Early Detection Of Myocardial Dysfunction Research Articles

Detection of Subclinical Cardiomyopathy in Patients with Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Abstract Background Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is the most common cause of thyroid diseases in children and adolescents. Ventricular myocardial dysfunction associated with HT has been suggested to be related to the chronic inflammatory state associated with autoimmunity as well as to the endocrine effects. Objective To evaluate using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and estimation of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in early detection of myocardial dysfunction in children with Hashimoto thyroiditis. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional case-control study was performed that included 15 patients with HT recruited from the pediatric endocrinology clinic, at Ain Shams University Hospital from October 2020 to July 2021. The patients were compared to 15 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Data were collected from patients’ files including age at initial diagnosis, initial level of thyroid hormones, antithyroglobulin antibodies, and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies. Results Mean age of enrolled patients was 13.20 ± 3.05 years. Cardiac functions in HT patients by using conventional Echocardiography and STE, both were correlated to thyroid hormones, auto- antibodies, lipid profile, and duration of disease (P < 0.05 for all). There were no statistically significant differences in conventional Echocardiographic parameters between patients and controls(P > 0.05 for all). Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) was within the normal range for both groups and showed no statistically significant differences between them (P > 0.05). Known HT patients had lower LVGLS mean (19.72 ± 1.22 %) than newly diagnosed patients (21.52 ± 0.99%, P = 0.014). There was no correlation between cardiac functions and the level of thyroid auto-antibodies (P > 0.05 for all). There was no statistically significant difference between patients and controls in CIMT (0.33 ± 0.05 vs 0.35± 0.05, P = 0.473). There was a positive correlation between the duration of disease and CIMT among patients (P-value= 0.025) Conclusion Patients with HT may have subclinical myocardial dysfunction which could be attributed to the chronic inflammatory state even with normal thyroid functions. STE can early detect the myocardial dysfunction on initial examination and follow up.

The relationship between mechanical dyssynchrony of the left ventricular myocardium and the number of affected coronary arteries in patients with coronary heart disease who underwent revascularization

Background. A promising method for early detection of myocardial dysfunction is the evaluation of mechanical dyssynchrony of the left ventricular myocardium, the prognostic value of which in the diagnosis of 3-vessel lesions was shown only in a single study and requires further confirmation. Purpose – to assess the relationship between the number of affected coronary arteries and the presence of mechanical dyssynchrony of the myocardium, and its significance in predicting 3-vessel lesions in patients with coronary heart disease. Materials and Methods. 134 patients who underwent coronary angiography with revascularization of coronary arteries were included in the study. Patients were divided into comparison groups depending on the number of affected coronary arteries (without lesions, one, two and three coronary arteries). Variables of mechanical myocardial dyssynchrony were determined for all patients by ultrasound examination of the heart using Doppler examination and synchronization with the ECG. Results. The largest relative number of patients with myocardial dyssynchrony was observed in the group with lesions of 3 coronary arteries – 23 (52%). The presence of myocardial dyssynchrony had a significant correlation with SYNTAX SCORE (r=0.18, p=0.035). The aortic pre-ejection interval in the group of patients with lesions of 3 coronary arteries was significantly longer compared to the group of patients without lesions of the coronary arteries, however, the pulmonary pre-ejection interval was the same in the comparison groups. As a result of this difference, interventricular mechanical delay was significantly greater in the group of patients with occlusion of 3 coronary arteries (54,8±36,6 ms; р=0,043). The time to peak systolic velocity in the group of patients with lesions of 3 coronary arteries was significantly longer (32,1±8,0 ms; р=0,021) compared to the group of patients without atherosclerotic lesions, which was confirmed by a positive correlation (r=0.190, p=0.003). The ROC analysis of the predictive capabilities of the combination of the factors of the presence of myocardial dyssynchrony, left ventricular ejection fraction, interventricular mechanical delay, root mean square deviation of the time to the peak of systolic velocity, and the E/A ratio in relation to lesions of 3 coronary arteries showed sufficient sensitivity (0.89) and specificity (0.87). Conclusions. Patients with lesions to 3 coronary arteries have a significantly higher relative frequency of mechanical myocardial dyssynchrony compared to patients without and lesions of 1 or 2 coronary arteries; correlation of myocardial dyssynchrony with 3-vessel lesions and SYNTAX SCORE was also found. The combination of variables of myocardial dyssynchrony in terms of predicting 3-vessel occlusion of coronary arteries has sufficient sensitivity and specificity.

