Normal Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure Research Articles

Axial CT measured main pulmonary artery diameter to predict the presence and degree of pulmonary hypertension

We performed this study to investigate if main pulmonary artery (mPA) diameter measured by axial chest computed tomography (CT) can predict the presence and degree of echocardiography-measured pulmonary hypertension (ePH) among emergency department (ED) patients. This retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled patients who underwent both chest CT and echocardiography within 24 h at the ED. The ePH was estimated using right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP). RVSP <40 mmHg was classified as normal; 40–49 mmHg, mild ePH; 50–75 mmHg, moderate ePH; and ≥76 mmHg, severe ePH. Among 485 adult patients, 297 (61.2%) had normal RVSP and mean mPA of 30.3 mm. The numbers of patients with mild, moderate and severe ePH were 92 (19.0%), 85 (17.5%) and 11 (2.3%) with corresponding mean mPA diameters of 32.4, 34.5 and 35.9 mm, respectively. The best mPA diameters for predicting mild, moderate and severe ePH were 30.6, 31.8 and 33.8 mm, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.697, 0.727 and 0.797 and sensitivities of 72.9%, 71.9% and 81.8%, respectively. Axial CT-measured mPA diameter can predict the presence and degree of ePH among ED patients. If the CT-measured mPA diameter is greater than 30.6 mm, the possibility of pulmonary hypertension should be considered and applied to the patient’s treatment.

The Impact of Pulmonary Hypertension on the Clinical Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background/Aims: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with heart failure contributes to a poor prognosis. However, the role of PH in the long-term clinical outcome is unclear in those with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The clinical significance of elevated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) on routine echocardiography is underestimated.Methods: This study enrolled 2,526 AMI patients (65.1 ± 12.7 years; 1,757 males [69.6%]) from the Korean AMI registry who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention and pre-discharge transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The patients were divided into four groups according to the RVSP on TTE: normal RVSP (RVSP < 35 mmHg, n = 1,695), mild PH (35 ≤ RVSP < 45 mmHg, n = 601), moderate PH (45 ≤ RVSP < 70 mmHg, n = 211), and severe PH (RVSP ≥ 70 mmHg, n = 19). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were compared among the four groups.Results: During the 3-year clinical follow-up period, MACE occurred in 562 patients (22.2%), including 321 (18.9%), 145 (24.1%), 83 (39.3%), and 13 patients (68.4%) in the normal RVSP and mild, moderate, and severe PH groups, respectively. On multivariate analysis, independent factors for MACE were moderate or severe PH, age ≥ 65 years, Killip class ≥ III, left ventricular ejection fraction < 40%, hypertension, and diabetes.Conclusions: Measuring RVSP is useful for stratifying the risk of patients with AMI; MACE occurred in patients with moderate or severe PH.

Cardiac Complications in Pregnant Women With Isolated Mitral Stenosis and Their Association With Echocardiographic Changes During Pregnancy

In women with mitral stenosis (MS), mitral valve gradients and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) can increase in response to the physiologic stress of pregnancy. The prognostic significance of these echocardiographic changes has not been well studied. Pregnancy outcomes and serial echocardiograms were collected in women with MS prospectively recruited as part of a larger study on pregnancy outcomes. Third trimester echocardiograms were compared with baseline echocardiograms. Changes in mitral valve area (MVA), transmitral mean gradient (MG), and RVSP during pregnancy and their relationship to adverse cardiac events (CE) were examined. Fifty-six pregnancies in 47 women with MS were included. The MVA did not change during pregnancy (1.6 ± 0.6 cm2 at baseline vs 1.7 ± 0.6 cm2 in the third trimester, p = 0.46). There was an increase in the MG (8 ± 3 vs 11 ± 6 mm Hg, p <0.001) and the RVSP (39 ± 14 vs 47 ± 20 mm Hg, p <0.001) during the third trimester. Adverse CE occurred in 45% (25/56) of pregnancies. CE were associated with baseline MG>10 mm Hg, baseline RVSP >40 mm Hg, third-trimester MG>10 mm Hg, and RVSP >40 mm Hg. Women with mitral valve MG ≤10 mm Hg who had a normal RVSP at baseline and in the third trimester were at lowest risk for CE (11%) with a negative predictive value of 89%. In conclusion, baseline echocardiographic assessment of MS severity as well as changing echocardiographic parameters during pregnancy can help identify women at risk for cardiac complications during pregnancy.

