Right Ventricular Longitudinal Strain Research Articles

Association of serum uric acid with right cardiac chamber remodeling assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking in patients with connective tissue disease.

Right cardiac chamber remodeling is widespread in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD). Serum uric acid (SUA) is considered a potential independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and elevated SUA levels are often observed in patients with CTD. The correlation between SUA levels and right cardiac chamber remodeling remains unclear. This study investigated the association of SUA with right cardiac chamber remodeling as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking (CMR-FT) in CTD patients. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 104 CTD patients and 52 age- and sex-matched controls were consecutively recruited. All individuals underwent CMR imaging, and their SUA levels were recorded. The patients were divided into three subgroups based on the tertiles of SUA level in the present study. CMR-FT was used to evaluate the right atrial (RA) longitudinal strain and strain rate parameters as well as right ventricular (RV) global systolic peak strain and strain rate in longitudinal and circumferential directions for each subject. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to explore the association of SUA with RV and RA strain parameters. Compared with the controls, the CTD patients showed significantly higher SUA levels but a lower RV global circumferential strain (GCS) and RA phasic strain parameters (all p < 0.05), except the RA booster strain rate. RV GCS remained impaired even in CTD patients with preserved RV ejection fraction. Among subgroups, the patients in the third tertile had significantly impaired RV longitudinal strain (GLS), RV GCS, and RA reservoir and conduit strain compared with those in the first tertile (all p < 0.05). The SUA levels were negatively correlated with RV GLS and RV GCS as well as with RA reservoir and conduit strain and strain rates (the absolute values of β were 0.250 to 0.293, all P < 0.05). In the multivariable linear regression analysis, the SUA level was still an independent determinant of RA conduit strain (β = -0.212, P = 0.035) and RV GCS (β = 0.207, P = 0.019). SUA may be a potential risk factor of right cardiac chamber remodeling and is independently associated with impaired RA conduit strain and RV GCS in CTD patients.

Optimal combination of right ventricular functional parameters using echocardiography in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Novel echocardiographic parameters of right ventricular (RV) function, including speckle-tracking-derived, three-dimensional, and RV-pulmonary artery coupling parameters, have emerged for the evaluation of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The relative role of these parameters in the risk stratification of PAH patients is unclear. We compared the performance of multiple RV parameters and sought to establish an optimal model for identifying the risk profile of patients with PAH. Comprehensive risk assessments were performed for 70 patients with PAH. The risk profile of every patient was determined based on the guideline recommendations. Conventional parameters, including fractional area change (FAC) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), novel speckle-tracking-derived RV longitudinal strain (RVLS), and three-dimensional RV ejection fraction (3D-RVEF), were used to evaluate RV function. Pressure-strain loops were measured for the assessment of RV myocardial work, including RV global wasted work (RVGWW). RV-pulmonary artery coupling was assessed by indexing RV parameters to the estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). The median age was 34 (30-43) years, and 62 (88.6%) patients were female. Forty-five patients were classified into the low-risk group, while 25 patients were classified into the intermediate-high-risk group. Most RV parameters could be used to determine the risk profile and exhibited significantly improved diagnostic performance after indexing to PASP (including FAC/PASP, TAPSE/PASP, and 3D-RVEF/PASP). RVLS/PASP showed the best performance, with an area under the curve of 0.895. In multivariate analysis (Model 1), only RVGWW (>90.5mmHg%), RVLS (>-16.7%), and TAPSE (<17.5mm) remained significant (all P<0.05). Model 1 outperformed every single RV parameter, with a significantly larger area under the curve (all P<0.05). With PASP indexing in Model 2, RVLS/PASP>-0.275 [odds ratio (OR) 20.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.62-92.11, P<0.001] and RVGWW>90.5mmHg% (OR 6.17, 95% CI 1.37-27.76, P=0.018) independently identified a higher risk profile. The addition of RVGWW to two models determined incremental value in identification (continuous net reclassification improvement 1.058, 95% CI 0.639-1.477, P<0.001). The combination models for RV function outperformed any single parameter in identifying the risk profile of patients with PAH. Comprehensive assessment of RV-pulmonary artery coupling using multiparametric methods is clinically meaningful in patients with PAH.

Using Speckle Tracking Analysis, Does Age Affect RV Longitudinal Strain?