Assessment of left and right ventricular systolic function in dogs with multicentric lymphoma

ObjectiveMyocardial dysfunction in cardio-oncology is generally thought to be related to the cardiotoxicity of chemotherapy treatment. However, it is known that some tumors have direct effects on myocardial function. These effects have already been studied in man, but there are no publications of these of the effects in dogs. Novel advanced echocardiographic techniques may allow early detection of myocardial dysfunction when compared to conventional echocardiographic techniques. This study aims to assess myocardial systolic function in dogs with multicentric lymphoma prior to initiation of chemotherapy. AnimalsFifteen dogs with multicentric lymphoma and nineteen healthy dogs. MethodsCase-control study. Dogs with multicentric lymphoma and healthy control dogs underwent physical examination, electrocardiography, systolic blood pressure measurement, standard and speckle tracking echocardiography to assess biventricular systolic function. ResultsThere were no differences between groups in terms of ejection fraction, fractional shortening, left ventricular systolic and diastolic diameter, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, mitral annular plane systolic excursion and fractional area change of the right ventricle (RV). However, there was a reduction in the values of global circumferential strain (p = 0.0003), RV strain (p = 0.01) and RV tissue motion annular displacement (p < 0.05) in the dogs with lymphoma when compared to the control group. ConclusionsSpeckle tracking techniques appear to demonstrate early systolic dysfunction, primarily affecting the RV, in dogs with lymphoma prior to chemotherapy treatment.

Detection of Early Myocardial Dysfunction by Imaging Biomarkers in Cancer Patients Undergoing Photon Beam vs. Proton Beam Radiotherapy: A Prospective Study.

1. Background: We sought to determine acute and subacute changes in cardiac function after proton beam (PBT) and photon beam (PhT) radiotherapy (RT) using conventional and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in patients with malignant breast and thoracic tumors. 2. Methods: Between March 2016 and March 2017, 70 patients with breast or thoracic cancer were prospectively enrolled and underwent transthoracic echocardiography with comprehensive strain analysis at pretreatment, mid-treatment, end of treatment, and 3 months after RT. 3. Results: PBT was used to treat 44 patients; PhT 26 patients. Mean ± SD age was 55 ± 12 years; most patients (93%) were women. The median (interquartile range) of the mean heart dose was lower in the PBT than the PhT group (47 [27-79] vs. 217 [120-596] cGy, respectively; p < 0.001). Ejection fraction did not change in either group. Only the PhT group had reduced systolic tissue Doppler velocities at 3 months. 2D-STE showed changes in endocardial and epicardial longitudinal, radial, and circumferential early diastolic strain rate (SRe) in patients undergoing PhT (global longitudinal SRe, pretreatment vs. end of treatment (p = 0.04); global circumferential SRe, pretreatment vs. at 3-month follow-up (p = 0.003); global radial SRe, pretreatment vs. at 3-month follow-up (p = 0.02) for endocardial values). Epicardial strain values decreased significantly only in patients treated with PhT. Patients in the PhT group had a significant decrease in epicardial global longitudinal systolic strain rate (GLSRs) (epicardial GLSRs, at baseline vs. at end of treatment [p = 0.009]) and in GCSRe and GRSRe (epicardial GCSRe, at baseline vs. at 3-month follow-up (p = 0.02); epicardial GRSRe, at baseline vs. at 3-month follow-up (p = 0.03)) during treatment and follow-up. No changes on 2D-STE were detected in the PBT group. 4. Conclusions: Patients who underwent PhT but not PBT had reduced tissue Doppler velocities and SRe values during follow-up, suggesting early myocardial relaxation abnormalities. PBT shows promise as a cardiac-sparing RT technology.

Aortic Stenosis: Risk Stratification and Timing of Surgery.

