Peak Tricuspid Regurgitation Velocity Research Articles

Postpartum cardiovascular function in patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a longitudinal study

Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases that are usually mediated by the development of cardiovascular risk factors, such as chronic hypertension, metabolic syndrome or subclinical myocardial dysfunction. Increasing evidence has been showing that little time elapses between the end of pregnancy and the development of these cardiovascular risk factors. To assess the persistence of hypertension and myocardial dysfunction at four months postpartum in a cohort of women with HDP and to compare the echocardiographic parameters between the peripartum and the postpartum period. In a longitudinal prospective study, a cohort of women with preterm or term HDP and an unmatched group of women with term normotensive pregnancy were recruited. Women with pre-existing chronic hypertension (n=29) were included in the HDP cohort. All participants underwent two cardiovascular assessments: the first was conducted either before or within one week of delivery (V1: peripartum assessment), and the second was between three and 12 months following giving birth (V2: postpartum assessment). The cardiovascular evaluation included blood pressure profile, maternal transthoracic echocardiography (left ventricular mass index (LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT), left atrial volume index (LAVI), E/A, E/e', peak velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), ejection fraction (EF), and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and twist) and metabolic assessment (fasting glycemia, insulin, lipid profile and waist measurement). Echocardiographic data were compared between V1 and V2 using paired t-test or McNemar test in HDP and in the control groups. Among 260 patients with pregnancies complicated by HDP and 33 patients with normotensive pregnancies, 219 (84.2%) and 30 (90.9%) attended postpartum follow-up, respectively. Patients were evaluated at a median (IQR) of 124 (103-145) days after delivery. Paired comparisons of echocardiographic findings demonstrated significant improvements in cardiac remodeling rates (left ventricular mass index (g/m2) 63.4±14.4 vs 78.9±16.2, p<0.0001; relative wall thickness 0.35±0.1 vs 0.42±0.1, p<0.0001), most diastolic indices (E/E' 6.3±1.6 vs 7.4±1.9, p<0.0001), ejection fraction (EF<55%: 9 (4.1%) vs 28 (13.0%), p<0.0001) and global longitudinal strain (-17.3±2.6% vs -16.2±2.4%, p<0.0001) in the postpartum period compared to the peripartum. The same improvements in cardiac indices were observed in the normotensive group. However, at the postnatal assessment, 153/219 (69.9%) had either hypertension (76/219, 34.7%) or an abnormal global longitudinal strain (125/219, 57.1%), 13/67 (19.4%) had metabolic syndrome and 18/67 (26.9%) exhibited insulin resistance. Although persistent postpartum cardiovascular impairment was evident in a substantial proportion of these patients since more than two-thirds had either hypertension or myocardial dysfunction postpartum, cardiac modifications due to pregnancy-related overload and hypertension were significantly more pronounced in the peripartum than in the postpartum periods.

Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure and Cava Vein Status in Acute Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Clinical and Prognostic Implications

Peak tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity and inferior cava vein (ICV) distention are two recognized features of increased pulmonary artery pressure (PASP) and right atrial pressure, respectively. Both parameters are related to pulmonary and systemic congestion and adverse outcomes. However, few data exist about the assessment of PASP and ICV in acute patients affected by heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Thus, we investigated the relationship existing among clinical and echocardiographic features of congestion, and we analyzed the prognostic impact of PASP and ICV in acute HFpEF patients. We analyzed clinical congestion PASP and ICV value in consecutive patients admitted in our ward by echocardiographic examination using peak Doppler velocity tricuspid regurgitation and ICV diameter and collapse for the assessment of PASP and ICV dimension, respectively. A total of 173 HFpEF patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 81 and median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 55% [50-57]. Mean values of PASP was 45 mmHg [35-55] and mean ICV was 22 [20-24] mm. Patients with adverse events during follow-up showed significantly higher values of PASP (50 [35-55] vs. 40 [35-48] mmHg, (p = 0.005) and increased values of ICV (24 [22-25] vs. 22 [20-23] mm, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed prognostic power of ICV dilatation (HR 3.22 [1.58-6.55], p = 0.001) and clinical congestion score ≥ 2 (HR 2.35 [1.12-4.93], p = 0.023), but PASP increase did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.874). The combination of PASP > 40 mmHg and ICV > 21 mm was capable of identifying patients with increased events (45% vs. 20%). ICV dilatation provides additional prognostic information with respect to PASP in patients with acute HFpEF. A combined model adding PASP and ICV assessment to clinical evaluation is a useful tool for predicting HF related events.

Diagnostic value of parameters derived from planar MUGA for detecting HFpEF in coronary artery disease patients

