Left Atrial Volume Index Research Articles

Specific inflammatory profile of acute ischemic stroke patients with left atrial enlargement.

The inflammatory process underlying atrial myopathy may affect the inflammatory response activated in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We aimed to assess whether left atrial enlargement (LAE) as a marker of atrial myopathy is associated with a different profile of circulating inflammatory markers in AIS patients. HIBISCUS-STROKE is a cohort study including anterior circulation AIS patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy following MRI. Ten circulating inflammatory markers were measured at admission and 6, 24, and 48 h after admission. LAE was defined as a left atrial volume index (LAVi) ≥34 ml/m2. A multiple logistic regression model was performed to detect an independent association between the area under the curve (AUC) of these markers and LAE. We included 143 patients. Of them, 85 (59.4%) had LAE. On univariable analysis, we found that patients with LAE had higher soluble form suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I (sTNFR1), and vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) AUC, were older, mostly female, had a higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and blood glucose level at admission, had more often hypertension, and a cardioembolic source of AIS, such as atrial fibrillation, while they were less frequently current smokers and had a lower rate of tandem occlusion than patients without LAE. On multivariable analysis, we found that among circulating inflammatory markers, only high VCAM-1 (OR: 9.13, 95% CI: 3.21-25.9) and sST2 (OR: 3.40, 95% CI: 1.68-6.86) AUC remained associated with LAE. High VCAM-1 and sST2 levels within the first 48 h are associated with LAE in AIS patients.

Left ventricular-global longitudinal strain as a prognosticator in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with a low-normal left ventricular ejection fraction.

To investigate the prognostic utility of left ventricular (LV)-global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and an LV-ejection fraction (LVEF) of 50-60%. This retrospective cohort study included 349 patients with HCM and an LVEF of 50-60%. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, including sudden cardiac death (SCD), and SCD-equivalent events. The secondary outcomes were SCD/SCD-equivalent events, cardiovascular death (including SCD), and all-cause death. The final analysis included 349 patients (mean age 59.2 ± 14.2 years, men 75.6%). During a median follow-up of 4.1 years, the primary outcome occurred in 26 (7.4%), while the secondary outcomes of SCD/SCD-equivalent events, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death occurred in 15 (4.2%), 20 (5.7%), and 34 (9.7%), respectively. After adjusting for age, atrial fibrillation, ischemic stroke, LVEF, and left atrial volume index, absolute LV-GLS (%) was independently associated with the primary outcome (adjusted HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.788-0.988, P = 0.029). According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, 10.5% is an optimal cutoff value for absolute LV-GLS in predicting the primary outcome. Patients with an absolute LV-GLS ≤ 10.5% had a higher risk of the primary outcome than those with an absolute LV-GLS > 10.5% (adjusted HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.117-5.787, P = 0.026). Absolute LV-GLS ≤10.5% was an independent predictor for each secondary outcome (P < 0.05). LV-GLS was an independent predictor of a composite of cardiovascular death, including SCD/SCD-equivalent events, in patients with HCM and an LVEF of 50-60%. Therefore, LV-GLS can help in risk stratification in these patients.

Prediction of low-voltage areas in the left atrium in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation by non-invasive markers

Aim. To develop a method for predicting the area of low-voltage area (LVA) in the left atrium (LA), associated with the minimum and maximum expected effectiveness of primary radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) using non-invasive predictors.Methods. A longitudinal single-center study included 150 symptomatic non-valvular AF pts aged 20-72 years (median 59.0 [51.0; 64.0]), including 63 women (42%) hospitalized for primary RFA; 119 pts (79.3%) had paroxysmal and 31 (20.7%) - persistent AF. All pts initially underwent general clinical examination, transesophageal and advanced transthoracic echocardiography, estimation of NT-proBNP (pg/ml) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15, pg/ml) in the blood. Electroanatomical mapping was performed in sinus rhythm before RFA. The area of LVA (&lt;0.5 mV) was calculated as percentage of total LA area. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) was &gt;50% in all pts.Results. LVA area varied from 0 to 95.3%, median was 13.7% [5.1; 30.9]. Depending on LVA area, pts were divided into 3 groups: 36 pts (&lt;5%) in gr. 1; 74 pts (5-30%) in gr. 2; 40 pts (&gt;30%) in gr. 3. Increase of LVA area was associated with age, presence, and severity of congestive heart failure (CHF), persistent AF, CHA2DS2 -VASc score ≥3 points, increase of LA volume, LV hypertrophy and increase of NT-proBNP and GDF-15 levels. In univariate analysis, LVA area &lt;5% was associated with NT-proBNP level &lt;125 pg/ml, absence of obesity and CHF, lower LA volume index (&lt;28 ml/ m2). Independent predictors of LVA &lt;5% were: NT-proBNP &lt;125 pg/ml, absence of obesity and LA volume index ≤28 ml/ m2. The model was of good quality, C-statistics was 0.775 (p&lt;0.001). In univariate analysis, LVA area &gt;30 % was associated with age &gt;60 years, NT-proBNP &gt;125 pg/ml, GDF-15 &gt;840 pg/ml, persistent AF, presence of LV hypertrophy, LVEF ≤60%, LA volume index ≥ 32 ml/m2. Independent predictors of LVA &gt;30% were: LA volume index ≥32 ml/m2, GDF-15 &gt;840 pg/ml, and LVEF ≤60%. The model was of good quality, C-statistics was 0.752 (p&lt;0.001).Conclusion. Evaluation of noninvasive parameters, including clinical characteristics, echocardiographic parameters, and blood levels of NT-proBNP and GDF-15, allows prediction of electroanatomical substrate in left atrium in pts with non-valvular AF referred to primary RFA.

