Right Side Of The Heart Research Articles

GPER-1 Rapid Regulation Influences p-Akt Expression to Resist Stress-Induced Injuries in a Sex-Specific Manner

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) has gained recognition for its role in conferring cardioprotection. However, the extent to which GPER-1 exerts equally important effects in both sexes remains unclear. The study found similar expressions of GPER-1 in rat heart apex in both sexes. In male rats, administering epinephrine (Epi) at a dose of 31.36 μg/100 g resulted in a rapid decline in cardiac function, accompanied by a sharp increase in bax/bcl-2 levels. In contrast, female rats did not display significant changes in cardiac function under the same conditions. Additionally, compared to the injection of Epi alone (at a dose of 15.68 μg/100 g), the administration of G15 (GPER-1 antagonist) further decreased cardiac function in both male and female rats. However, it only increased mortality and lung coefficient in male rats. Conversely, G1 (GPER-1 agonist) administration improved cardiac function in both sexes. Notably, the apex of the male heart exhibited lower levels of inhibitory G protein (Gαi). Furthermore, female and male rats treated with Epi displayed elevated phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt). Compared to their respective Epi groups, the administration of G15 increased p-Akt levels in female rat hearts but decreased them in male rat hearts. Conversely, the administration of G1 decreased p-Akt levels in females but rapidly increased them in male rats. Our study uncovers the vital role of GPER-1 in protecting against stress-induced heart injuries in a sex-specific manner. These findings hold immense potential for advancing targeted cardiac therapies and enhancing outcomes for both females and males.

Clinical, echocardiographic, and pathologic characteristics of patients with pathology-proven nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis

Abstract Background Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a non-infectious condition characterized by thrombotic and/or inflammatory depositions involving the cardiac valves. It is a challenging diagnosis of exclusion. Purpose This study aimed to better characterize patients with pathologically proven NBTE and assess its clinical, echocardiographic characteristics and prognostic implications. Methods We retrospectively identified patients with pathology-proven NBTE at a single center. Patients with positive preoperative blood cultures, a history of active or treated infective endocarditis, or identification of valvular organisms by special stains were excluded from the study. Patients with pathology reports of valve perforation or chordal rupture were also excluded because of the high likelihood of an infectious etiology for these lesions. Results A total of 53 patients with NBTE (median age 57 years; 61% females) were identified. In this cohort, 22% had a history of malignancy, 30% had connective tissue disease, 32% had coronary artery disease, and 11% prior history of NBTE. Neurological events accounted for 18 (34%) of the presenting symptoms (TIA n=17, CVA n=9), while new valvular dysfunction in 7 (13%) and fever in 8 (15%) of patients. Five patients (9%) had NBTE involving more than one valve. NBTE involved the mitral valve in 64%, aortic valve in 38% prosthetic/mechanical valve in 11%, and tricuspid valve in 5%. NBTE was identified at the time of autopsy in 34% of patients. NBTE recurred in 3 patients during follow-up. Excluding patients diagnosed at the time of autopsy, 9% of patients died within 1 year of NBTE diagnosis. Conclusion NBTE was diagnosed pathologically in the presence of hyper-inflammatory states due to critical illness or immunological diseases. It was predominantly on the left side of the heart and was associated with embolic phenomena, either clinically or on imaging. Patients diagnosed with antemortem with NBTE have a high mortality in the first year (9%).

Cardiovascular (reverse) remodelling induced by pregnancy: looking at the right side of the heart

