Left Ventricle Systolic Function Research Articles

Role of Fetal Cardiac ECHO and Fetal Cardiac MRI in Prediction of Post Natal Hemodynamic Maladaptation in Fetuses of Diabetic Mothers

Background: Maternal diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a degree of glucose intolerance with recognition during pregnancy (pregestational or gestational, type 1 or type 2), and it is estimated to be 15% in pregnant females in 2019. The current study aimed to study the role of fetal echocardiography and fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in anticipation and diagnosis of hemodynamic maladaptation changes in fetuses of diabetic mothers as predictors for (closure of Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), persistent pulmonary hypertension and diastolic dysfunction) which were confirmed with post-natal echocardiographic and clinical assessment. Methods: This study was an observational follow-up study that included 80 pregnant diabetic females who were following in the specialized clinics of Ain Shams University Hospitals during the period starting from August 2020 till December 2022. Results: Diabetes affected left ventricle (LV) diastolic function and global cardiac function but did not affect LV systolic function (p-value=0.000). Interventricular septum (IVS) thickness had a significant positive correlation with LV- Myocardial performance index (MPI) and indices of DM such as HbA1c. Diastolic dysfunction was the most affected cardiac parameter in infants of diabetic mothers (p-value=0.002). The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was the most significant predictor for IVS thickness in diabetic mothers' fetuses, especially with a long duration of DM (p-value=0.012). Conclusion: Fetal echocardiography in diabetic mothers is essential and the gold standard modality not only for diagnosing structural abnormalities but also for evaluating the cardiac function of the fetuses. Fetal cardiac MRI could be considered a complementary imaging modality that uses no ionizing radiation, good tissue contrast, and a larger field of view.

Mitral Annulus Pre-Systolic Excursion (MAPSE) Versus Modified Simpson’s Method for Ejection Fraction Estimation in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Objectives: Evaluating left ventricle (LV) systolic function is pivotal in cardiac assessment, primarily relying on the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) calculated through the modified Simpson’s method. However, challenges arise in accurately determining LVEF, especially in patients with acute coronary syndrome, where difficulty in visualizing the blood tissue interface can lead to inaccuracies. Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), which evaluates longitudinal function of LV has shown promise in detecting subtle myocardial abnormalities, particularly in patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF). Materials and Methods: The study included three groups of patients based on EF measurement using modified Simpson’s method: Group A with EF <50%, Group B with EF >50%, and Group C as healthy controls. In each group, MAPSE and EF derived from MAPSE formula were calculated: 4.8 × MAPSE (mm) + 5.8 in males, 4.2 × MAPSE (mm) + 2.0 in females. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the agreement and potential differences between the two methods within each group. Results: The mean age of study population was 55.63 ± 9.21 years in Group A, 54.79 ± 9.82 years in Group B, and 55.10 ± 8.79 years in Group C. In Group A, mean EF measured through modified Simpson’s formula was 37.79 ± 5.38, whereas mean EF measured through MAPSE was 37.95 ± 5.32. There was no statistical difference among EF calculation through Simpson’s method or MAPSE method. (P = 0.8293). In Group B, Mean EF calculated through Simpson method was 56.24 ± 3.12 whereas with MAPSE method was 52.31 ± 4.26. There was found to be a statistical difference in EF calculation by both of this method in patients with EF>50% (P < 0.0001). In Group C, mean EF calculated through Simpson’s method was 64.23 ± 5.21 and through MAPSE was 64.99 ± 4.85, respectively. There was no statistical difference between this two methods in terms of EF calculation (P = 0.2812). Conclusion: EF assessment using the traditional modified Simpson’s method and MAPSE demonstrated a strong correlation in patients with EF <50% and controls. However, in patients with EF >50%, MAPSE revealed subendocardial dysfunction undetected by the Simpson method, highlighting MAPSE’s value in identifying subtle myocardial abnormalities.

