Systolic Circumferential Strain Research Articles

Preclinical cardiovascular changes in children with obesity: A real-time 3-dimensional speckle tracking imaging study.

The aims of this study were (1) to quantify changes in 3-dimensional (3D) strain in obese children using real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE) and 3D speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE), and (2) to investigate the utility of left ventricular (LV) strain variables in measuring early cardiovascular changes in children with obesity. A total of 181 obese children (study group) aged 4–18 years old were prospectively enrolled and compared with 229 healthy subjects (control group). We acquired demographic, clinical, biochemical, and 2D echocardiography/Doppler data. Also, RT3DE and 3DSTE were performed to measure LV volume, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LV mass (LVM), LV peak systolic global longitudinal strain (GLS), radial strain (GRS), circumferential strain (GCS), and global strain (GS). There were significant differences in anthropometric measurements, blood pressures, Cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP), Intima-media thickness (IMT), left atrium end-systolic dimension (LASD), interventricular septal end-diastolic dimension (IVSD), LV posterior wall end-diastolic dimension (LVPWD), LV end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), LV end-systolic dimension (LVESD), LV end-diastolic volumes (LVEDV), and LV end-systolic volumes (LVESV), E and A velocities, E/A,e’, e’/a’, E/e’, LVM, LV mass index (LVMI), GLS, GRS, GCS, and GS between the study and control groups. The receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) for the statistically significant echocardiographic variables showed that the range of areas of ROC curves varied from 0.76 (GLS), 0.74 (GRS), 0.72 (LASD), to 0.58 (LVESD), respectively. In conclusion, LV 3D strain variables by RT3DE and 3DSTE decrease in obese children. LV 3D strain is more sensitive than other echocardiographic and vascular ultrasound variables in detecting cardiovascular changes in children with obesity.

Assessment of left ventricular systolic and diastolic abnormalities in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging

BackgroundConventional echocardiography is not sensitive enough to assess left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. This research attempts to find a new ultrasonic technology to better assess LV diastolic function, systolic function, and myocardial longitudinal and circumferential systolic strain of segments with different thicknesses in HCM patients.MethodsThis study included 50 patients with HCM and 40 healthy subjects as controls. The peak early and late mitral annulus diastolic velocities at six loci (Ea′ and Aa′, respectively) and the Ea′/Aa′ ratio were measured using real-time tri-plane echocardiography and quantitative tissue velocity imaging (RT-3PE-QTVI). The mean value of Ea′ at six loci (Em′) was obtained for the calculation of E/Em′ ratio. The LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), LV end-systolic volume (LVESV), LV stroke volume (LVSV), and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE). LV myocardial longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) and circumferential peak systolic strain (CPSS) in the apical-middle-basal segments (LPSS-api, LPSS-mid, LPSS-bas; CPSS-api, CPSS-mid, and CPSS-bas, respectively) were obtained using a software for two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI). According to the different segmental thicknesses (STs) in each HCM patient, the values (LPSS and CPSS) of all the myocardial segments were categorized into three groups and the respective averages were computed.ResultsThe Ea′, Aa′, and, Ea′/Aa’ ratio in HCM patients were lower than those in the controls (all p < 0.001), while the E/Em′ ratio in HCM patients was higher than that in the controls (p < 0.001). The LVEDV, LVSV, and LVEF were significantly lower in HCM patients than in controls (all p < 0.001). In HCM patients, the LPSS-api, LPSS-mid, LPSS-bas, CPSS-api, CPSS-mid, and CPSS-bas and the LPSS and CPSS of LV segments with different thicknesses were all significantly reduced (all p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn HCM patients, myocardial dysfunction was widespread not only in the obviously hypertrophic segments but also in the non-hypertrophic segments; the LV systolic and diastolic functions were damaged, even with a normal LVEF. LV diastolic dysfunction, systolic dysfunction, and myocardial deformation impairment in HCM patients can be sensitively revealed by RT-3PE-QTVI, RT-3DE, and 2D-STI.

