Normal Left Ventricular Geometry Research Articles

Comparison of echocardiographic methods for calculating left ventricular mass in elite rugby football league athletes and the impact on chamber geometry.

Recommendations for the echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular (LV) mass in the athlete suggest the use of the linear method using a two-tiered classification system (2TC). The aims of this study were to compare the linear method and the area-length (A-L) method for LV mass in elite rugby football league (RFL) athletes and to establish how any differences impact the classification of LV geometry using 2TC and four-tier (4TC) classification systems. Two hundred and twenty (220) male RFL athletes aged 25 ± 5 (14-34 years) were recruited. All athletes underwent echocardiography and LV mass was calculated by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) corrected Linear equation (2D) and the A-L method. Left ventricular mass Index (LVMi) was used with relative wall thickness to determine geometry in the 2TC and with concentricity and LV end diastolic volume index for the 4TC. Method specific recommended cut-offs were utilised. Higher values of absolute (197 ± 34 vs. 181 ± 34 g; p < 0.0001) and indexed (92 ± 13 vs. 85 ± 13 g/m2; p < 0.0001) measures of LV mass were obtained from A-L compared to the linear method. Normal LV geometry was demonstrated in 98.2% and 80% of athletes whilst eccentric hypertrophy in 1.4% and 19.5% for linear and A-L respectively. Both methods provided 0.5% as having concentric remodelling and 0% as having concentric hypertrophy. Allocation to the 4TC resulted in 97% and 80% with normal geometry, 0% and 8.6% with eccentric dilated hypertrophy, 0% and 7.7% with eccentric non-dilated hypertrophy, 1.4% and 0.5% with concentric remodelling and 1.4% and 3% with concentric non-dilated hypertrophy for linear and A-L methods respectively. No participants had concentric dilated hypertrophy from either methods. The linear and A-L method for calculation of LV mass in RFL athletes are not interchangeable with significantly higher values obtained using A-L method impacting on geometry classification. More athletes present with eccentric hypertrophy using 2TC and eccentric dilated/non-dilated using 4TC. Further studies should be aimed at establishing the association of A-L methods of LV mass and application of the 4TC to the multi-factorial demographics of the athlete.

99mTc-HFAPi imaging identifies early myocardial fibrosis in the hypertensive heart.

This study aimed to explore whether 99mTc-radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (99mTc-HFAPi) imaging can detect early myocardial fibrosis in the hypertensive heart. In the experimental model, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs) were randomly divided into three groups (8, 16, and 28 weeks). The animals underwent 99mTc-HFAPi imaging and echocardiography. Autoradiography and histological analyses were performed in the left ventricle. The mRNA and protein expression level of the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and collagen I were measured using quantitative PCR and western blot. In the clinical investigation, a total of 106 patients with essential hypertension and 20 gender-matched healthy controls underwent 99mTc-HFAPi imaging and echocardiography. In-vivo and in-vitro autographic images demonstrated diffusely enhanced 99mTc-HFAPi uptake in the SHR heart starting at week 8, before irreversible collagen deposition. The mRNA and protein levels of FAP in SHRs began to increase from week 8, whereas changes in collagen I levels were not detected until week 28. In the clinical investigation, even in hypertensive patients with normal diastolic indicators, normal left ventricular geometry, and normal global longitudinal strain (GLS), the prevalence of increased 99mTc-HFAPi uptake reached 34, 41, and 20%, respectively, indicating that early fibrogenesis precedes structural and functional myocardial abnormalities. In hypertension, 99mTc-HFAPi imaging can detect early fibrotic process before myocardial functional and structural changes.

Modern opportunities for assessing the left ventricle remodeling

Aim: To compare the results of distributing left ventricular (LV) remodeling patterns according to two classifications and identify their advantages and disadvantages. Materials and methods. The study involved 2019 patients, aged from 18 to 94 years with a mean of 57.6 ± 16.4 years, 51 % males, apparently healthy and with cardiovascular and respiratory system pathology. Echocardiography was performed using an Esaote MyLab Seven device (Italy) according to generally accepted standards. The distribution of patients according to four classic LV remodeling patterns and according to the classification proposed by W. Gaasch and M. Zile was studied. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica for Windows 13.0 (StatSoft Inc., USA; license No. JPZ804I382130ARCN10-J). Qualitative variables were given as absolute and relative frequency (n (%)). Results. The distribution of patients according to 4 classic LV remodeling patterns was as follows: 53.0 % had normal LV geometry; 10.2 % – concentric remodeling; 15.6 % – concentric hypertrophy; 21.2 % – eccentric hypertrophy. At the same time, in the group of normal LV geometry, 25.2 % of people had LV dilatation. When distributing the patients by remodeling patterns according to the W. Gaasch and M. Zile classification, the following data were obtained: 26.9 % of people had normal LV geometry, concentric remodeling – 10.2 %, concentric hypertrophy – 12.4 %, mixed hypertrophy – 3.1 %, physiological and dilated hypertrophy – 11.8 %, eccentric hypertrophy – 5.5 %, eccentric remodeling – 11.4 %. In addition, 3 more groups of patients were formed, who did not have a terminological definition based on the W. Gaasch and M. Zile classification and, in total, accounted for 18.6 % of the examined. Conclusions. The missing options of dilated left ventricle should be recognized as a limitation of the classic classifications of left ventricular remodeling patterns. The imposition of additional criteria covering the cavity dilatation in determining the left ventricular remodeling patterns improves the assessment of the patient’s prognosis and contributes to a more individual selection of pathogenetic therapy.

