Left Ventricular Diastolic Performance Research Articles

Exercise Intolerance Is Associated with Cardiovascular Dysfunction in Long COVID-19 Syndrome.

Background/Objectives: Cardiorespiratory complications are commonly reported among patients with long COVID-19 syndrome. However, their effects on exercise capacity remain inconclusive. We investigated the impact of long COVID-19 on exercise tolerance combining cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) with resting echocardiographic data. Methods: Forty-two patients (55 ± 13 years), 149 ± 92 days post-hospital discharge, and ten healthy age-matched participants underwent resting echocardiography and an incremental CPET to the limit of tolerance. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were calculated to assess left ventricular systolic function. The E/e' ratio was estimated as a surrogate of left ventricular end-diastolic filling pressures. Tricuspid annular systolic velocity (SRV) was used to assess right ventricular systolic performance. Through tricuspid regurgitation velocity and inferior vena cava diameter, end-respiratory variations in systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PASP) were estimated. Peak work rate (WRpeak) and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) were measured via a ramp incremental symptom-limited CPET. Results: Compared to healthy participants, patients had a significantly (p < 0.05) lower LVEF (59 ± 4% versus 49 ± 5%) and greater left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (48 ± 2 versus 54 ± 5 cm). In patients, there was a significant association of E/e' with WRpeak (r = -0.325) and VO2peak (r = -0.341). SRV was significantly associated with WRpeak (r = 0.432) and VO2peak (r = 0.556). LV-GLS and PASP were significantly correlated with VO2peak (r = -0.358 and r = -0.345, respectively). Conclusions: In patients with long COVID-19 syndrome, exercise intolerance is associated with left ventricular diastolic performance, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, PASP and SRV. These findings highlight the interrelationship of exercise intolerance with left and right ventricular performance in long COVID-19 syndrome.

Study of Right Ventricular Function in Post COVID Syndrome in Recovered Mild Severity COVID-19 Patients Using Conventional and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Abstract Background Many patients seek medical help for COVID-19’s longer term physical and mental effects. The term post COVID syndrome is used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to identify individuals with a history of probable or confirmed COVID-19 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of infection with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Symptoms may be due to persistent chronic inflammation, sequelae of organ damage, and hospitalization and social isolation. These symptoms may persist from the initial infection, or appear after a period of recovery. RV dimensions (RVD) and RV function (RVF) are closely correlated to symptom occurrence and to exercise capacity in many clinical conditions. Consequently, a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of the RV is essential. Echocardiography is the modality of choice for the assessment of RVD and RVF in clinical practice owing to its numerous advantages. It is widely available, relatively cheaper than other modalities, non-invasive, and doesn’t require radiation or contrast injection. Nevertheless, the RV special anatomy, its retrosternal position and its complex architecture pose a challenge to conventional echocardiographic imaging. Novel modalities of echocardiography, such as myocardial deformation imaging by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), provide the solution to overcome most of these challenges owing to the fact that it is independent of cardiac translation, angle-independent and load-independent. Aim and Objectives The aim was to study RV function in post COVID syndrome in recovered mild severity COVID-19 patients using 2D RV STE and correlate these findings with the patients’ symptomatology. Patients and Methods This study included 96 subjects divided into 3 age and gender matched groups; the first group consisted of 32 mild severity COVID-19 patients 3-6 months after recovery and not complaining of post COVID-19 syndrome, the second group consisted of 32 mild severity COVID-19 patients 3-6 months after recovery and complaining of post COVID-19 syndrome and the third group consisted of 32 healthy controls who didn’t get COVID-19. This study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals. The patients were recruited from the outpatient ECHO clinic in the cardiology department during the period from March 2022 to August 2022. The entire study population was evaluated via 2D conventional echocardiography and STE imaging. Results Our study assessed RV functions at 3-6 months after recovery from mild severity COVID-19 disease. At the follow-up, TAPSE, RV-FAC, RV S’, RV-GLS and RV-FWLS parameters were significantly lower in patients with mild severity COVID-19 disease than healthy controls. They also showed lower values in patients with post COVID syndrome than those without post COVID syndrome with P-value = 0.032, 0.034, 0.003, 0.010 and 0.029 respectively. In addition, RV diameters (longitudinal, mid and basal RVEDD), RV MPI and sPAP values were significantly higher in patients with mild severity COVID-19 disease than healthy controls. They also showed higher values in patients with post COVID syndrome than those without post COVID syndrome with P-value = 0.043, 0.026, 0.014, 0.000 and 0.025 respectively. LV-GLS showed lower value in patients with post COVID syndrome than control group with P-value = 0.002. It also showed lower value in patients with post COVID syndrome than those without post COVID syndrome with P-value = 0.018. We also found that the most common symptom in post COVID syndrome was fatigue, with a percentage of 65.6%, followed by palpitations (40.6%) and chest pain (31%). These three symptoms showed a significant negative relation with RV 2D STE parameters. Additionally, a negative correlation between inflammatory markers including CRP, TLC, PLT, ferritin and D-dimer levels during active infection and long term echocardiographic parameters such as RV-GLS, RV-FWLS and LV-GLS was detected in our study. Conclusion We concluded that RV-GLS and RV-FWLS decreased at 3-6 month follow-up of patients with history of mild severity COVID-19 disease especially those complaining of post COVID syndrome. Additionally, it is demonstrated that increased CRP, TLC, PLT, ferritin and D-dimer levels during acute infection is related to RV-GLS, RV-FWLS and LV-GLS values. 2D STE may be used for both detection and follow-up for possible long term right ventricular dysfunction after mild severity COVID-19 disease. Key words: Post-COVID Syndrome, Speckle Tracking Echocardiography, RV-GLS, RV-FWLS, LV-GLS Abbreviations. Abbreviations: RV Right Ventricle STE Speckle Tracking Echocardiography 2D 2-Dimensional TAPSE Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion RV-FAC Right Ventricular Fractional Area Change RV-GLS Right Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain RV-FWLS Right Ventricular Free Wall Longitudinal Strain LV-GLS Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain RVEDD Right Ventricular End Diastolic Dimension RV MPI Right Ventricular Myocardial Performance Index sPAP Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure CRP C – Reactive Protein TLC Total Leucocytic Count PLT Platelets WHO World Health Organization LVEDD Left Ventricular End Diastolic Dimension LVESD Left Ventricular End Systolic Dimension FS Fractional Shortening EF Ejection Fraction

