Larger Left Atrial Volume Research Articles

Associations between Mitral Annular and Left Atrial Volume Changes in Healthy Adults-Detailed Analysis from the Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiographic MAGYAR-Healthy Study.

Three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) is one of the newest development in non-invasive imaging offering simultaneous 3D evaluation of atria and valvular annuli. 3DSTE was used to analyze correlations between left atrial (LA) volume changes and mitral annular (MA) dimensions and functional properties in healthy adult subjects. A total of 297 healthy subjects were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study, from which insufficient quality of images was responsible for the exclusion of 98 cases (33%). The remaining study population consisted of 199 healthy adults without valvular regurgitation/stenosis in sinus rhythm (mean age: 33.5 12.7 years, 104 males, body mass index: 24.7 1.2 kg/ , systolic and diastolic blood pressure: 118.2 3.4 mmHg and 78.3 4.5 mmHg, respectively). Two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and 3DSTE were performed in all cases. Larger LA volumes were associated with more dilated MA dimensions with its reduced function. Elevated LA stroke volumes could be demonstrated only in systole and end-diastole, while increased LA emptying fraction was present only in end-diastole. Reduced MA fractional area change was associated with larger diastolic LA volumes, smaller early diastolic LA stroke volume, in addition all LA emptying fractions were smaller as well. Correlations could be demonstrated between LA and MA parameters. 3DSTE is suitable not only for chamber quantifications, but also for the assessment of valvular annular dimensions. Strong relationship exists between LA volumes and MA dimensions and functional properties.

Association between comorbidities and left and right atrial dysfunction in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Analysis of AF-RISK

BackgroundTo identify the association between comorbidities and left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) function in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study. Speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed in 344 patients with paroxysmal AF at baseline, and available in 298 patients after 1-year follow-up. The number of comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, body mass index > 25 kg/m2, age > 65 years, moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation and kidney dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2)) was determined and the association with atrial strain was tested. ResultsMean age of the patients was 58 (SD 12) years and 137 patients were women (40%). Patients with a higher number of comorbidities had larger LA volumes (p for trend <0.001), and had a decrease in all strain phases from the LA and RA, except for the RA contraction phase (p for trend 0.47). A higher number of comorbidities was associated with LA reservoir and conduit strain decrease independently of LA volume (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively). Patients with 1–2 comorbidities, but not patients with 3 or more comorbidities, showed a further progression of impaired LA and RA function in almost all atrial strain phases at 14 [13–17] months follow-up. ConclusionsIn patients with paroxysmal AF, individual and combined comorbidities are related to lower LA and RA strain. In patients with few comorbidities, impairment in atrial function progresses during one year of follow-up. Whether comorbidity management prevents or reverses decrease in atrial function warrants further study.

Association of Female Menopause With Atrioventricular Mechanics and Outcomes.

BackgroundDespite known sex differences in cardiac structure and function, little is known about how menopause and estrogen associate with atrioventricular mechanics and outcomes.ObjectiveTo study how, sex differences, loss of estrogen in menopause and duration of menopause, relate to atrioventricular mechanics and outcomes.MethodsAmong 4051 asymptomatic adults (49.8 ± 10.8 years, 35%women), left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) mechanics were assessed using speckle-tracking.ResultsPost-menopausal (vs. pre-menopausal) women had similar LV ejection fraction but reduced GLS, reduced PALS, increased LA stiffness, higher LV sphericity and LV torsion (all p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed menopause to be associated with greater LV sphericity (0.02, 95%CI 0.01, 0.03), higher indexed LV mass (LVMi), lower mitral e’, lower LV GLS (0.37, 95%CI 0.04–0.70), higher LV torsion, larger LA volume, worse PALS (∼2.4-fold) and greater LA stiffness (0.028, 95%CI 0.01–0.05). Increasing years of menopause was associated with further reduction in GLS, markedly worse LA mechanics despite greater LV sphericity and higher torsion. Lower estradiol levels correlated with more impaired LV diastolic function, impaired LV GLS, greater LA stiffness, and increased LV sphericity and LV torsion (all p < 0.05). Approximately 5.5% (37/669) of post-menopausal women incident HF over 2.9 years of follow-up. Greater LV sphericity [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.04, 95%CI 1.00–1.07], impaired GLS (aHR 0.87, 95%CI 0.78–0.97), reduced peak left atrial longitudinal strain (PALS, aHR 0.94, 95%CI 0.90–0.99) and higher LA stiffness (aHR 10.5, 95%CI 1.69–64.6) were independently associated with the primary outcome of HF hospitalizations in post-menopause. Both PALS < 23% (aHR:1.32, 95%CI 1.01–3.49) and GLS < 16% (aHR:5.80, 95%CI 1.79–18.8) remained prognostic for the incidence of HF in post-menopausal women in dichotomous analyses, even after adjusting for confounders. Results were consistent with composite outcomes of HF hospitalizations and 1-year all-cause mortality as well.ConclusionMenopause was associated with greater LV/LA remodeling and reduced LV longitudinal and LA function in women. The cardiac functional deficit with menopause and lower estradiol levels, along with their independent prognostic value post-menopause, may elucidate sex differences in heart failure further.

