Marker Of Right Ventricular Dysfunction Research Articles

Predictors of Mortality in Pulmonary Embolism: A Real-Life Study

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the mortality and associated factors in patients with pulmonary embolism. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on adult patients with pulmonary embolism who applied to X University Hospital between January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2023. All-cause mortality and related factors in pulmonary embolism patients were determined. Results: This study included 152 patients with a median age of 59 years and 81 (53.3%) women. The all-cause mortality rate was 25.7%, and pulmonary embolism-related deaths were 1.3%. Age (p<0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (p=0.013), heart failure (p=0.018), atrial fibrillation (p=0.015), massive pulmonary embolism (p=0.029), hemoglobin level (p<0.001) and NT-Pro BNP level (p<0.001) were significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality. In binary logistic regression analysis, for each unit of increasing pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) score, mortality increased 2.2-fold (95% CI:1.03-5.09), massive PTE 1.6-fold (95% CI:0.14-17.86), anticoagulant duration (daily) 0.98-fold (95% CI:0.98-0.99) and Hb level (per unit Hb reduction) 0.67-fold (95% CI:0.45-1.02) mortality was increasing. There was no statistical difference between the number of hospitalization days for patients with low and high PESI and simplified PE severity index (sPESI) scores. Conclusions: All-cause mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism increased with age, cardiac diseases, and COPD comorbidities. The PESI and sPESI scores used in the acute phase of PTE were found to be highly reliable in predicting all-cause mortality in PE patients. The diagnosis of massive PE and elevated NT-proBNP levels, a marker of right ventricular dysfunction, were factors that increased mortality.

The association of hemodynamic markers of right ventricular dysfunction with SII index and clinical outcomes in reduced ejection fraction heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with various etiologies and presentations. The role of the inflammatory pathway in HF prognosis is not fully understood. We investigated the association between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and HF complicated by right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and whether the SII is related to compromised hemodynamic volume status. A total of 235 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were enrolled and divided into 2 groups according to the presence of RVD. The relationship between the SII score, hemodynamic parameters, and clinical endpoints was evaluated. Higher SII scores and neutrophil counts (P < .001 and P = .017, respectively) were observed in the RVD group (n = 120). In the high SII score group (≥590.4), hospitalization and the need for positive inotrope treatment were significantly higher (P = .026 and P = .009, respectively), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly lower (P = .015). In addition, in the high SII score group, right heart catheterization values, including cardiac output and index, were significantly impaired compared with those in the lower SII score group. There was a significant negative correlation between the SII score and the LVEF, cardiac output, and cardiac index in the correlation analyses. A significant relationship was observed between indirect inflammation and RVD in patients with HFrEF. The hemodynamic volume status and functional capacity were impaired in patients with high SII scores. These results indicated that advanced HF with worse outcomes may be related to the inflammatory process.

What is the real incidence of right ventricular affection in patients with acute pulmonary embolism?

Background Echocardiographic markers of right ventricular dysfunction or pressure overload (RVd/PO) have been used in risk assessment of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Nevertheless, the role of echocardiography in these patients is incompletely determined. We evaluated the right ventricular function using ‘non-conventional’ markers of RVd/PO in patients with APE. Methods This was a prospective, single-arm, single-centre study. Consecutive adult patients hospitalised for APE were included. The RV free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FWLS), the fractional area change (FAC), the ratio tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP), and the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were evaluated. Results One hundred patients (mean age 70.0 ± 13.9 years, female 48%) were screened and 73 had adequate RV-FWLS images. The most common abnormal echocardiographic marker was RV-FWLS (44/73; p < 0.001, for all other echocardiographic indices). Thirty-one patients had either PASP ≥ 36 mmHg or PVR > 2 WU (49.2% of the patients with both indices available). There were significant correlations between RV-FWLS, TAPSE/PASP and PVR with both D-Dimers and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and between FAC and BNP. RF-FWLS differed significantly between patients with a simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) score 0 and those with a score ≥1 (p < 0.001). Conclusions RVd/PO coexists with APE in a large proportion of patients. RV-FWLS is the most abnormal echocardiographic sign and is related to clinical and biochemical prognostic indices.

Markers of right ventricular dysfunction predict 30-day adverse prognosis of pulmonary embolism on pulmonary computed tomographic angiography.

