Global Left Ventricular Function Research Articles

Multimodal imaging assessment of left atrial strain in cardiac amyloidosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Despite the increasing number of studies concerning Left Atrial Strain (LAS), few data are available comparing LAS patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathies (HCM). Purposes We aimed to perform a comparative multimodal imaging analysis of LAS of a prospective cohort of patients with CA and HCM. Methods For each enrolled patient, we performed same-day two and three-dimension echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) to blindly measure the peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and the peak atrial contraction strain (PACS). Patients with acute atrial fibrillation were excluded. Results Between January 2020 and July 2021, 67 patients were included: 31 patients with CA (age 75.1 ± 10 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 60.6 ± 10.4%, maximum left ventricular thickness 17.8 ± 3.9 mm) and 36 with HCM (age 50.8 ± 15.5 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 66.1 ± 9.8%, maximum left ventricular thickness 20.7 ± 4.5 mm). Left atrial volume was similar in the 2 groups (42.5 ± 15.6 mL/m2 in HCM vs 47.9 ± 15 in CA, P = 0.1557). Concerning PALS, its values for CA and for CMH were on 2D TTE manual (10.9 ± 5.8% vs 21.4 ± 9.4%, P < 0.001), 2D TTE automatic (11.5 ± 7.3% vs 22.9 ± 10.2%, P < 0.001), 3D TTE (10 ± 6.8% vs 18.1 ± 6.7%, P < 0.001), and CMR (11.3 ± 8 vs 24.4 ± 17.1, P < 0.001) respectively. Concerning PACS, its values for CA and for CMH were on 2D TTE manual (5.2 ± 3.4% vs 10 ± 4%, P < 0.001), 2D TTE automatic (4.9 ± 3.9% vs 10.2 ± 5.1%, P < 0.001), 3D TTE (3.6 ± 3.8% vs 7.9 ± 4%, P = 0.001) and CMR (6.2 ± 5.8% vs 11.9 ± 9%, P = 0.004) respectively. Multivariate analysis adjusted on main factors influencing LAS (left ventricular (LV) mass, LV ejection fraction, LV global longitudinal strain, renal function and history of hypertension) found that the differences between the two groups remained significant for PALS and PACS for almost all technics. Furthermore, although concordance between the 3 echocardiographic technics was excellent (the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was higher than 0.80 between each TTE methods), ICC was poor between TTE and CMR technics: 0.40 (0.18-0.59) for manual 2D TTE and CMR, 0.46 (0.24-0.63) for auto 2D TTE and CMR, 0.40 (0.14-0.60) for 3D TTE and CMR. Conclusion Our study is the first to describe and compare, both on TTE and CMR, LAS on a prospective cohort of patients with CA and HCM. Although they have same mean left atrial volume, we found significant differences on PALS and PACS between these two groups of patients on all the studied technics. These findings may be used in future multi-modality imaging studies dealing with diagnosis or prognosis of these hypertrophic cardiopathies. Abstract Figure. LAS 2D TTE manual Abstract Figure. LAS comparison between CA and HCM

Impact of apical and mid-ventricular transmural infarcts in patients with acute myocardial infarction determined by using late gadolinium enhancement combined with feature tracking magnetic resonance.

To analyze the relationship between left ventricular (LV) myocardial strain and transmurality of myocardial infarction at three circular sections (basal, mid-ventricular, apical) by a combined analysis of cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) information in a cohort of ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). In all, 136 patients with STEMI who underwent PPCI within 12 hours of symptom onset were included. CMR-FT and LGE-MRI were performed 5±2 days after PCI for measuring regional and global myocardial strain indexes and transmural extent. Multivariate regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed. Regional radial and circumferential strain decreased with increasing transmurality of myocardial infarction irrespective of basal, mid-ventricular, or apical segments. Segmental longitudinal strain was significantly decreased in the transmural infarcted segments only at the apical and mid-ventricular levels. A significant correlation was found between the number of transmural infarcts and global strain parameters in the apical and mid-ventricular portions. Transmural infarcted segments in apical + mid-ventricular portions >2 was related to an increased risk of cardiac events in patients with STEMI following PPCI than those ≤2. GLS was found to be an independent predictor of cardiac events in these patients. The number of transmural infarcted segments in apical + mid-ventricular portions affects LV global function and prognosis. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a significant predictor of adverse events after PPCI for STEMI. Morphologic and functional data fused to study complex pathophysiologic processes of LV early after STEMI may help in risk stratification of patients.

Evaluation of right and left ventricular function in patients with ischemic heart disease complicated by mitral insufficiency.

