Right Ventricular Involvement Research Articles

Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and biventricular involvement.

Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) improves VT-free survival in 'classic' arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). This study aims to investigate electrophysiological features and ablation outcomes in patients with ARVC and biventricular (BiV) involvement. We assembled a retrospective cohort of definite ARVC cases with sustained VTs. Patients were divided into the BiV (BiV involvement) group and the right ventricular (RV) (isolated RV involvement) group based on the left ventricular systolic function detected by cardiac magnetic resonance. All patients underwent electrophysiological mapping and VT ablation. Acute complete success was non-inducibility of any sustained VT, and the primary endpoint was VT recurrence. Ninety-eight patients (36 ± 14 years; 87% male) were enrolled, including 50 in the BiV group and 48 in the RV group. Biventricular involvement was associated with faster clinical VTs, a higher VT inducibility, and more extensive arrhythmogenic substrates (all P < 0.05). Left-sided VTs were observed in 20% of the BiV group cases and correlated with significantly reduced left ventricular systolic function. Catheter ablation achieved similar acute efficacy between these two groups, whereas the presence of left-sided VTs increased acute ablation failure (40 vs. 5%, P = 0.012). Over 51 ± 34 months [median, 48 (22-83) months] of follow-up, cumulative VT-free survival was 52% in the BiV group and 58% in the RV group (P = 0.353). A multivariate analysis showed that younger age, lower RV ejection fraction (RVEF), and non-acute complete ablation success were associated with VT recurrence in the BiV group. Biventricular involvement implied a worse arrhythmic phenotype and increased the risk of left-sided VTs, while catheter ablation maintained its efficacy for VT control in this population. Younger age, lower RVEF, and non-acute complete success predicted VT recurrence after ablation.

The Added Value of Advanced Echocardiography for the Morpho-Functional and Prognostic Evaluation of the Right Heart in Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Do Not Forget about the Right Atrium.

(1) Introduction and Aims: Right ventricular (RV) remodeling significantly impacts the prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients, and right atrial (RA) size and function are still often neglected in DCM patients. Accordingly, our aims were to (i) evaluate right heart subclinical changes and (ii) the prognostic value of RA compared to left atrial (LA) size and function in patients with DCM by advanced echocardiography. (2) Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight patients with DCM (with a mean age of 60 years; 35 men) were evaluated by comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography, compared to 62 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (with a mean age of 61 years; 32 men), and followed up for 12.4 ± 5 months. (3) Results: DCM patients have RV and RA global longitudinal dysfunction by 2DSTE, higher RA minimum volumes and tricuspid annulus areas despite having normal RV volumes, ejection fractions, and RA maximum volumes by 3DE compared to the controls. The RA strain and RV strain are correlated with each other. The RA reservoir strain (with an AUC = 0.769) has an increased value for outcome prediction compared to that of the LA strain. (4) Conclusion: Patients with DCM have RV longitudinal dysfunction and decreased RA function, in the absence of clinical RV involvement or atrial arrhythmias, and the RA strain is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and cardiac death.

The Role of Echocardiography in the Contemporary Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Comprehensive Review.

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a rare inflammatory disorder characterised by the presence of non-caseating granulomas within the myocardium. Contemporary studies have revealed that 25-30% of patients with systemic sarcoidosis have cardiac involvement, with detection rates increasing in the era of advanced cardiac imaging. The use of late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance and 18fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging has superseded endomyocardial biopsy for the diagnosis of CS. Echocardiography has historically been used as a screening tool with abnormalities triggering the need for advanced imaging, and as a tool to assess cardiac function. Regional wall thinning or aneurysm formation in a noncoronary distribution may indicate granuloma infiltration. Thinning of the basal septum in the setting of extracardiac sarcoidosis carries a high specificity for cardiac involvement. Abnormal myocardial echotexture and eccentric hypertrophy may be suggestive of active myocardial inflammation. The presence of right-ventricular involvement as indicated by free-wall aneurysms can mimic arrhythmogenic right-ventricular cardiomyopathy. More recently, the use of myocardial strain has increased the sensitivity of echocardiography in diagnosing cardiac involvement. Echocardiography is limited in prognostication, with impaired left-ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and LV dilatation being the only established independent predictors of mortality. More research is required to explore how advanced echocardiographic technologies can increase both the diagnostic sensitivity and prognostic ability of this modality in CS.

