Differences In Diastolic Function Research Articles

Sex differences in diastolic function following myocardial infarction on doppler echocardiography

Abstract Background Whilst females have relatively greater preservation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following myocardial infarction (MI), they have higher rates of heart failure, presumably due to diastolic dysfunction (DD). Objectives This study sought to assess sex differences in LV diastolic function on Doppler echocardiography following MI. Methods Data on 2505 consecutive patients with a first-ever MI were included. Echocardiography was performed within 24 hours of admission. Significant DD was defined as grade 2+3 DD according to current ASE/EACVI guidelines. Diastolic function score (DFS) was calculated by summing the number of abnormal parameters out of the 4 key diastolic parameters (e’ velocity, E/e’ ratio, left atrial volume index [LAVI], tricuspid regurgitation velocity [TRV]). Results Compared to males, females were older, had greater co-morbidity, less 3-vessel disease, and a higher LVEF (55.0+9.8% versus 52.7±9.8%, p<0.001). LAVI, e’ velocity, E/e’ ratio, significant DD and DFS were significantly associated with female sex on univariate group comparisons. In multivariable models incorporating clinical, angiographic and echocardiographic data to determine independent predictors of diastolic parameters, female sex was independently associated with abnormal LAVI (OR 1.42, p=0.013), E/e’ ratio (OR 2.86, p<0.001), TRV (OR 1.83, p=0.005), significant DD (OR 2.12, p<0.001) and DFS (OR 2.60, p<0.001). Conclusions Female sex is a strong independent correlate of diastolic dysfunction on Doppler echocardiography in patients with a first-ever MI. This may explain the higher incidence of heart failure despite relatively preserved LVEF in females following MI.

Differences in Heart Rate, Left Ventricular Wall Mass and Thickness, Diastolic Function, and Cardiac Output Index between Adolescent Athlete and Non-athlete Adolescents

BACKGROUND: Changes in cardiac function and structure in adolescent athletes increase the population’s risk for sudden death. No studies in Bali, Indonesia, have examined changes in cardiac function and structure in adolescent athletes compared to non-athlete. AIM: The objective of the study was to evaluate the cardiac function and anatomical structure of adolescent athletes. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study of male adolescents aged 15–18 years at the high school of Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan from September 2019 to November 2020, using consecutive sampling. Mann–Whitney U-test was used to assess differences in heart rate, mass and left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, and diastolic function, while independent t-test was used to assess mean differences in the cardiac output index. RESULTS: A total of 88 subjects participated in this study. Heart rate in adolescent athletes was found to be slower than in non-athlete, with a median of 63.5 (range 46–107) beats per minute (p < 0.001). The mass and thickness of the LV (interventricular septum) in adolescent athletes were greater than non-athlete with a median value of 149.61 (range 101.02–280.80) g and 9 (range 6–12) mm with p < 0.001 and 0.005, respectively. There was no significant difference in diastolic function and cardiac output index among adolescent athletes compared to non-athlete. CONCLUSION: Significant structural changes of the heart were observed in adolescent athletes (mass and thickness of the interventricular septum wall) but not in the function of the heart (diastolic function and cardiac output index). Adolescent athletes have a significantly slower heart rate than non-athlete.

Effect of Cerebral Ischemic Strokes in Different Cerebral Artery Regions on Left Ventricular Function.

ObjectivesThe relationship between cerebral ischemic stroke and left ventricular function evaluated by echocardiography has been emphasized. Whether lesions in different cerebral artery regions would result in left ventricular dysfunction remains uncertain.MethodsPatients were divided into middle cerebral artery (MCA) (n = 79), posterior cerebral artery (PCA) (n = 64), basilar artery (BA) regions (n = 66), and no-ischemic stroke group (n = 209). We retrospectively collected demographic characteristics, hematologic parameters, and ECG results, and a comparison of echocardiographic parameters was performed to determine the relationship between ischemic stroke and left ventricular function.ResultsA total of 418 patients were included. Demographic characteristics did not significantly differ between the ischemic stroke and non-ischemic stroke groups, except for a history of drinking (p < 0.001). Homocysteine levels in the MCA group were higher than those in the PCA and BA groups (p < 0.05). The highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level was higher in the ischemic stroke group than in the non-ischemic stroke one (p = 0.001). A higher incidence of ST-T changes in the ECG and lower levels of potassium and magnesium in the ischemic stroke group were found. Significant differences in diastolic function between groups were noted, and the early mitral inflow velocity, annular early diastolic velocity, and ratio between the mitral annular early diastolic velocity and mitral annulus atrial inflow velocity in the MCA group were lower than those in the BA group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIschemic strokes exhibited a negative effect on left ventricular diastolic function by echocardiography, especially in MCA region infarcts. These results are of great importance for neurologists as they highlight the need for left ventricular function evaluation after stroke to regulate therapy strategies in time.