Aim To evaluate the right and left ventricular function and their interaction in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) complicated with mitral valve insufficiency (MVI) according to data of echocardiography (EchoCG) with the strain in gray scale, vector and diagram analyses.Material and methods The study included 118 patients evaluated with EchoCG at the preoperative stage of treatment; 71 of these patients had ischemic MVI (group 1) and 47 patients had uncomplicated IHD (group 2 or comparison group). Mean age of patients was 64±10 years. All patients underwent a surgery in an appropriate volume for myocardial revascularization supplemented with mitral valve plasty or replacement in patients with MVI. Standard EchoCG parameters and data obtained by postprocessing the EchoCG gray-scale images using the strain in gray scale, vector and diagram analyses were evaluated.Results In patients with complicated IHD, both global and local left ventricular (LV) systolic function and the right ventricular (RV) fractional area change (FAC) were significantly decreased. At the same time, there were no significant differences in the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) measured in M-mode and in the tricuspid annular systolic wave velocity (VSta), which also characterize the RV systolic function. The global longitudinal strain, the velocities of LV volume change and RV area change, and the long axis change velocity were informative for the right and left chambers, whereas the velocities of LV volume and RV area changes better detected RV disorders. The Pearson's correlation analysis used to identify the most significant parameters of interventricular interaction showed the presence of a strong inverse correlation, in the group of MVI patients, between the RV FAC and the degree of LV diastolic dysfunction (Е / e') - r= -0,62; p=0.000, as well аs the degree of MVI (vena contracta) - r= -0.58; p=0.001. In the comparison group of IHD patients without MVI, the correlation of RV FAC with E / e' was absent (r=0.28; p=0.192). The volume change velocity (dVol / dt) moderately correlated with the RV end-systolic and end-diastolic area in IHD patients but not in IHD patients with MVI. The RV area change velocity (dS / dt) evaluated during systole and diastole moderately significantly correlated with the LV end-diastolic volume.Conclusion Additional overload of left heart chambers in ischemic MVI is a factor that influences the development of the systemic and pulmonary circuit disorders. Recording and evaluation of global longitudinal strain, LV volume change velocity, and long axis change velocity with simultaneous recording of the segmental myocardial displacement velocity serve as highly informative criteria for disorders of LV and RV function. The vector analysis allows quantitative estimation of the local segmental myocardial function. Decreased velocities of the free RV wall segmental displacements during systole and diastole are characteristic of systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with IHD complicated with mitral regurgitation.

Comparison of effects of sevoflurane versus propofol on left ventricular longitudinal global and regional strain in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background:Assessment of myocardial deformation by quantifying peak systolic longitudinal strain (PSLS) is a sensitive and robust index to detect subclinical myocardial dysfunction. We hypothesize that sevoflurane by virtue of anesthetic preconditioning preserves myocardial function better than propofol.Aims:The authors have assessed the effects of sevoflurane and propofol on global longitudinal strain (GLS) as a primary outcome in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Our secondary aim was to assess the pattern of regional distribution of segmental PSLS between the groups.Materials and Methods:Fifty patients with normal left ventricular function undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were analyzed in this prospective observational study. Consecutive patients received either propofol (P) or sevoflurane (S) anesthesia.Measurements:Trans-esophageal echocardiographic images (mid-esophageal four-chamber, two-chamber, and three-chamber (long-axis)) were recorded during the precardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and post-CPB period. Strain analysis (GLS/segmental PSLS) was done offline by investigators blinded to the study. The inotropic score, duration of inotropic support, and mechanical ventilation required were recorded.Results:Following cardiopulmonary bypass and coronary revascularization, GLS reduced significantly in both the groups (P < 0.05). In the S-group, significant reduction in segmental strain was observed only in apical segments including apex, whereas in P-group significant reduction in segmental strain was seen in mid- and apical segments. The postoperative VIS, duration of inotropes/vasopressor required, and mechanical ventilation were similar in both the groups.Conclusions:There are no significant differences in global left ventricular function as assessed by GLS between patients anesthetized with sevoflurane or propofol. However, regional PSLS was better preserved in the S-group compared to P-group.

Role of magnetic resonance in the detection of cardiac involvement in patients with newly diagnosed extracardiac sarcoidosis: Single center experience.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, which can affect almost any organ. Cardiac involvement determines the prognosis of the affected individuals. Its prevalence in patients with extracardiac sarcoidosis with the absence of cardiac symptoms remains unclear. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) provides excellent diagnostic accuracy in the detection of heart involvement by sarcoidosis. We sought to determine the prevalence of cardiac sarcoidosis in asymptomatic individuals with newly diagnosed extracardiac sarcoidosis using CMR. We prospectively evaluated 55 consecutive patients including 23 women with newly diagnosed extracardiac sarcoidosis who underwent contrast-enhanced CMR and had no symptoms of heart disease. The mean (standard deviation) age of patients was 43 (11) years. The presence of myocardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) of non-ischemic etiology on CMR examination was considered diagnostic for cardiac sarcoidosis. In 3 (6%) patients, the LGE pattern consistent with cardiac sarcoidosis was detected. In all patients, preserved left ventricular systolic regional and global function was present, and in none of them, the elevation of blood biomarkers of myocardial injury or overload was found. Our study suggests that the prevalence of cardiac involvement in patients with newly diagnosed extracardiac sarcoidosis and no symptoms of heart disease is very low as assessed by CMR. However, CMR may be considered as part of routine evaluation of patients with extracardiac sarcoidosis due to its higher diagnostic yield in comparison with echocardiography and electrocardiography, respectively.