Echocardiographic evaluation of pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular function, and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are at increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease, including right heart failure. The evaluation of right ventricle (RV) using the relationship between tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) is of clinical prognostic relevance. Mild echocardiographic pulmonary hypertension (ePH) has been associated with worse RV function. The aim of this study was to evaluate RV function as measured by TAPSE to RVSP ratio in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to matched healthy controls. A case-control study with 67 RA patients aged 40 to 75 years that fulfilled the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria and 45 matching controls was included. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed to all patients. TAPSE was measured as the distance traveled from end-diastole to end-systole. RVSP was calculated using the modified Bernoulli equation. Comparisons were done using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney's U test or Student's t test. Patients with RA had significantly reduced ventricular function (TAPSE 23 [21-25] vs 25 [23-26], p = 0.033) and TAPSE/RVSP ratio was significantly lower in RA-patients than controls (TAPSE to RVSP ratio 0.809 [0.67-1.01] vs 0.933 [0.79-1.11], p = 0.009). RA-patients with mild ePH had similar RV function, evaluated by TAPSE, in comparison to RA-patients with normal RVSP. RA-patients had worse RV function measured by TAPSE and worse TAPSE/RVSP ratio than controls. Also, RA-patients with mild ePH had reduced right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling in comparison with patients with RA and normal RVSP. These echocardiographic findings could justify aggressive treatment for these patients and assess their evolution. Key Points • Right ventricular (RV) function and RV coupling with the pulmonary artery (RV-PA coupling) were worse in patients with RA in comparison to healthy controls. • Values of right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) were similar between RA-patients and non-RA controls. • Prevalence of normal RVSP, mild echocardiographic pulmonary hypertension (ePH), and pulmonary hypertension was similar between RA-patients and non-RA matched controls •Patients with RA and mild ePH had reduced RV-PA coupling in comparison with RA-patients with normal RVSP.

Retrospective single center cohort study: effect of intensive home hemodialysis on right ventricular systolic pressure and clinical outcomes

BackgroundIncreased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), a surrogate marker for pulmonary hypertension, is common in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Limited data suggest improvement of RVSP with intensive dialysis, but it is unknown whether these improvements translate to better clinical outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective single center cohort study at the Toronto General Hospital. All patients who performed intensive home hemodialysis (IHHD) for at least a year between 1999 and 2017, and who had a baseline as well as a follow-up echocardiogram more than a year after IHHD, were included. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the RVSP at follow-up: elevated (≥ 35 mmHg) and normal RVSP. Multivariate and cox regression analyses were done to identify risk factors for elevated RVSP at follow-up and reaching the composite endpoint (death, cardiovascular hospitalization, treatment failure), respectively.ResultsOne hundred eight patients were included in the study. At baseline, 63% (68/108) of patients had normal RVSP and 37% (40/108) having elevated RVSP. After a follow-up of 4 years, 70% (76/108) patient had normal RVSP while 30% (32/108) had elevated RVSP. 8 (10%) out of the 76 patients with normal RVSP and 15 (47%) out of the 32 patients with elevated RVSP reached the composite endpoint of death, cardiovascular hospitalization or technique failure. In a multivariate analysis, age, diabetes and smoking were not associated with elevated RVSP at follow-up. Elevated RVSP at baseline was not associated with a higher likelihood in reaching the composite endpoint or mortality.ConclusionMean RVSP did not increase in patients on IHHD over time, and maintenance of normal RVSP was associated with better clinical outcomes.

