Myocardial Function In Patients Research Articles

Myocardial Blood Flow Reserve, Microvascular Coronary Health, and Myocardial Remodeling in Patients With Aortic Stenosis.

Coronary microvascular function and hemodynamics may play a role in coronary circulation and myocardial remodeling in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). We aimed to evaluate the relationship between myocardial blood flow and myocardial function in patients with AS, no AS, and aortic valve sclerosis. We included consecutive patients who had resting transthoracic echocardiography and clinically indicated positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging to capture their left ventricular ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain (GLS), and myocardial flow reserve (MFR). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular event (all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or late revascularization). There were 2778 patients (208 with aortic sclerosis, 39 with prosthetic aortic valve, 2406 with no AS, and 54, 49, and 22 with mild, moderate, and severe AS, respectively). Increasing AS severity was associated with impaired MFR (P<0.001) and GLS (P<0.001), even when perfusion was normal. Statistically significant associations were noted between MFR and GLS, MFR and left ventricular ejection fraction, and MFR and left ventricular ejection fraction reserve. After a median follow-up of 349 (interquartile range, 116-662) days, 4 (7.4%), 5 (10.2%), and 6 (27.3%) patients experienced a major adverse cardiovascular event in the mild, moderate, and severe AS groups, respectively. In a matched-control analysis, patients with mild-to-moderate AS had higher rates of impaired MFR (52.9% versus 39.9%; P=0.048) and major adverse cardiovascular event (11.8% versus 3.0%; P=0.002). Despite lack of ischemia, as severity of AS increased, MFR decreased and GLS worsened, reflecting worse coronary microvascular health and myocardial remodeling. Positron emission tomography-derived MFR showed a significant independent correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction and GLS. Patients with prosthetic aortic valve showed a high prevalence of impaired MFR.

Effect of tafamidis on left atrial function of patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is characterized by the functional and structural effects of amyloid infiltration, predominantly within the ventricles, causing biventricular wall thickening. Amyloid infiltration can be observed in the left atrium in ATTR-CM patients, but the association of left atrial (LA) myocardial function with cardiovascular events and of changes in LA myocardial function with tafamidis administration have not yet been clarified. Our aim was, therefore, to use speckle-tracking strain for investigating LA myocardial function in patients with ATTR-CM treated with tafamidis. We studied 55 patients with biopsy-proven ATTR-CM who had been treated with tafamidis (age: 76 ± 2years, male: 93%). For speckle-tracking analysis of LA myocardial function, the systolic LA strain (LA reservoir function) was defined for this study as LA myocardial function from the apical 4-chamber view. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite comprising cardiovascular death and/or heart failure hospitalization after tafamidis administration over a median follow-up period of 28 ± 4months. Patients with baseline LA strain < 8.6% (median value) experienced significantly more cardiovascular events than those without (log-rank P = 0.002). Moreover, LA strain in 26 patients worsened after tafamidis administration, and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed age, global longitudinal strain and relative apical longitudinal strain index were identified as independent determinants of deterioration of LA strain after tafamidis administration. In conclusion, baseline LA reservoir function is closely associated with cardiovascular events after tafamidis administration, and could be an additional parameter for the management of patients with ATTR-CM.

Evaluation of Photobiomodulation on myocardial function of patients with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy, A case series

BackgroundHeart failure is a growing cardiovascular disease burden with high mortality rates, primarily attributed to myocardial ischemia. Previous studies have shown promising effects of Photobiomodulation in heart failure treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Photobiomodulation on myocardial function of patients with advanced ischemic heart failure. MethodA non-randomized case series study involving 10 advanced heart failure patients was conducted. Patients received 15 sessions of transcutaneous and intravenous Photobiomodulation therapy using low-level red (658 nm) and infrared lasers (810 nm). All participants were evaluated by six-minute walk tests, dyspnea function classes, and echocardiography. 3 months after the sessions, the mentioned tests were reevaluated ResultThe study included ten cardiomyopathic patients, 90 % male and the mean age was 63.20±6.01 years. The six-minute walk test change and shortness of breath function class change has 0.852 (p-value=0.006) correlation and the correlation between the Six-minute walk test change and the Systolic ejection fraction rate change, was 0.73 (p-value=0.025). ConclusionBased on the results of the study, it can be concluded that interventions in cardiomyopathic patients have shown promising improvements in certain cardiac function parameters. Specifically, the significant enhancement in the six-minute walk test post-intervention (p = 0.013) suggests a positive impact on functional capacity. Although the increase in systolic ejection fraction rate was not statistically significant (p = 0.197), the correlations identified provide valuable insights into the interplay between variables such as shortness of breath function class and the six-minute walk test. These findings underscore the complexity of managing cardiomyopathy and highlight the importance of further research to elucidate the relationships between different clinical parameters and patient outcomes in this population.

