Ventricle Global Longitudinal Strain Research Articles

Safety and Efficacy of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Patients With a Failing Systemic Right Ventricle: A Prospective Single-Center Study.

Sacubitril/valsartan was demonstrated to reduce hospitalization rate and mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Data on the effects of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with a systemic right ventricle are still lacking. Patients with transposition of the great arteries following Senning/Mustard procedure or congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries with impaired systemic right ventricle systolic function were prospectively included. Primary end points included sacubitril/valsartan safety and efficacy. Primary efficacy end points were NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) and systolic function improvement. Secondary end points included New York Heart Association class, 6-minute walking distance, and quality of life change. Fifty patients (38±12 years, 60% male, 35% congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries) were included and followed for 1 year. No major adverse events occurred. Two (4%) patients ceased treatment due to hypotension and 1 (2%) developed a nephrotic syndrome. The target dose was reached in 20 (42%) patients. NT-proBNP values decreased significantly immediately after treatment initiation, while returned to baseline at 1 year. Echocardiography showed progressive fractional area change increase (29.2±5.8 versus 34.9±5.1%; P<0.001), and right ventricle global longitudinal strain (-13.9 [-15.1, -11.8] versus -15.3 [-17.2, -13.4]%; P<0.001) and free-wall global longitudinal strain (-14.3 [-17.3, -12.3] versus -17.2 [-19.3, -15.8]%; P<0.001) raise, whereas tricuspid regurgitation severity improved only in transposition of the great arteries patients (P=0.006). Moreover, 3-dimensional echocardiography demonstrated right ventricle volumes reduction (end-diastolic volume: 181±63 versus 156±50 mL; P=0.002; end-systolic volume: 117±48 versus 89±33 mL; P<0.001), and significantly increased systemic right ventricle ejection fraction (35.6±8.1 versus 41.5±7.5%; P<0.001). Clinical improvement was suggested by New York Heart Association class change (P<0.001), increased 6-minute walking distance (425 [333, 480] versus 500 [443, 560] m; P<0.001) as well as improved quality of life at 1-year follow-up. Beneficial effects were observed irrespective of the underlying anatomy and were more pronounced in those on target dose. Our data showed that sacubitril/valsartan is well tolerated and is associated with systemic right ventricle remodeling and improved systolic function as well as improved clinical status, supporting its use in this complex population.

Prognostic Implications of Mechanical Phenotypes in Heart Failure Characterized by 3-Chamber Strain Echocardiography.

Background Heart failure (HF) involves dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV) as well as left atrium and right ventricle. We characterized mechanical phenotypes of HF using 3-chamber strain echocardiography and compared their clinical outcomes. Methods and Results We retrospectively analyzed 3574 patients (median age, 74 years; male 52.8%) with acute HF who underwent 3-chamber strain echocardiography. Patients were classified as with LV, left atrium, or right ventricle myopathy if their corresponding strain values (LV global longitudinal strain, left atrium reservoir strain, and right ventricle global longitudinal strain) were lower than median cutoffs, respectively. The mechanical phenotypes of individual patients were characterized according to the combined myopathy. The primary outcome was a composite end point of 5-year all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization. During follow-up (median, 25.8 months), the primary outcome occurred in 1877 (52.5%) patients. Three-chamber strain values were independent predictors for the primary outcome. An incremental trend was observed for the primary outcome, along with the increasing numbers of combined myopathy. Each mechanical phenotype exhibited an increased risk of the primary outcome, with the highest risk observed in patients with 3-chamber myopathy (hazard ratio, 1.67 [95% CI, 1.42-1.96]). The prognostic significance of the mechanical phenotypes was feasible across the conventional HF subtypes stratified by LV ejection fraction. In HF with preserved ejection fraction, the presence of left atrium and right ventricle myopathy significantly increased the primary outcome, regardless of combined left ventricle myopathy. Conclusions Assessment of 3-chamber strain in HF enables characterization of distinctive mechanical phenotypes, which provides an independent prognostic value that may support long-term risk stratification.

Association of Whole-Heart Myocardial Mechanics by Transthoracic Echocardiography with Presence of Late Gadolinium Enhancement by CMR in Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

In patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM), myocardial fibrosis (MF) is related to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship between the myocardial mechanics of different chambers of the heart and the presence of MF and to determine the accuracy of the whole-heart myocardial strain parameters to predict MF in patients with NIDCM. We studied 101 patients (64% male; 50 ± 11 years) with a first-time diagnosis of NIDCM who were referred for a clinical cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and speckle tracking 2D echocardiography examination. We analyzed MF by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and the whole-heart myocardial mechanics were assessed by speckle tracking. The presence of MF was related to worse strain parameters in both ventricles and atria. The strongest correlations were found between MF and left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) (r = -0.586, p &lt; 0.001), global circumferential strain (GCS) (r = -0.609, p &lt; 0.001), LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (r = 0.662, p &lt; 0.001), and left atrial strain during the reservoir phase (LASr) (r = 0.588, p &lt; 0.001). However, the binary logistic regression analysis revealed that only LV GLS, GCS, and LASr were independently associated with the presence of MF (area under the curves of 0.84, 0.85, and 0.64, respectively). None of the echocardiographic parameters correlated with fibrosis localization. In NIDCM patients, MF is correlated with reduced mechanical parameters in both ventricles and atria. LV GLS, LASr, and LV GCS are the most accurate 2D echocardiography predictive factors for the presence of MF.