Echocardiographic Findings in Children of Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are at significantly increased risk for both morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Determining the spectrum of echocardiographic abnormalities in these patients can help in reduction of morbidity and mortality from CKD.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was held on department of Pediatric Nephrology, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, during July 2018 to December 2018 (Six months). A total of thirty-six children with chronic kidney disease with creatinine clearance &lt;60ml/min/1.73 m2 and age ranged from 2 to 16 years on supportive treatment and hemodialysis were included. In control group equal number of age and sex matched healthy children without any preexisting renal or cardiovascular diseases were included. Both study group and control group were assessed for cardiovascular findings by echocardiography.&#x0D; Results: The mean age was 9.09±3.01 years (mean±SD) in case group and 7.85±3.69 years (mean±SD) in control group. Regarding sex, 22 patients (61.1%) in the case group were male and 14 (38.9%) were female. In this study, in CKD patients significant (p&lt;0.001) difference was observed in following cardiac parameters, left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (38.34 vs 34.52), left ventricular end systolic diameter LVESD (26.64 vs 20.75), interventricular septal thickness (IVS) (9.34 vs 7.27), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) (8.36 vs 7.46), ejection fraction (EF) (56.68% vs 70.36%), fractional shortening (FS) (31.88% vs 38.30%) and peak early diastole velocity/peak atrial filling velocity (E/A ratio) (1.15 vs 1.45) when compared to control group. Most common cardiac abnormality in children with chronic kidney disease were left ventricular systolic dysfunction (44.4%), mild pulmonary hypertension (30.6%) and left atrial dilatation (27. 8%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was the commonest echocardiographic findings in CKD children. There was also significant difference in diastolic function between study and control group.

Abstract 13287: Sex Differences in the Impact of Parental Obesity on Offspring Cardiac SIRT3 Expression, Mitochondrial Efficiency and Diastolic Function Early in Life

Introduction: Previous studies suggest that the perinatal environment can profoundly impact long-term metabolic health of the offspring. Hypothesis: We tested the hypothesis that parental (paternal + maternal) obesity impairs cardiac function in the offspring early in life. Methods: Within 1-3 days after weaning, offspring from obese rats fed a high fat diet (HFD-Offs) and age-matched offspring from lean rats (ND-Offs) were submitted to echocardiography and cardiac catheterization for assessment of pressure-volume relationships. Then, hearts were digested and isolated cardiomyocytes were used to determine contractile function, calcium transients, proteins related to calcium signaling, and mitochondrial bioenergetics. Results: Female and male HFD-Offs were heavier (72±2 and 61±4 vs 57±2 and 49 ±1 g), hyperglycemic (112±8 and 115±12 vs 92±10 and 96±8 mg/dL), with higher plasma insulin and leptin concentrations compared to female and male ND-Offs respectively. Compared to male ND-Offs controls, male HFD-Offs exhibited similar systolic function but impaired diastolic function as indicated by increased isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT, 22±1 vs. 17±1 ms), the ratio of mitral peak velocity of early filling (E) to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E’) (E/E’ ratio, 29±2 vs. 23±1) and Tau (5.7±0.2 vs. 4.8±0.2 ms). The impaired diastolic function was associated with reduced resting free Ca 2+ levels and phospholamban protein expression, increased activated matrix metalloproteinase 2 and reduced sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) protein expression, mitochondrial ATP reserve and ATP-linked respiration. We found no differences in diastolic function or SIRT3 expression levels in female HFD-Offs and ND-Offs. Conclusions: These results indicate that male and female offspring from obese parents have metabolic abnormalities early in life (1-3 days after weaning) and that male, but not female, Offs from obese parents have impaired diastolic dysfunction and reductions in cardiac SIRT3, resting free Ca +2 levels and mitochondrial bioenergetics. (R01 DK121411, NHLBI-PO1HL51971, NIGMS P20GM104357 and U54GM115428)

Decreased left atrial function in morbid obese patients without known cardiac disease