Application of three-dimensional speckle tracking technique in measuring left ventricular myocardial function in patients with diabetes

BACKGROUND Diabetic cardiomyopathy is considered as a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, early detection of left ventricular systolic function (LVSF) damage in DM is essential. AIM To explore the use of the three-dimensional speckle tracking technique (3D-STI) for measuring LVSF in DM patients via meta-analysis. METHODS The electronic databases were retrieved from the initial accessible time to 29 April 2023. The current study involved 9 studies, including 970 subjects. We carried out this meta-analysis to estimate myocardial function in DM compared with controls according to myocardial strain attained by 3D-STI. RESULTS Night articles including 970 subjects were included. No significant difference was detected in the left ventricular ejection fraction between the control and the diabetic group (P &gt; 0.05), while differences in global longitudinal strain, global circumferential strain, global radial strain, and global area strain were markedly different between the controls and DM patients (all P &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION The 3D-STI could be applied to accurately measure early LVSF damage in patients with DM.

Prognostic value of visual and quantitative CMR regional myocardial function in patients with suspected myocarditis

According to updated Lake-Louise Criteria, impaired regional myocardial function serves as a supportive criterion in diagnosing myocarditis. This study aimed to assess visual regional wall motional abnormalities (RWMA) and novel quantitative regional longitudinal peak strain (RLS) for risk stratification in the clinical setting of myocarditis. In patients undergoing CMR and meeting clinical criteria for suspected myocarditis global longitudinal strain (GLS), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), RWMA and RLS were assessed in the anterior, septal, inferior, and lateral regions and correlated to the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including heart failure hospitalization, sustained ventricular tachycardia, recurrent myocarditis, and all-cause death. In 690 consecutive patients (age: 48.0 ± 16.0 years; 37.7% female) with suspected myocarditis impaired RLS was correlated with RWMA and LV-GLS but not with the presence of LGE. At median follow up of 3.8 years, MACE occurred in 116 (16.8%) patients. Both, RWMA and RLS in anterior-, septal-, inferior-, and lateral- locations were univariately associated with outcomes (all p < 0.001), but not after adjusting for clinical characteristics and LV-GLS. In the subgroup of patients with normal LV function, RWMA were not predictive of outcomes, whereas septal RLS had incremental and independent prognostic value over clinical characteristics (HRadjusted = 1.132, 95% CI 1.020–1.256; p = 0.020). RWMA and RLS can be used to assess regional impairment of myocardial function in myocarditis but are of limited prognostic value in the overall population. However, in the subgroup of patients with normal LV function, septal RLS represents a distinctive marker of regional LV dysfunction, offering potential for risk-stratification.Graphical abstractCI: confidence interval, CMR: cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, HR: hazard ratio, MACE major adverse cardiovascular events

Diagnostic value of non-invasive indicators of myocardial function in patients after myocardial infarction

Aim. To study the diagnostic value of myocardial function parameters to assess their predictive ability in relation to left ventricular (LV) global contractility in patients after myocardial infarction (MI).Material and methods. The final analysis included 97 patients with MI aged 55,9±8,6 years. We performed standard two-dimensional echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography with analysis of following myocardial function parameters: global work index (GlobalWI, mm Hg %); global constructive work (GlobalCW, mm Hg %); global wasted work (GlobalWW, mm Hg %); global work efficiency (GlobalWE). The probability of ejection fraction (EF) reduction was analyzed using ROC curves using three criteria. The function parameters with the maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity were selected as the cut-off point.Results. On days 7-9 after MI, depending on the EF, patients were divided into 3 groups: "REF" — patients with EF &lt;40%); "MREF" — with EF from 40 to 49%, and "PEF" — patients with EF ³50%. By the 24th week, GlobalWI increased by 23% in the PEF group and by 33% in the MREF group. In the REF group, there was a gradual decrease in GlobalWI until the end of the study. In the PEF group, GlobalCW increased by 21% by week 24. By the end of follow-up, an increase in GlobalWW of 15% was observed in the REF group. GlobalWI, GlobalCW and GlobalWW were found to have the highest sensitivity values (60%) for reduced EF, ranging from 4049% at 24 weeks from the index event. GlobalWW had the highest specificity value (80%). With regard to a decrease in EF &lt;40% by week 24, the GlobalWW had the highest sensitivity (50%) and specificity (70%).Conclusion. Parameters of myocardial function have diagnostic and prognostic value for assessing LV systolic function after MI. Already in the acute period, myocardial function parameters can be used to determine the risk of decreased LV global contractility.

