Left Ventricular End-diastolic Diameter Index Research Articles

Clinical and prognostic implications of left ventricular dilatation in heart failure.

To assess the agreement between left ventricular end-diastolic diameter index (LVEDDi) and volume index (LVEDVi) to define LV dilatation and to investigate the respective prognostic implications in patients with heart failure (HF). Patients with HF symptoms and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were evaluated retrospectively. LV dilatation was defined as LVEDDi or LVEDVi above the upper normal limit according to published reference values. Patients were followed-up for the combined endpoint of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization during 5 years. A total of 564 patients (median age 64 years; 79% men) were included. LVEDDi had a modest correlation with LVEDVi (r = 0.682, p < 0.001). LV dilatation was noted in 84% of patients using LVEDVi-based definition and in 73% using LVEDDi-based definition, whereas 20% of patients displayed discordant definitions of LV dilatation. During a median follow-up of 2.8 years, patients with both dilated LVEDDi and LVEDVi had the highest cumulative event rate (HR 3.00, 95% CI 1.15-7.81, p = 0.024). Both LVEDDi and LVEDVi were independently associated with the primary outcome (hazard ratio 3.29, 95%, p < 0.001 and 2.8, p = 0.009; respectively). The majority of patients with HF and LVEF < 50% present both increased LVEDDi and LVEDVi whereas 20% show discordant linear and volumetric definitions of LV dilatation. Patients with increased LVEDDi and LVEDVi have the worst clinical outcomes suggesting that the assessment of these two metrics is needed for better risk stratification.

Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in reduced left ventricular systolic function and its influence on outcomes

Abstract Background/Introduction Reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function can lead to pulmonary hypertension (PHT). However, the significance of PHT complicating reduced LV systolic function remains poorly characterised. Purpose We aimed to describe the prevalence and prognostic importance of PHT in a large cohort of adults with at reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods We analysed the National Echocardiography Database of Australia (data from 2000-2019). Adults with a recorded tricuspid regurgitation (TR) peak velocity and LVEF &amp;lt;50% were included. Patients with moderate or greater left sided valvular pathology were excluded, as were patients with prior aortic or mitral valve replacements. These subjects (n= 23675) were then categorised according to their TR peak velocity. The relationship between PHT severity and mortality outcomes were evaluated (median follow-up of 2.9 years, interquartile range 1.0-5.4years). Results Subjects were aged 70±15years and 31.7% were female. Overall, 8801 (37.2%), 7061 (29.8%), 5676 (24.0%), and 2137 (9.0%) patients had normal (TR peak velocity &amp;lt;2.5m/sec), borderline (2.5-2.8m/sec), intermediate (2.9-3.4m/sec), or high risk PHT (&amp;gt;3.4m/sec), respectively. An echocardiographic phenotype for ‘left heart disease’ was evident with worsening PHT, showing rising E:e’ ratio and a greater proportion of right ventricular (RV) dilation and dysfunction (p&amp;lt;0.0001 for all). Left and right atrial sizes increased from low-intermediate risk, before plateauing at high risk PHT (p&amp;lt;0.0001). With increasing risk of PHT, 1- and 5-year actuarial mortality increased from 13.3% and 43.8%, to 41.5% and 81.4% respectively (p&amp;lt;0.0001). After adjustment for age, sex, LVEF, LV end diastolic diameter and LA volume index, the risk of mortality increased as TR peak velocity increased (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.31, 95% confidence interval 1.23-1.38 in borderline risk, to aHR2.38, 95%CI 2.21-2.56 in high risk PHT) (Figure 1). The cohort was also assessed in two groups based on LVEF severity according to guidelines. The sub-group of patients with mildly reduced LVEF (40-49%, n = 12495) showed that mortality risk increased as risk of PHT increased; (aHR 1.38, 95%CI 1.27-1.50 in borderline risk, to aHR2.82, 95%CI 2.52-3.15 in high risk PHT). Similarly, those with reduced LVEF (&amp;lt;40%, n = 11180) mirrored these trends (aHR 1.23, 95%CI 1.14-1.33 in borderline risk, to aHR2.07, 95%CI 1.88-2.28 in high risk PHT). There was a mortality threshold seen from TR peak velocity 2.41m/sec onwards (aHR1.18, 95%CI 1.04-1.33) (Figure 2). Conclusion(s) In this large cohort study, we demonstrate that PHT risk is common in patients with reduced LV systolic function and mortality increases as PHT becomes more severe. A threshold for higher mortality lies within the range of "borderline-intermediate" risk PHT.Adjusted Risk for All-Cause MortalityThreshold for Mortality

Nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay predicts the prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy

PurposeLeft bundle branch block (LBBB) has been confirmed to be independently associated with adverse outcomes in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, prognostic data on nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (NSIVCD) are still limited and conflicting. We aimed to evaluate the prognosis of DCM with NSIVCD.MethodsA total of 548 DCM patients who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) from January 2016 to December 2017 were consecutively enrolled. The cohort was divided into four groups: 87 with LBBB, 27 with RBBB, 61 with NSIVCD, and 373 without intraventricular conduction delay (IVCD). After a median follow-up of 58 months (interquartile range: 47–65), 123 patients reached the composite endpoints, which included cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, and malignant arrhythmias. The associations between different patterns of IVCD and the outcomes of DCM were analysed by Kaplan‒Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.ResultsOf 548 DCM patients, there were 398 males (72.6%), and the average age was 46 ± 15 years, ranging from 18 to 76 years. In Kaplan‒Meier analysis, patients with NSIVCD and LBBB showed higher event rates than patients without IVCD, while RBBB patients did not. By multivariate Cox regression analysis, LBBB, NSIVCD, NYHA class, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), indexed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDDI), percentage of late gadolinium enhancement mass (LGE%), and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were found to be independently associated with the outcomes of DCM.ConclusionsIn addition to LBBB, NSIVCD was an unfavourable prognostic marker in patients with DCM, independent of LVEDDI, NYHA class, LVEF, LGE%, and GLS.

Diagnostic yield and predictive value on left ventricular remodelling of genetic testing in dilated cardiomyopathy.

We assessed the diagnostic yield of genetic testing and the relationship of left ventricular (LV) reverse remodelling (LVRR) with the presence of DNA pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). From 680 outpatients followed at the Heart Failure Outpatient Clinic of our institution, we selected subjects with a diagnosis of DCM as defined by LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% and LV dilatation not explained by coronary artery disease or other causes. All patients were offered genetic investigation of 42 disease-associated DCM genes with next-generation sequencing. Seventy patients fulfilled the definition of DCM and 66 underwent genetic investigation. We identified 18 P/LP variants in 16 patients, with a diagnostic yield of 24%. The most common variants were truncating TTN variants (n=7), followed by LMNA (n=3), cytoskeleton Z-disc (n=3), ion channel (n=2), motor sarcomeric (n=2), and desmosomal (n=1) genes. After a median follow-up of 53months (inter-quartile range 20-111), patients without P/LP variants exhibited higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lower plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels, and a larger extent of LVRR, as reflected by the increase in LVEF (+14% vs. +1%, P=0.0008) and decrease in indexed LV end-diastolic diameter (-6.5 vs. -2mm/m2 , P=0.03) compared with patients with P/LP variants. Our results confirm the high diagnostic yield of genetic testing in selected DCM patients and suggest that identification of P/LP variants in DCM portends poorer LVRR in response to guideline-directed medical therapy.

Long-Term Effects of Sacubitril-Valsartan on Cardiac Remodeling: A Parallel Echocardiographic Study of Left and Right Heart Adaptive Response.

Sacubitril/Valsartan (S/V) carries potential anti-remodeling properties, however long-term effects and biventricular adaptive response are poorly described. 76 HFrEF patients who underwent progressive uptitration of S/V, completed the annual scheduled follow-up. After a median follow-up of 11 (8-13) months, left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling (RR) is defined as (1) absolute increase in LV ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 10% or LVEF ≥ 50% at follow-up and (2) decrease in indexed LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDDi) of at least 10% or indexed LVEDDi ≤ 33 mm/m2, occurred in 27.6%. Non-ischemic etiology, shorter duration of HF, and absence of a history of AF were independently associated with LVRR (p < 0.05). TAPSE and TAPSE/PASP, a non-invasive index of right ventricular (RV) coupling to the pulmonary circulation, significantly improved at follow-up (0.45 vs. 0.56, p = 0.02). 41% of patients with baseline RV dysfunction obtained favorable RV remodeling despite only a moderate correlation between RV and LV function was observed (r = 0.478, p = 0.002). Our data point to a potential long-term reverse global remodeling effect by S/V, especially in patients who start S/V at an early stage of the disease, and focus our attention on a possible direct effect of the drug in synergistic hemodynamics between RV and pulmonary circulation.

The incremental value of myocardial viability, evaluated by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance for mortality prediction in patients with previous myocardial infarction and symptomatic heart failure.