Echocardiographic assessment of the right ventricular function in acute myocardial infarction

Background: Assessment of the right chamber function has not given much importance; this could be due to complex structure, asymmetric shape, and difficulty in visualization, and resulted in poor understanding of the impact of the right ventricular (RV) function on prognosis. Echocardiography commonly used and most readily available investigation modality for the assessment of the right ventricular function. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between RV function and left ventricle (LV) dysfunction and Killip class in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) exclusive of RV infarction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 21 consecutive patients admitted to the coronary care unit with AMI were included and echocardiography was performed within 24 h of admission to assess RV and LV functions. RV function was quantified with a tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), RV longitudinal strain, RV myocardial performance index (RVMPI), and compared with the LV ejection fraction and Killip class. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the majority of patients were male (90.5%) and only 9.5% of patients were female with a mean age of 50.9 years. Anterior wall MI was more common (58%) than inferior wall MI (42%). The study findings revealed that the RV longitudinal strain had a significant negative correlation (r2 = 0.803, P = 0.001) with Killip class and LV ejection fraction, whereas TAPSE, RVMPI, and RVFAC were poorly correlated with RV dysfunction.Conclusion: From the study findings, we concluded that echocardiographic assessment of RV functions demonstrated that larger infarcts correlated with RV dysfunction. RV involvement was more pronounced in anterior MI than inferior MI. Hence, the earliest recognition of RV dysfunction is warranted. Keywords: Acute myocardial infarction, echocardiograph, right ventricular function.

113 RIGHT VENTRICULAR FREE WALL LONGITUDINAL STRAIN AS THE SOLE MARKER OF RIGHT VENTRICLE SYSTOLIC DYSFUNCION IN HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY: A CLINICAL CASE

Abstract Background The introduction of Cardiac-MRI (cMRI) in clinical practice has considerably improved risk stratification of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, the prediction of adverse outcome based on imaging markers remains suboptimal. Right ventricular (RV) involvement is an emerging finding in this disease of unknown clinical value. The identification of accurate and sensible imaging markers to detect morpho-functional alterations of the RV is therefore essential to establish, in the future, any prognostic impact of RV involvement in HCM in order to improve risk stratification. RV free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FWLS) is a promising marker to unveil subclinical RV dysfunction despite normal conventional indices of RV systolic function; however, RV-FWLS has been scarcely explored in HCM patients. Case Summary A 29-year-old man with sarcomeric HCM due to MYBPC3 mutation was referred to our Institution. Trans-Thoracic Echocardiography (TTE) showed left ventricular (LV) apical hypertrophy (27 mm) with an ace of spades morphology and mid-ventricular obstruction (peak gradient 38 mmHg). LV-EF was normal (62%) while LV global longitudinal strain was significantly impaired (-9.3% with a reverse apical sparing pattern). 2nd-degree diastolic dysfunction and left atrial enlargement (maximum volume: 42 ml/m2) were observed. No LV apical aneurysm nor paradoxical diastolic flow at the apex were noted. RV hypertrophy was present (maximum thickness 8 mm) with normal conventional indices of RV systolic function: TAPSE 26 mm, S’ TDI 12 cm/s, FAC 50%. In contrast, RV-FWLS was significantly reduced (–16%). cMRI confirmed normal bi-ventricular function in presence of left and right hypertrophy (maximum wall thickness 28 and 12 mm, respectively) and LV apical thinning. At tissue characterization, elevated native T1 and T2 values were evident in the apex (1071 +/- 45 ms and 54 +/- 6 ms, respectively) and a significant amount of patchy LGE was present in the mid-apical segments of the LV (28% of LV mass) and of the RV. After consideration of clinical and imaging data, an s-ICD for primary prevention was implanted. Discussion The present case highlights known issues and poses new challenges in managing HCM patients. First, it confirms the central role of cMRI, demonstrating its unique capability to spot myocardial fibrosis, guiding our decision to implant an s-ICD in our patient. Second, it draws attention to RV involvement in HCM, an emerging finding in this condition. MYBPC3 mutation has been associated with RV hypertrophy. Both of these conditions, together with patchy RV-LGE, were found in our patient. Notably, RV-FWLS was the only RV systolic index to be impaired and might represent an early and more accurate marker of RV systolic dysfunction compared to other conventional indices, including RV-EF by cMRI. Future studies assessing the prognostic value of RV involvement, including RV-LGE and RV-FWLS, are needed in HCM patients to potentially refine risk stratification in this challenging population.