Left heart remodeling as a risk factor for atrial fibrillation in patients after surgery of acquired heart defects

Aim. To identify risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with aortic and mitral defects after surgical treatment.Material and methods. A total of 112 patients with aortic and mitral defects (excluding patients with mitral stenosis) were examined: 90 men and 22 women aged 18 to 72 years (median age, 51(35;57) years). Patients were examined initially before and after surgery (in terms of 8-14 days and after 12-36 months). The peak left atrial (LA) longitudinal strain (PALS) was determined at LA reservoir phase. The following endpoints were chosen: the presence of AF and atrial flutter (AFL) in the shortand long-term period after surgery, repeated hospitalization for arrhythmias. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 — patients with a favorable prognosis, group 2 — patients with AF and AFL after surgery. The mean values were compared by the independent Student’s t test, while the rank sum — by the Mann-Whitney test. ROC analysis was used.Results. Baseline LA volume index (LAVI) &gt;44,4 ml/m2 increased the risk of AF after surgery (AUC=0,6±0,07, p&lt;0,05, relative risk (RR) — 2,34 (confidence interval (CI), 0,8-6,88). LA volumes were within the normal range in the group without arrhythmias. A decrease in the initial threshold level of LA PALS &lt;27,5% increased the risk of AF as in the shortand long-term postoperative period (AUC=0,659±0,08, p&lt;0,01, RR — 1,19 (CI, 3,38-31,4). In the AF group, PALS decreased after surgery and did not increase in the long-term period (28±7,5% at baseline, 19±6,2% after surgery, 21±8,3% in the long-term period, (p=0,04 and p=0, 23, respectively). Left ventricular ejection fraction affected the AF development only in the early period after surgery (AUC=0,71±0,049, p&lt;0,008, RR — 2,21 (CI, 1,27-3,87).Conclusion. The development of AF was influenced by LAVI, LA PALS, while in the early postoperative surgery period — ejection fraction.

Comprehensive assessment of the outcomes of inferior wall myocardial infarction according to echocardiography in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention

Aim. To identify significant echocardiographic parameters in the screening assessment of long-term outcomes of inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI) with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using a logistic regression model.Material and methods. The study included the examination results of 144 people with inferior wall MI with primary PCI at admission, discharge and 6, 12, 24 months after discharge. Logistic regression analysis to identify screening outcomes of inferior wall MI included 184 variables, including 131 echocardiographic signs. Analysis of variance was performed using the ANOVA Type II method. The model quality was assessed using the likelihood ratio test and the Akaike criterion.Results. In patients with inferior wall MI and primary PCI, adverse outcomes were observed in 59,7% of cases in the form of repeated myocardial infarction and PCI, coronary artery bypass grafting, the development of stage 2 chronic heart failure, and/or rehospitalizations. For the long-term prognosis of inferior wall MI, in addition to left ventricular ejection fraction, mitral E/A, left atrial volume index and wall motion score index (WMSI), the following echocardiographic predictors were assessed: tricuspid S’ and e’, circumferential strain of the medial level, longitudinal strain of the apical and basal left ventricular levels, longitudinal strain of the segments included in the blood supply area of the circumflex artery.Conclusion. Echocardiographic parameters using Doppler and speckle-tracking technology have proven to be significant in screening outcomes of acute inferior wall MI with PCI.

