Left Ventricular Mass In Patients Research Articles

Association between skeletal muscle and left ventricular mass in patients with hyperthyroidism.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between skeletal muscle and left ventricular mass (LVM) in patients with hyperthyroidism, providing theoretical and data-based foundations for further research on the interaction between secondary muscle atrophy and cardiac remodeling. A retrospective data collection was conducted, including 136 patients with hyperthyroidism (Study group) and 50 healthy participants (control group). The Study group was further divided into Group A (high LVM) and Group B (low LVM) based on LVM size. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the correlation between skeletal muscle and LVM, with model evaluation. Based on the results, further nonlinear regression analysis was conducted to explore the detailed relationship between skeletal muscle and LVM. Compared to the control group, the Study group exhibited significantly lower LVM, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (P<0.05). Within the subgroups, Group A had significantly higher SMI, SMM, and hand grip strength compared to Group B (P<0.05). The results of the multiple linear regression showed a certain correlation between SMI (β=0.60, P=0.042, 95% CI=0.02~1.17) and hand grip strength (β=0.34, P=0.045, 95% CI=0.01~0.67) with LVM. However, the residuals of the multiple regression did not follow a normal distribution (K-S=2.50, P<0.01). Further results from a generalized linear model and structural equation modeling regression also demonstrated a correlation between SMI (β=0.60, P=0.040, 95% CI=0.03~1.17) (β=0.60, P=0.042, 95% CI=0.02~1.17) and hand grip strength (β=0.34, P=0.043, 95% CI=0.01~0.67) (β=0.34, P=0.045, 95% CI=0.01~0.67) with LVM. Patients with hyperthyroidism may exhibit simultaneous decreases in LVM, SMM, and SMI. The LVM in patients is correlated with SMM and hand grip strength, highlighting the need for further exploration of the causal relationship and underlying mechanisms. These findings provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of secondary sarcopenia and cardiac pathology in patients with hyperthyroidism.

Effect of active vitamin-D on left ventricular mass index: Results of a randomized controlled trial in type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease

Active vitamin-D deficiency is a potential modifiable risk factor for increased ventricular mass. We explored the effects of active vitamin-D (calcitriol) treatment on left ventricular mass in patients with type-2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We performed a 48-week duration single center randomized double-blind parallel group trial examining the impact of calcitriol, 0.5 mcg once daily, as compared to placebo on a primary endpoint of change from baseline in left ventricular mass index (LVMI) measured by magnetic resonance imaging . Patients with T2D, CKD stage-3 and raised left ventricular mass on stable renin angiotensin aldosterone system blockade, who all had elevated intact parathyroid hormone were eligible. Secondary endpoints included interstitial myocardial fibrosis, assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. In total, 45 (male 73%) patients with T2D and stage-3 CKD were studied (calcitriol n=19, placebo n=26). Following 48-weeks calcitriol treatment, the median difference and the (95% CI) of LVMI between the 2 treatment arms was 1.84 (-1.28, 4.96), similar between the 2 groups studied. Intact parathyroid hormone fell only in the calcitriol group from 142 pg/mL (80-293) to 76 pg/mL (41-204)(median, interquartile range, P= .04). No significant differences were observed in interstitial myocardial fibrosis or other secondary endpoints. The study did not provide evidence that treatment with calcitriol as compared to placebo might improve LVMI in patients with T2D, mild left ventricular hypertrophy and stable CKD. Our data does not support the routine use of active vitamin-D for LVMI regression and cardiovascular protection in patients with T2D and stage-3 CKD.

Nephrectomy improves both antihypertensive requirement and left ventricular mass for pediatric renal hypertension.