BackgroundIn recent years, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has received increasing clinical attention. To investigate the diagnostic value of diastolic function parameters derived from planar gated blood-pool imaging (MUGA) for detecting HFpEF in coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease, CAD) patients.MethodsNinety-seven CAD patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50% were included in the study. Based on the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), the patients were divided into the HFpEF group (LVEDP ≥ 16 mmHg, 47 cases) and the normal LV diastolic function group (LVEDP < 16 mmHg, 50 cases). Diastolic function parameters obtained by planar MUGA include peak filling rate (PFR), filling fraction during the first third of diastole (1/3FF), filling rate during the first third of diastole (1/3FR), mean filling rate during diastole (MFR), and peak filling time (TPF). Echocardiographic parameters include left atrial volume index (LAVI), peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (peak TR velocity), transmitral diastolic early peak inflow velocity (E), average early diastolic velocities of mitral annulars (average e′), average E/e′ ratio. The diastolic function parameters obtained by planar MUGA were compared with those obtained by echocardiography to explore the clinical value of planar MUGA for detecting HFpEF.ResultsThe Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis of diastolic function parameters obtained from planar MUGA and echocardiography to detect HFpEF showed that: among the parameters examined by planar MUGA, the area under the curve (AUC) of PFR, 1/3FF, 1/3FR, MFR and TPF were 0.827, 0.662, 0.653, 0.663 and 0.809, respectively. Among the echocardiographic parameters, the AUCs for average e′, average E/e′ ratio, peak TR velocity, and LAVI values were 0.747, 0.706, 0.735, and 0.633. The combination of PFR and TPF showed an AUC of 0.856. PFR combined with TPF value demonstrated better predictive value than average e′ (Z = 2.020, P = 0.043).ConclusionDiastolic function parameters obtained by planar MUGA can be used to diagnose HFpEF in CAD patients. PFR combined with TPF was superior to the parameters obtained by echocardiography and showed good sensitivity and predictive power for detecting HFpEF.

Pulmonary Hypertension Phenotype Can Be Identified in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction Using Echocardiographic Assessment of Pulmonary Artery Pressure With Supportive Use of Pressure Reflection Variables

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is frequent in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with 2 different phenotypes: isolated postcapillary PH (IpcPH) and, with the worst prognosis, combined pre- and postcapillary PH (CpcPH). The aims of the present echocardiography study were to investigate (1) the ability to identify PH phenotype in patients with HFrEF using the newly adopted definition of PH (mean pulmonary artery pressure >20mm Hg) and (2) the relationship between PH phenotype and right ventricular (RV) function. One hundred twenty-four patients with HFrEF consecutively referred for heart transplant or heart failure workup were included with echocardiography and right heart catheterization within 48hours. We estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAPDoppler) and used a method to detect increased pulmonary vascular resistance (>3 Wood units) based on predefined thresholds of 3 pressure reflection (PRefl) variables (the acceleration time in the RV outflow tract [RVOT], the interval between peak RVOT and peak tricuspid regurgitant velocity, and the RV pressure augmentation following peak RVOT velocity). Using receiver operator characteristic analysis in a derivation group (n=62), we identified sPAPDoppler ≥35mm Hg as a cutoff that in a test group (n=62) increased the likelihood of PH 6.6-fold. The presence of sPAPDoppler >40mm Hg and 2 or 3 positive PRefl variables increased the probability of CpcPH 6- to 8-fold. A 2-step approach with primarily assessment of sPAPDoppler and the supportive use of PRefl variables in patients with mild/moderate PH (sPAPDoppler 41-59mm Hg) showed 76% observer agreement and a weighted kappa of 0.63. The steady-state (pulmonary vascular resistance) and pulsatile (compliance, elastance) vascular loading are increased in both IpcPH and CpcPH with a comparable degree of RV dysfunction. The PH phenotype can be identified in HFrEF using standard echocardiographic assessment of pulmonary artery pressure with supportive use of PRefl variables in patients with mild to moderate PH.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Hemodialysis Having Pulmonary Hypertension

Introduction: Patients with end-stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis (HD) have a high morbidity and mortality rate associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH). A nomogram was developed to predict all-cause mortality in HD patients with PH. In this study, we aimed to validate the usefulness of this nomogram. Methods: A total of 274 HD patients with PH were hospitalized at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between January 2014 and June 2019 and followed up for 3 years. Echocardiography detected PH when the peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) was more than 2.8 m/s. To evaluate the all-cause mortality for long-term HD patients with PH, Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the factors of mortality that were included in the prediction model. Next, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) was used to assess the predictive power of the model. Calibration plots and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the accuracy of the prediction results and the clinical utility of the model. Results: The all-cause mortality rate was 29.20% throughout the follow-up period. The nomogram comprised six commonly available predictors: age, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hemoglobin, left ventricular ejection fraction, and TRV. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year AUC-ROC values were 0.842, 0.800, and 0.781, respectively. The calibration curves revealed excellent agreement with the nomogram, while the DCA demonstrated favorable clinical practicability. Conclusion: The first developed nomogram for predicting all-cause mortality in HD patients with PH could guide clinical decision-making and intervention planning.