Biochemical, coronary angiographic and echocardiographic parameters in inferior acute myocardial infarction with right ventricle injury

Background: The involvement of the right ventricular (RV) myocardium in inferior acute myocardial infarction (AMI) increases the risk of complication and death rates, which makes it important to timely identify this type of myocardial infarction.&#x0D; Aim: To assess the value of functional, biochemical, coronary angiographic and ultrasound parameters in the patients in their productive age with inferior AMI, in order to identify the RV injury before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).&#x0D; Materials and methods: This cohort prospective study included 141 patients with inferior AMI and ST elevation (26 women aged up to 60 years and 115 men aged up to 65 years), admitted to the emergency of the Medical Unit of Kazan (Volga region) Federal University from 2019 to 2021. The patients past history, clinical, biochemical and ultrasound data were obtained on admission and at discharge from the hospital. The two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography was performed at days 5 to 7 after PCI. The results are given as median values and 25% and 75% quartiles (Ме [Q1; Q3]).&#x0D; Results: According to electrocardiographic signs, 41.8% (n = 59) patients with inferior AMI comprised the group with the RV injury. There were no differences in the myocardial injury biomarker levels between the groups on admission (р = 0.31 and p = 0.786, respectively). The coronary angiography showed that the index artery was the right coronary artery in 100% (n = 59) cases with the RV injury and in 67.1% (n = 55, р 0.001) of the cases without the RV injury. Proximal involvement was 2.7 more common in biventricular infarction, than in the isolated inferior one (р = 0.013). During PCI, the RV involvement significantly increased the risk of complications (in 28 (47.5%) and 18 (22.0%) of the cases, respectively, р 0.001), among them being the need in a temporary pacemaker placement (8 (13.6%) and 2 (2.4%) patients, р = 0.027). Echocardiography showed worse parameters of global and local contractility of both ventricles in the group with the RV involvement in the inferior AMI. The left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction decreased from 55% [51; 57] to 52% [47; 56] (р = 0.005); global RV deformity from -15.2% [-18.5; -13.4] to -12.3% [-15.6; -10.6] (р 0.001); total number of segments with local contractility abnormalities increased from 2 [1; 3] to 5 [3; 6] (р 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: The study has confirmed that the involvement of RV into inferior LV AMI in the patients of productive age should be verified by abnormalities of electrocardiographic, biochemical, coronary angiographic and ultrasound parameters. To document the RV injury before PCI, ST elevation in additional right chest leads (V3RV4R) was most informative, whereas after PCI, it was the finding of abnormal local contractility of basal and medial inferior RV segments by two-dimensional echocardiography and decreased longitudinal RV deformation by speckle tracking.

Prognostic Value of Right Ventricular Function in Patients With Suspected Myocarditis Undergoing Cardiac Magnetic Resonance

BackgroundRisk-stratification of myocarditis is based on functional parameters and tissue characterization of the left ventricle (LV), whereas right ventricular (RV) involvement remains mostly unrecognized. ObjectivesIn this study, the authors sought to analyze the prognostic value of RV involvement in myocarditis by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). MethodsPatients meeting the recommended clinical criteria for suspected myocarditis were enrolled at 2 centers. Exclusion criteria were the evidence of coronary artery disease, pulmonary artery hypertension or structural cardiomyopathy. Biventricular ejection fraction, edema according to T2-weighted images, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were linked to a composite end point of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including heart failure hospitalization, ventricular arrhythmia, recurrent myocarditis, and death. ResultsAmong 1,125 consecutive patients, 736 (mean age: 47.8 ± 16.1 years) met the clinical diagnosis of suspected myocarditis and were followed for 3.7 years. Signs of RV involvement (abnormal right ventricular ejection fraction [RVEF], RV edema, and RV-LGE) were present in 188 (25.6%), 158 (21.5%), and 92 (12.5%) patients, respectively. MACE occurred in 122 patients (16.6%) and was univariably associated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LV edema, LV-LGE, RV-LGE, RV edema, and RVEF. In a series of nesting multivariable Cox regression models, the addition of RVEF (HRadj: 0.974 [95% CI: 0.956-0.993]; P = 0.006) improved prognostication (chi-square test = 89.5; P = 0.001 vs model 1; P = 0.006 vs model 2) compared with model 1 including only clinical variables (chi-square test = 28.54) and model 2 based on clinical parameters, LVEF, and LV-LGE extent (chi-square test = 78.93). ConclusionsThis study emphasizes the role of RV involvement in myocarditis and demonstrates the independent and incremental prognostic value of RVEF beyond clinical variables, CMR tissue characterization, and LV function. (Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy Bern Registry [FlamBER]; NCT04774549; CMR Features in Patients With Suspected Myocarditis [CMRMyo]; NCT03470571)

