Higher Left Ventricular End-diastolic Volume Research Articles

Association of global longitudinal strain by feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with adverse outcomes among community-dwelling adults without cardiovascular disease: The Dallas Heart Study.

Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) may detect subtle abnormalities in myocardial contractility among individuals with normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF). However, the prognostic implications of GLS among healthy, community-dwelling adults is not well-established. Overall, 2234 community-dwelling adults (56% women, 47% Black) with LVEF ≥50% without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) from the Dallas Heart Study who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with GLS assessed by feature tracking CMR (FT-CMR) were included. The association of GLS with the risk of incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; composite of incident myocardial infarction, incident heart failure [HF], hospitalization for atrial fibrillation, coronary revascularization, and all-cause death), and incident HF or death were assessed with adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. A total of 309 participants (13.8%) had MACE during a median follow-up duration of 17 years. Participants with the worst GLS (Q4) were more likely male and of the Black race with a history of tobacco use and diabetes with lower LVEF, higher LV end-diastolic volume, and higher LV mass index. Cumulative incidence of MACE was higher among participants with worse (Q4 vs. Q1) GLS (20.4% vs. 9.0%). In multivariable-adjusted Cox models that included clinical characteristics, cardiac biomarkers and baseline LVEF, worse GLS (Q4 vs. Q1) was associated with a significantly higher risk of MACE (hazard ratio [HR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-2.24, p = 0.02) and incident HF or death (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.03-2.38, p = 0.04). Impaired LV GLS assessed by FT-CMR among adults free of cardiovascular disease is associated with a higher risk of incident MACE and incident HF or death independent of cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac biomarkers and LVEF.

Low Vitamin D Levels Are Associated with Increased Cardiac Iron Uptake in Beta-Thalassemia Major.

We evaluated the association of vitamin D and parathormone (PTH) levels with cardiac iron and function in beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) patients. Two-hundred and seventy-eight TM patients (39.04 ± 8.58 years, 56.8% females) underwent magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of iron overload (T2* technique), biventricular function parameters (cine images), and replacement myocardial fibrosis (late gadolinium enhancement technique). Vitamin D levels were deficient (<20 ng/dL) in 107 (38.5%) patients, insufficient (20-30 ng/dL) in 96 (34.5%) patients, and sufficient (≥30 ng/dL) in 75 (27.0%) patients. Deficient vitamin D patients had a significantly higher frequency of myocardial iron overload (MIO; global heart T2* < 20 ms) than patients with sufficient and insufficient vitamin D levels and a significantly higher left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and mass index than patients with sufficient vitamin D levels. PTH was not associated with cardiac iron, function, or fibrosis. In the multivariate regression analysis, vitamin D, serum ferritin, and pancreatic iron levels were the strongest predictors of global heart T2* values. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a vitamin D level ≤ 17.3 ng/dL predicted MIO with a sensitivity of 81.5% and a specificity of 75.3% (p < 0.0001). In TM, the periodic and regular assessment of vitamin D levels can be beneficial for the prevention of cardiac iron accumulation and subsequent overt dysfunction.

Abstract 15275: Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Ventricular Function and Hemodynamic Multivariable Model Predictors of Exercise Performance in Tetralogy of Fallot Using Machine Learning and Multivariable Modelling: A Substudy of the Single Center Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Outcomes Registry-Tetralogy of Fallot

Background: There are no robust predictors of exercise performance in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) using both ventricular function and hemodynamics. Aim: To utilize machine learning and multivariable modeling to determine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and other metrics predictive of exercise performance. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of all rTOF pts undergoing CMR from 2005-2020. Those who had cardiopulmonary exercising testing (CPET) within 6 months of CMR were analyzed using the machine learning technique LASSO to choose candidate variables for subsequent testing with multivariable modeling. CMR parameters included right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) function and hemodynamics. Significance P&lt;0.05. Results: 266 of 761 pts with rTOF met the inclusion criteria (age at CMR 16.1 + 9.7 years old, age at repair 0.36 years old, 56% male). Higher RV mass, RV global function index and lower pulmonary regurgitant fraction (PR) were independently associated with higher % predicted (%P) maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2 max). In addition, females and non-syndromic pts were also associated with higher %P VO 2 max (table). Those with a higher LV end-diastolic volume (EDV), females and pts without pulmonary atresia performed better at %P work. Those with a higher RV mass/volume demonstrated a worse ventilatory equivalent of carbon dioxide (VE/VCO 2 ). See table. Conclusion: RV ventricular functional parameters, PR (hemodynamics), gender and syndromic status are all independently associated with %P VO 2 max. Those with larger LV volumes were able to perform more work and those with a higher RV mass/volume had a worse VE/VCO 2 . Our findings shed some light into the etiology of poor rTOF exercise performance.

