Right Ventricular Dysfunction Group Research Articles

Interventricular septum involvement is related to right ventricular dysfunction in anterior STEMI patients without right ventricular infarction: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study.

The value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in assessing and predicting acute right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains ascertained. Eightyeight patients with anterior STEMI were prospectively recruited and underwent CMR examinations within one week following the coronary intervention. Patients with RV ejection fraction (RVEF) less than 2 standard deviations below the average at the center (RVEF ≤ 45.0%) were defined as having RV dysfunction. The size of infarction, segmental wall motion, and T1 and T2 mapping values of global myocardium and the interventricular septum (IVS) were measured. Predictive performance was calculated using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis and logistic regression test. Twentytwo patients presented with RV dysfunction. The RV dysfunction group had a larger IVS infarct extent (54.28 ± 10.35 vs 33.95 ± 15.09%, P < 0.001) and lower left ventricle stroke volume index (33.93 ± 7.96 vs 42.46 ± 8.14ml/m2, P < 0.001) compared to the non-RV dysfunction group. IVS infarct extent at 48.8% best predicted the presence of RV dysfunction with an area under the curve of 0.864. Left ventricular stroke volume index (LVSVI) and IVS infarct extent were selected by stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis. LowerLVSVI (odds ratio [OR] 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79 to 0.99; P = 0.044) andhigher IVS infarct extent (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.33; P = 0.01) were found to be independent predictors for RV dysfunction. In patients with anterior STEMI, those with larger IVS infarct extent and worse LV function are more likely to be associated with RV dysfunction.

Can central venous pressure help identify acute right ventricular dysfunction in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients?

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between central venous pressure (CVP) and acute right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation.MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled mechanically ventilated critically ill who underwent transthoracic echocardiographic examination and CVP monitoring. Echocardiographic indices including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), and tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity wave (S’) were collected to assess RV function. Patients were then classified into three groups based on their RV function and presence of systemic venous congestion as assessed by inferior vena cava diameter (IVCD) and hepatic vein (HV) Doppler: normal RV function (TAPSE ≥ 17 mm, FAC ≥ 35% and S’ ≥9.5 cm/sec), isolated RV dysfunction (TAPSE < 17 mm or FAC < 35% or S’ <9.5 cm/sec with IVCD ≤ 20 mm or HV S ≥ D), and RV dysfunction with congestion (TAPSE < 17 mm or FAC < 35% or S’ <9.5 cm/sec with IVCD > 20 mm and HV S < D).ResultsA total of 518 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 301 were categorized in normal RV function group, 164 in isolated RV dysfunction group and 53 in RV dysfunction with congestion group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a good discriminative ability of CVP for identifying patients with RV dysfunction and congestion(AUC 0.839; 95% CI: 0.795–0.883; p < 0.001). The optimal CVP cutoff was 10 mm Hg, with sensitivity of 79.2%, specificity of 69.4%, negative predictive value of 96.7%, and positive predictive value of 22.8%. A large gray zone existed between 9 mm Hg and 12 mm Hg, encompassing 95 patients (18.3%). For identifying all patients with RV dysfunction, CVP demonstrated a lower discriminative ability (AUC 0.616; 95% CI: 0.567–0.665; p < 0.001). Additionally, the gray zone was even larger, ranging from 5 mm Hg to 12 mm Hg, and included 349 patients (67.4%).ConclusionsCVP may be a helpful indicator of acute RV dysfunction patients with systemic venous congestion in mechanically ventilated critically ill, but its accuracy is limited. A CVP less than10 mm Hg can almost rule out RV dysfunction with congestion. In contrast, CVP should not be used to identify general RV dysfunction.

Prognostic value of right ventricular dysfunction in aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Aortic regurgitation (AR) may lead to right ventricular dysfunction (RVD), but the prognostic value of RVD in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains unclear. Our goal was to evaluate the clinical implications, predictors and prognostic significance of RVD in patients with pure AR after TAVR. In this multicentre prospective study, patients undergoing TAVR were included between January 2019 and April 2021. The patients were divided into four groups according to the results of transthoracic echocardiography pre- and post-TAVR. The primary end point was 2-year all-cause mortality. A total of 648 patients were divided into four groups: 325 patients (54.3%) in the no RVD group; 106 patients (17.7%) in the new-onset RVD group; 73 patients (12.2%) in the normalized RVD group; and 94 patients (15.7%) in the residual RVD group. At the 2-year follow-up, there were significant differences in all-cause mortality among the four groups (5.2%, 12.3%, 11.0% and 17.0%, respectively; p < 0.05). New-onset RVD was correlated with an increased risk of all-cause death and a composite end point and normalized RVD improved clinical outcomes of baseline RVD. Predictors of new-onset RVD included a higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, larger left ventricular end-diastolic volume, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure and smaller RV base diameter. Changes in periprocedural RVD status significantly affect the risk stratification outcomes after TAVR. Therefore, they may be used as part of decision-making and risk assessment strategies. ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration System (NCT02917980).

