Low Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Group Research Articles

The Impact of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Echocardiographic Parameters in Patients with Chronic Total Occlusion of the Coronary Arteries with Diverse Left Ventricular Ejection Fractions: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Background: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the coronary arteries presents a significant challenge in the management of coronary artery disease, with diverse clinical manifestations and implications for patients with varying left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on echocardiographic parameters in patients with CTO and different LVEF, so as to optimize the care and outcomes of patients. Methods: We selected patients with CTO of coronary arteries treated at our hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 consecutively in this study. The patients were divided into two groups based on their LVEF: the low to moderate LVEF (<50%) group and the high LVEF group. Echocardiographic parameters, medication use, and demographic characteristics were assessed before and after PCI. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare changes in LVEF, left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and left ventricular wall motion score (LVWMS) between the two LVEF groups. Results: A total of 100 patients including 67 patients with Low & Mid-range LVEF and 33 patients with High LVEF were included. Patients in the low and mid-range LVEF group demonstrated significant improvements in LVEF (p = 0.010), LVESV (p = 0.013), LVEDV (p = 0.034), GLS (p = 0.014), and LVWMS (p = 0.014) following PCI. In contrast, no significant changes in these parameters were observed in the high LVEF group after PCI. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that PCI leads to significant improvements in LVEF, LVESV, LVEDV, GLS, and LVWMS in patients with low to moderate LVEF, indicating potential benefits of revascularization in this patient subset.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Based Ischemic Injury Pattern in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Sensu Left Ventricular Global Systolic Function.

The purpose of the study was to identify factors characterizing a decrease in LV global systolic function in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after revascularization using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based ischemic injury pattern and laboratory parameters sensu left ventricular global systolic function. A total of 109 STEMI patients were examined. The patients underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI with a 1.5 Tesla GE SIGNA Voyager (GE HealthCare, Chicago, IL, USA) on the 7th-10th days from the onset of the disease. According to cardiac MRI analysis, the patients were divided into the following groups with regard to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values: Group 1-patients with LVEF ≥ 50%; group 2-patients with mildly reduced LVEF 40-49%; group 3-patients with low LVEF < 40%. A predominance of most parameters of the ischemic injury pattern was noted in patients with mildly reduced and low LVEF versus patient group with LVEF ≥ 50%. Some risk factors for a decrease in LVEF < 50% systolic function in STEMI patients after revascularization were revealed: male gender; time from the onset of the anginal attack to revascularization; coronary artery status; several LV parameters; ischemic injury characteristics; natriuretic peptide and troponin I levels.

Causes and prognosis analysis of hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction in intensive care unit patients with sepsis

To analyze the causes of hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in sepsis patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and its impact on prognosis. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data of 273 sepsis patients admitted to the department of critical care medicine of the Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University from January 2018 to October 2021 were collected including gender, age, severity score, comorbidities, source of infection, vital signs, transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) parameters, fluid intake and output, vasoactive drug dose, therapeutic measures and prognostic indicators. The patients were divided into normal LVEF group (LVEF 0.55-0.70), low LVEF group (LVEF < 0.55) and hyperdynamic LVEF group (LVEF > 0.70) according to the TTE examination results within 7 days of ICU admission. The clinical indicators among the three groups were compared and analyzed, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen risk factors for the development of hyperdynamic LVEF in patients with sepsis. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between the mortality of different types of LVEF and clinical variables. Among 273 patients, 20 patients with severe valvular or cardiomyopathy at admission and those who did not completed cardiac ultrasound within 7 days of ICU admission were excluded. A total of 253 patients were finally enrolled, including 169 patients in the normal LVEF group, 40 patients in the low LVEF group, and 44 patients in the hyperdynamic LVEF group. There were statistically significant differences in age, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, central venous pressure (CVP), heart rate (HR), oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), blood lactate (Lac), urine output, vasoactive drug dose, ratio of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, chronic liver disease, cancer, invasive mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy (RRT), and incidence of septic shock among the different types of LVEF groups. TTE results analysis showed that the hyperdynamic LVEF group had higher stroke volume (SV) and cardiac index (CI) than those in the normal LVEF and low LVEF groups, lower systemic vascular resistance (SVR) than that in the normal LVEF and low LVEF groups, and an increased E/A ratio. The 90-day mortality in the hyperdynamic LVEF group was significantly higher than that in the normal LVEF and low LVEF groups [59.1% (26/44) vs. 24.9% (42/169), 32.5% (13/40), both P < 0.05]. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that chronic liver disease [odds ratio (OR) = 1.712, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.912-3.234, P < 0.001], cancer (OR = 2.784, 95%CI was 1.296-6.151, P < 0.001), HR (OR = 1.026, 95%CI was 1.014-1.038, P < 0.001), vasoactive drug dose (OR = 1.133, 95%CI was 1.009-1.291, P < 0.001), and invasive mechanical ventilation (OR = 2.141, 95%CI was 1.285-3.651, P < 0.001) were independent factors for hyperdynamic LVEF in ICU sepsis patients. Correlation analysis showed that the mortality of hyperdynamic LVEF, normal LVEF and low LVEF patients was positively correlated with vasoactive drug dose (r value was 0.251, 0.361, 0.289, respectively, all P < 0.001). The mortality of the hyperdynamic LVEF patients was negatively correlated with SVR (r = -0.545, P < 0.001). Chronic liver disease, cancer, HR, vasoactive drugs dose, and invasive mechanical ventilation are independent risk factors for hyperdynamic LVEF in patients with sepsis. Hyperdynamic LVEF is positively associated with mortality in sepsis patients, which may be due to the the decrease of SVR caused by septic vascular paralysis.

