Impaired LVEF Research Articles

Health-related quality of life disparity in cardiac sarcoidosis versus other myocardial diseases

Abstract Background Sarcoidosis, a systemic inflammatory disorder, can manifest as progressive inflammatory heart disease, termed cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Despite advances in treatment, the impact of CS on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to compare HRQoL between patients with CS and those with non-inflammatory cardiomyopathies, namely dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Purpose To assess and compare HRQoL across patients with cardiac sarcoidosis and non-inflammatory cardiomyopathies. Methods A total of 240 CS patients (86% response rate), 96 DCM patients (55% response rate), and 81 HCM patients (65% response rate) completed the RAND-36 general health-related questionnaire, comprising eight dimensions. Patients listed for transplantation were excluded. Clinical data were obtained from the Finnish myocardial inflammatory diseases registry for CS patients and from medical records in hospitals for HCM and DCM patients. Results Median age ranged from 56 to 59 years across the groups. Unlike DCM, which typically presents with heart failure symptoms, a substantial proportion (82%) of CS patients presented with advanced atrioventricular block or ventricular arrhythmias, while HCM cases were often incidentally detected or identified through family screening. Most CS patients (94%) had implanted pacemakers or ICDs, compared to a lower proportion in HCM (26%) and DCM (63%). DCM patients exhibited a higher prevalence of impaired LVEF (<50%) compared to CS and HCM patients. Functional impairment, as measured by NYHA class, was most pronounced in DCM patients. CS patients experienced more adverse events between diagnosis and the study entry, particularly sustained ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation. However, heart failure hospitalizations did not significantly differ between groups. Table 1 presents a comparative analysis of patient-reported outcomes across four functional and mental dimensions to assess the relative burden of disease among patients with CS, HCM, and DCM. While the functional dimensions in CS exhibited disparities from both HCM and DCM, no significant differences were observed in the mental dimensions between CS and HCM. CS patients reported lower scores in the domains of role physical, and general health compared to either HCM or DCM counterparts. Conclusion Patients with CS demonstrated significantly poorer HRQoL compared to those with non-inflammatory cardiomyopathies. This underscores the substantial burden of disease associated with CS and highlights the importance of comprehensive management strategies to address both clinical and quality of life aspects in affected individuals.

Impaired myocardial energetics and lower cardiac reserve in response to exercise stress in adults born preterm

Abstract Background/Introduction Preterm birth (<37 weeks’ gestation) affects 10% of live births globally and associates with an increased risk of heart failure, early cardiovascular-related mortality, and altered cardiac morphology. At rest, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) is similar between adults born preterm and term, but right ventricular (RV) EF is lower in preterm-born adults. Exercise stress uncovers LVEF impairment in preterm-born adults but RVEF response to exercise stress has not been studied. The underlying cause of the impaired LVEF reserve and lower RVEF at rest in preterm-born adults remains uncertain and whether altered myocardial energetics contribute to this cardiac dysfunction is currently unknown. Purpose To measure resting myocardial energetics and ventricular function at rest and during exercise stress to determine whether reduced cardiac reserve in preterm-born adults may be explained by impaired myocardial energetics. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, observational, case-control study of preterm (n=64; mean gestational age =31 weeks) and term-born (n=36) adults aged 34±5 years to compare myocardial energetics and ventricular function. Following maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), participants underwent 31-phosphorus magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy (31-P MRS) and cardiovascular MR imaging (CMR) on a 3-Tesla Siemens MR scanner. 31-P MRS was used to measure myocardial phosphocreatine to adenosine triphosphate ratio (PCr/ATP) as a measure of myocardial energetics. We obtained CMR-derived LVEF and RVEF at rest and during 40% peak wattage exercise (determined from CPET) using a MR compatible cardio-step module and steady-state free precession real-time cine imaging. Outcomes were analysed using unpaired Student’s t-tests and presented as mean±standard deviation. Results Age, body mass index, and sex did not differ between groups (p>0.05). PCr/ATP was 1.8±0.4 in preterm-born adults and 2.0±0.4 in term-born adults (p=0.01, Figure 1). Preterm-born adults had a similar LVEF versus term-born adults at rest (60.3±7.6 versus 62.1±4.5; p=0.19) though resting RVEF was lower in preterm-born adults (53.4±6.7 versus 55.9±4.5; p=0.05). LVEF increased by 6.5±5.5% in preterm-born adults and 10.9±6.0% in term-born adults from rest to 40% peak exercise (p<0.001), while RVEF increased by 9.2±6.3% in preterm-born adults versus 12.0±6.3% in term-born adults (p=0.06) (Figure 2). PCr/ATP associated with resting RVEF in preterm-born adults (R²=0.27, p=0.002), but was not associated with resting LVEF or the delta change in LVEF and RVEF with exercise stress. Conclusions Resting myocardial energetics is impaired in adults born preterm relative to term-born adults, with both the LV and RV demonstrating reduced functional reserve when challenged with low to moderate exercise stress. Metabolic modulators may help prevent progression to heart failure in preterm-born adults.Figure 1Figure 2

