Eccentric Ventricular Hypertrophy Research Articles

Myocardial work index in endurance athletes with lack of expected left ventricular eccentric hypertrophy remodelling

Myocardial work index in endurance athletes with lack of expected left ventricular eccentric hypertrophy remodelling

Epigenetic modulators link mitochondrial redox homeostasis to cardiac function in a sex-dependent manner

While excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a characteristic hallmark of numerous diseases, clinical approaches that ameliorate oxidative stress have been unsuccessful. Here, utilizing multi-omics, we demonstrate that in cardiomyocytes, mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH2) constitutes a major antioxidative defense mechanism. Paradoxically reduced expression of IDH2 associated with ventricular eccentric hypertrophy is counterbalanced by an increase in the enzyme activity. We unveil redox-dependent sex dimorphism, and extensive mutual regulation of the antioxidative activities of IDH2 and NRF2 by a feedforward network that involves 2-oxoglutarate and L-2-hydroxyglutarate and mediated in part through unconventional hydroxy-methylation of cytosine residues present in introns. Consequently, conditional targeting of ROS in a murine model of heart failure improves cardiac function in sex- and phenotype-dependent manners. Together, these insights may explain why previous attempts to treat heart failure with antioxidants have been unsuccessful and open new approaches to personalizing and, thereby, improving such treatment.

Presumptive vagally-mediated atrial flutter in a dog

An asymptomatic nine-year-old Dobermann Pinscher underwent a screening for dilated cardiomyopathy. Echocardiography revealed left ventricular eccentric hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction; the rest of the echocardiographic parameters were within normal limits. Holter monitoring demonstrated sinus rhythm as the dominant cardiac rhythm during the first hours of the recording. Then, during a period of physiologically enhanced vagal tone (sleep), spontaneous development of atrial flutter (AFL) associated with variable ventricular response was documented. Alternation between AFL and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was also observed. Subsequently, during a period of physiological increase of sympathetic tone (physical activity/excitement), spontaneous conversion of AFL to sinus rhythm occurred. In light of these findings, a presumptive diagnosis of vagal AFL was made. The images here described allow us to study the onset, behavior and termination of this intriguing electrocardiographic entity.

Mutant Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs189037 in Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated Gene Is Significantly Associated With Ventricular Wall Thickness and Human Lifespan.

In the current study, we aimed to determine the association of single nucleotide polymorphism rs189037 in ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene with cardiac structure and human longevity. Based on the China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study performed in 18 cities and counties of Hainan Province, China, the current study enrolled 547 centenarians, 250 young participants aged 20–45 years, and 250 middle-aged and elderly participants aged 46–90 years. The frequency of TT genotype was significantly higher and that of CC genotype was significantly lower in middle-aged and elderly participants than in young (P = 0.012) and centenarian (P = 0.041) participants. There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of SNP rs189037 between young and centenarian participants. Compared with CT genotype, TT genotype was positively and significantly associated with interventricular septum thickness (IVST) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) in centenarian (IVST: P = 0.049; LVPWT: P = 0.047) and middle-aged and elderly (IVST: P = 0.008; LVPWT: P = 0.004) participants. Compared with CC genotype, TT genotype was positively and significantly associated with LVPWT in centenarian (P = 0.030) and middle-aged and elderly (P = 0.013) participants. Compared with CC genotype, CT genotype was negatively and significantly associated with left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) in centenarian (P = 0.011) and middle-aged and elderly (P = 0.040) participants. The current study demonstrated that mutant rs189037 in the ATM gene was more commonly identified in middle-aged and elderly participants than in young and centenarian participants, was significantly associated with increased left ventricular wall thickness and volume, and could induce left ventricular eccentric hypertrophy and shorten human lifespan. Therefore, rs189037 without mutation might be an indicator of youth health and successful aging, whereas mutant rs189037 might hinder human longevity.

Left ventricular systolic function impairment in children after balloon valvuloplasty for congenital aortic stenosis assessed by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography.