Precision measurement of cardiac structure and function in cardiovascular magnetic resonance using machine learning

BackgroundMeasurement of cardiac structure and function from images (e.g. volumes, mass and derived parameters such as left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction [LVEF]) guides care for millions. This is best assessed using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), but image analysis is currently performed by individual clinicians, which introduces error. We sought to develop a machine learning algorithm for volumetric analysis of CMR images with demonstrably better precision than human analysis.MethodsA fully automated machine learning algorithm was trained on 1923 scans (10 scanner models, 13 institutions, 9 clinical conditions, 60,000 contours) and used to segment the LV blood volume and myocardium. Performance was quantified by measuring precision on an independent multi-site validation dataset with multiple pathologies with n = 109 patients, scanned twice. This dataset was augmented with a further 1277 patients scanned as part of routine clinical care to allow qualitative assessment of generalization ability by identifying mis-segmentations. Machine learning algorithm (‘machine’) performance was compared to three clinicians (‘human’) and a commercial tool (cvi42, Circle Cardiovascular Imaging).FindingsMachine analysis was quicker (20 s per patient) than human (13 min). Overall machine mis-segmentation rate was 1 in 479 images for the combined dataset, occurring mostly in rare pathologies not encountered in training. Without correcting these mis-segmentations, machine analysis had superior precision to three clinicians (e.g. scan-rescan coefficients of variation of human vs machine: LVEF 6.0% vs 4.2%, LV mass 4.8% vs. 3.6%; both P < 0.05), translating to a 46% reduction in required trial sample size using an LVEF endpoint.ConclusionWe present a fully automated algorithm for measuring LV structure and global systolic function that betters human performance for speed and precision.

Left atrial structure and function are associated with cardiovascular outcomes independent of left ventricular measures: a UK Biobank CMR study.

AimsWe evaluated the associations of left atrial (LA) structure and function with prevalent and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), independent of left ventricular (LV) metrics, in 25 896 UK Biobank participants.Methods and resultsWe estimated the association of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) metrics [LA maximum volume (LAV), LA ejection fraction (LAEF), LV mass : LV end-diastolic volume ratio (LVM : LVEDV), global longitudinal strain, and LV global function index (LVGFI)] with vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking), prevalent and incident CVDs [atrial fibrillation (AF), stroke, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), myocardial infarction], all-cause mortality, and CVD mortality. We created uncorrelated CMR variables using orthogonal principal component analysis rotation. All five CMR metrics were simultaneously entered into multivariable regression models adjusted for sex, age, ethnicity, deprivation, education, body size, and physical activity. Lower LAEF was associated with diabetes, smoking, and all the prevalent and incident CVDs. Diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol were associated with smaller LAV. Hypertension, IHD, AF (incident and prevalent), incident stroke, and CVD mortality were associated with larger LAV. LV and LA metrics were both independently informative in associations with prevalent disease, however LAEF showed the most consistent associations with incident CVDs. Lower LVGFI was associated with greater all-cause and CVD mortality. In secondary analyses, compared with LVGFI, LV ejection fraction showed similar but less consistent disease associations.ConclusionLA structure and function measures (LAEF and LAV) demonstrate significant associations with key prevalent and incident cardiovascular outcomes, independent of LV metrics. These measures have potential clinical utility for disease discrimination and outcome prediction.