To find the imaging mortality predictors in patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI), symptomatic heart failure (HF), and reduced left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction (EF). for the study 39 patients were selected prospectively with prior MI, symptomatic HF, and LVEF ≤40%. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT MPI), 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (FDG PET). 31 patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Patients were divided into two groups: 1 group - cardiac death; 2 group - no cardiac death. Myocardial scars were assessed on a 5-point-scale. Follow-up data was obtained. Imaging features disclosed significant difference (p < 0.05) of defect score (CMR and SPECT-PET), LV end-diastolic diameter (EDD) (TTE), LVEDD index (CMR), LV global longitudinal strain (CMR) and LV global circumferential strain (CMR) between the groups. Predictors of cardiac death were: LVEDD index (TTE) and LV global longitudinal strain. The cut-off values to predict cardiac death were: defect score (CMR) 25 (AUC, 79.5%; OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7), SPECT-PET defect score 22 (AUC, 73.9%; OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.7), LVEDD (TTE) 58mm (AUC, 88.4%; OR 23.6, 95% CI 2.6-217.7), LVEDDi 30mm/m2 (TTE) (AUC, 73.6%; OR 22.0, 95% CI 1.9-251.5), LVEDDi 33.6mm/m2 (CMR) (AUC, 73.6%; OR 22.0, 95% CI 1.9-251.5), LV global longitudinal strain -13.4 (AUC, 87.8%; OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.7) and LV global circumferential strain -16.3 (AUC, 76.1%; OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.0). Imaging features, such as defect score (CMR) >25, SPECT-PET defect score >22, LVEDD (TTE) >58mm, LVEDDi (TTE) >30mm/m2, LVEDDi (CMR) >33.6mm/m2, LV global longitudinal strain -13.4 and LV global circumferential strain -16.3, may increase sensitivity and specificity of FDG PET and LGE CMR predicting of late mortality.

Outcome and prognostic value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in mildly dilated cardiomyopathy vs. dilated cardiomyopathy.

AimsMildly dilated cardiomyopathy (MDCM) was characterized as a subset of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with systolic dysfunction and modest ventricular dilatation, of which the prognostic studies were limited. We aimed to compare the prognostic value of the N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) between MDCM and DCM.Methods and resultsWe retrospectively included hospitalized patients diagnosed with DCM and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 50% at Fuwai Hospital from 2006 to 2017. MDCM was defined as left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter index (LVEDDi) ≤ 33 mm/m2 in males and ≤34 mm/m2 in females. A total of 640 patients (median age 49 years, 24.8% female) were included in this study. At baseline, 110 cases (17%) were categorized as MDCM and 529 cases (83%) as DCM. Of 282 patients who had follow‐up echocardiograms ≥ 6 months, 7 MDCM patients (11.1%) evolved to DCM and 70 DCM patients (32.0%) recovered to MDCM by the change of LVEDDi. Compared with DCM, patients with baseline MDCM had lower composite risks of all‐cause mortality, heart transplantation, and heart failure rehospitalization [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43–0.93, P = 0.019]. Both hs‐CRP and NT‐proBNP were independently associated with the composite endpoint in the overall cohort (hs‐CRP: adjusted HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00–1.15, P = 0.036; NT‐proBNP: adjusted HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02–1.22, P = 0.019). After a propensity‐score matching between MDCM and DCM, higher NT‐proBNP (above the median) was significantly associated with the outcome in DCM patients (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.05–3.20, P = 0.034), but not in MDCM patients (HR 1.54, 95% CI 0.76–3.11, P = 0.227). On the contrary, higher hs‐CRP (above the median) showed prognostic value for adverse events in MDCM patients (HR 3.19, 95% CI 1.52–6.66, P = 0.002), but not in DCM patients (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.61–1.79, P = 0.88).ConclusionsIn patients with MDCM, although no evidence suggested the prognostic role of NT‐proBNP, higher level of hs‐CRP was associated with outcome, supporting the use of hs‐CRP in risk stratification for patients with MDCM.

Echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome patients and its association with in-hospital diagnosis

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the association of echocardiographic parameters used in left ventricular (LV) diastology with the early results of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) workup in the hospital.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on patients presenting with acute chest pain and a diagnosis of NSTE-ACS including only patients with unstable angina (UA) and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography in the emergency room (ER) within 12 hours of the last episode of chest pain. An invasive approach was not uniformly pursued in all of the patients so analysis was performed in two different settings. First, analysis was performed in the patients that underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and echocardiographic data were compared between those with normal and abnormal CAG results. Finally, echocardiographic data of the patients with normal diagnostic results (i.e., normal exercise tolerance test (ETT), myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) or coronary angiography (CAG) results) were compared with the data of the patients with abnormal test results.&#x0D; Results: Eighty patients with a mean age of 54.43 ± 12.38 years were included in the study, of whom 57 (71.2%) were male. Fifty-three patients underwent CAG. In these 53 patients, there was significant difference in mitral annular velocity in early diastole (e’), ratio of mitral inflow velocity to e’ (E/e’), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) between patients with coronary artery involvement and those with normal coronary artery (P&lt;0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to predict CAG results for e’, E/ e’, LVEDD and LVEDP was more than 0.65. The sensitivity and specificity of the LV diastolic dysfunction for predicting coronary involvement was 94.4% and 35.29%, respectively. Comparison of echocardiographic data between patients with normal test results (non-invasive and invasive) and those with abnormal diagnostic tests showed a significant difference in e’, E/e’, acceleration time of E, LV end-diastolic diameter index, size of interventricular septum and left atrial volume.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results suggest that diastolic dysfunction data can be used as an adjunctive method to evaluate ACS patients in the ER.

Left ventricle reverse remodeling in chronic aortic regurgitation patients with dilated ventricle after aortic valve replacement

BackgroundAortic valve replacement (AVR) for chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) with a severe dilated left ventricle and dysfunction leads to left ventricle remodeling. But there are rarely reports on the left ventricle reverse remodeling (LVRR) after AVR. This study aimed to investigate the LVRR and outcomes in chronic AR patients with severe dilated left ventricle and dysfunction after AVR.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical datum of chronic aortic regurgitation patients who underwent isolated AVR. The LVRR was defined as an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at least 10 points or a follow-up LVEF ≥ 50%, and a decrease in the indexed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter of at least 10%, or an indexed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ≤ 33 mm/m2. The changes in echocardiographic parameters after AVR, survival analysis, the predictors of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), the association between LVRR and MACE were analyzed.ResultsSixty-nine patients with severe dilated left ventricle and dysfunction underwent isolated AVR. LV remodeling in 54 patients and no LV remodeling in 15 patients at 6–12 months follow-up. The preoperative left ventricular dimensions and volumes were larger, and the EF was lower in the LV no remodeling group than those in the LV remodeling group (all p < 0.05). The adverse LVRR was the predictor for MACE at follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 47.29 months (range 6 to 173 months). The rate of freedom from MACE was 94.44% at 5 years and 92.59% at 10 years in the remodeling group, 60% at 5 years, and 46.67% at 10 years in the no remodeling group.ConclusionsThe left ventricle remodeling after AVR was the important predictor for MACE. LV no remodeling may not be associated with benefits from AVR for chronic aortic regurgitation patients with severe dilated LV and dysfunction.

Correlations between Gatectin 3 and clinical echocardiographic parameters during ST elevation myocardial infarction

The circulating Galectin 3 (Gal-3) emerged as a new biomarker involved in fibrosis and left ventricular remodeling. The aim of our study was to investigate correlations of Gal-3 levels with cardiac function and remodeling parameters evaluated by echocardiography, and with clinical, biological and angiographic parameters in patients hospitalized for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) We conducted a prospective longitudinal study, including consecutive patients hospitalized for STEMI at the Cardiology Department of the Charles Nicoll Hospital in Tunis. A Gal-3 assay and an echocardiography were performed at four times: admission (T0), one month (T1), three months (T2), and six months (T3). Our study collected 45 patients aged 58 + 12 years. The sex ratio was 10, 2. We found a significant correlation between Gal–3 assayed at T0 with age (r = 0.311; P = 0.037), ALAT (r = 0.4; P = 0.009) and CPK (r = 0.384; P = 0.019); and between Gal-3 assayed at T3 and the infarction localization ( P = 0.007). At one month, Gal-3 correlated with the left ventricular ejection fraction (r = 0.308; P= 0.042), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi) (r = 0.324; P = 0.032), and left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVi) (r = 0.378; P = 0.012). In addition, it had a predictive value on evolution. In fact, Gal-3 assayed at T1 was found to be significantly correlated with LVEDVi measured at T2 (r = 0.O312; P = 0.039) and with left ventricular end-diastolic diameter index (LVEDDi) measured at T2 (r = 0.372; P = 0.014) and at T3 (r = 0.372; P = 0.032). Gal-3 correlates with remodeling parameters and cardiac function, and predicts structural changes when measured at one month of the acute episode of STEMI.