PS-C14-6: THE USEFULNESS OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN TO PREDICT IMPROVING LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION AFTER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT IN AORTIC REGURGITATION PATIENTS

Background: We aimed to clarify the predictive factors for left ventricular (LV) function after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with aortic regurgitation (AR). Methods and Results: Among 555 patients who underwent AVR at our institution from January 2015 to December 2020, we enrolled 44 patients for whom only AVR (or AVR + aortic replacement) was performed. We defined LV dysfunction under any of the following criteria: LV ejection fraction (LVEF) &lt; 50%, LV diastolic dimension&gt; 65 mm, LV systolic dimension (LVDs) &gt; 50 mm, or LVDs/body surface area &gt; 25 mm/m2. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed high natural logarithm (ln) C reactive protein (CRP) and low LVEF in the pre AVR period significantly associated with LV dysfunction after AVR (ln CRP: odds ratio [OR] 4.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44 to 11.98, p &lt; 0.01; LVEF: OR 0.79, 95%CI 0.65 to 0.97, p &lt; 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an area under curve of CRP and LVEF in the pre AVR period for LV dysfunction after AVR of 0.84 and 0.83, respectively. Upon dividing the patients into four groups according to cutoff values of CRP (0.13 mg/dL) and LVEF (50%) in the pre AVR period, no patients (0/19) had LV dysfunction in the low CRP (&lt; 0.13 mg/dL) and high LVEF ( 50%) group, and all patients (5/5) in the high CRP ( 0.13 mg/dL) and low LVEF (&lt; 50%) group had LV dysfunction after AVR. Conclusion: High CRP level was significantly and independently associated with LV dysfunction after AVR. Combination of CRP and LVEF values might be useful for predicting improvement in LV function after AVR.

The usefulness of C-reactive protein to predict improving left ventricular function after aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic regurgitation

BackgroundWe aimed to clarify the predictive factors for left ventricular (LV) function after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with aortic regurgitation (AR). Methods and resultsAmong 555 patients who underwent AVR at our institution from January 2015 to December 2020, we enrolled 44 patients for whom only AVR (or AVR + aortic replacement) was performed. We defined LV dysfunction under any of the following criteria: LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <50 %, LV diastolic dimension >65 mm, LV systolic dimension (LVDs) >50 mm, or LVDs/body surface area > 25 mm/m2. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed high natural logarithm (ln) C-reactive protein (CRP) and low LVEF in the pre-AVR period significantly associated with LV dysfunction after AVR (ln CRP: odds ratio [OR] 4.15, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.44–11.98, p < 0.01; LVEF: OR 0.79, 95%CI 0.65–0.97, p < 0.05). Receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed an area under curve of CRP and LVEF in the pre-AVR period for LV dysfunction after AVR of 0.84 and 0.83, respectively. Upon dividing the patients into four groups according to cutoff values of CRP (0.13 mg/dL) and LVEF (50 %) in the pre-AVR period, no patients (0/19) had LV dysfunction in the low CRP (<0.13 mg/dL) and high LVEF (≥50 %) group, and all patients (5/5) in the high CRP (≥0.13 mg/dL) and low LVEF (<50 %) group had LV dysfunction after AVR. ConclusionHigh CRP level was significantly and independently associated with LV dysfunction after AVR. Combination of CRP and LVEF values might be useful for predicting improvement in LV function after AVR.