Paradoxical increase in global longitudinal strain by handgrip exercise despite left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Although global longitudinal strain (GLS) is recognized as a sensitive marker of intrinsic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, its afterload dependency has also been pointed. We hypothesized that decrease in GLS during handgrip exercise could be more sensitive marker of intrinsic myocardial dysfunction. Handgrip exercise-stress echocardiography was performed in 90 cardiovascular disease patients with preserved LV ejection fraction. LV diastolic function was graded according to the guidelines. Diastolic wall stress (DWS) and ratio of left atrial (LA) volume index to late-diastolic mitral annular velocity (LAVI/a') were measured at rest as LV stiffness. As well, LA strains were measured to assess LA function. GLS was expressed as absolute value and significant changes in GLS by handgrip exercise was defined as changes over prespecified mean absolute test-retest variability (2.65%). While mean value of GLS did not change by the exercise, substantial patients showed significant changes in GLS: decreased (group I, n=28), unchanged (group II, n=34), and increased (group III, n=28). Unexpectedly, patients in group I did not show any clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, while those in group III were characterized by elevated natriuretic peptide levels, blunted heart rate response to handgrip exercise, and advanced LV diastolic dysfunction. Multivariable analyses revealed that DWS, left atrial booster strain, and grade II or more diastolic dysfunction determined the increase in GLS even after adjustment for elevated natriuretic peptides and the changes in heart rate by the exercise. In contrast to our hypothesis, paradoxical increase in GLS by handgrip exercise could be associated with advanced LV diastolic dysfunction in cardiovascular patients with preserved LV ejection fraction. Our findings suggest that HG exercise for heart failure patients does not enhance the afterload straightforward, resulting in variable changes of GLS according to the individual conditions.

Left atrium volume and ventricular volume ratio algorithm as indication of pulmonary hypertension etiology.

Pressure overload of the right heart (pulmonary hypertension [PH]) can be an acute or a chronic process with various pathophysiologic changes affecting the dimensions of the heart chambers. The automatic four-chamber volumetric analysis tool is now available to measure the volume of the cardiac chambers in patients undergoing a computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). To characterize the volumetric changes that occurred in response to increased systolic pulmonary arterial pressures (sPAP) in acute events, such as acute pulmonary embolism (APE), compared with other etiologies. Consecutive patients who underwent CTPA and echocardiography within 24 h between 2011 and 2015 were included. Differences in cardiac chamber volumes were investigated in correlation to the patients' sPAP. The final cohort of 961 patients included 221 (23%) patients diagnosed with APE. The right (RV) to left (LV) ventricular volume ratio (VVR) was higher, while the left atrial (LA) volume index was smaller (P < 0.001) in the patients with APE. A decision tree for the prediction of APE showed that an RV to left VVR >2.8 was characteristic of APE, whereas an LA volume index >37.5 mL/m² was more compatible with PH due to other etiologies (P < 0.001). The combination of VVR and LA volume index may help in differentiating between APE and chronic PH. CTPA-based volumetric information may be used to help clarify the underlying etiology of the dyspnea.

A Study on Evaluation of Relationship between Left Atrial Volume and Diastolic Dysfunction in Bangladeshi Patients

Background: An increase in the left atrial volume index (LAVI) has been recognized as an important indicator of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (DD), which is considered a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events. The left atrium plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient cardiac function by facilitating proper blood flow between the pulmonary veins and the left ventricle during diastole. Objective: In this study our main goal is to evaluate the relationship between Left Atrial Volume and Diastolic Dysfunction in 500 Bangladeshi Patients. Method: From January 2022 to January 2023, researchers at a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh analyzed data from 500 patients in need of a transthoracic echo in the cardiology department. Patients were people aged 20 to 86 with a history free of atrial or ventricular arrhythmias, pacemaker usage, valvular disease (other than minor), or congenital cardiopathy who presented with sinus rhythm. Forty-five people were left out because their tests were either too limited to assess mitral diastolic flow (n = 35) or too limited to assess left atrial volume index (n = 10). Five hundred patients were used as the study's final sample size. Results: The average age and proportion of men in the DD groups were both greater than in the normal function group. The DD groups had more left ventricular mass than the controls. Only in the group with ventricular filling limitation pattern (grade III DD), was the ejection fraction significantly decreased. LAVI and dimensions both rose as DD severity increased, from 21 4.2 mL/m2 in grade I to 26.1 7.5 mL/m2 in grade II to 50.4 2.8 mL/m2 in grade III (p 0.001). In addition, the grade I DD groups (altered relaxation) showed a relative decrease in the E-wave and the E/A ratio, and an increase in the mitral deceleration time, when compared to the normal diastolic function group; the opposite was seen in the group with grade III DD (restrictive pattern). All DD subtypes had weaker e' waves compared to those with normal diastolic function. As DD progressed, a rise in the E/e' ratio was seen. LAVI was positively correlated with age, left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic volumes, LV wall relative thickness, LV mass indexed to height raised to the 2.7th power, and E/e' ratio (all p 0.01). There was a statistically significant negative relationship between left atrial volume index and left ventricular ejection fraction, as well as between the e' wave and the septal mitral anulus. Conclusion: According to this study in a Bangladeshi population, DD contributes to left atrial remodelling, and a rise in LAVI is an indicator of DD severity. In this cohort with preserved or slightly reduced mean ejection fraction and no substantial valvular heart disease, LAVI increase determinants are related to age, left ventricular hypertrophy, higher filling pressure, and impaired LV systolic performance.

