Peak Systolic Strain Research Articles

Development of an algorithm for automatic classification of right ventricle deformation patterns in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

BackgroundDifferent disease stages of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) can be identified by right ventricle (RV) longitudinal deformation (strain) patterns. This requires assessment of the onset of shortening, (systolic) peak strain, and postsystolic index, which is time‐consuming and prone to inter‐ and intra‐observer variability. The aim of this study was to design and validate an algorithm to automatically classify RV deformation patterns.MethodsWe developed an algorithm based on specific local characteristics from the strain curves to detect the parameters required for classification. Determination of the onset of shortening by the algorithm was compared to manual determination by an experienced operator in a dataset containing 186 RV strain curves from 26 subjects carrying a pathogenic plakophilin‐2 (PKP2) mutation and 36 healthy subjects. Classification agreement between operator and algorithm was solely based on differences in onset shortening, as the remaining parameters required for classification of RV deformation patterns could be directly obtained from the strain curves.ResultsThe median difference between the onset of shortening determined by the experienced operator and by the automatic detector was 5.3 ms [inter‐quartile range (IQR) 2.7–8.6 ms]. 96% of the differences were within 1 time frame. Both methods correlated significantly with ρ = 0.97 (P < .001). For 26 PKP2 mutation carriers, there was 100% agreement in classification between the algorithm and experienced operator.ConclusionThe determination of the onset of shortening by the experienced operator was comparable to the algorithm. Our computer algorithm seems a promising method for the automatic classification of RV deformation patterns. The algorithm is publicly available at the MathWorks File Exchange.

A Prospective Study About Trastuzumab-induced Cardiotoxicity in HER2-positive Breast Cancer.

Trastuzumab improves therapeutic outcomes among patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer (BC). However, it is associated with a risk of treatment-induced cardiotoxicity. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity (TIC) in Tunisian patients, to study the effects of trastuzumab on cardiac biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters using the speckle tracking technique and to identify risk factors of occurrence of TIC. Fifty women with newly diagnosed human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive BC treated with or without anthracycline followed by taxane and trastuzumab were enrolled, from November 2016 to December 2018, to be evaluated every 3 months during trastuzumab treatment (total of 15 mo) using echocardiograms and blood samples. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and peak systolic left ventricular longitudinal myocardial strain were calculated. Ultrasensitive troponin I (TNI) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) were also measured. LVEF decreased from 62±3.12% to 59±3.3% (P=0.005) over 15 months. Seven patients (14%) developed cardiotoxicity, as defined by the European Society of Cardiology; of these patients, 2 (4%) had symptoms of heart failure. Hypertension, left ventricular longitudinal myocardial strain, Log TNI, and NT pro-BNP measured at the completion of anthracyclines were significantly correlated to TIC occurrence. At multivariate analysis, the degree of LVEF decline was the only independent factor correlated to TIC (hazard ratio=2.4; 95% confidence interval=1.2-6.03; P=0.049). This TIC was reversible in 86% of cases. In patients with BC treated with trastuzumab, in addition to the evaluation of the LVEF, systolic longitudinal strain, TNI, and NT pro-BNP measured at the completion of anthracyclines are useful in the prediction of subsequent TIC.

Epidemiology of right ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with sepsis and septic shock in the emergency department.

We evaluated whether in sepsis, right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction (RVSD) predicts short-term all-cause mortality, independently to left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS). This is a prospective observational study. We enrolled 252 septic patients (40% with shock) between October 2012 and July 2018 among those admitted to High-Dependency Unit. By echocardiography within 24h from the admission (T1), RVSD was defined as Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) < 16mm, while left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) was defined by bi-dimensional speckle-tracking-based global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS) > -14%. We assessed all-cause mortality at day-7 and at day-28 from admission. Mortality rate was 14% by day-7 and 26% by day-28 follow-up. RVSD was found in 85 patients (34%), was isolated in 29% (25/85) and coexisted with LVSD in 71% (60/85) patients. LVSD was present in 63% of patients (159/252), and was isolated in 99 patients. Day-7 mortality rate was twofold higher in the presence of RVSD (20% vs 11%), without reaching the statistical significance (p = 0.097). By day-28, mortality rate was as high as 44% with and 23% without RVSD (p = 0.001). In a Cox survival analysis, RVSD predicted higher mortality rate by day-28 follow-up (RR 2.43, 95% CI 1.47-4.00, p = 0.001), independent to shock and in addition to LVSD. In sepsis, RVSD predicted all-cause mortality by day-28 follow-up, independent to LVSD.

Regional right ventricular longitudinal systolic strain for detection of severely impaired right ventricular performance in pulmonary hypertension.