Abstract Introduction Many studies have focused on pregnancy-induced left ventricular remodelling, overlooking the changes in right cardiac chambers. Purpose To characterize the right cardiovascular (CV) remodelling and reverse remodelling (RR) induced by pregnancy and postpartum, respectively, and the impact of CV risk (CVR) factors on these processes. Methods This prospective cohort was recruited at two tertiary centers from 2019 to 2022, including 51 healthy and 79 obese and/or hypertensive and/or with gestational diabetes and/or smoking habits pregnant women (cardiovascular risk [CVR] group). Women were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography at the 1st trimester (1T) and 3rd trimester (3T) of pregnancy, as well as one-month (PP1), six-months (PP2), and one-year postpartum (PP3). Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used for the analysis of right CV remodelling and RR and to evaluate the impact of CVR factors on these processes. Results This study included 130 pregnant women, 60.8% primiparous, with a median age of 33 years. Despite all echocardiographic results being within the normality range, we describe the progression of right heart adaptations throughout pregnancy and postpartum (Table 1), namely: 1) Similar enlargement of the right atrium (RA) and right ventricle (RV) dimensions throughout pregnancy, recovering at PP2 except for RA in the CVR group; 2) Preserved RV systolic function throughout pregnancy in both groups, while the postpartum hemodynamic normalization triggers a reduction of (TAPSE) and tricuspid S' wave velocity; 3) Reduced RA strain in both groups during pregnancy, more evident in CVR group, which had a slower postpartum recovery; 4) Preserved RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) throughout follow-up time, being significantly reduced in 3T of CVR group and recovering at PP2; 5) Reduction of tricuspid E/A ratio from 1T to 3T in both groups with an early recovery at PP1, being these values significantly higher in the healthy group, and 6) Steady pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) values throughout follow-up time, showing consistently higher values in the CVR group. Conclusion This study describes the subclinical right cardiac functional and structural changes within the physiological range, which recover 6 months after delivery. CVR factors impact the magnitude of the subclinical RV diastolic function changes, PASP and myocardial deformation (strain) without any impact on classic RV systolic function.

First report of Angiostrongylus vasorum in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster) in Algeria

BackgroundAngiostrongylus vasorum, commonly known as the “French heartworm,” is a nematode belonging to the Metastrongyloidea superfamily. This parasite was first identified in Toulouse, France in 1853 infecting the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart of a Pointer dog. Angiostrongylosis is an important infection due its severe clinical signs and potential for causing high morbidity and mortality in domestic dogs. This nematode has not been studied in Algeria. The aim of this study was investigate the presence of lungworms among different mammal species in a number of Algerian regions.MethodsBetween February 2022 and September 2023, 47 road-killed animals were collected from six administrative units (departments) in Algeria. All carcasses underwent a full parasitological necropsy, and lung tissues were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and concentrated ethanol for further study. All collected samples were subjected to histological and PCR (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) analyses for lungworm identification.ResultsHistological examination revealed the presence of nematode eggs and larvae in the alveolar space and chronic obstructive vascular changes were detected in a single golden African wolf (Canis lupaster) collected from the department of Constantine. First-stage larvae were collected and morphologically identified as Angiostrongylus spp. The molecular identification confirmed the presence of A. vasorum. All other animals tested were negative for lungworms.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. vasorum infection in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster). We report a new host association, highlighting the importance of further studies to update the geographical distribution of A. vasorum and its epidemiology across Algeria.Graphical

Echocardiographic Assessment of Central Venous Pressure using Inferior Vena Cava Indices: An Estimate Guide for Right Atrial Pressure

Purpose: To assess the correlation between inferior vena cava echocardiographic indices and central venous pressure, right atrial pressure and thus to practice, assessment of inferior vena cava, as a guide for the status of right side of the heart. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of (60) patients (males and females) with their age ranging between (18–80) years were admitted to the respiratory care unit. Echocardiographic assessment of inferior vena cava hemodynamics (IVC expiratory, IVC inspiratory diameters and IVC collapsibility index) were carried out. In addition to the standard echocardiography examination, right heart function measurements (Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion and right atrial area), in spontaneously and mechanically ventilated, patients were done. Findings: Both IVCe and IVCi diameters showed strong negative correlation with collapsibility index, (r= -0.920 for IVCe and r= -0.964 for IVCi) (P<0.001). There was a positive correlation between TAPSE and IVC-CI (r=0.857, P<0.001). Moreover, RA area was negatively correlated with collapsibility index (r = -0.892, P <0.001). IVC-CI in mechanically ventilated patients (40.11± 1.782) compared to spontaneous breathing (48.91± 1.811) (P <0.001) Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: There was a linear relationship of IVC collapsibility index with TAPSE but an inverse relation with RA area. Evaluation of IVC diameter and its collapsibility index was an easy and non-invasive method to estimate CVP and RAP and so evaluate right heart performance of critically ill patients. Its use is more helpful in patients who are spontaneously breathing than those who are mechanically ventilated. The study tried to find an estimate predictor of right atrial pressure.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement and the value of increasing treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis: a plain language summary