A0524 Differentially Expressed Genes in Accumulated Epicardial Adipose Tissue Linked to Early Impaired Systolic Cardiac Deformation Ability in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome

Objectives: This study aimed to detect early impairment of systolic cardiac function by two-dimensional spackle-tracking strain and strain rate analysis and it's link to epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in a rat model of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: Sixteen male six-week old SD rats were randomly divided into MetS and control groups. MetS model rats were injected with STZ (15 mg/kg) and fed with high-fat, high-salt diet and water containing 0.02% L-NAME and 10% glucose. All the rats were fed for six weeks. Plasma levels of glucose, insulin and lipids were measured. OGTT and blood pressure measurement were conducted. LVEF was calculated with M-mode echocardiography. Systolic strain and strain rate were analyzed with B-mode echocardiography. Differentially expressed genes in EAT was quantified by genome-wide expression profiling microarray. Results: MetS model rats had higher body weight, blood pressure, plasma glucose and lipids levels (P < 0.05). LVEF, endocardial systolic radial and circumferential strain and strain rate of left ventricle in MetS rats were not different from the controls (P > 0.05). Epicardial systolic radial strain and strain rate in MetS rats were also not different from the controls (P > 0.05). However, epicardial systolic circumferential strain and strain rate in MetS rats were less than the controls (P < 0.05). EAT mass related to impaired epicardial deformation ability negatively (P < 0.01). There were thirty-three differentially-expressed genes in hypertrophic cardiomyo pathway, cardiac muscle contraction pathway, adipo-cytokine signaling pathway or related to heart contraction and lipid storage in EAT in MetS rats. Conclusion: Early impairment of systolic cardiac deformation ability in MetS was possibly myocardial layer-specific. Differentially-expressed genes in EAT possibly played some effects on it.

Quantification of Biventricular Strains in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Patient Using Hyperelastic Warping Method.

Heart failure (HF) imposes a major global health care burden on society and suffering on the individual. About 50% of HF patients have preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). More intricate and comprehensive measurement-focused imaging of multiple strain components may aid in the diagnosis and elucidation of this disease. Here, we describe the development of a semi-automated hyperelastic warping method for rapid comprehensive assessment of biventricular circumferential, longitudinal, and radial strains that is physiological meaningful and reproducible. We recruited and performed cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging on 30 subjects [10 HFpEF, 10 HF with reduced ejection fraction patients (HFrEF) and 10 healthy controls]. In each subject, a three-dimensional heart model including left ventricle (LV), right ventricle (RV), and septum was reconstructed from CMR images. The hyperelastic warping method was used to reference the segmented model with the target images and biventricular circumferential, longitudinal, and radial strain–time curves were obtained. The peak systolic strains are then measured and analyzed in this study. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of the biventricular peak systolic strains was excellent with all ICCs > 0.92. LV peak systolic circumferential, longitudinal, and radial strain, respectively, exhibited a progressive decrease in magnitude from healthy control→HFpEF→HFrEF: control (-15.5 ± 1.90, -15.6 ± 2.06, 41.4 ± 12.2%); HFpEF (-9.37 ± 3.23, -11.3 ± 1.76, 22.8 ± 13.1%); HFrEF (-4.75 ± 2.74, -7.55 ± 1.75, 10.8 ± 4.61%). A similar progressive decrease in magnitude was observed for RV peak systolic circumferential, longitudinal and radial strain: control (-9.91 ± 2.25, -14.5 ± 2.63, 26.8 ± 7.16%); HFpEF (-7.38 ± 3.17, -12.0 ± 2.45, 21.5 ± 10.0%); HFrEF (-5.92 ± 3.13, -8.63 ± 2.79, 15.2 ± 6.33%). Furthermore, septum peak systolic circumferential, longitudinal, and radial strain magnitude decreased gradually from healthy control to HFrEF: control (-7.11 ± 1.81, 16.3 ± 3.23, 18.5 ± 8.64%); HFpEF (-6.11 ± 3.98, -13.4 ± 3.02, 12.5 ± 6.38%); HFrEF (-1.42 ± 1.36, -8.99 ± 2.96, 3.35 ± 2.95%). The ROC analysis indicated LV peak systolic circumferential strain to be the most sensitive marker for differentiating HFpEF from healthy controls. Our results suggest that the hyperelastic warping method with the CMR-derived strains may reveal subtle impairment in HF biventricular mechanics, in particular despite a “normal” ventricular ejection fraction in HFpEF.

Cardiac MRI assessment in children and young adults with end-stage renal disease .

Assessment of cardiovascular structure and dysfunction is imperative as cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Cardiac magnetic resonance allows for accurate measurement of myocardial volumes, global function, and regional deformation (strain). We studied 38 patients aged from 11 to 26 years: 10 on hemodialysis (HD), 10 on peritoneal dialysis (PD), and 18 post renal transplantation (RT). First, we found no difference in the amount of left ventricular hypertrophy among the three cohorts, but we did find uncontrolled hypertension and black race to be independently associated with increased normalized left ventricular mass. We found left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to be significantly higher in patients after RT compared to those on HD. There was no significant difference in peak systolic circumferential strain (Ecc) among the 3 groups, however, 7 of 9 participants with normal LVEF had low Ecc. We also found a strong association between uncontrolled hypertension and reduced Ecc. These findings indicate the presence of subclinical cardiac dysfunction and the importance of proper management of hypertension in pediatric patients with ESRD. .

