Global Longitudinal Peak Systolic Strain Research Articles

Left ventricular function assessment in Kawasaki disease by two-dimensional global longitudinal systolic strain with automated function imaging.

Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile vasculitis of childhood mainly affecting children under 4 years of age. In the acute stage of the disease, heart function decreases and gradually returns to normal after treatment. However, subendocardial involvement may persist, which cannot be assessed by M-mode echocardiography. Strain echocardiography is a recently developed technique to assess subendocardial involvement of myocardial deformation. We aimed to study the stratified strain of left ventricular function in a Kawasaki patient at least 6 months after the acute stage of the disease with special conditions for entering the study using two-dimensional speckle-tracking imaging. Between September 2020 and October 2022, 27 healthy children and 27 children with a history of Kawasaki disease more than 6 months ago were evaluated using two-dimensional global longitudinal peak systolic strain with automated function imaging technology. The mean age of patients was 5.6 years. With M-mode echocardiography, ejection fraction of each group was in the normal range. Mean (± standard deviation) global longitudinal peak strain in four-chamber view of girls with Kawasaki disease was - 23.74 ± 2.77, and that in boys with Kawasaki disease was - 20.93 ± 2.06 (P value = 0.008). GLPS (global longitudinal peak strain) was compared as an overall average and as in a separate segment, which showed significant difference in two comparisons. In our study, a decrease in the function of some cardiac segments is reported. Global longitudinal peak strain in four-chamber view was significantly lower in boys. Comparing different segments, a difference in global left ventricular long-axis strain was found between the two groups. On the other hand, there was a major difference between the two groups in the basal inferolateral, basal anterolateral, and mid-inferolateral, which receives blood from Left Circumflex artery. Using stain echocardiography to detect continued subendocardial involvement in asymptomatic children with a history of Kawasaki disease for a better understanding of the condition, effective management and follow-up is recommended.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in fetuses with critical aortic stenosis before and after fetal aortic valvuloplasty.

Critical aortic stenosis (AS) in fetuses may progress to hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with need for postnatal single ventricular (SV) palliation. Fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) is performed to achieve postnatal biventricular (BV) circulation. However, the impact of FAV on fetal myocardial function is difficult to measure. Prediction of postnatal circulatory status and, therefore, counseling is challenging. Retrospective study of fetuses with critical AS who underwent FAV. Global Longitudinal Peak Systolic Strain (GLPSS) of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) were retrospectively analyzed before and after intervention. Fisher's Exact Test and Mann-Whitney-U Test were used for univariant statistical analysis. 23 fetuses with critical AS were included. After intervention fetuses demonstrated more negative LV-GLPSS mean values post- vs. pre-intervention (-5.36% vs. -1.57%; p < 0.05). RV-GLPSS was decreased in all fetuses, there was no peri-interventional change. 20 fetuses were born alive. Postnatally, 10 had BV and 10 SV circulation. Improved post-interventional LV-GLPSS strain values correlated with BV outcome (p < 0.05). Pre-interventional continuous LV-GLPSS values correlated with postnatal SV vs. BV outcome (p < 0.05). In some fetuses, LV myocardial function assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) improves after FAV. Improved post-interventional LV-GLPSS correlates with biventricular postnatal outcome. Furthermore, pre-interventional LV- and RV-GLPSS correlate with postnatal outcome. Further studies are needed to asses, if pre-interventional STE parameters might predict which fetuses will benefit from FAV with postnatal BV circulation.

Relationship Between Obesity and Global Longitudinal Strain in the Pediatric Single Ventricle Fontan Population Across Ventricular Morphologies.

Obesity is associated with diminished myocardial function as measured by strain echocardiography in children and young adults with normal cardiac anatomy. Data are lacking about the effect of obesity on myocardial strain in patients with a single ventricle. In this study, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and single ventricle myocardial strain in the Fontan population was assessed. Thirty-eight abnormal BMI Fontan cases (21 overweight and 17 obese) and 30 normal BMI Fontan controls matched based on single ventricular morphology, age, and sex were included in the study. Ventricular morphology was categorized as single right ventricle, single left ventricle, or biventricular. Single ventricle global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS) and other echocardiographic measurements were performed and compared between groups, with a P≤0.05 defined as significant. The abnormal BMI group demonstrated diminished GLS (-15.7±3.6% versus -17.2±3.2%, [P=0.03]) and elevated systolic blood pressure (P=0.04) compared with the normal BMI group. On subgroup analysis of those with single right ventricle morphology, the abnormal BMI group demonstrated diminished GLS compared with controls. There was no significant difference in GLS between the abnormal BMI and control groups in the single left ventricle and biventricular subgroups. Analyzed by ventricular morphology, no other variables were statistically different in the abnormal BMI group including systolic blood pressure. Inter-reader reproducibility for GLS and strain rate were excellent for both measures. Obesity has an adverse relationship with myocardial strain in the young Fontan population, with the most maladaptive response seen in the single right ventricle.