Lipoprotein(a) levels and LPA genotypes are not associated with echocardiographic measures of left ventricular structure and function in the general population

Abstract Background Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a genetically determined risk factor for myocardial infarction and aortic valve stenosis, and elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with increased risk of heart failure. While part of this heart failure risk is mediated through atherosclerotic and valvular disease, other pathological pathways may also contribute to the association between Lp(a) and heart failure. Purpose To assess if Lp(a) levels and corresponding LPA genotypes are associated with echocardiographic measures of left ventricular structure and function in the general population. Methods We included 3,427 participants from an observational general population study who underwent protocol echocardiography between 2011-15 and had an available measurement of Lp(a) and LPA genotypes. Lp(a) was measured in 1991-94 and 2001-03 using well-validated assays with the most recent measurement used for the present analysis. Participants were divided into groups based on quartiles of Lp(a) with the top quartile further stratified to capture those above the 90th percentile. For genetic analysis, participants were grouped based on kringle IV type 2 [KIV-2] repeat corresponding to plasma Lp(a) percentile groups. Linear regression models were used to estimate β-coefficients for echocardiographic measures associated with Lp(a) levels and genotypes, while logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios for cardiac dysfunction or remodeling. All models were adjusted for age and sex. Results Mean age was 63±14 years and 44% were male. Median plasma Lp(a) was 18 mg/dL [IQR 10-40], median number of KIV-2 repeats were 36 [30-40], 102 (3%) were rs3798220 minor allele carriers and 467 (14%) were rs10455872 carriers. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] was 56.0±6.6% and we had 99% power to detect an absolute LVEF difference of 2% between those with Lp(a) levels above the 90th percentile (corresponding to >75 mg/dL) compared with those below the 25th percentile (<10 mg/dL). Mean absolute global longitudinal strain (GLS) was 19.2±2.7% and we had 99% power to detect an absolute difference of 1%. However, we found no statistically significant differences in echocardiographic measures according to Lp(a) levels or LPA genotypes (Table 1). The prevalence of impaired LVEF was 16%, and we had <20% power to detect an odds ratio of 1.2 for those with Lp(a) above the 90th percentile compared with those below the 25th percentile. We found no significant associations between odds for cardiac dysfunction or left ventricular hypertrophy and Lp(a) levels or LPA genotypes (Table 2). Conclusion Elevated Lp(a) levels and corresponding LPA genotypes were not associated with echocardiographic measures of left ventricular structure and function in this general population cohort. While we did not have sufficient power to detect associations between Lp(a) and cardiac dysfunction, our findings do not support a substantial effect of Lp(a).

Cardiac MRI in Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) is the noninvasive technique of choice for early detection of cardiac involvement in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD and BMD, respectively), but is seldom used in routine clinical practice in the Indian context. We sought to determine the prevalence of CMRI abnormalities in patients with DMD and BMD and to compare the CMRI parameters with the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. A prospective, observational study was conducted on patients genetically diagnosed with DMD and BMD who could complete CMRI between March 2020 and March 2022. Abnormal CMRI was the presence of any late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) that signifies myocardial fibrosis (LGE positivity), regional wall motion abnormality, or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <55%). A total of 46 patients were included: 38 patients with DMD and eight with BMD. Cardiac abnormality was seen in 23 (50%) patients. LGE was more common than impaired LVEF in DMD (16, 42.1%), while impaired LVEF was more common in BMD (5, 62.5%). LGE was most frequently found in lateral wall (18/19) followed by inferior (6/19), septal (5/19), anterior (2/19), and apex (1/19). Among the various clinicodemographic parameters, only age (r = 0.495, P = 0.002) and disease duration (r = 0.407, P = 0.011) were found to significantly correlate with LGE in patients with DMD. No association was found between the various CMRI parameters and the genotype. The current study highlights the differences in myocardial fibrosis and LV dysfunction between DMD and BMD, along with other CMRI parameters. Notably, a genotype-CMRI correlation was not found in the current cohort, which needs to be further explored.

Wavelet transform analysis reveals differences between patients with impaired LVEF and healthy individuals.

Wavelet transform analysis reveals differences between patients with impaired LVEF and healthy individuals.