Abstract Background Obesity is an important risk factor for atrial fibrillation and heart failure. However, little is known about the underlying pathophysiology. Left atrial (LA) dysfunction due to diastolic dysfunction and chronic volume overload may play a significant role in morbid obesity. Purpose To compare LA function in morbid obese and non-obese individuals, and secondly, to determine whether LA function in morbid obese patients improves one year after bariatric surgery. Methods Data of morbid obese patients without known cardiac disease included in the CARdiac Dysfunction In Obesity (CARDIOBESE) study were used. Patients and age- and gender matched non-obese controls underwent transthoracic echocardiography. In the morbid obese patients echocardiography was repeated 1 year after bariatric surgery. LA reservoir strain (LASr), LA conduit strain (LAScd), and LA contractile strain (LASct) were analyzed with speckle tracking using dedicated software (TomTecArena, integrated in Sectra IDS7). Results 64 morbid obese patients were compared with 46 non-obese controls. Obese patients had significantly decreased LA function compared with non-obese individuals (LASr 39.6±10.8% vs 31.3±8.3%, p&amp;lt;0.001; LAScd −24.9±8.3% vs −19.5±7.2%, p&amp;lt;0.001; LASct −14.7±5.3% vs −11.8±3.5%, p=0.002). There was no significant difference in diastolic function between the non-obese and morbid obese group (normal function 38.2% vs 52.7%, intermediate function 3.6% vs 4.5%, dysfunction 0% vs 0.9%, p=0.689). In 47 obese patients LA strain did not improve significantly 1 year after bariatric surgery, although there was a trend of improvement in all phases of LA function (LASr 31.0±8.2% vs 33.1±8.2%, p=0.089; LAScd −19.4±7.1% vs −20.4±6.6%, p=0.349; LASct −11.6±3.3% vs −12.8±5.4%, p=0.151). Conclusions Morbid obese patients without known cardiac disease have impairment in all phases of LA function. This subclinical cardiac dysfunction would have remained largely unmasked with assessment of diastolic function according to current guidelines, as shown by the comparable proportion of obese and non-obese individuals with diastolic dysfunction. LA dysfunction in obesity may therefore be an early sign of cardiac disease and a predictor for developing atrial fibrillation and heart failure. LA function did not improve one year after bariatric surgery. Longer follow-up after bariatric surgery may be needed to investigate whether improvement of LA function will occur after a longer period following weight loss surgery. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): BeterKeten Outcomes of the study populationLeft atrial strain outcomes

The correlation between maternal age, parity, cardiac diastolic function and occurrence rate of pre-eclampsia

To evaluate the effect of age and parity on maternal cardiac diastolic function in second trimester among pregnant women with normal left ventricular ejection fraction. To analyze the correlation between impaired diastolic function and pre-eclampsia. It had been suggested that maternal cardiac adaptations during pregnancy differed between nulliparous and primiparous women and also varied according to age. Impaired cardiac function may precede pre-eclampsia. Therefore, we examined the effects of parity and age on cardiac diastolic function during pregnancy and whether impaired diastolic function during the second trimester correlates with pre-eclampsia. Women with singleton pregnancies at 13 + 0 to 27 + 6 weeks’ gestation and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% were retrospectively identified. Diastolic function parameters were assessed using transthoracic echocardiography. Pre-eclampsia was identified from medical records. The effect of age and parity on maternal cardiac diastolic function as well as the correlation between impaired diastolic function and occurrence rate of pre-eclampsia were examined. 376 pregnant women were included (median age: 30 years; median gestational age: 14 weeks; 171 primiparous women). LVEF was 66%. Impaired cardiac diastolic function was seen in 7.8% of pregnant women < 35 years compared with 28.6% of those ≥ 35 years (p = 0.000). ROC curve showed women with maternal age over 32 began to have a higher rate of impaired cardiac diastolic function (AUC = 0.704, p = 0.000, sensitivity = 54.5%, specificity = 75.3%). There was no difference in diastolic function indices between maternal women grouped by parity. Higher maternal age was an independent risk factor of declining Em (p < 0.05). Em < 13 cm/s was significantly associated with pre-eclampsia occurrence (HR 8.56; 95% CI 3.40–21.57) after being adjusted for confounders. Maternal age is an independent risk factor for diastolic function decline. There is no difference in cardiac diastolic function between nulliparous women and primiparous women. Pre-eclampsia occurrence is significantly higher in patients with impaired diastolic function at mid-gestation. The application of risk grading using diastolic function at mid-gestation may improve the survival outcomes of pregnant women.

Evolution of cardiac function in COVID 19 patients in the intensive care unit: insights from machine learning

