Measures Of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Research Articles

Longitudinal strain correlates with 6-minute walk distance whereas ejection fraction and diastolic parameters do not

BackgroundImpaired functional capacity is a common symptom in patients with heart failure. Standard measures of left ventricular (LV) function, such as ejection fraction (EF) and LV diastolic parameters, do not correlate with measures of functional capacity. The aim of this study is to determine if measures of global and regional LV strain better correlate with 6-minute walk distance than does EF or measures of LV diastolic function.Methods120 patients referred to a cardiology clinic for evaluation of known or suspected heart failure were approached for enrollment. Of those 120 patients, 58 had an echocardiogram within 3 months of enrollment with images adequate for regional and global strain assessment, had no contra-indication to exercise testing, and had no previously documented non-cardiac explanation for dyspnea on exertion. In those 58 patients, 6-minute walk distance was measured, LV EF was determined with Simpson’s biplane method, and global and regional longitudinal strain were measured with TomTec Image Arena 4.5.1 software.ResultsLV EF had no correlation with 6-minute walk distance (r = 0.22, p = 0.09) even when controlling for age, gender, and BMI (p = 0.07). No measures of LV diastolic function (including E velocity, Deceleration Time, e’ annular velocities, or E/e’) had a correlation with 6-minute walk distance. Multiple measures of global and regional LV longitudinal systolic function had a correlation with 6-minute walk distance. Longitudinal strain of the basal LV segments had the strongest correlation with 6-minute walk distance (r= -0.36, p = 0.005), and correlation persisted after controlling for age, gender, BMI, and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.004).ConclusionsLongitudinal strain correlates with a measure of functional capacity, but LVEF and traditional measures of LV diastolic dysfunction do not. Measures of longitudinal strain, especially in basal LV segments, will likely be an important marker of clinically relevant LV function.Graphical

Evaluation of Intraoperative Left-Ventricular Diastolic Function by Myocardial Strain in On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic function strongly predicts outcomes after cardiac surgery, but there is no consensus about appropriate intraoperative assessment. Recently, intraoperative diastolic strain-based measurements assessed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) have shown a strong correlation with LV relaxation, compliance, and filling, but there are no reports about evaluation through the entire perioperative period. Therefore, the authors describe the intraoperative course of this novel assessment technique in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, and compare it with conventional echocardiographic measures and common grading algorithms of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). Prospectively obtained data. A single university hospital. Thirty adult patients scheduled for isolated on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with preoperative preserved left and right ventricular systolic function, without significant heart valve disease and pulmonary hypertension, and an uneventful intraoperative course were included. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed after induction of anesthesia (T1), after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass (T2), and after sternal closure (T3). Echocardiographic evaluation was performed in stable hemodynamic conditions, in sinus rhythm or atrial pacing, and vasopressor support with norepinephrine ≤0.1 µg/kg/min. Strain-based measurements of peak longitudinal strain rate during isovolumetric relaxation (SR-IVR) and during early (SR-E) and late (SR-A) LV filling were assessed using EchoPAC v204 software (GE Vingmed Ultrasound AS, Norway). Evaluation of conventional echocardiographic parameters included transmitral Doppler measures of early (E) and late (A) LV filling, as well as lateral-tissue Doppler velocity assessed during early (e´) and late (a´) LV filling, tricuspid regurgitation, and left atrial dilatation. Evaluation and grading of LV diastolic function by myocardial strain was feasible in all included patients at all time points of assessment. Using conventional grading algorithms, however, a substantial number of patients could not be sufficiently graded, falling into an indeterminate zone and not reliably estimating LVDD (T1, 40%; T2, 33%; T3, 36%). There was significant impairment of LV diastolic function after bypass, as measured by SR-IVR (T1 v T2, 0.28 s-1 [IQR 0.23; 0.31) v 0.18 s-1 [IQR 0.14; 0.22]; p < 0.001), SR-E (T1 v T2, 0.95 ± 0.34 s-1v 1.28 ± 0.36 s-1; p < 0.001), and E/SR-IVR (T1 v T2, 2.3 ± 1.0 m v 4.5 ± 2.1 m; p < 0.001]. Conventional echocardiographic measures remained unchanged during the same period (E/A T1 v T2, 1.27 [IQR 0.94; 1.59] v 1.21 [IQR 1.03; 1.47] [p = 1] and E/e´ T1 v T2, 7.0 [IQR 5.3; 9.6] v 6.35 [IQR 5.7; 9.9] [p = 0.9]). There were no significant changes in the values of SR-IVR, SR-E, SR-A, E/SR-IVR, E/A, and E/e´ before and after sternal closure (T2 v T3). Intraoperative assessment of strain-based measurements of LV diastolic function and strain-based LVDD grading was feasible in this group of selected patients, whereas conventional parameters failed to describe LVDD sufficiently in a substantial number of patients. Diastolic strain-based measurements showed impairment of LV relaxation and compliance after bypass, which was not detected by conventional echocardiographic parameters. Therefore, diastolic myocardial strain analysis might be more sensitive in detecting myocardial diastolic dysfunction by TEE in the perioperative setting, with its dynamic changes of loading conditions, and might provide valuable and additional information on the perioperative changes of LV diastolic function.

