Left Ventricular Dysfunction In Patients Research Articles

Value of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography for Early Detection of Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Value of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography for Early Detection of Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Incremental value of longitudinal strain analysis during follow-up for detecting subclinical LV dysfunction in patients operated for tetralogy of fallot

Incremental value of longitudinal strain analysis during follow-up for detecting subclinical LV dysfunction in patients operated for tetralogy of fallot

Association of C-Reactive Protein Velocity with Early Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with First ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

C-reactive protein velocity (CRPv) has been proposed as a very early and sensitive risk predictor in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the association of CRPv with early left ventricular (LV) dysfunction after STEMI is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between CRPv and early LV dysfunction, either before or at hospital discharge, in patients with first STEMI. This analysis evaluated 432 STEMI patients that were included in the prospective MARINA-STEMI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging In Acute ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04113356) cohort study. The difference of CRP 24 ± 8 h and CRP at hospital admission divided by the time (in h) that elapsed during the two examinations was defined as CRPv. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was conducted at a median of 3 (IQR 2–4) days after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the determination of LV function and myocardial infarct characteristics. The association of CRPv with the CMR-derived LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was investigated. The median CRPv was 0.42 (IQR 0.21–0.76) mg/l/h and was correlated with LVEF (rS = −0.397, p < 0.001). In multivariable linear as well as binary logistic regression analysis (adjustment for biomarkers and clinical and angiographical parameters), CRPv was independently associated with LVEF (β: 0.161, p = 0.004) and LVEF ≤ 40% (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.19–2.45; p = 0.004), respectively. The combined predictive value of peak cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and CRPv for LVEF ≤ 40% (AUC: 0.81, 95% CI 0.77–0.85, p < 0.001) was higher than it was for peak cTnT alone (AUC difference: 0.04, p = 0.009). CRPv was independently associated with early LV dysfunction, as measured by the CMR-determined LVEF, revealing an additive predictive value over cTnT after acute STEMI treated with primary PCI.

Effect of adrenalectomy on remission of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in patients with pheochromocytoma: a speckle-tracking echocardiography study.

BackgroundPheochromocytomas (PHEO) are tumours with the ability to produce, metabolize and secrete catecholamines. Catecholamines overproduction leads to the decrease of longitudinal function of the left ventricle (LV) measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography. Patients with PHEO have a lower magnitude of global longitudinal strain (GLS) than patients with essential hypertension. GLS normalization is expected after resolution of catecholamine overproduction.MethodsTwenty-four patients (14 females and 10 males) with a recent diagnosis of PHEO have been examined before and 1 year after adrenalectomy. An echocardiographic examination including speckle-tracking analysis with the evaluation of GLS and regional longitudinal strain (LS) in defined groups of LV segments (basal, mid-ventricular and apical) was performed.ResultsOne year after adrenalectomy, the magnitude of GLS increased (−14.3 ± 1.8 to −17.7 ± 1.6%; P < 0.001). When evaluating the regional LS, the most significant increase in the differences was evident in the apical segment compared to mid-ventricular and basal segments of LV (−5.4 ± 5.0 vs −1.9 ± 2.7 vs −1.6 ± 3.8; P < 0.01).ConclusionsIn patients with PHEO, adrenalectomy leads to an improvement of subclinical LV dysfunction represented by the increasing magnitude of GLS, which is the most noticeable in apical segments of LV.

A Study of Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Severe Iron Deficiency in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Nandyal

