Tricuspid Annular Systolic Velocity Research Articles

Right ventricular systolic function and mechanical dyssynchrony in ischemic or non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy: A speckle-tracking study.

This study assessed RV dyssynchrony (irrespective to QRS duration) and RV systolic function in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) versus ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) patients by using different echo-Doppler modalities. Eighty-five cases (48 patients with DCM [whether ischemic or non-ischemic] and 37 age-matched healthy controls) were studied. Conventional echo-Doppler study, tissue Doppler (TDI), and speckle tracking (STE) were carried out to measure LV and RV systolic function. Time-to-peak negative longitudinal strain at the four RV sites were assessed by TDI derived strain and 2D speckle tracking. Patients with DCM (whether ischemic or non-ischemic) had significantly lower fractional area change, RV tricuspid annular systolic velocity (p<.001 for both), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (p=.01), RV-GLS whether TDI or 2D derived (p<.001). Twenty-nine patients (60%) showed right intraventricular delay (RV4SD>60ms). The RV-dyssynchrony index was negatively correlated to %FAC (r=-.362, p=.01), RV Sm (r=-.312, p=.04), and 2D-RV GLS (r=-.305, p=.05). Insignificant higher RV-dysynchrony index was detected in NIDCM compared to IDCM group; however, the basal septal segment was significantly delayed in dilated group. More impaired RV systolic function was detected in ischemic group. 2D STE and TDI showed a significant correlation in the assessment of the right-intraventricular delay (p=.001). Right-intraventricular dyssynchrony are detectable in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (whether ischemic or non-ischemic) with a higher statistically insignificant value in non-ischemic group by using tissue Doppler imaging and 2D speckle tracking. More impairment of the RV systolic function was noticed in the ischemic group. Impaired RV systolic function was associated with right intraventricular delay.

The value of right ventricular ultrasound assessment and cardiac biomarkers in the prognosis of sepsis.

The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with sepsis using a prospective design. From January 2022 to March 2023, a prospective study was conducted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Cangzhou Central Hospital, including 58 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for sepsis. Patients were divided into a survival group (39 cases) and a death group (19 cases) based on outcome. Within 24 hours, the following indicators were collected: gender, age, underlying diseases, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), lactate, procalcitonin, ejection fraction (EF), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), systolic velocity (S'), and global longitudinal strain/strain rate (GLS/GLSr) and global circumferential strain/strain rate (GCS/GCSr) by speckle tracking. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for mortality in septic patients, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the predictive value of various risk factors for sepsis-related death. There was no significant difference in gender, age, underlying diseases, BNP, procalcitonin, EF, TAPSE, S', GLSr, GCS, or GCSr between the two groups (p>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in APACHE II score, SOFA score, cTnI, lactate, and GLS between the two groups (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that SOFA score (OR=2.32, 95% CI: 1.067-5.289, p<0.05), cTnI (OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.001-1.312, p<0.05), and GLS (OR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.012-2.721, p<0.05) were risk factors for sepsis-related death (p<0.05). The areas under the ROC curves for SOFA score, cTnI, and GLS were 0.769, 0.757, and 0.846, respectively. SOFA score, cTnI, and GLS are independent risk factors for mortality in patients with sepsis. Among these factors, GLS has the highest predictive value for patient prognosis. Therefore, when predicting the prognosis of patients with sepsis, the assessment of right ventricular ultrasound can be used in clinical practice.

Combined systolic velocities using tissue Doppler imaging could predict the severity of cirrhosis: a prospective cohort study.

Recent research has demonstrated that the contractile characteristics of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) play a significant role in right ventricular function. Pulmonary annular motion velocity (PAMVUT) is a reliable marker of RVOT function. Also, combined systolic velocity [PAMVUT added to tricuspid annular systolic velocity (St)] has been revealed as a suitable parameter for right ventricular systolic function. In this study, we examined the association between the severity of the illness in cirrhotic patients and the combined S velocities (CSV). Seventy-four patients with cirrhosis went to the echocardiography laboratory of the Cardiology Department in our centre. Traditional echocardiographic measurements, PAMVUT and CSV values were recorded. The Child-Pugh classes of the patients were determined. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that a CSV of 23 cm/s constituted the cut-off value for predicting a moderate-to-severe form of cirrhosis with 76% sensitivity and 65.3% specificity (area uder the curve = 0.735, p < 0.001). CSV values could predict the severity of cirrhosis more precisely than traditional right ventricular systolic function parameters.