The aim of the study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) remodeling and systolic function using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic (2D STE) imaging in children at a long-term (more than 36 months, 107.5±57.8 months) after balloon valvuloplasty for aortic stenosis (BAV). 40 patients (mean age 9,68 years, 75% male) after BAV and 62 control subjects matched to the age and heart rate were prospectively evaluated. The 2D STE assessment of LV longitudinal and circumferential strain and strain rate was performed. Left ventricular eccentric hypertrophy (LVEH) was diagnosed in 75% of patients in the study group. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was normal in all patients. In study group, global longitudinal strain (GLS), global longitudinal strain rate (GLSr) were significantly lower compared with the controls: GLS (-19.7±2.22% vs. -22.3±1.5%, P< 0.001), GLSr (-0.89±0.15/s vs. -1.04 ±0.12/s, P < 0.001). Regional (basal, middle and apical segments) strain and strain rate were also lower compared with control group. Global circumferential strain (GCS), global circumferential strain rate (GCSr) as well as regional (basal, middle and apical segments) strain and strain rate were normal. Multivariable logistic regression analysis included: instantaneous peak systolic Doppler gradient across aortic valve (PGmax), grade of aortic regurgitation (AR), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular relative wall thickness (LVRWT), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), peak systolic mitral annular velocity of the septal and lateral corner (S'spt, S'lat), LVEF before BAV and time after BAV and showed that the only predictor of reduced GLS was LV eccentric hypertrophy [odds ratio 6.9; (95% CI: 1.37-12.5), P = 0.045]. Patients at long-term observation after BAV present the subclinical LV systolic impairment, which is associated with the presence of its remodeling. Longitudinal deformation is the most sensitive marker of LV systolic impairment in this group of patients.

Increase of renal resistive index and mineral metabolism disorder in patients with acute coronary syndrome with preserved renal function.

Coronary artery disease is one of the first causes of death in the Western world; for this reason, it is essential to identify new, systemic, non-invasive and low-cost cardiovascular risk markers. The acute coronary syndrome includes ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI), based on ECG findings. We aimed to evaluate Renal Resistive Index (RRI) as a marker of cardiovascular risk and assess the associations with other cardiovascular risk factors (metabolic indexes, mineral metabolism disorders and endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis markers) in STEMI and NSTEMI patients. Clinical, laboratory and instrumental examinations as metabolic and inflammation indexes, markers of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction (renal function, mineral metabolism disorders, inflammation indexes, Intima Media Thickness (IMT), Ankle Brachial Pressure Index, Left Ventricular Mass Index, Relative Wall Thickness) were performed. Eighty-one patients with STEMI and NSTEMI were enrolled. We showed a significant positive correlation between RRI and age (p<0.01), intact parathyroid hormone (p<0.01) and IMT (p<0.01), as well as a significant negative correlation between RRI and body surface area (BSA) (p=0.02), estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) (p<0.01), serum calcium (p<0.01) and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (p=0.03). Moreover, we found a significant correlation between RRI and male patients (p<0.01), coronary artery disease history (CAD) (p=0.049), hypertension (p=0.025) and left ventricular eccentric hypertrophy (LVEH) (p=0.047). Our study showed an association between RRI and the main traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors involved in atherosclerosis pathogenesis, such as age, BSA, hypertension, male sex, CAD history, mineral metabolism disorders and LVEH, in patients with preserved renal function. Moreover, we found a significant correlation between RRI and eGFR, suggesting that RRI could be useful in the evaluation of both renal function and progression of renal damage, even in an early stage with a conserved or only slightly reduced kidney function. We also showed a significant correlation with some markers of systemic atherosclerosis such as IMT and LVEH. For a more precise assessment of prognosis and cardiovascular risk in patients with high cardiovascular mortality, we suggest performing a systematic RRI evaluation, considering the non-invasive nature of the procedure, its reproducibility, easy execution, and low costs.

