Left Ventricle Reverse Remodeling Research Articles

The Role of Global Longitudinal Strain in Predicting Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling After Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery in Patients With Primary Mitral Regurgitation.

This study aimed to identify the utility of global longitudinal strain (GLS) as a reliable parameter that can accurately forecast left ventricle reverse remodeling (LVRR) in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery for severe chronic primary mitral regurgitation (MR), thereby aiding in assessing mortality and morbidity risk. This retrospective observational study involved severe primary MR patients who underwent valve replacement surgery between 2018 and 2023. Pre- and postsurgery echocardiography data were collected, with GLS measurements utilized to assess left ventricular function. Various echocardiography parameters, including MR severity and LV dimensions, were analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore relationships between GLS and LVRR. This study enrolled 103 patients (54.4% male; mean age 45.4 ± 13.6 years). Statistical analyses revealed GLS to be an independent predictor of LVRR, with a threshold of -16.25% showing 89% sensitivity and 50% specificity. Each 1% increase in GLS corresponded to a 1.14-fold (odds ratio [OR]: 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.31; p<0.05) increased likelihood of LVRR. These findings highlight GLS's potential as a prognostic marker for postsurgical outcomes in severe MR patients.

Multipoint pacing is associated with improved prognosis and cardiac resynchronization therapy response. MORE-CRT MPP randomized study secondary analyses.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) via biventricular (BIV) pacing is indicated in patients with heart failure (HF), reduced ejection fraction and prolonged QRS duration. Quadripolar leads and MultiPoint Pacing (MPP) allow multiple left ventricle (LV) sites pacing. We aimed to assess clinical benefit of MPP in patients who do not respond to standard BIV pacing. Overall 3724 patients were treated with standard BIV pacing. After 6 months, 1639 patients were considered as CRT non-responders (echo-measured relative reduction in LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) < 15%) and randomized to MPP or BIV. We analysed 593 randomized patients (291 MPP, 302 BIV), who had BIV pacing >97% of time before randomization and complete 12-months clinical and echocardiographic data. The endpoint, composed by freedom from cardiac death and HF hospitalizations, and by LVESV relative reduction ≥15% between randomization and 12 months, occurred more frequently in MPP (96/291 (33.0%)) vs. BIV (71/302 (23.5%), p = 0.0103), also confirmed at multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 1.55, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-2.34, p = 0.0402 vs. BIV). HF hospitalizations occurred less frequently in MPP (14/291 (4.81%)) vs. BIV (29/302 (9.60%), incidence rate ratio = 50%, p = 0.0245). Selecting patients with large (>30 ms) dispersion of interventricular electrical delay among the 4 LV lead dipoles, reverse remodeling was more frequent in MPP (18/51 (35.3%)) vs. BIV (11/62 (17.7%), p = 0.0335). In patients who do not respond to standard CRT, despite high BIV pacing percentage, MPP is associated with lower occurrence of HF hospitalizations and higher probability of reverse LV remodeling, compared with BIV pacing.

Effects of accessory pathway catheter ablation on left ventricular function in patients with dyssynchrony-induced cardiomyopathy associated with pre-excitation syndrome

Aim. To evaluate the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of accessory pathways on left ventricle (LV) function in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome and preexitation-induced dyssynchrony cardiomyopathy.Methods. The study included 22 patients with registered preexitation on the ECG and signs of dyssynchronous cardiomyopathy according to echocardiography (Echo): asynchronous movement of interventricular septum, ejection fraction (EF) decrease and/or global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle (GLS LV), heart chamber increase. The average age of patients at the time of RFA of the accessory pathways - 11 years [8;14].Results. A regular normalization of the QRS complex width was observed after RFA (p = 0.0002). To assess reverse LV remodeling, all patients underwent Echo on day 3 after RFA. In patients with an initially reduced LVEF, its increase was noted. In patients with initial dilatation and an increase in LV volume, normalization of these indicators was noted. However, dynamics of LVEF and its volume was not statistically significant in the early postoperative period. According to Speckle-tracking Echo during medical check-up, complete normalization of longitudinal deformation was observed in 13 patients (59%), this indicator improvement - in 7 patients (31.8%). The average GLS LV before RFA was -17.25 [-16.4; -19], after RFA - -21.5 [-19; -24] (p = 0.0001).Conclusion. Reverse remodeling and restoration of LV function after RFA of accessory pathways indicates a cause- and-effect relationship between the accessory pathways functioning and dyssynchronous cardiomyopathy development. Therefore, patients with signs of preexitation-induced dyssynchronous cardiomyopathy are indicated for RFA of accessory pathways, regardless of age and tachycardia paroxysms.