Funding AcknowledgementsType of funding sources: None.BackgroundRepeated echocardiographic assessment of cardiac function is integral in management of intensive care units (ICU) patients. Machine learning (ML) can assist by integrating whole-cardiac cycle echo data derived from flow assessment and deformation imaging, and grouping patients on the basis of patterns of cardiac dysfunction and its evolution over time. Cardiac involvement has been suggested to be important in COVID-19 outcome and echo evaluation can inform on cardiac status. We use unsupervised ML to investigate and integrate longitudinal data from the COVID-HO study (NCT04371679) to determine the potential of tracking changes in cardiac function during ICU hospitalization. MethodsIn a single-centre, COVID-19 patients (n = 38) were prospectively followed with echocardiography as part of ICU management. The endpoint was defined as death or ICU discharge. LV myocardial deformation, as well as aortic, mitral and pulmonary artery blood-pool Doppler velocity profiles were used as input for ML. Clinical data was used to validate the ML derived phenotypes. Echo data from the initial and final echo examination were used to create an output space where participants were positioned based on cardiac function blinded to outcome status. Regression was used to estimate the echo and clinical characteristics of different regions in the space. Patient trajectories in the output space were investigated for each patient.ResultsEndpoint was not reached in 24% (n = 9) at the time of analysis. The cohort was 68% male, aged 65 ± 12 years, and with an ICU mortality 21% (n = 8). The median spent in ICU was 10 (IQR 7-18) days. The ML analysis demonstrated a heterogeneous output space (Fig 1A) we could define a gradual change in the shape of the pulmonary outflow velocity profile, from a normal towards pulmonary hypertension (Fig 1A, x axis). Jointly with differences in diastolic function (mitral inflow fusion and A wave accentuation) defined two regions: with signs of pulmonary hypertension (gray); and with normal pulmonary pressures but LV diastolic dysfunction (yellow). Investigation of patient trajectories (Fig 1B) demonstrated the feasibility of tracking changes during ICU hospitalization, showing a shift of a patient that died in the ICU, from initial diastolic dysfunction towards pulmonary hypertension (red), and a patient shifting from a region with normal diastolic function towards pulmonary hypertension, but with a positive outcome (blue). Echo data concurs with observed dynamics (Fig 1C and 1D).ConclusionML can integrate complex, whole-cardiac cycle echo data to group heterogeneous patients based on similarity of cardiac function. Patient trajectories across the output space demonstrate the feasibility of ML for echo data-based follow-up of patients during ICU hospitalization. Further echo and clinical data integration can improve characterisation of the output space regions and better define changes in cardiac function during hospitalization. Figure 1

Genetic determinants of clinical phenotype in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BackgroundHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiovascular disease that affects approximately one in 500 people. HCM is a recognized genetic disorder most often caused by mutations involving myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) and β-myosin heavy chain (MYH7) which are responsible for approximately three-quarters of the identified mutations.MethodsAs a part of the international multidisciplinary SILICOFCM project (www.silicofcm.eu) the present study evaluated the association between underlying genetic mutations and clinical phenotype in patients with HCM. Only patients with confirmed single pathogenic mutations in either MYBPC3 or MYH7 genes were included in the study and divided into two groups accordingly. The MYBPC3 group was comprised of 48 patients (76%), while the MYH7 group included 15 patients (24%). Each patient underwent clinical examination and echocardiography.ResultsThe most prevalent symptom in patients with MYBPC3 was dyspnea (44%), whereas in patients with MYH7 it was palpitations (33%). The MYBPC3 group had a significantly higher number of patients with a positive family history of HCM (46% vs. 7%; p = 0.014). There was a numerically higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the MYH7 group (60% vs. 35%, p = 0.085). Laboratory analyses revealed normal levels of creatinine (85.5 ± 18.3 vs. 81.3 ± 16.4 µmol/l; p = 0.487) and blood urea nitrogen (10.2 ± 15.6 vs. 6.9 ± 3.9 mmol/l; p = 0.472) which were similar in both groups. The systolic anterior motion presence was significantly more frequent in patients carrying MYH7 mutation (33% vs. 10%; p = 0.025), as well as mitral leaflet abnormalities (40% vs. 19%; p = 0.039). Calcifications of mitral annulus were registered only in MYH7 patients (20% vs. 0%; p = 0.001). The difference in diastolic function, i.e. E/e′ ratio between the two groups was also noted (MYBPC3 8.8 ± 3.3, MYH7 13.9 ± 6.9, p = 0.079).ConclusionsMajor findings of the present study corroborate the notion that MYH7 gene mutation patients are presented with more pronounced disease severity than those with MYBPC3.

Effect of age and parity on maternal diastolic function in middle trimester pregnant women with normal left ventricular ejection fraction and potential link of diastolic function to pre-eclampsia

