Serial Echocardiographic Studies Research Articles

Abstract 17064: Reversible Myocardial Depression and Dilatation in COVID-19 Shock Patients

Introduction: A characteristic pattern of bacterial and fungal septic shock is decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and modest dilatation of the left ventricle. In survivors, the myocardial depression and dilatation are reversible within several days. Using echocardiography, we have previously reported a cohort of COVID-19 shock patients with reduced LVEF. We now report serial studies of COVID-19 shock patients. Hypothesis: Myocardial dysfunction and dilatation associated with COVID-19 are reversible. Methods: In COVID-19 patients with shock requiring vasopressors who underwent echocardiography, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by Simpson’s rule and stroke volume by doppler were analyzed. Based on the LVEF and CI, patients were categorized into groups with low or normal values using EF 45% and CI 2.2 liters/minute/meter as the respective thresholds. A subset of 18 patients underwent serial echocardiography which were performed at a median of 13(9,39) days after the initial. The LVEF and LV volumes recorded during initial and follow-up echo were analyzed retrospectively using paired t-testing. Results: Comparing initial with follow-up values, the mean LVEF was 34.7(2.0) vs 43.8(3.47), p=0.01, indexed stroke volume 29.6(1.9) ml vs 31.7(2.3) ml, p=0.52, LV end-diastolic volume 182(14.1) ml vs 152.1(12.9) ml, p=0.03 and LV end-systolic volume 120.2(13.1) ml vs 90.1(12.1) ml, p=0.03 respectively (see Figure). Conclusions: Serial echocardiographic studies of COVID-19 shock patients with reduced LVEF and ventricular dilatation demonstrate reversibility of myocardial depression and dilation with no change in stroke volume, a finding strikingly similar to that seen in bacterial and fungal induced septic shock. Thus, COVID-19 (viral) induced septic shock may have a similar pathogenetic mechanism of myocardial dysfunction to that seen with bacterial or fungal sepsis.

Stabilizing cardiac ryanodine receptor with dantrolene treatment prevents left ventricular remodeling in pressure-overloaded heart failure mice

Dantrolene (DAN) directly binds to cardiac ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) through Leu601–Cys620 in the N-terminal domain and subsequently inhibits diastolic Ca2+ leakage through RyR2. We previously reported that therapy using RyR2 V3599K mutation, which inhibits diastolic Ca2+ leakage by enhancing calmodulin (CaM) binding ability to RyR2, prevents left ventricular (LV) remodeling in transverse aortic constriction (TAC) heart failure. Here, we examined whether chronic administration of DAN prevents LV remodeling in TAC heart failure via the same mechanism as genetic therapy. A pressure-overloaded hypertrophy mouse model was developed using TAC. Wild-type (WT) mice were divided into three groups: sham-operated mice (Sham group), TAC mice (TAC group), and TAC mice treated with DAN (TAC-DAN group, 20 mg/kg/day, i.p.). They were then followed up for 8 weeks. The survival rate was higher in the TAC-DAN group (83%) than in the TAC group (49%), and serial echocardiography studies and pathological tissue analysis showed that LV remodeling was significantly prevented in the TAC-DAN group compared to the TAC group. An increase in the diastolic Ca2+ spark frequency and a decrease in the binding affinity of CaM to RyR2 were observed at 8 weeks in the TAC group but not in the TAC-DAN group. Stabilization of RyR2 with DAN prevented LV remodeling and improved survival after TAC by enhancing CaM binding to RyR2 and inhibiting RyR2-mediated diastolic Ca2+ leakage.

Progression of Carcinoid Heart Disease in the Modern Management Era.