Introduction: The right ventricle (RV) is increasingly crucial in clinical settings, but traditional echocardiography is challenging to evaluate its function. Advanced techniques like speckle tracking improve RV functional assessment. According to previous studies, RV free wall longitudinal strain measurements vary with age necessitating further research. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of age on RV longitudinal strain using speckle tracking (ST) analysis. Methods: 103 healthy adult volunteers, mean age 37.1±11.9 years (range: 20-66), underwent comprehensive speckle tracking analysis, to determine age-related changes in RV dimensions and function. Results: showed a significant decrease in global and segmental (basal, mid, and apical) FWLS with age (p &lt; .001). Conclusion: These significant differences in free wall longitudinal strains among age groups by 2D-ST analysis indicate the need for age-adjusted measures in RV function evaluation. Conventional techniques may ignore minor changes, leading to underestimated RV function assessment. The findings also suggest that advanced techniques allow early identification of RV dysfunction by detecting subclinical dysfunction before anomalies revealed by traditional echocardiography occur.

Comprehensive temporal analysis of right ventricular function and pulmonary haemodynamics in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 ARDS patients

BackgroundCardiac injury is frequently reported in COVID-19 patients, the right ventricle (RV) is mostly affected. We systematically evaluated the cardiac function and longitudinal changes in severe COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and assessed the impact on survival.MethodsWe prospectively performed comprehensive echocardiographic analysis on mechanically ventilated COVID-19 ARDS patients, using 2D/3D echocardiography. We defined left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction as ejection fraction (EF) < 40%, or longitudinal strain (LS) > − 18% and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction if two indices among fractional area change (FAC) < 35%, tricuspid annulus systolic plane excursion (TAPSE) < 1.6 cm, RV EF < 44%, RV–LS > − 20% were present. RV afterload was assessed from pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), PASP/Velocity Time Integral in the right ventricular outflow tract (VTIRVOT) and pulmonary acceleration time (PAcT). TAPSE/PASP assessed the right ventriculoarterial coupling (VACR).ResultsAmong 176 patients included, RV dysfunction was common (69%) (RV–EF 41.1 ± 1.3%; RV–FAC 36.6 ± 0.9%, TAPSE 20.4 ± 0.4mm, RV–LS:− 14.4 ± 0.4%), usually accompanied by RV dilatation (RVEDA/LVEDA 0.82 ± 0.02). RV afterload was increased in most of the patients (PASP 33 ± 1.1 mmHg, PAcT 65.3 ± 1.5 ms, PASP/VTIRVOT, 2.29 ± 0.1 mmHg/cm). VACR was 0.8 ± 0.06 mm/mmHg. LV–EF < 40% was present in 21/176 (11.9%); mean LV–EF 57.8 ± 1.1%. LV–LS (− 13.3 ± 0.3%) revealed a silent LV impairment in 87.5%. A mild pericardial effusion was present in 70(38%) patients, more frequently in non-survivors (p < 0.05). Survivors presented significant improvements in respiratory physiology during the 10th ICU-day (PaO2/FiO2, 231.2 ± 11.9 vs 120.2 ± 6.7 mmHg; PaCO2, 43.1 ± 1.2 vs 53.9 ± 1.5 mmHg; respiratory system compliance—CRS, 42.6 ± 2.2 vs 27.8 ± 0.9 ml/cmH2O, all p < 0.0001). Moreover, survivors presented significant decreases in RV afterload (PASP: 36.1 ± 2.4 to 20.1 ± 3 mmHg, p < 0.0001, PASP/VTIRVOT: 2.5 ± 1.4 to 1.1 ± 0.7, p < 0.0001 PAcT: 61 ± 2.5 to 84.7 ± 2.4 ms, p < 0.0001), associated with RV systolic function improvement (RVEF: 36.5 ± 2.9% to 46.6 ± 2.1%, p = 0.001 and RV–LS: − 13.6 ± 0.7% to − 16.7 ± 0.8%, p = 0.001). In addition, RV dilation subsided in survivors (RVEDA/LVEDA: 0.8 ± 0.05 to 0.6 ± 0.03, p = 0.001). Day-10 CRS correlated with RV afterload (PASP/VTIRVOT, r: 0.535, p < 0.0001) and systolic function (RV–LS, 0.345, p = 0.001). LV–LS during the 10th ICU-day, while ΔRV–LS and ΔPASP/RVOTVTI were associated with survival.ConclusionsCOVID-19 improvements in RV function, RV afterload and RV–PA coupling at day 10 were associated with respiratory function and survival.