Improvement of hypertension control and left-ventricular function after cure of primary hyperparathyroidism.

Cardiovascular mortality is significantly higher in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) compared to the general population. The role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) as a mediator of cardiovascular pathology in PHPT is unclear, as is the question whether successful parathyroidectomy (PTX) mitigates hypertension (HT), and left-ventricular (LV) dysfunction. In 45 consecutive, hypercalcemic PHPT patients (91% female, 20 normotensive, mean age 54.6 ± 14.6), laboratory examinations, and 24h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were performed before, one and six months after successful PTX, while transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) pre- and six months post-PTX. Both in patients with normotension (NT) and HT, lower calcemia and parathyroid hormone (PTH) as well as higher phosphatemia were observed on follow-up, while B-type natriuretic peptide, aldosterone, plasma renin activity, and aldosterone-to-renin ratios were comparable. Six months post-PTX, only in patients with HT, median 24-hour SBP/DBP decreased by 12/6 mmHg, daytime SBP by 10, and nighttime DBP by 5 mmHg. Improvement in BP was observed in approximately 78% of patients with HT. Six months post-PTX, TTE revealed: 1) decrease in median LV mass index (by 2 g/m2) and end-diastolic dimension (by 3mm) among patients with HT; 2) normalization of global longitudinal strain in 22% of patients (comparable between those with NT and HT); 3) a mean 12.7% reduction in left-atrium volume index among patients with HT, which underlay normalization of indeterminate diastolic function in 3 out of 6 patients with HT, who exhibited it at baseline (dysfunction persisted in 2). PTX was shown to significantly reduce BP, LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction parameters in PHPT patients with HT, and improve systolic function in all PHPT patients.

Evaluation of left atrial strain imaging and integrated backscatter as predictors of recurrence in patients with paroxysmal, persistent, and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation.

Impaired left atrial (LA) strain predicts atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation (CA), but currently there is no cut-off to guide patient selection for CA. Integrated backscatter (IBS) is a promising tool for noninvasive quantification of myocardial fibrosis. The aim of this study was to compare LA strain and IBS between paroxysmal, persistent, and long-standing persistent AF and evaluate their association with AF recurrence after CA. Analysis of consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent AF who underwent CA. LA phasic strain, strain rate and IBS were assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking at baseline. We analyzed 78 patients, 31% with persistent AF (46% long-standing AF), 65% male, mean age 59 ± 14years, who underwent CA and were followed-up for 12months. AF recurrence occurred in 22 (28%) patients. LA phasic strain parameters were significantly impaired in patients with AF recurrence and were independent predictors of AF recurrence in a multivariable analysis. LA reservoir strain (LASr) < 18% predicted AF recurrence with 86% sensitivity and 71% specificity, with a higher predictive power compared to LA volume index (LAVI). LASr < 22% in paroxysmal AF and LASr < 12% in persistent AF correlated with AF recurrence. Increased IBS was a predictor of AF recurrence in patients with paroxysmal AF. LA phasic strain parameters were predictors of AF recurrence after CA, independently of LAVI and AF subtype. LASr < 18% showed a higher predictive power compared to LAVI. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of IBS as a predictor of AF recurrence.

Internal carotid artery blood flow and pulsatility index in cognitively impaired people with chronic heart failure.

Mild cognitive impairment and dementia are common and serious co-morbidities in people with chronic heart failure (HF) as they increase hospitalization rates, mortality and health care costs. Upon other factors, dysregulated cerebral perfusion might contribute to brain pathology. We aimed to evaluate the association of non-invasively measured blood flow (BF) and pulsatility index (PI) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) with (i) chronic HF parameters, (ii) brain morphologic measures and (iii) cognitive impairment. This post-hoc analysis of the observational, prospective Cognition.Matters-HF study included 107 chronic HF patients without atrial fibrillation or carotid artery stenosis (aged 63±10years; 19% women). Using extracranial sonography, we measured ICA-BF and ICA-PI 1.5cm distal of the carotid bifurcation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was performed on a 3-Tesla scanner to quantify cerebral atrophy, hippocampal atrophy and white matter hyperintensities. Extensive neuropsychological testing tested the cognitive domains intensity of attention, visual/verbal memory and executive function (including its subdomains selectivity of attention, visual/verbal fluency and working memory) using a comprehensive test battery. (i) Neither ICA-BF (median 630 (quartiles 570, 700) mL/min) nor ICA-PI (1.05 (0.96. 1.23)) related to left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial volume index or NT-proBNP. (ii) Higher ICA-PI (r=0.25; P=0.011), but not ICA-BF (r=0.08; P=0.409), associated with increased volume of white matter hyperintensities beyond ageing, while neither ICA-PI nor ICA-BF related to cerebral or hippocampal atrophy indices. (iii) ICA-BF, but not ICA-PI, positively correlated with age-adjusted T-scores of executive function (r=0.38; P<0.001) and its subdomains working memory (r=0.32; P<0.001) and visual/verbal fluency (r=0.32; P<0.001). In a multivariate linear model of executive function, only ICA-BF (T=3.79; P<0.001), but not HF or magnetic resonance imaging parameters, remained a significant correlate of executive function. ICA-BF and ICA-PI, measured in broadly available extracranial sonography, independently related to measures of functional and structural brain changes in people with chronic HF, respectively. Due to limitations of this cross-sectional approach without a healthy control group, larger controlled longitudinal studies are needed to further elucidate the role of ICA-BF dysregulation and its implication for clinical care in this vulnerable cohort.