Fetal aortic valvuloplasty for critical aortic stenosis: single‐center retrospective study focusing on postnatal outcome

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe aimed to report our experience on fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) for critical aortic stenosis (AS) focusing on the postnatal evolution of the patients.MethodsThis retrospective study was approved by our local Institutional Review Board (n°2002‐0128143827). All fetuses with critical AS who underwent FAV in a single center between 01/2011 and 06/2022 were included. FAV were performed under ultrasound guidance. Technical success was based upon balloon inflation across the aortic valve and improvement of the anterograde aortic flow across the aortic valve. At birth, biventricular circulation (BVC) strategy was decided assuming the left ventricle (LV) systolic and diastolic functions would ensure the systemic circulation.ResultsSixty‐three FAV were performed on 58 fetuses at 24.6[21.4‐32.4] weeks of gestation. The procedure was successful in 52/58(89.6%) fetuses. There were 11/58(19%) in utero demises and 9/58(15.5%) terminations of pregnancy. There were no liveborn patients after the unsuccessful procedures. 38/58(65.5%) infants were delivered at a median gestational age of 38.1[29‐40.6] weeks and 21/38(55.3%) of them required prostaglandin. 28/38(73.7%) [28/58(48.3%)] children entered the BVC path at birth. Among them, 20 required an aortic valvuloplasty at birth (11 percutaneous, 9 surgical) and 8 did not require any treatment at birth but of those, 5/8 underwent a surgical valvuloplasty between day 26 and day 1200 of life. 11/28(39.3%) infants with BVC at birth required a second intervention and four of them required a third intervention. Two infants who entered the BVC at birth underwent a conversion to UVC. None of the surviving children with BVC developed pulmonary hypertension. The global survival rate in case of BVC was 22/28(78.6%) at 23.3[8‐112] months of life. 10 patients had UVC at birth. Among them, 6 received comfort care from birth and only 4 underwent surgery. 3/10 patients were still alive at the latest assessment (48[22‐102] months).ConclusionFAV for critical aortic stenosis led to anterograde aortic flow in 89.6% of the fetuses, with BVC being achieved in 48.3% (73.7% of the live born). Among patients with BVC at birth, the rate of reintervention is high but long‐term survival is satisfactory.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of heart rhythm disorders in combatants with acute myocarditis during a 6-month follow-up

The main factors of an unfavorable prognosis, are life-threatening heart rhythm disorders which determine the severity of the clinical course of myocarditis, in addition to impaired contractility and dilatation of the left ventricle (LV). The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and nature of arrhythmias and establish predictors of their long-term persistence, assess the severity of anxiety and depression, changes in heart rate variability in combatants on the background of changes in the structural and functional state of the left ventricle during a 6-month follow-up. The study included 52 male servicemen (combatants) with acute myocarditis (AM) with an average age of 33.4±2.5 years. All patients were assessed by Questionnaire according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and underwent 24 hour ECG monitoring, transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with late enhancement using gadovist. At the onset of AM frequent supraventricular (30.7% of cases) and frequent ventricular (42.3% of cases) extrasystolic arrhythmia, as well as paroxysms of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (26.9% of cases) on the background of heart rhythm variability disorders were recorded. After 6 months, there was an improvement in the structural and functional state of the heart, which was characterized by a decrease in dilatation and an improvement of LV systolic function, a decrease in the volume of the inflammatory lesion and the total number of affected LV segments revealed on cardiac MRI, which was associated with a decrease in the number of ventricular rhythm disorders and reduction of clinical manifestations of anxiety according to the HADS scale. The obtained data indicate that the persistence of supraventricular rhythm disorders is associated with the long-term presence of anxiety and low values of standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD). Also predictors of persistence of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia paroxysms were established – SDNN value ≤80.0 ms, LV end-diastolic volume index ≥95 ml/m2, total number of affected LV segments ≥6 segments, presence of delayed contrasting in ≥3 LV segments, pre­sence of ≥12 points on the HADS scale and predictors of atrial fibrillation – SDNN value ≤80.0 ms, RMSSD value ≤12.0 ms, total number of affected segments of LV≥6 seg. and ≥12 points on the HADS anxiety scale, determined at the onset of AM.

Evaluation of cardiac and vascular remodeling in patients with arterial hypertension in combination with atherosclerosis of the lower extremity arteries

