Determinants Of Pulmonary Hypertension Research Articles

Usefulness of Tissue Doppler Imaging for the Evaluation of Pulmonary Hypertension in Canine Heartworm Disease

Background: Dirofilaria immitis is a nematode that produces proliferative pulmonary endarteritis in dogs due to direct contact of the adult parasites with the intima layer of the pulmonary arteries, leading to irreversible severe structural damage and sustained pulmonary hypertension (PH), which can produce severe cardiorespiratory disorders. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of the echocardiography tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in determining the presence of PH in dogs with heartworm disease. Methods: There were 116 heartworm-infected dogs with PH and 33 healthy dogs included in the study. Based on the right pulmonary artery distensibility index (RPADi) < 29.5%, PH was present in 47.4% of infected dogs. Additionally, the animals were evaluated using other standard alternative echocardiographic measures to estimate PH. Moreover, a total of eight echocardiographic measurements were analysed using the TDI to determine its usefulness in diagnosing PH (E′, A′, S, E′:A′, global TDI, HRI-IVCT, HRI-IVRT, R-TEI). Results: The TDI measurements showed significant differences between dogs with and without PH, demonstrating a positive correlation with respect to the RPADi. In addition, cut-off values for the detection of PH with excellent sensitivity and specificity were found for E′:A′, global TDI, HRI-IVCT, HRI-IVRT and R-TEI. Conclusions: The TDI mode may be useful as an adjunct diagnostic method for the determination of PH in dogs with Dirofilaria immitis.

Diastolic Dysfunction as a Determinant of Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Background: The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) varies among different studies. Objective: To determine the prevalence and echocardiographic determinants of PH in patients with ESRD and preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. Materials and Methods: Patients with ESRD who underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography were enrolled. PH was defined as mean pulmonary artery pressures of 25 mmHg or greater or pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 50 mmHg or greater. The propensity score matching, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Three hundred two patients with a mean age of 49.1±14.6 years were included, of which 47% were female. The prevalence of PH was 42.7%. Diabetes mellitus, right ventricular dimension at basal level, LV ejection fraction, LV dimension, LV mass index, left atrial volume (LAV) index, early (E) and late diastolic velocity of mitral inflow, deceleration time of E and ratio of E, and tissue Doppler early diastolic velocity of mitral annulus (e’) were univariately associated with PH. Multivariate factors associated with PH were LAV index (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.12, p<0.001), and E/e’ ratio (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.20, p<0.001). In the propensity matched analysis, LAV index (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.14, p<0.001) and E/e’ ratio (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.29, p<0.001) remained as independent determinants of PH. Conclusion: In patients with ESRD and preserved LV ejection fraction, PH is common and the link between diastolic dysfunction and PH hasbeen demonstrated. Keywords: Chronic kidney disease; Diastolic dysfunction; End-stage renal disease; Left atrial volume; Pulmonary hypertension

Comparison of PCWP and LVEDP Measurements in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis Undergoing TAVI—Same Same but Different?

Background: Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) are often used as equivalents for determination of pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH is a comorbidity in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) and associated with limited prognosis. The aim of the study was to examine the role of differentiated classification basis of PCWP and LVEDP in patients planning for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods: 284 patients with severe AS completed a combined left (LHC) and right heart catheterization (RHC) as part of a TAVI planning procedure. Patients were categorized twice into subtypes of PH according to 2015 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines—on the one hand with PCWP and on the other hand with LVEDP as classification basis. PCWP-LVEDP relationships were figured out using Kaplan-Meier curves, linear regressions and Bland-Altman analysis. Results: Regarding 1-year mortality, Kaplan-Meier analyses showed similar curves in spite of different classification bases of PH subtypes according to PCWP or LVEDP with exception of pre-capillary PH subtype. PCWP-LVEDP association in the overall cohort was barely present (R = 0.210, R2 = 0.044). When focusing analysis on PH patients only a slightly increased linear regression was noted compared to the overall cohort (R = 0.220, R2 = 0.048). The strongest regression was observed in patients with creatinine ≥ 132 µmol/L (R = 0.357, R2 = 0.127) and in patients with mitral regurgitation ≥ II° (R = 0.326, R2 = 0.106). Conclusions: In patients with severe AS, there is a weak association between hemodynamic parameters measured by LHC and RHC. RHC measurements alone are not suitable for risk stratification with respect to one-year mortality. If analysis of hemodynamic parameters is necessary in patients with severe AS scheduled for TAVI, measurement results of LHC and RHC should be combined and LVEDP could serve as a helpful indicator for risk assessment.