852 DAPAGLIFOZIN IN PATIENTS WITH CARDIAC HEART FAILURE

Abstract Dapaglifozin on diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus and chronic heart failure Heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains a challenging problem due to its high mortality rate. Another novelty in HF therapy is dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) which decreased the rates of cardiac death and worsening of HF in the DAPA-HF trial, when added in other guideline recommended therapy. Material and methods A prospective cohort study of 30 symptomatic HF patients with EF &amp;lt; 35% (aged 65 ±10 years) (20 males and 10 females) was conducted. Diabetic (2TDM) patients of NYHA status II–III, previously treated with ARNI, β-blocker, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) were included. Dapagliflozin 10 mg was added as an adjunct therapy for 2TDM but also as a novel therapy of HF in diabetic patients. Clinical examination and complete echocardiographic evaluation were performed at baseline and 30 days after the addition of SGLT2i to their treatment. 2D echocardiography and Doppler measurements were used for the evaluation of left ventricular function, and more specifically, peak early (E-wave) and late (A-wave) transmitral filling velocities and their ratio E/A, deceleration time of E velocity (DTE). To classify diastolic dysfunction according to the ASE/EACVI guidelines published in 2016, transmitral E and A waves velocities, septal and lateral E’ tissue velocities, indexed left atrium volume and peak velocity of tricuspid regurgitation were collected. Results After 30 days of therapy with dapagliflozin, blood pressure was reduced significantly and the echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function were improved. More specifically, after 6.1±3.6 months of treatment E/A ratio decreased from 1.7 ±1.5 to 1.01±0.70 (P &amp;lt;0.05), the E/Ea ratio decreased from 13.5± 6.3 vs. 10.2± 5.2 (P &amp;lt;0.05), tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity decreased from 3.0±0.4 to 2.4± 0.5m/s (P =0.03) and left atrial volume decreased from 53 ±29.3 to 40.3±11.5ml/m2 (P &amp;lt;0.05). Subsequently, both left-ventricular diastolic function and filling pressure improved significantly (P &amp;lt;0.05,). Discussion Our data support the evidence that SGLT2i ameliorate both the conventional echocardiographic indexes of diastolic function and this effect is noted quite promptly. The ratio of early diastolic transmitral flow velocity seems to correlate well with LV filling pressures, and may be use das a prognostic tool in patients with HFrEF. We have to emphasize that the diastolic function improvement was observed 30 days after the initiation of dapagliflozin treatment, and thus it may be considered an early marker of improvement and adequacy of treatment apart from BNP. Conclusions in this study classical diastolic echocardiographic parameters were improved promptly after initiation of dapagliflozin therapy. The ratio of early diastolic transmitral flow velocity at the early filling phase of diastole (E/SRE) may be considered a reliable index of HF therapy responders.

1038 RIGHT VENTRICULAR-PULMONARY ARTERIAL (UN)COUPLING ESTIMATION IN PATIENTS WITH TRICUSPID REGURGITATION

Abstract Background right-ventricular (RV)-pulmonary arterial (PA) uncoupling expressed by Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE)/Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure (PAPs) ratio is associated with poor outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). TAPSE/PAPs ratio has been poorly investigated in patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR) with related volume overload and progressive right chambers remodeling. Purpose to assess the effectiveness of other estimation methods of RV-PA coupling in different TR severity groups compared to the classic TAPSE/PAPs ratio. Material and Methods 116 stable patients with TR were enrolled at the time of echocardiography (43 men, 37%; mean age 74±13 years). TR severity was quantified by means of proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) derived effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) and regurgitant volume (RVol). RV function was assessed by RV Free Wall Longitudinal Strain (FWLS). PAPs was obtained using the following formula: 4*(peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity)2 + right atrial pressure (RAP); meanPAP was estimated using TR continuous wave signal mean gradient (PAPmIT) and pulmonary artery regurgitation peak gradient (PAPmIP), adding RAP for both. RV-PA coupling was evaluated by TAPSE/PAPs ratio, TAPSE/PAPmIT and TAPSE/PAPmIP ratios. Result TR was quantified mild in 23 patients, moderate in 49, severe and torrential in 29 and 15 patients respectively. Mean RV-FWLS was -26.4±6.9% in mild, -21.8±7.4% in moderate, -18±7% and -18.3±4.2% in severe and torrential TR respectively (p&amp;lt;0.0001). Mean TAPSE/PAPs ratio was 0.6±0.23 mm/mmHg, 0.44±0.19, 0.38±0.19 and 0.37±0.12 mm/mmHg in mild, moderate, severe and torrential TR respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the 4 groups (p&amp;lt;0.0001). Mean TAPSE/PAPmIP ratio was 1.08±0.5 mm/mmHg in mild TR, 0.68±0.34 in moderate, 0.67±0.5 in severe TR and 0.47±0.13 mm/mmHg in torrential TR with a statistically significant difference between distinct TR grades (p=0.004). Mean TAPSE/PAPmIT in mild TR was 0.92±0.5 mm/mmHg, 0.63±0.29 in moderate, 0.53±0.29 and 0.51±0.16 mm/mmHg in severe and torrential TR respectively with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p&amp;lt;0.0001). Finally, an analysis of covariance with RV-FWLS as potential confounder was performed: only the adjusted means of TAPSE/PAPmIP and TAPSE/PAPmIT ratios preserved a statistically significant difference between distinct TR groups (p=0.01 and p=0.019 respectively). Conclusion TAPSE/PAPmIP and TAPSE/PAPmIT ratios seem to preserve a stronger relation with increasing TR grade and worsening of RV disfunction, suggesting it as a more powerful index in this subset of patients. The progression of TR grade leading to a right chamber remodeling could influence the reliability of RV-PA uncoupling expressed by standard TAPSE/PAPs ratio.