The Value of 2D Global Longitudinal Strain in Predicting the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with NSTEMI and Unstable Angina and Regional Strain Value for Predicting the Culprit Artery

Background: Our study aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of resting strain to determine the severity of CAD in the absence of impaired LVEF in patients with NSTEMI and unstable angina. Additionally, the study sought to predict culprit and infracted related artery (IRA) using regional strain (SLR). Methods: The study was conducted between January 2023 and May 2023 at the cardiology department of Ibn Rochd Hospital, Morocco. We conducted a comparative analysis involving 30 patients, comprising 23 individuals with NSTEMI and 7 with unstable angina. In all cases, we assessed both GLS and RLS before proceeding to coronary angiography. Subsequently, we categorized the patients into two groups: one consisted of 18 individuals with severe coronary lesions, including left main trunk (LM) and three vessels lesions, while the other group, comprising 12 patients, served as the control group and had non-severe coronary lesions Results: At resting GLS threshold below -16,3 %, despite its subnormal nature, should raise suspicion and suggest severe coronary artery disease. RLS in the "Single-vessel" group was significantly lower in the culprit artery territories, suggesting that RLS may be a better marker for identifying the culprit artery. Both GLS and the visual analysis of segmental kinetics by WMSI (Wall Motion Score Index) at rest, were statistically significant for detecting severe coronary lesions. Conclusion: GLR and SLR are sensitive markers for early detection of myocardial ischemia and predicting its severity. A resting GLR threshold of less than -16.13% could indicate severe CAD with severe tri-truncular or LMT damage, especially when combined with abnormal WMSI scores. These 2D strain parameter changes precede subjective abnormalities in segmental kinetics, which are often considered normal at rest.

Hyperinflammatory immune response syndrome PIMS-TS

PIMS-TS is a rare hyperinflammatory immune response syndrome, usually occurring two to six weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, which mainly affects schoolchildren and is often associated with the need for intensive care (2). The most common clinical signs are high fever, gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, cardiovascular dysfunction (impaired LVEF, hypotension, shock) and neurological symptoms such as headache and encephalopathy (1, 2, 4). The definition criteria include various clinical and laboratory parameters, which vary slightly depending on the authors (4, 6, 7). With intensive care treatment with circulatory support and administration of methylprednisolone, mortality and long-term consequences remain low.

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction is associated with a high symptom burden and worse secondary prevention

Abstract Background LV dysfunction and symptomatic heart failure are common complications after myocardial infarction and the mortality and morbidity burden remain high in this population. Published data are becoming dated, and mainly focus on mortality and hospitalization burden. There is a lack of contemporary data describing patients with post-MI LV dysfunction in terms of symptom burden and secondary prevention measures. Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe patients with different degree of LV dysfunction after MI, their symptom burden, quality of life and adherence to recommended secondary prevention measures in a nationwide patient material. Methods We included 49,564 adults ≥18 years, registered in the SWEDEHEART registry between 2011 and 2018, diagnosed with acute MI, discharged alive and with no previous heart failure. The population was stratified by degree of LV systolic function; EF &amp;gt;50%, EF 40-49%, EF 30-39% and &amp;lt;30%, assessed by echocardiography. Patients were assessed at 6-10 weeks and 10-14 months after MI. Descriptive analyses were used for demographics and characteristics at baseline, first and second follow up. Uni- and multivariable regression analyses was used to examine the associations between LV impairment and symptoms, occupation/working status, readmissions, quality of life (Eq5D), attending cardiac rehabilitation and physical training, smoking status and snuffing. Results Patients with impaired LVEF would more often experience shortness of breath (5.6% vs 32.3% for EF &amp;lt; 30 vs EF &amp;gt;50 at second follow up) (figure). Patients with EF &amp;lt;30% had a lower Eq5D mean at first follow up than patients with normal LVEF (0.77 vs 0.82), but that difference was smaller at second follow-up (0.80 vs 0.83). Subjects with EF &amp;lt;30% did participate in heart rehabilitation to a lesser extent than those with normal EF, both at the first (28.7% vs 37.4%) as well as the second follow up (44.9% vs 55.5%). In multivariate regression analyses (table), a lower EF was associated with shortness of breath (OR = 7.47, 95% CI = 6.24-8.94) and a lower probability of working or studying (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.20 – 0.31) but not with chest pain. A lower EF was also associated with a lower probability of participating in heart school (OR = 0,67, 95% CI = 0.58-0.68) and physical training (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.46-0.63). Conclusion Left ventricular systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction is associated with a high symptom burden and worse secondary prevention. This may indicate heart rehabilitation programs should be better adapted to this large population with great needs.

Echocardiographic wall motion abnormalities and mortality reported in 492,338 individuals