Abstract 17975: Improvement in Exercise Capacity After Surgical Septal Myectomy in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients is Related to Peak Exercise Strain Rate and Mechanical Reserve

Background: Significant improvements in functional capacity are noted after septal myectomy in symptomatic patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM). However, the underlying mechanism behind these improvements is unclear. Methods: Conventional and strain echocardiography, at rest and post-exercise, was performed pre-and post-septal myectomy in 59 OHCM patients (42 men; mean age 50±12years). Exercise capacity was expressed as metabolic equivalents (METs) after treadmill exercise testing. Global longitudinal peak systolic strain (S) and stain rate (SR) were measured at rest and peak-exercise. Results: After myectomy, outflow gradient decreased significantly (resting gradient: 69±43 to 13±8mmHg; provoked gradient: 141±50 to 40±21mmHg; both p&lt;0.001) with no significant change in ejection fraction (66±5% to 65±4%, p=NS). METs improved significantly (9.5±3.2 to 10.6±2.9, p=0.001). There was no significant change in S and SR at rest (S: -15.17±2.89% to -15.27±2.75%; SR:-0.95±0.18S-1 to -0.92±0.15S-1, both p=NS) or post-exercise (S: -17.06±3.63% to -16.68±2.79%; SR: -1.45±0.30S-1 to -1.52±0.28S-1, both p=NS). Mechanical reserve (MRES, change in systolic SR with exercise) increased significantly (55±30% to 67±32%, p=0.02). METs correlated significantly with exercise SR and MRES determined pre-myectomy (exercise SR: r=-0.41, p=0.003; MRES: r=0.33, p=0.017) and post-myectomy (exercise SR: r=-0.53, p&lt;0.001; MRES: r=0.51, p&lt;0.001). Improvement in METs was significantly correlated with changes in MRES (r=0.36, p=0.019). Multivariable linear regression confirmed an independent correlation between exercise SR and MRES with METs. Conclusions: Resting and peak exercise myocardial contractility (longitudinal S and SR) do not change significantly after septal myectomy. Post-myectomy MRES improves significantly and exercise capacity post-myectomy correlates significantly with pre- and post-myectomy functional status.

Influencing factors of anthracycline-induced subclinical cardiotoxicity in acute leukemia patients

BackgroundCurrent treatment of acute leukemia is based on anthracycline chemotherapy. Anthracyclines, despite improving patient survival, have serious cardiotoxicity and therefore cardiac monitoring should be a priority. The purpose of this study is to explore the possible early predictors of anthracycline-induced subclinical cardiotoxicity(AISC)in acute leukemia patients.MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational study involving 51 patients with acute leukemia treated with anthracycline. Demographic data, clinical variables, echocardiography variables and biochemical variables were collected at baseline and after 3 cycles of chemotherapy. Patients were divided into the AISC and No-AISC groups according to changes of global longitudinal peak systolic strain. Regression models and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to explore the relationship between the variables and AISC.Result17 of the patients suffered subclinical cardiotoxicity after 3 cycles of anthracycline treatment. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of DBil (OR 0.612, 95% CI 0.409–0.916, p = 0.017), TBil (OR 0.841, 95% CI 0.717–0.986, p = 0.033), PLT (OR 1.012, 95% CI 1.002–1.021, p = 0.016) and Glu (OR 1.873, 95% CI 1.009–3.475, p = 0.047) with the development of AISC. After 3 cycles of chemotherapy, there was a significant difference in PLT between the AISC and NO-AISC groups. Moreover, the dynamic changes in PLT from baseline to after 3 cycles of chemotherapy were each statistically significant in the AISC and NO-AISC groups. The combination of PLT and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) had the highest area under curves (AUC) for the diagnosis of AISC than PLT and NT-proBNP alone (AUC = 0.713, 95%CI: 0.56–0.87, P = 0.017).ConclusionTotal bilirubin (TBil), direct bilirubin (DBil), platelets (PLT) and blood glucose (Glu) are independent influencing factors for AISC in acute leukemia patients receiving anthracycline therapy. Bilirubin may be a protective factor and PLT may be a contributing factor for AISC. The combination of baseline PLT and baseline NT-proBNP shows satisfactory predictive ability for AISC in acute leukemia cases treated with 3 cycles of chemotherapy.