2D-Speckle tracking echocardiography contributes to early identification of impaired left ventricular myocardial function in children with chronic kidney disease.

The study included 38 children - 16 girls and 22 boys - diagnosed as having chronic kidney disease in the nephrology department with a glomerular filtration rate of <90 ml/minute/1.73 m2 for at least 3 months. A total of 37 - 15 girls and 22 boys - age- and sex-matched healthy children were included as the control group. 2D-Speckle tracking echocardiography was performed in all subjects. The mean age was 13.45±2.8 years in patients and 12.89±3.07 years in controls. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures and left ventricular mass index were significantly higher in patients (p<0.05). The values of mitral e, mitral a, mitral e/a ratio, and mitral deceleration time were not different between the groups. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion values were lower in patients (p<0.01). Global strain values in apical long-axis 3-chamber and 2-chamber views were significantly lower in patients (p<0.05). Longitudinal, radial, and circumferential peak systolic strain values were lower in patients, but the difference was statistically significant in all segments of longitudinal view and basal segment of circumferential view (p<0.05). Radial and circumferential systolic strain rates were significantly lower in patients in all three segments (p<0.05). Moreover, early diastolic strain rate was significantly lower in longitudinal and radial apical segments and in all segments of circumferential measurements in patients. Besides, strain rate e/a ratio was significantly lower in all longitudinal segments of patients (p=0.01). The study concluded that 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography method can determine cardiac involvement earlier than conventional echocardiography in children with chronic kidney disease having preserved ejection fraction.

Multilayer Myocardial Mechanics in Genotype-Positive Left Ventricular Hypertrophy-Negative Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

It is unknown whether the presence of a sarcomeric mutation alone is sufficient to result in abnormal myocardial force generation, or whether additional changes in myocardial architecture (hypertrophy, disarray, and fibrosis) are required to impair systolic function. Speckle tracking echocardiography allows quantification of global strain/strain rates, twist, and dyssynchrony. In the present study we sought to further elucidate early abnormalities of myocardial mechanics in sarcomeric mutation carriers without evidence of clinical disease. Sixty genotype-positive left ventricular hypertrophy-negative (G+left ventricular hypertrophy [LVH]-) patients and 60 normal controls were studied. Velocity vector imaging was applied retrospectively to echocardiographic images to quantify global longitudinal and circumferential strain/strain rate, and rotation parameters. The G+LVH- group demonstrated both smaller left ventricular diastolic cavity dimensions (4.5 ± 0.6 cm vs 4.8 ± 0.4 cm) and a higher LVEF (66 ± 6% vs 60 ± 5%) compared with controls. An increase in circumferential subendocardial systolic strain (-30 ± 5 vs -27 ± 3%) and both systolic and diastolic subendocardial strain rate was seen in the G+LVH- group. Peak rotation angles were higher at the base and apex, with an increase in total twist (9.0 ± 3.8 vs 6.9 ± 2.9). In the control group, global and average segmental strain were similar, suggesting no/minimal dyssynchrony (global mechanical synchrony index [GMSi] 0.97-0.98). In the G+LVH- group GMSi was significantly lower (subendocardial GMSi 0.95; subepicardial GMSi 0.60), suggesting increasing subendocardial to subepicardial dyssynchrony. In conclusion, utilizing multilayer strain analysis, we demonstrate that G+LVH- subjects have enhanced subendocardial systolic strain rate and twist, as well as mechanical dyssynchrony within the left ventricular myocardium. These results demonstrate that abnormalities in myocardial mechanics precede the development of clinical hypertrophy.

Prediction of trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

Adjuvant trastuzumab improved overall survival and reduced the risk for disease recurrence in women with breast cancers, because of its potential cardiotoxicity, careful monitoring of left ventricular (LV) function during treatment is required. This study investigates, whether myocardial strain imaging and level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) could predict subsequent reduction in LVEF in breast cancer patients received adjuvant trastuzumab. 61 women with pathologically proven breast cancer HER-2 positive received AC (Doxorubicin-Cyclophosphamide) for 4 cycles, followed by paclitaxel with Trastuzumab were enrolled. Clinical, conventional echocardiographic parameters, myocardial strain imaging [global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS), radial and circumferential systolic strain] and level of NT pro-BNP were measured at baseline, after 3, 6, 9 and 12months of trastuzumab therapy. Of 61 patients, 18 patients (29.5%) developed trastuzumab-induced cardiomyopathy (CM) at 6 and 9months of therapy (LVEF declines ≥ 10%), GLS and radial strain significantly decreased in CM group at 3months of trastuzumab treatment, the value of GLS at 3months was the strongest predictors of cardiotoxicity its area under the curve (AUC 0.98) with an optimal cut-off for GLS (- 18%) having 92.5% sensitivity and 83% specificity. NT-pro BNP levels were not predictive of later trastuzumab-induced cardiac dysfunction. Myocardial strain imaging has been able to predict pre-clinical changes in LV systolic function and GLS is an independent early predictor of subsequent reduction in EF in breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab.