BackgroundThe development of carcinoid heart disease (CaHD) is still relatively unclear. It is difficult to define an optimal follow‐up for patients without any cardiac involvement at baseline. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and natural history of CaHD by annual echocardiographic examinations.Methods and ResultsWe studied 137 consecutive patients (61±12 years, 53% men) with proven digestive endocrine tumor and carcinoid syndrome between 1997 and 2017. All patients underwent serial conventional transthoracic echocardiographic studies. Right‐sided and left‐sided CaHD were systematically assessed. We used a previous validated echocardiographic scoring system of severity for the assessment of CaHD. An increase of 25% of the score was considered to be significant. Mean follow‐up was 54±45 months. Prevalence of CaHD was 27% at baseline and 32% at 5‐year follow‐up. Disease progression was reported in 28% of patients with initial CaHD followed up for >2 years (n=25). In patients without any cardiac involvement at baseline, occurrence of disease was 21%. CaHD occurred >5 years from the initial echocardiographic examination in 42% of our cases, especially in patients presenting with new recurrence of a digestive endocrine tumor. An increase of urinary 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid by 25% during follow‐up was identified as an independent predictor of CaHD occurrence during follow‐up (hazard ratio [HR], 5.81; 95% CI, 1.19–28.38; P=0.03), as well as a maximum value of urinary 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid >205 mg/24 h during follow‐up (HR, 8.41; 95% CI, 1.64–43.07; P=0.01).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that in patients without initial CaHD, cardiac involvement may occur late and is related to serotonin. Our data emphasize the need for cardiologic follow‐up in patients with recurrence of the tumor process.

Giant intracardiac thrombosis in an infant with leukaemia and prolonged COVID-19 viral RNA shedding: a case report

BackgroundCOVID-19 can induce thrombotic disease both in the venous and arterial circulations, as a result of inflammation, platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction, and stasis. Although several studies have described the coagulation abnormalities and thrombosis in adult patients with COVID-19, there is limited data in children. Here, we present an 18-month-old boy with a prolonged SARS-CoV‐2 RNA shedding and chronic right atrial and superior vena cava (SVC) thrombosis.Case presentationAn 18-month-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (pre-B cell ALL) and a history of chemotherapy was referred to our center due to intermittent fever with unknown origin. a positive nasopharyngeal PCR for COVID-19 was reported and stayed positive for eight consecutive weeks The high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) showed no sign of pulmonary embolism. Initial echocardiography indicated a semilunar thrombotic mass extending from right SVC into the right atrium without coronary or myocardial involvement. Enoxaparin was administered with continuous monitoring of the level of anti-Xa activity. The serial echocardiographic studies found a slow but continuous reduction in the mass size.ConclusionsOur case shows that, as already described in adult patients, clinically relevant thrombosis can complicate the course of pediatric patients as well. In view of the specific and milder manifestations of COVID-19 in children, these complications may pose considerable diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

L -Arginine Can Enhance the Beneficial Effect of Losartan in Patients with Chronic Aortic Regurgitation and Isolated Systolic Hypertension.

Information about the effects of angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) therapy on the hemodynamic and cardiac structure in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation (CAR) and isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is limited. This study planned to test the hypothesis that l -arginine could further enhance the beneficial effect of an ARB, losartan, and provide a favorable effect on the natural history of CAR and ISH. Sixty patients with CAR and ISH were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind trial comparing hemodynamic and ultrasonic change in two treatment arms: losartan + l -arginine and losartan-only treated groups. Serial echocardiographic and hemodynamic studies were evaluated before and after treatment. Both groups had a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVI), LV mass index (LVMI), and LV mean wall stress after 6- and 12-month treatment ( p <0.01 in all comparisons). Both groups had a significant increase in LV ejection fraction and exercise duration after 6- and 12-month treatment ( p < 0.01 in all comparisons). Using multivariate linear regression analysis, only losartan + l -arginine therapy achieved a significantly lower LVESVI (38.89 ± 0.23 mL/m 2 ), LVEDVI (102.3 ± 0.3 mL/m 2 ), LVMI (107.6 ± 0.3 g/m 2 ), SBP (123.5 ± 1.0 mm Hg), and greater exercise duration (7.38 ± 0.02 minutes) than those of the losartan-only treated groups ( p <0.01 in all comparisons). These findings suggest that early co-administrative strategy provides a beneficial approach to favorably influence the natural history of CAR.

Serial echocardiography for valve dysfunction and aortic dilation in bicuspid aortic valves.

