Left Ventricular Radial Strain Research Articles

Significance of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking of the Right Ventricle in Predicting Subclinical Dysfunction in Patients with Thalassemia Major.

In patients with thalassemia major (TM), cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking (CMR-FT) has been shown to be an effective method for diagnosing subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. This study aimed to determine whether CMR-FT could detect abnormal RV dysfunction in patients with a normal right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF). We performed a retrospective analysis of TM patients admitted to Dubai’s Rashid Hospital between July 2019 and March 2021. The inclusion criteria were TM patients with SSFP cine with T2* (T2*-weighted imaging), while exclusion criteria included any other cardiovascular disease. When there was no myocardial iron overload (MIO) (T2* ≥ 20 ms) and when there was significant MIO (T2* < 20 ms), the CMR-FT was used to correlate with EF. Among the 89 participants, there were 46 men (51.7%) and 43 women (48.3%), with a mean age of 26.14 ± 7.4 years (range from 10 to 48 years). Forty-six patients (51.69%) did not have MIO, while 43 individuals did (48.31%). Thirty-nine patients (32.6%) were diagnosed with severe MIO, while seventeen (19.1%) were diagnosed with mild to moderate MIO. A significant correlation existed between RVEF and T2* values (r = 0.274, p = 0.014) and between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and T2* values (r = 0.256, p = 0.022). Using a multiple logistic regression model with predictors such as right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVGLS), LV ejection fraction (LV EF), and hemoglobin, abnormal myocardial iron overload can be predicted. This model demonstrates an AUC of 78.3%, a sensitivity of 72%, and a specificity of 76%. In the group with preserved RVEF > 53%, the left ventricular radial strain (LVGRS) (p = 0.001), right ventricular radial strain (RVGRS) (p = 0.000), and right ventricular basal circumferential strain (RVGCS-basal) (p = 0.000) CMR-FT strain values are significantly lower than those of the control group (p > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the LVGLS and T2*. RVGLS was ranked among the most accurate predictors of abnormal myocardial iron overload. The LVGRS, RVGRS, and RVGCS-basal CMR-FT strain values were the best predictors of subclinical RV dysfunction in the group with preserved RVEF. The most accurate way to diagnose MIO is still T2*, but FT-strain can help us figure out how MIO affects the myocardium from a pathophysiological point of view.

Left ventricular dysfunction and intra-ventricular dyssynchrony in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

BackgroundLeft ventricular (LV) filling pressures are normal in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). However, direct and indirect interactions between the RV and LV can affect LV performance. We explored LV strain and LV intra-ventricular dyssynchrony in IPAH using feature tracking CMR (CMR-FT). MethodsSeventy IPAH patients and 40 healthy volunteers were included. Patients underwent CMR and right heart catheterisation. The 4-chamber cine was used to calculate LV longitudinal strain (EllLV). LV circumferential (EccLV) and radial strain (ErrLV) were derived from a short axis cine. LV longitudinal, circumferential and radial intra-ventricular dyssynchrony indices were calculated. ResultsThere were no differences between the IPAH and healthy volunteer group in LV ejection fraction (66.1% vs 64.2% p = 0.6672). EccLV (−29.1 vs −32.1 p = 0.0323) and EllLV (−16.6 vs −23.7 p < 0.0001) were lower in IPAH. In patients with more severe disease, there was greater impairment of ErrLV compared to mild disease (50.9 vs 87.5 P < 0.0001). LV synchrony was impaired in all directions in IPAH. ErrLV was associated with RV ejection fraction (r = 0.66), RV end-systolic volume index (r = −0.59), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)(r = 0.51) and stroke volume index (SVI)(r = 0.44). In a multivariate model with age, SVI and PVR, ErrLV (HR 0.970 p = 002) and radial dyssynchrony (HR 3.759 p < 0.0001) independently predicted survival. ConclusionIn IPAH, LV is dyssynchronous with impaired function. Measures of LV strain and intraventricular synchrony were associated with known markers of disease severity. These LV variables which are likely to be related to ventricular interaction, may add incremental value to known prognostic variables in IPAH.