Left atrial diameter and atrial fibrillation, but not elevated NT-proBNP, predict the development of pulmonary hypertension in patients with HFpEF.

BackgroundThe determinants of pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have been poorly investigated in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD).MethodsFrom July 1 2017 to March 31 2019, a total of 149 consecutive HFpEF patients hospitalized with CVD were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. A systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PASP) > 35 mmHg estimated by echocardiography was defined as PH-HFpEF. Logistic regression was performed to establish predictors of PH in HFpEF patients.ResultsOverall, the mean age of participants was 72 ± 11 years, and 74 (49.7%) patients were females. A total of 59 (39.6%) patients were diagnosed with PH-HFpEF by echocardiography. The left atrial diameter (LAD) was related to the ratio of the transmitral flow velocities/mitral annulus tissue velocities in early diastole (E/E') and the left ventricular diameter in systole (LVDs). N-Terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was not found to be associated with LAD and impaired diastolic or systolic function of the left ventricle. Multivariable logistic regression showed that atrial fibrillation (AF) increased the risk of PH-HFpEF incidence 3.46-fold with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.44–8.32, P = 0.005. Meanwhile, LAD ≥ 45 mm resulted in a 3.43-fold increased risk, 95% CI: 1.51–7.75, P = 0.003. However, the significance levels of NT-proBNP, age and LVEF were underpowered in the regression model. Two variables, AF and LAD ≥ 45 mm, predicted the PH-HFpEF incidence (C-statistic = 0.773, 95% CI: 0.695–0.852, P < 0.001).ConclusionsTwo parameters associated with electrical and anatomical remodelling of the left atrium were related to the incidence of PH in HFpEF patients with CVD.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Diastolic Heart Disease

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is highly prevalent in heart failure (HF), and the coexistence of these two disease conditions increases mortality. The purpose of this review is to examine the mechanistic interactions and associations between SBD, specifically obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), obesity hypoventilation (OHS), left ventricular (LV) diastolic heart function, and pulmonary hypertension (PH), as factors that directly contribute to the development of HF. The mechanistic interactions may be thought of as direct and indirect effects. The direct effects are related to abnormalities caused by sleep-disordered breathing that induce LV remodeling. Recent studies support the notion that the severity of OSA and recurrent hypoxia enhance LV remodeling even after accounting for age, weight, and underlying cardiorespiratory comorbid conditions. Indirect effects are due to the mechanical alterations intrathoracic organs during sleep due to negative intrathoracic pressure, obesity, as well as multiple derangements causing activation of the sympathetic nervous system and endothelium. The review also delineates multiple mechanisms that eventually lead to pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH. The severity of daytime arterial oxygen levels and/or duration of nocturnal hypoxia, rather than the severity of SDB, seems to be the major determinants of PH in SBD, after adjusting for other cardiorespiratory diseases. Mechanisms by which hypercapnia contributes to PH and diastolic dysfunction need to be explored. Moreover, interactions between central sleep apnea and diastolic heart function are not well delineated. Further investigations are needed to elucidate any direct effect of hypercapnia on pulmonary pressures and potential cardiovascular consequences. There is limited evidence on the impact of PAP or oxygen therapy on these intermediary mechanisms of HF in SDB populations. The collection of evidence indicates that PAP may enhance diastolic function and reduce pulmonary artery pressure in OSA whereas studies in OHS populations are sparse and inconclusive. Thus, future research should delineate whether pathophysiology-based therapies can alleviate HF and HF related mortality in these SDB populations.