Prophylactic Pulmonary Artery Banding in Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy: An Additional Therapeutic Option.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common childhood cardiomyopathy and is associated with considerable early mortality. Heart transplantation is often the only viable life-saving option. Pulmonary artery banding (PAB) has been recently proposed as a bridge or alternative to transplantation for DCM. In our cohort, PAB was selectively addressed to heritable DCM or DCM with congenital left ventricle aneurysm (CLVA). This study aimed to describe the clinical evolution and left ventricle reverse remodeling (LVRR) over time (6 months and 1 year after surgery). Ten patients with severe DCM received PAB between 2016 and 2021 and underwent clinical and postoperative echocardiography follow-ups. The median age at PAB was <1 year. The in-hospital mortality was zero. Two patients died two months after PAB of end-stage heart failure. The modified Ross class was improved in the eight survivors with DCM and remained stable in the two patients with CLVA. We observed a positive LVRR (LV end-diastolic diameter Z-score: 8.4 ± 3.7 vs. 2.8 ± 3; p < 0.05; LV ejection fraction: 23.8 ± 5.8 to 44.5 ± 13.1 (p < 0.05)). PAB might be useful as part of the armamentarium available in infants and toddlers with severe DCM not sufficiently responding to medical treatment with limited probability of spontaneous recovery.

The predictive value of coronary microvascular dysfunction for left ventricular reverse remodelling in dilated cardiomyopathy.

To evaluate the degree of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) first-pass perfusion parameters and to examine the correlation between myocardial perfusion and left ventricle reverse remodelling (LVRR). In this study, 94 DCM patients and 35 healthy controls matched for age and sex were included. Myocardial perfusion parameters, including upslope, time to maximum signal intensity (Timemax), maximum signal intensity (SImax), baseline signal intensity (SIbaseline), and the difference between maximum and baseline signal intensity (SImax-baseline) were measured. Additionally, left ventricular (LV) structure, function parameters, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were also recorded. The parameters were compared between healthy controls and DCM patients. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the predictors of LVRR. With a median follow-up period of 12 months [interquartile range (IQR), 8-13], 41 DCM patients (44%) achieved LVRR. Compared with healthy controls, DCM patients presented CMD with reduced upslope, SIbaseline, and increased Timemax (all p < 0.01). Timemax, SImax, and SImax-baseline were further decreased in LVRR than non-LVRR group (Timemax: 60.35 [IQR, 51.46-74.71] vs. 72.41 [IQR, 59.68-97.70], p = 0.017; SImax: 723.52 [IQR, 209.76-909.27] vs. 810.92 [IQR, 581.30-996.89], p = 0.049; SImax-baseline: 462.99 [IQR, 152.25-580.43] vs. 551.13 [IQR, 402.57-675.36], p = 0.038). In the analysis of multivariate logistic regression, Timemax [odds ratio (OR) 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95-1.00; p = 0.032)], heart rate (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.08; p = 0.029), LV remodelling index (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.06-3.00; p = 0.038) and LGE extent (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.73-0.96; p = 0.021) were independent predictors of LVRR. CMD could be found in DCM patients and was more impaired in patients with non-LVRR than LVRR patients. Timemax at baseline was an independent predictor of LVRR in DCM.

