LV Global Circumferential Strain Research Articles

Exercise-induced changes in left ventricular strain are affected by interleukin-6 activity: An exploratory analysis of a randomised-controlled trial in humans with abdominal obesity.

Whilst the exercise-induced myokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a beneficial role in cardiac structural adaptations, its influence on exercise-induced functional cardiac outcomes remains unknown. We hypothesised that IL-6 activity is required for exercise-induced improvements in left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS). In an exploratory study 52 individuals with abdominal obesity were randomised to 12weeks' high-intensity exercise or no exercise in combination with IL-6 receptor inhibition (IL-6i) or placebo. LV strain and volume measurements were assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance. Exercise improved LV GLS by -5.4% [95% CI: -9.1% to -1.6%] (P=0.007). Comparing the change from baseline in LV GLS in the exercise + placebo group (-4.8% [95% CI: -7.4% to -2.2%]; P<0.0004) to the exercise + IL-6i group (-1.1% [95% CI: -3.8% to 1.6%]; P=0.42), the exercise + placebo group changed -3.7% [95% CI: -7.4% to -0.02%] (P=0.049) more than the exercise + IL6i group. However, the interaction effect between exercise and IL-6i was insignificant (4.5% [95% CI: -0.8% to 9.9%]; P=0.09). Similarly, the exercise + placebo group improved LV global circumferential strain by -3.1% [95% CI: -6.0% to -0.1%] (P=0.04) more compared to the exercise + IL-6i group, yet we found an insignificant interaction between exercise and IL-6i (4.2% [95% CI: -1.8% to 10.3%]; P=0.16). There was no effect of IL-6i on exercise-induced changes to volume rates. This study underscores the importance of IL-6 in improving LV GLS in individuals with abdominal obesity suggesting a role for IL-6 in cardiac functional exercise adaptations.

Highlights of right ventricular characteristics of left ventricular noncompaction using 3D echocardiography

Highlights of right ventricular characteristics of left ventricular noncompaction using 3D echocardiography.The aspects of right ventricular volumes and function investigated with 3D echocardiography in a large cohort of left ventricular noncompaction morphology (LVNC) population remains unclear.The objective of our research was to study the left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular parameters using 3D echocardiography and analyze the clinical features of a LVNC population with preserved LV ejection fraction (EF > 50 %) in comparison with healthy controls (HC).We selected 41 LVNC subjects with preserved LV function (EF: 52.91 ± 3 %, male n = 26) and without any comorbidities and compared them with an age and sex-matched HC. Three dimensional endocardial contours were evaluated to determine the following LV and RV parameters: end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic (ESV) volumes, stroke volume, EF, LV global longitudinal and circumferential strain and RV septal and free wall longitudinal strain.Regarding the clinical characteristics, the family involvement had a notable proportion, accounting for 51%. The EF and strain values of the LVNC population were significantly decreased in both RV and LV compared to HC. Although the LV volumes of the LVNC group were significantly elevated, the RV volumetric parameters did not differ significantly compared to controls. We found significant correlations between LV and RV volumetric and functional parameters and linear regression models showed that LV EDV and LV ESV determined the RV volumetric values.While the alteration and relationship of the RV parameters may represent the potential of biventricular involvement, clinical characteristics of the LVNC group underlines the necessity of monitoring this population, even with preserved EF.

Myocardial Strain Measurements Derived From MR Feature-Tracking: Influence of Sex, Age, Field Strength, and Vendor

BackgroundCardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) is a novel technique for assessing myocardial deformation and dysfunction. However, a comprehensive assessment of normal values of strain parameters in all 4 cardiac chambers using different vendors is lacking. ObjectivesThis study aimed to characterize the normal values for myocardial strain in all 4 cardiac chambers and identify factors that contribute to variations in FT strain through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the CMR-FT published reports. MethodsThe investigators searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for myocardial strains of all 4 chambers measured by CMR-FT in healthy adults. The pooled means of all strain parameters were generated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed to identify the sources of variations. ResultsThis meta-analysis included 44 studies with a total of 3,359 healthy subjects. The pooled means of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS), LV global radial strain, and LV global circumferential strain (GCS) were −18.4% (95% CI: −19.2% to −17.6%), 43.7% (95% CI: 40.0%-47.4%), and −21.4% (95% CI: −22.3% to −20.6%), respectively. The pooled means of left atrial (LA)-GLS (corresponding to total strain, passive strain, and active strain) were 34.9% (95% CI: 29.6%-40.2%), 21.3% (95% CI: 16.6%-26.1%) and 14.3% (95% CI: 11.8%-16.8%), respectively. The pooled means of right ventricular (RV)-GLS and right atrial global longitudinal total strain were −24.0% (95% CI: −25.8% to −22.1%) and 36.3% (95% CI: 15.5%-57.0%), respectively. Meta-regression identified field strength (P < 0.001; I2 = 98.6%) and FT vendor (P < 0.001; I2 = 98.5%) as significant confounders contributing to heterogeneity of LV-GLS. The variations of LA-GLSactive were associated with regional distribution (P < 0.001; I2 = 97.3%) and FT vendor (P < 0.001; I2 = 97.4%). Differences in FT vendor were attributed to variations of LV-GCS and RV-GLS (P = 0.02; I2 = 98.8% and P = 0.01; I2 = 93.8%). ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the normal values of CMR-FT strain parameters in all 4 cardiac chambers in healthy subjects. Differences in FT vendor contributed to the heterogeneity of LV-GLS, LV-GCS, LA-GLSactive, and RV-GLS, whereas sex, age, and MR vendor had no effect on the normal values of CMR-FT strain measurements.