Prognostic evaluation of patients benefiting from a trans aortic valve replacement according to the type of aortic stenosis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Aortic Stenosis (AS) is a common condition in patients over 75 years. Latest ESC recommendations differentiate 4 types of AS according to: Indexed Stroke Volume (SVi), mean gradient and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of our study is to evaluate prognosis of patients who have had a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), in terms of mortality, according to the 4 types of AS. Methods This study compares prognosis of 620 patients who had TAVR between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018. Patients were classified into 4 groups according to AS type: high gradient; low gradient, low flow, low LVEF; low gradient, low flow, normal LVEF; low gradient, normal flow. Results 69 patients (11.1%) died within 12 months of the procedure: 49 in the high gradient group (9.4%); 13 in the low gradient, low flow, low LVEF group (47.1%); 1 in the low gradient, low flow, normal LVEF group (5%); 6 in the low gradient, normal flow, normal LVEF group (18.2%). All-cause mortality at one year follow-up is higher in low-gradient, low-flow, altered LVEF group (p = 0.0004) than in other groups. Patients in this group were significantly more often admitted for heart failure than patients in high-gradient group (p = 0.009). Conclusion A complete echocardiography evaluation is needed to evaluate AS, its severity and type. Patients in the low gradient, low flow, low LVEF group have an independent risk of mortality at 12 months higher than other groups and are more hospitalized than patients in the high gradient group.

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease Pathology in Cognitively Normal Older Adults: The CABLE Study.

Heart failure has been considered as a potential modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), an indicator of cardiac dysfunction, has also been associated with cognitive aging. However, the effect of LVEF on Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is still less known. We aimed to investigate the associations of LVEF with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for AD in cognitively normal elders. A total of 423 cognitively normal individuals without heart failure were included from the Chinese Alzheimer's Biomarker and LifestylE (CABLE) study. Participants were divided into low LVEF group (50%≤LVEF < 60%) and high LVEF group (LVEF≥60%). The associations of LVEF with CSF AD biomarkers including CSF amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42), total-tau (t-tau), and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) were analyzed using multivariate linear regression models. Participants with low LVEF had higher levels of CSF t-tau (β= -0.009, p = 0.006) and t-tau/Aβ42 ratios (β= -0.108, p = 0.026). Subgroup analyses showed that the associations only existed in female and middle-aged groups (< 65 years old). Besides, participants with low LVEF had higher levels of CSF p-tau (β= -0.002, p = 0.043) in middle-aged group. In conclusion, our findings revealed the associations between LVEF and AD pathology, which may provide new insights into AD prevention through maintaining cardiac function.

Can Glypican-6 Level Predict Ejection Fraction Decline After Myocardial Infarction?

The main goals in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome are to prevent myocardial ischemia, damage, and possible complications. Accordingly, we evaluated the predictive value of glypican-6 (GPC6) for cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). Baseline plasma GPC6 levels were measured in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute MI. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured at baseline and at 6 months with transthoracic echocardiography. Reduced LVEF persisted in 89 out of 276 patients after 6 months. The majority of the patients were male (n = 198, 72%) and the mean age was 57.8 ± 10.8 years. Glypican-6, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and high-sensitive troponin levels were significantly lower in the improved LVEF group compared with the low LVEF group (10.54 ± 4.46 vs 6.98 ± 3.34 ng/mL, P < .001; 500 pg/mL [range, 300-600 pg/mL] vs 350 pg/mL [range, 200-550 pg/mL], P = .008; 396 pg/mL [range, 159-579 pg/mL] vs 300 pg/mL [range, 100-500 pg/mL], P = .016, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed the SYNTAX Score 2, GPC6, and NT-proBNP as significant independent predictors of low LVEF (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.064, P = .041; HR: 1.215, P < .001; HR: 1.179, P < .001). Glypican-6 may prove to be useful for the detection of low LVEF development in patients undergoing PCI following MI.