The Dysfunctional Right Ventricle in Dilated Cardiomyopathies: Looking from the Right Point of View

Dilated cardiomyopathies (DCMs) are a heterogenous group of primary myocardial diseases, representing one of the leading causes of heart failure, and the main indication for heart transplantation. While the degree of left ventricular dilation and dysfunction are two key determinants of adverse outcomes in DCM patients, right ventricular (RV) remodeling and dysfunction further negatively influence patient prognosis. Consequently, RV functional assessment and diagnosing RV involvement by using an integrative approach based on multimodality imaging is of paramount importance in the evaluation of DCM patients and provides incremental prognostic and therapeutic information. Transthoracic echocardiography remains the first-line imaging modality used for the assessment of the RV, and newer techniques such as speckle-tracking and three-dimensional echocardiography significantly improve its diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. Nonetheless, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is considered the gold standard imaging modality for the evaluation of RV size and function, and all DCM patients should be evaluated by CMR at least once. Accordingly, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the anatomy and function of the RV, and the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prognostic value of RV dysfunction in DCM patients, based on traditional and novel imaging techniques.

Identifying proteomic profiles as indicators of disease severity in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Introduction Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited heart muscle disease characterized by progressive fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium and ventricular arrhythmias. Biventricular (BiV) involvement may lead to heart failure. This study aimed to investigate characteristic proteomic patterns in plasma of ACM patients, and correlated them with clinical outcome as well as physical exercise, to assess if key soluble molecules may serve as specific biomarkers for ACM, and whether mechanical stress induced by physical exercise may alter proteomic patterns in ACM patients. Methods In 38 ACM patients clinical parameters and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE defined as presence of sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, appropriate therapy from implantable cardioverter defibrillator, sudden cardiac death, death related to end-stage heart failure or cardiac transplant) were obtained prospectively during a mean follow-up period of 36 months. All patients received genetic testing using next generation DNA sequencing. Plasma protein expression was analysed using the Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology, where a pair of oligonucleotide-labelled antibody probe binds to each targeted protein. In a subgroup of 11 patients blood was drawn immediately before and 3 hours after standardised bicycle exercise testing, and plasma protein expression was compared. Results 12 patients had ACM with BiV involvement, and 26 patients had isolated right ventricular (RV) involvement. During the follow-up period, 34 patients had a MACE (30% with RV and 14% with BiV). Over 360 proteins were assessed in all ACM patients and compared to 24 healthy controls. The proteomic signature of ACM patients differed significantly compared to controls, and 32 proteins were upregulated in ACM (Figure 1). The proteomic profiles of patients with RV involvement also differed from those with BiV involvement. Most importantly, after exercise, over 40 proteins were upregulated specifically in ACM patients compared to controls, including key pro-inflammatory, adipogenic molecules and also markers of cardiac fibrosis. Conclusion Our study shows that ACM patients with RV and BiV involvement have different plasma proteomic profiles compared to healthy controls. Furthermore we were able to demonstrate that, specifically in ACM patients, several pro-inflammatory pathways are upregulated after exercise compared to healthy controls, further elucidating the molecular pathways associated with arrhythmogenicity and disease progression and highlighting the key role of physical stress. Our results may enable the identification of potential future biomarkers for diagnosis and risk stratification and may pave the way for personalized patient specific treatments. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Baugarten Foundation ZurichSwiss National Foundation

CARDIAC SARCOIDOSIS: WHEN THE RIGHT VENTRICLE ISN’T RIGHT

CARDIAC SARCOIDOSIS: WHEN THE RIGHT VENTRICLE ISN’T RIGHT

Association between right ventricular longitudinal strain and cardiovascular events in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis

BackgroundWhile right ventricular (RV) involvement is commonly observed in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), the utility of strain imaging to detect RV involvement is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) and cardiovascular events in patients with CS. MethodsWe studied 51 patients with CS who were diagnosed between 2012 and 2020. All patients underwent comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation, and RVFWLS was assessed using 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). ResultsDuring a median follow-up duration of 548 days, 11 patients exhibited MACEs. In the univariable Cox proportional hazards model, the baseline RVFWLS was associated with MACEs (hazard ratio: 1.29, p = 0.008). The addition of RVFWLS to the conventional echocardiographic parameters exhibited a significant incremental value associated with MACEs. Patients with reduced RVFWLS showed a higher prevalence of late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in RV wall (p = 0.02) and trends toward higher prevalence of fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in RV (p = 0.06). A serial echocardiographic evaluation revealed that patients with events showed a worsening in RVFWLS, while others showed a trend toward improvement. ConclusionsImpaired RVFWLS at baseline was associated with MACEs in patients with CS. RVFWLS could be an important surrogate of disease activity and prognosis by detecting active RV involvement in CS.

Alterations in right ventricular mechanics in patients with Behcet's disease.

Manifest myocardial involvement is somewhat rare in patients with Behcet's disease (BD), although echocardiographic studies suggest that subclinical alterations in left ventricular (LV) contractility is rather common. Data on right ventricular (RV) involvement in BD is rather scarce.This study aims to determine whether RV systolic performance is affected in BD patients, and to understand the clinical and echocardiographic correlates of RV contractility in these patients.Forty-five patients who fulfilled criteria for BD and 45 age and gender matched controls were enrolled. All participants underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic examination, including deformation imaging, to characterize RV mechanics.Conventional morphologic and echocardiographic indicators of RV morphology and function were not different between groups, but RV apical strain and RV free wall strain (FWS) were significantly lower in BD patients as compared to the controls (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively). The only significant correlates of FWS were tricuspid regurgitation velocity and related indices in healthy controls, while FWS correlated with LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), morphologic measures of left and right atria and ventricles, and with conventional measures of right ventricular contractility. The relationship between FWS and GLS remained statistically significant after adjusting for other clinical and echocardiographic parameters (β = 0.379, P = 0.01).In patients with BD, there is a subclinical alteration in RV contractility and the degree of alteration in the RV systolic performance paralleled that of LV. Thus, present results support the presence of RV involvement in these patients.

A Common Tachyarrhythmia In A Rare Myocarditis

Giant-cell myocarditis (GCM) is a rare type of myocarditis that is characterized as a rapidly progressive and often fatal myocardial disease. It has a diverse clinical presentation which mimics those of other acquired and genetic cardiomyopathies.This case report highlights ventricular tachycardia (VT) as the initial GCM manifestation and demonstrates a unique case with predominantly right ventricular (RV) involvement.A 45-year-old male presented to the hospital with palpitation and pre-syncope. His past medical history included hyperlipidemia and obstructive sleep apnea. He did not have any significant family or social history. Initial workup was significant for an elevated troponin level of 8.49. His initial ECG showed intermittent VT with left bundle branch with left superior axis at 190 beats-per-minute. Chest X-ray showed mild hilar lymphadenopathy. The patient was admitted and intravenous amiodarone was initiated. Coronary angiography revealed non-obstructive coronary disease. With suppression of VT, repeated ECG showed deep T-wave inversion in leads V1-4. Echocardiogram showed mildly reduced ejection fraction of 40% and dilated and hypokinetic RV. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided subcarinal lymph node was performed to rule out sarcoidosis. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator was placed for secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Genetic testing for hereditary forms of cardiomyopathies including arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) was performed. Electroanatomic mapping of the RV showed extensive septal scar which guided sites of biopsy. Biopsy confirmed GCM. Beta-blocker and immunosuppression were started. Patient was transferred to a tertiary care center for transplant evaluation but unfortunately passed away after suffering a major stroke.This case demonstrates challenges related to diagnosis of GCM. Its various clinical presentations overlap with those of more common clinical acute myocardial infarction, sarcoidosis and ARVC. Furthermore, this case underlines the importance of early voltage-map-guided biopsy in diagnosis and treatment of GCM. This is also the first case report of biopsy-proven GCM with predominant RV involvement.

A Tachycardia in Disguise.

A Tachycardia in Disguise.

