Tricuspid Annulus Research Articles

Characteristics of Right-Sided Accessory Pathways Associated With Right Cardiac Veins.

The anatomy of myocardial fibers around the right cardiac veins (RCVs) and their roles in accessory pathways (APs) are rarely reported. Six RCV-APs were identified from 566 patients with right-sided APs. Mapping of retrograde atrial activation was performed using CARTO 3 system under orthodromic tachycardia or right ventricular pacing. Venography of RCVs was acquired at the earliest retrograde atrial activation. Patients enrolled had a median age of 30 (11-51) years, 5 of them were male. Venography of RCVs could be classified into 3 distinct patterns based on the identified ventricular branches, right marginal vein only (type I; n=3), both right marginal vein and anterior cardiac veins (type II; n=2), and anterior cardiac vein only (type III; n=1). Patients with type I venography had rS QRS pattern in lead V1, negative delta wave in lead III and negative or isoelectric delta wave in lead aVF. However, patients with type II and III venography had QS QRS patterns in lead V1 and variable patterns of delta wave in inferior leads. Earliest retrograde atrial activation was found at a median of 16.75 (14.60-20.00) mm away from the tricuspid annulus, all with A larger than V. At the earliest retrograde atrial activation, far-field ventricular electrogram was found 30 ms later than QRS onset in 1 patient under sinus rhythm. AP conduction was eliminated by mechanical pressure in 2 and by radiofrequency ablation in 4 at the ostium of the veins colocalizing with the earliest retrograde activation of the right atrium. No recurrence was observed during 36 (10-60) months follow-up. The RCV-AP is a rare form of right-sided APs characterized by atrial insertions distant from the annulus. ECG-speculated ventricular insertion sites conformed to the location of identified RCVs.

RIGHT VENTRICLE IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND B STAGE HEART FAILURE

Objective: According to ACC/AHA Heart failure (HF) classification the A stage of HF is a high risk for HF but without structural heart disease or symptoms; B stage is a structural heart disease but without signs or symptoms of HF. One of the most important risk factors of HF is Arterial Hypertension (AH). There is no information about Right Ventricular (RV) structure and function, in patients with stage A and B of HF. The aim of our research was to study RV structure and function in patients with AH and stage A or B HF. Design and method: We studied 163 patients with AH (female-76, male 87). 45 in stage A and 118 in stage B HF. All patients undergone standard EchoCG examination. RV outflow tract (RVout) was examined by M-mode from parasternal short axis and PW TDI from subcostal position (RVoutTDI). The shape of RWoutTDI was different from the Tricuspid anulus TDI. It consists from positive isometric contraction (ICTs), isotonic contraction (s), negative early diastolic (e) late (a) diastolic waves velocities, two negative (e1) positive (e2) isometric relaxation waves. We measured the pick velocities of these waves in cm/sec and isometric contraction (ICT), ejection (RVET) and isometric relaxation time (IRT) intervals in msec. On M-mode EcoCG of RVoutRV we measured Diastolic Diameter (Dd) systolic diameter (Ds), fractional shortening (RWoutFS) and RW wall systolic excursion (RWexc). Results: We did not find any significant differences between in RV EcoCG, RVout, RVoutTRI and Tricuspid annulus TDI parameters between the A and B Heart Failure groups in patients wit Arterial Hypertension. Conclusions: There is no difference in EchoCG parameters between A and B Heart Failure groups in patients with Arterial Hypertension.