Renal hypertension causes left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy leading to cardiomyopathy. Nephrectomy has been utilized to improve blood pressure and prepare for kidney transplantation in the pediatric population. We sought to investigate antihypertensive medication (AHM) requirement and LV mass in patients undergoing nephrectomy with renal hypertension. We performed a single institution retrospective review from 2009 to 2021 of children who have undergone nephrectomy for hypertension. Primary outcome was decrease in number of AHM. Secondary outcomes included change in LV mass and elimination of AHM. LV mass was measured using echocardiogram area-length and linear measurements. Non-parametric analyses were utilized to assess significance. Thirty-one patients underwent nephrectomy. Median age was 12.5years (0.8-19years). Median of 3 AHM (range 1-5 medications) were used pre-operatively and patients had been managed for median 2.5years. Twenty-nine had preoperative echocardiogram. Forty-eight percent of patients had LVH at nephrectomy. Median AHM after surgery was 1 (range 0-4 medications) at 30days and 12months, (p< 0.001). By 12months after nephrectomy, 79.2% of patients had decreased the number of AHM. Eight (26%) patients were on no AHM 30days after surgery, and 13 (43%) at 12months. Systemic vascular disease and multicystic dysplastic kidney were the only factors associated with lack of improvement in AHM (p = 0.040). Fourteen patients had pre- and post-operative echocardiogram and 11 (79%) had improvement in LV mass (p = 0.016, 0.035). Nephrectomy is effective in improving LV mass and reducing AHM for children with renal hypertension. Improvement is less likely in patients with systemic vascular disease and multicystic dysplastic kidneys. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

S-46-6: COMPARING OFFICE, CENTRAL, HOME AND AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE IN PREDICTING LEFT VENTRICULAR MASS

The blood pressure measurement method that more accurately predicts a left ventricular mass is controversial, and the evidence suggesting superiority of central over brachial measurements is contradictory. The aim of this study was to compare the relationship between the different clinic and out-of-clinic blood pressure measurements methods with left ventricular mass in patients who attended a specialised hypertension centre for a central blood pressure measurement. An analysis was performed on the correlations between left ventricular mass and central and brachial blood pressure measurements made in the clinic, and home, as well as 24-h systolic blood pressure measurements. A linear regression analysis was then performed to assess the independent relationship of each blood pressure measurement with left ventricular mass. The results on 824 treated and 123 untreated patients showed no significant differences between correlations, although home readings tended to have the best correlations. In regression adjusted models, for each 10 mmHg increase in systolic home blood pressure the left ventricular mass increased 10 g/m2 (95% CI; 3.7–27, P = .01, adjR2 0.38), and for 24-h ambulatory systolic blood pressure it increased 2.3 g/m2 (95% CI 0.76–3.9, P &lt; .01, adjR2 0.15) in treated and untreated patients, respectively. The association of systolic blood pressure with left ventricular mass was better explained by home and 24-h ambulatory monitoring than to clinic-based measurements in treated and untreated patients, respectively. In the clinic, however, the central measurement was not superior to brachial blood pressure.

Lessons from effect of etelcalcetide on left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with end-stage kidney disease.

Purpose of reviewPatients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) frequently develop left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which is associated with an exceptionally high risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. This review focuses on interventional studies that modify levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and examine effects on myocardial hypertrophy, cardiovascular events and mortality.Recent findingsQuantitative evaluations of trials of calcimimetics found no effects on cardiovascular events and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality when compared with placebo. However, a recent randomized, controlled trial of etelcalcetide versus alfacalcidol showed that etelcalcetide effectively inhibited the progression of LVH in comparison to vitamin D in patients on haemodialysis after 1 year of treatment. Prior to that, oral calcimimetic treatment has already been shown to reduce left ventricular mass in patients on haemodialysis, whereas treatment with active vitamin D or mineralocorticoids was ineffective in patients with ESKD.SummaryData from a recent trial of etelcalcetide on LVH suggest that FGF23 may be a possible therapeutic target for cardiac risk reduction in patients on haemodialysis. If these findings are confirmed by further research, it might be speculated that a treatment shift from active vitamin D towards FGF23-lowering therapy may occur in patients on haemodialysis.