Abstract 11485: Left Ventricular Dimensions and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Systolic Heart Failure: The WARCEF Trial

Introduction: There is limited information on the association between left ventricular (LV) dimensions and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced LV ejection fraction (HFrEF) receiving recommended HF treatment. We investigated the association between LV dimensions and CV outcomes in HFrEF patients receiving recommended HF treatment. Methods: We investigated the association between LV echocardiographic dimensions and CV outcomes using conventional Cox models in 1138 HFrEF patients in sinus rhythm randomized to warfarin or aspirin treatment in the WARCEF (Warfarin versus Aspirin in Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction) trial. Results: LV enlargement, whether by diameter (LV end-diastolic diameter index: LVEDDI, and LV end-systolic diameter index: LVESDI) or volume (LV end-diastolic volume index: LVEDVI, and LV end-systolic volume index: LVESVI), was independently associated with all-cause death [LVEDDI: hazard ratio (HR) per cm/m 2 1.53, LVESDI: HR per cm/m 2 1.65, LVEDVI: HR per 10 ml/m 2 1.07 and LVESVI: HR per 10 ml/m 2 1.10; all p-values &lt; 0.001], CV death (HR 1.68, 1.79, 1.09 and 1.12, respectively; all p-values &lt; 0.001) and HF hospitalization (HR 1.59, 1.79, 1.06 and 1.08, respectively; all p-values &lt; 0.001). No association was observed with myocardial infarction or stroke. The associations were independent of LV ejection fraction values, and incremental to them. LV volumes conferred additional predictive value over LV diameters. Conclusions: LV enlargement is an independent predictor of CV events in patients with HFrEF and recommended HF treatment. LV dimensions should be considered in the risk assessment.

Sacubitril/Valsartan in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: clinical and echocardiographic insights from a real world population

Abstract Background Following the PARADIGM trial, some studies have identified cardiac remodeling as major background for hard end point benefits of Sacubitril/Valsartan (S/V), but few adopted a well described definition in the literature. Purpose We aimed at a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of S/V on echo-derived measures of cardiac remodeling along with clinical and laboratory data over a medium-term follow-up pointing to a real-world HFrEF population. Methods This is a prospective observational study of HFrEF patients on optimal medical therapy (OMT) initiated with S/V at Heart Failure Clinic of our institute (January 2017-January 2020). In 62 HFrEF, echocardiographic, laboratory and clinical data were collected at baseline and over 10 (Q1-Q3 8–13) months after S/V initiation. Mean age was 68±12 years, 79% men. Left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) was defined as: 1) an absolute increase in LVEF ≥10 points or a LVEF ≥50% at follow-up and 2) a relative decrease in indexed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter of at least 10% or an indexed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ≤33 mm/m2. Results Compared to baseline, S/V promoted a significant improvement of LV ejection fraction (LVEF, from 30% to 37%; p&amp;lt;0,0001) with an absolute median increase in LVEF of 8 points. Parallel significant reductions in left ventricular and atrial volumes, lower mitral regurgitation degree and a better diastolic dysfunction along with clinical improvement (NYHA class and NT-proBNP values) were observed at follow up. sPAP (systolic Pulmonary Arterial Pressure) was significantly decreased at follow-up evaluation (37 mmHg vs 31 mmHg p=0,005) (Table 1). Overall, LVRR as defined above was observed in 30% of patients. Younger age (64 vs 74 years, p=0,007), a shorter duration of the disease (7 vs 23 months, p=0,009), and non ischaemic etiology (79% vs 33% p=0,003), along with a smaller baseline LAESVi (Left Atrial End Systolic Volume, 41 vs 48 ml/m2 p=0,012) were more common in patients with LVRR. sPAP and Right Ventricular (RV) function estimated by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were significantly better in LVRR patients along with TAPSE/sPAP ratio (Table 2). Conclusions Our data point to a remarkable medium-term reverse remodeling effect by S/V in HFrEF. Findings reinforce the concept that the main benefits of S/V on hard end-points are mediated by its cardiac-related effects. Both a left and right reverse remodeling occur in HFrEF patients who start S/V in the most adaptable phase of the disease supporting an early administration. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Clinical impact of pulmonary artery to aorta diameter ratio on left ventricular reverse remodeling in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) is an important predictor for a good prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Previous reports indicated the pulmonary artery diameter (PAD) to ascending aortic diameter (AoD) ratio as a predictor of adverse outcomes in heart failure patients. However, the impact of the PAD/AoD ratio for predicting LVRR in patients with DCM is unknown. Aim The aim of this study is to investigate the association between PAD/AoD ratio and LVRR in patients with DCM. Methods From a prospective study, clinically stable DCM patients who were investigated the LVRR on echocardiography and underwent CT at baseline were enrolled. LVRR is defined as left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction increase of 10% and a decrease in indexed LV end-diastolic diameter of 10% compared to those at baseline. PAD and AoD data was collected with nonenhanced computed tomography images at baseline. Results In sixty-nine patients (mean age 50.0±13.3 years), the mean LV ejection fraction was 29.8%, and mean LV end-diastolic dimension was 64.5mm, and both of which data was no significant difference between patients with or without LVRR. LVRR was observed in 23 (33.3%) patients. The PAD/AoD ratio was significantly lower in patients with LVRR than without LVRR (81.4% vs. 92.4%, p=0.003). By ROC analysis, the best cut-off for the detection of LVRR was found for a PAD/AoD ratio of 0.9. From multivariate analyses, PAD/AoD ratio was identified as a significant predictor of LVRR. After a median follow-up duration of 2.5 years, the DCM patients with PAD/AoD≥0.9 revealed a significant higher cardiac event than those with PAD/AoD&amp;lt;0.9 (log-rank, p=0.007) Conclusions The PAD/AoD ratio is useful for predicting LVRR in patients with DCM. The DCM patients with high PAD/AoD ratio had a poor long-term outcome. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. ROC curve for LVRR predictionKaplan-Meier survival curves