RV in COPD - The complicated matters of the heart - Correlation of ECHO and biomarker with COPD severity and outcome.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular involvement, which is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Echocardiography (ECHO) could be a reliable, non-invasive tool for predicting the risk of cardiovascular modalities in patients with COPD. Combining the ECHO parameters with highly selective cardiac troponin could predict the severity and outcome of patients with COPD. This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in South India. All patients who met the criteria were included. Patients with other concomitant chronic lung diseases were excluded. An echocardiographic examination was performed, and blood samples for hs-Tnt were taken on admission for patients admitted with COPD. Categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test, and the T-test was used to compare the means. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Bonferroni multiple comparison tests was done to compare different echo parameters concerning COPD severity. The mean tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricle (RV) fraction area change (FAC) values were lower with the increase in the disease severity (P < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the mean systolic pressures in the right atrium and ventricle in patients with severe COPD (P < 0.001). The mean hs-TnT values were significantly higher in patients with severe COPD (18.86 ± 18.12) and correlated well with the increase in the severity of the disease (P < 0.001). Changes in the echo parameters, such as mean TAPSE and RV FAC values, negatively correlated with COPD severity. There was an increase in systolic pressure in both atria and ventricles with the progression of COPD. Troponin helped predict mortality during hospitalization. Comprehensive echocardiographic parameters, such as TAPSE and RV FAC, help assess the disease's severity, predict mortality, and evaluate whether the proper ventricular function is reliable. Troponin is a valuable adjunct that is an independent and strong predictor of overall mortality in patients with COPD.

Recurrent Orthodromic SVT AVRT with Multiple Accessory Pathway in WPW Syndrome: Ablate All or Not?

Background: Patients diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) have a relatively low, nevertheless persistent risk of unexpected mortality. However, this risk can be effectively mitigated by applying radiofrequency catheter ablation targeting the accessory pathway. It is difficult to accurately study predictors because only a minority of patients develop potentially malignant arrhythmias (MA) or passed away, despite essential risk variables being relatively well-known.1 This study aimed to describe ablation in WPW syndrome. Case presentation: A 16-year-old male presents with symptoms characterized by palpitations during intense physical exertion, followed by chest pain episodes. The physical examination, CXR, laboratorium, and echocardiography were all within the normal range; his ECG showed shortened PR interval and a delta wave with a positive delta wave at V1 and mostly positive at the inferior lead. He also has recorded ECG when the patient has a tachycardia event with SVT AVRT orthodromic pattern. He underwent EP Study and had several accessory pathways at the posteroseptal mitral annulus and anteroseptal tricuspid. The decision was made to perform ablation on the posteroseptal accessory pathway located at the mitral annulus. An electrophysiology (EP) investigation was conducted at the anteroseptal tricuspid annulus, which did not induce tachyarrhythmia. Conclusion: Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a congenital cardiac pathway formation, with not all accessory pathways causing tachyarrhythmias. Ablation therapy is necessary for patients with multiple pathways, with pathways with an ERP less than 250 being the only option. Keyword: Ablation, Multiple Accessories Pathway, SVT AVRT Orthodromic, WPW Syndrome.

Electrophysiological cardiovascular MR: procedure-ready mesh model generation for interventional guidance based on non-selective excitation compressed sensing whole heart imaging.

Fully CMR-guided electrophysiological interventions (EP-CMR) have recently been introduced but data on the optimal CMR imaging protocol are scarce. This study determined the clinical utility of 3D non-selective whole heart steady-state free precession imaging using compressed SENSE (nsWHcs) for automatic segmentation of cardiac cavities as the basis for targeted catheter navigation during EP-CMR cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation. Fourty-two consecutive patients with isthmus-dependent right atrial flutter underwent EP-CMR radiofrequency ablations. nsWHcs succeeded in all patients (nominal scan duration, 98 ± 10s); automatic segmentation/generation of surface meshes of right-sided cavities exhibited short computation times (16 ± 3s) with correct delineation of right atrium, right ventricle, tricuspid annulus and coronary sinus ostium in 100%, 100%, 100% and 95%, respectively. Point-by-point ablation adhered to the predefined isthmus line in 62% of patients (26/42); activation mapping confirmed complete bidirectional isthmus block (conduction time difference, 136 ± 28ms). nsWHcs ensured automatic and reliable 3D segmentation of targeted endoluminal cavities, multiplanar reformatting and image fusion (e.g. activation time measurements) and represented the basis for precise real-time active catheter navigation during EP-CMR ablations of isthmus-dependent right atrial flutter. Hence, nsWHcs can be considered a key component in order to advance EP-CMR towards the ultimate goal of targeted substrate-based ablation procedures.