Concentric and Eccentric Remodelling of the Left Ventricle and Its Association to Function in the Male Athletes Heart: An Exploratory Study.

To compare (1) conventional left ventricular (LV) functional parameters, (2) LV peak strain and strain rate and (3) LV temporal strain and strain rate curves in age, ethnicity and sport-matched athletes with concentric, eccentric and normal LV geometry. Forty-five male athletes were categorised according to LV geometry including concentric remodelling/hypertrophy (CON), eccentric hypertrophy (ECC) or normal (NORM). Athletes were evaluated using conventional echocardiography and myocardial speck tracking, allowing the assessment of myocardial strain and strain rate; as well as twist mechanics. Concentric remodelling was associated with an increased ejection fraction (EF) compared to normal geometry athletes (64% (48-78%) and 56% (50-65%), respectively; p < 0.04). No differences in peak myocardial strain or strain rate were present between LV geometry groups including global longitudinal strain (GLS; CON -16.9% (-14.9-20.6%); ECC -17.9% (-13.0-22.1%); NORM -16.9% (-12.8-19.4%)), global circumferential strain (GCS; CON -18.1% (-13.5-24.5%); ECC -18.7% (-15.6-22.4%); NORM -18.0% (-13.5-19.7%)), global radial strain (GRS; CON 42.2% (30.3-70.5%); ECC 50.0% (39.2-60.0%); NORM 40.6 (29.9-57.0%)) and twist (CON 14.9° (3.7-25.3°); ECC 12.5° (6.3-20.8°); NORM 13.2° (8.8-24.2°)). Concentric and eccentric remodelling was associated with alterations in temporal myocardial strain and strain rate as compared to normal geometry athletes. Physiological concentric and eccentric remodelling in the athletes heart is generally associated with normal LV function; with concentric remodelling associated with an increased EF. Physiological concentric and eccentric remodelling in the athletes heart has no effect on peak myocardial strain but superior deformation and untwisting is unmasked when assessing the temporal distribution.

Effect of insulin resistance on left ventricular remodelling in essential hypertensives: a cross-sectional study.

In clinical practice, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is defined by physical findings and electrocardiographic criteria, which are useful but imperfect tools, echocardiographic criteria and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. In echocardiography, LVH is defined not by left ventricular wall thicknesses but by left ventricular mass. The latter is calculated according to Devereux's formula, and is increased by insulin resistance/hyperinsulinaemia. It is however unclear whether insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia, or both, is actually causative and what their collective or individual influence is on the components of Devereux's formula and parameters of left ventricular diastolic function. This study evaluated the associations of the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMAIR) and fasting plasma insulin levels with components of Devereux's formula and parameters of left ventricular diastolic function. Relevant clinical data were collected from 220 hypertensive patients recruited between January and December 2019. The associations of components of Devereux's formula and parameters of diastolic function with insulin resistance were tested using binary ordinal, conditional and classical logistic regression models. Thirty-two (14.5%) patients (43.9 ± 9.1 years), 99 (45%) patients (52.4 ± 8.7 years) and 89 (40.5%) patients (53.1 ± 9.8 years) had normal left ventricular geometry, concentric left ventricular remodelling and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, respectively. In multivariable adjusted analysis, 46.8% of variation in interventricular septum diameter (R² = 0.468; overall p = 0.001) and 30.9% of E-wave deceleration time (R² = 0.309; overall p = 0.003) were explained by insulin level and HOMAIR, 30.1% of variation in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (R² = 0.301; p = 0.013) by HOMAIR alone, and 46.3% of posterior wall thickness (R² = 0.463; p = 0.002) and 29.4% of relative wall thickness (R² = 0.294; p = 0.007) by insulin level alone. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia did not have the same influence on the components of Devereux's formula. Insulin resistance appeared to act on left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, while hyperinsulinaemia affected the posterior wall thickness. Both abnormalities acted on the interventricular septum and contributed to diastolic dysfunction via the E-wave deceleration time.