Right ventricular (RV) function is identified as a key determinant of the outcome in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Several studies have assessed the role of peak global longitudinal RV strain in PH patients; however, less emphasis was given to the RV regional longitudinal strain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regional RV systolic strain in PH patients and investigate the relationship of these parameters with the severity of PH. RV regional longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) and strain rate (LPSSR) were measured using speckle tracking echocardiography on 100 patients with PH who underwent right heart catheterization, and 29 control subjects. Severe PH was identified by a decreased cardiac index (CI) (<2.0L/min/m2 ). LPSS and LPSSR of the RV free wall were significantly lower in PH patients than control subjects, especially when comparing the basal and mid regions (P<.001). When comparing severe PH and nonsevere PH, basal and mid LPSS and LPSSR were significantly lower (P<.001). RV free wall mid LPSSR correlated with CI (r=-.703, P<.001). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, mid LPSSR was identified as an independent predictor of severe PH (odds ratio 1.82; 95% confidential interval 1.39-2.40; P<.001). In the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, a cutoff value of mid LPSSR of -0.92s-1 predicted severe PH, with a sensitivity and specificity of 75.0% and 93.7%, respectively (AUC=0.889, P<.001). RV free wall mid longitudinal peak systolic strain rate may be useful for the detection of severely impaired RV performance in PH.

An association between echocardiographic left ventricle longitudinal strain and hypertension in general population depending on blood pressure control

Background . Ultrasound assessment of myocardial strain allows non-invasive identification of early stages of heart failure with preserved ventricular ejection fraction. A decline of the left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain in hypertension (HT) accompanied by LV hypertrophy (LVH) was reported in clinical samples with manifest HT. Data on the relationship between longitudinal strain and blood pressure (BP) and HT in general population is lacking. Objective . We studied the relationship between LV peak systolic global longitudinal strain ( GLS ) and strain rate ( GSR ) in subjects with high and controlled BP from a general population sample aged over 55 years. Design and methods . The cross-sectional study was based on a population cohort (HAPIEE, Novosibirsk). In a random sample (n = 416, aged 55–84 years old) we performed echocardiography and evaluated GLS and GSR of LV by speckle tracking technique. ANOVA multivariable models were applied. Results. In the studied sample, the prevalence of HT comprised 78,9 %. The mean GLS value was –18,7 ± 3,79 %, and it was lower in men than in women (–18,2 ± 3,85 % vs –19,2 ± 3,66 %, p = 0,005). The mean GSR value was –0,84 ± 0,17s –1 , and did not differ by sex. The absolute value of GLS in HT was lower than in normotensives: –18,5 ± 3,73 % vs –19,9 ± 3,42 %, p = 0,003; this difference was independent of age, sex and LV myocardial mass index (IMM), p = 0,011; but it was attenuated in a multivariable-adjusted model including body mass index (BMI). In HT groups, the GLS was the lowest among those “treated ineffectively” and significantly lower than in normotensives independently of age, sex and myocardium mass index (p = 0,008). The absolute value of GSR in HT was lower than in normotensives: –0,90 ± 0,17 s –1 vs –0,83 ± 0,17s –1 , p < 0,001; and persisted in multivariable models. GSR was the lowest among those “treated ineffectively” and significantly lower than in normotensives in multivariable models independently of age, sex, BMI and myocardial mass index (p = 0,017; 0,002). The average values of LV ejection fraction (Simpson) in all groups were above 50 % without significant inter-group differences (p = 0,904). conclusions. In the studied population sample, GLS and GSR of LV were associated with HT; however, the association between GLS and HT was largely explained by BMI. In hypertensives, the lowest GLS and GSR , as well as higher extent of LVH, were found among those treated ineffectively, which might point at the initial reduction of systolic ventricular function in HT with inadequate BP control.

Over all variability of mitral annular plane peak systolic velocity and peak global longitudinal strain rate in relation to age, body size, and sex: The HUNT Study.

Left ventricular (LV) systolic global function can be assessed by peak annular systolic velocity S'. Global longitudinal strain rate (GLSR) is relative LV shortening rate, equivalent to normalizing S' for LV length (S'n ). It has previously been shown that mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) have similar biological variability, but GLS normalizes for one dimension only, inducing a systematic error, increasing body size dependence. The objective of this study was to compare S' with GLSR in the same way, comparing biological variability and body size dependence. A total of 1266 subjects from the third wave of Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), without evidence of heart disease, were examined. Strain rate, S' and wall lengths were measured in the four walls of the two- and four-chamber views. Mean S' was 8.4 (1.4)cm/s, (S'n ) was 0.7 (0.14)s-1 and GLSR 1.02 (0.14)s-1 . All measures declined with age. Normalization of mitral annular velocities for LV length, or the use of GLSR, did not reduce overall biological variability compared with S'. S' did show a weak, positive correlation to BSA, while S'n and GLSR a slightly stronger, negative correlation to BSA. S', S'n , and GLSR have similar biological variability, which is mainly due to age, not body size variation. Normalizing S' for LV length (as in Sn or GLSR) reverses correlation with BSA inducing a systematic error, due to the one-dimensional normalization for one dimension only.