Value of Transthoracic Echocardiography in Predicting Short Term Major Adverse Cardiac Events after ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction in COVID 19 Era

Abstract Background Acute myocardial infarction remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the era of COVID 19, early risk stratification and identification of high-risk patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction are of great significance in prognosis, and in guiding diagnosis and treatment decisions. Measuring left ventricular peak systolic global longitudinal strain may be a useful addition to ejection fraction using echocardiography. Aim of the Study Is to evaluate different parameters of echocardiography in predicting major adverse cardiac events in patients after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the era of Covid 19. Methods and patients This study included 97 patients who presented with acute STsegment elevation myocardial infarction within 12 hours of onset of chest pain and managed by primary percutaneous coronary intervention, it was performed in Ain Shams university hospitals from January 2021 to June 2021. Echocardiography was used to measure ejection fraction and left ventricular strain parameters Results The study included 97 patients, 55 % of which presented with anterior STEMI. Out of the whole group 29 patients (21%) developed MACE at 3 months follow up. Within the whole group, the mean ejection fraction was (44.04±6.07% VS .40.07±6.52% p = 0.007) and the mean global longitudinal strain was (-12.56±3.61% VS -10.1±3.25% p=0.002). Based on CT chest finding, 33 patients were Covid 19 patients who were younger in age, included significantly more females and had significantly higher Killip score as compared to the non covid patients. Among COVID-19 patients, the mean ejection fraction was (46.11±5.29% VS 40.6±7.11% p=0.02) and the mean global longitudinal strain was (-13.17±3.35% VS 10.35±3.38% p=0.026). At 3 months follow up, 39% of the Covid patients had MACE as compared to 25% of the non covid patients P = 0.0001. Conclusion In the era of COVID 19, young patients with female gender who suffered from STEMI were more likely to be COVID 19 patients and were liable to develop MACE at 3 months follow up. However, their LV EF and GLS were comparable to non-COVID 19 patients Ethical approval this study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee with a consent was obtained from all participants. Abbreviations MACE: major adverse cardiac events; LV: left ventricle; GLS: global longitudinal strain; STEMI: ST elevation myocardial infarction

Correlation between Global Longitudinal and Circumferential Peak Systolic Strain and Coronary Artery Disease Severity as Assessed by the Angiographically Derived SYNTAX Score

Abstract Aim and objectives the main objective of the current study is to assess the correlation between the SYNTAX score in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography and the longitudinal and circumferential peak systolic strain performed at rest by speckle tracking echocardiography to predict the presence, extent and severity of coronary artery disease. Patients and Methods The study included 60 patients suspected to have coronary artery disease either by symptoms or done a positive non-invasive test for myocardial ischemia with no history of previous ischemia and no previously detected segmental wall motion abnormalities in previous resting echocardiogram. All patients were recruited from the catheter laboratory at the cardiology department of Ain Shams university hospitals and they underwent echocardiographic assessment before elective coronary angiography. Results The study included 60 symptomatic patients suspected to have chronic coronary syndrome aging 31 to 77 years (excluding those with significant structural heart disease). All patients underwent clinical evaluation, surface electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiographic, twodimensional speckle tracking, and conventional coronary angiography with SYNTAX score calculation. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the results of the coronary angiogram: normal CAD on angiogram (n = 12), low SS (n = 28, SS &amp;lt; 22), and high SS (n = 20, SS ≥ 22). Age, sex and most of the risk factors had no statistically significant correlation with the SYNTAX score while There was a significant inverse correlation between GLPSS and GCPSS and SS values (r = 0.458, P = 0.0002), (r = 0.411, P = 0.0011) respectively. Conclusion The results of our study suggest that GLPSS and GCPSS might be promising for the detection of patients with high SYNTAX score on coronary angiogram. There is an inverse correlation between resting GLPSS and GCPSS and SYNTAX score as assessed by coronary angiography.

Assessment of subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis with preserved left ventricular systolic function by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

Left ventricular dysfunction and remodeling can occur as a result of aortic valve stenosis (AS). Three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) can detect early left ventricular myocardial dysfunction even before ejection fraction declines. The purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between various myocardial strain parameters measured by 3D-STE in asymptomatic severe AS patients from Bangladesh. This study included 46 patients with asymptomatic severe AS but preserved LV systolic function (mean age 50.11±12.66 years, LVEF 63.78±3.95%, AS group) and 33 healthy subjects with no cardiovascular disease (mean age 48.21±4.53 years, LVEF 65.15±3.13%, control group). 3D-STE was used to measure left ventricular global myocardial strain parameters such as peak systolic longitudinal strain (PSLS), circumferential strain, radial strain, and area strain. The AS group had significantly thicker interventricular septum and posterior ventricular wall than the control group (1.49±.19cm vs. .81±.09cm, p<.001; 1.73±1.71cm vs. .81±.10cm, p=.003, respectively.) In the AS group, the Indexed Aortic Valve Area (AVA) was significantly lower than in the control group. (.29±.10vs. 2.03±.18, p<.001, respectively). In terms of LVEF (p=.102), left ventricular end diastolic volume (p=.075), or left ventricular end systolic volume (p=.092), no significant inter-group difference was found. However, global PSLS (-10.75±2.27vs. -16.42±2.76, p<.001), circumferential strain (-14.26±3.40vs. -16.64±2.56, p=.001), area strain (-22.70±4.19vs. -26.45±9.90, p=.024) and radial strain (32.20±8.77vs. 41.00±7.52, p<.001) in the AS group were significantly lower than in the control group. Our findings showed reductions in left ventricular global myocardial strains, particularly PSLS in patients suffering from asymptomatic severe AS in Bangladesh; this is consistent with other studies. Reduced area strain, detectable with 3D-STE, is also consistent with that pattern.

