Left Ventricular End-systolic Diameter Index Research Articles

Ecocardiografía transtorácica previa al procedimiento para predecir los resultados de la reparación percutánea de borde a borde en la insuficiencia mitral primaria crónica

Introduction and objectivesLimited data exist on the prognostic usefulness of transthoracic echocardiography preceding MitraClip for chronic primary mitral regurgitation (MR). We evaluated the predictive ability of transthoracic echocardiography in this setting. MethodsA total of 410 patients (median age, 83 years, 60.7% males) were included in the study. The primary outcome was the 1-year composite of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization. Secondary endpoints encompassed individual elements of the primary outcome, the persistence of significant functional impairment or above-moderate MR at 1 year, and above-mild MR at 1-month. ResultsThe only parameter associated with the risk of the primary outcome was a ventricular end systolic diameter index of ≥ 2.1cm/m2, corresponding to the cohort's 4th quartile (HR, 2.44; 95%CI, 1.09-4.68; P=.022). Concurrently, higher left atrial volume index (LAVi) and a mid-diastolic medial-lateral mitral annular diameter (MAD) equal to or above the cohort's median of 32.2 mm were linked to a higher probability of death and heart failure hospitalization, respectively. LAVi of ≥ 60 mL/m2, above-mild mitral annular calcification, and above-moderate tricuspid regurgitation conferred higher odds of functional class III-IV or above-moderate MR persistence. All variables except LAVi and MAD, as well as indexed mid-diastolic medial-lateral MAD of ≥ 20.2 mm/m2 and mitral effective regurgitant orifice area of ≥ 0.40cm2, were associated with greater-than-mild MR at 1 month. ConclusionsPreprocedural increased indexed left heart dimensions, mainly left ventricular end-systolic diameter index, MAD, mitral annular calcification, mitral effective regurgitant orifice area, and tricuspid regurgitation mark a less favorable course post-MitraClip for chronic primary MR.

Preprocedural transthoracic echocardiography for predicting outcomes of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for chronic primary mitral regurgitation

Introduction and objectivesLimited data exist on the prognostic usefulness of transthoracic echocardiography preceding MitraClip for chronic primary mitral regurgitation (MR). We evaluated the predictive ability of transthoracic echocardiography in this setting. MethodsA total of 410 patients (median age, 83 years, 60.7% males) were included in the study. The primary outcome was the 1-year composite of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization. Secondary endpoints encompassed individual elements of the primary outcome, the persistence of significant functional impairment or above-moderate MR at 1 year, and above-mild MR at 1-month. ResultsThe only parameter associated with the risk of the primary outcome was a ventricular end systolic diameter index of ≥2.1 cm/m2, corresponding to the cohort's 4th quartile (HR, 2.44; 95%CI, 1.09-4.68; P=.022). Concurrently, higher left atrial volume index (LAVi) and a mid-diastolic medial-lateral mitral annular diameter (MAD) equal to or above the cohort's median of 32.2mm were linked to a higher probability of death and heart failure hospitalization, respectively. LAVi of ≥ 60mL/m2, above-mild mitral annular calcification, and above-moderate tricuspid regurgitation conferred higher odds of functional class III-IV or above-moderate MR persistence. All variables except LAVi and MAD, as well as indexed mid-diastolic medial-lateral MAD of ≥ 20.2mm/m2 and mitral effective regurgitant orifice area of ≥ 0.40 cm2, were associated with greater-than-mild MR at 1 month. ConclusionsPreprocedural increased indexed left heart dimensions, mainly left ventricular end-systolic diameter index, MAD, mitral annular calcification, mitral effective regurgitant orifice area, and tricuspid regurgitation mark a less favorable course post-MitraClip for chronic primary MR.

