Measures Of Left Ventricular Function Research Articles

P803 Myocardial work in acutely decompensated heart failure patients differs between HFrEF and HFpEF

Abstract OnBehalf AHF Registry Background & Aim A novel echocardiographic method to non-invasively determine left ventricular (LV) myocardial work (MyW) based on speckle-tracking derived longitudinal strain and blood pressure has recently been validated against invasive reference measurements. MyW is considered less load-dependent than LV ejection fraction (EF) and LV longitudinal strain. We investigated MyW indices in patients with reduced ejection fraction (LVEF <40%; HFrEF) and patients with preserved ejection fraction (LVEF ≥50%, HFpEF) admitted for acutely decompensated heart failure (AHF). Methods The AHF registry is a monocentric prospective follow-up study that comprehensively phenotypes consecutive patients hospitalized for AHF. Echocardiography was performed on the day of admission. MyW assessment was performed off-line using EchoPAC (GE, version 202). Here we present MyW indices and performed two-sided t-tests to analyze differences in numerical baseline covariates. Results We analyzed the echocardiograms of 94 AHF patients (72 ± 10 years; 36% female). 46 patients (49%) had an LVEF <40%, while 48 patients (51%) presented with LVEF ≥50%. HFrEF patients were younger, less often female, and hat lower blood pressure (table). Consistent with lower LVEF, HFrEF patients had less negative global longitudinal strain and lower global constructive work, when compared to HFpEF patients. Since HFrEF patients also had higher global wasted work, this yielded a lower myocardial work efficiency compared to HFpEF patients (table). Conclusions This analysis in patients with AHF exhibited marked differences in MyW indices according to subgroups with HFrEF and HFpEF, thus adding information to the classical measures of LV function. Future research has to determine whether constructive and/or wasted MyW are valuable diagnostic or therapeutic targets in patients with AHF. Abstract P803 Figure.

P306 Left ventricular volumes during 3D transesophageal echocardiography in comparison to those obtained by 3D transthoracic echocardiogram. A feasibility study

Abstract Background Three dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) has been validated to have good agreement with cardiac magnetic resonance for the assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with good interobserver reproducibility. Despite the increased use of perioperative transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), TEE assessment of left ventricular (LV) function and volumes have never been validated against 3D TTE. Objective To evaluate whether 3D TEE measurement of LV function shows better agreement with 3DTTE, compared to 2DBiplane and X-plane TEE. Methods A total of 60 patients were included from a single large volume tertiary center, the mean age of 71.9 years, 40% were female; TTE and TEE studies were performed within one week. LV function parameters including LV EF, LV end-diastolic (LVEDV) and end systolic volumes (LVESV), stroke volumes (SV) were calculated with Qlab version 9, and 3DQ advanced software, with semi-automated endocardial contours for 3D TTE and 3D TEE. LV function parameters for 2D X-plane and Biplane TEE data sets were assessed using AGFA with manual endocardial contours. Mean differences were compared with paired, two-tail T-test, and limits of agreement were determined using the Bland-Altman analysis. Correlation between TTE and TEE values were tested using Pearson’s correlation test. Results 3D transthoracic LV EDV, ESV, SV, and EF respectively were 112± 46 ml, 57 ±32 ml, 55± 55 ml, and 51 ±11%. Comparisons and correlations between TTE and TEE for the four measures were: for EDV bias = 9.94 ml and 95% lower and upper limits of agreements being -68.7 and 88.5 ml, and r= 0.7; for ESV the bias was -0.3 ml with 95% lower and upper limits of agreements being -55 to 55 ml, and r = 0.7: for stroke volume bias= 0.2 with 95% lower and upper limits of agreements being -37 to 67 ml, and r = 0.2; for LVEF the bias was 2.7% with 95% lower and upper limits of agreements being -18.9% to 24.3%, and r= 0.7 (Fig) Conclusion Left ventricular volumetric assessments during 3D transesophageal echocardiography is not only feasible but also comparable to 3D transthoracic echocardiography obtained LV volumes and EF. Data from multicenter studies with a larger number of subjects are needed to corroborate our findings. Abstract P306 Figure. Fig. 3D LV volumes by 3D TEE vs. 3D TTE

Risk stratifying asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction in the community: beyond left ventricular ejection fraction.