Abstract 14666: Association Between Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure and Health Status Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was shown in multiple studies to be associated with an increased risk of mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, it is unclear if echocardiogram derived right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) is associated with health status outcomes in surviving patients after TAVR. We explored for an association between baseline RVSP and quality of life in patients before and after undergoing TAVR. Methods: We estimated RVSP by echocardiography using the modified Bernoulli equation in a single-center cohort of patients undergoing TAVR from 2012-2017 . Disease-specific health status was assessed at baseline and 1-month and 12-months after TAVR with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-Overall Summary Score (KCCQ-OS). We then explored the association between baseline RVSP and KCCQ-OS before and after TAVR using a linear mixed model with an interaction for time and baseline RVSP and adjusted for baseline mitral valve regurgitation and systolic blood pressure. Results: Among 485 patients who underwent TAVR (mean age 81.7±7.9 years, 54.8% men), baseline RVSP was 42±15 mmHg, and 73% had RVSP &gt;34 mmHg. After TAVR, mean RVSP decreased to 37±13 mmHg at 1 month and 36±14 mmHg at 12 months. Baseline KCCQ-OS was 46±25 and improved to 66.9±23.6 at 1 month and 69.5± 22.6 at 12 months. In the linear mixed model, there was a significant cross-sectional association between baseline RVSP and baseline KCCQ-OS, with higher RVSP associated with worse health status. However, baseline RVSP was not significantly associated with KCCQ-OS at 1 month or 12 months (Figure). Conclusions: RVSP is not associated with worse health status after TAVR. This suggests that while patients with high RVSP are at an increased risk for mortality after TAVR, surviving patients appear to have similar health status as those with normal RVSP.

Abstract 16307: Tofogliflozin Improves Pulmonary Hypertension With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Mice

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a syndrome of increased pulmonary artery pressure and often leads to death. Left heart diseases(LHD) are frequently complicated by PH (PH-LHD), classified group2. In particular, PH with heart failure with preserved LV ejection fraction (HFpEF) is higher prevalence metabolic syndrome and poor prognosis than LHD without PH. Tofogliflozin (TOFO) is SGLT2 inhibitor as a therapeutic agent for diabetes. Recent study revealed SGLT2 inhibitors have a beneficial effect on heart failure. However it has not been clarified that SGLT2 inhibitors affect PH-LHD. This study examined whether TOFO improved for PH-LHD. Hypothesis: We hypothesis TOFO has a protective effect for PH with HFpEF. Methods: We used two HFpEF mice models, induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery and high fat diet (HFD). TAC model: C57BL/6J mice were subjected to TAC. Sham and TAC mice were treated with TOFO 3mg/kg in water by day or only water. After 4weeks, each mouse was measured physical data, Body weight (BW), Left ventricular weight (LV), Right ventricular weight (RV), right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), UCG, collected blood and urine glucose. HFD model: AKR/J mice fed a HFD for 20weeks. Regular diet and HFD mice were treated with TOHO 3mg/kg in water by day or only water. 20weeks later each mouse measured above data. Results and Conclusions: Mice treated with TOFO had significantly higher urine glucose concentrations. TAC induced left ventricular hypertrophy, increased HW/BW ratio and RVSP. However TAC+TOFO mice were reduced hypertrophy and LV/BW ratio than TAC group. Moreover TAC+TOFO mice were improved RV/LV ratio and RVSP (Figure). AKR/J+HFD groups substantially higher BW and occurred PH than RFD groups. In contrast with HFD, TOFO treated group ameliorated BW, RW/LW ratio, moreover normal RVSP. These results showed Tofogliflozin had a beneficial effect for PH with HFpEF.