Inter-study repeatability of circumferential strain and diastolic strain rate by CMR tagging, feature tracking and tissue tracking in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Strain assessment allows accurate evaluation of myocardial function and mechanics in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Strain using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has traditionally been assessed with tagging but limitations of this technique have led to more widespread use of alternative methods, which may be more robust. We compared the inter-study repeatability of circumferential global peak-systolic strain (Ecc) and peak-early diastolic strain rate (PEDSR) derived by tagging with values obtained using novel cine-based software: Feature Tracking (FT) (TomTec, Germany) and Tissue Tracking (TT) (Circle cvi42, Canada) in patients following STEMI. Twenty male patients (mean age 56 ± 10 years, mean infarct size 13.7 ± 7.1% of left ventricular mass) were randomised to undergo CMR 1–5 days post-STEMI at 1.5 T or 3.0 T, repeated after ten minutes at the same field strength. Ecc and PEDSR were assessed using tagging, FT and TT. Inter-study repeatability was evaluated using Bland–Altman analyses, coefficients of variation (CoV) and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Ecc (%) was significantly lower with tagging than with FT or TT at 1.5 T (− 9.5 ± 3.3 vs. − 17.5 ± 3.8 vs. −15.5 ± 5.2, respectively, p < 0.001) and 3.0 T (− 13.1 ± 1.8 vs. − 19.4 ± 2.9 vs. − 17.3 ± 2.1, respectively, p = 0.001). This was similar for PEDSR (.s−1): 1.5 T (0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 1.5 ± 0.4 vs. 1.0 ± 0.4, for tagging, FT and TT respectively, p < 0.001) and 3.0 T (0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 1.5 ± 0.3 vs. 0.9 ± 0.3, respectively, p < 0.001). Inter-study repeatability for Ecc at 1.5 T was good for tagging and excellent for FT and TT: CoV 16.7%, 6.38%, and 8.65%, respectively. Repeatability for Ecc at 3.0 T was good for all three techniques: CoV 14.4%, 11.2%, and 13.0%, respectively. However, repeatability of PEDSR was generally lower than that for Ecc at 1.5 T (CoV 15.1%, 13.1%, and 34.0% for tagging, FT and TT, respectively) and 3.0 T (CoV 23.0%, 18.6%, and 26.2%, respectively). Following STEMI, Ecc and PEDSR are higher when measured with FT and TT than with tagging. Inter-study repeatability of Ecc is good for tagging, excellent for FT and TT at 1.5 T, and good for all three methods at 3.0 T. The repeatability of PEDSR is good to moderate at 1.5 T and moderate at 3.0 T. Cine-based methods to assess Ecc following STEMI may be preferable to tagging.

Prognostic Implications of Left Ventricular Global Peak Systolic Longitudinal Strain in Lymphoma Patients Undergoing Anti-Cancer Therapy

Background: Left ventricular (LV) global peak systolic longitudinal strain (GLS) detected by speckle-tracking echocardiography is a sensitive modality for detecting subclinical LV systolic dysfunction and a powerful prognostic predictor. However, the clinical implication of LV GLS in lymphoma patients receiving anti-cancer therapy remains unknown. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 74 lymphoma patients (57.9±17.0 years old, 57% male patients) having echocardiographic study before chemotherapy, after the 3 rd and 6 th chemotherapy cycles and 1 year after chemotherapy. A ≥15% reduction in absolute GLS value from baseline was defined as signifying cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). After completing three cycles of anticancer therapy, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was conducted. The primary outcome was defined as a composite of heart failure events and all-cause mortality. Findings: In 36 (49%) patients with CTRCD, LV GLS significantly decreased after the 3 rd cycle of chemotherapy (20.1±2.6% vs . 17.5±2.3%, p <0.001). In the multivariate analysis, we identified the male sex and anaemia (haemoglobin <11 g/dL) to be independent risk factors for CTRCD. Patients with CTRCD had lower minute oxygen consumption per kilogram (VO2/kg) and lower VO2/kg value at anaerobic threshold in CPET. The CTRCD group had a higher incidence of the primary composite outcome than did the non-CTRCD group (hazard ratio: 3.21, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–9.97, p =0.03). Interpretation: LV GLS can be used to detect early cardiac dysfunction in lymphoma patients receiving anti-cancer therapy. Patients with CTRCD had not only a reduced exercise capacity but higher risks of heart failure events and all-cause mortality. Funding Statement: National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH-10703039), the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (MOST 107-2314-B-006-078-MY3). Declaration of Interests: The authors stated that there are no competing financial interests in relation to this work. Ethics Approval Statement: The Human Research and Ethics Committee of National Cheng Kung University Hospital ratified this study (IRB numbers: A-ER-105-407 and B-ER-106-392). Written informed consent was provided by all the enrolled patients.

Regional myocardial strain by cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking for detection of scar in ischemic heart disease