Abstract 11163: Biomechanics of Left Ventricular Remodeling in a Chronic Swine Model of Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: Adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling after a myocardial infarction (MI) is an insidious process whose severity predicts future decompensated heart failure, morbidity and mortality. Our understanding of LV remodeling has been extensive at the molecular level, but little is known of the biomechanical changes that occur as the LV remodels, dilates, thins, and potentially has rearranged myofibers. In this study, we developed a chronic swine model of post-MI remodeling and used cardiac MRI to assess biomechanics of the remodeling LV after 10 weeks of infarction. Methods: Fourteen Yorkshire swine (n=14) were induced percutaneously with an MI by acute thrombosis of the left circumflex artery with ethanol infusion ( Fig.A1-A2 ), and the animals were survived. Echocardiography and MRI was performed at baseline and at 10 weeks to assess LV function and biomechanics, respectively. MRI was performed on a 3T Siemens scanner, with short axis CINE and tagged imaging ( Fig.A3-A4 ). LV strain, twist and torsion from short-axis tagged images and compared between baseline and 10 week values. Results: Survival rate after the infarction was 85.71%. Ejection fraction reduced from 54.79±5.52% at baseline to 47.29±8.36% 10 weeks post-MI (p=0.023) ( Fig.A5 ). LV end diastolic volume, end systolic volume and sphericity index were significantly elevated ( Fig.A6-A8 ). Radial strain values showed an increasing trend at 10 weeks after an MI, compared to baseline values ( Fig.B3 ). Circumferential strain values showed a decreasing trend by 10 weeks after MI compared to baseline values ( Fig.B4 ). Both ventricular twist and torsion were reduced compared to baseline, but the trend was more evident with LV torsion ( Fig.B5-B6 ) . Conclusions: After an MI of the postero-lateral wall, reduced ejection fraction and dilatation were observed as expected. LV radial strain was increased but circumferential strain, twist, and torsion of the left ventricle were significantly diminished.

Abstract 10282: Biventricular Shape Markers in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot Associate with Pulmonary Valve Replacement Better Than Standard Clinical Indices

Introduction: Current indications for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) rely on global ventricular measurements but are inconsistently applied, lead to mixed outcomes, and are widely debated. Hypothesis: We aimed to test the hypothesis that specific regional markers of biventricular shape can discriminate differences in ventricular remodeling between rTOF patients that were and were not designated for follow-up PVR better than standard clinical indices. Methods: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, biventricular shape models were fit to CMR images from 84 rTOF patients. A statistical atlas of end-diastolic shape was constructed using principal component analysis. Multivariate regression was used to quantify shape marker and clinical index associations with subsequent intervention status (PVR, n=48 vs. No-PVR, n=36) while accounting for confounders. Clustering analysis was then used to test the ability of statistically significant shape markers and clinical indices to discriminate PVR status as evaluated by Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC). Geometric strain analysis was also conducted to assess shape marker associations with systolic function. Results: PVR status correlated with shape markers associated with RV apical dilation and LV dilation (p&lt;0.001), RV basal bulging and LV conicity (p&lt;0.02), and pulmonary valve dilation (p&lt;0.002). PVR status also correlated with RV EF (p&lt;0.03) and non-significantly correlated with LV ESVi (p&lt;0.06). Clustering analysis revealed that shape markers discriminated PVR status better than clinical indices (MCC=0.49 and MCC=0.28, respectively). These shape markers were also significantly associated with RV and LV radial strain. Conclusions: Biventricular shape markers discriminated PVR status better than standard and current use clinical indices for PVR. These specific, regional features of cardiac morphology can provide mechanistic insight into adaptive vs. maladaptive types of ventricular remodeling that provide the foundation for clinical decision-making but may be overlooked when relying solely on global ventricular measurements.

Global deterioration of cardiovascular mechanics by carfilzomib treatment is associated with proteasome activity in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma

Abstract Background Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a second generation irreversible proteasome inhibitor that has been shown to improve overall survival in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) but is associated with cardiac toxicity in MM. Because ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is involved in cardiovascular homeostasis exploring the effects of proteasome inhibition on cardiac mechanics, in a clinical setting, would provide novel insight of the clinical role of UPS in cardiovascular disease. Aim To gain a thorough understanding of proteasome inhibition on myocardial mechanics in a clinical setting. Methods We prospectively evaluated 48 patients with relapsed or refractory MM and an indication to receive CFZ treatment [median age: 67.5, interquartile range (64–73), 66.7% men]. All patients underwent cardiac ultrasonography at an initial visit, at the first day of the 3rd month (C3D1, n=25) and at the last day of cycle 6 (C6D16, n=48). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was used to assess arterial stiffness and calculate arterial-ventricular coupling (VAC) by the ratio (PWV/global longitudinal strain (GLS)). Carfilzomib was administered at 27mg/m2 on days 1 (C1D1) and 2 (C1D2) of cycle 1 and at 56mg/m2 thereafter. Blood was drawn at baseline, C3D1 and C6D16 to measure proteasome activity (PrA). Patients were followed up for carfilzomib–related cardiovascular adverse events. Results Regarding systolic function, between baseline and C6D16, we noticed deterioration in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (57.7±5.4% vs 56.1±7.19%, p=0.022), GLS (−20.51±2.78 vs −18.88±3.45%, p=0.003), S wave of LV longitudinal strain rate and radial strain (p&amp;lt;0.05 for both). Markers of LV diastolic function also deteriorated at 6 months including early diastolic (Ea) mitral annular velocity (7.27±1.83cm/sec vs 6.7±1.64cm/sec, p=0.008) and E wave of LV longitudinal strain rate (1.1±0.37sec-1 vs 0.95±0.36sec-1, p=0.010). Left atrial volume (LAV) and index (LAVi) increased both at 3 and 6 months (p&amp;lt;0.05). Peak LA strain at reservoir phase (peak atrial longitudinal strain, PALS) was also decreased at 6th and 3rd month measurements (p&amp;lt;0.05), whereas LA strain rate at reservoir function (s wave) was decreased, compared to baseline, only at 6th month (p=0.001). RV longitudinal strain also decreased between 3rd and 6th month (p=0.039). Furthermore, PWV/GLS also deteriorated at 6 months (−0.56±0.13 vs −0.64±0.21, p=0.001). By linear mixed models analysis, we found that changes in proteasome activity were associated with changes in PWV/GLS (p=0.017), LAV (p=0.015) and LAVi (p=0.009), and PALS (p=0.014). Conclusion CFZ treatment was associated with global deterioration of markers of myocardial systolic and diastolic function and VAC. The observed association of changes in proteasome activity with VAC and left atrial function and structure supports a direct effect of proteasome inhibition on the cross-talk between LV and arterial function and LV diastolic function. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Amgen

Training- and sex related alterations of global feature-tracking strain values of highly trained athletes using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Introduction Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a reference method for assessing the morphological and functional parameters of the heart, and more recently, strain analysis can detect mechanical features. Based on echocardiographic data, strain parameters may help to differentiate between physiological athlete adaptation and pathological hypertrophy, however, there are still little data available among elite athletes regarding strain values using CMR. Aims Our aim was to study the strain characteristics of the athlete's heart using CMR imaging. Methods Overall, 228 (149 male, 24±5 years) highly trained adult (18–35 years), Caucasian athletes (≥10h training hours/ week) who underwent CMR examination as part of their screening were included in our study. Cine movie images in long- and short axis views were performed. Standard CMR parameters including left- and right ventricular (LV and RV) volumes, ejection fraction and muscle masses were measured. Feature-tracking strain analyses were performed, global LV longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain and RV longitudinal strain were calculated. CMR parameters of athletes were compared with healthy sex- and age matched sedentary control groups (n=105, 55 men). Results Athletes competed in mixed (n=99), endurance (n=99) and power (n=30) sport disciplines, and performed sport activity in quite high training hours (average: 21±5 hours/week). Regarding standard CMR parameters we found pronounced sports adaptation in both male and female athletes compared to sex- and age matched controls including lower LV and RV ejection fraction (p&amp;lt;0.05), elevated LV and RV volumes and masses (p&amp;lt;0.001). Strain analysis also revealed differences between athletes and controls: LV- GLS, GCS, GRS were lower in athletes compared to controls, regardless of their sex (p&amp;lt;0.05). RV-GLS was slightly lower in male athletes compared to male controls. Examining the effects of sport disciplines, we found the most marked sport adaptation in the case of endurance athletes. Training hours showed a positive correlation with LV-GLS and GCS values, and a negative correlation with GRS (p&amp;lt;0.001). We found that male athletes had more pronounced cardiac adaptation compared to females (p&amp;lt;0.001), and their LV-GLS and GRS values were lower (GLS: male athletes: −20±2% vs. female athletes: −22±2%; p&amp;lt;0.001), while GCS and RV-GLS showed no difference between sexes. Conclusion Our results suggest that in addition to standard CMR parameters, global strain values also show a small but consistent change during sport adaptation. Moreover, our results support the use of sex specific strain normal values in highly trained athletes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The study was financed by the Research Excellence Programme of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology in Hungary within the framework of the Bioimaging Thematic Programme of Semmelweis University. LS was supported by the ÚNKP-20-3-II-SE-61 New National Excellence Program of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology from the source of the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.

