Parameters Of Systolic Function Research Articles

Echocardiographic Correlates of Left Atrial Function Index Among Hypertensive Heart Failure Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Heart failure contributes to the global burden of cardiovascular diseases, with hypertensive heart failure affecting individuals in their productive age group and leading to high economic losses and disability-adjusted life years. The left atrium, on the other hand, contributes significantly to left ventricular filling in heart failure patients, and the left atrial function index is an excellent tool for assessing left atrial function among heart failure patients. The study aimed to evaluate some parameters of systolic and diastolic function as correlates and potential predictors of the left atrial function index among hypertensive heart failure cohorts. Materials and methods The study was conducted at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara. Eighty (80) patients with hypertensive heart failure who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the cardiology outpatient clinics. The left atrial function index was calculated using the following formula: LAFI = (LAEF x LVOT-VTI)/LAESVI. (LAFI = left atrial function index; LAEF = left atrial emptying fraction; LAESVI = left atrial end-systolic volume index; LVOTVTI = outflow tract velocity time integral). The data were analysed using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solution Version 22. Relationships between variables were determined using analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regressions. Significance was assessed at p<0.05. Result It was discovered that the left atrial function index correlated with ejection fraction (r = 0.616, p = 0.001), fractional shortening (r = 0.462, p = 0.001), and the ratio of early transmitral flow to early myocardial contractility, E/E' (r =-0.522, p = 0.001). However, there was no correlation with stroke volume (r = 0.38, p = 0.11); the ratio of early transmitral flow to late transmitral flow, E/A (r = -0.10, p = 0.11); isovolumetric relaxation time, IVRT (r = -0.171, p = 0.11);and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, TAPSE (r =0.185, p = 0.10). Of the variables that correlated with left atrial function index, left ventricular ejection fraction and the ratio of early transmitral flow to early myocardial contractility (E/E') were found to be independent predictors of left atrial function index. Conclusion Left ventricular ejection fraction and the ratio of early transmitral flow to early myocardial contractility reflect changes in the left atrial function index, and as such, they should be used as surrogates for its assessment, especially in low- and medium-income countries where left atrial function index estimation is not routinely done.

The association between myocardial ischemia and myocardial dysfunction in adult patients with systemic right ventricle – A single centre multimodality study

BackgroundThe exact interaction of factors leading to myocardial dysfunction and fibrosis of the systemic right ventricle (SRV) is not completely understood. Myocardial ischemia and injury associated with a supply-demand mismatch of the pressure overloaded SRV are thought to play an important role, however studies confirming this are lacking. MethodsAdult SRV patients were included in this single centre cohort study. All patients underwent a comprehensive diagnostic and imaging workup. A two-day stress-rest SPECT was performed to assess myocardial perfusion. SRV ischemia was defined as decreased segmental tracer uptake during exercise with significant improvement at rest. Contrast enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was also performed in a subgroup of patients without contraindication, to assess focal myocardial fibrosis. Differences between patients with and without SRV ischemia were assessed. ResultsTwenty-three SRV patients (15 with transposition of the great arteries after atrial switch procedure and 8 with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries; 5 (22%) females; mean age 38 ± 11 years) were included. Seven (30%) patients had SRV ischemia on SPECT. Late gadolinium enhancement on CMR was more common in patients with SRV ischemia (p = 0.002). However, there was no association between SRV ischemia and different echocardiographic or CMR parameters of SRV systolic function, laboratory markers (high-sensitivity troponin I and NT-proBNP) and exercise capacity. ConclusionsOur multimodality study showed that SRV ischemia in adult SRV patients was associated with more focal myocardial fibrosis, but not with functional or imaging markers of SRV function.

Effects of varying blood flow rate during peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygen (V-A ECMO) on left ventricular function measured by two-dimensional strain.

We evaluated the effects of varying blood flow rate during peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygen (V-A ECMO) on left ventricular function measured by two-dimensional strain. Adult patients who were supported by peripheral V-A ECMO were recruited. Serial hemodynamic and cardiac performance parameters were measured by transthoracic echocardiogram within the first 48 h after implementation of V-A ECMO. Measurements at 100%, 120%, and 50% of target blood flow (TBF) were compared. A total of 54 patients were included and the main indications for V-A ECMO were myocardial infarction [32 (59.3%)] and myocarditis [6 (11.1%)]. With extracorporeal blood flow at 50% compared with 100% TBF, the mean arterial pressure was lower [66 ± 19 vs. 75 ± 18 mmHg, p < 0.001], stroke volume was greater [23 (12-34) vs. 15 (8-26) ml, p < 0.001], and cardiac index was higher [1.2 (0.7-1.7) vs. 0.8 (0.5-1.3) L/min/m2, p < 0.001]. Left ventricular contractile function measured by global longitudinal strain improved at 50% compared with 100% TBF [-2.8 (-7.6- -0.1) vs. -1.2 (-5.2-0) %, p < 0.001]. Similarly, left ventricular ejection fraction increased [24.4 (15.8-35.5) vs. 16.7 (10.0-28.5) %, p < 0.001] and left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral increased [7.7 (3.8-11.4) vs. 4.8 (2.5-8.5) cm, p < 0.001]. Adding echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular systolic function to the Survival After Veno-arterial ECMO (SAVE) score had better discriminatory value in predicting eventual hospital mortality (AUROC 0.69, 95% CI 0.55-0.84, p = 0.008) and successful weaning from V-A ECMO (AUROC 0.68, 95% CI 0.53-0.83, p = 0.017). In the initial period of V-A ECMO support, measures of left ventricular function including left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain were inversely related to ECMO blood flow rate. Understanding the heart-ECMO interaction is vital to interpretation of echocardiographic measures of the left ventricle while on ECMO.