BackgroundAlthough cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can accurately quantify global left ventricular strain using feature tracking (FT), it has been suggested that FT cannot reliably quantify regional strain. We aimed to determine whether abnormalities in regional strain measured using FT can be detected within areas of myocardial scar and to determine the extent to which the regional strain measurement is impacted by LV ejection fraction (EF). MethodsWe retrospectively studied 96 patients (46 with LVEF ≤ 40%, 50 with LVEF > 40%) with coronary artery disease and a late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) pattern consistent with myocardial infarction, who underwent CMR imaging (1.5T). Regional peak systolic longitudinal and circumferential strains (RLS, RCS) were measured within LGE and non-LGE areas. Linear regression analysis was performed for strain in both areas against LVEF to determine whether the relationship between strain and LGE holds across the LV function spectrum. Receiver-operating curve (ROC) analysis was performed in 33 patients (derivation cohort) to optimize strain cutoff, which was tested in the remaining 63 patients (validation cohort) for its ability to differentiate LGE from non-LGE areas. ResultsBoth RLS and RCS magnitudes were reduced in LGE areas: RLS = −10.4 ± 6.2% versus −21.0 ± 8.5% (p < 0.001); RCS = −10.4 ± 6.0% versus −18.9 ± 8.6%, respectively (p < 0.001), but there was considerable overlap between LGE and non-LGE areas. Linear regression revealed that it was partially driven by the natural dependence between strain and EF, suggesting that EF-corrected strain cutoff is needed to detect LGE. ROC analysis showed the ability of both RLS and RCS to differentiate LGE from non-LGE areas: area under curve 0.95 and 0.89, respectively. In the validation cohort, optimal cutoffs of RLS/EF = 0.36 and RCS/EF = 0.37 yielded sensitivity, specificity and accuracy 0.74–0.78. ConclusionAbnormalities in RLS and RCS within areas of myocardial scar can be detected using CMR-FT; however, LVEF must be accounted for.

The relationship between global longitudinal strain and pulmonary function tests in patients with scleroderma and normal ejection fraction and pulmonary artery pressure: a case-control study.

This study examined the relationship between global longitudinal strain (GLS) and pulmonary function tests (PFT) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SS) and normal ejection fraction (EF) and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and healthy controls. Sixty patients in two groups underwent extensive screening, including echocardiography, physical examination, the modified Rodnan Skin Score, and pulmonary function tests. Pulmonary interstitial disease was diagnosed by the pulmonary function test and by CT scan in case of indication. GLS score was computed as the mean peak systolic strain for 17 segments. The mean GLS score was -18.36 ± 2.1 in the case group and -20.66 ± 1.6 in the control group (P value < 0.001). GLS scores had a significant inverse relationship with the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (P value = 0.049) and both FEV and FVC in patients younger than 35years old (P = 0.046 and 0.049, respectively). GLS scores had no significant relationship with time elapsed since the onset of skin manifestations, and Raynaud phenomenon, Rodnan score, EF, systolic PAP, or the six-minute walk test results. The patients' six-minute walk test had a significant positive relationship with FVC and right ventricular end diastolic diameter (P value = 0.018 and 0.047, respectively). According to our findings, GLS is significantly lower in patients with SS (with normal EF & PAP) than in healthy individuals. It is also related with certain pulmonary function indices including FEV1/FVC. The reduction in GLS is associated with reduced pulmonary function strength.

Comparison of tissue doppler derived systolic strain between different severities of left ventricular dysfunction in patients having rheumatic severe mitral regurgitation

Background: Tissue doppler derived systolic strain detects the subtle changes in left ventricular (LV) function. This new modality can detect LV dysfunction in severe rheumatic mitral regurgitation (MR) at earlier stages. The present study was conducted to compare tissue doppler derived peak systolic strain between patients with different severities of LV dysfunction in rheumatic severe MR and to look for the negative correlation between LV dysfunction and peak systolic strain.&#x0D; Subjects and methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted from January 2017 to March 2018 at Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore. Fifty healthy controls taken as group-I and 150 asymptomatic patients of rheumatic severe MR were divided into Group-II (with ejection fraction (EF) ≥60% and left ventricular end systolic dimension (LVESD) ≤40mm), Group-III (with EF≥ 60% and LVESD 41-50mm) and Group-IV (with EF &lt;60%).Longitudinal peak systolic strain (PSS) of the groups were measured by tissue doppler imaging and compared. The correlation between systolic dysfunction and PSS was further studied.&#x0D; Results: Out of 200 subjects, 91(45.5%) were male and 109 (54.5%) female. Mean age of study subjects was 31± 9.5 years. Moving from group-I to group-IV, mean LVESD increased from 23.3±2.4 to 49.3±3.0, mean LVEDD (left ventricle end diastolic dimension) increased from 46.4±3.4to 64.0±3.6, ejection fraction decreased from 63.6±2.1to45.7±6.7 and average PSS decreased from 17.8±0.53 to 8.31±0.52.Significant difference was found in average PSS between these groups (p&lt;0.001).There was a significant (p&lt;0.001)negative correlation (correlation coefficient = -0.968) between average PSS and LV dysfunction (i.e. group number).&#x0D; Conclusion: Inrheumatic severe mitral regurgitation, tissue doppler derived peak systolic strain decreases with increase of LV dysfunction showing a significant negative correlation between the two.

Evaluating the correlation of the impairment between skeletal muscle and heart using MRI in a spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus rhesus monkey model.