Urinary troponin concentration as a marker of cardiac damage in pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia

Pregnant women with preeclampsia experience significant hemodynamic changes which lead to an increased myocardial workload. In response to increased demands in pregnancy, the heart muscle responds with ventricular remodeling process which involves cardiac muscle hypertrophy. Opposed to occurrence of eccentric ventricular hypertrophy in normal pregnancy, myocardial remodeling in a form of concentric hypertrophy will occur in pregnant patients with preeclampsia. Increased myocardial workload is manifested by an increased troponin release. As process of troponin degradation continue, filtration of degradation fragment through glomerular membrane occur, raising the possibility of it’s detection in urine. Degradation fragments of troponin molecules are estimated to be 20 kDa with preserved immunoreactivity to high-sensitivity assays. Some of the authors suggest that serum levels of cardiac troponin I might be elevated in patients with hypertension, as well as in preeclamptic pregnant women. It is to be expected that evaluation of severity of the myocardial damage in pregnant woman with preeclampsia may be performed by measuring levels of troponin in the urine using high-sensitivity assays. Designing of urine dipstick will help to detect an early phase of myocardial involvement in preeclamptic pregnancies.

Spontaneous tricuspid valve chordal rupture in a dog with severe, irreversible pulmonary hypertension caused by Angiostrongylus vasorum infection

BackgroundThe adult worms of Angiostrongylus vasorum reside in the pulmonary artery of dogs and can lead to cardiac, respiratory, and central neurologic signs. Due to luminal obstruction and perivascular inflammation of the pulmonary artery branches, pulmonary hypertension can arise. Pulmonary hypertension, in turn, can lead to severe damage of the right-sided cardiac structures, leading to right ventricular remodeling and tricuspid valve regurgitation.Case presentationAn 8-year-old neutered female English Cocker Spaniel was presented to the author’s institution because of abdominal distention and exercise intolerance. Ascites caused by congestive right-sided heart failure was found to be responsible for these problems. The underlying etiology of the right-sided heart failure was a severe pulmonary hypertension caused by Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. Echocardiography revealed, in addition to a severe concentric and eccentric right ventricular hypertrophy, right atrial and pulmonary trunk dilation, severe tricuspid valve regurgitation, and a systolic flail of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, resulting from ruptured chordae tendineae. As a coincidental finding, a congenital mitral stenosis was found. Oral therapy was initiated with daily administration of fenbendazole for 2 weeks along with daily administration of oral sildenafil until the re-check examination. At the 6-week re-check the dog showed full clinical and partial echocardiographic recovery, and both the blood antigen test for Angiostrongylus vasorum and the fecal Baermann larva isolation test were negative. When the sildenafil therapy was ceased after tapering the daily dosage, the owner reported recurrence of abdominal distension. Re-starting the sildenafil therapy resulted in resolution of this problem. The dog was reported to be clinically healthy with daily sildenafil administration 7 months after the initial presentation.ConclusionsThe present case report describes a dog where angiostrongylosis led to congestive right-sided heart failure resulting from severe pulmonary hypertension. The secondary right ventricular eccentric hypertrophy together with suspected papillary muscular ischemia were the suspected cause of the ruptured major tricuspid chordae tendineae, which led to a severe tricuspid valve regurgitation. Despite eradication of the worms, the severe pulmonary hypertension persisted. Treatment with daily oral sildenafil, a pulmonary arterial vasodilator, was enough to keep the dog free of clinically apparent ascites.

Cardiac Hemodynamics and Slight Regression of Left Ventricular Mass Index in a Group of Hemodialysed Patients.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem and has a growing prevalence in Romania and worldwide. The concept of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by abnormal kidney function and/or structure persisting for more than 3 months, influencing patients health. Patients with chronic kidney disease have a 20-30 times greater risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than similar individuals without chronic kidney disease. We conducted a prospective observational study that included 33 patients on hemodialysis. All patients were performing hemodialysis for at least 6 months, 3 sessions per week at a private Haemodialysis Centre in Craiova. Left ventricular hypertrophy has a high prevalence in dialysis patients and increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI) is a major cardiovascular risk factor. We concluded that concentric and eccentric ventricular hypertrophy are present simultaneously in hemodialysis patients, LVH regression is possible, but requires an interventional approach on cardiovascular risk factors (anemia, blood pressure, secondary hyperparathyroidism) in hemodialysis patients, patients on dialysis with a higher fistula flow, over 1170ml/min have heart failure, and the fistula’s constant increased flow is a risk factor for heart failure with a high flow.