Objective: to evaluate the features of cardiac and vascular remodeling in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities (LAA) of varying severity. Materials and methods: the study involved 120 patients with hypertension. Depending on the presence of AANC, all patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 — 46 patients with hypertension and clinically manifested AANC, group 2 — 39 patients with hypertension and asymptomatic AANC, group 3 — 35 patients with hypertension without AANC. The characteristics of cardiac and vascular remodeling were assessed based on the results of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) using Vasotens technology, triplex ultrasound scanning (UTS) of the arteries of the lower extremities (LEA), and echocardiographic examination (EchoCG). Statistical data processing was carried out using Microsoft Office Excel 16 (2015, Microsoft, USA), Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft, USA) and IBM SPSS Statistica 26.0 (IBM, USA). Results: in the group of patients with severe circulatory disorders of the lower extremities, compared with patients with asymptomatic AANK, significantly lower values of the indicator — reflected wave propagation time (RWTT, ms) (p = 0.006) and significantly higher values of the indicator — augmentation index (AIX) were revealed) and augmentation index in the aorta (AIXao) (p<0.05). A direct statistically significant correlation of moderate strength was revealed between the degree of stenosis (%) of the ANC and the values of the AIX and AIXao indicators (r = 0.345, p = 0.001). Higher values of the dimensions of the walls of the left ventricle (LV) were determined: the thickness of the interventricular septum (IVS) and the posterior wall of the left ventricle (PLW) in patients of the 1st and 2nd groups in comparison with the indicators in patients of the 3rd group (p<0 .05). Patients of all three groups had thickening of the left ventricle and intraventricular septum (>11 mm) and an increase in LVMI. In patients with hypertension and severe AANC, the maximum values of LVMI were determined, which were significantly higher than the corresponding values in patients of the 2nd (p = 0.004) and 3rd (p = 0.0001) groups. LV systolic function in all patients included in the study was assessed as intact. However, the highest ejection fraction (EF) values were recorded in patients with hypertension without AANC, and were significantly higher than those in patients with hypertension and concomitant asymptomatic AANC (p = 0.02), as well as in patients with hypertension and clinically manifested AANC (p =0.001). Conclusions: the progression of AANK was associated with an increase in the stiffness of both peripheral and main arteries, which was accompanied by an increase in the load on the myocardium, which in 97.8% of cases led to more pronounced myocardial remodeling of the concentric hypertrophy type.

Diastolic dysfunction due to bedaquiline: A case report

Abstract
 Background
 There is no published case of diastolic dysfunction arising due to bedaquiline treatment for Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Diastolic dysfunction is not listed as a potential complication of treatment with bedaquiline. This case report is the first to link bedaquiline to diastolic dysfunction. Clinicians should be aware of this potential complication, and ensure that patients are monitored and investigated appropriately.
 Case Presentation
 A 47 year old female presented with fever, productive cough and drenching night sweats for more than 2 weeks prior to presentation. There was no hemoptysis, chest pains or weight loss. She however, felt breathless after a heavy bout of coughing.  Fever was intermittent, and most pronounced at night. The patient denied any weight loss over the past month. The patient had no history of HIV, diabetes, hypertension or  heart disease. There were no previous episodes of TB. There was history of contact with a patient with MDR-TB patient. The patients’ son, who shared a house and all living spaces with the patient, was being treated for MDR-TB at the time of presentation. The patient did not drink or smoke. There was no history of illicit drug use. She worked as a restaurant manager.  Due to the history of very close contact with MDR-TB, the patient was commenced on the longer, oral only regimen for MDR-TB which includes bedaquiline. Four weeks after commencement of bedaquiline, the patient complained that both feet were swelling.  There were no other symptoms or signs of cardiovascular disease. An Echocardiogram done during the fifth month showed an ejection fraction of 71% and diastolic dysfunction. The patient was commenced on diuretics and continued on MDR-TB treatment. An echocardiogram that was repeated at month 15 review showed an ejection fraction of 64%, normal left ventricle and normal systolic and diastolic function.
 Conclusions
 Diastolic Dysfunction has not previously been reported in patients on bedaquiline. This is the first case report to link bedaquiline to diastolic dysfunction. More studies need to be done to determine conclusively whether bedaquiline can cause diastolic dysfunction.