This review summarizes the current management of patients with newly diagnosed aortic stenosis. Recent developments include detection of early myocardial dysfunction using serum B-type natriuretic peptide levels and global longitudinal strain, as well as ongoing trials of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in asymptomatic patients and patients with moderate aortic stenosis complicated by symptoms or left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Given the high mortality associated with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, all symptomatic patients should be referred for aortic valve replacement. Asymptomatic patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, abnormal exercise stress test, high degree of stenosis, rapid disease progression, or elevated serum B-type natriuretic peptide level may also have an indication for valve replacement, based on established criteria. The progress in management of severe aortic stenosis has been in the direction of earlier detection and earlier valve replacement.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography, a powerful method for the evaluation of anthracyclines induced left ventricular insufficiency.

Anthracyclines have been one of the most important therapeutic methods in breast cancer therapy for decades. However, serious long-term toxicities, especially cardiotoxicity limits the continuous usage of anthracyclines, hence affects long term prognosis. Early detection of myocardial dysfunction during treatment is critical but challenging. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is a non-Doppler technique that can assess deformation and strain by tracking displacement of acoustic markers in the myocardium. This study aims to compare the sensitivity and precision between 2D-STE and traditional echocardiography on monitoring the left ventricular function in patients with breast cancer after anthracyclines therapy, which is the key indicator for evaluating myocardial changes. Thirty-three patients with breast cancer were recruited from February 2019 to December 2019. All patients were treated with 4 cycles anthracycline. 2D-STE and conventional echocardiography were performed on each patient. Two-dimensional echocardiographic examination was used to collect data interventricular septum diameter (IVSD), end-diastolic left ventricular posterior wall diameter (LVPWD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular systole on the parasternal left ventricular long axis view. The final diameter (left ventricular end-systolic diameter [LVESD]) and the left ventricular short axis shortening rate (LVFS) was measured by M-type. The two-plane Simpson’s method was used to measure left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and end-systolic volume (left ventricular end-systolic volume [LVESV]) to obtain left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging technical indicator includes left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), subendocardial myocardial longitudinal strain (LVGLS-Endo) and epicardial myocardial longitudinal strain (LVGLS-Epi). The correlation between 2-dimensional speckle tracking imaging and conventional ultrasound parameters were analyzed. Compared with baseline (T0), the systolic function parameter LVEF was significantly changed after four cycle chemotherapy (T4) (P < .05). However, the conventional echocardiographic parameters including IVSD, LVPWD, LVEDD, LVESD, LVEDV, and LVESV were not statistically significant (P > .05). Meanwhile, the two-dimensional strain parameters LVGLS, LVGLS-Endo, and LVGLS-Epi were statistically significant after T2 and T4 cycle chemotherapy (P < .01).The two-dimensional strain parameter GLS has higher accuracy and sensitivity for monitoring left ventricular insufficiency caused by anthracycline therapy when compared with traditional echocardiography.

Speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with systemic sclerosis: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background Myocardial dysfunction is well established in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The utility of standard echocardiography is limited to detect the onset of myocardial dysfunction. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and strain imaging has emerged as a useful technique to quantify left ventricle hemodynamics and myocardial function in early stages of myocardial dysfunction. We aimed to systematically analyze the existing literature on the application of STE and strain analysis in identifying SSc associated myocardial dysfunction Methods PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were queried for studies from the inception of the databases to 2022. Case control studies that used 2D STE for assessment of strain in SSc patients and controls, were included for the analysis. PRISMA guidelines were followed for selections of studies. Two independent reviewers extracted data. Analysis was done using Cochrane Review Manager 5.0. Results Total of 19 studies were included in the analysis that compared strain analysis in SSc patient's vs healthy controls. Of the 16 studies that reported left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain, we found significantly lower LV global longitudinal strain in SSc patients (mean difference 1.92; 95% CI 0.98–2.87). Six studies reported LV circumferential strain which was noted to be lower in SSc patients compared to healthy controls (mean difference 3.55; 95% CI 1.60–5.51). Five studies reported LV global radial strain with a similar decrease in radial strain among SSc patients compared to controls (mean difference 4.39; 95% CI −6.95 to −1.83). 10 studies reported right ventricular longitudinal strain with a decrease in longitudinal strain in SSc patient's vs controls (mean difference 2.57; 95% CI 2.03–3.12). Conclusions SSc patients have lower strain values compared to controls, which is suggestive of an impaired myocardial function in left and right ventricle. Strain analysis by STE could help with early detection of myocardial dysfunction. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Abstract 12259: Early Mechanical Signs of Myocardial Injury in a Model of Systemic Inflammation