Right ventricle involvement in patients with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy.

Anthracyclines can cause left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. There is little data about right ventricular (RV) damage during chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of chemotherapy, analyzing its impact on right ventricular function. A prospective study was conducted, enrolling 83 female patients (55 ± 11years old) affected by breast cancer treated with anthracyclines. Cardiological evaluation, HFA risk score assessment and comprehensive echocardiogram, including speckle tracking analysis and 3D analysis, were performed before starting chemotherapy (T0) and at 3 (T1), 6 (T2) and 12months (T3) after beginning treatment. RV function was assessed with tricuspid annular plane excursion(TAPSE), S' wave of the tricuspid annulus, fractional area change (FAC), RV global longitudinal strain (RV-GLS), free wall strain (RV-FWLS) and RV 3D ejection fraction (RV-3DEF). Subclinical LV CTRCD was defined as a reduction of GLS > 15% compared to baseline. Subclinical RV cardiotoxicity was defined as the co-presence of a relative decrease of 10% from baseline in RV-3DEF and a relative reduction of 15% from baseline RV-FWLS. After chemotherapy, we found a significant reduction in 2D-LVEF (p = < 0.001) and 3D-LVEF (p = < 0.001), in LV-GLS and RVLS (p = < 0.001), in FAC and TAPSE, also RV-3DEF reduced significantly (p = 0.002). 39% of patients developed LV subclinical CTRCD; 28% of patients developed RV subclinical cardiotoxicity.LV and RV changes occurred concomitantly, and no RV echocardiographic parameters were found to predict the development of LV CTRCD and vice-versa. After anthracyclines-based chemotherapy, LV and RV subclinical damage occurs, and it can be detected early by speckle-tracking and 3D echocardiography.

Serum PM20D1 levels in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and its clinical significance

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the serum levels of Peptidase M20 domain containing 1 (PM20D1) in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients and examine its association with lipid metabolism, echocardiography, and hemodynamic parameters.MethodsThis prospective observational research enrolled 103 IPAH patients from January 2018 to January 2022. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the serum PM20D1 levels in all patients before treatment within 24 h of admission. Demographic data, echocardiography, hemodynamic parameters and serum biomarkers were also collected.ResultsThe IPAH patients in the deceased group had significantly elevated age, right atrial (RA), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), mean right atrial pressure (mRAP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and significantly decreased 6 min walking distance (6MWD) and tricuspid annulus peak systolic velocity (TASPV). IPAH patients showed significant decreases in serum PM20D1, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and albumin (ALB). Additionally, PM20D1 was negatively correlated with RA, NT-proBNP and positively correlated with PVR, ALB, 6MWD, and TAPSV. Moreover, PM20D1 has the potential as a biomarker for predicting IPAH patients’ prognosis. Finally, logistic regression analysis indicated that PM20D1, ALB, NT-proBNP, PVR, TASPV, RA and 6MWD were identified as risk factors for mortality in IPAH patients.ConclusionOur findings indicated that the serum levels of PM20D1 were significantly decreased in IPAH patients with poor prognosis. Moreover, PM20D1 was identified as a risk factor associated with mortality in IPAH patients.

Septic cardiomyopathy phenotype in the critically ill may depend on antimicrobial resistance

BackgroundSepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction, and septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) may complicate the course of the disease. Infection with multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens has been linked with worse outcomes. This study aims to evaluate SCM in patients with infections caused by different antimicrobial-resistant phenotypes. MethodThis retrospective study included patients with sepsis/septic shock, hospitalized, and intubated in the intensive care unit of the University Hospital of Larissa between January 2022 and September 2023 with echocardiographic data during the first two days after infection onset. The patients were divided into two groups: non-MDR-SCM group and MDR-SCM group. The cardiac function was compared between the two groups. ResultA total of 62 patients were included in the study. Forty-four patients comprised the MDR-SCM and 18 the non-MDR-SCM group. Twenty-six patients (41.9%) presented with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, and ≤35% right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) was present in 56.4%. LV systolic function was more severely impaired in the non-MDR-SCM group (left ventricular ejection fraction, 35.8% ±4.9% vs. 45.6%±2.4%, P=0.049; LV outflow tract velocity time integral, [10.1±1.4] cm vs. [15.3±0.74] cm, P=0.001; LV-Strain, –9.02%±0.9% vs. –14.02%±0.7%, P=0.001). The MDR-SCM group presented with more severe right ventricular (RV) dilatation (right ventricular end-diastolic area/left ventricular end-diastolic area, 0.81±0.03 vs. 0.7±0.05, P=0.042) and worse RV systolic function (RVFAC, 32.3%±1.9% vs. 39.6%±2.7%, P=0.035; tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, [15.9±0.9] mm vs. [18.1±0.9] mm, P=0.165; systolic tissue Doppler velocity measured at the lateral tricuspid annulus, [9.9±0.5] cm/s vs. [13.1±0.8] cm/s, P=0.002; RV-strain, –11.1%±0.7% vs. –15.1%±0.9%, P=0.002). ConclusionSCM related to MDR infection presents with RV systolic dysfunction predominance, while non-MDR-SCM is mainly depicted with LV systolic dysfunction impairment.

Clinical significance of echocardiographic signs of right heart dysfunction in patients with chronic heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

Aim: To analyze the features of clinical signs, quality of life and psycho-emotional state in patients with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF) and non-obstructive atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, depending on the presence of echocardiographic criteria for dysfunction of the right heart.Material and Methods. Patients underwent an extended protocol of echocardiography with an assessment of the structure and function of the right heart; ultrasound examination of the lungs with the determination of the number of B-lines; a six-minute walk test, a test for the presence of a symptom of bendopnea with the determination of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) before and during the test. In addition, quality of life was assessed using the Minnesota questionnaire and the SF-36 questionnaire (The Short Form-36); the psycho-emotional state of patients was analyzed according to the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), the level of adherence to treatment was analyzed according to the Morisky – Green questionnaire. Patients were divided into two groups depending on signs of right heart dysfunction: Tei index more than 0.54, tricuspid annulus systolic excursion (TAPSE) less than 17 mm, tricuspid annulus systolic velocity (RV S’) less than 9,5 cm/sec.Results. Echocardiographic signs of right heart dysfunction in patients with HFpEF was associated with lower quality of life indicators according to the SF-36 questionnaire, in particular, general health status (p = 0.008) and role limitations due to emotional problems (p = 0.03). During the bendopnea test (p = 0.04), the majority of patients with signs of dysfunction of the right heart (66.7%) had a decrease in SpO2, while in the comparison group the proportion of such patients was 36.7% (p = 0.04). The psycho-emotional state according to the HADS scale and adherence to treatment did not differ in both groups (p &gt; 0.05). The frequency of detection of B-lines according to lung ultrasound was also comparable.

Correlation of Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE), as a predictor of Right Ventricular Systolic Function with Left Ventricular Systolic Function