440 Assessing cardiac output by echocardiography: is contrast always better?

Abstract Aims Contrast echocardiography is very useful in clinical cardiology. It is mainly performed for the assessment of global left ventricular (LV) function, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and stroke volume (SV), thanks to improved visualization of endocardial LV borders. Contrast echocardiography, however, is not always easily available, it is more expensive than an ordinary echocardiography and it can be contraindicated in some situations (e.g. in the presence of egg allergy). This study aimed to compare the estimation of cardiac output during traditional transthoracic echocardiography and after the injection of (Sonovue) contrast. Methods and results Patients who underwent an echocardiography with and without injection of (Sonovue) contrast between April 2019 and September 2021 were enrolled in the study. A complete transthoracic echocardiography was performed and Sonovue contrast was then injected. End-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular volume in apex 4 and 2 chamber views, biplane LVEF with Simpson’s formula, end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular diameters in parasternal long axis were measured prior and after injecting contrast. Left ventricular outflow tract diameter (LVOTd) was measured and LV outflow tract velocity time integral was traced in order to calculate LVOT VTI SV, as the product of LVOT cross sectional area (assuming that LVOT is circular) to the LVOT VTI. LVOT VTI SV obtained during traditional echocardiography was compared to LVEF SV, calculated as the difference between end-diastolic and end-systolic volume traced after injecting Sonovue contrast. Seventy-eight patients were enrolled in the study. Forty-two had history of CAD, 22 presented dilatative cardiomyopathy, 2 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HMC), 1 arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia; 16 had atrial fibrillation, 66 arterial hypertension, and 20 diabetes. The main indications for contrast echocardiography were measurement of EF (39 cases) and exclusion of thrombi in LV apex (18 cases). Other indications were suspect of HCM, atrial myxoma or LV non-compaction. LVOT VTI stroke volume was calculated in 64 patients (LVOT diameter was not well visualized in 8 patients and LVOT VTI could not be measured in 14 patients due to poor acoustic windows). In the same patients LVEF Stroke Volume was also calculated. A strong correlation (P-value &amp;lt; 0.0001) between LVOT stroke volume and LVEF Stroke Volume was found (Figure 1). Conclusions Contrast echocardiography is very useful in clinical practice, however, requires trained physicians and its use is not widespread. This study demonstrates that estimating cardiac output through LVOT VTI SV, in patients with suboptimal echo images can be equally accurate as measuring LVEF SV with contrast echocardiography. This could be particularly useful in the acute settings when contrast echocardiography isn’t always feasible and knowing cardiac output can be important for therapeutic implications.

Abstract 17085: An Anomalous Outcome Of Renal Transplant

Case Presentation: A 65 year old man with diabetic renal disease developed acute dyspnea at rest on the first post-operative day after an uncomplicated deceased donor renal transplant. He was hypertensive, tachycardic, and hypoxemic. His electrocardiogram showed anterior ST elevations with reciprocal inferior ST depressions and his chest x-ray revealed pulmonary edema. He was given anti-platelet therapy, nitroglycerin, beta blocker and taken emergently for angiography. He had a thrombotic occlusion of a co-dominant anomalous left circumflex artery arising from the ostium of a moderate caliber right coronary artery. He underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention. His post-revascularization echocardiogram showed a hypokinetic to akinetic inferior wall with preserved global left ventricular systolic function. Coronary CT for further assessment of the course of the anomalous artery was not pursued given minimal benefit and the risk of worsening graft function. He was discharged on dual anti-platelet therapy, beta blocker and a statin. Discussion: There is no consensus about risk stratification before renal transplant. Our patient’s pre-operative exercise treadmill test (ETT) showed reduced functional capacity at 5.6 metabolic equivalents, failure to reach target heart rate, with 1.0 mm down sloping ST depression in infero-lateral leads with no ischemic symptoms. While our patient had an equivocal ETT, his lack of angina argued against further work-up. Post-operatively, a pro-inflammatory state, increased shear stress, acquired thrombophilia and immunosuppressive medications can all contribute to plaque rupture with thrombus formation. Atherosclerosis due to diabetes and renal disease coupled with mechanical factors such as passive compression at the intraarterial course, acute angle take-off or valve-like closure of the slit orifice may have subjected our patient with an anomalous left circumflex artery to an acute ST-elevation MI.

Association Between Left Ventricular Global Function Index and Outcomes in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Purpose: Left ventricular global function index (LVGFI) assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) seems promising in the prediction of clinical outcomes. However, the role of the LVGFI is uncertain in patients with heart failure (HF) with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). To describe the association of LVGFI and outcomes in patients with DCM, it was hypothesized that LVGFI is associated with decreased major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with DCM.Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2015 to April 2020 in consecutive patients with DCM who underwent CMR. The association between outcomes and LVGFI was assessed using a multivariable model adjusted with confounders. LVGFI was the primary exposure variable. The long-term outcome was a composite endpoint, including death or heart transplantation.Results: A total of 334 patients (mean age: 55 years) were included in this study. The average of CMR-LVGFI was 16.53%. Over a median follow-up of 565 days, 43 patients reached the composite endpoint. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that patients with LVGFI lower than the cutoff values (15.73%) had a higher estimated cumulative incidence of the endpoint compared to those with LVGFI higher than the cutoff values (P = 0.0021). The hazard of MACEs decreased by 38% for each 1 SD increase in LVGFI (hazard ratio 0.62[95%CI 0.43–0.91]) and after adjustment by 46% (HR 0.54 [95%CI 0.32–0.89]). The association was consistent across subgroup analyses.Conclusion: In this study, an increase in CMR-LVGFI was associated with decreasing the long-term risk of MACEs with DCM after adjustment for traditional confounders.