Cardiac changes in collegiate athletes following SARS-CoV-2 infection and quarantine: a prospective Case-Control study

Objective Athletes are susceptible to acute respiratory tract infections, including SARS-CoV-2, which can affect cardiovascular function. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 infection and quarantine on cardiac function in male and female collegiate athletes. Methods We conducted a single-center, prospective, case-control study and performed transthoracic echocardiography in a diverse group of convalescent SARS-CoV-2-positive athletes following a 10–14–day quarantine, matched to non-SARS-CoV-2 athletes. Data collection occurred from August 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021. Results We evaluated 61 SARS-CoV-2-positive athletes (20 ± 1 years, 39% female) and 61 controls (age 20 ± 2 years, 39% female). Echocardiography in SARS-CoV-2-positive athletes was performed on average 40 ± 38 days after infection diagnosis. All SARS-CoV-2-positive athletes had clinically normal systolic left ventricular function (LVEF > 50%). However, SARS-CoV-2-positive athletes exhibited mildly lower LVEF compared to controls (65 ± 6% vs. 72 ± 8%, respectively, p < 0.001), which remained significant when evaluated separately for female and male athletes. Sub-analysis revealed these differences occurred only when imaging occurred within a mean average of 27 days of infection, with a longer recovery period (≥27 days) resulting in no differences. SARS-CoV-2-positive male athletes exhibited higher left ventricular end-diastolic volume and mitral filling velocities compared to male controls. Conclusion Our study reveals unique sex-specific cardiac changes in collegiate athletes following SARS-CoV-2 infection and quarantine compared to controls. Despite a mild reduction in LVEF, which was only observed in the first weeks following infection, no clinically significant cardiac abnormalities were observed. Further research is required to understand if the changes in LVEF are directly attributed to the infection or indirectly through exercise restrictions resulting from quarantine.

Preinterventional quantification of dense scar or borderline zone in patients undergoing ventricular tachycardia ablation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction This study sought to examine the prognostic role of quantifying areas of interest in preinterventional cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with structural heart disease (SHD) referred for ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT). Background The role of preinterventional CMR for the identification of scar areas, borderline zones and reentry channels in the ventricles has been well established. Whether the burden of dense scar or borderline tissue has a prognostic impact on the acute and the long-term ablation outcome in SHD patients is disputed. Methods and results We investigated 185 patients with SHD undergoing preinterventional CMR prior to VT-ablation. 38 patients were excluded because of poor imaging quality, leaving a cohort of 147 patients with positive late enhancement (LGE) imaging (mean age 62 years, 47% non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, mean left ventricle ejection fraction 38%, 96% with implanted ICD). The cohort was divided in ischemic (ICM) and non-ischemic (NICM) cardiomyopathy group and the results regarding burden of overall scar tissue, dense scar, borderline zone, as well as clinical and procedural characteristics, acute and long-term results of the two groups were compared. The ICM patients had more advanced NYHA stadium (p = 0.046), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LV-EF, p &amp;lt;0.001) and higher left ventricular enddiastolic volume (LVEDV, p &amp;lt;0.001). The NICM patients were more often under antiarrhythmic therapy (p = 0.005) and underwent more frequently epicardial ablation (p &amp;lt;0.001). Although the overall scar burden war higher in ICM patients (p &amp;lt;0.001), the groups showed no significant difference in borderline zone burden (p = 0.580). Furthermore, the two groups had similar results in number of inducible VTs (p = 0.054) and VT inducibility at the end of the procedure (p = 0.121). Nevertheless, the NICM group underwent overall more ablation procedures during the 19-month follow up (p = 0.023). Both groups showed similar results regarding assist device implantation, heart transplantation or death until the end of the follow up (p = 0.192). Conclusion While quantification of the scar tissue and the borderline zone is feasible in ICD patients with SHD, the scar or the borderline zone burden were not predictive of the VT ablation outcome.