Effect of left bundle branch pacing on right ventricular function: A 3-dimensional echocardiography study

BackgroundThe effect of left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) on right ventricular (RV) function is not well known, and there is conflicting evidence regarding whether cardiac resynchronization therapy improves RV function. ObjectivesThe study aimed to investigate the effect of LBBP on RV function and to evaluate the response of RV dysfunction (RVD) to LBBP. MethodsSixty-five LBBP candidates were prospectively included in the study and underwent echocardiography at baseline and 6-month follow-up. LBBP response was left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling, defined as a reduction in LV end-systolic volume of ≥15% at follow-up. ResultsPatients were assigned to 2 subgroups on the basis of 3-dimensional echocardiography–derived RV ejection fraction (EF) before LBBP implantation: 30 patients (46%) in the no RVD group and 35 patients (54%) in the RVD group. The RVD group was characterized by higher N-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide levels, New York Heart Association functional class, and larger LV/RV size. LBBP induced a significant reduction in QRS duration, LV size, and improvement in LVEF and mechanical dyssynchrony in both the no RVD and RVD groups, and a significant improvement in RV volumes and RVEF in the RVD group (all P<.01). LBBP resulted in a similar percentage reduction in QRS duration, LV dimensions, LV volumes, and percentage improvement in LVEF in RVD and no RVD groups (all P＞.05). LV reverse remodeling (29 of 35 patients vs 27 of 30 patients; P = .323) in the RVD group was similar to that in the no RVD group after LBBP. ConclusionLBBP induces excellent electrical and mechanical resynchronization, with a significant improvement in RV volumes and function. RVD did not diminish the beneficial effects on LV reverse remodeling after LBBP.

The association of hemodynamic markers of right ventricular dysfunction with SII index and clinical outcomes in reduced ejection fraction heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with various etiologies and presentations. The role of the inflammatory pathway in HF prognosis is not fully understood. We investigated the association between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and HF complicated by right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and whether the SII is related to compromised hemodynamic volume status. A total of 235 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were enrolled and divided into 2 groups according to the presence of RVD. The relationship between the SII score, hemodynamic parameters, and clinical endpoints was evaluated. Higher SII scores and neutrophil counts (P < .001 and P = .017, respectively) were observed in the RVD group (n = 120). In the high SII score group (≥590.4), hospitalization and the need for positive inotrope treatment were significantly higher (P = .026 and P = .009, respectively), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly lower (P = .015). In addition, in the high SII score group, right heart catheterization values, including cardiac output and index, were significantly impaired compared with those in the lower SII score group. There was a significant negative correlation between the SII score and the LVEF, cardiac output, and cardiac index in the correlation analyses. A significant relationship was observed between indirect inflammation and RVD in patients with HFrEF. The hemodynamic volume status and functional capacity were impaired in patients with high SII scores. These results indicated that advanced HF with worse outcomes may be related to the inflammatory process.

Predictive value of reduced pulmonary arterial elasticity in acute pulmonary embolism for right ventricular dysfunction.

Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) yields indices, such as the right ventricular/left ventricular (RV/LV) ratio > 1.0, which are commonly used for risk stratification of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Although pulmonary artery elasticity (PAE) has been previously described, its relationship with right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) has not been explored. Here, we investigated whether PAE, measured using CTPA, is associated with RVD. Patients who underwent retrospective electrocardiogram-gated CTPA and had a definitive diagnosis of APE were included in the study. The subjects were classified into RVD and non-RVD groups according to the RVD on echocardiography. PAE, involving aortic distensibility (AD), aortic compliance (AC), and aortic stiffness (ASI), and right heart function indices were compared between the two groups, and their correlations were examined. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of the RVD prediction. Thirty-five patients with APE were enrolled in the study (RVD: 18, non-RVD: 17). The groups showed no significant differences in age, sex, number of patients receiving thrombolysis, and number of high-risk conditions (P > 0.05). Regarding PAE parameters, AD was significantly reduced in the RVD group compared to that in the non-RVD group (P < 0.05), whereas AC and ASI were not statistically different (P > 0.05). The ratio of the maximum cross-sectional area of PA and AA (PA/AAmax),the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of PA and AA(PA/AAmin), diameter of the coronary sinus, RV/LV diameter, RV/Lvarea, the ratio of the end-diastolic volume of right ventricular and left ventricular (RV/LVDV), the ratio of the end-systolic volume of right ventricular and left ventricular (RV/LVSV) were significantly greater in the RVD group than in the non-RVD group (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis of AD and right heart function parameters showed that AD was negatively correlated with PA/AAmax, PA/AAmin, RV/LV diameter, RV/LVDV, and PAE measured by ultrasound, with correlation coefficients ranging from - 0.336 to - 0.580 (P < 0.05). The ROC curves of AD and RV/LVdiameter to predict RVD had areas under the curve of 0.748 and 0.712, sensitivities of 82.35% and 70.59%, specificities of 66.67% and 72.22%, and cutoff values of 4.9433 and 1.1105, respectively. AD obtained by retrospective ECG-gated CTPA may be helpful in assessing RVD in patients with APE while accurately diagnosing APE. It contributes to timely diagnosis and treatment and improves the prognosis of patients with APE.

