with afterload, but a dissociation from RV systolic function. Reduced release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in C57BL/6J mice prevented the development of RHF. In patients with left heart failure, increased oxidative damage in RV sections was associated with severely impaired RV function. In conclusion, reactive oxygen species are involved in the transition of maladaptive RV remodeling to RHF.

Iron deficiency and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The purpose of this review article is to provide a comprehensive review of iron deficiency in the setting of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and to evaluate the utility of iron supplementation in PAH. Iron deficiency is present in 33%-46% of patients with PAH and has been associated with reduced exercise capacity, compromised oxygen handling, deterioration of right ventricular function, and even mortality. Iron homeostasis and the pathophysiology of PAH are highly intertwined, which has inspired the use of iron supplementation in patients with iron deficiency and PAH. A literature search was performed to identify all available evidence on iron supplementation for PAH. Limited evidence has suggested poor oral bioavailability of oral iron dosed three times a day, but newer formulations such as ferrous maltol may provide better absorption and clinical benefit, especially when dosed less frequently, such as every other day. Intravenous (IV) iron has been shown in observational studies to improve outcomes, but the single randomized control trial in patients without anemia has failed to show benefits in any measure of exercise tolerance. Larger randomized control studies on oral iron with good bioavailability or IV iron in patients with anemia are warranted to explore the potential utility of iron supplementation in patients with PAH.

RIGHT HEART PULMONARY CIRCULATION UNIT RESPONSE TO EXERCISE IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION. INSIGHTS FROM THE RIGHT-NET STUDY

Objective: Systemic arterial hypertension is the main risk factor for the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this study was to assess the right heart-pulmonary circulation unit response to exercise doppler echocardiography (EDE) in patients with hypertension in order to evaluate the capacity of EDE to unmask a pre-HFpEF state. Design and method: EDE was performed in 155 hypertensive patients and in 145 healthy normotensive subjects on a semi-recumbent cycle ergometer with load increments of 25 watts every 2 minutes. Left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) dimensions, function and hemodynamics were evaluated. Linear mixed models were used to test the interaction between hypertension and age group on the echocardiographic parameters at peak exercise, adjusting for baseline values. Results: Impaired echo-Doppler LV and RV function was observed both at rest and peak exercise in hypertensives compared to healthy subjects. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and pulmonary vascular resistance were higher in the former. The entire population was then divided into tertiles of age: at rest no significant differences were recorded for each age group between hypertensives and normotensives except for E/E’ that was higher in the hypertensives of the middle age tertile. At peak exercise, hypertensives had higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and E/E’ but lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) as age increased, compared to normotensives. Differences in E/E’ and TAPSE between the 2 groups at peak exercise were explained by the interaction between hypertension and age even after adjustment for baseline values (p &lt; 0.001 for E/E’, p = 0.011 for TAPSE). At peak exercise, the oldest group of hypertensive patients had a mean E/E’ of 13.0, suggesting a significant increase in LV diastolic pressure combined with increased PASP. Conclusions: Age and hypertension have a synergistic effect on E/E’ and TAPSE at peak exercise indicating that the detrimental effect of aging on cardiac function is amplified in hypertension. EDE appears a useful tool for unmasking a pre-HFpEF state in hypertension even in patients with controlled resting blood pressure.

Screening Echocardiography Identifies Risk Factors for Pulmonary Hypertension at Discharge in Premature Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

Premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are at increased risk of secondary pulmonary hypertension (BPD-PH). Prior studies yielded mixed results on the utility of echocardiographic screening at 36weeks post-menstrual age (PMA). We present our experience using echocardiographic screening at the time of BPD diagnosis to identify infants at highest risk of BPD-PH at discharge. Retrospective cohort analysis of clinical/ demographic data and screening echocardiograms in patients with BPD.Discharge echocardiograms identified infants with or without BPD-PH at discharge. 36weeks PMA screening echocardiograms and clinical data were then reviewed to identify which factors were associated with increased odds of BPD-PH at discharge. Associations between echocardiographic findings were evaluated with 2- and 3-variable models to predict increased risk of BPD-PH at discharge. In our cohort of 64 infants with severe BPD, BPD-PH was present in 22/64 (34%) infants at discharge. There were no clinical differences at time of 36weeks PMA screening evaluation (mean PMA 36.6 ± 2.9weeks). PH at screening was poorly predictive of PH at discharge as PH at screening resolved in 49% of patients. However, having an ASD, RV dilation, hypertrophy, or reduced function on screening, especially in combination, were associated with BPD-PH at discharge. In our cohort of premature infants with BPD, 36weeks PMA screening echocardiogram identified patients at increased risk for BPD-PH at discharge when ASD, RVH, or impaired RV function were present. Larger prospective studies are indicated to validate these findings.

Successful Recovery from Refractory Hypoxia Due to Right-to-Left Shunting Associated with Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defect After Catheter Ablation in a Patient with a Left Ventricular Assist Device

<h3>Introduction</h3> Catheter ablation has been reported an effective therapeutic option for ventricular arrhythmias even in patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). However, the issues of right-to-left shunting due to iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) associated with procedures for catheter ablation have not been well documented. <h3>Case Report</h3> A 52-year-old male with a continuous-flow implantable LVAD and progressive right ventricular (RV) dysfunction was admitted because of refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) and subsequent right heart failure. Since VT could not be controlled by intravenous administration of multiple antiarrhythmic drugs, VT ablation via the transseptal approach was performed. VT was terminated to the sinus rhythm after VT ablation; however, hypoxia associated with significant right-to-left shunting across the iASD was detected. Intensive medical management, such as an adjusted mechanical ventilator to increase pulmonary vascular resistance and adjustment of LVAD pump speed as well as the use of intravenous inotropes to support impaired RV function successfully stabilised the hemodynamic and improved hypoxia due to the disappearance of right-to-left shunting. <h3>Summary</h3> We described a rare case of refractory hypoxia due to significant right-to-left shunting via iASD after catheter ablation. The present case suggests that pre-existing impaired RV function may be responsible for the development of refractory right-to-left shunting after catheter ablation, and implies that evaluation of RV function prior to VT ablation via the transseptal approach is important in postoperative management in a patient with a LVAD.

Prognostic impact of functional mitral regurgitation prior to left ventricular assist device implantation

BackgroundFunctional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is a common finding of advanced heart failure with detrimental effects. The prognostic impact of uncorrected FMR prior to left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains controversial.MethodsBetween 2016 and 2019 77 patients underwent continuous-flow LVAD implantation at our institution. 34 patients showed FMR ≥ 2 (MR-group), whereas 43 patients showed FMR < 2 (Control-group). Data was retrospectively analyzed. Primary composite endpoint comprised freedom from death, stroke, pump-thrombosis, major bleeding and right heart failure (RHF) after 1 year.ResultsBaseline characteristics, including the severity of left and right ventricular dysfunction, and periprocedural results were comparable. The overall survival during a mean follow up of 24.9 months was 55.9% in the MR-group versus 58.1% in the Control-group (p = 0.963), whereas 1-year event-free survival was 35.3% in the MR-group compared to 44.2% in the Control-group (p = 0.404). RHF within the first postoperative year occurred more frequently in the MR-group (35.3% vs. 11.6%; p = 0.017). Furthermore, RV function was significantly reduced in comparison to baseline values in the MR-group. 12 months after surgery, 74% of patients in the MR-group were classified as NYHA III in comparison to 24% of patients in the Control-group (p < 0.001).ConclusionsPreoperative uncorrected FMR prior to LVAD implantation did not affect overall survival, nevertheless it was associated with an impaired RV function and increased incidence of right heart failure during follow-up. Furthermore, preoperative FMR ≥ 2 was associated with persistent symptoms of heart failure.