Pre-procedural predictors of left atrial low-voltage zones in patients undergoing catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Pulmonary vein isolation has become a cornerstone treatment for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Recent reports show that additional ablation targeting low-voltage zones reduces AF recurrence. However, the pre-procedural predictors of low-voltage zones remain elusive. We retrospectively enrolled 359 patients (mean age 63.7 ± 10.8 years; 73 females; and 149 had persistent atrial fibrillation) who underwent catheter ablation for AF and left atrial (LA) voltage mapping during sinus rhythm or atrial pacing. Low-voltage zones were defined as area of > 5 cm2 with a bipolar electrogram amplitude of < 0.50 mV. Overall, 51 (14.2%) patients had low-voltage zones. Patients with low-voltage zones were older (67.9 ± 9.9 vs. 63.0 ± 10.8 years; P = 0.003), predominantly female (33.3% vs. 18.2%; P = 0.013), had higher prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (11.8% vs. 1.6%; P = 0.002) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (9.8% vs. 2.6%; P = 0.025), and had larger LA volumes (153.6 ± 46.4 vs. 117.7 ± 67.8 mL; P < 0.001) than those without low-voltage zones. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (OR 1.060; 95% CI 1.022–1.101, P = 0.002), female sex (OR 2.978; 95% CI 1.340–6.615, P = 0.007), DCM (OR 8.341; 95% CI 1.381–50.372, P = 0.021), HCM (OR 5.044; 95% CI 1.314–19.363, P = 0.018), persistent AF (OR 4.188; 95% CI 1.928–9.100, P < 0.001), and larger LA volume (OR 3.215; 95% CI 1.378–7.502, P = 0.007) were independently associated with the presence of low-voltage zones. Patient age, female sex, DCM, HCM, persistent AF and larger LA volume may predict the presence of low-voltage zones and could be useful in selecting the appropriate ablation strategy for AF.

Diagnostic accuracy of automated 3D volumetry of cardiac chambers by CT pulmonary angiography for identification of pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease

ObjectivesTo assess diagnostic accuracy of automated 3D volumetry of cardiac chambers based on computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for the differentiation of pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (group 2 PH) from non-group 2 PH compared to manual diameter measurements.MethodsPatients with confirmed PH undergoing right heart catheterisation and CTPA within 100 days for diagnostic workup of PH between August 2013 and February 2016 were included in this retrospective, single-centre study. Automated 3D segmentation of left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium and right ventricle (LA/LV/RA/RV) was performed by two independent and blinded radiologists using commercial software. For comparison, axial diameters were manually measured. The ability to differentiate group 2 PH from non-group 2 PH was assessed by means of logistic regression.ResultsNinety-one patients (median 67.5 years, 44 women) were included, thereof 19 patients (20.9%) classified as group 2 PH. After adjustment for age, sex and mean pulmonary arterial pressure, group 2 PH was significantly associated with larger LA volume (p < 0.001), larger LV volume (p = 0.001), lower RV/LV volume ratio (p = 0.04) and lower RV/LA volume ratio (p = 0.003). LA volume demonstrated the highest discriminatory ability to identify group 2 PH (AUC, 0.908; 95% confidence interval, 0.835–0.981) and was significantly superior to LA diameter (p = 0.009). Intraobserver and interobserver agreements were excellent for all volume measurements (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.926–0.999, all p < 0.001).ConclusionsLA volume quantified by automated, CTPA-based 3D volumetry can differentiate group 2 PH from other PH groups with good diagnostic accuracy and yields significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than left atrial diameter.Key Points• Automated cardiac chamber volumetry using non-gated CT pulmonary angiography can differentiate pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease from other causes with good diagnostic accuracy.• Left atrial volume yields significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than left atrial axial diameter for identification of pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease without time-consuming manual processing.

Geometric differences of the mitral valve apparatus in atrial and ventricular functional mitral regurgitation

BackgroundFunctional mitral regurgitation (FMR) occurs in patients with annular dilation (atrial, aFMR) or patients with left ventricular (LV) disease (ventricular, vFMR). Meticulous understanding of the mechanisms underpinning regurgitation is crucial to optimize therapeutic strategies. MethodsPatients with moderate-severe FMR were identified from a registry of patients referred for transcatheter mitral valve intervention. In addition, controls without cardiovascular disease were identified. Differences in the geometry of the LV and mitral valve apparatus (including leaflet and tenting geometry, papillary muscle displacement and movement, annular dimensions, and dynamism) between atrial and ventricular FMR, and control subjects, were assessed using multiphasic cardiac CT. ResultsOf 183 FMR patients, 18 patients (10%) were found to have aFMR. The remaining patients had either ischemic or non-ischemic ventricular FMR. In aFMR, both increasing LV end-systolic volume (rho 0.701, p ​< ​0.01) and left atrial volume (rho 0.909, p ​< ​0.01) were associated with larger annular area. By contrast, in vFMR larger annular area was most strongly associated with larger left atrial volume (rho 0.63, p ​< ​0.01). In controls, increased annular area was associated with larger LVEDV (rho 0.78, p ​< ​0.01) and LVESV (rho 0.824, p ​< ​0.01), but not left atrial size (rho 0.16, p ​= ​0.45).Ventricular FMR comprised apicolaterally displaced, akinetic posteromedial papillary muscles, resulting in pronounced leaflet tethering, leaflet elongation compared to controls, and only modest relative LA dilatation. Compared to vFMR, aFMR was characterised by marked relative annular dilation, smaller but discernible mitral valve tenting, shorter leaflet lengths when related to annular size, but normal papillary geometry. ConclusionFMR is characterised by multiple changes within the mitral valve complex. Atrial and ventricular FMR differ significantly in terms of the drivers of annular size, and geometry and function of the subvalvular apparatus. This highlights the need to consider these as separate disease entities.

Recurrent Mitral Regurgitation After MitraClip: Predictive Factors, Morphology, and Clinical Implication.

Recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) following MitraClip has not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to examine the predictive factors, morphology, and long-term outcome of recurrent MR after MitraClip. We assessed data from the Heart Failure Network Rhineland registry from August 2010 to October 2018. Competing risk analyses were performed using the Fine and Gray model to assess the risk of recurrent MR. Among 685 MitraClip patients with a reduction in MR to ≤2+, 61 patients developed recurrent MR within the first 12 months. Flail leaflet (hazard ratio, 3.68; P=0.002) and residual MR (MR grade 2+ versus ≤1+: hazard ratio, 2.56; P=0.03) were the predictors of recurrent MR in primary MR patients, while left atrial volume (per 10 mL increase: hazard ratio, 1.11; P<0.001) and residual MR (hazard ratio, 2.45; P=0.01) were independently associated with recurrent MR in secondary MR patients. In primary MR patients, loss of leaflet insertion or leaflet tear were the predominant morphologies with recurrent MR. In secondary MR patients, more than half of the patients with recurrent MR did not show any disorder of the clip or leaflets. Patients with recurrent MR were more likely to experience unplanned heart failure hospitalization or heart failure symptom with New York Heart Association scale III/IV (54.1% versus 37.8%; P=0.018) and undergo a repeat mitral valve intervention (9.8% versus 2.2%; P=0.005) during the follow-up. In the landmark survival analysis, patients with recurrent MR tended to have lower long-term survival (58.7% versus 83.9%; P=0.08) than patients without recurrent MR. Flail leaflet and residual MR were the predictors of recurrent MR in primary MR patients, while a larger left atrial volume and residual MR were associated with recurrent MR in secondary MR patients, which may be associated with long-term clinical outcomes of patients after MitraClip.