Diastolic Heart Failure Mechanisms and Assessment Revisited.

The syndrome of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) makes up about half of the HF population. The HF mechanisms in these patients are varied and not fully understood. In addition, the term "diastolic HF" was switched to HFpEF because of difficulties in measuring the left ventricular (LV) diastolic performance. In the late stages, HFpEF carries a prognosis that is as bad as or worse than that of HFrEF. Hence, it is important to recognize LV diastolic impairment at an earlier stage so that the causal mechanisms, if any, can be treated to retard its progression. Despite the availability of numerous disease-modifying agents for HFrEF, there are hardly any available treatments for HFpEF. With our aging population, there will be an epidemic of HFpEF and hence this entity needs attention and respect. In this paper, we review the fundamental mechanisms of HFpEF, the physiology of LV filling and how LV diastolic function can be comprehensively measured. We also speculate how this may help with the early recognition of diastolic HF and its treatment.

Selvester score and myocardial performance index in acute anterior myocardial infarction.

The simplified Selvester QRS score is a parameter for estimating myocardial damage in ST-elevation myocardial infarction. ST-elevation myocardial infarction leads to varying degrees of impairment in left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. Myocardial performance index is a single parameter that can predict combined left ventricular systolic and diastolic performance. We investigated the relationship between Selvester score and myocardial performance index in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute anterior myocardial infarction. The study included 58 patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute anterior myocardial infarction. Selvester score of all patients was also calculated at 72 h. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the Selvester score. Those with a score <6 (low score) were considered group 1 and those with a score ≥6 (high score) were considered group 2. When compared with group 1, patients in group 2 were older (p=0.01) and had lower left ventricular ejection fractions (50.3±4 vs. 35.6±6.9, p=0.001), and conventional myocardial performance index (0.52±0.06 vs. 0.69±0.08, p=0.001), lateral tissue Doppler-derived myocardial performance index (0.57±0.08 vs. 0.72±0.08, p=0.001), and septal tissue Doppler-derived myocardial performance index (0.62±0.07 vs. 0.76±0.08, p=0.001) were higher. There was a high correlation between lateral tissue Doppler-derived myocardial performance index and conventional myocardial performance index and Selvester score (r=0.80, p<0.001; r=0.86, p<0.001, respectively) and a moderate correlation between septal tissue Doppler-derived myocardial performance index and Selvester score (r=0.67, p<0.001). The post-procedural Selvester score can predict lateral tissue Doppler-derived myocardial performance index and conventional myocardial performance index with high sensitivity and acceptable specificity in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute anterior myocardial infarction.

Relationship between intraventricular mechanical dyssynchrony and left ventricular systolic and diastolic performance: An in vivo experimental study.