The Role of Right Ventriculo-Arterial Coupling in Symptoms Presentation of Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiomyopathy. The hallmark of HCM is myocardial fibrosis which contributes to heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). To identify the factors implicated in heart failure symptoms and functional capacity of patients with HCM. In this cohort study, 43 patients with HCM were recruited. According to functional capacity and symptoms presentation, patients were categorized according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, and echocardiographic measurements of left ventricle systolic and diastolic function were conducted. The echocardiographic assessment of right ventriculo-arterial coupling (RVAC) was made by calculating the tricuspid annular peak systolic tissue Doppler velocity (TASV)/estimated RV systolic pressure (RVSP) ratio. Almost half (51%) of our study population present symptoms of heart failure and were categorized as the symptomatic group-NYHA 2 or higher. Maximum LVOT gradient, RVSP, and the ratio of E/e' were higher in the symptomatic group compared with the asymptomatic group. TASV was lower in the symptomatic group compared with the asymptomatic group (11 ± 1 cm/s vs. 13 ± 2 cm/s, p = 0.04). However, there was no difference in other potentially influential factors, such as heart rate or systemic blood pressure. The SCD risk score does not differ between the two studied groups. The RVAC (estimated with the TASV/RVSP ratio) was lower in the symptomatic group compared with the asymptomatic group (0.32 ± 0.09 vs. 0.46 ± 0.11, p < 0.001). A low RVAC (as estimated with TASV/RVSP ratio) value could represent an echocardiographic marker of right ventricular-arterial uncoupling in patients with HCM and impaired functional status.

Short period of training in 3D echocardiography provides good feasibility and reproducibility of right ventricular assessment in heart failure

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): PROHEART 3D. Background Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is an independent risk factor for increased mortality and morbidity. Standard approach for assessing is 2-dimensional echocardiography (2DE). However, 2DE is prone to errors due to increased variability of the anatomical cut-planes and geometrical assumptions due to the complex triangular and "wrapped-around" RV shape. Meanwhile, 2DE reflects mainly the RV longitudinal function, at the expense of the radial and global RV functions. 3D echocardiography (3DE) enabled itself as a more accurate method for assessment of cardiac volumes and calculation of ejection fraction (EF), but with a cumbersome learning time-curve. Objectives To establish if trainees in 3DE provide feasible and reproducible 3D measurements of RV size and function, by comparison to 2DE assessment, after a short period of training by an expert in echocardiography. Methods 161 consecutive patients (58±17 years, 71% males, 3D left ventricular EF 35±10%), hospitalized for heart failure (HF), underwent standard precordial 2DE acquisitions and 3DE multi-beat full-volumes of the RV. One expert in both 2DE and 3DE, and one fellow trained for 2 years in 2DE and for 3 months in 3DE, performed measurements of both 2DE and 3DE parameters for RV size and function, in a blinded fashion. 2DE parameters were measured first, in the following order: RV diameter, RV end-diastolic (RVED) and end-systolic (RVES) areas, RV fractional area change (RV FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular systolic velocity (RV S’), and RV free wall longitudinal strain (RV LS). Then, 3D RVED and RVES volumes were measured, and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) was calculated, using a semi-automated software package. Endocardial borders were corrected, as needed. Results Feasibility of 2DE and 3DE was 97% and 92%, respectively, patients being excluded due to poor quality images, similarly for expert vs. trainee. Mean RVED volume was 94.0±30.6 ml/m2, and mean RVEF was 37.3±9.6%. Reproducibility of 2DE parameters obtained by the expert vs. trainee were good for the assessment of RV longitudinal function (TAPSE, RV S', and RV LS), but suboptimal for the assessment of RV size and global function (RV diameter, RV areas, and RV FAC) (Table). Reproducibility of 3DE parameters obtained by the expert vs. trainee were also good, even after a short period of training (3 months) (Table). Conclusions A short period of training in 3DE provides a good feasibility and reproducibility of the assessment of RV size and function, in a large cohort of hospitalized patients with HF. 3DE might be a more reliable method than 2D for the initial assessment of patients with HF.