Echocardiographic parameters of the left ventricle in patients after Q-wave and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction

Aim. To perform a dynamic assessment and comparative analysis of non-invasive parameters of myocardial function in patients with Q-wave and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI) during 24-week follow-up after revascularization.Material and methods. A total of 95 patients with acute MI were included. On days 7-9 and after 24 weeks, speckle tracking echocardiography was performed with assessment of global longitudinal (GLS), global circumferential (GCS) and global radial strain (GRS), global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), global work efficiency (GWE).Results. Taking into account the presence/absence of the Q wave, the subjects were divided into two groups: Q-wave MI — 66 patients (69,5%), non-Q-wave MI — 29 (30,5%) people. In the Q-wave MI group, by the 24th week, most parameters of myocardial performance were significantly lower than in the comparison group. In group 1, GWE was 93 (87; 96)% vs 96 (91; 97)% (p=0,04) in group 2; GWI — 1429±444,1 and 1653,3±385,84 mm Hg %, respectively (p=0,02). The GCW level in the Q-wave MI group was 1640±477,8 mm Hg % vs 1852,9±440,88 mm Hg % in the non-Q-wave MI group (p=0,04). Subsequently, a favorable increase in GLS (p=0,01), GWI (p=0,04), GWE (p=0,01), GCW (p=0,03) was revealed in the non-Q-wave MI group.Conclusion. The results obtained suggest that non-invasive parameters of myocardial performance can be used to assess transient ischemic dysfunction due to myocardial stunning, expressed to varying severity in patients with Q-wave MI and non-Q-wave MI.

Left ventricular longitudinal myocardial function in heart failure patients with transition to preserved ejection fraction from reduced ejection fraction and those with preserved ejection fraction

Abstract Background Left ventricular (LV) longitudinal myocardial dysfunction is considered the first marker of a preclinical form of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and is strongly associated with poor outcomes. LV ejection fraction (LVEF) may improve over time during treatment or follow-up in some patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Furthermore, it has been reported that patients with HF with improved EF, known as HFimpEF, which was defined as current LVEF &amp;gt; 40% but any previously documented LVEF ≤ 40%, had favorable outcomes compared to those with HFpEF. However, LV longitudinal myocardial function in patients with previously reduced LVEF who had improved LVEF to normal range (≥ 50%), and its association with cardiovascular events remains unclear. Purpose The purpose of this study was the comparison of LV longitudinal myocardial function in patients with HFpEF and those with previously reduced LVEF who had improved LVEF to normal range (reduced LVEF-HFpEF), and to investigate whether LV longitudinal myocardial function was associated with cardiovascular events. Methods We retrospectively studied 70 patients with HFpEF and 45 patients with reduced LVEF-HFpEF. Reduced LVEF-HFpEF was defined as current LVEF ≥ 50% but any previously documented reduced LVEF &amp;lt; 50% (mean: 34 ± 10%). HFpEF was defined as current and all previous LVEF reports ≥ 50%, and met the HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm criteria. LV longitudinal myocardial function was assessed as global longitudinal strain (GLS) by means of two-dimensional speckle-tracking strain. The primary endpoint was defined as cardiovascular death over a median follow-up period of 5.0 (0.5-9.0) years. Results As expected, the Kaplan-Meier curve indicated that patients with reduced LVEF-HFpEF experienced fewer cardiovascular death than those with HFpEF (Figure A). GLS in patients with HFpEF was significantly lower than that in patients with reduced LVEF-HFpEF (13.6 ± 3.5% vs. 14.8 ± 2.2%, P = 0.03) regardless of similar LVEF (55.7 ± 3.3% vs 56.8 ± 5.0%, P = 0.15). An important finding of the multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that GLS was an independently associated with cardiovascular death (Figure B). Conclusion Impaired LV longitudinal myocardial function was observed in patients with HFpEF compared to those with reduced LVEF-HFpEF regardless of similar LVEF. Moreover, LV longitudinal myocardial function was independently associated with cardiovascular death HF patients with current LVEF ≥ 50%. Our findings may provide new insights for the management of HF patients.FigureAFigureB