Complications of bicuspid aortic valve commonly include aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, and ascending aortic dilation. The progression of these lesions is not well described. We reviewed 249 bicuspid aortic valve patients with at least two echocardiograms from 2006 to 2016. Valve morphology (right-left or right-noncoronary cusp fusion) was confirmed by visual inspection, and aortic stenosis and regurgitation were quantified according to current guidelines; the ascending aorta was measured at end-systole 2-3cm above the sinotubular junction. Annualized progression of stenosis, regurgitation, and aortic dilation from first to most recent echocardiogram were compared between right-left and right-nonfused valves using multivariable logistic regression to adjust for baseline differences in groups. Among 249 bicuspid aortic valve patients (mean age 47.6±13.5years, 66.3% male), 75.9% had right-left cusp fusion. At baseline, aortic stenosis was absent or mild in 80.3%; aortic regurgitation was absent or mild in 80.7%; and aortic diameters were 35.0±5.7mm (sinuses of Valsalva) and 37.4±6.2mm (ascending). Mean annualized decrease in aortic valve area was 0.07cm2 /year, with 30% of bicuspid aortic valve patients progressing ≥0.1cm2 /year. Aortic regurgitation progressed ≥1 grade in 37 patients. Mean annualized increase in ascending aorta diameter was 0.36mm/year in right-left and 0.65mm/year in right-nonbicuspid valves. In this serial echocardiographic study of bicuspid aortic valve patients, cusp orientation was not associated with progression of valve dysfunction. Right-noncoronary cusp fusion was associated with ascending aortic diameter progression.

P295 Impact of Pre-existing Mitral Regurgitation on the Mid-Term Left Ventricular Mass Regression following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Aortic Valve Stenosis

Abstract Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) results in an immediate and greater aortic pressure gradient improvement in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS), and induces early left ventricular (LV) mass regression, which may be related to favorable effects on the mid to long term outcomes. However, the extent of LV mass regression after unloading of chronic pressure overload is varying, and its determinants are still unknown. Thus, the study aims to identify echocardiographic determinants of LV mass regression following TAVI. Methods We retrospectively screened all TAVI procedures in symptomatic AS from 2017 to 2019, and selected 74 successful TAVI cases that had serial echocardiographic studies both at the baseline and at the mid-term follow-up (4 to 6 months after the procedure). Through the digitalized medical records, clinical and echocardiographic data as well as angiographic grading (0-3) of post-procedure paravalvular leakage (PVL) were obtained. LV mass was calculated by using Cube formula. Thus, the extent of LV mass regression was defined as the differences of left ventricular mas index (LVMI) between at the baseline and at the follow-up (ΔLVMI). Quantification of the baseline mitral valve regurgitant volume was performed by stroke volume method with pulmonic site measurement on the assumption of no pre-existing intra/extra cardiac shunt. Cases with prior mitral valve replacement were excluded. Results At the post-procedure angiogram, only 3 cases had significant PVL (grade 2≤). At the mid-term follow–up, average LVMI decreased significantly from the baseline (165 ± 38 g/m2vs 140 ± 37 mg/ m2, P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and 57 cases (70%) experienced the reduction of LVMI, although average relative wall thickness (2 × posterior wall thickness/left ventricular diastolic dimension) did not change (0.565 ± 0.135 vs 0.586 ± 0.168, P = 0.314). Among the baseline clinical and echocardiographic variables, the baseline peak A wave velocity, E/A ratio, mitral valve regurgitant volume and LVMI revealed simple correlation with ΔLVMI (γ=-0.298, p = 0.0188;γ=0.251, P = 0.0417;γ=0.354, p = 0.0041;γ=0.375, p &amp;lt; 0.0010; respectively), whereas no correlation was observed in angiographic PVL grade. Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated baseline mitral valve regurgitant volume and LVMI as the determinants of ΔLVMI (β=0.344, p = 0.032; β=0.335 P &amp;lt; 0.0001; respectively). Conclusions Pre-existing mitral regurgitation has an impact on the mid–term left ventricular mass regression following TAVI. In severe AS, mitral regurgitation might be functioning as an afterload adjuster, and thus, produces protective effects on LV structure.

