Regional Right Ventricular Research Articles

Electrocardiographic markers of depolarization and repolarization in lead V1 predict right ventricular dysfunction in patients with heart failure

Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is an important predictor of survival in patients with heart failure (HF) with both preserved (HFpEF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). To date there is limited data on the value of the electrocardiogram in predicting RV function. Purpose Given these considerations the aim of our study was to assess the possible relationship between several electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters and right ventricular function evaluated by echocardiography. Methods We included 109 patients (age 61±14 years, 68men) of whom 89 had HF (HFpEF N=62 and HFrEF N=27) and 20 patients without HF. Twelve-lead ECG and echocardiograms were performed in all patients. We assessed echocardiographic parameters of global and regional RV function. Results Time to Intrinsicoid deflection in lead V1 (TID-V1) and the QTc interval measured in lead V1 (QTc-V1) were significantly more prolonged in patients with HF vs. patients with no HF (36±24ms vs. 23±15ms; p=0.03, and 450±40ms vs. 427±20ms; p=0.047 respectively). TID-V1 correlated significantly with the tricuspid annulus systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV fractional area change (FAC; r=-0.31; p=0.02, and r=-0.35; p=0.029 respectively). QTc-V1 correlated with parameters of global and regional RV function including FAC, RV apex longitudinal strain, RV free wall strain, and global RV strain (r=-0.42; p=0.0004, r=0.35; p=0.0032, r=0.21; p=0.045, and r=0.41; p=0.0005). RV dysfunction as defined by RV-FAC<35% was predicted by TID-V1 > 30ms with a sensitivity of 61% and specificity of 75%; AUC=0.752 and by QTc-V1>440ms with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 57%; AUC=0.888, and by a multivariate logistic regression model that also included TID-V1 and QTcV1, age, TAPSE, and LV ejection fraction with an AUC=0.967 (Figure). Conclusions Lead V1 time to intrinsic deflection and QTc-V1 predict RV dysfunction independent of echocardiographic parameters of ventricular function in patients with HF.

Serial RV wall stress measurements: association with right ventricular function in repaired Tetralogy of Fallot patients

BackgroundOptimal timing of pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patients remains challenging. Ventricular wall stress is considered to be an early marker of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction.ObjectivesTo investigate the association of RV wall stresses and their change over time with functional parameters in TOF patients.MethodsTen TOF patients after surgical repair with moderate/severe pulmonary regurgitation were included. At two timepoints (median follow-up time 7.2 years), patient-specific computational biventricular models for wall stress assessment were created using CMR short-axis cine images and echocardiography-based RV pressures. RV ejection fraction (RVEF), NT-proBNP and cardiopulmonary exercise tests were used as outcome measures reflecting RV function. Associations between regional RV diastolic wall stress and RV function were investigated using linear mixed models.ResultsIncreased wall stress correlated with lower RV mass (rrm = −0.70, p = 0.017) and lower RV mass-to-volume (rrm = −0.80, p = 0.003) using repeated measures. Wall stress decreased significantly over time, especially in patients with a stable RVEF (p < 0.001). Higher wall stress was independently associated with lower RVEF, adjusted for left ventricular ejection fraction, RV end-diastolic volume and time since initial surgery (decrease of 1.27% RVEF per kPa increase in wall stress, p = 0.029) using repeated measurements. No association was found between wall stress, NT-proBNP, and exercise capacity.ConclusionsUsing a computational method to calculate wall stress locally in geometrically complex ventricles, we demonstrated that lower wall stress might be important to maintain ventricular function. RV wall stress assessment can be used in serial follow-up, and is potentially an early marker of impending RV dysfunction.

Real-Time Strain-Encoding Cardiovascular MRI for Assessment of Regional Heart Function in Tetralogy of Fallot Patients.

Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease, where right ventricular (RV) function is an important determinant of subsequent intervention. In this study, we evaluate the feasibility of fast strain-encoding (fastSENC; a one-heartbeat sequence) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing regional cardiac function in ToF. FastSENC was implemented to characterize regional circumferential (Ecc) and longitudinal (Ell) strains in the left ventricle (LV) and RV in post-repair ToF. Data analysis was conducted to compare strain measurements in the RV to those in the LV, as well as to those generated by the MRI Tissue-Tracking (MRI-TT) technique, and to assess the relationship between strain and ejection fraction (EF). Despite normal LVEF (55±8.5%), RVEF was borderline (46±6.4%), but significantly lower than LVEF. RV strains (RV-Ell=-20.2±2.9%, RV-Ecc=-15.7±6.4%) were less than LV strains (LV-Ell=-21.7±3.7%, LV-Ecc=-18.3±4.7%), and Ell was the dominant strain component. Strain differences between fastSENC and MRI-TT were less significant in RV than in LV. There existed moderate and weak correlations for RV-Ecc and RV-Ell, respectively, against RVEF. Compared to LV strain, RV strain showed regional heterogeneity with a trend for reduced strain from the inferior to anterior regions. Inter-ventricular strain delay was larger for Ell (64±47ms) compared to Ecc (36±40ms), reflecting a trend for contraction dyssynchrony. FastSENC allows for characterizing subclinical regional RV dysfunction in ToF. Due to its sensitivity for evaluating regional myocardial contractility patterns and real-time imaging capability without the need for breath-holding, fastSENC makes it more suitable for evaluating RV function in ToF.