Left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (LVMD) refers to the nonuniformity in mechanical contraction and relaxation timing in different ventricular segments. We aimed to determine the relationship between LVMD and LV performance, as assessed by ventriculo-arterial coupling (VAC), LV mechanical efficiency (LVeff ), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and diastolic function during sequential experimental changes in loading and contractile conditions. Thirteen Yorkshire pigs submitted to three consecutive stages with two opposite interventions each: changes in afterload (phenylephrine/nitroprusside), preload (bleeding/reinfusion and fluid bolus), and contractility (esmolol/dobutamine). LV pressure-volume data were obtained with a conductance catheter. Segmental mechanical dyssynchrony was assessed by global, systolic, and diastolic dyssynchrony (DYS) and internal flow fraction (IFF). Late systolic LVMD was related to an impaired VAC, LVeff , and LVEF, whereas diastolic LVMD was associated with delayed LV relaxation (logistic tau), decreased LV peak filling rate, and increased atrial contribution to LV filling. The hemodynamic factors related to LVMD were contractility, afterload, and heart rate. However, the relationship between these factors differed throughout the cardiac cycle. LVMD plays a significant role in LV systolic and diastolic performance and is associated with hemodynamic factors and intraventricular conduction.

The role of Tei index added to the GRACE risk score for prediction of in-hospital MACE after acute myocardial infarction.

Introduction: The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score is widely recommended for risk assessment in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Variable degrees of impairment in left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function might be found after AMI. Tei index is an echocardiography parameter that represents both systolic and diastolic LV performance. Previous studies demonstrate Tei index as an independent predictor of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) after AMI. This study investigates whether the addition of Tei index could improve the GRACE risk score performance to predict inhospital MACE after AMI. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 75 patients who presented with AMI. Total GRACE score was calculated on patient admission and echocardiography was conducted within 72 hours of hospitalization for measurement of MPI. All patients were observed for the incidence of MACE during hospitalization. The incremental predictive value of the GRACE risk score alone and combined with Tei index was assessed by the change in area under the curve (AUC) by DeLong's method, likelihood ratio test (LRT), and continuous net reclassification improvement (cNRI). Results: The addition of Tei index to the GRACE risk score significantly improves the predictive value of the GRACE risk score (increase in AUC from 0.753 for the GRACE risk score to 0.801 for the GRACE score combine with Tei index, p=0.354; LRT=4.65, p=0.030; cNRI=0.515, p=0.046). Conclusions: Adjustment of Tei index to GRACE risk score might improve risk prediction of in-hospital MACE after AMI.

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome as a cause of impaired left ventricular diastolic function: experience from a Serbian cohort.

Cardiovascular manifestations, encountered in antiphospholipid syndrome, may develop as a consequence of acquired thrombophilia mediated by antiphospholipid antibodies and accelerated atherosclerosis as well. Our study aims to assess the impairment of the left ventricular diastolic performance, as early evidence of myocardial involvement in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS). We analysed 101 PAPS patients, with the average age of 47.70±13.14y. Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL IgG/IgM), anti-ß2 glycoprotein-I (anti-ß2GPI IgG/IgM), and lupus anticoagulant (LAC) were determined. Abnormal cut-off values used for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) were septal E ́<7 cm/sec, lateral E ́ <10 cm/sec, average E/E ́ ratio >14, LA volume index (LAVI) >34 mL/m2, and peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity >2.8 m/sec. LVDD was present if more than half parameters were with abnormal values. The results were compared to 90 healthy, age and sex-matched controls. LVDD was significantly more prevalent in PAPS patients compared to healthy controls (24.8% vs. 2.2%, p=0.001). In PAPS patients, it was signi cantly related to age, body mass index, hyperlipidaemia, thromboses and LAC positivity (p=0.0001, p=0.008, p=0.039, p=0.001, p=0.047 respectively). Patients with PAPS had higher LAVI (29.76±6.40 ml/m2 vs. 26.62±7.8 ml/m2, p=0.012), higher isovolumic relaxation time, lower lateral É velocity and lower E/É ratio compared to controls (p=0.0001, p=0.020, p=0.038, respectively). In multivariate analysis, thromboses in PAPS were significant, and independent predictors of LVDD. Thrombotic PAPS patients are at higher risk of LVDD development. Strong action against standard atherosclerotic risk factors and adequate therapy regimes seems to be crucial to preserve good diastolic performance of the left ventricle in PAPS.