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

Abstract P143: Assessment Of Biventricular And Aortic Function In Arterial Systemic Hypertension By Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Background: The purpose of the present study was to assess whether systemic arterial hypertension is associated with abnormal right ventricular (RV) structure and function as assessed by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography and how those changes are related to left ventricular (LV) strain, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and aortic (Ao) function. Methods: We examined 115 hypertensive (mean age, 65±16 years; 52% male) and 115 healthy adults (mean age, 68±13 years; 54% male). Patients were divided into two groups: patients with LVH (Group I, LVMI&gt;115g/m 2 men, LVMI&gt;95g/m 2 women) and patients without LVH (group II). LV longitudinal (LS), circumferential, radial and area (GAS) strains were calculated by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE). RV free-wall longitudinal strain (LS) was determined by 3DSTE. Aortic (Ao) distensibility and stiffness index (SI) were calculated using accepted formulae. The corrected aortic strain (Ao-S) by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography was calculated as the global aortic strain /pulse pressure. Data analysis was performed offline (GE EchoPAC). Results: Overall, Ao-SI was increased (r=0.74, p=0.003) and Ao-S was decreased (r=0.79, p=0.002) in hypertensive patients compared with controls. Ao-SI had a negative correlation with Ao-S (r=-0.76, p&lt;0.001). Ao-S correlated with LV and RV longitudinal strain (r=0.62,p=0.02, and r=0.58,p&lt;0.05, respectively) and LV and RV area strain (r=0.66,p=&lt;0.01, and r=0.53,p&lt;0.05, respectively). RV-LS and LV-GAS were lower in Group 1 patients compared to Group 2 (r=0.81, p&lt;0.001), and lower in Group 2 patients compared to controls (r=0.59, p=0.02). There was a positive correlation between LV and RV LS (r=0.52, p&lt;0.05). RV-LS was independently associated with Ao-S (β=0.37, p=0.01), LV-GAS (β=0.32, p=0.027) and LV-LS (β=0.26, p=0.034) in the whole hypertensive population. Conclusions: In systemic hypertension there is a complex interaction between LV strain, RV strain and Ao strain. Reduced RV strain can occur even in the absence of LV hypertrophy.

Myocardial strain overrules left ventricular ejection fraction and late gadolinium enhancement extent in predicting MACE in CMR-proven acute myocarditis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) plays a major role in both the diagnostic process and prognostic stratification in acute myocarditis. Presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) are known predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). However, in daily clinical practice it remains challenging to distinguish ‘the good from the bad’. The prognostic value of CMR feature tracking (FT) derived strain, with respect to LGE and LVEF, remains unclear. Purpose To evaluate the incremental prognostic value of left atrial (LA) phasic function, LV and right ventricular (RV) strain using CMR-FT in patients with CMR-proven acute myocarditis. Methods In this multicenter observational study, patients with CMR-proven acute myocarditis were included and followed with regard to MACE including all-cause mortality (ACM), heart-failure hospitalizations (HFH), and life-threatening arrhythmias (LTA). Using FT-derived strain, LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), circumferential strain (GCS), and radial strain (GRS), RV GLS and LA phasic function were measured. Uni- and multivariable analysis including clinical and CMR parameters were performed to assess the association with MACE. Results A total of 162 patients were included (75% male, 41 ±17 years). MACE occurred in 29 patients (18%, ACM n = 18, HFH n = 7, LTA n = 11) during a median follow-up of 5.5 (2.2-8.3) years. Forty-six percent had a STEMI-like presentation (combination of chest pain, elevated troponin, and ST-elevation, n = 74). LGE was present in 90% of patients and mean LVEF was 51 ± 12%. Patients with LVEF &amp;lt;50% had a significantly worse prognosis compared to patients with LVEF ≥50% (p &amp;lt; 0.0001, Figure A). When we categorized the study population into subgroups of quartile values of LV GLS, patients with LV GLS worse than 18% had a significant worse outcome compared to the other subgroups (p &amp;lt; 0.05, Figure B). Subgroups of LGE extent did not show significantly different associations with outcome (p = 0.458, Figure C). Cox regression analysis showed that LV strain and LA phasic function were univariably associated with MACE, whereas RV GLS and LGE extent were not. All univariable associated strain parameters were separately included in a multivariable model, including age, sex, STEMI-like presentation, and LVEF. LV GLS (HR 1.08, p = 0.01), LV GCS (HR 1.15, p = 0.02), and LV GRS (HR 0.98, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of MACE. Conclusions LV strain parameters are independent and incremental predictors of prognosis in patients with acute myocarditis, while RV strain and LA phasic function are not. Therefore, LV strain is a promising novel parameter for risk stratification in acute myocarditis.