Impact of early versus class I–triggered surgery on postoperative survival in severe aortic regurgitation: An observational study from the Aortic Valve Insufficiency and Ascending Aorta Aneurysm International Registry

ObjectivesClass I triggers for severe and chronic aortic regurgitation surgery mainly rely on symptoms or systolic dysfunction, resulting in a negative outcome despite surgical correction. Therefore, US and European guidelines now advocate for earlier surgery. We sought to determine whether earlier surgery leads to improved postoperative survival. MethodsWe evaluated the postoperative survival of patients who underwent surgery for severe aortic regurgitation in the international multicenter registry for aortic valve surgery, Aortic Valve Insufficiency and Ascending Aorta Aneurysm International Registry, over a median follow-up of 37 months. ResultsAmong 1899 patients (aged 49 ± 15 years, 85% were male), 83% and 84% had class I indication according to the American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology, respectively, and most were offered repair surgery (92%). Twelve patients (0.6%) died after surgery, and 68 patients died within 10 years after the procedure. Heart failure symptoms (hazard ratio, 2.60 [1.20-5.66], P = .016) and either left ventricular end-systolic diameter greater than 50 mm or left ventricular end-systolic diameter index greater than 25 mm/m2 (hazard ratio, 1.64 [1.05-2.55], P = .030) predicted survival independently over and above age, gender, and bicuspid phenotype. Therefore, patients who underwent surgery based on any class I trigger had worse adjusted survival. However, patients who underwent surgery while meeting early imaging triggers (left ventricular end-systolic diameter index 20-25 mm/m2 or left ventricular ejection fraction 50% to 55%) had no significant outcome penalty. ConclusionsIn this international registry of severe aortic regurgitation, surgery when meeting class I triggers led to postoperative outcome penalty compared with earlier triggers (left ventricular end-systolic diameter index 20-25 mm/m2 or ventricular ejection fraction 50%-55%). This observation, which applies to expert centers where aortic valve repair is feasible, should encourage the global use of repair techniques and the conduction of randomized trials.

Optimal Management of Chronic Severe Aortic Regurgitation - How to Determine Cutoff Values for Surgical Intervention?

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is a common valvular heart disease, but the optimal timing of surgical intervention remains controversial. In the natural history of chronic severe AR, sudden death is rare, and the annual mortality rate is comparatively low. Considering the hemodynamic features of combined volume and pressure overload and long-term compensation in patients with chronic AR, symptoms related to AR do not frequently occur. Therefore, the progression of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is a key factor in determining the timing of surgical intervention in patients with severe chronic AR. In addition to symptoms, an ejection fraction <50% and an LV endsystolic diameter (LVESD) >45 mm are appropriate cutoff values for surgical intervention in Japanese patients, whereas LV end-diastolic diameter is not a good indicator. An LVESD index of 25 mm/m2is controversial, because adjusting for body size may cause overcorrection in Japanese patients who have a small body size compared with Westerners. Accumulation of data from the Japanese population is indispensable for establishing guidelines on optimal management of patients with chronic AR.

Association of Left Ventricular Remodeling Assessment by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance With Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Aortic Regurgitation

Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) causes left ventricular (LV) volume overload, which results in progressive LV remodeling negatively affecting outcomes. Whether cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) volumetric quantification can provide incremental risk stratification over standard clinical and echocardiographic evaluation in patients with chronic moderate or severe AR is unknown. To compare LV remodeling measurements by CMR and echocardiography between patients with and without heart failure symptoms and to verify the association of remodeling measurements of patients with chronic moderate or severe AR but no or minimal symptoms with clinical outcomes receiving medical management. This multicenter retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with at least moderate chronic native AR evaluated by 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and CMR examination within 90 days from each other between January 2012 and February 2020 at Allina Health System. Data were analyzed from June 2021 to January 2022. Clinical evaluation and risk stratification by CMR. The end point was a composite of death, heart failure hospitalization, or progression of New York Heart Association functional class while receiving medical management, censoring patients at the time of aortic valve replacement (when performed) or at the end of follow-up. Of the 178 included patients, 119 (66.9%) were male, 158 (88.8%) presented with no or minimal symptoms (New York Heart Association class I or II), and the median (IQR) age was 58 (44-69) years. Compared with patients with no or minimal symptoms, symptomatic patients had greater LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVi) by CMR (median [IQR], 66 [46-85] mL/m2 vs 42 [30-58] mL/m2; P < .001), while there were no significant differences by echocardiography (LVESVi: median [IQR], 38 [30-58] mL/m2 vs 27 [20-42] mL/m2; P = .07; LV end-systolic diameter index: median [IQR], 21 [17-25] mm/m2 vs 18 [15-22] mm/m2; P = .17). During the median (IQR) follow-up of 3.3 (1.6-5.8) years, 50 patients with no or minimal symptoms receiving medical management developed the composite end point, which, in multivariate analysis adjusted for age and EuroSCORE II, was independently associated with LVESVi of 45 mL/m2 or greater and aortic regurgitant fraction of 32% or greater, the latter adding incremental prognostic value to CMR volumetric assessment. In patients with chronic moderate or severe AR, patients presenting with heart failure symptoms have greater LVESVi by CMR than those with no or minimal symptoms. In patients with no or minimal symptoms, CMR quantification of LVESVi and AR severity may identify those at risk of death or incident heart failure and therefore should be considered in the clinical evaluation and decision-making of these patients.