Background: Anaemia is one of the major public health problems worldwide. Commonest nutritional deficiency affecting more than 1.2 billion individuals worldwide 1. Iron deficiency anaemia is associated with a reduction in physical well being and decreased exercise capacity. The prevalence of anaemia is 30% in stable heart failure and 50% in hospitalized heart failure patients, compared with less than 10% in the general population 2.In iron deficiency anaemia, to maintain adequate oxygen delivery, cardiac output can increase by the compensatory increase in blood volume, preload, heart rate, and stroke volume, and decrease in afterload.If severe iron deficiency anaemia left untreated, it could cause secondary organ damage. Chronic severe iron deficiency anaemia causes cardiac remodelling, cardiomegaly, arrhythmia, left ventricular hypertrophy, and heart failure. Aim: To study the left ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe iron deficiency admitted in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A Hospital-based Prospective study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Santhiram medical college &amp; general hospital for a 2 year period. Universal Sampling Technique was used for the selection of study subjects. All the patients coming to the medicine department during the study period with age &gt; 18years with informed written consent taken from the patient,Hemoglobin&lt; 6gm/dl (according to WHO criteria) and Red cell indices suggestive of iron deficiency anaemia The final sample size was 100 subjects. Results: Out of 100 patients, 62% were females, and 38% were males in the study group. The mean age in the study population was 40.68±12.5 years, with the minimum age being 18 years and maximum age is 70 years. The prevalence of LV dysfunction in the study group was 61%.51% of the total population had systolic dysfunction and 10% had diastolic dysfunction.39% of the total population had normal LV function. In patients with systolic dysfunction, 72.5% were females, and 27.5% were males. In diastolic dysfunction, 50% were males, and 50% were females. Conclusion: As iron deficiency anaemia is more prevalent globally, its consequences on the cardiovascular system were studied. Iron deficiency anaemia is a major public health problem in developing countries, and it causes major cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Severe iron deficiency anaemia causes structural changes in the left ventricle leading to eccentric or concentric hypertrophy, which predisposes the patients to develop left ventricular dysfunction. Hence, early diagnosis and management of iron deficiency anaemia can reverse remodelling and prevent left ventricular dysfunction. Thus, reducing major cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

The association of presystolic wave with subclinical left-ventricular dysfunction in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) patients develop left-ventricular dysfunction (LVD) in an earlier stage. LVD could be detected with myocardial performance index (MPI), left -ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), and conventional and tissue-Doppler imaging (TDI). A presystolic wave (PSW) detected on late diastole is associated with LVD. We aimed to determine whether there is an association between PSW and subclinical LVD assessed by different echocardiographic methods in SCH patients. We prospectively enrolled 105 patients diagnosed with SCH in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of PSW. Both groups were compared with respect to demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic properties. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to detect predictors of subclinical LVD. The study included 70 PSW-positive patients (66%, mean age: 50.2) and 35 PSW-negative patients (34%, mean age: 46.5). PSW-positive patients had a lower platelet and a higher RDW level compared to PSW-negative patients. PSW-positive patients had more frequent subclinical LVD, which was assessed by MPI, by conventional and TDI parameters, and by LVGLS. PSW velocity was significantly correlated with MPI velocity (r = 0.31, p = 0.009), TSH level (r = 0.44, p < 0.001), and with LVGLS (r = 0.33, p = 0.005). The presence of PSW was an independent predictor of subclinical LVD in multivariable logistic regression analysis detected with MPI, LVGLS, and TDI parameters (OR = 5.409, p = 0.03; OR = 4.872, p = 0.005; OR = 5.632, p = 0.014, respectively). PSW prevalence was 66% in SCH patients. PSW velocity was significantly correlated with MPI and LVGLS. The presence of PSW was independently associated with subclinical LVD in SCH patients.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Isolated Mitral Valve Stenosis Using Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Abstract Aim The aim was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients with isolated mitral stenosis (MS) using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods 24 patients (39.50 ± 5.55 years, 17 females) with isolated MS (MVA: 1.35 ± 0.16 cm2) with preserved LV systolic function and sinus rhythm were compared to 12 matched healthy control subjects (36.42 ± 5.99 years, 8 females). Conventional echocardiography was performed to both groups. Longitudinal strain and Circumferential strain echocardiography were obtained. Peak systolic strain was measured from the mean strain profile for a total of 17 segments of the LV for the longitudinal strain and 16 segments for the circumferential strain. Global longitudinal (G.L.) and circumferential strain (G.C.) were calculated separately as the average of the sum of the studied segments. Results The global longitudinal strain of the cases group ranged from -11 – -17% with a mean value of -14.67 ± -1.69% and that of the control group ranged from -15 – -20% with a mean value of -17.83 ± -1.53% with a statistically significant difference between the two groups. In our study, there was a negative but non-significant correlation between LV GLSS and LA diameter (r = -0.054, p = 0.802), Echo score (r = -0.018, p = 0.933) and PASP (r = 0.021, p = 0.922) in patients group. Also, the correlation was negative but non-significant between LV GCSS and LA diameter (r = -0.142, p = 0.507), Echo score (r = -0.200, p = 0.349) and PASP (r = -0.155, p = 0.471) in patients group. Conclusion • 2D speckle tracking echocardiography can detect subclinical LV systolic dysfunction which cannot be recognized by 2D conventional echocardiography. • Isolated rheumatic MS may be associated with subclinical LV systolic dysfunction.