Subclinical systolic dysfunction detected by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography in adults with diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis of 6668 individuals with diabetes mellitus and 7218 controls

PurposeSpeckle tracking echocardiography (STE) can help to identify subclinical features of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). There is, however, significant heterogeneity in the reported strain values in literature. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare cardiac systolic strain values assessed by 2D-STE in asymptomatic adults with diabetes mellitus (DM) and healthy controls.MethodsFive databases were searched, and a total of 41 valid studies (6668 individuals with DM and 7218 controls) were included for analysis. Pooled mean in each group and mean difference (MD) for left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), LV global circumferential strain (LVGCS), LV global radial strain (LVGRS), LV longitudinal systolic strain rate (LVSR), left atrial reservoir strain (LARS) and right ventricular GLS (RVGLS) were assessed.ResultsPatients with DM had overall 2 units lower LVGLS than healthy subjects 17.5% [16.8, 18.3], vs 19.5 [18.7, 20.4], MD = − 1.96 [− 2.27, − 1.64]. Other strain values were also lower in patients with DM: LVGCS (MD = − 0.89 [− 1.26, − 0.51]); LVGRS (MD = − 5.03 [− 7.18, − 2.87]); LVSR (MD = − 0.06 [− 0.10, − 0.03]); LARS (MD = − 8.41 [− 11.5, − 5.33]); and RVGLS (MD = − 2.41 [− 3.60, − 1.22]). Meta-regression identified higher body mass index (BMI) as the single contributor to worse LVGLS, LVGCS and LVSR. Those with higher Hemoglobulin A1c had worse RVGLS.ConclusionMyocardial strains were reduced in whole heart in patients with DM. The largest reduction was observed in LA reservoir strain, followed by RVGLS and LVGLS. Higher BMI in patients with DM is associated with worse LV strain values.

There is more than just longitudinal strain: Prognostic significance of biventricular circumferential mechanics.

Despite the significant contribution of circumferential shortening to the global ventricular function, data are scarce concerning its prognostic value on long-term mortality. Accordingly, our study aimed to assess both left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) global longitudinal (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) using three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) to determine their prognostic importance. Three hundred fifty-seven patients with a wide variety of left-sided cardiac diseases were retrospectively identified (64 ± 15 years, 70% males) who underwent clinically indicated 3DE. LV and RV GLS, and GCS were quantified. To determine the prognostic power of the different patterns of biventricular mechanics, we divided the patient population into four groups. Group 1 consisted of patients with both LV GLS and RV GCS above the respective median values; Group 2 was defined as patients with LV GLS below the median while RV GCS above the median, whereas in Group 3, patients had LV GLS values above the median, while RV GCS was below median. Group 4 was defined as patients with both LV GLS and RV GCS below the median. Patients were followed up for a median of 41 months. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Fifty-five patients (15%) met the primary endpoint. Impaired values of both LV GCS (HR, 1.056 [95% CI, 1.027-1.085], p < 0.001) and RV GCS (1.115 [1.068-1.164], p < 0.001) were associated with increased risk of death by univariable Cox regression. Patients with both LV GLS and RV GCS below the median (Group 4) had a more than 5-fold increased risk of death compared with those in Group 1 (5.089 [2.399-10.793], p < 0.001) and more than 3.5-fold compared with those in Group 2 (3.565 [1.256-10.122], p = 0.017). Interestingly, there was no significant difference in mortality between Group 3 (with LV GLS above the median) and Group 4, but being categorized into Group 3 versus Group 1 still held a more than 3-fold risk (3.099 [1.284-7.484], p = 0.012). The impaired values of both LV and RV GCS are associated with long-term all-cause mortality, emphasizing the importance of assessing biventricular circumferential mechanics. Reduced RV GCS is associated with significantly increased risk of mortality even if LV GLS is preserved.

