Echocardiography Testing Research Articles

Does size matter? Focus on the impact of reducing litter size in mice on cardio-metabolic risk and cardiac sensitivity to in vivo ischemia in adulthood

Nutritional disturbances during the postnatal period may be responsible for a predisposition, or “programming”, of increased cardio-metabolic risk in adulthood. Reducing rodent litter size is therefore crucial for perinatal nutrition that may impact long-term health. However, few data are available concerning long lasting effects of postnatal overfeeding (PNOF) in mature and/or very old animals. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of PNOF on cardiac function, cardiac sensitivity to ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury in vivo and on glucose metabolism in young (4 months), adult (6 months), old (12 months) and very old (18 months) male mice. PNOF was induced by litter size reduction of C57/BL6 mice 2 days after birth: normally-fed group (NF) was composed of 9 male pups/mother and overfed group (OF) of 3 pups/mother. Echocardiography and blood sugar tests (glucose tolerance and insulin resistance) have been performed at all ages. An in vivo ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced by the ligation of the anterior interventricular artery for 45 minutes followed by 24 h of reperfusion. PNOF induced an early and permanent increase of body weight in OF group, independently of mice's age (+23% at 24 days of life, +14% at 4 months, +23% at 6 and 12 months, +10% at 18 months compared to NF group). The echocardiographic measurements showed an alteration of contractile function from 6 months aged males and up to 18 months as evidenced by a decrease of the left ventricular ejection fraction (−11% for OF males from 6 to 18 months, compared to NF groups). These cardiac alterations were associated with glucose metabolism imbalance: OF males presented glucose intolerance and insulin resistance from 4 to 12 months of age. Finally, PNOF induced a significant increase of infarct size at 4 months (+37%, P < 0.01, n = 8), 6 months (+32%, P < 0.05, n = 9) and 12 months (+38%, P < 0.05, n = 9) after cardiac surgery. Nutritional programming through short-term PNOF induced early and long-lasting (up to 12–18 months) alterations of glucose metabolism and of cardiac contractility. Moreover, mice submitted to PNOF developed higher susceptibility to myocardial I-R injury in vivo at any age. Therefore, litter size is a strong determinant of long-term metabolic and cardiac status. Accordingly, adjusting litter size in rodent's group may be a necessary prerequisite in experimental procedures aimed at evaluating cardio-metabolic function.

Biventricular cardiac power reserve in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Cardiac and extracardiac abnormalities play important roles in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Biventricular cardiac power output (BCPO) quantifies the total rate of hydraulic work performed by both ventricles, suggesting that it may help to identify patients with HFpEF and more severe cardiac impairments to better individualize treatment. Patients with HFpEF (n = 398) underwent comprehensive echocardiography and invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Patients were categorized as low BCPO reserve (n = 199, < median of 1.57 W) or preserved BCPO reserve (n = 199). As compared to those with preserved BCPO reserve, those with low reserve were older and leaner, with more atrial fibrillation, higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, worse renal function, more impaired left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain, worse LV diastolic function and right ventricular longitudinal function. Cardiac filling pressures and pulmonary artery pressures at rest were higher in low BCPO reserve, but central pressures were similar during exercise to those with preserved BCPO reserve. Exertional systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances were higher and exercise capacity was more impaired in those with low BCPO reserve. Reduced BCPO reserve was associated with increased risk for the composite endpoint of heart failure hospitalization or death over 2.9 (interquartile range 0.9-4.5) years of follow-up (hazard ratio 2.77, 95% confidence interval 1.73-4.42, p < 0.0001). Inability to enhance BCPO during exercise is associated with more advanced HFpEF, increased systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, reduced exercise capacity and increased adverse events in patients with HFpEF. Novel therapies that enhance biventricular reserve merit further investigation for patients with this phenotype.

