Longitudinal Systolic Strain Research Articles

Apport du 2D strain et des outils échocardiographiques classiques pour la recherche d’anomalies myocardiques induites par l’exposition chronique à un phéochromocytome

IntroductionPheochromocytoma is a rare disease, which may manifest as severe cardiac complications. Apart from these situations, the “chronic” cardiac impact is not clearly defined. A cardiac MRI study suggests that these patients are carrying areas of fibrosis and foci of left ventricular myocarditis. Since these abnormalities are usually associated with altered left ventricular longitudinal systolic strain, we hypothesize that this strain is altered in patients with a “chronic” pheochromocytoma. MethodThis retrospective case-control study was performed using patients from the Bordeaux University Hospital database, included between 2008 and 2016. We compared the left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), radial and circumferential systolic strain and classic echocardiographic parameters between patients with pheochromocytoma and controls matched for age, sex, body mass index and systolic blood pressure. ResultsThe analysis included 47 patients and 47 correctly matched controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of GLS (−20.7±2.4% vs. −20.2±2.7%, P=0.40), radial strain, left ventricular mass or diastolic function. Left ventricular ejection fraction and circumferential strain were significantly higher in patients than in controls, with a significantly lower telediastolic diameter. ConclusionNo significant changes in GLS were observed in our pheochromocytoma patients, compared with controls. Several hypotheses may explain these results. The presence of fibrosis foci and areas of left ventricular myocarditis being associated with a poor cardiological prognosis, a systematic cardiac MRI could be discussed in these patients, until further studies are performed.

Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction in Hypertension Patients: A Myocardial MR Strain Study.

Despite current recommendations for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), few studies have demonstrated the ability of MRI to identify subtle functional differences between HFpEF with essential hypertension (HFpEF-HTN) patients and hypertension patients (HTN). This study aimed to detect and evaluate HFpEF in patients with HTN using feature-tracking (FT) and to ascertain optimal strain cutoffs for the diagnosis of HFpEF-HTN. Retrospective study. Three groups (84 with HFpEF-HTN; 72 with HTN; and 70 healthy controls). 1.5T, steady-state free precession (SSFP), and half-Fourier single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) sequences. All patients underwent laboratory testing and imaging protocols (echocardiography and MRI). FT-derived left ventricular (LV) strain and strain rate (SR) were measured and compared among the three groups with adjustment for confounding factors. Kolmogorov-Smirnov's test, independent-sample t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation coefficient, area under the receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and logistic regression. Compared to 72 HTN patients and 70 healthy controls, HFpEF-HTN patients (84 patients) demonstrated significantly impaired LV strains (except for global peak systolic radial strain, GRS, P < 0.05 for all). Only LV global peak systolic longitudinal strain (GLS) was significantly impaired in HTN patients vs. controls (P < 0.05). The global peak systolic circumferential SR (sGCSR) showed the highest diagnostic value for the differentiation of HFpEF-HTN patients from HTN patients (AUC, 0.731; cutoff value, -1.11/s; sensitivity, 56.0%; specificity, 84.7%). Only global peak early diastolic longitudinal SR (eGLSR) remained independently associated with a diagnosis of HFpEF-HTN in multilogistic analysis. The major strain parameters significantly correlated with LV ejection fraction, end-systolic volume index, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (P < 0.05 for all) and also demonstrated differences between NYHA functional class. HFpEF-HTN patients suffer from both systolic and diastolic cardiac dysfunction. FT-derived strain parameters have potential value for the diagnosis and risk stratification of HFpEF-HTN patients. Level of Evidence 3. Technical Efficacy Stage 2.

Cardiac function in gestational diabetes mellitus: A longitudinal study from fetal life to infancy.