Assessment of Right Ventricular Function by Strain Imaging in Patients Presenting with Acute Myocardial Infarction: An Original Research

ABSTRACT Objective: This study sought to determine the relationship between right ventricular (RV) function and clinical variables and prognosis in individuals with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) utilizing strain imaging. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational research involving 150 patients who had been admitted with AMI was carried out. Utilizing two-dimensional speckle-tracking strain imaging, RV function was assessed. Age, sex, risk factors, and comorbidities were recorded as clinical parameters. A 12-month follow-up was conducted to assess major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results: 65% of the study’s participants were men, with a mean age of 58.2 years. When compared to a healthy control group, individuals with AMI had significantly lower RV longitudinal strain (RVLS) (P 0.001). RVLS and left ventricular ejection fraction had a statistically significant connection (r = 0.642, P 0.001). Patients with compromised RVLS had a greater rate of MACE over the follow-up period compared to those with maintained RV function (P = 0.014). Conclusion: In conclusion, strain imaging offers useful information for evaluating RV function in patients with AMI. Reduced left ventricular performance and a higher likelihood of unfavorable clinical outcomes are linked to impaired RVLS. Utilizing strain imaging to detect RV dysfunction early can help direct treatment plans and enhance patient outcomes.

Acute changes in cardiac dimensions, function, and longitudinal mechanics in healthy individuals with and without high-altitude induced pulmonary hypertension at 4559m.

High-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) has a prevalence of approximately 10%. Changes in cardiac morphology and function at high altitude, compared to a population that does not develop HAPH are scarce. Four hundred twenty-one subjects were screened in a hypoxic chamber inspiring a FiO2 =12% for 2h. In 33 subjects an exaggerated increase in systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) could be confirmed in two independent measurements. Twenty nine of these, and further 24 matched subjects without sPAP increase were examined at 4559m by Doppler echocardiography including global longitudinal strain (GLS). SPAP increase was higher in HAPH subjects (∆=10.2vs. ∆=32.0mm Hg, p<.001). LV eccentricity index (∆=.15vs. ∆=.31, p=.009) increased more in HAPH. D-shaped LV (0 [0%] vs. 30 [93.8%], p=.00001) could be observed only in the HAPH group, and only in those with a sPAP ≥50mm Hg. LV-EF (∆=4.5vs. ∆=6.7%, p=.24) increased in both groups. LV-GLS (∆=1.2vs. ∆=1.1 -%, p=.60) increased slightly. RV end-diastolic (∆=2.20vs. ∆=2.7cm2 , p=.36) and end-systolic area (∆=2.1vs. ∆=2.7cm2 , p=.39), as well as RA end-systolic area index (∆=-.9vs. ∆=.3cm2 /m2 , p=.01) increased, RV-FAC (∆=-2.9vs. ∆=-4.7%, p=.43) decreased, this was more pronounced in HAPH, RV-GLS (∆=1.6vs. ∆=-.7 -%, p=.17) showed marginal changes. LV and LA dimensions decrease and left ventricular function increases at high-altitude in subjects with and without HAPH. RV and RA dimensions increase, and RV longitudinal strain increases or remains unchanged in subjects with HAPH. Changes are negligible in those without HAPH.

Biventricular interaction and aortic function in adult patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot: a two-dimensional–three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic study

Abstract Aims In patients late after correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), the combined effects of pre-operative hypertrophy and hypoxia, ventricular interdependence, acquired post-operative lesions such as pulmonary or aortic regurgitation, and congenital vasculopathy may result in impaired right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) function. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interventricular interactions in repaired TOF (rTOF) and the impact of aortic function on biventricular performance using two-dimensional (2D-STE) and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3D-STE). Methods and results Twenty-five adult patients with rTOF and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were studied. LV and RV volumes were determined by 3D-STE and cardiac magnetic resonance. LV and RV longitudinal strains (LVLS and RVLS) and LV and RV area strains (LVAS and RVAS) and LV twist/rotation were calculated by 3D-STE. Ascending aorta circumferential strain (AAo-CS) was obtained using 2D-STE. LV 3D-STE parameters were decreased in rTOF patients compared with controls even in patients with normal ejection fraction. AAo-CS was decreased (6.7 ± 1.9 vs. 10.1 ± 2.6, P = 0.003) in rTOF patients compared with controls even in the presence of normal aortic dimensions and correlated with AAo diameter (r = −0.69, P = 0.0001), LV twist (r = 0.54, P = 0.004), LVAS (r = −0.56, P = 0.003), and RVLS (r = −0.39, P = 0.036). LVAS and AAo-CS were associated with disease severity (peak oxygen consumption and arrhythmia occurrence). Significant improvement in global χ2 value was noted with RV 3D-STE parameters + LVAS + AAo-CS compared with RV dysfunction alone for detecting exercise capacity impairment (from 77.1 to 84.4 to 91.2, P = 0.003). Conclusion Speckle-tracking echocardiography revealed subtle LV and AAo dysfunction in adults with rTOF. A correlation was observed between LV and RV strain changes and between AAo strain impairment and LV/RV dysfunction. LV and AAo changes had an incremental value in evaluating disease severity.