Periprocedural and clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions in patients with low- and mid-range ejection fractions

BackgroundThe benefit and safety of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to chronic total occlusions (CTO) in patients with low and mid-range left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) continue to be evidence limited. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of LVEF in patients undergoing CTO PCI and to evaluate the mid-term clinical outcome of those with low and mid-range LVEF. We assessed the periprocedural and mid-term outcomes of 75 patients undergoing CTO PCIs according to pre-procedural LVEF: group (N), ≥ 50% (normal, nom.= 25); group (M), 40-49% (mid-range, nom.= 25); and group (L), < 40% (low, nom.= 25); within 6 months of follow-up.ResultsThe prevalence of DM and chronic kidney disease (CKD) was significantly higher in low LVEF group (60%, p = 0.04 and 48%, p = 0.01 respectively). Apart from significantly lower contrast volume in patients with low LVEF (p = 0.04), there was no significant difference between the three groups regarding the procedural time, SYNTAX score and J-CTO score. We noticed similar procedural success in the three groups (88% vs. 84% vs. 76%, p = 0.521). LVEF category failed to predict procedural success (OR = 0.652, p = 0.268). There was a highly significant improvement in angina 6 months following intervention in normal LVEF group (p value < 0.001). Grade of dyspnea significantly improved 6 months following intervention in mid-range LVEF and low LVEF groups (p value = 0.04 and 0.031 respectively). There was no significant difference between the three groups regarding the reported MACCEs (12% vs. 16% vs. 28%, p = 0.268).ConclusionCTO PCI represents an efficient and safe strategy in patients with low and mid-range LVEFs. Mid-term outcomes in these patients were significantly improved following successful CTO PCI, without higher risk of MACCE at 6 months follow-up.

Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function recovery post percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions in patients with low and mid-range left ventricular ejection fractions.

Coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a frequent condition encountered in cardiac catheterization laboratory with a prevalence of about 20%. Through literature, data are scarcely reported regarding the left ventricular (LV) function recovery post CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with low (<40%) and mid-range (40%-49%) LV ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of this study was to assess the echocardiographic outcomes of CTO patients with low and mid-range LVEF successfully revascularized at 6-month follow-up. This prospective study included 75 patients with at least one CTO of an epicardial coronary artery proved by previous diagnostic coronary angiography with PCI attempt indication, and successfully revascularized. They were equally divided according to LVEF into three groups, and echocardiographic remodeling indices were assessed at baseline and 6months post PCI. Our study showed significant improvement of LVEF, S-wave velocity by tissue doppler imaging (TDI), LV wall-motion score (LVWMS), and LV systolic sphericity index (LVSIS) 6months post CTO PCI in low LVEF group, and a significant improvement in LVEF, S-wave velocity, and LVWMS in mid-range LVEF group (P<.05). The delta change in LVEF was significantly more in low LVEF group, compared to the other two groups (F=4.739, P<.05). Successful CTO PCI in patients with low and mid-range LVEF is associated with significant improvement of LVEF and other indices of myocardial remodeling after 6months of follow-up.

Outcomes of Conventional Cardiac Surgery in Patients With Severely Reduced Ejection Fraction in the Modern Era

This study evaluates the outcomes of conventional cardiac surgery in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 25% or less. Patients with preoperative low LVEF (25% or less) undergoing The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) indexed cardiac operations from 2010 to 2018 were included. The primary outcome was survival. Secondary outcomes included major postoperative complications and readmission rates. Multivariable Cox regression was utilized for risk adjustment. Subanalyses evaluated the effect of preoperative inotropes as well as the impact of low LVEF on survival and readmission compared with propensity matched patients with LVEF greater than 25%. In all, 9467 patients underwent STS-indexed cardiac operations during the study period, including 588 with LVEF of 25% or less. The low LVEF group included 397 (67.5%) isolated coronary artery bypass graft, 51 (8.67%) isolated valve, and 140 (23.8%) concomitant coronary artery bypass graft and valve operations. Survival of low LVEF patients was not affected by operative procedure but instead by traditional risk factors such as advanced age and medical comorbidities. Freedom from hospital readmission for heart failure was 57.2% at 5-year follow-up. Patients receiving preoperative inotropes had reduced survival, although the majority were still alive at 5 years (53.1% vs 64.9%, P= .002). In addition, propensity matched patients with LVEF 25% or less and LVEF greater than 25% had similar survival and hazards for mortality at 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year follow-up. Despite a high-risk profile, patients with reduced preoperative LVEF can undergo conventional cardiac surgery with acceptable outcomes. The majority of patients, including those receiving preoperative inotropes, were alive and free from heart failure readmissions at 5 years.