EFFECTS OF ANGIOTENSIN RECEPTOR BLOCKER AZILSARTAN IN ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION COMBINED WITH TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS

Objective: Arterial Hypertension (AH) with type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM II) is characterized by diminished myocardial compliance with diastolic dysfunction and impaired left ventricular filling. Angiotenzin receptors blocker (ARB) Azilsartan (Az) is antihypertensive drug in AH combined with DM II for good tolerance and metabolic neutrality. Az in AH patients with DM II is unexplored in view of influence on cardiac systolic and diastolic parameters. The interrelation between long-term Az treatment and basic metabolism lipid, carbohydrate indices alterations in AH coupled with DM II is disputable. The purpose of study was evaluation of ARB Az's antihypertensive, hemodynamic and metabolic actions in AH patients with DM II. Design and method: 72 diagnosed I-II WHO classification AH patients without coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure signs with DM II were examined (46 male, 26 female, 42–63 aged, mean age 52+/-2,1 years old, body mass index 32+/-1,8 kg/m2, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP,DBP) range 145/90-179,109 mm Hg, mean blood pressure (MBP) 120+/-3,1 mm Hg. Az was administered once daily 40–80 mg in addition to basic management of DM II. Results: Az significantly reduced SBP 169+/-5.3 vs 148+/-5.1 mm Hg, diminution -12.4% (p&lt;0.02), DBP 104+/-2.6 mm Hg vs 91+/-2.8 mm Hg, diminution-12.6% (p &lt; 0.02), MBP 120+/-3.1 mm Hg vs 106+/-4.4 mm Hg, diminution 11.7% (p &lt; 0.02). Early diastolic filling flow velocity (Peak E) increased significantly 0.56+/-0.033 vs 0.79+/-0.048 m/sec, augmentation+28.9% (p &lt; 0.02). After 4 weeks SBP, DBP, MBP significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.02), 12-weeks management resulted in BP reduction (p &lt; 0.01). No negative changes of carbohydrate, lipid metabolism indices and GFR observed, moreover 12-weeks Az treatment had a trend to some improvement of blood and urine glucose level, lipids and lipoprotein fractions. Conclusions: Az in I-II AH patients with DM II resulted in antihypertensive effect, left ventricular systolic and diastolic performance indices improved. Study didn’t reveal any negative changes of metabolism and GFR. Metabolism indices improvement was marked probably on account of Atherosclerosis prevention actions. Az improves systolic performance and diastolic compliance in AH with DM II, positively affects on metabolism indices. Long-term Az treatment in AH combined with DM II should explored further.

Longitudinal Prediction of Transplant-Free Survival by Echocardiography in Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy

BackgroundThe prognostic significance of serial echocardiography and its rate of change in children with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is incompletely defined. MethodsWe retrospectively analysed up to 4 serial echocardiograms. Associations between mortality/transplant and echocardiographic parameters over time and between outcomes and the rate of change of echocardiographic parameters were analysed. Estimation of patient-specific intercepts and slopes was done using linear regression models. ResultsFifty-seven DCM children were studied (50% male; median age, 0.6 year; average follow-up, 2.1 ± 2.4 years). The median time to transplant or death was 2.0 years. Increased left ventricular (LV) diastolic (LVEDD) and systolic (LVESD) dimensions and myocardial performance index (MPI) were associated with increased mortality and transplant risk. Increased LV ejection fraction, mitral E-deceleration time, right ventricular (RV) fractional area change, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion were associated with reduced mortality and transplant risk. Transplant/mortality likelihood increased by 41.6% and 19.8% for each unit increase in LVEDD and LVESD z scores, respectively (LVEDD: hazard ratio [HR], 1.416; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.285-1.560; P < 0.001; LVESD: HR, 1.198; 95% CI, 1.147-1.251; P < 0.001). A higher monthly change in LVESD z score increased transplant/mortality likelihood by 85.6% (HR, 1.856; 95% CI, 1.572-2.191; P = 0.015). Greater changes in mitral E/eʹ (HR, 0.707; 95% CI, 0.636-0.786; P < 0.001) and RV MPI (HR, 0.412; 95% CI, 0.277-0.613; P < 0.001) were associated with reduced mortality and transplant risk. ConclusionsLV and RV systolic and diastolic dimensions and function over time and their rate of change are associated with risk for transplant and mortality in childhood DCM. Serial changes in these parameters may be useful to predict clinical outcomes.

Noninvasive Echocardiographic Left Ventricular Stroke Work Index Predicts Mortality in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients.