Echocardiographic indices of right ventricular function differentiate pre- and post-capillary pulmonary hypertension

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Heart and Lung foundation Background The importance of assessing right ventricular (RV) function in heart failure is well established. Methods evaluating intrinsic RV function using Doppler echocardiography estimating RV -pulmonary coupling assessment might improve the understanding of RV response due to increase in RV afterload in different conditions. Aim To investigate RV function and RV-pulmonary coupling in patients with pre- and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension. Material and Methods We investigated 85 patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) defined as mPAP >20mmHg from right heart catheterization (RHC). Those having PH with PCWP≤15mmHg and PVR ≥ 3WU were categorized as pre-capillary PH (preCPH, n=60) and those with PCWP>15mmHg and PVR <3WU as post-capillary PH (postCPH, n=25). Of those 25 having postCPH, 16 had HFrEF (LVEF<50%) and 9 HFpEF )LVEF≥50%). Doppler echocardiography and RHC were done simultaneously. Results Pulmonary artery acceleration time (<0.01), sPAP (<0.01) and regional RV strain ( p<0.05) differed between pre- and postCPH, whereas RV -pulmonary coupling did not, table 1. The indirect echocardiographic measure demonstrating strongest association with Ees/Ea (volume method= SVrhc/ESVecho) in patients with preCPH was mPAP/CO (r=0.61, fig 1A), RV s’/sPAP and RVGLS/sPAP (r=0.62, fig 1B, and 0.57 respectively). RV e’, RV segmental and global strain were lower in HFrEF compared with HFpEF but RV-pulmonary coupling did not differ between groups. Conclusion Right ventricular-pulmonary coupling and RV free wall strain had low accuracy to differentiate pre- from post CPH which was not the case for PAAt, sPAP and RV regional strain. mPAP/CO and RVs’/sPAP suggests promise as markers for right ventricular- pulmonary coupling, especially in pre CPH.

Right ventricular systolic function and associated anatomic risk factors in fetuses with transposition of the great arteries: Evaluation by velocity vector imaging.

The aim of this study was to evaluate right ventricular (RV) systolic function in fetuses with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) using velocity vector imaging (VVI) and to investigate the impact of different factors on RV systolic function in TGA fetuses. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of fetuses referred to our tertiary center between 2015 and 2019. Maternal and fetal baseline characteristics and conventional echocardiographic and myocardial deformation indices were collected in fetuses with TGA at 20-28 weeks' gestation, which were compared with normal fetuses with comparable gestational age (GA). RV deformational parameters including global and regional longitudinal peak systolic strain, strain rate, and velocity were measured using off-line speckle tracking analysis. The univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were established to evaluate the independent risk factors for RV global longitudinal systolic strain (RVGLSs) and strain rate (RVGLSRs). In total, 78 fetuses with TGA [including 49 fetuses with complete transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) and 29 fetuses with Taussig-Bing anomaly (TBA)] and 49 normal fetuses were included. Compared with normal controls, global and most regional RV longitudinal systolic peak velocity, strain, and strain rate were lower in d-TGA and TBA fetuses (P < 0.05). Compared with normal controls, global and most regional RV longitudinal systolic strain was lower in d-TGA fetuses without pulmonary stenosis (PS) and ventricular septal defect (VSD), while RVGLSs and RVGLSRs were lower in TBA fetuses without PS. The VSD was an independent determinant of RVGLSRs (P = 0.024) in the d-TGA group. Additionally, PS was an independent determinant of RVGLSs and RVGLSRs (P = 0.012, P = 0.027) in the TBA group. Early impairment of RV systolic function has already occurred in TGA fetuses during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. PS, VSD, and foramen ovale (FO) were independent risk factors for decreased RV function.