To investigate the correlation of impairment in skeletal muscle and heart in spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rhesus monkeys using magnetic resonance image (MRI). Fifteen T2DM monkeys and fourteen healthy control (HC) monkeys were included. The microcirculation of skeletal muscle [skeletal muscle blood flow (SMBF), skeletal muscle oxygen extraction fraction (SMOEF)] and the function and strain of heart were evaluated by MRI. Three regions of interests were chosen on the soleus muscle (SOL), gastrocnemius muscle (GAS) and tibialis anterior muscle (TA) for image analysis. Eight T2DM monkeys and eight HC monkeys were obtained the full data. The SMBF reserves and SMOEF reserves were found significantly decreased in T2DM during inflation in SOL, GAS and TA muscles (all p < 0.05), and the SMBF reserves decreased during hyperemia in GAS and TA muscles (all p < 0.05). In these monkeys, the global peak longitudinal strain (longitudinal PS), peak systolic longitudinal strain rate (longitudinal PSSR) and peak diastolic longitudinal strain rate (longitudinal PDSR) were seen significantly different in T2DM compared to HC monkeys (all p < 0.05). The longitudinal PSSR was found negatively correlated with SMBF reserves in SOL, GAS and TA during inflation in all monkeys. The impaired microcirculation of skeletal muscle and the myocardial deformation were found in T2DM monkeys with normal ejection fraction. And a negative correlation was existed in the longitudinal PSSR and the SMBF reserves.

Detection of subclinical cardiotoxicity in sarcoma patients receiving continuous doxorubicin infusion or pre-treatment with dexrazoxane before bolus doxorubicin

BackgroundContinuous infusion of doxorubicin or dexrazoxane pre-treatment prior to bolus doxorubicin are proven strategies to protect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Recently, global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS) measured with speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) have been validated as sensitive indicators of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Here, we asked whether changes in hs-TnT and/or GLS can be detected in patients who were treated with continuous infusion of doxorubicin or pre-treated with dexrazoxane followed by bolus doxorubicin.MethodsTwenty-nine patients with newly diagnosed sarcoma were assigned to receive either 72-h doxorubicin infusion or dexrazoxane pre-treatment before bolus doxorubicin. Eight patients received dexrazoxane pre-treatment; eleven patients received continuous doxorubicin infusion; ten patients crossed over from continuous infusion to dexrazoxane. Bloods were collected for hs-TnT at baseline, 24 h or 72 h after initiation of doxorubicin treatment in each chemotherapy cycle. All blood samples were assayed in batch using hs-TnT kit from Roche diagnostics. 2D Echo and STE were performed before doxorubicin, after cycle 3, and at the end of chemotherapy.ResultsSeven patients in the cross-over group have at least one hs-TnT measurement between 5 ng/L to 10 ng/L during and after chemotherapy. Ten patients have at least one hs-TnT measurement above 10 ng/ml during and after chemotherapy (six in dexrazoxane group, three in continuous infusion group, one in cross-over group). The average hs-TnT level increases with each additional cycle of doxorubicin treatment. Eight patients had a more than 5% reduction in LVEF at the end of chemotherapy (four in dexrazoxane group, three in continuous infusion group, and one in cross-over group). Four out of these eight patients had a change of GLS by more than 15% (three in the dexrazoxane group).ConclusionElevation in hs-TnT levels were observed in more than 59% of patients who had received either continuous doxorubicin infusion or dexrazoxane pre-treatment before bolus doxorubicin. However, changes in LVEF and GLS were less frequently observed. Thus, continuous doxorubicin infusion or dexrazoxane pre-treatment do not completely ameliorate subclinical doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity as detected by more sensitive techniques.

P1597 15-year follow-up of regional right and left ventricular function after the Senning operation: a colour-Doppler myocardial imaging study

Abstract OnBehalf Ana Moya, 1994 Introduction Although the development of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients who underwent an atrial switch procedure is a major concern, long-term follow-up data on the evolution of myocardial function over time, especially using deformation myocardial imaging, is still lacking. Purpose This study aimed (1) at evaluating regional (base-mid-apex) RV and left ventricular (LV) function using Colour-Doppler myocardial imaging over a 15-year follow-up period (longitudinal analysis) and (2) at comparing results with age- and gender-matched controls (cross-sectional analysis). Methods For the longitudinal analysis, we compared systolic and diastolic function between 2004 and 2019 in 10 Senning patients. For the cross-sectional analysis, we compared the subaortic RV (sRV) of Senning patients with the RV and LV of matched controls and the subpulmonary LV (spLV) of Senning patients with the LV of matched controls. Results The longitudinal analysis (2004-2019) of sRV function showed a significant decrease in peak systolic strain (-16.9 ± 7.1% vs -12.0 ± 4.0%; P = 0.045), peak systolic strain rate (-1.1 ± 0.3s-1 vs -0.8 ± 0.4s-1; P = 0.003) and peak early diastolic velocity (-2.0 ± 1.2 cm/s vs -1.0 ± 0.5 cm/s; P = 0.036) at the apex. spLV function showed a significant decrease in peak systolic velocity (mid: 5.6 ± 1.8 cm/s vs 3.7 ± 1.1 cm/s; P = 0.013 and apex: 5.0 ± 1.7 cm/s vs 2.1 ± 1.2 cm/s; P = 0.011) and peak systolic strain rate (mid: -1.7 ± 0.5s-1 vs -1.0 ± 0.4s-1; P = 0.048). The cross-sectional analysis revealed significant lower values for peak systolic velocity, peak systolic strain rate, peak systolic strain at all myocardial regions of the sRV when compared to both LV and RV of matched controls (all P &amp;lt; 0.05). Similarly, early and late diastolic velocity were lower when compared to controls (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The spLV showed lower values for peak systolic velocity and peak systolic strain rate (mid and apex, P &amp;lt; 0.05), but not for peak systolic strain when compared to the LV of matched controls. Conclusion Our study shows little change in systolic and diastolic sRV function over a 15-year period, except in the apical region. Interestingly, there was a decline of spLV systolic function which may be of clinical value. On the other hand, when compared to age- and gender-matched controls, both the sRV and spLV of Senning patients exhibit significantly decreased measurements of longitudinal systolic and diastolic function.

