Regional Wall Motion Score Index Research Articles

Strain Rate Changes during Stress Echocardiography Are the Most Accurate Predictors of Significant Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Previously Treated Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a well-established non-invasive investigation for the detection of ischemic myocardial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of myocardial deformation parameters measured by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in predicting culprit coronary artery lesions in patients with prior revascularization and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We prospectively studied 33 patients with ischemic heart disease, a history of at least one episode of ACS and prior revascularization. All patients underwent a complete stress Doppler echocardiographic examination, including the myocardial deformation parameters of peak systolic strain (PSS), peak systolic strain rate (SR) and wall motion score index (WMSI). The regional PSS and SR were analyzed for different culprit lesions. The mean age of patients was 59 ± 11 years and 72.7% were males. At peak dobutamine stress, the change in regional PSS and SR in territories supplied by the LAD showed smaller increases compared to those in patients without culprit LAD lesions (p < 0.05 for all). Likewise, the regional parameters of myocardial deformation were reduced in patients with culprit LCx lesions compared to those with non-culprit LCx lesions and in patients with culprit RCA legions compared to those with non-culprit RCA lesions (p < 0.05 for all). In the multivariate analysis, the △ regional PSS (1.134 (CI = 1.059-3.315, p = 0.02)) and the △ regional SR (1.566 (CI = 1.191-9.013, p = 0.001)) for LAD territories predicted the presence of LAD lesions. Similarly, in a multivariable analysis, the △ regional PSS and the △SR predicted LCx culprit lesions and RCA culprit lesions (p < 0.05 for all). In an ROC analysis, the PSS and SR had higher accuracies compared to the regional WMSI in predicting culprit lesions. A △ regional SR of -0.24 for the LAD territories was 88% sensitive and 76% specific (AUC = 0.75; p < 0.001), a △ regional PSS of -1.20 was 78% sensitive and 71% specific (AUC = 0.76, p < 0.001) and a △ WMSI of -0.35 was 67% sensitive and 68% specific (AUC = 0.68, p = 0.02) in predicting LAD culprit lesions. Similarly, the △ SR for LCx and RCA territories had higher accuracies in predicting LCx and RCA culprit lesions. The myocardial deformation parameters, particularly the change in regional strain rate, are the most powerful predictors of culprit lesions. These findings strengthen the role of myocardial deformation in increasing the accuracy of DSE analyses in patients with prior cardiac events and revascularization.

Complementary Value of Tissue Doppler Imaging in Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: In patients with Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD), the presence of viable myocardium predicts the recovery of Left Ventricular (LV) systolic function after revascularisation. The identification of myocardial viability during dobutamine stress echocardiography is subjective and with observer bias. Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) echocardiography has opened new possibilities for non-invasive quantification of myocardial function by directly interrogating myocardial velocity with high temporal and spatial resolution. Aim: To determine the baseline regional myocardial and mitral annular Maximum Systolic Velocities (MSV) in patients with LV dysfunction and to compare the MSV values in viable and nonviable myocardium. Materials and Methods: In this prospective Cohort study, TDI of regional and annular LV myocardial velocities was performed at the baseline (at rest) in 352 patients with CAD and LV dysfunction who were referred for Dobutamine stress Echocardiography. Viability assessment by 2 Dimensional (2D) methods was done simultaneously using routine Dobutamine stress protocol. Patients were grouped in two groups based on the presence or absence of viability with 2D stress echocardiography. TDI velocities were compared in the two groups of patients with and without myocardial viability. Measurements of regional wall thickness, Ejection Fraction(EF) and Wall Motion Score Index (WMSI) were done to assess the regional and global LV function in these patients. Those patients who underwent revascularisation were subsequently assessed for functional recovery by 2D and TDI echocardiography before discharge from the hospital. Analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) version 16.0. Results: Among 352 patients studied (124 females and 228 males), mean age 58 years (range 36 to 75 years). A total of 243 patients (69%) with viable myocardium as per 2D echocardiography had higher cut-off Baseline Regional Maximum Systolic Velocity (BRMSV) &gt;0.03 m/s and baseline mitral annular systolic velocity &gt;0.06 m/s with high sensitivity and specificity compared to patients with severe contractile dysfunction and non-viable myocardium. Conclusion: Tissue doppler parameters like regional myocardial systolic and mitral annular velocities have shown significantly higher cut-off values in those patients with ischaemic and viable myocardium compared to non-viable myocardium.