Implications of structural right ventricular involvement in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

In the clinical practice, the right ventricular (RV) manifestations have received less attention in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This paper aimed to evaluate the risk prediction value and genetic characteristics of RV involvement in HCM patients. A total of 893 patients with HCM were recruited. RV hypertrophy, RV obstruction, and RV late gadolinium enhancement were evaluated by echocardiography and/or cardiac magnetic resonance. Patients with any of the above structural abnormalities were identified as having RV involvement. All patients were followed with a median follow-up time of 3.0 years. The primary endpoint was cardiovascular death; the secondary endpoints were all-cause death and heart failure (HF)-related death. Survival analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations between RV involvement and the endpoints. Genetic testing was performed on 669 patients. RV involvement was recognized in 114 of 893 patients (12.8%). Survival analyses demonstrated that RV involvement was an independent risk factor for cardiovascular death (P = 0.002), all-cause death (P = 0.011), and HF-related death (P = 0.004). These outcome results were then confirmed by a sensitivity analysis. Genetic testing revealed a higher frequency of genotype-positive in patients with RV involvement (57.0% vs. 31.0%, P < 0.001), and the P/LP variants of MYBPC3 were more frequently identified in patients with RV involvement (30.4% vs. 12.0%, P < 0.001). Logistic analyses indicated the independent correlation between RV involvement and these genetic factors. RV involvement was an independent risk factor for cardiovascular death, all-cause death and HF-related death in HCM patients. Genetic factors might contribute to RV involvement in HCM.

Right-ventricular involvement in acute myocarditis assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. INTRODUCTION the prevalence of right ventricular (RV) involvement in acute myocarditis (aMY) has been poorly investigated. Actually, RV evaluation may be difficult in echocardiography and scar detection as well as the presence of edema in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) may be challenging due to small RV wall thickness. We sought to examine the incremental diagnostic value of CMR feature tracking (FT) in RV strain-analysis for patients with aMY. METHODS all consecutive patients with clinically suspected aMY were enrolled in our study. Inclusion criteria were: 1) new ECG abnormalities 2) myocardial cytolysis markers and 3) absence of angiographically detectable coronary artery disease. Exclusion criteria included poor cine image quality caused by respiratory motion and arrhythmias. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and CMR within hospitalization on a 3T scan. CMR protocol included current standard Lake Louise criteria (LLC) for myocarditis and T2 weighted images. The definite diagnosis was made when 2 or more Lake Louise criteria were fulfilled. FT analysis of the left ventricle (LV) and RV was performed using the Tissue Tracking Module to obtain LV and RV global longitudinal (RV-GLS) strain data. 20 sex and aged matched individuals who underwent to CMR for suspected cardiac disease, which was not confirmed thereafter, were considered as control population. RESULTS 52 patients were included in the study, mean age was 36 ± 17 years, three patients were female (6%). Mean LV ejection fraction (EF) was 56,2 ± 7,2 and mean end-diastolic volume indexed (EDVi) was 62,52 ± 19,02 ml/mq. 10 patients (19%) had impaired EF with mean values of 44,6 ± 6,1%. All patients have normal RV function evaluated in TTE considering tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (22,7 ± 2,4mm). No kinetic abnormalities were reported. All patients underwent CMR within 3 ± 1 days. Normal RV-EF, normal volumes and no RV kinetic abnormalities were reported in all cases also in CMR examination. aMY was confirmed in all patients with the presence of myocardial oedema and subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Inferior segments were involved in 28 patients (54%), lateral segments in 19 patients (37%), septal segments in 7 patients (13%) and anterior segments in 15 patients (29%). RV-GLS was -21,5 ± 5,6% which was not significantly different from control population (-23,01 ± 3,63; p value= 0,201). Globally, 34 patients (65%) had an aMY involving inferior and lateral segments. In this subgroup, RV-GLS was significantly lower compared to other aMY (-19,8 ± 5,7 vs -23,9 ± 4,6 p value = 0,047) and compared to control population (-19,8 ± 5,7 vs -23,01 ± 3,6 p value= 0,032). CONCLUSIONS Despite normal RV function detected in both TTE and CMR, patients with infero-lateral aMY have lower values of RV longitudinal strain. CMR-FT RV strain analysis has proven to be a useful tool in detecting subclinical RV involvement in patients with aMY. Abstract Figure. CMR Right Ventricle GLS

Tricuspid annular abnormalities in isolated left ventricular noncompaction – a three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic study