Hypertensive Cardiomyopathy: Diagnostic Approach and Clinical Differentiation from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertensive Cardiomyopathy (HTN-CM) is a structural cardiac disorder generally accompanied by concentric or eccentric Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) associated with diastolic or/and systolic dysfunction in patients with persistent systemic hypertension. It occurs in the absence of other cardiac diseases capable of causing myocardial hypertrophy or cardiac dysfunction. Long standing arterial hypertension (HTN) leads to structural and functional myocardial abnormalities resulting in myocardial ischemia, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. HTN-CM is predominantly a disease of impaired relaxation rather than impaired contractility, although subtle myocardial systolic abnormalities could be detected recently by Global Longitudinal Systolic Strain (GLS) Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (STE). Importantly, the accompanying LVH is itself a risk factor for mortality and morbidity and is considered an independent predictor for Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). Therefore, early detection of LVH development in patients with Hypertensive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HTN-CM) is crucial for optimal treatment. In addition to pathological findings, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are ideal tools for the diagnosis of HTN-CM and can differentiate it from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Timely diagnosis of this condition and utilization of appropriate treatment are required to improve morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients. This review presents an overview of utilization of multidisciplinary imaging modalities approach for proper diagnosis of HTN-CM and its differentiation from HCM. Relevant article highlighted key points in differentiation of HTN-CM from HCM and the effects of hypertension on cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure development are discussed in clinical case study.

5-YEAR DYNAMICS OF FEATURES OF LEFT VENTRICULAR GEOMETRY IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE, DEPENDING ON TREATMENT TACTICS

Introduction. For a patient with coronary heart disease, recovery from myocardial revascularization is a complex process. Cardiac remodeling involves, after myocardial infarction, hypertrophy and dilation, resulting in impaired systolic-diastolic cardiac function, which is an additional risk factor for events. Prospective studies have shown a relationship between left ventricular size and the risk of cardiovascular events. Given this, there was a need to conduct our research. Purpose: To determine the prevalence of types of left ventricular geometry in patients with coronary heart disease, post-infarction cardiosclerosis, depending on therapeutic tactics: revascularization or conservative therapy for 60 months. Material and Methods: We examined 101 patients aged 58.6±4.2 years after myocardial revascularization (n = 71) and with conservative treatment only (n = 30), in whom the dynamics of echocardiographic parameters of the heart were evaluated for 5 years. The values ​​of remodeling myocardial mass index of the left ventricle and the relative thickness of the left ventricle were determined. Results and Discussion. At baseline, patients with concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (50.0%) and concentric remodeling (24.1%) predominated in the main group. Normal geometry in 14.8% and eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy were observed in 11.1%. In the comparison group, eccentric hypertrophy and concentric left ventricular remodeling were most commonly observed, 29.6% each, slightly less than 25.9% concentric hypertrophy, and the least was normal geometry (14.8%). After 60 months, patients with both groups did not experience normal left ventricular geometry and concentric remodeling. The concentric type (80.0%) was predominant in the main group, and the eccentric type (55.6%) in the comparison group. Conclusions. In patients with ischemic heart disease, postinfarction cardiosclerosis progresses in 5 year follow-up myocardial hypertrophy regardless of treatment. After revascularization, concentric left ventricular hypertrophy develops more often, whereas under conservative treatment, left ventricular eccentric hypertrophy is combined with systolic dysfunction and left atrial dilatation. After revascularization, an increase in the index was associated with an increase not only in body weight but also in changes in lipid profile and diastolic hypertension.

Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia in a Dog

Background: Congenital cardiac diseases are a common cause of death in puppies. Tricuspid valve dysplasia is characterized by thickening and displacement of the leaflets of the tricuspid valve, agenesis of the valves, and incomplete separation of valve components. Papillary muscles may fuse and display shortened or absent chordae tendineae that contribute to tricuspid regurgitation. Diagnostic features of tricuspid valve dysplasia include cardiomegaly with massive right atrium enlargement on thoracic radiography and tricuspid insufficiency on an ultrasound. We aimed to describe clinicopathological findings in a dog (Canis familiaris) with tricuspid dysplasia.Case: We aimed to describe tricuspid valve dysplasia in a dog referred for necropsy at the Anatomical Pathology Sector of The Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a clinical history of abdominal swelling, dyspnea, cyanosis, ascites, and prostration. Echocardiography and abdominal ultrasound revealed right ventricular enlargement, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. Examination of the heart showed prominent enlargement, thickening and dilation of the right chambers, thickening of the tricuspid leaflets, and moderately shortened chordae tendineae. The liver was enlarged, with a nutmeg pattern, and foci of clotting and fibrin adhesions in the lateral right lobule.Discussion: Epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings were consistent with tricuspid valve dysplasia. Although structural abnormalities of the tricuspid and mitral valves are well known in fetuses and neonates, congenital and secondary tricuspid malformations are rare in dogs. The survival rate is associated with the severity of heart lesions. Tricuspid valve dysplasia is mostly observed in large-breed dogs (&gt;20 kg), particularly in Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, and German Shepherds. Regardless, most dogs with tricuspid valve dysplasia are of a pure-breed, which differs from our findings because our dog was a mongrel. Our dog displayed signs of dyspnea, cyanosis, abdominal swelling, prostration, and enlarged liver and spleen on ultrasound examination. Tricuspid valve dysplasia led to heart enlargement and right congestive heart failure, with consequent ascites, abdominal swelling, weakness, lethargy, jugular venous distension, and hepatomegaly. Overall, the heart showed prominent enlargement, thickening and dilation of the right chambers, thickening of the tricuspid leaflets, and moderately shortened chordae tendineae. The liver had a nutmeg pattern. Tricuspid valve dysplasia is characterized by malformation of the tricuspid valve leaflets, chord tendineae, or papillary muscles. Malformed tricuspid valves are known to result in variable degrees of regurgitation, leading to right atrial overflow and ventricular eccentric hypertrophy. Differential diagnosis includes myocarditis, tricuspid valve endocarditis, tricuspid endocardiosis, tricuspid valve prolapse and right ventricular dysplasia, right ventricular enlargement with tricuspidal regurgitation due to pulmonary insufficiency, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Signs of heart murmurs (irregular sounds of the heart) on clinical examination may indicate an irregular blood flow pattern, and imaging tests may be necessary for assessing the presence and severity of any lesions. The epidemiologic, clinical, and pathological findings were consistent with those of tricuspid valve dysplasia.

Sex Differences in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Reflected by B-type Natriuretic Peptide Level

BackgroundPrevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) increases with advancing age, particularly among women. Plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a surrogate marker of heart failure, have consistently been shown to be higher in women in the general populations. Whether BNP levels differ as per the sex of HFpEF patients remains largely unknown. Materials and MethodsThe study subjects were 733 HFpEF patients (204 men and 529 women, aged 80.9 ± 9.6 years) who underwent echocardiography and routine clinical examination, including plasma BNP level evaluation. These parameters were compared between women and men. ResultsPlasma levels of BNP were significantly lower in women than in men (104 [61, 192] versus 133 [78, 255] pg/mL, P < 0.001), just as hemoglobin, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, beta-blockers, left ventricular diastolic dimension, left ventricular mass index, left ventricular eccentric hypertrophy and left atrial dimension were. Age, systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, heart rate, left ventricular relative wall thickness, left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular concentric hypertrophy were higher in women than in men. Multiple regression analyses revealed that left ventricular mass index, body mass index, the ratio of early diastolic mitral flow velocity to tissue annular motion velocity divided by left ventricular diastolic dimension, estimated glomerular filtration rate, beta-blockers, left atrial dimensions, female sex and atrial fibrillation were significant predictors for BNP levels (t = 5.41, P < 0.001; t = −4.06, P < 0.001; t = 3.76, P < 0.001; t = −3.68, P < 0.001; t = 3.32, P = 0.001; t = 3.11, P = 0.002; t = −3.07, P = 0.002; and t = 2.65, P = 0.008, respectively). ConclusionsPlasma BNP levels were lower in women and were related to left ventricular concentric remodeling and hypertrophy among HFpEF patients, contrary to those in the general population.