Diagnostic Performance of On-Site Computed Tomography Derived Fractional Flow Reserve on Non-Culprit Coronary Lesions in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The role of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) in the assessment of non-culprit lesions (NCL) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is debated. In this prospective clinical study, a total of 68 ACS patients with 89 moderate (30-70% diameter stenosis) NCLs were enrolled to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of on-site CT-FFR compared to invasive fractional flow reserve (FFRi) and dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) as reference standards. CT-FFR and FFRi values ≤ 0.80, as well as new or worsening wall motion abnormality in ≥2 contiguous segments on the supplying area of an NCL on DSE, were considered positive for ischemia. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value of CT-FFR relative to FFRi and DSE were 51%, 89%, 75%, and 74% and 37%, 77%, 42%, and 74%, respectively. CT-FFR value (β = 0.334, p &lt; 0.001) and CT-FFR drop from proximal to distal measuring point [(CT-FFR drop), β = -0.289, p = 0.002)] were independent predictors of FFRi value in multivariate linear regression analysis. Based on comparing their receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (AUC) values, CT-FFR value and CT-FFR drop provided better discriminatory power than CCTA-based minimal lumen diameter stenosis to distinguish between an NCL with positive and negative FFRi [0.77 (95% Confidence Intervals, CI: 0.67-0.86) and 0.77 (CI: 0.67-0.86) vs. 0.63 (CI: 0.52-0.73), p = 0.029 and p = 0.043, respectively]. Neither CT-FFR value nor CT-FFR drop was predictive of regional wall motion score index at peak stress (β = -0.440, p = 0.441 and β = 0.403, p = 0.494) or was able to confirm ischemia on the territory of an NCL revealed by DSE (AUC = 0.54, CI: 0.43-0.64 and AUC = 0.55, CI: 0.44-0.65, respectively). In conclusion, on-site CT-FFR is superior to conventional CCTA-based anatomical analysis in the assessment of moderate NCLs; however, its diagnostic capacity is not sufficient to make it a gatekeeper to invasive functional evaluation. Moreover, based on its comparison with DSE, CT-FFR might not yield any information on the microvascular dysfunction in the territory of an NCL.

Patients with Moderate Non-Culprit Coronary Lesions of Recent Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement was compared to dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) instable angina (SA) with stable coronary lesion (s) (SCL (s) ) in a few trials; however, similar comparisons in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with non-culprit lesion (s) (NCL (s) ) are lacking. Our objectives were to prospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of FFR with two different cutoff values (< 0.80 and < 0.75) relative to DSE in moderate (30%-70% diameter stenosis) NCLs (ACS group) and to compare these observations with those measured in SCLs (SA group). One hundred seventy-five consecutive patients with SA (n = 86) and ACS (n = 89) with 225 coronary lesions (109 SCLs and 116 NCLs) were enrolled. In contrast to the ACS cohort in SA patients, normal DSE was associated with higher FFR values compared to those with abnormal DSE (P = 0.051 versus P = 0.006). In addition, in the SA group, a significant correlation was observed between DSE (regional wall motion score index at peak stress) and FFR (r = -0.290; P = 0.002), whereas a similar association was absent (r = -0.029; P = 0.760) among ACS patients. In the SA group, decreasing the FFR cutoff value (< 0.80 versus < 0.75) improved the concordance of FFR with DSE (70.6% versus 81.7%) without altering its discriminatory power (area under the curve; 0.68 versus 0.63; P = 0.369), whereas in the ACS group, concordance remained similar (69.0% versus 71.6%) and discriminatory power decreased (0.62 versus 0.51; P = 0.049), respectively. In conclusion, lesion-specific FFR assessment may have different relevance in patients with moderate NCLs than in patients with SCLs.

Accuracy of global and regional longitudinal strain at peak of dobutamine stress echocardiography to detect significant coronary artery disease

Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is sensitive but subjective diagnostic tool to detect inducible ischemia. Nowadays, speckle tracking allows an objective quantification of regional wall function. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of global (GLS) and regional longitudinal strain (RLS) during DSE to detect significant coronary stenosis (SCS). We conducted a prospective observational multicenter study including patients undergoing DSE for suspected SCS. 50 patients with positive DSE underwent coronary angiography. Besides visual regional wall motion score index (WMSI), GLS and RLS were determined at rest and at peak stress by Automated Function Imaging. DSE GLS feasibility was 96%. Among 35 patients with SCS, 12 patients were affected by multivessel disease, 18 had stenosis of left anterior descending artery (LAD), 18 of left circumflex (LCX) and 15 of right coronary artery (RCA). At peak stress, both GLS reduction (p = 0.037) and WMSI worsening (p = 0.04) showed significant agreement with coronary angiography for detecting SCS. When single lesion was considered, peak stress GLS and LAD RLS were lower in the obstructed LAD regions than in normo-perfused territories (17.4 ± 5.5 vs. 20.5 ± 4.4%, p = 0.03; 17.1 ± 7.6 vs. 21.6 ± 5.5%, p < 0.02, respectively). Furthermore, the addition of RLS to regional WMSI was able to improve accuracy in LAD SCS prediction (AUC 0.68, p = 0.037). Conversely, in presence of LCX or RCA SCS, LS was less accurate than WMSI at peak stress. In conclusion, DSE strain analysis is feasible and may improve prediction of LAD SCS, whereas regional WMSI assessment performs better in presence of SCS of LCX and RCA.