Abstract Introduction Left ventricular (LV) noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy due to arrest of the normal maturation process of the myocardium. It is characterized by prominent LV trabecularization with deep intratrabecular recesses. In most of cases LVNC is isolated, but biventricular forms are also known. The tricuspid valve is a complex anatomical structure which incorporates the three-dimensional (3D) saddle-shaped fibrosus annulus (TA). 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is a novel non-invasive imaging method with capability of not only measuring volumetric, strain and rotational parameters of heart chambers, but with finding optimal valvular planes in the 3D space evaluation of TA dimensions respecting cardiac cycle is allowed. The present study was designed to assess TA morphological and functional abnormalities by 3DSTE in LVNC patients without right ventricular (RV) involvement. Methods The present study consisted of 15 patients with LVNC (mean age: 52.1±11.4 years, 9 males). LVNC was defined according to the Jenni's criteria. Their results were compared to 21 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age: 52.4±3.9 years, 14 males). Complete routine 2-dimensional Doppler echocardiographic examination with 3DSTE was performed in all LVNC patients and healthy controls. Results Enlarged left atrial and LV dimensions with reduced LV ejection fraction could be seen in LVNC patients. The mean number of noncompacted segments proved to be 6.9±2.0. Grade 1 and 2 mitral regurgitation (MR) could be demonstratred in 5 and 5 LVNC patients, respectively. Higher grade of MR could not be found. Grade 1 and 2 tricuspid regurgitation (TR) could be demonstrated in 4 and 1 LVNC patients, respectively. Only one LVNC patient has grade 4 TR. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV fractional area change (RV-FAC) proved to be 13.9±3.9 mm and 34.1±2.7%, respectively. LVNC patients showed significantly dilated end-diastolic and end-systolic TA diameter (2.6±0.3 cm vs. 2.2±0.3 cm, p&amp;lt;0.05 and 2.2±0.2 cm vs. 1.8±0.3 cm, p&amp;lt;0.05, respectively), area (8.4±1.7 cm2 vs. 7.0±1.5 cm2, p&amp;lt;0.05 and 6.5±1.7 cm2 vs. 5.3±1.4 cm2, p&amp;lt;0.05, respectively) and tendentiously larger perimeter (11.2±1.4 cm vs. 10.5±1.2 cm, p=ns and 9.8±1.5 cm vs. 8.9±1.0 cm, p=ns, respectively), which was accompanied with tendentiously lower TA functional properties represented by TA fractional area change (TAFAC, 22.2±12.3% vs. 23.7±11.7%, p=ns) and TA fractional shortening (TAFS, 15.9±5.6% vs. 18.8±8.0%, p=ns). TAPSE and RV-FAC showed mild correlations with TAFAC (r=0.39, p=0.05; r=0.36, p=0.05, respectively) and TAFS (r=0.37, p=0.05; r=0.38, p=0.05). Extent of LV noncompaction did not correlate with any echocardiographic parameters. Conclusions TA is dilated in LVNC patients without obvious RV involvement. Longitudinal (TAPSE) and sphincter-like (TAFAC, TAFS) TA motions correlate with each other. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Role of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain in prediction outcome in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis

Abstract Introduction Right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) is a sensitive tool for right ventricular (RV) function assessment. Furthermore, it shows incremental prognostic role in various cardiac diseases. RV involvement is frequently observed along with left ventricular (LV) involvement in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) patients, while its impact on outcome is unclear. Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the association between RV dysfunction detected by RVFWLS and cardiovascular event in patients with CS. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 51 patients with CS who were treated with prednisone from 2012 through 2020. Diagnosis of CS was made according to the Japanese Circulation Society diagnostic criteria. We evaluated RVFWLS at baseline using vender-independent software. We considered major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE: ventricular arrhythmia, heart failure hospitalization) to be the primary outcome. Results Mean age of the study population was 63±11 years, and 61% were female. At baseline, 25 patients (49%) had reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) (&amp;lt;50%) and 18 patients (35%) had impaired RVFWLS (&amp;lt;17%). Patients with impaired RVFWLS showed lower LVEF% (42±12% vs. 53±13%, P=0.005) and larger LV end-systolic volume index (54±33 vs. 37±23ml/m2, P=0.04) compared with those with preserved RVFWLS. Impaired RVFWLS patients also showed trend towards higher prevalence of basal interventricular thinning (50 vs. 28%, P=0.12). During a median follow-up of 548 days, eleven patients had MACE. In multivariable Cox-proportional hazards model analysis, RVFWLS was independently associated with MACE (HR 1.28, 95% CI: 1.07–1.10, P=0.009). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed worse event-free survival in patients with impaired RVFWLS (log-rank test, P=0.001). Conclusions In patients with CS, RVFWLS is an independent predictor for MACE. RVFWLS may be valuable in improving risk stratification in CS. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Kaplan-Meier survival curves