Right ventricular function in patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Aim The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically investigate the prognostic value of right ventricular (RV) function in all-comers patients with significant (at least moderate, ≥ 2+) tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Background Chronic significant TR imposes a volume overload to the RV leading to a progressive RV dilatation and dysfunction. A comprehensive assessment of RV function is of paramount importance to guide the therapeutic management of these patients; however, it remains challenging, particularly in presence of altered loading conditions. Methods MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies published up to July 2022. Studies reporting data on at least one echocardiographic RV function parameter and outcome in patients with significant TR were included. This study was designed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) requirements. The primary endpoint was all-cause long-term mortality (more than one year). Results Out of 3,152 studies, a total of 10 were included in the analytic synthesis, enrolling 3435 subjects. The median follow-up in our study population was 28 [22 – 70] months. All-cause long-term mortality was 40% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32–49%, p = 0.028; Figure 1). To explore the potential impact of effect size modifiers on all-cause long-term mortality, we performed a meta-regression analysis of the baseline characteristics of the included studies. At long-term, a significant relation was found between RV fractional area change (RV-FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular tissue doppler imaging systolic velocity (TDI s’) and mortality. In particular, RV-FAC was associated with reduced incidence of all-cause mortality [7 studies enrolling 2,611 subjects, intercept 5.18, slope −0.15, P = 0.007; Figure 2]; whereas both TAPSE and TDI s’ were unsatisfactory to predict the outcome in these patients [TAPSE 9 studies enrolling 2,891 subjects, intercept 1.73, slope −0.12, P = 0.36; TDI s’ 5 studies enrolling 1429 subjects, intercept −2.06, slope 0.15, P = 0.78]. Interestingly, diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperlipidaemia were associated with an increased risk of mortality [DM 9 studies enrolling 3371 subjects, intercept −2.62, slope 0.09, P = 0.004; hyperlipidaemia 6 studies enrolling 2338 subjects, intercept −2.91, slope 0.05, P = 0.01]. Conclusions Significant TR is associated with increased risk of all-cause. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that only RV-FAC, and not conventional echocardiographic indexes of RV longitudinal function, correlates with adverse outcomes in patients with significant TR.

True relationship between tricuspid annular motion and velocity displacement components: Potential role in assessing right ventricular decoupling.

Although measures of longitudinal displacement of the tricuspid annulus measured by M-mode as tricuspid annular systolic plane excursion (TAPSE) and systolic velocity by tissue Doppler imaging (TA TDI s) are routinely used for assessment of right ventricular (RV) systolic function; these measures describe different phenomena and should not be used interchangeably. Previously published data was used to determine the individual relationship between TAPSE and TA TDI s with increasing pulmonary artery systolic pressures (PASP). In this retrospective analysis, 488 patients were divided into 2 groups based on TAPSE (Group 1:<1.8cm and Group 2: ≥1.8cm). A robust correlation (R=.79) between TAPSE and TA TDI s noted for the entire population. However, a statistically lower correlation (R=.43) was seen between Group 1 and Group 2 (R=.65; p<.0047). With increasing pulmonary pressures, only PASP (p<.0001) and TA TDI s (p<.0001) discriminated between low and normal TAPSE/PASP values. Suggesting that a TA TDI s/PASP ratio would be most useful than TAPSE/PASP with a specificity of 80%. Significant differences exist between TAPSE and TA TDI s, particularly at low TAPSE values with increased PASP, were uncoupling occurs. Our data seems to suggest that TA TDI s/PASP would be most useful than TAPSE/PASP ratio. Future studies should address, if abnormalities in the material properties along the RV free wall account for these differences seen between TAPSE and TA TDI s.

RESPIRATORY VARIABILITY OF VALVULAR PEAK SYSTOLIC VELOCITY AS A NEW INDICATOR OF FLUID RESPONSIVENESS IN PATIENTS WITH SEPTIC SHOCK.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and feasibility of pulse Doppler measurements of peak velocity respiratory variability of mitral and tricuspid valve rings during systole as new dynamic indicators of fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock. Methods: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed to measure the respiratory variability of aortic velocity-time integral (∆VTI), respiratory variability of tricuspid annulus systolic peak velocity (∆RVS), respiratory variability of mitral annulus systolic peak velocity (∆LVS), and other related indicators. Fluid responsiveness was defined as a 10% increase in cardiac output after fluid expansion, assessed by TTE. Results: A total of 33 patients with septic shock were enrolled in this study. First, there was no significant difference in the population characteristics between the fluid responsiveness positive group (n = 17) and the fluid responsiveness negative group (n = 16) ( P > 0.05). Second, Pearson correlation test showed that ∆RVS, ∆LVS, and TAPSE with the relative increase in cardiac output after fluid expansion ( R = 0.55, P = 0.001; R = 0.40, P = 0.02; R = 0.36, P = 0.041). Third, multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that ∆RVS, ∆LVS, and TAPSE were significantly correlated with fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock. Fourth, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that ∆VTI, ∆LVS, ∆RVS, and TAPSE had good predictive ability for fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock. The area under the curve (AUC) of ∆VTI, ∆LVS, ∆RVS, and TAPSE for predicting fluid responsiveness was 0.952, 0.802, 0.822, and 0.713, respectively. The sensitivity (Se) values were 1.00, 0.73, 0.81, and 0.83, whereas the specificity (Sp) values were 0.84, 0.91, 0.76, and 0.67, respectively. The optimal thresholds were 0.128, 0.129, 0.130, and 13.9 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Tissue Doppler ultrasound evaluation of respiratory variability of mitral and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity could be a feasible and reliable method for the simple assessment of fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock.