Exercise capacity in patients with right ventricular dysfunction in the early stage after myocardial revascularization

Background. Exercise capacity is strongly associated with morbidity, as well as all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure. Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) appears to be an independent predictor of exercise intolerance, but its influence on patients’ exercise capacitiy in the early period after myocardial revascularization remains unclear. Purpose: evaluation of exercise capacity in patients with DVD 3 months after myocardial revascularization. Methods. The research is a prospective analytical study which is part of the scientific project „ALTERICC” within the State Program 2020-2023. The research included 114 patients 3 months after myocardial revascularization by coronary artery by-pass grafting or percutaneous coronary angioplasty. They were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of RVD: Gr. RVD - 35 patients and Gr. non-RVD -79 patients. All patients were investigated by echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and 6 minute walking test (6MWT). Results. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2p) achieved by patients in the RVD group was significantly lower (1018.0±400.6 ml/min) compared to those in the non-RVD group (1243.9±336, 6 ml/min), p&lt;0.05. VO2p related to the maximum predicted value (VO2p%) was inferior in patients with RVD (49.2±13.3% vs 58.5±15.0%), p=0.01, as well as VO2p related to body mass was lower in the RVD group (VO2p/kg - 11.9±3.9 ml/min/kg vs 14.6±4.1 ml/min/kg), p=0.01. S’ RV and TAPSE correlated positively and statistically significantly with VO2p, VO2p% and VO2p/kg. Patients with RVD performed a lower distance during 6MWT (313.5±72 m vs 338.1±65.5 m). However, the results of 6MWT correlated positively with the work rate performed during CPET and VO2p, VO2p/kg, VO2p%. Conclusion. Exercise capacity (expressed both by maximal work rate and by VO2p, VO2p/kg, VO2p%, but also by the distance performed during TM6M) was lower in patients with RVD at 3 months after myocardial revascularization

Effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation for premature ventricular complexes originating from the right ventricular outflow tract on right ventricular function.

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, and the effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) on RV function. A total of 110 patients (age, 50.8 ± 14.4 years; 30 men) without structural heart disease who had undergone RFCA for RV outflow tract (RVOT) PVCs were retrospectively included. RV function was assessed using fractional area change (FAC) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) before and after RFCA. Clinical data were compared between the RV dysfunction (n = 63) and preserved RV function (n = 47) groups. The relationship between PVC burden and RV function was analyzed. Change in RV function before and after RFCA was compared between patients with successful and failed RFCA. PVC burden was significantly higher in the RV dysfunction group than in the preserved RV function group (p < .001). FAC and GLS were significantly worse in proportion to PVC burden (p < .001 and p < .001, respectively). The risk factor associated with RV dysfunction was PVC burden [odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 1.092 (1.052-1.134); p < .001]. Improvement in FAC (13.0 ± 8.7% and -2.5 ± 5.6%, respectively; p < .001) and GLS (-6.8 ± 5.7% and 2.1 ± 4.2%, respectively; p < .001) was significant in the patients with successful RFCA, compared to the patients in whom RFCA failed. Frequent RVOT PVCs are associated with RV dysfunction. RV dysfunction is reversible by successful RFCA.

Diagnosis and treatment of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 on veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation

BackgroundVeno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an effective, but highly resource intensive salvage treatment option in COVID patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a known sequelae of COVID-19 induced ARDS, yet there is a paucity of data on the incidence and determinants of RV dysfunction on VV ECMO. We retrospectively examined the determining factors leading to RV failure and means of early identification of this phenomenon in patients on VV ECMO.MethodsThe data was extracted from March 2020 to March 2021 from the regional University of Washington Extracorporeal Life Support database. The inclusion criteria included patients > 18 years of age with diagnosis of COVID-19. All had already been intubated and mechanically ventilated prior to VV ECMO deployment. Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors and surrogate markers for RV dysfunction. In addition, we compared outcomes between those with and without RV dysfunction.ResultsOf the 33 patients that met inclusion criteria, 14 (42%) had echocardiographic evidence of RV dysfunction, 3 of whom were placed on right ventricular assist device support. Chronic lung disease was an independent risk factor for RV dysfunction (p = 0.0002). RV dysfunction was associated with a six-fold increase in troponin I (0.07 ng/ml vs. 0.44 ng/ml, p = 0.039) and four-fold increase in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (158 pg/ml vs. 662 pg/ml, p = 0.037). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT, 21% vs. 43%, p = 0.005) and pulmonary embolism (PE, 11% vs. 21%, p = 0.045) were found to be nearly twice as common in the RV dysfunction group. Total survival rate to hospital discharge was 39%. Data trended towards shorter duration of hospital stay (47 vs. 65.6 days, p = 0.15), shorter duration of ECMO support (21 days vs. 36 days, p = 0.06) and improved survival rate to hospital discharge (42.1% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.47) for those with intact RV function compared to the RV dysfunction group.ConclusionsRV dysfunction in critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in common. Trends of troponin I and BNP may be important surrogates for monitoring RV function in patients on VV ECMO. We recommend echocardiographic assessment of the RV on such patients.