Abstract Background The prevalence of abnormal regional left ventricular function in the setting of myocardial ischaemia is incompletely studied, along with the relative frequency of individual wall motion abnormalities (WMA). We examined the prevalence and distribution of regional WMA in adults being investigated with echocardiography, and the association with mortality. Methods Routinely acquired echocardiographic reporting data and individually linked survival profiles were extracted from the Australia-wide, multicentre National Echocardiography Database of Australia. By applying natural language processing (NLP) to the cardiologist’s report of left ventricular (LV) function, we examined global and regional LV dysfunction. Results 492,338 (age 61.9± 17.9) individuals (255,697 men aged 60.5±17.1 and 236,341 women aged 60.9±18.3 years) could be evaluated. 57,180 (17.6%) individuals were reported to have abnormal wall motion (39,346 men aged 69.0+/-13.4 yrs and 17,834 women, 71.3+/-14.3 yrs). The presence of a WMA was associated with increased left atrial volumes (LAVi: 55.5±36.4 vs 40.9±27.5 ml/m2 for women) , impaired LVEF (50.8±15.1% vs 61.1±12.2% for women), impaired diastolic function (E` 6.64±2.21 vs 8.25±2.86 cm/s for women), and higher pulmonary artery pressure (eRVSP 36.2±11.5 vs 32.5±10.7 mmHg) . Most, but not all individuals had a history of myocardial infarction with or without revascularisation. An inferior WMA was the commonest, with 18,638 WMA reported (4.7%), followed by apical WMA (19,682; 3.4%), lateral WMA (16,976; 2.9%), septal WMA (15,722; 1.7%) and anterior WMA in 9,432 (1.6%). In men, long-term all-cause mortality for WMA was 40.5% (compared to 23.3% without), and in women 42.7% (vs 20.5%). These WMA observations were magnified in those &amp;gt;65 years and with impaired systolic function. The presence of akinesis/dyskinesis/aneurysm of any wall fared worse than hypokinesis (OR 1.34 CI:1.22-1.44 P&amp;lt; 0.001 for Inferior WMA). Females with a WMA had less mortality (OR 0.80 CI: 0.74 – 0.85; P, 0.001), and any revascularisation was protective (OR 0.76 CI 0.46 – 0.69 P&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion WMA are reported in men at greater than twice more frequently than women, and overall contribute almost a fifth of echocardiographic reports. The presence of a WMA is associated with impaired LV systolic and diastolic function, signs of increased LV filling pressure and pulmonary pressure, and high long-term mortality that is partially ameliorated by revascularisation. Prognosis is affected by the presence, extent and severity of WMA.

Interim prediction of two-year all-cause mortality in patients with de novo multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing intended multivessel PCI

Abstract Background/Introduction coronary revascularization in patients with de novo three-vessel coronary artery disease (3VD) without Left Main disease can be performed by either PCI or CABG after objective Heart Team consensus. In the ongoing Multivessel TALENT trial (NCT04390672)1, the intended multivessel PCI is performed using DES with ultrathin struts and biodegradable polymers under the guidance of quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and intracoronary imaging with IVUS or OCT. Purpose The Logistic Clinical SYNTAX score (logSYNTAX) to predict 2-year all-cause mortality after PCI was developed in 15,883 patients treated in the GLOBAL LEADERS trial and externally validated in 10,100 patients. This study aims to predict 2-year all-cause mortality after intended multivessel PCI in the currently enrolled trial population to identify patients who should be considered high risk. Methods and results We performed an interim analysis in the first consecutive 781 patients of the ongoing Multivessel TALENT Trial aimed to enrol 1550 patients. Thirteen clinical predictors are used in the logSYNTAX score: SYNTAX I-score, presence of 3VD and/or LM disease, age, creatinine clearance in mL/min, LVEF, BMI, serum hemoglobin level(g/dL), the White Blood Cell Count (WBC, in 109 cells/L) and the presence of COPD, PVD, diabetes mellitus, current smoking and/or a history of stroke. LVEF and BMI have additional squared terms to adjust for non-linear associations with all-cause mortality. The predicted mortality was estimated using the survival function developed in the GLOBAL LEADERS trial. We considered patients high-risk if the estimated risk was above the 3rd quartile. In 563 patients, all thirteen predictors necessary for 2-year mortality prediction were available. Median 2-year all-cause mortality of 1.9% (1.09-3.82; IQR2.73). 142 patients (25%) with an increased estimated 2-year mortality risk (&amp;gt;3.8%) due to higher prevalence of the aforementioned predictors; higher median age [75 (9.0) vs. 67 (12.0), p &amp;lt;0.001], a lower median LVEF [55% (20) vs. 94% (35.5), p &amp;lt;0.001] and a higher median SYNTAX score [26.0 (13.5) vs. 20.0(11.0), p &amp;lt;0.001]. A complete overview of predictors can be found in table 1. High age, an impaired LVEF, and an increased anatomical SYNTAX-I score were the main contributors to high mortality in this study cohort (see figure 1). Conclusion(s) In 563 patients, the median predicted 2-year all-cause mortality was 1.9%. Nevertheless, a non-neglectable amount of patients were estimated to be at increased risk for all-cause 2-year mortality. Accurate prediction by knowledge of aforementioned predictors is pivotal for appropriate mortality risk prediction to segregate high-risk patients with 3VD for individual decision-making on coronary revascularization, even if surgical revascularization is no option, and guide optimal treatment with use of intravascular imaging to achieve an optimal PCI result.Table 1Figure 1

Left ventricle mechanical dispersion is a new universal marker of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with structural heart disease