Introduction: Early detection of myocardial dysfunction in severe inflammations, as myocarditis COVID-19 and sepsis, is of great merit. We hypothesized that metalloproteinases (MMPs) discharge from activated macrophages and leukocytes dismantles the extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to diastolic and systolic dysfunctions. Methods: The right and left ventricle functions were studies in a unique Langendorff setup, with computer controlled preloads and afterloads, utilizing rat hearts (n=7). Collagenase (MMP8) was added to the Krebs-Henseleit solution after the baseline recording. Pressure-Area loops and changes in the cardiac geometry were continuously recorded by short-axis ultrasound cines (15MHz, 20 fps) of both ventricles. Results: ECM dismantling caused immediate systolic and diastolic dysfunctions, especially in the LV. Significant decreases in the LV systolic pressure and EDV developed with overt shift of the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship toward lower volumes. The decrease in the EDV was associated with myocardial wall thickening. After collagenase perfusion yielded 10% drop in systolic pressure, LV EDV at EDP of 12 mmHg dropped by 20.0±17.2 % (p=0.04) and LV wall volume increased by 3.39±3.68 % (p=0.04), without significant changes in the epicardial diameter. Consequently, both diastolic stiffness to volume ratio (S2V) of the diastolic elastance to EDV, and myocardial wall thickness to cavity area ratio (W2C) significantly increased. S2V and W2C increased by 1.48±0.51 and 1.32±0.34 folds relative to baseline, respectively (p=0.03, p =0.03). S2V and W2C increased by 1.82±0.71 and 1.52±0.46 folds, respectively, after 20% drop in systolic pressure (p= 0.02, p=0.02). An intact ECM is essential for the diastolic recoil. Dismantling the ECM diminishes the diastolic recoil and increases diastolic stiffness. Interestingly, the right ventricle presented similar trends, but the changes were insignificant, and the RV was less vulnerable to damage. Conclusion: ECM degradation causes severe systolic and diastolic dysfunctions. Novel indices (S2V and W2C) for early detection of myocardial involvement in severe inflammatory diseases were developed.

Serial assessment of right ventricular function and deformation in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

Abstract Background In patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and failure is a major cause of adverse outcome. Most studies have assessed RV function and size during staged palliation but serial data about RV deformation and function after completion of the Fontan circulation are rare. We assessed RV function and deformation by analysing serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) studies in a large cohort of HLHS patients after completion of the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). Methods CMR examinations of 105 HLHS patients (female: 31, male: 74) were retrospectively analysed. Short axis cine images were used to measure RVEF and end-diastolic myocardial mass indexed to body surface area (RVMMi). 2-dimensional CMR feature tracking (2D-CMR-FT) was performed using long-axis and short axis cine images to measure myocardial global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain (GLS, GCS, GRS) values. Results From 105 patients, all had at least two CMR examinations after TCPC completion (mean age at TCPC: 2.7±0.8 years; mean interval between examinations 5.4±1.6 years). 36 patients had three examinations (mean interval between first and third scan 9.9±2.2 years). The first scan was performed at a mean age of 5.6±2.9 years. Global strain values and RVEF decreased from the first to the third examination with a significant decline in GLS from the first examination to the second examination (median and interquartile range (IQR): −18.6%, IQR −20.4 to −16.3 vs. −16.8%, IQR −19.2 to −14.7) and from the first to the third examination in 36 patients (−18.6%, IQR −20.8 to −16.1 vs. −15.9%, IQR −18.3 to −12.4) (all p-values &amp;lt;0.004). RVEF decreased significantly from the first to the third examination (55.9%, IQR 50.2–59.8 vs. 50.4%, IQR 45.0–57.6; p&amp;lt;0.002) and from the second to the third examination (55.1%, IQR 47.1–58.7 vs. 50.4%, IQR 45.0–57.6; p&amp;lt;0.0004). The decrease in RVEF between the first and second scan and the changes in GCS and GRS across the examinations did not reach statistical significance. Median RVMMi increased significantly between the first and second scan (47.4 g/m2, IQR 39.0–55.3 vs. 50.2 g/m2, IQR 42.6–61.7; p&amp;lt;0.0007) and slightly but not significantly between the first and third scan in patients with three examinations (47.4 g/m2, IQR 39.5–56.2 vs. 50.1 g/m2, IQR 45.3–60.4). Negative correlations between GCS and RVEF (r=−0.57 to −0.76; p all &amp;lt;0.0001) as well as between GLS and RVEF (r=−0.31 to −0.59; p all &amp;lt;0.002) at all three time points could be demonstrated. Conclusion Serial assessment of CMR studies in HLHS patients after TCPC completion demonstrates a significant reduction in global strain values and RVEF at mid-term follow-up. The significant reduction in GLS between the first two examinations with non-significant changes in RVEF suggest that 2D-CMR-FT might be a suitable technique for the detection of early myocardial dysfunction. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Early detection of myocardial dysfunction in a cat that gradually progressed to endomyocardial form of restrictive cardiomyopathy

BackgroundRestrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a common myocardial disease in cats, characterized by diastolic dysfunction and atrial enlargement without myocardial hypertrophy. Especially, endomyocardial form of RCM, one of the subtypes in RCM, is characterized by endocardial fibrosis, endocardial scar bridging the interventricular septum and left ventricular (LV) free wall, and deformation and distortion of the LV. However, it is unclear how the myocardial dysfunction and the endocardial scar contribute to the pathophysiology of RCM disease progression.Case presentationA 3 years and 2 months old, intact male, Domestic shorthaired cat was presented for consultation of cardiac murmur. At the first visit (day 0), the notable abnormal finding was echocardiography-derived chordae tendineae-like structure bridging the interventricular septum and the LV free wall, resulting high-speed blood flow in the left ventricle. Electrocardiography, thoracic radiography and noninvasive blood pressure measurements were normal. No left atrial enlargement was observed, and LV inflow velocity showed an abnormal relaxation pattern. Although there was no abnormality in tissue Doppler imaging-derived myocardial velocity, two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) revealed a decrease in the LV longitudinal strain and an increase in endocardial to epicardial ratio of the LV circumferential strain on day 0. On day 468, obvious left atrium enlargement and smoke like echo in the left atrium were observed. The LV inflow velocity was fused, and the tissue Doppler imaging-derived early-diastolic myocardial velocity of the septal mitral annulus decreased. Regarding 2D-STE, LV circumferential strain was further decreased, and right ventricular strain was additionally decreased. Although the general condition was good, we made a clinical diagnosis of endomyocardial RCM based on the above findings. On day 503, the cat showed the radiographic evidence of pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure signs.ConclusionsCats with abnormal LV structure and associated myocardial dysfunction like this case needs careful observation. Additionally, 2D-STE indices may be useful for early detection of myocardial dysfunction in feline RCM.

Speckle-tracking echocardiography: state of art and its applications.

Echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) provides important information regarding both myocardial function and prognosis. This parameter presents various limitations and does not allow early detection of myocardial dysfunction. LVEF may be related to hemodynamic load, geometric assumptions, to image quality, and it does not reflect myocardial contractility. It has been hypothesized that speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) may allow overcoming such limits. STE through the measurement of strain and strain rate, which detect myocardial deformation, allows earlier identification of myocardial dysfunction in different settings both in presence of systolic and diastolic dysfunction, helps to predict left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and helps to decide the timing of surgery in asymptomatic severe valvular heart disease which is still a problematic issue. Increasingly interest regards the role of STE for the assessment of cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, and pulmonary hypertension. STE may be applied to the evaluation of systolic and diastolic dysfunction. STE is useful in all conditions in which cardiac dysfunction is not still overt, but a subclinical involvement is undoubtedly present such as in presence of cardiovascular risk factors and in cardio-oncology at earlier stages. It has been confirmed its role in predicting left ventricular remodeling after AMI which represents an important prognostic datum and in deciding the timing of surgery in asymptomatic valvular diseases. STE is an important tool to detect myocardial impairment even at earlier stages. 3DSTE and layer-specific strain represent promising fields of clinical application of STE.