Carotid artery wall mechanics in young males with high cardiorespiratory fitness.

What is the central question of this study? Common carotid artery (CCA) two-dimensional strain imaging detects intrinsic arterial wall properties beyond conventional measures of arterial stiffness, but the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on two-dimensional strain-derived indices of CCA stiffness is unknown. What is the main finding and its importance? Two-dimensional strain imaging of the CCA revealed greater peak circumferential strain and systolic strain rate in highly fit men compared with their less fit counterparts. Altered CCA wall mechanics might reflect intrinsic training-induced adaptations that help to buffer the increase in pulse pressure and stroke volume during exercise. The influence of cardiorespiratory fitness on arterial stiffness in young adults remains equivocal. Beyond conventional measures of arterial stiffness, two-dimensional strain imaging of the common carotid artery (CCA) provides new information related to the intrinsic properties of the arterial wall. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on both conventional indices of CCA stiffness and two-dimensional strain parameters, at rest and after a bout of aerobic exercise in young, healthy men. Short-axis ultrasound images of the CCA were recorded in 34 healthy men {22years old [95% confidence interval (CI), 19, 22]} before and immediately after 5min of aerobic exercise (40% of maximal oxygen consumption). Images were analysed for arterial diameter, peak circumferential strain (PCS) and peak systolic and diastolic strain rates (S-SR and D-SR). Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were simultaneously assessed, and Peterson's elastic modulus (Ep ) and β-stiffness (β1 ) were calculated. Participants were separated post hoc into moderate- and high-fitness groups [maximal oxygen consumption, 48.9 (95% CI, 44.7, 53.2) versus 65.6mlkg-1 min-1 (95% CI, 63.1, 68.1), respectively; P<0.001]. The Ep and β1 were similar between groups at baseline (P>0.13) but were elevated in the moderate-fitness group postexercise (P<0.04). The PCS and S-SR were elevated in the high-fitness group at both time points [3.0% (95% CI,1.2, 4.9), P=0.002, and 0.401s-1 (95% CI,0.085, 0.72), P=0.02, respectively]. No group differences were observed in CCA heart rate, systolic or diastolic blood pressure or D-SR throughout the protocol (P>0.05). Highly fit individuals exhibit elevated CCA, PCS and S-SR, which might reflect training-induced adaptations that help to buffer the increase in pulse pressure and stroke volume during exercise.

Evaluation of the effects of right ventricular pressure load on left ventricular myocardial mechanics in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by ultrasound speckle tracking imaging.

This paper aims to evaluate the effects of right ventricular pressure load on left ventricular myocardial mechanics in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by ultrasound speckle tracking imaging. 119 patients with COPD and pulmonary hypertension (PH) were selected from December 2016 to March 2018 in Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University. 42 healthy subjects were selected as control group. According to the pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP), 41 patients were classified into mild group, 47 in moderate group, and 31 cases in severe group. Echocardiography and STI were used to measure the indexes. Compared with those in control group, EI and E/e of moderate group and severe group increased significantly (p<0.001). Compared with those in control group, parameters in moderate and severe groups significantly decreased (p<0.001), including early diastolic mitral annular velocity/late peak blood flow velocity (E/A), left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), PASP and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), stroke volume (SV), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), cardiac output (CO), peak rotation angle and peak time of in the basal and apical segments. Compared with those in control group, parameters in moderate group significantly decreased (p<0.001), including left ventricular strain parameters segmental systolic peak longitudinal strain (LS), circumferential strain (CS), and radial strain (RS). Compared with those in control group, parameters in mild group significantly decreased (p<0.001), including peak rotation angle of basal segment and apical segment of the left ventricle. Compared with those in moderate group, peak rotation angle and peak time of the whole basal segment and apical segment of severe group gradually decreased (p<0.001). Left ventricular whole peak rotation angle can be used to sensitively evaluate the change of left ventricular myocardial mechanics function in PH patients, and can reflect changes of left ventricular myocardial mechanics function in patients with COPD when mild PH occurs.