Clinical Determinants and Prognosis of Left Ventricular Reverse Remodelling in Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Aims: Non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) is characterized by left ventricular (LV) chamber enlargement and systolic dysfunction in the absence of coronary artery disease. Left ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR) is the ability of a dilated ventricle to restore its normal size, shape and function. We sought to determine the frequency, clinical predictors and prognostic implications of LVRR, in a cohort of heart failure (HF) patients with NIDCM. Methods: We conducted a multicentre observational, retrospective cohort study of patients with NIDCM, with prospective serial echocardiography evaluations. LVRR was defined as an increase of ≥15% in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or as a LVEF increase ≥ 10% plus reduction of LV end-systolic diameter index ≥ 20%. We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify the baseline clinical predictors of LVRR and evaluate the prognostic impact of LVRR. Results: LVRR was achieved in 42.5% of 527 patients with NIDCM during the first year of follow-up (median LVEF 49%, median change +22%), Alcoholic aetiology, HF duration, baseline LVEF and the absence of LBBB (plus NT-proBNP levels when in the model), were the strongest predictors of LVRR. During a median follow-up of 47 months, 134 patients died (25.4%) and 7 patients (1.3%) received a heart transplant. Patients with LVRR presented better outcomes, regardless of other clinical conditions. Conclusions: In patients with NIDCM, LVRR was frequent and was associated with improved prognosis. Major clinical predictors of LVRR were alcoholic cardiomyopathy, absence of LBBB, shorter HF duration, and lower baseline LVEF and NT-proBNP levels. Our study advocates for clinical phenotyping of non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy and intense gold-standard treatment optimization of patients according to current guidelines and recommendations in specialized HF units.

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.

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.

Prediction of survival and magnitude of reverse remodeling using the ST2-R2 score in heart failure: A multicenter study

BackgroundCardiac remodeling and its reversibility are key in HF outcomes.The ST2-R2 score was recently developed to predict relevant left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling (R2) in patients with heart failure (HF). In the present study we sought to validate the ST2-R2 score for grading improvement in LV ejection fraction (EF) and LV size at one year, and to evaluate its prognostic implication up to 4years. MethodsA total of 569 patients with baseline LVEF <40% from three international cohorts (Barcelona, TIME-CHF, and PROTECT) were included in the study. Patients were classified into four strata based on their ST2-R2 score, which took into account concentrations of the biomarker ST2, non-ischemic etiology, absence of left bundle branch block, HF duration, baseline LVEF, and β-blocker treatment. ResultsA significant relationship was observed between ST2-R2 scores and changes in LVEF and indexed LV sizes. LVEF recovery (from +5.6% to +17.3%; p<0.001), percentage reduction in LV end-systolic volume index (from −6.1% to −32.1%; p<0.001) and in LV end-systolic diameter index (from −1.1% to −18.6%; p<0.001) increased over the ST2-R2 strata. A similar trend was observed with diastolic parameters. Improvement in LV function and size was inversely predictive of mortality. Hazard ratios for risk of death, using the lower ST2-R2 score strata (<9) as a reference, were 0.49 (p<0.001; score 9–11), 0.27 (p<0.001; score 12–14), and 0.17 (p<0.001; score 15–17). ConclusionsThe ST2-R2 score predicts reverse LV remodeling in HF patients and is useful for predicting mortality up to 4years.