256 LEFT ATRIAL STRAIN ANALISIS IMPROVES NON-INVASIVE ESTIMATION OF LEFT VENTRICULAR FILLING PRESSURES IN TAKOTSUBO SYNDROME

Abstract Background Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is associated with a non-negligible risk of in-hospital complications. Elevated left ventricular filling pressures (LVFP) showed to predict adverse outcomes in this population. Recently, LA reservoir and LA pump strain, demonstrated a close correlation with increased LVFP in unselected patients. The aim of our study is to assess the ability of LA strain analysis to improve non-invasive estimation of LVFP and to predict IH complications in TTS patients. Methods We prospectively enrolled patients with confirmed TTS diagnosis. LVEDP was assessed invasively at the time of catheterization. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed within 48 hours from hospital admission. In-hospital complications were collected, including occurrence of acute heart failure, death from any cause and life-threatening arrhythmias. Results A total of 62 patients were analysed (72.2±10.1 years, female 80%). In-hospital complications occurred in 25 (40.3%). Patients who experienced IH complications had higher LVEDP and lower LVEF, LA reservoir strain and LA pump strain values compared to patients without IH complications (all p&amp;lt;0.001). However, at multivariate analysis, only LVEF and LVEDP were independent predictors of worse IH outcomes (p&amp;lt;0.001 and p=0.004, respectively). We observed that in our population the optimal LVEDP cut-off value to predict adverse in-hospital outcome was 24.5 mmHg (sensitivity 80%, specificity 63%). LA reservoir and pump strain resulted to be better predictors of LVEDP &amp;gt;24.5 mmHg in comparison with E/e’, LAVi and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) peak velocity. Moreover, the incorporation of LA strain values in a multivariable model including E/e’ ratio, LAVi and TR peak velocity to predict a LVEDP&amp;gt;24.5 mmHg led to a significant incremental predictive value (p=0.002). Conclusion In patients with TTS, lower LA reservoir and pump strain values correlate with increased LVEDP and improve non-invasive estimation of LVFP. LA strain analysis may be an easy tool to individuate subjects at higher risk of in-hospital complications.

972 PULMONARY HYPERTENSION AND EMBRYOLOGICAL REMNANT: WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER? A CASE REPORT

Abstract Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined as a resting mean pulmonary artery pressure of 20 mmHg or above. The importance of identifying the underlying causes of PH is well known for a correct management and treatment. In particular, any cardiac causes, included shunt, must be investigated. Case Summary A 73-year-old woman presented to the emergency room for asthenia and dyspnea. First line exams as ECG and X-ray were executed resulting normal. Laboratory assessment showed an elevated brain natriuretic peptide at 675 pg/ml and a D-dimer value of 1116 ng/mlFEU (n.v. &amp;lt; 500 ng/mlFEU) so with the suspect of pulmonary thromboembolism a CT-scan with contrast was performed. It was negative for acute thromboembolism, but it revealed an enlarged pulmonary artery (with a diameter of 39 mm), a possible defect of interatrial septum and an anomalous drainage of inferior vena cava (IVC) into the left atrium (LA). A transthoracic echocardiogram confirmed the anomalous drainage of IVC into the LA that appears dilated but was not diagnostic for the interatrial defect. Furthermore, PH was suspected (systolic peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity of 3,5 m/s, RA area of 24 cm2, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/systolic pulmonary arterial pressure of 0.26 mm/mmHg). A 6-minute walking distance was 376 m. The patient completed the exams with a transesophageal echocardiography that revealed an inferior-type caval vein defect and an over-developed Eustachian valve which divides the right atrium (RA) and connect the IVC with the LA directing the blood flow towards it through the inter-atrial septal defect. Discussion The Eustachian valve is an embryologic remnant at the junction of the IVC and RA. While it typically does not have any pathologic significance, veno-arterial shunting can rarely occur in patients with prominent eustachian valves and atrial septal defects.

Right atrial pressure may be related to pulmonary artery acceleration time in echocardiography

Pulmonary artery pressure is commonly calculated from simplified Bernoulli equation involving peak velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (TRVmax). This calculation requires right atrial pressure (RAP) to be typically estimated from size and collapsibility of inferior vena cava (IVC) with inspiration and this estimation has its difficulties. Pulmonary artery pressure can also be calculated from pulmonary artery acceleration time (PACT) (time from onset to peak velocity of blood flow in right ventricular outflow tract).

Risk of bleeding associated with transbronchial biopsy using flexible bronchoscopy in patients with echocardiographic or chest CT evidence of pulmonary hypertension

BackgroundEndobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial biopsy (TBB) facilitates the diagnosis of various respiratory diseases. The safety of performing EBUS-guided TBB in patients with a finding of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is controversial. Little is known about the relationship between the risk of bleeding associated with EBUS-guided TBB in the presence of PH suspected on echocardiography or chest CT.MethodsTo assess the risk of bleeding associated with EBUS-guided TBB in patients with presumed PH per echocardiography or chest CT, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 314 consecutive patients who underwent EBUS-guided TBB using a guide sheath (GS), as well as echocardiography and chest CT. Bleeding complication was defined as over one minute of suctioning; repeated wedging of the bronchoscope; instillation of cold saline, diluted vasoactive substances, or thrombin due to persistent bleeding. Findings of suspected PH were defined as peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) > 2.8 m/s on echocardiography or pulmonary artery to aorta ratio (PA:A ratio) > 0.9 on chest CT.ResultsIn total, 35 (11.1%) patients developed bleeding, and all cases were managed safely. Furthermore, 17 (5.4%) and 59 (18.8%) patients were suspected to have PH based on echocardiography and chest CT, respectively. Among the patients suspected to have PH on echocardiography, five (5/17 = 29.4%) patients developed bleeding. Among the patients suspected to have PH on chest CT, 11 (11/59 = 18.6%) patients developed bleeding. Univariate analysis revealed that long diameter (≥ 30 mm) of the lesion, lesion location (the biopsy site was inner than the segmental bronchus), bronchoscopic diagnosis of malignancy, and additional biopsy were potential predictive factors for bleeding. The finding of suspected PH on echocardiography correlated significantly with bleeding (p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, long diameter (≥ 30 mm) of the lesion (p = .021) and findings of suspected PH on echocardiography (p = .049) were significantly associated with bleeding.ConclusionAll cases of bleeding in the present study were managed safely. The risk of bleeding is moderately elevated when PH is suspected by echocardiography in patients undergoing EBUS-guided TBB using a GS.