Semi-supervised learning with natural language processing for right ventricle classification in echocardiography—a scalable approach

We created a deep learning model, trained on text classified by natural language processing (NLP), to assess right ventricular (RV) size and function from echocardiographic images. We included 12,684 examinations with corresponding written reports for text classification. After manual annotation of 1489 reports, we trained an NLP model to classify the remaining 10,651 reports. A view classifier was developed to select the 4-chamber or RV-focused view from an echocardiographic examination (n = 539). The final models were two image classification models trained on the predicted labels from the combined manual annotation and NLP models and the corresponding echocardiographic view to assess RV function (training set n = 11,008) and size (training set n = 9951. The text classifier identified impaired RV function with 99% sensitivity and 98% specificity and RV enlargement with 98% sensitivity and 98% specificity. The view classification model identified the 4-chamber view with 92% accuracy and the RV-focused view with 73% accuracy. The image classification models identified impaired RV function with 93% sensitivity and 72% specificity and an enlarged RV with 80% sensitivity and 85% specificity; agreement with the written reports was substantial (both κ = 0.65). Our findings show that models for automatic image assessment can be trained to classify RV size and function by using model-annotated data from written echocardiography reports. This pipeline for auto-annotation of the echocardiographic images, using a NLP model with medical reports as input, can be used to train an image-assessment model without manual annotation of images and enables fast and inexpensive expansion of the training dataset when needed.

Prognostic Implications of Right Ventricular Free Wall Strain in Recipients of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Right ventricular (RV) function is an important prognostic marker in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) recipients. Measuring RV systolic function with echocardiography, however, remains challenging due to the complexity of right heart morphology. Evaluation of RV function with RV free wall strain (FWS) may improve risk stratification in recipients of CRT compared with conventional RV function parameters. In 871 recipients of CRT (mean age 65 ± 11 years, 75% were men), RV function was assessed by RV fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and RV FWS measured by speckle tracking echocardiography. RV dysfunction was defined as RV FWS <23%, RV FAC <35%, and TAPSE <17 mm according to present guidelines. Patients were followed up for the primary end point of all-cause mortality. RV FWS identified a higher percentage of patients with RV systolic dysfunction (80.6%) in comparison with RV FAC (44.1%) and TAPSE (60.6%). During a median follow-up of 97 (53 to 145) months, 521 patients (59.8%) died. Recipients of CRT with RV FWS <23% had higher event rates than those with RV FWS ≥23% (p <0.001). On multivariable analysis, RV FWS <23% was independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.618; 95% confidence interval 1.252 to 2.092; p <0.001) and demonstrated incremental prognostic value over baseline clinical parameters as well as conventional RV function parameters. In conclusion, RV FWS is more sensitive than conventional echocardiographic markers of RV function in detecting impaired RV function. RV FWS is independently associated with all-cause mortality and demonstrates incremental prognostic value over conventional RV function parameters in recipients of CRT.

Correlation Between Right Atrial Function and Invasively-Measured Pulmonary Pressures in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Right atrial (RA) enlargement is a measure of right ventricular (RV) overload and a prognostic marker of poorer outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). There are emerging reports suggesting that RA function may have predictive value in this population, however correlation with pulmonary pressures measured via invasive right heart catheterisation has not been well characterised. We sought to assess the correlation between RA strain (RAs), a novel echocardiographic measure of RA function, and invasively-derived pulmonary arterial pressures (PAP). Patients with Type-1 PAH referred to our institutional pulmonary hypertension clinics between Jan-2017 and Dec-2020 were evaluated. Patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography within 4-weeks of right heart catheterisation were included. RAs was measured with vendor-independent software (TomTec Image Arena). Our cohort consisted of 43 patients (58.4±20.3 yrs, 70% female). All patients had normal left ventricular systolic function and the mean BMI was 28.6±7.7. 54% of patients had a dilated RV and 87% had impaired RV function by RV free wall strain. 39% of patients had increased indexed RA volumes. The mean RAs was 22.3±8.5%. RAs demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with RA emptying fraction (r = 0.511, p<0.05) and a moderate inverse correlation with RA minimum volume (r = -0.53, p<0.05) and invasively derived RA pressures (r = -0.58, p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between RAs and parameters of RV size and function, but RAs interestingly showed a strong inverse correlation with invasively derived mean PAP (r = -0.81, p<0.01). RAs had a close correlation with invasively measured mean PAP. Further studies are required to further examine this relationship.