Effects of canagliflozin on cardiac remodeling and hemodynamic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in large trials independent of glycemic control. The mechanisms of this cardioprotective property remain uncertain. Evidence suggests positive hemodynamic changes and favorable cardiac remodeling contributing to the clinical outcomes but results were conflicting. We aim to investigate the potential impact on hemodynamic parameters, cardiac structure and functions. This prospective observational study included T2DM patients receiving canagliflozin 100 mg per day in addition to their antidiabetic treatment. We analyzed hemodynamic parameters assessed by echocardiographic measurements and impedance cardiography (ICG) to evaluate systolic and diastolic functions from baseline to 24 weeks after treatment. A total of 47 patients (25 males and 22 females) averaging 64.6 ± 10.9 years had a significant reduction in HbA1c, body weight, and systolic blood pressure. Hematocrit increased significantly, while NT-proBNP remained unchanged. E/e′, left atrium (LA) volume, and LA stiffness were reduced, while left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) and LA strain rates increased at 24 weeks by conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography. LV mass and ejection fraction showed no differences. ICG suggested significant improvement in hemodynamic parameters with increased stroke volume index and cardiac output index and decreased systemic vascular resistance index at 12 and 24 weeks. Canagliflozin improved hemodynamic parameters and had a favorable impact on LA and LV reverse remodeling. These changes may explain the beneficial effect on cardiovascular outcomes in large clinical trials.

Mitral leaflet retraction and left ventricular reverse remodeling in patients with treated dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Enlargement of the mitral leaflets (MLs) adaptive to mechanical stress caused by dilated left ventricle (LV) was recognized, but their changes after the stimuli withdrawn remained unexplored. Aims To observe morphological changes in the MLs along with LV reverse remodeling (LVRR) occurred after standard care. Methods Patients with recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy (RODCM) were prospectively enrolled (n=82), as well as a group of age, sex and body surface area matched normal controls (NC) (n=50). Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline and 6-month follow-up with special interests in the length of anterior and posterior mitral leaflet (AML and PML), mitral annular dimension (MAD) and tenting height (TH). LVRR was measured as a reduction in the LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) of ≥15%. Results At the 6-month follow-up, LVRR was achieved in 69.5% patients and there were 26.9% patients who reported ≥1 grade reduction in secondary mitral regurgitation that related to LVRR. The AML (28±3 vs. 26±3mm, p=0.004) and PML (19±4 vs. 17±3mm, p&amp;lt;0.001) were decreased, as well as the MAD (31±5 vs. 28±5mm, p=0.001) and TH (10±3 vs. 8±2mm, p&amp;lt;0.001), but all remained larger than that of the NC group (all p&amp;lt;0.05). When compared with the control group, the AML and PML of the RODCM group was 16.7% and 35.7% longer at baseline, which remained 8.3% and 21.2% longer at the follow-up, respectively. The change in the AML (△AML) or PML (△PML) correlated moderately to the change in the LVEDV (△LVEDV) (r=0.487, p&amp;lt;0.001; r=0.516, p &amp;lt;0.001, respectively) (Figure 1). When compared between the subgroups stratified by LVRR, both the AML and PML decreased in the patients who had LVRR (+) (AML, 28±3 vs. 26±3, p=0.001; PML, 20±4 vs. 16±3, p&amp;lt;0.001), but remained the same length in those with LVRR (-) (AML, 27±4 vs. 28±4, p=0.318; PML, 17±3 vs. 17±3, p=0.790). The comparison in the △AML and △PML between the two subgroups is shown in Figure 2. Conclusion The enlarged MLs could retract with different behavior in the AML and PML, accompanied by LV reverse remodeling. This study conducted in patients with RODCM who received standard therapy provided the other facet of mitral leaflet plasticity adaptive to mechanical stretch.correlation between △MLs and △LVEDVCompare △MLs between LVRR subgroups

Impact of sacubitril valsartan initiation in patients with HFrEF and severe mitral regurgitation referred for percutaneous mitral repair