Association of serum uric acid with biventricular myocardial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and aimsIncreased serum uric acid (SUA) is common in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is associated with left ventricular (LV) myocardial dysfunction. Nonetheless the association of SUA with right ventricular (RV) function in T2DM has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the association of SUA with biventricular myocardial function in patients with T2DM. Methods and resultsA total of 560 patients with T2DM were enrolled and divided into four groups according to sex-specific quartiles of SUA. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed and two-dimensional speckle tracking was used to measure biventricular myocardial strain, including LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), circumferential strain (CS), radial strain (RS), and RV free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FWLS). The absolute value of all biventricular strain parameters showed a stepwise decrease across SUA quartiles (all P < 0.01). In particular, LV assessment by GLS, CS and RS demonstrated that those in the 4th quartile were impaired compared with the other quartiles (all P < 0.05). Similarly, RV-FWLS of the 4th quartile was significantly impaired compared with the 1st and 2nd quartiles (all P < 0.05). The same reduction in biventricular strain across SUA quartiles was observed in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate < or ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and glycated hemoglobin < or ≥7.0% (all P < 0.05). Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that higher quartile of SUA was independently associated with impaired biventricular myocardial strain (all P < 0.05). ConclusionsSUA was independently associated with biventricular myocardial dysfunction in asymptomatic T2DM patients, regardless of renal function or diabetic control.

Multichamber Dysfunction in Children and Adolescents With Severe Obesity: A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Myocardial Strain Study.

In severe obesity, left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) remodeling and contractile dysfunction have been documented, but less is known regarding left atrial (LA) dysfunction and its association with LV/RV remodeling, especially in children. To assess the effects of severe childhood obesity on cardiac function by using multichamber strain analysis with MRI. Prospective. Forty-five children aged 7-18 years (including 20 with severe obesity, defined as a body mass index values above the 99th percentile). 5 T. Steady-state-free-precession (SSFP) images in short-axis views and longitudinal two- and four-chamber views. Cardiac strain measurements were derived from standard SSFP cine images by using a dedicated MR imaging feature tracking software. Inter- and intra-rater reliability were evaluated. Independent sample t test, Spearman's correlation coefficient, principal component analysis, Bland-Altman analysis, and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. As compared to children without obesity, those with obesity showed significantly reduced LA reservoir function (22.2% ± 6.4% vs. 33.8% ± 9.0%) and contractile function (5.4% ± 3.2% vs. 13.3% ± 8.0%) as well as significantly decreased absolute values for LA longitudinal strain in reservoir and contraction phases and LA radial motion fraction in reservoir and contraction phases. Children with severe obesity showed significantly reduced absolute RV radial motion fraction (-10.6% ± 2.9% vs. -18.2% ± 2.9%) and circumferential strain (-10.6% ± 2.9% vs. -16% ± 2.5%) as well as higher LV mass index (28.7% ± 5.1% vs. 21.7 ± 4.6 g/m2 ) along with significantly reduced LV ejection fraction (56.4% ± 3.9% vs. 60% ± 4.1%), LV radial strain (56% ± 6% vs. 61.8% ± 11.3%), and longitudinal strain (-17.8% ± 1.8% vs. -20.3% ± 3.2%). Reliability was good to excellent, with ICC ranging from 79.1% to 97.7%. MR feature-tracking strain analysis revealed multichamber dysfunction in severely obese children with impaired LA reservoir and atrial contraction phases, which suggest an early loss in the compensatory ability of atrial contraction with severe obesity. 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 3.

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.

Myocardial deformation in patients with a single left ventricle using 2D cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking: a case\u2013control study

