Left Ventricular Global Circumferential Strain Research Articles

The influence of sex on left ventricular strain in hypertensive population.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of sex on left ventricular mechanics in hypertensive individuals. This cross-sectional study included 171 untreated hypertensive patients and 112 normotensive controls who underwent a 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and comprehensive echocardiographic examination including strain assessment. Hypertensive women and men had significantly lower left ventricular global longitudinal and circumferential strains than their normotensive counterparts. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain was lower in hypertensive men than in women (-19.8 ± 2.2 vs. -17.9 ± 2.1%; P < 0.01). Left ventricular global circumferential strain was also reduced in hypertensive men in comparison with women (-21.0 ± 2.5 vs. -18.7 ± 2.3%; P < 0.01). The difference in left ventricular radial strain was not discovered between hypertensive women and men. Furthermore, left ventricular twist was significantly higher in hypertensive women than in hypertensive men (21.9 ± 4.1° vs. 20.6 ± 3.8°; P = 0.034). Female sex and arterial hypertension, and also their interaction, were associated with lower left ventricular mass index, increased left ventricular global longitudinal, and circumferential strains and increased left ventricular twist compared with hypertensive men. Left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential strains were significantly reduced in hypertensive patients. However, the changes are more pronounced in hypertensive men than in women. Sex has a significant effect on the association between hypertension, and longitudinal and circumferential strain.

Early detection of left ventricular involvement in patients with Duchenne’s and Becker’s muscular dystrophy

Background Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker’s muscular dystrophy (BMD) may have asymptomatic cardiac involvement for years before the development of dilated cardiomyopathy and even showed normal conventional echocardiographic parameters. We evaluated those patients with more recent echo modalities for early detection of subtle cardiac changes. Patients and methods Thirty patients [13 with BMD as group 1 (G1) and 17 with DMD as group 2 (G2)] compared with 30 age-matched and sex-matched healthy participants as group 3 (G3). All cases were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, ECG, conventional two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography, and 4D echocardiography for measurement of left ventricular (LV) dimensions, systolic and diastolic function with focus on strain imaging modality. Results Nine patients of G2 and three patients in G1 had LV systolic dysfunction despite normal 2D-LV ejection fraction. Ten patients in G2 and five patients in G1 had LV diastolic dysfunction measured by LV early diastolic wave velocity over mitral valve measured by conventional Doppler/early diastolic mitral annular velocity by tissue Doppler imaging (E/Ea). Tissue Doppler myocardial performance index was significantly higher in both G1 and G2. 2D-LV septal strain, lateral strain, anteroseptal, 2D-global longitudinal strain (GLS), and 4D-GLS strains were significantly lower in G1 and G2. Apical, mid, and basal posterior LV strain were significantly lower in G2 compared with G1. 2D-GLS was lower in G2 compared with G1. Both LV global radial strain and global circumferential strain were significantly lower in G1 and G2. Mid and basal septal strain and basal posterior strain were significantly lower in G2 compared with G1. The mid and basal posterior strains were significantly lower in G2 compared with G1. Conclusion 2D-speckle tracking and 4D echocardiographic study of global and regional strain besides creatinine phosphokinase serum levels may add benefit in early detection of subtle LV dysfunction in patients with DMD and BMD.

Characterization of Left Ventricular Dysfunction by Myocardial Strain in Critical Pulmonary Stenosis and Pulmonary Atresia After Neonatal Pulmonary Valve Balloon Dilation

Transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction occurs in some infants born with critical pulmonary stenosis (PS) or membranous pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) after pulmonary valve (PV) balloon dilation (BD). The cause for this is not well understood. We sought to characterize this LV dysfunction by investigating regional differences in this cohort using myocardial strain imaging. Patients who underwent neonatal (<2 weeks age) PV BD for critical PS or PAIVS from Jan, 2007 to March, 2014 with echocardiographic images suitable for strain analysis were identified; infants with ≥moderate post-BD LV dysfunction (ejection fraction <40%, n = 8) were matched 1:1 with controls who underwent PV BD but did not develop LV dysfunction. Longitudinal and circumferential global and segmental strain were analyzed before and after PV BD. For the 8 LV dysfunction cases, LV global longitudinal strain worsened after PV BD (-16% pre- vs -8% post-PV BD, p = 0.008) with similar impairment in global LV circumferential strain (-17% vs -8%, p = 0.008); there was no significant change in RV global or segmental longitudinal strain pre- vs post-PVBD. No significant pre/post-BD differences in global or circumferential strain were found in control pts. Segmental analysis of longitudinal and circumferential LV strain before and after balloon dilation in cases demonstrated decreased strain in all segments, but more pronounced and statistically significant in septal segments as compared with the free wall. In conclusion, transient LV dysfunction post-PV BD for critical PS/PAIVS is characterized by impaired global longitudinal and circumferential LV strain, with the most significant reductions in strain at the interventricular septum; longitudinal RV strain remains unchanged. These findings suggest that the mechanism of LV dysfunction post-PV BD is adverse ventricular-ventricular interactions specifically involving the interventricular septum.