Speckle-tracking parameters as predictors of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with myocarditis

Purpose. To evaluate the prognostic capabilities of speckle-tracking echocardiography for prediction of left ventricular systolic dysfunction persistence after 1-year follow-up of patients with myocarditis. Methods. We included 58 patients with acute diffuse myocarditis and left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction – LV ejection fraction (EF) ≤40 % who underwent examination 3 times: within the 1st month after the disease onset, at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Transthoracic 2-dimensional echocardiography (EchoCG) and speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) were performed with the measurement ofLV end-diastolic volume index (LV EDVi) and LV EF, longitudinal global systolic strain (LGSS) and strain rate (LGSSr), circumferential global systolic strain (CGSS) and strain rate (CGSSr), radial global systolic strain (RGSS) and strain rate (RGSSr). For better clarity, parameters of longitudinal and circumferential strain were presented in absolute values. Results. After 12-month follow-up in comparison with the 1st month we observed improvement of LV EF 43.2 ± 3.1 % vs. 32.2 ± 2.7 % (P < 0.02), respectively, and decrease of LV EDVi 91.1 ± 6.6 ml/m 2 vs. 112.2 ± 7.2 ml/m 2 (P < 0.05), respectively. But statistically significant increase of STE parameters in comparison with their values in the 1st month was indicated after only 6-month follow-up: the absolute value of LGSS increased from 5.40 ± 0.41 % to 8.40 ± 0.63 % (P < 0.01) and the absolute value of CGSS – from 6.60 ± 0.73 to 10.40 ± 0.90 % (P < 0.01). By the 12th month there was a further increase in the absolute values of these indicators which corresponded to the statistically significant increase in LV EF and reduction in LV EDVi. By the use of binary regression analysis we defined cut-off values for STE parameters, measured within the 1st month of myocarditis onset, that with high sensitivity and specificity could predict LV systolic dysfunction persistence after 12 months: LGSS <8.6 %, LGSSr <0.61 s -1 and CGSS <8.3 %. Conclusions. On the basis of dynamic observation we detected STE parameters that within the 1 st month of myocarditis onset could be used for prognostication of LV systolic dysfunction persistence after 1-year follow-up: absolute values of LGSS <8.6 %, LGSSr <0.61 s -1 and CGSS <8.3 %.

Anti-TNF modulation reduces myocardial inflammation and improves cardiovascular function in systemic rheumatic diseases

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are common disorders associated with increased rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the contribution of cytokine-induced inflammation to impaired cardiovascular function in these conditions remains poorly understood. ObjectivesWe assessed the effect of anti-TNF therapy on myocardial and vascular function, myocardial tissue characteristics and perfusion in inflammatory arthropathy and systemic rheumatic disease (IASRD) patients, using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods20 RA patients, 7 AS patients, 5 PsA patients without previously known CVD scheduled to commence anti-TNF therapy and 8 RA patients on standard disease modifying antirheumatic drugs underwent CMR at 1.5 T, including cine, tagging, pulse wave velocity (PWV), T2-weighted, native and postcontrast T1 mapping, ECV quantification, rest and stress perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging. ResultsFollowing anti-TNF therapy, there was significant reversal of baseline subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction, as evidenced by improvement in peak systolic circumferential strain (p < 0.001), peak diastolic circumferential strain rate (p < 0.001), and total aortic PWV, (p < 0.001). This was accompanied by a reduction in myocardial inflammation, as assessed by T2-weighted imaging (p = 0.005), native T1 mapping (p = 0.009) and ECV quantification (p = 0.001), as well as in serum inflammatory markers like CRP (p < 0.001) and ESR (p < 0.001), and clinical measures of disease activity (DAS28-CRP, p = 0.001; BASDAI, p < 0.001). A trend towards improvement in myocardial perfusion was observed (p = 0.07). Focal myocardial fibrosis, as detected by LGE CMR was not altered by anti-TNF therapy (p = 0.92). ConclusionsAnti-TNF therapy reduces subclinical myocardial inflammation and improves cardiovascular function in RA, AS and PsA. CMR may be used to track disease progression and response to therapy. Future CMR-based studies to demonstrate effect of anti-TNF therapy modulation of vascular structure and function on hard clinical events and outcomes would be useful.