Value of 3D echocardiography in the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

The 2010 Task Force Criteria (TFC) require that both right ventricular (RV) regional wall-motion abnormalities (WMA) and specific RV size cut-offs be met in order to fulfil one of the major criterion for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) diagnosis. Currently, 2D echocardiography (2DE) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) are used to determine if these criteria are met. Little is known about the diagnostic value of 3D echocardiography (3DE) in ARVC. The aim of this study was to determine whether a combination of 2DE-3DE is non-inferior to the currently used 2DE-cMRI combination in the diagnosis of patients with ARVC. Thirty-nine individuals (47±15 years) with suspected ARVC underwent evaluation of the RV with cMRI, 2DE, and 3DE. 3DE and cMRI were independently used to obtain RV volumes, ejection fraction (EF) and determine the presence of segmental RV WMA. Studies were blindly classified as meeting criteria for ARVC in accordance with the 2010 TFC. Kappa statistics were used to test the concordance between 2DE-cMRI and 2DE-3DE approaches. Using the 2DE-cMRI approach, 3/39 were not affected, 5/39 possible, 8/39 borderline, and 23/39 definite ARVC. The proposed 2DE-3DE approach yielded 5/39 not affected, 7/39 possible, 8/39 borderline, and 19/39 definite diagnoses. The two approaches were highly concordant (k = 0.71; 95% confidence interval: 0.44-0.84). Although 3DE underestimated RV volumes in comparison with cMRI, interfering, in some instances with the fulfilment of a major criterion, it was able to identify more RV WMA (28/39) than 2DE (11/39), with a detection-rate comparable to cMRI (33/39) highlighting a unique advantage. The combination of 2DE-3DE for ARVC diagnosis is comparable to the conventional 2DE-cMRI approach. 3DE should be performed in all suspected ARVC patients to aide in the detection of WMA.

Statistical shape modeling reveals the link between right ventricular shape, hemodynamic force, and myocardial function in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot.

Patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) can develop chronic pulmonary insufficiency (PI) with right ventricular (RV) dilation, progressive RV dysfunction, and decreased exercise capacity. Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) can help reduce the amount of PI and RV dilation; however, optimal timing remains controversial; a better understanding of rTOF pathophysiology is of fundamental importance to inform clinical management of patients with rTOF and optimal timing of PVR. In this study, we hypothesize a tight interplay between RV shape, intracardiac biomechanics, and ventricular function in patients with rTOF. To explore this hypothesis and derive quantitative measures, we combined statistical shape modeling with physics-based analysis of in vivo 4D flow data in 36 patients with rTOF. Our study demonstrated for the first time a correlation between regional RV shape variations, hemodynamic forces (HDF), and clinical dysfunction in patients with rTOF. The main findings of this work include 1) general increase in RV size, due to both volume overload and physiological growth, correlated with decrease in strain magnitude in the respective directions, and with increased QRS; 2) regional PI-induced remodeling accounted for ∼10% of the shape variability of the population, and was associated with increased diastolic HDF along the diaphragm-to-right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) direction, resulting in a net RV deformation along the same direction and decreased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE); and 3) three shape modes independently correlated with systolic HDF and exercise capacity. Identification of patients based on the shape variations described in this study could help identify those at risk for irreversible dysfunction and guide optimal timing of PVR.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We combine statistical shape modeling with physics-based analysis of 4D flow data to elucidate the interplay between RV shape, hemodynamic forces, and clinical dysfunction in repaired tetralogy of Fallot. We are the first to show that ventricular remodeling is related to hemodynamic force magnitude and direction, global and regional functional parameters, and exercise intolerance. Identification of patients based on the shape variations described in this study could help identify those at risk for irreversible dysfunction.

Impact of reductive tricuspid ring annuloplasty on right ventricular size, geometry and strain in an ovine model of functional tricuspid regurgitation.

OBJECTIVESReductive ring annuloplasty of the tricuspid annulus represents the contemporary surgical approach to functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR). We set out to investigate the influence of moderate reductive tricuspid ring annuloplasty on tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular (RV) size, geometry and strain in an ovine model of chronic FTR.METHODSEight healthy Dorsett male sheep (62.8 + 2kg) underwent a left thoracotomy for placement and tightening of pulmonary artery band to at least double proximal pulmonary artery blood pressure. After 8 weeks of recovery, animals underwent sternotomy, epicardial echocardiography and sonomicrometry crystal implantation. Six crystals were placed around tricuspid annulus and 13 on RV free wall epicardium along 3 parallels defining 3 wall regions (basal, mid and lower) and 1 on the RV apex. All animals underwent beating heart implantation of 26 mm MC3 annuloplasty ring during a second cardiopulmonary bypass run after baseline data acquisition. Simultaneous haemodynamic, sonomicrometry and echocardiography data were acquired at Baseline and after reductive tricuspid ring annuloplasty.RESULTSImplantation of reductive ring annuloplasty resulted in 47 ± 7% annular area reduction (996 ± 152 mm vs 516 ± 52 mm2, P = 0.0002) and significantly decreased RV end-diastolic volume (185 ± 27 vs 165 ± 30 ml, P = 0.02). Tricuspid ring annuloplasty effectively reduced FTR grade (3.75 ± 0.6 vs 0.3 ± 0.5, P = 0.00004) and had little influence on RV function, cross-sectional area, radius of curvature or free wall regional strains.CONCLUSIONSIn adult sheep with 8 weeks of pulmonary artery banding and FTR, tricuspid annulus reduction of 47% with prosthetic ring annuloplasty effectively abolished FTR while maintaining regional RV function and strain patterns.