Prognostic role of feature tracking strain in stress cardiac magnetic eesonance (the PROGRESS study)

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Objectives This study aims to assess the role of feature-tracking (FT) strain in the long-term risk stratification of a large population of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing stress cardiac magnetic resonance (S-CMR) with dipyridamole. Background Recently, FT strain has been applied to S-CMR to improve risk stratification of patients with known or suspected CAD. However, no data are available on the prognostication role of FT strain in patients undergoing a S-CMR with dipyridamole. Methods 729 consecutive patients (age: 63±10 y, male 84%) with stable symptoms suggesting possible cardiac ischemia underwent dipyridamole S-CMR and followed up for 5.8±1.2 years. CMR-FT analysis was performed in each patient to obtain 2D global peak systolic rest and stress longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS), and radial strain (GRS). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as non-fatal myocardial infarction and cardiac death. Results MACE occurred in 70 (9.6%) patients. At multivariate analysis, the presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (HR 2.737 [95% CI 1.534–4.884]), p &amp;lt;0.001, and stress GCS (HR 1.064 [95% CI 1.011–1.119]), p = 0.0164 were independently associated with MACE. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with stress GCS &amp;gt;-15% had significantly reduced event-free survival compared with those with stress GCS ≤-15 (log-rank p = 0.007). The best predictive model of MACE included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) + positive S-CMR for inducible ischemia (positive S-CMR) + LGE. A model based on LVEF + stress GCS (contrast free) showed higher performance in predicting MACE compared to LVEF alone and a similar performance compared to LVEF + positive S-CMR (p =0.05). Conclusions In patients with known or suspected CAD undergoing S-CMR with dipyridamole, stress GCS and LGE presence are independent predictors of MACE. Adding strain analysis of stress GCS can help define patients' risk after S-CMR on top of LVEF without needing contrast agents.

Myocardial Tissue-Level Characteristics of Adults With Metabolically Healthy Obesity

BackgroundIt remains unclear whether adults with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) have altered myocardial tissue-level characteristics. ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the subclinical myocardial tissue-level characteristics of adults with MHO. MethodsThe EARLY-MYO-OBESITY (EARLY Assessment of MYOcardial Tissue Characteristics in OBESITY; NCT05277779) registry was a prospective, 3-center, cardiac imaging study of obese nondiabetic individuals without cardiac symptoms who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance. Myocardial tissue-level characteristics, including extracellular volume fraction (ECV) and native T2 values, were measured as indicators of myocardial fibrosis and edema. Global longitudinal peak systolic strain and early diastolic longitudinal strain rate were assessed by tissue tracking analysis to detect subclinical systolic and diastolic dysfunction. ResultsA total of 120 participants were included: MHO (n = 32; mean age, 38 years; 41% men), metabolically healthy controls without obesity (n = 32; mean age: 37 years; 41% men), and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUHO) (n = 56; mean age: 37 years; 55% men). The MHO group had higher ECV and native T2 values than healthy controls (both P < 0.001); furthermore, the ECV was higher in the MUHO group than in the MHO group (P = 0.002). The prevalence of myocardial fibrosis was 44% (14 of 32) in the MHO group and 71% (40 of 56) in the MUHO group. Although there was no intergroup difference in left ventricular ejection fraction, the MHO group had reduced global longitudinal peak systolic and early diastolic longitudinal strain rates, indicating subclinical systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Multivariate regression analysis identified increased body mass index to be an independent risk factor for myocardial fibrosis (OR: 6.28 [95% CI: 3.17-12.47]; P < 0.001). ConclusionsThis study provides the first evidence of subclinical myocardial tissue-level remodeling in adults with obesity, regardless of metabolic health. Early identification of cardiac impairment may facilitate preventive strategies against heart failure in the MHO population. (EARLY Assessment of MYOcardial Tissue Characteristics in OBESITY [EARLY-MYO-OBESITY]; NCT05277779)