To investigate the value of parameters of the pulmonary artery and right ventricular function in predicting the 30-day poor prognosis of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE). The heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, Wells score for APE, history of recent operation or immobilization, history of cancer, respiratory failure, smoking were significantly (P < .05) different among the control, good prognosis, and poor prognosis groups. The maximal short diameter of the right and left ventricle (RVD/LVD) ratio (P < .001) and left pulmonary artery (LPA) (P = .01) were significantly different between the good and poor prognosis groups. Systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR]: 0.98, P = .045) and the RVD/LVD ratio (OR: 12.57, P = .02) were significant independent risk factors for poor prognosis. The risk for poor prognosis significantly increased when the RVD/LVD ratio was >1.11 (cutoff value) with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61-0.80, P < .001). LPA (OR: 9.12, P = .01) and RVD/LVD (OR: 4.62, P = .012) were the significant independent risk factors for poor prognosis in the central pulmonary embolism. The LPA of 2.1 cm had the highest predictive value for poor prognosis in the central APE (AUC: 0.68; sensitivity 84.6%; specificity 53.1%). The RVD/LVD ratio and systolic blood pressure are significant risk factors for short-term prognosis in patients with APE. When the LPA is >2.1 cm in the central APE or the RVD/LVD is >1.11, the risk of poor prognosis increases, which can be used as important indicators for predicting the prognosis of patients with APE. Two hundred forty-three APE patients and 61 patients without APE who underwent computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) were retrospectively enrolled as the experimental and the control group, respectively. APE patients who were followed up at the 30-day time point were divided into the good prognosis (n = 195) and poor prognosis group (n = 32). The main pulmonary artery (MPA) to the aorta (AO) ratio, maximal diameter of the LPA and right pulmonary artery (RPA), ratio of the RVD/LVD and the height and volume of the pulmonary artery (PAh and PAV, respectively) were analyzed after indexing to the body surface area.

Right Ventricular Strain Analysis By Tissue Tracking Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging In Pediatric Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease.

To investigate right ventricular (RV) volume and mass by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and the added value of tissue tracking strain analysis as markers of RV dysfunction in pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and preserved RV ejection fraction. Twenty-five children with ESRD and preserved RVEF (>50%) and 10 healthy control children were enrolled. Tissue tracking CMR was used to assess Global Longitudinal, circumferential (GCS), and radial short and long axes (GRS SAX and GRS LAX) RV strains in the patients group compared with controls. Correlations between strain parameters and other CMR parameters and clinical biomarkers were assessed. Binary logistic regression was used to test the independence of cofounders and detect their significance. RV end-diastolic volume and mass (RVMi) were significantly higher in patients (97.2±19.3 mL/m2 and 26.6±7gr/m2) than control (71±7.8 mL/m2 and 11.9±2 gr/m2, P values 0.000). All RV global strain parameters were significantly impaired in patients compared with control (all P values <0.05). RV Global Longitudinal was significantly correlated to LVEF (r=-0.416, P=0.039), LVEDVi (r=0.481, P=0.015), LVMi (r=0.562, P=0.004), and systolic blood pressure index (r=0.586, P=0.002). RV GRS (LAX) was significantly correlated to LV GCS (r=-0.462, P=0.020) and LV GRS (SAX) (r=0.454, P=0.023). GRS (SAX) and GCS demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy (area under curve: 0.82 and 0.81) to detect strain impairment. Univariate binary logistic regression with patients versus control as dependent variables identified LVMi, RV end-diastolic volume, RVMi, weight, body surface area, RV GCS, RV GRS (LAX), RV GRS (SAX), LV GCS, and LV GRS (SAX) as significantly correlated to patients with ESRD. When adjusted to other cofounders in the multivariable model, only RVMi remained as an independent significant cofounder (Odds ratio:0.395, P=0.046). RV global strain, volume, and mass by CMR are markers of RV dysfunction in ESRD pediatric patients with preserved RVEF.