Measuring of strain parameters reflects changes of right ventricular function before and after thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute pulmonary embolism

Strain parameters on speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) have been proposed as effective indexes for evaluating right ventricular (RV) function. This pilot study investigated the role of STE-derived strain parameters in assessing global and regional RV myocardial mechanical changes in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) before and after thrombolytic therapy. In this case–control study, a total of 73 PE patients, 34 with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and 39 without PH, who underwent thrombolytic therapy were included. Healthy volunteers were included as controls. The peak longitudinal systolic strain (PLSS) and time to PLSS (TTP) for the global and regional RV were analyzed by STE software immediately before and 14 days after thrombolytic therapy. Changes in STE-derived strain parameters and conventional ultrasound parameters were compared. PLSS and TTP decreased before treatment in PE patients compared with measurements in the control group, particularly in those with PH. Also, the strain parameters decreased more significantly for the free wall than for the septum wall (P < 0.05). Moreover, the RV diastolic diameter (RVDD) and RV/left ventricular (LV) diameter ratio increased, while RV fraction shortening (RVFS), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG), and tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion (TAPSE) decreased (P < 0.05). The global strain parameters for the RV were positively correlated with RVDD and RV/LV diameter ratio, but negatively correlated with RVFS, RVFAC, TRPG, and TAPSE (P < 0.05). After treatment, the strain parameters differed significantly between PE patients with PH and controls but did not differ between PE patients without PH and controls. STE-derived parameters are effective for detecting changes in global and regional RV function in PE patients with or without acute PH.

Regional Right Ventricular Function Assessed by Intraoperative Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Is Associated With Short-Term Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

BackgroundThe assessment of right ventricular (RV) function in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery is paramount for providing optimal perioperative care. The role of regional RV function assessment employing sophisticated state-of-the-art cardiac imaging modalities has not been investigated in this cohort. Hence, this study investigated the association of 3D echocardiography-based regional RV volumetry with short-term outcomes.Materials and MethodsIn a retrospective single-center study, patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were included if they underwent 3D transesophageal echocardiography prior to thoracotomy. A dedicated software quantified regional RV volumes of the inflow tract, apical body and RV outflow tract employing meshes derived from 3D speckle-tracking. Echocardiographic, clinical and laboratory data were entered into univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine association with the endpoint (in-hospital mortality or the need for extracorporeal circulatory support).ResultsOut of 357 included patients, 25 (7%) reached the endpoint. Inflow RV ejection fraction (RVEF, 32 ± 8% vs. 37 ± 11%, p = 0.01) and relative stroke volume (rel. SV) were significantly lower in patients who reached the endpoint (44 ± 8 vs. 48 ± 9%, p = 0.02), while the rel. SV of the apex was higher (38 ± 10% vs. 33 ± 8%, p = 0.01). Global left and right ventricular function including RVEF and left ventricular global longitudinal strain did not differ. In univariable logistic regression, tricuspid regurgitation grade ≥ 2 [odds ratio (OR) 4.24 (1.66–10.84), p < 0.01], inflow RVEF [OR 0.95 (0.92–0.99), p = 0.01], inflow rel. SV [OR 0.94 (0.90–0.99), p = 0.02], apex rel. SV [OR 1.07 (1.02–1.13), p < 0.01] and apex to inflow rel. SV ratio [OR 5.81 (1.90–17.77), p < 0.01] were significantly associated with the endpoint. In a multivariable model, only the presence of tricuspid regurgitation [OR 4.24 (1.66–10.84), p < 0.01] and apex to inflow rel. SV ratio [OR 6.55 (2.09–20.60), p < 0.001] were independently associated with the endpoint.ConclusionsRegional RV function is associated with short-term outcomes in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery and might be helpful for optimizing risk stratification.