Biomarker-assist score for reverse remodeling prediction in heart failure: The ST2-R2 score

BackgroundLimited data exists regarding biomarker use to predict left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling (R2). Our aim was to examine the value of soluble ST2 (ST2), N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), and galectin-3 relative to LV-R2 in systolic heart failure (HF), and to develop a clinical score for LV-R2 prediction. MethodsR2 was defined as a) LV ejection fraction (LVEF) increase ≥15%, or b) LVEF increase ≥10% plus reduction of LV end-systolic diameter index ≥20% or LV end-systolic volume ≥40%, for 12months. ResultsWe studied 304 patients (79.6% men, mean age 66.1±12.3years) with baseline LVEF <40%. R2 was observed in 104 patients (34.2%). In univariable logistic regression, factors associated with R2 were age (p=0.02), non-ischemic etiology of HF (p<0.001), NYHA functional class (p=0.02), baseline LVEF (p=0.005), absence of left bundle branch block (LBBB; p=0.002), ST2 (p=0.004), NT-proBNP (p=0.005), and hs-cTnT (p<0.001); HF duration achieved borderline significance (p=0.08). In multivariable analysis, ST2 remained the only biomarker associated with LV-R2. We developed the ST2-R2 score for use in clinical practice for predicting R2; variables included were ST2 <48ng/mL, non-ischemic etiology, absence of LBBB, HF duration <12months, baseline LVEF <24%, and β-blocker treatment. The score had an area under the curve of 0.79 in the derivation cohort and 0.73 in a separate validation cohort. ConclusionsThe ST2-R2 score, which includes the novel biomarker ST2 and five clinical variables, reasonably predicts LV-R2 in systolic HF patients. ST2 was the only studied biomarker that was independently associated with R2.

Usefulness of Left Ventricular End-Systolic Dimension by Echocardiography to Predict Reverse Remodeling in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Severe Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

In many patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, the LV ejection fraction (LVEF)-a surrogate for reverse remodeling-fails to improve despite optimal medical therapy. The early identification of such patients would allow instituting aggressive treatment, including early therapy with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. We sought to establish the predictors of reverse remodeling in patients with LV systolic dysfunction receiving optimal medical therapy. Patients (n = 568) with newly documented LVEF of ≤0.35, who had ≥1 follow-up echocardiogram after ≥3 months, were evaluated. Reverse remodeling was defined as improvement in LVEF to >0.35. The clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic data were compared between patients with (n = 263) and without (n = 305) reverse remodeling. The mean follow-up was 27 ± 16 months. Patients who demonstrated reverse remodeling had a significantly greater mean follow-up LVEF (0.51 ± 0.09 vs 0.25 ± 0.08; p <0.001). On multivariate analysis, the baseline LV end-systolic diameter index was the strongest predictor of reverse remodeling (odds ratio 5.79; 95% confidence interval 1.82 to 18.46; p <0.001). Other independent predictors of reverse remodeling were female gender (odds ratio 1.88; 95% confidence interval 1.19 to 2.98; p = 0.007), and nonischemic cardiomyopathy (odds ratio 1.65; 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 2.58; p = 0.03). Baseline LVEF was not an independent predictor of reverse remodeling. In conclusion, among patients with newly diagnosed LV systolic dysfunction, the LV end-systolic diameter index, but not the LVEF, at diagnosis, was a strong predictor of reverse remodeling. Patients with a low likelihood of reverse remodeling might benefit from more aggressive heart failure therapy, including the possible early use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Long‐Term Outcome in Asymptomatic Patients with Severe Aortic Regurgitation, Normal Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, and Severe Left Ventricular Dilatation

Although the guidelines consider severe left ventricular (LV) dilatation a class IIaC indication for surgery in asymptomatic patients with severe aortic regurgitation (AR) and normal LV function, the optimal management remains controversial. We aimed to assess the LV enlargement, hypertrophy and function, and the outcomes in these patients by the presence of severe LV dilatation at baseline. From our 20-year database, we identified all asymptomatic patients with severe AR and LV ejection fraction (EF) >50% and ≥2 echocardiograms ≥1 year apart. LV end-diastolic diameter >70 mm or LV end-systolic diameter >50 mm or LV end-systolic diameter index >25 mm/m(2) defined severe LV dilatation. A composite end point included onset of symptoms or LV dysfunction. Eighty-four patients (52 ± 18 years, 61 men) were enrolled and followed-up for 7.1 ± 5.1 years. Two groups were defined: 22 patients with and 62 patients without severe LV dilatation at baseline. The progression of LV dilatation and hypertrophy, and the LVEF at last exam were similar in both groups. Twelve of 22 and 34 of 62 patients (P = 0.59) reached the end point. Vasodilators did not modify the progression of LV enlargement/hypertrophy. Ten of 22 and 25 of 62 patients (P = 0.45) underwent surgery and had similar postoperative LV diameters, mass, EF. The progression of LV enlargement/hypertrophy and outcomes in asymptomatic patients with severe AR, normal LV function, and severe LV dilatation or the postoperative LV parameters were not influenced by the severe LV dilatation, suggesting that a close follow-up could delay surgery in this population.