Abstract Background In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), the severity of functional mitral regurgitation (MR) is a major predictor of worsened symptoms and poor outcomes. Percutaneous MR repair has been shown to improve outcomes in HFrEF with MR. However, because MR is related to abnormal myocardial function and adverse remodeling, the optimization of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) could improve loading conditions, reversal remodelling and left ventricle function and also may reduce MR severity. We sought to evaluated whether the left ventricle reverse remodeling induced by the addition of sacubitril/valsartan may reduce MR severity sufficiently to avoid need for percutaneous MR repair approach. Methods We performed a single-center, prospective assessor-blinded study to determine the reverse remodeling response of sacubitril/valsartan therapy in HFrEF patients (NYHA class II-IV) with MR evaluated for percutaneous MR repair. Echocardiographic images were assessed offline by 2 investigators blinded to both the clinical data and timing of echocardiograms. Doses of sacubitril/valsartan were optimized to individual tolerance. A clinical and echocardiographic 1 year follow-up was performed. Results Thirty-nine HFrEF patients with MR grade 3-4 were included (mean age 63 years old, 69,2% male). Optimal dose of sacubitril/valsartan was reached in 63,2% of patients. After 1-year follow-up, only 1 patient died and, as we show in Table 1, a significant improvement on NYHA functional class and NT-ProBNP values were present. Left ventricle ejection fraction improved (29.7 ± 6.7% vs 41.3 ± 13.2%; P &amp;lt; 0.001) and left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexed to body surface area decreased (123.4 ± 35.7 mL/m2 vs 98.4 ± 39.7 mL/m2; P &amp;lt; 0.001 and 87.7 ± 30.0 mL/m2 vs 61.9 ± 35.3 mL/m2; P &amp;lt; 0.001, respectively). Volumetric remodeling was associated with a reduction in the degree of mitral regurgitation (64.1% grade 3 and 35.9% grade 4 at the beginning to 28.9% grade 1, 36.8% grade 2, 21.5% grade 3 and 13.2% grade 4 after one year of follow-up; [scale from 0-4]). Conclusion The optimization of GDMT with sacubitril/valsartan induced an improvement on functional class and a beneficial reverse cardiac remodelling, with enhancement of left ventricle function and reducing MR severity, enough in 24 patients to avoid need for percutaneous MR repair. In HFrEF patients with grade 3-4 mitral regurgitation, our results reinforce importance of ensuring optimal GDMT before a percutaneous mitral valve repair approach.Table 1.Changes during follow-up.

Right Ventricular Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: A Three-Dimensional and Speckle Tracking Echocardiographic Study

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) induces left ventricle reverse remodeling; however, its effects on right ventricular (RV) volumes and function were not well described. This study aimed to assess the effects of CRT on RV. Of 112 patients, 63 enrolled with a mean age of 62.77±7.23years, including 40 males (63.5%). All patients met criteria for CRT implantation and were followed at 3-month and 6-month intervals. Standard 2-dimensional/3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and speckle-tracking analyses were conducted for assessment of LV and left atrium (LA). RV maximum diameters, tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, fractional area change, RV global (RV 4-chamber strain (RV4CSL), and RV free wall strain (RVFWSL), in addition to 3D echocardiographic assessment of RV, were done before CRT implantation and at follow-up visits. Mean follow-up period was 6.76±1.25months. A total of 48 patients (76.2%) were LV responders (LVR) whereas the rest were nonresponders (LVNR). Both groups had similar baseline characteristics, risk factors, device implantation, and programming values. Only LVR had significant reduction in RV basal diameter, together with significant improvement of RV systolic performance: systolic velocity, fractional area change, RV4CSL, RVFWSL, and 3D-derived RV volumes and ejection fraction, compared with baseline values. In addition, pulmonary arterial systolic pressure decreased in LVR with reduction of tricuspid regurgitation severity. LV response, percentage change of RV4CSL, LA end-systolic volume index, and LA emptying fraction at 3-month follow-up were the most independent predictors of RV response by multivariate analysis. Reduced left ventricular end-systolic volume >13.5% had 92.3% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity. In conclusion, CRT-induced RV reverse remodeling and improved RV-arterial coupling. These effects were associated with left side response to CRT.

