Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Grade Research Articles

Diastolic Dysfunction and Health Status Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BackgroundBaseline left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is associated with poor health status in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), but health status improvement after TAVR appears similar across all grades of LVDD. Here, we aim to examine the relationship between changes in LVDD severity and health status outcomes following TAVR. MethodsPatients who underwent TAVR and had evaluable LVDD at both baseline and 1 year in the PARTNER (Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves) 2 SAPIEN 3 registries and PARTNER 3 trial were analyzed. LVDD grade was evaluated using echocardiography core lab data and an adapted definition of American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Health status was assessed using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary (KCCQ-OS) score. The association between ΔLVDD severity and ΔKCCQ-OS was examined using linear regression models adjusted for baseline KCCQ-OS. ResultsOf 1100 patients, 724 (65.8%), 283 (25.7%), and 93 (8.5%) had grade 0/1, 2, and 3 LVDD at baseline, respectively. At 1 year, LVDD severity was unchanged in 790 (71.8%) patients, improved in 189 (17.2%), and worsened in 121 (11.0%). Among 376 patients with baseline grade 2 or 3 LVDD, 50.3% had improvement in LVDD. In the overall cohort, KCCQ-OS score improved by 21.9 points at 1 year. There was a statistically significant association between change in LVDD severity (improved, unchanged, and worsened) and ΔKCCQ-OS at 1 year (p = 0.007). ConclusionsChange in LVDD grade was associated with change in health status 1 year following TAVR.

Risk predictors that impact long-term prognosis in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with the Perceval sutureless bioprosthesis

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to identify risk predictors that impact long-term prognosis in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) with Perceval sutureless bioprosthesis aortic valve implantation. MethodsFrom 2013 to 2020, 101 consecutive participants who underwent isolated AVR with the Perceval sutureless bioprosthesis were included. Primary endpoint was analysis of all-cause mortality. We performed a propensity-adjusted analysis of patients undergoing redo sutureless vs redo sutured AVR to understand the impact of sutureless valves in redo operations. ResultsPre-operative characteristics included a mean age of 71.2-years, mean EuroScore II of 3.51 (±4.48), mean body mass index of 30.2 (±6.8). Mean follow-up was 1.5 years. Intraoperatively, mean cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamp time were 65 ± 29.6 and 47.3 ± 21.3 min, respectively. Valve redeployment was necessary in 9.9 % of cases and there was one intraoperative death. There were two hospital deaths (including the operative death) while only one was cardiac related. Postoperatively, mean ejection fraction was 55.5 % (±4.1 %), mean effective orifice was 1.5 (±0.3) cm2, and mean transvalvular gradient was 14.7 (±4) mmHg. At 7-years follow-up, 87.9 % of patients were alive. Risk predictors for all-cause death were female sex and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) grade ≥ 2. After matching, aortic cross-clamp time, inotrope use, blood product transfusions, respiratory failure, and post-operative arrhythmias were higher in the redo sutured group compared to the sutureless redo group. ConclusionsSutureless aortic valve implantations have good clinical outcomes. Risk predictors for all-cause death included female sex and LVDD grade ≥ 2.

Serum Levels of Activin A: Predictor of Insulin Resistance and Atherosclerosis in Prediabetics.