Assessment of Longitudinal Left Ventricular Function in Patients with Coronary Artery Ectasia by 2D Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Abstract Background Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is one of the uncommon cardiovascular disorders. CAE is one of the known risk factors for acute coronary syndrome, its incidence ranges from 1.5%-5% of patients undergoing coronary angiography, with predominance in males. Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as dilatation of an arterial segment to a diameter at least 1.5 times that of an adjacent normal artery and involves at least one third of the affected artery (1)(1). The exact pathogenesis of CAE is not well established; however, Coronary atherosclerosis is detected in more than 50% of the patients. Objective To evaluate global left ventricle longitudinal strain by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with coronary artery ectasia and without significant (&amp;gt;50%) coronary artery stenosis. Patients and Methods This study carried on sixty patients referred to cath lab of Ain Shams university hospital for elective coronary angiography during period between January 2018 and Augest 2019. The patients were divided in to two groups (Group A) included thirty patients with ectasia in one or more of the coronary arteries without any significant coronary artery stenosis and (Group B) included thirty patients with normal coronary angiographic findings serving as control group. Results The present study showed a statistically significant decrease in EF comparing CAE group to control group .As regards other echocardiography parameters, there was a highly significant difference of LVEDD, LVEDD index, LVESD,, LVESD index, LV mass, LV mass index, LA volume and LA volume index between the two groups. Global peak longitudinal strain showed highly significant difference between two groups as its mean value was significantly lower in the CAE group. Conclusion In our study, we have concluded that global peak longitudinal strain was significantly impaired in patients with coronary artery ectasia without significant coronary artery lesion denoting subclinical LV systolic dysfunction .LV diastolic dysfunction was more prevalent in coronary artery ectasia patients compared to control subjects.

Left ventricular dimensions and cardiovascular outcomes in systolic heart failure: the WARCEF trial.

AimsThere is limited information on the association between left ventricular (LV) dimensions and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced LV ejection fraction (HFrEF) receiving recommended HF treatment. We investigated the association between LV dimensions and CV outcomes in HFrEF patients receiving recommended HF treatment.Methods and resultsWe investigated the association between LV echocardiographic dimensions and CV outcomes using conventional Cox models in 1138 HFrEF patients in sinus rhythm randomized to warfarin or aspirin treatment in the Warfarin vs. Aspirin in Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction (WARCEF) trial. LV enlargement, whether by diameter [LV end‐diastolic diameter index (LVEDDI) and LV end‐systolic diameter index (LVESDI)] or volume [LV end‐diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) and LV end‐systolic volume index (LVESVI)], was independently associated with all‐cause death [LVEDDI: hazard ratio (HR) per cm/m2 1.53, LVESDI: HR per cm/m2 1.65, LVEDVI: HR per 10 mL/m2 1.07, and LVESVI: HR per 10 mL/m2 1.10; all P values < 0.001], CV death (HR 1.68, 1.79, 1.09, and 1.12, respectively; all P values < 0.001), and HF hospitalization (HR 1.59, 1.79, 1.06, and 1.08, respectively; all P values < 0.001). No association was observed with myocardial infarction or stroke. The associations were independent of LV ejection fraction values, and incremental to them. LV volumes conferred additional predictive value over LV diameters.ConclusionsLeft ventricular enlargement is an independent predictor of CV events in patients with HFrEF and recommended HF treatment. LV dimensions should be considered in the risk assessment.