Utilizing Spontaneous Ventilation Modes in Patients Underwent Corrective Surgery for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstructive Congenital Heart Disease: A Crossover Study.

This study aimed to determine whether the hemodynamics of patients with right ventricle outflow tract obstructive congenital heart disease (RVOTO-CHD) improve after corrective surgery by changing the ventilation mode. Patients with RVOTO-CHD who underwent corrective surgery were enrolled in this study. Echocardiography and advanced hemodynamic monitoring were performed using the pulse indicator continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) technology in the pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC) mode, followed with switching to the pressure support ventilation (PSV) mode and neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) mode in random order. Overall, 31 patients were enrolled in this study from April 2021 to October 2021. Notably, changing the ventilation mode from PRVC to a spontaneous mode (PSV or NAVA) led to better cardiac function outcomes, including right ventricular cardiac index (PRVC: 3.19 1.07 L/min/ vs. PSV: 3.45 1.32 L/min/ vs. NAVA: 3.82 1.03 L/min/ , p 0.05) and right ventricle contractility (tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity) (PRVC: 6.58 1.40 cm/s vs. PSV: 7.03 1.33 cm/s vs. NAVA: 7.94 1.50 cm/s, p 0.05), as detected via echocardiography. Moreover, in the NAVA mode, PiCCO-derived cardiac index (PRVC: 2.92 0.54 L/min/ vs. PSV: 3.04 0.56 L/min/ vs. NAVA: 3.20 0.62 L/min/ , p 0.05), stroke volume index (PRVC: 20.38 3.97 mL/ vs. PSV: 21.23 4.33 mL/ vs. NAVA: 22.00 4.33 mL/ , p 0.05), and global end diastolic index (PRVC: 295.74 78.39 mL/ vs. PSV: 307.26 91.18 mL/ vs. NAVA: 323.74 102.87 mL/ , p 0.05) improved, whereas extravascular lung water index significantly reduced (PRVC: 16.42 7.90 mL/kg vs. PSV: 15.42 5.50 mL/kg vs. NAVA: 14.4 4.19 mL/kg, p 0.05). Furthermore, peak inspiratory pressure, mean airway pressure, driving pressure, and compliance of the respiratory system improved in the NAVA mode. No deaths were reported in this study. We found that utilizing spontaneous ventilator modes, especially the NAVA mode, after corrective surgery in patients with RVOTO-CHD may improve their right heart hemodynamics and respiratory mechanics. However, further randomized controlled trials are required to verify the advantages of spontaneous ventilation modes in such patients. NCT04825054.

Correlation between heart failure symptoms and parameters of myocardial deformation in patients with cardiac amyloidosis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction and objectives Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) causes a restrictive cardiomyopathy, generally associated with symptoms and poor prognosis. Echocardiography plays a fundamental role in its diagnosis, and can also provide important prognostic information. Although left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been studied using speckle-tracking echocardiography, and is known to be predictive of outcome, RV and LA involvement evaluated by deformation pattern is not yet well defined. The aim of this study is to characterize LV, RV and LA involvement in patients with CA, and to evaluate whether parameters of myocardial deformation of these cavities are correlated with functional class and/or number of hospitalizations in this group of patients. Material and methods We included 19 patients diagnosed with CA between 2021 and 2022. Demographic, clinical data and echocardiographic parameters were collected, including diastolic function parameters and study of myocardial deformation, using the speckle tracking technique of left ventricle, right ventricle, and left atrium. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the association between symptoms and imaging parameters. Results The mean age was 66 y.o. 77% male. The percentage of Cardiovascular risk factors was HTN 77%, DM 23%, dyslipidemia 23%. CAD 15%. Hospital admission in last year 23%. NYHA functional class II 23%. All echocardiographyc parameters and and significant correlations are showed in table 1. Regarding basic echocardiographic parameters, mean LV and RV systolic function was in normal range: LVEF 64%; RV TAPSE 21mm; mean Tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity 11,6cm/seg; RV fractional area change 40%. Concerning deformation parameters RV and LA parameters were decreased, RV free wall longitudinal strain -26,8%; RV four-chamber longitudinal strain -21,7%; LA reservoir strain 26,6%; LA conduit strain -15,1%; LA contractile strain -11%, although not significantly associated with a worse NYHA functional class or a higher number of hospital admissions, possibly due to a low sample size. In addition, a larger LA area and volume, shorter deceleration time and worse GLS correlated statistically significantly with a worse NYHA functional class, while a larger LA diameter and mean E/e' correlated with a higher number of admissions. Conclusions Echocardiography is a non-invasive, fast and simple diagnostic tool. Strain data from different cardiac chambers would allow early detection, or at least suspicion, of this entity. In addition, strain data of left atrium and right ventricle would allow to predict evolution and to be an important prognostic factor. Atrial and ventricular strain have promise for clinical utility.