Ventricular dysfunction is a well-known complication in single ventricle patients in Fontan circulation. As studies exclusively examining patients with a single left ventricle (SLV) are sparse, we assessed left ventricular (LV) function in SLV patients by using 2D-cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking (2D-CMR-FT) and 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). 54 SLV patients (11.4, 3.1–38.1 years) and 35 age-matched controls (12.3, 6.3–25.8 years) were included. LV global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain (GLS, GCS, GRS) and strain rate (GLSR, GCSR, GRSR) were measured using 2D-CMR-FT. LV volumes, ejection fraction (LVEF) and mass were determined from short axis images. 2D-STE was applied in patients to measure peak systolic GLS and GLSR. In a subgroup analysis, we compared double inlet left ventricle (DILV) with tricuspid atresia (TA) patients. The population consisted of 19 DILV patients, 24 TA patients and 11 patients with diverse diagnoses. 52 patients were in NYHA class I and 2 patients were in class II. Most SLV patients had a normal systolic function but median LVEF in patients was lower compared to controls (55.6% vs. 61.2%, p = 0.0001). 2D-CMR-FT demonstrated reduced GLS, GCS and GCSR values in patients compared to controls. LVEF correlated with GS values in patients (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between GLS values from 2D-CMR-FT and 2D-STE in the patient group. LVEF, LV volumes, GS and GSR (from 2D-CMR-FT) were not significantly different between DILV and TA patients. Although most SLV patients had a preserved EF derived by CMR, our results suggest that, LV deformation and function may behave differently in SLV patients compared to healthy subjects.

Myocardial strain assessment using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in recipients of implantable cardioverter defibrillators

BackgroundCardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is increasingly used in the evaluation of patients who are potential candidates for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy to assess left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF), myocardial fibrosis, and etiology of cardiomyopathy. It is unclear whether CMR-derived strain measurements are predictive of appropriate shocks and death among patients who receive an ICD. We evaluated the prognostic value of LV strain parameters on feature-tracking (FT) CMR in patients who underwent subsequent ICD implant for primary or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death.MethodsConsecutive patients from 2 Canadian tertiary care hospitals who underwent ICD implant and had a pre-implant CMR scan were included. Using FT-CMR, a single, blinded, reader measured LV global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS), and radial (GRS) strain. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to assess the associations between strain measurements and the primary composite endpoint of all-cause death or appropriate ICD shock that was independently ascertained.ResultsOf 364 patients (mean 61 years, mean LVEF 32%), 64(17.6%) died and 118(32.4%) reached the primary endpoint over a median follow-up of 62 months. Univariate analyses showed significant associations between GLS, GCS, and GRS and appropriate ICD shocks or death (all p < 0.01). In multivariable Cox models incorporating LVEF, GLS remained an independent predictor of both the primary endpoint (HR 1.05 per 1% higher GLS, 95% CI 1.01–1.09, p = 0.010) and death alone (HR 1.06 per 1% higher GLS, 95% CI 1.02–1.11, p = 0.003). There was no significant interaction between GLS and indication for ICD implant, presence of ischemic heart disease or late gadolinium enhancement (all p > 0.30).ConclusionsGLS by FT-CMR is an independent predictor of appropriate shocks or mortality in ICD patients, beyond conventional prognosticators including LVEF. Further study is needed to elucidate the role of LV strain analysis to refine risk stratification in routine assessment of ICD treatment benefit.

Right-left ventricular shape variations in tetralogy of Fallot: associations with pulmonary regurgitation

BackgroundRelationships between right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) shape and function may be useful in determining optimal timing for pulmonary valve replacement in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF). However, these are multivariate and difficult to quantify. We aimed to quantify variations in biventricular shape associated with pulmonary regurgitant volume (PRV) in rTOF using a biventricular atlas.MethodsIn this cross-sectional retrospective study, a biventricular shape model was customized to cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) images from 88 rTOF patients (median age 16, inter-quartile range 11.8–24.3 years). Morphometric scores quantifying biventricular shape at end-diastole and end-systole were computed using principal component analysis. Multivariate linear regression was used to quantify biventricular shape associations with PRV, corrected for age, sex, height, and weight. Regional associations were confirmed by univariate correlations with distances and angles computed from the models, as well as global systolic strains computed from changes in arc length from end-diastole to end-systole.ResultsPRV was significantly associated with 5 biventricular morphometric scores, independent of covariates, and accounted for 12.3% of total shape variation (p < 0.05). Increasing PRV was associated with RV dilation and basal bulging, in conjunction with decreased LV septal-lateral dimension (LV flattening) and systolic septal motion towards the RV (all p < 0.05). Increased global RV radial, longitudinal, circumferential and LV radial systolic strains were significantly associated with increased PRV (all p < 0.05).ConclusionA biventricular atlas of rTOF patients quantified multivariate relationships between left–right ventricular morphometry and wall motion with pulmonary regurgitation. Regional RV dilation, LV reduction, LV septal-lateral flattening and increased RV strain were all associated with increased pulmonary regurgitant volume. Morphometric scores provide simple metrics linking mechanisms for structural and functional alteration with important clinical indices.