Evaluation of left atrial and left ventricular functions in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome before and after radiofrequency catheter ablation using three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is one of the most common congenital cardiac abnormalities among ventricular pre-excitation syndromes. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) treatment of accessory pathways (APs) in WPW patients is an established curative therapy restoring normal atrioventricular conduction. We have not encountered any studies evaluating both the LA and LV functions of these patients before and after RFCA with three dimensional-speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)). The purpose of the current study was to assess the LA and LV functions in patients with WPW syndrome before and after RFCA using 3D-STE. A total of 21 patients with WPW syndrome who had been scheduled for RFCA were prospectively recruited for this study. 3D-STE examinations of the patients were performed 12-24h before ablation and 1 month after ablation. The LV-global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) and LV-global circumferential strain (LV-GCS) were significantly depressed in the pre-RFCA WPW group than in the control group (-14.3±2.1vs. -21.5±2.2, p<.001; -12.6±1.8vs. -20.4±1.8, p<.001, respectively). The left atrial strain-reservoir (LAS-r) and LAS-active were significantly decreased in the pre-RFCA WPW group than in the control group (31.9±2.4vs. 48.8±2.6, p<.001; 11.7±2vs. 26.5±2.1, p<.001, respectively). The LV-GLS, LV-GCS, LAS-r, and LAS-active values improved after RFCA compared to before. The results of our study indicated that there are subclinical impairments in LV and LA myocardial dynamics in the apparently healthy WPW patients, and these deteriorations improve after RFCA of AP.

Pathophysiological alterations of left ventricular myocardial systolic function during normal pregnancy assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography: a prospective cohort echocardiography study.

By using conventional echocardiographic indices, cardiac pumping function remains unaltered during pregnancy. However, two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) can detect subclinical changes of myocardial function even in patients with normal and stable left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).The aim of this study was to evaluate LV systolic performance during normal low risk pregnancy by using both conventional 2D and 3D echo indices and 2D-STE. One hundred and twelve pregnant women without any history of heart disease were prospectively recruited. They underwent serial echocardiographic evaluation in each pregnancy trimester and 6 months after delivery (time indicated as 1,2,3 and 4). 2D LVEF, 3D LVEF, LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), LV global circumferential strain (LVGCS) and LV-twist were measured and compared to the control group (c). 2D-LVEF and 3D-LVEF were not significantly different among the three trimesters, postpartum and controls. LVGLS progressively decreased during pregnancy (1st :21.71 ± 2.13%, 2nd : 21.20 ± 2.30%, 3rd : 19.82 ± 2.10%, 4th : 21.81 ± 2.05%, c: 21.71 ± 2.2%, overall p < 0,001) which receded during puerperium. No significant difference was noted in LVGCS (1st : 18.08 ± 5.54%, 2nd : 18.57 ± 3.41%, 3rd :18.20 ± 3.33%, 4th : 17.95 ± 3.39%, c: 18.8 ± 2.2%, p > 0.3). LV-Twist was significantly higher in the 1st trimester compared to controls (p = 0.04) and remained constantly high during the rest of the pregnancy and puerperium (1st :13.80 ± 5.09°, 2nd :13.46 ± 5.35°, 3rd :13.58 ± 4.32°, 4th :13.37 ± 4.26°, c: 11.5 ± 4.3°). In low risk individuals with normal pregnancy, a redistribution of force occurs especially in the 3rd trimester. Longitudinal strain decreases, while torsional movement of the heart increases and counterbalances the temporal change of longitudinal systolic function. These changes would probably reflect the pathophysiological alterations related to pregnancy.

Three and two-dimensional cardiac mechanics by speckle tracking are predictors of outcomes in chagas heart disease

Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected infectious disease associated with early mortality and substantial disability. Three-dimensional speckle tracking (3D STE) may play a role in the evaluation of CD. We aim to characterize new echocardiographic variables in patients with CD and to assess the hypothesis that 3D STE may predict outcomes. Seventy-two patients with CD were included. Clinical and conventional 2D and 3D STE analysis were performed. Patients were followed up for 60 months. Clinical events were defined as hospitalization for heart failure, complex ventricular arrhythmias, heart transplant and all-cause death. Seventy-two patients were recruited and enrolled in three groups: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 0.40 (N = 22; reduced LVEF or rLVEF); 0.40 ≤ LVEF ≤ 0.50 (N = 10; mildly reduced LVEF or mrLVEF) and LVEF > 0.50 (N = 30; preserved LVEF or pLVEF). After a Cox model analysis, the top predictors of composite endpoints were 2D LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) ≤ − 11.3% (AUC = 0.87), 2D LV global circumferential strain (GCS) ≤ − 10.1% (AUC = 0.79), 3D LV GLS ≤ − 13% (AUC = 0.82), 3D LV area strain ≤ − 16% (AUC = 0.81) and right ventricle (RV) GLS ≤ − 17.2% (AUC = 0.78). Patients with CD and mrLVEF were morphologically similar to the rLVEF patients despite the benign evolution as the pLVEF group. RV GLS, 2D LV GLS, 2D LV GCS, 3D LV GLS, and 3D LV area strain are strong predictors of 60 months outcomes in patients with CD.