Systolic function in dogs with pulmonic stenosis of different severities and the effect of balloon valvuloplasty

Introduction/objectivesPulmonic stenosis (PS) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases in dogs leading to right ventricular (RV) pressure overload, myocardial remodeling, and potential RV dysfunction. Our objectives were to investigate the extent of RV systolic dysfunction in canine PS and to examine the immediate influence of balloon valvuloplasty (BV) on systolic function. Animals, materials and methodsThis prospective study evaluated 72 dogs with PS and 86 healthy dogs. Echocardiographic parameters of systolic function included normalized tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (N-TAPSE), normalized systolic myocardial tissue Doppler velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (N-RVFW-S′), fractional area change, and speckle-tracking longitudinal endocardial RV strain. Forty-four dogs underwent BV and were re-examined after surgery. ResultsSystolic function at the basal segment of the RV was significantly lower in the PS group when compared to healthy dogs (mean N-TAPSE 4.29 ± standard deviation 1.18 mm/kg0.285 vs. 5.60 ± 1.29 mm/kg0.285; median N-RVFW-S′ 5.28 [lower-upper 25% quantile 4.35–6.43 cm/s/kg0.186] vs. 7.82 [6.73–8.79 cm/s/kg0.186]; all P<0.001). Global longitudinal RV endocardial strain showed no significant difference between the two groups (−28.50 ± 6.23% vs. 28.61 ± 4.64%; P=0.886), but segmental strain analyses revealed basal hypo- and potential compensatory hyperkinesis of the apical RVFW. Furthermore, BV affected most parameters of systolic function, but not the segmental strain values and N-TAPSE. ConclusionsRight ventricular basal longitudinal systolic function is decreased in dogs with PS in comparison to a healthy cohort. Regional and global function does not necessarily coincide.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Right Ventricular Remodeling: Do We Have All the Answers?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is a very important sleep-related breathing disorder related to increased cardiovascular and overall morbidity and mortality. It is associated with multisystemic target organ damage due to micro- and macrovascular changes, resulting in carotid and coronary atherosclerosis, increased arterial stiffness, retinal damage, microalbuminuria, and cardiac remodeling. The latter consists of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, as well as diastolic and systolic dysfunction. The increasing burden of evidence shows that OSA also induces right ventricular (RV) remodeling that is more difficult to diagnose, but may also contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in these patients. Conventional echocardiographic parameters for assessment of RV systolic and diastolic functions are often not sensitive enough to detect subclinical and subtle changes in the RV function. Data published over last decade showed that the RV function, particularly systolic, is impaired in OSA patients and related with its severity. However, the introduction of speckle tracking echocardiography and the particularly longitudinal strain enabled the earlier detection of functional and mechanical changes even when conventional echocardiographic parameters of RV systolic function remained unchanged. The 3D echocardiography provided the possibility to evaluate the entire RV, with its unique shape, and determine 3D RV ejection fraction, which is comparable with results obtained by cardiac magnetic resonance. The use of this modality also provided a new insight into RV systolic (dys)function in OSA patients. In addition to weight loss, which has been proven very helpful in OSA patients, the only approved therapeutic approach is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. It is very important to assess if this therapy induces any improvement in cardiac structure and function. Limited data on this topic show that RV longitudinal strain is a more sensitive parameter rather than other conventional RV indexes in the detection of improvement in RV systolic function and mechanics. The aim of this review article is to summarize the current understanding of RV structural, functional, and mechanical changes in patients with OSA. Furthermore, we sought to provide the current knowledge regarding the effect of CPAP therapy on RV reverse remodeling in OSA patients.

Left ventricular systolic function in subjects conceived through assisted reproductive technologies.

Over the past decades, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have gained remarkable influence in the treatment of infertility and account for more than 2 % of births in European countries nowadays. Accumulating evidence suggests ART to cause cardiovascular alterations, including left ventricular (LV) dysfunctions, within its offspring. The aim of this study was to assess LV systolic function in subjects conceived through ART in comparison to spontaneously conceived peers. For the assessment of LV morphology and LV function, M-Mode echocardiography, pulsed wave Doppler and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) were applied. LV ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) were assessed in M-Mode and calculated by Teichholz formula. EF was additionally assessed semiautomatically through 2DSTE. In total, 64 ART subjects and 83 spontaneously conceived controls with no significant differences in age (12.52 ± 5.64 years vs. 13.20 ± 5.95 years, p = 0.486) and sex were included in the analysis. In the ART cohort, significantly lower values were observed for M-Mode assessed EF (63.63 ± 5.17 % vs. 65.35 ± 5.10 %, p = 0.046) and FS (34.26 ± 3.87 % vs. 35.60 ± 3.84 %, p = 0.038). However, after the adjustment for birth weight percentile and gestational age, M-Mode assessed EF and FS displayed no significant differences between both groups. LV morphology and remaining systolic function parameters, such as mitral annular plane systolic excursion, aortic velocity time integral, global peak longitudinal strain and 2DSTE measured EF, were comparable between both groups. This study suggests a lower LV systolic function in ART subjects, visualized by significantly lower values for M-Mode assessed EF and FS, compared to spontaneously conceived peers. The clinical relevance of these findings has to be investigated as the above-mentioned parameters were in normal reference range. In addition, LV systolic function parameters evaluated by other echocardiographic imaging modalities were comparable between both groups. Therefore, further studies will be required to evaluate the influence of ART on LV systolic function and cardiovascular morbidity in the future.