Male sex adversely affects the phenotypic expression of diabetic heart disease.

Background:Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular mortality. A large-scale meta-analysis on HF found that diabetes was more frequent in women than men, and diabetes appeared to have attenuated the otherwise protective effect of female sex on progression of cardiomyopathy. The exact underlying mechanisms for this remain unclear. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of sex on the phenotypic expression of diabetic heart disease in patients with T2D.Methods:A total of 62 male [mean age 44 ± 8 years, body mass index (BMI) 33 ± 5 kg/m2, mean HBA1c of 7.8 ± 1.8%] and 67 female (44 ± 10 years, BMI 35 ± 6 kg/m2, HBA1c 7.6 ± 1.2%) T2D patients on oral glucose-lowering treatment, and 16 male (48 ± 17 years, BMI 25 ± 3 kg/m2) and 14 female (50 ± 10 years, BMI 25 ± 4 kg/m2) controls were recruited. Left ventricular (LV) volumes, mass, function and deformation, and left atrial (LA) volumes and function were assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).Results:Participants in all groups were of similar age, and there were no significant differences in blood pressure (BP), diabetes duration or metabolic profile between the two diabetes groups. Concentric remodeling was present in both sexes (p < 0.0001), with greater degree of concentric hypertrophy in males (12%, p = 0.0015). Biplane LA ejection fraction (LAEF) (p = 0.038), peak systolic circumferential strain (p < 0.0001) and diastolic strain rates (p = 0.001) were significantly reduced in men compared with women with T2D. There were no significant differences in biplane LAEF, peak systolic circumferential strain and diastolic strain rates in women with T2D compared with female controls. Whereas in women with T2D, glycaemic control was linked to LV contractile function, there was no such relationship in men with T2D.Conclusion:Male sex adversely affects the phenotypic expression of diabetic heart disease. The striking differences in the cardiac phenotype between male and female patients with T2D promote awareness of gender-specific risk factors in search of treatment and prevention of diabetes-associated HF.Condensed :We aimed to determine the effect of sex on the phenotypic expression of diabetic heart disease in patients with T2D. While our findings support the notion that in T2D, male sex adversely affects the phenotypic expression of diabetic heart disease, this is in apparent conflict with the previous large-scale study showing diabetes attenuates the otherwise protective effect of female sex on progression of cardiomyopathy. Further longitudinal studies looking at gender differences in clinical outcomes in T2D patients are needed. These sex-related differences promote awareness of sex-specific risk factors in search of treatment and prevention of diabetes-associated HF.

High-frequency ultrasound deformation imaging for adult zebrafish during heart regeneration.

The adult human heart cannot efficiently generate new cardiac muscle cells in response to injury, and, therefore, cardiac injury results in irreversible damage to cardiac functions. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a crucial animal model in cardiac research because of its remarkable capacity for tissue regeneration. An adult zebrafish can completely regenerate cardiac tissue without a scar being formed, even after 20% of its ventricular myocardium has been resected. Zebrafish have been utilized in developmental biology and genetics research; however, the details of myocardium motions during their cardiac cycle in different regeneration phases are still not fully understood. In this study, we used a 70-MHz high-resolution ultrasound deformation imaging system to observe the functional recovery of zebrafish hearts after amputation of the ventricular apex. The myocardial deformation and cardiac output (CO) were measured in different regeneration phases relative to the day of amputation. In response to the damage to the heart, the peak systolic strain (εmax) and strain during ejection time (εej) were lower than normal at 3 days after the myocardium amputation. The CO had normalized to the baseline values at 7 days after surgery. Our results confirm that the imaging system constructed for this study is suitable for examining zebrafish cardiac functions during heart regeneration.