ВАРИАБЕЛЬНОСТЬ СЕРДЕЧНОГО РИТМА У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С МЕТАБОЛИЧЕСКИМ СИНДРОМОМ И ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ СЕРДЕЧНОЙ НЕДОСТАТОЧНОСТЬЮ С СОХРАНЕННОЙ ФРАКЦИЕЙ ВЫБРОСА

Background. The development of life-threatening rhythm and conduction disorders occupies a special place in the mortality structure of patients with chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Therefore, an accessible, non-invasive marker is needed to stratify the risk of adverse arrhythmogenic events in individuals with this pathology. The possibility of using heart rate variability (HRV) parameters for this purpose is of great interest. Aim. To study the time domain parameters of heart rate variability, as well as to perform a correlation analysis of the HRV data obtained with echocardiography indicators in patients with metabolic syndrome and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Material and methods. The study included 130 patients (75 women and 55 men), whose average age was 65.9±5.8 years. Three study groups were formed, represented by patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and criteria of metabolic syndrome (MS), IDF, 2005: two-component MS and HFpEF (n=30), three-component MS and HFpEF (n=30), HFpEF without MS (n=30). The control groups included individuals with MS, but without signs and/or symptoms of heart failure (n=20), as well as practically healthy (n=20). The complex of examinations included taking anamnesis, physical and general clinical laboratory examinations, echocardiography and Holter monitoring of the electrocardiogram. Results. Patients with HFpEF according to echocardiography differ significantly higher values of the ratio E/e'med, lat (p &lt;0.0001), pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (p&lt;0.01), as well as the rate of tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity (p&lt;0.01). Significant differences in the parameters of relative wall thickness and left ventricular mass index (p&lt;0.05) were recorded in the groups with concomitant MS and HFpEF. The analysis of daily HRV values demonstrated a decrease in the parameters of general vegetative tone and sympathetic link. However, significant differences were obtained only in the groups with MS and HFpEF (SDNN p&lt;0.05, SDNNi p&lt;0.05, SDANN p&lt;0.01). The same pattern of changes is recorded both during the day and at night parameters HRV (SDNN, SDNNi, SDANN p&lt;0.05). The most significant correlations between HRV and echocardiography parameters were found only in patients with three-component MS and HFpEF (left atrial volume index and SDNN (r=-0.47, p=0.013), SDANN (r=-0.54, p=0.004), ejection fraction and SDNN (r=-0.5, p=0.009), SDANN (r=-0.44, p=0.02), SDNNi (r=-0.42, p=0.03) and left ventricular mass index and SDNNi (r=0.47, p=0.01)). Conclusions. Heart rate variability in the time domain in patients with HFpEF are characterized by a decrease in a number of indicators. The addition of metabolic syndrome, as well as an increase in the number of its components, have the most depressing effect on HRV values in individuals with this phenotype of heart failure.

Abstract 10747: Left Atrial Volume Index is Associated With New-Onset Heart Failure Admission and Cardiovascular Death in Patients With Asymptomatic Moderate Aortic Stenosis

Background: Left atrium enlargement is the marker of increased left ventricular (LV) filling pressure and morphological indicator of chronically increased hemodynamic burden. However, the potential utility and clinical significance of left atrial volume (LAV) index in asymptomatic moderate aortic stenosis (AS) patients have been unknown. Therefore, we assessed the impact of LAV index on cardiovascular events in asymptomatic moderate AS patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 549 patients (mean age 79±13 years) with asymptomatic moderate AS (mean transaortic pressure gradient 20 to 39 mmHg) and LVEF ≥50 %. Cardiovascular events were defined as cardiovascular death or admission for heart failure (HF). Results: During a follow-up period (median, 1301 days; range, 296 to 2179 days), 216 patients underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) or balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV), and 132 HF admission and 37 cardiovascular deaths occurred. In the multivariable analysis, LAV index, lateral E/e′, and peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity were independent predictors of cardiovascular events (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.07 [1.05 to 1.09]; HR 1.04 [1.00 to 1,08]; HR 1.04 [1.00 to 1.07], respectively) after adjusting for age, female, body mass index, previous myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, moderate mitral regurgitation, E velocity, LV hypertrophy, and surgical or transcatheter AVR or BAV. LAV index of 27 mL/m 2 was the optimal cutoff value for predicting cardiovascular events with sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 60% and C-statistics for LAV index demonstrated superiority to lateral E/e′ and peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity ( P &lt;0.001) (Figure). Conclusion: LAV index is an important predictor for cardiovascular events in asymptomatic moderate AS patients.