Left Ventricular Morphology and Function as a Determinant of Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis: Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

Background and Objectives: The influence of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) derived left ventricular (LV) parameters on the prognosis of patients with aortic stenosis (AS) was analyzed in several studies. However, the data on the relations between the LV parameters and the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in severe AS is lacking. Our objectives were to evaluate the CMR-derived changes of the LV size, morphology, and function in patients with isolated severe AS and PH, and to investigate the prognostic impact of these parameters on elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP). Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with isolated severe AS (aortic valve area ≤1 cm2) underwent a 2D-echocardiography (2D echo) and CMR before aortic valve replacement. Indices of the LV mass and volumes and ejection fraction were analyzed by CMR. The LV global longitudinal (LV LGS) and circumferential strain (LV CS) were calculated using CMR feature tracking (CMR-FT) software (Medis Suite QStrain 2.0, Medis Medical Imaging Systems B.V., Leiden, The Netherlands). The LV fibrosis expansion was assessed using a late gadolinium enhancement sequence. PH was defined as having an estimated sPAP of ≥45 mm Hg. The statistical analysis as performed using SPSS version 23.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) Results: 30 patients with severe AS were included in the study, 23% with severe isolated AS had PH (mean sPAP 55 ± 6.6 mm Hg). More severe LV anatomical and functional abnormalities were observed in patients with PH when compared with patients without PH—a higher LV end-diastolic volume index (EDVi) (140 [120.0–160.0] vs. 90.0 mL/m² [82.5–103.0], p = 0.04), larger LV fibrosis area (7.8 [5.6–8.0] vs. 1.3% [1.2–1.5], p = 0.005), as well as lower LV global longitudinal strain (GLS; −14.0 [−14.9–(−8.9)] vs. −21.1% [−23.4–(−17.8)], p = 0.004). By receiver–operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, LV EDVi > 107.7 mL/m² (Area Under the Curve (AUC) 95.7%), LV GLS < −15.5% (AUC 86.3%), and LV fibrosis area >5% (AUC 89.3) were found to be robust predictors of PH in severe AS patients. Conclusions: In patients with severe aortic stenosis, a larger end-diastolic LV volume, impaired LV global longitudinal strain, and larger LV fibrosis extent can predict the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Persistence of pulmonary endarteritis in canine heartworm infection 10 months after the eradication of adult parasites of Dirofilaria immitis

Pulmonary endarteritis caused by Dirofilaria immitis and pulmonary hypertension (PH) are closely linked and the determination of PH could be validated to assess the severity and chronicity of the vascular damage, i.e. by the use of the Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility (RPAD) Index. The aim was to evaluate the RPAD Index in dogs 10 months after the last dose of adulticide. The study included 23 client-owned dogs with heartworm brought for adulticide treatment. Echocardiographic exam was carried out to estimate worm burden, RPAD Index as well as other routine echocardiographic values on day 0 (diagnosis), day 120 (discharge), and 10 months after the last dose of adulticide. No significant differences were observed in the RPAD Index over time, neither when microfilaremic status and parasite burden were evaluated. An RPAD Index <29% was found in 52.2% of the dogs on day 0, day 120, and 10 months after the last dose of adulticide. Regarding other echocardiographic parameters, only significant differences were observed on tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) values between day 0:day 120 (p = 0.008), and day 0:end of the study (p = 0.037). There was not significant improvement in pulmonary damage 10 months after the elimination of the parasites (p = 0.296), suggesting that, once the endarteritis has developed, the vascular changes are chronic and may not be reversible. The modifications of the TAPSE value suggest an improvement in the systolic function of the right ventricle after the disappearance of the worms, independently of the presence of PH. The endarteritis causes a decrease in the elasticity in the pulmonary vasculature and an increase in the resistance that, chronically, and depending on the severity, will cause the development of PH and later right heart failure. This complication of the disease is one of the most damaging and frequent, so it is necessary to adequately monitor PH in dogs undergoing adulticide treatment. Furthermore, knowing the pulmonary status could provide valuable information to help provide an objective prognosis and help assess the need to add additional treatments, once the worms have been eliminated.

Mitral Effective Regurgitant Orifice Area Predicts Pulmonary Artery Pressure Level in Patients with Aortic Valve Stenosis