Additional value of T1 and T2 mapping techniques for early detection of myocardial involvement in scleroderma

BackgroundWe evaluated the prevalence of myocardial involvement by native T1 and T2 mapping, the diagnostic performance of mapping in addition to conventional Lake Louise Criteria (LLC), as well as correlations between mapping findings and clinical or conventional cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. MethodsFifty-five SSc patients (52.31 ± 13.24 years, 81.8% female) and 55 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects underwent clinical, bio-humoral assessment, and CMR. The imaging protocol included: T2-weighted, early post-contrast cine sequences, native T1 and T2 mapping by a segmental approach, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) technique. ResultsGlobal myocardial T1 and T2 values were significantly higher in SSc patients than in healthy subjects. An increase in native T1 and/or T2 was present in the 62.1% of patients with normal conventional CMR techniques (negative LGE and T2-weighted images). Respectively, 13.5% and 59.6% of patients fulfilled original and updated LLC (overall agreement = 53.9%).Compared with patients with normal native T1, patients with increased T1 (40.0%) featured significantly higher left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and cardiac index, biventricular stroke volume indexes, and global heart T2 values, and more frequently had a history of digital ulcers. Biochemical and functional CMR parameters were comparable between patients with normal and increased T2 (61.8%). ConclusionT1 and T2 mapping are sensitive parameters that should be included in the routine clinical assessment of SSc patients for detecting early/subclinical myocardial involvement.

Abstract 15878: Relationship Between Cardiac Biomarkers and Echocardiographic Parameters of Cardiac Structure in Patients With Diabetes

Introduction: Current guidelines recommend N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) screening to identify subclinical structural cardiac abnormalities in patients at risk for developing clinical heart failure (HF) such as those with diabetes (DM). High-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) is another cardiac biomarker that can predict incident HF in patients with DM. It is unclear how the addition of hs-cTn to NT-proBNP screening impacts the detection of subclinical abnormalities of cardiac structure in patients with DM. Methods: Participants with DM but without known CVD at visit 5 (2011-2013) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who had available cardiac biomarker data and detailed echocardiographic assessment were included. The associations of abnormal hs-cTn and/or NT-proBNP (defined as hs-cTn ≥ 6 ng/L and NT-proBNP ≥ 125 pg/mL) with abnormal echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure were assessed using multivariable adjusted linear regression analysis. Results: Participants (N=797, mean age 75±5y, 43% male, 77% White) had mean BMI 31±6 kg/m 2 , systolic blood pressure 129±17 mmHg, and serum creatinine 1.0±0.3 mg/dL. As shown in the table, abnormal NT-proBNP was associated with higher left ventricular (LV) mass, LV end-diastolic volume (EDV), left atrial (LA) volume, and E/A ratio. Abnormal hs-cTn was associated with lower global longitudinal strain (GLS), but no other measures of cardiac structure. The combination of abnormal hs-cTn and NT-proBNP was associated with higher LV EDV and LA volume and lower GLS. Conclusion: Among participants with DM free of CVD, abnormal NT-proBNP was associated with several echocardiographic parameters of abnormal cardiac structure. The addition of hs-cTn to NT-proBNP did not significantly improve detection of structural cardiac abnormalities other than low GLS.

Impact of Intramyocardial Hemorrhage on Clinical Outcomes in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> Intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) occurs after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and has been documented using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The prevalence and prognostic significance of IMH are not well described, and the small sample size has limited prior studies. <h3>Methods</h3> We performed a comprehensive literature search of multiple databases to identify studies that compared outcomes in STEMI patients with or without IMH. The outcomes studied were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), infarct size, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and mortality. Odds ratios (ORs) and standardized mean differences with corresponding 95% CIs were calculated using a random effects model. <h3>Results</h3> Eighteen studies, including 2824 patients who experienced STEMI (1078 with IMH and 1746 without IMH), were included. The average prevalence of IMH was 39%. There is a significant association between IMH and subsequent MACE (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.79-3.86; <i>P</i> < .00001), as well as IMH and TIMI grade <3 after PCI (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.14-2.68; <i>P</i> = .05). We also found a significant association between IMH and the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.42-3.85; <i>P</i> = .0008). IMH has a positive association with infarct size (standardized mean difference, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.53-2.86; <i>P</i> < .00001) and LVEDV (standardized mean difference, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.41-0.99; <i>P</i> < .00001) and a negative association with LVEF (standardized mean difference, −0.89; 95% CI, −1.15 to −0.63; <i>P</i> = .01). Predictors of IMH include male sex, smoking, and left anterior descending infarct. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Intramyocardial hemorrhage is prevalent in approximately 40% of patients who experience STEMI. IMH is a significant predictor of MACE and is associated with larger infarct size, higher LVEDV, and lower LVEF after STEMI.