Management of pregnancy and delivery in women with transposition of the great arteries after atrial switch operation: A 16-year single-center experience.

This study aimed to summarize cases of successful pregnancy and delivery in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after atrial switch operation (ASO), to provide management, clinical experience, and maternal and fetal outcomes. During a 16-year period (2004-2019), we experienced 30 pregnancies in 15 patients after ASO at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients. In 30 pregnancies, there were 21 (70%) live births, five (17%) miscarriages, and four (13%) artificial abortions. There were no maternal or neonatal deaths. Cardiac complications occurred in nine (43%) patients: deterioration of right ventricular (RV) function in one, symptomatic heart failure (HF) in three, supraventricular tachyarrhythmia requiring electrical cardioversion in two, sick sinus syndrome that required pacemaker implantation in two, and hemoptysis in one. Obstetric complications occurred in five (24%). Neonatal complications were premature births (delivery at <37 weeks of gestation) in 15 (71%), and birthweight <2500 g in 18 (86%). The mode of delivery consisted of vaginal delivery (VD) in five (24%), and cesarean section (CS) in 16 (76%). A high incidence of preterm CS and cardiac complications including deterioration of RV function was observed in patients who had undergone ASO for TGA.

Long-term follow-up and quality of life in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for pulmonary embolism and cardiogenic shock

BackgroundSince 2019, European guidelines recommend considering extracorporeal life support as salvage strategy for the treatment of acute high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) with circulatory collapse or cardiac arrest. However, data on long-term survival, quality of life (QoL) and cardiopulmonary function after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are lacking.MethodsOne hundred and nineteen patients with acute PE and severe cardiogenic shock or in need of mechanical resuscitation (CPR) received venoarterial or venovenous ECMO from 2007 to 2020. Long-term data were obtained from survivors by phone contact and personal interviews. Follow-up included a QoL analysis using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, echocardiography, pulmonary function testing and cardiopulmonary exercise testing.ResultsThe majority of patients (n = 80, 67%) were placed on ECMO during or after CPR with returned spontaneous circulation. Overall survival to hospital discharge was 45.4% (54/119). Nine patients died during follow-up. At a median follow-up of 54.5 months (25–73; 56 ± 38 months), 34 patients answered the QoL questionnaire. QoL differed largely and was slightly reduced compared to a German reference population (EQ5D5L index 0.7 ± 0.3 vs. 0.9 ± 0.04; p < 0.01). 25 patients (73.5%) had no mobility limitations, 22 patients (65%) could handle their activities, while anxiety and depression were expressed by 10 patients (29.4%). Return-to-work status was 33.3% (average working hours: 36.2 ± 12.5 h/per week), 15 (45.4%) had retired from work early. 12 patients (35.3%) expressed limited exercise tolerance and dyspnea. 59% (20/34) received echocardiography and pulmonary function testing, 50% (17/34) cardiopulmonary exercise testing. No relevant impairment of right ventricular function and an only slightly reduced mean peak oxygen uptake (76.3% predicted) were noted.ConclusionsSurvivors from severe intractable PE in cardiogenic shock or even under CPR with ECMO seem to recover well with acceptable QoL and only minor cardiopulmonary limitations in the long term. To underline these results, further research with larger study cohorts must be obtained.