Reduced left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) has been associated with adverse outcomes in several populations of patients with chronic heart disease, but no prior studies have examined this metric in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients. We sought to determine whether a low LVSWI, as measured noninvasively using transthoracic echocardiography, is associated with higher mortality in CICU patients. Using a database of unique Mayo Clinic CICU admissions from 2007 to 2018, we identified patients with LVSWI measured by transthoracic echocardiography within 1 day of CICU admission. Hospital mortality was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, and 1-year mortality was analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional-hazards analysis, adjusted for left ventricular ejection fraction and known predictors of hospital mortality. We included 4536 patients with a mean age of 68±14 years (36% women). Admission diagnoses (not mutually exclusive) included acute coronary syndrome in 62%, heart failure in 46%, and cardiogenic shock in 11%. The mean LVSWI was 38±14 g×min/m2, and in-hospital mortality occurred in 6% of patients. LVSWI had better discrimination for hospital mortality than left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.001 by De Long test). Higher LVSWI was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.72 per 10 g×min/m2 higher [95% CI, 0.61-0.84]; P<0.001) and lower 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.812 per 1 g×min/m2 higher [95% CI, 0.759-0.868]; P<0.001). Stepwise decreases in hospital and 1-year mortality were observed with higher LVSWI. Low LVSWI, reflecting poor left ventricular systolic and diastolic performance, is associated with increased short-term and long-term mortality among CICU patients. This emphasizes the importance of Doppler transthoracic echocardiography as a predictor of outcomes among critically ill patients. Further study is required to determine whether early interventions to optimize LVSWI can improve outcomes in the CICU setting.

Cardiac Function and Ventricular Interactions in Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn.

The aim of this study was to use a comprehensive imaging protocol to identify echocardiographic correlations of right and left ventricular size, function, and hemodynamics in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn and describe their relationship with key clinical variables. Retrospective case-control echocardiography-based study of persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn. A tertiary neonatal ICU in Canada. Forty-nine neonates (gestational age ≥ 35 wk old) diagnosed with persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn within first 3 days after birth and 50 age-matched controls. None. The echocardiographic measurements comprised of right ventricular and left ventricular functional markers, including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, fractional area change, tissue Doppler imaging, and deformation imaging. Sample size was based on detecting an intergroup difference of 10% in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, which was considered the primary outcome. Linear correlations between the right and left ventricular indices, as well as their association with the outcome of death or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were evaluated. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn was associated with lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (6.81 ± 1.92 vs 9.25 ± 1.30 mm), right-ventricular global longitudinal strain (16.9% ± 5.4% vs -21.6% ± 4.6%); left ventricular ejection fraction (49% ± 7% vs 55% ± 6%), left ventricular global longitudinal strain (-16.7% ± 3.3% vs -21.4% ± 2.0%) (all p < 0.01). Right and left ventricular diastolic and global function was also lower in persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn, with more pronounced changes seen for the right ventricle. Moderate-to-strong linear correlations were observed between the right and left ventricular functional markers, with right ventricular global longitudinal strain and left ventricular global longitudinal strain being the strongest (r = 0.8). Within persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn group, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy was associated with lower right and left ventricular systolic and right ventricular diastolic performance. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (p =0.08) and left ventricular systolic velocity (p = 0.09) tended to be lower in patients who subsequently died/needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn is characterized by global cardiac dysfunction, involving both the right and left ventricles, with significant interventricular functional correlation. Cardiac dysfunction early in disease course may identify patients at highest risk of adverse outcome.

Association between genetic variants in the HIF1A-VEGF pathway and left ventricular regional myocardial deformation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Information on genetic etiology of pediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) rarely aids in risk stratification and prediction of disease onset. Little data exist on the association between genetic modifiers and phenotypic expression of myocardial performance, hampering an individual precision medicine approach. Single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping for six previously established disease risk alleles in the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α-vascular endothelial growth factor pathway was performed in a pediatric cohort with HCM. Findings were correlated with echocardiographic parameters of systolic and diastolic myocardial deformation measured by two-dimensional (2-D) speckle-tracking strain. Twenty-five children (6.1 ± 4.5 years; 69% male) with phenotypic and genotypic (60%) HCM were included. Out of six risk alleles tested, one, VEGF1 963GG, showed an association with reduced regional systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation. Moreover, LV average and segmental systolic and diastolic strain and strain rate were significantly reduced, as assessed by the standardized difference, in patients harboring the risk allele. This is the first study to identify an association between a risk allele in the VEGF pathway and regional LV myocardial function, with the VEGF1 963GG allele associated with reduced LV systolic and diastolic myocardial performance. While studies are needed to link this information to adverse clinical outcomes, this knowledge may help in risk stratification and patient management in HCM. Risk allele in the VEGF gene impacts on LV myocardial deformation phenotype in children with HCM. LV 2-D strain is significantly reduced in patients with risk allele compared to non-risk allele patients within HCM patient groups. Describes that deficiencies in LV myocardial performance in children with HCM are associated with a previously identified risk allele in the angiogenic transcription factor VEGF. First study to identify an association between a risk allele in the VEGF pathway and regional LV myocardial deformation measured by 2-D strain in children with HCM.