Left ventricular diastolic function and respiratory outcomes in preterm infants: a retrospective study.

The role of left ventricular (LV) diastolic pressure in the pathophysiology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is unclear. We evaluated the trajectory of echocardiographic parameters of LV diastolic function and the association with respiratory outcomes in preterm infants. We retrospectively analysed measurements of LV diastolic function (E, e', A, Ee' and E/A ratios) in infants below 32 weeks' gestation (GA). We compared infants with and without BPD by two-way RM ANOVA. We considered Ee' ratio as a proxy of LV filling pressure and identified a cut-off value using ROC analysis. We divided infants using such threshold and compared respiratory outcomes between groups by Mann-Whitney or Chi-square tests. We included 72 infants. Ee' ratio at 28 days was significantly associated with the duration of respiratory support (beta (std. error) = 5.32 (1.82), p = 0.005) and BPD (beta = 0.27 (0.10), p = 0.008). Infants with Ee' ratio > 12 at 28 days had longer respiratory support, oxygen requirement, and higher BPD rates than infants with Ee' ratio ≤ 12. LV diastolic function associated with elevated LV filling pressure may contribute to the pathophysiology of BPD. Serial echocardiographic measurements could identify infants at risk of worse respiratory outcomes. In very preterm infants, we assessed the trajectory of left ventricular diastolic function by serial echocardiographic evaluations and evaluated its association with respiratory outcomes. On average, infants who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia had higher Ee' at 28 postnatal days and 36 weeks postmentrual age than infants who did not develop the disease. Infants with elevated Ee' at 28 postnatal days, suggestive of elevated left atrial pressure, required longer respiratory support.

A Novel Continuous Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Score Using Machine Learning

Unlike left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, which provides a precise, reliable, and prognostically valuable measure of systolic function, there is no single analogous measure of LV diastolic function. We aimed to develop a continuous score to grade LV diastolic function using machine learning modeling of echocardiographic data. Consecutive echo studies performed at a tertiary-care center between February 1, 2010, and March 31, 2016, were assessed, excluding studies containing features that would interfere with diastolic function assessment as well as studies in which 1 or more parameters within the contemporary diastolic function assessment algorithm were not reported. Diastolic function was graded based on 2016 American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) guidelines, excluding indeterminate studies. Machine learning models were trained (support vector machine [SVM], decision tree [DT], XGBoost [XGB], and dense neural network [DNN]) to classify studies within the training set by diastolic dysfunction severity, blinded to the ASE/EACVI classification. The DNN model was retrained to generate a regression model (R-DNN) to predict a continuous LV diastolic function score. A total of 28,986 studies were included; 23,188 studies were used to train the models, and 5,798 studies were used for validation. The models were able to reclassify studies with high agreement to the ASE/EACVI algorithm (SVM, 83%; DT, 100%; XGB, 100%; DNN, 98%). The continuous diastolic function score corresponded well with ASE/EACVI guidelines, with scores of 1.00±0.01 for studies with normal function and 0.74±0.05, 0.51±0.06, and 0.27±0.11 for mild, moderate, and severe diastolic dysfunction, respectively (mean±1 SD). A score of <0.91 predicted abnormal diastolic function (area under the receiver operator curve=0.99), while a score of <0.65 predicted elevated filling pressure (area under the receiver operator curve=0.99). Machine learning can assimilate echocardiographic data and generate an automated continuous diastolic function score that corresponds well with current diastolic function grading recommendations.