Pathological effects of dysglycemia and insulin resistance on atherosclerosis and cardiac remodeling starts as early as in the prediabetic state before the onset of overt diabetes. Activin A is a molecule with multiple functions, including an important part in glucose homeostatic mechanisms as well as inflammatory processes and is therefore being researched as a useful novel biomarker for prompt recognition of the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in prediabetic individuals, thereby helping in disease prognostication and early institution of therapeutic measuresObjective: The study aimed to measure serum levels of activin A in prediabetic patients and evaluate them in comparison to normoglycemic controls. The association of activin A with carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), and homeostatic assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was also studiedMaterials and methods: A total of 60 prediabetic cases and 60 normoglycemic control subjects [matched as per age, gender, and body mass index (BMI)] were recruited. Measurement of serum glucose levels (fasting and postprandial) and fasting insulin levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were done in all the subjects. The values of HOMA-IR were computed using established formulae. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used for the evaluation of serum levels of activin A in both groups. Parameters for the two groups were compared. In the cases, CIMT (using B-mode ultrasound) and LVDD (using two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography) were measured and correlated with activin A levelsResults: Serum fasting insulin (mIU/L) was considerably higher in cases than in the controls (p < 0.001). HOMA-IR median [interquartile range (IQR)] was 4 (3.25-4.93) in some cases, and that in the control group was 1.2 (0.88-1.5) (p < 0.001). Serum activin A levels in the cases group had a median (IQR) of 263.55 (227.1-279.5) ng/mL, which was substantially greater as compared to the control group 159.9 (150.7-178.7) ng/mL (p < 0.001). A significant positive association of serum activin A levels with HOMA-IR (ρ = 0.75, p < 0.001) and CIMT (ρ = 0.50, p < 0.001) was found. In LVDD grade I and II groups, the serum levels of activin A were 257.86 (219.3-271.2) ng/mL and 269 (244.19-291.5) ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.12)Conclusion: A substantial proportion of morbidity and mortality related to dysglycemic states can be attributed to cardiovascular complications. Elevated levels of activin A in prediabetes can act as an indicator of subclinical CVD leading to early diagnosis and intervention.

The Relationship of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction and Asymmetrical Dimethylarginine as a Biomarker of Endothelial Dysfunction with Cardiovascular Risk Assessed by Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation2 Algorithm and Heart Failure—A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, causing endothelial dysfunction (ED) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), contribute to an increased risk of heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the occurrence of LVDD and ED with CV risk assessed by the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation2 (SCORE2) algorithm and HF. Methods: In the period from November 2019 to May 2022, a cross-sectional study that included 178 middle-aged adults was conducted. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was used to assess left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic function. ED was assessed using the plasma values of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and was determined using the ELISA method. Results: The majority of subjects with LVDD grades 2 and 3 had high/very high SCORE2, developed HF and all were taking medication (p < 0.001). They also had significantly lowest plasma ADMA values (p < 0.001). We found that the reduction of ADMA concentration is influenced by certain groups of drugs, or more significantly, by their combinations (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In our study, we confirmed a positive correlation between LVDD, HF and SCORE2 severity. The results showed a negative correlation between the biomarkers of ED, LVDD severity, HF, and SCORE2, which we believe is due to medication effects.

Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Single South Indian Tertiary Care Centre Study

Abstract Context Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been implicated in left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). Aims To study the association between SCH and LVDD. Objectives To analyze the association between SCH and LVDD. To correlate the amount of LVDD with the serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Settings and Design Single-center case–control study. Methods and Material A case–control study was conducted between January 2020 and June 2021. A total of 36 cases of SCH were enrolled in the study and 36 age- and gender-matched euthyroid controls were included. Each individual's LV diastolic functioning was assessed by 2D echocardiography. LVDD was graded and compared between cases and controls. Statistical Analysis Used The sample size was calculated to be 72 based on previous studies. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS software version 20. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results SCH was more commonly seen among females (75%) as compared with males (25%). Among cases, a majority of them (75%) had grade 1 SCH (i.e., TSH &lt; 10 mU/L) and 25% of them had grade 2 SCH (i.e., TSH ≥ 10 mU/L). Among all the parameters assessed for LV diastolic function, the isovolumetric relaxation time and septal E/e' ratio was found to be significantly higher in cases than in controls and mitral E wave deceleration time (DT) significantly lower in cases. A statistically significant majority (72.2%) of the patients with SCH had some form of LVDD as compared with controls (30.5%) Conclusions Walk-in outpatient department patients who opt for health check-up packages should be screened for SCH. SCH is statistically significantly associated with higher grades of LVDD as compared with age- and gender-matched euthyroid controls.