Expression of Circulating miR-21 and -29 and their Association with Myocardial Fibrosis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and sarcomeric disarray. To evaluate the expression levels of circulating miR-21 and -29 in patients with HCM and their association with clinical characteristics and myocardial fibrosis. In this case-control study, 27 subjects with HCM, 13 subjects with hypertensive cardiomyopathy, and 10 control subjects were enrolled. Evaluation of patients' functional capacity was made by the six-minute walk test. Echocardiographic measurements of left ventricle systolic and diastolic function were conducted. Cardiac magnetic resonance late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) -through a semiquantitative evaluation- was used in the assessment of myocardial fibrosis extent in HCM patients. The expression of miR-21 and -29 in peripheral blood samples of all patients was measured via the method of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Circulating levels of miR-21 were higher in both hypertensive and HCM (p<0.001) compared to controls, while expression of miR-29 did not differ between the three studied groups. In patients with HCM and LGE-detected myocardial fibrosis in more than 4 out of 17 myocardial segments, delta CT miR-21 values were lower than in patients with myocardial LGE in 3 or fewer myocardial segments (2.71 ± 1.06 deltaCT vs. 3.50 ± 0.55 deltaCT, p=0.04), indicating the higher expression of circulating miR-21 in patients with more extensive myocardial fibrosis. MiR-21 was overexpressed in patients with HCM and hypertensive cardiomyopathy. Importantly, in patients with HCM, more extensive myocardial fibrosis was associated with higher levels of miR-21.

Single-access, non-contrast transcatheter aortic valve implantation, the ultimate minimalist approach: a case report

Abstract Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established treatment for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Patients with previous renal transplant are considered as a high-risk cohort who may develop procedural complications related to vascular access and renal impairment post-TAVI. Case summary Herein, we report a case of an 88-year-old male who presented with progressive dyspnoea. His transthoracic echocardiogram revealed severe aortic stenosis with a peak gradient of 75 mmHg and impaired left ventricle systolic function (an estimated ejection fraction of 40%). He had a background of kidney transplant with progressive decline in renal function, requiring the formation of left arm arteriovenous fistula in preparation for future dialysis. He was successfully treated with TAVI using a single vascular access site without administering contrast media. Discussion Single-access, non-contrast TAVI is feasible when treating renal transplant patients with severe aortic stenosis and limited vascular access. The current minimalistic approach should be used only in highly selective patient cases.

Cardiac MRI feature-tracking-derived torsion mechanics in systolic and diastolic dysfunction in systemic light-chain cardiac amyloidosis

To describe the myocardial torsion mechanics in cardiac amyloidosis (CA), and evaluate the correlations between left ventricle (LV) torsion mechanics and conventional parameters using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging feature tracking (CMR-FT). One hundred and thirty-nine patients with light-chain CA (AL-CA) were divided into three groups: group 1 with preserved systolic function (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] ≥50%, n=55), group 2 with mildly reduced systolic function (40%≤LVEF <50%, n=51), and group 3 with reduced systolic function (LVEF <40%, n=33), and compared with age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n=26). All patients underwent cine imaging and late gadolinium-enhancement (LGE). Cine images were analysed offline using CMR-FT to estimate torsion parameters. Global torsion, base-mid torsion, and peak diastolic torsion rate (diasTR) were significantly impaired in patients with preserved systolic function (p<0.05 for all), whereas mid-apex torsion and peak systolic torsion rate (sysTR) were preserved (p>0.05 for both) compared with healthy controls. In patients with mildly reduced systolic function, global torsion and base-mid torsion were lower compared to those with preserved systolic function (p<0.05 for both), while mid-apex torsion, sysTR, and diasTR were preserved (p>0.05 for all). In patients with reduced systolic function, only sysTR was significantly worse compared with mildly reduced systolic function (p<0.05). At multivariable analysis, right ventricle (RV) end-systolic volume RVESV index and NYHA class were independently related to global torsion, whereas LVEF was independently related to sysTR. RV ejection fraction (RVEF) was independently related to diasTR. LV global torsion performed well (AUC 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61, 0.77) in discriminating transmural from non-transmural LGE in AL-CA patients. LV torsion mechanics derived by CMR-FT could help to monitor LV systolic and diastolic function in AL-CA patients and function as a new imaging marker for LV dysfunction and LGE transmurality.