Assessment of right ventricular function in patients presenting with inferior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and right ventricular infarction undergoing primary percutaneous intervention by different echocardiographic modalities in correlation with angiographic findings

Abstract Background Patients with inferior wall myocardial infarction who have right ventricular (RV) involvement appear to have a worse prognosis than those without RV involvement; infarcted RV tissue fails to offer a sufficient preload which is essential for adequate LV performance. Thus, assessment of RV function is an important step in dealing with patients presenting with inferior wall myocardial infarction that will help in adopting a proper management plan. Objective To assess the correlation between RV function and angiographic findings in patients presenting with inferior wall myocardial infarction associated with RV infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients and Methods Study included 60 patients who presented to Ain shams university hospitals by inferior wall ST segment elevation myocardial infarction associated with RV infarction during the period from February 2019 to August 2019.All patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, ECG recording then primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Echocardiographic assessment was done to all patients within 48 hours of admission. Results Study included 60 patients, 43 males (71.7%) and 17 females (28.3%), with mean age of 56.73 ± 9.94 years. Commonest Infarction related Artery (IRA) associated with impaired RV function was proximal RCA (p-value: 0.003). In 23 patients (38.3%) heavy thrombus burden was found while in the other 37 patients (61.7%) there was no evidence of heavy thrombus burden. Regarding post procedural TIMI flow grade: 1 patient (1.7%) had final TIMI I flow, 9 patients (15.0%) had final TIMI II flow and 50 patients (83.3%) had final TIMI III flow. There was statistically significant relationship between RV function assessed through measuring RV free wall strain and both of thrombus burden and final TIMI flow grade. Abnormal RV function was more commonly associated with heavy thrombus burden (p-value:0.023) and less than TIMI III flow after angioplasty (p-value:0.011).RV free wall systolic strain assessment had highest accuracy (75%) in detection of proximal RCA occlusion compared to other parameters including TAPSE, S’ and FAC. Conclusion Impaired RV function in patients presenting with RV infarction can be predicted by different angiographic findings. Proximal RCA total occlusion being commonest IRA associated with impaired RV function. Also, presence of heavy thrombus burden and less than TIMI III flow after angioplasty are associated with increased risk of impaired RV function. RV free wall strain measured by 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography has highest accuracy in detection of proximal RCA occlusion compared to other echocardiographic indices including TAPSE, S’ and FAC.

PESI score for predicting clinical outcomes in PE patients with right ventricular involvement.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) patients with right ventricular (RV) involvement are a heterogenous group who mandate further risk stratification. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the PE severity index (PESI) for predicting adverse clinical outcomes among PE patients with RV involvement. Consecutive normotensive PE patients with RV involvement were allocated according to admission PESI score (PESI ≤ III vs. PESI ≥ IV). The primary outcome included hemodynamic instability and in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included each component of the primary outcome as well as mechanical ventilation, thrombolytic therapy, acute kidney injury, and major bleeding. Multivariable logistic regression model was performed to assess the independent association between the PESI score and primary outcome. C-Statistic was used to compare the PESI with the BOVA score. A total of 253 patients were evaluated: 95 (38%) with a PESI ≥ IV. Of them, 82 (32%) patients were classified as intermediate-low risk and 171 (68%) as intermediate-high risk. Fifty (20%) patients had at least 1 adverse event. Multivariate analysis demonstrated the PESI to be an independent predictor for the primary outcome (HR 4.81, CI 95%, 1.15-20.09, p = 0.031), which was increased with a concomitant increase of the PESI score (PESI I 4.2%, PESI II 3.4%, PESI III 12%, PESI IV 16.3%, PESI V 23.1%, p for trend < 0.001). C-Statistic analysis for the PESI score yielded an AUC-0.746 (0.637-0.854), p = 0.001, compared to the BOVA score: AUC-0.679 (0.584-0.775), p = 0.011. PESI score was found to predict adverse outcomes among normotensive PE patients with RV involvement.