P1387 Correlations between left atrial strain parameters and left ventricular function in young patients presenting with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements This work was supported by CREDO Project - ID: 49182, financed through the SOP IEC -A2-0.2.2.1-2013-1 cofinanced by the ERDF Background Previous studies demonstrated the role of left atrial (LA) deformation parameters in characterisation of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. It is a marker of the severity of diastolic dysfunction; LA remodelling also proved to be a predictor of clinical outcome, therefore a prognostic marker in acute coronary syndromes. Purpose In this study we aimed to investigate the correlations between left atrial strain and conventional systolic and diastolic dysfunction parameters in a cohort of young patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary PCI. Material and methods We included 56 consecutive patients in this study: 46 patients under 50 years of age with STEMI and 10 healthy age and sex matched controls. We performed conventional transthoracic echocardiography for all included patients. In addition to conventional echocardiographic parameters, LA strain curves were obtained for each patient using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging with measurement LA deformation parameters. Results LV ejection fraction, LV global strain and peak LA systolic strain (PALS) were significantly reduced in STEMI patients compared to controls. PALS had significant correlation with 2D LVEF (p = 0.00), LV global longitudinal strain (p = 0.03), E wave (p &amp;lt; 0.05), E/e’ (p &amp;lt; 0.05), left atrial volume and the type of diastolic dysfunction (p = 0.06). PALS also had inversre correlation with the presence of an occluded coronary artery at angiography. PALS was higher in control group than in STEMI group ( 34.6 vs 20.4, p &amp;lt; 0.05). PALS values progressively decreased with worsening of LV diastolic dysfunction showing significant differences between all diastolic dysfunction grades. Using ROC (Receiver operating Characteristics) analysis we identified a cut off value of 25.9 (Sensibility 88%, Specificity 74%, AUC 0.94, CI 95%, p &amp;lt; 0.05) to discriminate between diastolic dysfunction and normal diastolic function. Moreover, PALS was significantly different in patients with normal vs high LV filling pressures. Using ROC analysis we determined a cut off value of 14.5 for LA peak systolic strain to discriminate between the two subgroups, with excellent discrimination power, AUC 0.935, CI 95%, p = 0.045, Sensibility 100%, Specificity 91%. Therefore LA peak systolic strain could be considered a surrogate estimate of LV filling pressures. Conclusion LA peak systolic strain correlated significantly with LV systolic and diastolic function in young patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with primary PCI. Peak LA strain may be helpful as a complementary method to evaluate diastolic dysfunction in this patient population and may also improve the detection of elevated LV filling pressures.

P1553 Regional peak systolic longitudinal strain during dipyridamole stress echocardiography in patients with normokinetic response determined by visual assessment

Abstract OnBehalf on behalf of the Stress Echo 2020 study group of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI) Background Regional wall motion (RWMA) remains the cornerstone of stress echocardiography (SE) and its evaluation is still based on visual assessment by 2D. Regional longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) provides a quantitative, operator-independent assessment of RWMA. Aim To compare 2D (qualitative) versus strain (quantitative) assessment of RWMA during dipyridamole SE. Methods In a prospective study we recruited 17 patients (mean age 69 ± 7 years, 11 women) with known or suspected CAD referred for accelerated high dose (0.84 mg/kg in 6") dipyridamole SE. We included patients with normokinesis at rest and with normal SE response. A 17-segment model was used to assess RWMA and strain (LPSS and global longitudinal strain, GLS). Ejection fraction (EF) was measured with Simpson"s biplane method. LPPS and GLS were measured using Automated Function Analysis (AFI). Results 289 segments could be assessed head-to-head with the 2 methods (2D and Strain). Heart rate was 61 ± 8 bpm at rest and rose to 86 ± 19 at peak stress (p = 0.0001) EF increased from 66 ± 7% (rest) to 73 ± 5% (peak stress, p = 0.0006 vs rest). GLS increased from -17.9 ± 3.4% at rest to -19.8 ± 2.4% at peak stress (p = 0.0074). Stress-rest (Δ) changes in EF did not correlate with Δ-GLS (r = 0.2, p = ns). LPSS was -18.2 ± 5.2% at rest and on average increased to -19.7 ± 5.8 % (p &amp;lt; 0.0001 vs rest), with heterogeneity of regional contractile reserve, highest in apical segments 13-17 (n = 85, LPSS rest= -20.3 ± 4.9 vs stress = - 22.5 ± 4.3, p = 0.0002), intermediate in mid-segments 7-12 (n = 102, LPSS rest= -18.5 ± 5.0 vs stress = -19.8 ± 5.6, p= 0.0166) and lowest in basal segments 1-6 (n = 102, LPSS rest= -16.1 ± 5.0 vs stress = - 17.3 ± 6.1, p= =0.0518= ns), see figure. At individual segment analysis, 50 segments (17.3%) showed an unmatched response, with normal visual response and LPSS reduction (stress ≤ rest at least 15%), observed especially in basal segments, see Table, unmatched 2D strain segments. Conclusions DSE allows a simultaneous qualitative and quantitative assessment of regional wall motion and global function by 2D and advanced strain-based indices. Strain-SE is feasible and may corroborate the results of trained naked eye interpretation with quantitative support, but degree of changes in regional strain is related to specific position of segment in basal, mid or apical part of left ventricle, with unmatched results between visual and strain not infrequent, especially in basal segments. Unmached 2D strain segments Basal (1-6), n = 102 Mid (7-12), n = 102 Apical (13-17), n = 85 P value Basal vs Mid P value Mid vs Apical P value Basal vs Apical 24 (23.5%) 18 (17.6%) 8 (9.4%) ns ns =0.0185 Number and proportion of segments with LPSS worsening ≥15% in basal, mid and apical portion of left ventricle. Abstract P1553 Figure. Changes of regional LPSS during DSE

P310 The role of the left ventricle deformation parameters determining reverse remodeling due to six months of spironolactone therapy