Abstract Background It has been suggested that maternal cardiac adaptations during pregnancy differ between nulliparous and multipara women and also vary according to the age. Impaired cardiac function precedes pre-eclampsia. Purpose To evaluate effect of age and parity on maternal cardiac diastolic function in middle trimester among pregnant women with normal left ventricular ejection fraction as well as correlation between impaired diastolic function and pre-eclampsia. Methods Pregnant women with singleton pregnancies carried from 13 weeks to 20 weeks and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% were identified. Diastolic function parameters were assessed using transthoracic echocardiography. Pre-eclampsia was identified from medical records. Results 376 pregnant women were included (median age: 30 years; median gestational age: 14 weeks; 171 multiparous women). LVEF was 66%. Impaired cardiac diastolic function was seen in 7.8% of pregnant women &amp;lt;35 years compared with 28.6% of those ≥35 years (p=0.000). ROC curve showed women with maternal age over 32 began to have a higher rate of impaired cardiac diastolic function (AUC=0.704, p=0.000, sensitivity=54.5%, specificity=75.3%). There was no difference in diastolic function indices between maternal women grouped by parity. After adjustment for confounders, maternal age can be independent effect factor of Em declined (P&amp;lt;0.05). Em&amp;lt;13cm/s was significantly associated with pre-eclampsia occurrence (HR 8.56; 95% CI: 3.40–21.57) after adjusting for the confounders. Conclusion Maternal age is an independent impact factor for diastolic function decline. There is no difference in cardiac diastolic function between nullipara and multipara. Pre-eclampsia occurrence is significantly higher in patients with diastolic function decline at mid-gestation. The utility of risk stratification using diastolic function at mid-gestation may improve the survival outcomes of pregnant women. Association between Em and PE risk Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Diastolic function in young patients with cryptogenic stroke: A case-control pilot study.

Ischaemic stroke in young individuals often remains cryptogenic. In this pilot study, we investigated, whether advanced echocardiography methods could find differences in the diastolic function between young cryptogenic stroke patients and stroke-free controls. We recruited 30 cryptogenic ischaemic stroke patients aged 18-49 and 30 age- and sex-matched stroke-free controls among participants of the Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young: Revealing the Etiology, Triggers, and Outcome (SECRETO) study (NCT01934725). We measured diastolic function parameters derived from speckle tracking strain rate, Doppler techniques and 4D volumetry. We also performed statistical analyses comparing only the highest and lowest tertile of cases and controls for each parameter. None of our patients or controls had diastolic dysfunction according to ASE/EACVI criteria. However, compared to stroke-free controls, the stroke patient group had lower E/A ratio of mitral inflow, lower lateral and mean e', lower A/a' ratio, lower strain rate in early diastole and lower speckle tracking-derived e/a ratio. When comparing the lowest tertiles, patients also had a lower peak filling rate by 4D volumetry, a lower peak early filling fraction (fraction of left ventricular filling during early diastole), and lower velocities in a series of the tissue Doppler-derived diastolic parameters and blood flow/tissue velocity ratios. Our study displayed subtle differences in diastolic function between patients and stroke-free controls, which may play a role in early-onset cryptogenic stroke. The differences were clearer when the lowest tertiles were compared, suggesting that there is a subgroup of young cryptogenic stroke patients with subclinical heart disease.

P5269The impact of sarcomeric mutations on myocardial fibrosis and ventricular diastolic function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (SADS-TW HCM registry study)

Abstract Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may manifest as diastolic dysfunction. The degree of myocardial fibrosis quantified by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is positively correlated with the risk of sudden cardiac death, whereas the impact of sarcomeric mutations on the ventricular diastolic function and myocardial fibrosis is unclear. Purpose We aimed to investigate the difference of the ventricular diastolic function and the degree of myocardial fibrosis between the HCM patients with and without sarcomeric mutation. Methods From 2014 to 2018, we prospectively enrolled 55 unrelated patients with HCM as defined by the 2014 European Society of Cardiology guideline. All enrolled patients underwent next-generation sequencing screening of 20 sarcomeric genes and CMR examination for the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) function, mass and LGE. Results After comparing the results with several public databases (Taiwan Biobank, gnomAD, HGMD, ClinVar) and performing in silico analyses (SIFT, Polyphen-2, PROVEAN, REVEL, CADD), 24 pathogenic variants were identified in 22 HCM patients. Although there were no differences in demographic data and clinical presentations between the mutation-positive and mutation-negative groups, the degree of LGE (14.2±14.3 vs 6.2±8.9%, p=0.015) and left atrial diameter (4.54±0.63 vs 4.00±0.49 cm, p&lt;0.001) were significantly higher in the mutation-positive group, whereas the LV ejection fraction, mass, strain rates, peak ejection and filling rates, peak intra-LV and tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient were similar in both groups. Table 1. Comparisons of the CMR parameters of HCM patients with and without sarcomeric mutation Sarcomeric mutation (+, M+), Sarcomeric mutation (−, M−), Control (C), M+ vs M− M+ vs C M− vs C n=21 n=34 n=36 P-value P-value P-value PER/LVEDV, L/s −4.73±1.18 −5.03±1.19 −3.49±0.78 0.361 &lt;0.001* &lt;0.001* PFR/LVEDV, L/s 4.05±1.00 3.74±1.25 5.52±1.20 0.341 &lt;0.001* &lt;0.001* Global radial diastolic strain rate, /s −2.49±0.99 −2.74±1.51 −2.68±0.88 0.527 0.210 0.846 Global circumferential diastolic strain rate, /s 0.89±0.19 0.92±0.30 1.49±0.32 0.684 &lt;0.001* &lt;0.001* Global longitudinal diastolic strain rate, /s 0.64±0.19 0.62±0.24 0.95±0.27 0.744 &lt;0.001* &lt;0.001* C: control; LVEDV: left ventricular end-diastolic volume; M+: sarcomeric mutation (+); M−: sarcomeric mutation (−); PER: peak ejection rate; PFR: peak filling rate. *p&lt;0.05. Conclusions The HCM patients with sarcomeric mutations had a higher degree of LV myocardial fibrosis than patients without mutations, which may imply that these mutations accelerate myocardial fibrosis in HCM. Nonetheless, there was no difference in diastolic function between the patients with and without sarcomeric mutation. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Abstract 110: Association of Blood Pressure Phenotype With Measures of Target Organ Damage