Early Diastolic Peak Velocity of Mitral Valve Annulus and Right Ventricular Systolic Tricuspid Annular Velocity as Predictors in Assessing Prognosis of Patients with Sepsis.

To analyze the epidemiological data of patients with septic cardiomyopathy and investigate the relationship between ultrasonic parameters and prognosis of patients with sepsis. In this study, we enrolled patients with sepsis who were treated at the Department of Critical Care Medicine in the Beijing Electric Power Hospital (No.1 Taipingqiao Xili, Fengtai District, Beijing) from January 2020 to June 2022. All patients received standardized treatment. Their general medical status and 28-day prognosis were recorded. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed within 24 hours after admission. We compared the ultrasound indexes between the mortality group and the survival group at the end of 28 days. We included parameters with significant difference in the logistic regression model to identify the independent risk factors for prognosis and evaluated their predictive value using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. We included 100 patients with sepsis in this study; the mortality rate was 33% and the prevalence rate of septic cardiomyopathy was 49%. The peak e' velocity and right ventricular systolic tricuspid annulus velocity (RV-Sm) of the survival group were significantly higher than those of the mortality group (P < 0.05). Results of logistic regression analysis showed that the peak e' velocity and RV-Sm were independent risk factors for prognosis. The area under curve of the peak e' velocity and the RV-Sm was 0.657 and 0.668, respectively (P < 0.05). The prevalence rate of septic cardiomyopathy in septic patients is high. In this study, we found that the peak e' velocity and right ventricular systolic tricuspid annulus velocity were important predictors of short-term prognosis.

Does Adult Spinal Deformity Affect Cardiac Function? A Prospective Perioperative Study.

Prospective comparative study. The objective of this study was to investigate perioperative cardiac function using echocardiography in patients undergoing surgery for the adult spinal deformity (ASD). Corrective surgery for ASD has increased, especially in older persons. However, perioperative complication rates remain high in ASD surgery, including cardiopulmonary complications. This study included patients with ASD who underwent surgery between May 2016 and April 2018. A cardiologist performed all echocardiography imaging preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively. Left ventricular contractility was measured using left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and right ventricular contractility was measured using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (S'). Spinopelvic radiographic parameters, the apices of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, and the inflection point where the vertebral curvature changes from kyphosis to lordosis were also measured. Differences between preoperative and postoperative measurements for continuous variables were analyzed using a paired Student t test. Differences in continuous and categorical variables between two independent groups were analyzed using an unpaired Student t test and Fisher exact test, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to detect influential factors. Sixty-one patients were included [12 males and 49 females; average age, 64.0 (22-84)yr]. LVEF, TAPSE, and S', respectively changed from 64.4%, 24.9mm, and 14.3cm/s to 65.4%, 25mm, and 15cm/s postoperatively with no significance. However, in LVEF<59.3% (average-1SD), TAPSE<17mm, and S'<11.8cm/s cases, respectively, these increased significantly from 55.7%, 17.9mm, and 10.5cm/s to 60.9%, 21.4mm, and 14.2cm/s postoperatively ( P =0.036, 0.029, and 0.022, respectively). The LVEF<59.3% group showed a significantly lower inflection point level (1.5 vs. 2.9) preoperatively ( P =0.007). The S'<11.8cm/s group showed significantly larger thoracic kyphosis (28.3° vs. 19.4°) preoperatively ( P =0.013). Perioperative cardiac function did not deteriorate after surgery in patients with ASD. In those with lower cardiac function preoperatively, there were significant improvements noted postoperatively. The preoperative inflection point level was significantly lower in the lower LVEF group. Preoperative thoracic kyphosis was significantly larger in the lower tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity group.