Impact of hemodialysis on left ventricular mass in patients with chronic kidney disease

Context: Cardiac structural and functional abnormalities are very commonly seen in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of hemodialysis (HD) on left ventricular mass (LVM) over a short period. Settings and Design: This study was a prospective observational study. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-five patients with ESRD, enrolled for HD from January 2018 to December 2019 at tertiary care hospital, were evaluated. All patients underwent two-dimensional echocardiography at the initiation of HD and 3 months later. Statistical Analysis Used: The software used in the analysis was SPSS 22.0 version and Graph Pad Prism 7.0 version. The paired t-test was used to analyze quantitative data. The Chi-square test was used for qualitative data. Data were analyzed by paired t-test. Results: The mean age of the cases was 44.92 ± 13.78 years. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter in diastole, interventricular septum diameter in diastole, and posterior wall diameter in diastole decreased significantly (3.36 mm, −1.40 mm, and − 1.24 mm, respectively, P = 0.001, S) at the end of 3 months. The LVM and LVM index (LVMI) decreased significantly (−57.25 g and − 32.48 g/m2, respectively, P = 0.001, S) at the end of 3 months. At the end of 3 months, LVMI decreased significantly (148.24 ± 41.26 g/m2 vs. 115.76 ± 34.24 g/m2) which correlates with the increase in hemoglobin (7.62 ± 1.63 gm/dl vs. 8.44 ± 0.81 gm/dl) (P = 0.004, S), with improvement in BP (systolic 141.28 ± 21.70 to 136.32 ± 13.87 & diastolic 86.16 ± 011.40 to 84.40 ± 8.36 mm of Hg) (P = 0.004, S) and with improvement in transferrin saturation (TSAT %) (30.05% ± 13.82% vs. 39.61% ± 14.32%) (P = 0.001, S). Conclusion: In patients with ESRD, cardiac dimensions were higher and LVM was increased at the initiation of HD. We found that LVMI regressed significantly with HD with optimum dry weight.

Impact of Bioelectrical Impedance–Guided Fluid Management and Vitamin D Supplementation on Left Ventricular Mass in Patients Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Hypervolemia and vitamin D deficiency occur frequently in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis and may contribute to left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. The effect of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-guided volume management or vitamin D supplementation on LV mass among those receiving peritoneal dialysis is uncertain.Two-by-two factorial randomized controlled trial.Sixty-five patients receiving maintenance peritoneal dialysis.BIA-guided volume management versus usual care and oral cholecalciferol 50,000 U weekly for 8 weeks followed by 10,000 U weekly for 44 weeks or matching placebo.Change in LV mass at 1 year measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.Total body water decreased by 0.9 + 2.4 (SD) L in the BIA group compared with a 1.5 ± 3.4 L increase in the usual care group (adjusted between-group difference: -2.4 [95% CI, -4.1 to -0.68] L, P = 0.01). LV mass increased by 1.3 ± 14.3 g in the BIA group and decreased by 2.4 ± 37.7 g in the usual care group (between-group difference: +2.2 [95% CI, -13.9 to 18.3] g, P = 0.8). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration increased by a mean of 17.2 ± 30.8 nmol/L in the cholecalciferol group and declined by 8.2 ± 24.3 nmol/L in the placebo group (between-group difference: 28.3 [95% CI, 17.2-39.4] nmol/L, P < 0.001). LV mass decreased by 3.0 ± 28.1 g in the cholecalciferol group and increased by 2.0 ± 31.2 g in the placebo group (between-group difference: -4.5 [95% CI, -20.4 to 11.5] g, P = 0.6).Relatively small sample size with larger than expected variation in change in LV mass.BIA-guided volume management had a modest impact on volume status with no effect on the change in LV mass. Vitamin D supplementation increased serum vitamin D concentration but had no effect on LV mass.Unrestricted Baxter International extramural grant and the Kidney Foundation of Canada.Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with study number NCT01045980.

Features and behavior of valvular abnormalities in adolescent and adult patients in mucopolysaccharidosis: an echocardiographic study.