P1404 Additional power of automated longitudinal strain during dobutamine stress echo for detecting inducible ischemia in left anterior descending artery stenosis

Abstract Background Dobutamine stress echo (DSE) is a sensitive but subjective test of inducible ischemia. Speckle tracking allows now a quantitative assessment of regional wall motion, even during DSE. Purpose To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of global and regional longitudinal strain during DSE to detect significant CAD. Methods This is a prospective, observational study, including 88 patients undergoing DSE for suspected CAD. Thirthy-three patients with negative DSE were excluded from analysis. The remaining 50 patients (82% males, mean age 66.3 ± 8.2 years) with positive DSE underwent subsequent invasive coronary angiography (CA). Besides visual regional wall motion score index (WMSI), global longitudinal strain (GLS) and regional longitudinal strain (RLS) were determined at rest, at peak stress and at early recovery by a dedicated software (Automated Function Imaging) incorporated in a quoad-screen of the echo machine and activated by automatic quantification. Obstructive CAD was defined as &amp;gt;70% stenosis or intermediate stenosis combined with fractional flow reserve &amp;lt;0.80. Results The feasibility of DES regional longitudinal strain was 100% (n = 50/50) in the pooled population. Fifteen patients did not show coronary stenosis whereas obstructive CAD was detected in 35 patients (12 with multi-vessel disease). Among these patients, 18 patients had left anterior descending artery (LAD) stenosis, 18 left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) stenosis and 15 right coronary artery (RCA) stenosis. GLS reduction at peak stress (k = 0.253, p = 0.037) and WMSI increase at peak stress (k = 0.217, p = 0.04) showed mild but significant agreement with CA for detecting significant coronary stenosis, whereas the agreement of GLS at recovery (k=-0.087, p = 0.518) was poor. When single lesion territory was considered, GLS at peak stress (17.4 ± 5.5 vs 20.5 ± 4.4%, p = 0.034) and LAD longitudinal strain (= average of 8 myocardial segments: middle and apical posterior septum, basal, middle and apical anterior septum, basal, middle and apical anterior wall) at peak stress showed significantly lower values in the obstructed LAD regions than the territories perfused by non-obstructed coronary arteries (17.1 ± 7.6 vs 21.6 ± 5.5% p = 0.021). Conversely, in presence of significant LCX or RCA stenosis, visual regional wall motion of LCX and RCA territories were higher at peak stress (WMSI LCX = 1.80 ± 0.65 in presence of LCX stenosis vs. 1.38 ± 0.44 in absence of stenosis, p &amp;lt; 0.01; WMSI RCA = 1.89 ± 0.52 in presence of RCA stenosis vs. 1.42 ± 0.42 in absence of stenosis, p = 0.002), but RLS at peak stress showed a trend to increase, without achieving the statistical significance (RLS RCA: p = 0.128, RLS LCX: p = 0.103). Conclusion AFI-based strain quantitative analysis appears to be highly feasible during DSE. It appears also to be more accurate than the visual wall motion for the detection of myocardial ischemia in presence of LAD while the accuracy is suboptimal in patients with LCX and RCA stenosis.

P4383Machine learning approach for prdiction of postinfarction myocardial recovery using echocardiographic myocardial texture