Value of three dimensional-speckle tracking imaging for predicting left ventricular function after non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with percutaneous coronary intervention

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the recommended treatment for high risk patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). To investigate the application of three dimensional-speckle tracking imaging (3D-STI) on patients diagnosed with NSTEMI undergoing PCI. Forty-four NSTEMI patients and 20 healthy subjects that received basic clinical and laboratory examinations were included in our study. NSTEMI patients were divided into three groups: heart failure (HF) with normal ejection fraction (HF-NEF group, n = 19), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF group, n = 14) and heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF group, n = 11). The global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS), global circumferential peak systolic strain (GCS), global radial peak systolic strain (GRS) and left ventricular (LV) torsion of all subjects were measured by 3D-STI before PCI and 1 month, 3 months after PCI. The high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TNT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) were measured in each group. Correlations between these parameters and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were tested by Pearson correlation analysis. GLS, GCS and torsion were significantly decreased in the 3 NSTEMI groups compared with control group (P < 0.05). GLS, torsion were significantly improved in the three NSTEMI groups at postoperative 1 and 3 months (P < 0.05). HF-REF group showed improved GCS on postoperative 1 and 3 month compared with preoperative data, and improved GLS at 3-month follow-up compared with 1-month follow-up (P < 0.05). The hs-TNT, hs-CRP and NT-pro BNP increased in the three NSTEMI groups before PCI (P < 0.05), and decreased at postoperative 1 and 3 month (P < 0.05). LVEF has the positive correlations with LV endsystolic volume (LVESV) and torsion, as well as the negative correlations with LVGLS, LVGCS, NT-pro BNP (P < 0.05). The combinative detection of 3D-STI and NT-pro BNP is an efficient way to assess the cardiac function in patients diagnosed with NSTEMI undergoing PCI.

Adults born preterm exhibit bi‐ventricular hypercontractility and inefficiency

IntroductionIn the US, prematurity accounts for approximately 10% of all live births. Infants born preterm are at an increased risk of cardiopulmonary disease. Until recently, little was known about the long‐term sequelae in the myocardium in adult survivors of prematurity. One study demonstrated that adults born preterm had larger left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) masses, and lower RV ejection fraction compared to term born controls. To date, there is a paucity of information on the potential mechanism of altered ventricular mechanics in adult survivors of prematurity. Therefore, we hypothesized that preterm subjects would display reduced RV and LV strain.MethodsPreterm subjects were recruited from a prospectively followed cohort at UW‐Madison. Gestational ages for the preterm subjects were 28.2 ± 0.84 weeks and they weighed &lt; 1500 grams. Term‐born subjects were recruited from the general public. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to determine myocardial strain and stroke volume (SV) in adults born preterm (n = 10, age = 26.9 ± 0.3 years) and age‐matched term born controls (n = 12, age = 25.8 ± 0.2 years). Three slices from the RV and LV (apex, mid and base) short‐axis cine MR images were used to analyze RV and LV circumferential and LV radial dimensions (mean peak strain, systolic and diastolic strain rate). SV was obtained from the main pulmonary artery (MPA) and aorta (Ao) 2‐D phase contrast images. SV was normalized to body surface area (SVI) and was divided by peak RV and LV circumferential strain to obtain RV and LV efficiency. All MRI analysis was performed using Segment (http://segment.heiberg.se). A Mann‐Whitney test was performed to test differences between groups (p &lt; 0.05).ResultsPreterm subjects demonstrated increased peak RV circumferential (−11.36 % ± 1.90 vs. −8.83 % ± 1.95; p = 0.003) and LV circumferential (−20.15 % ± 2.29 vs. −17.96 % ± 1.96; p = 0.025) strain compared to controls, respectively. Additionally, RV circumferential systolic strain rate, LV circumferential systolic and diastolic strain rate, and LV radial diastolic strain rate were greater (p &lt; 0.05) in preterm adults as compared to controls. SVI as measured from the MPA and Ao flow was not different between groups. Preterm subjects exhibited reduced (p &lt; 0.05) RV and LV (p = 0.06) efficiency as compared to controls.DiscussionWe used MRI to measure RV and LV strain, which is a measure of ventricular displacement during the cardiac cycle. Contrary to our hypothesis, these results demonstrate that adults born preterm exhibit a hypercontractile myocardium (increased strain) under resting conditions. The increased bi‐ventricular strain in the circumferential dimension in preterm born adults occurred despite no differences in SVI between groups. This results in reduced RV and LV efficiency in preterm subjects compared to controls, suggesting increased cardiac work may be required in adults born preterm for the same SVI. The implications for life‐time cardiovascular risk merit further study.Support or Funding InformationProject supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health: 1RO1 HL086897 (MWE) and RO1 HL38149 (MWE). Kara Goss is supported by the University of Wisconsin Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program, through the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), grant NIH UL1TR000427 (PI Drezner; 4KL2TR000428‐‐10).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Feature Tracking Cardiac MRI Reveals Abnormalities in Ventricular Function in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Subclinical systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction has been reported in previous echocardiographic studies on congenital bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Patients with BAV commonly undergo evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging, and feature-tracking cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR-FT) is an emerging technique that assesses myocardial strain using standard cine sequences. This study investigated differences in myocardial strain between patients with BAV with preserved ejection fraction (EF) and controls using CMR-FT. Patients with isolated BAV and preserved EF, who had previously undergone CMR (n = 42; mean age, 41.2 ± 13.9) were compared with controls (n = 19; 36.6 ± 9.8; P = .2). Investigational CMR-FT strain analysis software was used to measure circumferential systolic and diastolic strain values, as well as standard LV volumetric and functional parameters. The majority of patients with BAV had mild or no valve dysfunction, and LV myocardial mass end-diastolic volume indices were similar between groups. Peak diastolic circumferential strain rate was lower in patients with BAV than in controls (0.89 ± 0.27 vs 1.21 ± 0.21 s−1, P = .003). After adjusting for covariates, only myocardial mass index was independently associated with peak circumferential systolic strain and diastolic strain rate. Feature-tracking CMR can identify abnormalities of LV strain in a clinical cohort of asymptomatic patients with BAV with preserved EF. Decreases in circumferential diastolic strain rate in patients with BAV suggest evidence of early diastolic dysfunction.