Pulmonary arterial banding in mice may be a suitable model for studies on ventricular mechanics in pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension

BackgroundThe role of interventricular mechanics in pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and its relation to right ventricular (RV) dysfunction has been largely overlooked. Here, we characterize the impact of maintained pressure overload in the RV–pulmonary artery (PA) axis on myocardial strain and left ventricular (LV) mechanics in pediatric PAH patients in comparison to a preclinical PA-banding (PAB) mouse model. We hypothesize that the PAB mouse model mimics important aspects of interventricular mechanics of pediatric PAH and may be beneficial as a surrogate model for some longitudinal and interventional studies not possible in children.MethodsBalanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) images of 18 PAH and 17 healthy (control) pediatric subjects were retrospectively analyzed using CMR feature-tracking (FT) software to compute measurements of myocardial strain. Furthermore, myocardial tagged-CMR images were also analyzed for each subject using harmonic phase flow analysis to derive LV torsion rate. Within 48 h of CMR, PAH patients underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) for measurement of PA/RV pressures, and to compute RV end-systolic elastance (RV_Ees, a measure of load-independent contractility). Surgical PAB was performed on mice to induce RV pressure overload and myocardial remodeling. bSSFP-CMR, tagged CMR, and intra-cardiac catheterization were performed on 12 PAB and 9 control mice (Sham) 7 weeks after surgery with identical post-processing as in the aforementioned patient studies. RV_Ees was assessed via the single beat method.ResultsLV torsion rate was significantly reduced under hypertensive conditions in both PAB mice (p = 0.004) and pediatric PAH patients (p < 0.001). This decrease in LV torsion rate correlated significantly with a decrease in RV_Ees in PAB (r = 0.91, p = 0.05) and PAH subjects (r = 0.51, p = 0.04). In order to compare combined metrics of LV torsion rate and strain parameters principal component analysis (PCA) was used. PCA revealed grouping of PAH patients with PAB mice and control subjects with Sham mice. Similar to LV torsion rate, LV global peak circumferential, radial, and longitudinal strain were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced under hypertensive conditions in both PAB mice and children with PAH.ConclusionsThe PAB mouse model resembles PAH-associated myocardial mechanics and may provide a potential model to study mechanisms of RV/LV interdependency.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and exercise intolerance in obese heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

This study tested the hypothesis that early left ventricular (LV) relaxation is impaired in older obese patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and related to decreased peak exercise oxygen uptake (peak V̇o2). LV strain and strain rate were measured by feature tracking of magnetic resonance cine images in 79 older obese patients with HFpEF (mean age: 66 yr; mean body mass index: 38 kg/m2) and 54 healthy control participants. LV diastolic strain rates were indexed to cardiac preload as estimated by echocardiography derived diastolic filling pressures (E/e'), and correlated to peak V̇o2. LV circumferential early diastolic strain rate was impaired in HFpEF compared with controls (0.93 ± 0.05/s vs. 1.20 ± 0.07/s, P = 0.014); however, we observed no group differences in early LV radial or longitudinal diastolic strain rates. Isolating myocardial relaxation by indexing all three early LV diastolic strain rates (i.e. circumferential, radial, and longitudinal) to E/e' amplified the group difference in early LV diastolic circumferential strain rate (0.08 ± 0.03 vs. 0.13 ± 0.05, P < 0.0001), and unmasked differences in early radial and longitudinal diastolic strain rate. Moreover, when indexing to E/e', early LV diastolic strain rates from all three principal strains, were modestly related with peak V̇o2 (R = 0.36, -0.27, and 0.35, respectively, all P < 0.01); this response, however, was almost entirely driven by E/e' itself, (R = -0.52, P < 0.001). Taken together, we found that although LV relaxation is impaired in older obese patients with HFpEF, and modestly correlates with their severely reduced peak exercise V̇o2, LV filling pressures appear to play a much more important role in determining exercise intolerance.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using a multimodal imaging approach to uncouple tissue deformation from atrial pressure, we found that left ventricular (LV) relaxation is impaired in older obese patients with HFpEF, but only modestly correlates with their severely reduced peak V̇o2. In contrast, the data show a much stronger relationship between elevated LV filling pressures and exercise intolerance, refocusing future therapeutic priorities.

Diabetes mellitus deteriorates left ventricular deformation in acromegaly-analysis from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Path study.