The effect of physical activity level on the severity of diastolic dysfunction

BackgroundDiastolic dysfunction (DD) is a risk factor for cardiovascular events in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgeries. Investigators aimed to assess the effect of physical activity level on the diastolic function of the left ventricle (LV) in patients attending the preoperative visit.MethodsThis analytic cross-sectional study was conducted on 228 patients referred to Poursina hospital from November 2021 to March 2022. To define the physical activity level, we used the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). We categorized patients into inactive, minimally active, and health-enhancing physical activity groups. We also divided participants into three groups based on their daily sitting time. Also, echocardiographic parameters were calculated. The diastolic function of LV was evaluated, and its grading was defined from mild (grade1) to severe (grade 3).ResultsResults showed that patients with DD had significantly higher age and lower levels of education (P < 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively). After assessing echocardiographic parameters, we found that E/e’, TR Velocity, left atrial volume index, and pulmonary artery pressure had a statistically significant inverse relationship with physical activity level (P < 0.001 for all). Comparing physical activity level of subgroups showed that in HEPA (health-enhancing physical activity), the chance of developing grade 2 or 3 DD was reduced by 97% compared to the inactive group (OR = 0.03, P < 0.001). Still, there was no significant difference between the inactive and minimally active groups (P = 0.223).ConclusionsThis study showed an inverse relationship between physical activity level and DD of the LV in a sample of 228 individuals attending the Anesthesia Clinic, independent of potentially confounding variables.Therefore, due to lower rate of DD in patients who are physically active, we can expect lower occurrence rate of cardiovascular events during surgery.

Correlation between left atrial strain and left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive patients.

Early detection of asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction is essential to prevent the development of heart failure in hypertensive patients. Current studies suggest that left atrial strain contributes to the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function, but there are fewer studies on the correlation between left atrial strain and diastolic function in hypertensive patients. In this study, we applied a two-dimensional speckle tracking technique to evaluate the changes in left atrial strain in hypertensive patients, and to investigate the relationship between left atrial strain and left ventricular diastolic function. A total of 82 hypertensive patients who were visited the Department of Cardiology at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from July 2021 to January 2022, were enrolled for this study, and 59 healthy subjects served as a control group. According to the number of left ventricular diastolic function indexes recommended by the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography Diastolic Function Guidelines (mitral annular e´ velocity: Septal e´<7 cm/s, lateral e´<10 cm/s, E/e´ ratio>14, left atrial volume index>34 mL/m2, peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity>2.8 m/s), the hypertensive patients were divided into 3 groups: Group Ⅰ (0 index, n=36 ), Group Ⅱ (1 index, n=39), and Group Ⅲ (2 indexes, n=7). Two-dimensional speckle tracking technique was used to measure left atrial reservoir strain (LASr), conduit strain, and contraction strain, and to analyze the correlation between left atrial strain and left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive patients. The LASr, left atrial conduit strain (LAScd), and LASr/(E/septal e´) of the hypertension group were lower than those of the control group, and E/LASr was higher than that of the control group. There was no significant difference in left atrium volume index between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Compared with Group Ⅰ, LASr, LAScd, and LASr/(E/septal e´) were decreased in Group Ⅱ and Group Ⅲ, LASr/(E/septal e´) was also decreased in Group Ⅲ compared with Group Ⅱ (all P<0.05). Compared with Group Ⅰ, E/LASr was increased in Group Ⅲ. LASr was positively correlated with septal e´, lateral e´, E, and E/A, and negatively correlated with E/septal e´. The changes of left atrial function in patients with early hypertension are earlier than those of left atrial structure. Left atrial strain and its combination with conventional ultrasonographic indices [LASr/(E/septal e´)] of diastolic function are potentially useful in assessing left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive patients.