Left ventricular myocardial strain responding to chronic pressure overload in patients with resistant hypertension evaluated by feature-tracking CMR

ObjectivesThe study aimed to investigate the alterations of myocardial deformation responding to long-standing pressure overload and the effects of focal myocardial fibrosis using feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance (FT-CMR) in patients with resistant hypertension (RH).MethodsConsecutive RH patients were prospectively recruited and underwent CMR at a single institution. FT-CMR analyses based on cine images were applied to measure left ventricular (LV) peak systolic global longitudinal (GLS), radial (GRS), and circumferential strain (GCS). Functional and morphological CMR variables, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging were also obtained.ResultsA total of 50 RH patients (63 ± 12 years, 32 men) and 18 normotensive controls (57 ± 8 years, 12 men) were studied. RH patients had a higher average systolic blood pressure than controls (166 ± 21 mmHg vs. 116 ± 8 mmHg, p < 0.001) with the intake of 5 ± 1 antihypertensive drugs. RH patients showed increased LV mass index (78 ± 15 g/m2 vs. 61 ± 9 g/m2, p < 0.001), decreased GLS (− 16 ± 3% vs. − 19 ± 2%, p = 0.001) and GRS (41 ± 12% vs. 48 ± 8%, p = 0.037), and GCS was reduced by trend (− 17 ± 4% vs. − 19 ± 4%, p = 0.078). Twenty-one (42%) RH patients demonstrated a LV focal myocardial fibrosis (LGE +). LGE + RH patients had higher LV mass index (85 ± 14 g/m2 vs. 73 ± 15 g/m2, p = 0.007) and attenuated GRS (37 ± 12% vs. 44 ± 12%, p = 0.048) compared to LGE − RH patients, whereas GLS (p = 0.146) and GCS (p = 0.961) were similar.ConclusionAttenuation of LV GLS and GRS, and GCS decline by tendency, might be adaptative changes responding to chronic pressure overload. There is a high incidence of focal myocardial fibrosis in RH patients, which is associated with reduced LV GRS.Clinical relevance statementFeature-tracking CMR-derived myocardial strain offers insights into the influence of long-standing pressure overload and of a myocardial fibrotic process on cardiac deformation in patients with resistant hypertension.Key Points• Variations of left ventricular strain are attributable to the degree of myocardial impairment in resistant hypertensive patients.• Focal myocardial fibrosis of the left ventricle is associated with attenuated global radial strain.• Feature-tracking CMR provides additional information on the attenuation of myocardial deformation responding to long-standing high blood pressure.

Evaluation of right ventricular myocardial deformation properties in fetal hypoplastic left heart by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography

PurposeRight ventricular (RV) function influences the outcome of hypoplastic left heart (HLH) patients. This study aimed to confirm the assumption of prenatal RV remodeling and possible influencing factors of myocardial restructuring using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE).MethodsThis is a retrospective cross-sectional cohort study including HLH fetuses and gestational age-matched controls. Based on a four-chamber view, cine loops were stored with 60 frames per second. Global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLPSS) of the RV was retrospectively determined and compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, HLH subgroups were built according to the presence of left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis (LV-EFE) and restrictive foramen ovale (FO) to investigate the effect of these compromising factors on myocardial deformation.ResultsA total of 41 HLH fetuses and 101 controls were included. Gestational age at fetal assessment was similarly distributed in both groups (controls: 26.0 ± 5.6 weeks vs. HLH: 29.1 ± 5.6 weeks). Relating to RV-GLPSS values, fetuses with HLH demonstrated lower mean values than healthy control fetuses (− 15.65% vs. − 16.80%, p = 0.065). Cases with LV-EFE (n = 11) showed significantly lower mean values compared to such without LV-EFE (n = 30) (RV-GLPSS: − 12.12% vs. − 16.52%, p = 0.003). No significant differences were observed for cases with FO restriction (n = 10).ConclusionsIn HLH the RV undergoes prenatal remodeling, leading to an adaptation of myocardial function to LV conditions. Further explorations by STE should expand knowledge about RV contraction properties in HLH and its impact on surgical outcome.