Midwall fractional shortening (MWFS) is a measure of left ventricular (LV) systolic function that is more reliable in case of concentric LV geometry compared to LV ejection fraction (LVEF). We hypothesized that MWFS might predict heart failure (HF) and death in a high-risk asymptomatic population, beyond other echocardiographic parameters. Among 4047 subjects aged ≥55/≤80 years followed by 10 general practitioners in northern Italy, the DAVID-Berg study prospectively enrolled 623 asymptomatic outpatients at increased risk for HF. Baseline evaluation included clinical visit, electrocardiogram, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and echocardiogram. Mean age of the population was 69 ± 7 years, 56% were men, 88% had hypertension, mean LVEF was 61 ± 9%, and mean MWFS 16.2 ± 3.3. During a median follow-up of 5.7 years, 95 subjects experienced HF/death events. At Cox analysis, lower MWFS was the only echocardiographic parameter, among structural/functional ones, associated with higher risk of HF/death [hazard ratio (HR) 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84-0.95, Padjusted < 0.001]. The risk of HF/death related to clinical data and NT-proBNP (baseline model) was reclassified by echocardiography only when MWFS was included into the model (baseline C-statistics 0.761; adding conventional structural/functional echocardiographic data 0.776, P = 0.09; adding MWFS 0.791, P = 0.007). Compared to subjects with normal LVEF and MWFS, only subjects with combined systolic dysfunction (11% of the population) were at higher risk (P = 0.001 for both abnormal; P > 0.24 for either LVEF or MWFS abnormal). DAVID-Berg data suggest to include MWFS assessment in clinical practice, a simple and reliable echocardiographic parameter able to improve risk stratification in subjects at high risk for HF.

Two-Dimensional Strain is more Precise than Conventional Measures of Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Pediatric Patients.

Ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) are standard methods of quantifying left ventricular (LV) systolic function. 2D global longitudinal strain (2D GLS) is a well-established, but underutilized method for LV function quantification. The aim of this study was to assess precision of GLS compared to EF & FS in pediatrics. Echocardiograms were prospectively analyzed by 2 blinded observers. FS, EF, and GLS were calculated following standard methods. Bland-Altman was applied to assess agreement. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to measure reliability. Coefficient of variation was used to demonstrate relative variability between methods. 103 pediatric echos were evaluated for inter-observer reproducibility, and 15 patients for intra-observer reproducibility. GLS had higher inter-observer agreement and reliability (bias 7%, 95% LOA - 3.4 to + 3.5, ICC 0.86 CI 0.80-0.90) compared to EF (bias 27%, 95% LOA - 18.9 to + 19.5; ICC 0.25 CI 0.07-0.43) and FS (bias 12%, 95% LOA - 11.9 to + 12.2; ICC 0.53 CI 0.38-0.66). GLS also had higher intra-observer agreement (bias 4%, 95% LOA - 3.6 to + 3.7; ICC 0.87 CI 0.66-0.96) compared to EF (bias 11%, 95% LOA - 14.9 to + 15.1; ICC 0.26 CI - 0.28-0.67) and FS (bias 12%, 95% LOA - 12.2 to + 12.5; ICC 0.38 CI - 0.15-0.74). GLS is a more precise method for quantifying LV function in pediatrics, with lower variability compared to EF and FS. GLS provides a more reliable evaluation of LV systolic function and should be utilized more widely in pediatrics.

P2471Adaptation of ventricular function the first year after heart transplantation assessed with echocardiography

Abstract Background/Introduction Echocardiography is commonly used in evaluation patients after heart transplantation (HTx). Detecting discrete changes in ventricular function is important but challenging using standard echocardiographic parameters. Furthermore, interpretation of findings are complicated by the fact that data on early possible adaptation is sparse. Purpose We sought to detect alterations in biventricular function primarily using speckle tracking derived strain at four time-points during the first year post HTx. Methods Fifty HTx patients (40 males, mean age 50±12 years) were prospectively included. Patients were examined 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after HTx using an iE33 platform with a S5–1 transducer and strain analysis was performed offline with a dedicated software: CMQ, Q-lab 10.3 (Philips Healthcare, Eindhoven, NL). Values were compared using paired t-test and expressed as mean±SD, 95% CI. Results Regarding left ventricular (LV) parameters no difference were detected between 1 and 12 months. LV ejection fraction (EF) was 58±5% vs. 58±7%, global longitudinal strain (GLS) was −15±5% vs. −16±4% and global circumferential strain (GCS) was −22±7% vs. −21±6% respectively. Conventional parameters of right ventricular (RV) function: Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) improved from 12±2 mm at 1 month to 15±5 mm (p&lt;0.01) at 12 months and tricuspid annular systolic velocity (S') improved from 8.1±1.9 cm/s to 9.5±2.7 cm/s (p&lt;0.01) at 12 months. Fractional area change (FAC) remained unaltered. Strain measurements of RV function improved gradually between 1 and 12 months. RV GLS was −15±3% vs. −17±3% (p&lt;0.01) and strain for the RV lateral wall (RVfree) was −15±3% vs. −18±3% (p&lt;0.001) respectively. Progressive improvement in RV strain is illustrated in Fig 1. Right ventricular strain post HTx Conclusion Our data indicate that clinically stable HTx recipients have reached steady state regarding LV function already 1 month after transplantation. This suggests that alterations in LV function parameters after this time-point can be used to detect adverse events. On the contrary, right ventricular longitudinal function show significant gradual improvement during the first year following HTx indicating that the RV adaptation-process is extended in comparison to the LV. We found that measurements of LV function at 1 month and RV function at 12 months post HTx are comparable to previously published normal values in clinically stable HTx patients. Nevertheless, further studies addressing possible continuous improvement in RV function beyond 1 year post HTx would be of interest.