The effects of flip angle optimization on the precision and reproducibility of feature tracking derived strain assessment in contrast enhanced bSSFP cine images

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate whether a flip angle adaptation, which is known to improve SNR and CNR in post contrast SSFP imaging, improves the precision and reproducibility of Feature Tracking (FT) derived strain assessments in post contrast bSSFP imaging. Methods and resultsAt 1.5T balanced SSFP midventricular short axis cine images were acquired with various flip angles (FA) before (FA = 50°) and 5 min after (FAs = 50°, 80°, 90°, 100°) injection of double dose Gadobutrol. FT derived systolic circumferential strain was then calculated for all pre- and post-contrast images, the intra- and inter-observer variability of strain measurements was assessed. FT derived midventricular peak systolic circumferential strain (PSCS) derived from unadapted (FA: 50°) contrast enhanced bSSFP images was significantly lower than strain derived from unenhanced bSSFP images (−16.45 ± 5.1% vs −20.57 ± 6.2%; p < 0.001) and showed low agreement (mean difference of −4.13 ± 2.4, 95% CI:−5.3 to −3) in all 20 subjects. After adaption of the flip angle (FA: 100°), agreement between strain derived from unenhanced and adapted contrast enhanced bSSFP images (−20.57 ± 6%) was strong (0.01 ± 0.9, CI:−0.43 to 0.41). In comparison to intra- and interobserver variability of strain derived from unenhanced images (intra 2.9%; inter: 3.9%), strain measurements derived from adapted contrast enhanced images (FA: 100°) showed a slightly lower variability (intra: 2.5%; inter: 2.3%). ConclusionIf flip angle adaptation is performed, FT based strain analysis may be performed on contrast enhanced bSSFP cine images without loss of precision and accuracy.

Layer-specific systolic and diastolic strain in hypertensive patients with and without mild diastolic dysfunction

This study sought to examine layer-specific longitudinal and circumferential systolic and diastolic strain, strain rate (SR) and diastolic time intervals in hypertensive patients with and without diastolic dysfunction. Fifty-eight treated hypertensive patients were assigned to normal diastolic function (NDF, N = 39) or mild diastolic dysfunction (DD, N = 19) group. Layer-specific systolic and diastolic longitudinal and circumferential strains and SR were assessed. Results showed no between-group difference in left ventricular mass index (DD: 92.1 ± 18.1 vs NDF: 88.4 ± 16.3; P = 0.44). Patients with DD had a proportional reduction in longitudinal strain across the myocardium (endocardial for DD −13 ± 4%; vs NDF −17 ± 3, P < 0.01; epicardial for DD −10 ± 3% vs NDF −13 ± 3%, P < 0.01; global for DD: −12 ± 3% vs NDF: −15 ± 3, P = 0.01), and longitudinal mechanical diastolic impairments as evidenced by reduced longitudinal strain rate of early diastole (DD 0.7 ± 0.2 L/s vs NDF 1.0 ± 0.3 L/s, P < 0.01) and absence of a transmural gradient in the duration of diastolic strain (DD endocardial: 547 ± 105 ms vs epicardial: 542 ± 113 ms, P = 0.24; NDF endocardial: 566 ± 86 ms vs epicardial: 553 ± 77 ms, P = 0.03). Patients with DD also demonstrate a longer duration of early circumferential diastolic strain (231 ± 71 ms vs 189 ± 58 ms, P = 0.02). In conclusion, hypertensive patients with mild DD demonstrate a proportional reduction in longitudinal strain across the myocardium, as well as longitudinal mechanical diastolic impairment, and prolonging duration of circumferential mechanical relaxation.