Abstract 12518: Echocardiographic Features and Natural History of Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Cardiac Sarcoidosis With or Without Pulmonary Involvement

Introduction: Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a non-ischemic disease which can present with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, but there is a paucity of research describing RV function and natural history in CS. Methods: We queried a registry of 512 CS patients for those with baseline and follow-up echocardiography (TTE). Demographics, medications, and baseline/follow-up TTE data were collected. RV-pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) coupling was approximated by ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE:ePASP). Results: Our query yielded 343 CS patients with mean age 56y (σ=12y), who were predominantly male (67%) and white (90%) with a median follow-up 4y (interquartile range 4.1y). Most had pulmonary sarcoidosis (68%). Baseline TTE data showed left ventricular ejection fraction 48% (σ=14), abnormal RV function with RV systolic pressure (ePASP) 34 mmHg (σ=11), TAPSE 21mm (σ=5), RV S′ 0.14 m/s (σ=0.07), and RV-PA uncoupling (TAPSE:ePASP 0.69 mm/mm Hg, σ=0.25). Baseline RV function parameters did not differ by pulmonary involvement of sarcoidosis. 92% received immunosuppression and 65% received neurohormonal blockade. In long-term follow-up, the overall cohort demonstrated a trend towards worsening of both RV S’ and RV-PA coupling (P=.02 and P=.003 for linear trend, respectively) but stable ePASP (P=.11). Trends in both non-invasive ePASP and RV-PA coupling were similar in patients with and without pulmonary involvement (P=.48 and P=.79, respectively). Conclusions: In our large CS cohort with extensive follow-up, metrics of RV function and RV-PA coupling are often abnormal at CS diagnosis. Echocardiographic measures of PASP tend to remain stable but markers of RV dysfunction, including RV-PA coupling, tend to worsen throughout the disease course irrespective of pulmonary sarcoidosis. More granular phenotyping of pulmonary hypertension in CS is required to better understand this relationship.

Abstract 11296: Non-Invasive Assessment of Liver Stiffness in Pulmonary Hypertension Patients - A New Marker for Right Ventricular Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION - Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is an important indicator of a poor Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) prognosis. Cardio-hepatic interaction in left heart failure (LHF) is discreet, however, research is lacking in right heart failure (RHF). The study rationale is that PH patients can evolve to RHF with increased pressure in right chambers and passive hepatic congestion, consequently leading to an increase in liver stiffness (LS). OBJECTIVE - Assess LS in precapillary patients compared to a healthy control group. METHODOLOGY - A transversal pilot study conducted from January 2020 to April 2022 with precapillary PH patients over age 18, diagnosed by right heart catheterization. Postcapillary PH secondary to schistosomiasis, liver disease and alcoholism were excluded. Results were paired with a healthy control group. Both groups underwent two-dimensional speckle tracking with strain echocardiogram (ECO) and shear wave hepatic elastography (HE) on a Phillips ultrasound. HE measurements were taken at two points; standard (SHE), supported by literature and widely used, and a central (CHE), located near the hepatic thread. In addition, the PH group underwent laboratory exams: liver function, BNP dose, complete blood count and kidney function. Results: PH group 31 patients: 26 women (84%) and 5 men (16%); average age 51.7 (24-81 years). PH group etiology: group I (63%), group IV (22.6%) and group III (16%). Degree of dyspnea: III (74%), II (16%) and I (6%). Control group 15 individuals: 10 women (67%) and 5 men (33%): 45.7 average age (27-61 years). PH group SHE median 5.93Kpa, IQR: 5.87, versus 3.69kpa for the control group (p&lt;0.001) with IQR 0.82kpa. While PH group CHE was 8.03Kpa: IQR 6.10Kpa (p&lt;0,001) versus 5.15Kpa, IQR 1.60Kpa in the control group. ECO parameters in PH patients, only the right ventricle free wall strain presented a moderate correlation with SHE, Pearson coefficient of -0.427 p&lt;0.019. There is a high correlation between SHE and CHE, Pearson coefficient 0.887 p&lt;0.001. PH group lab results did not indicate correlation with ECO nor HE. CONCLUSION: HE can be used as a new marker for RVD in PH patients.