A case-cohort study of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis: the liver-heart axis.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is an early manifestation of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Few studies have addressed its clinical significance in cirrhosis. We assessed the association of LVDD with the factors affecting cirrhosis patients' severity, complications, and survival. A total of 203 cirrhosis patients were enrolled and underwent investigations, including 2-dimensional echocardiography with tissue Doppler imaging, and 139 patients with LVDD (cases) were compared with 64 patients without LVDD (controls). Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis were applied. Mean age was 52.76±10 years. Among LVDD patients, 56% had grade-1, and 44% had grade-2 LVDD. Cirrhosis related to NASH had a more significant association with LVDD (P<0.001) than other etiologies. LVDD was significantly associated with a greater incidence of Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class C (P<0.001), higher model for end-stage liver disease scores (P=0.001), duration of cirrhosis >2 years since diagnosis (P=0.028), ascites (P<0.001), hepatic encephalopathy (P<0.010), hepatorenal syndrome (P<0.001), and a history of obesity (P=0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that higher CTP score, ascitic fluid protein and prolonged QTc interval were independently associated with LVDD (P=0.009; P=0.018; P=0.016, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significantly poorer survival status in patients with higher grades of LVDD (P<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.78) was greatest for ascitic fluid protein in predicting LVDD, with a cutoff of >1 g/dL. Higher CTP score, prolonged QTc, higher ascitic fluid protein levels, and poor survival are significantly associated with LVDD. Ascitic fluid protein >1 g/dL could be an indicator for evaluating LVDD.

Left Ventricular Diastolic Indices and Their Impact on Outcomes in Patients with Recently Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Early identification of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at risk for heart failure (HF) remains critical for improving their outcomes. We aimed to investigate whether indices of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) can stratify AF patients without clinical history of HF. Methods: We extracted 1775 patients’ data from a prospective cohort that consecutively recruited recently recognized AF patients with ejection fraction ≥50%. We categorized patients as LVDD grade 0 (none) to 3 (severe) based on mitral deceleration time and E/e’ per the American Society of Echocardiography recommendation. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, stroke, and HF hospitalization during the 2-year follow-up. We also investigated the Atrial Fibrillation Effects on QualiTy-of-Life (AFEQT) scores. Results: Overall, 857 (48.3%) had mild or higher LVDD. Incidence of primary outcomes increased in parallel with LVDD grading (1.8%, 2.8%, 6.5%, and 8.1% for grades 0–3, respectively, p < 0.001), and the presence of grade 3 LVDD was an independent predictor of the primary outcome (adjusted HR 2.28 (vs. grade 0), 95%CI 1.13–4.60). Furthermore, patients with LVDD had lower AFEQT scores at the enrollment and 1-year follow-up. Conclusions: LVDD indices were associated with adverse clinical outcomes and patients’ perceived health status in a recently diagnosed AF cohort without HF.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Right Heart Catheterizations in Community Hospitals.

BackgroundRecognition of precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) has significant implications for patient management. However, the low a priori chance to find this rare condition in community hospitals may create a barrier against performing a right heart catheterization (RHC). This could result in misclassification of PH and delayed diagnosis/treatment of precapillary PH. Therefore, we investigated patient characteristics and echocardiographic parameters associated with the decision whether to perform an RHC in patients with incident PH in 12 Dutch community hospitals.Methods and ResultsIn total, 275 patients were included from the OPTICS (Optimizing PH Diagnostic Network in Community Hospitals) registry, a prospective cohort study with patients with incident PH; 157 patients were diagnosed with RHC (34 chronic thromboembolic PH, 38 pulmonary arterial hypertension, 81 postcapillary PH, 4 miscellaneous PH), while 118 patients were labeled as probable postcapillary PH without hemodynamic confirmation. Multivariable analysis showed that older age (>60 years), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction grade 2–3, left atrial dilatation were independently associated with the decision to not perform an RHC, while presence of prior venous thromboembolic events or pulmonary arterial hypertension‐associated conditions, right atrial dilatation, and tricuspid regurgitation velocity ≥3.7 m/s favor an RHC performance.ConclusionsOlder age and echocardiographic parameters of left heart disease were independently associated with the decision to not perform an RHC, while presence of prior venous thromboembolic events or pulmonary arterial hypertension‐associated conditions, right atrial dilation, and severe PH on echocardiography favored an RHC performance. As such, especially elderly patients may be at an increased risk of diagnostic delays and missed diagnoses of treatable precapillary PH, which could lead to a worse prognosis.