Familial cardiolaminopathy due to a previously undescribed LMNA gene mutation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Cardiolaminopathies are rare genetic alterations, which present diverse mechanical and electrical alterations. OBJECTIVE To present a family carrying an LMNA gene mutation that although not described manifest clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics of the disease. Methods We present the case of two sisters and one brother, aged 65, 57 and 51 years, respectively. At the beginning of their fourth decade, all of them debuted with atrial flutter associated with second and third degree atrioventricular block. Two of them (one or the sisters and the brother) underwent ablation of isthmus-dependent atrial flutter. However, in both, the flutter recurred and no new interventional treatment was further offered. The male subject received a pacemaker implant for treatment of AV block; some years later, he presented a cerebrovascular event and subsequently a recurrence, both while in oral anticoagulation and, actually remains with moderate motor deficit and dysarthria. The youngest woman suffered an embolic cerebrovascular event when she was 50 y/o; she remained asymptomatic in relation to the rhythm disorder and refused a pacemaker. The oldest sister who is asymptomatic, received a pacemaker when she was 45 y/o and now is anticoagulated. By echocardiography, all siblings presented left ejection fraction in between 40 and 50% with decreased strain values and normal left ventricular geometry. Results Recently in our country it is possible to carry out a genetic test, for which the three were subjected to it. In this family, the genetic testing was done using a comercial kit for 172 genes. The result was a Frameshift Indels (non misense) mutation NM_170707.3 c.1526del p.(Pro509LeufsTer39) Exon:9/12, in all three. The caveat is that this LMNA gene mutation has not been previously described. In light of these results, the youngest woman with total AV block and sequelae of cerebrovascular disease and mild left ventricular dysfunction, received an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) implant for primary prevention of sudden death and her siblings are undergoing an upgrade to ICD. Conclusion The mutation found in this family is unique and for the first time reported in the LMNA gene in the world. Genetic diagnosis is limited in our country, which makes it difficult to determine this type of pathology. However, given the clinical presentation of an electrical disorder in all the siblings of a family, in this particular case, it was mandatory to perform this test. These results allow us to better understand the prognosis and intervene appropriately to prevent sudden death, even though there is no treatment to avoid the progression of the disease.

Структура кардиоваскулярных нарушений у детей с хронической болезнью почек

Objective. To study the structure of cardiovascular pathology in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients and methods. 74 children were examined, including 40 patients on dialysis and 34 patients at the predialysis stage of CKD. The following parameters were determined: the thickness of the interventricular septum and the posterior wall of the left ventricle (LV), the final systolic and final diastolic LV size, shock volume, ejection fraction. The myocardial mass index (LVMI) and the relative wall thickness (RWT) of the LV were calculated according to the following formulas. Results. According to echocardiography data in children receiving dialysis, LV myocardial hypertrophy was observed in the majority of children – 17 (42.5%, p &lt; 0.001), of which in 35.3% of cases (6 children) concentric remodeling was detected (RWT ≥0.45, LVH within 90 g/m2), in 41.2% of cases (in 7 patients), concentric hypertrophy was determined (RWT ≥0.45, LVMI 111.7 ± 11.4 g/m2), eccentric hypertrophy was detected in 23.5% of patients (in 4 – RWT ≤0.45, IMLJ 115.6 ± 11.9 g/m2); systolic dysfunction was found in 10 (25%) children with stage 5d CKD, in 8 (20%) – diastolic dysfunction, in 5 (12.5%) – the valvular damage. In 19 (55.9%) children with the predialysis stage, there is a normal LV geometry (RWT &lt;45 with normal LV), in 15 (44.1%) – concentric remodeling (RWT &gt;45 with normal LVMI). Conclusion. CKD in children, as in adults, is associated with the highest risk of accelerated development of cardiovascular pathology. Cardiovascular pathology in CKD is manifested mainly by LV myocardial hypertrophy. LV hypertrophy, being an important risk factor for arrhythmias and heart failure, is especially characteristic of patients with dialysis for,m of CKD. Key words: cardiovascular disorders, chronic kidney disease

Стресс-эхокардиография в диагностике кардиальной дисфункции в раннем постинфарктном периоде