Mucopolysaccharidoses, a rare inherited disorder of lysosomal storage, account for less than 0.1% of all genetic diseases. The penetrance is highly variable and clinically it varies from severe fetal-neonatal forms to attenuated diseases diagnosed in adult individuals. The majority of the patients have been reported to show cardiac abnormalities since pediatric age, however, there is a minority of patients with attenuated disease diagnosed in the adolescent and adult age. The haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and enzyme replacement therapy are the current therapies for these disorders. Thanks to these treatments, Mucopolysaccharidoses patients live longer than in the past. Even though enzyme replacement therapy has been demonstrated to reduce left ventricular mass in patients with cardiomyopathy, the efficacy on valve abnormalities has not been clearly demonstrate yet. Furthermore, thanks to the current therapy, to better understanding and to the advent on new technologies, an increasing number of adolescent and adult patients diagnosed with MPS are followed up in the adult echocardiographic laboratory. Indeed, a systematic descriptive study describing the echocardiographic features of valvular involvement and their evolution in adolescent and adult patients lacks of medical literature and this was the aim of our investigation. Our results showed that all the valves are affected, mainly the mitral valve with a higher prevalence compared to the pediatric age. The echocardiographic features of MPS differs from other valvular disease of adolescent and adult age, and knowing them can avoid misdiagnosis. Our observations also suggest that the progression of cardiac involvement slows after the initiation of the therapy in our group of age. Further studies on larger population are required to confirm our results.

Beneficial effects of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on left ventricular mass in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) has recently been suggested to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with cardiovascular events. Diabetic macroangiopathy is a crucial complication in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). This study examined the effect of SGLT2i on LVH in patients with type 2 DM (T2DM). The retrospective cohort study was conducted in consecutive outpatients with T2DM from 2010 to 2020. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was used as an indicator of LVH based on echocardiography. The minimum follow-up period was 1year. After propensity score-matching for clinical profiles, patients who underwent annual echocardiography twice for a routine checkup and took SGLT2i were defined to the SGLT2i group, whereas patients without SGLT2 inhibitors were defined to the non-SGLT2 group. SGLT2i was administered after baseline echocardiography followed by a second examination. LVMI levels in the SGLT2i group (n=169) significantly decreased from baseline compared with those in the non-SGLT2i group (n=169), % changes in LVMI2.7(g/m2.7 ) in median (interquartile ranges [IQR]) were - 7.7 (-18.7, 2.5) vs -3.6 (-14.3, 5.8), respectively, P =0.017). In a subgroup analysis, LVMI levels in the patients who had LVH in the SGLT2i group more significantly decreased than those without LVH, % changes in LVMI2.7(g/m2.7 ) in median (IQR) were -13.5 (-22.1, -2.4) vs -2.8 (-12.6, 9.8), respectively, P <0.001). SGLT2i treatment was shown to improve LVH in patients with T2DM and may play a pivotal role in the future treatment of diabetic cardiovascular complications.

Inadequately low left ventricular mass in patients with significant aortic stenosis predicts favourable prognostic outcomes.

In patients with significant aortic stenosis (AS), the prognostic effect of the increase in left ventricular mass (LVM) in relation to one's hemodynamic load has been described. Inappropriately high LVM has been shown to predict adverse cardiovascular events. However, little is known about the prognostic impact of inadequately low LVM (i-lowLVM) in patients with significant AS.I-lowLVM was defined as the measured LVM < 73% of the predicted LVM based on sex, stroke work and height from the reference adult population, used in previous established studies. For outcome analysis, the end-point was defined as all-cause mortality, aortic valve replacement and/or admission for congestive heart failure. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox regression models were constructed to compare outcomes on follow-up.During the follow-up (4.5 ± 4.1years), 132 patients (11.1%) had i-lowLVM, 868 (73.1%) had adequate-LVM, 188 (15.8%) had inappropriately high LVM. Outcome analysis only included patients with i-lowLVM and adequate-LVM (N = 1000). An adverse composite event occurred in 41.7% of the i-lowLVM group and 52.4% of the adequate-LVM group (p = 0.021). Event-free survival in patients with i-lowLVM and appropriate-LVM was 76% versus 68% at 2-year, 55% versus 46% at 4-year, 33% versus 27% at 6-year, 20% versus 17% at 8-year, and 17% versus 11% at 10-year follow-up, respectively (p < 0.001). Cox analysis revealed that i-lowLVM was independently associated with lower composite adverse outcome (HR 0.624, 95% CI 0.460-0.846, p = 0.002) after adjusting for sex, age, ejection fraction, ischemic heart disease, diabetes and transaortic valve mean gradient. In the separate Cox subanalyses, the presence of i-lowLVM remained a predictor of lower composite adverse outcome in the severe AS subgroup (HR 0.587, 95% CI 0.396-0.870, p = 0.008), and the LVH subgroup (HR 0.574, 95% CI 0.401-0.824, p = 0.003) after adjusting for confounders.I-lowLVM despite significant AS may represent a distinct group that is associated with improved survival outcomes independent of other prognostic covariates.