Segmental and global myocardial work in hypertensive patients with different left ventricular geometry

BackgroundMyocardial work acquired by echocardiography has emerged as a novel method to evaluate myocardial function. We investigated global and segmental myocardial work in hypertension (HT) among patients with different patterns of left ventricular (LV) geometry in order to analyze the contribution of segmental myocardial work to global myocardial work.Methods and resultsOne hundred twenty-five patients with HT were divided into 4 groups: normal geometry (NG), concentric remodeling (CR), concentric hypertrophy (CH) and eccentric hypertrophy (EH). Longitudinal strain (LS) and the following indices were obtained by echocardiography: myocardial work index (MWI), myocardial constructive work (MCW), myocardial wasted work (MWW), and myocardial work efficiency (MWE). The global longitudinal strain (GLS) decreased gradually among the groups: NG, CR, CH and EH (P < 0.001). Global MWI (GWI) and global MCW (GCW) did not change across the different LV remodeling groups. Global MWW (GWW) increased and global MWE (GWE) decreased in both CH and EH group (P < 0.001). The LS of basal and middle regions reduced gradually in all HT subgroups, while apical LS decreased only in the CH and EH groups (P < 0.001). Basal MWI and MCW decreased in the CH and EH groups (P = 0.025, 0.007, respectively). Apical MWI and MCW increased in the NG and CR groups (P = 0.015, 0.044, respectively), with a decreasing trend in the CH and EH groups. All segmental MWW elevated and MWE reduced significantly in the CH and EH groups (P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated a significant association between left atrial volume index (LAVI), GLS, GWE and LV hypertrophy. At the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, optimal cutoff values of GLS, Apical LS, GWE and Apical MWE discriminating LV hypertrophy were 0.9072, 0.8049, 0.8325 and 0.7414, respectively.ConclusionApical myocardial work increases in the early stages of LV remodeling, likely as a compensatory mechanism to maintain normal global myocardial work. Segmental myocardial work analysis offers a reliable means to explore the distribution of myocardial impairment in hypertensive patients at different LV remodeling stages.Graphical

Effect of cryothermic and radiofrequency Cox-Maze IV ablation on atrial size and function assessed by 2D and 3D echocardiography, a randomized trial. To freeze or to burn.

Atrial linear scars in Cox-Maze IV procedures are achieved using Cryothermy (Cryo) or radiofrequency (RF) techniques. The subsequent postoperative left atrial (LA) reverse remodelling is unclear. We used 2- and 3-dimensional echocardiography (2-3DE) to compare the impact of Cryo and RF procedures on LA size and function 1 year after Cox-maze IV ablation concomitant with Mitral valve (MV) surgery. Seventy-two patients with MV disease and AF were randomized to Cryo (n = 35) or RF (n = 37) ablation. Another 33 patients were enroled without ablation (NoMaze). All patients underwent an echocardiogram the day before and 1 year after surgery. The LA function was assessed on 2D strain by speckle tracking and 3DE. Forty-two ablated patients recovered sinus rhythm (SR) 1 year after surgery. They had comparable left and right systolic ventricular function, LA volume index (LAVI), and 2D reservoir strain before surgery. At follow-up, the 3DE extracted reservoir and booster function were higher after RF (37 ± 10% vs. 26 ± 6%; p < 0.001) than Cryo ablation (18 ± 9 vs. 7 ± 4%; p < 0.001), while passive conduit function was comparable between groups (24 ± 11 vs. 20 ± 8%; p = 0.17). The extent of LAVI reduction depended on the duration of AF preoperatively. SR restoration after MV surgery and maze results in LA size reduction irrespective of the energy source used. Compared to RF, the extension of ablation area produced by Cryo implies a structural LA remodelling affecting LA systolic function.

Clinical characteristics and one-year all-cause mortality outcomes in Africans with dilated cardiomyopathy

AimsDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cause of heart failure in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The affected individuals present with new-onset heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and no identifiable primary or secondary aetiology. We aim to describe the clinical characteristics of participants with heart failure of unknown origin. MethodsWe screened 161 participants with heart failure of unknown origin and prospectively excluded primary and secondary causes of DCM. All study participants were subjected to laboratory biochemical testing, echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and invasive coronary angiography. ResultsThe study comprised 93 participants with a mean age of 47.5 SD 13.1 years. Forty-six (56.1%) participants had evidence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on imaging, and LGE was visualised in the mid wall in 28 (61.0%) of these participants. After a median duration of 13.4 months [interquartile range (IQR): 8.8–28.9 months], 18 (19%) participants died. Non-survivors had a higher median left atrial volume index (44.9 mL/m2 (IQR: 34.4–58.7) compared to survivors [32.9 mL/m2 (IQR: 24.5–47.0), p = 0.017)]. The rate of all-cause rehospitalisation was 29.3%, of which 17 of the 22 re-hospitalisations were heart failure related. ConclusionDilated cardiomyopathy in Africans primarily affects young males. In our cohort, this disease was associated with an all-cause mortality of 19% in one year. In SSA, large multicenter studies are required to investigate this disease's pathogenesis and outcomes.