Left atrial strain and diastolic function abnormalities in obese and type 2 diabetic adolescents and young adults

BackgroundAdults with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) related to obesity are at increased risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Whether left ventricular (LV) diastolic function abnormalities related to obesity and T2DM start in adolescence and early adulthood is unknown. We non-invasively evaluated the differences seen in LV diastolic and left atrial (LA) function in adolescents and young adults with obesity and T2DM.MethodsWe analyzed echocardiographic measures of LV diastolic function in patients with structurally normal hearts which were divided into 3 groups (normal weight, obese, and T2DM). Spectral and tissue Doppler and 2-D speckle tracking measurements of diastolic function were obtained. Logistic regression was performed to compare the prevalence of abnormalities in diastolic function based on the worst 25th percentile for each measure to determine the prevalence of diastolic and LA function abnormalities in obese and T2DM patients.Results331 teenagers and young adults (median age 22.1 years) were analyzed (101 normal weight, 114 obese, 116 T2DM). Obese and T2DM group had lower E/A and higher E/e′. Obese and T2DM patients had significantly lower atrial reservoir, conduit, and booster strain and worse reservoir and conduit strain rate compared to normal patients (p < 0.001 for all measures). All patients had normal LA volumes. On multivariable analysis, conduit strain and reservoir and conduit strain rate were independently associated with having below the 25th percentile e′. Conduit strain rate was independently associated with having below the 25th percentile for mitral E/A ratio on multivariable analysis.ConclusionsAbnormal indices of LV diastolic function are detected in adolescents and young adults with obesity and T2DM. LA function and strain analysis were able to detect evidence of decreased reservoir, conduit, and booster strain in these patients although LA volume was normal. The use of LA function strain may increase our ability to detect early diastolic function abnormalities in this population.

Cellular Adhesion Molecules in Young Adulthood and Cardiac Function in Later Life

BackgroundE-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 are biomarkers of endothelial activation, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, the temporal associations between E-selectin and ICAM-1 with subclinical cardiac dysfunction are unclear. ObjectivesThis study sought to assess the longitudinal associations of E-selectin and ICAM-1 with subclinical alterations in cardiac function. MethodsIn the Coronary Artery Disease Risk Development in Young Adults study, a cohort of black and white young adults, we evaluated the associations of E-selectin and ICAM-1, obtained at year (Y) 7 (Y7) and Y15 examinations, with cardiac function assessed at Y30 after adjustment for key covariates. ResultsHigher E-selectin (n = 1,810) and ICAM-1 (n = 1,548) at Y7 were associated with black race, smoking, hypertension, and higher body mass index. After multivariable adjustment, higher E-selectin at Y7 (β coefficient per 1 SD higher: 0.22; SE: 0.06; p < 0.001) and Y15 (β coefficient per 1 SD higher: 0.19; SE: 0.06; p = 0.002) was associated with worse left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS). Additionally, higher Y15 ICAM-1 (β coefficient per 1 SD higher: 0.18; SE: 0.06; p = 0.004) and its increase from Y7 to Y15 (β coefficient per 1 SD higher: 0.16; SE: 0.07; p = 0.03) were also independently associated with worse LV GLS. E-selectin and ICAM-1 partially mediated the associations between higher body mass index and black race with worse GLS. Neither E-selectin nor ICAM-1 was associated with measures of LV diastolic function after multivariable adjustment. ConclusionCirculating levels of E-selectin and ICAM-1 and increases in ICAM-1 over the course of young adulthood are associated with worse indices of LV systolic function in midlife. These findings suggest associations of endothelial activation with subclinical HF with preserved ejection fraction.