Left atrial dysfunction is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with cirrhosis treated by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

The present study aimed to investigate (1) the association between left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), graded according to the algorithm proposed by the Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium, and long‐term survival in patients with cirrhosis undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and (2) the additive prognostic value of left atrial (LA) function, as assessed by LA reservoir strain, using two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE). A total of 129 TIPS candidates (mean ± SD, 61 ± 12 years; 61% men) underwent a comprehensive preprocedural echocardiography. LA dysfunction was defined by LA reservoir strain ≤35%, based on a previously suggested cut‐off value. The outcome was all‐cause mortality after TIPS. In the current cohort, 65 (50%) patients had normal diastolic function, 26 (20%) patients had grade 1 LVDD, 21 (16%) patients had grade 2 LVDD, and 17 (13%) patients had indeterminate diastolic function. Additionally, LA dysfunction (based on LA reservoir strain ≤35%) was noted in 67 (52%) patients. After a median follow‐up of 36 months (range, 12–80), 65 (50%) patients died. All‐cause mortality rates increased along worse grades of LVDD (log‐rank p = 0.007) and with LA dysfunction (log‐rank p = 0.001). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score (hazard ratio [HR],1.06; p = 0.003), hemoglobin (HR, 0.74; p = 0.022), and LA strain, expressed as a continuous variable (HR, 0.96; p = 0.005) were independently associated with all‐cause mortality. Notably, the addition of LA strain to the model provided incremental prognostic value over the established prognostic variables (delta χ 2 = 8.27, p = 0.004). Conclusion: LA dysfunction assessed with 2D‐STE is independently associated with all‐cause mortality in patients with cirrhosis treated by TIPS.

Left Atrial Reservoir Strain-Based Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Grading and Incident Heart Failure in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

The echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is complex and not well-established. We investigated whether the left atrial reservoir strain (LARS) could be used to categorize LVDD and whether this grading is predictive of heart failure (HF) events in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A total of 414 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (aged 58.3±12.8 years; 65.7% male) were categorized using LARS-defined LVDD (LARS-DD) grades: ≥35% (grade 0), ≥24% to <35%, ≥19% to <24%, and <19% (grade 3). Patients were followed for a median of 6.9 years to assess hospitalization for HF or HF-related death. An increase in LARS-DD grade was associated with worse conventional echocardiographic parameters of LVDD, such as lower e', higher E/e' ratio, greater maximum tricuspid regurgitation velocity, and restrictive mitral inflow pattern. Higher LARS-DD grade was also associated with parameters reflecting increased LV filling pressure, such as greater LV wall thickness, greater extent of fibrosis, obstructive physiology, and decreased LV longitudinal strain. Furthermore, higher LARS-DD grade was associated with worse HF-free survival (log-rank P<0.001). Patients with LARS-DD grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 showed 10-year HF-free survival of 100%, 91.6%, 84.1%, and 67.5%, respectively. LARS-DD grade was an independent predictor of HF events after adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic variables (hazard ratio, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.03-2.28], per 1-grade increase). The LARS-DD grade also had incremental prognostic value for incident HF events over the traditional echocardiographic LVDD parameters and grading system. The prognostic value of advanced LARS-DD grade was consistent in sensitivity analyses and various patient subgroups. LARS can be used as a simple single or supplemental index to categorize LV diastolic function and predict HF events in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disease in different ambient air pollution conditions: A prospective cohort study

Although previous studies indicated that the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), it remains unclear whether effects would be enhanced or accelerated by long-term air pollution exposure. During 4.65 years (107,726 person-years) of follow-up, 942 cases of CVD events incident were identified among 23,143 participants from the China Hypertension Survey (CHS). Grading diastolic dysfunction was based on Recommendations for the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function by echocardiography (2009). The annual average PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 concentrations were obtained by the chemical data assimilation system. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD in relation to LVDD. At baseline, the participants' mean age was 56.7 years, 46.8% were male. Compared to normal group, the HR (95% CI) of LVDD was 1.27 (1.07–1.50) after adjusting for all covariates. When stratified by ambient air pollution, we found that in middle and worst third PM2.5 areas, increased CVD risk was associated with increasing LVDD grade, both P for trend <0.05; The HRs (95% CI) of the CVD incidence were 1.52 (0.68–3.44), 4.97 (1.76–14.03) and 4.07 (1.44–11.49) for severe LVDD in the best, middle and worst third PM2.5 areas, respectively. Similar results were also presented for PM10 and NO2. In conclusion, our study highlights a stronger detectable adverse association between LVDD with CVD in worse ambient air quality assessed by any of the three primary ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10 and NO2). Our study calls for appropriate interventions to reduce air pollution, which may promote great benefits to public health potentially by providing protection against the adverse CVD events.