Introduction: Right Ventricular (RV) function is a strong predictor of outcome in many Cardiovascular Diseases, but its significance is often neglected. Right Ventricle (RV) dysfunction may be secondary to Left Ventricle (LV) dysfunction as a consequence of “Ventricular Interdependence. Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) is an Echocardiographic measure that allows us to assess Right Ventricular systolic function and it correlates well with reference techniques like Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Echocardiographic recording of the Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) has been recommended for assessing Right Ventricular function in cardiac patients. As RV dysfunction is associated with high in-hospital morbidity and mortality, early reorganization of RV dysfunction is warranted in patients with or without LV dysfunction. Objective: Our objective was to demonstrate the relationship of TAPSE, as a predictor of RV Systolic Function with Left Ventricular Systolic Function. Method: This was a cross –sectional study in patients undergoing comprehensive Transthoracic Echocardiography for any indication. From April 2022 to March 2023 we prospectively enrolled 100 adult (from 30 to age 103years) of both sexes who presented to the Cardiology Clinic of LABAID Cardiac Hospital. We performed a complete Transthoracic Echocardiography study. Assessed LV systolic function by conventional method. We additionally measured TAPSE in 2-dimensional M-mode Echocardiograms from the apical 4- chamber view, positioning the cursor on the lateral Tricuspid Annulus near the free RV wall and aligning it as close as possible to the apex of the heart. The mean values were taken by at least 2 measurements for reducing inter-observer and intra-observer variability’s. Values of TAPSE as a predictor of RV Systolic Function were correlated with Left Ventricular Systolic Function. Patients with confirmed congenital &amp; Valvular heart disease were excluded. Results: Mean TAPSE values were (19.15±3.87mm) irrespective of LVEF, with no significant differences between sexes, (18.45±3.801 mm) in male , (19.94±3.853 mm) in female (P=.056). TAPSE value was (22.00±1.581 mm) in person with normal LVEF &amp; (16.77±2.455 mm) in person with reduced LVEF (P&lt;.001). A statistically significant positive correlation of LVEF (r=.813) and significant negative correlation of EPSS (r=-.639) were observed with TAPSE (p&lt;0.001). But no significant correlation of TAPSE was found between age (r=-.185), gender (r=.192) &amp; RVIDd (r= -.063) (p &gt;0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed these correlations and the interactions between variables. Graph of estimated population-based TAPSE values adjusted by LV function was provided. Conclusion: We determined the values of TAPSE in patients with or without LV systolic dysfunction and assessed relationship of these values with LVEF. TAPSE is predictive of RV Systolic function &amp; correlated significantly with LV systolic function. The TAPSE measurement is simple &amp; reproducible. This observation could guide decision making in daily clinical practice. Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2024; 12 (1): 11-17

Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography for tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair: a step-by-step protocol.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) carries an unfavourable prognosis and often leads to progressive right ventricular (RV) failure. Secondary TR accounts for over 90% of cases and is caused by RV and/or tricuspid annulus dilation, in the setting of left heart disease or pulmonary hypertension. Surgical treatment for isolated TR entails a high operative risk and is seldom performed. Recently, transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) has emerged as a low-risk alternative treatment in selected patients. Although the experience gained from mitral TEER has paved the way for the technique's adaptation to the tricuspid valve (TV), its anatomical complexity necessitates precise imaging. To this end, a comprehensive protocol integrating 2D and 3D imaging from both transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) plays a crucial role. TTE allows for an initial morphological assessment of the TV, quantification of TR severity, evaluation of biventricular function, and non-invasive haemodynamic evaluation of pulmonary circulation. TOE, conversely, provides a detailed evaluation of TV morphology, enabling precise assessment of TR mechanism and severity, and represents the primary method for determining eligibility for TEER. Once a patient is considered eligible for TEER, TOE, alongside fluoroscopy, will guide the procedure in the catheterization lab. High-quality TOE imaging is crucial for patient selection and to achieve procedural success. The present review examines the roles of TTE and TOE in managing patients with severe TR eligible for TEER, proposing the step-by-step protocol successfully adopted in our centre.

Feasibility Value of Right Ventricular Longitudinal Shortening Fraction and the Prognostic Implications in Patients With Heart Transplantation.