Generalizable Framework for Atrial Volume Estimation for Cardiac CT Images Using Deep Learning With Quality Control Assessment.

ObjectivesCardiac computed tomography (CCT) is a common pre-operative imaging modality to evaluate pulmonary vein anatomy and left atrial appendage thrombus in patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). These images also allow for full volumetric left atrium (LA) measurement for recurrence risk stratification, as larger LA volume (LAV) is associated with higher recurrence rates. Our objective is to apply deep learning (DL) techniques to fully automate the computation of LAV and assess the quality of the computed LAV values.MethodsUsing a dataset of 85,477 CCT images from 337 patients, we proposed a framework that consists of several processes that perform a combination of tasks including the selection of images with LA from all other images using a ResNet50 classification model, the segmentation of images with LA using a UNet image segmentation model, the assessment of the quality of the image segmentation task, the estimation of LAV, and quality control (QC) assessment.ResultsOverall, the proposed LAV estimation framework achieved accuracies of 98% (precision, recall, and F1 score metrics) in the image classification task, 88.5% (mean dice score) in the image segmentation task, 82% (mean dice score) in the segmentation quality prediction task, and R2 (the coefficient of determination) value of 0.968 in the volume estimation task. It correctly identified 9 out of 10 poor LAV estimations from a total of 337 patients as poor-quality estimates.ConclusionsWe proposed a generalizable framework that consists of DL models and computational methods for LAV estimation. The framework provides an efficient and robust strategy for QC assessment of the accuracy for DL-based image segmentation and volume estimation tasks, allowing high-throughput extraction of reproducible LAV measurements to be possible.

Relationship between blood pressure variables (Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, Pulse Pressure, and Mean Arterial Pressure) and left atrial measurements among hypertensive subjects in a Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is known to impact significant changes on the heart causing left ventricle diastolic dysfunction which precedes a sequel of anatomical and functional changes in the left atrium. Since hypertension remains the leading cause of diastolic dysfunction in the heart, it is expedient to determine how changes in the blood pressure of patients relate to measures of left atrial (LA) indices. Aims and Objectives: to determine how changes in blood pressure parameters relate to measures in LA indices. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional appraisal of 200 hypertensive patients and 100 normotensive controls (matched for age and sex in a 2:1 ratio) using electrocardiography and echocardiography. Participants were recruited from the cardiology clinics in Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara. Results: The mean age of the study population was 58.7 ± 13.96 (58.42 ± 13.29 for hypertensives and 59.26 ± 15.27 for controls) years, while the median age was 59 years. The female-to-male ratio was 1.06 among cases and 1.27 among the controls. The LA size (volumes and linear diameter) was significantly larger in the hypertensive group compared to the control arm. LA maximum volume correlated significantly with average systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure. LA pre A wave volume and LA minimum volume correlated significantly with average systolic blood pressure and pulse pressures. Conclusion: Hypertensive patients have larger LA volumes than normotensive controls. The size of the left atrium relates positively with blood pressure variables.

Diastolic dysfunction in people with HIV without known cardiovascular risk factors in Western Kenya

ObjectivesDiastolic dysfunction (DD) has been reported to be highly prevalent in people living with HIV (PLWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) leading to the hypothesis that it may be an early...