Echocardiography Surveillance of Rejection after Heart Transplant without Endomyocardial Biopsy

Purpose Surveillance for acute rejection (AR) and cardiac allograft vasculopathy ( CAV) is essential for graft and patient survival. CAV can arise and progress without symptoms and subclinical AR can facilitate CAV .Standard surveillance of AR and CAV is based on routine endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) and coronary angiographies (CA) at predefined intervals , 9 to 13 times during first post transplant year , there after 3-4 biopsy annually . These invasive screening tests are distressing ,costly and not without complications , yet they cannot identify all sub-clinical ARs . We adopted Biospy free Echocardiography surveillance for detection and treatment of Rejection . Methods From June 2016 till August 2020 , 12 heart transplant recipients,7 male and 5 female , were followed by Echocardiography with Doppler Tissue / strain imaging every 3 months or earlier if indicated. Routine Complete Blood Count , Renal &Liver Function test, Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus level also done .Eleven recipients are free of any rejection.Total Echo-surveillance follow up in study is > 510 months. Results Doppler tissue-imaging (DTI) and strain-imaging for myocardial wall motion and deformation analysis, allowed quantification of minor myocardial dysfunction for early detection of subclinical AR and CAV. Two patients had mild rejection Grade IIB were treated by increasing dose of steroid and raising level of Calcineurine inhibitor. One recipient found to have acute rejection on Echocardiography ,EMB, proved grade III rejection ,treated with Methyl prednisolone, Anti-thymic antibody Conclusion DTI and strain-imaging is an important tool enabling more efficient AR monitoring with fewer EMBs instead of routine EMB-screenings. Myocardial velocity and deformation imaging is also allows early detection of myocardial dysfunction induced by CAV, prognostic evaluation of CAV and timing of CAs aimed to reduce the number of routine CA-screenings. Donor specific antibody with protocol Echocardiography or same in symptomatic patients can yield good surveillance without endomyocardial biopsy.

Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in Sjögren's syndrome assessed by four-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the left ventricular (LV) systolic strain by four-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (4D-STE) in order to provide the early detection of myocardial dysfunction in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Forty consecutive patients with primary SS diagnosed at the rheumatology outpatient clinic and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. 4DSTE was performed, and global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), and global area strain (GAS) were measured. 4DSTE results were compared with the healthy volunteers. No significant differences were observed between the GRS and GCS values of the two groups. A significant difference was observed in the GLS and GAS measurements between the two groups (P=.005 for GLS, P<.001 for GAS). Positive correlation was detected between disease duration and LV-GLS and LV-GAS. We demonstrated subclinical systolic dysfunction in SS patients by 4DSTE, which is a sensitive marker of ventricular dysfunction. Deterioration of the LV became more evident as duration of the disease increased. Therefore, we believe that a cardiac evaluation will be of benefit to patients with long-term SS.

213P Use of 2D strain for early detection of myocardial dysfunction in patients receiving epirubicin

213P Use of 2D strain for early detection of myocardial dysfunction in patients receiving epirubicin