First-Phase Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction as an Early Sign of Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

Left ventricular (LV) systolic function is often measured with echocardiography using LV ejection fraction (LVEF) or global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLPSS). Global wasted work (GWW), global work efficiency (GWE), and first-phase ejection fraction (LVEF-1) are newer LV systolic function indices. We examined these parameters in 45 healthy individuals and 50 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), normal LV contractility, and LVEF > 50%. Compared to healthy individuals, CAD patients had similar LVEF but increased GLPSS and GWW and reduced GWE and LVEF-1. The highest area under the receiver operating characteristic for detecting CAD was found for LVEF-1 (0.84; 95% CI 0.75-0.91; p < 0.0001), and it was significantly larger than for GLPSS (+0.166, p = 0.0082) and LVEF (+0.283, p = 00001). For LVEF-1 < 30%, the odds ratio for the presence of CAD was 22.67 (95% CI 6.47-79.44, p < 0.0001) in the logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index. Finding LVEF-1 < 30% in an individual with normal LV myocardial contraction and preserved LVEF strongly suggests the presence of CAD.

Impact of glycemic control on biventricular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking study

BackgroundPoor glycemic control is associated with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nonetheless, the association between glycemic control and right ventricular (RV) function in T2DM has not been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between glycemic control and biventricular function and assess whether one ventricular function was mediated by the other ventricular changes using cardiac magnetic resonance.Materials and methodsA total of 91 T2DM patients with normal ejection fraction were enrolled and divided into two groups according to glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with a cut off 7%. Twenty controls were included. Biventricular ventricular strain parameters, including global peak systolic radial strain, global peak systolic circumferential strain (GCS), global peak systolic longitudinal strain (GLS), peak diastolic radial strain rate (RSR), peak diastolic circumferential strain rate (CSR) and peak diastolic longitudinal strain rate (LSR) were measured.ResultsCompared with controls, patients with both HbA1c < 7% and HbA1c ≥ 7% showed significantly lower LVGCS, LVGLS, LVCSR, LVLSR, RVGLS, RVRSR, RVCSR and RVLSR. Patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% elicited significantly higher RVGCS than controls and lower LVGLS, LVCSR, LVLSR, RVGLS and RVLSR. Multivariable linear regression demonstrated that HbA1c was independently associated with LVGLS, LVLSR, RVGLS and RVLSR after adjustment for traditional risk factors. LV (RV) was not statistically mediated by the other ventricular alterations.ConclusionIn T2DM patients, glycemic control was independently associated with impaired LV and RV systolic and diastolic function and these associations were not mediated by the other ventricular changes.

Right ventricular systolic function and associated anatomic risk factors in fetuses with transposition of the great arteries: Evaluation by velocity vector imaging.

The aim of this study was to evaluate right ventricular (RV) systolic function in fetuses with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) using velocity vector imaging (VVI) and to investigate the impact of different factors on RV systolic function in TGA fetuses. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of fetuses referred to our tertiary center between 2015 and 2019. Maternal and fetal baseline characteristics and conventional echocardiographic and myocardial deformation indices were collected in fetuses with TGA at 20-28 weeks' gestation, which were compared with normal fetuses with comparable gestational age (GA). RV deformational parameters including global and regional longitudinal peak systolic strain, strain rate, and velocity were measured using off-line speckle tracking analysis. The univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were established to evaluate the independent risk factors for RV global longitudinal systolic strain (RVGLSs) and strain rate (RVGLSRs). In total, 78 fetuses with TGA [including 49 fetuses with complete transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) and 29 fetuses with Taussig-Bing anomaly (TBA)] and 49 normal fetuses were included. Compared with normal controls, global and most regional RV longitudinal systolic peak velocity, strain, and strain rate were lower in d-TGA and TBA fetuses (P < 0.05). Compared with normal controls, global and most regional RV longitudinal systolic strain was lower in d-TGA fetuses without pulmonary stenosis (PS) and ventricular septal defect (VSD), while RVGLSs and RVGLSRs were lower in TBA fetuses without PS. The VSD was an independent determinant of RVGLSRs (P = 0.024) in the d-TGA group. Additionally, PS was an independent determinant of RVGLSs and RVGLSRs (P = 0.012, P = 0.027) in the TBA group. Early impairment of RV systolic function has already occurred in TGA fetuses during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. PS, VSD, and foramen ovale (FO) were independent risk factors for decreased RV function.

Early detection of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related subclinical cardiotoxicity: A pilot study by using speckle tracking imaging and three-dimensional echocardiography.