P2258Pulse wave velocity, total arterial compliance, and cardiac structure and function in late life

Abstract Background Coupled abnormalities in arterial and left ventricular (LV) stiffness characterize aging and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. We hypothesized that two measures of aortic stiffness, pulse wave velocity (PWV; reflecting segmental arterial wall stress in late systole) and total arterial compliance (TAC; reflecting distensibility of entire arterial system) differentially relate to cardiac structure and function in the elderly. Methods Among participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk In Community (ARIC) study, we assessed the cross-sectional relationship of carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV) and TAC with echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure and function using multivariable linear regression adjusting for demographics and co-morbidities. TAC defined as stroke volume over pulse pressure [mL/mmHg]. Exclusions were LVEF &lt;50%, prevalent HF, ≥moderate valvular disease. Results Of the 4,141 participants included in this study, mean age was 75±5 years, 41% were male, and 80% were white. Mean values were: cfPWV: 11.7±3.4 m/sec; TAC: 1.1±0.3 mL/mmHg. Greater cfPWV was associated with greater LV mass, worse systolic function, and worse diastolic function (Table). In contrast, worse TAC was not related to LV structure and did not demonstrate consistent relationships with measures of LV diastolic function, but was associated with worse LV longitudinal strain. Echo measures cfPWV (1SD increase) TAC (1SD decrease) β Coefficient p-value β Coefficient p-value Cardiac structure Mean wall thickness, cm 0.10 &lt;0.001 -0.01 0.499 LVMI, g/m2 0.04 0.016 0.02 0.299 LVEDVI, ml/m2 -0.07 &lt;0.001 -0.02 0.332 LV systolic function LVEF (Simpson's), % -0.04 0.01 -0.16 &lt;0.001 Longitudinal strain, % 0.14 &lt;0.001 0.19 &lt;0.001 LV diastolic function Septal e', cm/sec -0.08 &lt;0.001 -0.02 0.169 E/e' septal 0.04 0.005 -0.02 0.138 LAVI, ml/m2 -0.05 0.003 -0.04 0.026 Conclusion Two non-invasive measures of aortic stiffness, cfPWV and TAC, demonstrate differential associations with LV structure and function in late life. Greater cfPWV is more robustly associated with LV structure and function than TAC.

Influence of age and sex on left ventricular diastolic strain analysis

Speckle tracking analysis (STE) of the left ventricle offers a new method to assess left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. LV diastolic strain measurements offer a non-invasive, global and direct measure of LV diastolic function. However, there is little data on normal values and the influence of anthropomorphic factors which is crucial in clinical practice for new techniques. The aims of this study were to formulate reference values for LV diastolic strain rate, elucidate effects of age and sex on LV diastolic strain analysis and compare STE measurements with conventional LV diastolic measurements. One-hundred-forty-seven healthy subjects aged 20–72 years (≥ 28 subjects per age decade) were prospectively included (Mean age 44 ± 13.7 years, 50% female) and examined with electrocardiography and 2D-echocardiography, including speckle tracking. Left ventricular peak early diastolic strain rate (Sre) was measured in the apical windows, using STE. Men had significantly lower LV Sre values than women (1.02 ± 0.22 vs. 1.18 ± 0.23, p value < 0.001). Left ventricular Sre was inversely associated with age, with values decreasing with ageing. An inverse relation was also found with blood pressure and body surface area. Linear regression analysis showed that LV Sre was independently associated with both age and sex. A multivariable linear regression analysis for LV Sre with conventional LV diastolic variables accounted for 70.9% of the variation of LV Sre, showing good model performance. Reference values for LV Sre are reported and found to be both age- and sex-dependent. Therefore we recommend age- and sex-specific references values to be used in daily clinical practice.