In-hospital Outcome of Acute Anterior Myocardial Infarction with Right Ventricular Dysfunction

Background: In anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), attention paid mainly to the left ventricle. The predictive significance of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients with anterior STEMI has been frequently neglected. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic effect of RV dysfunction on in-hospital outcomes in patients with first anterior STEMI. Methods: Present study is based on the analysis of 77 patients admitted to Coronary care unit of the Sir Salimullah Medical College &amp; Mitford Hospital, Dhaka during April, 2019 to March, 2020, with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction. 12 lead ECG with thorough physical examination was done along with echocardiographic assessment of RV and LV function within index hospitalization, preferably within 24 hours of admission. Patients were divided into two groups depending on right ventricular function assessment. Group I included anterior MI with right ventricular dysfunction and group II included anterior MI without right ventricular dysfunction. In hospital outcomes were observed and compared between two groups. Results: Patients with RV dysfunction had statistically significant higher incidence of cardiogenic shock (22.2 % vs. 2.4%, p &lt; 0.05), acute heart failure (69.4% vs. 24.4%, p &lt; 0.05), arrhythmia (11.1% vs. 0.0%, p &lt; 0.05), increase length of hospital stay in patients of RV dysfunction group. In-hospital mortality was non significantly higher in RV dysfunction group (8.3% vs. 2.4%, p &gt; 0.305). Conclusion: In this study, we observed that in-hospital outcomes were worse in patients with anterior STEMI with RV dysfunction and demands more intense invasive management. Thus, special care should be given for the assessment function of right ventricle in anterior STEMI. Cardiovasc j 2022; 14(2): 128-134

Cardiac MRI predictors of right ventricular dysfunction after the Da Silva cone operation for Ebstein's anomaly

IntroductionDespite the clinical benefits of the cone operation for Ebstein's anomaly, significant right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is frequently seen immediately after the procedure and if persistent may portend worse long-term outcomes. In this study we sought to evaluate the predictors of RV dysfunction after the cone operation using preoperative CMR. MethodsThis was a retrospective review of 26 consecutive patients who had the cone operation. Patients with significant RV dysfunction (RVD), defined as moderate or severe dysfunction by discharge echocardiogram, were compared to patients with no or mild dysfunction (no RVD). ResultsThe median age at the operation was 12.2 years (interquartile range (IQR): 4.9–31.7 years). Eighteen patients (69%) had RVD. Patients with RVD had worse preoperative RV ejection fraction (36 ​± ​15 vs 49 ​± ​11%, p ​= ​0.02) and a larger cardiothoracic (CT) index (44 ​± ​8 vs 37 ​± ​6, p ​= ​0.03). The tricuspid valve was more severely abnormal in the RVD group with higher rotational angle (45 ​± ​17 vs 23 ​± ​10°, 0.03) and higher displacement index (39 ​± ​18 vs 23 ​± ​12%, p ​= ​0.02). RVD associated with a higher vasoactive inotropic score (P ​< ​0.01) and a trend towards a longer intensive care stay (p ​= ​0.07). ConclusionRVD is common after the cone operation and associated with higher need for postoperative inotropes. Predictors include lower preoperative RV ejection fraction, a more dilated heart and more severe tricuspid valve abnormality. Preoperative CMR is an important tool in preoperative assessment and helps predict RVD.

Influence of Right Ventricular Dysfunction on Outcomes of Left Ventricular Non-compaction Cardiomyopathy.

BackgroundVarious adverse outcomes such as mortality and rehospitalization are associated with left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC). Due to data limitations, prospective risk assessment for LVNC remains challenging. This study aimed to investigate the influence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction on the clinical outcomes of patients with LVNC through accurate and comprehensive measurements of RV function.Methods and ResultsOverall, 117 patients with LVNC (47.6 ± 18.3 years, 34.2% male) were enrolled, including 53 (45.3%) and 64 (54.7%) patients with and without RV dysfunction, respectively. RV dysfunction was defined as meeting any two of the following criteria: (i) tricuspid annular systolic excursions <17 mm, (ii) tricuspid S′ velocity <10 cm/s, and (iii) RV fractional area change (FAC) <35%. The proportion of biventricular involvement was significantly higher in patients with RV dysfunction than in controls (p = 0.0155). After a follow-up period of 69.0 [33.5, 96.0] months, 18 (15.4%) patients reached the primary endpoint (all-cause mortality), with 14 (26.4%) and 4 (6.3%) from the RV dysfunction group and normal RV function group, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test revealed that patients with RV dysfunction had a higher risk of all-cause mortality than those in the control group (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.132 [2.003, 13.15], p = 0.0013). Similar results were obtained for patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% [HR, 6.582; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.045–21.19; p = 0.0367]. The relationship between RV dysfunction and heart failure rehospitalization and implantation of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)/cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) was not statistically significant (both p > 0.05). The multivariable Cox proportional hazard modeling analysis showed that RV dysfunction (HR: 4.950 [1.378, 17.783], p = 0.014) and impaired RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) (HR: 1.103 [1.004, 1.212], p = 0.041) were independent predictors of mortality rather than increased RV end-diastolic area and decreased LVEF (both p > 0.05).ConclusionsRV dysfunction is associated with the prognosis of patients with LVNC.