Abstract Introduction Spironolactone is widely used in the pharmacotherapy of patients (pts) with HFrEF. However, there is still little information on the influence of spironolactone therapy on the global and regional left ventricular (LV) function. Aim Evaluation of the influence of regional deformation parameters on global LV systolic function as a result of six months of spironolactone therapy. Methods The study included 39 pts (mean age 64 years, with stable heart failure; NYHA class II-III, mean LVEF 37,4%, mean wall motion index score, WMSI 1,62). All pts received optimal standard treatment before entering the study. Then therapy of spironolactone 25mg daily was introduced. Clinical status, treadmill exercise test (compilation time and effort level), NT-pro-BNP and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) assessment were analyzed. Two groups were created according to LV reverse remodeling (PRR -responders, 10% increase in LVEF and/or 15% decrease in LVESV; NRR- nonresponders). Differences between NRR I PRR, at the start point and after six months therapy of spironolactone for the above-mentioned parameters, were analyzed. Results Reverse remodeling was observed in 21 pts (PRR). There were no differences between PRR I NRR in: exercise test on the treadmill (compilation parameters: 27,86 vs 29,41), NYHA class, Nt-pro BNP levels (1071 vs 1172 pg/ml). WMSI in both groups was similar (respectively: 1,62 vs 1,61), however akinetic region in apical and septal regions of LV in NRR were more often represented (NRR 91,6% vs PRR 35% pts). PRR showed significantly better improvement of peak systolic longitudinal (LS) and circumferential (CS) strain in the apical (AP) and LV septal region of LV (SEP) depending on the post-infarction condition. (table 1) Conclusions Improvement of left ventricle systolic function depends on the regional contractility status of the myocardium. Longitudinal (LS) and circumferential (CS) peak systolic strain, regardless of ejection fraction and WMSI are the sensitive parameters determining improvements of the LV systolic function. The study showed that cut-off values to predict reverse LV remodeling must be lower than -10.08% for CS and -11.55% for LS. Tab.1. CS nad LS value at the end point Region of LV NRR mean strain % PRR mean strain% p value (NRRvs PRR) CS AP -11,42 -15,47 0.03 CS SEP -12,3 -17,04 0.02 LV 3CH -13,42 -16,30 0.04 CA AP-circumferential strain in apical LV region, CS SEP- circumferential strain in septal LV region, LV 3CH- longitudinal strain in three-chamber view of LV

P779 Use of right ventricular strain analysis to detect right ventricle subtle dysfunction in patients with left ventricular ischemic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Back ground Right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction is an independent prognostic marker of several cardiovascular diseases. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a gold standard for evaluation of RV ejection fraction and RV structure. However, the CMR is not available in all institution. So some researchers use strain echocardiography to evaluate RV systolic function Purpose Evaluation of different RV functions and prevalence of RV dysfunction in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) (EF &amp;lt; 50%), using echocardiographic conventional methods and RV strain analysis Methods All our patients had ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) (EF&amp;lt; 50), patients with previous inferior myocardial infarction were excluded. A standard comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of the RV dimensions, conventional systolic parameters: TAPSE, fractional area change FAC, S" velocity, myocardial performance index (RV MPI- RV Tie index ) and diastolic parameters (E/A, E/E", DT). 2 Dimensional speckle tacking echocardiography (2D-STE) for right ventricular global strain analysis (RVGLS): RVGLS total and RVGLS free wall (RVGLS total is a measurement obtained from the average value of all six segments values and RVGLS free wall is the average value from three RV free wall segments) , RV and LV peak systolic strain rate (RV SRs, LV SRs) and early diastolic strain rate (RV SRe, LV SRe) were measured. Results : we enrolled 50 patients (out of 1026 patients over one year ) 37 males (74%) , mean age 60.8 ± 7.4 years, according to RV strain analysis patients were divided into two groups, group I : patients who had normal RV function (RV free wall peak systolic strain PSS ≤-20%), and group II : had impaired RV function (RV free wall PSS &amp;gt;-20%) . there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups as regards LV dimensions, LV EF, LV GLS , LV SRs, RV dimensions nor other RV conventional parameters as TAPSE, FAC, S", or RV MPI. However mean RV GLS in group (I) was -17.52 ± 8.60 % vs -11.66 ± 3.25 % in group (II), (p = 0.003). Mean RV SRs in group (I) was -1.02 ± 0.27 /s vs -0.74 ± 0.38 /s in group (II), (p = 0.001) There was a statistically significant correlation between RV MPI and RV GLS (r = 0.315, p = 0.026), RVSRs and RV GLS (r = 0.656, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and between RV SRs and RVGLS free wall (r = 0.631, p &amp;lt; 0.001). There was a statistically significant correlation between RV SRs and RVGLS free wall in group (I) (r = 0.693, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and in group (II) (r = 0.819, p &amp;lt; 0.001). There was no agreement between TAPSE and RV GLS free wall (Kappa 0.063, p 0.2). MPI was the only conventional parameter that correlated with RV GLS free wall (p0.026). Conclusion RVGLS is a global, more sensitive parameter of RV systolic function compared to commonly used conventional parameters,it correlates better with RV systolic function and may have a more prognostic power for detection of subtle RV dysfunction.