Safety of oral propranolol for neonates with problematic infantile hemangioma: a retrospective study in an Asian population

Although the efficacy of propranolol in the treatment of infantile hemangioma (IH) has been well established, clinical data on the safety and tolerability of propranolol in neonates are still lacking. In this work, clinical data of 112 neonates with IH were analyzed retrospectively. All of the patients were evaluated in the hospital at the beginning of the treatment and later in outpatient settings during the treatment. Each time, the following monitoring methods were applied: physical examination, ultrasound echocardiography (UCG), electrocardiography (ECG), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and basic laboratory tests including blood glucose (BG), liver function, blood potassium, thyroid function. There was a significant reduction in BP and HR at the initiation of treatment. The incidences of bradycardia and hypoglycemia were observed to be increased with the prolong duration of treatment, but not prolonged PR interval. During the course of the therapy, the risk of hyperkalemia and hypothyroidism was reached maximum at the 2 months and 3 months, respectively. Physical growth index including average height, weight and head circumference was not influenced by the treatment. The observed adverse effects were majority mild and only 3 patients needed to rest for 7 days due to severe diarrhea before restarting treatment. This study demonstrated that propranolol is safe and well-tolerated by properly selected young infants with IH. No serious adverse events were observed.

Ventricular stiffening and chamber contracture in heart failure with higher ejection fraction.

Ancillary analyses from clinical trials have suggested reduced efficacy for neurohormonal antagonists among patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and higher ranges of ejection fraction (EF). A total of 621 patients with HFpEF were grouped into those with low-normal left ventricular EF (LVEF) (HFpEF<65% , n = 319, 50% ≤ LVEF <65%) or HFpEF≥65% (n = 302, LVEF ≥65%), and compared with 149 age-matched controls undergoing comprehensive echocardiography and invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing. A sensitivity analysis was performed in a second non-invasive community-based cohort of patients with HFpEF (n = 244) and healthy controls without cardiovascular disease (n = 617). Patients with HFpEF≥65% had smaller left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume than HFpEF<65% , but LV systolic function assessed by preload recruitable stroke work and stroke work/end-diastolic volume was similarly impaired. Patients with HFpEF≥65% displayed an end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR) that was shifted leftward, with increased LV diastolic stiffness constant β, in both invasive and community-based cohorts. Cardiac filling pressures and pulmonary artery pressures at rest and during exercise were similarly abnormal in all EF subgroups. While patients HFpEF≥57% displayed leftward shifted EDPVR, those with HFpEF<57% had a rightward shifted EDPVR more typical of heart failure with reduced EF. Most pathophysiologic differences in patients with HFpEF and higher EF are related to smaller heart size, increased LV diastolic stiffness, and leftward shift in the EDPVR. These findings may help to explain the absence of efficacy for neurohormonal antagonists in this group and raise a new hypothesis, that interventions to stimulate eccentric LV remodelling and enhance diastolic capacitance may be beneficial for patients with HFpEF and EF in the higher range.

Long-term survival, functional capacity and quality of life after refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated with mechanical circulatory support

IntroductionStudies on long-term outcomes after refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) treated with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) are limited. This study aimed to evaluate long-term neurologically intact survival, functional capacity and quality of life after refractory OHCA treated with MCS. MethodsThis was a follow-up study of survivors after refractory OHCA treated with MCS. Follow-up examinations comprised clinical assessment with transthoracic echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX). Neurological and cognitive screening was evaluated with the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA test). A good neurological outcome was defined as CPC 1 or CPC 2. Health-related quality of life was measured by questionnaires (Short Form-36 (SF-36)). ResultsA total of 101 patients with refractory OHCA were treated with MCS at Aarhus University Hospital between 2015 and 2019. The total low-flow time was median 105 min [IQR, 94–123] minutes. The hospital discharge rate was 27%. At a mean follow-up time of 4.8 years ± 1.6 (range 2.8–6.1 years), 21 patients remained alive of whom 15 consented to participate in the present study. Good neurological outcome with CPC 1–2 was found in 93% (14/15) patients. No severe cognitive function was discovered; mean MoCA score of 26.4 ± 3.1. Functional capacity examined by CPX showed acceptable VO2 max values (23.9 ± 6.3 mL/kg/min). Mean SF-36 scores revealed an overall high level of quality of life in long-term survivors. ConclusionsLong-term survival with a good neurological outcome with functional recovery was high in patients with refractory OHCA treated with MCS. These patients may expect a reasonable quality of life after discharge despite prolonged resuscitation.