630 Impact of right ventricular dysfunction after mitraclip treatment as a bridge to heart transplantation: insight from the mitrabridge strategy

Abstract Aims MitraClip treatment has been recently proposed as a ‘bridge strategy’ solution for advanced heart failure (HF) patients with significant functional mitral regurgitation (MR), who are potential candidates or are waiting for cardiac replacement therapy (LVAD or heart transplantation, HTx). In this clinical scenario, left-ventricular-related right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) represents an important prognostic factor. Our study aimed to investigate the possible prognostic implication of RVD in advanced HF patients treated with MitraClip as a bridge to HTx strategy. Methods and results RVD was assessed using the relationship between tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion (TAPSE) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). All patients from the MitraBridge registry for whom these two echocardiographic parameters were available, were included in the study. A cut-off value of TAPSE/PASP ratio &amp;lt; 0.36 was used to defined RVD, as previously reported. The primary outcome was a composite Endpoint of all-cause death or rehospitalization for HF at 2-year. For patients who underwent LVAD implantation or HTx, follow-up data were censored at the time of those events. A total of 80 patients were included in the study. The median TAPSE/PASP ratio was 0.35 (25th–75th: 0.27–0.46), with 43 (54%) patients having a TAPSE/PASP ratio &amp;lt; 0.36 (RVD group). The latter had a prevalent MR ischaemic etiology (49% vs. 38%), with a more frequent history of percutaneous coronary intervention (46.5% vs. 22%, P = 0.02). Except for TAPSE (15.7 ± 3.6 mm vs. 19.2 ± 3.7 mm, P = 0.001) and PASP (61 ± 14 mmHg vs. 39.5 ± 9.5 mmHg, P &amp;lt; 0.001), the other echocardiographic characteristics were similar between the two study groups (overall mean left ventricular ejection fraction 26.9 ± 8%, median left ventricular end-diastolic volume index 120.7, 25th–75th: 102.2–146.5 ml/m2). After a median follow-up time of 508 (25th–75th: 160–899) days, elective HTx occurred in 12 patients (7 from the RVD group), while LVAD implantation was performed in 13 patients (7 from the RVD group). The primary outcome occurred in 30 patients (38%) with a 2-year Kaplan–Meier estimate of freedom from the composite endpoint of 41%. At univariate (HR: 1.3; 95% CI: 0.6–2.8, P = 0.451) and multivariate (HR: 1.6; CI: 0.7–3.8, P = 0.249) Cox-regression analysis, TAPSE/PASP ratio &amp;lt; 0.36 was not identified as an independent predictor of primary outcome. Indeed, at follow-up echocardiographic control (median time 252, 25th–75th: 122–365 days), a significant improvement in TAPSE/PASP ratio was observed in the RVD group (baseline median TAPSE/PASP ratio 0.27, 25th–75th: 0.22–0.32 vs. follow-up median TAPSE/PASP ratio 0.37, 25th–75th: 0.28–0.47, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions In advanced HF patients with functional MR, MitraClip treatment could prevent or ameliorate left-ventricular-related RVD, allowing safe access to HTx or LVAD.

RV Function by cardiac magnetic resonance and its relationship to RV longitudinal strain and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in patients with acute inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous intervention

Background: Although acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI) is usually regarded as being lower risk compared with acute anterior MI, right ventricular (RV) myocardial involvement (RVMI) may show an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality in patients with inferior MI. CMR is ideal for assessing the RV because it allows comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular morphology and physiology without most limitations that hinder alternative imaging modalities. Objectives: To evaluate the sensitivity of strain and strain rate of the RV using 2D speckle tracking echo and the neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio (NLR) compared to cardiac MRI (CMR) as the gold standard among patients with inferior STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methodology: 40 Patients with inferior MI who had primary PCI were included in the study; they were divided into two groups according to the RVEF using CMR. NLR was done in comparison to RVEF. Results: out of the 40 patients, 18 (45%) patients had RV dysfunction. 2D echocardiography was done for all patients, where fractional area change (FAC) in the RV dysfunction group appeared to be significantly reduced compared to the group without RV dysfunction (p value = 0.03). In addition, RV longitudinal strain (LS) by speckle tracking echo was reduced with an average of 19.5 ± 3.9% in the RV dysfunction group. Both CMR- derived RV SV, and EF were lower among the RV dysfunction group, (26.8 ± 15.8) ml and (35.4 ± 6.9)% respectively, with large RV systolic volume, with a highly statistically significant difference in comparison to the other group (p value = 0.000). Complications, heart block was significantly higher in patients with RV dysfunction (p value = 0.008) as it occurred in 5 (27.8%) patients. N/L ratio for predicting RV dysfunction by CMR had a cut-off value of &gt; 7.7 with low sensitivity (38.8%) and high specificity (77.3 %). In contrast, LS for predicting RV dysfunction by CMR had high sensitivity (83.3%) and high specificity (63.6%) with p value = 0.005. Conclusion: Our results showed that RV dysfunction in inferior MI is better detected using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. In inferior STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI, NLR has low sensitivity but high specificity for predicting RVD when measured by cardiac MRI.