Quantification of right ventricular electromechanical dyssynchrony by two-dimensional multi-plane echocardiography in adults with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Electromechanical dyssynchrony between right ventricular (RV) free wall and septum contraction in repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) contributes to inefficient RV mechanics and ultimately reduced systolic function (1). Whilst current assessment of RV synchronicity involves the lateral wall and septum, the use of two-dimensional multi-plane echocardiography (2D-MPE) enables additional RV walls to be evaluated, reflecting global myocardial dynamics (2). Purpose The aim of this study is to gain new insights into regional RV wall mechanics using 2D-MPE, determining the potential added value of this imaging model in the assessment of electromechanical synchronicity. Methods Twenty ToF patients and fifteen healthy controls underwent detailed RV assessment using 2D-MPE. Furthermore, all ToF patients underwent on the same day cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI). RV wall longitudinal strain (LS) and synchronicity of contraction were measured using speckle tracking in three different RV walls (lateral, anterior and inferior) and the RV septum. RV synchronicity was assessed by the time to peak (TTP) deformation delay between the basal RV wall and mid septal segment. Additionally, mechanical dispersion was calculated as the standard deviation of average TTP strain values across four (SD-4: basal-mid septal and lateral), six (SD-6: inclusive inferior wall) and eight segments (SD-8: inclusive anterior and inferior walls). Results RV wall average LS was significantly lower in ToF patients compared to the control group (-20.8 ± 4.0% vs -28.1 ± 3.6%, p = &amp;lt;0.001). In ToF patients, higher LS values were seen in the lateral (-21.5 ± 4.7%) and inferior (-20.7 ± 3.7%) walls compared to the anterior (-19.0 ± 4.5%) wall. RV wall to septum TTP delay was significantly increased for all segments in ToF patients compared to healthy controls (all p &amp;lt;0.03). In ToF patients, inferior wall-septum TTP delay was 50 [5, 89]ms whilst the lateral (65 [26, 81]ms) and anterior wall (66 [40, 98]ms) delay was longer. In healthy controls meanwhile, peak RV wall and septal deformation occurred almost simultaneously (table 1). SD-4 was significantly greater in ToF patients compared to controls (39 [23, 56]ms vs 14 [0, 21]ms, p = 0.001) however SD-6 and SD-8 were not significantly different (36 [22, 53]ms vs 22 [17, 35], p = 0.09; 31 [17, 51]ms vs 30 [20, 32]ms, p = 0.33). The association between mechanical dispersion measurements and cMRI-derived right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) strengthened with the inclusion of additional RV walls (SD-4 R² = -0.18; SD-6 R² = -0.18; SD-8 R² = -0.27). Conclusion 2D MPE provides new insights into RV regional deformation and evaluates the association between the mechanics of individual RV walls and the septum. Further research is required to expand upon this novel approach for the assessment of regional RV function. Abstract Table 1 Abstract Figure 1

Echocardiographic measures of ventricular-vascular interactions in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

ObjectiveTo evaluate the utility of echocardiographic measures of ventricular-vascular interactions in predicting death or ECMO in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). DesignIn this single center retrospective study, early (<48 hour age) Doppler ECHOs of neonates (≥34 weeks gestation) with CDH (n = 58) were reviewed. ECHO measures of the relationship of right ventricular (RV) contractility and pulmonary hypertension (PH) were selected: Ratios of 1. pulmonary artery acceleration time to pulmonary ejection time (PAAT/PET) 2. tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, a measure of regional RV function, to PAAT (TAPSE/PAAT) 3. patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) flow velocity time integral (VTI) from right to left (PDA/RLVTI) 4. PDA flow duration from right to left (PDA/RL) and 5. TAPSE to RV systolic pressure (TAPSE/RVSP). Statistical analyses included t-test and chi-square test and receiver operating characteristic curves were generated. ResultsOur cohort (n = 58) comprised 34 (59%) males and predominantly (81%) left sided CDH. Of these, 34 (58.6%) infants died or received ECMO and 24 (41.4%) survived without ECMO. RVSP and PDA/RL VTI were higher, and RV TAPSE, PAAT/PET, TAPSE/PAAT and TAPSE/RVSP ratios were all significantly lower in the death/ECMO group. PDA/RLVTI ratio had the highest area under the curve (0.76); values ≥ 0.6 had high specificity [88% (95% C.I. 62–98%)] and positive predictive value [88% (95% C.I. 65–96%)] for adverse outcomes. Conclusion(s)Novel early ECHO parameters which combine RV function and PH severity were found to be feasible and prognostic in CDH. A detailed non-invasive assessment of ventricular-vascular interactions is important for risk-stratification in this population.

Evidence of region-specific right ventricular functional adaptation in endurance-trained men in response to an acute volume infusion.