Right ventricular longitudinal shortening fraction (RVLSF) is a 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography parameter based on tricuspid annular displacement analysis that could be used to assess right ventricular (RV) systolic function. The value of RVLSF in the assessment of RV systolic function in recipients of heart transplantation (HT) and whether RVLSF can replace strain parameters remains unknown. A total of 153 adult patients who underwent HT were consecutively enrolled in this prospective longitudinal study. All subjects were examined by conventional transthoracic 2-dimensional echocardiography and 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography to evaluate the RV end-diastolic basal diameter, RV end-diastolic area, fractional area change, peak systolic velocity of tricuspid annulus, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, RV free wall strain, and RVLSF. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to test if the parameters of interest had independent prognostic value for adverse outcome prediction in patients who underwent HT. A significant positive correlation was found between the measurements of RVLSF and RV free wall strain (r=0.927, P<0.001). Compared with the event-free group, the adverse outcome group displayed reduced RVLSF and RV free wall strain and higher age (P<0.001, <0.001, =0.016, respectively) in patients who underwent HT. RVLSF and RV free wall strain were independently associated with poor prognosis in multivariable analysis (both P<0.001). RVLSF assessment provides an effective evaluation of RV longitudinal systolic function in the transplanted hearts and has prognostic value for adverse outcomes in patients undergoing HT.

Atrial secondary tricuspid regurgitation: pathophysiology, definition, diagnosis, and treatment.

Atrial secondary tricuspid regurgitation (A-STR) is a distinct phenotype of secondary tricuspid regurgitation with predominant dilation of the right atrium and normal right and left ventricular function. Atrial secondary tricuspid regurgitation occurs most commonly in elderly women with atrial fibrillation and in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in sinus rhythm. In A-STR, the main mechanism of leaflet malcoaptation is related to the presence of a significant dilation of the tricuspid annulus secondary to right atrial enlargement. In addition, there is an insufficient adaptive growth of tricuspid valve leaflets that become unable to cover the enlarged annular area. As opposed to the ventricular phenotype, in A-STR, the tricuspid valve leaflet tethering is typically trivial. The A-STR phenotype accounts for 10%-15% of clinically relevant tricuspid regurgitation and has better outcomes compared with the more prevalent ventricular phenotype. Recent data suggest that patients with A-STR may benefit from more aggressive rhythm control and timely valve interventions. However, little is mentioned in current guidelines on how to identify, evaluate, and manage these patients due to the lack of consistent evidence and variable definitions of this entity in recent investigations. This interdisciplinary expert opinion document focusing on A-STR is intended to help physicians understand this complex and rapidly evolving topic by reviewing its distinct pathophysiology, diagnosis, and multi-modality imaging characteristics. It first defines A-STR by proposing specific quantitative criteria for defining the atrial phenotype and for discriminating it from the ventricular phenotype, in order to facilitate standardization and consistency in research.

Effects of tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair on tricuspid annulus diameter - Data from the TriValve registry

AimsT-TEER is an effective therapy for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). However, the effects of leaflets clipping on tricuspid valve annulus (TA) have not been investigated in detail.The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) on TA diameter. Methods and resultsThe TriValve registry (Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Therapies, NCT03416166) collected 556 patients from 22 European and North American centres undergoing transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions from 2016 to 2022. Patients undergoing T-TEER with available pre- and post-procedural data on TA diameter measured in the apical 4-chamber view on transthoracic echocardiography were selected for this study. Primary end-point was the reduction of TA diameter after T-TEER.A total of 186 patients were included in the study. In 115 patients (62%) TA diameter was reduced by at least 1 mm as compared to baseline. A significant reduction of TA dimension was observed following T-TEER (mean 2.3 mm [from pre-procedural diameter 46.7 mm to post-procedural diameter 44.4 mm], p < 0.001). In particular, the greatest reduction was observed in those with T-TEER in antero-septal commissure (mean 2.7 mm [from 47.1 mm to 44.4 mm], p < 0.001) as compared to those combining both antero-septal and postero-septal commissures (mean 1.4, from 46.0 mm to 44.6 mm, P = 0.06). A significant reduction of TA dimension was recorded in patients with 1 or 2 clips implanted but not in those patients with ≥3 clips implanted. ConclusionsIn almost two third of patients T-TEER reduces TA diameter in addition to leaflet approximation. Condensed abstractThe effects of tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) on tricuspid valve annulus (TA) have not been studied in details. This study investigates TA diameter as measured in apical 4-chamber view on transthoracic echocardiography before and after T-TEER.A total of 186 patients from the TriValve registry were included in the study. The study results show that 62% of patients have a TA reduction after T-TEER, especially in those receiving 1 or 2 clips in the antero-septal commissure. These suggest that T-TEER reduces tricuspid regurgitation not only by approximation of leaflets, but also by TA diameter reduction.