Abstract 16990: Empagliflozin Therapy is Associated With Improved Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Patients With Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Although SGLT-2 inhibitors demonstrated beneficial clinical effects in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, their role in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) remains undefined. Hypothesis: We investigated the effects of empagliflozin on myocardial function in patients with ATTR-CM. Methods: In a prospective single-center non-randomized cohort study we enrolled 15 consecutive patients with ATT-CM receiving tafamidis 61 mg qd and standard heart failure therapy for at least six months prior to enrolment. At the time of inclusion, all patients started receiving empagliflozin 10 mg qd. Biochemical and echocardiographic parameters were evaluated at baseline and again at 6-months. Results: At the time of inclusion, the average age of patients was 74.8±5.7 years, 14 (93%) were male, and 14 (93%) had NYHA class II symptoms; 10 (67%) patients were receiving ARNI/ACEI/ARB, 5 (33%) were treated with beta blockers, and 3 (20%) were receiving mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. At 6-months follow-up we found no change in NT-proBNP levels (1694±1237 ng/L at baseline vs. 1549±1203 ng/L at follow up; P=0.78), hs-Troponin I levels (33±19 ng/L vs. 39±26 ng/L; P=0.50), or eGFR (65.9±14.4 mL/min vs. 64.9±14.8 mL/min; P=0.87). Furthermore, we observed no changes in LVEDV (84±19 mL vs. 88±17 mL; P=0.61), LVEF (57±8% vs. 57±7%; P=0.94), LV mass (265±74 g vs. 279±88 g; P=0.67), or RVIDd (39±8 mm vs. 36±7 mm; P=0.39). However, at 6 months we found a significant decrease in E/e’ (19.2±5.1 vs. 14.9±5.4; P=0.05). When stratifying patients according to the baseline E/e’ value we found a significant improvement of right ventricular FAC (44.1±6.2% vs. 31.9±8.9%; P=0.04) and TR pressure gradient (26.0±5.7 mmHg vs. 39.7±5.2 mmHg; P=0.04) in patients with E/e’ below median compared to patients with E/e’ above median value. Conclusion: In patients with ATTR-CM, empagliflozin therapy appears to reduce left ventricular filling pressures and may be associated with improved right ventricular systolic function in a subset of this patient population.

Myocardial Work Appraisal in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis and Nonobstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Global left ventricular (LV) myocardial work (MW) indexes can be recognized at ultrasound imaging from the LV pressure/global longitudinal strain (GLS) loop analysis. A total of 4 indexes, global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE), have been demonstrated to overcome the methodological limitations of GLS and provide useful information on myocardial dysfunction in some clinical settings. Although impaired MW indexes have been demonstrated in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) or with nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), there are no comparative studies at present. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of MW in both these clinical settings compared with patients with well-controlled hypertension (HTN). A total of 83 patients, 32 with ATTR (aged 70 ± 11years, 32% mutated, 68% wild-type, 72% men), 29 with HCM (aged 57 ± 17years), and 22 HTN controls (aged 56 ± 5.6years, 59% men) were prospectively enrolled at 2 clinical centers. All participants had New York Heart Association class I or II. Overall, the LV mass index was greater in both study groups than in HTN, whereas the LV ejection fraction (EF) was significantly lower in ATTR compared with other groups. Based on this finding, patients with ATTR were further divided into 2 subgroups: ATTR1 (LVEF ≤0.50), n=14 (44%) and ATTR2 (LVEF >0.50), n=18 (56%). Overall, the GWI and GCW were lower in all ATTR patients (mostly in ATTR1) than in the other groups (p <0.001), whereas only small differences in GWE and none in GWW were found among the groups. Of interest, the pairwise comparison and receiver operating characteristic analysis in preserved LVEF patients showed that GWI was a better discriminator of ATTR2 from HCM patients than GLS, with the cut-off value ≤1,419 mm Hg% (89% sensitivity; 55% specificity; p=0.013). In conclusion, MW analysis was confirmed to be a modern way to investigate myocardial function in patients with hypertrophic phenocopies. GWI and GCW were more impaired in patients with ATTR compared with HCM and HTN controls. Furthermore, this study likely revealed an additional discriminative value of GWI over GLS alone in preserved LVEF settings.