Hallazgos clínicos asociados con una descarga hemodinámica del ventrículo izquierdo incompleta en pacientes con asistencia ventricular izquierda

Introduction and objectivesThe effect of a centrifugal continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (cfLVAD) on hemodynamic left ventricular unloading (HLVU) and the clinical conditions that interfere with hemodynamic optimization are not well defined. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the likelihood of incomplete HLVU, defined as high pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (hPCWP)> 15mmHg in 104 ambulatory cfLVAD patients when the current standard recommendations for cfLVAD rotor speed setting were applied. We also evaluated the ability of clinical, hemodynamic and echocardiographic variables to predict hPCWP in ambulatory cfLVAD patients. ResultsTwenty-eight percent of the patients showed hPCWP. The variables associated with a higher risk of hPCWP were age, central venous pressure, absence of treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, and brain natriuretic peptide levels. Patients with optimal HLVU had a 15.2±14.7% decrease in postoperative indexed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter compared with 8.9±11.8% in the group with hPCWP (P=.041). Independent predictors of hPCWP included brain natriuretic peptide and age. Brain natriuretic peptide <300 pg/mL predicted freedom from hPCWP with a negative predictive value of 86% (P <.0001). ConclusionsAn optimal HLVU can be achieved in up to 72% of the ambulatory cfLVAD patients when the current standard recommendations for rotor speed setting are applied. Age, central venous pressure and therapy with renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system inhibitors had a substantial effect on achieving this goal. Brain natriuretic peptide levels and the magnitude of reverse left ventricular remodeling seem to be useful noninvasive tools to evaluate HLVU in patients with functioning cfLVAD.

Clinical findings associated with incomplete hemodynamic left ventricular unloading in patients with a left ventricular assist device

Introduction and objectivesThe effect of a centrifugal continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (cfLVAD) on hemodynamic left ventricular unloading (HLVU) and the clinical conditions that interfere with hemodynamic optimization are not well defined. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the likelihood of incomplete HLVU, defined as high pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (hPCWP)> 15mmHg in 104 ambulatory cfLVAD patients when the current standard recommendations for cfLVAD rotor speed setting were applied. We also evaluated the ability of clinical, hemodynamic and echocardiographic variables to predict hPCWP in ambulatory cfLVAD patients. ResultsTwenty-eight percent of the patients showed hPCWP. The variables associated with a higher risk of hPCWP were age, central venous pressure, absence of treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, and brain natriuretic peptide levels. Patients with optimal HLVU had a 15.2±14.7% decrease in postoperative indexed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter compared with 8.9±11.8% in the group with hPCWP (P=.041). Independent predictors of hPCWP included brain natriuretic peptide and age. Brain natriuretic peptide <300 pg/mL predicted freedom from hPCWP with a negative predictive value of 86% (P <.0001). ConclusionsAn optimal HLVU can be achieved in up to 72% of the ambulatory cfLVAD patients when the current standard recommendations for rotor speed setting are applied. Age, central venous pressure and therapy with renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system inhibitors had a substantial effect on achieving this goal. Brain natriuretic peptide levels and the magnitude of reverse left ventricular remodeling seem to be useful noninvasive tools to evaluate HLVU in patients with functioning cfLVAD.

Algorithm for diagnosis and typing of ALCAPA syndrome

ALCAPA syndrome was characterized by anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery. Its clinical presentation is varied and although it is an anomaly of congenital origin, it is not exclusive to pediatric ages. Its epidemiological documentation is difficult. We aimed to make the non-invasive diagnosis of the ALCAPA syndrome and its variants. An observational, prospective and cross-sectional study was conducted with 31 patients with a positive echocardiographic diagnosis of ALCAPA syndrome at Pediatric Cardio Center “William Soler” from 2005 to 2018. The variables with significance for diagnosis were the echocardiographic visualization of the anomalous connection and the reversed flow in the left coronary artery. The variables with significance for typing were age at diagnosis, ischemia in the electrocardiogram, echocardiographic visualization of left ventricle papillary muscles fibrosis, presence of severe mitral regurgitation, left ventricle spheroidal remodeling, left ventricle ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index, and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter index. An algorithm integrated by various diagnostic modalities associated with echocardiography as a tool for the detection of ALCAPA was developed. The documentation of the diagnostic and classificatory aspects of the syndrome is possible by detecting echocardiographic elements in conjunction with electrocardiographic and radiological aspects.