676 Impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with severe aortic stenosis and concomitant mitral regurgitation

Abstract Aims Severe aortic stenosis (AS) and functional mitral regurgitation (MR) frequently coexist. There is no consensus about the optimal therapeutic strategy for patients with combined valve disease. Evidence has shown that double valve surgery is associated with high complication rates and mortality, whereas MR severity may improve after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). To date, little is known on prognostic parameters associated with MR improvement after TAVI. Recently, a new echocardiographic parameter based on the ratio between peak E velocity and peak atrial longitudinal strain (E/PALS) has demonstrated to be accurate and sensitive in the prediction of elevated filling pressure. Its role in the setting of AS patients undergoing TAVI has never been investigated. Our study aims to evaluate haemodynamic conditions and left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function in patients with severe AS and concomitant MR undergoing TAVI and to identify new echocardiographic parameters associated with MR improvement 1 month after the aortic valve replacement. Methods We prospectively enrolled 87 consecutive patients (mean age 80 ± 6 years) with severe symptomatic AS and concomitant MR undergoing TAVI between 2016 and 2021, for whom a complete echocardiographic assessment was available at baseline and 1 month after the procedure, selected from the EffecTAVI registry. Exclusion criteria were prior valve surgery, severe mitral stenosis, permanent atrial fibrillation, and poor ultrasound acoustic window. Echo-Doppler assessment, including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), was performed before and after 1 month to TAVI procedure. Changes (Δ) of the main echo parameters before and after intervention were computed. Results A month after the procedure, 20 (23%) patients had a reduction of at least one degree of MR (P &amp;lt;0.001). Dividing study population in two groups, based on whether or not MR was reduced after TAVI, we found that patients with MR improvement had higher LV end-diastolic volume (P = 0.036) and left atrial volume (P = 0.015) at baseline compared with those without MR reduction. After TAVI no significant differences were found in heart chambers size between the two groups, but a significant increase in PALS (23.2 ± 7.3 vs. 22.3 ± 7, P=0.028), together with a reduction in E/A ratio (0.69 ± 0.14 vs. 0.90 ± 0.46, P = 0.046) were detected in patients with MR reduction. Furthermore, Δ E/PALS (−17.3±34.4% vs. 3.9±35.0% P=0.027), Δ E/A (−12.6±33.9% vs. 24.7±64.3%, P=0.018) and Δ systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) (−13.0±20.2% vs. −2.0±18.3, P=0.031) were significantly higher in patients with MR improvement to compared those without MR reduction. By the multivariate logistic regression analysis performed in the pooled population, Δ E/PALS (OR 0.968, 95% CI: 0.947–0.990, P=0.005), together with LV mass at baseline (OR 1.056, 95% CI: 1.007–1.107, P = 0.024) appeared to be independently associated with MR reduction post-TAVI. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that: after TAVI in a significant percentage of patients a relevant improvement in concomitant MR was detected; in the group of patients with improved MR a parallel improvement of sPAP, E/A and E/PALS ratio post TAVI was found; Δ E/PALS appears to be the main parameter independently associated with the reduction of MR severity.

Impact of doppler velocity index after transcatheter aortic valve replacement using Sapien-3 valve – a single centre experience

Abstract Background Little is known about the hemodynamic performance of Edwards Sapien-3 (S3) valve after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Doppler velocity index (DVI) is a better indicator of prosthetic valve function as it is independent of valve size and flow, unlike mean gradient and peak velocity which are flow-dependent. Methods In this study, we compare outcomes based on differences in DVI among a consecutive series of patients who underwent S3 TAVR between April 2015 and December 2018. Our institutional review board approved the study and informed consents were obtained from the subjects. Results Among 921 patients who had follow-up echocardiograms within 30 days after TAVR, 60.8% had DVI ≤0.5, while 39.2% had DVI &amp;gt;0.5. The median 30-day DVI was 0.47 with a standard deviation of 0.11 and mean 0.49 and interquartile range 0.41–0.55. The baseline clinical and procedural characteristics were similar between both groups with the exception of less post-dilation (36.8% vs. 47.4%; p=0.001) and greater implantation depth (2.59±1.99 vs. 2.31±1.9mm; p=0.031) with DVI ≤0.5. The rates of aortic valve calcification, pre dilation, pre-TAVR aortic regurgitation (AR) were similar. At baseline, there were no differences between both groups in mean or peak gradients or aortic velocity time integral (VTI). At 1 year, mean gradients were higher with DVI ≤0.5 (12.7±5.6 vs. 11.1±4.6 mmHg; p=0.001). DVI ≤0.5 was associated with higher peak gradients (24.2±10.2 vs. 21.4±8.7 mmHg; p=0.002), and aortic VTI (51.4±13.5 vs. 46.8±12.2 cm; p&amp;lt;0.001) at 1 year, especially with the 26mm and 29mm prostheses. Compared with DVI&amp;gt;0.5 group, patients in DVI&amp;lt;0.5 group had lower baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (54.5±12.2% vs. 58.9±11.2%; p&amp;lt;0.001), higher left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi) (54.3±20.9 vs. 49.4±17.4 ml/m2; p=0.001), higher LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVi) (25.2±16.5 vs. 21.3±12.7 ml/m2; p=0.001), and similar LV mass index (110.7±31.9 vs. 106.9±32.7 g/m2; p=0.134). 1-year mortality rates among patients who had DVI ≤0.5 compared to DVI &amp;gt;0.5 were lower (6.6% vs. 10.6%; log-rank p=0.033), however no difference was noted at both 2 years (17.3% vs. 20.1%; log-rank p=0.151), and 3 years after TAVR (30.7% vs. 31.2%; log-rank p=0.333). Conclusions DVI&amp;lt;0.5 was associated with higher peak gradients and lower baseline LVEF. DVI &amp;lt;0.5 group patients had lower 1-year mortality but similar mortality at 2 and 3-years of follow up. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. All-cause SurvivalFigure 2. Hemodynamic Data