P2614Comparison of global longitudinal strain and ejection fraction in correlation to NT-proBNP in ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure

Abstract Background In chronic heart failure (CHF) NT-proBNP and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by echocardiography are standard diagnostic as well as follow-up markers and are known to correlate with prognosis. Speckle-tracking echocardiography is a more recent technique to quantify myocardial deformation as a measurement of left ventricular function with potential benefits over LVEF. Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to analyse the cross-sectional relationship between 2D speckle tracking-derived global longitudinal strain (GLS) and NT-proBNP plasma levels in a prospective cohort of ischemic and non-ischemic CHF patients. Methods We enrolled 205 patients with chronic heart failure. Major inclusion criteria were age over 18 years, stable disease with absence of unplanned hospitalization or change in medication or device therapy in the previous month or major surgery in the previous 3 months. CHF treatment had to be according to the recommendations of the ESC CHF guidelines 2016 and LVEF had to be below 50%. Patient history, physical examination and an extensive echocardiography exam were performed. Lab results included NT-proBNP. Manual longitudinal strain was calculated using EchoPAC (General Electric Medical Systems, Horten, Norway) by a single and blinded examiner. LVEF was measured using Simpson's biplane method. Results 205 patients included in the study. The baseline characteristics included mean age 65.0 years and 75% male. Mean GLS was −9.6% (SD ±4.5%) and median NT-proBNP 1269.5 (IQR 379.5–2759.5) ng/ml. The CHF aetiology was 70.0% ischemic vs 30.0% non-ischemic. There was a significant negative correlation between GLS and NT-proBNP (Pearson r=0.239, p=0.029), this was not significant for LVEF and NT-proBNP (Pearson r=0.149, p=0.228).In a multivariate regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, NYHA classification and HF aetiology, GLS remained significantly correlated with NT-proBNP (adjusted beta-coefficient= 0.289, p=0.011). Furthermore, in contrast to LVEF, GLS showed a significant correlation to NT-proBNP in patients with ischemic (Pearson r=0.266, p=0.049) as well as non-ischemic aetiology of heart failure (Pearson r=0.434, p=0.034). Conclusion Global longitudinal strain, not LVEF, was significantly correlated with NT-proBNP in patients with CHF, independently of age, sex, symptoms or heart failure aetiology. This shows that speckle-tracking might be superior to LVEF for the assessment of left ventricular function in CHF.

P4347Automated echocardiographic quantification of left ventricular ejection fraction without volume measurements using a machine learning algorithm mimicking a human expert

Abstract Background Echocardiographic quantification of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) relies on either manual or automated identification of endocardial boundaries followed by standard calculation of model-based end-systolic and end-diastolic LV volumes. Recent developments in artificial intelligence resulted in computer algorithms that allow near automated detection of endocardial boundaries and measurement of LV volumes and function. However, boundary identification is still prone to errors limiting accuracy in certain patients. We hypothesized that a fully automated machine learning algorithm could be developed, which circumvents border detection and instead estimates the degree of ventricular contraction, similar to a human expert trained on tens of thousands of images. Purpose This study was designed to test the feasibility and accuracy of this approach. Methods Machine learning algorithm was developed and trained on a database of &gt;50,000 echocardiographic studies, including multiple apical 2- and 4-chamber views, to automatically estimate LVEF (AutoEF, BayLabs). Testing was performed on an independent group of 99 unselected patients, whose automated EF values were compared to reference values obtained by averaging measurements by 3 experts using conventional volume-based technique. Inter-technique agreement was assessed using linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis of bias and limits of agreement (LOA). Consistency was assessed by mean absolute deviation (MAD) among automated estimates based on different combinations of apical views. Finally, sensitivity and specificity of detecting of EF≤35% was calculated. These metrics were compared side-by-side against the same reference standard to those obtained from conventional EF measurements by clinical readers. Results Automated estimation of LVEF was feasible in all 99 patients. AutoEF values showed high consistency (MAD=2.9%) and excellent agreement with the reference values: r=0.95, bias=1.0%, LOA=±11.8%, with sensitivity 0.90 and specificity 0.92 for detection of EF≤35%. This was similar to clinicians' measurements: r=0.94, bias=1.4%, LOA=±13.4%,sensitivity 0.93, specificity 0.87. Conclusions Machine learning algorithm for volume-independent LVEF estimation is highly feasible and similar in accuracy to conventional volume-based measurements, when compared to reference values provided by an expert panel. Acknowledgement/Funding Bay Labs, Inc.