Aortic valve replacement with single strip autologous pericardium.

Aortic valve replacement with mechanical valves is the standard treatment for aortic valve disease in Indonesia. Its usage is associated with high cost, risk of endocarditis and thromboembolic event, and lifetime consumption of anticoagulants. We perform a novel replacement technique of the aortic valve using an autologous pericardium and evaluate short-term outcomes. From April 2017 to April 2020, 16 patients underwent aortic valve replacement with a single-strip autologous pericardium. Outcomes of left ventricle reverse remodeling (LVRR), six minutes walking test (6MWT), and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST-2) were measured at 6 months post-operation. A total of 16 surgeries were performed using aortic valve replacement with single strip pericardium without conversion to mechanical valve replacement. The patients included 8 males and 8 females, and the mean age was 49.63 + 12.54 years old. The most common diagnosis was mixed aortic valve stenosis and regurgitation (9 cases). The mean aortic cross-clamp time was 139.88 + 23.21 min and cardiopulmonary bypass time was 174.37 + 33.53 min. At 6 months post operation, there were an increase of 6MWT (p = 0,006) and a decrease of sST-2 level (p = 0,098). Echocardiographic showed 2 patients had LVRR. Survival and freedom from reoperation are 100% at one-year follow-up. Aortic valve replacement with single strip pericardium is a good alternative to aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve. Short-term evaluation at 6 months post-operation showed improvement in clinical status and echocardiographic parameters compared to baseline.

Effects of sacubitril/valsartan on exercise capacity: a prognostic improvement that starts during uptitration.

Sacubitril/valsartan is a mainstay of the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF); however, its effects on exercise performance yielded conflicting results. Aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of sacubitril/valsartan on exercise parameters and echocardiographic and biomarker changes at different drug doses. We prospectively enrolled consecutive HFrEF outpatients eligible to start sacubitril/valsartan. Patients underwent clinical assessment, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), blood sampling, echocardiography, and completed the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12). Sacubitril/valsartan was introduced at 24/26mg b.i.d. dose and progressively uptitrated in a standard monthly-based fashion to 97/103mg b.i.d. or maximum tolerated dose. Study procedures were repeated at each titration visit and 6months after reaching the maximum tolerated dose. Ninety-six patients completed the study, 73 (75%) reached maximum sacubitril/valsartan dose. We observed a significant improvement in functional capacity across all study steps: oxygen intake increased, at peak exercise (from 15.6 ± 4.5 to 16.5 ± 4.9mL/min/kg; p trend = 0.001), while minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production relationship reduced in patients with an abnormal value at baseline. Sacubitril/valsartan induced positive left ventricle reverse remodeling (EF from 31 ± 5 to 37 ± 8%; p trend < 0.001), while NT-proBNP reduced from 1179 [610-2757] to 780 [372-1344] pg/ml (p trend < 0.0001). NYHA functional class and the subjective perception of limitation in daily life at KCCQ-12 significantly improved. The Metabolic Exercise Cardiac Kidney Index (MECKI) score progressively improved from 4.35 [2.42-7.71] to 2.35% [1.24-4.96], p = 0.003. A holistic and progressive HF improvement was observed with sacubitril/valsartan in parallel with quality of life. Likewise, a prognostic enhancement was observed.