To determine whether cardiac functional and structural changes in fetuses of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) persist in the offspring beyond the neonatal period. Longitudinal study. Fetal Medicine Unit in a UK teaching hospital. 73 women with GDM and 73 women with uncomplicated pregnancy were recruited and fetal cardiac scans were performed at 35-36weeks' gestation. Repeat echocardiogram was performed in their offspring during infancy. Fetal and infant cardiac functional and structural changes. Fetuses of mothers with GDM, compared with controls, had more globular right ventricles (sphericity index 0.7, interquartile range [IQR] 0.6/0.7 versus 0.6, IQR 0.5/0.6, P<0.001) and reduced right global longitudinal systolic strain (-16.4, IQR -18.9/-15.3 versus -18.5, IQR -20.6/-16.8, P=0.001) and left global longitudinal systolic strain (-20.1, IQR -22.5/-16.9 versus -21.3, IQR -23.5/-19.5), P=0.021). In the GDM group, compared with controls, in infancy there was higher left ventricular E/e' (8.7, IQR 7.3/9.7 versus 7.9 IQR, 6.8/8.9 P=0.011) and lower left ventricular global longitudinal systolic strain (-21.0, IQR -22.5/-19.4 versus -22.3, IQR -23.5/-20.7, P=0.001) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (13.8, IQR 12.7/16.1 versus 15.2, IQR 13.8/16.8, P=0.003). These differences remained following multivariable analysis. Gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with alterations in fetal cardiac function and structure compared with controls and persistent cardiac changes in infancy. Gestational diabetes mellitus, even when well controlled, is associated with fetal cardiac changes and these persist in infancy.

Effect of Short-Term L-Thyroxine Therapy on Left Ventricular Mechanics in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Previous experimental studies have provided evidence of notable changes in thyroid hormone signaling that corresponds to alterations in myocardial function in animal models of heart failure (HF). The present study further explores whether oral thyroid hormone treatment can change left ventricular (LV) mechanics and functional status in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) or not. Sixty IDCM patients who were receiving conventional HF treatment were randomized to oral L-thyroxine (n=40) or placebo (n=20) for 3months. Fifty-two (86.7%) of all IDCM patients were symptomatic, their mean age was 41±12years, and their ejection fraction was 32%±7%. At baseline, the two groups were comparable in clinical and echocardiographic variables. Vector velocity imaging was utilized to assess LV mechanics. Myocardial longitudinal peak systolic strain, systolic strain rate, early and late diastolic strain rate, circumferential strain, LV dyssynchrony, plasma tri-iodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyroid stimulating hormonelevels were measured at baseline and 3months after treatment. All patients receiving L-thyroxine significantly improved in functional status (New York Heart Association class; P<.001) and echocardiographic parameters including end-diastolic diameter (P<.001), end-systolic diameter (P<.001), mitral regurgitation severity reduction (P<.001), and increased ejection fraction (P<.001). Left ventricular mechanics showed marked improvement at segmental and global levels of both longitudinal and circumferential myocardial strain (P<.005) when compared with placebo group. Short-term L-thyroxine therapy is well tolerated in IDCM patients. It improves cardiac mechanics and functional status, which might support the potential role of synthetic thyroid hormones in HF treatment.

Maternal cardiac function in gestational diabetes mellitus at 35-36 weeks' gestation and 6 months postpartum.

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcome later in life. However, it is uncertain whether this increased risk is due to cardiovascular changes occurring during pregnancy and persisting thereafter or to an adverse underlying cardiovascular risk factor profile. Some studies have reported that GDM is associated with reduced systolic and diastolic left ventricular function in pregnancy; however, it remains unknown whether these changes persist after delivery. The objective of this study was to compare cardiac function and structure in women with GDM and those with uncomplicated pregnancy at 35-36 weeks' gestation and about 6 months after delivery. This was a longitudinal study in which women with GDM and those with uncomplicated pregnancy had detailed cardiovascular assessment at 35-36 weeks' gestation and repeat examination around 6 months after delivery. In all women, left ventricular systolic and diastolic indices were measured and left ventricular mass indexed for body surface area was calculated. Cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance were also calculated using echocardiography. Linear mixed model analysis accounting for differences in maternal characteristics was carried out to compare findings of cardiovascular function between the GDM group and controls and within each group at 35-36 weeks' gestation and at 6 months after delivery. We studied 73 women with GDM and 73 controls with uncomplicated pregnancy. At 35-36 weeks' gestation, women with GDM, compared to controls, had higher E/e' ratio and lower E/A ratio and global longitudinal systolic strain; there were no significant differences between the groups in ejection fraction. Left ventricular mass indexed for body surface area was also increased in women with GDM. There were no significant differences between the groups in cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance. At 6 months after delivery, cardiac functional indices improved in both patients with GDM and controls, but in the GDM group, compared to controls, there was a lower degree of improvement in E/A ratio and global longitudinal systolic strain. In the third trimester, patients with GDM have subtle differences in diastolic and systolic left ventricular function compared to controls and, despite improvement after delivery, these changes persist for at least 6 months. Long-term follow-up is therefore needed to assess whether women with GDM are at risk for an accelerated decline in their cardiac function and, if so, whether this trend can be reversed or delayed by optimal cardiovascular risk factor modification. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Evaluation of Myocardial Stiffness in Hypertensive Patients by Intrinsic Wave Propagation of the Myocardial Stretch