Reduced Rv Longitudinal Strain Predicts Exercise Pvr Response In Hfpef: Invasive Cpet And Cardiac Mri Study

Reduced Rv Longitudinal Strain Predicts Exercise Pvr Response In Hfpef: Invasive Cpet And Cardiac Mri Study

Obesity-Related Differences in Pathomechanism and Outcomes in Patients With HFpEF: A CMR Study

BackgroundClinical significance of an integrated evaluation of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and the right ventricle (RV) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is unknown. ObjectivesThe authors investigated the potential of EAT and RV quantification for obesity-related pathophysiology and risk stratification in obese HFpEF patients using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). MethodsA total of 150 patients (obese, body mass index ≥30 kg/m2; n = 73, nonobese, body mass index <30 kg/m2; n = 77) with a clinical diagnosis of HFpEF undergoing CMR were retrospectively identified. EAT volume surrounding both ventricles were quantified with manual delineation on cine images. Total RV volume (TRVV) was calculated as the sum of RV cavity and mass at end-diastole. The endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality and first HF hospitalization. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 46 months, 39 nonobese patients (51%) and 32 obese patients (44%) experienced the endpoint. EAT was a prognostic biomarker regardless of obesity and was independently correlated with TRVV. In obese HFpEF, EAT correlated with RV longitudinal strain (r = 0.32, P = 0.006), and increased amount of EAT and TRVV was associated with greater left ventricular end-diastolic eccentric index (r = 0.36, P = 0.002). The integration of RV quantification into EAT provided improved risk stratification with a C-statistic increase from 0.70 to 0.79 in obese HFpEF. Obese patients with EAT<130 ml and TRVV<180 ml had low risk (annual event rate 3.2%), while those with increased EAT ≥130 ml and TRVV ≥180 ml had significantly higher risk (annual event rate 11.8%; P < 0.001). ConclusionsCMR quantification of EAT and RV structure provides additive risk stratification for adverse outcomes in obese HFpEF.

Speckle tracking echocardiography for diagnosis of right ventricular failure in children with totally corrected tetralogy of Fallot in Sulaimani, Iraq

ObjectivesThe study was aimed at using speckle tracking echocardiography as a novel technique to diagnose right ventricular failure (RVF) in children with total correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) through surgery. MethodsA quasi-experimental study was performed at the Children's Heart Hospital of Sulaimani for 9 months. A total of 150 children with completely repaired TOF were enrolled to investigate RVF. Conventional echocardiographic data were recorded, including right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (EF), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), myocardial performance index (MPI), and RV end-systolic and diastolic volume (RVESV and RVEDV). Additionally, speckle tracking was performed for the regional and longitudinal strain and strain rate in four-chamber apical view. RVF diagnosis was determined on the basis of electrocardiography measurement of P-wave dispersion, T-wave dispersion, and QRS duration. ResultsChildren with repaired TOF who were diagnosed with RVF through conventional echocardiography exhibited abnormalities with respect to children with normal RV function, including a TAPSE of 1.3 ± 0.11 cm, RVEF of 35.5 ± 6.72, RVESV of 69.8 ± 15.13 ml, RVEDV of 110.1 ± 14.13 ml, MPI of 0.60 ± 0.12, and Pmax of 52.4 ± 14.08. The use of speckle tracking in RVF diagnosis revealed a relatively lower longitudinal strain and strain rate (−12.1 ± 2.3 and −0.9 ± 0.3, respectively) in the children with RVF. Moreover, longitudinal right ventricular strain was positively correlated with TAPSE (r = 0.656) and EF (r = 0.675), and negatively correlated with RVEDV (r = −0.684), RVESV (r = −0.718), MPI (r = −0.735), and Pmax (r = −0.767). ConclusionsThe application of speckle tracking with the longitudinal RV strain and strain rate to estimate RV function in children with repaired TOF is a new advanced method that, compared with conventional echo, significantly improves the diagnosis of regional myocardial deformations and cardiac muscle motion velocity.