Plain Language Summary What is this summary about? This article summarizes an economic evaluation of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (SSAS). SSAS occurs when the aortic valve, which allows blood to leave the heart, becomes very narrow. This reduces blood flow to the body, causing symptoms like tiredness, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting. Treating SSAS requires replacing the valve. Untreated SSAS results in heart failure and death. Before TAVR, SSAS patients had two options, medical management and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Medical management helps with symptoms but does not replace the valve, leading patients to eventually die from SSAS. SAVR replaces the valve through open-heart surgery, which is invasive, involving making a large cut through the chest bone. Concerns about this invasiveness led many patients to avoid SAVR, leaving their SSAS untreated. TAVR was introduced in 2010. It is less invasive than SAVR, involving inserting a new valve through a small cut in the leg. TAVR has become popular and twice as many patients now undergo TAVR compared to SAVR. We measure TAVR’s net benefits as the value of its health benefits minus its healthcare costs. We measure these net benefits in three patient groups aged 65 and above in the United States. Group 1 patients are ineligible for SAVR, so TAVR is their only treatment option. Group 2 patients would have received SAVR if TAVR were not available. Group 3 patients are eligible for SAVR but concerned about its invasiveness, and so would have stayed untreated without TAVR. Economic evaluation: A type of study that measures the benefits and costs of a treatment like TAVR and judges whether the benefits are sufficiently large to justify the costs (or put another way, whether the technology represents good value-for-money). Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): Replacement of the aortic valve in SSAS patients using a thin tube called a catheter that enters the body through a small cut near the leg and delivers and installs a valve replacement. New treatment option for SSAS from 2010 onwards. A minimally invasive treatment. Aortic stenosis (AS): A heart condition where a heart valve called the aortic valve becomes very narrow, forcing the heart to work harder and limiting blood flow to the rest of the body. Severe Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis (SSAS): Severe form of AS when the narrowing of the aortic valve is significant and accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting. What were the key takeaways? Net benefits per patient are significant in all groups, roughly equal in groups 1 and 2, and over six times larger in group 3. When net benefits are added up across patients, group 3’s total net benefit is 30 times larger than that of groups 1 and 2 combined. What are the main conclusions? Past studies ignored TAVR’s value in helping treat patients who might go untreated because of concerns over SAVR’s invasiveness. But this is TAVR’s largest value to SSAS patients. Our findings support continuing and increasing access to TAVR among SSAS patients, especially those who may go untreated because of concerns about invasive treatment. Aortic valve: One of the four heart valves. It connects the left side of the heart with the aorta, which is the large artery carrying oxygen-rich blood to the body. The aortic valve controls blood flow into the aorta, ensuring it moves in one direction. Medical management (MM): Involves medication and monitoring of SSAS patients but no treatment in the form of valve replacement. Associated with high risk of death. Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR): Replacement of the aortic valve in SSAS patients through open heart surgery. The sole treatment option for SSAS before 2010. A highly invasive treatment given its use of open-heart surgery. This is an abstract of the Plain Language Summary of Publication article. View the full Plain Language Summary PDF of this article to read the full-text Link to original article here

Cryodehydration applied to bovine fetal hearts: A model for studying cardiac organogenesis.

The study aimed to standardize the cryodehydration technique for bovine fetal hearts, focusing on optimizing protocols for each developmental stage to preserve morphological characteristics. We analyzed 29 bovine fetal hearts categorized into early, middle, and late developmental stages. These hearts underwent cryodehydration until a 60%-70% reduction in original fluid volume was achieved. Biometric data were recorded and statistically analyzed using Pearson correlation tests for age versus weight and age versus number of cryodehydration sessions. Morphometric comparisons before and after cryodehydration were performed using paired t-tests. In Group I, hearts exhibited well-defined structures, including the atrium cordis, ventriculus cordis, auricula atrii, aorta, truncus pulmonalis, and ramus coronaries arteria, which were preserved in Groups II and III. Additionally, in Group I the heart had a conical or flat apex cordis, whereas those in Groups II and III had a more pronounced apex. The average number of cryodehydration sessions required was 9.38 (±1.2) days for Group I, 12.37 (±1.4) days for Group II, and 15 days for Group III. A positive correlation was found between age and sample weight, indicating that more developed hearts were heavier. Similarly, there was a positive correlation between gestational age and the number of cryodehydration sessions, suggesting that more advanced stages required more cryodehydration sessions. Paired t-tests demonstrated high statistical significance in the morphometric parameters before and after cryodehydration, indicating a loss of mass during dehydration. However, there was no alteration in the macroscopic structure of the hearts, which remained morphologically preserved. In conclusion, cryodehydration shows promise for preserving and analyzing the external morphological characteristics of bovine fetal cardiac development. It also provides lightweight, odorless, and easy-to-handle specimens ideal for detailed morphological studies and offers a unique perspective for investigating cardiac morphology in biological research contexts.