Aim. To evaluate the possibility to use parameters of global, segmental longitudinal left ventricle (LV) strain and LV mechanical dispersion (MD) as new possible markers of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias (MVT) in patients with structural heart disease and reduced and intermediate LV ejection fraction (EF).Methods. The study included 113 patients (105 male, age 66 [59;73] year) with ischemic (n=89) or non-ischemic (n=24) dilated cardiomyopathy and LVEF&lt;50%, implanted cardioverter-defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy devices-defibrillators, pacemakers or documented MVT. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography with an assessment of speckle-tracking echocardiography parameters (global and segmental longitudinal LV strain, LV MD). Comparative univariate and ROC-analyses were performed between patients with and without MVT separately for patients with LVEF &lt;35% (n=60) and LVEF 36-50% (n=53) LVEF.Results. The group of patients with LVEF ≤35% with MVT (n=30) was characterized by lower values of longitudinal strain of the basal segment of the LV septum wall (-5[-6,5;-0,5] vs -6,8[-11;-4.4], р=0,01, respectively) and the middle segment of the LV inferior wall (-3[-6;2] vs -6[-9;-1,5], р=0,04, respectively). The group of patients with LVEF 36-50% with MVT (n=33) was distinguished by a large value of LV end-diastolic volume (166,5[146,3;193] vs 156[133,8;165,5], р=0,04, respectively). The greater values of LV MD were noted in both groups of patients with MVT. The optimal cut-off value of LV MD was 120 ms (area under the ROC curve 0.817, sensitivity-73,3%, specificity-80%) for patients with LVEF≤35%, and 90 ms (area under the ROC curve 0.761, sensitivity-72.7%, specificity-75%) for patients with LVEF 36-50%.Conclusion. Speckle-tracking echocardiography parameters may serve as additional markers of increased risk of MVT in patients with structural heart disease and impaired LVEF. Only LV MD is useful for risk stratification of MVT in patients with either reduced or intermediate LVEF.

Routine 4D Cardiac Computed Tomography to Identify Concomitant Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy in TAVI candidates with Severe Aortic Stenosis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Bangerter-Rhyner Foundation, Pfizer, GAMBIT foundation. Background Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) may coexist in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) considered for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The diagnosis of ATTR-CM by 99mTechnetium-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic-acid (DPD)-scintigraphy is costly, whereas endomyocardial biopsy is associated with relevant procedural risks and sampling error. Objectives To evaluate whether ATTR-CM may be diagnosed by routine 4D cardiac computed tomography (4DCCT). Methods In a prospective screening study for ATTR-CM, the diagnostic performance of 4DCCT-based left- (LV), right ventricular (RV) and left atrial (LA) dimensions, ejection fraction (EF) and myocardial strain was evaluated against DPD-scintigraphy to identify ATTR-CM. Diagnostic predictors and a newly developed 4DCCT-score were validated by internal bootstrapping. Results Among 263 patients considered for TAVI (57% males,age 83±4.6 years) undergoing 4DCCT, DPD-scintigraphy (Perugini grade 2–3) confirmed co-existing ATTR-CM in 27 (10.3%) patients. Patients with ATTR-CM had impaired 4DCCT-based LVEF, LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), and LA-GLS. LV mass index, LV-GLS, LA-GLS and relative apical longitudinal strain (ratio of apical to basal/midventricular strain), each predicted the presence of ATTR-CM with an area under the curve (AUC) of &amp;gt;0.7. Implementing these parameters with cutoff-values of ≥81g/m2, ≥-14.9%, &amp;lt;11.5% and ≥1.7 in an unweighted score yielded high prognostic accuracy (AUC=0.89; 95%CI:0.81–0.94;p&amp;lt;0.001), robust to internal bootstrapping validation (AUC=0.88;95%CI:0.82–0.94). If two criteria were fulfilled, sensitivity and specificity to detect ATTR-CM were 96.3 and 58.9%, respectively. Conclusions Clinically indicated, routine 4DCCT in patients considered for TAVI provides high diagnostic yield to detect concomitant ATTR-CM, by assessing LV- and LA-GLS, LV relative apical longitudinal strain and LV mass index.