The prognostic value of right ventricular longitudinal strain in predicting incident atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke in the general population

Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) longitudinal strain (RVLS) is a predictor of many cardiovascular outcomes including ventricular arrhythmias. However, the prognostic value of RVLS in predicting incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in participants from the general population is currently unknown. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate if RVLS can be used to predict AF and ischemic stroke in the general population. Methods A total of 2794 participants (mean age 54±17 years, 42% male) from the general population underwent a health examination including two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. RVLS was measured in the apical four-chamber projection optimized for a view of the RV. The RV free wall was divided into three segments, and the strain values of the three segments were averaged to obtain RVLS. The primary endpoint was incident AF at follow-up. All participants with known AF and prior stroke at baseline were excluded (n=175). The secondary endpoint consisted of the composite of AF and ischemic stroke. Results During a median follow-up of 5 years (interquartile range, 4.5-6.2 years), 110 participants (4%) were diagnosed with incident AF and 59 (2%) experienced an ischemic stroke, resulting in 169 (6%) experiencing the composite outcome. The risk of AF increased incrementally with decreasing tertile of RVLS, being approximately 3-fold higher in the 1st tertile as compared to the 3rd tertile (HR 2.71; 95% CI (1.64-4.46), p&amp;lt;0.001; figure). RVLS was a univariable predictor of AF with 9% increased risk per 1% decrease in RVLS (per 1% decrease: HR 1.09; 95% CI (1.06-1.13), p&amp;lt;0.001). The association remained significant even after multivariable adjustment for clinical and echocardiographic parameters (per 1% decrease: HR 1.06; 95% CI (1.01-1.11), p=0.015). RVLS was also a univariable predictor of the composite outcome of AF and ischemic stroke (per 1% decrease: HR 1.08; 95% CI (1.05-1.12), p&amp;lt;0.001). After multivariable adjustment for the same clinical and echocardiographic parameters, RVLS remained an independent predictor of the composite outcome (per 1% decrease: HR 1.04; 95% CI (1.00-1.09), p=0.032) Additionally, RVLS provided incremental prognostic information with regard to predicting AF as assessed by a significant increase in the net reclassification improvement (NRI) index beyond the CHARGE-AF score (continuous NRI, 0.232; 95% CI, 0.011-0.570). Conclusion In a low-risk general population, RVLS provides novel prognostic information on the long-term risk of AF and ischemic stroke. In addition, RVLS provides incremental prognostic information beyond the CHARGE-AF score in predicting AF in the general population.

Prognostic implications of right ventricular systolic and diastolic strain in heart failure

Abstract Background 2D- speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) has recently be used to assess subclinical myocardial dysfunction, however its utility in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has been specifically focusing on the longitudinal systolic function of the left ventricle (LV). Aim To assess the prognostic relation between right ventricular (RV) systolic and diastolic strain parameters with clinical outcome in patients with advanced heart failure (HFrEF). Methods and results Of the initial 2217 HFrEF patients screened for this study only 562 consecutive patients with HFrEF were eligible and retrospectively enrolled, and 2D-STE strain parameters assessed on the 2D-TTE images. All patients were prospectively followed for development of new outcome/cardiac events which included hospitalization for acute HF, CVS-related death, heart transplantation, or need for ventricular assist device implantation. Conventional TTE was performed in all subjects and reviewed. RV longitudinal strain parameters (RVLS, RVLD) by 2D-STE were assessed and averaged in all segments (apical 4CV, global RVLS and RVLD) and also averaged free-wall. Of the 562 patients at baseline, 263 had 117 new events during a mean follow-up of 1.4 ± 0.7 years. RV free wall and global RV systolic and diastolic strain parameters, elevated NT Pro-BNP, RV fractional area change, low TAPSE, LV end-diastolic volume and the presence of at least moderate TR, and PASP &amp;gt; 40mmHg were independently predictive of combined outcomes ( p &amp;lt;.001). Overall, the best performance parameters predictive of cardiovascular events were for RV Free Wall systolic and diastolic strain (AUC: 0.84 and 74), global RV systolic and diastolic strain (AUC: 0.77 and 70) and RV fractional area change (AUC: 0.67). The strongest association between the degree of RV dysfunction and the risk of cardiovascular events was only evident for RV strain (free wall &amp;gt; global strain). Conclusion Patients with HFrEF, RV strain parameters are stronger predictors of outcome than other conventional parameters and should be included for regular clinical screening as these parameters provide a stronger prognostic stratification.

Acute changes of right ventricular longitudinal strain after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in patients with functional mitral regurgitation