Correlation of parathyroid hormone level with left ventricular mass in patients with end-stage kidney disease on hemodialysis

Background Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on hemodialysis (HD) have a high prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Hyperparathyroidism in these patients plays a key role in the development of LVH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) level with left ventricular mass in patients with ESKD on HD. Other factors that contribute to the development of LVH were also included. Patients and methods This study included 40 patients with ESKD at our dialysis unit. Patients were classified into two groups: group I included 20 patients with LVH and group II included 20 patients without LVH. Patients were defined as having LVH if they had left ventricular mass index more than 95 g/m2 in women and more than 115 g/m2 in men. Results There was a statistically significant increase in PTH in patients in group I than group II (P=0.009). Hemoglobin % was significantly lower in patients in group I than group II (P=0.042). Left ventricular mass index showed a significant positive correlation with PTH and a significant negative correlation with hemoglobin %. Conclusion Hyperparathyroidism and anemia are the two major contributors to the development of LVH in patients with ESKD on HD.

Clinical Significance of Papillary Muscles on Left Ventricular Mass Quantification Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Reproducibility and Prognostic Value in Fabry Disease.

Accurate and reproducible assessment of left ventricular mass (LVM) is important in Fabry disease. However, it is unclear whether papillary muscles should be included in LVM assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility and predictive value of LVM in patients with Fabry disease using different analysis approaches. A total of 92 patients (44±15 y, 61 women) with confirmed Fabry disease who had undergone cardiac MRI at a single tertiary referral hospital were included in this retrospective study. LVM was assessed at end-diastole using 2 analysis approaches, including and excluding papillary muscles. Adverse cardiac events were assessed as a composite end point, defined as ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia requiring device implantation, severe heart failure, and cardiac death. Statistical analysis included Cox proportional hazard models, Akaike information criterion, intraclass correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman analysis. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, ejection fraction, and LVM all differed significantly between analysis approaches. LVM was significantly higher when papillary muscles were included versus excluded (157±71 vs. 141±62 g, P<0.001). Mean papillary mass was 16±11 g, accounting for 10%±3% of total LVM. LVM with pap illary muscles excluded had slightly better predictive value for the composite end point compared with LVM with papillary muscles included based on the model goodness-of-fit (Akaike information criterion 140 vs. 142). Interobserver agreement was slightly better for LVM with papillary muscles excluded compared with included (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.993 [95% confidence interval: 0.985, 0.996] vs. 0.989 [95% confidence interval: 0.975, 0.995]) with less bias and narrower limits of agreement. Inclusion or exclusion of papillary muscles has a significant effect on LVM quantified by cardiac MRI, and therefore, a standardized analysis approach should be used for follow-up. Exclusion of papillary muscles from LVM is a reasonable approach in patients with Fabry disease given slightly better predictive value and reproducibility.

Letter by Tsuda Regarding Article, “Effect of Empagliflozin on Left Ventricular Mass in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Artery Disease: The EMPA-HEART CardioLink-6 Randomized Clinical Trial”

Letter by Tsuda Regarding Article, “Effect of Empagliflozin on Left Ventricular Mass in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Artery Disease: The EMPA-HEART CardioLink-6 Randomized Clinical Trial”

Effect of Empagliflozin on Left Ventricular Mass in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Artery Disease: The EMPA-HEART CardioLink-6 Randomized Clinical Trial.

SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors lower cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes mellitus but whether they promote direct cardiac effects remains unknown. We sought to determine if empagliflozin causes a decrease in left ventricular (LV) mass in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. Between November 2016 and April 2018, we recruited 97 individuals ≥40 and ≤80 years old with glycated hemoglobin 6.5% to 10.0%, known coronary artery disease, and estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60mL/min/1.73m2. The participants were randomized to empagliflozin (10 mg/day, n=49) or placebo (n=48) for 6 months, in addition to standard of care. The primary outcome was the 6-month change in LV mass indexed to body surface area from baseline as measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Other measures included 6-month changes in LV end-diastolic and -systolic volumes indexed to body surface area, ejection fraction, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure, hematocrit, and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide). Among the 97 participants (90 men [93%], mean [standard deviation] age 62.8 [9.0] years, type 2 diabetes mellitus duration 11.0 [8.2] years, estimated glomerular filtration rate 88.4 [16.9] mL/min/1.73m2, LV mass indexed to body surface area 60.7 [11.9] g/m2), 90 had evaluable imaging at follow-up. Mean LV mass indexed to body surface area regression over 6 months was 2.6 g/m2 and 0.01 g/m2 for those assigned empagliflozin and placebo, respectively (adjusted difference -3.35 g/m2; 95% CI, -5.9 to -0.81g/m2, P=0.01). In the empagliflozin-allocated group, there was significant lowering of overall ambulatory systolic blood pressure (adjusted difference -6.8mmHg, 95% CI -11.2 to -2.3mmHg, P=0.003), diastolic blood pressure (adjusted difference -3.2mmHg; 95% CI, -5.8 to -0.6mmHg, P=0.02) and elevation of hematocrit (P=0.0003). Among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, SGLT2 inhibition with empagliflozin was associated with significant reduction in LV mass indexed to body surface area after 6 months, which may account in part for the beneficial cardiovascular outcomes observed in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME (BI 10773 [Empagliflozin] Cardiovascular Outcome Event Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients) trial. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02998970.

Left ventricular mass regression in patients without patient-prosthesis mismatch after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis.

The relationship between the degree of a postoperative effective orifice area and temporal regression of a left ventricular mass after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis is unclear in patients without patient-prosthesis mismatch. We therefore investigated the relationship and independent predictors of left ventricular mass regression. Among 307 consecutive patients who underwent aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis between 2008 and 2013, 223 patients receiving a periodic inspection by echocardiography for at least 3 consecutive years after surgery without patient-prosthesis mismatch were enrolled in the present study. Temporal regression of left ventricular mass index was compared between two groups that were classified equally according to effective orifice area index obtained at a 1-week postoperative echocardiographic examination: < 1.20cm2/m2 (n = 112) and > 1.20cm2/m2 (n = 111). We also determined the predictors affecting left ventricular mass regression. No difference existed in the preoperative left ventricular mass index between the two groups (p = 0.431). Temporal regression of the left ventricular mass index was similar in the two groups. The independent predictors of left ventricular mass regression were male gender (p = 0.007) and preoperative left ventricular mass index (p = 0.003), but valve size was not (p = 0.641). There was no relationship between the degree of postoperative effective orifice area and temporal regression of the left ventricular mass in patients without patient-prosthesis mismatch. The independent predictors of left ventricular mass regression were male gender and preoperative left ventricular mass index.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with increased left ventricular mass independent of coronary artery volume