The purpose — to assess the importance of stress echocardiography in identifying the nature and severity of cardiac dysfunction in patients with myocardial infarction. Material and methods.86 patients were examined at the outpatient stage of rehabilitation 6 weeks after myocardial infarction with primary coronary angioplasty with stenting. Results.Echocardiography revealed left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in 34 patients with myocardial infarction with concomitant arterial hypertension. Patients with LVH are characterized by more pronounced structural and functional LV remodeling, which is expressed in a lower LVEF and increased LVEDD, LVESVand LVEDV(p&lt;0.05). There were no differences in stroke volume between patients with and without LVH. The performed diastolic stress test in patients with LVH is characterized by significantly lower average early diastolic mitral annular velocity e` (7.6 vs. 9.3 cm/s, p&lt;0.01) without differences in the peak early transmitral Doppler flow velocity E (69.8 vs 78.0, p&gt;0.05) compared with patients without LVH. The revealed differences between patients with and without LVH are due to a higher post-exercise velocity e` in patients with normal LV geometry and a decrease in eccentric LVH subgroup. Conclusions.1) Patients with LVH in the early postinfarction period (6 weeks) have more pronounced LV systolic dysfunction, expressed in a decrease in LVEF and an increase in LVEDD, LVESV, LVEDV compared to patients without LVH.2) Left ventricular hypertrophy, in conditions of myocardial infarction, is associated with latent diastolic dysfunction, which is manifested by a lower average early diastolic mitral annular velocity e` after the stress-test.

Prevalence and Characterisation of Severe Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Diagnosed by Echocardiography in Hypertensive Patients

Arterial hypertension (AHT) is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is one of the most important prognostic markers in hypertension and a predictor for mortality. The goals of this study were to examine the prevalence of LVH detected by echocardiography in patients with AHT and to describe patients with severe LVH. This is a retrospective monocentric study including patients treated at a tertiary hypertension clinic. Echocardiographic data were taken from written reports from our hospital's echocardiography laboratories. We compared patients with severe LVH (septum thickness ≥ 15 mm) with patients with normal left ventricular (LV) geometry and with patients with concentric or eccentric hypertrophy regarding age, gender, comorbidities, medication, duration of hypertension, blood pressure (BP) and ECG changes at time of echocardiography. Twenty-nine patients (7.3%) out of four hundred patients showed severe LVH and one hundred and eighty-nine (47.3%) a normal geometry. In comparison to patients with normal geometry, patients with severe LVH were more likely to be male, older, and with more uncontrolled BP, especially regarding asleep values, multi-drug antihypertensive treatment and comorbidities. In comparison to patients with concentric or eccentric hypertrophy, patients with severe LVH had a significantly higher diastolic BP in the 24 h mean, awake and asleep values. A positive Sokolow-Lyon index did not predict LVH. However, patients with severe LVH were more likely to have T-wave-inversions V4-V6 in at least one lead. More than half of the patients with AHT have an abnormal geometry in our study (52.5%) and 7.3% a severe LVH. Patients with severe LVH have more often an uncontrolled AHT than patients with a normal LV geometry, despite more antihypertensive treatment. The Sokolow-Lyon index seems to be insufficient to detect LVH.

1098 CHARACTERIZATION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF LV REMODELING USING QUANTITATIVE INTRACARDIAC FLUID-DYNAMICS

Abstract Background Hyperdoppler is a novel advanced echocardiographic technique for the quantitative assessment of intracardiac fluid-dynamics. Recently, its use has been proven useful to complement traditional echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac function in Heart Failure. However, no specific data are available on its application to differentiate between different types of LV remodeling. Thus, our aim was to investigate whether quantitative changes in fluid dynamics might be able to characterize patients with different ventricular geometry. Methods We enrolled 100 consecutive patients with one of the following: LV concentric hypertrophy (CH), eccentric hypertrophy (EH), concentric remodeling, normal LV geometry (CTRL). They underwent a complete echocardiographic examination with intracardiac fluid-dynamic analysis by Color Vector Flow Mapping (Hyperdoppler, Esaote, Genova, Italy). The following parameters were obtained: vortex area (VA); vortex length (VL); vortex depth (VD). Bland Altman Plot has been used to assess intra and inter-observer variability. Results Mean Vortex Depth was significantly higher in CR (p=0.011), CH (p=0.001) and EH (p=0.025) compared to CTRL (p=0.013, p=0.001 and p=0.022, respectively). In addition, CH had significantly higher Vortex Length (p= 0.008) and larger VA (p=0.012) compared to CTRL. No significative differences in vortices parameters have been observed between CH and EH. Conclusion(s) Quantitative fluid-dynamic assessment was feasible and reliable in the whole population and is a promising tool to complement standard echocardiography for the early characterization of different types of LV remodeling.