Early detection of subclinical cardiotoxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy can be challenging. To evaluate subclinical cardiac dysfunction using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI) and three-dimensional echocardiography in Chinese patients. Fifty-five consecutive patients with malignant tumors treated by immunotherapy were included. They were examined by echocardiography before immunotherapy and after immunotherapy. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was calculated in three-dimensional imaging. Moreover, left ventricular global longitudinal peak systolic strain (LVGLS), left ventricular global circumferential peak systolic strain (LVGCS), right ventricular global longitudinal systolic strain (RVGLS), right ventricular free wall longitudinal peak systolic strain (RVFWLS), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were evaluated. Clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded. Cardiac toxicity events were defined as the presence of heart failure symptoms, LVEF reduction, and increase in troponin. Subclinical cardiac toxicity was defined as cardiac dysfunction associated with ICI treatment, with absent or delayed ICI-associated cardiotoxicity clinical symptoms. Compared with baseline, the LVGLS, TAPSE, and RVGLS significantly deteriorated after ICI treatment [(-18.63 ± 2.53)% vs. (-17.35 ± 2.58)%, P = 0.000; 18.29 ± 6.23 vs. 14.57 ± 3.81, P = 0.0001; and (-18.45 ± 4.65)% vs. (-14.98 ± 3.85)%, P = 0.0001, respectively]. LVGLS (-17.35 ± 2.58, P = 0.000), TAPSE (14.57 ± 3.81, P = 0.0001), and RVGLS [(-14.98 ± 3.85)%, P = 0.0001] were decreased after ICI immunotherapy. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that LVGLS was more sensitive than the cardiac toxicity events to assess ICI-related subclinical cardiac dysfunction (log-rank P = 0.205). The ROC curve showed that the cutoff value of ΔLVGLS was -13%. Subclinical cardiac dysfunction can be detected using two-dimensional speckle-tracking imaging. LVGLS, RVGLS, and TAPSE are more sensitive indices for detection. [https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=27498], identifier [ChiCTR1800016216].

The correlation between speckle-tracking echocardiography and coronary angiography in suspected coronary artery disease with normal left ventricular function.

Introduction: Our study objects to determine the diagnostic accuracy of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) in predicting presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Patients with stable angina pectoris with normal left ventricular function (>50%) undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled and subjected to speckle tracking echocardiography. Global longitudinal peak systolic strain was measured and correlated to the results of coronary angiography for each patient. Results: Number of male (P=0.001), diabetes (P=0.01) and smoking (P=0.01) patients were significantly higher in the CAD group compared to non-CAD patients. Global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLPSS) was significantly (P=0.0001) lower in CAD patients in comparison to non- CAD patients. GLPSS showed significantly lower in patients with Syntax score (SS)≥22 in comparison to SS<22. Cut-off value -19 for GLPSS could be used to predict the presence of significant CAD with 80.6% sensitivity and 76.5% specificity (area under curve (AUC) -0.83, P=0.0001). The mean GLPSS value decreased as the number of diseased coronary vessels increased (P=0.0001). The optimal cut-off value of -16 GLPSS with a sensitivity of 76.7% and specificity of 83.3% [AUC 0.84, P<0.0001] was found significant to predict CAD severity. Multivariate regression of GLPSS and another risk factor for predicting significant CAD, GLPSS showed OR=1.55 (CI-1.36-1.76) P=0.0001 for predicting the presence of CAD. Conclusion: 2DSTE can be used as a non-invasive screening test in predicting presence, extent and severity of significant CAD patients with suspected stable angina pectoris.

583 DEFORMATION MAP OF LEFT VENTRICULAR STRAIN: COMPARISON BETWEEN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY AND CONTROLS WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT CORONARY ARTERY STENOSIS

Abstract Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), being characterized by enhanced contractility, positively responses to treatment with myosin inhibitors which could promote reverse remodelling. Additionally, speckle tracking analysis highlights left ventricular (LV) contractile alterations in HCM, although the pathophysiological meaning and the effect of the target-therapy are still unclear. Aim To analyse global and regional longitudinal peak systolic strain in patients with HCM in comparison to age-matched control group without HCM and with known coronary artery anatomy. Methods We examined 37 HCM patients (33 with asymmetric septal and 4 with apical hypertrophy) and 67 age-matched controls without HCM or significant coronary stenoses, with transthoracic echocardiography with analysis of segmental and global left ventricular strain (GLS) by AFI method in 16-segment LV model. Results Patients with HCM showed higher values of interventricular septal thickness, left atrial diameter and LV ejection fraction, whereas controls presented higher BMI and resting heart rate. In deformation analysis, GLS values were lower in HCM (15.9 ± 4.2 vs 18.4 ± 3.5%, p = 0.002) as well as segmental strain was significantly impaired in marker regions for studied form of HCM, in particular septal, inferior and inferolateral basal and mid segments as well as apical inferior segment for HCM with asymmetric septal hypertrophy; 4 patients with apical form of HCM showed severely impaired strain in all apical segments. Conclusions Deformation analysis shows a significant impairment of global and segmental strain values in patients with HCM, in particular for hypertrophic segments. This finding does not definitely imply a certain contractile dysfunction, and further investigation on the effect of myosin inhibitors on strain analysis is strongly recommended.