To determine the relationship of left ventricular mass (LVM) and coronary artery volume in diabetic patients and the controls. This work included 448 consecutive patients (206 patients with diabetes and 242 non-diabetic participants) who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) for evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD). The whole coronary artery tree and the LVM were analysed using a cardiac imaging workstation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent association with coronary artery lumen volume to LVM ratio (V/M). The total coronary artery cumulative volume and the coronary cumulative length showed no differences between groups (p>0.05); however, the LVM in patients with diabetes was significantly greater than that in controls (132.46±45.04 versus 115.82±29.13, p=0.006), and the total epicardial coronary arterial lumen volume to LVM ratio (V/M) was significantly lower in the diabetic group than in the non-diabetic group (2.02 cm3/100±0.73 g versus 2.31 cm3/100±0.82 g, p=0.024). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, diabetes was associated with V/M (odds ratio [OR] 2.027, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.462-2.728, p=0.001), and hypertension was not associated with V/M (OR 1.191, 95% CI: 0.978-1.451, p=0.081). Patients with diabetes demonstrated a significantly lower coronary CTA-derived coronary V/M than controls. V/M may have an important role as a global measure of coronary vasculature in diabetic patients.

A nutraceutical combination reduces left ventricular mass in subjects with metabolic syndrome and left ventricular hypertrophy: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Increased left ventricular mass (LVM) is often present in metabolic syndrome (MS), also in the setting of well-controlled blood pressure (BP). Aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a nutraceutical combination of berberine, red yeast rice extract and policosanol (Armolipid Plus™, AP) in reducing LVM in patients with MS and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 158 patients with MS (IDF criteria) and LVH (LVM > 48g/m2.7 in men and > 44g/m2.7 in women), were randomized 1:1 to receive AP or placebo for 24 weeks. Reduction of LVM, regression of LVH, and changes in lipids were analysed. One-hundred-and-forty-five patients (AP n= 74, placebo n= 71) completed the study. A significant percentage reduction in LVM was observed in AP group vs baseline (-2.7%, p< 0.0001), and compared to placebo (-4.1%, p<0.0001), and remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, baseline systolic BP and BMI and their changes during the study period. The proportion of subjects showing LVM reduction was higher in AP group than in the placebo group (57% vs 28%, adjusted p= 0.007). Treatment with AP was associated with improvement of lipid profile. 24-week of treatment with AP is associated with a significant reduction in LVM in subjects with MS and LVH, in addition to favourable effects on lipid profile, and could represent an effective strategy aiming at reducing the associated cardiovascular risk. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov with ID NCT02295176.

Rapid atrophy of cardiac left ventricular mass in patients with non-small cell carcinoma of the lung.

BackgroundCancer is a systemic catabolic condition affecting skeletal muscle and fat. We aimed to determine whether cardiac atrophy occurs in this condition and assess its association with cardiac function, symptoms, and clinical outcomes.MethodsTreatment naïve metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer patients (n = 50) were assessed prior to and 4 months after commencement of carboplatin‐based palliative chemotherapy. Methods included echocardiography for left ventricular mass (LVM) and LV function [LV ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain (GLS), diastolic function], computed tomography to quantify skeletal muscle and total adipose tissue, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG‐PS), validated questionnaires for dyspnoea and fatigue, plasma biomarkers, tumour response to therapy, and overall survival.ResultsDuring 112 ± 6 days, the median change in LVM was −8.9% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) −10.8 to −4.8, P < 0.001]. Quartiles of LVM loss were −20.1%, −12.9%, −4.8%, and +5.5%. Losses of muscle, adipose tissue, and LVM were frequently concurrent; LVM loss > median value was associated with loss of skeletal muscle [odds ratio (OR) = 4.5, 95% CI: 1.4–14.8, P=0.01] and loss of total adipose tissue (OR = 10.0, 95% CI: 2.7–36.7, P < 0.001). LVM loss was associated with decreased GLS (OR = 6.6, 95% CI: 1.9–22.7, P=0.003) but not with LV ejection fraction or diastolic function. In the population overall, plasma levels of C‐reactive protein (P=0.008), high sensitivity troponin T (hs‐TnT) (P=0.03), and galectin‐3 (P=0.02) increased over time, while N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide and hs‐cTnI did not change over time. C‐reactive protein was the only biomarker associated with LVM loss but at the univariate level only. Independent predictors of LVM loss were prior weight loss (adjusted OR = 10.2, 95% CI: 2.2–46.9, P=0.003) and tumour progression (adjusted OR = 14.6, 95% CI: 1.4–153.9, P=0.02). LVM loss was associated with exacerbations of fatigue (OR = 6.6, 95% CI: 1.9–22.7, P=0.003), dyspnoea (OR = 9.3, 95% CI: 2.4–35.8, P<0.001), and deterioration of performance status (OR = 4.8, 95% CI: 1.3–18.3,P=0.02). Patients with concurrent loss of LVM, skeletal muscle, and fat were more likely to deteriorate in all three symptom domains and to have reduced survival (P=0.05).ConclusionsIntense LVM atrophy is associated with non‐small cell lung cancer‐induced cachexia. Loss of LVM was associated with emerging alterations of GLS, indicating subtle changes in left ventricular function. Longer term studies are needed to assess the full scope of cardiac atrophy and its impact. LVM atrophy arises in conjunction with losses of fat and skeletal muscle and is temporally associated with meaningful declines in performance status, worsening of fatigue, and dyspnoea, as well as poorer tumour response and decreased survival. The specific contribution of LVM atrophy to these outcomes requires further study.