Early Left Ventricular Dysfunction Detected by Speckle Tracking in Long-Term Hemodialysis Patients with Valvular Calcification

Purpose: Cardiac valve calcification (VC) is very common in patients on hemodialysis. However, the definite effect of VC on left ventricular (LV) geometry and function in this population is unknown, especially when LV ejection fraction (LVEF) is normal. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of VC on LV geometry and function in long-term hemodialysis patients by conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Methods: A total of 47 hemodialysis patients (2–3 times weekly for 5 years or more) were enrolled in this study. Cardiac VC was defined as bright echoes of more than 1 mm on one or more cusps of the aortic valve or mitral valve or mitral annulus using echocardiography as the screening method. LV longitudinal global strain (GLS) was assessed on the apical four-chamber view and calculated as the mean strain of 6 segments. LV global circumferential strain was acquired on the LV short axis view at the level of papillary muscles. Results: Twenty-five patients with VC had higher mean values of interventricular septum thickness, LV posterior wall thickness, LV mass index, relative wall thickness, and LV mass/end-diastolic volume than 22 patients without VC (p < 0.05, respectively), indicating more obvious LV hypertrophy (LVH). VC patients had higher mitral annular E/E′ values, especially at the septal side representing increased LV filling pressure compatible with diastolic dysfunction, while only the E/E′ ratio of the septal side was significantly different between the 2 groups (16.7 ± 4.1 vs. 12.3 ± 4.4, p < 0.01). When assessed by GLS, LV longitudinal systolic function was also lower in in patients with VC compared with those without VC (–0.18 ± 0.03 vs. –0.25 ± 0.04; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Cardiac VC diagnosed by echocardiography when it occurs in long-term hemodialysis patients may indicate more severe LVH, myocardial damage, and worse heart function in comparison to those without VC. Tissue Doppler imaging and 2D-STE can detect the subtle change of heart function in this population in the early stage of LV dysfunction when LVEF is normal.

Incremental Prognostic Value of Right Ventricular Strain in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

Although 2-dimensional strain analyses based on speckle tracking echocardiography have been used to detect myocardial deformation, the prognostic impact of 2-dimensional strain is unclear in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF). We investigated whether left ventricular and right ventricular (RV) strain parameters assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography provide incremental prognostic information in hospitalized patients because of acute decompensated HF. Six hundred eighteen patients (age, 72±13 years; 38% women; ejection fraction, 46±16%) hospitalized for acute decompensated HF underwent clinical and echocardiographic evaluation just before discharge. We performed strain analyses of left ventricular global longitudinal strain and left ventricular global circumferential strain. We also analyzed RV longitudinal strain only from the free wall (RV-fwLS) and from all segments of the RV global longitudinal strain wall by using Tomtec software. The primary composite end point was cardiovascular death and readmission for HF. There were 34.8% cardiac events during a median follow-up of 427 days. In multivariate Cox models, among echocardiographic parameters, only impaired RV-fwLS (≥-13.1%; hazard ratio, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.12-2.04; P=0.01) was independently associated with cardiac events. Adding RV-fwLS to clinical risk evaluation (age, New York Heart Association class III/IV, blood urea nitrogen, and brain natriuretic peptide) markedly improved prognostic utility and consequently increased net reclassification improvement by 0.30 ( P=0.01). RV-fwLS is an independent predictor of cardiac events in acute decompensated HF and provides greater prognostic power than standard echocardiographic parameters.