Ambulatory hypertension (HT) and masked hypertension (MH, normal in clinic, high on ambulatory BP monitoring, ABPM) are associated with target organ damage (TOD) in adults, while white coat hypertension (WC, high in clinic, normal on monitor) is felt to be benign. We sought to determine if BP phenotype is associated with TOD in youth. We measured casual BP, ABPM, adiposity, LV mass index (LVMI), systolic and diastolic function (E/e’ ratio) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in 365 adolescents (15.6 + 1.7 years, 63% white, 58% male). BP phenotype was determined by mean of 6 casual aneroid SBPs, and 24-hour SBP on ABPM (Spacelabs Inc., Snoqualmie, WA) by age, sex and height specific pediatric cut-points (normotensive, NT=224; WC=90; MH=23; HT=28). ANOVA was used to evaluate differences in CV risk factors and TOD across ABP phenotypes. General linear models were used to determine if BP phenotype was an independent predictor of TOD after adjusting for age, demographics, and adiposity. There were no differences in age, race/ethnicity. MH had more females, HT were heavier than NT. There was no difference in dipping but 24-hour SBP load (%readings above 95 th %ile) increased across groups (NT=12, WC=18, MH=55, HT=64, p≤0.02). There was no difference in LVM index (NT=31.8, WC=33.5, MH=32.6, HT=33.1 g/m 2.7 ). WC had reduced strain compared to MH (-19.5 vs -23%). There were significant differences in diastolic function, and arterial stiffness. BP phenotype remained a significant determinant of E/e’ and PWV after adjustment for age, sex and BMI z-score (p≤0.0006). We conclude that 24-hour BP phenotype adds to prediction of diastolic dysfunction and arterial stiffness but not LVMI or systolic function.

PP.24.06] CARDIAC PHENOTYPE BASED ON ANGIOGRAPHIC SUBTYPES AND VASCULAR INVOLVEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH FIBROMUSCULAR DYSPLASIA –ARCADIA-POL STUDY

Objective: To evaluate echocardiographic morphology and function in patients with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) in relation to angiographic subtypes and vascular involvement of FMD. Design and method: 137 patients with FMD underwent whole body angio-CT. 117 patents (F-94, M-23) with renal FMD were divided according to type of FMD in renal arteries as: unifocal and multifocal groups. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was obtained by echocardiography. Systolic function was assessed by ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Diastolic function was measured by mitral flow parameters (A, E) and early diastolic myocardial velocity (E’). E/A, E/E’ and E’/A’ ratio were calculated. Results: Patients with multifocal FMD (n = 79) were older then patients with unifocal FMD (n = 38). There were no differences in blood pressure values as well as in LVMI and systolic function between analyzed groups (Table 1). There were significant differences in diastolic function between multifocal and unifocal groups (Table 1). After correcting for age or removing patients with significant renal arteries stenosis, the results remained still significant. There were no differences in echocardiographic parameters when patients were divided according to the number of vascular beds involved FMD.Conclusions: Our study showed that patients with multifocal renal FMD differed in diastolic function parameters as compared to unifocal angiographic type. There were no differences in systolic function assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography method between analysed groups.