A natural history of carcinoid heart disease in the modern management era

The development of carcinoid heart disease (CaHD) is still relatively unknown at present. It is difficult to define an optimal follow-up for patients initially free from cardiac involvement. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and the evolution of CaHD using annual echocardiographic follow-up. We reviewed from our database 137 patients (61 ± 12 years, 53% men) with histologically proven neuroendocrine tumor between 1997 and 2017. All patients underwent serial conventional transthoracic echocardiographic studies. Right-sided and left-sided CaHD were systematically assessed. We used a previous validated echocardiographic scoring system of severity for the assessment of CHD. An increase of 25% of the score was considered as significant. Mean follow-up was 2.6 ± 3.5 years [0;16]. Prevalence of CaHD was 27% (37 pts) at baseline and 36% (49 pts) at the end of follow-up. Among patients with initial CaHD followed for more than one year, disease progression was observed in 28% of cases. Among the patients free from initial cardiac involvement, an onset of the disease was observed during follow-up in 21% of cases. The onset of CHD could be very late, more than 5 years from the initial echocardiographic examination in 42% of our cases ( Fig. 1 ). This late occurrence of CaHD was only observed in patients presenting with new resumption of neuroendocrine tumor (symptoms, increased of 5-HIAA, occurrence of new metastasis). Our study demonstrated that in patients without initial CaHD, cardiac involvement may occur tardily after a normal initial assessment. Our data suggest the need for prolonged echocardiographic follow-up in patients presenting with a resumption of tumor process.

P1311 A rare case of asymptomatic cyst in interatrial septum longterm observation

Abstract Background Incidental findings in echocardiography performed from other indications are not always able to explain the patient condition as well as the observed pathology. However, review of literature, helps to find the most possible explanation. We present a case study of a patient with our proposal of possible diagnosis. Case report 28-year old female with hypothyroidism and no other concomitant diseases presented with easy fatigue. Exercise stress test was clinically and ECG negative with 12,8 METs. Transthoracic echocardiography showed normal size of heart structures with preserved systolic and diastolic function of both left and right chamber. The only abnormality was a cystic structure of 44x31x34 cm in interatrial septum which was protruding to both left and right atrium and was not affecting the blood flow with normal gradients. We did not find any signs of inflammation nor infiltration to the heart walls. There was no flow inside the cyst with the use of colour Doppler. The structure had homogenous echolucency with very thin walls and a septum inside. As we did not find any connection between the cyst and the atriums we considered it as not harmful in terms of a risk of embolization. Patient was hemodynamically stable, there was no history of neurological dysfunctions nor atrioventricular conduction disturbances. Taking into account possible diagnoses for that patient we decided to schedule the patient for follow-ups. Ten years observation period confirmed that that our approach was proper. Serial echocardiographic studies showed no change in the cyst. In this year we performed multimodality imaging with CT and MRI, which showed the same views as echocardiography. Discussion The most possible diagnose for our patient is a bronchogenic cyst, a very rare congenital bronchopulmonary malformation of the foregut that is usually found incidentally with mostly asymptomatic benign course. Also the localization of the cyst confirms that diagnosis. Nevertheless the final diagnosis would be possible only in histopathological study. The differential diagnosis should include a cystic myxoma and echinococcosis. However the structure is not polycystic and seems to have homogenous echolucency. We ruled out the blood cyst because of the lack of typical localization and connection to valves. As long as the patient remains asymptomatic surgical resection remains controversial.

P4653A natural history of carcinoid heart disease in the modern management era

Abstract Background The development of carcinoid heart disease (CaHD) is still relatively unknown at present. It is difficult to define an optimal follow-up for patients initially free from cardiac involvement. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and the evolution of CaHD using annual echocardiographic follow-up. Methods We reviewed from our database 137 patients (61±12 years, 53% men) with histologically proven neuroendocrine tumor between 1997 and 2017. All patients underwent serial conventional transthoracic echocardiographic studies. Right-sided and left-sided CaHD were systematically assessed. We used a previous validated echocardiographic scoring system of severity for the assessment of CHD. An increase of 25% of the score was considered as significant. Results Mean follow-up was 2.6±3.5 years [0; 16]. Prevalence of CaHD was 27% (37 pts) at baseline and 36% (49 pts) at the end of follow-up. Among patients with initial CaHD followed for more than one year, disease progression was observed in 28% of cases. Among the patients free from initial cardiac involvement, an onset of the disease was observed during follow-up in 21% of cases. The onset of CHD could be very late, more than 5 years from the initial echocardiographic examination in 42% of our cases (Figure). This late occurrence of CaHD was only observed in patients presenting with new resumption of neuroendocrine tumor (symptoms, increased of 5-HIAA, occurrence of new metastasis). Conclusion Our study demonstrated that in patients without initial CaHD, cardiac involvement may occur tardily after a normal initial assessment. Our data suggest the need for prolonged echocardiographic follow-up in patients presenting with a resumption of tumor process.