AN INTRA-OPERATIVE TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC STUDY TO COMPARE THE EFFECT OF SEVOFLURANE AND ISOFLURANE ON LEFT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE UNDERGOING CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING USING CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS

An Intra-operative Transesophageal Echocardiographic Study to Compare The Effect of Sevourane and Isourane on Left Ventricular Dysfunction In Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Using Cardiopulmonary Bypass Context : Diastolic dysfunction has been increasingly recognized as an important cause of congestive heart failure (CHF) and resultant morbidity. About 50% patients with CHF have 'diastolic heart failure' in spite of a normal systolic function with preserved ejection fraction. The widely used volatile anesthetic agents, Isourane and Sevourane, are considered important components of balanced anesthesia technique. However their effects on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function have not been precisely dened. This study was designed to quantify and compare their effects on left ventricular function by TEE before start of CPB. Aims : To compare the effects of Isourane and Sevourane on echocardiographic LVsystolic and diastolic parameters. Settings and design : After obtaining institutional ethics committee clearance and informed consent from 60 patients operated within my study period was included . Data were collected after induction and just before going on bypass. Materials and Methods : After inducing the patients with institutional protocol one group was given isourane(Group I) and another group was given sevourane(Group S), both at 1MAC. TEE parameters measuring LVsystolic and diastolic functions were done. Statistical analysis : Data were analysed by Epi Info (TM) 7.2.2.2. Result and conclusion :Isourane was better than sevourane in comparism of systolic and diastolic dysfunction.

Forward Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction as a Predictor of Postoperative Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation.

Background: Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) can occur immediately after mitral valve repair (MVr) for degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) in some patients with normal preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This study investigated whether forward LVEF, calculated as left ventricular outflow tract stroke volume divided by left ventricular end-diastolic volume, could predict LVD immediately after MVr in patients with DMR and normal LVEF. Methods: Echocardiographic and clinical data were retrospectively evaluated in 234 patients with DMR ≥ moderate and preoperative LVEF ≥ 60%. LVD and non-LVD were defined as LVEF < 50% and ≥50%, respectively, as measured by echocardiography after MVr and before discharge. Results: Of the 234 patients, 52 (22.2%) developed LVD at median three days (interquartile range: 3–4 days). Preoperative forward LVEF in the LVD and non-LVD groups were 24.0% (18.9–29.5%) and 33.2% (26.4–39.4%), respectively (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses showed that forward LVEF was predictive of LVD, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.73–0.86), and an optimal cut-off was 31.8% (sensitivity: 88.5%, specificity: 58.2%, positive predictive value: 37.7%, and negative predictive value: 94.6%). Preoperative forward LVEF significantly correlated with preoperative mitral regurgitant volume (correlation coefficient [CC] = −0.86, p < 0.001) and regurgitant fraction (CC = −0.98, p < 0.001), but not with preoperative LVEF (CC = 0.112, p = 0.088). Conclusion: Preoperative forward LVEF could be useful in predicting postoperative LVD immediately after MVr in patients with DMR and normal LVEF, with an optimal cut-off of 31.8%.

Is it possible to expect left ventricular ejection fraction improvement in patients with known advanced heart diseases in the case of right atrial flutter treated by ablation?