Abstract Background Recovery of left ventricular (LV) function has significant prognostic significance after myocardial infarction (MI) but is challenging to predict. We applied machine learning algorithms (ML) to analyze echocardiographic myocardial texture for predicting long-term recovery of left ventricular myocardium Methods We used native and contrast-enhanced (Sonovue imaged with Contrast Perfusion Sequence, CPS) myocardial images acquired 7 days after reperfused ST-elevation MI from apical window recorded in 61 pts (19 females, age 59.7±11.9) with first ST-elevation MI treated with successful PCI. A custom software (MaZDa 4.6) was used for texture analysis. 299 image features were calculated for defined regions of interest in each image (9 features from histogram, 6 from gradient matrix, 20 from run length matrix, 220 from co-occurrence matrix, and 44 from wavelet transform). Up to 10 most reproducible parameters were selected based on low variation and, later, Fisher criterion with minimization of classification error along with average correlation coefficient. ML methods used to analyze textures included Multilayer perceptron neural network -MLP, support vector machines -SVM, Adaptive Boosting algorithm AdaBoost and library support vector machine. We defined recovery as: improvement of LV wall motion score index (WMSI), absence of remodeling defined as &gt;8% increase in LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and improvement &gt;5% of LV ejection fraction % after 1 year. Results Effectiveness of tested methods was similar for predicting regional and local LV function evolution after one year. Results for native grayscale and red component of CPS myocardial perfusion images were comparable. Percent accuracy of prediction is shown in the table, with best result for WMSI. Accuracy of 1-yr predictions of LV function change ΔWMSI ΔEF ΔLVEDV native grey contrast red contrast grey native grey contrast red contrast grey native grey contrast red contrast grey Adaptive Boosting 78% 79% 78% 64% 64% 59% 61% 60% 60% Neural network 77% 79% 78% 63% 63% 58% 62% 59% 60% Library support vector machine 77% 79% 78% 63% 65% 64% 61% 60% 58% Support vectro machine 77% 79% 78% 64% 65% 59% 61% 60% 58% Conclusions Echocardiographic myocardial texture can be analyzed using machine learning approaches to predict global or regional recovery of myocardial function. Accuracy for predicting regional WMSI improvement was superior to prognosing LVEDV or EF change. Performance of different tools did not differ between native and contrast enhanced images.

Left Ventricular Filling Pressure as a Useful Marker of Myocardial Injury Following Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

AbstractBackground: Advances in Percutaneous Coronary Inter-vention (PCI) techniques have improved patient outcome. However, occurrence of myonecrosis after elective PCI has been extensively debated.Aim of Study: We investigated the value of the ratio of early transmittal velocity to tissue Doppler mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/E') in detecting the occurrence of peri-procedural myocardial injury in patients undergoing elective PCI.Patients and Methods: Sixty two patients undergoing elective PCI were recruited prospectively. All participants had EF% >50% and sinus rhythm. E/E' ratio was measured immediately before, and within 24 hours after PCI. CK-MB and cardiac troponin (cTn) were measured in the same day after successful PCI to diagnose myocardial injury.Results: The cohort age was 56.7±9.7 year, and consisted of forty four (71%) males, 49 (27.4%) had ³ two risk factors for CAD, 60% were symptomatic before PCI. Thirty (48.4%) patients had regional wall motion abnormalities (regional Wall Motion Score Index (WMSI): 0.74±0.29). Myocardial injury was diagnosed by elevated cTn in 39 (62.9%) patients. Patients with predilation showed reduction of LVEDP as estimated by D E/E' (8.9±2.9 Vs. 7.9±3.2, p<0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the E/E' correlated negatively with LV EF% (r=–26, p<0.03), positively with CK-MB and cTn level after PCI (r=.51, p<0.0001), NYHA functional class (r=.72, p<0.001), the number of risk factors, and number of vessel diseased and the number of vessel treated with PCI (r=36, pConclusion: These data suggest that the tissue Doppler derived-index of LV filling pressure (E/E') may be a useful indicator for predicting early myocardial injury after successful PCI. Patients with an elevated E/E' after PCI may need more careful and closer follow-up.

Clinical characteristics of occluded culprit arteries and collaterals in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and impact on clinical outcomes.

The presence of an occluded culprit artery or collaterals in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is relatively common; however, limited data are available regarding their clinical significance. The aim of the current study was to determine the clinical characteristics of occluded culprit arteries and coronary collaterals in patients with NSTEMI and their impact on patient outcomes. A total of 345 patients diagnosed with NSTEMI via coronary angiography between February 2006 and May 2013 were evaluated in the present study. Patient demographics, procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients were analyzed according to the presence of an occluded culprit artery and coronary collaterals. A total of 78 (22.6%) and 166 patients (48.1%) exhibited an occluded artery and coronary collaterals, respectively. The left anterior descending artery is a more common location of culprit arteries in patients with NSTEMI with patent artery (NSTEMIPA) and distal parts of the artery are more common location of culprit arteries in patients with NSTEMI with occluded arteries (NSTEMIOA). Patients with NSTEMIOA exhibited higher peak creatine kinase-MB (CKMB) and troponin-I levels compared with patients that had NSTEMIPA. The presence of coronary collaterals is associated with a lower mean left ventricular ejection fraction, higher regional wall motion score index and extensive coronary artery disease. However, the clinical outcomes of patients with collaterals did not differ, irrespective of the presence of an occluded culprit artery or coronary collaterals. In the current study, ~25% of patients with NSTEMI had an occluded culprit coronary artery whereas 50% of patients with NSTEMI had coronary collaterals. The presence of an occluded artery and/or coronary collaterals did not affect clinical outcomes. Further studies are required to evaluate the long-term prognostic impact of an occluded artery and collaterals.