Cardiac Dimensions in Normal Pregnancy: A Prospective Study.

Pregnancy, a unique physiologic state, is associated with several changes in the various body systems. The cardiovascular system is one of the systems affected, with chronic volume overload being one of the characteristic changes experienced during pregnancy. Cardiovascular disease in pregnancy is the leading cause of non-obstetric maternal death worldwide. This study aims to determine and describe the changes in left and right ventricular and atrial sizes in systole and diastole in the course of normal pregnancy. A cohort study was conducted among healthy pregnant women between the age of 18 and 40 who attended the antenatal clinic of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Fifty women were recruited during the first trimester (T1) of pregnancy and followed up until six weeks postpartum. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, with approval number FMCY/REC/ECC/2019/JAN/150. Clinical evaluation, hematologic, biochemical, and anthropometric assessments, and two-dimensionalM-mode and Doppler echocardiography were done for the participants in each trimester of pregnancy and at six weeks postpartum. The clinical and echocardiographic parameters were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The mean trend ofleft ventricular posterior wall thickness in diastole (LVPWd) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness in systole (LVPWs) increased progressively from the first to third trimester (T3) (not statistically significant) but dropped towardinitial values in postpartum to the level that was statistically significant for LVWPd alone when compared to baseline first trimester values. The left atrial diameter in systole (LADs) was largest in the third trimester, and the left atrial volume index (LAVI)and right ventricular basal diameter (RVD1) also showed a similar trend. The left ventricular internal diameter (LVID) in both systole and diastole increased progressively from the first to the third trimesters, but the increase was only statistically significant between the third trimester (T3) and the first trimester (T1). The right atrial diameter (RAD) and right atrial volume (RAV) alsoincreased progressively from the first to the third trimesters, but the increase was only statistically significant between the third trimester (T3) and the first trimester (T1). Changes were noticed in the cardiac chamber sizes during pregnancy. However, this reversed back to levels similar to the first trimester during the postpartum period. To aid in the early detection and treatment of cardiovascular disorders in pregnancy,screening of apparently healthy pregnant women who later developed complaints is advised as cardiovascular changes could be significant during pregnancy.

Left ventricular diastolic function in adult patients with an atrial septal defect and its age-dependent changes over time after transcatheter closure of the defect

Background: There are no echocardiographic (echoCG) criteria to predict whether adult patients with an atrial septal defect (ASD) will develop post-procedural left ventricular (LV) failure after the defect closure.&#x0D; Aim: To evaluate the LV diastolic function before and after the intervention in ASD patients depending on their age and, based on this, to identify potential echoCG risk factors for the development of acute heart failure immediately after the ASD closure.&#x0D; Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 69 patients with the mean age of 44.2 14.5 years and 57 (82.6%) being women. The patients were divided into 2 age groups: group 1 included 39 (56.5%) patients aged 18 to 49 years (mean SD, 35.4 9.4 years) and group 2, 30 (43.5%) patients aged 50 to 74 years (mean SD, 60.1 6.1 years). The characteristics of the ASD, heart chambers and LV diastolic function were assessed with transthoracic and transesophageal echoCG. The indexed indicators of the left atrial (LA) and LV volumes were measured before the intervention and in the postoperative period and compared. LV diastolic function was assessed by the e lateral (determined by tissue Doppler imaging, TDI) and E/e ratio (reference values 10 cm/s and 8, respectively).&#x0D; Results: The indexed LA volume at baseline in the second group was slightly higher than in the first one (27.6 9.8 ml/m2 and 25.4 7.1 ml/m2; p = 0.311), whereas there was no between-group difference in the baseline indexed LV volume parameters (41.8 7.9 ml/m2 and 42.4 8.6 ml/m2, respectively; p = 0.768). Immediately after the closure of the ASD, LV diastolic function deteriorated. In the patients below 50 years of age, this difference was non-significant, despite significant changes in the E/e values (from 7.6 3.6 to 9.9 4.1; p = 0.012). In the second age group, this parameter increased significantly (from 9.2 5.7 to 13.1 4.3, respectively; p = 0.005). The TDI index (e lateral) decreased in both groups: in the group 1, from 11.9 2.5 to 9.1 2.2 (p 0.001) and in the group 2, from 9.3 3.6 to 7.9 1.6 (p = 0.061). Two patients of the elderly group, in whom sings of LV failure were identified immediately after the defect closure, by echoCG showed the lowest TDI values (е lateral) (7.8 and 8.0 cm/sec before closure and 6.4 and 7.0 cm/sec thereafter), as well as the highest values E/e before closure (13.4 and 13.1, respectively). In the long-term (12.5 6.5 months on average), the E/e index decreased in both age groups, compared to that in the early postoperative period, approaching the preoperative parameters (group 50 years of age: 7.6 3.6 9.9 4.1 8.7 4.8, group 50 years of age, 9.2 5.7 13.1 4.3 10.8 5.6). The TDI e indicators also shifted close to their initial values, increasing from 9.1 2.2 to 11.6 1.9 in the group 50 years of age and from 7.9 1.6 to 8.9 2.8 in the group 50 years of age. In the long-term, the LA volume index in both groups was unchanged, compared to its baseline values. The indexed LV end diastolic volume and end diastolic diameter increased significantly at one year after the ASD closure in both groups; however, they did not fall outside the reference ranges, and the LV systolic function indicators remained at the same level.&#x0D; Conclusion: LA volumes and LV function demonstrated the expected positive remodeling after the transcatheter ASD closure. Potential echoCG risk factors for the development of acute heart failure immediately after the ASD closure were identified. These were low baseline rates of early diastolic velocity of the mitral ring (TDI e lateral) of less than 8.0 cm/sec and high LV filling pressure (E/e) of more than 13 in the patients with ASD.