Comprehensive assessment of biventricular myocardial function by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in infants of gestational diabetic mothers.

No previous research provided a complete biventricular and multidirectional left ventricular (LV) functional assessment by two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in infants of gestational diabetic mothers (IGDM) METHODS: A total of 30 consecutive IGDM and 30 infants of healthy mothers were examined between March 2021 and July 2021. Both groups of infants underwent evaluation by neonatologist and 2D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) implemented with 2D-STE quantification of LV-global longitudinal strain (GLS), LV-global circumferential strain (GCS), LV-global radial strain (GRS) and right ventricular (RV)-GLS, within 3 days of life and at 40 days after birth. Predictors of persistent subclinical myocardial dysfunction, defined as a LVGLS less negative than -20% at 40-day follow-up, in IGDM population, were determined. At 2.2 ± 1.3 days after birth, LV-GLS (- 17.2 ± 1.9 vs. - 23.9 ± 3.8%), LV-GCS (- 17.9 ± 2.7 vs. - 27.3 ± 3.4%), LV-GRS (25.6 ± 3.4 vs. 35.8 ± 3.6%) and RV-GLS (- 17.6 ± 3.6 vs. - 22.6 ± 3.8%) were significantly impaired in IGDM than controls (all p < 0.001). At 36.8 ± 5.2 days of life, LV-GLS was still impaired (less negative than -20%) in 26.6% of IGDM. Maternal third trimester body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.89, 95%CI 1.05-3.39) and third trimester glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (OR 1.59, 95%CI 1.08-2.19) were independently associated with persistent LV-GLS impairment in IGDM. Maternal BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m2 and HbA1C ≥ 38 mmol/mol showed the maximum of sensitivity and specificity for predicting persistent subclinical myocardial dysfunction in IGDM at 40 days of life. IGDM have diffuse pattern of myocardial dysfunction during perinatal period. This dysfunction may be persistent up to 40 days of life in infants of GDM women with obesity and uncontrolled diabetes.

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Early Detection of Radiation Associated Cardiotoxicity With Chest Radiation.

BackgroundChest radiation therapy (RT) is known to be associated with cardiotoxicity. However, the changes in myocardial tissue characterization with radiation-induced cardiotoxicity are not well-understood.ObjectivesThis study sought to assess the changes in left ventricular function and tissue characterization using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients receiving RT.Materials and MethodsBetween June 2015 and July 2018, we enrolled patients with breast, lung cancer, or lymphoma with plan to receive chest radiation after chemotherapy. CMR was performed using a 1.5T scanner at baseline and 6 months after RT. Myocardial volume, function, strain analysis using feature tracking, and tissue characterization including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), T1, T2, T1ρ (rho), and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) were measured and compared using non-parametric methods.ResultsThe final cohort consisted of 16 patients, 11 of whom completed both baseline and follow-up CMRs. Patients were matched to 10 healthy controls. At baseline prior to RT, compared to controls, patients had lower global circumferential strain (GCS) (15.3 ± 2.2% vs.18.4 ± 2.1%, p = 0.004), and elevated T2 (47.9 ± 4.8 ms vs. 45.0 ± 1.5 ms, p = 0.04) and T1ρ values (78.4 ± 5.9 vs. 66.9 ± 4.6 ms, p < 0.001). Two patients had LGE. There was no significant difference in the average T1 values or ECV. There was a trend toward lower LV ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain (GLS). At 6-month follow-up after RT, there were no significant changes in all the CMR parameters.ConclusionAt 6-month following chest radiation therapy, there was no change in LV and RV EF, LV and RV GLS, LV GCS, and myocardial tissue characterization using LGE, T1, ECV, T2, and T1ρ in a small cohort of patients. However, the baseline T2 and T1ρ were elevated and LV GCS was reduced compared to controls indicating ongoing myocardial edema and subclinical dysfunction post-chemotherapy.