Mitral regurgitation (MR) and elevated pulmonary artery pressure are common findings in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS). The pathophysiologic role of quantitatively defined MR as a determinant of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is incompletely characterized across the whole spectrum of AS degrees. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether the quantification of MR reveals a link to PH in patients with AS. Consecutive patients undergoing comprehensive echocardiography and presenting peak aortic velocity ≥ 2.5m/sec were prospectively enrolled. Effective regurgitant orifice area (ERO) and regurgitant volume were obtained using the proximal isovelocity surface area method. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure was calculated by adding right atrial pressure to the tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient. A total of 642 patients were enrolled between 2008 and 2013 (mean age, 79±11years; mean ejection fraction, 62±10%; mean aortic valve area, 1.09±0.39cm2); MR was present in 187 (29%). Of note, 154 of 187 patients (82%) showed ERO<0.20cm2. ERO and regurgitant volume had the most significant associations with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (R2=0.30 and R2=0.35, respectively, P<.0001). This relationship persisted after multivariate adjustment and in the subgroups of patients with severe AS or reduced ejection fraction (P<.0001). For each 0.10-cm2 increase, the odds ratio for PH was 3.56 (95% CI, 2.65-4.86; P<.0001). In patients with MR and a wide range of AS severity, ERO is independently associated with PH. Also, the role of MR quantification appears stronger than other continuous variables commonly associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, such as E/e' ratio and left atrial volume.

Left atrial dysfunction as a determinant of pulmonary hypertension in patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

In patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), the presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been linked to a poor prognosis. We aimed to assess the main determinants of PH in patients with severe AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We prospectively enrolled 108 consecutive patients with isolated severe AS (indexed aortic valve area <0.6cm2/m2) and LVEF >50%, in sinus rhythm. Left atrial (LA) function was assessed using longitudinal deformation parameters (by speckle tracking echocardiography). PH (defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure >40mmHg) was present in 20 patients. Patients with severe AS and PH were older (p = 0.05), had higher BNP values (p = 0.05) and a greater degree of LV diastolic dysfunction: higher E/e' and E/A ratios and lower EDT values (p < 0.03 for all) compared to patients without PH. There were no differences between groups regarding AS severity and LV systolic function parameters. Patients with PH had a more impaired LA function: lower septal and lateral late diastolic peak velocity a' (p < 0.001 and p = 0.04 respectively) and lower LA peak longitudinal strain and strain rate parameters (p ≤ 0.005 for all). In multivariable analysis, LA late diastolic longitudinal strain rate was the only independent correlate of PH in our patients (p = 0.04). Patients with isolated severe AS, preserved LVEF and PH had larger LA volumes, a more impaired LA function, and higher LV filling pressures compared to those without PH. LA booster pump function, reflected by late diastolic longitudinal strain rate, emerged as an independent correlate of PH in these patients.

Pulmonary Hypertension Is Associated with Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Background: We evaluated the prevalence, determinants and prognosis value of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods: This is a prospective study with stages 3-5 non-dialysis-dependent CKD patients. PH was estimated by Doppler echocardiography and defined as a pulmonary artery systolic pressure above 35 mm Hg. Results: Three hundred fifty-three patients were recruited, of whom 94 (26.6%) had PH. Prevalence of PH increased with the decline of renal function: 21.6, 24.1, and 31.7% in stages 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Independent predictors of PH were age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), history of cardiovascular (CV) events, the presence of an arteriovenous fistulae (AVF), and left ventricular (systolic and diastolic) dysfunction. Over a median follow-up of 22 months, 71 patients died (20%). After multivariate adjustment for age, gender, previous CV disease, diastolic and systolic dysfunction, PH remained as an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (hazards ratio [HR] 1.84, 95% CI 1.06-3.18, p = 0.02). One hundred patients (28%) had a new onset CV event. After adjustment for age, gender, previous CV disease, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, PH maintains its independent association with CV events (HR 2.77, 95% CI 2.00-3.25, p < 0.001). Conclusions: PH prevalence rises as kidney function declines. Main determinants of PH are age, eGFR, previous CV disease, the presence of an AVF and left ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction. PH is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and CV events.

Poster Session 4The imaging examination and quality assessmentP957Economic impact analysis and quality performance of working with cardiovascular sonographers in high-volume echocardiography laboratoryP958Feasibility of temporal super resolution enhancement of echocardiographic images to diagnose cardiac DiseasesP959Remote medical diagnostician project - Achievements and limitation in tele-echocardiographyP960Right atrial remodeling and galectin-3 are associated with functional capacity in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertensionP961Interatrial electromechanical delay

Poster Session 4The imaging examination and quality assessmentP957Economic impact analysis and quality performance of working with cardiovascular sonographers in high-volume echocardiography laboratoryP958Feasibility of temporal super resolution enhancement of echocardiographic images to diagnose cardiac DiseasesP959Remote medical diagnostician project - Achievements and limitation in tele-echocardiographyP960Right atrial remodeling and galectin-3 are associated with functional capacity in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertensionP961Interatrial electromechanical delay

Pulmonary hypertension is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality in haemodialysis patients.