(1062) Beyond the Limits of Current Pump Monitoring - HeartMate 3 SNOOPY in Echocardiographic Speed Ramp Tests

(1062) Beyond the Limits of Current Pump Monitoring - HeartMate 3 SNOOPY in Echocardiographic Speed Ramp Tests

ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS BETWEEN PREMENOPAUSALAND POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN PRESENTING WITH ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION TO TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KAKINADA: A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Background: Acute myocardial infarction is a major public health problem in both in developing and developed countries despite impressive strides in the diagnosis and management. Effect of hormone replacement therapy in post-menopausal women is uncertain. Some observational studies suggest that estrogen replacement protects against the incidence of coronary artery disease. Prospective control trials have not yet conrmed the benecial effect of hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement therapy shows no benecial effect in reducing the morbidity and mortality both in western and Indian studies. Materials and Methods: This is a case control study conducted by the Department of cardiology, Government General Hospital (tertiary care hospital) Kakinada District, Andhra Pradesh. 200 female patients of Acute Myocardial Infarction were included in the study conducted between December 2021 to November 2022. Results: The mean (Standard deviation) age of patients was 51.05 ± 5.92. peak age of incidence between 51-60 years 60%. Out of 200, 68 were pre-menopausal and 132 were post-menopausal. In pre-menopausal group 77.9% had Unstable Angina, 14.7% with Non ST elevation MI and 7.4% with ST Elevation MI. In post-menopausal group, 27.3% had STEMI, 21.2% had NSTEMI and 51.5% had Unstable Angina. 27.9% in pre-menopausal group and 42.4% in post-menopausal group were having dyslipidemia. Conclusions: Identication of co-morbidities and risk factors of CAD in women will lead us to the correct diagnosis and early appropriate management. Noninvasive tests such as stress echocardiography and perfusion testing with cardiac magnetic resonance or single-photon emission computed tomography imaging should be used in identifying patients at risk, followed by further risk stratication by appropriate invasive testing such as CAG

Mechanical dispersion is a superior echocardiographic feature to predict exercise capacity in preclinical and overt heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) is a syndrome characterized by different degrees of exercise intolerance, which leads to poor quality of life and prognosis. Recently, the European score (HFA-PEFF) was proposed to standardize the diagnosis of HFpEF. Even though Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) is a component of HFA-PEFF, the role of other strain parameters, such as Mechanical Dispersion (MD), has yet to be studied. In this study, we aimed to compare MD and other features from the HFA-PEFF according to their association with exercise capacity in an outpatient population of subjects at risk or suspected HFpEF. This is a single-center cross-sectional study performed in an outpatient population of 144 subjects with a median age of 57 years, 58% females, referred to the Echocardiography and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test to investigate HFpEF. MD had a higher correlation to Peak VO2 (r=-0.43) when compared to GLS (r=-0.26), MD presented a significant correlation to Ventilatory Anaerobic Threshold (VAT) (r=-0.20; p = 0.04), while GLS showed no correlation (r=-0.14; p = 0.15). Neither MD nor GLS showed a correlation with the time to recover VO2 after exercise (T1/2). In Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis, MD presented superior performance to GLS to predict Peak VO2 (AUC: 0.77 vs. 0.62), VAT (AUC: 0.61 vs. 0.57), and T1/2 (AUC: 0.64 vs. 0.57). Adding MD to HFA-PEFF improved the model performance (AUC from 0.77 to 0.81). MD presented a higher association with Peak VO2 when compared to GLS and most features from the HFA-PEFF. Adding MD to the HFA-PEFF improved the model performance.

Carotid baroreceptor stimulation prevents oxidative stress by inhibiting MAO-A and prevents cardiac remodeling in obese rats.