Incidence, persistence, and clinical relevance of iatrogenic atrial septal defects after percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion.

To investigate the rate and clinical impact of a persisting iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) after percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). Percutaneous LAAO is an alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) for the prevention of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Data regarding incidence and persistence of iASD after LAAO procedures and its clinical relevance is scarce. We retrospectively analyzed 144 patients that underwent LAAO at our center between 2009 and 2020 who had at least one follow-up including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Baseline clinical, procedural data and echocardiographic characteristics in patients with and without evidence of an iASD were compared. We furthermore determined the rate of iASD persistence over time and evaluated outcomes of patients with and without spontaneous iASD closure. After a median of 92 days (IQR 75-108 days) after LAAO, 50 patients (50/144, 34.7%) showed evidence of an iASD. Patients with iASD had higher CHADS-VASc-scores (4.9±1.5vs 4.2±1.2, p=0.03), larger left atrial volumes (80.5±30.5ml vs 67.1±19.7ml, p=0.01) and were more likely to have relevant mitral regurgitation (≥° II) (46.0%vs 12.3%, p=0.001). LAAO procedures took longer (50.1±24.3vs 41.1±17.8min, p=0.06) in patients with a persisting iASD. Furthermore, larger device sizes were implanted (24.3±3.4mm vs 22.1±2.8mm, p=0.03). The presence of an iASD had no impact on RV dysfunction, thromboembolism or mortality. Spontaneous closure of an iASD was documented in 52.0% (26/50). Hereby, similar risk factors were identified for the persistence of an iASD in follow-up.

Detection of Left Atrial Myopathy Using Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Electrocardiography.

Left atrial (LA) myopathy is common in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction and leads to the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated whether the likelihood of LA remodeling, LA dysfunction, altered hemodynamics, and risk for incident AF could be identified from a single 12-lead ECG using a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled ECG analysis. Patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (n=613) underwent AI-enabled ECG analysis, echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization. Individuals were grouped by AI-enabled ECG probability of contemporaneous AF, taken as an indicator of underlying LA myopathy. Structural heart disease was more severe in patients with higher AI-probability of AF, with more left ventricular hypertrophy, larger LA volumes, and lower LA reservoir and booster strain. Cardiac filling pressures and pulmonary artery pressures were higher in patients with higher AI-probability, while cardiac output reserve was more impaired during exercise. Among patients with sinus rhythm and no prior AF, each 10% increase in AI-probability was associated with a 31% greater risk of developing new-onset AF (hazard ratio, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.20-1.42]; P<0.001). In the population as a whole, each 10% increase in AI-probability was associated with a 12% greater risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.08-1.17]; P<0.001) during long-term follow-up, which was no longer significant after adjustments for baseline characteristics. A novel AI-enabled score derived from a single 12-lead ECG identifies the presence of underlying LA myopathy in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction as evidenced by structural, functional, and hemodynamic abnormalities, as well as long-term risk for incident AF. Further research is required to determine the role of the AI-enabled ECG in the evaluation and care of patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.

587 Exercise induced pulmonary hypertension in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a combined cardiopulmonary exercise test-echocardiographic study

Abstract Aims Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been described in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and it was associated with a worse prognosis. Nevertheless in most HCM patients, despite normal pulmonary pressures at rest, congestive symptoms are elicited by exercise. In the present study, combining cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) with echocardiography, we aimed to evaluate the presence of exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (EiPAH) its role in functional limitation and its prognostic significance in a cohort of patients with obstructive and non-obstructive HCM. Methods and results 182 HCM patients (35% females, mean age 47.5 ± 15.9) undergoing CPET. During CPET, LVOT velocities and trans-tricuspid gradient were measured. Thirty-seven patients (20%) developed sPAP &amp;gt; 40 mmHg at peak exercise (EiPAH). EiPAH was associated with an lower exercise performance, larger left atrial volumes, higher left ventricular gradient and higher VE/VCO2 slope .At multivariable model baseline sPAP (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and baseline left ventricular obstruction (LVOT) (P = 0.028) were significantly associated with EiPAH .Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed EiPAH was a significant predictor of HCM –related morbidity (hazards ratio: 6.21, 95% CI: 1.47–26.19; P = 0.05; 4.21, 95% CI: 1.94–9.12; P &amp;lt; 0.001) for the primary and the secondary endpoint respectively. Conclusions EiPAH was present in about one fifth of HCM patients without evidence of elevated pulmonary pressures at rest, and was associated with adverse clinical outcome. Diagnosing EiPAH by exercise echo/CPET may help physicians to detect early stage of PAH requiring a closer clinical monitoring and individualized treatment strategies.