Myocardial Strain-Based on Regional Wall Motion Abnormalities Index : A Prognostic Marker of Incident Heart Failure. Cardiovascular MRI study from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Although several studies have investigated the prognostic value of the LV global circumferential strain for predicting the risk of heart failure (HF), very few studies have assessed the prognostic value of myocardial strain-based Regional Wall Motion Abnormalities (RWMA) index assessed by CMR tagging in asymptomatic individuals without a history of CVD. To assess the long-term prognostic value of myocardial strain and the RWMA index measured by tagged MRI for the prediction of CV events in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Participants of the MESA who underwent a baseline CMR study including cardiac-tagged MRI using HARP were analysed. The AHA classification with 16-segments was used for strain data. RWMA score was defined by the number of segments with regiona strain > −16% (cut-off defined by survival tree method). Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between RWMA index and incident HF. The survival tree method was used to determine the best cut-off to transform the RWMA score into a binary variable. Among the 1506 participants (age 63.3 ± 9.4 years, 54.6% men), 91 incident HFs were observed after a mean follow-up of 15.9 ± 3.1 years. RWMA score was associated with HF (HR 1.58, 95%CI [1.07-2.49], P = 0.002). Using an optimal cut-off to predict incident HF, RWMA > 66% of total myocardium was also associated with HF (HR 2.43, 95%CI [1.72-3.41], P < 0.001). After adjustment for traditional HF risk factors (age, male, ethnicity, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking and hypercholesterolemia), higher RWMA score and RWMA > 66% were both independently associated with HF (HR 1.57, 95%CI [1.02-2.32], P = 0.038 and HR 1.67, 95%CI [1.03-2.94], P = 0.002; respectively) ( Table 1 ). In a multi-ethnic population, RWMA index assessed by cardiac-tagged MRI is independently associated with incident HF.

Myocardial strain analysis in infants with pectus excavatum: A subtle method to detect myocardial impairment?

Myocardial strain analysis in infants with pectus excavatum: A subtle method to detect myocardial impairment?

Clinical relevance of cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking derived left ventricular strain in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation analysis with echocardiography has shown an additive value for risk stratification in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM). However, scarce data is available with the new cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) technique feature tracking, which allows strain evaluation from conventional cine sequences. Purpose Our aim is to analyze prognostic relevance of FT in NIDCM Methods Consecutive patients with NIDCM diagnosis and CMR at diagnosis were retrospectively included. LV global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain (GLS, GCS and GRS, respectively) were obtained from standard CMR cine sequences with a dedicated FT software. Their association with a composite endpoint (heart failure admission, implantable cardioverter defibrillator in secondary prevention, and death) was evaluated. Results FT derived strain was obtained in 98 patients (68±13 years, 72% males) with NIDCM, mostly idiopathic (75.5%). The vast majority showed a severely dilated LV (LVEDVi= 133.6±33.4 mL/m2) with severely impaired systolic function (LVEF= 29.5±9.6%), and in 38.8% of the cases fibrosis was demonstrated in late gadolium enhancement (LGE). During a 3.2 [2.2–4] years follow-up 25.5% had an admission due to heart failure, 5.1% received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator in secondary prevention, and 10.2% died. Only a trend towards worse GCS values (−7.1 vs −8.5%; p=0.10) was noted among patients with heart failure hospitalization. Mortality was associated with poorer GCS (−5.9 vs −7.9%; p=0.012) and GLS (−6.9 vs −9.6%; p=0.051) values, whereas GRS was not related with any prognostic variable. Exclusively GCS was associated with the composite endpoint (−6.7 vs −8.2%; p=0.035). Considering other morphological parameters with prognostic relevance (LVEF and LVEDVi), GCS was the only independent predictor (OR 1.15; p=0.038). A cut-off point &amp;lt;−8.2% was able to identify those patients with a worse clinical evolution (Figure, Log Rank 4.6; p=0.032) Conclusions In our series LV myocardial deformation analysis with FT has shown prognostic relevance in NIDCM, especially GCS determination. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Does chest wall conformation influence myocardial strain parameters in infants with pectus excavatum?