A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF RED CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH AND RIGHT VENTRICULAR SYSTOLIC PRESSURE IN PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

SESSION TITLE: Pulmonary Vascular Disease Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 PURPOSE: Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), a measure that reflects the non-homogeneity in sizes of red cells, is a cheap and readily available parameter that has been correlated to various cardiac hemodynamic variables. The 6th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) recently redefined PH to include all patients with a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of greater than 20 mm Hg. Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure (RVSP) on transthoracic echocardiography is usually the first measured parameter when evaluating a patient for PH. We aimed to study the correlation between RDW and RVSP, so as to assess the potential role of RDW as a risk-stratifying aid for PH. METHODS: Patients who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) at our center between November 2014 and November 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Exclusion criteria included patients under the age of 18, active malignancy, known hemoglobinopathy, blood transfusion within one month of laboratory testing, and lack of RDW measurement within 3 months of the RHC. Hemodynamic parameters obtained on RHC, as were hemoglobin and RDW values from the closest CBC obtained within 3 months of the RHC. Student’s t-test was used to compare RDW between patients with elevated RDW (> 14.5%) and normal RDW (≤ 14.5%). RDW was also compared between various cutoffs of RVSP. RESULTS: 342 patients were included in this study. A significantly higher RVSP was noted in the group with elevated RDW (> 14.5%, n = 130), as opposed to the group with normal RDW (≤ 14.5%, n = 212) (50.57 vs 41.39 mm Hg, p < 0.0001). Mean RDW was compared between high RVSP and non-elevated RSVP groups. When an RVSP > 35 mm Hg was used as the cutoff, there was a significant difference in RDW between the elevated (n = 233) and the normal (n = 109) groups (14.79 vs 13.82%, p < 0.0001). This held true when the cutoff was changed to an RSVP > 20 mm Hg; the elevated RSVP group (n = 336) tended to have a higher RVSP than the normal RVSP group (n = 6) (14.51 vs 12.9%, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates a correlation between RDW and RVSP. This correlation may be a consequence of the association between RDW and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) in the setting of PH, which has been demonstrated in other previous studies. While the mechanism for this association is unknown, it is hypothesized to be a consequence of the nature of RDW to correlate to the level of inflammatory cytokines; PH is a disease with a significant inflammatory component. Alternatively, RDW may be tied to the level of subclinical hypoxia or hemolysis associated with microvascular disruption in PH. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The measurement of RVSP is usually the first step in the evaluation of a patient with suspected PH. RDW, being a conveniently measured parameter on complete blood counts, appears to correlate with RVSP, and may have a role in pre-test risk stratification for PH. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Syed Haider, source=Admin input No relevant relationships by Pius Ochieng, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Divya Ravi, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by NISHANT SHARMA, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Metlapalli Venkata Sravanthi, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Pandi Todhe, source=Web Response

Right and left ventricular interaction in pulmonary hypertension: Insight from velocity vector imaging.