The objective of the study was to evaluate myocardial stiffness in hypertensive patients by measuring the intrinsic velocity propagation (IVP) of the myocardial stretch and to explore the correlation between IVP and cardiac systolic and diastolic functions. Eighty-one hypertensive patients and 53 healthy patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. IVP was measured using high-frame rate tissue Doppler (350−450 frames per second). IVP was significantly higher in hypertensive patients than in the control group (1.53 ± 0.39 m/s vs. 1.40 ± 0.19 m/s, p = 0.031). In the hypertensive group, IVP was significantly higher in patients with electrocardiogram (ECG) strain than in those without ECG strain (1.63 ± 0.46 m/s vs. 1.45 ± 0.32 m/s, p = 0.047). Moreover, IVP exhibited a good correlation with interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole (r = 0.434, p < 0.001), left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-diastole (r = 0.439, p < 0.001), E/A ratio (r = 0.245, p = 0.004) and global longitudinal systolic strain (r = 0.405, p < 0.001). IVP was significantly higher in hypertensive patients, which indicates elevated myocardial stiffness in this cohort of patients. This novel measurement exhibited great potential for use in clinical practice to assess myocardial stiffness in patients with hypertension non-invasively.

Diastolic strain time as predictor for systolic dysfunction among patients with active breast cancer.

Although diastolic dysfunction is common among patients treated with cancer therapy, no clear evidence has been shown that it predicts systolic dysfunction. This study evaluated the correlation of diastolic strain time (Dst) with the routine echocardiography diastolic parameters and estimated its role in the early detection of cardiotoxicity among patients with active breast cancer. Data were collected as part of the Israel Cardio-Oncology Registry (ICOR), a prospective registry enrolling all adult patients referred to the cardio-oncology clinic. All patients with breast cancer, planned for Doxorubicin therapy, were included. Echocardiography, including global longitudinal systolic strain (GLS) and Dst, was assessed at baseline before chemotherapy (T1), during Doxorubicin therapy (T2) and after the completion of Doxorubicin therapy (T3). Cardiotoxicity was determined by GLS relative reduction of ≥15%. Dst was assessed as the time measured (ms) of the myocardium lengthening during diastole. Among 69 patients, 67 (97.1%) were females with a mean age of 52±13years. Dst was significantly associated with the routine diastolic parameters. Significant GLS reduction was observed in 10 (20%) patients at T3. Both in a univariate and a multivariate analyses, the change in Ds basal time from T1 to T2 emerged to be significantly associated with GLS reduction at T3 (P<.04). Among breast cancer patients, Dst showed high correlation to the routine diastolic echocardiography parameters. Change in Ds basal time emerged associated with clinically significant systolic dysfunction as measured by GLS reduction.

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Pediatric Patients with Premature Ventricular Contractions.