Evaluation of Red Cell Distribution Width as a Screening Marker for Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Stable COPD Patients

Evaluation of Red Cell Distribution Width as a Screening Marker for Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Stable COPD Patients

Risk Stratification in Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Current Evidence and Perspectives

Risk stratification is one of the cornerstones of the management of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and determines the choice of both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The first step is the identification of patent circulatory failure, as it is associated with a high risk of immediate mortality and requires a rapid diagnosis and prompt reperfusion. The second step is the estimation of 30-day mortality based on clinical parameters (e.g., original and simplified version of the pulmonary embolism severity index): low-risk patients without right ventricular dysfunction are safely managed with ambulatory anticoagulation. The remaining group of hemodynamically stable patients, labeled intermediate-risk PE, requires hospital admission, even if most of them will heal without complications. In recent decades, efforts have been made to identify a subgroup of patients at an increased risk of adverse outcomes (intermediate-high-risk PE), who might benefit from a more aggressive approach, including reperfusion therapies and admission to a monitored unit. The cur-rent approach, combining markers of right ventricular dysfunction and myocardial injury, has an insufficient positive predictive value to guide primary thrombolysis. Sensitive markers of circulatory failure, such as plasma lactate, have shown interesting prognostic accuracy and may play a central role in the future. Furthermore, the improved security of reduced-dose thrombolysis may enlarge the indication of this treatment to selected intermediate–high-risk PE.

Modern aspects of MSCT diagnostics of acute massive pulmonary embolism

Introduction: The growing importance of the MSCT method in the case of acute massive pulmonary embolism forms new diagnostic directions — the determination of objective MSCT markers of right ventricular dysfunction and the search for new, previously ignored, MSCT parameters of angiographic severity of embolic load.The purpose of the study: to evaluate the prognostic role and predictivity of the results of MSCT angiopulmonography in the case of choosing a surgical method for the treatment of pulmonary embolism.Research objectives. Тo analyze the influence of the volume of preserved peripheral arterial pulmonary blood flow on the results of surgical treatment of acute massive PE and the dependence of the average pressure in the pulmonary artery on the MSCT parameters.Materials and methods: this work examines the surgical approach to the treatment and possibilities of preoperative MSCT diagnosis of acute massive pulmonary embolism. The 7-year analysis included the analysis of more than 1,200 MSCT studies for acute massive pulmonary embolism. 147 patients were selected for surgical treatment and successfully operated on, the remaining patients received conservative therapy with dynamic MSCT observation. According to international classifiers, the analysis of classes and categories of intraoperative and postoperative complications of emergency surgical treatment was performed in comparison with the initial MSCT parameters of acute massive PE.Results. The smaller the number of segmental branches of the pulmonary artery is determined at the preoperative stage, the higher the risks of mortality and complications of emergency surgical treatment of acute massive PE (p&lt;0,001). A direct relationship between the average pressure in the pulmonary artery and the MSCT parameter-the diameter of the unpaired vein (p&lt;0,001) was confirmed. An increase in the number of visualized bronchial arteries corresponds to an increase in the average pressure in the pulmonary artery (p&lt;0,05).Discussion. The lightning speed of the course of pulmonary embolism dictates an exceptional approach to the completeness of the diagnosis of the disease, and the change in treatment tactics due to the increasing demand for surgical methods of treatment changes the diagnostic approach to acute pulmonary embolism in general. The success of surgical treatment of PE directly depends on the completeness and speed of preoperative MSCT diagnostics, in particular, on the quality of analysis of intra-pulmonary and intracardiac hemodynamics.Conclusion: For acute massive PE with obstruction at the level of the trunk and / or main branches of the pulmonary artery, with a sharp and often uncontrolled progression of right ventricular failure, risk stratification in «real time» becomes the most relevant, the time factor becomes of paramount importance for determining treatment tactics. The inclusion of previously ignored MSCT parameters in the algorithm of preoperative diagnosis allows us to modify the algorithm of preoperative diagnosis, to form and introduce the concept of the reference MSCT status of a patient with acute massive PE.