171 SEX AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE: ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL

Abstract Differences in regulation and adaptations in response to exercise between men and women Numerous cardiovascular adjustments occur during exercise so that cardiac output (CO) rises linearly as a function of VO2 to meet the increased demands of muscular work. There are several genetic, anatomical and hormone sex-related differences that impact the hemodynamic and structural cardiovascular response to exercise. From a hemodynamic point of view, women have lower CO. Females have lower Stroke Volume (SV) and smaller increase in SV in response to exercise, mainly due to their smaller cardiac size/mass, so the main mechanism to enhance CO in women is the increase of HR. Maximum HR has been shown to be similar between females and males and depends mainly on the age rather than on gender. Furthermore, women have lower maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) values, mainly due to their lower CO, together with differences in peak Da-vO2. Blood volume, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values are 15– 20% lower in women, and sex-based differences exist in pulmonary structure and respiratory function, resulting in a lower oxygen supply for the same quantity of blood flow than men. Moreover, females have lower systolic and diastolic peak blood pressures as compared to males, as they experience a greater drop in systemic vascular resistance during exercise and have lower CO. This could be the reason of the higher occurrence of post-exercise hypotension in women. From a structural point of view, regular physical training induces cardiac remodeling and structural adaptations to improve SV reserve. Trained women exhibited smaller left ventricular wall thickness, cavity size and mass compared to age and fitness-matched men. Women were reported to maintain a normal left ventricular geometry, with a relatively larger increase of cavity dimensions compared with men, evidently influenced by the type of sport praticated. These sex-related differences in cardiac adaptations may be partially explained by the higher concentrations of endogenous anabolic hormones in males and higher hypertrophic potential of male cardiac tissue compared to women. Heart size accounts for many of the sex-based differences in cardiac functional and structural responses, however, it may not entirely account for sex-related cardiovascular differences as they tend to shrink when parameters are normalized for body surface area and lean body mass, suggesting that other factors, such as different body composition, may play a role and indexed parameters should be analyzed rather than absolute values. The more and more large participation of women in a broad variety of sport, together with the increasing awareness about the existence of relevant sex-related differences in response to training, confirm the need to include sex as a biological variable to consider for optimal tailored exercise intervention. Identifying and understanding sex-specific differences is crucial, both from a clinical point of view, as they could impact exercise rehabilitation and prevention strategies, and from a sport and physiological point of view, both in terms of improving performances and reducing injuries.

Aortic valve sclerosis and subclinical LV dysfunction in the general population with normal LV geometry.

Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) without hemodynamically significant obstruction is related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality independent of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study investigated the prevalence of AVS and its association with subclinical LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction in individuals with normal LV geometry free of cardiovascular disease. We examined 962 participants with normal LV geometry and free from significant AV stenosis who underwent standard and speckle-tracking echocardiography. AVS was categorized into 4 groups as follows: no AVS, AV thickening, calcification on one leaflet and calcification on ≥2 leaflets. Among the 962 participants, 767 (79.7%) individuals were classified as no AVS, 74 (7.7%) as AV thickening, 87 (9.0%) as calcification on one leaflet, and 34 (3.5%) as calcification on ≥2 leaflets. The prevalence of subclinical LV diastolic dysfunction (E/e' ratio ≥13) and systolic dysfunction (LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) > -17.0% for men and > -18.0% for women) were greater in AVS groups than those in no AVS group. Subclinical LV diastolic impairment was evident from AV thickening and systolic dysfunction was observed at AV calcification. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that AV thickening as well as calcification were independently associated with subclinical LV diastolic impairment (all p < 0.05), while only AV calcification on ≥2 leaflets conferred significant increased risk of impaired LVGLS. AVS was observed in approximately 20% individuals without cardiac disease and was associated with subclinical LV diastolic and systolic function even in the absence of LV morphological change.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy: association between genetically determinated dilated cardiomyopathy and dissinchronopathy