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in pediatric patients without structural heart disease and normal left ventricular systolic function rarely require therapy, though it is unknown whether these patients have subclinical cardiac dysfunction. Speckle tracking echocardiography is an additional means of evaluating cardiac function in asymptomatic pediatric PVC patients with normal standard measures of left ventricular (LV) function. Asymptomatic pediatric patients (< 21years) without congenital heart disease, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 55% and PVC burden ≥ 5% on 24-h Holter monitor were included. Demographic information, exercise stress test results, standard echocardiographic measures of LV systolic function and PVC morphology by 12-lead ECG were collected. Peak global systolic longitudinal strain (GLS) from apical four-chamber view was analyzed offline. 29 patients were identified (mean age 11.7 ± 5.8years, 49.2 ± 25.3kg, 59% male). Mean PVC burden was 12.0 ± 7.0% (range 5-37.5%). 14/29 (48%) had exercise stress testing with evidence of PVCs; 9/14 (64%) had PVC suppression at a mean heart rate (HR) of 160 ± 23bpm and 5/14 (36%) did not suppress at a mean maximum HR of 188 ± 9bpm. All patients had normal strain values by speckle tracking echocardiography (mean LV GLS - 22.5 ± 2.0%, LV global circumferential strain - 25.3 ± 3.9 and RV GLS - 24.1 ± 3.0%). There was no correlation between PVC burden and cardiac function parameters. Asymptomatic pediatric patients without structural heart disease, preserved LVEF/shortening fraction and PVC burden ≥ 5% demonstrated normal cardiac function including strain patterns indicating no evidence of subclinical cardiac dysfunction. Larger scale studies and longitudinal evaluation of left ventricular function using speckle tracking echocardiography is warranted in this population.

Detection of Early Myocardial Injury in Children with Ventricular Septal Defect Using Cardiac Troponin I and Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.

Children with ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are subjected to hemodynamic overload which causes myocardial injury and subsequent heart failure. Early stages of myocardial damage cannot be detected by conventional echocardiography. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) have been recently introduced as more accurate tools for early assessment of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and 2D-STE in the early detection of VSD-induced myocardial injury. Thirty children with VSD (symptomatic and asymptomatic) and 30 controls were assessed serologically by measuring serum cTnI and by conventional echocardiography. STE was performed to measure the averaged global peak longitudinal systolic stain [G peak SL(AVG)]. Serum cTnI levels were significantly higher in patients when compared to controls (P < 0.05) and in the symptomatic group when compared to the asymptomatic group (P < 0.05). Serum cTn I level correlated positively with the left atrial (r = 0.37, P = 0.045) and left ventricular dimensions (r = 0.46, P = 0.01) and negatively with the G peak SL(AVG) (r = -0.39, P = 0.03). There were no statistically significant differences between patients and controls or between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups with regard to the G peak SL(AVG). The peak longitudinal systolic strain (measured by 2D-STE) is not affected despite the elevation of serum cTnI. Serum cTnI is a sensitive marker for early detection of myocardial injury in VSD patients even before the development of ventricular dilatation or dysfunction.

Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy.

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a syndrome of depressed cardiac function in patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to review the historical background, pathophysiology and pathogenesis, diagnostic definitions, clinical relevance, and management of this syndrome. An inflammatory phenotype underlies the pathogenesis: gut bacterial translocation with endotoxemia stimulates cytokines and cardiodepressant factors, such as nitric oxide and endocannabinoids. Cardiomyocyte plasma membrane biochemical and biophysical changes also play a pathogenic role. These factors lead to impaired beta-adrenergic function. Proposed new echocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy include systolic global longitudinal strain and indices of diastolic dysfunction. Cardiac dysfunction participates in the pathogenesis of hepatorenal syndrome and increased morbidity/mortality of cirrhotic patients to hemorrhage, infection, and surgery, including liver transplantation. There is no specific treatment, although β-adrenergic blockade and supportive management have been proposed, but it needs further study. Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a clinically relevant syndrome afflicting patients with established cirrhosis. Optimum management remains unclear, and further study is needed in this area.