Association between RS Time in Electrocardiogram and Right Ventricular Functions in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective: The occurrence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) results in an increased risk of mortality. We aimed to study the diagnostic value of RS time in the recognition of COPD patients with RV dysfunction. Methods: 120 consecutive COPD patients were divided into two groups, patients with and without RV dysfunction, and compared them in terms of parameters including RS time. RS time was defined as the longest interval from the beginning of the QRS complex to the nadir of the S- or S′-wave in the inferolateral leads on an electrocardiogram. Results: RV dysfunction was observed in 36% of consecutive COPD patients with a mean age of 63.4 ± 9.8 years (83.3% male) and a mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 1.51 ± 0.62 lt. The heart rate, right QRS axis deviation frequency, S1S2S3 pattern frequency, and RS time (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the patients with RV dysfunction than in those without. Body surface area, heart rate, and RS time (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of an RV dysfunction. An ROC analysis showed that the best RS time cutoff value for the prediction of RV dysfunction was 60 ms with a sensitivity of 81.4% and a specificity of 74.0%. Conclusion: In patients with COPD, RS time prolongation, which can be easily and quickly determined from the electrocardiogram, may be a marker for RV dysfunction.

Improving risk stratifcation of pulmonary hypertension patients

Abstract Background According to the 2016 ESC/ERS Guidelines on Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), the right atrial area (RAA) and the presence ofa pericardial effusion (PE) are the two main echocardiographic prognostic markers in PH patients (pts). Aim To assess the predictive ability of these two parameters. Methods Pts with PH were prospectively studied and several clinical/demographic/echocardiographic were retrieved as well as data from six-minute walk test (6MWT) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). All-cause mortality was analyzed by PE, RAA and other echocardiographic parameters for positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) to detect if the current guideline recommended cut-offs can precisely stratify risk in this setting. A survival analysis was performed to evaluate risk stratification (RS) provided by several different cut-offs. Results A total of 51 PH pts (mean age 54±46 years, 33.3% male, baseline BNP of 342.4±439.9pg/mL, mean 6MWT distance of 360.3±109.2 meters and baseline pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 78±26mmHg), of which 64.7% had Group I PH (GI) and 35.3% presented chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. There were no significant differences between these two groups, however pts in GI were significantly younger (p=0.001), achieved a lower 6MWT distance (p=0.038) and had worse values of right ventricular strain (p=0.040). 27 pts (52.9%) died during a mean follow-up of 52 months, with no differences between groups (p=0.756). The presence of a PE had a low NPV and PPV for the primary endpoint (45.0% and 45.5%, respectively), as well as the guideline recommended cut-offs for RAA (18cm2: NPV- 50.0% and PPV– 55.2%; 26cm2: NPV- 51.3% and PPV– 66.7%). A Pulsed Doppler Tei index (TIp) cut-off of 0.40 had a higher NPV (70.8%) and PPV (74.1%). By Kaplan-Meieran alysis, neither the presence of PE (log rank p=0.508) nor the recommended RAA cut-offs provided accurate risk discrimination (log rank p&amp;gt;0.05 for all). Pts below a TIp cut-off of 0.40 presented a significantly lower survival during follow-up (log rank p=0.002) Conclusion The currently recommended echocardiographic prognostic markers cannot precisely discriminate risk in PH pts. Markers of Right Ventricular Dysfunction may improve RS in this population. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF NT-proBNP AND MEAN PULMONARY ARTERY PRESSURE FOLLOWING BRONCHOPLASTIC LOBECTOMY OR PNEUMONECTOMY AS MARKERS OF RIGHT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION

Background There are scanty data of right ventricular dysfunction markers after major pulmonary resection.Objective To study the changes of plasma level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and its association with pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) as markers of right ventricular dysfunction in patients who underwent bronchoplastic lobectomy or pneumonectomy.Material and Methods The study population consisted of 36 patients aged 40–65 who underwent major pulmonary resection for lung cancer in 2016–2018. Patients were stratified into two groups according to the type of surgical procedure: bronchoplastic lobectomy, the main group (n = 19), and pneumonectomy, control group (n = 17). They were then analyzed for plasma NT-proBNP concentration, operative time, blood loss, intraoperative fluid administration, intraoperative urine output, and mean PAP level before and after an operation.Results The mean PAP level correlated positively with the plasma NT-proBNP concentration in the pneumonectomy group (Pearson r = 0.916754; p &lt; 0.001). This correlation was no evident in the subset of patients undergoing bronchoplastic lobectomy at the same determination point (Pearson r = 0.234741; p = 0.330).Conclusion The mean PAP increased significantly after pneumonectomy and is closely correlated with plasma NTproBNP concentration. These findings support the conclusion that bronchoplasty is preferable over pneumonectomy for lung cancer patients.