Predictors of heart failure in patients with major beta-thalassemia

Cardiomyopathy by loading the myocardium with iron is the cause of heart failure in patients with major beta-thalassemia. In these patients, cardiac systolic function remains normal for a long time, but when signs of heart failure appear, death may occur in the first year, so it is necessary to identify parameters to predict the patient's progress and prognosis.Materials and methods. We enrolled 62 patients with beta-thalassemia major (30 men and 32 women), mean age 29.9 ± 7.3 years. 32.2% of patients had disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, 12.9% associated hypothyroidism, and the mean ferritin was 1060.9 ± 856.6 ng / ml. Patients were evaluated echocardiographically, using tissue doppler technique to assess systolic and diastolic function. Myocardial mass was calculated using standard formulas and the type of left ventricular remodeling (LV) was thus obtained. Depending on the ferritin level, choosing the threshold value of 1000ng / ml, a group subanalysis of the ultrasound parameters of cardiac systolic and diastolic function was performed.Results. All patients had LV ejection fraction above 50% (LVEF), but longitudinal LV systolic dysfunction was observed in 19.3% of patients. Also in patients with serum ferritin values ​​above 1000ng / ml, the parameters of longitudinal systolic function of LV are affected, paradoxically the average value of LVEF being higher in these patients. About a quarter of patients had diastolic dysfunction, but 40.3% had elevated LV filling pressures. We noticed that the batch with ferritin over 1000 ng / ml associated increased LV filling pressures. The evaluation of the function of the right ventricle by tissue Doppler (S wave at the level of the free wall VD) was statistically significantly correlated with the hemoglobin value and we obtained pathological values ​​(S VD &lt;11.5 cm / s) especially in the group with ferritin over 1000ng / ml. We noticed the presence of morphological abnormalities of LV, by increasing myocardial mass and the appearance of LV remodeling, 31% of patients showed severe forms, especially eccentric remodeling. It was observed that there is a risk of negative remodeling of the left ventricle in the group of those with ferritin above 1000ng / ml.Conclusions. The study proves that the evaluation of the systolic and diastolic function of the left and right ventricle by tissue Doppler ultrasound is much more accurate in the early detection of myocardial dysfunction. Ferritin levels above 1000ng / ml have been associated with impaired cardiac function parameters. Also, the remodeling of the left ventricle observed in this group of patients may be the first sign of heart failure.

Comparison of global strain values of myocardium in beta-thalassemia major patients with iron load using specific feature tracking in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Thalassemia defined a spectrum of diseases characterized by reduced or absent production of one of the globin chains of hemoglobin. High iron deposition in the myocardium may cause functional impairment even before any changes in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. These impairments may appear as changes in strain values. Early detection of myocardial dysfunction is essential for improving survival and preventing further complications. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the cardiac strain patterns by Feature Tracking -Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FT-CMR) method and their correlation with T2* values as a new parameter in determining myocardial iron overload (MIO). In this retrospective investigation, ninety-one patients with B-thalassemia major included from May 2016 to July 2019. Twenty-three healthy subjects, also incorporated as a control group. CMR used to evaluate ventricular volumes, LVEF, and the amount of myocardial T2*. Moreover, Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), Global Circumferential Strain (GCS), and Global Radial Strain (GRS) were measured and analyzed in both rights and left ventricles. Correlations of cardiac T2* with GLS, GCS, and GRS were evaluated. The optimal cutoff value of GLS for prediction of cardiac T2* < 20ms (as an indicator of inadequate chelation) calculated as well. There were significant correlations between cardiac T2* with LV GLS, LV GCS, and right ventricular GLS (p < 0.05 for each one). Moreover, a significant difference detected between the group of TM - MIO and TM + MIO and control group in terms of GLS (p < 0.001). The optimal cutoff value of GLS for prediction of cardiac T2* < 20ms was at - 16.5% with sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 63%, respectively. Our study demonstrates that strain values measured by FT and myocardial T2* values are correlated. FT-CMR can be considered as an efficient tool for early detection of iron deposition and its effects on cardiac tissue so that proper and timely modification could have applied to chelation therapy.

Myocardial Function Assessed by Multi-Layered Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Analysis in Asymptomatic Young Subjects with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1

Background: Diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) is associated with a high risk for cardiovascular disease, and early detection of myocardial dysfunction is crucial for the prevention of cardiac complications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function by using both conventional echocardiography as well as multi-layered speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in young adults with DM1. Methods: We included 50 young asymptomatic adults diagnosed with DM1 (mean interval from diagnosis 9 ± 6 years) and 80 healthy controls. STE was acquired using the GE Vivid S60 equipment. The LV longitudinal strain (LS), layer-specific strains of the endocardium, myocardium, and epicardium (global longitudinal strain [GLS]_endo, GLS_myo, GLS_epi) as well as RV strain were obtained using the EchoPAC BT13 workstation. Results: No significant intergroup differences in LV ejection fraction were noted. GLS_endo and GLS_myo were reduced in the DM1 group (–20.6 ± 2.7 vs. –22.0 ± 2.3 and –18.0 ± 2.4 vs. –19.1 ± 1.9, respectively, p < 0.05) compared to controls. Mechanical dispersion was higher in the diabetes group (34 ± 11 vs. 29 ± 7, p < 0.05). RV strain measurements showed no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: Young adults with DM1 and without known heart disease have subclinical myocardial dysfunction with lower LV endocardium and myocardium LS and higher mechanical dispersion demonstrated by multi-layered STE.