Perinatal outcomes associated with abnormal cardiac remodeling in women with treated chronic hypertension

Adverse maternal outcomes associated with chronic hypertension include accelerated hypertension and resultant target organ damage. One example is long-standing hypertension leading to maternal cardiac dysfunction. Our group has previously identified that features of such injury manifest as cardiac remodeling with left ventricular hypertrophy. Moreover, these features of cardiac remodeling identified in women with chronic hypertension during pregnancy were associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Recent definitions of maternal cardiac remodeling using echocardiography have been expanded to include measurements of wall thickness. We hypothesized that these new features characterizing cardiac remodeling in women with chronic hypertension may also be associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. There were 3 aims in this study of women with treated chronic hypertension during pregnancy: to (1) apply the updated definitions of maternal cardiac remodeling; (2) elucidate whether these features of cardiac remodeling were associated with adverse perinatal outcomes; and (3) determine which, if any, of the newly defined cardiac remodeling strata were most damaging when compared to women with normal cardiac geometry. This was a retrospective study of women with treated chronic hypertension during pregnancy delivered from January 2009 through January 2016. Cardiac remodeling was categorized by left ventricular mass index and relative wall thickness into 4 groups determined using the 2015 American Society of Echocardiography guidelines: normal geometry, concentric remodeling, eccentric hypertrophy, and concentric hypertrophy. Perinatal outcomes were analyzed according to each category of cardiac remodeling compared with outcomes in women with normal geometry. A total of 314 women with treated chronic hypertension underwent echocardiography at a mean gestational age of 17.9 weeks. There were no differences between maternal age (P= .896), habitus (P=.36), or duration of chronic hypertension (P= .212) among the 4 groups. Abnormal cardiac remodeling was found in 51% and was significantly associated with increased rates of superimposed preeclampsia (P= .015), preterm birth (P < .001), and neonatal intensive care admission (P= .003). These outcomes reached the greatest significance when comparisons were made between eccentric hypertrophy and normal geometry. Using current American Society of Echocardiography guidelines, 51% of women with treated chronic hypertension during pregnancy have some degree of abnormal cardiac remodeling. Any suggestion of maternal cardiac remodeling, regardless of subtype, was associated with increased risks for superimposed preeclampsia and preterm birth with its resultant perinatal sequelae. Eccentric ventricular hypertrophy, previously thought to mimic exercise physiology, appears to be the most associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Despite evidence of cardiac remodeling, ejection fraction was preserved.

Severity of structural and functional right ventricular remodeling depends on training load in an experimental model of endurance exercise.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular (RV) remodeling has been reported in response to regular training, but it remains unclear how exercise intensity affects the presence and extent of such remodeling. We aimed to assess the relationship between RV remodeling and exercise load in a long-term endurance training model. Wistar rats were conditioned to run at moderate (MOD; 45 min, 30 cm/s) or intense (INT; 60 min, 60 cm/s) workloads for 16 wk; sedentary rats served as controls. Cardiac remodeling was assessed with standard echocardiographic and tissue Doppler techniques, sensor-tip pressure catheters, and pressure-volume loop analyses. After MOD training, both ventricles similarly dilated (~16%); the RV apical segment deformation, but not the basal segment deformation, was increased [apical strain rate (SR): -2.9 ± 0.5 vs. -3.3 ± 0.6 s-1, SED vs. MOD]. INT training prompted marked RV dilatation (~26%) but did not further dilate the left ventricle (LV). A reduction in both RV segments' deformation in INT rats (apical SR: -3.3 ± 0.6 vs. -3.0 ± 0.4 s-1 and basal SR: -3.3 ± 0.7 vs. -2.7 ± 0.6 s-1, MOD vs. INT) led to decreased global contractile function (maximal rate of rise of LV pressure: 2.53 ± 0.15 vs. 2.17 ± 0.116 mmHg/ms, MOD vs. INT). Echocardiography and hemodynamics consistently pointed to impaired RV diastolic function in INT rats. LV systolic and diastolic functions remained unchanged in all groups. In conclusion, we showed a biphasic, unbalanced RV remodeling response with increasing doses of exercise: physiological adaptation after MOD training turns adverse with INT training, involving disproportionate RV dilatation, decreased contractility, and impaired diastolic function. Our findings support the existence of an exercise load threshold beyond which cardiac remodeling becomes maladaptive.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Exercise promotes left ventricular eccentric hypertrophy with no changes in systolic or diastolic function in healthy rats. Conversely, right ventricular adaptation to physical activity follows a biphasic, dose-dependent, and segmentary pattern. Moderate exercise promotes a mild systolic function enhancement at the right ventricular apex and more intense exercise impairs systolic and diastolic function.