CMR Characteristics, gene variants and long-term outcome in patients with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy

BackgroundAs the paucity of data focusing on evaluating cardiac structure and function in patients with or without gene mutation, this study was sought to investigate the correlation between genotype and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) phenotype in patients with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) and to explore prognostic relevance in this cohort if possible.MethodsPatients with LVNC who underwent CMR and targeted gene sequencing between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic data, clinical presentation, genetic analysis, CMR data and follow-up data of all participants were collected.ResultsCompared to negative genotype (G−) group, patients with positive genotype (G+) had larger left atrial volume (LAV), and carriers of multiple variants had lower left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and cardiac index, increased LV fibrosis, larger LA volume, reduced LV global circumferential strain, LA reservoir strain and booster pump strain (all p < 0.05). LA volume was able to discriminate patients with G + (all p < 0.05), as well as those with multiple genetic mutation (all p < 0.01). During a median follow-up of 5.1 years, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed worse primary endpoint-free survival among carriers of multiple variants compared to G− group.ConclusionsCMR feature tracking is a remarkable tool to evaluate implication, genetics cascade screen and predict outcome in LVNC population. LA volume is a sensitive and robust indicator for genetic mutational condition, of which facilities to guide clinical management and intensity of follow-up for patients and their relatives.

Correlations between left atrial strain and left atrial pressures values in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation.

We aimed to investigate the correlations between left atrial strain (LAS) assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography and directly measured left atrial pressures (LAP) values and to estimate the features of patients with lower LAS values. A prospective, observational study was performed on patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing ablation. Detailed transthoracic echocardiography with the speckle tracking method was used to estimate the LAS reservoir (LASr) and direct measurements of LAP during ablation in all patients. A total of 172 patients were included (98 with sinus rhythm [SR] and 74 with AF). The patients with lower LASr (first tercile) compared to those with higher (third tercile), were older, more often female, presented with a larger left atrium (LA) (per the LA area and volume index), and had more impaired left ventricular (LV) diastolic function parameters (e', E/e'). The correlation analysis of the echocardiographic parameters with the LAP revealed the most significant correlations in the SR group, where the E/e' ratio, LASr, and LAS contraction (LASct) values were all associated with LAP. The cut-off value of LASr estimating high elevated mean LAP (≥15 mm Hg) was 21.88 (Area Under Curve [AUC], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.90; P <0.0001) for the SR group and 11.25 (AUC, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53-0.80; P = 0.016) for the AF group. AF patients with lower LASr are older, more often female, have a larger LA, and have more impaired LV diastolic function. Low LASr and LASct and high E/e' ratio values are associated with higher LAP in AF patients with SR.

Abstract 14335: Abnormal Left Atrial Conduit Function in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is Mediated Through Elevated Left Ventricular Filling Pressure