What is the central question of this study? Endurance athletes demonstrate altered regional right ventricular (RV) wall mechanics, characterized by lower basal deformation, in comparison to non-athletic control subjects at rest. We hypothesized that regional adaptations at the RV base reflect an enhanced functional reserve capacity in response to haemodynamic volume loading. What is the main finding and its importance? Free wall RV longitudinal strain is elevated in response to acute volume loading in both endurance athletes and control subjects. However, the RV basal segment longitudinal strain response to acute volume infusion is greater in endurance athletes. Our findings suggest that training-induced cardiac remodelling might involve region-specific adaptation in the RV functional response to volume manipulation. Eccentric remodelling of the right ventricle (RV) in response to increased blood volume and repetitive haemodynamic load during endurance exercise is well established. Structural remodelling is accompanied by decreased deformation at the base of the RV free wall, which might reflect an enhanced functional reserve capacity in response to haemodynamic perturbation. Therefore, in this study we examined the impact of acute blood volume expansion on RV wall mechanics in 16 young endurance-trained men (aged 24±3years) and 13 non-athletic male control subjects (aged 27±5years). Conventional echocardiographic parameters and the longitudinal strain and strain rate were quantified at the basal and apical levels of the RV free wall. Measurements were obtained at rest and after 7ml/kg i.v. Gelofusine infusion, with and without a passive leg raise. After infusion, blood volume increased by 12±4 and 14±5% in endurance-trained individuals versus control subjects, respectively (P=0.264). Both endurance-trained individuals (8±10%) and control subjects (7±9%) experienced an increase in free wall strain from baseline, which was also similar following leg raise (7±10 and 6±10%, respectively; P=0.464). However, infusion evoked a greater increase in basal longitudinal strain in endurance-trained versus control subjects (16±14 vs. 6±11%; P=0.048), which persisted after leg raise (16±18 vs. 3±11%; P=0.032). Apical longitudinal strain and RV free wall strain rates were not different between groups and remained unchanged after infusion across all segments. Endurance training results in a greater contribution of longitudinal myocardial deformation at the base of the RV in response to a haemodynamic volume challenge, which might reflect a greater region-specific functional reserve capacity.

Flow vorticity relationships with right ventricular geometry in adult tetralogy of Fallot

Abstract Background Repaired tetralogy of Fallot adults (rToF) undergo right ventricular (RV) remodeling, in part due to volume overload of residual pulmonary regurgitation volume (PRV). Time-resolved phase-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (4D Flow MRI) enables the qualitative and quantitative measurement of altered blood flow patterns, including vorticity. Cardiac atlases allow for complex three-dimensional heart shapes to be expressed as morphometric scores. Those scores show the extent of geometrical shift and can help explore uncharted relationships between vorticity and architecture. Purpose We aimed to quantify vorticity, incorporating deep learning to enhance 4D Flow data, and correlate this with global cardiac parameters and morphometric scores. Methods 12 Adult rToF patients and 10 age-matched controls underwent 4D flow MRI and cine imaging. RV interventricular vorticity was calculated for outflow and inflow tracts. EDV, ESV and SV were computed from cines which were also used to build three-dimensional shape models. The biventricular models were projected onto an atlas generated from 95 rToF patients, and twenty-one principal component analysis shape modes were correlated with cardiac metrics and vorticity to identify global shape variations. Association between biventricular shape and vorticity was further analysed using multivariate multiple regression models. Results Strong correlation was found between PRV and the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) vorticity. PRV and RVOT vorticity both correlated with the same 3 shape modes (r=−0.55, −0.50 and 0.6 (p&amp;lt;0.05) respectively for PR and r=0.63, −0.82 and 0.60 (p&amp;lt;0.05) respectively for vorticity) i.e., the RV dilates with an increase in basal bulging, apical bulging and tricuspid annulus tilting with more severe regurgitation, as well as a smaller LV, and a paradoxical movement of the septum (Figure 1). However, RV vorticity correlated with 2 modes that did not correlate with PRV, (r=−0.62, −0.69, p&amp;lt;0.05). With higher vorticity the RV was longer, increased tilting of the tricuspid annulus and an increased basal bulge around the tricuspid area. The multivariate analysis model demonstrated that higher vorticity was associated with displacement of the pulmonary valve and change in the RVOT length and direction. A septal displacement towards the left ventricle was observed and increased apical flatness of the RV (Figure 1). Qualitatively, vorticity in rToF group was more heterogeneous than controls (Figure 2). Conclusions Vorticity is a novel marker based on the influence of blood motion providing new insight into early diagnosis and prognosis of cardiac disease. This is the first study to examine the relationships between vorticity and regional RV shape changes in rToF. Mode associations with vorticity were different to associations with PRV. More longitudinal studies are required for standardization of change in vorticity with the disease process. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The New Zealand heart foundation Mode variations and morphometric modelVorticity visualization and analysis