3075Global longitudinal strain and mechanical dispersion in the general population aged 50–64 years – results from the echocardiography study of the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS)

Abstract Background The Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) was initiated to improve understanding of underlying mechanisms in order to prevent cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. 30 000 individuals aged 50–64 years, randomly selected from the general population, were included in the study. Six-thousand-eight-hundred of the individuals underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mechanical dispersion (MD) are novel echocardiographic measures of left ventricular (LV) systolic function and electrical instability reflecting risk for malignant arrhythmia, respectively. Previous studies suggest that the limit of normal for GLS is −16% and that MD &gt;70 ms may be associated with increased risk for malignant arrhythmias. GLS and MD have, however, not before been investigated in a large population-based study. Purpose The purpose of this first project within the SCAPIS echocardiography study is to determine the prevalence of impaired GLS and MD in the general population aged 50–64 years. Methods GLS and MD, defined as mean peak longitudinal strain of the 18 LV segments and standard deviation of time-to-peak strain for the 18 LV segments, respectively, were analysed using a commercially available software. For group comparisons, the independent-samples t-test, the Mann-Whitney U-test or One Way Analysis of Variance with the Bonferroni post hoc test were performed. Values are mean±standard deviation. Results 1850 examinations have so far been reviewed, whereof image quality was considered adequate for strain analysis in 1480 individuals (80%). Image quality, assessed as the number of visually assessable LV segments, was better for the second half of the examinations, as compared to the first half (p&lt;0.001). Of the 1480 individuals where GLS and MD were assessed, 51% were women and mean age was 57±4.4 years with no difference in age between the sexes (p=ns). Mean GLS was −20±2% and men had significantly more negative (p&lt;0.001) GLS values than women (−21±2% vs. −19±2%). There was no significant difference (p=ns) in GLS when comparing individuals aged 50–54, 55–59 or 60–64 years, respectively. GLS values were less negative than −16% in 1.9% of the study population. Mean MD was 41±12 ms with no significant difference (p=ns) between the sexes. MD was significantly lower (p&lt;0.001) among individuals aged 50–54 years, as compared to those aged 55–59 or 60–64 years, respectively. MD was &gt;70 ms in 1.6% of the study population. Conclusions These preliminary data from the SCAPIS echocardiography study suggest that, in the general population aged 50–64 years, 1.9% have impaired GLS and 1.6% have increased MD, which is possibly associated with a higher risk for malignant arrhythmias. Men had more negative GLS values than women and MD was lower in the lowest age tertile. Further analyses are ongoing. Acknowledgement/Funding The Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation. Grants from Linkoping University. ALF-grants from the Swedish government (LIO-700841).

P4353Global longitudinal strain is a measure of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in chronic inflammatory autoimmune conditions

Abstract Background Myocardial deformation indices are proposed to be a more sensitive marker of subclinical dysfunction compared to standard measures of left ventricular (LV) systolic function. We hypothesize that subclinical myocardial dysfunction is present in chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), despite both conditions being mediated by different pro-inflammatory modulators. Purpose Identify subclinical myocardial dysfunction through assessment of global longitudinal strain in two different chronic autoimmune conditions, SLE and RA. Methods Consecutive patients admitted to our institution with known history of SLE or RA (&gt;1 year disease activity) were examined. Patients with preexisting cardiac disease, LVEF &lt;50% and those without comprehensive transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) were excluded. Mean longitudinal LV strain was performed offline using vendor-independent software (TomTec v4.6) and compared to age- and gender-matched controls with normal LV function and no history of cardiac disease. Results Of the 86 patients examined (mean age 53.01±21.74, 85.4% female), 51 (59.3%) had SLE and 35 (40.7%) had RA. No significant difference in BMI, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea and stroke was observed between controls and patients with SLE or RA. While there was no significant difference in LVEF between RA patients and matched controls, there was a significantly lower GLS in the RA cohort. Conversely, patients with SLE had significantly lower LVEF and GLS when compared to matched controls, despite LVEF being in the normal range. See Table 1. Receiver operator curve analysis revealed that mean GLS is a better discriminator for autoimmune disease with an area under the curve of 0.829 (95% CI, 0.77 to 0.89; p&lt;0.01) compared to LVEF with an area under the curve of 0.632 (95% CI, 0.55 to 0.72; p&lt;0.01). Echocardiographic Parameters SLE (n=51) Controls (n=51) Sig (p value) RA (n=35) Controls (n=35) Sig (p value) LVEDV (mls) 102±30 85±20 &lt;0.01 84±28 89±30 0.43 LVESV (mls) 36±17 29±9 0.02 26±14 30±12 0.24 Biplane LVEF % 59±6 63±4 &lt;0.01 62±6 62±5 0.81 LV Mass (grams/m2) 96±34 72±20 &lt;0.01 79±26 82±23 0.67 LV Mean GLS % 16.7±2.8 21.3±2 &lt;0.01 17.8±1.7 19.1±2.5 0.02 Conclusions Our results suggest that chronic inflammatory conditions (SLE and RA) are associated with subclinical cardiac dysfunction. Impaired GLS may reflect early myocardial damage and be used as a tool for screening of patients with inflammatory conditions. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Association of Circulating Ceramides With Cardiac Structure and Function in the Community: The Framingham Heart Study.