Atrial flutter (AFL)-related tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TICM) is a treatable cause of heart failure (HF). This study aims to explore the effect of AFL ablation on left ventricular (LV) function in right AFL patients with or without advanced heart diseases. Between January 2013 and December 2019, 149 patients underwent ablation for persistent AFL. Among them, 60 patients with persistent right atrial (RA) flutter had symptomatic HF and elevated natriuretic peptide levels. Group 1 consisted of 35 patients without advanced heart diseases, and group 2 consisted of 25 patients with prior history of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or surgery for valvular heart disease (VHD). Follow-up echocardiography was performed 6months later. Improvement of LV performance was defined as LV ejection fraction (EF) increase ≥50% of baseline EF without clinical HF symptoms or LVEF recovery to ≥60%. Group 2 had larger LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LV end-systolic volume than group 1. At follow-up, group 2 had larger LV end-systolic volume than group 1. Group 1 had more increase in LVEF than group 2 (21.7±15.2% vs 4.1±13.2%; P<.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine the discrimination threshold of baseline LVEDV (137mL) in the overall study group for improvement of LV performance after ablation (P=.005). Successful ablation for right AFL could achieve more reversal of LV dysfunction in patients without advanced heart diseases. Pre-ablation LVEDV≥137mL was associated with no improvement of LV performance after ablation.

Impairment of left atrial function in pediatric patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging study.

We aimed to assess left atrial (LA) strain before LA dilatation in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) compared with healthy controls. We also determined the effects of right atrial (RA) dilatation on LA performance using cardiovascular magnetic resonance-feature tracking (CMR-FT). Forty-nine pediatric patients with rTOF and 36 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were prospectively recruited between June 2017 and August 2019. Balanced steady-state free precession (2D b-SSFP) cine, 2D late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and phase-contrast (PC) sequences were acquired on 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla scanners. Both ventricular and atrial volumes and ejection fraction were measured. Left ventricular (LV) strain and diastolic strain rates were evaluated between the rTOF patient and control groups. LA reservoir (Ɛs), conduit (Ɛe), and booster strain (Ɛa) were determined at LV end-systole, LV diastasis, and pre-LA systole, respectively. The first derivatives of the respective strains yielded corresponding peak strain rates. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test and Mann-Whitney test for parametric and non-parametric variables, respectively. Correlations were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient for normally distributed variables and Spearman's correlation coefficient for non-parametric data. Intra-observer and inter-observer variabilities of LA strain and strain rate measurements were determined from ten randomly selected rTOF patients and ten control subjects. LA strain was significantly lower in patients with rTOF compared with controls (Ɛs, P < 0.001; Ɛe, P = 0.002; Ɛa, P < 0.001). The correlations between LA strain and RA stroke volume indices (SVi) and RA ejection fraction (EF) were moderate (Ɛs and SVi, r = 0.538, P < 0.001; Ɛs and RA EF, r = 0.493, P < 0.001; Ɛe and SVi, r = 0.532, P < 0.001; Ɛe and RA EF, r = 0.466, P < 0.001). LA strain and strain rates had good reproducibility in intra-observer and inter-observer analyses. LA strain and strain rates decreased in pediatric patients with rTOF compared with controls before LA enlargement. A dysfunction in LA performance might precede LV dysfunction in patients with rTOF, even in the early stages after repair.

Fragmented QRS may be associated with subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in patients with hypertension

Fragmented QRS may be associated with subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in patients with hypertension

Effect of heart rate on left ventricular longitudinal myocardial function in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundLeft ventricular (LV) longitudinal myocardial dysfunction is considered a marker of preclinical LV dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). High heart rate (HR) is associated with cardiovascular outcomes, but the effect of HR on LV longitudinal myocardial function in T2DM patients is uncertain.MethodsWe studied 192 T2DM patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and 81 age-, sex-, and LVEF-matched healthy volunteers. HR was measured as the average HR during echocardiography, and high HR was defined as resting HR ≥ 70 beats/minute. LV longitudinal myocardial function was assessed as global longitudinal strain (GLS). The predefined cutoff for subclinical LV dysfunction was set at GLS < 18%.ResultsGLS in T2DM patients with high HR was significantly lower than that in T2DM patients with low HR (16.3% ± 4.2% vs. 17.8% ± 2.8%; P = 0.03), whereas GLS in normal subjects with high and low HR was similar (20.3 ± 1.7% vs. 20.3 ± 2.0%; P = 0.99). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that high HR (odds ratio: 1.04; 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.07; P = 0.01) was independently associated with GLS < 18% in T2DM patients as well as HbA1c, T2DM duration, LVEF, body mass index, and mitral inflow E and mitral e’ annular velocity ratio. One sequential logistic model evaluating the associations between GLS < 18% and clinical variables in T2DM patients showed an improvement with the addition of LVEF and E/e’ (P < 0.001) and a further improvement with the addition of high HR (P < 0.001).ConclusionCompared with normal subjects, resting HR was associated with LV longitudinal myocardial function in asymptomatic T2DM patients with preserved LVEF. Our findings provide new insights on the management of T2DM patients.