Abstract Background Patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) often undergoes cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Despite CRT only a small group of patients restore normal left ventricular geometry and function. Many predictors of response to CRT have been described, but there are still insufficient data on the role of genetic mutations in sarcomere, cytoskeletal or desmosomal genes. Purpose To asses the role of genetic background as predictor of response after CRT in patient DCM and LBBB. Methods We retrospectively analyzed DCM patients with successful CRT implantation and available genetic testing consecutively included in the CRT-Registry of our Institution. DCM was defined by the presence of left ventricular or biventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction in the absence of abnormal loading conditions or coronary artery disease sufficient to cause global systolic impairment. Changes in main echocardiographic parameters: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LV End Systolic and End Diastolic Volume (LVESV and LVEDV), where compared between basal and 24–48 months of follow up. LV remodeling was defined by relative changes (Δ) in LV End Systolic Volume (LVESV) [(follow-up LVESV − PRE LVESV) / PRE LVESV × 100)]. Patients were considered super-responders (SR) if LVEF at 24–48 months was&amp;gt;50%. Genetic testing was done by Next Generation DNA and all variants were validated with bidirectional Sanger sequencing. Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) were excluded from the analysis. Patients being carrier of pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants were considered affected by genetic DCM (GEN+ DCM). Patients non carrier of P/LP variants and with no evidence of familial disease were considered affected by non-genetically determined DCM (GEN− DCM). Results 73 patients met the inclusion criteria, 23 patients were GEN+ DCM, the remaining 50 patients had negative genetic test and no family history of DCM. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. GEN− group was characterized by a greater improvement in LVEF (39±12 vs 29±12, p=0,006) and a greater relative reduction in LVESV (ΔLVESV 43% vs 18%, p=0,007). GEN− patients had a 33 ml higher mean LVESV reduction at 24–48 months after CRT, indipendently of their respective baseline values. 20 patients (27% of the total population) suffered of heart failure related death, heart transplantation or left ventricular assistance device implantation during follow up and the prevalence was significantly higher in GEN+ group (43% vs 20%, p=0,037). Coherently, patients in the GEN+ group showed a lower prevalence of super responders (4%, vs 24%, p=0,02) after CRT. Conclusions Non-genetically determined DCM DCM is associated with a better clinical and instrumental response to CRT and a higher probability of being super responders. Furthermore, our data support the hypothesis about dyssyncronopathy as a specific clinical entity inside DCM diseases. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Normative Values for Sport-Specific Left Ventricular Dimensions and Exercise-Induced Cardiac Remodeling in Elite Spanish Male and Female Athletes

BackgroundThere is debate about the magnitude of geometrical remodeling [i.e., left ventricle (LV) cavity enlargement vs. wall thickening] in the heart of elite athletes, and no limits of normality have been yet established for different sports. We aimed to determine sex- and sport-specific normative values of LV dimensions in elite white adult athletes.MethodsThis was a single-center, retrospective study of Spanish elite athletes. Athletes were grouped by sport and its relative dynamic/static component (Mitchell’s classification). LV dimensions were measured with two-dimensional-guided M-mode echocardiography imaging to compute normative values. We also developed an online and app-based calculator (https://sites.google.com/lapolart.es/athlete-lv/welcome?authuser=0) to provide clinicians with sports- and Mitchell’s category-specific Z-scores for different LV dimensions.ResultsWe studied 3282 athletes (46 different sports, 37.8% women, mean age 23 ± 6 years). The majority (85.4%) showed normal cardiac geometry, particularly women (90.9%). Eccentric hypertrophy was relatively prevalent (13.4%), and concentric remodeling or hypertrophy was a rare finding (each < 0.8% of total). The proportion of normal cardiac geometry and eccentric hypertrophy decreased and increased, respectively, with the dynamic (in both sexes) or static component (in male athletes) of the sport irrespective of the other (static or dynamic) component. The 95th percentile values of LV dimensions did not exceed the following limits in any of the Mitchell categories: septal wall thickness, 12 mm (males) and 10 mm (females); LV posterior wall, 11 mm and 10 mm; and LV end-diastolic diameter, 64 mm and 57 mm.ConclusionsThe majority of elite athletes had normal LV geometry, and although some presented with LV eccentric hypertrophy, concentric remodeling or hypertrophy was very uncommon. The present study provides sport-specific normative values that can serve to identify those athletes for whom a detailed examination might be recommendable (i.e., those exceeding the 95th percentile for their sex and sport).

The elite judo female athlete's heart.

Purpose: There is a paucity of data on physiological heart adaptation in elite-level judo female athletes. This study aimed to assess left ventricular morphology and function in highly trained elite female judokas. Methods: The study prospectively included 18 females aged 23.5 ± 2.25 years, nine elite level judokas, and nine healthy non-athlete volunteers. All participants underwent a medical examination, electrocardiogram, and transthoracic 2D echocardiogram. Left ventricular diastolic and systolic diameters and volumes were determined, and parameters of left heart geometry and function (systolic and diastolic) were measured, calculated, and compared between groups. Results: When groups were compared, judokas had significantly increased left ventricular cavity dimensions p < 0.01, left ventricular wall thickness p < 0.01, and volumes p < 0.01. Elite female judokas exhibited left ventricular dilatation demonstrated as high prevalence increased end-diastolic volume/index, and increased end-systolic volume/index in 88.9% of judokas vs. 0% in controls, p < 0.01. Left ventricle mass/index was significantly increased in judokas, p < 0.01), with a 43.3% difference between groups. The majority (77.7%) of judokas had normal left ventricular geometry, although eccentric hypertrophy was revealed in 2 (22.2%) of judokas. Conclusion: Elite, highly trained female judokas exhibit significant changes in left heart morphology as a result of vigorous training compared to non-athletes. These findings suggest that female judokas athletes’ heart follows a pattern toward chamber dilatation rather than left ventricular wall hypertrophy.