Introduction: Elevated left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient occurs in a majority of HCM patients and is associated with diastolic dysfunction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and death. These adverse outcomes are also commonly associated with Left atrial (LA) dysfunction. Yet, the nature and extent of the relationship between LVOT gradient and LA function remains ill-understood. Methods: HCM patients were classified as obstructive (rest gradient ≥ 30 mmHg), labile (rest gradient &lt; 30 mmHg, provoked gradient ≥ 30 mmHg) and non-obstructive (rest and provoked gradient &lt; 30 mmHg). In addition to conventional analysis, LA reservoir, conduit and contractile strain were measured (TomTec Imaging Systems). Results: Of 135 patients, 34 (44% male) were obstructive, 36 (75% male) labile and 65 (63% male) non-obstructive HCM. Large LA volume index and elevated E/e’ was associated with elevated LVOT gradient at rest (r 0.17; p 0.04 and r 0.40; p&lt;0.001, respectively) and with Valsalva (r 0.19; p 0.03 and r 0.33; p&lt;0.001, respectively). Low LV strain was associated with elevated LVOT gradient with exercise (r -0.22, p 0.04). LA conduit strain (but not reservoir or contractile strain) was lower in patients with obstructive HCM compared to patients with non-obstructive HCM (13.1 ± 5.4 vs 11.0 ± 3.9%, p = 0.03, Figure 1). There was no significant difference in all LA strain parameters across all the other HCM types. Conclusions: Measures of elevated LV filling pressure (large LA volume index, elevated E/e’ and low LV strain) were associated with elevated LVOT gradient. LA conduit strain was lower in obstructive compared to non-obstructive HCM. Our data suggest that elevated LVOT gradient is associated with abnormal LA conduit function most likely mediated via elevated LV filling pressure.

Role of LA strain assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography in predicting patients who develop POAF after a coronary artery bypass surgery

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the correlation between left atrial dysfunction assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography and development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. To determine the role of coronary risk factors in development of POAF. Method Patients undergoing CABG from January 2019 till June 2020 in Apollo institute, fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included.Total of 200 patients were followed.They were subjected to LA strain and strain rate analysis by speckle tracking. Results The incidence of POAF in our study was 24% (n=48). The mean age of this study population was 59.13 years. The patients who developed POAF were older (68.5±9.048 vs 58.39±9.74 years, p value=0.05) than those with no POAF. POAF occurred in 2 phases. the highest proportion of POAF occurrence noticed on postoperative day 2. Among the total POAF cases 79.% occurred within the first 48 hours and 20.8% occurred later (p=0.001). Among the 48 patients who developed POAF, 5 of them developed recurrence during their hospital stay. They had reverted to sinus rhythm following anti-arrhythmic medication for a duration of &amp;gt;24 hours, but went on to develop recurrence of AF at a later. 4 among them reverted to sinus rhythm at discharge while 1 continued to remain in AF at discharge.The duration of hospital stay for patients with POAF group was 10.4 days compared with 10.04 days for those without POAF. Similarly the post-operative stay in the hospital was 7.4 days for the POAF group and 7.04 days for the NO POAF.There was no added economic impact secondary to AF.Comparing the values of left atrial volume index of both the groups it was derived that the mean LAVI value of the POAF group was 26.84+3.654 ml/m2 and that for the NO POAF group was 26.6+3.037ml/m2. Though the patients with POAF had larger LA volume, the chi square test analysis did not yield any clinically significant relationship between LAVI and POAF in our study (p=0.3). The mean LA global strain for the patients with POAF was 29.73+3.695%. And for the patients with no POAF was 36.3+4.854%. LA global strain was reduced in patients who developed POAF (P&amp;lt;0.001) which indicated a strong correlation between LA strain and POAF. Conclusion There is significant correlation between Global Left Atrial Strain and POAF in patients undergoing CABG (P&amp;lt;0.001).There is no significant correlation between patient factors like age, BMI, and the conventional coronary risk factors with POAFThere is no significant correlation between the conventional echocardiographic parameters like LA diameter, LAVI, LVDD, LVSD, LVEF and transmitral flow velocities with POAF. To conclude, preoperative speckle tracking assessment of LA has a strong predictive role in determining the occurrence of POAF in patients undergoing Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Atrial structure and function in middle-aged, physically-active males and females: A cardiac magnetic resonance study.