Abstract 12136: Detection of Sub-Clinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients

Introduction: Abnormalities of left ventricular (LV) strain have been shown to occur prior to impairment of global left ventricular function, measured by global LV ejection fraction (EF). Although first described in patients receiving cardiotoxic chemotherapy, impairment of LV strain prior to a decrease in EF has also been shown in many other disease states which affect LV function. This study was designed to assess impairment of LV strain in post COVID-19 patients with normal EF using cardiac MRI MyoStrain Fast-SENC (strain encoded) pulse sequences. Methods: An institutional cardiac imaging database was queried for all patients with documented COVID-19 test positivity and a normal LVEF &gt;= 55% who underwent measurement of global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and regional longitudinal and circumferential strain using cardiac MRI Fast-SENC pulse sequences. Global and regional strain measurements were compared to a cohort of healthy volunteers who also underwent CMR Fast-SENC imaging. Abnormal myocardial strain was defined as a value &gt;-17%. Results: Of 50 COVID-19 patients in the cardiac imaging database who underwent CMR Fast-SENC imaging, 40 had a normal LVEF, constituting the study cohort. Mean GLS and GCS for the study cohort were -16.40% and -15.45% and for healthy volunteers were -19.71% and -20.93% respectively; both comparisons were statistically significant with an unpaired t-test (p&lt;0.01). Furthermore, the prevalence of abnormal LV strain in COVID-19 patients with normal LVEF was 77.78%. Conclusions: These data suggest that impairment of LV strain (longitudinal and circumferential) occurs in COVID-19 patients who have a normal LVEF. Whether a decrease in GLS and/or GCS precede a decrease in LVEF, is beyond the scope of this study. However, the ability to evaluate progression of LV strain abnormalities with CMR may help identify changes in LV function before the onset of a reduction in LVEF and development of heart failure. The ability to identify and quantify abnormal left ventricular GLS and GCS with cardiac MRI also opens the door to assess any benefit of therapy, including anti-inflammatory agents, anti-viral drugs and steroids.

Cardiac MRI Based Left Ventricular Global Function Index: Association with Disease Severity in Patients with ICD for Secondary Prevention.

Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) is the most widely used prognostic marker in cardiovascular diseases. LV global function index (LVGFI) is a novel marker which incorporates the total LV structure in the assessment of LV cardiac performance. We evaluated the prognostic significance of LVGFI, measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), in predicting mortality and ICD therapies in a real-world (ICD) population with secondary ICD prevention indication, to detect a high-risk group among these patients. In total, 105 patients with cardiac MRI prior to the ICD implantation were included (mean age 56 ± 16 years old; 76% male). Using the MRI data for each patient LVGFI was determined and a cut-off for the LVGFI value was calculated. Patients were followed up every four to six months in our or clinics in proximity. Data on the occurrence of heart failure symptoms and or mortality, as well as device therapies and other vital parameters, were collected. Follow up duration was 37 months in median. The mean LVGFI was 24.5%, the cut off value for LVGFI 13.5%. According to the LVGFI Index patient were divided into 2 groups, 86 patients in the group with the higher LVGFI und 19 patients in the lower group. The LVGFI correlates significantly with the LVEF (r = 0.642, p < 0.001). In Kaplan–Meier analysis, a lower LVGFI (<13.5%) was associated with a higher rate of mortality and rehospitalization (p = 0.002). In contrast, echocardiographic LVEF ≤ 33% was not associated with a higher rate of mortality or rehospitalization. Multivariate Cox-regression analysis revealed a lower LVGFI (p = 0.025, HR = 0.941; 95%-CI 0.89–0.99) and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.027, HR = 0.33; 95%-CI 0.13–0.88) as an independent predictor for mortality and rehospitalization. There was no association between the combined endpoint and the LVEFMRT, LVEFecho, NYHA > I, the initial device or a medication (each p = n.s.). Further, in Kaplan–Meier analysis no association was evident between the LVGFI and adequate ICD therapy (p = n.s.). In secondary prevention ICD patients reduced LVGFI was shown as an independent predictor for mortality and rehospitalization, but not for ICD therapies. We were able to identify a high-risk collective among these patients, but further investigation is needed to evaluate LVGFI compared to ejection fraction, especially in patients with an elevated risk for adverse cardiac events.