The effect of increased plasma potassium on myocardial function; a randomized POTCAST substudy

Plasma potassium (p-K) in the high-normal range has been suggested to reduce risk of cardiovascular arrythmias and mortality through electrophysiological and mechanical effects on the myocardium. In this study, it was to investigated if increasing p-K to high-normal levels improves systolic- and diastolic myocardial function in patients with low-normal to moderately reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The study included 50 patients (mean age 58 years (SD 14), 81% men), with a mean p-K 3.95 mmol/l (SD 0.19), mean LVEF 48% (SD 7), and mean Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) -14.6% (SD 3.1) patients with LVEF 35–55% from “Targeted potassium levels to decrease arrhythmia burden in high-risk patients with cardiovascular diseases trial” (POTCAST). Patients were given standard therapy and randomized (1:1) to an intervention that included guidance on potassium-rich diets, potassium supplements, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists targeting high-normal p-K levels (4.5-5.0 mmol/l). Echocardiography was done at baseline and after a mean follow-up of 44 days (SD 18) and the echocardiograms were analyzed for changes in GLS, mechanical dispersion, E/A, e’, and E/e’. At follow-up, mean difference in changes in p-K was 0.52 mmol/l (95%CI 0.35;0.69), P<0.001 in the intervention group compared to controls. GLS was improved with a mean difference in changes of -1.0% (-2;-0.02), P<0.05 and e’ and E/e’ were improved with a mean difference in changes of 0.9 cm/s (0.02;1.7), P = 0.04 and ? 1.5 (-2.9;-0.14), P = 0.03, respectively. Thus, induced increase in p-K to the high-normal range improved indices of systolic and diastolic function in patients with low-normal to moderately reduced LVEF.

P69 SHORT–TERM EFFECT OF DAPAGLIFLOZIN ON LEFT VENTRICULAR LONGITUDINAL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE WITH REDUCED LEFT VENTRICULAR EJECTION FRACTION

Abstract Background It is known that sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been shown to confer important clinical benefits in patients with congestive heart failure (HF). Several evidences show SGLT2 influence the longitudinal systolic function of the left ventricle after medium and long term follow–up (FUP) in patients with HF. The aim of this study is to demonstrate how dapagliflozin can modify the global longitudinal strain (GLS) in a population of patients with systolic congestive heart failure (HFrEF) evaluating possible correlations with the basal functional capacity. Methods Clinical and echocardiographic data were retrospectively analyzed in 60 HFrEF patients treated with dapagliflozin, within a dedicated outpatient HF clinic. Pre–treatment data were correlated with to clinical and instrumental FUP date that was generally performed after two months of treatment. The clinical and instrumental data consisted of the NYHA functional class, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the GLS. Results There was no significant change between baseline and FUP date on LVEF (25.2 ± 9.9% vs 25.6 ± 9.6% p.s.), while GLS showed significant improvement (13.1 ± 3.7% vs 14.3 ± 3.1% p &amp;lt; 0.03). GLS improvement in HFrEF patients with more impaired functional class (NYHA III/IV) was more significant from 10.9 ± 3.4% to 13.1 ± 2.2% (p &amp;lt; 0.01), compared to that in HFeEF patients with less compromised functional class (NYHA I–II) from 13.6 ± 2.4% to 14.1 ± 2.1% (p 0.07). Conclusions Dapagliflozin was associated with short term improvement in longitudinal left ventricular myocardial function in patients with chronic congestive systolic heart failure. This improvement is more evident in patients who start from a more impaired functional capacity than in clinically more stable patients.

The Role of Myocardial Strain Imaging in the Pre- and Post-Operative Assessment of Patients with Single Ventricle

The term “single ventricle” refers to a wide range of cardiac structural and functional abnormalities which cause the morphologically right or left ventricle to be hypoplastic or functionally inadequate. Patients with single-ventricle physiology have followed a series of palliative surgeries, resulting in the dominant ventricle supporting only the systemic circulation and the systemic venous return draining directly to the pulmonary arteries. Such patients present a progressive decline in myocardial performance, and their management is associated with high morbidity, mortality and resource usage. At each management step, imaging is critical in eligibility assessment, pre-procedural planning and prompt detection of myocardial dysfunction. However, the complex and asymmetric geometry of the dominant ventricle and its segmental wall motion abnormalities make the echocardiographic evaluation of myocardial performance in these patients rather challenging. Consequently, conventional 2-dimensional echo functional parameters, such as ejection fraction by Simpson’s biplane method or shortening fraction by M-mode, is complex and often not feasible to apply. On the other hand, speckle-tracking echocardiography is angle and geometry independent and has better reproducibility. As such, it constitutes an appealing method for assessing myocardial function in patients with single-ventricle hearts. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the role of myocardial strain imaging by speckle-tracking echocardiography in the pre-and post-operative assessment of patients with single-ventricle hearts.