Global longitudinal strain from resting echocardiogram is associated with long-term adverse cardiac outcomes in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

Measuring myocardial strain using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography has emerged as a new tool to identify subclinical ventricular dysfunction. Abnormal strain has been shown to have superior sensitivity compared with dobutamine stress echocardiography for viability assessment; however, there is a paucity of data regarding the prediction of long-term major adverse cardiac events. We compared the prognostic ability of both global longitudinal strain (GLS) from resting echocardiograms to regional wall motion score index (WMSI) from stress echocardiograms in their ability to predict long-term major adverse cardiac events. Patients referred for stress echocardiography, who also underwent coronary angiography within 3 months of stress echo (n=122), were enrolled. Patients with reduced ejection fractions (<40%) were excluded. Patients were followed for a median of 3.4 years for major adverse cardiac events, readmissions and repeat cardiac testing. Patients with abnormal GLS (GLS <16.8%) from the resting echocardiogram obtained as part of the exercise echocardiogram experienced a significantly shorter time to major adverse cardiac events (p=0.026), first cardiovascular hospitalization and repeat cardiac testing (p=0.0011) compared to those with normal GLS. Abnormal GLS appears to be a better predictor than abnormal WMSI in predicting major adverse cardiac events (p=0.174) and time to first cardiovascular hospitalization or repeat cardiac testing (p=0.0093). GLS may be a better predictor of long-term major adverse cardiac events, readmissions and repeat cardiac testing than WMSI in patients undergoing stress echocardiography.

Extracorporeal Cardiac Shock Wave Therapy(CSWT) in Patients with Severe Coronary Artery Disease(CAD) Unsuitable for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) Guided by Echocardiography

To test the effectiveness and feasibility of extracorporeal CSWT in patients (pts) with severe CAD unsuitable for PCI and CABG. 51 pts were enrolled. They were 35 men and 16 women aged from 41 to 89 years old (67.5 +10.9). Extracorporeal CSWT was performed with the application of 100 shocks/spot at 0.09 millijoules/mm2 (mJ/mm2) energy flux density for 3-9 spots each time with three times per week at each series for three series at 1, 5, 9 weeks. The location and depth of CSWT application were based on thallium 201 myocardial perfusion scan findings guided by echocardiography. The exercise tolerance, thallium 201 myocardial perfusion scan and echocardiography were followed up 6 months later. These 51 patients received 1500 to 7500 low intensity shock waves during entire treatment course with an average of 4682 + 1293 shock waves. Exercise duration with Bruce protocol increased from 304 + 148 seconds before CSWT to 350 + 115 seconds after 6 months (p< 0.0174). The CCS angina score was decreased from 2.9 before CSWT to 2.0 after 6 months (P< 0.001). 39(76%) pts had perfusion improvement by thallium 201 myocardial perfusion scan. Echocardiographic study showed left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimension and volume were decreased significantly from 55.0 + 8.5 mm and 152.2 + 57.2 mm3 to 53.1 + 8.1 mm and 140.5 +52.8 mm3 after 6 months (P=0.0185, P= 0.0232). LV systolic dimension decreased from 36.8 + 8.8 mm before CSWT to 34.6 + 9.2 mm after 6 months (P =0.006). LV systolic volume changed from 62.5 + 37.8 mm3 to 55.0 + 38.5 mm3 (P= 0.0282). LV ejection fraction increased from 60.0 + 12.6% before CSWT to 63.5 + 12.7% after 6 months. (P =0.032). Regional wall motion score index was decreased from 1.30 + 0.36 before CSWT to 1.21 + 0.30 after 6 months (P= 0.0024). No side effects related to CSWT were found. Our study demonstrated that echocardiography can be used as a guide for performing extracorporeal CSW. And CSWT can improve angina symptoms, increase exercise duration and improve myocardial perfusion, left ventricular remodeling, myocardial wall motion and finally improve left ventricular ejection fraction. Our study also demonstrated that CWST is safe and effective. This kind of therapy can be applied to the pts of severe CAD with refractory angina unsuitable for PCI or CABG.