Influence of observer experience on cardiac magnetic resonance strain measurements using feature tracking and conventional tagging

AimCMR quantitative myocardial strain analysis is increasingly being utilized in clinical routine. CMR feature tracking (FT) is now considered an alternative to the reference standard for strain assessment -CMR tagging. The impact of observer experience on the validity of FT results has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the observer experience-dependency of CMR FT and to compare results with the reference standard. MethodsCSPAMM and SSFP-Cine sequences were acquired in 38 individuals (19 patients with HFpEF,19 controls) in identical midventricular short-axis locations. Global peak systolic circumferential strain (PSCS) together with LV ejection fraction (EF) and volumes were assessed by three observers (5,3 and 0 years of CMR-strain experience). Intermodality, intra- as well inter-observer variability were assessed. ResultsCorrelation between tagging and FT derived PSCS depended on observer experience (r = 0.69, r = 0.58 and r = 0.53). For the inexperienced observer tagging and FT derived PSCS differed significantly (p = 0.0061). Intra-observer reproducibility of tagging derived PSCS were similar for all observers (coefficient of variation (CV): 6%, 6.8% and 4.9%) while reproducibility of FT derived PSCS (CV: 7.4%, 9.4% and 15.8%) varied depending on observer experience. Inter-observer reproducibility of tagging derived PSCS for observer 1 and 2 as well as 1 and 3 for tagging (CV: 6.17%, 9.18%) was superior in comparison to FT (CV: 11.8%, 16.4%). ConclusionsReliability and accuracy of FT based strain analysis, more than tagging based strain analysis, is dependent on reader experience. CMR strain experience or dedicated training in strain evaluation is necessary for FT to deliver accurate strain data, comparable to that of CMR tagging.

Clinical study on assessment of left ventricular systolic function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by vector velocity imaging

Objective To analyze the strains of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) by vector velocity imaging(VVI), and to identify abnormal early systolic function. Methods Forty patients with HCM (HCM group) and 25 healthy subjects (control group) were enrolled. Standard two-dimensional echocardiography was performed. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), diameters and wall thickness were measured. Peak systolic strains in all directions and their time to peak were analyzed off-line. Results ①All but the endocardial circumferential strain were apparently smaller in HCM group than those in the control group(P<0.000 1). The difference was greater in long axis than that in short axis. ②The HCM group maintained the characteristics of strain gradient as the control group, including the endocardium-epicardium gradient with endocardial strains was significantly greater than epicardial ones and the base-apex gradient, among which epicardial longitudinal strain decreased from the base to the apex and endocardial circumferential strain increased toward the apex. ③The HCM group suffered significant dyssynchrony in terms of strain and rotation, with greater changes in longitudinal than in short axis, in epicardium than in endocardium. Conclusions VVI offers an overall assessment of regional and global left ventricular systolic function, including longitudinal and circumferential strain. Moreover, it can be used to evaluate subclinical systolic dysfunction and dyssynchrony in patients with HCM. Key words: Echocardiography; Ventricular function, left; Cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic; Strain; Vector velocity imaging

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in calves: feasibility and repeatability study

ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility and repeatability of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography for the evaluation of left ventricular function in healthy calves. Animals12 Holstein calves, 62 ± 11.6 days old; 75.25 ± 5.4 Kg. MethodsObservational study. Right parasternal short-axis views at papillary muscle level were recorded in standing calves and subsequently analyzed by two-dimensional speckle tracking for global and regional radial and circumferential strains and strain rates and radial displacement. Echocardiographic examinations were performed by 2 observers to evaluate intra- and interobserver repeatability and variability. ResultsTwo-dimensional speckle tracking was feasible in all calves. Automated tracking was better in systole than in diastole. Repeatability of the technique was good in calves. Systolic radial strain and strain rate peak values showed little variability compared with systolic circumferential strain and strain rate and to all diastolic measurements. Variability of the interobserver measurements was greater than the intraobserver measurements. ConclusionsTwo-dimensional speckle tracking is feasible in calves. As in other species, evaluation of systolic radial left ventricular function is more reliable than circumferential and diastolic left ventricular function.