Recent studies have reported on an association between endurance sport, atrial enlargement and the development of lone atrial fibrillation in younger, male cohorts. The atrial morphology and function of middle‐aged, physically‐active males and females have not been well studied. We hypothesized that middle‐aged males would demonstrate larger left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) volumes compared to females, but atrial function would not differ. LA and RA volume and function were evaluated at rest in healthy adults, using a standardized 3.0Tesla cardiac magnetic resonance protocol. Physical activity, medical history, and maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2peak) were also assessed. Physically‐active, middle‐aged men (n = 60; 54 ± 5 years old) and women (n = 30; 54 ± 5 years old) completed this study. Males had a higher body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and V˙O2peak than females (p < .05 for all), despite similar reported physical activity levels. Absolute and BSA and height‐indexed LA and RA maximum volumes were higher in males relative to females, despite no differences in ejection fractions (p < .05 for all). In multivariable regression, male sex p < .001) and V˙O2peak (p = .004) were predictors of LA volume (model R 2 = 0.252), whereas V˙O2peak (p < .001), male sex (p = .03), and RV EF (p < .05) were predictors of RA volume (model R 2 = 0.377). While middle‐aged males exhibited larger atrial volumes relative to females, larger, prospective studies are needed to explore the magnitude of physiologic atrial remodeling and functional adaptations in relation to phenotypic factors.

Anatomic characteristics of the left atrium in subjects undergoing radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation

ObjectiveTo analyze the anatomic characteristics of the left atrium and pulmonary veins in individuals undergoing ablation for atrial fibrillation and to identify possible anatomic factors related with recurrence. Material and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the CT angiography studies done to plan radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation in 95 patients (57 men; mean age, 65 ± 10 y). We reviewed the anatomy of the pulmonary veins and recorded the diameters of their ostia as well as the diameter and volume of the left atrium. We analyzed these parameters according to the type of arrhythmia and the response to treatment. ResultsIn 71 (74.7%) patients, the anatomy of the pulmonary veins was normal (i.e., two right pulmonary veins and two left pulmonary veins). Compared to patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, patients with persistent atrial fibrillation had slightly larger diameter of the left pulmonary veins (left superior pulmonary vein 17.9 ± 2.6 mm vs. 16.7 ± 2.2 mm, p = 0.04; left inferior pulmonary vein 15.3 ± 2 mm vs. 13.8 ± 2.2 mm, p = 0.009) and larger left atrial volume (91.9 ± 24.9 cm3 vs. 70.7 ± 20.3 mm3, p = 0.001). After 22.1 ± 12.1 months’ mean follow-up, 41 patients had sinus rhythm. Compared to patients in whom the sinus rhythm was restored, patients with recurrence had greater left atrial volume (81.4 ± 23.0 mm3 vs. 71.1 ± 23.2 mm3, p = 0.03). No significant differences in pulmonary vein diameters or clinical parameters were observed between patients with recurrence and those without. ConclusionThe volume of the left atrium is greater in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and in those who do not respond to ablation.

Cardiac Remodeling and Diastolic Dysfunction in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) leads to the development of cardiac remodeling/diastolic dysfunction and vice versa. We intended to determine whether cardiac remodeling/diastolic dysfunction is present at early stages of AF. Methods: We studied 175 patients with paroxysmal AF, compared with 175 matched control subjects, who had available echocardiography data to investigate the association between echocardiographic variables and AF from the STANISLAS cohort. Results: In this study (mean age 55 years; 70.3% male), patients with paroxysmal AF had greater left ventricular mass compared to matched controls (p < 0.05). Patients with paroxysmal AF were also likely to have larger left atrial volume and a higher peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity, leading to higher prevalence (though <10% in the AF group) of diastolic dysfunction (all-p < 0.05). Multivariable conditional logistic regression models showed that paroxysmal AF was significantly associated with increased left ventricular mass and left atrial enlargement (all-p < 0.001), but not with e’ and deceleration time of E wave (all-p > 0.1). Conclusions: Left ventricular mass and left atrial enlargement rather than diastolic dysfunction (as evaluated by echocardiography) were associated with paroxysmal AF irrespective of body mass index, blood pressure and renal function. These findings suggest that cardiac remodeling may occur very early in the natural history of AF.