Improvement of Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain after 6-Month Therapy with GLP-1RAs Semaglutide and Dulaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study

(1) Background: Glucagone-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) (GLP-1 RAs) are incretine-based medications recommended in the treatment of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or high or very high cardiovascular (CV) risk. However, knowledge of the direct mechanism of GLP-1 RAs on cardiac function is modest and not yet fully elucidated. Left ventricular (LV) Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) with Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (STE) represents an innovative technique for the evaluation of myocardial contractility. (2) Methods: an observational, perspective, monocentric study was conducted in a cohort of 22 consecutive patients with DM2 and ASCVD or high/very high CV risk, enrolled between December 2019 and March 2020 and treated with GLP-1 RAs dulaglutide or semaglutide. The echocardiographic parameters of diastolic and systolic function were recorded at baseline and after six months of treatment. (3) Results: the mean age of the sample was 65 ± 10 years with a prevalence of the male sex (64%). A significant improvement in the LV GLS (mean difference: -1.4 ± 1.1%; p value < 0.001) was observed after six months of treatment with GLP-1 RAs dulaglutide or semaglutide. No relevant changes were seen in the other echocardiographic parameters. (4) Conclusions: six months of treatment with GLP-1 RAs dulaglutide or semaglutide leads to an improvement in the LV GLS in subjects with DM2 with and high/very high risk for ASCVD or with ASCVD. Further studies on larger populations and with a longer follow-up are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.

Systemic ventricular function in Fontan patients at rest and after exercise at altitude.

Physical activity at high altitude is expected to pose risks for patients with Fontan circulation and to impair systemic ventricular function. This study aims to determine the effect of high-altitude hypoxia on ventricular function in Fontan patients at rest and after exercise. We hypothesize that systemic ventricular function deteriorates under hypoxic conditions in Fontan patients. In this prospective study, 21 Fontan patients (NYHA class I-II) and 21 age-, gender- and body mass index-matched healthy controls were enrolled (median age 17.9 and 16.9 years). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at rest, after peak (PE) and after continuous exercise (CE) in normoxia and hypoxia at simulated altitude (2,500 m above sea level). The effect of hypoxia on echocardiographic parameters was quantified by linear mixed-effects models and the difference between normoxia and hypoxia (Δ= hypoxia-normoxia). At rest, cardiac output (CO) estimated by outflow tract velocity time integral × heart rate and annular plane systolic excursion (APSE) were lower in hypoxia compared to normoxia in Fontan patients (CO: Δ = -12.0%, n.s.; APSE: Δ = -9.6%, p < 0.001), an increase was observed in controls (CO: Δ = 8.5%, n.s.; APSE: Δ = 2.5%, n.s.). Other parameters of systolic and diastolic function did not show relevant changes. After exercise under hypoxic conditions, Fontan patients did not show relevant deterioration of systolic function compared to normoxia. Late, active diastolic filling reflected by A-wave velocity remained unchanged in Fontan patients, but increased in controls. Under hypoxic conditions, CO and workload were higher after CE than PE in Fontan patients (CO: PE Δ = 1,530 vs. CE 1630), whereas controls showed higher work load and CO estimates after PE than CE as expected (CO: PE Δ = 2,302 vs. CE 2149). Fontan patients clinically tolerated short-term altitude exposure up to two hours and exercise and showed no consistent deterioration of systolic systemic ventricular function, but parameters of myocardial contractility, heart rate and cardiac output did not increase as observed in controls. This is likely to be multifactorial and may include intrinsic cardiac dysfunction as well as preload inadequacy and the lack of augmented atrial contraction. CE may be better tolerated than PE.

МОБИЛЬНОЕ ПРИЛОЖЕНИЕ В ПРОГНОЗИРОВАНИИ СИСТОЛИЧЕСКОЙ ФУНКЦИИ ЛЕВОГО ЖЕЛУДОЧКА ПРИ ЛЕЧЕНИИ РАКА МОЛОЧНОЙ ЖЕЛЕЗЫ АНТРАЦИКЛИНАМИ