Impact of Sacubitril/Valsartan Compared With Ramipril on Cardiac Structure and Function After Acute Myocardial Infarction: The PARADISE-MI Echocardiographic Substudy.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors attenuate left ventricular (LV) enlargement after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Preclinical data suggest similar benefits with combined angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibition, but human data are conflicting. The PARADISE-MI Echo Study (Prospective ARNI Versus ACE Inhibitor Trial to Determine Superiority in Reducing Heart Failure Events After Myocardial Infarction) tested the effect of sacubitril/valsartan compared with ramipril on LV function and adverse remodeling after high risk-AMI. In a prespecified substudy, 544 PARADISE-MI participants were enrolled in the Echo Study to undergo protocol echocardiography at randomization and after 8 months. Patients were randomized within 0.5 to 7 days of presentation with their index AMI to receive a target dose of sacubitril/valsartan 200 mg or ramipril 5 mg twice daily. Echocardiographic measures were performed at a core laboratory by investigators blinded to treatment assignment. The effect of treatment on change in echo measures was assessed with ANCOVA with adjustment for baseline value and enrollment region. The primary end points were change in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and left atrial volume (LAV), and prespecified secondary end points included changes in LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes. Mean age was 64±12 years; 26% were women; mean LVEF was 42±12%; and LAV was 49±17 mL. Of 544 enrolled patients, 457 (84%) had a follow-up echo at 8 months (228 taking sacubitril/valsartan, 229 taking ramipril). There was no significant difference in change in LVEF (P=0.79) or LAV (P =0.62) by treatment group. Patients randomized to sacubitril/valsartan demonstrated less increase in LV end-diastolic volume (P=0.025) and greater decline in LV mass index (P=0.037), increase in tissue Doppler e'lat (P=0.005), decrease in E/e'lat (P=0.045), and decrease in tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity (P=0.024) than patients randomized to ramipril. These differences remained significant after adjustment for differences in baseline characteristics. Baseline LVEF, LV end-diastolic volume, LV end-systolic volume, LV mass index, LAV, and Doppler-based diastolic indices were associated with risk of cardiovascular death or incident heart failure. Treatment with sacubitril/valsartan compared with ramipril after AMI did not result in changes in LVEF or LAV at 8 months. Patients randomized to sacubitril/valsartan had less LV enlargement and greater improvement in filling pressure. Measures of LV size, systolic function, and diastolic properties were predictive of cardiovascular death and incident heart failure after AMI in this contemporary, well-treated cohort. URL: https://www. gov; Unique identifier: NCT02924727.

Non-invasive assessment of right ventricular function and pulmonary pressures in cardiogenic shock remains challenging: don't pack away the PAC just yet

Abstract Background Cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality despite advances in treatment. Patients with right ventricle (RV) dysfunction have been shown to have poorer outcomes. It is suggested that invasive monitoring through pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) placement can assist in guiding management to improve survival, though they are associated with adverse events. Purpose This study assessed the utility of non-invasive, echocardiographic assessment of RV performance and pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) in patients with CS. Methods Consecutive patients admitted to a North American quaternary cardiac intensive care unit who had PAC placement were recruited into this study. Invasive haemodynamic assessment was followed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) performed by a critical care cardiologist, blinded to the invasive measurements. TTE images were later reported by a second cardiologist, blinded to the invasive measurements and the patient. Correlations between RV and pulmonary invasive and non-invasive parameters were evaluated using Pearson's correlation. Results Overall, 96 assessments of 60 patients were compared. Patients were predominantly male (73%), aged 58±14 years and SCAI stage C (55%) and D (22%) at the time of assessment. Invasive measurements of right heart and pulmonary function was possible in all patients. Mean RAP was 8.5±4.7 mmHg, systolic PAP 37.5±9.9 mmHg, diastolic PAP 18.1±6.5 mmHg, mean PAP 25.1±7.2 mmHg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) 16.0±16.4 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 157±99dyn s cm–5, RV stroke work index (RVSWI) 7.0±3.9 g min/m2 and PAP index (PAPi) 2.9±4.2. When compared to non-invasive echocardiographic parameters, there was little correlation with invasive values (Table). RVSWI moderately correlated with peak tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and estimated systolic PAP; while peak TR velocity was mild-moderately correlated with PAP and PCWP. No single non-invasive parameter demonstrated strong prediction of invasive values. Conclusion Non-invasive assessment of right heart and pulmonary haemodynamic parameters is of limited validity when compared with invasive monitoring through PAC in patients with CS. PAC remains the most reliable method of assessing the RV haemodynamic profile in CS. Future studies should evaluate the clinical benefit of invasive haemodynamic monitoring in this population. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Peak oxygen uptake in cardiopulmonary exercise testing was associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with preserved ejection fraction