BackgroundA higher circulating plasma ceramide ratio (C16:0/C24:0) is associated with an increased risk of heart failure, even after accounting for standard risk factors including lipid markers. However, the pathobiological mechanisms that underlie this association are incompletely understood. We tested the hypothesis that plasma ceramide ratio (C16:0/C24:0) is associated with adverse cardiac remodeling in the community.Methods and ResultsWe evaluated 2652 Framingham Offspring Study participants (mean age, 66±9 years; 55% women) who attended their eighth examination cycle and underwent routine echocardiography and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry–based assays for circulating ceramide concentrations. We used multivariable linear regression models to relate C16:0/C24:0 (independent variable) to the following echocardiographic measures (dependent variables; separate models for each): left ventricular mass, left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial emptying fraction, left atrial end‐systolic volume, E/e′ (a measure of left ventricular diastolic function), and left ventricular global circumferential and longitudinal strain by speckle‐tracking echocardiography. In multivariable‐adjusted analyses, higher C16:0/C24:0 per standard deviation increment was associated with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (0.991‐fold change in left ventricular ejection fraction; P=0.0004), worse global circumferential strain (β=0.34, P=0.004), higher left atrial end‐systolic volume (β=2.48, p<0.0001), and lower left atrial emptying fraction (0.99‐fold change; P<0.0001). The C16:0/C24:0 ratio was not associated with either E/e′ or global longitudinal strain, and the association with higher left ventricular mass was rendered statistically nonsignificant upon correction for multiple comparisons.ConclusionsOur cross‐sectional observations in a large community‐based sample are consistent with a potential detrimental impact of higher ceramide ratio (C16:0/24:0) on cardiac remodeling traits, which may partly explain the associations of these molecular species with clinical heart failure.

Global longitudinal strain is a more reproducible measure of left ventricular function than ejection fraction regardless of echocardiographic training

BackgroundLeft ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is an established method for evaluation of left ventricular (LV) systolic function. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) by speckle tracking echocardiography seems to be an important additive method for evaluation of LV function with improved reproducibility compared with LVEF. Our aim was to compare reproducibility of GLS and LVEF between an expert and trainee both as echocardiographic examiner and analyst.MethodsForty-seven patients with recent Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) underwent echocardiographic examination by both an expert echocardiographer and a trainee. Both echocardiographers, blinded for clinical data and each other’s findings, performed image analysis for evaluation of intra- and inter- observer variability. GLS was measured using speckle tracking echocardiography. LVEF was calculated by Simpson’s biplane method.ResultsThe trainee measured a GLS of − 19.4% (±3.5%) and expert − 18.7% (±3.2%) with an Intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.89 (0.74–0.95). LVEF by trainee was 50.3% (±8.2%) and by expert 53.6% (±8.6%), ICC coefficient was 0.63 (0.32–0.80). For GLS the systematic difference was 0.21% (− 4.58–2.64) vs. 4.08% (− 20.78–12.62) for LVEF.ConclusionGLS is a more reproducible method for evaluation of LV function than LVEF regardless of echocardiographic training.

Automated Echocardiographic Quantification of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Without Volume Measurements Using a Machine Learning Algorithm Mimicking a Human Expert.

Echocardiographic quantification of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) relies on either manual or automated identification of endocardial boundaries followed by model-based calculation of end-systolic and end-diastolic LV volumes. Recent developments in artificial intelligence resulted in computer algorithms that allow near automated detection of endocardial boundaries and measurement of LV volumes and function. However, boundary identification is still prone to errors limiting accuracy in certain patients. We hypothesized that a fully automated machine learning algorithm could circumvent border detection and instead would estimate the degree of ventricular contraction, similar to a human expert trained on tens of thousands of images. Machine learning algorithm was developed and trained to automatically estimate LVEF on a database of >50 000 echocardiographic studies, including multiple apical 2- and 4-chamber views (AutoEF, BayLabs). Testing was performed on an independent group of 99 patients, whose automated EF values were compared with reference values obtained by averaging measurements by 3 experts using conventional volume-based technique. Inter-technique agreement was assessed using linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis. Consistency was assessed by mean absolute deviation among automated estimates from different combinations of apical views. Finally, sensitivity and specificity of detecting of EF ≤35% were calculated. These metrics were compared side-by-side against the same reference standard to those obtained from conventional EF measurements by clinical readers. Automated estimation of LVEF was feasible in all 99 patients. AutoEF values showed high consistency (mean absolute deviation =2.9%) and excellent agreement with the reference values: r=0.95, bias=1.0%, limits of agreement =±11.8%, with sensitivity 0.90 and specificity 0.92 for detection of EF ≤35%. This was similar to clinicians' measurements: r=0.94, bias=1.4%, limits of agreement =±13.4%, sensitivity 0.93, specificity 0.87. Machine learning algorithm for volume-independent LVEF estimation is highly feasible and similar in accuracy to conventional volume-based measurements, when compared with reference values provided by an expert panel.