Alterations in Layer-Specific Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal and Circumferential Strain in Patients With Aortic Stenosis: A Comparison of Aortic Valve Replacement versus Conservative Management Over a 12-Month Period

Impairment in left ventricular (LV) systolic strain in aortic stenosis (AS) is well documented. However, alterations in layer-specific LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) and their recovery following surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) have not been established. The aim of this study was to examine layer-specific changes in GLS and GCS in patients with AS undergoing AVR and compare these patients with those managed conservatively over 12months. Eighty-six patients (mean age, 68.8±12years; 60 men) with AS (19 mild, 15 moderate, and 52 severe) were prospectively recruited. Patients with coronary disease or other significant valvular disease were excluded. Forty patients (46.5%) with severe AS underwent AVR. All patients underwent baseline echocardiography. Patients managed conservatively underwent follow-up echocardiography at 12months. Patients undergoing AVR underwent follow-up echocardiography at 1week and 3, 6, and 12months after AVR. There was worsening in subendocardial but not subepicardial or transmural GLS even in mild AS (-20.9±1.0% vs -20.6±0.8%, P=.012). In moderate AS, worsening in subendocardial (-19.6±0.9% vs -18.2±1.5%, P=.003), subepicardial (-14.9±1.0% vs -13.8±1.2%, P=.004), and transmural (-17.1±0.9% vs -15.8±1.3%, P=.03) GLS and a trend toward significant worsening in subendocardial GCS (-29.8±5.16% vs -27.5±5%, P=.054) were seen. Conservatively managed patients with severe AS had significant worsening in subendocardial (-16.1±1.6% vs -13.9±2.6%, P=.021), subepicardial (-11.6±1.1% vs -10.1±2.1%, P=.027), and transmural (-13.6±1.3% vs -11.8±2.3%, P=.02) GLS and subendocardial (-24.9±3.6% vs -20.8±4.5%, P=.002) and transmural (-16.9±1.7% vs -14.3±3.5%, P=.04) GCS on follow-up. Patients after AVR demonstrated significant improvement in GLS (from 3months) and GCS (from 6months) in both myocardial layers. Patients with AS managed conservatively had worsening of GLS over 12months despite preserved LV ejection fraction, detected earliest in the subendocardial layer. GCS became progressively impaired in moderate and severe AS. Improvement in LV strain after AVR was seen earlier with GLS (from 3months) than with GCS (from 6months) in both myocardial layers.

Effect of Early Metoprolol During ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction on Left Ventricular Strain: Feature-Tracking Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Substudy From the METOCARD-CNIC Trial

ObjectivesThis study sought to evaluate the effect of early intravenous metoprolol on left ventricular (LV) strain assessed with feature-tracking cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). BackgroundEarly intravenous metoprolol before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) portends better outcomes in the METOCARD-CNIC (Effect of Metoprolol in Cardioprotection During an Acute Myocardial Infarction) trial. MethodsA total of 197 patients with acute anterior STEMI who were enrolled in the METOCARD-CNIC trial (100 allocated to intravenous metoprolol before primary PCI and 97 control patients) were evaluated. LV global circumferential strain (GCS) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured with feature-tracking CMR at 1 week and 6 months after STEMI and compared between randomization groups. ResultsPatients who received early intravenous metoprolol had significantly more preserved LV strain compared with the control patients at 1 week after STEMI (GCS −13.9 ± 3.8% vs. −12.6 ± 3.9%, respectively; p = 0.013; GLS −11.9 ± 2.8% vs. −10.9 ± 3.2%, respectively; p = 0.032). In both groups, LV strain significantly improved during follow-up (mean difference between 6-month and 1-week strain for the metoprolol group: GCS −2.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.5% to −2.4%; GLS: −2.9%, 95% CI: −3.4% to −2.4%; both p < 0.001; the control group: GCS −3.4%, 95% CI: −3.9% to −2.8%; GLS −3.4%, 95% CI: −3.9% to −3.0%; both p < 0.001). When dividing the overall cohort of patients in quartiles of GCS and GLS, there were significantly fewer patients in the first quartile (i.e., the worst LV systolic function) who received early intravenous metoprolol compared with control patients at 1 week and 6 months (p < 0.05 for GCS and GLS at both time points). ConclusionsIn patients with anterior STEMI, early administration of intravenous metoprolol before primary PCI was associated with significantly fewer patients with severely depressed LV GCS and GLS, both at 1 week and 6 months. Feature-tracking CMR represents a complementary tool to evaluate the benefits of cardioprotective therapies. (Effect of METOprolol in CARDioproteCtioN During an Acute Myocardial InfarCtion [METOCARD-CNIC]: NCT01311700)