LONG-TERM HEMODYNAMIC OUTCOMES OF DIFFERENT AORTIC VALVE INTERVENTIONS – A REVIEW OF COMPARATIVE STUDIES

Highlights Valve replacements using mechanical prostheses are not inferior, and sometimes even advantageous to bioprostheses in terms of transvalvular hemodynamics and left ventricle reverse remodeling;During the average follow-up period, a significantly lower average pressure gradient and a higher effective opening area were recorded in the group undergoing neocuspidization with autologous pericardium compared to other types of implants;Despite the obvious hemodynamic advantages of transcatheter aortic valve replacement, the midterm follow-up has revealed significant residual aortic regurgitation, which is highly undesirable. AbstractCurrently, there are not enough data on the comparative analysis of echocardiographic outcomes, especially in regards to the state of the left ventricle in the long term after different aortic valve interventions. In this review, we present up-to-date literature data (publications published over 20 years) concerning echocardiographic outcomes after different aortic valve replacements. For the search of publications, the authors used international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed and Cochrane. The search keywords were: “aortic valve surgery”, “long-term period”, “echocardiographic outcomes”, “quality of life”. The analysis includes only comparative randomized, prospective or retrospective studies. A comparison between mechanical and biological prostheses has demonstrated that mechanical valves, in addition to displaying higher durability, can be advantageous in certain situations to bioprostheses in relation to transvalvular hemodynamics and reverse left ventricle remodeling. Regarding the comparison of stentless and stented bioprostheses with respect to peak transvalvular gradients and the effective orifice area, an obvious advantage was observed in the stentless bioprosthesis group. The majority of randomized clinical trials have showed great hemodynamic advantages of the Ross procedure in comparison with other types of aortic valve replacement, and an increase in the number of participants (due to future trials) may demonstrate even greater statistical significance. We have found only one publication that presents data on the comparison of the mid-term hemodynamic outcomes of neocuspidization of the aortic valve using autologous pericardium with other types of interventions. With an average follow-up period of 426±270 days, a significantly lower average pressure gradient and a higher effective orifice area were recorded in the neocuspidization group. Despite hemodynamic benefits of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the mid-term period after surgery, the results of postoperative monitoring show significant residual aortic regurgitation, which is highly undesirable.

First in human neochordae retensioning for recurrence of mitral regurgitation after neochord procedure.

The Neochord procedure is a viable option to treat degenerative mitral valve regurgitation in selected patients. Left ventricle reverse remodeling can cause neochord-relative elongation and reprolapse of the treated leaflet, leading to failure. We present a clinical case of extensive ventricle reverse remodeling after neochord implantation and the first-in-man off-pump surgical retensioning of the previously implanted artificial chords.

Predictive value of the proportion of hibernating myocardium in total perfusion defect on reverse remodeling in patients with HFrEF underwent coronary artery bypass graft

Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of the proportion of hibernating myocardium (HM) in total perfusion defect (TPD) on reverse left ventricle remodeling (RR) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) by 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) combined with 18F-flurodeoxyglucose (FDG) gated myocardial imaging positron emission computed tomography (PET). Methods: Inpatients diagnosed with HFrEF at the Cardiac Surgery Center, Anzhen Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2016 to January 2022 were prospectively recruited. MPI combined with 18F-FDG gated PET was performed before surgery for viability assessment and the patients received follow-up MPI and 18F-FDG gated PET at different stages (3-12 months) after surgery. Δ indicated changes (post-pre). Left ventricular end-systolic volume (ESV) reduced at least 10% was defined as RR, patients were divided into reverse remodeling (RR+) group and the non-reverse group (RR-). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of RR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the cut-off value for predicting RR. Additionally, we retrospectively enrolled inpatients with HFrEF at the Cardiac Surgery Center, Anzhen Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2021 to January 2022 as the validation group, who underwent MPI and 18F-FDG gated PET before surgery. Echocardiography was performed before CABG and after CABG (3-12 months). In the validation group, the reliability of obtaining the cut-off value for the ROC curve was verified. Results: A total of 28 patients with HFrEF (26 males; age (56.9±8.7) years) were included in the prospective cohort. HM/TPD was significantly higher in the RR+ group than in the RR- group ((51.8%±17.9%) vs. (35.7%±13.9%), P=0.016). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that HM/TPD was an independent predictor of RR (Odds ratio=1.073, 95% Confidence interval: 1.005-1.145, P=0.035). ROC curve analysis revealed that HM/TPD=38.3% yielded the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (all 75%) for predicting RR and the AUC was 0.786 (P=0.011). Meanwhile, a total of 100 patients with HFrEF (90 males; age (59.7±9.6) years) were included in the validation group. In the validation group, HM/TPD=38.3% predicted RR in HFrEF patients after CABG with the highest sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (82%, 60% and 73% respectively). Compared with the HFrEF patients in the HM/TPD<38.3% group (n=36), RR and cardiac function improved more significantly in the HM/TPD≥38.3% group (n=64) (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Preoperative HM/TPD ratio is an independent factor for predicting RR in patients with HFrEF after CABG, and HM/TPD≥38.3% can accurately predict RR and the improvement of cardiac function after CABG.