Serum uric acid: A risk factor for right ventricular dysfunction and prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Hyperuricemia and right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) are both widespread in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. RVD is associated with a poor prognosis in HFpEF. The correlation between serum uric acid (UA) levels and right ventricular function is unclear. The prognostic performance of UA in patients with HFpEF needs further validation. A total of 210 patients with HFpEF were included in the study and divided into two groups according to UA level: the normal UA group (≤7 mg/dl) and the high UA group (>7 mg/dl). The variables examined included clinical characteristics, echocardiography, and serum biochemical parameters. Right ventricular function was assessed by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (TAPSV). Baseline characteristics were compared between the two groups, and the correlation between baseline UA and RVD was assessed using multifactorial binary logistic regression. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to describe all-cause mortality and heart failure readmission. Results showed that right ventricular function parameters were worse in the high UA group. After adjusting for UA, left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), atrial fibrillation (AF), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), UA (odds ratio = 2.028; p < 0.001) was independently associated with RVD, and UA >7 mg/dl (HR = 2.98; p < 0.001) was associated with heart failure readmission in patients with HFpEF. Elevated serum UA is closely associated with RVD and significantly associated with the heart failure readmission rate in patients with HFpEF.

Biventricular Function is Impaired in Right Ventricular Septal Pacing-A Prospective Study Using Myocardial Strain Imaging.

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is known to occur after right ventricular (RV) pacing; the effect on RV function is less well studied. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of RV mid-septal pacing upon RV function using the novel parameters of speckle-tracking derived RV global longitudinal strain (RV GLS) and RV free wall strain (RV FWS), as well as the conventional parameters RV fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and tricuspid annular systolic velocity (RV S'). Thirty-two (32) consecutive patients with normal baseline LV and RV function requiring permanent pacemaker insertion were prospectively recruited. Echocardiography was performed prior to implantation, at 1 day, 1 month and 1 year after implantation, with 29 patients completing follow-up. After 1 year, three patients (10%) with otherwise normal RV parameters developed abnormal RV strain patterns. Compared to 1 day after implantation, at 1 year significant reductions were observed in mean RV GLS (-24.8 to -21.8%) RV S' (15.1 to 12.2 cm/s), TAPSE (24.2 to 21.9 mm), RV GLS (-24.8 to -21.8%), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (66.0 to 57.9%), LV GLS (-19.9 to 17.0), all p<0.01. There was a non-significant reduction for RV FWS (-29.0 to -26.7%, p=0.06) and there was no change in RV FAC (49.1 to 46.9%, p=0.24). We report abnormalities of RV strain developing 1 year after pacemaker insertion. Measurement of myocardial strain is emerging as an additional method to detect patients at risk of RV dysfunction in those who have undergone pacemaker implantation.

Cardiohemodynamic Changes and Cardiac Arrhythmias After Coronavirus Infection

Aim To study changes in cardiohemodynamic alterations of the myocardium and heart rhythm disorders at 3 and 6 months following the coronavirus infection.Material and methods EchoCG, ECG Holter monitoring, and Doppler ultrasonography of hepatolienal blood vessels were performed for 77 patients (mean age, 35.9 years) at 3 and 6 months after coronavirus infection. The patients were divided into the following groups: group 1, with injury of the upper respiratory tract; group 2, with bilateral pneumonia (CТ1, 2), and group 3, with severe pneumonia (CТ3, 4). Statistical analysis was performed with a SPSS Statistics Version 25.0 software package.Results At 6 months after the disease onset, the patients noted an improvement of their general condition. In patients with moderate pneumonia, early peak diastolic velocity (p=0.09), right ventricular isovolumic diastolic time (р=0.09), and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (р=0.005) where decreased, while tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity was, in contrast, increased (р=0.042). Both segmental systolic velocity of the LV mid-inferior segment (р=0.006) and the mitral annular Em / Am ratio were decreased. In patients with severe disease at 6 months, right atrial indexed volume was reduced (р=0.036), tricuspid annular Em / Am was decreased (р=0.046), portal and splenic vein flow velocities were decreased, and inferior vena cava diameter was reduced. Late diastolic transmitral flow velocity was increased (р=0.027), and LV basal inferolateral segmental systolic velocity was decreased (р=0.046). In all groups, the number of patients with heart rhythm disorders was decreased, and parasympathetic autonomic influences prevailed.Conclusion At 6 months after coronavirus infection, practically all patients noted improvement of their general condition; incidence rate of arrhythmia and cases of pericardial effusion were decreased; and autonomic nervous system activity recovered. In patients with moderate and severe disease, morpho-functional parameters of the right heart and the hepatolienal blood flow were normalized, however, occult disorders of LV diastolic function remained, and LV segmental systolic velocity was reduced.