LEFT VENTRICULAR REPOLARIZATION ANOMALIES AFTER EXERCISE TESTING IN ASYMPTOMATIC MODERATE AORTIC REGURGITATION

Aortic regurgitation (AR) results in a volume overload of the left ventricle. Although this volume-load brings on left ventricular eccentric hypertrophy and fibrosis, it may remain asymptomatic and have no effect on function as assed by echocardiography. Symptoms or reduced function are the result of a more advanced stage of the pathophysiological process and are not the earliest indicators of worsening ventricular adaptation. Heterogeneity in ventricular repolarization is reflected by QT dispersion (d-QT), which increases with the transvalvular pressure gradient. It has not been studied in AR at rest or during exercise testing. We sought to determine the pattern of QT and d-QT response to exercise testing in children with moderate AR in order to evaluate the impact of volume overload on ventricular repolarization. 9 patients with moderate AR were compared with 17 controls of similar age (12.9±3.7 vs 11.9±2.3 years; p=0.31) and gender distributions (55 vs 53 % male; p=0.97). All subjects underwent a treadmill exercise testing with 12-lead electrocardiograph recording. Similar METS were achieved between groups (11.8±2.8 vs 13.7±1.9 METS; p=0.11), with similar resting systolic BP, but lower diastolic BP in AR subjects (Table1). QT was measured from the onset of QRS to the end (QTe) at rest, at peak exercise, and at 1 and 3 minutes upon recovery. QT was corrected using the Fridericia equation (QTeF), and d-QT was calculated. Resting QTeF was similar at rest in both groups (p=0.968) but increased significantly in AR group compared to controls (CTL) during exercise (p<0.001) and remained so after 1 minute (p<0.001) of recovery with largest difference being observed then (374 vs 302msec). d-QT was found to be significantly higher in AR group compared to controls at rest, maximal effort and 1 minute of recovery with largest difference at 1 minute recovery (101 vs 45 msec). At 3 minutes, neither QTeF nor d-QT were significantly different (Figure1). Ventricular repolarization is prolonged and more heterogeneous in asymptomatic moderate AR. Changes are mostly detectible with exercise. Although d-QT is higher at rest in AR, QT prolongation is only observed after exercise testing and becomes more pronounced in early recovery. Using QT response to exercise could be beneficial for a better understanding of left ventricular electrical remodeling response to volume overload.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload (PPT)

Echocardiographic Characteristic Of Left Ventricular Geometry Of 12-17 Years Athletes