Quantitative cardiac MRI parameters for assessment of myocarditis in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate the role of quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) parameters in myocarditis, including acute and chronic myocarditis (AM and CM), for children and adolescents. PRISMA principles were followed. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and grey literature were searched. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) checklist were utilised for quality assessment. Quantitative CMRI parameters were extracted and a meta-analysis was performed in comparison with healthy controls. The overall effect size was measured as the weighted mean difference (WMD). Ten quantitative CMRI parameters of seven studies were analysed. Compared with the control group, the myocarditis group reported longer native T1 relaxation time (WMD=54.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.21,74.79, p<0.001), longer T2 relaxation time (WMD=2.13, 95% CI: 0.98, 3.28, p<0.001), increased extracellular volume (ECV; WMD=3.13, 95% CI: 1.34,4.91, p=0.001), elevated early gadolinium enhancement (EGE) ratio (WMD=1.47, 95% CI: 0.65,2.28, p<0.001), and increased T2-weighted ratio (WMD=0.43, 95% CI: 0.21,0.64, p<0.001). The AM group had longer native T1 relaxation times (WMD=72.02, 95% CI: 32.78,111.27, p<0.001), increased T2-weighted ratios (WMD=0.52, 95% CI: 0.21,0.84 p=0.001), and impaired left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF; WMD=-5.84, 95% CI: -9.69, -1.99, p=0.003). Impaired LVEF (WMD=-2.24, 95% CI: -3.32, -1.17, p<0.001) was observed in the CM group. Statistical differences can be observed in some CMRI parameters between patients with myocarditis and healthy controls; however, apart from native T1 mapping, there were no large differences in other parameters between two groups, which may reveal the limited benefit of CMRI in assessing myocarditis in children and adolescents.

Gunryeong-tang extracts protect against diabetes and heart dysfunction by reducing levels of inflammation and fibrosis in db/db mice

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders known to result from abnormal secretion of insulin and/or resistance to insulin. DM is characterized by hyperglycemia, decreased function of pancreatic islet cells and reduced insulin secretion. DM causes many types of complications, among which heart complications are a serious cause of death in people with diabetes. Gunryeong-tang (GRT, 君苓湯) is a traditional oriental herbal formula for the treatment of acute and chronic nephritis, which is used to promote water retention and reduce swelling. However, no study has been conducted on the cardioprotective effects of GRT in diabetes, so this study was investigated whether GRT alleviated diabetes and diabetic heart injury in db/db mice. The experiment was conducted for 8 weeks, distributed into four different groups: db/m control, db/db control, db/db treated with vildagliptin (50 mg/kg/day) or db/db treated with GRT (200 mg/kg/day). As a result, GRT has an impact in lowering high blood glucose levels and insulin resistance in db/db mice. GRT significantly improved cardiac function in db/db mice by inhibiting LDH, CK-MB, and CPK. After 8 weeks of GRT-treatment, M-mode echocardiography was performed to confirm whether GRT had effect on cardiac function. GRT significantly up-regulated impaired LV EF and FS in db/db mice. In addition, GRT was also confirmed to improve histopathological changes (hypertrophy, fibrosis and inflammation) and protein expression levels of related factors caused by diabetes. Furthermore, GRT remarkably improved the expression of factors involved in cardiac apoptosis in db/db mice. Taken together, our results suggest that GRT improves cardiac function and diabetic complications through suppression of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation. Therefore, it is believed that GRT can be developed as a new treatment for diabetes, especially heart complications. This study was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) Grant funded by the Korean government (MSIP) (2017R1A5A2015805) (2021R1C1C2009542). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Machine learning identifies pathophysiologically and prognostically informative phenotypes among patients with mitral regurgitation undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.

Patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) present with considerable heterogeneity in cardiac damage depending on underlying aetiology, disease progression, and comorbidities. This study aims to capture their cardiopulmonary complexity by employing a machine-learning (ML)-based phenotyping approach. Data were obtained from 1426 patients undergoing mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MV TEER) for MR. The ML model was developed using 609 patients (derivation cohort) and validated on 817 patients from two external institutions. Phenotyping was based on echocardiographic data, and ML-derived phenotypes were correlated with 5-year outcomes. Unsupervised agglomerative clustering revealed four phenotypes among the derivation cohort: Cluster 1 showed preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; 56.5 ± 7.79%) and regular left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD; 35.2 ± 7.52 mm); 5-year survival in Cluster 1, hereinafter serving as a reference, was 60.9%. Cluster 2 presented with preserved LVEF (55.7 ± 7.82%) but showed the largest mitral valve effective regurgitant orifice area (0.623 ± 0.360 cm2) and highest systolic pulmonary artery pressures (68.4 ± 16.2 mmHg); 5-year survival ranged at 43.7% (P-value: 0.032). Cluster 3 was characterized by impaired LVEF (31.0 ± 10.4%) and enlarged LVESD (53.2 ± 10.9 mm); 5-year survival was reduced to 38.3% (P-value: <0.001). The poorest 5-year survival (23.8%; P-value: <0.001) was observed in Cluster 4 with biatrial dilatation (left atrial volume: 312 ± 113 mL; right atrial area: 46.0 ± 8.83 cm2) although LVEF was only slightly reduced (51.5 ± 11.0%). Importantly, the prognostic significance of ML-derived phenotypes was externally confirmed. ML-enabled phenotyping captures the complexity of extra-mitral valve cardiac damage, which does not necessarily occur in a sequential fashion. This novel phenotyping approach can refine risk stratification in patients undergoing MV TEER in the future.