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of complex treatment of breast cancer (BC) on the parameters of systolic myocardial function, and the efficiency of the prescription of cardiotropic therapy (CT) – a fixed combination of valsartan and carvedilol – in the prevention of the identified changes. To develop a mobile application, namely, an electronic statistical calculator for calculating the left ventricular ejection fraction by Simpson during BC treatment with anthracyclines, using the baseline anthropometric and instrumental data of the patient. Methods. We evaluated the cardiovascular health of 100 women who received complex treatment of BC. The patients were divided into three groups, depending on the presence of arterial hypertension and the prescription of CT. In the study, all women received a complex evaluation of the cardiovascular health at the beginning and at the end of BC treatment Results. In the non-CT group af ter the end of complex BC treatment the following was found: a decrease in the shortening fraction (FS) from 41.0 (38.0; 45.0)% to 38.0 (35.0; 43.0)%, (p &lt; 0.05), in ejection fraction (EF) by Teinholz from 72.0 (69.0; 76.0)% to 68.0 (64.0; 73.0)%, (p &lt; 0.05); in ejection fraction by Simpson from 66.0 (62.0; 71.0)% to 60.0 (57.0; 66.0)%, (p &lt; 0.05); an increase in the vagosympathetic interaction LF/HF index (ratio of lowfrequency (LF) to high-frequency (HF) components) from 0.8 (0.7; 1.0) to 1.05 (0.8; 1.2), (p &lt; 0.05); reduction of brachial artery diameter change from 12.5 (11.0; 16.0)% to 9.0 (6.0; 12.0)%, (p &lt; 0.05). A model of the prognosis of EF by Simpson during BC treatment was proposed, which included a total dose of doxorubicin calculated per body surface area, early diastolic rate of transtricuspid blood flow, diameter of the trunk of the pulmonary artery, the rate of circular shortening of myocardial fibers, thickness of the intima-media complex of the left carotid arteries, HF, % of brachial artery diameter change. The prognosis model formed the basis for the development of the mobile application for predicting left ventricular systolic function during BC treatment with anthracyclines. We proposed a model for prediction of LVEF by Simpson against during breast cancer treatment, which included the total doxorubicin dose calculated per body surface area, early diastolic rate of transtricuspidal blood flow, pulmonary artery trunk diameter, myocardial fiber circular shortening rate, left carotid artery intima-media complex thickness, HF, percentage of brachial artery diameter change. The prognostic model formed the basis for the development of the mobile application for predicting left ventricular systolic function during BC treatment with anthracyclines.

Correlation of NT-proBNP and Echocardiographic Parameters in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Left Ventricular Systolic Function

OBJECTIVE: Natriuretic peptides are increasingly used in clinical practice to diagnose myocardial dysfunction in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Recent studies indicate that plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) may have a role in the diagnosis and management of HF. However, there is marked heterogeneity in BNP levels among subjects with HFpEF, which is only partially explained by differences in left ventricular (LV) dimensions or systolic function. This study aims to investigate if N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) can be a useful tool to guide management in patients with HFpEF when echocardiography is not easily accessible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: N-terminal proBNP in patients admitted in Chong Hua Hospital from July 2019 to July 2020 was collected from the hospital laboratory. Data of patients with HF symptoms with preserved LV systolic function and other echocardiographic parameters were collected from the hospital records. The correlation between the different echocardiographic parameters and NT-proBNP was determined. RESULTS: The NT-proBNP levels increased significantly in HFpEF as the values of left atrial volume index (P &lt;0.001), E/A ratio (P = 0.042), E/e′ (P &lt;0.001), and tricuspid regurgitation velocity (P &lt;0.001) increased. The mean NT-proBNP level was 5588 pg/mL. Highest levels were seen predominantly in diastolic dysfunction grade II. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that NT-proBNP is positively correlated to echocardiographic parameters, namely, left atrial volume index, E/A ratio, E/e′, and tricuspid regurgitation velocity in patients with preserved LV systolic function.

963 PRELIMINARY OBSERVANIONAL STUDY ON CARDIAC REMODELING IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING EDGE-TO-EDGE TRANS-CATHETER MITRAL VALVE REPAIR WITH MITRA CLIP DEVICE

Abstract Preliminary Observational Study on Cardiac Remodeling in Patients Undergoing Edge-to-Edge Trans-catheter Mitral Valve Repair with MitraClip Device Considering the current interest to the new trans-catheter mitral valve repair, it has been our aim to investigate the remodeling of left ventricular (LV), left atrium (LA) and right ventricular (RV) in a cohort of 24 patients with severe organic (13 cases) or functional (11 cases) mitral regurgitation (MR), on a 6 months follow-up. Their mean age was 78,54 ± 7,64 years, and STS score 4,69 ± 2,39 and EuroSCORE II of 5,10 ± 3,28%, and a corresponding ASA score of 3, due to age, co-morbidity and impaired cardiac function (NHIA III/IV). In our study we used advanced techniques of 3D- echocardiography, for the advantage of images independent from the cutting sections, probe angles, and operators skills: this method accuracy is comparable to that of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. In detail, all enrolled patients underwent transthoracic 3D, spackle tracking imaging, to assess valve anatomy, and suitability for MitraClip treatment according to the EVEREST anatomic eligibility criteria. They were on optimized medications and, when necessary, previously treated with percutaneous angioplasty and stent implantation. Our results, in both functional and organic cases of MV regurgitation, can be summarized in a statically significant improvement of the NHYA class, reduction in the degree of MV and tricuspid valve insufficiency, decrease in LV end-diastolic diameter and diastolic volume, and mainly in a corrected direction of LV outflow towards the high pressure aortic system: so we explain the unchanged left ventricular ejection fraction. The LA remodeling was present with a significant reduction in LA volume only in patients without atrial fibrillation, while in its function there was a reduced peak strain. Regard the indicative parameters of afterload on the right heart chambers, the derived systolic pulmonary arterial pressure decreased, and in case of tricuspid regurgitation, a significant decrease in the maximal velocity of the blood flow was observed. There was also a statistically significant reduction in the right atrial area, and in RV size, both correlated with a reduced back flow in the RA. About the RV volumetric remodeling there was no statistically significant improvement in the end-diastolic RV volume, most probably of its better compliance towards a low pressure inflow. An improvement in RV systolic function parameters was obtained in terms of increased ejection fraction, decreased free wall strain, and decreased velocity at the tricuspid annular. In Conclusion, the clinical improvement observed after Mitral Clip repair consist in decreased overload to the left chambers, facilitating their reverse remodeling, and in the LV function. In perspective, we are planning to perform pre-operative models of MV repair, where we can calculate the reduced volume of regurgitated blood and the increase in the LVEF physiological outflow, in order to better tailor the indications to this procedure.