To investigate the possible influence of chest wall conformation on myocardial strain parameters in a consecutive population of infants with pectus excavatum (PE), noninvasively assessed by modified Haller index (MHI). Sixteen consecutive PE infants (MHI >2.5) and 44 infants with normal chest shape (MHI ≤2.5) entered in this prospective case-control study. All infants underwent evaluation by neonatologist, transthoracic echocardiography implemented with two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) analysis of both ventricles and MHI assessment (ratio of chest transverse diameter over the distance between sternum and spine), at two time points: within 3 days and at about 40 days of life. At 2.1 ± 1 days of life, compared to controls (MHI=2.01 ± 0.2), PE infants (MHI=2.76 ± 0.2) were diagnosed with significantly smaller cardiac chambers dimensions. Biventricular contractile function and hemodynamics were similar in both groups of infants. Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) (-16.0 ± 2.8 vs. -21.7 ± 2.2%), LV-global circumferential strain (GCS) (-16.3 ± 2.7 vs. -24.0 ± 5.2%), LV-global radial strain (GRS) (24.2 ± 3.0 vs. 31.5 ± 6.3%), and right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) (-16.0 ± 3.2 vs. -22.3 ± 4.4%) were significantly reduced in PE infants versus controls (all p < 0.001). A strong inverse correlation between MHI and the following parameters: LV-GLS (r=-0.92), LV-GCS (r=-0.88), LV-GRS (r=-0.87), and RVFWLS (r=-0.88), was demonstrated in PE infants, but not in controls, in perinatal period (all p < 0.001). Analogous results were obtained at 36.8 ± 5.2 days after birth. Abnormal chest anatomy progressively impairs myocardial strain parameters in PE infants. This impairment might reflect intraventricular dyssynchrony due to compressive phenomena rather than intrinsic myocardial dysfunction.

Atrial and Ventricular Structural and Functional Alterations in Obese Children.

Background and objectives: Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in the world. Obesity in children is defined as a body mass index (BMI) equal to or above the 95th percentile for age and sex. The aim of this study was to determine early changes in cardiac structure and function in obese children by comparing them with their nonobese peers, using echocardiography methods. Materials and methods: The study enrolled 35 obese and 37 age-matched nonobese children. Standardized 2-dimensional (2D), pulsed wave tissue Doppler, and 2D speckle tracking echocardiography were performed. The z-score BMI and lipid metabolism were assessed in all children. Results: Obese children (aged 13.51 ± 2.15 years; 20 boys; BMI z-score of 0.88 ± 0.63) were characterized by enlarged ventricular and atrial volumes, a thicker left ventricular posterior wall, and increased left ventricular mass. Decreased LV and RV systolic and diastolic function was found in obese children. Atrial peak negative (contraction) strain (−2.05% ± 2.17% vs. −4.87% ± 2.97%, p < 0.001), LV and RV global longitudinal strain (−13.3% ± 2.88% vs. −16.87% ± 3.39%; −12.51% ± 10.09% vs. −21.51% ± 7.42%, p < 0.001), and LV global circumferential strain (−17.0 ± 2.7% vs. −19.5 ± 2.9%, p < 0.001) were reduced in obese children. LV torsion (17.94° ± 2.07° vs. 12.45° ± 3.94°, p < 0.001) and normalized torsion (2.49 ± 0.4°/cm vs. 1.86 ± 0.61°/cm, p = 0.001) were greater in obese than nonobese children. A significant inverse correlation was found between LV and RV global longitudinal strain and BMI (r = −0.526, p < 0.01; r = −0.434, p < 0.01) and total cholesterol (r = −0.417, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that the BMI z-score was independently related to LV and RV global longitudinal strain as well as LV circumferential and radial strain. Conclusion: 2D speckle tracking echocardiography is beneficial in the early detection of regional LV systolic and diastolic dysfunctions, with preserved ejection fraction as well as additional RV and atrial involvement, in obese children. Obesity may negatively influence atrial and ventricular function, as measured by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography. Obese children, though they are apparently healthy, may have subclinical myocardial dysfunction.

Chest conformation spuriously influences strain parameters of myocardial contractile function in healthy pregnant women.

Left ventricular (LV) contractility during noncomplicated pregnancy has been previously investigated by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE), with conflicting results. Chest abnormalities might affect myocardial strain parameters, yet this issue has not been previously investigated during pregnancy. We evaluated the influence of chest conformation on myocardial strain parameters in healthy pregnant women. Between October 2019 and February 2020, 50 healthy pregnant women (32.3 ± 4.0 years old) were consecutively studied. They underwent obstetric visit, assessment of chest shape by modified Haller index (MHI; chest transverse diameter over the distance between sternum and spine) and transthoracic echocardiography implemented with 2D-STE analysis of all myocardial strain parameters in the first trimester (12-14 weeks), third trimester (36-38 weeks) and 6-9 weeks after delivery. LV ejection fraction remained substantially unchanged (P = 0.13), while on the average all myocardial strain parameters showed a small but significant decrease during pregnancy, and recovered postpartum (all P < 0.001). Women with concave-shaped chest wall (MHI > 2.5, n = 29), and those with normal chest conformation (MHI ≤ 2.5, n = 21) were then separately analyzed. Pregnant women with MHI above 2.5, but not those with MHI 2.5 or less, showed a progressive but reversible decrease in all myocardial strain parameters (all P < 0.001). MHI was strongly correlated with LV global longitudinal strain (r = -0.87) and LV global circumferential strain (r = -0.83) in the third trimester of pregnancy. Myocardial strain impairment during healthy pregnancy may not reflect intrinsic myocardial dysfunction but rather intraventricular dyssynchrony related to a narrow antero-posterior chest diameter and rise in the diaphragm, with consequent extrinsic myocardial compression.