A tissue-silicone integrated simulator for right ventricular pulsatile circulation with severe functional tricuspid regurgitation

There is a great demand for development of a functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) model for accelerating development and preclinical study of tricuspid interventional repair devices. This study aimed to develop a severe FTR model by creating a tissue-silicone integrated right ventricular pulsatile circulatory simulator. The simulator incorporates the porcine tricuspid annulus, valve leaflets, chordae tendineae, papillary muscles, and right ventricular wall as one continuous piece of tissue, thereby preserving essential anatomical relationships of the tricuspid valve (TV) complex. We dilated the TV annulus with collagenolytic enzymes under applying stepwise dilation, and successfully achieved a severe FTR model with a regurgitant volume of 45 ± 9 mL/beat and a flow jet area of 15.8 ± 2.3 cm2 (n = 6). Compared to a normal model, the severe FTR model exhibited a larger annular circumference (133.1 ± 8.2 mm vs. 115.7 ± 5.5 mm; p = 0.009) and lower coaptation height (6.6 ± 1.0 mm vs. 17.7 ± 1.3 mm; p = 0.003). Following the De-Vega annular augmentation procedure to the severe FTR model, a significant reduction in regurgitant volume and flow jet area were observed. This severe FTR model may open new avenues for the development and evaluation of transcatheter TV devices.

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

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

Computed tomography anatomic predictors of outcomes in patients undergoing tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair

AimTo identify anatomical computed tomography (CT) predictors of procedural and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER). Methods and resultsConsecutive patients undergoing T-TEER between March 2018 to December 2022 who had cardiac CT prior to the procedure were included. CT scans were automatically analyzed using a dedicated software that employs deep learning techniques to provide precise anatomical measurements and volumetric calculations. Technical success was defined as successful placement of at least one implant in the planned anatomic location without single leaflet device attachment. Procedural success was defined as tricuspid regurgitation reduction to moderate or less. Procedural complexity was assessed by measuring the fluoroscopy time. The clinical endpoint was a composite of death, heart failure hospitalization, or tricuspid re-intervention throughout two years. A total of 33 patients (63.6% male) were included. Procedural success was achieved in 22 patients (66.7%). Shorter end-systolic (ES) height between the inferior vena cava (IVC) and tricuspid annulus (TA) (r ​= ​- 0.398, p ​= ​0.044) and longer ES RV length (r ​= ​0.551, p ​= ​0.006) correlated with higher procedural complexity. ES RV length was independently associated with lower technical(adjusted Odds ratio [OR] 0.812 [95% CI 0.665–0.991], p ​= ​0.040) and procedural success (adjusted OR 0.766, CI [0.591–0.992], p ​= ​0.043). Patients with ES right ventricular (RV) length of >77.4 ​mm had a four-fold increased risk of experiencing the composite clinical endpoint compared to patients with ES RV length ≤77.4 ​mm (HR ​= ​3.964 [95% CI, 1.018–15.434]; p ​= ​0,034]). ConclusionCT-derived RV length and IVC-to-TA height may be helpful to identify patients at increased risk for procedural complexity and adverse outcomes when undergoing T-TEER. CT provides valuable information for preprocedural decision-making and device selection.

Enormous Enlargement of Right Atrium Occurred Late After Surgical Dilation of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis: Case Report.

Congenital pulmonary valve stenosis is a relatively common congenital defect, often related to abnormal development and fusion of pulmonary valves. Critical pulmonary valve stenosis should be treated, early in life, before dilation of right chambers, and occurrence of arrhythmias. We report one case of enormous enlargement of right atrium revealed by typical atrial flutter which occurred very late, in 48-year-old man, who underwent surgical dilation of pulmonary valve stenosis at eleven years old, but without repairing dilated tricuspid annulus. Despite successfully ablation of atrial flutter in our cathlab, the patient developed atrial fibrillation, because of an enormous enlargement of right atrium and massive tricuspid regurgitation.