To evaluate whether global peak systolic strain (PSS) and peak systolic strain rate (PSSR) derived from velocity vector imaging (VVI) allow early recognition of regional and global right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and the impact of this on left ventricular (LV) function in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PHT). RV function is an important determinant of prognosis in patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, heart transplant, and congenital heart diseases. However, evaluation of the right ventricle is often limited by its complex geometry and inadequate visualization of RV free wall. Furthermore, the impact of RV dysfunction on the LV function is not well elucidated. Ninety-nine participants, 35 control patients with normal RV systolic pressure (RVSP) (<30mm Hg) and 64 patients with PHT (25 with mild-to-moderate increase in RVSP [≥36 and <60mm Hg] and 39 with severe increase in RVSP [≥60mm Hg]), underwent comprehensive echo-Doppler assessment and velocity vector imaging (VVI) for strain rate analysis. RV regional peak systolic and diastolic tangential velocity, strain, and strain rate were obtained from the basal, mid and apical segments of the RV free wall and interventricular septum (IVS) from apical 4-chamber view at end-expiration. Similar data were obtained from eighteen LV segments from apical 4-chamber, 2-chamber, and long-axis views. Peak systolic strain, strain rate, and tangential velocity at all segments in the RV free wall and IVS were decreased compared to controls in patients with PHT (P<0.001). Significant correlation (r>0.60; P<0.001) was noted between RVSP and systolic and diastolic strain and strain rate at basal segment in IVS and global RV function. Peak early diastolic strain rate at all segments was also decreased in PHT patients compared with control patients (P<0.01). Furthermore, RV systolic and diastolic strain and strain rate were lower in group 2 with mild-to-moderate hypertension while the conventional echo parameters were normal. Except for IVS segments, other LV segments had no statistical differences in systolic and diastolic velocity, strain, and strain rate compared to controls. However, they were lower than the published normal range. Strain and strain rate derived from VVI demonstrates early recognition of systolic and diastolic RV dysfunction in patients with PHT compared to controls. PHT is associated with global and regional RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Systolic and diastolic strain and strain rate from LV was lower compared to controls but were not statistically significant. This may indicate subclinical LV dysfunction in these patients, suggesting that conventional LV function parameters may not be sensitive to recognize subclinical LV dysfunction.

Assessment of Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients without Resting Hypoxemia

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease state characterized by progressive airflow limitation and is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases, primarily caused by cigarette smoking. Pulmonary hypertension primarily occurs in COPD patients with severe hypoxemia and fortunately it is typically mild. Hypoxemia increases pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) through hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling, but there is a correlation between lung function parameters and PAP, suggesting that factors other than airway obstruction and/or loss of alveolar surface may play a role in its etiology. Objective: The aim of the work was to Identify other factors other than resting hypoxemia contributing to pulmonary hypertension in COPD patients. Patients and Methods: This study was a prospective study including 80 cases referred to Ain Shams University Hospitals presented with COPD defined using the standard criteria for chronic bronchitis. All patients underwent spirometry with pre and post bronchodilator treatment and trans-thoracic echocardiography. Results: The results showed that there was significant correlation between right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) values and each of the following; age, duration of smoking and degree of airway obstruction which were all contributing to pulmonary hypertension in COPD patients. Among 80 patients, 18 had elevated RVSP value. The mean age of those 18 patients was 58.8 ± 7.78 years while in those with normal RVSP 54.15±10.56 years. Those 18 patients had mean FEV1 percentage of predicted 44.5 ± 12.1% while in those with normal RVSP value 48.72±1.62%. Among those 18 patients 16 had history of smoking for >20 years representing 88.9%. Multivariate analysis showed that among all the studied parameters in our study, degree of obstruction determined by measured FEV1 percentage of predicted is an independent predictor for pulmonary hypertension in stable COPD patients. Conclusion: It could be concluded that pulmonary hypertension occurs frequently in stable COPD outpatients without resting hypoxemia and that age, duration of smoking and low pre-bronchodilator FEV1 are all risk factors for pulmonary hypertension. And that degree of airway obstruction is an independent predictor for pulmonary hypertension in stable COPD patients.

Latent pulmonary hypertension in atrial septal defect: Dynamic stress echocardiography reveals unapparent pulmonary hypertension and confirms rapid normalisation after ASD closure