Let atrial dysfunction is an independent predictor of mortality in cirrhotic patients treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is widely used to treat portal hypertension-related complications in patients with liver cirrhosis. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is associated with an increased risk of cardiac decompensation after TIPS, but its predictive value on long-term survival of TIPS candidates is currently unknown. In addition, the assessment of left atrial (LA) reservoir function, which recently emerged as sensitive marker of LVDD, has never been studied in this population. Purpose The main objectives were 1) to evaluate the association between LVDD, assessed according to the algorithm proposed by the Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium (revised from the 2016 ASE/EACVI guidelines), and long-term survival in cirrhotic patients undergoing TIPS 2) to investigate the additive prognostic value of LA reservoir strain, measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography. Methods Patients with liver cirrhosis treated by TIPS were retrospectively evaluated. All subjects received an echocardiographic examination few weeks before the procedure. Threshold for LA reservoir strain (≤35%) to identify LA dysfunction was chosen based on the median value in the current population and on previously suggested cut-off value from the literature. The primary endpoint of the study was all-cause mortality. Results A total of 129 patients (61 ± 12 years; 61 % men) were included. According to the algorithm of the Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium, 65 (50%) patients had normal diastolic function, 26 (20%) patients had grade 1 LVDD, 21 (16%) patients had grade 2 LVDD and 17 (13%) patients had indeterminate diastolic function. Additionally, LA dysfunction (LA reservoir strain ≤35%) was found in 67 (52%) patients. After a median follow-up of 36 months (interquartile range: 12-80), 65 (50%) patients died. Kaplan–Meier analysis for all-cause mortality at 4 years demonstrated a significant reduction in survival for more advanced grades of LVDD (log-rank p = 0.007) (Figure 1A). Furthermore, patients with LA dysfunction (LA reservoir strain ≤35%) had a higher cumulative event rate versus patients with preserved LA function (log-rank p = 0.001) (Figure 1B). Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) score (Hazard ratio:1.06; p = 0.003), hemoglobin (Hazard ratio:0.74; p = 0.022) and LA reservoir strain (Hazard ratio:0.96; p = 0.005) as independent predictor of mortality (Figure 2). Excluding LA reservoir strain from the model, more advanced grades of LVDD (grade 2 and indeterminate function) became associated with the outcome. Of note, LA reservoir strain provided incremental prognostic value to the model including MELD score, hemoglobin and grades of LVDD (p = 0.004). Conclusions LA dysfunction, assessed by LA reservoir strain with speckle-tracking echocardiography, is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in in cirrhotic patients treated with TIPS. Abstract Figure. Abstract Figure.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: a surrogate predictor of poor transplant-free survival in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

Background and Aim: Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction (LVDD) is a primal manifestation of Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy. Few studies have addressed its relationship with mortality outcomes. We evaluated the impact of LVDD along with other parameters on the short-term survival of patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis. Methods: 192 patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis underwent investigations including 2D echocardiography with Tissue Doppler imaging. The diagnosis of LVDD was based on the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines and the patients were followed up for 6 months. Results: 42.2% (n=81) had grade 1 LVDD and 30.7%(59) had grade 2 LVDD at enrolment. 69.2%(128) were alive at 6 months. Among the non-survivors, 5.9% had no LVDD, 23.4% had grade-1 and 62.1% had grade-2 LVDD (p=<0.001). Median survival of LVDD grades 0, 1, and 2 was 177±3, 163±3, and 122±3 days respectively. Kaplan Meier survival analysis showed poor survival in patients with LVDD (p<0.001), E/e'>10 (p=0.029) and PCWP >15mmHg (p=0.003). The Cox regression model showed a hazard ratio of 10.3 for grade-2 LVDD, and 5.7 for any LVDD compared to 1.07 for MELD score as an independent predictor of mortality. MELD score cut-off for predicting mortality was 17 (84% sensitivity; 62% specificity). Mortality in patients with MELD >17 was 52.9% with LVDD vs 9.5% without LVDD (p<0.001), and MELD >17 was 16.7% with LVDD vs 3.4% without LVDD(p=0.08). In multivariate analysis, the MELD score and LVDD were independent predictors of survival. Among echocardiography parameters, patients with a ratio of early filling velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity(E/e') >10 and Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure(PCWP) >15mmHg were significantly associated with the severity and mortality of the patients. Conclusions: The presence and severity of LVDD are better predictors of poor transplant-free survival than MELD in patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis. Therefore, cardiac parameters could be an add-on to the MELD score for prognostication of Decompensated Cirrhosis patients.