Myocardial fatigue in recreational marathon runners: A speckle-tracking echocardiography study

BackgroundProlonged aerobic exercise such as marathon running produces supraphysiological hemodynamic stress that can potentially affect the athlete's cardiac homeostasis. While cardiac structural and functional adaptations in professional athletes are well characterized, only a limited information is available for recreational runners undergoing this supraphysiological stress. MethodsPremarathon and post-marathon echocardiography was performed in 50 recreational marathon runners [age 40.8 ± 7.5 years, 44 (88%) males; running distance 42.195 km]. All the runners received 4-month training for the marathon. The baseline echocardiogram and N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were obtained before training, whereas the post-marathon study was performed within 10 days (7.27 ± 0.92 days) of completion of marathon. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was used for characterizing the changes in myocardial mechanics. ResultsThere was a significant reduction in heart rate post-marathon, whereas the levels of NT-proBNP increased significantly (86.0 ± 9.5 pg/ml vs 106.5 ± 24.2 pg/ml, p = 0.001). The left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume (61.8 ± 16.5 ml vs 72.8 ± 5.1 ml, p < 0.001), LV mass (120.2 ± 30.0 gm vs 160.3 ± 43.0 gm, p < 0.001), and LV ejection fraction (64.9 ± 5.6% vs 72.0 ± 5.7%, p < 0.001) also increased significantly. However, there was a significant attenuation in LV global longitudinal (−19.3 ± 2.71% vs −16.5 ± 4.6%, p = 0.003) and circumferential strain (−17.2 ± 2.41% vs −15.2 ± 2.6%, p = 0.001) post-marathon. The LV global radial strain showed a nonsignificant reduction. ConclusionRecreational marathon runners have reduced longitudinal and circumferential shortening of the left ventricle with elevation of NT-proBNP. However, the LV ejection performance remains maintained because of an increase in the LV end-diastolic volume and mass. These changes suggest the possibility of “myocardial fatigue” occurring in response to supraphysiological hemodynamic stress of marathon running.

THE INFLUENCE OF GENDER ON LEFT VENTRICULAR MECHANICS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of gender on left ventricular (LV) mechanics in hypertensive individuals. Design and method: This cross-sectional study included 198 untreated hypertensive subjects and 107 normotensive controls who underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and comprehensive two-dimensional echocardiographic examination including strain assessment. Results: There was no difference in 24-h blood pressure between hypertensive men and women. LV mass index was significantly higher men than in women in hypertensive and normotensive group. Hypertensive men and women had significantly lower 2D LV global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strains than their normotensive counterparts. LV global longitudinal strain was lower in hypertensive men than in women (−20.2 ± 2.3 vs. −18.8 ± 2.0, p < 0.01). LV global circumferential strain was also worse in hypertensive men than in men (−21.4 ± 2.9 vs. −19.5 ± 2.5, p < 0.01). The difference in LV radial strain was not discovered between hypertensive women and men. Assessment of layer-specific LV strain showed that endocardial and mid-myocardial longitudinal and circumferential strains were significantly lower in hypertensive population and especially in hypertensive men comparing with hypertensive women. Furthermore, LV twist was significantly higher in hypertensive women than in hypertensive men (20.6 ± 6.8 degree vs. 21.6 ± 7.3 degree, p = 0.02). Female gender and arterial hypertension, as well as their interaction, were associated with LV hypertrophy, reduced LV global longitudinal strain and increased LV twist. Conclusions: LV longitudinal and circumferential strains were significantly reduced in hypertensive patients. Endo- and mid-myocardial LV layers were particularly influenced by arterial hypertension. However, hypertensive women suffered more significant changes in LV longitudinal strain and LV twist than hypertensive men.