Association of Local Epicardial Adipose Tissue Depots and Left Ventricular Diastolic Performance in Patients With Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Although full-volume quantification of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a predictor of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), how localized EAT depots are linked to LVDD remains unclear. We evaluated the effect of local EAT depots on LV diastolic function parameters in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF).Methods and Results:From 423 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac CT angiography, we recruited 252 with sinus rhythm and normal LVEF. The EAT volume index (EATV/body surface area) and the localized EAT thickness around the right coronary artery (EATRCA), left anterior descending artery (EATLAD), left circumflex artery (EATLCX), right ventricle (EATRV), left ventricle (EATLV), right atrium (EATRA), and left atrium (EATLA) were measured using cardiac CT. In the LVDD group (n=71), the EATV index (75±30 vs. 64±28 mL/m2, P=0.010), EATLCX(10.7±3.8 vs. 9.4±3.4 mm, P=0.008), and EATLV(2.6±1.6 vs. 2.1±1.4 mm, P=0.024) were greater than in the non-LVDD group (n=181). In contrast, EATLCXand EATLVwere markedly associated with decreased lateral e' and increased lateral E/e'. Multiple regression analysis indicated that EATLCXand EATLVwere strongly associated with LV diastolic function parameters. Localized EAT depots are linked to altered mitral annular motion. Further study is warranted to clarify whether localized EAT depots are functionally linked to the clinical manifestations of LVDD.

Tissue doppler imaging for estimation of left ventricular filling pressure in patients with systolic and diastolic heart failure: a comparative simultaneous doppler catheterization study

Background: Noninvasive assessment of diastolic filling by Doppler echocardiography provides important information about left ventricular (LV) status in selected subsets of patients. This study was designed to assess whether the lateral mitral annular velocity as assessed by tissue Doppler imaging is associated with invasive measures of diastolic LV performance in patients with diastolic and systolic heart failure. Aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of lateral mitral annular E/E′ as an estimate of LV filling pressure with invasive LVEDP measurement in subjects with systolic or purely diastolic heart failure.Methods: Total 100 patients were studied, 50 patients with diastolic heart failure and 50 patients with systolic heart failure in patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiogram. Detailed 2D Echocardiography, Trans mitral Doppler and Tissue Doppler velocities of lateral mitral annulus was obtained. The ratio of peak mitral velocity (E) to lateral mitral annular velocity (E′) by TDI (E/E′) was calculated.Results: The ratio of E/E′ in diastolic group was 13.4±4.9 and in systolic group it was 13.7±5.2. The mean LVEDP in diastolic heart failure patients was 14.3±4.5 and 14.2±4.9 in systolic heart failure patients. The ratio of E/E′ showed a better correlation with LVEDP. E/E′ &lt;8 accurately predicted normal LVEDP, and E/E′ &gt;15 identified increased LVEDP ≥15mmHg.Conclusions: E/E′ is a reliable estimate of LV filling pressures in subjects with systolic and diastolic heart failure. In subjects with diastolic heart failure, E/E′ seems helpful to identify those with truly elevated LV filling pressures. In patients with diastolic heart failure and normal E/E′, a search for other causes of symptoms (pulmonary disease, obesity and so forth) may be warranted.

Modulation of left ventricular diastolic filling during exercise in persons with cervical motor incomplete spinal cord injury.

To characterize left ventricular diastolic function during an exertional challenge in adults with incomplete cervical spinal cord Injury (icSCI). In this cross-sectional study, a two-group convenience sample was used to compare left ventricular LV diastolic performance during a 5-10 W·min-1 incremental arm ergometer exercise protocol, using bioimpedance cardiography. Subjects were eight males with cervical incomplete spinal cord injury (icSCI; C5-C7: age 39 ± 14 years) versus eight able-bodied males (CON: age 38 ± 13 years). Left ventricular (LV) diastolic indices included end-diastolic volume (EDV) and early diastolic filling ratio (EDFR). LV ejection time (LVET), inotropic index (dZ/dT2) and stroke volume (SV) were compared between the groups at peak exercise, and maximum workload for the icSCI group (isomax). EDV (at peak exercise:131.4 ± 7.3 vs 188.78 ± 9.4, p < 0.001; at isomax: 131.4 ± 7.3 vs 169 ± 23, p = 0.0009) and EDFR (at peak exercise 73 ± 14% vs 119 ± 11%, p = 0.006; at isomax 94 ± 10; p = 0.009) were significantly reduced in icSCI compared to CON, respectively. Significant differences in LVET (icSCI: 273 ± 48 vs CON: 305 ± 68; p = 0.1) and dZ/dT2 (icSCI: 0.64 ± 0.11 vs CON: 0.85 ± 0.31; p = 0.1) were not observed at isomax, despite a significant decrease in SV in the subjects with icSCI (77.1 ± 6.05mL vs 105.8 ± 9.2mL, p < 0.00) CONCLUSION: Left ventricular filling was impaired in the subjects with icSCI as evidenced at both peak exercise and isomax. It is likely that restrictions on the skeletal muscle pump mechanized the impairment but increased left ventricular wall stiffness could not be excluded as a mediator.