ObjectiveClosure of atrial septal defects (ASD) prevents pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure and thromboembolic stroke. The exact timing for ASD closure is controversial.MethodsIn a prospective study to address the question whether unapparent pulmonary hypertension can be revealed prior to right ventricular (RV) remodelling, patients were investigated before and 6, 12, and 24 months after ASD closure using exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) and ergospirometry (n = 24).ResultsAt rest, RV systolic pressure (RVSP) was normal in 58.8 %, slightly elevated in 26.5 %, and moderately elevated in 11.8 %. One patient showed severe pulmonary hypertension. During ESE, all patients with normal RVSP at rest exhibited an increase (25.7 ± 1.2 mmHg vs. 45.3 ± 2.3 mmHg, p < 0.001). After closure the RVSP was lower, both at rest and ESE. RV diameters decreased too. Tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) at rest remained lower after closure (24.0 ± 0.9 vs. 22.0 ± 0.9 mm, p < 0.05). TAPSE in ESE was elevated, and stayed stable after closure (30.1 ± 1.8 mm vs. 29.3 ± 1.6 mm). Before closure, RV systolic tissue velocities (sa) at rest were normal and decreased after closure (14.0 ± 1.0 cm/s vs. 11.5 ± 0.7 (6 month) vs. 10.6 ± 0.5 cm/s (12 month), p < 0.05). During ESE, sa velocity was similar before and after closure (23.0 ± 1.3 cm/s vs. 23.3 ± 1.9 cm/s). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2/kg) did not differ between baseline and follow-ups.ConclusionLatent pulmonary hypertension may become apparent in ESE. ASD closure leads to a significant reduction in this stress-induced pulmonary hypertension and to a decrease in the right heart diameters indicating reverse RV remodelling. RV functional parameters at rest did not improve. The VO2/kg did not change after ASD closure.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Expressing Heme Oxygenase-1 Reverse Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a serious disease, and although current treatments may prolong and improve quality of life, search for novel and effective therapies is warranted. Using genetically modified mouse lines, we tested the ability of bone marrow-derived stromal cells (mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs]) to treat chronic hypoxia-induced PAH. Recipient mice were exposed for 5 weeks to normobaric hypoxia (8%-10% O(2)), MSC preparations were delivered through jugular vein injection and their effect on PAH was assessed after two additional weeks in hypoxia. Donor MSCs derived from wild-type (WT) mice or heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) null mice (Hmox1(KO)) conferred partial protection from PAH when transplanted into WT or Hmox1(KO) recipients, whereas treatment with MSCs isolated from transgenic mice harboring a human HO-1 transgene under the control of surfactant protein C promoter (SH01 line) reversed established disease in WT recipients. SH01-MSC treatment of Hmox1(KO) animals, which develop right ventricular (RV) infarction under prolonged hypoxia, resulted in normal RV systolic pressure, significant reduction of RV hypertrophy and prevention of RV infarction. Donor MSCs isolated from a bitransgenic mouse line with doxycycline-inducible, lung-specific expression of HO-1 exhibited similar therapeutic efficacy only on doxycycline treatment of the recipients. In vitro experiments indicate that potential mechanisms of MSC action include modulation of hypoxia-induced lung inflammation and inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation. Cumulatively, our results demonstrate that MSCs ameliorate chronic hypoxia-induced PAH and their efficacy is highly augmented by lung-specific HO-1 expression in the transplanted cells, suggesting an interplay between HO-1-dependent and HO-1-independent protective pathways.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients (pts) with CML treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

6597 Background: TKIs are the current standard therapy for patients with CML. Fluid retention and pleural effusions have been reported in pts treated with TKIs, particularly with dasatinib. Although TKIs have been shown to reverse PH in animal models, there have been some reports of development of reversible PH with dasatinib. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis on 401 CML pts in CP who were treated with TKIs (imatinib, dasatinib or nilotinib) as initial therapy for CML and had a transthoracic echocardiogram done (TTE) at some point during the course of therapy. PH was diagnosed if the patient had an estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) of 35 mm Hg or greater. Secondary causes of PH (systolic or diastolic dysfunction on TTE, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases [COPD], obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] and pulmonary embolism) were investigated during chart review. Results: Twenty pts had at least one TTE; median age 57 years, 46% males. Six pts (30%) received nilotinib 400 mg BID, 4 (20%) pts imatinib (400 mg; n = 1, 600 mg; n = 1 and 800 mg daily; n = 2), and 10 (50%) pts received dasatinib (dose between 40 mg to 140 mg daily). Five (25%) pts had coronary artery disease, 9 (45%) pts had systemic hypertension, 2 (10%) pts had COPD and 3 (15%) pts had OSA. Thirteen pts had serial TTE to compare the progression of PH including 6 (7%) who had a TTE prior to starting TKI. Among these 13 pts with serial TTE, 7 had rising RVSP with one patient having mild global hypokinesia, another with diastolic dysfunction and another with OSA. Four of those 7 patients had normal RVSP on their TTE prior to starting therapy. Five other pts had improvement in the RVSP on serial TTE, 4 of them with systemic hypertension. Two of those 5 pts had elevated RVSP on their TTE prior to starting therapy. One pt had no change. Eleven pts had pleural effusions (7 dasatinib, 3 imatinib, 1 nilotinib) associated with PH. Conclusions: TKI therapy is occasionally associated with development of PH, but RVSP may improve spontaneously in some pts. A prospective study is needed to further investigate the relationship between TKIs and the development of PH. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Position Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis

Left atrial function assessed by real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography is related to right ventricular systolic pressure in chronic mitral regurgitation

Left atrial (LA) volume is a prognostic index in chronic mitral regurgitation (MR). However, little is known about LA function in this setting. We hypothesized that LA dysfunction is related to pulmonary hypertension in chronic MR. Seventy-one patients with organic chronic MR who underwent real-time 3-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (RT3DE) were studied. Left atrial volumes and peak passive and active LA emptying rates were obtained. Total LA emptying fraction was calculated as follows: [(maximum - minimum LA volume)/maximum LA volume] x 100. Similarly, active and passive LA emptying fractions were calculated. From transmitral flow, the peak early (E) and late (A) diastolic filling velocities and E/A ratio were obtained. The early (E') and late (A') diastolic myocardial velocities were obtained by tissue Doppler interrogation of mitral annulus. Effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) was 0.57 +/- 0.29 cm(2). Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured in 57 patients and averaged 37 +/- 13 mm Hg. Patients with MR and high RVSP displayed higher minimum LA volume, E/A ratio, E/E' ratio, EROA, and MR volume, and lower A' velocity, peak active LA emptying rate, active LA emptying fraction, and total LA emptying fraction than patients with MR and normal RVSP. Multiple regression analysis revealed that EROA (r = 0.51, P = .01) active LA emptying fraction (r = -0.53, P = .02), E/E' ratio (r = 0.50; P = .04), and the lateral A' velocity (r = -0.46; P = .003) were independently correlated with RVSP. Left atrial function determined by RT3DE had significant correlation with RVSP in chronic MR, irrespective of MR severity. Thus, pulmonary hypertension in chronic MR may depend not only on MR severity but also on LA function.

Pulmonary Hypertension Is Associated With Reduced Patient Survival After Kidney Transplantation

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in patients on dialysis where it is associated with reduced survival. The possible association between PH and kidney transplant recipient survival has not been previously evaluated. In this retrospective study, we screened for PH pretransplant in 215 transplant candidates using cardiac echocardiography and measurements of right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP). Sixty-eight percent of patients had normal RVSP (<35 mm Hg), 47 (22%) had mild to moderately elevated RVSP (36-50), and 22 (10%) had markedly elevated RVSP more than 50 suggestive of severe PH. Time on dialysis was the strongest correlate of an elevated RVSP (r=0.253, P<0.001) and this relationship was independent of other variables. Elevated RVSP was observed in 25%, 25%, 38%, and 58% of patients not on dialysis, on dialysis for less than 1 year, more than 1 to 2 years, or more than 2 years, respectively. An RVSP more than 50 was associated with significantly reduced posttransplant survival (hazard ratio =3.75 [1.17-11.97], P=0.016). This relationship seemed to be independent of other variables including older age, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, low serum albumin, and delayed graft function. These analyses suggest for the first time that pretransplant PH correlates with patient survival after kidney transplantation.