THE IMPACT OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION ON LEFT VENTRICULAR STRAIN IN SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION

Objective: The influence of arterial hypertension on aortic stenosis (AS) severity is still controversial. However, the influence of arterial hypertension on left ventricular (LV) mechanics in AS patients has not been established yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of hypertension on LV strain in patients with severe AS. Design and method: This cross-sectional study included 78 subjects (45 men and 33 women) with severe AS and 65 normotensive age-matched controls (35 men and 30 women) who underwent comprehensive echocardiographic examination. Results: Hypertension was present in 43 AS patients. LV mass index was significantly higher in hypertensive AS patients comparing with normotensive AS participants (142 ± 26 vs. 119 ± 21 g/m2, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in LV ejection fraction between hypertensive and normotensive AS patients. LV global longitudinal and circumferential strains were significantly lower in AS subjects than in controls. LV radial strain was not different between As and control subjects. Moreover, multidirectional LV strain was significantly lower in hypertensive than in normotensive AS participants (−14.3 ± 3.2 vs. −16.6 ± 3.0 %, p < 0.01 for longitudinal strain; and −17.5 ± 3.8 vs. −19.8 ± 3.4 %, p < 0.01 for circumferential strain). LV radial strain was not different between hypertensive and normotensive AS patients (41.3 ± 8.9 vs. 43.4 ± 9.1 %, p > 0.05). Evaluation of layer-specific LV strain showed that endocardial longitudinal and circumferential strains were significantly lower in hypertensive AS patients than in their normotensive counterparts. LV twist was significantly lower in AS patients than in controls (19.6 ± 5.3 degree vs. 23.2 ± 6.0 degree, p < 0.01). Hypertensive AS patients had significantly lower LV twist than normotensive AS subjects (17.2 ± 4.8 degree vs. 22.7 ± 5.8 degree, p < 0.01). Systolic blood pressure was associated with LV global longitudinal strain (β = 0.404, p < 0.01) and LV twist (β = 0.308, p < 0.01) in AS patients independently of LV mass index, age and BMI.β Conclusions: LV longitudinal and circumferential strains were significantly reduced in AS patients. Hypertension had additional significant negative influence on LV mechanics in patients with severe AS. Blood pressure was associated with LV global longitudinal strain and LV twist in AS patients independently of main clinical and demographic characteristics.

Importance of three-dimensional speckle tracking in the assessment of left atrial and ventricular dysfunction in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1

Introduction and AimMyotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystem disease in which cardiac involvement is common. The aim of this study was to identify early changes in left atrial (LA) mechanics and left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 using three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE). MethodsThis observational study included 25 patients with DM1 and 25 healthy volunteers. We assessed LA and LV global strain parameters using 3D-STE. ResultsPatients with DM1 showed significantly lower longitudinal LA strain (22.85%±5.06 vs. 26.82%±5.15; p=0.008 in univariate analysis and p=0.026 in multivariate analysis) and global LV longitudinal strain (-13.55%±1.82 vs. -16.11%±1.33; p<0.001 in univariate analysis and p<0.001 in multivariate analysis), which was not observed with LA area tracking (p=0.412) or LV global circumferential strain (p=0.879), global radial strain (p=0.058), area tracking (p=0.092) or twist (p=0.992). ConclusionLA and LV global longitudinal strain is significantly decreased in patients with DM1, which may be an early marker of subclinical dysfunction in these patients.

Early detection of impaired left ventricular function in hemodialysis patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem associated with increased morbidity and cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to investigate left ventricular (LV) myocardial function throughout the cardiac cycle with speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD). The study population consisted of 30 maintenance HD patients. These patients were examined just before and after HD. LV global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS) and radial (GRS) peak systolic strain was measured with 2D-STE and 3D-STE. BNP levels were measured before and after HD. Increased LV mass index (LVMi) and a decreased E/A ratio were found in hemodialysis patients. LV global longitudinal and radial peak systolic strain was decreased in the study group population. Strain values improved in longitudinal and radial directions after HD [pre-HD vs. post-HD; GLS: −16.43 (1.7) vs. −18.49 (1.9) %, P < 0.001, GRS: 23.94 (9.2) vs. 30.41 (10.4) %, P < 0.001, GCS: −20.23 (3.4) vs. −21.46 (4.9) %, P = 0.1]. LVMi was inversely related to pre-HD GLS ( r = −0.418, P = 0.02) and post-HD GLS ( r = −0.406, P = 0.03). Serum BNP levels were also inversely correlated with pre-HD GLS ( r = −0.433, P < 0.05) and post-HD GLS ( r = −0.456, P < 0.05). STE may be used to identify early abnormalities in patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis with preserved LV ejection fraction. HD treatment results in immediate improvement in all strain directions. LV hypertrophy may play a role in the deterioration of LV mechanics in patients with ESRD.

Effect of Weight Extremes on Ventricular Volumes and Myocardial Strain in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot as Measured by CMR.

Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF-TAP) is often based on cardiac MRI (CMR) right ventricular (RV) volumes indexed to body surface area (BSA). Weight extremes result in increased patient morbidity and affect indexed measurements. We hypothesized that patients with rTOF-TAP at extremes of weight have (1) over- or underestimated indexed volumes and (2) altered parameters of cardiac function. CMRs in patients with rTOF-TAP were retrospectively reviewed; analysis included right and left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fractions (EF) and peak global LV circumferential strain (ε cc) from myocardial tagged images. Indexed volumes were recalculated using ideal BSA. Weight categories were assigned: underweight, appropriate weight, overweight, and obese. Linear regression models with weight category, spline of age, and gender were created to assess the association of weight and parameters of volume and function. When RV volumes were corrected for ideal BSA, 11 (31%) additional overweight and obese patients met published criteria for PVR and 3 (38%) underweight patients no longer met criteria. Obese and overweight patients had larger absolute LV and RV diastolic volumes, but no difference in volumes indexed to ideal BSA. Modeling demonstrated no difference in LVEF or RVEF by weight categories but significant differences in global LV ε cc. Extremes of body weight may result in inappropriate timing of PVR. Extremes of weight lead to abnormalities in global LV ε cc. Although clinical implications of abnormal ε cc are unclear, these patients may be at higher risk for early ventricular dysfunction.

Effects of Pectus Excavatum Repair on Right and Left Ventricular Strain

The cardiopulmonary benefits of pectus excavatum repair have been debated. Echocardiographic speckle-tracking strain and strain rate have been used to evaluate and detect subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients receiving cardiotoxic chemotherapy, and patients with valvular heart disease. This technology was applied to evaluate the effects of pectus excavatum surgery on left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function. Speckle tracing strain evaluation was performed on intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic images acquired immediately before and after Nuss repair in adult patients (aged 18 years or more) from 2011 to 2014. Standard severity and compression indices were measured on chest imaging performed before pectus excavatum repair. In total, 165 patients with transesophageal echocardiographic images during repair were reviewed (71.5% male; mean age 33.0 years; range, 18 to 71; Haller index 5.7; range, 2.3 to 24.3). Significant improvement after repair was seen in global RV longitudinal strain (-13.5% ± 4.1% to-16.7% ± 4.4%, p < 0.0001) and strain rate (-1.3 ± 0.4 s-1 to-1.4 ± 0.4 s-1, p= 0.0102); LV global circumferential strain (-18.7% ± 5.7% to-23.5% ± 5.8%, p < 0.0001) and strain rate (-1.5 ± 0.5 s-1 to-1.9 ± 0.8 s-1, p= 0.0003); and LV radial strain (24.1% ± 13.5% to 31.1% ± 16.4%, p= 0.0050). There was a strong correlation between preoperative right atrial compression on transesophageal echocardiogram and improvement in RV global longitudinal strain rate immediately after pectus repair. Mechanical compression and impaired RV and LV strain is improved by Nuss surgical repair of pectus deformity.

Cardiac magnetic resonance evaluation of left ventricular functional, morphological, and structural features in children and adolescents vs. young adults with isolated left ventricular non-compaction

AimTo investigate the left ventricular (LV) functional, morphological, and structural features revealed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in children/adolescents with isolated LV non-compaction (iLVNC), and to compare them with those observed in young adults with iLVNC and healthy controls. Methods56 subjects were included: 12 children/adolescents (mean age 15±3years, 75% male) and 20 young adults (mean age 35±7years, 75% male) with first diagnosis of iLVNC, 12 healthy children/adolescents (mean age 15±3years, 75% male) and 12 healthy young adults (mean age 34±8years, 75% male). CMR with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging was performed to evaluate LV function, extent of LV trabeculation, and presence/extent of LV LGE, a surrogate of myocardial fibrosis. Tissue-tracking analysis was applied to assess LV global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS) and radial (GRS) strain. ResultsThe extent of LVNC and the presence/extent of LV LGE in children/adolescents and young adults with iLVNC were similar. Compared to healthy subjects, young adults with iLVNC had significantly lower LVEF; conversely, no significant difference in this parameter was observed between children/adolescents with iLVNC and healthy subjects. However, compared to healthy subjects, LV strain parameters were lower in both children/adolescents and young adults with iLVNC. ConclusionsComplete phenotypic expression, subclinical impairment of myocardial deformation properties, and cardiac injury occur early in iLVNC patients, being already noticeable in the pediatric age group. The application of CMR myocardial deformation imaging permits earlier detection of LV functional impairment in children/adolescents with iLVNC, which would otherwise be missed with standard CMR imaging.