Cardiologist Evaluation and Approval Was the Primary Predictor of Kidney Transplant Candidacy and Transplantation Among Patients With Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

We evaluated 109 consecutive adults with LVEF ≤40% at the time of initial kidney transplant evaluation between 2013 and 2018. Posttransplant cardiovascular outcomes were defined as nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), admission for HF, cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality. A cardiologist participated in kidney transplant evaluation for 87% of patients and was present at 49% of transplant selection conferences. Twenty-four patients (22%) were denied by a cardiologist for kidney transplant' and 59 (54%) were denied by the selection committee, of whom 43 were because of cardiovascular risk. Forty-two (38%) patients were approved for kidney transplant. On univariate analysis, the variables associated with denial for kidney transplant included cardiologist denial, higher cardiac troponin T, prior coronary intervention, cardiovascular event, positive stress study, lower ejection fraction, and lower VO2 max (all P < 0.05). Cardiologist denial was the most significant predictor of denial for kidney transplant in different multivariate models. At a median follow-up of 15 mo, 5 (5%) suffered nonfatal MI, 13 (12%) were hospitalized for HF exacerbation, and 17 (16%) died. Only 22 patients, 52% of those approved, underwent kidney transplant. After kidney transplant, there was 1 death, 1 nonfatal MI, and 3 hospitalizations for HF. Median LVEF improved from 38% before listing to 55% posttransplant. Cardiologist denial was the primary predictor of rejection for kidney transplant. Despite careful selection, prevalence of cardiovascular events and mortality after kidney transplant was 23%. There is need for a structured multidisciplinary approach for patients with impaired LVEF.

220 MANAGING CARDIAC ARREST SECONDARY TO SPONTANEOUS CORONARY ARTERY DISSECTION: SHOULD WE ROUTINELY CONSIDER ICD IMPLANTATION?

Abstract Introduction Cardiac arrest secondary to a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) represents a challenging scenario. It deserves specific considerations due to the dramatic presentation and the need for secondary sudden cardiac death prevention. Methods We collected clinical data of four women admitted during the last two years in the Coronary Care Unit of Parma University Hospital, whose presentation of SCAD were cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. Results Three patients survived the acute phases. One patient, being considered at high risk of SCAD recurrence, received a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD). Acute management of cardiac arrest related to SCAD deserves specific considerations. Our case series illustrates the importance of prompt resuscitation manoeuvres and early defibrillation. We propose a flow chart of management of cardiac arrest in patient with suspect of SCAD. Evaluating risk of SCAD recurrence and sudden cardiac death The management of SCAD patients complicated by malignant ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest is challenging. Looking at published registries, it appears that SCAD patients are more likely to suffer from ventricular arrythmia or sudden cardiac death than non-SCAD MI patients. The risk-benefit ratio of ICD implantation in these patients remain uncertain . Evaluation of scar burden with CMR can help stratify the global arrhythmic risk, especially as extensive myocardial scar with a residual impaired LVEF increases the risk of future arrhythmic events. In our series, only one patient underwent S-ICD implantation, and the decision was mainly driven by the finding of underlying arteriopathy affecting other vascular territories, suggesting a potentially higher rate of SCAD recurrence. For this particular subset of patients, we propose an algorithm that combines predisposing factors and myocardia injury quantification data that could be useful for the estimate of the risk of malignant arrythmias, as well as the risk of recurrence of SCAD, but needs to be validated in larger case studies. Conclusions The acute management of cardiac arrest related to SCAD deserves specific consideration. The residual myocardial damage, predisposing and precipitants factors should be evaluated in order to estimate the SCAD recurrence and sudden cardiac death risks.

Optimization of Preprocedural Full-cycle Computed Tomography in Patients Referred for Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Repair: Test Bolus Versus Bolus Tracking.

Advancements in transcatheter mitral and tricuspid valve repair have resulted in growing demands in preprocedural computed tomography (CT) imaging. Due to the introduction of multidetector CT (MDCT), shorter acquisition times as well as high rates of heart failure and arrhythmias in this specific patient population, optimal synchronization between the passage of contrast agent and data acquisition is mandatory. There is no consensus on which acquisition technique should be used in this patient population. We aimed to optimize our preprocedural CT protocol comparing bolus tracking (BT) and test bolus (TB) techniques. We performed a retrospective analysis on 151 patients referred for full-cycle MDCT evaluation for transcatheter tricuspid valve repair comparing BT with TB (BT n=75 TB n=75). Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were obtained. Demographic data, laboratory, electrocardiographic, and transthoracic echocardiography/transoesophageal echocardiography parameters were collected from electronic health records. Also, the volume of contrast agent and saline chaser and radiation dose length product and milliampere seconds were collected. BT and TB resulted in comparable CNR (BT: 0.47 [0.34 to 0.98]; TB: 0.51 [0.41 to 1.40]; P =0.1). BT was associated with a shorter scan duration (BT: 8.3min [4.1 to 24.4]; TB: 13.9min [6.2 to 41.4]; P <0.001), less radiation in terms of dose length product (BT: 1186±585; TB: 1383±679, P =0.04), and lower total volume administration (BT: 101mL [63 to 16]; TB: 114mL [71 to 154]; P <0.001). In patients with severely impaired ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≤35%; n=65 [TB n=31; BT n=34]) using the TB technique yielded significantly better image quality in terms of CNR (TB=0.57 [0.41 to 1.07); BT=0.41 [0.34 to 0.65]; P =0.02). In patients with impaired LVEF (LVEF≤35%), the TB technique yielded significantly superior image quality and may be the preferred approach in this specific patient population. BT showed advantages in terms of shorter duration, less radiation, and lower contrast agent volume.

Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure during Exercise Is Prognostic for Long-Term Survival in Patients with Symptomatic Heart Failure.

Aims: Exercise stress testing can stratify specific populations of heart failure patients for mortality risk, but is not universally applied. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic capabilities of invasive exercise testing in a real-world cohort of suspected heart failure patients in whom non-cardiac causes of dyspnea were excluded. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the survival of 682 patients who underwent right heart catheterization at rest and during exercise between 2007 and 2017 for dyspnea and expected heart failure. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) at rest and the PCWP response to exercise, expressed as the ratio of PCWP at peak exercise to workload normalized to body weight (PCWL (mmHg/W/kg)), were determined. Mortality data were retrieved from the official German death registry. Results: Over a median follow-up period of 8.5 years, PCWL is a stronger predictor of all-cause mortality than PCWP. Patients featuring a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; <50%), but favorable response to exercise (PCWL <34.7 mmHg/W/kg), have a similar mortality risk to patients with a normal LVEF and low PCWL (hazard ratio (HR) 1.180, 95% CI 0.48–2.91, p = 0.719). Irrespective of LVEF, an increased PCWL during exercise was associated with a significantly increased mortality (HR 1.950 with preserved LVEF, 95% CI 1.12–3.34, p = 0.018; and HR 3.212 with impaired LVEF, 95% CI 1.75–5.70, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In patients with clinical heart failure, invasive exercise testing improves the prediction of mortality. Subjects with a favorable response to exercise have a relatively low mortality irrespective of left ventricular systolic function.

Female-specific reference values for blood pressure and its relationship with subclinical echocardiographic findings in women with a history of preeclampsia: the Queen of Hearts study

Abstract Introduction Hypertension is the most crucial modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Sex differences in what is considered optimal blood pressure (BP) might deviate from current sex-blinded guidelines for hypertension. In women, an obstetric history of preeclampsia relates to postpartum hypertension and substantially increases the risk of premature CVD. Purpose To establish female-specific reference values for BP in relatively young women and assess its association with subclinical aberrant echocardiographic findings in a high-risk female population. Methods Data was used from the Queen of Hearts study; a cross-sectional cohort study on early detection of heart failure among young women with a history of preeclampsia and a control group of low-risk healthy women with a history of uncomplicated pregnancy. The control group was used to non-parametrically establish reference values for BP (95th percentile). The association between the derived reference values and the risk of subclinical aberrant echocardiographic findings was evaluated in the former preeclamptic group using logistic regression. All women were admitted to a standardized cardiovascular assessment including transthoracic echocardiography and 30-minutes BP measurement. Subclinical echocardiographic findings included left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH), LV concentric remodelling (LCVR), diastolic dysfunction (DD) and impaired LV ejection fraction (LVEF, &amp;lt;55%). Results A total of 429 women in the healthy control group and 856 in the former preeclamptic group were included (44±8 and 38±8 years, respectively). In the healthy control group, 97.7% and 99.8% of women had a systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) value below the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for hypertension. Overall, the derived reference value for SBP and DBP in our control group was 133 and 82 mmHg, respectively. Age-specific reference curves are presented in Figure 1 and 2. In the subgroup of former preeclamptic women 10.4% and 14.6% had SBP and DBP levels above 133 mmHg and 82mmHg, respectively. In this group, the Odds Ratio (OR) for subclinical aberrant echocardiographic findings when having SBP ≥133mmHg was 5.3 (95% CI 2.3–12.3) for LVH, 1.4 (95% CI 0.6–3.2) for LVCR, 5.9 (95% CI 3.3–10.7) for DD and 1.3 (95% CI 0.3–6.0) for impaired LVEF. For DBP ≥82mmHg, the OR for LVH was 3.5 (95% CI 1.5–8.0), LVCR 1.3 (95% CI 0.6–2.7), DD 3.4 (95% CI 1.9–6.0) and impaired LVEF 1.5 (95% CI 0.4–5.3). Conclusions Upper limits for SBP and DBP values in current guidelines correspond with the value of less than 2% of women in our healthy (no pre-eclampsia) population. We derived new reference values with the upper limit corresponding with the upper 5th centile. Values above this level, even below decision limits for hypertension, are associated with abnormal subclinical cardiac function and geometry in a high-risk young female population. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Dutch Heart Foundation