Radiological Cardiothoracic Ratio as a Potential Marker of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Assessed by Echocardiography.

The aim of the study was to verify the usefulness of the radiological cardiothoracic ratio as a potential marker of left ventricular hypertrophy assessed by echocardiography. The study included 96 patients (mean age: 49.52 ± 9.64 years). Chest radiograph in the PA projection and echocardiography were performed. In CR the measurement of the cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) was performed. Assuming CTR > 0.50, heart silhouette enlargement was diagnosed. In echocardiography, four types of left ventricular geometry were assessed: normal geometry (NG), concentric remodeling (CR), concentric hypertrophy (CH), and eccentric hypertrophy (EH). It was shown that patients with an enlarged heart silhouette were characterized by a significantly more frequent occurrence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on echocardiography than patients with a nonenlarged heart silhouette. In the subgroup of patients with LVH compared to the subgroup of patients with normal left ventricular geometry, CTR values are statistically significantly higher, and heart silhouette enlargement is significantly more frequent. The criterion “CTR > 0.49” estimates LVH with a sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 82.7%, which translates into a high accuracy of 84.4%. By analyzing the prediction of left ventricular geometry types, high accuracy of CH prediction was obtained using the “CTR > 0.49” criterion of 80.2% (with a high sensitivity of 84.0% and a satisfactory specificity of 60.0%) and a high accuracy of EH prediction using the “CTR > 0.52” criterion of 71.9% (with high sensitivity 80.5% and low specificity 36.8%), as well as low CR prediction accuracy of only 57.3% (with low sensitivity 36.7%, even if high specificity 78.7%). In summary, the radiological cardiothoracic ratio may be a moderate marker of left ventricular hypertrophy assessed according to standard echocardiographic criteria, provided that its cut-off point is standardized in each population of subjects.

MO746: Marinobufagenin, Left Ventricular Geometry and Cardiac Dysfunction in End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is remarkably prevalent among end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on chronic dialysis and has a strong prognostic value for adverse outcomes. In experimental models, the endogenous cardiotonic steroid Marinobufagenin (MBG) promotes cardiac hypertrophy and accelerates uremic cardiomyopathy. In this study, we investigated the possible relationships between MBG, LV geometry and cardiac dysfunction in the clinical setting of ESKD. METHOD Plasmatic MBG was measured in 46 prevalent ESKD patients (n = 30 HD, n = 16 PD) together with a thorough laboratory, clinical, bioimpedance and echocardiography assessment. Different patterns of LV geometry were defined by left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and ventricular morphology. Diastolic dysfunction was diagnosed by the ASE/EACVI criteria. RESULTS MBG levels were significantly higher in ESKD patients than in healthy controls (0.89 ± 0.45 versus 0.59 ± 0.19 nnmol/L; P = 0.001) and more elevated in PD than in HD (1.09 ± 0.22 versus 0.78 ± 0.55 nnmol/L; P = 0.02). At univariate analysis, MBG was directly correlated with LVMi (R = 0.63; P &amp;lt; 0.001), LAVi (R = 0.57; P &amp;lt; 0.001), E/e’ (R = 0.57; P &amp;lt; 0.001), RAVi (R = 0.42; P = 0.01) and NT-proBNP (R = 0.37; P = 0.01), whereas a significant inverse correlation was observed with extracellular volume at bioimpedance (R=–0.33; P = 0.02). At multivariate analyses, E/e’ (β=0.38; P = 0.009) and LVMi (β = 0.42; P = 0.02) remained the sole independent predictors of MBG. A statistically significant trend in MBG levels (p=0.01) was noticed across different patterns of LV geometry, with the highest values found in eccentric LVH (Fig. 1). MBG levels were higher in the presence of diastolic dysfunction (P = 0.01) and this substance displayed a remarkable diagnostic capacity in distinguish patients with normal LV geometry, LV hypertrophy and, particularly, eccentric LVH (AUC 0.888; P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and diastolic dysfunction (AUC 0.79; p=0.001). CONCLUSION Deranged plasma MBG levels in ESKD patients on chronic dialysis may reflect alterations in LV structure and function. MBG may thus candidate as a novel biomarker for improving cardiac assessment in this high-risk population.

Bariatric Surgery Improves Heart Geometry and Plasticity.