Improvement in left ventricle geometry and function after kidney transplantation

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with remodeling of the left ventricle (LV), affecting both its geometry and function. Kidney transplantation in patients with stage 5 CKD may lead to improvements in LV remodeling and result in better cardiac function. The aim of the study was to determine changes and improvements in LV geometry and function after kidney transplantation in patients with stage 5 CKD. This was an observational study conducted by collecting secondary data from the Hospital's Kidney Transplantation Registry, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital spanning the years 2017 to 2020. The study employed a comparative design, contrasting the results before and after treatment (kidney transplantation). We compared transthoracic echocardiographic parameters for LV geometry and function before and after kidney transplantation. The evaluation timeframe after kidney transplantation was divided into &lt;12 and ³12 mo. A total of 27 patients qualified for inclusion in this study. In the &lt;12 mon (n=20) evaluation group, there was a reduction in proportion of LV hypertrophy from 70% to 45%. There was an increase in global LV systolic function (ejection fraction) from 60.1±10.95% to 67.85±6.48% (p=0.014), and a decrease in LV diastolic dysfunction from 45% to 15% (p=0.07). In the ³12 mon (n=11) evaluation group, there was a decrease in the proportion of  LV hypertrophy from 81.8 to 54.5%, an increase in global LV systolic function (ejection fraction) from 57.73±13.07% to 69.36±6.12% (p=0.011), and a decreased LV diastolic dysfunction from 63.6% to 0% (p=0.016). In conclusion, significant changes in LV geometry and function are observed following kidney transplantation, indicating improvements in these parameters. There are improvements in LV systolic function started at &lt;12 mo and in LV diastolic function at ³12 mo after kidney transplantation.

Unveiling the Heart of the Matter: Echocardiographic Insights into Diastolic Function and Left Ventricular and Atrial Changes in HIV Patients with Controlled Viremia.

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) have increased risk of developing diastolic dysfunction (DD) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (EF). In this observational study, we evaluated DD and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) with undetectable viremia. We conducted an observational study. All participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography to assess chamber size and systolic and diastolic function. Most patients showed concentric remodeling without LVH. All patients had normal left ventricle systolic function (EF median 61.3%, interquartile range: 57.8-66.2). None fulfilled the DD criteria, while two patients (6%) had undetermined diastolic function. Twenty percent (n = 7) of patients had an enlarged left atrium (left atrium volume index [LAVI] > 34 cm3/m2). These patients had a significantly lower CD4+ count (771.53 ± 252.81 vs. 446.00 ± 219.02, p = 0.01) and higher relative wall thickness (0.50 ± 0.05 vs. 0.44 ± 0.06, p = 0.03). Patients without immune restoration above 500 cells/μL had significantly higher LAVI (33.92 ± 6.63 vs. 24.91 ± 7.03, p = 0.01). One-fifth of patients had left atrial enlargement associated with worse immune restoration during ART treatment. The mechanism of left atrial enlargement and its association with cardiovascular risk require further investigations.

Case Series Study on Recovery of Left Ventricle Systolic Function After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention In ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients at FMIC Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Background Left ventricle dysfunction is the most recurrent consequence of ST-elevated myocardial infarction, and still, it is a powerful predictor of mortality. The percutaneous coronary intervention of the culprit artery disease in acute coronary syndrome is related to a significant improvement of left ventricle segmental function. It is a retrospective case series study on a patient population with the diagnosis of ST-elevated myocardial infarction patients who presented to the hospital within 12 hours and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention at the French Medical Institute of Mother and Children Hospital. Data was collected retrospectively from the patient's medical record files and analyzed. We took the patients with Left ventricle dysfunction on echocardiography on the first presentation before percutaneous coronary intervention and saw the left ventricle function after three months of follow-up. We reviewed the charts of 102 patients (78.4% male and 21.6% female) with a diagnosis of St-elevated myocardial infarction who presented within 12 hours of chest pain. Of 102 patients, 55.9% had hypertension, 21.6% diabetes, 22.5% dyslipidemia, and 19.6% history of smoking, and their mean age was 58.11 ± 11.993 years.  We noticed that percutaneous coronary intervention led to significant left ventricle dysfunction improvement in the patient population with ST-elevated myocardial infarction who presented within 12 hours of chest pain.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of early aortic valve replacement versus conservative therapy in patients with asymptomatic aortic valve stenosis with preserved left ventricle systolic function

BackgroundA quarter of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) were asymptomatic, and only a third of them survived at the end of 4 years. Only a select subset of these...