Impact of myocardial scars on left ventricular deformation in type 2 diabetes mellitus after myocardial infarction by contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction (MI). The interaction of diabetic cardiomyopathy and MI scars on myocardial deformation in T2DM patients is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate myocardial deformation using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in T2DM patients with previous MI and investigated the influence of myocardial scar on left ventricular (LV) deformation.MethodsOverall, 202 T2DM patients, including 46 with MI (T2DM(MI+)) and 156 without MI (T2DM(MI−)), and 59 normal controls who underwent CMR scans were included. Myocardial scars were assessed by late gadolinium enhancement. LV function and deformation, including LV global function index, LV global peak strain (PS), peak systolic strain rate (PSSR), and peak diastolic strain rate (PDSR), were compared among these groups. Correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship between myocardial scars and LV deformation.ResultsDecreases were observed in LV function and LV global PS, PSSR, and PDSR in the T2DM(MI+) group compared with those of the other groups. Reduced LV deformation (p < 0.017) was observed in the T2DM(MI+) group with anterior wall infarction. The increased total LV infarct extent and infarct mass of LV were related to decreased LV global PS (radial, circumferential, and longitudinal directions; p < 0.01) and LV global PSSR (radial and circumferential directions, p < 0.02). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that NYHA functional class and total LV infarct extent were independently associated with LV global radial PS (β = − 0.400 and β = − 0.446, respectively, all p < 0.01; model R2 = 0.37) and circumferential PS (β = 0.339 and β = 0.530, respectively, all p < 0.01; model R2 = 0.41), LV anterior wall infarction was independently associated with LV global longitudinal PS (β = 0.398, p = 0.006).ConclusionsThe myocardial scarring size in T2DM patients after MI is negatively correlated with LV global PS and PSSR, particularly in the circumferential direction. Additionally, different MI regions have different effects on the reduction of LV deformation, and relevant clinical evaluations should be strengthened.

Relationship between left ventricular global longitudinal strain, infarct size and left ventricular function in patients with acute myocardial infarction in a stem cell therapy study

Abstract Introduction It is critically important to determine the accuracy, and relationships between, non-invasive imaging modalities, such as two-dimensional echocardiography (TTE), gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) in patients with recent acute myocardial infarction (AMI) because these are used as clinical trial endpoints. Modest improvements in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and infarct zone size (IS) have been reported in AMI stem cells therapy trials (SCT). Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate left-ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with AMI enrolled to SCT and assess its relation with infarct zone, LVEF and LVEDV using multimodality imaging including TTE, cMRI and SPECT. Methods Twenty-eight patients (21 male, 7 female, mean age 60.0±8.7 years) with first AMI, 2–5 days after left anterior descending percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and IS ≥10% were enrolled. GLS was evaluated with two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (aCMQ, Philips Epiq 7). Infarct zone was measured using SPECT (E.CAM, Siemens) and gadolinium-enhanced cMRI (Siemens Magnetom Sonata 1.5T). LVEF and LVEDV were assessed with TTE (Auto-ROI, Philips), SPECT (GSQUAN, Siemens) and cMRI (MASS Medis). Measurements were obtained independently by blinded analysts. Results Mean GLS was −11.0±2.5% and showed a positive correlation with infarct zone by SPECT and MRI, negative with TTE-LVEF and cMRI-LVEF (Figure 1) and borderline with SPECT-LVEF (r=−0.35, p=0.08). There was no correlation between GLS and TTE-LVEDV (r=−0.25, p=0.25); SPECT-LVEDV (r=−0.38, p=0.077) and MRI-LVEDV (r=−0.20, p=0.365). Patients in the third and fourth GLS quartile had a smaller IS measured by MRI and a trend toward a smaller infarct zone by SPECT (table 1). Patients in the GLS fourth quartile had higher TTE-LVEF and a trend toward higher cMRI-LVEF compared with other quartiles. LVEF measured with TTE and cMRI was higher compared with SPECT-LVEF (+2.6±6.8%, p=0.006 and +4.2±7.8%, p=0.030, respectively) with no difference between TTE-LVEF and MRI-LVEF (p=0.823) (Table 1). LVEDV evaluated by SPECT and MRI was higher compared with TTE-LVEDV (+48.3±24.9 ml, +47.7±29.5 ml, both p&amp;lt;0.001) with no difference between SPECT-LVEDV and MRI-LVEDV (p=0.984) Conclusions In patients with anterior wall AMI, 2–5 days after PCI, GLS showed a good correlation with infarct zone quantified by SPECT and MRI and with LVEF measured with TTE and cMRI. GLS might thus be a valuable tool in the evaluation of myocardial injury in SCT. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): STRATEGMED 265761 “CIRCULATE” National Centre for Research and Development/Poland/ZDS/00564 Jagiellonian University Medical College Table 1Figure 1