Abstract Background Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (EF) remains a poor prognosis as same as heart failure with reduced EF. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2) by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a useful parameter for predicting cardiovascular diseases prognosis. Furthermore, though there are some reports that CPET parameters are associated with indicators of diastolic dysfunction, each of these indicators has some limitations. Recently, recommendations for the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function by echocardiography were reported from the ASE/EACVI. However, no reports have examined the association between exercise tolerance indices and diastolic dysfunction based on these recommended variables. Purpose To examine the relationship between peak VO2 and diastolic dysfunction using the recommendation from ASE/EACVI in cardiovascular diseases patients with preserved EF Methods We recruited 214 patients who were performed both CPX and echocardiography. EF ≥50% was 99 patients. All patients underwent 0W warm-up and 10W ramp on an upright electrical bicycle ergometer. Diastolic dysfunction was assessed using the recommendations for the evaluation of diastolic function by ASE/EACVI. We used abnormal cutoff values are annular e' velocity: septal e' &amp;lt;7 cm/s, lateral e' &amp;lt;10 cm/s, average E/e' ratio &amp;gt;14, left atrial volume index &amp;gt;34 ml/m2, and peak tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity &amp;gt;2.8 m/s. Diastolic dysfunction is present if more than half of the available parameters meet these cutoff values. Results Mean age was 57±14 years old, the portion of women was 69%. The portion of diastolic dysfunction was 16%. In univariable logistic regression analysis, age, log BNP, septal e' &amp;lt;7 cm/s or lateral e' &amp;lt;10 cm/s, peak TR velocity &amp;gt;2.8 m/s, and the presence of diastolic dysfunction were significantly associated with peakVO2 &amp;lt;14 ml/min/kg. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the presence of diastolic dysfunction was an independent risk factor for peak VO2 &amp;lt;14 ml/min/kg (OR 5.03 CI 1.32–19.2, p=0.018). Furthermore, we investigated the association between each variable of diastolic dysfunction and peak VO2 and found that low septal and lateral e'velocity and high TR peak flow velocity were significantly associated with peak VO2 &amp;lt;14 ml/min/kg. Conclusions In preserved EF, low peak VO2 was significantly associated with diastolic dysfunction assessed by the recommendations from the ASE/EACVI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Risk stratification for systemic lupus erythematosus associated pulmonary hypertension by simplified ESC/ERS guidelines: data from SOPHIE registry

Abstract Background The ESC/ERS guideline has established a diagnostic algorithm for pulmonary hypertension (PH) based on the peak velocity of tricuspid regurgitation, clinical history of left heart disease, chest radiography, and other chest radiological techniques. Unfortunately, due to the medical resource limitations, not all patients can receive the comprehensive inspections listed above. Purpose The purpose of the study was to sort out the practical predicting factors and evaluate the efficacy of the simplified diagnostic algorithm derived from the 2015 ESC/ERS clinical guidelines. Methods According to the ESC/ERS guideline, patients in the intermediate or high echocardiographic probability of PH group and further satisfied the following risk stratification criteria (anti-RNP (+), Raynaud phenomenon (+), 6MWD &amp;lt;440 meters, and SVR &amp;gt;1500 wood) were considered to have the intermediate (IR), and high risk (HR) of PH. Patients with a low echocardiographic probability of PH and those with intermediate or high probability of PH without satisfied the risk stratification algorithm were categorized into the low risk (LR) of the PH group. Results 1005 patients were categorized into the LR group, 30 patients in the IR group, and 19 in the HR group. Precisely, patients in the LR group were relatively younger (49.9±0.4) than that of the IR group (57.8±2.3, p=0.001) and the HR group (56.0±3.0, p=0.035). Raynaud phenomenon was occurred more frequently in the IR group (50.0%) or HR group (47.4%) compared to that of the LR group (24.1%). The occurrence of anti-RNP positive was higher in the HR group, taken up for 57.9% compared to 31.5% in the LR group (p=0.013). The incidence of right axis deviation (RAD) was increasing in the IR group (17.2%) and HR group (16.7%) compared to the LR group (3.6%). In addition, patients in IR and HR group have reduced lung volume parameters, including forced vital capacity (FVC%), forced expiratory volume at the first second (FEV1%), FEV1/FVC ratio, and forced expiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity (FEF50%) when compared to the LR group. Multivariate analysis was performed in four different modes to sort out the independent predictors of PH. Anti-RNP (OR=10.5, CI: 1.9, 56.5) and RAD (OR=21.9, CI: 5.2, 92.2) in mode 1, RVH (OR=10.4, CI: 1.9, 56.3) in mode 2, RAD (OR=10.3, CI: 2.0, 50.7) and FEF50% (OR=1.0, CI: 0.90, 0.97) in mode 3, and RVH (OR=56.8, CI: 6.9, 467.5) and FEF50% (OR=1.0, CI: 0.90, 0.97) in mode 4 were identified as the independent predictors of PH for SLE patients. Conclusions This registry has provided main clinical characteristics and phenotypes of Hong Kong Chinese patients with SLE and has demonstrated that Anti-RNP, RAD, RVH, or FEF50% was independent predictors of pulmonary hypertension in patients with SLE. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Exercise hemodynamics by echocardiography and right heart catheterization in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease

Abstract Background Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is an important cause of pulmonary hypertension (PH). A subclinical form of PH is referred to as exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (EIPH), and its prevalence in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) without pulmonary hypertension at rest is unknown. Purpose To explore the occurrence of exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with CTEPD and compare exercise echocardiography with right heart catheterization (RHC). Methods In total, 16 patients with CTEPD, all diagnosed after pulmonary embolism, underwent exercise echocardiography and exercise RHC with dynamic supine leg exercise using a cycle ergometer. CTEPH at rest was defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) &amp;gt;20 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) ≥3WU. EIPH by RHC was defined as mPAP &amp;gt;30 mmHg with total pulmonary resistance (TPR) ≥3 WU. Based on these criteria, our patients with CTEPD are presented by a flow chart (Figure 1). Systolic pulmonary artery pressure by echocardiography was calculated by tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity (TR V max) and the Bernoulli formula: 4 × (TR V)2. The RHC examination followed the exercise echocardiography within 2 hours. Groups were compared with independent sample t-test. Results Four patients (25%) were diagnosed with EIPH by exercise RHC. Patients with EIPH had a mean mPAP at peak exercise of 40.5 mmHg (range 38 to 43mmHg) and TPR of 3.7 WU (range 3.0 to 4.3 WU). The same patients also had a higher TR V max at peak exercise during exercise echocardiography compared to the patients without EIPH (Table 2). None of the patients had signs of elevated left-sided filling pressure during exercise by RHC, and none had left ventricular diastolic dysfunction during exercise by echocardiography. Conclusion In total, 4 of 16 patients with CTEPD were diagnosed with EIPH. The same four patients also had abnormal pulmonary artery pressure rise during exercise echocardiography and invasive RHC. These findings suggest that exercise echocardiography may be useful for screening patients with CTEPD and suspected EIPH. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Ostfold Hospital Trust