General anesthesia and positive pressure ventilation suppress left and right ventricular myocardial shortening in patients without myocardial disease \u2013 a strain echocardiography study

BackgroundMyocardial deformation imaging using speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess global longitudinal strain (GLS) is today considered a more sensitive measure of left ventricular (LV) systolic function than ejection fraction. General anesthesia and positive pressure ventilation (PPV) are known to change the right ventricular (RV) and LV loading conditions. However, little is known about the effects of anesthesia and PPV on RV free wall and LV GLS. We studied the influence of general anesthesia and PPV on RV and LV longitudinal strain in patients without myocardial disease.MethodsTwenty-one patients scheduled for non-cardiac surgery were included. The baseline examination was performed on the un-premedicated patients within 60 min of anesthesia. The second examination was performed 10–15 min after induction of anesthesia (propofol, remifentanil), intubation and start of PPV. The examinations included apical four-, two- and three-chamber projections, mitral and aortic Doppler flow velocities and tissue Doppler velocities of tricuspid and mitral annulus. LV end-systolic elastance (Ees) and aortic elastance were determined (Ea).ResultsGeneral anesthesia and PPV reduced the mean arterial blood pressure (− 29%, p < 0.0019), stroke volume index (− 13%, p < 0.001) and cardiac index (− 23%, p < 0.001). RV end-diastolic area index and LV end-diastolic volume index decreased significantly, while systemic vascular resistance was not significantly affected. Ees decreased significantly with the induction of anaesthesia (− 23%, p = 0.002), while there was a trend for a decrease in Ea (p = 0.053). The ventriculo-arterial coupling, Ea/Ees, was not significantly affected by the anesthetics and PPV. The LV GLS decreased from − 19.1 ± 2.3% to − 17.3 ± 2.9% (p < 0.001) and RV free wall strain decreased from − 26.5 ± 3.9% to − 24.1 ± 4.2% (p = 0.001). One patient (5%) had at baseline a LV GLS > − 16% compared with 6 patients (28%) during general anesthesia and PPV. Three patients (14%) had a RV free wall strain > − 24% compared to 8 patients (38%) during general anesthesia and PPV.ConclusionsGeneral anesthesia and PPV reduces systolic LV and RV function to levels considered indicating dysfunction in a substantial proportion of patients without myocardial disease.

Ultrafiltration-profiled hemodialysis to reduce dialysis-related cardiovascular stress: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Rapid fluid removal (ultrafiltration, UF) is associated with higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among individuals receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Fluid removal rates that exceed vascular refill rates can result in hemodynamic instability, end-organ damage to the heart, kidneys, gut and brain, among other organs, and patient symptoms. There are no known evidence-based HD treatment strategies to reduce harm from higher UF rates. Ultrafiltration profiling, the practice of varying UF rates to maximize fluid removal during periods of greatest hydration and plasma oncotic pressure, has been proposed as an HD treatment intervention that may reduce UF rate-related complications. This study is a randomized 4-phase cross-over trial in which participants are successively alternated between study arms with intervening washout periods, and treatment order is randomized. After 4-week screening and 6-week baseline periods, participants are randomized to HD with conventional UF or HD with UF profiling for a period of 3 weeks followed by a 1-week washout period before crossing over. Participants cross into conventional UF and UF profiling phases twice (2 phases per arm). The primary outcomes of interest are intradialytic hypotension (nadir intradialytic systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg), pre-to post-HD change in troponin T (expressed as a percentage), change in left ventricular global longitudinal strain (an echocardiographic measure of left ventricular systolic function), and development of intradialytic left ventricular stunning (worsening of contractile function in ≥2 segments). This study will determine the impact of UF profiling on UF rate-related cardiovascular complications in prevalent, maintenance HD patients.

Vascular-ventricular coupling during exercise is not affected by exaggerated blood pressures in endurance-trained athletes.