Diagnostic Accuracy of Cardiac Point-of-Care Ultrasound in a Tertiary Medical Intensive Care Unit

Objective: Critical care echocardiography (CCE) is a useful tool for managing critically ill patients in intensive care. However, concerns exist regarding the accuracy of CCE examinations because of operator dependence. We sought to evaluate the accuracy of CCE examinations compared with cardiology-performed transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Design, Setting, and Subjects: We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients in a medical ICU in a large academic medical center in the United States. We compared CCE examinations performed by a fellow and reviewed by a staff physician between May 5, 2020, and December 31, 2021, to TTE obtained within 24 hours of the CCE examination. Intervention, Measurements, and Main Results: We developed a standardized process for documentation of all CCE examinations performed in the medical ICU. We assessed agreement (kappa statistic), sensitivity and specificity of CCE examination compared with TTE. Features included left ventricle (LV) systolic function, right ventricle (RV) size, RV systolic function, pericardial effusion, mitral insufficiency, tricuspid insufficiency, and aortic insufficiency. The study analyzed 504 pairs of CCE and TTE examinations. Kappa statistics for detecting LV and RV systolic dysfunction, pericardial effusion, and RV size ranged from 0.60 to 0.74. CCE showed high sensitivity and specificity for detecting LV and RV systolic dysfunction and pericardial effusion, with values ranging from 0.85 to 0.99. The kappa statistic for detecting RV dilation was 0.59, with a sensitivity of 0.71 and a specificity of 0.85. In contrast, CCE examinations were nondiagnostic for mitral, tricuspid, or aortic insufficiency in 60–70% of cases, whereas TTE examinations were nondiagnostic in 20–30% of cases. Kappa statistics for mitral, tricuspid, and aortic insufficiency ranged from 0.32 to 0.42. Conclusions: CCE is a reliable tool for assessing LV and RV systolic function, pericardial effusion, and RV size. However, CCE may be limited in its ability to detect mitral, tricuspid, or aortic insufficiency.

Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy Associated with Bicavitary Thrombi: Case Report, Diagnostic Approach and Literature Review

Dilated cardiomyopathy is considered as a dysfunction of the left ventricle systolic function or even both ventricles associated with myocardial dilation. Approximately 50% of cases have an identifiable cause such as genetic mutations, infectious, autoimmune or metabolic diseases, among others. When the origin of dilated cardiomyopathy is not identified, it is considered idiopathic, which constitutes the other 50% of cardiomyopathies. The diagnostic approach is based on laboratory and image studies trying to identify the known causes of dilated cardiomyopathy, the treatment consists in those cases of known etiology cardiomyopathy in the treatment of the underlying disease as well as the heart failure if it presents, if the etiology is unknown we only focus in improve the symptoms caused by cardiomyopathy. We present a case of a 27-year-old man with history of sudden cardiac death in a second degree relative, who initially presented signs of heart failure with later pulmonary thromboembolism secondary to biventricular intracardiac thrombi. A complete diagnostic approach was performed, ruling out genetic and non-genetic causes of dilated cardiomyopathy, without being perform an endomyocardial biopsy to complete the diagnostic approach due to the risk that the procedure involved and the patient's refusal.

Lower ventricular and atrial strain in patients who recovered from COVID-19 assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking.

One of the most common complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is myocardial injury, and although its cause is unclear, it can alter the heart's contractility. This study aimed to characterize the ventricular and atrial strain in patients who recovered from COVID-19 using cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature-tracking (CMR-FT). In this single-center study, we assessed left ventricle (LV) and right ventricular (RV) global circumferential strain (GCS), global longitudinal strain (GLS), global radial strain (GRS), left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) longitudinal strain (LS) parameters by CMR-FT. The student's t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to compare the variables. We compared seventy-two patients who recovered from COVID-19 (49 ± 16 years) to fifty-four controls (49 ± 12 years, p = 0.752). The patients received a CMR examination 48 (34 to 165) days after the COVID-19 diagnosis. 28% had LGE. Both groups had normal LV systolic function. Strain parameters were significantly lower in the COVID-19 survivors than in controls. Patients who recovered from COVID-19 exhibited significantly lower strain in the left ventricle (through LVGCS, LVGLS, LVGRS), right ventricle (through RVGLS and RVGRS), left atrium (through LALS), and right atrium (through RALS) than controls.