Right ventricular function assessment by 3D echocardiography and 2D speckle-tracking imaging in acute pulmonary embolism

Objective: To assess changes in right ventricular (RV) function parameters determined by three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography in patients with acute pulmonary embolism without systemic hypotension, as compare to a control population. Subject and method: Fifty-seven intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism patients were prospectively studied at the onset of the acute episode and after median follow-up periods of 30 days. A control group of age-and sex-matched subjects were selected. All patients and the controls underwent 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiography within 24 hours of pulmonary embolism diagnosis and one month after hospital discharge. Tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (s’), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV diameter, RV fractional area change (FAC), 3D RV ejection fraction (EF), 2D RV global strain and RV free wall strain were measured. Result: From Dec. 2019 to March 2022, fifty-seven patients with acute intermediate-high risk of early mortality PE were included. Mean age was 56 ± 14 years. Men accounted for 47.4% (27/57). Control group consisted of 34 subjects. Pulmonary embolism patients initially had RV dysfunction as assessed by 2D and 3D parameters: RV diameter: 29.3 ± 4.6mm; TAPSE: 14.6 (9.1-15.7) mm; FAC: 31.5 (30.5-39.9)%; 3DRVEFL 31.9 ± 7.7%; RVGS: -9.8 ± 3%, RVFWS: -8.9 ± 3.3%. At 30-day follow-up: s’, TAPSE, RV diameter, RV FAC were restored compared to the control group, systolic pulmonary artery pressures decreased significantly, right atrial pressure, also decreased significantly at follow-up, contrary to 3DRVEF and RV 2D global strain and free wall strain. Conclusion: After 1 month of anticoagulant therapy in patients with intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism, RV function has not fully recovered as assessed by 3D RVEF and 2D strain imaging, while the traditional echocardiographic assessment could not detect this incomplete recovery. Further studies are needed to assess the prognostic role and implications of this residual 3DRVEF and 2D RV strain impairment after PE.

Point of care transthoracic echocardiography for the prediction of post – spinal anesthesia hypotension in elderly patients with cardiac diseases and left ventricular dysfunction

In elderly patients with cardiac diseases, changes in cardiovascular physiology diminish cardiovascular reserve and predispose to hemodynamic instability after spinal anesthesia; hence, such patients could be at risk of postoperative complications. Additionally, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is used in clinical practice to evaluate cardiovascular hemodynamics. Therefore, we hypothesized that echocardiographic measurements could display significant diagnostic power in the prediction of post - spinal anesthesia hypotension in elderly patients with cardiac diseases and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LV-EF). Therefore, sixty-one elderly orthopedic-trauma patients were recruited. Prior to spinal anesthesia a TTE examination was performed. The LV-EF, the stroke volume index (SVI), the peripheral vascular resistance (PVR), the LV filling pressures (E/Em ratio), the right ventricular function [tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TASV) and fractional area change (FAC)], as well as inferior vena cava (IVC) measurements, such as IVCCI (collapsibility index of the IVC) and dIVCmax (maximum diameter of IVC)-to-IVCCI ratio were assessed. Twenty-six out of sixty-one patients manifested hypotension. Preoperative dIVCmax-to-IVCCI ratio demonstrated the greatest performance amongst echocardiographic indices in predicting post - spinal anesthesia hypotension. The dIVCmax-to-IVCCI ratio < 48 had significantly higher diagnostic power than IVCCI > 0.28, FAC > 42, E/Em ratio < 9 and SVI < 32 (receiver operator characteristic curve analysis). The gray zone for the dIVCmax-to-IVCCI ratio (40–49) showed the lowest number of inconclusive measurements among echocardiographic variables. The preoperative dIVCmax-to-IVCCI ratio could be a reliable echocardiographic index to predict post - spinal anesthesia hypotension in elderly patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

Normal Values of Echocardiographic Parameters Indicating Right Ventricular Systolic Functions in 607 Healthy Children

Background: This study aimed to define the normal ranges of echocardiographic parameters that are used to evaluate right ventricular systolic functions. Methods: A total of 607 children within the age range of 0 - 18 years without any cardiac pathology or chronic disorders were included in the study. The study population was categorized into different age groups and underwent transthoracic echocardiography. In this study, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (TAPSV), and right ventricular myocardial performance index (RVMPI) values were measured. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the mean TAPSE and TAPSV values of male and female subjects. The mean RVMPI was higher in females than in males. The study population was categorized into nine groups according to their age. The TAPSE, TAPSV, and RVMPI values were calculated for each group. Additionally, the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles, and ± 2 standard deviation (SD) and ± 3 SD values of TAPSE measurements were calculated for each age group. The study population was divided into eight groups according to their body surface area (BSA). Moreover, the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of TAPSE measurements were calculated. There was a strong positive correlation between TAPSE and BSA. The TAPSE was also positively correlated with TAPSV but not with RVMPI. Conclusions: This study determined the normal values for TAPSV and RVMPI. It is important to have knowledge of the normal ranges of these parameters to recognize right ventricular dysfunction early in various cardiac disorders.