Evaluation of subclinical myocardial dysfunction using speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

To evaluate whether there is any difference between radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA), also termed ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and non-radiographic (nr-) axSpA, with respect to subclinial myocardial dysfunction using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). This was a cross-sectional case control study. We included 72 patients with AS, 38 patients with nr-axSpA, and 56 age-matched healthy subjects. Patients with cardiac disease and cardiac risk factors affecting STE were excluded. The disease burden evaluated by the BASDAI, BASFI, BAS-G, and ASAS-HI scores were comparable in both the r- and nr-axSpA groups. A detailed echocardiographic examination including the M-mode, Doppler, and STE was applied to whole study population. Duration of the disease, the use of an anti-TNFα agent, and CRP levels were higher in patients with AS. Although the AS, nr-axSpA, and control groups had similar ejection fraction values (59±5.2, 60±4.6, 60±4.6, respectively, and p=0.499), the global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS) (20.5±3.3, 21.1±3.5, and 22.3±2.4, respectively, and p<0.05) was different between the groups. In a post-hoc analysis, GLS was not different between the nr-axSpA and control groups, and it was significantly lower in patients with AS. In the univariate analysis, peripheral arthritis (p=0.035) and age (p=0.032) were correlated with GLS. A multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that peripheral arthritis (p=0.009) was the only independent GLS predictor. Subclinical myocardial dysfunction as assessed by GLS was present in AS, but not in nr-ax-SpA patients. Thus, GLS could be used as a differentiating factor between radiographic and nr-axSpA patients.

Circulating high-sensitivity troponin T and microRNAs as markers of myocardial damage during childhood leukaemia treatment.

We investigated whether plasma high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and circulating heart-associated microRNA (miRs) are increased in children with leukaemias during anthracycline-based chemotherapeutic treatment. In vitro human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived cardiomyocyte model showed that miR-1, miR-133a, miR-208a, miR-208b, and miR-499 are released from cells into culture medium in a time- and dose-dependent manner on doxorubicin exposure. Left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation and circulating heart-associated miRs and plasma hs-cTnT during and after completion of chemotherapy were determined in 40 children with newly diagnosed acute leukaemia. Significant reduction of LV global longitudinal strain and strain rates were found within 1 week after completion of anthracycline therapy in the induction phase of treatment (all p < 0.05). Hs-cTnT level peaked and miR-1 increased significantly at this time point. Log-transformed hs-cTnT correlated negatively with LV global systolic longitudinal strain (r = -0.38, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that area under the curve for changes in plasma hs-cTnT from baseline and plasma miR-1 levels in detecting a reduction in ≥20% of global longitudinal strain were respectively 0.62 (95% CI 0.38-0.87) and 0.62 (95% CI 0.40-0.84). Plasma hs-cTnT and circulating miR-1 may be useful markers of myocardial damage during chemotherapy in children with leukaemias. Heart-associated miRNAs including miR-1, miR-133a, miR-208a, miR-208b,and miR-499 were increased in the culture medium upon exposure of hPSC-derived cardiomyocytes to doxorubicin. Only miR-1 increased significantly during anthracycline-based therapy in paediatric leukaemic patients. In paediatric leukaemic patients, plasma hs-cTnT and circulating level of miR-1 showed the most significant increase within 1 week after completion of anthracycline therapy in the induction treatment phase. The study provides the first evidence of progressive increase in circulating miR-1 and plasma hs-cTnT levels during the course of anthracycline-based therapy in children with leukaemias, with hs-cTnT level also associated with changes in LV myocardial deformation.

The Short-Term Effect of Stent Size and Number on Left Ventricular Systolic Function Improvement After Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background . The effect of stent size and number on left ventricular systolic function improvement after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using drug eluting stent is not clear enough. Aim . To study short-term effect of stent size and number on left ventricular systolic function improvement after elective PCI. Material and methods . The study included 150 adult patients with electively stented left anterior descending artery lesion with drug-eluting stent. Patients were examined before PCI and 1 and 3 months after PCI using speckle tracking echocardiography. Results . Before revascularization, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 51.2%±5.7, mean global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLPSS) --9.29±0.94%. One month after PCI, mean GLPSS improved significantly to -14.05±1.72% (p&lt;0.001), 3 months after PCI, even more significant improvement in the GLPSS up to -18.61±3.02% (p&lt;0.001) was recorded. After 3 months, 53 patients (35.3%) showed recovery to normal GLPSS. The predictors of non-improvement of GLPSS after 3 months were: diabetes mellitus (p=0.007), smoking (p=0.01), dyslipidemia (p=0.001), stent length (p=0.001), and a number of stents (p=0.04). There was strong negative correlation between stent length and improvement of the GLPSS in 1 month (p=0.007) and in 3 months (p&lt;0.001). Also there was strong negative correlation between number of stents and improvement in 1 month (p=0.002) and in 3 months (p=0.004), but the correlation between stent diameter and improvement of the GLPSS was significant neither in 1 month nor in 3 months (p=0.924 and p=0.435, respectively). Conclusion . Number and length of stents implanted were predictors to improvement of systolic function, while stent diameter doesn't affect left ventricular recovery.