Cardiac Amyloidosis Shows Decreased Diastolic Function as Assessed by Echocardiographic Parameterized Diastolic Filling

Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare but serious condition with poor survival. One of the early findings by echocardiography is impaired diastolic function, even before the development of cardiac symptoms. Early diagnosis is important, permitting initiation of treatment aimed at improving survival. The parameterized diastolic filling (PDF) formalism entails describing the left ventricular filling pattern during early diastole using the mathematical equation for the motion of a damped harmonic oscillator. We hypothesized that echocardiographic PDF analysis could detect differences in diastolic function between patients with amyloidosis and controls. Pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography of transmitral flow was measured in 13 patients with amyloid heart disease and 13 age- and gender matched controls. E- waves (2 to 3 per subject) were analyzed using in-house developed software. Nine PDF-derived parameters were obtained in addition to conventional echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function. Compared to controls, cardiac amyloidosis patients had a larger left atrial area (23.7 ± 7.5 cm2 vs. 18.5 ± 4.8 cm2, p = 0.04), greater interventricular septum wall thickness (14.4 ± 2.6 mm vs. 9.3 ± 1.3 mm, p < 0.001), lower e′ (0.06 ± 0.02 m/s vs. 0.09 ± 0.02 m/s, p < 0.001) and higher E/e′ (18.0 ± 12.9 vs. 7.7 ± 1.3, p = 0.001). The PDF parameter peak resistive force was greater in cardiac amyloidosis patients compared to controls (17.9 ± 5.7 mN vs. 13.1 ± 3.1 mN, p = 0.03), and other PDF parameters did not differ. PDF analysis revealed that patients with cardiac amyloidosis had a greater peak resistive force compared to controls, consistent with a greater degree of diastolic dysfunction. PDF analysis may be useful in characterizing diastolic function in amyloid heart disease.

Age- and sex-related differences in diastolic function and cardiac dimensions in a hypertensive population.

AimsThe prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction increases with age, particularly in hypertensive women. We aimed to determine the age‐ and sex‐related differences in diastolic function, and its relation to alterations of cardiac dimensions in a hypertensive population.Methods and resultsWe enrolled 479 hypertensive patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% (men/women, 267/212) and their echocardiographic parameters regarding LV performance and vascular function were measured. Left atrial volume index (LAVI) and operant diastolic elastance (EdI: E/e′/stroke volume index), but not LV mass index (LVMI), correlated weakly with age in both sexes. The arterial elastance index (EaI) and EdI did not differ significantly between sexes in any of the three age groups (A, <65 years; B, ≥65 years but <75 years; C, age ≥75 years). The EdI indexed to EaI, EdI/EaI = E/e′/(0.9 × systolic blood pressure), was significantly more impaired in women than in men only in group C. There were significant differences in LAVI, LVMI, and EdI/EaI between groups B and C only in women.ConclusionsImpairment of diastolic function relative to arterial elasticity, EdI/EaI, occurred in elderly hypertensive women and was coincident with the alteration of cardiac dimensions. The coincidence with the changes in diastolic function and the alterations of cardiac dimensions occurred in a different time point between the sexes.

Standardized echocardiographic assessment of cardiac function in normal adult zebrafish and heart disease models.

ABSTRACTThe zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an increasingly popular model organism in cardiovascular research. Major insights into cardiac developmental processes have been gained by studies of embryonic zebrafish. However, the utility of zebrafish for modeling adult-onset heart disease has been limited by a lack of robust methods for in vivo evaluation of cardiac function. We established a physiological protocol for underwater zebrafish echocardiography using high frequency ultrasound, and evaluated its reliability in detecting altered cardiac function in two disease models. Serial assessment of cardiac function was performed in wild-type zebrafish aged 3 to 12 months and the effects of anesthetic agents, age, sex and background strain were evaluated. There was a varying extent of bradycardia and ventricular contractile impairment with different anesthetic drugs and doses, with tricaine 0.75 mmol l−1 having a relatively more favorable profile. When compared with males, female fish were larger and had more measurement variability. Although age-related increments in ventricular chamber size were greater in females than males, there were no sex differences when data were normalized to body size. Systolic ventricular function was similar in both sexes at all time points, but differences in diastolic function were evident from 6 months onwards. Wild-type fish of both sexes showed a reliance on atrial contraction for ventricular diastolic filling. Echocardiographic evaluation of adult zebrafish with diphtheria toxin-induced myocarditis or anemia-induced volume overload accurately identified ventricular dilation and altered contraction, with suites of B-mode, ventricular strain, pulsed-wave Doppler and tissue Doppler indices showing concordant changes indicative of myocardial hypocontractility or hypercontractility, respectively. Repeatability, intra-observer and inter-observer correlations for echocardiographic measurements were high. We demonstrate that high frequency echocardiography allows reliable in vivo cardiac assessment in adult zebrafish and make recommendations for optimizing data acquisition and analysis. This enabling technology reveals new insights into zebrafish cardiac physiology and provides an imaging platform for zebrafish-based translational research.