Left atrial strain analysis improves non-invasive estimation of left ventricular filling pressures in takotsubo syndrome

Abstract Background Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is associated with a non-negligible risk of in-hospital (IH) complications. Elevated left ventricular filling pressures (LVFP), measured invasively as LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), showed to predict adverse IH outcomes in this population. Recently, novel indexes of left atrial (LA) function, including LA reservoir and LA pump strain, demonstrated a close correlation with increased LVFP in unselected patients. Purpose To assess the ability of LA reservoir and LA pump strain to improve non-invasive estimation of LVFP and to predict IH complications in TTS patients. Methods We retrospectively enrolled patients with confirmed TTS diagnosis at invasive left heart catheterization and coronary angiography. LVEDP was assessed invasively at the time of catheterization. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed with 48 hours from hospital admission. IH complications were collected, including occurrence of acute heart failure (pulmonary oedema/cardiogenic shock; Killip class III/IV), death from any cause and life-threatening arrhythmias. Results A total of 62 patients were analysed (72.2±10.1 years, female 80%). IH complications occurred in 25 (40.3%). Patients who experienced IH complications had higher LVEDP and lower LVEF, LA reservoir strain and LA pump strain values compared to patients without IH complications (all P≤0.001). At multivariate analysis, EF and LVEDP were independent predictors of worse IH outcomes (P≤0.001 and P=0.004 respectively). Correlation analysis proved that lower values of both LA reservoir and pump strain were associated with increasingly higher LVEDP (r −0.859, P≤0.001 and r −0.848, P≤0.001 respectively). Receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the AUC for LVEDP to predict IH complications was 0.814 (95% CI 0.679–0.949, P≤0.001) with an optimal cut-off value of 24.5 mmHg (sensitivity 77%, specificity 53%). Therefore, we performed ROC curve analysis to compare the ability of LA strain values and standard echocardiographic parameters currently used for non-invasive LVFP assessment to predict LVEDP ≥24.5 mmHg. As a result, we obtained higher AUC for LA reservoir and pump strain [0.909 (95% CI 0.818–0.999, P≤0.001) and 0.889 (95% CI 0.789–0.988, P≤0.001), respectively] vs E/e' 0.800 (95% CI 0.663–0.937, P≤0.001), LAVi 0.666 (P=0.092) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) peak velocity 0.582 (P=0.596). The incorporation of LA strain values in a multivariable model including E/e' ratio, LAVi and TR peak velocity to predict a LVEDP ≥24.5 mmHg led to a significant incremental predictive value (changes in χ2=11.99; P=0.002). Conclusion In patients with TTS, lower LA reservoir and pump strain values correlate with increased LVEDP and improve non-invasive estimation of LVFP. LA strain analysis may be an easy tool to individuate subjects at higher risk of IH complications. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension assessed by echocardiography in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease

Abstract Background Many patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) without pulmonary hypertension (PH) at rest suffer from exercise intolerance. Exercise echocardiography, which is a noninvasive examination, may have potential to discover exercise-induced PH in these patients, however, its role is scarcely explored in this population. Purpose To determine the occurrence of abnormal pulmonary pressure during rest and by exercise echocardiography in patients with CTEPD. Methods In total, 24 patients with CTEPD, all diagnosed after pulmonary embolism, underwent exercise echocardiography with dynamic supine leg exercise using a cycle ergometer. In addition, all participants underwent a modified incremental shuttle walk test (mISWT), pulmonary function tests and measurement of NT pro-BNP. Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) &amp;gt;50 mmHg by echocardiography during exercise was chosen as cutoff to define exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (EIPH). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction during stress was defined according to the American Society of Cardiology guidelines from 2016. Mean pulmonary artery pressure was estimated by sPAP measurements using the Chemla formula (0.61 x sPAP + 2 mmHg), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) by the Doppler method (5.19 x TRV2/TVI RVOT − 0.4) proposed by Abbas et al. [1]. Subjects with heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction, significant valvular heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension were excluded. Results 11 (46%) of the patients had EIPH at peak exercise (range 50 to 89 mmHg). PVR at peak exercise ranged from 2.6 to 5.9 WU, whereas 10 had PVR &amp;gt;3.0 WU. None had unmasked left ventricular diastolic dysfunction during exercise, resting tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity (TR V max) &amp;gt;3.4m/s, or a high probability of PH at rest. Three patients had TR V max between 2.9 and 3.4m/s or intermediate probability of PH. All patients had normal biventricular systolic function at rest and during exercise (Table 2). Conclusion Patients with CTEPD had normal pulmonary pressures at rest. However, approximately half of the patients showed abnormal rise in pulmonary pressure during exercise, which may explain or contribute to the exercise intolerance in these patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Ostfold Hospital Trust