Early Impairment of Right Ventricular Morphology and Function in Transthyretin-Related Cardiac Amyloidosis.

Background:Our study aimed to evaluate right ventricular (RV) morphology and strain (S) in the early stage of familial transthyretin (TTR) cardiac amyloidosis (CA).Methods and Results:Thirty-seven patients with transthyretin mutation underwent 99mTc-3,3-diphosphono-1,2 propanodicarboxylic acid (99mTc-DPD) scans and/or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to identify TTR CA. Each patient underwent echocardiography to quantify RV dimensions, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), longitudinal (L) strain of the RV free wall, left ventricular (LV) septal thickness (ST), ejection fraction, E/E', LV global (G) L, radial (R), and circumferential (C) S. 99mTc-DPD and CMR revealed the accumulation in 22 of 37 patients (CA group) and no accumulation in 15 patients (no-CA group). Left ventricular (LV) septal thickness (ST) was higher (P < 0.0001) while LV ejection fraction and E/E' were lower (P < 0.05) in the CA group than the no-CA group. LV-global longitudinal strain (LS) was lower (P < 0.0001) in the CA-group than the no CA-group, whereas LV-global circumferential strain and LV-global radial strain were similar. The CA group showed higher values of RV dimensions (P < 0.05) and sPAP (0.02) and a lower (P = 0.002) TAPSE. Globally, RV-LS was lower (P = 0.005) in the CA group than the no-CA group. Basal and mid segments of the RV free wall showed a lower LS in the CA group than the no-CA group (P < 0.01), while apical S was similar between groups.Conclusions:RV deformation, particularly in basal and mid segments, is early impaired in CA.

Abstract 15854: Early Cardiac Dysfunction in Obese Adolescents With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (idd)

Early cardiac dysfunction in obese adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)Background: Adolescents with IDD (IQ range 40-74) are more frequently obese than the general population and the IDD population has a higher risk of early cardiovascular (CV) mortality in adulthood. The relationship between obesity and echo strain has not been studied in those with IDD. We hypothesize that obese adolescents with IDD will have diminished LV strain vs non-obese controls. Methods: Non-obese (21/50; &lt; 95 th %ile BMI) and obese (29/50; &gt; 95 th %ile BMI) adolescents with IDD (Down syndrome (DS) or autism) were enrolled excluding those with congenital heart disease. Echo LV systolic measures included ejection fraction (bullet), myocardial performance index (MPI; tissue Doppler), 2D global longitudinal systolic strain (GLS), strain rate (GLSr) and global circumferential strain (GCS). LV diastolic measures were E/e’ and LV early diastolic strain rate (LV ED Sr). The RV measures included RV GLS and TAPSE. Statistical analyses included unpaired t-tests and simple linear regression, p≤0.05 significant. Results: In 50 subjects (age 16.9, range 13.3-21.8 yrs; 27/50 males), LV GLS and GCS were mildly diminished with normal LV volume and ejection fraction (Table). The obese group had diminished LV strain compared to the non-obese group (P &lt; 0.001). Increased BMI %ile predicted diminished LV GLS (P &lt; 0.001) and GCS (P &lt; 0.001) as well as LV ED Sr (P=0.001) on regression analysis. RV GLS was also mildly diminished in the total cohort but not significantly diminished in the obese group (p=0.06). Diastolic function (E/e’) was abnormally elevated in the DS subgroup (only difference found between DS and autism subgroups). Conclusions: Obese adolescents with IDD had abnormal LV strain measures not detected by traditional echo emphasizing the need for successful weight loss strategies focused on this special population.