Detection of early cardiac disease manifestation in propionic acidemia - Results of a monocentric cross-sectional study.

In propionic acidemia (PA) myocardial involvement is common and includes development of cardiomyopathy, life-threatening acute heart failure, and acquired long-QT syndrome. We sought to investigate which echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function indicate early cardiac disease manifestation in PA. This is a prospective observational study (cross-sectional design) in a Tertiary Medical Care Center. Individuals with confirmed PA were enrolled and the following cardiac investigations were performed in all study individuals: echocardiographic measurements of systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) function (LV fractional shortening (LV-FS), LV ejection fraction by biplane modified Simpson's (LV-EF), mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), pulsed Doppler analyses of mitral valve (MV) inflow velocities (MV E/A) and MV deceleration time (DT-E), tissue doppler imaging (TDI) of the mitral annulus (MV E/e'), and LV myocardial performance index (LV-MPI). LV and left atrial (LA) diameters were assessed. 12‑lead electrocardiograms (ECG) were recorded and corrected QT intervals (QTc) calculated. Clinical phenotype and laboratory parameters at the time of cardiac investigation were assessed. Besides descriptive analyses we analyzed frequency, onset, and combinations of echocardiographic and ECG data as well as their correlations with clinical and biochemical findings. The effects of 'age at visit' and LV functional parameters on QTc were analyzed with multiple regression. A total of 18 patients with confirmed PA were enrolled. Median age at PA onset was 6 days (range 1-357 days). Median age at visit for cardiac evaluation was 13.1 years (range 0.6-28.1 years). LV-GLS was abnormal in 72.2%, LV-EF in 61.1%, MAPSE in 50%, MV E/e' in 44.4%, LV-MPI in 33.3%, LV-FS in 33.3%, and MV E/A in 27.8%. In cases with normal or near normal LV-FS, LV-GLS was pathological in 5/10, LV-EF in 4/10, and MAPSE in 3/10. The probability of developing LV dysfunction - systolic and diastolic - increases with age. LV-MPI is a reliable parameter to indicate systolic LV-dysfunction in combination with a dilated LV, i. e. dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in PA. Multiple regression reveals a significant positive association between LV diameters and QTc. Abnormal LV-GLS significantly correlates with reduced muscle strength, muscle tone and/or abnormal gross motor function. Our data suggests a high prevalence of cardiac disease manifestation in PA, considerably higher than in previous studies, where only LV-FS was used to assess LV function. Usage of advanced echocardiographic techniques, such as LV-GLS assessment, may allow for early detection of subtle LV dysfunction in PA, and may lead to timely cardiac treatment but also consideration of liver transplantation to prevent development of manifest cardiac complications.

Paramètres cliniques et échocardiographiques associés à l'altération du strain longitudinal global dans l'insuffisance mitrale secondaire

IntroductionLeft ventricular systolic function may be overestimated in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation when using left ventricle ejection fraction. The Global longitudinal strain is a measure less dependent on left ventricle load. However, the clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with the alteration of Global longitudinal strain in secondary mitral regurgitation have not been evaluated. Material and methodsA total of 96 patients (mean age 62.3 ± 12.1 years, 59.3% male) with secondary mitral regurgitation and low left ventricle ejection fraction < 50% were included. The study population was subdivided according to the Global longitudinal strain value with which an increased risk of all-cause mortality was associated (Global longitudinal strain < 7.0%, left ventricle systolic function impaired compared to Global longitudinal strain ≥ 7.0%, in absolute value). The clinical and echocardiographic endpoints are analysed in both groups of patients. ResultsThe strong and clear correlation between Global longitudinal strain (mean ± standard deviation: 7,2 ± 2,7) and parameters of systolic function (left ventricle ejection fraction mean ± standard deviation: 32,4 ± 8,0%) and contractility (dp/dt mean ± standard deviation: 682,5 ± 204,7 mmHg/s). the mean of left ventricle ejection fraction = 26.4 ± 5.3% in the Global longitudinal strain < 7 group, and the bivariate study using the 30% threshold shows that the Global longitudinal strain < 7 group presents a more altered left ventricle ejection fraction with odds ratio = 12, 5 (CI: 4.7–33.0) p < 0.001. In multivariate analysis of ultrasound parameters and linear regression shows a significant correlation between Global longitudinal strain and left ventricle ejection fraction (p < 0.001). The dp/dt analysis found a mean of 509.3 ± 99.1 mmHg/s in the Global longitudinal strain < 7 group and of 822.9 ± 154.1 in the Global longitudinal strain ≥ 7 group with significant difference (p < 0.001). In bivariate and multivariate analysis, the alteration of Global longitudinal strain is associated with a significantly lower dp / dt p < 0.001. ConclusionA Global longitudinal strain < 7 (in absolute value) reflects a severe impairment of left ventricle function. In addition, several parameters were associated with this severe alteration of the Global longitudinal strain, namely a lower left ventricle ejection fraction, a lower dp/dt and more severe symptoms permitting to characterized this group of patients in addition to an integration in a multiparametric evaluation of the secondary mitral regurgitation.