Sympathetic nervous system overactivation and abnormal lipid metabolism are featured in obesity and may lead to cardiac remodeling. The effects of carotid baroreceptor stimulation (CBS) on cardiac remodeling in obese rats and the underlying mechanisms were explored. An obesity model was induced by 16-week high-fat diet feeding. A CBS device was implanted at the 8th week. Body weight and blood pressure measurements, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and glucose and insulin tolerance tests were conducted before sampling. Plasma analysis and histological and biological analyses of left ventricle were also performed. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes cocultured with 3T3-L1 in transwell chambers were used to investigate the mechanisms. CBS alleviated several manifestations of obesity, including increased body weight, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and enhanced sympathetic activity. In obese hearts, norepinephrine levels decreased, and the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and reactive oxygen species level increased; these changes, as well as cardiac fibrosis, lipid metabolic disorders, and heart dysfunction, were inhibited by CBS. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes incubated with norepinephrine showed MAO-A upregulation, increased reactive oxygen species levels, lipid metabolic disorders, and inflammatory response, which were inhibited by clorgyline, a selective MAO-A inhibitor. CBS effectively suppresses sympathetic nervous system activity and oxidative stress mediated by MAO-A and prevents cardiac remodeling in obese rats.

Deep phenotype characterization of hypertensive response to exercise: implications on functional capacity and prognosis across the heart failure spectrum

Limited evidence is available regarding the role of hypertensive response to exercise (HRE) in heart failure (HF). We evaluated the systolic blood pressure (SBP) to workload slope during exercise across the HF spectrum, investigating haemodynamic and prognostic correlates of HRE. We prospectively enrolled 369 patients with HF Stage C (143 had preserved [HFpEF], and 226 reduced [HFrEF] ejection fraction), 201 subjects at risk of developing HF (HF Stages A-B), and 58 healthy controls. We performed a combined cardiopulmonary exercise stress echocardiography testing. We defined HRE as the highest sex-specific SBP/workload slope tertile in each HF stage. Median SBP/workload slope was 0.53 mmHg/W (interquartile range 0.36-0.72); the slope was 39% steeper in women than men (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for age and sex, SBP/workload slope in HFrEF (0.47, 0.30-0.63) was similar to controls (0.43, 0.35-0.57) but significantly lower than Stages A-B (0.61, 0.47-0.75) and HFpEF (0.63, 0.42-0.86). Patients with HRE showed significantly lower peak oxygen consumption and peripheral oxygen extraction. After a median follow-up of 16 months, HRE was independently associated with adverse outcomes (all-cause mortality and hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons: hazard ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval 1.81-5.18), while rest and peak SBP were not. Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed a worse survival probability in Stages A-B (p=0.005) and HFpEF (p < 0.001), but not HFrEF. A steeper SBP/workload slope is associated with impaired functional capacity across the HF spectrum and could be a more sensitive predictor of adverse events than absolute SBP values, mainly in patients in Stages A-B and HFpEF.

Association of Preoperative Medical Consultation With Reduction in Adverse Postoperative Outcomes and Use of Processes of Care Among Residents of Ontario, Canada