This study sought to examine whether cardiovascular performance during exercise, assessed using the vascular-ventricular coupling index (VVC), was affected by exaggerated blood pressure (EBP) responses in endurance-trained athletes. Subjects were middle-aged endurance-trained men and women. Blood pressure measurements and left ventricular echocardiography were performed in a semiupright position at rest and during steady-state cycling at workloads that elicited 100-110 beats/min (stage 1) and 130-140 beats/min (stage 2). These data were used to calculate effective arterial elastance index (EaI), left ventricular end-systolic elastance index (ELVI), and their ratio (VVC). Additional measurements of left ventricular volumes and function (i.e., stroke volume, cardiac output, and longitudinal strain) and indirect assessments of peripheral vascular function (i.e., total arterial compliance and peripheral vascular resistance) were examined. Fourteen subjects with EBP (EBP+, 50% men) and 14 sex-matched subjects without EBP (EBP-) participated, with results presented as EBP+ versus EBP-. EaI and ELVI increased from rest to exercise while VVC decreased, but only ELVI was different between groups at stage 1 [7.6 (1.8) vs. 6.4 (1.0) mmHg·ml-1·m-2, P = 0.045] and stage 2 [10.3 (1.6) vs. 8.0 (1.7) mmHg·ml-1·m-2, P < 0.001]. Additional comparisons revealed no group difference in the contribution of the Frank-Starling mechanism or left ventricular and peripheral vascular function during exercise. The cardiovascular adjustment to exercise in athletes with EBP is achieved through a matched increase in both EaI and ELVI, and the absence of between-group differences in left ventricular or peripheral vascular function suggests that other factors may contribute to the EBP response.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cardiovascular performance during submaximal exercise, assessed using vascular-ventricular coupling, is unaffected by exaggerated blood pressure (EBP) responses in endurance-trained athletes. The underlying mechanisms of EBP in athletes remain unknown as changes in left ventricular and peripheral vascular function during exercise were similar in athletes with and without EBP.

Echocardiographic quantitation of left heart size and function in 122 healthy dogs: A prospective study proposing reference intervals and assessing repeatability

BackgroundBroadly applicable reference intervals (RIs) for measurements of left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) size and function generated prospectively using statistically appropriate methods are limited.ObjectivesTo generate body size‐independent RIs for linear, area, and volume measurements of LA size and LV size and function.AnimalsHealthy adult dogs (n = 122) of variable size and somatotype.MethodsProspective study. All dogs underwent an echocardiogram performed by the same examiner. Effects of body weight, sex, age, and heart rate were evaluated by regression and correlation analyses. Scaling exponents and prediction intervals were generated for linear measurements using the allometric equation. After normalization to body weight, 95% RIs were determined using nonparametric methods with 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles serving as the lower and upper limits (each with 90% confidence intervals), respectively.ResultsLinear LA and LV measurements were strongly correlated (R 2 ≥ 0.79) with body weight. Scaling exponents were close to the expected 1/3 (0.299‐0.392). Prediction intervals for linear measurements of LV chamber size were considerably narrower than previously reported. Weak correlations (r = −0.42 to −0.50) among LV fractional shortening, fractional area change, and ejection fraction and body weight were identified. No other meaningful relationships were identified between the measurements and sex, age, and heart rate.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBody size‐independent RIs for several linear, area, and volume measurements of LA and LV size and function were generated prospectively from a large and diverse reference population and are available for clinical use.

Markers of Bone Mineral Metabolism and Cardiac Structure and Function in Perinatally HIV-Infected and HIV-Exposed but Uninfected Children and Adolescents.

Disordered bone mineral metabolism and low vitamin D concentrations are associated with cardiovascular abnormalities; few studies have evaluated this relationship in HIV-infected youth. The Adolescent Master Protocol is a Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study network study conducted across 14 US sites. Among perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV) and perinatally HIV-exposed but uninfected (PHEU) youth enrolled in the Adolescent Master Protocol, we evaluated associations of vitamin D [measured as 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OHD)], parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphate, and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) concentrations with echocardiographic measures of left ventricular (LV) structure, function, and concentrations of NT-proBNP, a biomarker of cardiac damage. Among 485 participants (305 PHIV and 180 PHEU) with echocardiograms and bone mineralization measures, low 25-OHD (<20 ng/mL) was common among all participants (48% PHIV and 44% PHEU), but elevated PTH (>65 pg/mL) was identified more often among PHIV participants than PHEU participants (9% vs 3%, P = 0.02). After adjusting for HIV status and demographic covariates, both low 25-OHD and elevated PTH were associated with lower mean LV mass z-scores, whereas elevated PTH was associated with higher mean fractional shortening z-scores. Participants with low 25-OHD also had slightly higher mean LV end-systolic wall stress z-scores, but differences were more pronounced in PHEU participants than in PHIV participants. FGF-23 was inversely related to end-diastolic septal thickness, both overall and among PHIV participants. In this cohort of PHIV and PHEU youth, we observed associations of 25-OHD, PTH, and FGF-23 with both structural and functional cardiac parameters, supporting links between bone mineral metabolism and cardiac status.