Left ventricular remodeling following ischemic mitral valve repair: Predictive factors

Objectives. Annuloplasty is the most common surgical procedure for ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) that improves symptoms but is also subjected to high incidence of recurrent MR. One of the reasons of recurrent MR could be further left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Design. The study population consisted of 195 patients with ischemic MR. Mitral valve repair and bypass surgery was performed between 2000 and 2006. Results. LV end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) increased in 30.3% of patients in one year following mitral repair. Multivariate ANOVA analysis revealed that if LVEDD index (LVEDDi) before surgery is less than 25 mm/m2, the probability for LVEDDi to diminish or to stay at the same range is 84.6% higher, than in the case of preoperative LVEDDi ≥25 mm/m2 and other predictive variables. Conclusions. Predictive factors for further LV remodeling after ischemic mitral repair 1 year after surgery are preoperative LVEDDi, preoperative LV end systolic diameter index, tricuspid regurgitation grade before surgery, and early postoperative MR grade.

Progression of mitral regurgitation following ischemic mitral valve repair

Durability of mitral valve repair for ischemic mitral regurgitation remains questionable. The aim of our study was to reveal predictors of recurrent mitral regurgitation following ischemic mitral valve repair. The study population consisted of 136 patients with ischemic heart disease and ischemic mitral regurgitation. Mitral valve repair was performed at the Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital in 2000-2004. Preoperative echocardiographic examinations were performed two days before surgery, early postoperative examinations 5-10 days after mitral valve repair, late postoperative examinations at 1.89+/-0.15 years after operation. Mitral regurgitation increased from 0.78+/-0.77 at early period to 1.46+/-0.81 at late postoperative period (P<0.001). At late follow-up mitral regurgitation increased in 13 (9.5%) patients in comparison with preoperative mitral regurgitation and in 69 (50.7%) patients in comparison with early postoperative mitral regurgitation. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased significantly from 56.44+/-6.29 mm at early period to 54.44+/-5.98 mm at late period (P<0.004). Left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 35+/-10% at early period to 38+/-10% at late period (P<0.047). Left atrial diameter decreased from 46.12+/-6.35 mm at early period to 43.95+/-6.94 mm at late period (P<0.034). Multivariate analysis revealed predictors of late postoperative mitral regurgitation: preoperative left ventricular end-systolic diameter index (P=0.037), left ventricular wall motion score index (P=0.042), mitral regurgitation (P=0.013), and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (P=0.04). It is possible to predict the progression of mitral regurgitation following ischemic mitral valve repair. Late postoperative mitral regurgitation depends on these preoperative echocardiographic variables: left ventricular end-systolic diameter index, left ventricular wall motion score index, mitral regurgitation, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure.

Identification of echocardiographic indices for the early detection of left-ventricular systolic dysfunction in beta-thalassaemia via Self-Organizing Maps: A data-exploration study

Congestive heart failure (CHF) remains the primary cause of death in patients suffering from beta-thalassaemia major. Its early detection allows the prompt initiation of aggressive chelation therapy, when the condition can still be reversed. We aimed at identifying echocardiographic indices for the early detection of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, the physiological abnormality underlying CHF, in these patients. We used Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs)--an artificial neural network--for identifying novel correlations within our Electronic Healthcare Record (EHCR) database on beta-thalassaemia. We sought echocardiographic parameters that are correlated to future deterioration of the LV ejection fraction and therefore constitute early signs of LV systolic dysfunction. At the same time, we evaluated SOMs as tools for exploring clinical datasets and make recommendations on the setup of the SOM algorithm that is appropriate for such tasks. We found that high values of the LV end-systolic diameter index and of the E/A ratio are early indications of LV systolic dysfunction. From a technical point of view, zero-mean unit-variance normalization of the input data, a large initial neighbourhood radius and a rectangular SOM grid produced optimal maps for the purpose of detecting clinical correlations. We have successfully used SOMs for exploring a clinical dataset and for creating novel medical hypotheses. A clinical study has been launched to confirm these hypotheses, and initial results are encouraging.