Comprehensive temporal analysis of right ventricular function and pulmonary haemodynamics in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 ARDS patients

BackgroundCardiac injury is frequently reported in COVID-19 patients, the right ventricle (RV) is mostly affected. We systematically evaluated the cardiac function and longitudinal changes in severe COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and assessed the impact on survival.MethodsWe prospectively performed comprehensive echocardiographic analysis on mechanically ventilated COVID-19 ARDS patients, using 2D/3D echocardiography. We defined left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction as ejection fraction (EF) < 40%, or longitudinal strain (LS) > − 18% and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction if two indices among fractional area change (FAC) < 35%, tricuspid annulus systolic plane excursion (TAPSE) < 1.6 cm, RV EF < 44%, RV–LS > − 20% were present. RV afterload was assessed from pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), PASP/Velocity Time Integral in the right ventricular outflow tract (VTIRVOT) and pulmonary acceleration time (PAcT). TAPSE/PASP assessed the right ventriculoarterial coupling (VACR).ResultsAmong 176 patients included, RV dysfunction was common (69%) (RV–EF 41.1 ± 1.3%; RV–FAC 36.6 ± 0.9%, TAPSE 20.4 ± 0.4mm, RV–LS:− 14.4 ± 0.4%), usually accompanied by RV dilatation (RVEDA/LVEDA 0.82 ± 0.02). RV afterload was increased in most of the patients (PASP 33 ± 1.1 mmHg, PAcT 65.3 ± 1.5 ms, PASP/VTIRVOT, 2.29 ± 0.1 mmHg/cm). VACR was 0.8 ± 0.06 mm/mmHg. LV–EF < 40% was present in 21/176 (11.9%); mean LV–EF 57.8 ± 1.1%. LV–LS (− 13.3 ± 0.3%) revealed a silent LV impairment in 87.5%. A mild pericardial effusion was present in 70(38%) patients, more frequently in non-survivors (p < 0.05). Survivors presented significant improvements in respiratory physiology during the 10th ICU-day (PaO2/FiO2, 231.2 ± 11.9 vs 120.2 ± 6.7 mmHg; PaCO2, 43.1 ± 1.2 vs 53.9 ± 1.5 mmHg; respiratory system compliance—CRS, 42.6 ± 2.2 vs 27.8 ± 0.9 ml/cmH2O, all p < 0.0001). Moreover, survivors presented significant decreases in RV afterload (PASP: 36.1 ± 2.4 to 20.1 ± 3 mmHg, p < 0.0001, PASP/VTIRVOT: 2.5 ± 1.4 to 1.1 ± 0.7, p < 0.0001 PAcT: 61 ± 2.5 to 84.7 ± 2.4 ms, p < 0.0001), associated with RV systolic function improvement (RVEF: 36.5 ± 2.9% to 46.6 ± 2.1%, p = 0.001 and RV–LS: − 13.6 ± 0.7% to − 16.7 ± 0.8%, p = 0.001). In addition, RV dilation subsided in survivors (RVEDA/LVEDA: 0.8 ± 0.05 to 0.6 ± 0.03, p = 0.001). Day-10 CRS correlated with RV afterload (PASP/VTIRVOT, r: 0.535, p < 0.0001) and systolic function (RV–LS, 0.345, p = 0.001). LV–LS during the 10th ICU-day, while ΔRV–LS and ΔPASP/RVOTVTI were associated with survival.ConclusionsCOVID-19 improvements in RV function, RV afterload and RV–PA coupling at day 10 were associated with respiratory function and survival.

Outcomes of single-procedure radiofrequency catheter ablation for idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias: a single-centre retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesRadiofrequency catheter ablation is the first-line treatment for idiopathic premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) and ventricular tachycardias (VTs). However, the outcomes were less compared among the categories. The study aims to...