Myocardial Contraction Fraction as a Simple Marker of Disease Severity in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Purpose: Myocardial contraction fraction (MCF) of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was used to evaluate myocardial function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which may represent a proxy marker of disease severity in HCM. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 HCM patients and 20 healthy controls were examined with CMR. MCF was calculated by dividing left ventricular stroke volume by left ventricular myocardial volume. The difference in MCF between late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)-positive and LGE-negative patients were compared. The differences in MCF were compared among patients with stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ of HCM. Logistic regression analysis was used to detect independent discriminants of more severe HCM. Receiver operating characteristic analysis differentiated HCM with different clinical stages. Results: Compared with controls (110.67±20.40%, P&lt;0.001), values for MCF were significantly reduced in HCM (61.40±15.60%). The MCF reduction in LGE detected by CMR was more significant than in HCM patients without LGE (53.15±10.67% vs. 76.72±11.04%, P&lt;0.001). Patients with stage IV of HCM had the lowest MCF (45.36±10.97%, P&lt;0.05 vs. stage II and III). Lower MCF remains an independent discriminator for more severe HCM (Stage Ⅱ vs. Stage Ⅲ, odds ratio: 0.85; Stage Ⅲ vs. Stage Ⅳ, odds ratio: 0.88, all P&lt;0.05). The optimal cutoff value for detecting more severe HCM is MCF under 66.40% (Stage Ⅱ vs. Stage Ⅲ, P&lt;0.05) and 44.75% (Stage Ⅲ vs. Stage Ⅳ, P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: MCF may be a useful and simple tool to evaluate myocardial function in patients with HCM and provide an indicator of disease severity in individuals with HCM.

Evaluation of left ventricular myocardial work in patients with hyperthyroidism with different heart rates with noninvasive pressure-strain loop based on two-dimensional speck tracking imaging.

We investigated the application value of no-invasive myocardial work in evaluating left ventricular (LV) function in patients with hyperthyroidism. Sixty-five patients with an initial hyperthyroidism diagnosis were sorted into tachycardia (group TH1, n=31) and without tachycardia (group TH2, n=34) groups. Thirty healthy participants served as the control group (group CON). LV strain parameters and LV myocardial work parameters were evaluated at rest. Each parameter's value in identifying myocardial damage was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves. The correlation of myocardial work parameters with global longitudinal strain (GLS), longitudinal peak strain dispersion (normalized by heart rate, PSDN), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) was analyzed. There was no difference in classic echocardiographic parameters between the groups. Compared with that in group CON, GLS decreased in groups TH1 and TH2 (TH1 17.99%±2.21% and TH2: 19.00%±2.85% vs. 20.27%±1.49%; both P<0.05); there was no significant difference between groups TH1 and TH2. PSDN increased in groups TH1 and TH2 (TH1 73.13±19.51 ms and TH2 55.06±17.03 vs. 44.13±8.65 ms; both P<0.05); it was higher in group TH1 than in group TH2 (P<0.05). Myocardial global work efficiency (GWE) decreased in groups TH1 and TH2 {TH1 95% [interquartile range (IQR), 94-95%] and TH2 96% (IQR, 95-97%) vs. 97% (IQR, 96-97%); both P<0.05}; it was lower in group TH1 than in group TH2 (P<0.05). Global constructive work (GCW) decreased in group TH1 (1,865.29±284.13 vs. 2,030.33±252.52 mmHg%; P<0.05), but was not different from that in group TH2; there was no difference between groups TH2 and CON. Global wasted work (GWW) increased in groups TH1 and TH2 [TH1 83.00 (IQR, 74.00-97.00) mmHg% and TH2 69.50 (IQR, 51.25-84.25) vs. 50.50 (IQR, 40.75-65.25) mmHg%; both P<0.05]; it was higher in group TH1 than in group TH2 (P<0.05). The area under the GWE curve was the largest (area under the curve =0.835), and the optimal cutoff point was 96.5%, with a sensitivity of 0.83 and a specificity of 0.70. GWE and GCW were positively correlated with GLS and negatively correlated with PSDN. GWW was negatively correlated with GLS and positively correlated with PSDN. In group CON, GCW and GWW were positively correlated with SBP; GWE was not correlated with SBP. In groups TH1 and TH2, GCW was positively correlated with SBP, but not with GWW or GWE. Hyperthyroidism can significantly decrease the GWE and increase GWW of the left ventricle. This change is more pronounced in patients with tachycardia. Myocardial work could be a novel method for the evaluation of LV myocardial function in patients with hyperthyroidism.