The Potential Renoprotective Effect of Fedratinib in Renal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Male Rat Model

Renal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury (RIRI) is a serious condition that arises following kidney transplantation or other circumstances that result in decreased blood supply to the kidneys, these conditions cause a harm to the renal tissue. Gaining insight into the fundamental mechanisms of RIRI, including inflammation, cell death pathways, is essential for the development of successful therapeutic approaches. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of Fedratinib, a JAK2 inhibitor, in reducing RIRI in a rat model. The study involved rats divided into four groups: Sham group, control group, vehicle group, and Fedratinib group. Rats underwent anaesthesia and midline incision to expose renal pedicles, with blood flow halted using microvascular clamps. The wound was stitched, and the animals were left for 90 minutes to allow reperfusion. Blood samples were collected from the heart apex to assess serum urea and creatinine, and renal slices were used for PCR to detect the jak2/stat3 pathway. The Elisa was used to evaluate TNF, IL-6, NF-κB, Bax, Bcl2, and HMGB levels. Results: IL-6 and TNF-α, and HMGB1 were identified to have a role in the development of RIRI, inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 pathway by Fedratinib significantly decrease their concentration and minimizing RIRI. Suppression of JAK2/STAT3 pathway led to a significant inhibition in NF-κB and apoptosis. Conclusion: Fedratinib has a potential preventive effect against RIRI through their activity as JAK2 inhibitor and inhibition of the following downstream inflammatory pathways.

349 The relationship of heart score with hot carcass weight and fat depth in Angus cattle

Abstract Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a cardiopulmonary condition observed in cattle raised in feedlots situated at elevations above 800 m. This condition leads to right-sided heart failure caused by increased pulmonary vessel pressures and cardiopulmonary remodeling, known as pulmonary hypertension (PH). In cattle experiencing PH, pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) becomes abnormally high, increasing heart muscle load. This load stretches muscle fibers and enlarges the right side of the heart which can lead to heart failure and death. To assess the severity of PH, animals are assigned a heart score (HS) on a scale ranging from 1 to 5 at harvest. A score of 1 represents a normal heart, while a score of 5 indicates extreme heart remodeling. Understanding the relationship between hot carcass weight (HCW), fat depth (FD), and HS in Angus cattle will provide useful information on the impacts of this condition on feedlot performance and profitability. The objective of this study was to determine if a phenotypic relationship between HCW and FD with HS in Angus-influenced cattle. For this experiment, a total of 798 black, Angus-influenced cattle were used (245 steers, 553 heifers) that were fed near Greeley, CO. The HCW, FD, and HS data from each animal were recorded at harvest. Three general linear models were used to estimate the effects of HS on HCW and FD. Mean HCW and FD were 393.1 kg, (SD = 90.9) and 0.66 mm, (SD = 0.18), respectively, with an average HS of 2.08 (SD = 0.77). For all models, HCW and FD were fit as dependent variables, while lot and HS were included as fixed effects. Model 1 included all HS categories independently. Model 2 divided HS into 2 groups of normal (HS = 1 or 2) or remodeled (HS = 3+). For model 3 HS 3 was removed leaving only HS of 4 or 5 in the remodeled group. For both HCW and FD in Model 1, the overall effect of HS was not significant (P = 0.82 and P = 0.40, respectively). However, when comparing individual scores, animals with a HS = 4 were 15.0 kg lighter for HCW than individuals with a HS = 1 (P < 0.05). Conversely for FD, a non-significant difference (P = 0.74) of -0.33 mm was observed between animals with a HS = 4 versus a HS = 1. Grouping HS into 2 categories in Model 2 did change the outcome, yielding non-significant HCW and FD differences. However, when eliminating the HS = 3 data, a significant reduction in HCW of 16.9 kg (P = 0.05) was observed between the 2 HS groups, whereas non-significant effects on FD remained. These data suggest that at extreme levels of heart remodeling HCW may be extremely impacted negatively.