Atrial and Ventricular Deformation Analysis in Normal Fetal Hearts Using Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Objective: Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE)-based strain values of the left and the right ventricle have been established; however, less is known about atrial deformation. The aim of our study was to assess both atrial strain and ventricular strain using 2D-STE in a cardiac 4-chamber view and to investigate the effect of possible influencing factors such as gestational age. Methods: Fetal echocardiography was performed on a Toshiba Aplio 500 ultrasound system. Based on an apical or basal 4-chamber view of the fetal heart, left and right ventricular longitudinal peak systolic strain (LVLPSS and RVLPSS) as well as left and right atrial longitudinal peak systolic strain (LALPSS and RALPSS) were assessed by 2D-STE. Results: A total of 101 healthy fetuses were included. The mean gestational age (GA) was 26.0 ± 5.6 weeks. GA was significantly positively correlated (p < 0.05) with LVLPSS and RVLPSS and significantly negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with LALPSS and RALPSS. The mean values for LVLPSS and RVLPSS were −17.44 ± 2.29% and −16.89 ± 1.72%. The mean values for LALPSS and RALPSS were 34.09 ± 4.17% and 35.36 ± 2.90%. Conclusion: Ventricular and atrial deformation analysis in 2D-STE was technically feasible and showed comparable values to current data. For future research on myocardial function (MF) of the fetus, considering GA as an influencing factor for deformation analysis seems to be adequate. Especially, atrial deformation analysis allows the assessment of diastolic myocardial function. Further research needs to clarify the clinical meaning of these myocardial deformation indices in fetuses at risk.

Effects Of Very Low Volume, High-intensity Interval Training On Left Ventricular Volume And Systolic Function

PURPOSE: It is unknown whether exercise training of extremely low volume and high intensity is enough to elicit measurable changes in cardiac dimensions or function at rest. METHODS: Healthy, young subjects not performing regular training were recruited for six weeks of supervised exercise training, three times per week. Each of the 18 sessions consisted of three 30 seconds all-out sprints on a bicycle ergometer (breaking force 7.5% of the subject’s body weight), separated by two minutes of low intensity cycling. A maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) and an echocardiographic examination (echo) at rest were performed before and the week after the last session. Left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) volumes were determined with 4-D echo. LV systolic function was measured as ejection fraction (LVEF), global systolic longitudinal strain (GLS, 2-D speckle tracking), and mechanical dispersion (MD, standard deviation of time to peak systolic strain in all 17 LV segments). RESULTS: Twenty eight subjects (27±5 yrs, 16 male) performed all sessions and pre- and post echo. VO2max, determined in 27 subjects, increased from 3.0±0.8 L/min to 3.4±0.8 L/min post-training (mean +14%, p<0.001). LV end-diastolic volume and LV stroke volume were similar pre-/post training (112±20 vs 115±24 mL, p=0.29; 65±13 vs 66±3 mL, p=0.64), as was LA end-systolic volume (47±9 vs 51±15 mL, p=0.26). LVEF and GLS were similar pre-/post training (58±5 vs 58±6 %, p=0.89; -20±2 vs -20±2 %, p=0.60) while MD decreased from 30±6 to 27±7 ms, p=0.042. There was a significant association between the decrease in MD and increase in VO2max as well as between baseline GLS and VO2max (figure 1). CONCLUSIONS: Less than five minutes of high-intensity exercise training per week for six weeks increased VO2max, but not LV or LA volume at rest. Interestingly, LV longitudinal shortening was more synchronous following training, proportional to the increase in VO2max, which could indicate a more efficient LV contraction.