Late improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with persistent severe systolic dysfunction under guideline-directed medical therapy

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background. A consistent proportion of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) experience left ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR) during the first 24 months of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). However, important decisions, such as the need for ICD, are requested after 3 months of GDMT. The evolution of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during the first years after GDMT in DCM is unknown. Purpose. Our study aims to investigate the proportion and characterise DCM patients experiencing late LVEF improvement. Methods. We analysed DCM patients consecutively enrolled with short disease duration, recent initiation of GDMT (≤ 3 months) and a LVEF ≤ 35% at 6-month follow-up evaluation. LVEF &amp;gt; 35% at 24-month was the primary end-point of the study. Results. Among 131 patients (mean age 53 ± 14, male sex 74%), 88 (67%) improved their LVEF at 24 months above 35%. A &amp;gt; 10% reduction of the indexed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDDi) between enrolment and 6-month evaluation emerged as the only independent predictor of late LVEF improvement. During the subsequent follow-up, the late LVEF improvement was associated with a lower cumulative incidence of major arrhythmic events, compared to patients with persistent LVEF ≤ 35% (p = 0.010). Conclusions. A high proportion of DCM patients improve their LVEF after more than 3-6 months of GDMT, which is associated with lower long-term arrhythmic risk. The early evaluation of dynamic parameters, such as the reduction of LVEDDi could help to identify those patients. Baseline population characteristics Total (131) LVEF &amp;gt; 35% at 24 months (88) LVEF ≤ 35% at 24 months (43) p Age (years) 53 ± 14 52 ± 14 54 ± 14 0.52 LVEF (%) 28.4 ± 5.6 29.2 ± 5.3 26.7 ± 5.8 0.02 LVEDDi (mm/m2) 34.9 ± 4.6 34.1 ± 4.7 36.5 ± 4.1 0.01 LVEDVi (ml/m2) 89.4 ± 34.2 83.7 ± 28.5 101.0 ± 41.5 0.01 RV dysfunction normalisation or persistence of normal RV function* 92 (84.4) 59 (84.3) 33 (84.6) 0.96 RFP disappearance* 115 (93.5) 80 (95.2) 35 (89.7) 0.25 MR improvement or persistence of mild/absent MR* 91 (72.2) 66 (78.6) 25 (59.5) 0.02 LVEF improvement* 30 (22.9) 21 (23.9) 9 (20.9) 0.7 LVEDDi reduction* 28 (23.7) 25 (32.1) 3 (7.5) 0.003 Values are presented as n (%) or mean ± SD. *Dynamic parameters are evaluated as change from enrollment to the 6-months evaluation. LVEDDi left ventricular end-diastolic diameter indexed; LVEDVi: left ventricular end diastolic volume indexed; LVEF: left ventricular ejection fraction; MR: mitral regurgitation; RFP: restrictive filling pattern; RV: right ventricular. Abstract Figure. Major outcome

Presence of fragmented QRS is associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction after surgery in patients with severe aortic regurgitation.

Chronic severe aortic regurgitation (AR) is associated with progressive accumulation of interstitial fibrosis and disruption of myocardial structure. After aortic valve replacement (AVR), the negative remodeling process reverses, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improves but not in all patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of fragmented QRS (F-QRS), which is a possible marker of myocardial fibrosis, with postoperative left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. A total of 147 consecutive patients with AVR were included in this study. F-QRS was identified by the presence of various RSR' patterns (QRS duration <120 ms) such as additional R wave (R prime)or notching of the R or S wave in at least two consecutive leads. Patients were compared in two groups based on the presence or absence of F-QRS. A logistic regression model was used to determine independent predictors of postoperative LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF <50%). Patients with F-QRS were associated with poor recovery of LV systolic function after AVR compared to the patients without F-QRS, regardless of preoperative LVEF (p = .008). F-QRS was found to be an independent predictor of postoperative LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF <50%). Lower preoperative LVEF and increased LV end diastolic diameter index were also found as independent risk factors for postoperative LV systolic dysfunction. As a possible marker of myocardial fibrosis, F-QRS was associated with postoperative LV systolic dysfunction. Therefore, as a simple and convenient clinical parameter, F-QRS may be used to predict poor recovery of LVEF after AVR.