Impact of right ventricular dysfunction after MitraClip treatment as a bridge to heart transplantation: insights from the MitraBridge registry

Abstract Background MitraClip treatment has been recently proposed as a “bridge strategy” solution for advanced heart failure (HF) patients with significant functional mitral regurgitation (MR), who are potential candidates or are waiting for cardiac replacement therapy (LVAD or heart transplantation, HTx). In this clinical scenario, left-ventricular-related right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) represents an important prognostic factor. Purpose Our study aimed to investigate the possible prognostic implication of RVD in advanced HF patients treated with MitraClip as a bridge to HTx strategy. Methods RVD was assessed using the relationship between tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion (TAPSE) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). All patients from the MitraBridge registry for whom these two echocardiographic parameters were available, were included in the study. A cut-off value of TAPSE/PASP ratio &amp;lt;0.36 was used to defined RVD, as previously reported. The primary outcome was a composite end-point of all-cause death or rehospitalization for HF at 2-year. For patients who underwent LVAD implantation or HTx, follow-up data were censored at the time of those events. Results A total of 80 patients were included in the study. The median TAPSE/PASP ratio was 0.35 (25th-75th: 0.27–0.46), with 43 (54%) patients having a TAPSE/PASP ratio &amp;lt;0.36 (RVD group). The latter had a prevalent MR ischemic etiology (49% vs 38%), with a more frequent history of percutaneous coronary intervention (46.5% vs 22%, p=0.02). Except for TAPSE (15.7±3.6 mm vs 19.2±3.7 mm, p=0.001) and PASP (61±14 mmHg vs 39.5±9.5 mmHg, p&amp;lt;0.001), the other echocardiographic characteristics were similar between the two study groups (overall mean left ventricular ejection fraction 26.9±8%, median left ventricular end-diastolic volume index 120.7, 25th-75th: 102.2–146.5 mL/m2). After a median follow-up time of 508 (25th-75th: 160–899) days, elective HTx occurred in 12 patients (7 from the RVD group), while LVAD implantation was performed in 13 patients (7 from the RVD group). The primary outcome occurred in 30 patients (38%) with a 2-year Kaplan-Meier estimate of freedom from the composite end-point of 41%. At univariate (HR 1.3 95% CI 0.6–2.8, p=0.451) and multivariate (HR 1.6 CI 0.7–3.8, p=0.249) Cox-regression analysis, TAPSE/PASP ratio &amp;lt;0.36 was not identified as an independent predictor of primary outcome. Indeed, at follow-up echocardiographic control (median time 252, 25th-75th: 122–365 days), a significant improvement in TAPSE/PASP ratio was observed in the RVD group (baseline median TAPSE/PASP ratio 0.27, 25th-75th: 0.22–0.32 vs follow-up median TAPSE/PASP ratio 0.37, 25th-75th: 0.28–0.47, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion In advanced HF patients with functional MR, MitraClip treatment could prevent or ameliorate left-ventricular-related RVD, allowing safe access to HTx or LVAD. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

RV function by cardiac magnetic resonance and its relationship with neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in patients with acute inferior STEMI undergoing PPCI

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Although acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI) is usually regarded as being lower risk compared with acute anterior MI, right ventricular (RV) myocardial involvement (RVMI) carries an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality in patients with inferior MI.Cardiac Magnetic resonance (CMR) is ideal for assessing the RV because it allows a comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular morphology and physiology without most of the limitations that hinder alternative imaging modalities. Objectives To evaluate the sensitivity of other parameters;the neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and RV function using 2D speckle tracking echo compared to (CMR) among patients with inferior STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methodology 40 Patients with inferior MI who had PPCI were included in the study; two groups were highlighted according to the CMR derived RVEF RV dysfunction (RVD and non-RVD). NLR and 2D speckle tracking echo were done in comparison to RVEF. Results out of the 40 patients, 18 (45%) patients had RVD. ST segment elevation in the right leads was significantly higher (P-value =0.03) in patients with RV dysfunction (55.6%) in comparison with patients (22.7%) who had no RV dysfunction.When comparing groups according to the complications, heart block was significantly higher in patients with RV dysfunction (P-value= 0.008) as it occurred in 5 (27.8%) patients.Echocardiography was done for all patients, and it was found that fractional area change (FAC) in the RV dysfunction group appeared to be significantly reduced compared to the group without RV dysfunction (P-value =0.03). RV longitudinal strain (LS) by speckle tracking echo was reduced with an average of -19.5 ±3.9 % in the RV dysfunction group P value 0.008.Both CMR- derived RV SV, and EF were lower among the RV dysfunction group, (26.8 ± 15.8) ml and (35.4 ± 6.9) % respectively, with large RV systolic volume, with the highly statistically significant difference in comparison to the other group (p value = 0.000). Mean N/L ratio was higher (7.3 ± 5.2 (10^3/uL)) in the group with RV dysfunction compared to (6.4 ± 4.1(10^3/uL)) in the group with non RV dysfunction group. N/L ratio for predicting RV dysfunction by CMR had a cutoff value of &amp;gt;7.7 with low sensitivity (38.89%) and high specificity (77.27 %), while LS for predicting RV dysfunction by CMR had both high sensitivity (83.33%) and high specificity (63.64%) with P-value =0.005. Conclusion Our results showed that RV dysfunction in inferior MI is better detected using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. In inferior STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI, NLR has low sensitivity but high specificity for predicting RVD when measured by cardiac MRI.