Predictors of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with Takayasu's arteritis: a single centre experience.

To determine the factors (clinical, biochemical, angiographic, and echocardiographic) which predict left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in Takayasu's arteritis (TAK). TAK causes inflammation of the aorta and its large branches. Systemic hypertension, aortic valvular disease, and coronary artery involvement are probable contributors to LV dysfunction in some patients. In other patients, inflammation and resulting myocarditis play an essential role. However, the prevalence and relative contribution of such predictors of LV dysfunction in TAK patients is unknown. We enrolled 87 patients with angiographically confirmed TAK in the study after proper informed consent. A complete clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic evaluation of all the cases was done. We defined LV systolic dysfunction as an ejection fraction below 50% and diastolic dysfunction by ASE 2016 criteria into grades I, II, and III. We evaluated 87 consecutive angiographically proven TAK patients. The incidence of LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction in our study was 19.5% (17/87) and 100% (87/87), respectively. All the patients with LV dysfunction (n=17, 100%) had an ITAS 2010 score of more than two suggestive of active disease. In 15 (88%) out of 17 patients with LV systolic dysfunction, we could identify a significant haemodynamic cause of LV dysfunction (untreated hypertension HTN, descending thoracic or abdominal aorta stenosis, renal artery stenosis, coronary stenosis, significant valvular regurgitation). In the rest 2 cases, no important haemodynamic factor was present, and here LV dysfunction was probably because of myocarditis and its sequalae. This study represents the largest cohort of TAK patients to estimate LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. We have found LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction multifactorial, with hemodynamic and inflammatory factors contributing to its pathophysiology.

Thiamine mediated reversal of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of thiamine supplementation on left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients of alcoholic cardiomyopathy(ACM) presenting with acute heart failure(HF). 11 newly diagnosed patients were included. They were treated with 3 days of intravenous(IV) therapy with thiamine followed by oral supplementation. LVEF was 30% at baseline which improved by 45% and 53% along with reduction in LV dimensions over 3 and 6 months respectively. The study suggests the benefit of thiamine supplementation on LVEF in ACM patients with HF.

Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in COVID-19.

BackgroundCoronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is associated with cardiovascular injury, but left ventricular (LV) function is largely preserved. We aimed to evaluate for subclinical LV dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 through myocardial strain analysis.MethodsWe performed a single-center retrospective cohort study of all patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who underwent echocardiography. Traditional echocardiographic and global longitudinal strain (GLS) values were compared with prior and subsequent echocardiograms.ResultsAmong 96 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 with complete echocardiograms, 67 (70%) had adequate image quality for strain analysis. The cohort was predominantly male (63%) and 18% had prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD). Echocardiograms were largely normal with median [IQR] LV ejection fraction (EF) 62% [56%, 68%]. However, median GLS was abnormal in 91% (−13.5% [−15.0%, −10.8%]). When stratified by CVD, both groups had abnormal GLS, but presence of CVD was associated with worse median GLS (-11.6% [−13.4%, −7.2%] vs −13.9% [−15.0%, −11.3%], p = 0.03). There was no difference in EF or GLS when stratified by symptoms or need for intensive care. Compared to pre-COVID-19 echocardiograms, EF was unchanged, but median GLS was significantly worse (−15% [−16%, −14%] vs −12% [−14%, −10%], p = 0.003). Serial echocardiograms showed no significant changes in GLS or EF overall, however patients who died had stable or worsening GLS, while those who survived to discharge home showed improved GLS.ConclusionsPatients with COVID-19 had evidence of subclinical cardiac dysfunction manifested by reduced GLS despite preserved EF. These findings were observed regardless of history of CVD, presence of COVID-19 symptoms, or severity of illness.