Morphological and immunological markers of repeated heart remodeling after surgical reconstruction of the left ventricle in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Effective treatment of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is one of the most challenging issues in modern cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the state of cardiomyocytes and myocardial extracellular matrix, as well as to identify informative markers of an unfavorable prognosis for surgical treatment of ICM. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent surgical treatment of ICM between 2011 and 2018 at a single center. Patients were divided into groups depending on the presence of repeated left ventricle (LV) remodeling in one-year follow-up after surgical reconstruction of the LV in ICM patients. A total of 45 patients with ICM were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 57.9 ± 7.8 years. According to the results of the study, the area of cardiomyocyte nuclei differed statistically significantly among the regions with varying degrees of impaired local contractility (p = 0.042). According to the results of the pairwise comparison in dyskinetic areas of the myocardium, the area of cardiomyocyte nuclei was higher than in normokinetic areas (p = 0.042). A moderate positive correlation was found between the LV ejection fraction measured in one-year follow-up period after surgery and the number of CD163-positive cells (p = 0.012). In the myocardium of patients with LV reverse remodeling in the long-term postoperative period, perivascular fibrosis occurs more frequently than in patients with progressive LV remodeling. The number of M2-anti-inflammatory macrophages prevails in the myocardium of the patients with reverse remodeling compared with patients with progressive remodeling.

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Comprehensive Review.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited primary myocardial disease characterized by asymmetrical/symmetrical left ventricle (LV) hypertrophy, with or without LV outflow tract (LVOT) dynamic obstruction, and poor prognosis. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has emerged as a minimally invasive tool for patients with heart failure (HF) with decreased LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and prolonged QRS duration of over 120 ms with or without left bundle branch block (LBBB). Several HCM patients are at risk of developing LBBB because of disease progression or secondary to septal myomectomy, while others might develop HF with decreased LVEF, alleged end-stage/dilated HCM, especially those with thin myofilament mutations. Several studies have shown that patients with myectomy-induced LBBB might benefit from left bundle branch pacing or CRT to relieve symptoms, improve exercise capacity, and increase LVEF. Otherwise, patients with end-stage/dilated HCM and prolonged QRS interval could gain from CRT in terms of NYHA class improvement, LV systolic performance increase and, to some degree, LV reverse remodeling. Moreover, several electrical and imaging parameters might aid proper selection and stratification of HCM patients to benefit from CRT. Nonetheless, current available data are scarce and further studies are still required to accurately clarify the view. This review reassesses the importance of CRT in patients with HCM based on current research by contrasting and contextualizing data from various published studies.

Targeting the Autophagy-Lysosome Pathway in a Pathophysiologically Relevant Murine Model of Reversible Heart Failure