Diagnostic challenges of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: focus on echocardiography

Aim. To assess the features of diagnosing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) using echocardiographic markers and diastolic stress test (DST) according to a survey of ultrasound and functional diagnostics specialists in the Russian Federation.Materials and methods. As part of the study, an anonymous survey of 155 ultrasound and functional diagnostic specialists from various Russian regions was conducted. We proposed to answer whether they routinely assess certain echocardiographic parameters necessary for diagnosing HFpEF. The specialists also indicated whether they conduct DST and whether they have the opportunity to refer the patient to this study.Results. A frequency analysis of the responses received was carried out. In routine practice, 83,2% of specialists measure the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction by Simpson method, 76,1% — by Teichholz method. In addition, 80% of responders analyses LV mass index, 76,1% — relative LV wall thickness, 60% — tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, 56,8% — left atrial volume index, 51.6% — E/e´ ratio, 94,8% — pulmonary artery systolic pressure, left ventricular global longitudinal strain — 16,1%, 7,7% — left atrial longitudinal strain. Also, 9,7% of specialists conduct DST on their own, while 41,3% have the opportunity to refer patients.Conclusion. The low assessment rate of some ultrasonic HFpEF mar­kers and DST among functional diagnostics specialists in the Russian Federation reduces the detection rate of HFpEF. It is necessary to develop diagnostic algorithms based mainly on clinical and anam­nestic data and available for use by doctors of any specialty.

Effective echocardiographic parameters for predicting cardiac tamponade in patients with large amount of pericardial effusion

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Cardiac tamponade is life-threatening medical condition that needs rapid diagnosis and pericardiocentesis. For diagnosing cardiac tamponade, comprehensive and complex doppler echocardiographic evaluation is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the echocardiographic parameters for differentiating cardiac tamponade in patients with large amount of pericardial effusion. Methods From March 2003 to January 2020, 392 patients with large amount of PE with TTE evaluation were enrolled. We divided the patients into two groups; group A: patients performed subsequent drainage (n=197), group B: patients who are not performed drainage (n=195). Quantitative echocardiographic parameters were compared between two groups and analyzed which parameters were related with cardiac tamponade. Results The patients in group A showed low left ventricular end-diastolic diameter/body surface area (LVEDD/BSA) (25.44 ± 7.75 vs. 28.86 ± 6.10 mm/m2, p&amp;lt;0.001), left atrium volume index (LAVI) (24.08 ± 13.53 vs. 42.69 ± 28.69 ml/m2, p&amp;lt;0.001), early diastolic mitral inflow velocity (E velocity) (0.63 ± 0.18 vs. 0.88 ± 0.31 m/s, p&amp;lt;0.001), right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) (31.23 ± 9.47 vs. 39.16 ± 16.49 mmHg, p&amp;lt;0.001), early diastolic mitral inflow velocity/early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity (E/e’) (11.62 ± 5.07 vs. 16.56 ± 7.75, p&amp;lt;0.001) compared with group B. In the multivariable analysis, E velocity was the most statistically significant parameter (Odds ratio=0.034, 95% CI=0.003–0.470, p = 0.012) and LAVI was the second one (Odds ratio=0.952, 95% CI=0.913–0.993, p = 0.022) related with cardiac tamponade. The ROC curve showed the cutoff value of E velocity was 0.678 m/s (sensitivity=0.675, specificity=0.673) and that of LAVI was 26.62 ml/m2 (sensitivity=0.681, specificity=0.679) for no need of pericardial drainage. Conclusion In patients with large amount of PE, E velocity and LAVI can be simple and useful echocardiographic parameters to differentiate the patients with cardiac tamponade who need pericardial drainage.