Left ventricular asymmetric remodeling and subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in patients with calcific aortic valve stenosis – Results from a subanalysis of the PROGRESSA study

BackgroundLV asymmetric remodeling (LVAR) is a feature commonly found in AS patients and it is presumed to be mainly related to the severity of valve stenosis. The aim of this study was to determine the associated factors and impact on left ventricular (LV) systolic function of LVAR in patients with mild and moderate aortic valve stenosis (AS). MethodsClinical, Doppler-echocardiographic and computed-tomographic data of 155 AS patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (≥50%) prospectively recruited in the PROGRESSA study (NCT01679431) were analyzed. LVAR was defined as a septal wall thickness ≥ 13 mm and a ratio of septal/posterior wall thickness > 1.5. LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) was available in 129 patients. Plasma levels of N-terminal natriuretic B-type peptides (Nt-proBNP) were also measured. ResultsMean age was 63 ± 15 years (70% men). LVAR was present in 21% (n = 33) of patients. A series of nested multivariate analysis revealed that age was the only factor associated with LVAR (all p ≤ 0.03). Additionally, these patients had higher baseline Nt-proBNP ratio (median [25–75 percentiles]: 1.04 [0.66–2.41] vs. 0.65 [0.33–1.19], p = 0.02), and significantly reduced LV-GLS (17.9[16.6–19.5] vs. 19.3[17.4–20.7] |%|, p = 0.04). A 1:1 matched analysis showed a significant association of LVAR with reduced LV-GLS (17.9[16.6–19.5] vs. 19.8[18.1–20.7] |%|, p = 0.02) and elevated Nt-proBNP (134[86–348] vs. 83[50–179]pg/ml, p = 0.03). Multivariable analysis also revealed that LVAR remains significantly associated with reduced LV-GLS (p = 0.03) and elevated Nt-proBNP (p = 0.001). LVAR was significantly associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiac events and death (Hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.32[1.28–4.22], p = 0.006). ConclusionsLVAR was found in ~20% of patients with mild or moderate AS and was not related to the degree of AS severity or concomitant comorbidities, but rather to older age. LVAR was significantly associated with reduced LV longitudinal systolic function, increased Nt-proBNP levels, and higher risk of major adverse events and death. These findings provide support for closer clinical and echocardiographic surveillance of patients harboring this adverse LV remodeling feature.

Peak strain dispersion within the left ventricle detected by two-dimensional speckle tracking in patients with uncomplicated systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often leads to various cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the value of peak strain dispersion (PSD) in evaluating left ventricular dysfunction in patients with uncomplicated SLE. Eighty-seven female SLE patients and fifty-nine healthy female controls were recruited. The SLE patients were divided into inactive disease (SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) ≤ 4; n = 48) and active disease (SLEDAI ≥ 5; n = 39) subgroups. Traditional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography were performed using a GE VividE9 ultrasound diagnostic system and an advanced quantitative analysis EchoPAC workstation (version 201), respectively. The global longitudinal strain (GLS) in the SLE with SLEDAI ≤ 4 group was comparable to that in the control group (- 19.89% vs - 20.7%; P = 0.061). However, GLS was obviously damaged in the SLE with SLEDAI ≥ 5 group compared with that in the control group (- 19.07% vs - 20.7%; P < 0.001). PSD impairment was observed in the SLE with SLEDAI ≤ 4 group (33.83ms vs 31.44ms; P = 0.012) and SLE with SLEDAI ≥ 5 groups (52.31ms vs 31.44ms; P < 0.001), but the largest difference was observed in the active disease group. Linear regression analysis showed that PSD was moderately correlated with the SLEDAI (r = 0.535; P < 0.001) in SLE patients with SLEDAI ≤ 4 and showed the best correlation with the SLEDAI (r = 0.646; P < 0.001) in the SLE patients with SLEDAI ≥ 5. A correlation between GLS and the SLEDAI (r = 0.359; P = 0.025) was found in the active disease group but not in the inactive disease group (r = 0.253; P = 0.082). PSD is more comprehensive and accurate for evaluating left ventricular subclinical dysfunction in SLE patients. In inactive SLE patients, PSD is a more sensitive index to evaluate early systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle. GLS may be a more vulnerable indicator of early left ventricular cardiac dysfunction in active SLE patients. Controlling disease activity may reduce the events of cardiac dysfunction.