CMR markers for early right ventricular dysfunction in precapillary pulmonary hypertension

Abstract Introduction Precapillary pulmonary hypertension (pPH) causes right ventricular (RV) pressure overload inducing RV remodeling, often resulting in dysfunction and dilatation, heart failure, and ultimately death. The ability of the right ventricle to adequately adapt to increased pressure loading is key for patients' prognosis. RV ejection fraction (RVEF) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is related to outcome in pPH patients, but this global measurement is not ideal for detecting early changes in RV function. Strain analysis on CMR using feature tracking (FT) software provides a more detailed assessment, and might therefore detect early changes in RV function. Aim 1) To compare RV strain parameters in pPH patients and healthy controls, and 2) to compare strain parameters in a subgroup of pPH patients with preserved RVEF (pRVEF) and healthy controls. Methods In this prospective study, a CMR was performed in pPH patients and healthy controls. Using FT-software on standard cine images, the following RV strain parameters were analyzed: global, septal, and free wall longitudinal strain (GLS, sept-LS, free wall-LS), time to peak strain (TTP, as a % of the whole cardiac cycle), the fractional area change (FAC), global circumferential strain (GCS), global longitudinal and global circumferential strain rate (GLSR and GCSR, respectively). A pRVEF is defined as a RVEF &amp;gt;50%. To compare RV strain parameters in pPH patients to healthy controls, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. Results 33 pPH-patients (55 [45–63] yrs; 10 (30%) male) and 22 healthy controls (40 [36–48] yrs; 15 (68%) male) were included. All RV strain parameters were significantly reduced in pPH patients compared to healthy controls (see table), except for GCS and GCSR. Most importantly, in pPH patients with pRVEF (n=8) GLS (−26.6% [−22.6 to −27.3] vs. −28.1% [−26.2 to −30.6], p=0.04), sept-LS (−21.2% [−19.8 to −23.2] vs. −26.0% [−24.0 to −27.9], p=0.005), and FAC (39% [35–44] vs. 44% [42–47], p=0.02) were still significantly impaired compared to healthy controls. The RV TTP was significantly increased in pPH patients compared to healthy controls (47% [44–57] vs. 40% [33–43], p≤0.001). Conclusions Several CMR-FT strain parameters of the right ventricle are impaired in pPH patients when compared to healthy controls. Moreover, even in pPH patients with a preserved RVEF multiple RV strain parameters (GLS, sept-LS, and FAC) remained significantly impaired, and TTP significantly prolonged, in comparison to healthy controls. This suggests that RV strain parameters may be used as an early marker of RV dysfunction in pPH patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Renal Outcomes Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement: A Single Center Experience

Introduction Renal dysfunction is a prognostic factor in morbidity and mortality after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement. As a result, poor renal function often affects a patient's eligibility for LVAD implantation. However, in some, cardiac output augmentation following LVAD placement may improve renal perfusion. The extent of change in renal function and predictors of long-term renal function post-LVAD implantation have not been well studied. Methods This retrospective cohort included consecutive patients who underwent LVAD implantation (HeartMate[HM] II and HM3) between 2008-2018 at a single center for both bridge-to-transplant and destination therapy (DT) indications. We examined the relationship of clinical parameters with changes in renal function 6 months post-LVAD. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine predictors of decreased renal function. Results We examined 91 patients (mean age 59.7± 13.2, female 11%, HM II 89%, DT 68%). Post-LVAD, 52 patients (57.1%) improved and 39 (42.9%) had deterioration in renal function (Table). Among all patients, 16 (17.6%) had more than 25% reduction in GFR, 6 (6.6%) had a post-LVAD GFR of less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 2 (2.2%) developed end stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis. Of those patients who had improved GFR post-LVAD, 30 (57.7%) had more than 25% improvement in their GFR. Among patients who had a GFR 25% reduction in GFR (OR: 3.96, 95% CI 1.4 - 13.8), p=0.03). None of the other clinical parameters listed in the Table were associated with worse renal outcomes. Pre-LVAD GFR was also not predictive of >25% post-implant GFR reduction or the development of ESRD. Conclusion Renal function may improve after LVAD placement. In patients with long-term decreased renal function post-LVAD, the reduction in GFR was rarely severe. Elevated RA pressure, a marker of right ventricular dysfunction and volume overload, is potential predictor of poor renal outcomes after LVAD placement.

Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan on the Right Ventricular Arterial Coupling in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Background: right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling assessed by measuring the tricuspid anular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ratio has been recently proposed as an early marker of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods: As the effects of sacubitril/valsartan therapy on RV-PA coupling remain unknown, this study aimed to analyse the effect of this drug on TAPSE/PASP in patients with HFrEF. We retrospectively analysed all outpatients with HFrEF referred to our unit between October 2016 and July 2018. Results: At the 1-year follow-up, sacubitril/valsartan therapy was associated with a significant improvement in TAPSE (18.26 ± 3.7 vs. 19.6 ± 4.2 mm, p < 0.01), PASP (38.3 ± 15.7 vs. 33.7 ± 13.6, p < 0.05), and RV-PA coupling (0.57 ± 0.25 vs. 0.68 ± 0.30 p < 0.01). These improvements persisted at the 2-year follow-up. In the multivariable analysis, the improvement in the RV-PA coupling was independent of the left ventricular remodelling. Conclusions: in patients with HFrEF, sacubitril/valsartan improved the RV-PA coupling; however, further trials are necessary to evaluate the role of sacubitril/valsartan in the treatment of right ventricle (RV) dysfunction either associated or not associated with left ventricular dysfunction.

Relationship of left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral to treatment strategy in submassive and massive pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. It is important to understand direct comparisons of current interventions to differentiate favorable outcomes and complications. The objective of this study was to compare ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis versus systemic thrombolysis versus anticoagulation alone and their effect on left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral. This was a retrospective cohort study of subjects ≥18 years of age with a diagnosis of submassive or massive pulmonary embolism. The primary outcome was the percent change in left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral between pre- and post-treatment echocardiograms. Ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis compared to anticoagulation had a greater improvement in left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral, measured by percent change. No significant change was noted between the ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis and systemic thrombolysis nor systemic thrombolysis and anticoagulation groups. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure only showed a significant reduction in the ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis versus anticoagulation group. The percent change of right ventricular to left ventricular ratios was improved when systemic thrombolysis was compared to both ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis and anticoagulation. In this retrospective study of submassive or massive pulmonary embolisms, left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral demonstrated greater improvement in patients treated with ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis as compared to anticoagulation alone, a finding not seen with systemic thrombolysis. While this improvement in left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral parallels the trend seen in mortality outcomes across the three groups, it only correlates with changes seen in pulmonary artery systolic pressure, not in other markers of echocardiographic right ventricular dysfunction (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and right ventricular to left ventricular ratios). Changes in left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral, rather than echocardiographic markers of right ventricular dysfunction, may be considered a more useful prognostic marker of both dysfunction and improvement after reperfusion therapy.

P371 Right ventricle end-systolic remodeling index in patients with atrial septal defect and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract Background Outcome of patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) relates to right ventricular (RV) function. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the gold standard for evaluating the RV function but it is not used routinely. We investigated the relationship between MRI and multiple echocardiography parameters, including the Right Ventricle End-Systolic Remodeling Index (RVESRI), a new prognostic marker in patients with PAH. Methods 23 patients with ASD and severe PAH (median age 49y.o.[39-59], Sp0 2 92% [90-95], WHO functional class II or III, mean pulmonary artery pressure 51mmHg [40-59]) were included between 2014 and 2018. All patients underwent MRI and echocardiography assessment. Echocardiographic measurements of RV remodeling and function included TAPSE, RV fractional area change (RVFAC), peak systolic velocity of the tricuspid valve (S’TV), right atrial (RA) area, RV strain, Systolic to diastolic ratio, eccentricity index and RVESRI, defined by septum length divided by lateral wall length (Figure 1). Pericardial effusion was noted. Results Median RV ejection fraction (EF) evaluated with MRI was 46 % [34-59]. RV dysfunction (RVEF &amp;lt; 45%) was observed in 43% of patients. Median RVFAC and RVESRI were 29.6%[23-34] and 1.6[1.4-1.7] respectively. By spearman correlation, RVFAC and RVESRI were significantly correlated to RVEF (Rho 0.62, p &amp;lt; 0.007 and Rho -0.51,p &amp;lt; 0.02 respectively). By linear regression, RVFAC and RVESRI were also correlated to RVEF (R 2 =0.36, p &amp;lt; 0.003 and R 2 =0.34, p &amp;lt; 0.08). Pericardial effusion was associated with RV dysfunction (p&amp;lt; 0.008) and a lower RVFAC (p &amp;lt; 0.01). TAPSE, S’TV and RV strain were not correlated with RVEF. Conclusion RVFAC, RVESRI and pericardial effusion were markers of RV dysfunction in patients with ASD and severe PAH. RVESRI appears as a simple and reliable parameter for follow-up. Its prognostic value in patients with CHD remains to be demonstrated.