The role of right ventricular late gadolinium enhancement scoring by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in cardiac sarcoidosis

Abstract Background The right ventricular (RV) function is a significant predictor of the prognosis and exercises tolerance in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. The previous study reported that RV late gadolinium enhancements (LGE) as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging were present in 16% of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Although RV LGE is associated with a poor prognosis, a semi-quantitative assessment of RV LGE was not been established so far. Moreover, the frequency of RV dysfunction (RVD) in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and predictors of RVD are unclear. Purpose Our aim of this study is to establish RV LGE semi-quantitative scores and to clarify the rate and predictors of RVD in CS. Methods Forty-four consecutive patients with CS who underwent CMR imaging (median age, 63 [IQR 54–71] years old; 10 males) were studied. They were diagnosed as definitive based on the Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement. Two patients were excluded due to no long axial view. Thus, a total of 42 patients were included in this study. RV LGE was semi-quantitatively evaluated using the original score developed by ours. RV was classified into RV outflow tract (OT), basal, middle and apex. RVOT and apex are assigned 1 segment for each, and basal and middle are assigned 4 segments include anterior, septal, inferior and lateral (Figure1). In total, 10 segments were evaluated. RV LGE scores were analysed independently by the two operators. The RV ejection fraction was assessed in a long axial view without an RVOT (20 phases, 12 slices). We divided the cohort into the non-RVD group (RVEF ≥45%) and the RVD group (RVEF &amp;lt;45%) and compared the RV scores between the two groups. Results The RVD was present in 31% of the entire cohort. The presence of RV LGE was significantly higher in the RVD group than the non-RVD group (83% vs. 43%, p=0.037). RV LGE score in the RVD group was significantly higher than that in the non-RVD group (2.83±1.95 vs. 0.83±1.21, p=0.001). The septal lesions in basal and middle levels accounted for 54% in all segments. RVEF showed a significant inverse correlation with RV LGE score (r=−0.57, p&amp;lt;0.0001). In the ROC curve for RVD, the RV LGE score of more than 2 and equal could discriminate RVD from non-RVD with AUC of 0.813 (Sensitivity = 0.77, Specificity = 0.76, p=0.003). Conclusion RVD was observed in 31% of patients with definitive CS. The septal lesions were the most frequent in the RV LGE site, which suggests that the longitudinal abnormal motion of RV is a significant predictor of the RVD in patients with CS. RV LGE score is a valuable method to assess RVD. RV LGE score Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Clinical analysis of elderly acute pulmonary embolism patients with normal blood pressure and right ventricular dysfunction

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of the elderly acute pulmonary embolism(APE)patients with normal blood pressure and right ventricular dysfunction(RVD). Methods A total of 133 elderly APE patients with normal blood pressure and RVD were retrospectively analyzed.According to whether or not to merge RVD, patients were divided into the RVD group(n=42)and the non-RVD group(n=91). The incidence of clinical symptoms and signs, the incidence of pulmonary embolism, clinical indicators after thrombolytic therapy, and the incidence of bleeding were compared and analyzed between RVD and non-RVD groups. Results The incidences of syncope(33.3% or 14/42 vs.7.8% 7/91), P2 accentuation(45.2% or 19/42 vs.25.3% or 23/91), tachycardia(40.5% or 17/42 vs.20.9% or 19/91), cyanosis(26.2% or 11/42 vs.8.8% or 8/91)and jugular vein filling(11.9% or 5/42 vs.1.1% or 1/91)had significant differences between RVD and non-RVD groups(χ2=4.928, 4.644, 5.410, 4.971 and 4.163, all P<0.05). The incidence of proximal pulmonary embolism was higher in RVD group than in non-RVD group[25(59.5%)vs.8(8.8%), χ2=13.636, P<0.01], and the incidence of lobar artery embolism was higher in RVD group than in non-RVD group[32(76.2%)vs.47(51.6%), χ2=9.530, P<0.01]. Thirteen RVD patients received low-molecular-weight heparin anticoagulation combined with thrombolytic therapy, and 29 RVD patients took low-molecular-weight heparin anticoagulant therapy.The pulmonary artery systolic pressure(PASP)and tricuspid regurgitation pressure levels were higher in the thrombolytic therapy group than in the anticoagulant therapy group(t=2.894, 2.518 and 1.957, P=0.004, 0.015 and 0.026). The incidence of bleeding was higher in the thrombolytic therapy group than in the anticoagulant therapy group(23.1% vs.10.3%, χ2= 3.498, P=0.015). Conclusions The right ventricular dysfunction should be confirmed in APE patients with embolism involving proximal pulmonary artery or(and)presenting clinical symptoms or signs such as syncope and tachycardia.The anticoagulation therapy is effective and safe for elderly patients with normal blood pressure and right heart dysfunction without risks for further deterioration. Key words: Pulmonary embolism; Blood pressure; Ventricular function, right; Thrombolysis therapy