Changes in Left Ventricular Mass and Geometry in the Older Adults: Role of Body Mass and Central Obesity

Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes. There are limited data about modifiable factors associated with progression of LV hypertrophy in older adults. Our objective is to describe the changes in LV mass and geometry over time in a predominantly older multiethnic cohort and to identify possible predictors of changes over time. We analyzed data from participants in the Northern Manhattan Study who underwent serial echocardiographic studies, comparing the baseline and the most recent echocardiograms. We recorded changes in LV mass and geometry and correlated them with baseline characteristics using linear regression models. There were 826 participants (mean age, 64.2±8.0years) included in the analysis (time between measurements, 8.5±2.7years). Overall, LV mass index increased from 45.0±12.7 to 50.3±14.6g/m2.7 (P<.001). There were 548 participants (66.3%) with LV mass increase; 258 individuals (31.2%) showed worsening LV geometry. Multivariable analysis showed that change in LV mass index was independently associated with baseline LV mass index (β estimate, -17.000 [standard error, 1.508]; P<.001), hypertension (2.094 [0.816], P=.011), body mass index (0.503 [0.088], P<.001), and waist-to-hip ratio (1.031 [0.385], P=.008). Both waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio remained significantly associated with LV mass increase even after adjusting for body mass index (P=.008 and P=.036, respectively). Regardless of race/ethnicity, LV mass progressed over time in older adults. We also observed that worsening geometry was frequent. Assessment of central obesity in the older population is important because indicators of central obesity add prognostic value over body mass index for the risk of LV mass increase.

A natural history of carcinoid heart disease in the modern management era

The development of carcinoid heart disease (CaHD) is still relatively unknown at present. It is difficult to define an optimal follow-up for patients initially free from cardiac involvement. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and the evolution of CaHD using annual echocardiographic follow-up. We reviewed from our database 137 patients (61 ± 12 years, 53% men) with histologically proven neuroendocrine tumor between 1997 and 2017. All patients underwent serial conventional transthoracic echocardiographic studies. Right-sided and left-sided CaHD were systematically assessed. We used a previous validated echocardiographic scoring system of severity for the assessment of CHD. An increase of 25% of the score was considered as significant. Mean follow-up was 2.6 ± 3.5 years [0;16]. Prevalence of CaHD was 27% (37 pts) at baseline and 36% (49 pts) at the end of follow-up. Among patients with initial CaHD followed for more than one year, disease progression was observed in 28% of cases. Among the patients free from initial cardiac involvement, an onset of the disease was observed during follow-up in 21% of cases. The onset of CHD could be very late, more than 5 years from the initial echocardiographic examination in 42% of our cases ( Figure 1 ). This late occurrence of CaHD was only observed in patients presenting with new resumption of neuroendocrine tumor (symptoms, increased of 5-HIAA, occurrence of new metastasis). Our study demonstrated that in patients without initial CaHD, cardiac involvement may occur tardily after a normal initial assessment. Our data suggest the need for prolonged echocardiographic follow-up in patients presenting with a resumption of tumor process ( Figure 1 ).

Differential Transcriptome Profile and Exercise Capacity in Cardiac Remodeling by Pressure Overload versus Volume Overload.