Technical feasibility of semiautomatic three-dimensional threshold-based cardiac computed tomography quantification of left ventricular mass.

Semiautomatic three-dimensional (3-D) threshold-based cardiac computed tomography (CT) quantification has not been attempted for left ventricular mass. To evaluate the technical feasibility of semiautomatic 3-D threshold-based cardiac CT quantification of left ventricular mass in patients with various degrees of left ventricular hypertrophy. In 99 patients, cardiac CT was utilized to quantify ventricular volume and mass by using a semiautomatic 3-D threshold-based method. Left ventricular mass values were compared between the end-systole and the end-diastole. Volumetric parameters were compared among three left ventricular hypertrophy groups (definite, borderline, none). The reproducibility was assessed. The t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were used. There were no technical failures. The left ventricular mass between the two sessions exhibited a small mean difference of 2.3±1.1% (mean±standard deviation). The indexed mass values were significantly higher at the end-systole than at the end-diastole (71.4±42.9g/m2 vs. 65.9±43.3g/m2, P<0.001), with significant correlation (R=0.99, P<0.001). The definite group (83.5±41.3g/m2) showed statistically significantly higher indexed mass values than the borderline and none groups (64.7±26.9 and 55.6±23.9g/m2, respectively; P<0.03), while demonstrating no statistically significant difference between the latter two groups (P>0.05). Left ventricular volume-mass and mass-volume ratios could be calculated in all three groups. CT quantification of left ventricular mass using semiautomatic 3-D threshold-based segmentation is feasible with high reproducibility and the mass values and its ratios with ventricular volumes may be used in patients with various degrees of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Comparing Office, Central, Home and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Predicting Left Ventricular Mass

The blood pressure measurement method that more accurately predicts a left ventricular mass is controversial, and the evidence suggesting superiority of central over brachial measurements is contradictory. The aim of this study was to compare the relationship between the different clinic and out-of-clinic blood pressure measurements methods with left ventricular mass in patients who attended a specialised hypertension centre for a central blood pressure measurement. An analysis was performed on the correlations between left ventricular mass and central and brachial blood pressure measurements made in the clinic, and home, as well as 24-h systolic blood pressure measurements. A linear regression analysis was then performed to assess the independent relationship of each blood pressure measurement with left ventricular mass. The results on 824 treated and 123 untreated patients showed no significant differences between correlations, although home readings tended to have the best correlations. In regression adjusted models, for each 10 mmHg increase in systolic home blood pressure the left ventricular mass increased 10 g/m2 (95% CI; 3.7-27, p=.01, adjR2 0.38), and for 24-h ambulatory systolic blood pressure it increased 2.3 g/m2 (95% CI 0.76-3.9, p<.01, adjR2 0.15) in treated and untreated patients, respectively. The association of systolic blood pressure with left ventricular mass was better explained by home and 24-h ambulatory monitoring than to clinic-based measurements in treated and untreated patients, respectively. In the clinic, however, the central measurement was not superior to brachial blood pressure.