Usefulness of Speckle Tracking Strain Echocardiography for Assessment of Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias After Placement of a Left Ventricular Assist Device

Patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are at elevated risk of developing ventricular arrhythmias (VA), which can result in right ventricular dysfunction and abnormal LVAD function. Predictors of postoperative VA after LVAD placement are unclear. We hypothesized that global left ventricular circumferential strain (LVCS), a marker of transmural impairment in myocardial function, would independently predict postoperative VA in patients who underwent LVAD implantation. We studied 98 consecutive patients (57 ± 11 years, 83% men) who underwent HeartMate II axial flow LVAD placement. Speckle tracking-derived global circumferential strain was assessed from mid-left ventricular short-axis images. The primary composite end point was defined as any ventricular tachycardia that required intervention (anti-arrhythmic medication, cardioversion, implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement, implantable cardioverter defibrillator shock) or any ventricular fibrillation. A total of 33 patients (34%) experienced the primary end point (median follow-up: 7 months). Reduced LVCS was statistically significantly related to the primary end point (hazard ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 2.87 per 1 standard deviation reduction in LVCS, p = 0.02). LVCS above a cut-off value of -9.7% was associated with significantly reduced arrhythmia-free survival (log-rank p = 0.001). In conclusion, global LVCS is an independent predictor of ventricular arrhythmias after LVAD placement.

Acute cardiac functional and mechanical responses to isometric exercise in prehypertensive males.

Isometric exercise (IE) training has been shown to reduce resting arterial blood pressure (ABP) in hypertensive, prehypertensive, and normotensive populations. However, the acute hemodynamic response of the heart to such exercise remains unclear. We therefore performed a comprehensive assessment of cardiac structure, function, and mechanics at rest and immediately post a single IE session in 26 male (age 44.8 ± 8.4 years) prehypertensive participants. Conventional echocardiography recorded standard and tissue Doppler measures of left ventricular (LV) structure and function. Speckle tracking echocardiography was used to measure LV global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain and strain rate. From this data, apical and basal rotation and rotational velocities, LV twist, systolic twist velocity, untwist velocity, and torsion were determined. IE led to a significant post exercise reduction in systolic (132.6 ± 5.6 vs. 109.4 ± 19.6 mmHg, P < 0.001) and diastolic (77.6 ± 9.4 vs. 58.8 ± 17.2 mmHg, P < 0.001) blood pressure, with no significant change in heart rate (62 ± 9.4 vs. 63 ± 7.5b·min−1, P = 0.63). There were significant reductions in LV end systolic diameter (3.4 ± 0.2 vs. 3.09 ± 0.3 cm, P = 0.002), LV posterior wall thickness (0.99 ± 0.1 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1 cm, P = 0.013), relative wall thickness (0.4 ± 0.06 vs. 0.36 ± 0.05, P = 0.027) estimated filling pressure (E/E' ratio 6.08 ± 1.87 vs. 5.01 ± 0.82, P = 0.006) and proportion of participants with LV concentric remodeling (30.8% vs. 7.8%, P = 0.035), and significant increases in LV ejection fraction (60.8 ± 3 vs. 68.3 ± 4%, P < 0.001), fractional shortening (31.6 ± 4.5 vs. 39.9 ± 5%, P < 0.001), cardiac output (4.3 ± 0.7 vs. 6.1 ± 1L·min−1, P < 0.001), and stroke volume (74.6 ± 11 vs. 96.3 ± 13.5 ml, P < 0.001). In this setting, there were significant increases in global longitudinal strain (−17.8 ± 2.4 vs. −20 ± 1.8%, P = 0.002) and strain rate (−0.88 ± 0.1 vs. −1.03 ± 0.1%, P < 0.001), basal rotation (−5 ± 3.5 vs. −7.22 ± 3.3°, P = 0.047), basal systolic rotational velocity (−51 ± 21.9 vs. −79.3 ± 41.3°·s−1, P = 0.01), basal diastolic rotational velocity (48.7 ± 18.9 vs. 62.3 ± 21.4°·s−1, P = 0.042), LV twist (10.4 ± 5.8 vs. 13.8 ± 5°, P = 0.049), systolic twist velocity (69.6 ± 27.5 vs. 98.8 ± 35.8°·s−1, P = 0.006), and untwist velocity (−64.2 ± 23 vs. −92.8 ± 38°·s−1, P = 0.007). These results suggest that IE improves LV function and mechanics acutely. This may in turn be partly responsible for the observed reductions in ABP following IE training programs and may have important implications for clinical populations.