The evidence about prevalence, associated factors of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and its impact on patient's outcomes is limited. We included 211 haemodialysis patients, we estimated the systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) by 2D Doppler echocardiography defining PH as a SPAP above 35 mmHg, the median follow-up was 39 (19-56) moths, and the primary endpoints were all cause mortality and cardiovascular events. We found PH in 91 patients (43.9%). Independent determinants of PH were age, previous cardiovascular disease, the Nt-pro-BNP level hs-TnT, the systolic dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy. Over the follow-up 94 cardiovascular events occurred, variables associated were: PH, age, history cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia, elevated concentration of Nt-pro-BNP and hs-TnT, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, in a multivariate model, the PH maintained its independent association. Mortality data: 88 patients died (41.7%); 35 (29.5%) in the no PH group and 53 (58.5%) in the PH group (P < 0.001). In the Cox survival analysis, we found an association between mortality and age, previous cardiovascular disease, history of peripheral vascular disease, Nt-pro-BNP levels. In a multivariate model the PH remains as independent predictor of mortality. Pulmonary hypertension is a common finding in HD patients and a valuable predictor of mortality and cardiovascular events. Prospective studies are needed to assess the effect of intervention on risk factors in improving patient's outcomes.

0282: Rest and exercise pulmonary hypertension in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Heart failure (HF) symptoms, related to pulmonary capillary hypertension, are frequent in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is the consequence of left ventricular (LV) diastolic pressure elevation and/or functional mitral regurgitation. We aimed to evaluate determinants and prognostic significance of rest and exercise in HCM. We included 235 patients referred for clinical work-up of HCM. Rest pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was measurable in 214 (91%) patients (48±16 years, 161 males). A symptom-limited semi-supine bicycle exercise was carried out in 188 patients. PASP was measurable during exercise in 108 patients (57%). Resting PH (≥36mmHg) was present in 56 patients (26.2%) and exercise PH (≥60mmHg) in 38 patients (35.2%). Mutivariate correlates of rest PASP were sinus rhythm (β=–0.15, P=0.021), LV obstruction tract (LVOT) peak gradient (β=0.22, P=0.001) and left atrial volume (β=0.39, P<0.0001). Multivariate resting correlates of exercise PASP were PASP (β=0.28, p=0.001) and mitral regurgitation (MR) grade (β=0.48, P<0.0001). LVOT peak gradient emerged as an independent correlate of exercise PASP when MR was excluded. Patients with rest PH had a worse event-free survival at 4 years (24.8±8.8 vs 66.2±5.2%, P<0.0001), survival without HF (55.6±10.5 vs 81.8±4.3%, P=0.005), and overall survival (84.2±7.1 vs 97.1±1.7%, P=0.001). Patients with exercise PH had also a worse event-free survival (47.7±9.5 vs 65.7±7.5%, P=0.007) and a worse survival without HF (64.1±9.4 vs 83.4±5.5%, P=0.016). By contrast, there was no difference regarding overall survival (p=0.49). In patients with HCM, the main determinants of rest PH are sinus rhythm, LVOT peak gradient and left atrium volume. Determinants of exercise PH are rest PASP, grade of MR and rest LVOT gradient. Rest and exercise PH predict a poor outcome in HCM.