Rationale and design of the Biventricular Evaluation of Gliflozins effects In chroNic Heart Failure: BEGIN-HF study.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) represent a unique class of anti-hyperglycaemic agents for type 2 diabetes mellitus that selectively inhibit renal glucose reabsorption, thereby increasing urinary excretion of glucose. Several studies have demonstrated the cardioprotective effects of SGLT-2i in patients with heart failure (HF), unrelated to its glucosuric effect. It is unclear whether the benefits of SGLT-2i therapy also rely on the improvement of left ventricular (LV) and/or right ventricular (RV) function in patients with HF. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SGLT-2i on LV and RV function through conventional and advanced echocardiographic parameters with a special focus on RV function in patients with HF. The Biventricular Evaluation of Gliflozins effects In chroNic Heart Failure (BEGIN-HF) study is an international multicentre, prospective study that will evaluate the effect of SGLT-2i on echocardiographic parameters of myocardial function in patients with chronic stable HF across the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) spectrum. Patients with New York Heart Association Class II/III symptoms, estimated glomerular filtration rate>25mL/min/1.73m2 , age>18years, and those who were not previously treated with SGLT-2i will be included. All patients will undergo conventional, tissue-derived imaging (TDI), and strain echocardiography in an ambulatory setting, at time of enrolment and after 6months of SGLT-2i therapy. The primary endpoint is the change in LV function as assessed by conventional, TDI, and myocardial deformation speckle tracking parameters. Secondary outcomes include changes in RV and left atrial function as assessed by conventional and deformation speckle tracking echocardiography. Univariate and multivariate analyses will be performed to identify predictors associated with primary and secondary endpoints. The BEGIN-HF will determine whether SGLT-2i therapy improves LV and/or RV function by conventional and advanced echocardiography in patients with HF irrespective of LVEF.

Redistribution of Perfusion and Myocardial Function in Patients With Multivessel Disease and Myocardial Infarction With ST Segment Elevation After Recanalization of an Infarct-Associated Artery According to the Results of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, Synchronized With Electrocardiography

BACKGROUND Numerous studies have shown that coronary reperfusion with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the question of the effect on the myocardium as a whole of an isolated intervention on an infarct-related artery in multivessel coronary disease remains incompletely studied.AIM OF STUDY To study the features of perfusion redistribution and myocardial function using perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with STEMI and multivessel coronary disease after isolated PCI on an infarct-related artery.MATERIAL AND METHODS SPECT-ECG (electrocardiography) was performed in 32 patients (27 men and 5 women) with STEMI. According to the ECG results, the location of focal myocardial changes was regarded as “lower” MI in 19 (59%) patients, “anterior” in 13 patients (41%). Coronary angiography revealed a multivessel lesion of the coronary vessels in all of them. The patients were divided into groups according to the location of the infarction and the area of the lesion: group 1 — lower MI (stenting of the right coronary artery (RCA) and its branches) — 19 patients (mean age — 57.7±2.5; median — 55 [51.5; 63.5]), of which 8 with small-focal (1a) and 11 with large-focal infarction (1b); group 2 — anterior MI (stenting of the left coronary artery (LCA) and its branches) — 13 patients (mean age — 55.4±3.5; median — 54 [48.5; 62.5]), of which 5 with small-focal (2a) and 8 with large-focal infarction (2b). SPECT-ECG was performed 3 times: 1st — on days 2–3 after PCI of the infarct-related artery, 2nd — 6 days after PCI, and 3rd — 6 months after PCI.RESULTS After RCA stenting in patients with lower MI and multivessel coronary disease, SPECT-ECG revealed a statistically significant decrease in local contractility of individual segments of the anterior septal and lateral walls (with sufficient revascularization of the RCA system) and worsening of perfusion and right ventricular (RV) volumes. After stenting of the LCA branches in patients with anterior MI and multivessel coronary disease, a statistically significant decrease in local contractility in the basal segment of the diaphragmatic wall was observed, as well as impaired perfusion and an increase in the volume of the RV (with successful revascularization of the anterior interventricular branch). All these findings could be the result of partial steal of the blood supply to neighboring areas and myocardial remodeling after PCI in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.CONCLUSION 1. According to the data of single-photon emulsion computed tomography synchronized with electrocardiography in the early and late period of myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with multivessel coronary disease, there is a significant improvement in perfusion and function of the infarct-associated artery system. 1. Recanalization of only the left coronary artery with remaining stenoses in the right coronary artery in the long-term period can lead to an increase in the size of the cavity of the right ventricle of the heart and uneven distribution of perfusion in its The revealed statistically significant disturbances in perfusion and local contractility of neighboring areas after percutaneous coronary intervention of an infarct-related artery may be the result of steal of the blood supply and early myocardial remodeling in multivessel disease. 3. Disturbances in perfusion and local contractility in neighboring myocardial blood supply pools after percutaneous coronary intervention of an infarct-related artery dictates the need to repeated single-photon emulsion computed tomography synchronized with electrocardiography as early as possible in patients with multivessel coronary disease in order to assess the redistribution of perfusion and myocardial remodeling for timely complete revascularization, preventing recurrent coronary