Diagnostic value of serum cardiac biomarkers for right ventricular dysfunction in non-high-risk patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and troponin Ⅰ (TnI) for detecting right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) in patients with non-high-risk acute pulmonary thromboembolism (APE). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in 96 adult patients [44 males, 52 females, aged (61±14) years] with non-high-risk APE from January 2015 to June 2016. All patients were divided into RVD group and non-RVD group according to whether there was right ventricular enlargement on echocardiography. The baseline data, serumTnI and NT-proBNP levels were compared between the 2 groups and the diagnostic value of the 2 cardiac markers for RVD was analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences in age, gender, body mass index between the 2 groups (P>0.05). The creatinine clearance rate of the RVD group was lower than that of the non-RVD group [96.4 (77.5,99.6) vs 101.7 (95.1,106.5), P=0.021]. NT-proBNP [2 300 (1 056,3 396) vs 188 (61,535), P<0.01] and TnI [0.13 (0.09,0.25) vs 0.00 (0.00,0.02), P<0.01] were significant higher in the RVD group than in the non-RVD group. The univariate logistic regression analyses showed that NT-proBNP (per 100 ng/L, OR 1.199, 95%CI 1.117-1.287), TnI (per 0.01 μg/L, OR 1.164, 95%CI 1.079-1.256) and creatinine clearance rate (OR 0.968, 95% CI 0.938-0.998) were significantly associated with RVD. Multivariate regression analysis showed that NT-proBNP (per 100 ng/L, OR 1.155, 95%CI 1.074-1.241) and TnI (per 0.01 μg/L, OR 1.079, 95% CI 1.011-1.151) were independently associated with RVD. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of NT-proBNP, TnI, and the combination of them were 0.908 (95% CI 0.841-0.976), 0.896 (95% CI 0.826-0.966) and 0.925 (95% CI 0.862-0.988), respectively. The cut-off value of NT-proBNP was 503.5 ng/L, with a sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 75.4%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 66.7% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 90.2%.The cut-off value of TnI was 0.05 μg/L, and the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV was 80.0%, 86.9%, 77.8% and 88.3%, respectively. The optimal probability derived from the logistic regression model in which the 2 biomarkers were the independent variables was 0.779, with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 65.7%, 96.7%, 92.0%, 83.1%, respectively. Conclusion: Both NT-proBNP and TnI had preferably good diagnostic value for RVD in patients with non-high-risk APE, but their clinical application needed comprehensive evaluation combined with the overall manifestations of the patients and experimental methods. The diagnostic value was higher when the 2 biomarkers were evaluated together.

Post-extrasystolic characteristics in the arterial blood pressure waveform are associated with right ventricular dysfunction in intensive care patients

Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is associated with end-organ dysfunction and mortality, but has been an overlooked condition in the ICU. We hypothesized that analysis of the arterial waveform in the presence of ventricular extrasystoles could differentiate patients with RVD from patients with a normally functioning right ventricle, because the 2nd and 3rd post-ectopic beat could reflect right ventricular state (pulmonary transit time) during the preceding ectopy. We retrospectively identified patients with echocardiographic evidence of moderate-to-severe RVD and patients with a normal functioning right ventricle (control) from the MIMIC database. We identified waveform records where ECG and arterial pressure were available in combination, simultaneously with echocardiographic evaluation. Ventricular extrasystoles were visually confirmed and the median systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the 2nd and 3rd post-ectopic beats compared with the median SBP of the ten sinus beats preceding the extrasystole. We identified 34 patients in the control group and 24 patients in the RVD group with ventricular extrasystoles. The mean SBP reduction at the 2nd and 3rd beat was lower in the RVD group compared with the control group [- 1.7 (SD: 1.9) % vs. - 3.6 (SD: 1.9) %, p < 0.001], and this characteristic differentiated RVD subjects from control subjects with an AUC of 0.76 (CI [0.64; 0.89]), with a specificity of 91% and sensitivity of 50%. In this proof-of-concept study, we found that post-extrasystolic ABP characteristics were associated with RVD.