BACKGROUNDWe compared the gene expression profiles in the hypertrophied myocardium of rats subjected to pressure overload (PO) and volume overload (VO) using DNA chip technology, and compared the effects on exercise capacity with a treadmill test.METHODSConstriction of the abdominal aorta or mitral regurgitation induced by a hole in the mitral leaflet were used to induce PO (n = 19), VO (n = 16) or PO + VO (n = 20) in rats. Serial echocardiographic studies and exercise were performed at 2-week intervals, and invasive hemodynamic examination by a pressure-volume catheter system was performed 12 weeks after the procedure. The gene expression profiles of the left ventricle (LV) 12 weeks after the procedure were analyzed by DNA chip technology.RESULTSIn hemodynamic analyses, the LV end-diastolic pressure and the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship slope were greater in the PO group than in the VO group. When we compared LV remodeling and exercise capacity, cardiac fibrosis and exercise intolerance developed in the PO group but not in the VO group (exercise duration, 434.0 ± 80.3 vs. 497.8 ± 49.0 seconds, p < 0.05, respectively). Transcriptional profiling of cardiac apical tissues revealed that gene expression related to the inflammatory response and cellular signaling pathways were significantly enriched in the VO group, whereas cardiac fibrosis, cytoskeletal pathway and G-protein signaling genes were enriched in the PO group.CONCLUSIONSWe found that many genes were regulated in PO, VO or both, and that there were different regulation patterns by cardiac remodeling. Cardiac fibrosis and cytoskeletal pathway were important pathways in the PO group and influenced exercise capacity. Cardiac fibrosis influences exercise capacity before LV function is reduced.

Effects of Trypanocidal Treatment on Echocardiographic Parameters in Chagas Cardiomyopathy and Prognostic Value of Wall Motion Score Index: A BENEFIT Trial Echocardiographic Substudy

Serial echocardiographic studies in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy are scarce. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether therapy with benznidazole modifies the progression of cardiac impairment and to identify baseline echocardiographic parameters related to prognosis. A prospective substudy was conducted in 1,508 patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy randomized to benznidazole or placebo, who underwent two-dimensional echocardiography at enrollment, 2years, and final follow-up (5.4years). Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV wall motion score index (WMSI), indexed left atrial volume, and chamber dimensions were collected and correlated to all-cause death and a composite hard outcome using univariate and multivariate analyses. At enrollment, most patients had normal chamber dimensions, and 70.5% had preserved LV ejection fractions. During follow-up, all chamber dimensions increased similarly in both treatment arms. LV ejection fraction was comparably reduced (55.7±12.7% to 52.1±14.6% vs 56.3±12.7% to 52.8±14.1%) and LV WMSI similarly increased (1.31±0.41 to 1.49±0.03 and 1.27±0.38 to 1.51±0.03) for the benznidazole and placebo groups, respectively (P>.05). A higher baseline LV WMSI was identified in subjects who died compared with those alive at final echocardiography (1.76±0.517 vs 1.271±0.393, P<.0001). There was a significant (P<.0001) graded increase in the risk for the composite outcome with worsening LV WMSI (hazard ratios, 2.27 [95% CI, 1.69-3.06] and 6.42 [95% CI, 4.94-8.33]) and also of death (hazard ratios, 2.45 [95% CI, 1.62-3.71] and 8.99 [95% CI, 6.3-12.82]) for 1<LV WMSI<1.5 and LV WMSI>1.5, respectively. Both LV WMSI and indexed left atrial volume remained independent predictors in multivariate analysis. Trypanocidal treatment had no effect on echocardiographic progression of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy over 5.4years. Despite normal global LV systolic function, regional wall motion abnormalities and indexed left atrial volume identified patients at higher risk for hard adverse clinical outcomes.

A prospective observational study comparing cardiac function of small for gestational age with appropriate for gestational age babies using serial echocardiographic studies

Background: Approximately 30% of babies born in India are low birth weight (LBW) and about 70% of LBW babies are small for gestational age (SGA). Though there are several trials that have evaluated cardiac function of intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) babies in utero, there is limited data about postnatal cardiac function in SGA babies during early neonatal period. This study was conducted to evaluate the cardiac functions of SGA babies by serial echocardiographic measurements and compare this with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies during the early postnatal period. Material and methods: Seventy babies were enrolled in this prospective observational study with 35 each in the SGA and AGA groups. Echocardiography was performed for all babies on days 1, 2, and 3 of life. Myocardial performance index (MPI) was used as the primary measure to compare cardiac function. MPI was calculated for both ventricles using pulse wave Doppler and tissue Doppler. Results: MPI of the left ventricle was significantly higher in the SGA group as compared to AGA babies during all the three measurement periods with SGA babies having significantly higher MPI of right ventricle on day 1 and day 2 but not on day 3. Left ventricular internal diameter index during diastole and systole (LVIDD index and LVIDS index), left atrium: aortic root ratio (LA:AO ratio) were significantly increased in SGA babies on all the occasions. Fractional shortening, ejection fraction, and area shortening were similar in two groups. Conclusions: Myocardial performance index of left and right ventricle, which evaluates both systolic and diastolic function of ventricles, was significantly increased in SGA babies in comparison to AGA babies during the first 3 days of life except MPI of the right ventricle on day 3. Thus, SGA babies have compromised cardiac function through all phases of the cardiac cycle with the performance improving spontaneously over time.