Right Ventricular Longitudinal Strain in Acute Pulmonary Embolism and Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction in Patients with McConnell's Sign.

Aim To study the right ventricular (RV) myocardial longitudinal systolic strain in patient with RV myocardial infarction (MI), and pulmonary embolism (PE) with and without McConnell' phenomenon.Material and methods This study included 53 patients with PE (mean age, 59.0±15.1 years; men, 58.5 %) and 30 patients with RVMI (mean age, 61.8±10.9 years; men, 90 %). Longitudinal strain of basal, medial and apical segments of the RV free wall (RVFW) and the interventricular septum (IVS) was determined in the mode of two-dimensional speckle tracking. Ratio of the IVS apical strain to the RVFW strain (apical ratio) was calculated. Systolic excursion of the RVFW apical segment (apical excursion) was measured in the anatomical M-mode from the apical four-chamber view.Results The McConnell's sign was observed in 23 (43.4 %) of 53 patients with PE and in 16 (53.3 %) of 30 patients with RVMI (p&gt;0.05). Irrespective of the cause for the RV damage, patients with the McConnell's sign had higher values of the apical ratio (1.69±0.50 vs. 0.95±0.22; p&lt;0.001; cutoff point, 1.18) and apical excursion (7.9±1.7 vs. 2.6±1.4 mm; p&lt;0.001; cutoff point, 5.0 mm). Apical excursion closely correlated with the value of apical ratio (r=0.65; p&lt;0.001) but not with the RVFW apical segment strain (r= -0.07; p&gt;0.05).Conclusion Incidence of the McConnell's sign was similar in patients with PE and RVMI. McConnell's sign is based on a passive systolic shift of the RVFW apical segment, which develops during contraction of the IVS apical segment. The greater the ratio of IVS apical segment to RBFW global strain the greater the amplitude of this shift. With the ratio value of 1.18 or more, the systolic shift of RVFW apical segment was &gt;5 mm, which was visually perceived as the McConnell's sign.

Carotid intima-media thickness and subclinical left heart dysfunction in the general population

Background and aimsAlthough carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is an established marker of atherosclerosis and carries independent risk for cardiovascular disease, its possible association with subclinical cardiac dysfunction has not been extensively evaluated. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and peak left atrial longitudinal systolic strain (PALS) can detect subclinical left heart dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the association between carotid IMT and subclinical left heart dysfunction in a sample of the general population without overt cardiac disease. MethodsWe examined 1161 participants who underwent extensive cardiovascular examination. Ultrasonography of common carotid artery was performed for the measurement of maximal carotid IMT. LVGLS and PALS were assessed by 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. ResultsMean age was 62 ± 12 years, and 56% were male. The prevalence of abnormal LVGLS (>-18.6%) and PALS (<31.4%) was greatest in the upper quartile of carotid IMT (both p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, carotid IMT was associated with abnormal LVGLS (adjusted odds ratio = 1.33 per 1SD increase of IMT, p = 0.003) as well as PALS (adjusted odds ratio = 1.33 per 1SD increase of IMT, p = 0.005) independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, echocardiographic parameters including LV ejection fraction, LV mass index and diastolic dysfunction, and pertinent laboratory parameters. The independent association between carotid IMT and PALS persisted even after adjustment for LVGLS. ConclusionsParticipants with increased IMT had significantly impaired LV and LA function in an unselected community-based cohort. This association may be involved in the higher incidence of cardiovascular disease in individuals with increased carotid IMT.

Cardiac magnetic resonance longitudinal strain analysis in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A comparison with speckle-tracking echocardiography.