Comparative clinical implications of admission electrocardiographic findings for patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Early risk stratification is crucial for appropriate management using invasive strategies in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and electrocardiography (ECG) has been widely used for risk stratification. However, ECG findings in NSTEMI vary, and there is a need to define the clinical characteristics and outcomes according to ECG.We analyzed the admission ECGs of 345 NSTEMI patients who underwent coronary angiography from 2006 to 2013. Demographics, procedural characteristics, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.The ST-segment depression, T-wave inversion, and no ECG change groups included 114, 90, and 141 patients, respectively. The ST-segment depression group trended toward older, nonsmoking, and female, with a lower body mass index (BMI) and a higher incidence of comorbidities, than the no ECG change group. The ST-segment depression group also had a higher Killip class, a lower left ventricular ejection fraction, a higher regional wall motion score index (RWMSI), and 3-vessel coronary artery disease angiographically, than the no ECG change group. Patients with T-wave inversion trended toward older, female, lower BMI, less smoking, lower creatine kinase MB, and more left anterior descending (LAD) artery involvement, than the no ECG change group. In clinical outcomes, the ST-segment depression group had a higher mortality rate at 30 days and 12 months after the index procedure than the no ECG change group, whereas the T-wave inversion group showed similar clinical outcomes.Patients with ST-segment depression have a greater burden of comorbidities with risk factors and worse clinical outcomes, whereas patients with T-wave inversion have an intermediate number of risk factors but similar outcomes, compared with the no ECG change group. Further study is necessary to evaluate the prognostic impact of the baseline ECG on admission.

Impact of glycemic status on left ventricular systolic function in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) commonly coexist; increasing morbidity and mortality among patients. The aim of this study is to detect the correlation between the glycemic status of patients presenting by acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and left ventricular global and regional systolic function. Method: The study included 510 patients presenting by ACS and referred for coronary angiography. In addition to routine laboratory tests, Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) level, as a marker of chronic glycemic status, was measured. Every patient was subjected to transthoracic echocardiographic study with accurate evaluation of left ventricular systolic function by both m-mode and biplane Simpson's method, in addition to calculation of regional wall motion score index (RWMSI). The whole study population was divided into two groups; diabetic and non-diabetic based on cutoff point of HbA1C value 6.5%. The non-diabetic group was subdivided into two groups; high risk and low risk based on cutoff point of HbA1C value 5.7% Results: Sixty four percent of the studied population had DM. The mean HbA1C level was 7.6 ± 2.2%. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 54 ± 11 and mean RWMSI was 1.3 ± 0.3. There was significant negative correlation between the HbA1C level and the LVEF (r = -0.101, p < 0.022). There was significant positive correlation between HbA1C level and RWMSI (r = 0.109, p < 0.014). The non-diabetic high risk group had lower LVEF and higher RWMSI than the low risk group (p < 0.041 and p < 0.002 respectively). Conclusion: Chronic hyperglycemia in patients with uncontrolled DM may be a risk factor for developing LVSD in patients presenting by ACS. Glycated hemoglobin level may predict LVSD in patients with ACS. Non-diabetic patients who are at higher risk of developing DM have higher incidence of LVSD.

Different contribution of extent of myocardial injury to left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in early reperfused acute myocardial infarction

BackgroundWe sought to investigate the influence of the extent of myocardial injury on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function in patients after reperfused acute myocardial infarction (AMI).MethodsThirty-eight reperfused AMI patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging after percutaneous coronary revascularization. The extent of myocardial edema and scarring were assessed by T2 weighted imaging and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging, respectively. Within a day of CMR, echocardiography was done. Using 2D speckle tracking analysis, LV longitudinal, circumferential strain, and twist were measured.ResultsExtent of LGE were significantly correlated with LV systolic functional indices such as ejection fraction (r = -0.57, p < 0.001), regional wall motion score index (r = 0.52, p = 0.001), and global longitudinal strain (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). The diastolic functional indices significantly correlated with age (r = -0.64, p < 0.001), LV twist (r = -0.39, p = 0.02), average non-infarcted myocardial circumferential strain (r = -0.52, p = 0.001), and LV end-diastolic wall stress index (r = -0.47, p = 0.003 with e’) but not or weakly with extent of LGE. In multivariate analysis, age and non-infarcted myocardial circumferential strain independently correlated with diastolic functional indices rather than extent of injury.ConclusionsIn patients with timely reperfused AMI, not only extent of myocardial injury but also age and non-infarcted myocardial function were more significantly related to LV chamber diastolic function.

Head-to-Head Comparison of Peak Upright Bicycle and Post-Treadmill Echocardiography in Detecting Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized, Single-Blind Crossover Study