Left Ventricular Function Recovery After Transapical TAVR in Patients With Previous Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

The transapical (TA) approach is an alternative access technique for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. The impact of prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and how it affects left ventricular function recovery is not well defined. Patients who had TAVR at a single center between June 2012 and December 2016 were reviewed. High-risk patients who underwent the procedure via a TA approach were divided into 2 groups based on their history of CABG surgery. Postoperative outcomes were compared between groups. CABG/TA-TAVR patients were subdivided into 2 per baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%. The changes in LVEF and valve function at follow-up (1 to 12 months) were analyzed using paired t-tests. Of 923 cases in total, 183 (19.8%) were performed via a TA approach. The mean ± SD Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score of TA patients was 10.2 ± 4.6. Forty-nine (27%) had a surgical history of CABG. Overall all-cause mortality rates at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years were similar for both groups (P = 0.59, P = 0.64, P = 0.78). Subgrouping of CABG-TAVR patients (n = 49) identified 24 patients (49%) with LVEF ≥50% vs. 25 (51%) with LVEF <50%. At 1-year follow-up, significant improvements in LVEF (low LVEF group) and valve function for both groups were observed. LVEF ≥50% group (LVEF: ∆: -3%, P = 0.878; aortic valve area [AVA]: ∆: 1.3 cm2, P < 0.001; mean gradient: ∆: -38 mmHg, P < 0.001); LVEF <50% group (LVEF: ∆: 10%, P = 0.01; AVA: ∆: 1.3 cm2, P < 0.001; MG: ∆: -31 mmHg, P < 0.001). TA-TAVR can be safely performed with acceptable postoperative outcomes in patients with a history of CABG surgery. In those with reduced EF, significant improvements in LV and valve functions are seen at 1-year follow-up.

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and central venous pressure in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients

BackgroundThe tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is commonly recommended for estimating the right ventricular systolic function. The central venous pressure (CVP), which is determined by venous return and right heart function, was found to be associated with right ventricular outflow fractional shortening. This study thus aimed to investigate the relationship between the TAPSE and CVP in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients.MethodsThis is a prospective observational study. From October 1 to December 31, 2017, patients admitted to the intensive care unit with CVP monitoring and controlled mechanical ventilation were screened for enrolment. Echocardiographic parameters, including the TAPSE, mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and internal diameter of inferior vena cava (dIVC), and haemodynamic parameters, including the CVP, were collected.ResultsSeventy-four patients were included. Thirty-one were included in the low LVEF (< 55%) group, and 43 were included in the high LVEF (≥55%) group. In the high LVEF group, the TAPSE and CVP were not correlated (r = − 0.234, P = 0.151). In the low LVEF group, partial correlation analysis indicated that the TAPSE and CVP were correlated (r = − 0.516, P = 0.006), and multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that the TAPSE was independently associated with the CVP (standard coefficient: − 0.601, p < 0.001). Additionally, in the low LVEF group, a ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve of the TAPSE for the detection of CVP greater than 8 mmHg was 0.860 (95% confidence interval: 0.730–0.991; P = 0.001). The optimum cut-off value was 1.52 cm, which resulted in a sensitivity of 75.0%, a specificity of 86.7%, a positive predictive value of 84.6% and a negative predictive value of 77.8%.ConclusionsThe TAPSE is inversely correlated with the CVP in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients who have a LVEF less than 55%.