Abstract Background Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is a valid therapeutic option in symptomatic patients with severe secondary mitral valve regurgitation (SMR) at high surgical risk. While right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a predictor of poor outcomes in this context, TEER may lead to an improvement of RV function which portends a better outcome. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate acute change in RV function and its prognostic implication after successful TEER in patients with severe SMR. Methods Patients with severe SMR who underwent TEER from 2013 to 2021 at our center were retrospectively screened. Only patients with successful procedure (MR ≤ grade 2) and adequate echocardiographic images for longitudinal strain assessment were enrolled. RV function was estimated at baseline and pre-discharge by echocardiographic evaluation; RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) and RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) were assessed before and after TEER. Longitudinal strain improvement was defined as an increase of post procedural strain greater than median value variation. Population was then divided in two groups based on RVGLS significant improvement. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, heart transplantation (HT) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation during follow-up, assessed with Kaplan-Maier curves and compared by log-rank test. Results A total of 61 patients were included. Mean age was 70±10 years, 89% patients were symptomatic with NYHA class 3-4, mean furosemide daily dose was 200±146 mg. Pre-TEER median left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was 29% [IQR, 26; 35%], RV fractional area change (FAC) was 32% [IQR 26; 37%] and tricuspid anulus plan systolic excursion (TAPSE) was 17 mm [IQR 14; 20 mm]. Median RVGLS and RVFWLS at baseline were respectively -11% [IQR -13; -9%] and -14% [IQR -17; -11%]. After TEER a significant variation of RVGLS and RVFWLS was observed (RVGLS: -13% [IQR -15; -10%] p 0.012; RVFWLS: -16% [-19; - 13%] p 0.001). Moreover, a significant reduction in estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) between baseline (45 mmHg [IQR 35; 55mmHg]) and post TEER (40 mmHg [IQR 30;45 mmHg] p &amp;lt;0.001) was observed. Median improvement of RVGLS was 1.3%. After mean follow up time of 55±7 months event rate for the combined primary endpoint was numerically lower in the improved RVGLS group, although the difference was not statistically significant (p 0.243). Interestingly, rate of HT was significantly lower in RVGLS-improved group (p 0.032). Conclusions This study showed significant pre-discharge improvement of RV longitudinal strain in patient with severe SMR after successful TEER. At follow-up this improvement did not affect the outcome in terms of freedom from composite endpoint of all-cause death, HT or LVAD implantation but events were numerically lower in patients with strain improvement. Further data on larger population are needed to confirm our observations.Table 1,2Figure 1,2

Abstract 14919: Speckle Tracking Based Echocardiographic Evaluation of COVID-19 Recovered Patients: A One Year Follow-Up Study

Introduction: The occurrence of myocardial injury during acute COVID-19 is well known however, its persistence and impact over a longer period of time is unclear. Hypothesis: We assessed left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) and right ventricle (RV) longitudinal and free wall strain using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in COVID-19 recovered patients. Methods: A total of 189 subjects following recovery from COVID-19 infection and with a normal LV ejection fraction were enrolled. Routine blood investigations, inflammatory markers and detailed echocardiographic evaluation including STE were done for all. All these patients were followed-up for a period of one year with repeat echocardiography done at six months and one-year. Results: Of the 189 subjects, 176 (93.1%) were symptomatic and categorized as mild [n = 91 (51.8%)], moderate [n = 65 (36.9%)] or severe [n = 20 (11.3%)] illness. Subclinical LV and right ventricle (RV) dysfunction were seen in 58 (30.7%) and 25 (13.2%) patients respectively. LVGLS was significantly lower in patients recovered from severe illness (mild: -21.4 ± 3.1 %; moderate: -18.8 ± 4.8%; severe: -16.3 ± 2.7%; P &lt; 0.0001). RV longitudinal strain was significantly lower in patients recovered from severe COVID (mild: -22.9 ± 1.7, moderate: -21.8 ± 1.5, severe: -17.9 ± 1.6; P &lt; 0.0001). There was a significant improvement in LVGLS (baseline: -19.1± 5.7, one-year: -19.9±4.6; P &lt; 0.0001) and RVFWS (baseline: -23.5±6.3; one-year: -23.7 ± 5.8; P=0.03) however, RVLS improved though not significant (baseline: -21.4±5.7; one-year: -21.6 ± 5.2; P=.156) over a one-year follow-up period. Of the 58 subjects with baseline reduced LVGLS, over a one-year follow-up, 22 (11.6%) had persistently reduced LVGLS. Conclusions: Subclinical LV dysfunction was seen in one third of recovered COVID-19 patients which improved over a one-year follow-up. A fraction of subjects had persistently reduced LVGLS even at one year which suggests need for closer follow-up among them to elucidate long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

The Influence of Food Intake and Preload Augmentation on Cardiac Functional Parameters: A Study Using Both Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Echocardiography.