Cardiac function in vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Previous studies have demonstrated increased risk of adverse cardiac outcomes in adults with HIV infection. However, few studies have addressed this problem in vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents, and the long-term cardiac health of this unique population in the antiretroviral therapy era is still unknown. Ventricular function was evaluated cross-sectionally in a group of HIV-infected children and adolescents and healthy controls, using conventional echocardiography along with tissue Doppler imaging and strain analysis by speckle tracking. Simultaneously, measurements of carotid intima-media thickness were performed. A total of 64 cases and 58 controls were included, mean age was 13.6 ± 5.4 years and 64% were females. All but 2 patients were on antiretroviral treatment, and 64% had undetectable viral load. HIV-infected patients showed higher intima-media thickness (0.425 ± 0.019 vs. 0.415 ± 0.019 mm, P = 0.003). Statistically significant differences were found between groups in ejection fraction and fractional shortening (66.1% and 36.2% in the HIV-infected group vs. 71.5% and 40.8% in the control group, respectively, P = 0.001), although individual values fell within or near normal ranges. There were no significant differences in diastolic function, tissue Doppler imaging or cardiac strain (longitudinal and rotational) between both groups. No associations were identified between echocardiographic parameters and current CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts, CD4+ T-lymphocyte nadir, HIV viral load, duration or type of antiretroviral treatment regimens. In a context of highly effective antiretroviral treatment, no differences were found regarding cardiac abnormalities using conventional and advanced ultrasound imaging techniques in this cohort of vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents, when compared with healthy controls.

Evolution of Left Ventricular Function in the Preterm Infant

The aim of this study was to evaluate left ventricular function in preterm infants from 28 days to near term using echocardiography. Thirty clinically stable preterm infants delivered at <30 weeks' gestational age were prospectively enrolled. At 28 days, conventional, tissue Doppler, and speckle-tracking echocardiography evaluations of left ventricular function were performed, with comparison made to findings in 30 healthy term infants of similar postnatal age. Sixteen preterm infants underwent repeat examinations near term. Compared with controls, preterm infants at 28 days had decreased peak mitral valve (MV) E-wave velocities (P < .01), E/A ratios (P < .0001), annular e' velocities (P < .0001), and e'/a' ratios (P < .0001); increased MV E/e' ratios (P < .01); and lower basal circumferential early diastolic and higher late diastolic strain rates. No significant differences were found in fractional shortening, ejection fraction, and longitudinal or circumferential strain and strain rate between preterm infants and controls. Although preterm infants at 28 days had higher heart rates compared with controls (161 ± 15 vs 142 ± 16 beats/min), no significant correlations existed between heart rate and MV E, E/A ratio, e', e'/a' ratio, and E/e' ratio. Near term, the differences in diastolic function persisted, including decreased MV e'/a' ratio (P < .05), increased E/e' ratio (P < .01), and increased late diastolic strain rate. Clinically stable preterm infants have normal left ventricular systolic function but altered diastolic function, with greater dependence on atrial contraction, the latter of which persists despite nearing term. These findings may be relevant to the management of preterm infants and may relate to the longer term myocardial dysfunction observed in affected adults.

Changes in left ventricular relaxation after azelnidipine treatment in hypertensive patients with diabetes: subanalysis of a prospective single-arm multicentre study

ObjectivesWe previously demonstrated that a calcium channel blocker, azelnidipine, improves left ventricular relaxation in patients with hypertension and diastolic dysfunction in a multicentre, Clinical impact of Azelnidipine on Left VentricuLar diastolic function and OutComes in patients with hypertension (CALVLOC) trial. The objectives of the present subanalysis were to investigate the differences in diastolic function in hypertensive patients with and without diabetes, and the efficacy of azelnidipine on diastolic function among them.DesignSubanalysis of a prospective single-arm multicentre study.Participants228 hypertensive patients with normal ejection fraction and impaired left ventricular relaxation (septal e′ velocity <8 cm/s on echocardiography) enrolled for CALVLOC trial. They were divided into two groups based on presence or absence of diabetes.InterventionsAdministration of 16 mg of azelnidipine for 8 months (range 6–10 months).Main outcome measuresSeptal e′ velocity before and at the end of the study.ResultsWhereas patients with diabetes (n=53, 23.2%) had lower systolic blood pressure (BP) than patients without diabetes (155±17 vs 161±16 mm Hg, p=0.03), they had lower e′ velocity (5.7±1.5 vs 6.1±1.4 cm/s, p=0.04) at baseline. Azelnidipine decreased BP and heart rate, and increased e′ velocity similarly in patients with diabetes (5.7±1.5 to 6.3±1.5 cm/s, p=0.0003) and without diabetes (6.1±1.4 to 6.9±1.4 cm/s, p<0.0001). Increase in e′ velocity was not influenced by presence of diabetes, and patients with diabetes still had lower e′ velocity after treatment (p=0.006). There was a significant correlation between increase in e′ velocity and decrease in systolic BP (R=0.25, p=0.0001), which was not influenced by diabetes.ConclusionsComorbid diabetes could impair left ventricular relaxation independently in patients with hypertension, which might not be improved solely by BP lowering.