It is uncertain whether preoperative medical consultation reduces adverse postoperative clinical outcomes. To investigate the association of preoperative medical consultation with reduction in adverse postoperative outcomes and use of processes of care. This was a retrospective cohort study using linked administrative databases from an independent research institute housing routinely collected health data for Ontario's 14 million residents, including sociodemographic features, physician characteristics and services, and receipt of inpatient and outpatient care. The study sample included Ontario residents aged 40 years or older who underwent their first qualifying intermediate- to high-risk noncardiac operation. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences between patients who did and did not undergo preoperative medical consultation with discharge dates between April 1, 2005, and March 31, 2018. The data were analyzed from December 20, 2021, to May 15, 2022. Receipt of preoperative medical consultation in the 4 months preceding the index surgery. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause postoperative mortality. Secondary outcomes included 1-year mortality, inpatient myocardial infarction and stroke, in-hospital mechanical ventilation, length of stay, and 30-day health system costs. Of the total 530 473 individuals (mean [SD] age, 67.1 [10.6] years; 278 903 [52.6%] female) included in the study, 186 299 (35.1%) received preoperative medical consultation. Propensity score matching resulted in 179 809 well-matched pairs (67.8% of the full cohort). The 30-day mortality rate was 0.9% (n = 1534) in the consultation group and 0.7% (n = 1299) in the control group (odds ratio [OR], 1.19; 95% CI, 1.11-1.29). The ORs for 1 year mortality (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.11-1.19), inpatient stroke (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06-1.37), in-hospital mechanical ventilation (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.31-1.45), and 30-day emergency department visits (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.05-1.09) were higher in the consultation group; however, the rates of inpatient myocardial infarction did not differ. The lengths of stay in acute care were a mean (SD) 6.0 (9.3) days in the consultation group and 5.6 (10.0) days in the control group (difference, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.3-0.5] days), and the median (IQR) total 30-day health system cost was CAD $317 ($229-$959) (US $235 [$170-$711]) higher in the consultation group. Preoperative medical consultation was associated with increased use of preoperative echocardiography (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 2.59-2.69) and cardiac stress tests (OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 2.43-2.56) and higher odds of receiving a new prescription for β-blockers (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 2.82-3.12). In this cohort study, preoperative medical consultation was not associated with a reduction but rather with an increase in adverse postoperative outcomes, suggesting a need for further refinement of target populations, processes, and interventions related to preoperative medical consultation. These findings highlight the need for further research and suggest that referral for preoperative medical consultation and subsequent testing should be carefully guided by individual-level consideration of risks and benefits.

Hemodynamic parameters at rest predicting exercise capacity in patients supported with left ventricular assist device.

Left ventricular assist devices improve prognosis and quality of life, but exercise capacity remains limited in most patients after device implantation. Left ventricular assist device optimization through right heart catheterization reduces device-related complications. However, hemodynamic parameters associated with exercise capacity under optimized conditions. The aim of this study was to elucidate the predictors of exercise capacity from hemodynamic parameters at rest after left ventricular assist device optimization. We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients who underwent a ramp test with right heart catheterization, echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing more than 6months after left ventricular assist device implantation. Pump speed was optimized to a lower setting that achieved right atrial pressure < 12mmHg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure < 18mmHg, and cardiac index > 2.2L/min/m2, then exercise capacity was assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. After left ventricular assist device optimization, the mean right atrial pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac index, and peak oxygen consumption were 7 ± 5mmHg, 10 ± 7mmHg, 2.7 ± 0.5L/min/m2, and 13.2 ± 3.0mL/min/kg, respectively. Pulse pressure, stroke volume, right atrial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were significantly associated with peak oxygen consumption. Multivariate linear regression analysis of factors predicting peak oxygen consumption revealed that pulse pressure, right atrial pressure, and aortic insufficiency remained independent predictors (β = 0.401, p = 0.007; β = -0.558, p < 0.001; β = -0.369, p = 0.010, respectively). Our findings suggests that cardiac reserve, volume status, right ventricular function, and aortic insufficiency predict exercise capacity in patients with a left ventricular assist device.

Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease Using Machine Learning Techniques with Iris Analysis

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) occurs when the coronary vessels become hardened and narrowed, limiting blood flow to the heart muscles. It is the most common type of heart disease and has the highest mortality rate. Early diagnosis of CAD can prevent the disease from progressing and can make treatment easier. Optimal treatment, in addition to the early detection of CAD, can improve the prognosis for these patients. This study proposes a new method for non-invasive diagnosis of CAD using iris images. In this study, iridology, a method of analyzing the iris to diagnose health conditions, was combined with image processing techniques to detect the disease in a total of 198 volunteers, 94 with CAD and 104 without. The iris was transformed into a rectangular format using the integral differential operator and the rubber sheet methods, and the heart region was cropped according to the iris map. Features were extracted using wavelet transform, first-order statistical analysis, a Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM), and a Gray Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM). The model's performance was evaluated based on accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, score, mean, and Area Under the Curve (AUC) metrics. The proposed model has a 93% accuracy rate for predicting CAD using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. With the proposed method, coronary artery disease can be preliminarily diagnosed by iris analysis without needing electrocardiography, echocardiography, and effort tests. Additionally, the proposed method can be easily used to support telediagnosis applications for coronary artery disease in integrated telemedicine systems.