Value of 3D right ventricular function over 2D assessment in acute pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common life-threatening disease, with mortality related to right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. To investigate the value of 3D global and regional RV strain in patients with acute PE and at 1month, as compared to a control population. We conducted a longitudinal case-control prospective study, including 24 consecutive intermediate-risk PE patients. All patients underwent 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiography within 12hours of PE diagnosis and 1 month after hospital discharge. A control group was recruited, consisting of healthy volunteers matched on age and sex with PE patients. 3D RV echocardiographic sequences were analyzed by commercial RV-specific software and output meshes were post-processed to extract regional deformation. 3D echocardiographic 1-month follow-up was available in 18 patients. During acute PE, area strain was substantially altered in the RV free wall and within the trabecular septum. PE patients initially had RV dysfunction as assessed by 2D and 3D parameters. At follow-up, 2D parameters were restored compared to the control group, contrary to 3D RV area and circumferential strains. The McConnell's sign was identified in 83% of patients and was associated with reduced apical and global RV area strain. Our 3D RV strain study demonstrates an incomplete recovery of 3D strain parameters 1month after an episode of intermediate-risk acute PE despite restored 2D parameters. Further studies are required to assess the prognostic role and implications of this residual RV strain impairment after PE.

Global and regional right ventricular mechanics in repaired tetralogy of Fallot with chronic severe pulmonary regurgitation: a three-dimensional echocardiography study

BackgroundData about the right ventricular (RV) mechanics adaptation to volume overload in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rToF) are limited. Accordingly, we sought to assess the mechanics of the functional remodeling occurring in the RV of rToF with severe pulmonary regurgitation.MethodsWe used three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTE) to obtain RV data sets from 33 rToF patients and 30 age- and sex- matched controls. A 3D mesh model of the RV was generated, and RV global and regional longitudinal (LS) and circumferential (CS) strain components, and the relative contribution of longitudinal (LEF), radial (REF) and anteroposterior (AEF) wall motion to global RV ejection fraction (RVEF) were computed using the ReVISION method.ResultsCorresponding to decreased global RVEF (45 ± 6% vs 55 ± 5%, p < 0.0001), rToF patients demonstrated lower absolute values of LEF (17 ± 4 vs 28 ± 4), REF (20 ± 5 vs 25 ± 4) and AEF (17 ± 5 vs 21 ± 4) than controls (p < 0.01). However, only the relative contribution of LEF to global RVEF (0.39 ± 0.09 vs 0.52 ± 0.05, p < 0.0001) was significantly decreased in rToF, whereas the contribution of REF (0.45 ± 0.08 vs 0.46 ± 0.04, p > 0.05) and AEF (0.38 ± 0.09 vs 0.39 ± 0.04, p > 0.05) to global RVEF was similar to controls. Accordingly, rToF patients showed lower 3D RV global LS (-16.94 ± 2.9 vs -23.22 ± 2.9, p < 0.0001) and CS (-19.79 ± 3.3 vs -22.81 ± 3.5, p < 0.01) than controls. However, looking at the regional RV deformation, the 3D CS was lower in rToF than in controls only in the basal RV free-wall segment (p < 0.01). 3D RV LS was reduced in all RV free-wall segments in rToF (p < 0.0001), but similar to controls in the septum (p > 0.05).Conclusions3DTE allows a quantitative evaluation of the mechanics of global RVEF. In rToF with chronic volume overload, the relative contribution of the longitudinal shortening to global RVEF is affected more than either the radial or the anteroposterior components.

B-PO05-118 RIGHT VENTRICULAR LONGITUDINAL STRAIN ON CMR PREDICTS VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIC AND MORTALITY IN CARDIAC SARCOIDOSIS

Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) are a leading cause of death in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) have been linked to incidence of VAs. However, detection of LGE of the RV is limited by image resolution. Global longitudinal RV strain (RVS) correlates to RV scar on electroanatomical mapping, and is a valid measure of regional RV function. We evaluated the association between RVS on CMR and incidence of VAs, cardiovascular (CV) death, and heart transplantation (HT) (combined primary end-point) in patients with CS. In this retrospective study, 71 patients with probable or definite CS were included. RVS and RV LGE on MRI were compared to variables known to predict arrhythmic and mortality outcomes in CS. Outcomes were obtained by review of electronic medical records and cardiac implantable electronic device interrogations over a median [IQR] follow-up period of 3.7[1.7, 6.3) years. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the probability of event-free survival. Harrell’s C statistic was used to compare variables in risk prediction models. 59% of patients were male, with median age [IQR] of 52.3 [42.4, 62.2] years, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 54.9%[41.4, 68.4]. During the follow-up period, 13 patients developed the primary endpoint and were more likely to have a history of Vas (HR[95% CI] 6.80[1.86,24.8],p=0.004) and higher LV LGE burden (1.07[1.01,1.12], p=0.02). In a multivariate analysis adjusted for age, race, and history of VA, decreased RVS was a significant predictor of the primary outcome (0.84[0.71, 0.98], p=0.03), whereas RV LGE, RV end-diastolic volume (EDV) and RV EF were not. Risk prediction models including RVS (Harrell’s C statistic 0.87) were superior to those including only RV LGE (0.79) or LV LGE burden (0.82). Global RVS on CMR was the best predictor of VAs or CV death in patients with CS.