Milrinone on Left Ventricular Diastolic Performance During Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Milrinone on Left Ventricular Diastolic Performance During Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

P4582The role of TDI diastolic measurements for prognostic prediction early and late after surgical ventricular reconstruction

Abstract Aim 1. To evaluate the impact of preoperative left ventricular (LV) diastolic performance on early and late outcomes in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and surgical ventricular reconstruction (SVR). 2. To investigate LV diastolic function dynamics according to the results of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in these patients. 3. To assess the echographic predictors for persistence of the restrictive LV diastolic filling pattern (LVDFP) late after CABG and SVR. Material and method Prospective study on 157 pts with LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF &lt;30%) who underwent CABG and SVR, evaluated including TDI preoperatively, early (&lt;1 month), medium (3 and 12 months) and late postoperatively (mean 4,8 years). Statistical analysis used SYSTAT and SPSS. The primary outcome was the time to death from any cause or hospitalization for cardiac causes. Results 1. The preoperative restrictive LVDFP was an independent and predominant predictor for increasing the early and late postoperative risk of cardiovascular events (p=0.001). At 5 years postoperatively, cardiovascular event-free survival was significantly higher in pts with nonrestrictive LVDFP (75%) compared with restrictive LVDFP (55,74%) (p&lt;0.0001). 2. Conventional transmitral diastolic Doppler indices before and after CABG +SVR remained unchanged. TDI showed significant improvement before and in 3 and 12months postoperatively of both LV systolic (S: 6.1±0.9, 7.5±1.1 and 7.3±1.2 cm/sec, p&lt;0.01) and diastolic function (e': 7.2±1.8, 8.3±1.4 and 8.8±1.5 cm/sec; E/e' ratio: 17.8±2.1, 13.1±1.7 and 11.3±1.8; Vp 3.2±0.55, 2.4±0.28 and 1.9±0.26, p&lt;0.01). 3. The evolution of LVEF, LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and mitral regurgitation (MR) severity was different in nonrestrictive group (early and late postoperatively these variables improved) compared with restrictive group (late after surgery the variables deteriorated: LVEF from 27±8% to 22±6%, LVEDV from 181±49 to 234±63 cm3 and MR degree from 0.9±0.6 to 1.8±0.7; p&lt;0.005). 4. Regression analysis identified as predictors for persistence of a restrictive LVDFP late after surgery: E/E' ratio &gt;14 (RR=19.3), LA dimension index &gt;30 mm/m2 (RR=9.2), LVEDV &gt;200 cm3 (RR=9.6), severe PHT (RR=11.4), 2 degree MR (RR=14.8). Conclusions 1. TDI evaluation demonstrate significant improvement of LV systolic diastolic function in CABG + SVR pts, regardless of transmitral flow pattern. TDI is more sensitive and preload independent method of LV function evaluation. 2. The preoperative LVDFP has an independent and incremental prognostic value in CABG+SVR pts, strongly related to higher mortality with aggravation of LV systolic function, MR severity or LV remodeling. This might be attributable to deterioration of diastolic function induced by SVR. 3. Late after CABG+SVR the restrictive LVDFP persistence was predicted by: E/E' ratio &gt;14, LA dimension index &gt;30 mm/m2, LVEDV &gt;200 cm3, severe PHT and 2 degree MR.

P1674High intensity interval exercise program in heart failure patients seems to benefit cardiac power along with aorto-ventricular mechanical pump capacity and cardiorespiratory indices