Relationships between left ventricular sympathetic innervation and diastolic dysfunction: the role of myocardial innervation/perfusion mismatch

BackgroundA possible relationship between cardiac sympathetic denervation and left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction has been suggested. However, an evaluation of the interactions between myocardial adrenergic tone and LV perfusion and diastolic function is lacking. Methods and resultsSeventy-two patients underwent 99mTc-tetrofosmin/123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) cardiac Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CZT) imaging. The summed rest score (SRS) and summed 123I-MIBG score (SS-MIBG) were computed as measures of regional perfusion and innervation heterogeneities. LV segments showing an impaired innervation, despite a relatively preserved perfusion (99mTc-tetrofosmin-123I-MIBG tracers’ uptake ≥25%), were individuated (innervation/perfusion mismatch). The peak filling rate (PFR) was computed as a measure of LV diastolic function. Nineteen of the 72 (26%) patients presented a normal LV diastolic function, while 29 (40%) and 24 (34%) had a mild and overt diastolic dysfunction. Subjects with diastolic dysfunction showed more abnormal SRS and SS-MIBG values (P < 0.001). In the global population, 502/1224 (41%) LV segments showed an innervation/perfusion mismatch. A modest correlation between the extent of cardiac innervation/perfusion mismatch and PFR values was evident (R = −0.27, P = 0.029). On multivariate analysis, the extent of regional innervation/perfusion mismatch remained an independent predictor of overt LV diastolic abnormalities (P = 0.017). ConclusionsThe burden of LV regions showing an innervation/perfusion mismatch associates with the occurrence of overt diastolic dysfunction.

Longitudinal analysis of cardiac structure and function in incident-automated peritoneal dialysis: comparison between icodextrin solution and glucose-based solution

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal changes in cardiac structure and function in incident-automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) patients.MethodsWe conducted a 2-year prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study to compare the efficacy of icodextrin solution versus glucose-based solution. Echocardiography was performed at baseline, 1 and 2 years. Echocardiographic parameters over 2 years were evaluated for each group, using the Friedman test. Generalized linear regression analysis was used to test the associations between baseline clinical variables and echocardiographic changes, and a multivariate model was used to analyze cardiac function between the two groups.ResultsA total of 43 APD patients were enrolled in the beginning of this study. Twenty patients in the icodextrin group (ICO) and 18 patients in the glucose group (GLU) completed the study. In left ventricular (LV) systolic function measurements, ejection fraction (EF) increased significantly in the GLU group. Measurements of LV diastolic function and septal early mitral annulus velocity (EMV) increased significantly from baseline to 24-months in the ICO group (5.43–5.51 ms). The GLU group showed a significant decrease in peak early diastolic velocity (EDV) (70.67–68.25 cm/s), but a significant increase in septal EMV (5.94–7.57 ms) from baseline to 24-months. No significant association was found between the baseline clinical variables and echocardiographic changes within 24 months in the generalized linear regression analysis. Multivariate models were used to investigate changes in the four primary endpoints, namely, myocardial performance index (MPI), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), deceleration time (DT), and E/e′ ratio. These primary endpoints show no significant association with the baseline values in both the ICO and GLU groups.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that long-dwell icodextrin solution can maintain reasonable cardiac structure and function in incident-APD patients.Trial registrationISRCTN14931270 (retrospectively registered on 23/03/2018).

Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Assessment of a Heterogeneous Cohort of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients.

BackgroundPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is known to trigger right ventricular (RV) remodeling that might compromise left ventricular (LV) filling due to inter-ventricular interdependence. In this study, we aimed to examine standard echocardiographic measurements of LV diastolic function in PAH patients.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we identified clinical as well as complete echocardiographic data from 128 chronic PAH patients to fully assess LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) using standard recommended Doppler guidelines. Accordingly, patients were divided into three groups: LVDD 0, LVDD 1 and LVDD 2.ResultsThe mean age of the studied population was 57 ± 14 years with a mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) of 55 ± 21 mm Hg. A total of 36% of the study patients had normal LV diastolic function. However, 64% had LVDD with LVDD stage 1 being the most common (48%). In terms of echocardiographic data, significant differences were found among the three LVDD groups in regards to PASP, LV end systolic and diastolic volumes, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, right ventricular fractional area change as well as many other tissue Doppler imaging parameters. Finally, just age and PASP were predictors of abnormal LV diastolic function (P < 0.05).ConclusionsImpaired relaxation is a common abnormality in PAH patients. Additional studies are warranted to determine whether LVDD alters prognosis or is related to changes in the symptomatic profile of this group of patients.