Multi-plane echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular function in adults with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot

In patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), detailed assessment of right ventricular (RV) function is important for management and timing of possible pulmonary valve re-intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate RV function using two-dimensional multi-plane echocardiography (2D MPE), a novel four-wall imaging method obtained from one apical acoustic window utilising electronic plane rotation. In sixty-two ToF patients (aged - 28 [22, 39] years, 65% male), systolic function of four different RV walls (lateral, anterior, inferior and inferior coronal) were evaluated using MPE. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (RV-S′) and RV wall longitudinal strain (RV-LS) measurements were compared with those of matched healthy individuals. 2D MPE measurements were highly feasible across the four RV walls (93.5–100% for TAPSE/S′; 66.1–95.1% for RVLS) and could be performed more reliably than 3D RV ejection fraction (RVEF − 56.5%). All functional values were significantly reduced when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Higher RV-LS values were seen in the lateral (− 17.8 ± 4.5%) and inferior (− 17.8 ± 4.2%) walls compared to the anterior (− 15.9 ± 3.8%) and inferior coronal (− 15.1 ± 3.9%) walls. 3D RVEF correlated strongest with RV-LS values from the lateral (r − 0.50; p = 0.002) and anterior walls (r − 0.74; p < 0.001) and furthermore the four-wall average (r − 0.57; p = 0.001). 2D MPE evaluation of the RV is highly feasible in ToF patients. This novel method provides new insights into regional RV wall function, enabling a more comprehensive and quantitative approach to RV assessment in daily clinical practice.

Strain generation and right ventricular systolic function: The sum of all its parts.

Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) has provided a reliable means to enhance characterization and quantification of global right ventricular (RV) systolic function. The use of Automated Functional Imaging (AFI) software has been previously used to quantify RV longitudinal peak global strain (PGS) values during two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiographic examinations. However, there is a paucity of data regarding relative strain contribution of each individual regional segments when compared with global strain assessment. Consequently, our goal was to use AFI STE to examine the strain contribution of each regional segment when assessing RV function. A retrospective analysis was performed on 107 patients that met our study criteria to correlate 2D TTE measures of RV systolic function to both RV AFI STE longitudinal peak global strain (PGS) and each individual regional RV free wall (RVFw) and inter-ventricular septum (IS) strain values. We found that TTE variables of RV systolic function only correlated with PGS (RVFAC; P<.0001, TAPSE; P<.0001, and TA TDI S'; P<.0001) but none of the six individual regional AFI strain values. When PGS was not included in the multivariate analysis, only the mid RVFw and mid IS strain regions correlated with measures of RV systolic function. Regional differences do exist with regards to strain generation along the RVFw and IS. These differences could be physiologically and anatomically explained based on our current understanding of RV muscle fiber arrangement. Further research is now needed to better characterize RV function in different clinical entities.

Right Ventricular Global and Regional Remodeling in American-Style Football Athletes: A Longitudinal 3D Echocardiographic Study

Few data exist concerning the right ventricular (RV) physiological adaptation in American-style football (ASF) athletes. We aimed to analyze the RV global and regional responses among ASF-trained athletes. Fifty-nine (20 linemen and 39 non-linemen) ASF athletes were studied before and after inter-seasonal training. During this period, which lasted 7 months, all athletes were exposed to combined dynamic and static exercises. Cardiac longitudinal changes were examined using three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. A computational method based on geodesic distances was applied to volumetrically parcellate the RV into apical, outlet, and inlet regions. RV global and regional end-diastolic volumes increased significantly and similarly in linemen and non-linemen after training, with predominant changes in the apex and outlet regions. RV global and regional ejection fractions were preserved. Morphological changes were uniformly distributed among the four cardiac chambers, and it was independent of the field position. Assessment of RV end-diastolic global, inlet and apical volumes showed low intra-observer (3.3%, 4.1%, and 5.3%, respectively) and inter-observer (7%, 12.2%, and 9%, respectively) variability, whereas the outlet regional volumetric assessment was less reproducible. To conclude, ASF inter-seasonal training was associated with a proportionate biventricular enlargement, regardless of the field position. Regional RV analysis allowed us to quantify the amount of exercise-induced remodeling that was larger in the apical and outlet regions.