0045 : Rest and exercise pulmonary hypertension in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Heart failure (HF) symptoms, related to pulmonary capillary hypertension, are frequent in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is the consequence of left ventricular (LV) diastolic pressure elevation and/or functional mitral regurgitation. We aimed to evaluate determinants and prognostic significance of rest and exercise PH in HCM. We included 235 patients referred for clinical work-up of HCM. Rest pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was measurable in 214 (91%) patients (48±16 years, 161 males). A symptom-limited semi-supine bicycle exercise was carried out in 188 patients. PASP was measurable during exercise in 108 patients (57%). Resting PH (≥36mm Hg) was present in 56 patients (26.2%) and exercise PH (≥60mm Hg) in 38 patients (35.2%). Mutivariate correlates of rest PASP were sinus rhythm (β= –0.15, P=0.021), LV obstruction tract (LVOT) peak gradient (β= 0.22, P=0.001) and left atrial volume (β= 0.39, P<0.0001). Multivariate resting correlates of exercise PASP were PASP (β=0.28, p=0.001) and mitral regurgitation (MR) grade (β=0.48, P<0.0001). LVOT peak gradient emerged as an independent correlate of exercise PASP when MR was excluded. Patients with rest PH had a worse event-free survival at 4 years (24.8 ± 8.8 vs 66.2 ± 5.2%, P < 0.0001), survival without HF (55.6 ± 10.5 vs 81.8 ± 4.3%, P = 0.005), and overall survival (84.2 ± 7.1 vs 97.1 ± 1.7%, P = 0.001). Patients with exercise PH had also a worse event-free survival (47.7 ± 9.5 vs 65.7 ± 7.5%, P = 0.007) and a worse survival without HF (64.1 ± 9.4 vs 83.4 ± 5.5%, P = 0.016). By contrast, there was no difference regarding overall survival (p = 0.49). In patients with HCM, the main determinants of rest PH are sinus rhythm, LVOT peak gradient and left atrium volume. Determinants of exercise PH are rest PASP, grade of MR and rest LVOT gradient. Rest and exercise PH predict a poor outcome in HCM.

Clinical Significance of Exercise Pulmonary Hypertension in Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

In patients with heart failure, exercise echocardiography can help in risk stratification and decision making. The prognostic significance of exercise pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic value of exercise PH in patients with secondary MR and narrow QRS intervals. From 2005 to 2012, 159 consecutive patients with secondary MR, narrow QRS intervals, left ventricular dysfunction (mean ejection fraction 36 ± 7%), and measurable systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP) during exercise echocardiography were included. Resting and exercise PH were defined as SPAP >50 and >60 mm Hg, respectively. Exercise PH was more frequent than resting PH (40% vs 13%, p <0.0001). On multivariate logistic regression, the independent determinants of exercise PH were resting SPAP (p <0.0001), exercise MR severity (p <0.0001), and e'-wave velocity (p = 0.004). The incidence of cardiac events during follow-up was significantly higher in patients with exercise PH compared with those without exercise PH (4 years: 40 ± 7% vs 20 ± 5%, p <0.0001). Patients with exercise PH exhibited higher rates of cardiac events and death than those with resting PH. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, exercise PH was independently associated with the occurrence of cardiac events (p <0.0001). In conclusion, in patients with secondary MR, exercise PH is determined mainly by resting SPAP, left ventricular diastolic burden, and exercise MR severity. Exercise PH is a powerful predictor of poor outcomes, with a 5.3-fold increased risk for cardiac-related death during follow-up. These results highlight the added value of exercise echocardiography in secondary MR.

PO-0317 Malignant Pertussis In Infants: Factors Associated With A Poor Outcome

Background Malignant pertussis (MP) affects young infants and is characterised by respiratory distress, associated with permanent tachycardia and hyperleukocytosis up to 50 × 10 9 L -1 leading to multiple organ failure and death in 75% of cases. Leukodepletion aims to improve prognosis. Method This study aimed at identifying factors associated with death and evaluating the impact of treatment on the outcome. We reviewed the records of the infants ≤3 months, hospitalised in 7 French paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) from January 1, 2008 to November 13, 2013with a diagnosis of pertussis, admitted for respiratory distress, with or without white blood cell count (WBCC) >50 × 10 9 L -1 . Treatment modalities (Leukodepletion and/or ECMO) were compared to Rowland’s proposition ( Rowlands et al , paediatrics 2010 ). Results Twenty three infants were included, 17 were intubated. Nine of 23 (40%) died: they presented more frequently cardiovascular failure (100% vs 36%, p = 0.003) and pulmonary hypertension (PHT) (100% vs 29%, p = 0.002) than survivors. Fatal cases presented CRP level at emergency >20 mg/l (85% vs 14%, p = 0,003) and increased their WBCC three times faster than survivors (15 × 10 9 L -1 pd vs 5 × 10 9 L -1 pd, p = 0,013). Leukodepletion was performed in 10 cases (43%), 7 survived. For 15/23 patients, the treatment followed Rowlandsprotocol, resulting in a 73% survival rate (11/15). Conclusion A CRP level over 20 mg/l at hospital admission and an increase of WBCC >15×10 9 L -1 pd were associated with death. Early determination of CRP, early monitoring of WBCC every 12h, and determination of PHT by echo should be helpful in predicting the prognosis of MP and initiating Leukodepletion.

Epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure in left heart failure.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) leading to right ventricular failure (RVF) is a common complication of left heart failure irrespective of the left ventricular ejection fraction. PH due to left heart disease is the most common cause of PH. The prevalence of PH and RVF in left heart failure varies depending on the patient population studied, the method used to diagnose PH, and the hemodynamic criteria used to define PH. Elevated left-sided filling pressure and functional mitral regurgitation are the two major determinants of PH in left heart failure. PH is associated with markers of disease severity, advanced symptoms, and worse long-term outcomes including heart failure hospitalization and mortality in left heart failure. RVF has independent, incremental prognostic value over PH for adverse outcomes in left heart failure. PH and RVF may be potential therapeutic targets in patients with left heart failure.

Ventricular and pulmonary vascular remodeling induced by pulmonary overflow in a chronic model of pretricuspid shunt

Current preclinical models of pulmonary arterial hypertension do not reproduce the clinical characteristics of congenital heart anomalies. Aortocaval shunt is relevant to a variety of clinical conditions. The pathophysiology and possible determination of pulmonary hypertension in this model are still undefined. A method to create a standardized and reproducible aortocaval shunt was developed in rats. After creation of the shunt, the animals were followed up for 20 weeks and a sham laparotomy was used as a control. The chronic effects of volume overload on the right and left ventricles and pulmonary hemodynamic modifications were evaluated by biventricular catheterization, echocardiography, and magnetic resonance. Pulmonary vascular changes were defined by histology. An increased right ventricular end-diastolic area was confirmed by echocardiography. Left ventricular overload and decreased biventricular ejection fraction were demonstrated by magnetic resonance after 20 weeks in the shunt group compared with the controls (left ventricle, 50% ± 5% vs 62% ± 3%, P = .029; right ventricle, 53% ± 2% vs 65% ± 2%, P = .036). Preload recruitable stroke work of left and right ventricles decreased after 20 weeks in shunt rats (left ventricle: 36 ± 7 vs 98 ± 5, P = .004; right ventricle: 19 ± 2 vs 32 ± 9, P = .047). At the same time point, catheterization showed that effective pulmonary arterial elastance was increased only in the shunt group (1.29 ± 0.20 vs 0.14 ± 0.06 mm Hg/μL; P = .004). Histology showed medial hypertrophy, small artery luminal narrowing, and occlusion. The aortocaval shunt model reliably produces right ventricular volume overload and secondary pulmonary hypertension. Due to a combination of left ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary overflow, the pulmonary hypertension produced shows features similar to those found in patients with chronic atrial-level shunt.

Prevalence and determinants of pulmonary hypertension in the general population: results from a prospective population-based cohort study

Prevalence and determinants of pulmonary hypertension in the general population: results from a prospective population-based cohort study

Determinants of pulmonary hypertension in young adults

Risk factors of pulmonary hypertension (PH) are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to identify the determinants of PH in young adults. We analysed a limited access dataset from the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study provided by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Pulmonary arterial pressure was assessed by the Doppler pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT). Socio-demographic characteristics, self-reported clinical variables, echocardiographic variables, pulmonary function tests, systemic blood pressure and body mass index calculated from height and weight were used in multivariate analysis. There were 4171 study subjects, mean age 24.9 ± 3.6 years, retained in year five with echocardiographic data available after five years of follow-up. The prevalence of severe PH (PAAT ≤ 70 ms) and mild to moderate PH (PAAT = 109.9-70.01 ms) was 1.1% and 14% respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that body mass index (β = -1.09, p < 0.0001), female gender (β = 6.25, p < 0.0001), age (β = -0.30, p = 0.02), African American race (β = -2.57, p = 0.007), physical activity (β = 0.005, p = 0.002), current smoking (β = -3.42, p = 0.001), left atrial dimension (β = -2.97, p = 0.009) and diastolic dysfunction (β = -13.06, p = 0.006) were statistically significant variables predicting PH. In this large, observational study of young adults, pulmonary hypertension, as assessed by echocardiography, is common. Diastolic dysfunction, obesity, physical inactivity and smoking are associated with elevated pulmonary arterial pressure in young adults.