Post-treadmill digital echocardiography (post-TME) is the most widely used form of exercise echocardiography, but ischemia can rapidly resolve in the postexercise period; peak upright bicycle digital echocardiography (UBE) has the advantage of providing images at peak exercise that reflect normal physiology. However, the comparative accuracy of the two methods in detecting ischemia in the same patients is unknown. To compare the relative diagnostic value of peak UBE and post-TME in detecting coronary artery disease, both tests were performed in 86 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography. Eighty-six patients referred for evaluation of coronary disease underwent peak UBE (starting at 25W, with 25-W increments every 3 min) and post-TME (Bruce protocol) in a random sequence. Digitized images of peak UBE and post-TME were interpreted in a random and blinded fashion. More transient wall motion abnormalities were detected with peak UBE than post-TME (55 vs 42, P<.001), and such exercise-induced wall motion abnormalities were more extensive (5.5 ± 3.0 vs 3.4 ± 2.1 dyskinetic segments, P < .001) and more severe (regional wall motion score index, 2.7 ± 0.5 vs 2.5 ± 0.5; P= .003). By angiography, 59 patients had coronary artery disease (a coronary stenosis of ≥50% diameter narrowing); the sensitivity of peak UBE for detecting coronary artery disease was greater than that of post-TME in the population as a whole (88% vs 66%, P < .01) and in the single-vessel subgroup (72% vs 44%, P < .05), with no worsening in specificity (89% vs 89%, P= NS). Peak UBE is more capable of detecting ischemia than post-TME, and this is achieved with no worsening of specificity. Thus, peak UBE should be preferred in patients able to perform bicycle exercise.

Frequency of Myocardial Infarction and Its Relationship to Angiographic Collateral Flow in Territories Supplied by Chronically Occluded Coronary Arteries

Despite complete interruption of antegrade coronary artery flow in the setting of a chronic total occlusion (CTO), clinical recognition of myocardial infarction is often challenging. Using cardiac MRI, we investigated the frequency and extent of myocardial infarction in patients with CTO, and assessed their relationship with regional systolic function and the extent of angiographic collateral flow. We included 170 consecutive patients (median age, 62 years) with angiographically documented CTO. Regional late gadolinium enhancement and wall motion score index were assessed by cardiac MRI with the use of a 17-segment model. Angiographic collateral flow was assessed by the collateral connection grade and the Rentrop score. Evidence of previous myocardial infarction was found in 25% of patients by ECG Q waves, in 69% by regional wall motion abnormality, and in 86% of patients by late gadolinium enhancement. Increased angiographic collateral flow was associated with a lower frequency of Q waves on ECG, and a lower regional wall motion score index, late gadolinium enhancement volume (%), and degree of late gadolinium enhancement transmurality (all P<0.001), as well. The frequency of myocardial infarction in territories subtended by CTO is significantly higher than previously recognized. The degree of myocardial injury downstream epicardial CTO is inversely correlated with the degree of angiographic collaterals.

Impact of cardiac rehabilitation exercise program on left ventricular diastolic function in coronary artery disease: a pilot study

Diastolic dysfunction is common in coronary artery disease (CAD). Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves survival and quality of life but its effect on diastolic function is unclear. We sought to determine the impact of CR on diastolic function. We conducted a prospective study of CAD patients referred for 3-month outpatient CR, with pre-CR and post-CR echocardiograms. Twenty-five outpatients (age [mean ± SD], 66 ± 11 ! years; 7 [28 %] women; 22 [88 %] with recent acute coronary syndrome) were recruited upon beginning CR; one patient lacking follow-up was excluded from analysis. Before CR, patients' mean ejection fraction was 61 ± 7 %; regional wall motion score index was 1.18 ± 0.28; and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction existed in 21 (88 %). Of the 24 (96 %) patients with post-CR follow-up, 12 (50 %) had improved diastolic function, 2 of the 24 (8 %) had normal diastolic function throughout, nine (38 %) remained at the same grade, and one (4 %) had worsened diastolic function. The E/e' ratio improved significantly after CR (11.9 ± 4.5 vs. 10.7 ± 4.5; P = .048). Fourteen patients with normal or improved diastolic function had a greater decrease in left atrial volume index (-4.2 ± 6.3 vs. 1.6 ± 6.3 mL/m(2); P = .04) and a greater increase in peak untwisting rate (20 ± 36 vs. -42 ± 45 °/s; P = .003) than did patients with no diastolic improvement. Three-month, exercise-based CR was associated with improved left ventricular diastolic function in half of our patients. Further large studies are needed to clarify the effect of CR on diastolic dysfunction in patients with CAD.

Coincidence of Apical Ballooning Syndrome (Tako-Tsubo/Stress Cardiomyopathy) and Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: Potential Common Substrate and Pathophysiology?