O59 INFLUENCE OF CIRCADIAN BLOOD PRESSURE PATTERN ON RIGHT VENTRICULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSIION

Background and Objective: It is well proven, that arterial hypertension affects left side of the heart and causes its remodeling and functional changes. Since heart works as a unit and has ventricular interdependence, aim of the study was to assess influence of hypertension and circadian blood pressure (BP) profile on a right ventricular structure and function. Methods: 75 hypertensive patients (57.13±7.27 y/o) and 25 normotensive control subjects (57.56±7.55 y/o) were involved in a study. All of them were males without history of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular or peripheral artery disease, obstructive lung disease, significant valvular heart disease or heart failure. All of them were either lifetime nonsmokers, or stopped smoking more than 5 years. All the patients underwent to 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring and heart ultrasound with tissue doppler imaging. Results: Hypertensive patients with dipper circadian BP profile had higher TAPSE (19±1.586 vs 17.708±2.857; P<0.05), higher right ventricular ejection fraction (55.103±4.597 vs 47.829±14.605; P<0,005) and lower right ventricular outflow tract diameter (29.985±3.932 vs 32.639±3.510; P<0/05). None of the echo parameters were different between normotensive subjects with different circadian BP pattern. Trans tricuspid valve early diastolic (E) and late diastolic (A) peak velocities were significantly lower in hypertensive patients (1.416±0.130 vs 0.897±1.49; P<0.005). Hence, non-dipper hypertensives had significantly lower tricuspid E/A ratio in comparison with dippers (0.812±0.094 vs 1.048±0.101; P<0.00001). Interventricular septum and posterior wall diameters were higher in non-dipper hypertensives (1.134±0.131 vs. 1.322±0.138; P<0.00001 and 1.072±0.175 vs. 1.254±0.135; P<0.001; respectively). Conclusion: Study data show increased interdependence between two ventricles. Patients with arterial hypertension have systole-diastolic dysfunction, which especially well is present in patients with non-dipper circadian BP profile.

The Monocrotaline Rat Model of Right Heart Disease Induced by Pulmonary Artery Hypertension.

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is characterised by increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) resulting in elevated pressure in the pulmonary artery supplying the pulmonary circulation. Disease of the right ventricle (RV) often manifests as a result of PAH placing excessive pressure on the right side of the heart. Although a relatively rare disease in humans, the impact of sustained PAH is severe, with poor outcomes even in treated individuals. As PAH develops, the blood flow is restricted through the pulmonary arteries and the right ventricle hypertrophies due to the increased strain of pumping blood through the pulmonary circulation. With time, RV hypertrophy progresses to right heart failure, impacting the supply of blood to the left ventricle and systemic circulation. Although right heart failure can currently be treated, it cannot be cured. There is therefore a need for more research into the physiological changes that cause the heart to fail under pressure overload. This review aims to evaluate the monocrotaline (MCT) rat model of PAH as a means of studying the cellular mechanisms associated with the development of RV hypertrophy and right heart failure.

Electrocardiographic findings in a group of physically active young adults who reside at 2,600 meters above the sea level: an exploratory study

Purpose: The physiological adaptations to regular physical activity and hypobaric hypoxia associated with high-altitude residence are related to a series of cardiovascular adaptations that can generate electrocardiographic modifications. This study aimed to describe the principal findings and determine the mean values of the electrocardiographic parameters in a group of physically active young adults who reside at a high altitude. Methods: 49 young, physically active subjects (11 women) in a Sports Sciences program participated in the study. Each participant was subjected to a medical interview, a physical examination, and a resting electrocardiogram. Two physicians analyzed the electrocardiogram, searching for criteria of anatomical or physiological abnormalities; a descriptive analysis of the duration of waves and intervals and the amplitude of the T and P waves was also carried out. Results: The mean values of the electrocardiographic parameters were between the expected values. The principal findings involve sinus bradycardia and changes associated with the right side of the heart: incomplete right bundle branch block, right QRS axis deviation, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusions: The findings of this study are related to other studies that describe changes in the right side of the heart in inhabitants of high altitude and sinus bradycardia in physically active subjects and, in some cases, in high-altitude residents. Every young dweller of the altitude who engages in physical activity should be submitted to a resting ECG, considering there is a high probability of finding asymptomatic changes in the ECG that could require further exploration. Keywords: Electrocardiogram, high altitude, hypoxia, exercise

Abstract We029: Common and Divergent Cellular Etiologies Underlying Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome

Single ventricle heart defects are the most severe forms of congenital heart defects and are classified based on the affected ventricles: hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS). Cellular etiologies underlying differential left and right ventricular hypoplasia are unknown and remain intractable without an experimental model to probe common and divergent cellular etiologies between HLHS and HRHS. In this study, we leveraged patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and single-cell transcriptomics to interrogate distinct etiologies of HLHS and HRHS. Both HLHS and HRHS iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) exhibit a reduced proliferation capacity compared to sex-matched family controls under both static and cyclic stretch conditions. Biological pathways related to cell cycle progression, DNA replication, and cell proliferation are downregulated in both HLHS and HRHS iPSC-CMs, suggesting an intrinsic cardiac proliferation deficiency. Single-cell transcriptomics indicate that differentiation of cardiac mesoderm towards second heart field (SHF) progenitors are compromised in both HLHS and HRHS. However, differentiation of epicardial progenitors is enhanced at the expense of SHF progenitors in HLHS, whereas first heart field (FHF) progenitors are prevalent in HRHS. Trajectory inference analysis uncovers distinct cell lineage determination pathways in FHF and SHF progenitors between HLHS and HRHS. Moreover, HLHS iPSC-CMs exhibit reduced mitochondrial activities whereas HRHS iPSC-CMs show enhanced mitochondrial respiration and ATP production compared to controls. In sum, these common and divergent cellular etiologies of HLHS and HRHS may underlie ventricular hypoplasia in the left side and right side of the heart.

Right heart status in patients with COVID-19: a literature review

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented strain on healthcare worldwide. Considering that the main pathophysiological processes causing the severe and extremely severe course of the disease are COVID-19-associated pneumonia and hypercoagulation, the hemodynamics of pulmonary circulation and the right heart was of particular concern. Echocardiography has become the main method for assessing the condition of the right heart in COVID-19 patients, owing to its availability and speed of the investigation. However, echocardiographic assessment of the right heart is challenging, and data in the available literature are conflicting. The functioning of the right parts of the heart regarding normality and in conditions of COVID-19 infection is shown. The results of studies aimed at assessing the structural, hemodynamic, and functional parameters of the right heart during the acute course of the disease and in the long-term period — from a month to a year — were studied. Currently, there is no consensus on the effect of COVID-19 on the condition of the right side of the heart in the long term and, accordingly, further monitoring of patients who have had COVID-19, especially severe and extremely severe cases, is required.

Application of two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in radiotherapy-related cardiac systolic dysfunction and analysis of its risk factors: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe cardiac toxicity of radiotherapy (RT) can affect cancer survival rates over the long term. This has been confirmed in patients with breast cancer and lymphoma. However, there are few studies utilizing the two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) to evaluate the risk factors affecting radiation induced heart disease (RIHD), and there is a lack of quantitative data. Therefore, we intend to explore the risk factors for RIHD and quantify them using 2D-STE technology.MethodsWe ultimately enrolled 40 patients who received RT for thoracic tumors. For each patient, 2D-STE was completed before, during, and after RT and in the follow up. We analyzed the sensitivity of 2D-STE in predicting RIHD and the relationship between RT parameters and cardiac systolic function decline.ResultsLeft ventricle global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), LVGLS of the endocardium (LVGLS-Endo), LVGLS of the epicardium (LVGLS-Epi), and right ventricle free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) decreased mid- and post-treatment compared with pre-treatment, whereas traditional parameters such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiac Tei index (Tei), and peak systolic velocity of the free wall of the tricuspid annulus (s’) did not show any changes. The decreases in the LVGLS and LVGLS-Endo values between post- and pre-treatment and the ratios of the decreases to the baseline values were linearly correlated with mean heart dose (MHD) (all P values < 0.05). The decreases in the LVGLS-Epi values between post- and pre-treatment and the ratios of the decreases to the baseline values were linearly correlated with the percentage of heart volume exposed to 5 Gy or more (V5) (P values < 0.05). The decrease in RVFWLS and the ratio of the decrease to the baseline value were linearly related to MHD and patient age (all P values < 0.05). Endpoint events occurred more frequently in the right side of the heart than in the left side. Patients over 56.5 years of age had a greater probability of developing right-heart endpoint events. The same was true for patients with MHD over 20.2 Gy in both the left and right sides of the heart.Conclusions2D-STE could detect damages to the heart earlier and more sensitively than conventional echocardiography. MHD is an important prognostic parameter for LV systolic function, and V5 may also be an important prognostic parameter. MHD and age are important prognostic parameters for right ventricle systolic function.

A case report on the use of combined spinal epidural technique in the anaesthetic care of a patient with a large ASD and severe pulmonary hypertension

A defect in the septum between the left and right atrium is known as atrial septal defect which is a congenital heart disease. The defect causes shunting of blood from left to right side of the heart, increasing the blood flow through the lungs. Small atrial septal defects may be found incidentally and never cause a major concern. Larger defects may damage the heart and also the lungs. The use of combined spinal and epidural technique in a patient with ASD can maintain hemodynamic stability, provide perioperative analgesia and also avoid the hemodynamic perturbations associated with general anaesthesia in a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension.