Significance of the N-terminal Fragment of Brain Natriuretic Peptides in Predicting Ventricular Arrhythmias in Young and Middle-Aged Patients with Diabetes and Myocardial Infarction

ABSTRACT. Fatal ventricular arrhythmias in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in the acute stage of myocardial infarction (MI) and postinfarction period often cause adverse outcomes. Therefore, the search for new reliable biomarkers in predicting ventricular arrhythmias in the long term is necessary.&#x0D; AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the value of N-terminal-pro hormone BNP (NT-proBNP) in predicting ventricular arrhythmias in young and middle-aged patients with MI and DM-associated ST-segment elevation.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients (59 men and 17 women) with DM and MI with ST-segment elevation (aged 3659 years; mean 53 5 years) were examined. Anterior MI was diagnosed in 35 patients, and non-anterior MI was detected in 41 patients. The DM duration was up to 1 year in 16 patients, 15 years in 24, and 512 years in 36. Patients were examined on day 1 after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with implantation of 13 stents in the coronary arteries (CA) and again after 12 months. Holter monitoring, echocardiography, and blood tests for NT-proBNP were performed.&#x0D; RESULTS: After PCI, ventricular extrasystole (VES) of grades IIIV according to Lown and Wolf was detected in 21 of 37 (56.7%) patients with DM. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 42% (27%45%), and the NT-proBNP level was 1127 (7902530) at a rate of up to 125 pg/mL. After 12 months, VES was noted in 9 of 37 (24.3%) patients. The LVEF was 33% (28%35%), and the NT-proBNP level was 938 (4971294) pg/mL. A positive correlation was found between the blood serum level of NT-proBNP on day 1 after PCI and the number of grade IIIV VES 12 months later. At an NT-proBNP level of 898 pg/mL on day 1 after PCI, the sensitivity of this biomarker in predicting high-grade VES 12 months after MI in patients with DM was 100%.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The NT-proBNP level after PCI in patients with DM and MI is a reliable predictor of ventricular arrhythmias over the next 12 months.

Differences in Cardiac Mechanics and Exercise Physiology Among Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Phenomapping Subgroups

Unsupervised machine learning (phenomapping) has been used successfully to identify novel subgroups (phenogroups) of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, further investigation of pathophysiological differences between HFpEF phenogroups is necessary to help determine potential treatment options. We performed speckle-tracking echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in 301 and 150 patients with HFpEF, respectively, as part of a prospective phenomapping study (median age 65 [25th to 75th percentile 56 to 73] years, 39% Black individuals, 65% female). Linear regression was used to compare strain and CPET parameters by phenogroup. All indicies of cardiac mechanics except for left ventricular global circumferential strain worsened in a stepwise fashion from phenogroups 1 to 3 after adjustment for demographic and clinical factors. After further adjustment for conventional echocardiographic parameters, phenogroup 3 had the worst left ventricular global longitudinal, right ventricular free wall, and left atrial booster and reservoir strain. On CPET, phenogroup 2 had the lowest exercise time and absolute peak oxygen consumption (VO2), driven primarily by obesity, whereas phenogroup 3 achieved the lowest workload, relative peak oxygen consumption (VO2), and heart rate reserve on multivariable-adjusted analyses. In conclusion, HFpEF phenogroups identified by unsupervised machine learning analysis differ in the indicies of cardiac mechanics and exercise physiology.