Evaluation of changes of global longitudinal strain in patients with coronary artery disease after PCI

Recovering blood flow to a coronary stenosis may improve left ventricular (LV) function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the reported data about evaluation of LV function post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in CAD was limited. Purpose of this study was to determine the change in parameters of global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with CAD underwent PCI, and to compare the LV function measured by ejection fraction (EF) and global longitudinal strain. We enrolled Patients with CAD who underwent elective PCI. Echocardiographic measurements of LV function by EF as well as by 2D speckle tracking to assess global longitudinal strain were performed in all patients within 24 hours pre- and post-PCI procedure and 1 week later. The LV global longitudinal peak strain average (GLPS-Avg) was calculated from 18 segments measurement. The study included (57.2 ± 6.8 years old). Means of GLPS-Avg pre-, 24 hours and one week post-PCI were −9.58 ± 3.74% and −10,43 ± 4.36% and 16.79 ± 4.98 respectively. Means of EF pre-, 24 hours and one week post-PCI were 42.3 ± 10.1% and 44.5 ± 11.08% and 47.85 ± 11.79%, respectively. The improvement of LV function was more significant statistically when it was measured by GLPS-Avg ( P < 0.0001) than that of EF ( P < 0.001). The improvement of GLPS-Avg was correlated with target vessel revascularization involving left anterior descending artery. Recovery of left ventricular function post-revascularization of coronary artery disease could be detected earlier by either ejection fraction or global longitudinal strain measurements; however the latter is more accurate. Improvement of GLPS is correlated moderately with target vessel revascularisation involving left anterior descending artery.

Elevated soluble-St2 concentrations in preeclampsia correlate with echocardiographic parameters of diastolic dysfunction and return to normal values one year after delivery

Objectives: To compare soluble-ST2 (sST2) concentrations in patients with severe features of preeclampsia and healthy pregnant controls before as well as 1 year after delivery. Another objective was to assess potential correlation between sST2 concentrations and myocardial function.Methods: Patients with singleton pregnancy complicated by severe features of preeclampsia and healthy controls were included in a prospective observational study. Plasma sST2 concentrations were measured within 24 h before delivery and 1 year after delivery. Standard two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography was performed at the time of first sST2 measurement before delivery. Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare sST2 values in preeclamptic patients versus controls. Kendall’s tau was used to assess correlation between sST2 values and echocardiographic measures of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function (p < .05 significant).Results: We included 24 patients with severe preeclampsia and 29 controls. One year after delivery, sST2 concentrations were available for 24 (45%) participants (13 in preeclampsia group and 11 controls). Concentrations of sST2 were markedly elevated in patients with severe preeclampsia compared to healthy controls before delivery (p = .04), but not 1 year after delivery (p = .80). There was no significant correlation between sST2 and parameters of systolic function. In preeclamptic patients, we found a significant inverse correlation between sST2 and markers of diastolic function: peak early mitral inflow velocity E (Kendall’s tau = −0.40; p = .02), peak early diastolic myocardial velocities at septal and lateral mitral annulus (e’) (Kendall’s tau = −0.354, p = .04) and ratio between e’ and peak systolic myocardial velocities at the septal and lateral mitral annulus (e'/s') (Kendall’s tau = −0.362, p = .04).Conclusions: Preeclampsia with severe features is associated with increased maternal plasma concentrations of sST2, which return to normal values in the first year after delivery. Higher sST2 levels in preeclamptic patients correlate with impaired parameters of left ventricular diastolic function.

Evaluation of patients with myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using low dose dobutamine stress echocardiography

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a spectrum of heart diseases which has the highest mortality in the world. Systolic left ventricular (LV) function is an important predictor of outcome, and its precise assessment remains of great importance for the choice of treatment in populations with myocardial infarction (MI). This study was aimed to assess the function and viability of ischemic myocardium of LV before and after the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by using 2dimentional (2D) STE with LDDSE and to know the usefulness of low dose dobutamine (LDD) test in detecting the viable ischemic LV area. The results of the current study revealed there was a significant decrease (improvement) in GLS before dobutamine from (-10.49±3.4) to (-12.87±3.44) after dobutamine. Then there was a significant increase (deterioration) in GLS from (-12.87±3.44) after giving 5 mg/kg/min dobutamine to (-11.56±3.29) after giving 10 mg/kg/min dobutamine (P value &lt; 0.001). While there were no significant differences in GLS after low dose dobutamine (-12.87±3.44) with the same parameters 3-6 months after PCI (-13.48±3.7). Left anterior descending artery (LAD) is the most common affected artery in our study. The study concluded that GLS provides a sensitive measure of LV function and appears reduced despite preserved LVEF also GLS can detect the viability of ischemic myocardium of LV with using LDD test which then assessed by PCI.