Prevalence of non pulmonary vein triggers and pulmonary pressure change in atrial fibrillation ablation for cardiac amyloidosis patients

Abstract Background Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) has been associated with an increased risk of atrial arrhythmias and high risk to develop pulmonary hypertension due to infiltration of the amyloid protein in the atrial wall. Though non-PV triggers are commonly seen in left atrium, they are also seen in the right side of the heart, so identifying them at the time of ablation is essential. Objective The study evaluates the prevalence of non-PV triggers during catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients affected by cardiac amyloidosis and how restoration of sinus rhythm affects pulmonary pressures. Methods This is a study including 74 consecutive patients with an established diagnosis of amyloidosis ATTR diagnosed with cardiac MRI or myocardial biopsy that underwent their first AF catheter ablation. All have a transthoracic echocardiogram before ablation. They underwent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation + isolation of left atrial posterior wall and superior vena cava. Additionally, extrapulmonary triggers, which are defined as ectopic triggers originating from sites other than PVs including left atrial appendage (LAA), coronary sinus (CS), interatrial septum, crista terminalis, mitral valve anulus were identified. Post procedure, patients were followed up routinely with ECG during office visits, echocardiogram, 7-day Holter monitor and event recorders during the first year followed by biannual checkups during the remaining part of the follow-up period. Student’s t-test was used to compare pulmonary pressure between the groups. Results Isoproterenol-challenge revealed non-PV triggers in 51 (68.9%) patients. These triggers were mostly mapped to LAA (39, 52.7%), CS (30, 40,5%), and crista terminalis (35, 47.3%). Besides, ectopic beats were seen originating from inter-atrial septum (19, 25.6%), mitral valve annulus (10, 13.5%). More than one trigger was found in (68%) patients. At 1-year after the ablation, 65 (87.8%) were arrhythmia-free off antiarrhythmic drugs. Moreover, in patients who maintained sinus rhythm post-ablation, there was either a non progression or a reduction in pulmonary pressures (PAPm before ablation: 44.8 ± 8.9 mmHg vs PAPm after ablation 45.1 ± 11.1 mmHg, P value =0.87). Conversely, those experiencing arrhythmic recurrences demonstrated an increase in pulmonary pressures (PAPm before ablation: 41.9 ± 7.7 mmHg vs PAPm after ablation 47.8 ± 10.2 mmHg, P value =0.019). Fig.1 Conclusion Our findings suggest that non-PV triggers are highly prevalent in cardiac amyloidosis AF patients including a high rate crista terminalis firing. Notably, restoration of sinus rhythm post-ablation was linked to stable or reduced pulmonary arterial pressures, whereas patients with arrhythmic recurrences experienced a significant increase.

PAPILLARY FIBROELASTOMA: AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK

Abstract Papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are small, avascular benign tumors. Despite that, PFEs could lead to important clinical consequences such as transient ischemic attack and myocardial infarction. A 65–year–old female patient was admitted to our ER presenting a transient ischemic attack characterized by retrograde amnesia lasting about an hour. She had a history of systemic scleroderma and left breast cancer treated with local radiotherapy. In our hospital she underwent a neurological examination and a head CT which were negative for ongoing acute pathologies. An electrocardiogram was performed which showed sinus rhythm at 65 bpm. A transthoracic echocardiogram was also performed revealing a floating mass arising from left ventricular outflow tract between aortic and mitral valves. The transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed a solitary lesion approximately 2 centimeters long localized between A2 and A3 mitral valve scallops. The patient was therefore referred for surgery. During surgery the mass was found to arise from anterior mitral annulus and was resected. The histopathological examination of the mass confirmed the morphologic diagnosis of papillary fibroelastoma. Histologically PFEs are made up of a single layer of endocardial cells covering a matrix of collagen. The main risk factors for the development of PFEs are iatrogenic causes, such as radiotherapy, and autoimmune diseases such as systemic scleroderma. In 54% of cases PFEs are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Since over 95% of PFEs present on the left side of the heart, systemic embolism is the most frequent presentation typically as transient ischemic attacks. Initial evaluation is accomplished with echocardiography. PFEs appear as echo–dense and pedunculated masses. Cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are second line modalities in PFEs evaluation. Definitive diagnosis of PFE requires pathological confirmation. Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for all symptomatic patients. For symptomatic patients who are not surgical candidate, long term antiplatelets or anticoagulation therapy should be initiated. Asymptomatic patients should have surgical resection if the size of the tumor is &amp;gt; 1 cm. PFEs are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography remains the most utilized diagnostic modality. Surgical treatment should always be considered. Antithrombotic therapy should be considered in non–surgical candidates.