Left ventricular noncompaction: the importance of identifying high-risk patients within the scope of left ventricular hypertrabeculation

Abstract Introduction Prominent left ventricular (LV) trabeculation is frequently encountered, however LV noncompaction (LVNC) criteria are not always fulfilled. The clinical and prognostic significance of these findings remains unclear. Objectives To characterize the patients (P) with echocardiographic suspicion of LVNC and to assess clinical outcomes. Methods Retrospective single-centre study that included all echocardiograms between January 2018 and June 2020 perceiving LV hypertrabeculation. The cohort underwent diagnostic assessment for LVNC by Chin and Jenni criteria. Baseline characteristics were evaluated. Composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, ventricular arrythmias (VA) and nonfatal stroke was considered. Results 51P, 75% male, mean age 50±18 years. 35P (69%) had associated heart conditions, of which 57% had other known cardiomyopathy (mainly dilated cardiomyopathy), 14% congenital, 26% ischemic and 3% valvular heart disease. 2P were in postpartum period and 1P was an athlete. Family history of cardiomyopathy was present in 8P (16%). 12P underwent genetic testing, with TTN and MYH7 mutations being the most frequently detected. Prior clinical HF was reported in 53%, previous stroke in 14%, and non-sustained and sustained VA in 24% and 4%, respectively. Mean NYHA classification was 1.8±0.7, with 31% being asymptomatic. The prevalence of LVNC by Chin criteria was 31% and by Jenni criteria was 55%. 32P (63%) met at least one LVNC criteria. This group was younger (45±18 vs 59±15, p=0.004), had higher NT-proBNP levels (3644±2819 vs 389±640, p=0.048) and QRS fragmentation (59% vs 21%, p=0.027). Significantly higher LV end-diastolic volume (84 (41) vs 64 (28)ml/m2, p=0.008) and end-systolic volume (51 (37) vs 35 (20)ml/m2, p=0.004), along with lower LV ejection fraction (39±12 vs 49±13%, p=0.009) and global longitudinal strain (−11±5 vs −17±4%, p=0.003) were noticed. P who met LVNC criteria also had higher number of affected LV segments (6.4±1.8 vs 4.2±1.6, p&amp;lt;0.001). Over a mean follow-up of 18±9 months, the incidence of composite endpoint was 35%. Univariate Cox analysis showed a significant association between the presence of LVNC criteria and adverse outcomes (HR: 5.108, 95% CI: 1.682–11.236, p=0.030) (Fig. 1). Conclusion LV hypertrabeculation can be encountered in a variety of clinical scenarios and often overlaps with other heart diseases. P satisfying criteria for LVNC had more impairment in LV performance and worse clinical outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

The Effect of Blood Lipids on the Left Ventricle: A Mendelian Randomization Study

BackgroundCholesterol and triglycerides are among the most well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. ObjectivesThis study investigated whether higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level are causal risk factors for changes in prognostically important left ventricular (LV) parameters. MethodsOne-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) of 17,311 European individuals from the UK Biobank with paired lipid and cardiovascular magnetic resonance data was performed. Two-sample MR was performed by using summary-level data from the Global Lipid Genetics Consortium (n = 188,577) and UK Biobank Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance substudy (n = 16,923) for sensitivity analyses. ResultsIn 1-sample MR analysis, higher LDL cholesterol was causally associated with higher LV end-diastolic volume (β = 1.85 ml; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59 to 3.14 ml; p = 0.004) and higher LV mass (β = 0.81 g; 95% CI: 0.11 to 1.51 g; p = 0.023) and triglycerides with higher LV mass (β = 1.37 g; 95% CI: 0.45 to 2.3 g; p = 0.004). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol had no significant association with any LV parameter. Similar results were obtained by using 2-sample MR. Observational analyses were frequently discordant with those derived from MR. ConclusionsMR analysis demonstrates that LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are associated with adverse changes in cardiac structure and function, in particular in relation to LV mass. These findings suggest that LDL cholesterol and triglycerides may have a causal effect in influencing cardiac morphology in addition to their established role in atherosclerosis.