The relationship between left ventricular deformation and heart rate variability in patients with systemic sclerosis: Two- and three-dimensional strain analysis

ObjectiveWe sought to investigate left ventricular (LV) function and deformation, as well as heart rate variability (HRV), and their relationship, in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). MethodsThe study included 49 SSc patients and 38 age-matched healthy subjects. All patients underwent clinical examination, serological tests, 24-h Holter monitoring, and comprehensive two- and three-dimensional echocardiography (2DE and 3DE). Results2DE and 3DE LV global longitudinal and circumferential strain, as well as 3DE area strains are significantly reduced in SSc patients comparing with controls. 2DE and 3DE LV radial strains are similar between the observed groups. 2DE LV layer-specific longitudinal and circumferential strains are also significantly affected by SSc. Parameters of cardiac autonomic nervous system, assessed by HRV indices, SDNN, SDANN, rMMSD, p50NN, 24-h HF, LF and TP are significantly lower in SSc group. HRV indices (24-h HF and LF) are associated with 2DE LV global, 2DE LV layer-specific and 3DE LV mechanics independently of main demographic, clinical and echocardiographic parameters of the study population. Additionally, Modified Rodnan Skin Score, clinical parameter of skin involvement in SSc, is significantly associated with HRV (24-h HF and LF), 2DE and 3DE LV deformation. ConclusionSSc significantly impacts LV deformation, all myocardial layers, and cardiac autonomic nervous function. A significant association between cardiac autonomic nervous system function, skin involvement and LV mechanics is revealed in SSc patients. These findings should encourage detailed cardiac assessment and further cardiac follow-up of the SSc patients with higher skin involvement, even when traditional echocardiographic parameters are within normal range.

Evaluation of Subclinical Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Chronic Asymptomatic Alcoholics by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.

By using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography, we aimed to investigate the structural and functional changes on myocardium in chronic asymptomatic alcoholics without any cardiovascular disease. Forty-one consecutive asymptomatic male alcoholics who were admitted to the outpatient alcoholism unit and 30 age matched healthy male volunteers selected as the control group were enrolled in the study. The study group were investigated by using standard two-dimensional echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography. The left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain and LV global circumferential strain were significantly lower in alcoholics when compared with control subjects. There was no difference in global radial strain between the two groups. To demonstrate the effect of total life time dose of ethanol (TLDE) on echocardiographic abnormalities, we assessed the correlation analysis. There was a nonsignificant weak correlation between global LV circumferential strain and TLDE (r = 0.27, p = 0.083). Speckle tracking echocardiography derived left ventricular systolic function was impaired in chronic alcoholic patients when compared with healthy controls.

Three-Dimensional Left Ventricular Torsion in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy - A Marker of Disease Severity.

LV twist has a key role in maintaining left ventricular (LV) contractility during exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate LV torsion instead of twist as a surrogate marker of peak oxygen uptake (peak V̇O2) assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).Methods and Results:We evaluated 45 outpatients with DCM (50±12 years, 24% females) with 3D speckle-tracking electrocardiography prior to CPET. LV torsion, LV ejection fraction (EF), LV diastolic function, LV global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential (GCS) strain were quantified. A reduced functional capacity (FC) was defined as a peak V̇O2<20 mL/kg/min. LV torsion correlated most strongly with peak V̇O2(r=0.76, P<0.001). LV torsion instead of twist was an independent predictor of peak V̇O2(B: 0.59 to 0.71, P<0.001) in multivariable analyses. Impaired LV torsion <0.61 degrees/cm was able to predict a reduced FC with higher sensitivity and specificity (0.91 and 0.81; area under the curve (AUC): 0.88, P<0.001) than LV EF, GLS or GCS (AUC 0.64, 0.63 and 0.66; P<0.05 for differences in AUC). Peak V̇O2correlated more strongly with LV torsion than with LV diastolic function, LV EF, GLS or GCS. LV torsion had high accuracy in identifying patients with a reduced FC.