Aim. To compare the type of left ventricular geometry associated with training among 12-17 years athletes currently competing in cycling, rowing and basketball playing and to determine the factors influencing left ventricular geometry. Methods. A total 167 male athletes 12-17 year-old, involved in basketball (n = 62), academic rowing (n =51) and cycling (n = 54) and 168 sedentary non-athletes, matched for age and sex were involved in this study. All participants underwent twodimensional, M-mode and Doppler echocardiography. To estimate left ventricular geometry relative wall thickness and left ventricular mass index were calculated. Left ventricular geometry was assessed as normal, eccentric ventricular hypertrophy, concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, concentric left ventricular remodeling. Results. Left ventricular hypertrophy was present in 48 % of all athletes, predominantly (34 %) eccentric hypertrophy. 16% of athletes had concentric hypertrophy. Only 7% of athletes manifested concentric remodeling. The prevalence of eccentric hypertrophy was more common in cyclists (54%), concentric hypertrophy was more frequent in rowers (38%), and normal left ventricular geometry was more common in basketball players (53%). Multivariate regression analysis showed that age was the important determinant of eccentric and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy. Eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy also was independently associated to training volume (hour per week) and cycling sporting discipline. Conclusion. Almost half of athletes (48%) had left ventricular hypertrophy, predominantly eccentric hypertrophy, and the age was the important determinant of left ventricular hypertrophy (eccentric and concentric). Training volume and cycling sporting discipline were significantly associated with eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy.

Eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy is a major risk factor for sudden death in patients with end-stage kidney disease

Eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy is a major risk factor for sudden death in patients with end-stage kidney disease

Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Mitral Valve Dysplasia Concurrent with Mitral Stenosis and Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia in a Dog

4년령의 수컷 골든 리트리버 견이 복부 팽만 및 호흡곤란을 주증상으로 내원하였으며, 신체 검사 결과 부정맥과 심잡음이 청진되었다. 흉복부 방사선 검사 결과 전반적인 심비대, 흉수 및 복수가 관찰되었다. 심초음파 검사에서 비정상적인 승모판 및 삼첨판의 움직임과 역류가 관찰되었으며, 좌심실의 편심성 비대와 좌심방 비대가 보였다. 컬러 도플러 영상에서 확장기에 승모판 입구로부터 좌심실로 유입되는 와류가 관찰되었으며, 수축기에는 좌심방 및 우심방으로의 와류가 보였다. 도플러 검사로 확장기 승모판 유입 속도가 매우 증가하였으며 pressure half time이 지연되었다는 것을 알 수 있었다. 심초음파 검사 결과에 기초하여 승모판 협착증과 병발된 승모판 이형성증과 삼첨판 이형성증을 진단하였다.

Left ventricular remodeling and diastolic function in chronic hypertensive pregnant women

Hypertension during pregnancy is a problem that impacts maternal morbidity and mortality. Dyspnea and edema are common symptoms, often secondary to physiological changes, but may raise doubts as to ventricular dysfunction. To evaluate the ventricular geometry pattern and diastolic function in chronic hypertensive pregnant women (HPW). Prospective, cross-sectional study on 62 pregnant women over a 29-month period, from March 2009 to July 2011, in Brazil was done. Thirty-one HPWs and 31 normotensive pregnant women (NPW) underwent clinical and cardiovascular evaluations, and were subjected to transthoracic echocardiogram. LV mass (HPW: 220.9 ± 43.3 vs. NPW: 192.9 ± 39.8 g, p = 0.01), posterior wall thickness (HPW: 9.9 ± 1.1 vs. NPW: 9.2 ± 0.9 mm, p = 0.005), mitral flow A wave velocity (HPW: 0.60 ± 0.16 vs. NPW: 0.52 ± 0.10 m/s, p = 0.02), tissue Doppler A' wave velocity (HPW: 10 ± 2 vs. NPW: 8.9 ± 1cm/s, p=0.02), and E/E' ratio (HPW: 6.8 ± 2.2 vs. NPW: 5.5 ± 1.6, p = 0.01) were higher in HPWs. Septal and lateral walls E' wave velocities (HPW: 13 ± 2 vs. NPW: 15 ± 3 cm/s, p=0.001), and E'/A' ratio (HPW: 1.26 ± 0.38 vs. NPW: 1.77 ± 0.49, p = 0.00003) were lower in HPWs. There was a positive linear correlation between body mass index (BMI) and ventricular mass, A wave, systolic, diastolic blood pressures, and a negative correlation between BMI, E' wave and E'/A' ratio. Ventricular remodeling showed a direct relationship with body weight, and both groups showed a predominant pattern of eccentric ventricular hypertrophy. The LV diastolic function was abnormal in HPWs.