Normal echocardiographic measurements in Indian adults: How different are we from the western populations? A pilot study

This study sought to gain insights into the magnitude of error resulting in echocardiographic interpretations in Indian subjects by using western data as the reference. Standard transthoracic echocardiographic examination was performed in 100 healthy volunteers (mean age 34.0±8.8 years, 59% males). Compared with the reference values published by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), our subjects had much smaller left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimension, end-systolic dimension, and end-diastolic volume (only 58%, 61%, and 61% of the subjects were having values within the ASE-defined normal ranges). Indexing to body surface area increased these proportions to 81%, 90%, and 68%, respectively. In contrast, LV ejection fraction and most of the measures of LV diastolic function coincided with the ASE-recommended age- and gender-specific values.

Abstract 10878: Validation of Non-invasive Measures of Diastolic Function in Children: A Simultaneous Echocardiography and Conductance Catheterization Study

Introduction: The accuracy of echocardiography in evaluating left ventricular (LV) diastolic function has not been validated in children. The objective of this study was to compare echocardiographic and gold-standard measures of LV diastolic function in children. Methods: Patients undergoing routine left heart catheterization were prospectively enrolled. Pressure-volume loops (PVL) were obtained via conductance catheters. The end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship was obtained via balloon occlusion of the vena cavae. PVL measures of diastolic function were divided into early active relaxation (the isovolumic relaxation time constant, tau), and ventricular stiffness (the chamber stiffness constant, β). End-diastolic pressure (EDP) was also recorded. Echocardiographic measures of diastolic function were derived from spectral Doppler, tissue Doppler, and 2D speckle-tracking. The relationships between PVL and echocardiographic measures were determined using Spearman’s correlation. Results: Of 24 patients, 18 patients were s/p heart transplant, 5 patients had a small patent ductus arteriosus or coronary fistula. Mean age was 9.1 ± 5.6 years. The median τ was 24.9 ms (IQR 22.8 - 28.4 ms), median β was 0.094 (IQR 0.035 - 0.154), and median EDP was 9 mmHg (IQR 8 - 13 mmHg). Statistically significant correlations between invasive and echocardiographic measures of diastolic function are reported in the Table. No echocardiographic measures correlated with β. Conclusion: Early diastolic echocardiographic measures correlate with tau and may accurately represent early active relaxation in children. Modest associations exist between echocardiographic measures and EDP. The use of these non-invasive measures in accurately assessing LV diastolic function appears promising in children. However, no echocardiographic measures correlate with chamber stiffness. The development of such measures merits further study.

Severe obstructive sleep apnea increases left atrial volume independently of left ventricular diastolic impairment.

Severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) directly impairs left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. Left atrial volume index (LAVI), an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events, is also related to OSA severity. This study aimed to assess whether OSA is associated with an increase in LAVI independently of LV diastolic function. Two hundred six OSA patients (apnea hypopnea index, AHI ≥ 5/h) without cardiac disease, hypertension, and diabetes were enrolled. They underwent overnight fully attended polysomnography and 2-dimensional echocardiography in order to estimate LA volumes and LV diastolic function which was assessed by the ratio of transmitral early diastolic flow velocity to late diastolic flow velocity (E/A), deceleration time, and mitral annular velocity (e') which was derived from tissue Doppler imaging. Patients were divided into two groups based on AHI, namely, group M (5 ≤ AHI < 30/h) and group S (AHI ≥ 30/h). The LAVI value in group S was significantly larger than that in group M (20 ± 5 vs. 23 ± 5mL/m(2), P < 0.001). E/A in group S was significantly lower than that in group M (P < 0.001), whereas the ratio of E to e' (E/e') in group S was significantly higher than that in group M (P < 0.001). AHI showed a statistically significant correlation with LAVI (P < 0.001). On multivariate linear regression analysis, severe OSA was independently related with LAVI even after adjusting for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and measurements of LV diastolic function (P = 0.04). Severe OSA itself might directly increase LAVI, independently of LV diastolic function.