Comparative prognostic value of different echocardiographic parameters of the subpulmonary left ventricle in adults with a systemic right ventricle

Abstract Introduction Adults with complex congenital heart disease and a systemic right ventricle (SRV) are at increased risk of SRV dysfunction, heart failure, and premature death. In the systemic left ventricle (LV), impaired global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a strong predictor of adverse outcome. In the subpulmonary LV, however, echocardiographic assessment lacks standardisation and the relative prognostic significance of metrics of subpulmonary LV function remain unknown. Purpose To assess the correlation and relative prognostic power of quantitative metrics of subpulmonary LV function in adults with an SRV. Methods All adults with an SRV who underwent echocardiography in 2011-2019 at our specialist centre and had sufficient data for quantitative multiparametric subpulmonary LV assessment were included. LV systolic function was assessed by fractional area change (FAC), 4-chamber global longitudinal strain (GLS) and free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS). Linear regression was used to assess the correlation between echocardiographic variables of subpulmonary LV function. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the relation between echocardiographic predictors and the combined endpoint of death or transplantation. TimeROC analysis was performed to assess risk variable performance. Results In total, 120 patients (43.5±12.1 years, 60.0% male, 37.5% congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries) were included. Most patients (94, 79.0%) were in NYHA functional class I/II and two-thirds (79, 66.4%) were receiving ≥1 heart failure therapy. One half of patients (63, 52.5%) had at least moderate systolic SRV dysfunction at baseline assessment with a median SRV FAC of 27[22-32]%. Subpulmonary LV function was visually preserved in most patients (98, 81.7%), with a LV FAC of 47.0[40.0-52.9]%. Median GLS was -15.2[-19.7–11.8]% and LV FWLS -19.9[-24.4–12.8]%. There was a weak correlation between LV FAC and GLS (r=0.25). During a median follow-up of 4.9[3.4-5.6] years, 24(20.0%) patients died and 3(2.5%) underwent heart or heart-lung transplantation. The 5-year transplant-free survival was 78.9%, (95%CI: 71.7-86.8%). On univariable Cox analysis, LV FAC (/5%, HR 0.55, 95%CI:0.47-0.65, p&amp;lt;0.0001) and GLS (/5%, HR 1.6, 95%CI:1.1-2.31, p=0.01), but not LV FWLS (/5%, HR 1.25, 95%CI:0.99-1.58, p=0.06) emerged as predictors of death or transplantation. LV GLS did not remain predictive in a bivariable model including LV FAC. LV FAC outperformed GLS on timeROC analysis (5-year AUC 0.87 vs. 0.64, p&amp;lt;0.0001; Figure). Conclusions Impaired systolic function of the subpulmonary LV strongly associated with mortality and heart or heart-lung transplantation in adults with an SRV. Both LV FAC and GLS are related to outcomes and should be a part of comprehensive echo assessment. LV FAC, a marker longitudinal and radial contraction, may better reflect pathophysiological mechanisms of subpulmonary LV failure and has greater prognostic significance in SRV patients.5-year ROC curves of LV FAC and GLS

Effect of high-gravity acceleration forces and anti-gravity maneuver for cardiac function in fighter pilots

Abstract Background Environmental factors such as hypoxia and gravity affect to the human cardiovascular system. It’s more important for fighter pilots who are exposed to high altitude, harsh gravitational (G) acceleration, and perform anti-G maneuvers similar to the Valsalva maneuver. Experimental studies examining how high gravitational acceleration and anti-gravity maneuver affect cardiac function are rare. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effect on cardiac function of fighter pilots exposed to high G acceleration forces. Methods From July 2019 to June 2020, fighter pilots underwent regular health check-up and echocardiogram. Data from trainees who did not experience a flight were used for control group. Echocardiographic data included left ventricle (LV) chamber size, systolic function, and diastolic function, as well as right ventricle systolic pressure (RVSP), inferior vena cava (IVC) collapsibility, and the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to evaluate right heart function. The multiple linear regression analysis for TAPSE was performed with total flight time as an independent continuous variable in fighter pilots. Results We enrolled 29 fighter pilots (41±10years-old; male, 100%; mean flight time 1821±1186 hours) and 16 trainees (36±17years-old; male, 100%). There was no significant difference in age, blood pressure, LVEF, RVSP, and the IVC collapsibility between fight pilots and trainees. In multivariate linear regression analysis for fighter pilots, TAPSE was affected by total flight time with positive correlation. Conclusion The experience of fighter pilots exposed to the high G acceleration forces and anti-G maneuver might be associated with right heart function change, but not associated with the prominent cardiac structural changes.