Mechanical diversity in the adaptation of left and right ventricular function to long-term exercise: 3D echocardiographic study in a large cohort of competitive athletes

Abstract Regular physical exercise results in complex remodelling of the left- (LV) and right ventricle (RV), commonly referred as the athlete's heart. Despite the well-known changes in ventricular volumes and mass, data are scarce regarding ventricular mechanics and its connection to exercise performance. Accordingly, our aim was to characterize biventricular morphological and functional changes and their association with peak exercise capacity in a large cohort of athletes using three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography. Competitive athletes of various training regimes (n=525, age: 20±6 years, training: 15±7 hours/week, 30% female) were enrolled, while 73 age- and gender-matched sedentary volunteers served as the control group. Full volume 3D echocardiographic datasets focused on the LV or the RV were acquired for further analysis: LV and RV end-diastolic volume (EDVi), LV mass (Mi) indices and ejection fraction (EF) were quantified. To characterize biventricular mechanics, LV and RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) were also measured using dedicated software. Athletes also underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2/kg). Athletes had significantly higher LV and RV EDVi (81±13 vs. 64±11 mL/m2; 83±14 vs. 63±11 mL/m2; both p&amp;lt;0.001) and also LVMi (87±15 vs. 65±12 g/m2; p&amp;lt;0.001) compared to controls. LV and RV EF were significantly lower in athletes (57±5 vs. 60±6%; 55±5 vs. 58±5%; both p&amp;lt;0.001). LV GLS (−19.5±2.1 vs. −20.6±2.6%; p&amp;lt;0.001) and also LV GCS (−27.9±3.2 vs. −29.8±4.4%; p&amp;lt;0.001) was lower in athletes compared to controls. In opposed to the LV, RV GLS did not differ between the two groups (−29.3±5.8 vs. −29.5±5.3%; p=NS), however, RVGCS was decreased in athletes compared to controls (−24.4±6.1 vs. −28.6±7.3%; p&amp;lt;0.001). In athletes, ventricular morphology measured by LV and RV EDVi correlated with VO2/kg (both r=0.37; p&amp;lt;0.001), while functional measures, such as lower resting LV GLS (r=0.22; p&amp;lt;0.001) and RV GCS (r=0.14; p&amp;lt;0.01) also showed relationship with better exercise performance. According to our results, regular physical exercise is associated with significant changes of LV and RV geometry and mechanics. Resting biventricular systolic function of the athlete's heart is characterized by a mild reduction, which is attributable to a lower longitudinal and circumferential shortening on the left side of the heart, while on the right side lower circumferential shortening can be seen along with a maintained longitudinal shortening. Moreover, this mechanical pattern also correlates with exercise performance. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): “National Heart Program” NVKP_16-1-2016-0017; NKFIH K_16 K120277 to BM

Resolution of strain abnormalities during extracorporeal rewarming from accidental hypothermic cardiac arrest: a case report

Introduction Three-dimensional left (LV) and right-ventricular (RV) assessment by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) overcomes problems of 2D TEE such as incomplete coverage and mathematical assumptions of chamber geometry. Myocardial deformation parameters (strain) are reported to allow earlier detection of subclinical abnormalities and to improve prognostic accuracy compared to global assessment. Strain data describing functional recovery of the myocardium from severe hypothermic arrest are scarce. Methods A 55 year-old male victim of an avalanche accident arrived at the emergency department in asystole at 28°C core temperature under ongoing CPR (hypothermia stage IV). Reperfusion and rewarming was performed by percutaneous cannulation and minimized extracorporeal circulation (MiECC). Ventricular fibrillation ensued at 32°C and converted to sinus rhythm after defibrillation. At 33°C a full-volume loop (6 beats) was acquired for each ventricle, and tissue doppler interrogation was performed for assessment of diastolic function. Exams were repeated at 36°C. Images were analyzed for ventricular function and strain for all AHA segments. Results In hypothermia, LV ejection fraction (LVEF, 54%) and global circumferential strain (-35.9%) appeared normal but longitudinal strain was impaired (-13.5%). Basal myocardial segments showed hypo- and dyskinesia, while peak strain in more apical segments was preserved. This resulted in marked heterogeneity of strain curves. Diastology revealed restrictive LV dysfunction (III°). RV ejection fraction (RVEF, 45%) and global longitudinal strain were impaired (-15.2%). After normothermia had been reestablished, LVEF (68%) and strain had improved further (circumferential: -37.7%, longitudinal: -14.5%). Contractile function of LV segments had regained homogeneity among all segments. Time to peak systolic strain was shortened. Diastolic dysfunction had improved to pseudonormal (II°). RVEF (74%) and strain (-44.1%) also showed marked recovery. The figure shows numerical function changes for both ventricles and LV strain curves at 33°C and 36°C core temperature. Discussion In post-arrest core hypothermia at 33°C, LVEF may appear normal and RVEF only mildly impaired, whereas segmental LV and global RV strain analysis may reveal a still severely ab-nor¬mal myocardial systolic function. Such a discordant pattern in a hypothermic post-ischemic heart may show marked improvement when core temperature normalizes. Three-dimensional TEE in combination with myocardial strain analysis may be a useful adjunct for evaluating post-arrest recovery of cardiac function in victims of accidental hypothermic cardiac arrest.