(1) Background: To investigate how food intake and preload augmentation affect the cardiac output (CO) and volumes of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE). (2) Methods: Eighty-two subjects with (n = 40) and without (n = 42) cardiac disease were assessed using both CMR and TTE immediately before and after a fast infusion of 2 L isotonic saline. Half of the population had a meal during saline infusion (food/fluid), and the other half were kept fasting (fasting/fluid). We analyzed end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic (ESV) volumes and feature tracking (FT) using CMR, LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), and RV longitudinal strain (LS) using TTE. (3) Results: CO assessed using CMR increased significantly in both groups, and the increase was significantly higher in the food/fluid group: LV-CO (ΔLV-CO: +2.6 ± 1.3 vs. +0.7 ± 1.0 p < 0.001), followed by increased heart rate (HR) (ΔHR: +12 ± 8 vs. +1 ± 6 p < 0.001). LV and RV achieved increased stroke volume (SV) through different mechanisms. For the LV, through increased contractility, increased LV-EDV, decreased LV-ESV, increased LV-FT, and GLS were observed. For the RV, increased volumes, increased RV-EDV, increased RV-ESV, and at least for the fasting/fluid group, unchanged RV-FT and RV-LS were reported. (4) Conclusions: Preload augmentation and food intake have a significant impact on hemodynamic and cardiac functional parameters. This advocates for standardized recommendations regarding oral intake of fluid and food before cardiac assessment, for example, TTE, CMR, and right heart catheterization. We also demonstrate different approaches for the LV and RV to increase SV: for the LV by increased contractility, and for the RV by volume expansion.

Right-Left Ventricular Interdependence in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot Patients With Right Ventricular Heart Failure.

Patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) continue to face a heightened risk of deteriorating cardiac function, and quantitative techniques of cardiac MRI-derived cardiac structure and function provide an opportunity to explore the causes and mechanisms of cardiac deterioration. To explore right-left ventricular interdependence in rTOF patients before and after the onset of right ventricular (RV) heart failure. Retrospective. One hundred eighteen rTOF patients (21.85 [16.74, 29.20] years, 58 females) and 34 controls (23.5 [21, 26.5] years, 17 females) that underwent cardiac MRI were analyzed, with rTOF patients being further subdivided into those with preserved RV function (N = 54) and those that experienced RV heart failure (N = 64). 3.0 T/balanced steady-state free precession sequence. RV, left ventricular (LV), and septal strain; RV and LV volume. Chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact test, One-way ANOVAs with Bonferroni's post hoc test, Pearson/Spearman correlation, and multivariate backward linear regression analysis. A two-tailed P < 0.05 was deemed as the significance threshold. The MRI-derived RV, LV, and septal strain decreased sequentially in controls, patients with preserved RV function, and patients with RV heart failure, with a good intra-observer (0.909-0.964) and inter-observer (0.879-0.937) agreement. Correlations between LV and RV strain were found to change sequentially with RV function and were the closest in rTOF patients with RV heart failure (r = -0.270 to 0.506). Correlations between RV volume and septal strain was variable in controls (r = 0.483 to -0.604), patients with preserved RV function (r = -0.034 to -0.295), and patients with RV heart failure (r = -0.026 to 0.500). Multivariate analyses revealed that the RV longitudinal strain was independently correlated with LV strain in three directions in rTOF patients with RV heart failure (Radial -0.70 [-1.33, -0.06]; Circumferential 0.44 [0.17, 0.72]; Longitudinal 0.54 [0.26, 0.81]). In rTOF patients, the coupling between RV volume and septal strain was broken during RV function compensation, and the adverse effect of RV on LV deformation was highest in patients with RV heart failure. 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 5.

Right and left ventricular cardiac magnetic resonance imaging derived peak systolic strain is abnormal in children with myocarditis.

Cardiac Magnetic resonance (CMR) derived left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential strain is known to be abnormal in myocarditis. CMR strain is a useful additional tool that can identify subclinical myocardial involvement and may help with longitudinal follow-up. Right ventricular strain derived by CMR in children has not been studied. We sought to evaluate CMR derived biventricular strain in children with acute myocarditis. Children with acute myocarditis who underwent CMR between2016-2022 at our center were reviewed, this group included subjects with COVID-19 myocarditis. Children with no evidence of myocarditis served as controls Those with congenital heart disease and technically limited images for CMR strain analysis were excluded from final analysis. Biventricular longitudinal, circumferential, and radial peak systolic strains were derived using circle cvi42®. Data between cases and controls were compared using an independent sample t-test. One-way ANOVA with post hoc analysis was used to compare COVID-19, non-COVID myocarditis and controls. 38 myocarditis and 14 controls met inclusion criteria (mean age14.4 ± 3 years). All CMR derived peak strain values except for RV longitudinal strain were abnormal in myocarditis group. One-way ANOVA revealed that there was a statistically significant difference with abnormal RV and LV strain in COVID-19 myocarditis when compared to non-COVID-19 myocarditis and controls. CMR derived right and left ventricular peak systolic strain using traditionally acquired cine images were abnormal in children with acute myocarditis. All strain measurements were significantly abnormal in children with COVID-19 even when compared to non-COVID myocarditis.

Impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on right ventricular function and remodeling after aortic valve replacement

BackgroundBoth chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction are common factors that have been associated with poor prognosis after aortic valve replacement (AVR). Since there is still uncertainty about the impact of COPD on RV function and dilatation in patients undergoing AVR, we sought to explore RV function and remodeling in the presence and absence of COPD as well as their prognostic implications. MethodsPatients who received surgical or transcatheter AVR due to severe AS were screened for COPD. Demographic and clinical data were collected at baseline while echocardiographic measurements were performed at baseline and 1 year after AVR. The study end-point was all-cause mortality. ResultsIn total 275 patients were included, with 90 (33%) patients having COPD. At 1-year follow-up, mild worsening of tricuspid annular planar systolic excursion and RV dilatation were observed in patients without COPD, while there were significant improvements in RV longitudinal strain, RV wall thickness but dilatation of RV outflow tract distal dimension in the COPD group compared to the baseline. On multivariable analysis, the presence of COPD provided significant incremental prognostic value over RV dysfunction and remodeling. ConclusionsAt 1-year after AVR, RV function and dimensions mildly deteriorated in non-COPD group whereas COPD group received significant benefit of AVR in terms of RV function and hypertrophy. COPD was independently associated with >2-fold all-cause mortality and had incremental prognostic value over RV dysfunction and remodeling.

Effect of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain on all-cause death in patients with isolated severe tricuspid regurgitation and atrial fibrillation.

With the aging population and advanced catheter-based therapy, isolated tricuspid regurgitation (TR) with atrial fibrillation (AF) has gained increased attention; however, data on the prognostic effect of isolated TR with AF are limited because of the small number of patients among those with severe TR. Recently, right ventricular (RV) longitudinal strain by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography has been reported as an excellent indicator of RV dysfunction in severe TR. However, the prognostic implications of RV longitudinal strain in isolated severe TR associated with AF remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the prognostic value of this index in this population. We retrospectively studied patients with severe isolated TR associated with AF in the absence of other etiologies in the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center between April 2015 and March 2018. Baseline clinical and echocardiographic data were studied including RV systolic function evaluated by RV free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS) and conventional parameters. All-cause death was defined as the primary endpoint. In total, 53 patients (median age, 85 years; female, 60%) with a median follow-up of 433 (60-1567) days were included. Fourteen patients (26%) died, and 66% had right heart failure (RHF) symptoms. By multivariable analysis, reduced RVFWLS was independently associated with all-cause death. Patients with RVFWLS of ≤18% had higher risk of all-cause death adjusted for age (log-rank P = 0.030, adjusted hazard ratio 4.00, 95% confidence interval, 1.11-14.4; P = 0.034). When patients were stratified into four groups by RHF symptoms and RVFWLS, the group with symptomatic and reduced RVFWLS had the worst outcome. Reduced RVFWLS was independently associated with all-cause death in patients with isolated severe TR and AF. Our subset classification showed the worst outcome from the combination of RHF symptoms and reduced RVFWLS.

Evaluation of right ventricular longitudinal strain in pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.

We aimed to investigate the association between right ventricular longitudinal strain measured by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and right heart catheterization data in pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Two groups were evaluated, each consisting of 58 patients. Group 1, patients with PH; Group 2, normal matched controls. Data were collected from 58 patients with PH who underwent invasive hemodynamic evaluation. Standard transthoracic echocardiographic assessment was performed in all patients under the same circumstances. All patients underwent 2D-STE, and off-line analysis generated right ventricle longitudinal strain (RVLS) and right ventricular free wall strain (RVFW) and collected echocardiographic conventional parameters of right ventricular function, including the control group. The relationship between invasive characteristics and right ventricular function parameters was analyzed. In all, 58 PH patients were included in our study. The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were strongly correlated with right ventricular free wall strain (RVFW) and right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS), moderately correlated with the right ventricle myocardial performance index (Tei index), weakly correlated with the transverse diameter of the right ventricle (RV) and the transverse diameter of the right atrium (RA), and moderately negatively correlated with right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC). In terms of segments of the right ventricular free wall, the basal segment had the highest correlation coefficient with mPAP and PVR (r = 0.413, 0.523, 0.578, r = 0.421, 0.533, 0.575, p < 0.05, respectively). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), main pulmonary artery diameter (MPA), peak systolic velocity of the right ventricle (RV-S'), and RA area parameters were not associated with mPAP and PVR (p > 0.05). Right ventricular longitudinal strain is a reliable indicator to evaluate right ventricular function in pediatric patients with PH. It can provide valuable reference information for the clinical judgment of the status and severity of the disease in children.