Cardiac magnetic resonance hemodynamic force patterns in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and dilated cardiomyopathy as compared to healthy controls: an observational study

Abstract Background Intraventricular Pressure Gradients (IVPG) reflect the driving force behind blood motion in and out of the left ventricle (LV). IVPG can be computed non-invasively using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) cine imaging. It is unknown how IVPG components change as a consequence of ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and in non-ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Aims We aimed to assess if LV dysfunction of an ischemic and non-ischemic origin translates into reduced IVPG. The IVPG values were compared to conventional CMR markers of LV systolic function, to evaluate potential future applications. Methods This analysis of prospectively included cohorts included patients with DCM (n=40), anterior (n=20) or inferior STEMI (n=19) with an LV ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 52%, and healthy control subjects (n=13). LV ejection fraction was measured on the short-axis cine images. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and IVPG were measured in the long-axis cine images, using feature tracking software. Contours were drawn manually and the mitral and aortic valve orifice areas were measured. The dimensionless IVPG were measured in the longitudinal direction, using feature tracking combined with valve orifice measurements. IVPG consisted of the A, B, C, and D-wave, see Figure 1. IVPG values were compared between controls and diseased cohorts by the Mann Whitney U test. Results LVEF and LV-GLS were significantly impaired in all diseased groups. DCM and anterior STEMI patients had lower overall IVPG (15.1 [IQR 12.6-17.9] vs 9.4 [IQR 7.8-13.4], p=0.001 for DCM and 11.1 [IQR 8.7-13.0], p=0.002 for anterior STEMI). DCM and anterior STEMI patients had a significantly reduced systolic ejection A-wave (21.8 [IQR 19.1-27.2] in controls vs. 13.5 [IQR 10.3-19.1] in DCM, p&amp;lt;0.001, and 16.9 [IQR 10.8-20.6] in anterior STEMI, p=0.004). Secondly, patients with DCM and inferior STEMI have significantly dampened E-wave decelerative C-waves (8.1 [IQR 6.5-12.3] in controls, vs. 3.7 [IQR 2.4-5.5], p&amp;lt;0.001 in DCM, and 6.4 [IQR 4.3-7.8], p=0.04 in inferior STEMI), due to impaired passive ventricular filling. Conclusions IVPG values are altered in patients with myocardial dysfunction due to anterior and inferior STEMI to a lesser extent than in DCM patients. Conventional measures for systolic function (i.e. LV-GLS and LV ejection fraction) were lower in all diseased groups as well. On the other hand, IVPG is a promising measure to quantify diastolic LV function on the ventricular level.

Mid-term outcomes in aortic stenosis patients treated with contemporary balloon expandable and self-expanding valves; does valve size have an impact on outcome?

Abstract Background No data currently exists comparing the performance of the contemporary iterations of balloon-expandable (BE) Edwards SAPIEN 3/Ultra and the self-expanding (SE) Medtronic Evolut PRO/R34 valves. In addition, no direct head to head comparisons of the aforementioned devices have been performed in patients with small annuli with the exception of small registries. Purpose Aim of the study was the head-to-head comparison of these transcatheter heart valves (THV) with emphasis on patients with small aortic annulus. Methods In this retrospective registry, peri-procedural outcomes and mid-term all-cause mortality were analyzed. Results 1673 patients (917 SE vs. 756 BE) were followed-up for a median of 15 months. Baseline demographics were similar apart from worse left ventricle systolic function amongst SE patients and more extensive coronary artery disease amongst BE patients. 194 patients died (11.6%) during follow-up. SE and BE groups showed similar survival at one (92.6 vs. 90.6%) and three-years (80.3% vs. 85.2%), plog-rank=0.136. Compared to the BE group, patients treated with SE device had lower peak (16.3±8mmHg SE vs. 21.9±8mmHg BE, p=0.001) and mean (8.8±5mmHg SE vs. 11.5±5mmHg BE, p=0.001) gradients at discharge. Conversely, the BE group demonstrated lower rates of at least moderate paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) post-operatively (5.6% vs. 0.7% for SE and BE valves respectively, p&amp;lt;0.001). In patients treated with small THV (≤26 for SE and ≤23mm for BE; N=284 for SE and N=260 for BE) survival was higher amongst patients treated with SE valves at both 1 (96.7% SE vs. 92.1% BE) and 3-years (91.8% SE vs. 82.2% BE), plog-rank=0.042. Conclusions Real-world comparison of the latest generation SE and BE devices demonstrated similar survival up to 3 years follow-up. Among patients with small aortic annulus, those treated with SE valves seem to demonstrate improved survival rates.36months survival rates