Quantitative evaluation of hemodynamic parameters by echocardiography in patients with post-cardiotomy cardiac shock supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

BackgroundWhen drugs fail to reverse post-cardiotomy cardiac shock (PCS), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is considered the most effective adjuvant strategy. Transthoracic echocardiography is a useful imaging modality for monitoring of cardiac hemodynamics. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of echocardiography for monitoring the left and right heart hemodynamics in PCS patients before, during, and after weaning from ECMO.MethodsFifty-two patients were divided into successful weaning group (group A, n = 23) and non-successful weaning group (group B, n = 29). Hemodynamic parameters measured by echocardiography were collected before, during, and after ECMO. The intra-group changes and inter-group differences were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsIn group A, the central venous pressure (CVP), proximal right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), velocity of tricuspid valve (TVDV), and systolic velocity of tricuspid annulus ({text{s}}_{{{text{TV}}}}^{{prime }}) during ECMO were significantly lower than those before ECMO. After ECMO, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), systolic velocity of mitral annulus ({text{s}}_{{{text{MV}}}}^{{prime }}), and velocity–time integral of LV outflow tract (LVOT-VTI) were higher than pre-ECMO levels, and CVP, LVEF, {text{s}}_{{{text{MV}}}}^{{prime }}, LVOT-VTI, RVOT, TAPSE, TVDV and {text{s}}_{{{text{TV}}}}^{{prime }} were higher than those during ECMO (all P < 0.05).In group B, compared to pre-ECMO, subjects exhibited decreased CVP, RVOT, TAPSE, TVDV and {text{s}}_{{{text{TV}}}}^{{prime }} during ECMO. TAPSE, TVDV, and {text{s}}_{{{text{TV}}}}^{{prime }} were continuously lower after ECMO, while CVP and RVOT increased after ECMO (all P < 0.05). After ECMO, LVEF, {text{s}}_{{{text{MV}}}}^{{prime }}, LVOT-VTI, TAPSE, TVDV and {text{s}}_{{{text{TV}}}}^{{prime }} in group A were higher than those in group B (all P < 0.05). Inter-group comparison showed the LVEF and RV Tei indices of group A were significantly different than those of group B before, during, and after ECMO.ConclusionQuantitative assessment of both LV and RV by echocardiography is important for ECMO weaning. Patients with better LVEF and lower RV Tei index may have a better chance of successful weaning from ECMO.

Evaluación multiparamétrica de la función ventricular derecha en la hipertensión arterial pulmonar asociada a cardiopatías congénitas

Introduction and objectivesOutcome in patients with congenital heart diseases and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is closely related to right ventricular (RV) function. Two-dimensional echocardiographic parameters, such as strain imaging or RV end-systolic remodeling index (RVESRI) have emerged to quantify RV function. MethodsWe prospectively studied 30 patients aged 48±12 years with pretricuspid shunt and PAH and investigated the accuracy of multiple echocardiographic parameters of RV function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity, RV systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio, right atrial area, RV fractional area change, RV global longitudinal strain and RVESRI) to RV ejection fraction measured by cardiac magnetic resonance. ResultsRV ejection fraction <45% was observed in 13 patients (43.3%). RV global longitudinal strain (ρ [Spearman's correlation coefficient]=−0.75; P=.001; R2=0.58; P=.001), right atrium area (ρ=−0.74; P <.0001; R2=0.56; P <.0001), RVESRI (ρ=−0.64; P <.0001; R2=0.47; P <.0001), systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio (ρ=−0.62; P=.0004; R2=0.47; P <.0001) and RV fractional area change (ρ=0.48; P=.01; R2=0.37; P <.0001) were correlated with RV ejection fraction. RV global longitudinal strain, RVESRI and right atrium area predicted RV ejection fraction <45% with the greatest area under curve (0.88; 95%CI, 0.71-1.00; 0.88; 95%CI, 0.76-1.00, and 0.89; 95%CI, 0.77-1.00, respectively). RV global longitudinal strain >−16%, RVESRI ≥ 1.7 and right atrial area ≥ 22 cm2 predicted RV ejection fraction <45% with a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 85.7%; 76.9% and 88.3%; 92.3% and 82.4%, respectively. ConclusionsRVESRI, right atrial area and RV global longitudinal strain are strong markers of RV dysfunction in patients with pretricuspid shunt and PAH.