A Paradox between LV Mass Regression and Hemodynamic Improvement after Surgical and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

ABSTRACTBackground: Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) results in higher AV gradients than transcatheter AVR (TAVR), yet calculated left ventricular (LV) mass regresses faster and greater after SAVR vs. TAVR. We examined why LV mass regression is greater after SAVR.Methods: Serial echocardiographic studies of high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) randomized to SAVR vs. TAVR with the CoreValve bioprosthesis were analyzed by an echocardiographic core laboratory blinded to treatment and outcomes. Measurements followed established guidelines and LV mass was calculated using the formula of Devereux and colleagues.Results: Echo data were available in 389 TAVR and 353 SAVR patients, whose baseline LVEDD, PWT, SWT, LV mass, and stroke volume (SV) as well as AS severity were similar. At discharge after SAVR, LV mass reduction was significant (227.45 ± 65.02 to 215.08 ± 59.02 g [p = 0.002]) due to decreased LVEDD (5.01 ± 0.64 to 4.81 ± 0.65 cm [p < 0.001]) associated with reduced SV (72.6 ± 27.0 mL to 58.9 ± 21.1 mL (p = 0.015]). PWT and SWT were unchanged. However, after TAVR, all these variables remained similar. At 1 year, LV mass, SV and LVEDD remained smaller following SAVR vs. TAVR. There was a trend toward higher 30-day mortality in patients with greater LV mass reduction in SAVR (4.7% vs. 0.8 %; p = 0.058) which was not observed after TAVR.Conclusion: The greater reduction in LV mass calculated after SAVR vs. TAVR is due to a smaller postoperative LVEDD and is associated with significantly reduced SV. There was a tendency for increased 30-day mortality associated with greater reduction in calculated LV mass after SAVR.

Loss of Macrophage Wnt Secretion Improves Remodeling and Function After Myocardial Infarction in Mice.

BackgroundMacrophages and Wnt proteins (Wnts) are independently involved in cardiac development, response to cardiac injury, and repair. However, the role of macrophage‐derived Wnts in the healing and repair of myocardial infarction (MI) is unknown. We sought to determine the role of macrophage Wnts in infarct repair.Methods and ResultsWe show that the Wnt pathway is activated after MI in mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate that isolated infarct macrophages express distinct Wnt pathway components and are a source of noncanonical Wnts after MI. To determine the effect of macrophage Wnts on cardiac repair, we evaluated mice lacking the essential Wnt transporter Wntless (Wls) in myeloid cells. Significantly, Wntless‐deficient macrophages presented a unique subset of M2‐like macrophages with anti‐inflammatory, reparative, and angiogenic properties. Serial echocardiography studies revealed that mice lacking macrophage Wnt secretion showed improved function and less remodeling 30 days after MI. Finally, mice lacking macrophage‐Wntless had increased vascularization near the infarct site compared with controls.ConclusionsMacrophage‐derived Wnts are implicated in adverse cardiac remodeling and dysfunction after MI. Together, macrophage Wnts could be a new therapeutic target to improve infarct healing and repair.

Predictors of Left Ventricle Remodeling: Combined Plasma B-type Natriuretic Peptide Decreasing Ratio and Peak Creatine Kinase-MB.