Right ventricular end-systolic remodelling index in patients with atrial septal defect and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension

Outcome of patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) relates to right ventricular (RV) function. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the gold standard for evaluating the RV function but it is not used routinely. We investigated the relationship between MRI and multiple echocardiography parameters, including the Right Ventricle End-Systolic Remodelling Index (RVESRI), a new prognostic marker in patients with PAH. A total of 23 patients with ASD and severe PAH (median age 49 y.o. [39–59], Sp0 2 92% [90–95], WHO functional class II or III, mean pulmonary artery pressure 51 mmHg [40–59]) were included between 2014 and 2018. All patients underwent MRI and echocardiography assessment. Echocardiographic measurements of RV remodelling and function included TAPSE, RV fractional area change (RVFAC), peak systolic velocity of the tricuspid valve (S’TV), right atrial (RA) area, RV strain, Systolic to diastolic ratio, eccentricity index and RVESRI, defined by septum length divided by lateral wall length. Pericardial effusion was noted. Median RV ejection fraction (EF) evaluated with MRI was 46% [34–59]. RV dysfunction (RVEF < 45%) was observed in 43% of patients. Median RVFAC and RVESRI were 29.6%[23–34] and 1.6[1.4–1.7] respectively. By spearman correlation, RVFAC and RVESRI were significantly correlated to RVEF (Rho 0.62, P < 0.007 and Rho −0.51, P < 0.02 respectively). By linear regression, RVFAC and RVESRI were also correlated to RVEF (R 2 = 0.36, P < 0.003 and R 2 = 0.34, P < 0.08). Pericardial effusion was associated with RV dysfunction ( P < 0.008) and a lower RVFAC ( P < 0.01). TAPSE, S’TV and RV strain were not correlated with RVEF. RVFAC, RVESRI and pericardial effusion were markers of RV dysfunction in patients with ASD and severe PAH. RVESRI appears as a simple and reliable parameter for follow-up. Its prognostic value in patients with CHD remains to be demonstrated.

Portal venous pulsatility fraction, a novel transesophageal echocardiographic marker for right ventricular dysfunction in cardiac surgical patients.

Background:Right ventricular (RV) has a vital role in maintaining optimal tissue perfusion. Assessment of portal venous flow characteristics can be alternative and emerging technique to assess RV function.Aims:To investigate if portal venous pulsatility fraction (PF) could serve as effective and complementary tool in identifying RV dysfunction.Materials and Methods:Thirty adult patients aged 18-65 years undergoing cardiac surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in study. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic examination was performed. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change (FAC), RV ejection fraction (EF), and portal vein flow pulsatility were assessed. Portal vein PF was used to quantify degree of pulsatility.Results:Portal vein was demonstrated in 27 patients (90%). 27 values of portal vein PF, RV EF, FAC, and TAPSE were analyzed. Portal vein PF demonstrated significant linear correlation with TAPSE (r = −0.55, P = 0.003), RV FAC (r = −0.44, P = 0.02), and RV EF (r = −0.53, P = 0.004). ROC curve was constructed to calculate sensitivity and specificity of portal vein PF for assessing RV function. Portal vein PF value of ≥45% indicated RV dysfunction with sensitivity of 92.3%, specificity of 71.4%, positive predictive value of 75%, and negative predictive value of 90.9%. Area under ROC curve was 0.819 (95% confidence interval = 0.624 – 0.939, P = 0.0006).Conclusion:Portal vein PF is simple and feasible method for assessment of RV function. It complements the existing echocardiographic measures to diagnose RV dysfunction.