Predictors of long-term mortality after catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in a contemporary cohort of patients with structural heart disease.

Ablation of ventricular tachycardias (VTs) in patients with structural heart disease has been established in the past decades as an effective and safe treatment. However, the prognosis and long-term outcome remains poor. We investigated 309 patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) (186 ICM, 123 NICM; 271 males; mean age 64.1 ± 12 years; ejection fraction 34 ± 13%) after ≥1 VT ablations over a mean follow-up period of 34 ± 28 months. Electrical storm was the indication for 224 patients (73%), whereas 86 patients (28%) underwent epicardial as well as endocardial ablation. During follow-up, 132 patients (43%) experienced VT recurrence and 97 (31%) died. Ischaemic cardiomyopathy and NICM patients showed comparable results, regarding procedural endpoints, complications, VT recurrence and survival. The Cox-regression analysis for all-cause mortality revealed that the presence of higher left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV; P < 0.001), male gender (P = 0.018), atrial fibrillation (AF; P < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; P = 0.001), antiarrhythmic drugs during the follow-up (P < 0.001), polymorphic VTs (P = 0.028), and periprocedural complications (P = 0.001) were independent predictors of mortality. Ischaemic cardiomyopathy and NICM patients undergoing VT ablation had comparable results regarding procedural endpoints, complications, VT recurrence and 3-year mortality. Higher LVEDV, male gender, COPD, AF, polymorphic VTs, use of antiarrhythmics, and periprocedural complications are strong and independent predictors for increased mortality. The PAINESD score accurately predicted the long-term outcome in our cohort.

Impairment of myocardial perfusion correlates with heart failure severity in patients with non-compaction cardiomyopathy.

ABSTRACTAimsNon‐compaction cardiomyopathy (NCM) is a congenital heart disease characterized by an arrest of the myocardial compaction process. Although NCM patients have impaired formation of microvasculature, the functional impact of these changes remains undefined. We sought to analyse a potential correlation between myocardial ischemia and heart failure severity in NCM patients.Methods and resultsWe enrolled 41 NCM patients (28 male and 13 female), aged 21–70 years. In all patients, we have determined left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and global longitudinal strain (GLS) by echocardiography. At the same time, serum levels of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) have been measured, and myocardial single‐photon emission computed tomography at rest and on stress was used to define significant myocardial ischemia defined as summed difference score ≥ 2. Myocardial ischemia has been demonstrated in 11 patients (27%, Group A), and 30 patients showed no significant ischemic changes (73%, Group B). The groups did not differ in sex, age, kidney, or liver function. When compared with Group B, Group A had significantly lower LVEF (35 ± 15% in Group A vs. 53 ± 11% in Group B, P < 0.001), higher LVEDV (188 ± 52 mL vs. 136 ± 52 mL, P = 0.007), lower GLS (−9.9 ± 5.2% vs. −14.5 ± 4.1%, P = 0.001), and higher NT‐proBNP levels (1691 ± 1883 pg/mL vs. 422 ± 877 pg/mL, P = 0.006). Overall, higher summed difference score was associated with lower LVEF (r = −0.48, P = 0.001), higher LVEDV (r = 0.39, P = 0.012), lower GLS (r = 0.352, P = 0.024), and higher levels of NT‐proBNP (r = 0.66, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe presence of myocardial ischemia in patients with NCM is associated with worse left ventricular function, dilation of the left ventricle, and more pronounced neurohumoral activation.