Abstract 13973: Impaired Right Ventricular Hemodynamics Suggest Preclinical Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with preclinical metabolic heart disease (MHD) as reflected by left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. Very little is known about right ventricular (RV) function and/or pulmonary hypertension in MetS or early MHD. Hypothesis: We tested the hypothesis that that MetS is associated with subclinical RV dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Methods: A total of 164 subjects with MetS but without cardiovascular disease (mean age 45 years, 71% women, mean BMI 41 kg/m 2 ), 40 similarly obese controls without MetS, and 36 non-obese healthy controls underwent echocardiography, including pulsed-wave Doppler measurement of pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) and ejection time (ET). PA systolic pressure was estimated from PAAT using validated equations. Results: MetS was associated with lower tricuspid valve e', shorter PAAT, shorter ET, and larger PA diameter compared with controls (Table). A total of 24% of individuals with MetS had an abnormal PAAT (&lt;100 msec). Estimated PA systolic pressure based on PAAT was 42±10 mmHg in MetS compared with 32±10 and 32±9 mmHg in healthy and obese controls (P for ANOVA &lt;0.0001). In contrast, RV structure and systolic function were similar in MetS compared with controls ( Table ). After adjustment for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, and body-mass index, MetS remained associated with shorter PAAT (P=0.03 vs healthy; P=0.0005 vs obese). Among MetS, PAAT was correlated with mitral mean e’ (r=0.20, P=0.004), E/A ratio (r=0.21, P=0.008), and tricuspid e’ (r=0.20, P=0.04). A total of 40% of participants with abnormal PAAT also had low mean e’ (&lt;8 cm/s). Conclusions: MetS is associated with abnormal RV hemodynamics as evidenced by shorter PAAT, which correlates with measures of LV diastolic function. Estimated PA systolic pressures are significantly higher in preclinical MetS and MHD, and raise the possibility that pulmonary hypertension contributes to the pathophysiology of MHD.

Left atrial volume index in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis

Abstract Background The proper timing for aortic valve surgery in the asymptomatic patient with severe aortic stenosis (AS) remains challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the left atrial volume index (LAVI) in asymptomatic patients with severe AS in comparison to symptomatic severe AS patients and its relation to the degree of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and tissue Doppler measures of LV diastolic function. Methods Thirty-four patients with severe AS and preserved LV function, divided into two groups were studied. Group I comprised 17 patients with symptomatic severe AS, and Group II comprised 17 patients with asymptomatic severe AS. Echocardiographic assessment of LV dimension, function, and calculation of LV mass were done. LA volume index was obtained by the biplane Simpson method. Transmitral E, A diastolic velocities, deceleration time (DT) and E/A ratio were measured. Peak S′, early (E′) and late (A′) diastolic velocities of the lateral mitral annulus were measured by tissue Doppler imaging. Results LAVI was significantly higher in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic patients with severe AS (p Conclusion Left atrial volume index can predict symptoms in patients with asymptomatic severe AS. Left ventricular mass and E/E′ were the independent predictors of increased LAVI.

A randomized placebo controlled double blind crossover study of pioglitazone on left ventricular diastolic function in type 2 diabetes

Background/ObjectivesThiazolidinediones (TZDs), such as pioglitazone, are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes but there is evidence that their use is associated with an increased risk of heart failure. We compared the effect of pioglitazone vs. placebo on left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic function in people with type 2 diabetes. Methods and results24 male or female patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to pioglitazone (45mg/day) or placebo in addition to current therapy for 12weeks using a prospective double blind crossover protocol following a run-in period >1week and a 2week washout period at crossover. Tissue Doppler early peak velocity (e′), a measure of LV diastolic function, was the primary outcome. Pioglitazone significantly increased e′ by 0.7(0.1, 1.3) cm/s (mean (95% confidence interval); p=0.02) compared with placebo. Pioglitazone also increased E/A and mitral deceleration index, ejection fraction, stroke volume and weight, whereas fasting glucose, HbA1c, total peripheral resistance and LV meridional end systolic stress were decreased. ConclusionsTreatment with pioglitazone for 12weeks improves left ventricular diastolic and systolic function in people with type 2 diabetes.