Evaluation of global left ventricular systolic function in dipper and newly diagnosed nondipper hypertensive patients

Abstract Objective Nondipper hypertension has been associated with enhanced target organ damage and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The effect of dipper and non-dipper status on cardiac target organ damage has not been comprehensively investigated by two-dimensional strain echocardiography. We aimed to investigate myocardial deformational strain parameters in dipper and non-dipper untreated hypertensive patients. Material and methods We included 42 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients without previous history of cardiovascular disease and coexisting chronic disease. Study population consisted of two groups of patients, 23 dipper patients and 19 non dipper patients. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), radial strain and circumferential strain analysis were measured by two-dimensional (2-D) speckle tracking method. Results The study population included 42 patients (15 male) with a mean age of 54.5±9 years. The assessment of LV systolic function by GLS showed decreased values in nondippers compared with dippers (−18.13±2.07 vs. −13.7±1.95; p=0.001). But no significant intergroup differences were observed in circumferential and radial strain. The analysis showed that night-time mean arterial pressure (MAP), night-time systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP), 24-hr SBP, dipping rate and nocturnal reduction rate of MAP were the parameters that correlated with GLS. Only dipping rate was independently associated with left ventricular GLS. Conclusion An isolated non-dipper BP was found to cause impaired LV systolic function detected by myocardial strain. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Safety and efficacy of iron supplementation after myocardial infarction in mice with moderate blood loss anaemia.

AimsIron deficiency is frequently observed in patients with acute coronary syndrome and associates with poor prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Anaemia is linked to dysregulation of iron metabolism, red blood cell dysfunction, and increased reactive oxygen species generation. Iron supplementation in chronic heart failure is safe and improves cardiac exercise capacity. Increases in iron during ischaemia or immediately after reperfusion are associated with detrimental effects on left ventricular (LV) function. The safety and applicability of iron during or immediately after reperfusion of AMI in anaemia are not known. We aimed to study the safety and efficacy of iron supplementation within 1 h or deferred to 24 h after reperfusion of AMI by analysing LV function and infarct size.Methods and resultsIn a mouse model of moderate blood loss anaemia (n = 6–8 mice/group), the effects of iron supplementation (20 mg iron as ferric carboxymaltose per kg body weight) within 1 h and deferred to 24 h after ischaemia/reperfusion were assessed. Cardiac function was analysed in vivo by echocardiography at baseline (Day 3) with and without anaemia, after AMI (24 h), and after administration of intravenous iron. Anaemia was characterized by iron deficiency and a trend towards increased haemolysis, which was supported by increased plasma free‐haemoglobin [sham vs. anaemia (n = 8/group): P < 0.05]. Anaemia increased heart rate, LV end‐diastolic volume, stroke volume, and cardiac output, while LV end‐systolic volume remained unchanged at baseline. Superimposition of AMI deteriorated global LV function, whereas infarct sizes remained unaffected [sham vs. anaemia (n = 6/group): P = 0.9]. Deferred iron supplementation 24 h after ischaemia/reperfusion resulted in reversal of end‐systolic volume increase and reduced infarct size [% of area at risk: sham vs. anaemia + iron after 24 h; (n = 6/group); 48 ± 7 vs. 38 ± 7; P < 0.05], whereas administration within 1 h after reperfusion was neutral [sham vs. anaemia + iron; (n = 6/group); 48 ± 7 vs. 42 ± 8; P = 0.56]. Moreover, iron application after reperfused AMI showed unaltered mortality compared with sham.ConclusionsIron supplementation 24 h after reperfusion of AMI is safe and reversed enlargement of end‐systolic volume after AMI resulting in increased stroke volume and cardiac output. This highlights its potential as adjunctive treatment in anaemia with ID after reperfused AMI. Time point of iron application after reperfusion appears critical.