BackgroundApical ballooning syndrome (ABS) and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) are recently described, seemingly unrelated, reversible conditions. The precise pathophysiology of these syndromes remains unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of a unique series of patients with both ABS and PRES. Methods and ResultsIn a retrospective study of 224 consecutive patients diagnosed with ABS between 2002 and 2010, 6 (2.7%) were also diagnosed with PRES. All were female with a mean age of 63.7 ± 12.5 years. All patients had preceding medical comorbidities and physical stress triggers that precipitated ABS and PRES. Mean peak troponin T levels and left ventricular ejection fraction at presentation were 0.47 ± 0.48 mg/dL and 31.5 ± 8.2%, respectively. Characteristic left ventricular wall motion abnormalities (regional wall motion score index 2.22 ± 0.37) were noted in all patients, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was significant for vasogenic edema, predominantly in the posterior circulation. All patients recovered left ventricular (ejection fraction at follow-up 60.2 ± 6.0%) and neurologic function with supportive management. Two patients had recurrence of ABS and 1 of PRES during follow-up. ConclusionsABS and PRES can occur simultaneously during an acute illness. Patients with ABS who develop neurologic dysfunction should be evaluated for PRES and vice versa. Because transient sympathetic overactivity and microvascular dysfunction have been observed in both reversible syndromes, we speculate that they may represent the shared pathophysiologic mechanism.

A Study of the 16-Segment Regional Wall Motion Scoring Index and Biplane Simpson's Rule for the Calculation of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction: A Comparison with Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Accurate calculation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is important for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic reasons. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the reference standard for LVEF calculation, followed by real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE). Limited availability of CMR and RT3DE leaves Simpson's rule as the two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) standard by which LVEF is calculated. We investigated the accuracy of the 16-Segment Regional Wall Motion Score Index (RWMSI) as an alternative method for calculating LVEF by 2DE and compared this to Simpson's rule and CMR. The 2D echocardiograms of 110 patients were studied (LVEF range: 7-74%); 57 of these underwent CMR. A RWMS was applied, based on the consensus opinion of two experienced cardiologists, to each of 16 American Heart Association myocardial segments (RWMSI: hyperkinesis = 3; normal regional contraction = 2; mild hypokinesis = 1.25; severe hypokinesis = 0.75; akinesis = 0; dyskinesis =-1). LVEF was calculated by: LVEF(%) =Σ(16segRWMS)/16×30. LVEF was calculated by Simpson's rule and CMR using standard methods. Results were correlated against CMR. Intertechnique agreement was examined. A P value of<0.05 was considered significant. RWMSI-LVEF correlated strongly with Biplane Simpson's rule (P< 0.001, r = 0.915). RWMSI-LVEF had a strong correlation to CMR (P < 0.001, r = 0.916); Simpson's rule-LVEF had a moderate correlation to CMR (P< 0.001, r = 0.647). In patients with LV dysfunction (EF < 55%), on linear regression analysis, RWMSI-LVEF had a better correlation with CMR than Simpson's rule. Further more Simpson's rule overestimated LVEF compared to CMR (mean difference: -6.12 ± 16.44, P = 0.002) whereas RWMSI did not (mean difference: 2.58 ± 14.80, P = NS). RWMSI-LVEF correlates strongly with CMR with good intertechnique agreement. In centers where CMR and RT3DE are not readily available, the use by experienced individuals, of the RWMSI for calculating LVEF may be a more simple, accurate, and reliable alternative to Simpson's rule.

Regional wall motion abnormality in apical ballooning syndrome (Takotsubo/stress cardiomyopathy): importance of biplane left ventriculography for differentiating from spontaneously aborted anterior myocardial infarction

Understanding the precise distribution of the regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA) in apical ballooning syndrome (ABS) is important because the cardiomyopathy can mimic an acute anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of the study was to quantify the severity and distribution of RWMA in ABS, compare it to anterior STEMI, and correlate with clinical features. RWMA (normal=1, hypokinetic=2, akinetic=3) was quantified from the biplane left ventriculogram using a nine-segment model in 95 ABS and 17 anterior STEMI patients at the time of their presentation. Regional wall motion score index (RWMSI) was higher in ABS [2.1 (1.9, 2.1)] compared to anterior STEMI [2.0 (1.8, 2.0)], P=0.024]. The region that most clearly differentiated ABS from anterior STEMI was the posterolateral segment (sensitivity 81% and specificity 100%) which was hypocontractile in 81% of ABS, but none of the STEMI patients (P<0.001). RWMSI in ABS had a modest positive correlation with the troponin T levels (r=0.23, P=0.029). Patients with ABS with ST-segment elevation had the highest RWMSI [2.1(2.0, 2.2)], while those with non specific changes had the lowest [1.9 (1.8, 2.1)] (P=0.007). In conclusion, patients with ABS have greater and more diffuse RWMA compared to anterior STEMI. The presence of systolic dysfunction in the posterolateral segment in the left anterior oblique projection of the left ventriculogram most accurately distinguishes ABS from an anterior STEMI highlighting the utility of biplane angiography for this purpose. The severity of RWMA correlates with the extent of troponin release and ECG abnormality.