Pulmonary and cardiac involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis

Objectives: Our aim is to study the disease activity status, laboratory data and to determine the frequency of cardiac and pulmonary findings in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: Forty-five AS patients and 78 RA patients took part in the study. The C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), albumin, creatinine, ALT, leukocyte, neutrophil ratio, hemoglobin, platelet, rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) levels were measured. In addition, the patients' thoracic computed tomography, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), echocardiography (ECHO), and pulmonary function test (PFT) results were evaluated. Disease activity was assessed with the Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28) in RA patients, whereas the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) was used in patients with AS. Results: The relationship between the anti-CCP value and gender was significant in RA patients. Significant differences were present between gender and hemoglobin value in RA and AS patients, whereas no significant differences were determined between CRP, ESR, platelet, and DAS-28 values. There was a significant difference between RF and ESR values in RA patients, whereas no significant difference was present between CRP, leukocyte, DAS-28, hemoglobin, and platelet values. Pulmonary involvement was determined in 35.7% of RA patients and 4.2% of AS patients. The difference between these was statistically significant. Conclusions: The most common pulmonary involvement is millimetric nonspecific nodule and the most common lesion among ECHO findings was left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in RA and AS patients. In RA, no significant difference was determined between PFT and DAS-28 results, as a result, the disease activity will not directly indicate pulmonary involvement.

Frequency and characterization of CTEPH and CTEPD according to the mPAP threshold > 20 mm Hg: Retrospective analysis from data of a prospective PE aftercare program

BackgroundThe influence of the new pulmonary hypertension (PH) definition on the incidence of chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH) is unclear. The incidence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease without PH (CTEPD) is unknown. ObjectivesTo determine the frequency of CTEPH and CTEPD using the new mPAP cut-off >20 mmHg for PH in patients who have suffered an incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and were recruited into an aftercare program. MethodsIn a prospective two-year observational study based on telephone calls, echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise tests, patients with findings suspicious for PH received an invasive work-up. Data from right heart catheterization were used to identify patients with or without CTEPH/CTEPD. ResultsTwo years after acute PE (n = 400) we found an incidence of 5.25% for CTEPH (n = 21) and 5.75% for CTEPD (n = 23) according to the new mPAP threshold >20 mmHg. Five of 21 patients with CTEPH and 13 of 23 patients with CTEPD showed no signs of PH in echocardiography. CTEPH and CTEPD subjects showed a reduced VO₂ peak and work rate in cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). The capillary end-tidal CO2 gradient was comparably elevated in CTEPH and CTEPD, but it was normal in the Non-CTEPD-Non-PH group. According to the PH definition provided by the former guidelines, only 17 (4.25%) patients have been diagnosed with CTEPH and 27 individuals (6.75%) were classified having CTEPD. ConclusionsUsing mPAP >20 mmHg for diagnosis of CTEPH leads to an increase of 23.5% of CTEPH diagnosis. CPET may help to detect CTEPD and CTEPH.

Abstract P413: Prevalence and Significance of Poor R-Wave Progression on Electrocardiography

Background: The QRS pattern on the electrocardiogram (ECG) has an expected progressively increasing amplitude of the R waves in the anterior leads. Poor R wave progression (low R wave amplitude of &lt; 3 mm in V3) is commonly reported, however its clinical significance is unknown. It may be related to underlying cardiac pathology, body habitus, metabolic abnormalities or ECG lead placement errors. Studying the prevalence and significance of these findings in different genders and races will also shed some light on their clinical utility and applicability. Our objective is to assess the epidemiology and clinical significance of “Poor or Abnormal R-Wave Progression” as reported on routine ECGs. Methods: A database of ECGs performed at the University of South Alabama Medical Center ECG database (Intellispace and/or Cerner) was downloaded and compiled into searchable PDF format. ECGs were searched for patients with “Abnormal or Poor R Wave Progression”. Available clinical data on patients with these ECG findings were analyzed and reported as absolute numbers and percentages. Results: The total number of ECG with “Poor R-Wave Progression” were 318. Out of these, 209 (66%) were females and 109 (34%) males; 209 (66%) were black, 105 (33%) were white and 4 (1%) other races. There were 143 (45%) black females, 65 (20%) white females, 66 (21%) black males and 40 (13%) white males. There were 234 (74%) patients &lt; 60 years of age while 85 (26%) were 60 years of age or older. There were 233 (73%) with hypertension. Only 198 (62%) had echocardiograms, with an average ejection fraction (EF) of 52%. Out of these 49 ((25%) had mild to moderate decrease in EF ( &gt; 30 - 50%) while 28 (14%) had severely decreased EF of 30% or less. There were 81 (41%) with wall motion abnormalities concerning for coronary disease, while 95 (48%) had diastolic dysfunction. Discussion: Poor R-wave progression is a commonly reported finding on ECG. It is more prevalent in females, which may be due to improper lead placement or chest size. However, its higher prevalence in blacks may be indicative of higher incidence of heart failure, coronary disease and hypertension. It is more frequent in younger patients who may be more obese, but also carry multiple risk factors for cardiac disease. Poor R wave progression showed strong correlation with any degree of heart failure and with wall motion abnormalities on echocardiogram concerning for coronary disease. Therefore this finding should trigger a diagnostic cascade with echocardiography and/or stress testing, depending on the clinical scenario, in order to identify potentially serious underlying cardiac pathology which may be amenable to therapy.