Abstract Background Cardiac power has been suggested as the most power predictor of mortality in heart failure (HF) patients. In those patients aorta elastic properties and compensation is lost, systolic (and pulse) pressure are therefore reduced and associated with a decrease in ejection duration and pump efficiency. Cardiac rehabilitation programs have showed enhancement in cardiac performance and quality of life in HF patients. Aim Aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval exercise (i.e., 30 sec at 100% of max workload, followed by 30 sec at rest, on a day-by-day 30 minutes working-out schedule for 12 weeks), on cardiac power, diastolic function indices, right ventricle performance and cardiorespiratory parameters among chronic HF patients. Methods 72 consecutive HF patients (NYHA class II-IV, ejection fraction &lt;50%) who completed the study (exercise training group, n=33, 63±9 years, 88% men, and control group, n=39, 56±11 years, 82% men), underwent cardiopulmonary stress test, non-invasive high-fidelity tonometry of the radial artery, pulse wave velocity measurement using a SphygmoCor device, and echocardiography before and after completion of the training program. Cardiac power output (CPO) (W) was calculated as mean arterial pressure × CO/451, where mean arterial pressure = [(systolic blood pressure − diastolic blood pressure)/3] + diastolic blood pressure. Results Both groups reported similar medical characteristics and physical activity status. General mixed effects models revealed that the intervention group increased 6MWT (by 13%, p&lt;0.05); increased cycle ergometry WRpeak (by 25%, p&lt;0.01), showed higher O2max by 31% (p&lt;0.001) and lower VE/VCO2 (p=0.05), whereas patients in the control group showed nosignificant changes in the aforementioned indices. Also, in the intervention group Emv/Vp was decreased by 14% (p=0.06); E to A ratio by 24% (p=0.004) and E to Emv ratio by 8% (p=0.05); while Stv increased by 25% (p=0.01). Most importantly, the intervention group reduced pulse wave velocity by 9% (p=0.05) and increased augmentation index by 26%; and VTI by 4% (p=0.05); Those parameters were not significantly changed on control group (all p&gt;0.05). Conclusion Hight intensity exercise rehabilitation program revealed beneficial effect on left ventricular diastolic indices and right ventricle performance. As, in those patients compensation of the aorta is also lost and the LV cannot generate the extra force necessary to completely overcome the late systolic augmented pressure, the increase in the augmented pressure (AIa) observed in the intervention group reflects the benefit in aorto-ventricular coupling and cardiac power that boosts systolic pressure and restores a positive influence in pressure, like in early stages of HF. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Cardiovascular Health in Children and Adolescents With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to 21-Hydroxilase Deficiency.

Increasing evidence indicates that adults with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) may have a cluster of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. In addition, ongoing research has highlighted that children and adolescents with CAH are also prone to developing unfavorable metabolic changes, such as obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, and increased intima-media thickness, which places them at a higher risk of developing CV disease in adulthood. Moreover, CAH adolescents may exhibit subclinical left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and impaired exercise performance, with possible negative consequences on their quality of life. The therapeutic management of patients with CAH remains a challenge and current treatment regimens do not always allow optimal biochemical control. Indeed, overexposure to glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, as well as to androgen excess, may contribute to the development of unfavorable metabolic and CV abnormalities. Long-term prospective studies on large cohorts of patients will help to clarify the pathophysiology of metabolic alterations associated with CAH. Meanwhile, further efforts should be made to optimize treatment and identify new therapeutic approaches to prevent metabolic derangement and improve long-term health outcomes of CAH patients.

Impact of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension on Left Ventricular Function – a Comparative Study between Scleroderma and Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract Background: The impact of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) on left ventricular performance in patients with scleroderma is still unknown. This study aims to perform a comparative echocardiographic analysis of left ventricular function between two different etiological varieties of PAH, namely PAH caused by systemic sclerosis as a representative of systemic inflammatory diseases and PAH caused by myocardial ischemia. Material and method: We conducted a prospective observational study on 82 patients, of which 36 were with documented PAH, with the systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery above 35 mmHg, and 46 were patients with normal pulmonary artery pressure. The study population was divided into two groups, based on the etiology of PAH: group 1 included patients diagnosed with scleroderma (n = 48); group 2 included patients with coronary artery disease (n = 35). Patients from each group were divided into two subgroups based on the diagnosis of PAH: subgroup 1A – subjects with scleroderma and associated PAH (n = 20); subgroup 1B – subjects with scleroderma without PAH (n = 28); subgroup 2A – ischemic patients with associated PAH (n = 16); and subgroup 2B – patients with ischemic disease without PAH (n = 19). Results: A significant difference between LVEF values in patients with PAH versus those without PAH in the ischemic group (p = 0.023) was recorded. Compared to scleroderma subjects, ischemic patients presented significantly lower values of LVEF in both PAH and non-PAH subgroups (p &lt;0.0001 and p &lt;0.0001, respectively). Linear regression analysis between sPAP and LVEF revealed a significant negative correlation only for the ischemia group (r = −0.52, p = 0.001) and the scleroderma 2B subgroup (r = −0.51, p = 0.04). Tissue Doppler analysis of left ventricular function revealed a significant impact of PAH on left ventricular diastolic performance in the ischemic group. Conclusions: Compared to patients with coronary artery disease, those with scleroderma present a less pronounced deterioration of LVEF in response to pulmonary arterial hypertension.