Usefulness of Myocardial Strain and Twist for Early Detection of Myocardial Dysfunction in Patients With Autoimmune Diseases

Cardiac involvement in autoimmune diseases (AD) is common but underdiagnosed due to a lack of sensitive imaging methods. We aim to evaluate the characteristics of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with AD using deformational parameters from 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). We retrospectively enrolled 86 AD patients and 71 healthy controls. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography and STE to analyze LV strain and twist. A twist-radial displacement loop was constructed to investigate the relation between LV contractility and dimension. In AD patients, 68 had preserved LV ejection fraction (EF ≥ 50%), and 18 had reduced LVEF (EF < 50%). The patients with preserved LVEF exhibited significantly lower values of global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain than controls (-19.11 ± 4.18 vs -21.49 ± 2.53%, -25.17 ± 5.04% vs -27.37 ± 2.87%, 17.68 ± 5.69% vs 21.17 ± 6.44%, respectively; all p <0.01) and a marked attenuation in peak twist (14.24 ± 5.57 vs 18.10 ± 5.97, p <0.01) attributed to impaired apical rotation (9.03 ± 5.17 vs 12.79 ± 5.99, p <0.01). AD patients were more likely to present with abnormal loop types with flat ascending slope and delayed peak twist time. In conclusion, abnormal strain and twist precede deterioration in LVEF, suggesting early myocardial involvement in AD. STE can be used as a good alternative for early detection of myocardial dysfunction in AD patients.

Clinical Applications of Echo Strain Imaging: a Current Appraisal.

This article reviews recent advances in echocardiographic strain imaging, particularly in its ability to prognosticate in cardiovascular outcomes and impact clinical decision making. Strain has been proposed as a sensitive tool in detecting early ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) detects subtle changes in myocardial function, often not quantifiable by ejection fraction alone. Thus, LV-GLS provides the opportunity for early decision-making, and the implementation of more effective treatments, improving outcomes in a variety of diseases such as valvular heart diseases, cardio-oncology, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathies, heart transplantation, and pericardial diseases and cardiomyopathies. Strain is a promising tool for the early detection of myocardial dysfunction in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and can prognosticate long-term outcomes.

The assessment of treatment outcomes in patients with acute viral myocarditis by speckle tracking and tissue Doppler methods.

The aim was to evaluate the role of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), to identify myocardial dysfunction, and to evaluate myocardial segmental deformation in acute viral myocarditis. Twenty-one patients and twelve healthy children were studied prospectively. The TDI and STE were performed before and after treatment. The myocardial velocities (Sm , Em , and Am ) and time intervals (isovolumic contraction, isovolumic relaxation, and ejection times [ET]) at interventricular septum (IVS), left, and right ventricular basal segments were examined by TDI. The left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and strain rate (LVGLSR), left ventricular global circumferential strain (LVGCS) and strain rate (LVGCSR), and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) and strain rate (RVGLSR) were examined by STE. Sm and Em at IVS and at LV, ET at IVS, ET at RV, ET at LV were significantly lower in patients before treatment than controls. LVGLS, LVGLSR, LVGCS, LVGCSR, RVGLS, RVGLSR were significantly decreased in patients before treatment than controls. There was significant improvement for LVGLS, LVGLSR, LVGCS, LVGCSR, and RVGLS in patients after treatment. Sm , Em , and Am at LV were significantly lower in patients before treatment than in patients after treatment. In spite of improvements, Sm , Em , and ET at IVS, LVGLS, LVGLSR, LVGCS, LVGCSR were significantly lower in patients after treatment than controls. The TDI and STE were useful methods for detection of early myocardial dysfunction and evaluation of treatment outcomes in acute viral myocarditis.