The state of systolic and diastolic myocardial functions in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea and their dynamics during CPAP therapy

Aim. To evaluate the change in the parameters of systolic and diastolic myocardial functions in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome before and after CPAP therapy.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Forty eight patients with severe OSA aged 4574 years were examined. All patients underwent questionnaires, echocardiography with tissue Dopplerography, speckle-tracking echocardiography. At the end of the three-month course of CPAP therapy, the patients were re-examined, followed by a comparative analysis of the data obtained.&#x0D; Results. In patients with severe OSA after CPAP therapy, the ejection fraction of the left ventricle and the amplitude of systolic displacement of the fibrous ring of the tricuspid valve significantly increased, which indicated an increase in the relative capacity of the ventricular myocardium. The performed CPAP therapy had a positive effect on the diastolic function of the myocardium of both ventricles, which was manifested in an increase in the ratio of peak rates of early and late transmitral and transtricuspidal diastolic flows. The rate of transtricuspidal regurgitation and systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery decreased in dynamics.&#x0D; Conclusion. The use of CPAP therapy improves systolic and diastolic heart function, leads to a decrease in systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery in patients with severe OSA. The results obtained substantiate the importance of early initiation of CPAP therapy in the complex treatment of patients with OSA.

Usefulness of layer-specific strain for evaluating and predicting recovery of left ventricular myocardial function in patients undergoing hybrid coronary revascularization.

This study aimed to determine if layer-specific strain (LSS) can be used to evaluate and predict left ventricular (LV) recovery in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). A total of 187 consecutive CAD patients who received HCR in our hospital were prospectively enrolled. 30 healthy individuals with matched age and gender were enrolled as a control group. Echocardiography was performed for CAD patients before and 1, 2, and 6 months after HCR. Comprehensive conventional and LSS echocardiography parameters were collected. LV recovery was defined as improvement in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) > 5% at 6-months follow-up compared with baseline. Logistic regression analysis was used to test the correlates of LV recovery. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff value of correlates for predicting LV recovery. LVEF and LV strain in CAD patients were significantly decreased compared with control subjects. Endocardial global longitudinal strain (Endo-GLS) improved significantly at 1-month follow-up (14.2 ± 1.6% vs. 13.8 ± 1.5%, P < 0.05), and LVGLS and global circumferential strain (GCS) improved significantly at 2-months follow-up. Multivariate regression revealed that Endo-GLS, GLS, and SYNTAX score before HCR were independently correlated to LV recovery. Endo-GLS had an optimal cutoff value of 13.2% for predicting LV recovery with sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 78%. LV myocardial systolic function in CAD patients was impaired before HCR and significantly improved after HCR. Endo-GLS was independently correlated to and has optimal predictive value for LV recovery.

SOdium-glucose CO-transporter inhibition in patients with newly detected Glucose Abnormalities and a recent Myocardial Infarction (SOCOGAMI)

Aims/hypothesisEstablished dysglycaemia (impaired glucose tolerance [IGT] or type 2 diabetes [T2DM]) is a risk factor for further cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduce this risk. The aim of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that empagliflozin exerts beneficial effects on myocardial function in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome and newly detected dysglycaemia. MethodsForty-two patients (mean age 67.5 years, 81 % male) with recent myocardial infarction (n = 36) or unstable angina (n = 6) and newly detected IGT (n = 27) or T2DM (n = 15) were randomised to 25 mg of empagliflozin daily (n = 20) or placebo (n = 22) on top of ongoing therapy. They were investigated with oral glucose tolerance tests, stress-perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and echocardiography at three occasions: before randomisation, after seven months on study drug and three months following cessation of such drug. Primary outcome was a change in left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and secondary outcomes were a change in a) systolic and diastolic LV function; b) coronary flow reserve; c) myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) in non-infarcted myocardium; d) aortic pulse wave velocity. ResultsEmpagliflozin induced a significant decrease in fasting and post load glucose (p < 0.05) and body weight (p < 0.01). Empagliflozin did not influence LVEDV, LV systolic or mass indexes, coronary flow reserve, ECV or aortic pulse wave velocity. Echocardiographic indices of LV diastolic function (E/e’ and mitral E/A ratio) were not influenced. No safety concerns were identified. Conclusions/interpretationEmpagliflozin had predicted effects on the dysglycaemia but did not influence variables expressing LV function, coronary flow reserve and ECV. An explanation may be that the LV function of the patients was within the normal range.