Acromegaly and diabetes mellitus (DM) separately are associated with cardiovascular alterations and modified left ventricular (LV) deformation, which can be quantitatively assessed by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE). The present study aimed to assess the relationship between LV deformation and twist in the presence of DM in acromegaly. Thirty-seven acromegaly patients were involved in the study, but due to insufficient image quality 13 have to be excluded from analysis. Therefore, the present study comprised 24 acromegaly patients, from which 5 had DM. Their data was compared to 35 age- and gender matched healthy controls. Complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography extended with 3DSTE were performed in all patients and controls. Only non-diabetic acromegaly cases had increased global and mean segmental LV radial strain, diabetic acromegaly patients had similar LV radial strain as compared to that of healthy subjects. Other LV strain parameters did not show any difference between diabetic and non-diabetic acromegaly patients. While LV basal rotation was similar among the groups, LV apical rotation was reduced in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients as compared to healthy subjects. However, diabetic acromegaly patients had tendentiously higher values. The ratio of absence of LV twist called as LV rigid body rotation was similar between the groups examined. Diabetes mellitus deteriorates left ventricular deformation in acromegaly.

Left ventricular myocardial function in hemodialysis patients: the effects of preload decrease in conventional, Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography parameters.

Introductionour aim was to investigate the value of conventional echocardiography, pulsed Doppler and speckle tracking imaging (STI) analysis in the assessment of the left ventricular (LV) myocardial function in hemodialysis (HD) patients with preserved LV ejection fraction and to evaluate the effect of a single HD session on the LV systolic and diastolic functions.Methodsthe study population consisted of 30 chronic HD patients. Echocardiography and Doppler studies were performed before and after HD. The LV global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strains were measured with two and three-dimensional STI.Resultsafter HD, LV dimensions, left atrium (LA) area, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and inferior vena cava diameter decreased significantly. The peak mitral E velocity, the E/A ratio of the mitral inflow and the lateral E/E´ ratio decreased also significantly. The LV and LA volumes index and LV mass index (LVMi) decreased remarkably after HD. The 3D- LV and LA ejection fractions were unchanged after HD. Although, 3D-estimated LVEF seemed to be preserved in the HD patients, the 2D and 3D- strain rates were decreased in all directions. The global strain values improved in all directions after a single HD session. Inverse correlations were found between the LVMi, serum BNP and LV global longitudinal strain.Conclusionin HD patients with preserved LV ejection fraction, the STI analysis may add important information concerning the subclinical LV dysfunction.

Normal reference values of three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived left ventricular strain parameters in healthy adults

Abstract Introduction At this moment, limited number of studies is defining normal reference value of three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE)-derived left ventricular (LV) strains. The present study aimed to quantify normal reference values of LV strains in healthy adult population in real clinical world settings in different age groups and to determine age- and gender-dependence of these parameters in a high volume single centre. Methods The present study comprised 296 healthy adult subjects from which 124 cases were excluded due to inferior image quality during a 6-year period. The remaining population was further divided into 4 subgroups based on age decades. The following groups of healthy subjects were examined based on their age: 18–29 years (mean age: 23.6±2.8 years, 45 males out of 94), 30–39 years (mean age: 33.7±2.8 years, 27 males out of 34), 40–49 years (mean age: 43.4±3.4 years, 11 males out of 17) and 50+ years (mean age: 56.4±5.3 years, 12 males out of 27). All subjects underwent a complete 2D echocardiographic and Doppler assessment with negative results. None of the healthy subjects showed more than grade 1 valvular regurgitation or significant stenosis on any valves. Results The mean LV radial (RS), circumferential (CS), longitudinal (LS), 3D (3DS) and area (AS) strains proved to be 27.7±8.8%, −28.6±4.8%, −16.9±2.4%, 30.2±8.8% and −41.4±4.9%, respectively. While global LV-RS and LV-3DS showed an increase-decrease-increase pattern, LV-CS, LV-LS and LV-AS were somewhat lower in older ages. Only global LV-LS showed gender-dependency with higher values in females. Although somewhat higher LV-RS and LV-3DS and lower LV-CS, LV-LS and LV-AS could be measured in males, clear gender-dependency could not be detected in different age decades. The measurements were performed between 2011 and 2017, when feasibility of 3DSTE analysis improved as the operators gained experience. The number of adequate measurements proved to be 172 out of 296 (58% success ratio) for the overall time-period. For the last year, the number of good quality measurements, therefore the success ratio improved significantly (47 out of 59, 80%, p=0.001). Conclusions Normal reference values of 3DSTE-derived global, segmental, mean segmental and regional LV strains have been determined in healthy adult subjects based on real-life clinical experience. Age-, gender- and functional non-uniformity of LV strains were also defined. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None