In-hospital outcomes after rotational atherectomy in patients with low ejection fraction

Objectives. This study evaluated angiographic success and in-hospital outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with rotational atherectomy (RA) in patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Design. Between January 2010 and March 2014, 272 consecutive patients with heavily calcified lesions underwent elective PCI with RA. Of these, 33 patients had LVEF ≤35% (low LVEF group), whereas 237 patients had LVEF >35% (preserved LVEF group). The primary endpoint was angiographic success and in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE). MACE included death from any cause, postprocedure onset MI, emergency coronary artery bypass grafting, and target vessel revascularization. The secondary endpoints were MACE and the components within 30days after PCI. The components of MACE were evaluated. Results. Angiographic success, defined as <30% residual stenosis with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow 3 at final angiography, was achieved in all patients without fatal complications. Intra-aortic ballon pumping (IABP) was used significantly more frequently in the low LVEF group compared with the preserved LVEF group (15.2% vs. 2.1%, p = .003). There were no significant differences between groups regarding in-hospital and clinical outcomes within 30 days following PCI. Conclusion. If medications and mechanical support were appropriately performed, the angiographic success rate and in-hospital MACE rate of PCI with RA in patients with low LVEF could be expected to have good outcomes similar to those for patients with preserved LVEF.

Meta-analysis of Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias After Improvement in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction During Follow-Up in Patients With Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, there are limited data on the long-term benefit of ICD therapy in patients whose LVEF subsequently improves. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of LVEF improvement on ICD therapy during follow-up. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects modeling. Sixteen studies with 3,959 patients were included in our analysis. Study arms were defined by LVEF improvement at follow-up (improved LVEF [>35%]: 1,622; low LVEF [≤35%] 2,337). Mean age (64.8 vs 64.9years, p= 0.97) was similar, whereas men were overrepresented in the persistent low LVEF group (79% vs 72%, p <0.001). Appropriate ICD therapy rate was 9.7% (improved LVEF) versus 21.8% (low LVEF) over a median follow-up period of 2.9years. In the meta-analysis, improved LVEF group had significantly lower (3.3% vs 7.2% per year IRR 0.52; CI 0.38 to 0.70; p <0.001) appropriate ICD therapies which was uniformly seen across all subgroups (ICD-only studies: IRR 0.59; p= 0.004) (cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator-only studies: IRR 0.31; p= 0.002) (super-responder studies [mean LVEF > 45%]: IRR 0.53; p= 0.002). Inappropriate ICD therapy rates were, however, similar in both groups (3.01% vs 2.56% per year IRR 0.76; CI 0.43 to 1.36; p= 0.35). All-cause mortality rates in our meta-analysis favored (3.63% vs 8.23% per year IRR 0.49; CI 0.35 to 0.69; p <0.001) the improved LVEF group. In conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrates that an improvement in LVEF is associated with a significantly reduced risk of ventricular arrhythmia and mortality. However, inappropriate ICD therapy rates remain similar.

Long-term Clinical Outcomes in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Objective: The purpose of this study was to define the effect of the changes of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on long-term major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: Clinical analysis was performed on 1,188 AMI patients who completed follow- up 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography after one year and clinical follow-up for 5 years. These patients were divided into three groups according to the LVEF change ratio: group A [increased LVEF change ratio, N=626], group B [decreased LVEF change ratio<20%, N=414], group C [decreased LVEF change ratio≥20%, N=148]. Results: Initial low LVEF group and normal LVEF group showed no differences in MACEs. The mean initial and follow-up LVEF were 54.4±12.2% and 60.4±12.3% in the group A, 54.6±13.0% and 47.9±12.1% in the group B, and 56.5±12.6% and 39.9±11.6% in the group C (p=0.71). Total MACEs occurred in 62 (9.9%) patients in the group A, 83 (20.0%) patients in the group B, 44 (29.7%) patients in the group C during 5-year clinical follow-up (p=0.01). Initial low EF (<45%) was not a risk factor for long-term MACEs (Odd ratio (OR), 1.686; 95% confidence index (CI), 0.861-2.862, p=0.065), but the LVEF change ratio was a strong risk factor for long-term MACEs (OR, 3.731; 95% CI, 2.039-6.828, p=0.001). MACE-free survivals of patients with initial low LVEF and patients with low LVEF during follow-up period showed no significant differences (p=0.731). Conclusion: Initial low LVEF is not a predictor of long-term MACEs, but the decreased LVEF ratio during follow-up period is a strong predictor of long-term MACEs. (J Lipid Atheroscler 2016 June;5(1):37-47)

Central venous pressure in combination with visual left ventricular ejection fraction as an indicator of fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock

Objective To investigate the value of central venous pressure(CVP) combined with visual left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)as an indicator of fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock. Methods A retrospective analysis of 83 patients with septic shock receiving fluid challenge was conducted. The hemodynamic changes were evaluated with the pulse indicator continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) monitor, and all the patients were divided into two groups: the responded group(△CI% ≥ 15%)and the unresponded group(△CI < 15%), according to the change in CI(△CI%). Those patients were divided into several subgroups, including low CVP group(CVP < 8 mmHg) and high CVP group(CVP ≥ 8 mmHg), low LVEF group(LVEF < 50%) and high LVEF group(LVEF ≥ 50%), according to the initial value of CVP and LVEF. The changes in hemodynamic variables were compared before and after fluid challenge in each subgroup. The ability of CVP and visual LVEF was evaluated to predict fluid responsiveness with receiver operating characteristic curves. Results Fifty three (63.9%)patients responded to the fluid challenge, and lower CVP and higher LVEF patients were more frequency in responded group. The threshold value of 8 mmHg CVP for prediction of fluid responsiveness revealed the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.646(P=0.219), and 50% visual LVEF revealed AUC of 0.729(P=0.023). CVP in combination with visual LVEF for prediction of fluid responsiveness showed an AUC of 0.817 (P=0.001) with a sensitivity of 76.3% and a specificity of 88.2%. Conclusions Visual LVEF alone and combined with CVP can be used as an indicator of fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock. Key words: Central venous pressure; Heart ventricles/US; Ventricular function, left; Stroke volume; Shock/DI/PP; Hemodynamics

Left Ventricular Functional Recovery and Remodeling in Low-Flow Low-Gradient Severe Aortic Stenosis after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Speckle-tracking-derived global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a more sensitive method of detecting left ventricular (LV) functional recovery after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, it remains unknown whether LV function improves in patients with low-flow, low-gradient severe aortic stenosis (LFLGSAS) after TAVI. The aim of the present was to evaluate LV functional recovery and remodeling after TAVI in patients with LFLGSAS. Sixty-eight patients (57% men; mean age, 79.1 ± 7.1 years) with LFLGSAS treated with TAVI were evaluated. LV function and remodeling were investigated before TAVI and at 6 and 12 months after TAVI. All echocardiographic data were prospectively collected, and GLS was retrospectively analyzed. Among patients with LFLGSAS, 35 (52%) had low LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (<50%), and 33 (48%) had preserved LVEF (≥50%). The low-LVEF group had significantly more impaired GLS than the group with preserved LVEF (-8.3 ± 2.6% vs -13.3 ± 3.5%, P < .001). LV systolic function improved after TAVI in both groups. Although in the group of patients with low LVEF, all functional parameters improved, in the group of patients with preserved LVEF, only strain-derived parameters significantly improved. There were significant decreases in absolute LV wall thickness and relative wall thickness and a trend toward decreased LV mass index in both LVEF groups. LV volumes decreased significantly in those with low LVEF but not in those with preserved LVEF. Baseline GLS but not LVEF group was independently associated to GLS improvement at 12 months after TAVI. Patients with LFLGSAS with low and preserved LVEF had a significant improvement in LV function after TAVI, as assessed by GLS. Absolute and relative LV wall thickness decreased in both groups of patients, but only those with low LVEF had reductions in LV volumes.

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation results in greater improvement in cardiac function in patients with low versus normal left ventricular ejection fraction

It is still unknown whether left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) might affect the magnitude of improvement after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation on cardiac function in persistent or longstanding persistent AF (CAF) patients. We performed echocardiography in 35 patients with CAF before and after catheter ablation (CA). Patients were stratified by LVEF into two groups prior to CA-normal LVEF (≥50 % LVEF, N group, n = 24) and a low LVEF group (<50 % LVEF, L group, n = 11). Patients were followed at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after ablation. After 15.8 ± 7.4 months follow-up, the L group showed greater improvement in LVEF and left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF; N group vs L group: LVEF difference (%), 5 ±8 vs 20± 13, p < 0.01; LAEF difference (%), 11 ± 12 vs 21 ± 10, p < 0.05). LA maximal volume and E/e' showed the same tendency after ablation, although the extent of improvement was not statistically significant. Both groups showed almost the same time course of improvement up to 2 years, although the L group showed earlier recovery in LVEF. The greater improvement in several cardiac functions was seen in patients with greater LV dysfunction, after the CA for CAF.

Device therapy in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF): a new frontier?

Device therapy in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF): a new frontier?