Obesity is commonly associated with increased sympathetic tone, changes in heart geometry, and mortality. The aforementioned translates into a higher and potentially modifiable mortality risk for this specific population. The aim of the study was to analyze the extent of changes in the heart ventricular structure following rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery. Academic, university-affiliated hospital. We retrospectively reviewed all the patients that underwent bariatric surgery at our institution between 2010 and 2015. Data analyzed included demographics, BMI, and associated medical problems. Preoperative and postoperative echography readings were compared looking at the heart geometry, cardiac volumes, and wall thickness. Fifty-one patients who had bariatric surgery and had echocardiography before and after the surgery were identified. There were 33 females (64.7%). The mean age was 63.4 ± 12.0 years with an average BMI of 40.3 ± 6.3. The mean follow-up was 1.2 years after the procedure. At 1 year follow-up 25 patients (49%, p = 0.01) showed normal left ventricular geometry. The left ventricular mass (229 ± 82.1 vs 193.2 ± 42.5, p<0.01) and the left ventricular end diastolic volume (129.4 ± 53 vs 96.4 ± 36.5, p = 0.01) showed a significant modification following the procedure. There was a significant improvement in the interventricular septal thickness (p = 0.01) and relative wall thickness (p < 0.01) following surgery. The patients with obesity present a significant cardiac remodeling from concentric remodeling to normal geometry after bariatric surgery. The decrease in BMI has a direct effect on improvement of the left ventricular structure. Further studies must be carried out to define the damage of obesity to diastolic function.

Remodeling of heart in patients with stable ischemic heart disease combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a basis for development of heart failure

The aim of this study was to determine phenotypes of remodeling of heart and the status of systolic and diastolic function in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with early symptoms and signs of heart failure (HF). We enrolled 108 males with stable IHD and spirometrically confirmed COPD which preceded the manifestations of IHD – the main group (group 1). As comparison groups 30 males with stable IHD (group 2) and 30 males with COPD (group 3) were examined. Control group included 30 males without IHD and respiratory diseases. All groups were comparable in age, groups 1 and 2 – in the duration of IHD, groups 1 and 3 – in the duration of COPD. The patients of the group 1 were divided into 3 subgroups: subgroup 1 – 45 patients with stable angina, subgroup 2 – 27 patients with postinfarction cardiosclerosis, subgroup 3 –36 patients with combination of stable IHD and arterial hypertension (AH) without history of myocardial infarction. The patients of group 1 had different phenotypes of heart remodeling, which depended on the clinical forms of IHD, the presence of concomitant AH, the severity of bronchial obstruction. The patients of subgroup 1 in 60.0% cases had concentric remodeling and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), in 26.7% – normal LV geometry, in all these cases ejection fraction (EF) was preserved. Only in 13.3% of cases eccentric LVH with mildly reduced EF was found. 59.3% of patients in subgroup 2 had eccentric LVH, left atrium dilatation and 55.6% had reduced EF. All patients of subgroup 3 had concentric direction of LV remodeling. The phenotypes of HF with reduced and mildly reduced EF were accompanied by impaired LV diastolic function. In assessing the likelihood of HF with preserved EF the HFA-PEFF score showed better accuracy. Pulmonary hypertension had a mixed cause with predominance of postcapillar component.

Marinobufagenin, left ventricular geometry and cardiac dysfunction in end-stage kidney disease patients

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is remarkably prevalent among end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on chronic dialysis and has a strong prognostic value for adverse outcomes. In experimental models, the endogenous cardiotonic steroid Marinobufagenin (MBG) promotes cardiac hypertrophy and accelerates uremic cardiomyopathy. In this study, we investigated the possible relationships between MBG, LV geometry and cardiac dysfunction in a clinical setting of ESKD. Plasmatic MBG was measured in 46 prevalent ESKD patients (n = 30 HD, n = 16 PD) together with a thorough laboratory, clinical, bioimpedance and echocardiography assessment. Different patterns of LV geometry were defined by left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and ventricular morphology. Diastolic dysfunction was diagnosed by the ASE/EACVI criteria. MBG levels were significantly higher in ESKD patients than in healthy controls (p = 0.001) and more elevated in PD than in HD (p = 0.02). At multivariate analyses, E/e' (β = 0.38; p = 0.009) and LVMi (β = 0.42; p = 0.02) remained the sole independent predictors of MBG. A statistically significant trend in MBG levels (p = 0.01) was noticed across different patterns of LV geometry, with the highest values found in eccentric LVH. MBG levels were higher in the presence of diastolic dysfunction (p = 0.01) and this substance displayed a remarkable diagnostic capacity in distinguish patients with normal LV geometry, LV hypertrophy and, particularly, eccentric LVH (AUC 0.888; p < 0.0001) and diastolic dysfunction (AUC 0.79; p = 0.001). Deranged plasma MBG levels in ESKD patients on chronic dialysis reflect alterations in LV structure and function. MBG may, thus, candidate as a novel biomarker for improving cardiac assessment in this high-risk population.