Double anterograde/retrograde approach for embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation presenting with acute respiratory failure.

A 54-year-old male with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and past medical history of long-standing dyspnea was admitted for acute respiratory failure. Physical examination revealed near-normal blood pressure, sinus tachycardia, tachypnea, and reduced oxygen saturation (90%) with mild distal-limb cyanosis. On admission ECG, chest X-ray, transthoracic echocardiography, and laboratory tests were performed to exclude new-onset heart failure and/or an acute coronary syndrome. Then, he underwent pulmonary CT angiography seeking for pulmonary embolism that showed a voluminous pulmonary arterio-venous malformation (PAVM) with the feeding artery coming from the right pulmonary artery and venous drainage confluent into the right pulmonary vein (Panel 1A and C). A thrombophilic screening showed a heterozygous mutation for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase-1 gene and reduced serum-free protein S levels. The invasive left–right heart catheterization revealed mild-to-moderate pulmonary hypertension and moderate arterial desaturation (O2 saturation, 91%). Considering the large size of both the feeding artery and vein drainage (10 mm) and in order to reduce postprocedural embolization risk and recanalization rate,1,2 a contemporary percutaneous embolization of both PAVM branches (Panel 1C and D; Supplementary material online, Videos S1–3) with two Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) II® 20 mm (Abbott, Plymouth, MN, USA) was planned using a double access technique, transfemoral trans-septal (retrograde) and transfemoral transpulmonary (anterograde) with a post-procedural improvement of arterial saturation (up to 99%). The patient was discharged with a marked clinical improvement (NYHA Class I) and complete exclusion of the PAVM at six months follow-up (Panel 1E and F).

Simultaneous pectus excavatum repair using sternal plate in a patient undergoing the Bentall procedure

Objective: Pectus excavatum is a deformity that occurs at the lower part of the sternum of the thorax, including the xiphoid process. Deformity generally causes cosmetic and psychosocial problems. Life-threatening conditions may ensue in patients with severe deformities. Ravitch surgery and Nuss's minimally invasive surgical procedures are the main procedures for correcting the pectus excavatum. A rare method of pectus excavatum is the stabilization of the sternum by using sternal plates. In this report, we present a case; successful pectus excavatum repair using the sternal plate simultaneously in a 48-year-old male patient who underwent Bentall operation due to ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic valve insufficiency. Case presentation: The patient was admitted with complaint of dyspnea. Examinations including clinical examinations, echocardiography, computed tomography and pulmonary tests revealed pectus excavatum, with Haller index&amp;qt;3.5, reduced forced vital capacity 72% and ascending aorta aneurysm of 5.7 cm and moderate aortic valve regurgitation. The decision to proceed with simultaneous aortic root and aortic valve replacement with pectus excavatum correction was taken. The operation were performed successfully under cardiopulmonary bypass without complications. Patient was discharged on 9th postoperative day. Conclusion: In patients with pectus excavatum deformity who undergo cardiac surgery (in our case ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement) with median sternotomy, simultaneous sternal repair using a sternal plate is safe and preferable because it positively affects cardiac and pulmonary surgical outcomes. Therefore, we recommend simultaneous sternal plate application in patients with pectus excavatum who will have a cardiac operation.