Abstract 12452: Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Diastolic Dysfunction Among Hospitalized Patients Referred for Echocardiography

Introduction: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is frequent among elderly patients (pts) with cardiovascular risk factors and is related to heart failure. Purpose: To assess the prevalence and prognostic significance of LVDD among hospitalized pts referred for echocardiography. Methods: 3828 consecutive pts who underwent echocardiography, demonstrating normal/ preserved LV systolic function were included. LVDD grades I/II/II were defined according to 2016 ASE/EACVI recommendations. Mortality data were derived from the Israel National Population Registry. Results: The clinical characteristics and outcomes are shown in the table and figure. Independent predictors for all-cause mortality (Cox proportional hazards regression model) [HR, (95% CI)] were: Age, 1-year increment 1.07 (1.06-1.09); CHF 1.82 (1.35-2.46); moderate-severe AS/AR/MR 1.78 (1.37-2.32); Diabetes 1.74 (1.36-2.22); LVDD-II 1.75 (1.20-2.58); LVDD-III 2.55 (1.90-3.44); Hyperlipidemia 0.64 (0.50-0.81). Conclusions: LVDD grade II and more prominently grade III, were independent predictors of mortality among hospitalized pts with normal/preserved LV systolic function. It is conceivable that treatment targeting LVDD may improve pts outcomes.

Role of NT-proBNP in Detection of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Asymptomatic Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) represents the first stage of diabetic cardiomyopathy and is initially subclinical. Early diagnosis enables earlier treatment and stops further progression of the disease. Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) is a new diagnostic modality with high sensitivity and specificity to know ventricular diastolic function. N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a cardiac neurohormone that can be used to identify the changes in ventricular diastolic function. We aimed to estimate the concentration of NT-proBNP and correlate its value with TDI for LVDD in asymptomatic type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.&#x0D; Methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study, we enrolled 100 asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients and 100 healthy people aged 30-60 years. In both groups, NT-proBNP levels were measured and the presence of LVDD was determined by TDI. The primary outcome parameter was the level of NT-proBNP in diabetics and healthy people. The secondary outcome parameter was the correlation of NT-proBNP level with various grades of LVDD.&#x0D; Results: In patients with LVDD, NT-proBNP levels [median (IQR)] were 123 (102,194) pg/ml in diabetics and 72 (67, 77) pg/ml in the control group. In patients without LVDD, NT-proBNP levels [median (IQR)] were 69 (59, 76) pg/ml in diabetics and 57 (49, 63) pg/ml in the control group. The level of NT-proBNP was significantly higher in those with LVDD (p &lt; 0.001). NT-proBNP concentration significantly increased as grades of LVDD increased.&#x0D; Conclusion: NT-proBNP is a good marker for detection of preclinical LVDD in patients with uncontrolled diabetes prone to develop cardiovascular complications.

Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction and Pulmonary Hypertension: Outcomes in SAVR.

Severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) are independently associated with poor outcomes in cardiac surgery. We evaluated the relationship of several measures of LVDD, PH, and hemodynamic subtypes of PH including precapillary pulmonary hypertension(pcPH) and isolated post-capillary pulmonary hypertension(ipcPH) and combined pre and post capillary pulmonary hypertension(cpcPH) capillary PH to postoperative outcomes in a cohort of patients who underwent elective isolated-AVR. We evaluated (n = 206) patients in our local STS database who underwent elective isolated-AVR between 2014 and 2018, with transthoracic echocardiogram (n = 177) or right heart catheterization (n = 183) within 1 year of operation (or both, n = 161). The primary outcome was a composite end point of death, prolonged ventilation, ICU readmission, and hospital stay >14 days. Severe PH was associated with worse outcomes (moderate: OR, 1.1, p = 0.09; severe: OR, 1.28, p = 0.01), but degree of LVDD was not associated with worse outcomes. Across hemodynamic subtypes of PH, odds of composite outcome were similar (p = 0.89), however, patients with cpcPH had more postoperative complications (67 vs. 36%, p = 0.06) and patients with ipcPH had greater all-cause mortality at 1 (8 vs. 1%, p = 0.03) and 3 years (27 vs. 4%, p = 0.008). Severe PH conferred modestly greater risk of adverse events, and both LVDD grade and the combination of severe PH and LVDD were not associated with worse outcomes. However, hemodynamic stratification of PH revealed higher postoperative complications and worse long-term outcomes for those with cpcPH and ipcPH. Preoperative stratification of PH by hemodynamic subtype in valve replacement surgery may improve our risk stratification in this heterogenous condition. Further evaluation of the significance of LVDD and PH in other cardiac operations is warranted.

Association between left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and septic acute kidney injury in severe sepsis and septic shock: A multicenter retrospective study

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) adversely impacts renal function, and E/e' is a significant predictor of adverse kidney events under different clinical conditions. However, no studies have evaluated the association between LVDD and septic acute kidney injury (AKI) among patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. This multicenter retrospective study evaluated adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2019, who underwent echocardiography within 24 hours after admission to an intensive care unit. A total of 495 adult patients were enrolled in the study. LVDD grades II and III were associated with severe (stage 3) AKI (p < 0.001, p for trend < 0.001). E/e' and e' were risk factors for septic AKI (OR, 1.155; 95% CI, 1.088-1.226, p < 0.001; and OR, 7.218; 95% CI, 2.942-17.712, p < 0.001, respectively) in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of E/e' and e' was 0.728 (95% CI, 0.680-0.777, p < 0.001) and 0.715 (95% CI, 0.665-0.764, p < 0.001), respectively. LVDD was associated with septic AKI, and E/e' and e' are useful predictors of septic AKI among patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. The study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Protocol No. ChiCTR2000033083).

Prevalence and Outcome of Advanced Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction among Consecutive Patients Referred for Echocardiography

Aim: To assess the prevalence of advanced left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in a cohort of consecutive patients referred for echocardiography and its association with mortality. Methods: The cohort included 4,481 (85% hospitalized) patients who underwent echocardiography, had normal or preserved LV systolic function and diastolic function assessment. LVDD was graded as none or mild (0/I) and advanced grade (II/III). Mortality data were derived from the National Israeli Population Registry. Results: LVDD grade II/III was found in 1,262 patients (28%), was more prevalent among the elderly, females, diabetic and hypertensive patients. Independent predictors associated with LVDD grade II/III (OR; 95% CI) were: age (1-year increment) 1.015 (1.01-1.02), p&lt;0.001; female sex 1.2 (1.04-1.39), p=0.012; hypertension 1.53 (1.30-1.80), p&lt;0.001, while ischaemic heart disease was negatively associated 0.73 (0.63- 0.85), p&lt;0.001. 1-year mortality rates were higher among grade II/III LVDD as compared to grade 0/I DD patients, 19% vs. 10.2%, respectively, p&lt;0.0001. Independent predictors for all-cause mortality after adjusting for pertinent variables were: LVDD grade II/III 1.72 (1.40-2.11); age (1-year increment) 1.08 (1.07-1.09) and diabetes 1.54 (1.26-1.70), p&lt;0.001 for all. Conclusion: LVDD grade II/III was more prevalent among the elderly, females, diabetic and hypertensive patients. Advanced LVDD was a strong independent predictor for all-cause mortality after adjustment for risk factors. Intensive pharmacological therapies at an earlier stage of LVDD may improve patients’ outcome.