Echocardiographic Findings in Hemodialysis Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: To find out the echo abnormalities in a south Asian cohort on maintenance hemodialysis in a tertiary care hospital. &#x0D; Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Abbottabad, from Feb 2022 to Apr 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: 57 adult patients on maintenance hemodialysis had a non-contrast transthoracic echocardiographic study recording parameters of left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic function.&#x0D; Results: We had 57 patients. 71.9% (n=41) were male, and females 28.1% (n=16), diabetics 47.4 % (n=27), hypertensives 84.2%(n=48), smoking 28.1% (n=16); 15.8%(n=9) had some form of ischemic heart disease. Left ventricular hypertrophy was noted in 78.9% (n=45) of the entire patient population. 84% (n=48) of hypertensive patients had LVH. Overall, 82% (n=47) of hypertensive patients had some degree of diastolic dysfunction compared to non-hypertensive patients (p&lt;0.0001). Diastolic dysfunction of Grades I, II, III was seen in 35.1%(n=20), 29.8%(n=17), 17.5% (n=10). Mean E/e' ratio was 24.9±15, with 40.3%(n=23) having a value ≥15. The LV systolic dysfunction noted was: Mild 26.3%(n=15), Moderate 19.3%(n=11), Severe 1.8%(n=1). For the medial mitral annular systolic velocity(s’) 19.3%(n=11) had normal s’, while 80.7%(n=46) had reduced s’.The mean Pulmonary artery acceleration time (PA-AT) was was &lt;100 ms in 68.4%(n=39). The mean tricuspid plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was &lt; 17 mm in 19.3%(n=11) of patients indicating RV systolic dysfunction. The Minimum PASP was 16, max 64, mean 41.5±14mm Hg.&#x0D; Conclusion: In our study of CKD patients on regular hemodialysis, we found high rates of LVH, DD, LV systolic dysfunction,RV systolic function, and pulmonary hypertension. This creates a case for a larger scale study of these patients in a south Asian cohort as well as institution of a screening program in CKD patients on hemodialysis.

К ВОПРОСУ ОБ ОСОБЕННОСТЯХ КАЧЕСТВА ЖИЗНИ МУЖЧИН МОЛОЖЕ 60 ЛЕТ С НАРУШЕНИЯМИ МОЧЕИСПУСКАНИЯ В ОСТРЫЙ И ПОДОСТРЫЙ ПЕРИОДЫ ИНФАРКТА МИОКАРДА

Relevance. Changes in the quality of life associated with heart failure (HF) in young and mid-dle-aged men with urological pathology and myocardial infarction (MI) are not well under-stood. Aim. To evaluate changes in the quality of life (QL) indicator associated with heart failure (HF) in men under 60 years old with MI and acute urinary retention (AUR) to improve prevention and outcomes. Material and methods. The study included men aged 19-60 years old with type I MI. Patients are divided into two age-comparable groups: I - the study group, with AUR - 22 patients; II - control, without it - 633 patients. A comparative analysis of the QL indicator associated with HF (HFQL) (V. Ironosov) was performed in the selected groups in the first 48 hours (I) and at the end of the third week (II) of MI. The changes and correlations (C. Spearmen) of HFQL with clinical features, metabolic parameters, central and peripheral hemodynamics were studied. Results. HFQL in patients with AUR (85.7±15.6%) was worse than in the control group (59.4±20.1%; р˂0.0001) in the first hours of MI. At the end of the third week of the disease, no differences between the groups were observed (24.3±11.9 and 18.6±11.9%, respectively; p = 0.06). A positive (72 and 69%) dynamics of HFQL were obtained from the first hours to the end of the subacute MI period in both patient groups (р˂0.0001). In the study group, signifi-cant correlations of HFQL with the size of the left heart chambers, parameters of left ventricle systolic and diastolic function, peripheral hemodynamic, and lipid metabolism parameters were revealed. In the control group, more correlations were found, but their strength was less. Conclusions. The quality of life associated with HF is worse in patients with AUR during the first hours of MI. Dilatation of the left heart chambers, left ventricle systolic and diastolic dys-function, no history of arterial hypertension, and hypocholesterolemia were the most associat-ed with quality of life in the study group. The assessment of HF-related quality of life is use-ful as an adjunct to the examination of patients with MI, starting from the first hours of the disease, for early identification of risk groups for adverse events and chronic HF formation.