Left ventricular global function index as a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Aim To evaluate the prognostic significance of the left ventricular global function index (LV GFI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) using echocardiography (EchoCG).Material and methods The LV GFI is an index that integrates LV cavity volumes, stroke volume, and myocardial volume. This study included 2169 patients with ACS (1340 (61.8%) men) aged 64.1±12.6 years from two observational multicenter studies, ORACLE I and ORACLE II. 1800 (83 %) cases were associated with increased concentrations of myocardial injury markers, including 826 (38.1 %) cases of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI). The observation was started on the 10th day of clinical condition stabilization and lasted for one year. EchoCG was performed with evaluation of LV GFI, which was calculated as a ratio of LV stroke volume to LV global volume. The LV global volume was calculated as a sum of mean LV cavity volume (LV end-diastolic volume + LV end-systolic volume / 2) and LV myocardial volume.Results The main outcome of the study was all-cause death (n=193); recurrent coronary complications (n=253) were analyzed separately. The only EchoCG parameter indicating an adverse outcome during the one-year follow-up was a LV GFI decrease to below 22.6 % with a sensitivity of 72 % and a specificity of 60% (area under the curve, AUC=0.63). A LV GFI &lt;22.6 % was an independent predictor of all-cause death (p=0.019) along with age (p=0.0001), history of MI (p=0.034), and presence of heart failure (HF) (p=0.044), diabetes mellitus (p=0.012), and peripheral atherosclerosis (p=0.001). The LV GFI &lt;22.6 %, (p=0.044), heart rate upon discharge from the hospital (p=0.050), history of MI (p=0.006), presence of HF (p=0.014), and peripheral atherosclerosis (p=0.001) were also independent predictors for recurrent coronary complications. Decreased LV GFI was associated with the risk of fatal outcomes independent of the LV ejection fraction at baseline.Conclusion In patients with ACS, the left ventricular global function index is an independent predictor for all-cause death and recurrent coronary complications and may be used for risk stratification.

Left Ventricular Global Function Index and the Impact of its Companion Metric.

Left ventricular (LV) global function index (LVGFI) has been introduced as a volume-based composite metric for evaluation of ventricular function. The definition formula combines stroke volume (SV), end-systolic volume (ESV), end-diastolic volume (EDV) and LV mass/density. Being a dimensionless ratio, this new metric has serious limitations which require evaluation at a mathematical and clinical level. Using CMRI in 96 patients we studied LV volumes, various derived metrics and global longitudinal strain (GLS) in order to further characterize LVGFI in three diagnostic groups: acute myocarditis, takotsubo cardiomyopathy and acute myocardial infarction. We also considered the LVGFI companion (C), derived from the quadratic mean. Additional metrics such as ejection fraction (EF), myocardial contraction fraction (MCF) and ventriculo-arterial coupling (VAC), along with their companions (MCFC and VACC) were calculated. All companion metrics (EFC, LVGFIC, MCFC, and VACC) showed sex-specific differences, not clearly reflected by the corresponding ratio-based metrics. LVGFI is mathematically coupled to both EF (with R = 0.86) and VAC (R = 0.87), which observation clarifies why these metrics not only share similar prognostic values but also identical shortcomings. We found that the newly introduced LVGFIC has incremental value compared to the single use of LVGFI, EF, or GLS, when characterizing the three patient groups.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome: morpho-functional abnormalities of the heart and arrhythmias

Aim. To study the myocardial morpho-functional abnormalities, the incidence and nature of cardiac arrhythmias in patients 3 months after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Material and methods. The study included 77 patients (mean age, 35,9 years) treated for coronavirus infection, which underwent echocardiography and 24-hour Holter monitoring 3 months after COVID-19. The patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 — 31 patients with upper respiratory tract involvement; group 2 — 27 patients with bilateral pneumonia (CT grade 1, 2), 3 — 19 patients with severe pneumonia (CT grade 3, 4). Statistical processing was carried out using Statistica 10.0.Results. According to echocardiography, the peak tricuspid late diastolic velocity and isovolumetric contraction time in all groups increased (P&lt;0,001). The tricuspid and mitral Em/Am ratio decreased depending on the disease severity. In group 3, the right ventricular and atrial size increased (P&lt;0,001). The pulmonary artery systolic pressure, left atrial volume in patients of the 2nd and 3rd groups was higher than in the control one (P&lt;0,001). In group 1 and 2 patients, the regional strain in basal and basal/middle segments decreased, respectively, while, in group 3, not only regional but also global left ventricular (LV) strain decreased (P&lt;0,001). In all groups, cardiac arrhythmias and pericardial effusion were found. The relationship was established between coronavirus activity and the structural and functional myocardial parameters (P&lt;0,001).Conclusion. Cardiovascular injury 3 months after COVID-19 was found in 71%, 93%, and 95% of patients with mild, moderate and severe course. In mild course patients, a decrease in regional myocardial strain in LV basal segments, signs of past pericarditis, and various cardiac arrhythmias were noted. In patients of moderate severity, these changes were more pronounced and were accompanied by an additional decrease in regional strain in LV middle segments, impaired right ventricular diastole and increased pulmonary artery pressure. In severe patients, in addition to the above changes, dilatation of the right heart and inferior vena cava was recorded, as well as LV diastolic and global systolic function decreased.

Effect of cardiosphere-derived cells on segmental myocardial function after myocardial infarction: ALLSTAR randomised clinical trial

BackgroundMost cell therapy trials failed to show an improvement in global left ventricular (LV) function measures after myocardial infarction (MI). Myocardial segments are heterogeneously impacted by MI. Global LV function...