Left Atrial Strain as a Single Parameter to Predict Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction and Elevated Left Ventricular Filling Pressure in Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is very common among patients undergoing cardiac surgery and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The present study tested the hypothesis of whether left atrial strain (LAS) can be used as a single parameter to predict LVDD (per 2016 LVDD evaluation guidelines) and elevated left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) (ie, LVDD grades II and III) in patients scheduled for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) surgery. A prospective observational study. Tertiary-care level hospital. The study comprised 60 patients undergoing elective OPCABG. None. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed within 24 hours of surgery by an anesthesiologist. LVDD was graded per American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging recommendations for 2016 LVDD guidelines. Left atrial (LA) function was evaluated using two-dimensional strain measurements obtained with the speckle-tracking echocardiography technique. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed, and the area under the curve was derived for the prediction of elevated LVFP by LAS. Fourteen (23.3%) patients had elevated LVFP. Global LA reservoir strain (LASr) reduced significantly as the LVDD grade worsened (28.9% ± 8.3%, 21.8% ± 7.2%, 15.6% ± 4.5% and 11.9% ± 1.3%, respectively, for normal LV diastolic function and grades I, II, and III LVDD; p < 0.0001). Similar trends were noted for other components of LAS; namely, global LA conduction, global LA contraction strain, and LAS rate. The ability to predict high LVFP with LASr was statistically significant, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.92 (confidence interval 0.82-0.97; p < 0.001), and a Youden's index for LASr of 19% was obtained with 85.71% sensitivity and 84.78% specificity. The ability of LAS and its components to predict increased LVFP in various subpopulations (normal v reduced ejection fraction) yielded statistically significant results. In patients scheduled for OPCABG, cardiac anesthesiologists successfully could measure LAS with speckle-tracking echocardiography in the preoperative period. LAS as a single parameter was significantly associated with the grade of LVDD. LASr decreased significantly with worsening grade of LVDD. Furthermore, an LASr value <19% significantly predicted a high LVFP, and LASr predicted high LVFP in both preserved and reduced ejection fraction equally well.

Abstract 13146: Clinical Significance of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function on Exercise Capacity and Prognosis: Comparisons Among Heart Failure Patients With Reduced, Preserved and Mid-range Ejection Fraction

Introduction: American Society of Echocardiography and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging have proposed the estimation of left ventricular (LV) filling pressures and grading LV diastolic function in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the associations of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) grade with exercise capacity and prognosis have not been fully elucidated among HF patients with reduced LV ejection fraction (HFrEF, LVEF ≤40%), preserved EF (HFpEF, LVEF ≥50%) and mid-range EF (HFmrEF, LVEF 41% to 49%). We aimed to determine the differences in the associations of LVDD grade with parameters of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) and prognosis in patients with HFrEF, HFpEF and HFmrEF. Methods and Results: We analyzed data on 891 hospitalized patients with HF and sinus rhythm (SR), who had discharged alive and undergone CPX at stable condition in prior to discharge. Of 891 patients, 38.9% had HFrEF, 40.6% had HFpEF and 20.4% had HFmrEF. The HFrEF group had higher rates of adverse cardiac events, defined as cardiac death and re-hospitalizations for worsening HF, than HFpEF and HFmrEF groups. In HFrEF group, the patients with LVDD grade 1 had the highest peak oxygen uptake (peak VO 2 ), the lowest minute ventilation and carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO 2 slope), the highest oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) and the lowest adverse cardiac event rates. However, there was no difference in CPX parameters and adverse cardiac event rates between patients with LVDD grade 2 and 3. In HFpEF group, the patients with LVDD grade 1 had the highest peak VO 2 , the lowest VE/VCO 2 slope and the highest OUES. In contrast, CPX parameters did not differ between patients with LVDD grade 2 and grade 3. Patients with LVDD grade 3 had the highest adverse cardiac event rates, followed by patients with grade 2 and 1. In HFmrEF group, the patients with LVDD grade 1 had the highest peak VO 2 , the lowest VE/VCO 2 slope and the highest OUES. Patients with grade 1 had the lowest adverse cardiac event rates. However, CPX parameters and adverse cardiac event rates did not differ between patients with grade 2 and 3. Conclusions: LVDD grade was associated with poor exercise capacity and adverse prognosis in patients with HF and SR, regardless of their LVEF.