Changes in Left Ventricular Diastolic Function of Asymptomatic Hereditary Hemochromatosis Subjects During Five Years of Follow-Up

We have previously reported that left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in those with cardiac asymptomatic hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is similar to that of volunteer control (VC) subjects, despite a presence of augmented left atrial contractile function. However, concern still exists that those with HH might gradually develop LV diastolic dysfunction despite receiving conventional phlebotomy treatment. To address this concern, we prospectively monitored the LV diastolic function of those with HH and VCs during a 5-year period. A total of 14 subjects with newly diagnosed HH (age 51 ± 12 years, 4 women, group A), 20 with chronic HH (age 51 ± 9 years, 7 women, group B), and 18 VCs (age 50 ± 8 years, 6 women, group C) successfully completed both the baseline evaluation of LV diastolic function, including tissue Doppler imaging, strain rate analysis with color-coded tissue Doppler, and the same studies repeated at 5 years of follow-up. All those with HH were New York Heart Association functional class I, were positive for the C282Y homozygote, and received conventional phlebotomy therapy. No VC had HH genetic mutations. The measures of LV diastolic function were comparable among the groups at 5 years of follow-up by analysis of variance. The echocardiographic measures of active left atrial contraction tended to decrease in the HH groups at 5 years of follow-up from baseline. In conclusion, LV diastolic function does not significantly deteriorate statistically during a 5-year period in subjects with cardiac asymptomatic HH after conventional phlebotomy treatment, regardless of their treatment history.

Myocardial delayed enhancement in paucisymptomatic nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

ObjectivesWe investigated the prognostic role of myocardial fibrosis by delayed enhancement (DE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICM) patients with no or mild symptoms of heart failure (HF). MethodsA prospective cohort of 125 NICM patients (82 males, age 59±14years, mean±SD) with echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (mean ejection-fraction 33±10%), without (stage B) or with history of mild HF symptoms (stage C, NYHA classes I–II) was enrolled. The end-point was a composite of cardiac death and HF hospitalization. ResultsFifty (40%) patients showed myocardial DE, representing 12±7% of LV mass. During a median follow-up of 14.2months, 16 (32%) patients with DE experienced a composite event versus only 6 (8%) patients without DE (Kaplan–Meier survival curve, p=0.001). After correction for age, CMR-derived LV and right ventricular volumes, echocardiographic measurements of LV diastolic function and Doppler-estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure, the presence of DE remained a strong and independent predictor of cardiac death or HF hospitalization (hazard ratio: 5.32, 95% confidence intervals 1.60 to 17.63, p=0.006). ConclusionsIn NICM patients with no or mild HF symptoms, the presence of myocardial DE is a strong predictor of worse clinical outcome even after correction for other established prognostic determinants. Contrast-enhanced CMR may be useful in prognostic stratification from the early stages of NICM.

Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function assessed by tissue Doppler imaging and outcome in asymptomatic aortic stenosis

Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and abnormal non-invasive measures of LV diastolic function are common in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) but their prognostic importance is uncertain. This study aimed to determine whether tissue Doppler measures of LV systolic and/or diastolic function or echocardiographic LV hypertrophy are useful for risk stratifying asymptomatic patients with severe calcific AS. One hundred and eighty-three initially asymptomatic patients with moderate or severe AS (valve area mean 0.96 ± SD 0.3 cm(2)) and a normal LV ejection fraction were followed for median 31 (IQR 14-40) months. Peak systolic (S') and diastolic (E') mitral annular velocities and LV mass were measured by echocardiography at baseline and during follow-up. During follow-up 106 (58%) patients suffered symptomatic deterioration, including three sudden deaths and one resuscitated cardiac arrest. Peak aortic velocity (for 0.5 m/s increase HR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.25, 1.64, P < 0.0001) and aortic valve area (-0.1 cm(2)/m(2) HR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.12, 1.35, P = 0.004) at baseline were most strongly associated with symptomatic deterioration. After peak aortic velocity adjustment neither LV mass index nor any measure of LV systolic or diastolic function was associated with symptomatic deterioration (P > 0.2 for all). In patients with calcific AS who have a normal LV ejection fraction the severity of stenosis is the most important correlate of symptomatic deterioration. Tissue Doppler measures of LV systolic and diastolic function and LV mass provide limited predictive information after accounting for the severity of stenosis.