HFpEF and Atrial Fibrillation: The Enigmatic Interplay of Dysmetabolism, Biomarkers, and Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has a complex pathophysiology that encompasses systemic proinflammatory state and dysregulated levels of cardiometabolic and oxidative stress biomarkers. The prevalence of both HFpEF and atrial fibrillation (AF) is continuously rising, especially in the elderly. The aim of our study was to explore if there were any differences in biomarker levels and vascular function in the elderly patients with HFpEF with and without AF and to assess interconnections between clinically relevant biomarkers and cardiac and vascular function. This was a cross-sectional study of patients ≥ 65 years with HFpEF who were divided into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of AF. We have sonographically assessed echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and the peripheral vascular function parameters, namely, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD). NT-proBNP, irisin, leptin, adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and malondialdehyde (MDA) blood levels were determined. Fifty-two patients (mean age 80 ± 7 years, 67% females) were included. Patients with HFpEF and AF had significantly lower levels of irisin (median 4.75 vs. 13.5 ng/mL, p = 0.007), leptin (median 9.5 vs. 15.0 ng/L, p = 0.023), and MDA (median 293 vs. 450 ng/mL, p = 0.017) and significantly higher values of NT-proBNP (median 2365 vs. 529 ng/L, p < 0.001) but not vascular function parameters, as compared to HFpEF patients without AF. MDA was significantly correlated with diastolic function (r = 0.395, p = 0.007) and FMD (r = 0.394, p = 0.011), while adiponectin was inversely associated with FMD (r = -0.325, p = 0.038) and left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0.319, p = 0.029). Our results have demonstrated that patients with HFpEF and AF have significantly lower leptin, irisin, and MDA levels compared to patients with HFpEF but without AF. These results offer new insights into the complexity of vascular function and cardiometabolic and oxidative stress biomarkers in the context of HFpEF, AF, and aging.

Association of antithyroid peroxidase antibodies with cardiac function in euthyroid women with type 1 diabetes mellitus - assessment with two-dimensional speckle‑tracking echocardiography

The presence of diabetes is associated with loss of cardioprotection in premenopausal women; however, the mechanisms involved remain unknown. Autoimmune factors are suspected to play a role in cardiovascular complications, especially in type 1 diabetes (T1DM). The aim of this pilot study was to explore whether antithyroid peroxidase antibody (aTPO) as a marker of increased immune activity is related to cardiac dysfunction in young, asymptomatic women with T1DM. Eighty-eight euthyroid women (59 with T1DM and 29 healthy controls) underwent physical examination, laboratory tests, thyroid ultrasound, and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. According to the antiperoxidase antibodies (aTPO) titre, the T1DM women were divided into an aTPO positive (T1DM aTPO+) (n = 34) and an aTPO negative (T1DM aTPO-) (n = 25) group. The relationship between thyroid autoimmunity parameters and echocardiographic parameters was evaluated. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was slightly reduced in the T1DM aTPO+ group compared to T1DM aTPO- and significantly compared to controls (p = 0.051 and p = 0.015, respectively). Although, the lower values of longitudinal strain of left ventricular were found in the majority of segments in the T1DM aTPO+ group in comparison to T1DM aTPO- and controls, significant differences were only found in the two-chamber view (specifically in the anterior segments) between the T1DM aTPO+ and T1DM aTPO- groups (p = 0.030) and in the four-chamber view (specifically in the anterolateral segments) between the T1DM aTPO+ group and controls (p = 0.021). Echocardiographic parameters of diastolic and systolic function of both ventricles were significantly correlated with parameters of thyroid autoimmunity. A logistic regression analysis showed that Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) duration [odds ratio (OR): 0.997, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.995-0.999, p = 0.008), the dose of levothyroxine (OR: 0.814, 95% CI: 0.689-0.960, p = 0.013), and reduced echogenicity on thyroid ultrasound (OR: 0.309, 95% CI: 0.120-0.793, p = 0.013) had a significant influence on reduced GLS. Our results suggest that coexistence of aTPO with T1DM was associated with poorer myocardial function, particularly in the anterior and anterolateral segments, which may be related to an autoimmune factor. The impaired function of these segments is probably the first sign of myocardial systolic dysfunction in women with T1DM, which needs to be confirmed in further studies.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography, a powerful method for the evaluation of anthracyclines induced left ventricular insufficiency.

Anthracyclines have been one of the most important therapeutic methods in breast cancer therapy for decades. However, serious long-term toxicities, especially cardiotoxicity limits the continuous usage of anthracyclines, hence affects long term prognosis. Early detection of myocardial dysfunction during treatment is critical but challenging. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is a non-Doppler technique that can assess deformation and strain by tracking displacement of acoustic markers in the myocardium. This study aims to compare the sensitivity and precision between 2D-STE and traditional echocardiography on monitoring the left ventricular function in patients with breast cancer after anthracyclines therapy, which is the key indicator for evaluating myocardial changes. Thirty-three patients with breast cancer were recruited from February 2019 to December 2019. All patients were treated with 4 cycles anthracycline. 2D-STE and conventional echocardiography were performed on each patient. Two-dimensional echocardiographic examination was used to collect data interventricular septum diameter (IVSD), end-diastolic left ventricular posterior wall diameter (LVPWD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular systole on the parasternal left ventricular long axis view. The final diameter (left ventricular end-systolic diameter [LVESD]) and the left ventricular short axis shortening rate (LVFS) was measured by M-type. The two-plane Simpson’s method was used to measure left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and end-systolic volume (left ventricular end-systolic volume [LVESV]) to obtain left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging technical indicator includes left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), subendocardial myocardial longitudinal strain (LVGLS-Endo) and epicardial myocardial longitudinal strain (LVGLS-Epi). The correlation between 2-dimensional speckle tracking imaging and conventional ultrasound parameters were analyzed. Compared with baseline (T0), the systolic function parameter LVEF was significantly changed after four cycle chemotherapy (T4) (P < .05). However, the conventional echocardiographic parameters including IVSD, LVPWD, LVEDD, LVESD, LVEDV, and LVESV were not statistically significant (P > .05). Meanwhile, the two-dimensional strain parameters LVGLS, LVGLS-Endo, and LVGLS-Epi were statistically significant after T2 and T4 cycle chemotherapy (P < .01).The two-dimensional strain parameter GLS has higher accuracy and sensitivity for monitoring left ventricular insufficiency caused by anthracycline therapy when compared with traditional echocardiography.