Plasma ACE2 Activity Predicts Mortality in Aortic Stenosis and Is Associated With Severe Myocardial Fibrosis

ObjectivesThis study investigated the relationship between plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity levels and the severity of stenosis and myocardial remodeling in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and determined if plasma ACE2 levels offered incremental prognostic usefulness to predict all-cause mortality. BackgroundACE2 is an integral membrane protein that degrades angiotensin II and has an emerging role as a circulating biomarker of cardiovascular disease. MethodsPlasma ACE2 activity was measured in 127 patients with AS; a subgroup had myocardial tissue collected at the time of aortic valve replacement. ResultsThe median plasma ACE2 activity was 34.0 pmol/ml/min, and levels correlated with increased valvular calcification (p = 0.023) and the left ventricular (LV) mass index (r = 0.34; p < 0.001). Patients with above-median plasma ACE2 had higher LV end-diastolic volume (57 ml/m2 vs. 48 ml/m2; p = 0.021). Over a median follow-up of 5 years, elevated plasma ACE2 activity was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality after adjustment for relevant clinical, imaging, and biochemical parameters (HR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.03 to 5.06; p = 0.042), including brain natriuretic peptide activation (integrated discrimination improvement: 0.08; p < 0.001). In 22 patients with plasma and tissue, increased circulating ACE2 was associated with reduced myocardial ACE2 gene expression (0.7-fold; p = 0.033) and severe myocardial fibrosis (p = 0.027). ConclusionsIn patients with AS, elevated plasma ACE2 was a marker of myocardial structural abnormalities and an independent predictor of mortality with incremental value over traditional prognostic markers. Loss of ACE2 from the myocardium was associated with increased fibrosis and higher circulating ACE2 levels.

459Direct oral anticoagulants are an effective therapy for left ventricular thrombus formation

Abstract Background and aim Left ventricular thrombus is a frequent complication of myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure with severely depressed ejection fraction. Once diagnosed, anticoagulation for up to 6-months is recommended, but clinical experience with direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) is limited to a few case reports. Our aim is to test DOAC LV thrombus resolution efficacy against warfarin. Methods Single-centre retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with recently diagnosed LV thrombus, either after acute myocardial infarction or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, from January 2009 till December 2018. Thrombus diagnosis and subsequent assessments were performed with echocardiography and complemented with cardiac magnetic resonance, when appropriate. Decisions regarding the type, dose and duration of anticoagulation and any concomitant antiplatelet therapy were left to physician's judgement. Results In a population of 66 patients (51 male, mean age 69±12 years), 13 received DOAC therapy, with the remainder receiving vit. K antagonists. One from each group was lost to follow up. The DOAC subgroup had higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation, higher left ventricular end-diastolic volumes and worse wall motion severity score index (WMSI). The duration of anticoagulant therapy, concomitant single or dual antiplatelet therapy and overall follow up were similar between strategies. Thrombus remission was observed in 91.7% (n=11) and 59.6% (n=31) patients within DOAC and warfarin group, respectively. Risk of unsuccessful resolution was reduced by 35% relative to the warfarin group (RR 0.65; 95% CI [0.491–0.862]; p-value 0.035) (figure). figure Conclusion DOAC seems to be an effective alternative to vitamin-K antagonists in patients with LV thrombus.

2D/3D Echocardiographic features of patients with reverse remodeling after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

To describe clinical and echocardiographic characteristics associated with reverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling after 6months of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Twenty-four consecutive patients underwent 2D and 3D echocardiography before and after 6months of CRT implant. Several echocardiographic parameters including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and 3D mechanical dyssynchrony (MD) index were calculated. CRT response was defined as a decrease in LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) of at least 10% at follow-up. Patients were divided in two groups according to CRT response. Cardiac resynchronization therapy responder (CRTR+) rate was 50%. Nonresponder (CRTR-) patients showed a less significant improvement in NYHA class at follow-up. At baseline, CRTR- presented with higher LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (P=0.031), LVESV (P=0.024), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P=0.002) and less negative GLS (P=0.03), and with higher diastolic dysfunction, more impaired right ventricle (RV), and higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) (P=0.002). No significant differences in echocardiographic parameters of MD were found. Univariate determinants of CRTR+ were LVEF (OR=1.59, CI 95%=1.13-2.22, P=0.007) and TAPSE (OR 1.21, CI 95%=1.024-1.429, P=0.025). A ROC curve analysis showed a cutoff value of LVEF of 22.15% significantly related to CRTR+ (SE 80%, SP 50%). Our findings suggest that end-stage HF patients, presenting before CRT with LVEF <22.15%, may not benefit from the procedure after 6months. Mechanical dyssyncronicity did not provide additional information to improve candidate selection.

Coronary Artery Calcium From Early Adulthood to Middle Age and Left Ventricular Structure and Function.