Background: Previous studies reported that patients who had an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have found that measuring B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) during the subacute phase of left ventricular (LV) remodeling can predict the possible course of LV remodeling. This study assessed the use of serial BNP serum levels combined with early creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) to predict the development of significant LV remodeling in AMI patients.Methods: Nighty-seven patients with new onset AMI were assessed using serial echocardiographic studies and serial measurements of BNP levels, both performed on day-2 (BNP1), day-7 (BNP2), day-90 (BNP3), and day-180 (BNP4) after admission. LV remodeling was defined as >20% increase in biplane LV end-diastolic volume on day-180 compared to baseline (day-2).Results: Patients were divided into LV remodeling [LVR(+)] and non LV remodeling [LVR(-)] groups. No first-week BNP level was found to predict remodeling. However, the two groups had significantly different day-90 BNP level (208.1 ± 263.7 pg/ml vs. 82.4 ± 153.7 pg/ml, P = 0.039) and significantly different 3-month BNP decrease ratios (RBNP13) (14.4 ± 92.2% vs. 69.4 ± 25.9%, P < 0.001). The appropriate cut-off value for RBNP13 was 53.2% (AUC = 0.764, P < 0.001). Early peak CK-MB (cut-off 48.2 ng/ml; AUC = 0.672; P = 0.014) was another independent predictor of remodeling. Additionally, combining peak CK-MB and RBNP13 offered an excellent discrimination for half-year remodeling when assessed by ROC curve (AUC = 0.818, P < 0.001).Conclusion: RBNP13 is a significant independent predictor of 6-month LV remodeling. The early peak CK-MB additionally offered an incremental power to the predictions derived from serial BNP examinations.

Predictors and Clinical Impact of Functional Mitral Stenosis Induced by Restrictive Annuloplasty for Ischemic and Functional Mitral Regurgitation.

There are few reports of the determinants of "functional" mitral stenosis in terms of a residual mitral valve (MV) pressure gradient >5 mmHg following restrictive mitral annuloplasty (RMA) or the effect on long-term outcome in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (MR).Methods and Results:Serial cardiac catheterization and echocardiographic studies were performed in 55 patients with functional MR who underwent RMA using a 24/26-mm semi-rigid complete ring. The mean postoperative (1 month) catheter-measured MV gradient was 3.4±1.6 mmHg, which was independently associated with corresponding cardiac output [standardized partial regression coefficient (SPRC)=0.59] and indexed effective orifice area (SPRC=-0.25). Body surface area (BSA) had the greatest contribution to MV gradient (SPRC=0.38), followed by use of a 24-mm ring (SPRC=0.33) and hemodialysis (SPRC=0.26). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated an optimal BSA cutoff value of 1.86 m2to predict post-MV stenosis (21% for <1.86 m2vs. 86% for ≥1.86 m2, P=0.002). During follow-up (75±32 months), freedom from adverse events did not differ between patients with (n=16) and without (n=39) an MV gradient ≥5 mmHg (log-rank P=0.24). Post-RMA MV gradient was determined not only by the degree of annular reduction but also by patients' hemodynamic factors (e.g., cardiac output). Implantation of a 24/26-mm annuloplasty ring for patients with BSA ≥1.86 m2indicated a high likelihood of post-MV stenosis. However, mild MV stenosis did not adversely affect late outcome after RMA.

Therapeutic strategy for functional tricuspid regurgitation in patients undergoing mitral valve repair for severe mitral regurgitation

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine optimal patient selection and selection of a prosthetic ring size for tricuspid valve (TV) repair at the time of mitral valve (MV) repair. MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 167 consecutive patients undergoing MV repair. TV repair was indicated if patients had at least one of the following conditions representing tricuspid annular dilatation: (1) tricuspid regurgitation (TR)≥moderate, (2) history of right heart failure, (3) atrial fibrillation, and (4) pulmonary hypertension. The size of the ring was targeted to a normal-sized systolic tricuspid annuls in relation to the patient's body surface area (BSA). Serial echocardiographic studies were performed preoperatively, at discharge, and at 1, 3, and 5years postoperatively. ResultsOverall, 100 (60%) patients required TV repair, while it was not indicated for 67 (40%) patients. During follow-up, 26 patients showed progression or recurrent TR≥moderate. The TR grade at 5years after MV surgery was 0.8±0.9 in patients with TV repair and 0.9±0.7 in those without TV repair (P=0.69). There were no significant differences between patients with and without TV repair in a composite endpoint of death from any cause, re-do MV or TV surgery, and recurrence or progression of TR≥moderate (P=0.46). ConclusionsPatient selection for TV repair considering not only the grade of TR but clinical signs representing tricuspid annular dilatation is feasible at the time of MV repair. TV repair targeting a normal systolic size in relation to the BSA is a simple and reproducible procedure.