Prognostic value of left ventricular myocardial work indices in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Abstract Introduction Left ventricular myocardial work (LVMW) is a novel echocardiographic-based method to assess LV function using pressure-strain loops taking LV afterload into account. In patients with aortic stenosis (AS), this approach was shown to improve assessment of LV performance as compared to conventional and advanced parameters of LV systolic function, but data on its prognostic value are lacking. Purpose To evaluate the prognostic value of LVMW indices in patients with severe AS undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods LVMW indices, including LV global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW) and global work efficiency (GWE) were calculated in 281 patients with severe AS (age 82, IQR 78–85 years, 52% male) prior to the TAVR procedure. As previously validated, LV systolic pressure was derived non-invasively by adding the mean aortic gradient to the brachial systolic pressure. LV global longitudinal strain and LV systolic pressure were then incorporated to construct pressure-strain loops to determine the LVMW indices. The study endpoint was all-cause mortality. Results In the total population average GWI was 1872±753 mmHg%, GCW 2240±797 mmHg%, GWW 200 (IQR 127–306) mmHg% and GWE 89 (IQR 84–93)%. During a median follow-up of 52 (IQR 41–67) months, 64 patients died. These patients showed lower values of GWI (1644 vs 1940 mmHg%, p=0.006) and GCW (2010 vs 2307 mmHg%, p=0.009) as compared to patients who survived while GWW (197 vs 200 mmHg%, p=0.794) and GWE (88% vs 90%, p=0.102) were similar. While LV GCW, GWW and GWE did not show a significant association with the study endpoint, GWI was independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR per-tertile-increase 0.639; 95% CI 0.463–0.883; P=0.007), and the patients in the lowest GWI tertile showed the worst survival rates (Figure 1). Of interest, patients in the lowest GWI tertile were more likely to be male (63% vs 56% and 37% from the lowest to the highest tertile, P=0.001), had a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (26% vs 19% and 8% from the lowest to the highest tertile, P=0.006), worse renal function (53 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 64 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 62 mL/min/1.73 m2 from the lowest to the highest tertile, P=0.038) and larger LV dimension (LVEDD 52 mm vs 47 mm and 46 mm from lowest through highest tertile, p&amp;lt;0.001). Importantly, when added to a basal model, LVGWI yielded a higher increase in predictivity compared to both conventional and advanced parameters of LV systolic function (Figure 2). Also, in a model corrected for the hemodynamic class of AS (high-gradient, low-flow low-gradient), GWI also showed a significant independent association (P=0.003) with all-cause mortality. Conclusions LVGWI is independently associated with all-cause mortality in patients undergoing TAVR and has a higher prognostic value compared to both conventional and advanced parameters of LV systolic function. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Which parameter of right ventricular function predicts outcome in acute heart failure

Abstract Aims RV systolic dysfunction is being recognised as significant prognostic marker of poor outcome in acute heart failure. We aimed to characterise the predictive capacity of RV systolic function on long term outcomes in those hospitalised in AHF. Methods 418 consecutive AHF patients presenting over 12 months were prospectively recruited and underwent bed-side echocardiography within 24 hours of recruitment. 8 parameters of RV systolic function were assessed in predicting 2-year mortality by identifying the sensitivity and specificity associated with the maximum Youden Index. These cut-offs were used as binary determinants of outcome in unadjusted Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results 7/8 binary assessments of RV systolic dysfunction were significantly predictive of 2 year outcome, including the tricuspid annulus systolic plane excursion (TAPSE) ≤1.6cm, RV fractional area change (RVFAC) ≤38.2%, peak systolic and end systolic RV inferior wall global longitudinal strain of &amp;gt;−18.6% and &amp;gt;−18%, inferior free wall average strain rate &amp;gt;−1.8 s–1, a 2D ellipsoid model of RVEF &amp;lt;46.9% and the ratio of the TAPSE to systolic pulmonary artery pressure &amp;lt;0.0268 cm/mmHg (all p&amp;lt;0.02). Crude hazard ratios ranged from 1.50–2.13. Only the RV tissue doppler imaging S wave velocity ≤0.09m/s could not delineate those at risk of poor outcome (p=0.17). Discussion A constellation of RV systolic assessment could effectively delineate those at risk of poor outcome following hospitalisation for AHF. The cut-offs identified were broadly similar to those from the ESC guidelines on RV chamber assessment. Only the S wave velocity from tissue doppler imaging was not predictive. This may be due to more angle dependency in measurements alongside the impact of loading conditions in acute heart failure. RV dysfunction should remain a serious focus of attention from acute physicians and echosonographers. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Abbott