Background The relationship of coronary artery calcium (CAC) with adverse cardiac remodeling is not well established. We aimed to study the association of CAC in middle age and change in CAC from early adulthood to middle age with left ventricular (LV) function. Methods CAC score was measured by computed tomography at CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) year-15 examination and at year-25 examination (Y25) in 3043 and 3189 participants, respectively. CAC score was assessed as a continuous variable and log-transformed to account for nonlinearity. Change in CAC from year-15 examination to Y25 was evaluated as the absolute difference of log-transformed CAC from year-15 examination to Y25. LV structure and function were evaluated by echocardiography at Y25. Results At Y25, mean age was 50.1±3.6 years, 56.6% women, 52.4% black. In the multivariable analysis at Y25, higher CAC was related to higher LV mass (β=1.218; adjusted P=0.007), higher LV end-diastolic volume (β=0.811; adjusted P=0.007), higher LV end-systolic volume (β=0.350; adjusted P=0.048), higher left atrial volume (β=0.214; adjusted P=0.009), and higher E/e' ratio (β=0.059; adjusted P=0.014). CAC was measured at both year-15 examination and Y25 in 2449 individuals. Higher change in CAC score during follow-up was independently related to higher LV mass index in blacks (β=4.789; adjusted P<0.001), but not in whites (β=1.051; adjusted P=0.283). Conclusions Higher CAC in middle age is associated with higher LV mass and volumes and worse LV diastolic function. Being free of CAC from young adulthood to middle age correlates to better LV function at middle age. Higher change in CAC score during follow-up is independently related to higher LV mass index in blacks.

Left Ventricular Scar and Prognosis in Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy

BackgroundPatients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) have pronounced myocardial fibrosis, which may predispose to sudden cardiac death, despite well-preserved global left ventricular (LV) systolic function. Cardiac magnetic resonance can assess myocardial fibrosis by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) sequences. ObjectivesThis prospective study evaluated if the presence of scar by LGE predicted hard adverse outcomes in a cohort of patients with CCC. MethodsA prospective cohort of 140 patients with CCC (52.1% female; median age 57 years [interquartile range: 45 to 67 years]) were included. Cardiac magnetic resonance cine and LGE imaging were performed at enrollment with a 1.5-T scanner. The primary endpoint was the combination of cardiovascular death and sustained ventricular tachycardia. The secondary endpoint was the combination of cardiovascular death, sustained ventricular tachycardia, or cardiovascular hospitalization during follow-up. ResultsAfter a median of 34 months (interquartile range: 24 to 49 months) of follow-up, 11 cardiovascular deaths, 3 episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia, and 20 cardiovascular hospitalizations were recorded. LGE scar was present in 71.4% of the patients, with the lateral, inferolateral, and inferior walls most commonly affected. Patients with positive LGE had lower LV ejection fraction and higher LV end-diastolic volume and LV mass than patients without LGE. No difference in other cardiovascular risk factors was noted. Patients with scar had higher event rates compared with those without scar for the primary (p = 0.043) and the secondary (p = 0.016) endpoint. In multivariable analysis, age and LGE area were related to primary outcome; age and lower LV ejection fraction were related to the secondary outcome. The pattern of LGE myocardial fibrosis was transmural, focal, or diffuse scar in approximately one-third of patients with positive LGE, and no pattern was specifically related to outcomes. ConclusionsIn patients with CCC, presence of scar by LGE is common and is strongly associated with major adverse outcomes.

The relationship among cardiac structure, dietary salt and aldosterone in patients with primary aldosteronism.

Salt intake is highly associated with cardiac structure in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). We investigated the association among dietary salt intake, aldosterone and left ventricular mass in patients with PA. We enrolled 158 patients with PA and 158 patients with essential hypertension. We measured 24-hour urinary sodium (UNa) and aldosterone (UAldo) level and echocardiography parameters. In patients with PA, the UAldo level was positively correlated with left ventricular mass index (LVMI; r=0.231, p=0.007). The UNa level was not linearly correlated with left ventricular structural parameters in patients with PA. To test if UNa has a non-linear relationship with LVMI among patients with PA, we categorized the participants according to the tertile of UNa (low, median, and high tertile). PA patients with medium tertile of UNa had significant lower LVMI than the other two groups (LVMI: 144.1 ± 42.9, 121.1 ± 33.4, and 136.7 ± 32.8 g/m2, from the lowest to the highest tertile of Una; analysis of variance p=0.006, post-hoc p <0.05). Multifactor analysis of variance confirmed this finding after adjustment for clinical parameters. Post-hoc analyses revealed that the high UNa tertile was associated with higher left ventricular end-diastolic volume compared with medium UNa tertile; while the low UNa tertile was associated with higher mean wall thickness compared with medium UNa tertile. The findings imply the reasons for increased LVMI may be different in patients with the highest and lowest UNa tertile. In conclusion, the medium tertile of 24-hour UNa is associated with lowest LVMI in patients with PA.