Edutainment on Display: Enhancing Learning Experiences Through Scientific Dramatizations of Gas Transport

Background: Edutainment describes the confluence of education and entertainment. Also termed dramatization, each participant imitates specific content elements, while the entire group embodies a fundamental concept. It harnesses the engaging nature of theater and enhances learning experiences with gamification. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study aims to use edutainment, in the form of dramatization, to teach cardiovascular topics to young learners and evaluate their engagement in science. HYPOTHESIS: We posit that applying this approach to education will better engage learners of all ages and enhance science learning. Methods: Kids’ Tech University (KTU) is an annual four-day program hosted by Virginia Tech in which children (ages 8-12) participate in interactive sessions about science and technology. During the 2023 event, six groups of four to eight students attended small group discussions to assess understanding of gas transport and learn about the circulatory system. Learners then took part in an activity where they represented red blood cells and traced blood flow through parts of the circulatory system marked by signs in the room (i.e., left atrium, brain). Everyday items—cotton balls and recycled paper—symbolized biological components—oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), respectively. Donning of red and blue party hats symbolized the oxygenation state of blood, enabling visual differentiation and providing more recognizable cues for learning diffcult concepts. The walking speed mirrored blood flow rates across various vessels, resembling arterial (fast) and venous (slow) velocities. Initially, students moved slowly towards the right side of the heart before swiftly transitioning to the lungs for CO2-O2 exchange. Afterward, they moved slowly to the left side of the heart and were propelled to different organs (brain, gallbladder, eyes, etc.) where they facilitated O2-CO2 exchange, and were returned as deoxygenated. The cycle repeated as the students continually discussed the science behind their dramatization. DATA/RESULTS: When studied at the 2023 event, enhanced learning was observed through qualitative assessments, as students were allowed to go through the simulation—first guided and then independently—to reinforce concepts, supplemented by additional discussions. Furthermore, students continued to remain engaged throughout the duration of the activity and expressed positive sentiments about their experience with dramatizations. Additional data will be gathered during another trial of this activity in January at the 2024 KTU to further add to our findings. CONCLUSION: The use of dramatization in teaching the intricacies of the circulatory system to a group of students is effective in cultivating interest and engagement in science learning. Reenacting core concepts using everyday items is an effective teaching tool that should continue to be explored in other settings and areas. This study will continue into 2024 to allow additional data collection. VTCSOM. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 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.

Transesophageal Echocardiography Improves Precision in Transseptal Puncture Compared to Fluoroscopy in Left Atrial Electrophysiological Procedures.

Background: Complex arrhythmias often arise from the left side of the heart, necessitating established electrophysiological (EP) procedures like 3D-mapping-assisted radiofrequency (RF) ablations or pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). These procedures typically require transseptal access, emphasizing the critical role of achieving an optimal catheter position through a precise transseptal puncture (TSP). Commonly employed imaging methods for TSP guidance include fluoroscopy and interventional echocardiography. Despite their routine use, there is limited evidence on which imaging modality offers superior catheter positioning for EP procedures, and safety concerns regarding transseptal punctures with imaging remain underexplored. This study aims to systematically evaluate the feasibility, safety, and accuracy of echo-guided TSP compared to fluoroscopy-guided TSP. Methods: In this prospective study, 150 consecutive patients undergoing left atrial EP procedures were enrolled between October 2023 and February 2024 at the Ulm University Heart Center. Following optimal fluoroscopy-guided transseptal needle positioning at the interatrial septum, the catheter placement was further verified using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Adjustments were made in cases of suboptimal needle positioning observed in TEE. The fluoroscopically achieved septal positions were categorized based on TEE images as optimal, suboptimal, poor, or dangerous. Results: Among the 150 patients included (58.0% male), fluoroscopy achieved optimal, suboptimal, and poor/dangerous positions in 32.7%, 43.3%, and 24.0%, respectively. After TEE-guided adjustments, optimal and suboptimal positions were achieved in 59.3% and 40.7% of patients, respectively. No instances of poor or dangerous transseptal needle positions were observed under TEE guidance. Conclusions: TEE-guided TSP emerges as a feasible, more accurate, and safer imaging method for transseptal punctures in EP procedures.