Association between clinical risk factors and left ventricular function in patients with breast cancer following chemotherapy

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The sequential or concurrent use of two different types of agents such as anthracyclines and trastuzumab may increase myocardial injury and cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD), which is often the result of the combined detrimental effect of the two therapies for breast cancer patients. For risk stratification to detect the development of CTRCD, the current position paper from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) lists several factors associated with risk of cardiotoxicity. Purpose Our purpose was to investigate the impact of baseline risk factors on left ventricular (LV) function in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF) who have undergone chemotherapy for breast cancer. Methods We studied 86 breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines, trastuzumab, or both. Mean age was 59 ± 13 years and LVEF was 67 ± 5%. In accordance with the current definition, CTRCD was defined as a decline in LVEF of &amp;gt;10% to an absolute value of &amp;lt;53% after chemotherapy. Based on the 2016 ESC position paper, clinical risk factors for CTRCD were defined as: (1) a cumulative total doxorubicin dose of ≥ 240mg/m², (2) age ≥ 65-year-old, (3) body mass index ≥ 30kg/m², (4) a previous history of radiation therapy to chest or mediastinum, (5) B-type natriuretic peptide ≥ 100pg/mL, (6) a previous history of cardiovascular disease, (7) atrial fibrillation, (8) hypertension, (9) diabetes mellitus, (10) current or ex-smoker. Results The relative decrease in LVEF after chemotherapy for patients with more than four risk factors was significantly greater than that for patients without (-9.3 ± 10.8% vs. -2.2 ± 10.2%; p = 0.02). However, this finding did not apply to patients with more than one, two or three risk factors. Patients with more than four risk factors also tended to show a higher prevalence of CTRCD than those without (14.3% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.12). Moreover, patients with more than four risk factors were more likely to have higher LV mass index (109.3 ± 29.0g/m² vs. 83.2 ± 21.0g/m², p &amp;lt; 0.001), lower global longitudinal strain (18.4 ± 2.8% vs. 20.0 ± 2.6%, p = 0.06) and higher E/e’ (10.4 (8.9-13.0) vs. 9.0 (7.4-10.9), p = 0.06) compared to those without. Furthermore, receiver-operator characteristics curve analysis showed that an optimal cut off value of a cumulative total doxorubicin dose for developing LV dysfunction in patients with more than any of four risk factors was lower than that in those without (180 mg/m² vs. 280 mg/m²). Conclusions Association between clinical risk factors and LV dysfunction following chemotherapy became stronger with an increase in the number of risk factors in breast cancer patients, and was especially strong for patients treated with chemotherapy who had more than four risk factors. Our findings can thus be expected to have clinical implications for better management of patients with breast cancer referred for chemotherapy. Abstract Figure.

Does Tissue Doppler imaging predict left ventricular dysfunction in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer under trastuzumab treatment?

Trastuzumab is an effective recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of breast cancer that over-expresses HER2 receptors. However, it is associated with an important cardiotoxicity. Systolic dysfunction is more frequently assessed than diastolic dysfunction that usually precedes. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether monitoring the ratio of mitral peak velocity of early filling (E) to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (e’, E/e’ ratio) can help assess the risk of trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity (TIC) We conducted a longitudinal prospective study including all the patients treated with trastuzumab for advanced HER2-positive breast cancer followed in the Casablanca cardio-oncology unit from January 2017 to December 2019. E/e’ ratio on tissue Doppler imaging was calculated in all patients before treatment initiation in order to assess its role for early detection of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) alteration. Echocardiography was then performed every 3 months with E/e’ ratio monitoring. A total of 1092 patients were included, mean age was 51 ± 12 years (17-83). Mitral inflow pattern was normal in 714 (65,4%), restrictive in 37 patients (3.4%), type 1 diastolic dysfunction was noted in 341 cases (31,2%). Among those patients, 586 (53,7%) were under Trastuzumab and LVEF declined in 72 cases (12.3%). A radio E/e’ > 15 was assessed in 38 patients undergoing herceptine (6.4 %), and 12 of them (2.0 % of total) actually had alteration of their LVEF. A weak negative correlation was noted between E/e’ elevation and the lowest LVEF (−0,143; P = 0,028). According to our study, left ventricular diastolic function monitoring on the basis of the E/e’ ratio at baseline and every 3 months after treatment initiation is not significantly associated with LVEF decline and can hardly predict LVEF decline in patients undergoing Trastuzumab therapy.