The key biological "drivers" that are responsible for reverse left ventricle (LV) remodeling are not well understood. To gain an understanding of the role of the autophagy-lysosome pathway in reverse LV remodeling, we used a pathophysiologically relevant murine model of reversible heart failure, wherein pressure overload by transaortic constriction superimposed on acute coronary artery (myocardial infarction) ligation leads to a heart failure phenotype that is reversible by hemodynamic unloading. Here we show transaortic constriction+ myocardial infarction leads to decreased flux through the autophagy-lysosome pathway with the accumulation of damaged proteins and organelles in cardiac myocytes, whereas hemodynamic unloading is associated with restoration of autophagic flux to normal levels with incomplete removal of damaged proteins and organelles in myocytes and reverse LV remodeling, suggesting that restoration of flux is insufficient to completely restore myocardial proteostasis. Enhancing autophagic flux with adeno-associated virus 9-transcription factor EB resulted in more favorable reverse LV remodeling in mice that had undergone hemodynamic unloading, whereas overexpressing transcription factor EB in mice that have not undergone hemodynamic unloading leadsto increased mortality, suggesting that thetherapeutic outcomes of enhancing autophagic flux will depend on the conditions in which flux is beingstudied.

The Effects of His Bundle Pacing Compared to Classic Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Pacing-Induced Cardiomyopathy.

Pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) is among the most common right ventricular pacing complications. Upgrading to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is the recommended treatment option. Conduction system pacing with His bundle pacing (HBP) has the potential to restore synchronous ventricular activation and can be an alternative to biventricular pacing (BVP). Patients with PICM scheduled for a system upgrade to CRT were included in the prospective cohort study. Either HBP or BVP was used for CRT. Electrocardiographic, clinical, and echocardiographic measurements were recorded at baseline and six-month follow-up. HBP was successful in 44 of 53 patients (83%). Thirty-nine patients with HBP and 22 with BVP completed a 6-month follow-up. HBP led to a higher reduction in QRS duration than BVP, 118.3 ± 14.20 ms vs. 150.5 ± 18.64 ms, p < 0.0001. The improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class by one or two was more common in patients with HBP than those with BiV (p = 0.04). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improved in BVP patients from 32.9 ± 7.93% to 43.9 ± 8.07%, p < 0.0001, and in HBP patients from 34.9 ± 6.45% to 48.6 ± 7.73%, p < 0.0001. The improvement in LVEF was more considerable in HBP patients than in BVP patients, p = 0.019. The improvement in clinical outcomes and left ventricle reverse remodeling was more significant with HBP than BVP. HBP can be a valid alternative to BVP for upgrade procedures in PICM patients.

Hypertrophic-phenotype cardiopathy: the great simulator.

We describe the case of an incidental finding of left ventricular hypertrophy and high blood pressure values in a patient with irrelevant medical history, who was hospitalized for a vehicle accident. After discharge, he was sent to our center, where the etiological diagnosis was pursued. After achieving blood pressure control, left ventricle reverse remodeling is observed at a 6-month follow-up.

The usefulness of His bundle pacing in a heterogeneous population of patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function.

His bundle pacing (HBP) maintains a physiological activation pattern of ventricular activation, and in patients with intraventricular conduction delay (IVCD) it can normalize wide QRS duration. A total of 181 patients from the HBP registry were enrolled into a the study, which was conducted at the Department of Electrocardiology in Katowice, Poland. The patients had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% and were implanted between November 2015 and April 2019. The HBP indications were as follows: 1) bradycardia and atrioventricular conduction disturbances with expected high pacing burden, 2) IVCD, LVEF ≤ 35%, with an indication for resynchronization therapy, 3) the need to upgrade to resynchronization therapy due to pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. Pacing parameters and echocardiographic and clinical data were assessed for up to 2 years of follow-up (FU). His bundle pacing was successful in 154 (85.1%) patients. Eighty-two patients completed a 6-month FU. The mean age was 70.6 ± 9.23 years, and 79% were males. At 6 months FU LVEF improved from 35.3 ± 8.22% to 43.1 ± 10.14% (p < 0.0001), and indexed left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESVi) decreased from 63.1 ± 25.21 mL/m² to 51.9 ± 22.79 mL/m² (p < 0.0001). In 53.1%, the LVESVi reduction was greater than 15%. The improvement in LVEF and LVESVi was also observed after 24 months of FU. His bundle pacing in permanently paced patients when LVEF is reduced below 50% is associated with improvement in LVEF and reverse left ventricle remodeling.