Role of myocardial deformation imaging in transfusion-dependent thalassemia—Correlation with severity of myocardial siderosis

ObjectivesTo study clinical and echocardiographic parameters in Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia (TDT) patients, correlating them with T2*CMRI. To identify features of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (STE) in those with severe TDT to prioritize patients in need of early T2*CMRI and aggressive chelation. BackgroundHemosiderosis from life-long transfusions in TDT is amplified in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) when access to resources may be scarce, delaying timely chelation. T2* imaging is the gold standard to non-invasively estimate myocardial iron and guide therapy. In resource constraint areas, we propose use of STE to prioritize those with severe disease to obtain early T2* CMRI. MethodsTDT patients (N = 25) who underwent clinical, echocardiographic, and CMRI evaluation were included, with recruitment of age matched controls. Echocardiographic indices of ventricular function and strain were correlated with T2*. Severe disease was defined as T2* < 10 ms. Differences among patients with severe disease and controls were analyzed in addition to differences between those with normal and abnormal T2*. ResultsThere was moderate (R −0.60, p = 0.002) inverse correlation between T2* and peak systolic global longitudinal strain (GLS) and regional basal strain (R −0.62, p < 0.001) indicating these parameters were lower in patients with severe disease when compared with controls and non-severe TDT group. GLS and most indices of regional strain were lower in patients with severe disease (T2* < 10 ms) when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The Apex- base ratio reached significance (p = 0.02) in patients with abnormal T2*(<20 ms) when compared with normal T2*(<20 ms) in TDT positive patients. ConclusionsEarly decrease in global and regional strain can serve as a useful tool to identify patients with severe TDT before reduction in ejection fraction. This study makes a case for utilizing STE as an adjunct or initial screen to T2* CMRI in LMIC to prioritize patients in need of T2*CMRI to facilitate aggressive iron chelation protocols.

USING NOVEL CARDIOVASCULAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE 4D FLOW HEMODYNAMIC IMAGING TO INVESTIGATING VENTRICULAR AORTIC COUPLING

<h3>Introduction</h3> Ventricular-aortic-coupling (VAC) is a mechanism of growing interest in heart disease and aging. It has been postulated that aortic stiffness could lead to progressive systolic and indirectly diastolic dysfunction. VAC is important to understand the interaction of cardiac contractility and compliance with the arterial system. Studies have reported anesthetic dose and rate of infusion are associated with ventricular-arterial uncoupling. This can be confounded further in patients with severe hemodynamic disorders such as septic shock, however, the relationship between the ventricular and arterial systems is still not fully understood. With 4D-flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, the images of the thoracic cavity can be acquired in a single acquisition. Our goal was to investigate the relationship between intraventricular and aortic hemodynamics in a healthy population, using modern measures of 4D-Flow analysis and myocardial deformation. <h3>Methods</h3> 40 healthy participants were recruited to undergo a 3-Tesla CMR scan. A 4D-flow acquisition of the thoracic cavity was acquired and blood flow in the left ventricle were assessed for direct flow (blood that enters and leaves the ventricle during one heartbeat) and retained inflow (blood that enters the LV during diastole but is not ejected during the same cardiac cycle). From the same acquisition, 4D-pulse wave velocity (PWV) was calculated of the aorta. Systolic and diastolic ventricular function were assessed by peak systolic global longitudinal strain (GLS) and early diastolic strain rate from standard function cines. <h3>Results</h3> Participants (62.5% male) were aged from 21 to 63 years. Mean aortic PWV was 6.1±1.4m/s, LV direct flow fraction was 44.8±12.0% and retained inflow fraction was 25.6±6.3%. GLS was -17.1±2.0% and diastolic strain rate was 0.94±0.24/s. Increasing age was related to three parameters: Increase in aortic PWV (r=0.415, p=0.001), decrease in retained inflow (r=-0.575, p=0.001) and in early diastolic strain rate (r=-0.637, p<0.001). There was no association between systolic measures of GLS and direct flow fraction with age. When comparing flow results to ventricular strain, both a high aortic PWV (β=0.615, p=0.017) and reduced direct flow fraction (β=-0.06, p=0.048) were independently correlated with attenuated GLS, even when accounting for age. Diastolic strain rate was also independently linked to a high aortic PWV indicating aortic stiffness (β=0.024, p=0.001), and there was a correlation with the retained inflow fraction (r=0.408, p=0.031), however this was not significant when accounting for age. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Advanced measures of 4D-flow have shown that aortic pulse wave velocity as a measure of aortic stiffness and intraventricular hemodynamics are associated with reduced diastolic and systolic left ventricular deformation in a healthy control population. These modern quantitative measures should now be implemented in patient cohorts to investigate the role of VAC in cardiovascular disease, and how it may be impacted in an anesthetic setting.