Strain analysis with speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is considered superior to ejection fraction for ventricular function assessment in different clinical scenarios. Feature tracking (FT) permits cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) strain analysis in routinely acquired cine images. This study evaluated the feasibility of CMR-FT and its agreement with STE in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). An echocardiogram and CMR were performed in 128 patients who underwent primary percutaneous revascularisation after a STEMI. Adequate strain analysis was obtained by both techniques in 98 patients and peak systolic longitudinal strain (LS) was assessed with STE and CMR-FT. Of 1568 myocardial segments, 97.2% were correctly tracked with STE and 97.7% with CMR-FT. For global LS, STE showed a mean of -14.8 ± 3.3% and CMR-FT -13.7 ± 3.0%, with good agreement between modalities [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.826; bias -1.09%; limits of agreement (LOA) ± 4.2%]. On the other hand, segmental LS agreement was only moderate, with an ICC of 0.678 (bias -1.14%; LOA ± 11.76%) and the ICC ranged from 0.538 at the basal antero-lateral segment to 0.815 at the apical lateral segment. Finally, both STE and CMR-FT showed excellent intra- and inter-observer reproducibility (ICC > 0.9). CMR-FT provides LS with similar feasibility to STE and both techniques showed good agreement for global LS, although agreement at segmental level was only moderate. CMR-FT showed excellent reproducibility, strengthening its robustness and potential for both research and clinical applications.

Effects of Pirfenidone on Echocardiographic Parameters of Left Ventricular Structure and Function in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Abstract Aim: Pirfenidone is a novel anti-fibrotic agent utilized in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It has been implicated in mitigating myocardial fibrosis and left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction in animal models. However, its impact on LV mechanics in humans remains unknown. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of pirfenidone on echocardiographic parameters of LV function and structure in patients with IPF. Methods: A total of 124 patients with IPF were included in this study: 64 patients treated with pirfenidone (treatment group) and 60 patients not taking pirfenidone (control group), who had serial pretreatment/baseline and posttreatment/follow-up echocardiograms done within a time frame of four years. Changes in the means of parameters of LV function (systolic, diastolic, and global longitudinal strain) and LV structure (mass and volume indices) were compared between the treatment and control groups. This was followed by a subgroup analysis that included only 88 patients (47 treated, 41 controls) with echocardiographic evidence of myocardial dysfunction at baseline (defined as an ejection fraction of ≤45, or diastolic dysfunction stage 1 or more) in addition to a known clinical diagnosis of congestive heart failure. To account for potential confounders, a secondary adjusted analysis by way of 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was carried out. This yielded a sample consisting of 62 patients with 56 patients in the subgroup cohort. Results: Patients in the treatment group were significantly younger (69.4 vs. 77 years, p&lt;0.001) and had relatively lower forced vital capacity (69.9% vs. 80.6%, p = 0.005) in comparison to the control group. However, after PSM, the age demographics were comparable between both groups (72.18 vs. 72.15, p = 0.9). In the primary unadjusted analysis, there was no statistically significant change in any of the mean parameters of LV function and structure after pirfenidone administration when compared to the control group. Furthermore, no significant differences were noted in the subgroup cohort. Such findings were re-demonstrated after a secondary analysis with PSM. Conclusion: From an echocardiographic perspective, pirfenidone had no significant effects on LV structure and function in patients with IPF, even in patients with more overt cardiac dysfunction.

Decreased longitudinal systolic strain rate of the left atrial myocardium as one of the earliest markers of atrial cardiomyopathy in subjects with brief paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Brief paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (BPAF) is defined as episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF) lasting less than 30 seconds and can be a sign of atrial cardiomyopathy. We aimed to evaluate left atrial (LA) function in patients with BPAF. This cross-sectional prospective study consecutively recruited 42 patients with BPAF on 24 to 48 hour electrocardiography Holter monitoring. We selected 50 volunteers as the control group after 24 hours electrocardiography Holter monitoring. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed to evaluate the longitudinal deformation variables of LA function. Strain rate during LA reservoir phase was lower (P = .018) in patients with BPAF (2.0 ± 0.4 second-1 ) than in controls (2.2 ± 0.5 second-1 ). This difference remained significant after adjustments for left ventricular ejection fraction, LA maximal volume, and diabetes (β = 0.222, P = .036). Strain during LA reservoir, conduit, and contraction phases and strain rate during the conduit and contraction phases were not significantly different between the two groups. The reservoir function of the LA evaluated by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was lower in subjects than that without BPAF.