Evaluation of the myocardial deformation in the diagnosis of rejection after heart transplantation.

IntroductionHeart transplantation represents main therapy for end-stage heart failure. However, survival after transplantation is limited by development of graft rejection. Endomyocardial biopsy, an invasive and expensive procedure, is gold standard technique for diagnosis of rejection. Most of biopsy complications are observed using echocardiography. Novel echocardiographic techniques, such as myocardial strain and three-dimensional reconstruction, can be useful in heart transplant patients.PurposeTo evaluate ventricular strain in heart transplant patients and association with rejection, cellular or humoral, as well as two- and three-dimensional echocardiographic parameters.MethodsCohort of patients from heart transplant program taken to echocardiography after endomyocardial biopsy, from December 2017 to January 2020. Ventricular strain and three-dimensional left ventricle parameters were studied. Rejection results were retrieved from medical record. Qualitative variables were expressed by absolute frequency and percentages, while continuous variables by means and standard deviations. Association between rejection and variables of interest was measured by odds ratio and confidence interval of 95%, with p-value < 0.05.Results123 post-endomyocardial biopsy echocardiographic exams were performed in 54 patients. Eighteen exams were excluded, lasting 105 exams to be evaluated for conventional and advanced echocardiographic parameters. Male patients were 60.4%. Prevalence of cellular rejection was 8.6%, humoral rejection 12.4%, and rejection of any type 20%. There was no association between right ventricular strain and rejection, whether cellular (p = 0.118 and p = 0.227 for septum and free wall, respectively), humoral (p = 0.845 and p = 0.283, respectively), or of any type (0.504 and 0.446). There was no correlation between rejection and left ventricle global longitudinal strain, three-dimensional ejection fraction or desynchrony index. Conventional parameters associated to rejection were left ventricle posterior wall thickness [OR 1.660 (1.163; 2.370), p = 0.005] and left ventricle mass index [OR 1.027 (1.011; 1.139), p = 0.001]. Left ventricle posterior wall thickness remained significant after analysis of cellular and humoral rejection separately [OR 1.825 (1.097; 3.036), p = 0.021 and OR 1.650 (1.028; 2.648), p = 0.038, respectively].ConclusionsThere was no association between ventricular strain, three-dimensional left ventricular ejection fraction and the desynchrony index and rejection, cellular or humoral. Evidence of association of graft rejection with left ventricle posterior wall thickness and left ventricle mass index was observed.

The Effects of Device-Based Cardiac Contractility Modulation Therapy on Left Ventricle Global Longitudinal Strain and Myocardial Mechano-Energetic Efficiency in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Background: Virtually all patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction have a reduction of myocardial mechano-energetic efficiency (MEE). Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is a novel therapy for the treatment of patients with HFrEF, in whom it improves the quality of life and functional capacity, reduces hospitalizations, and induces biventricular reverse remodeling. However, the effects of CCM on MEE and global longitudinal strain (GLS) are still unknown; therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether CCM therapy can improve the MEE of patients with HFrEF. Methods: We enrolled 25 patients with HFrEF who received an Optimizer Smart implant (the device that develops CCM therapy) between January 2018 and January 2021. Clinical and echocardiographic evaluations were performed in all patients 24 h before and six months after CCM therapy. Results: At six months, follow-up patients who underwent CCM therapy showed an increase of left ventricular ejection fraction (30.8 ± 7.1 vs. 36.1 ± 6.9%; p = 0.032) as well a rise of GLS 10.3 ± 2.7 vs. −12.9 ± 4.2; p = 0.018), of MEE (32.2 ± 10.1 vs. 38.6 ± 7.6 mL/s; p = 0.013) and of MEE index (18.4 ± 6.3 vs. 24.3 ± 6.7 mL/s/g; p = 0.022). Conclusions: CCM therapy increased left ventricular performance, improving left ventricular ejection fraction, GLS, as well as MEE and MEEi.

Myocardial deformation in athletes measured with feature tracking cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Abstract Background Morphological changes of the heart associated with exercise are well studied. However, changes in myocardial mechanics of athlete's heart are less understood. The aim of this study was to analyze myocardial deformation parameters in athletes and controls, using feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance (FT-CMR). Methods In a cohort of 73 athletes who had been submitted to CMR at 1.5T and 3 T (mean age 31±12 years, 69% males), we used CMR-FT to measure longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain and strain rates of both ventricles. Left ventricle (LV) longitudinal, circumferential and radial dyssynchrony index (L-SDI, C-SDI and R-CDI, respectively) was calculated as the standard deviation of the calculated time to peak strain percentages of the cardiac cycle with segmental strain analysis. We also measured these parameters in 73 age-matched healthy subjects. Results In comparison to the control subjects, athletes revealed lower left and right ventricle global longitudinal strain (−14.24% vs. −13.31%, p=0.03, and −18.12% vs. −15.95% p=0.01, respectively) and right ventricular (RV) global radial strain (19.28 vs 15.74, p&amp;lt;0.05) – Figure 1. There were no significant differences in LV global radial and circumferential strain. LV longitudinal, radial and circumferential systolic strain rate were also lower in athletes compared to controls (−0.69 s–1 vs. −0.78 s–1, p=0.04; 1.35 s–1 vs. 1.50 s–1, p=0.03: −0.92 s–1 vs −0.98 s–1, p=0.05, respectively). Regarding LV dyssynchrony index, we found no significant difference for L-SDI (10.76% vs. 10.72%, p=0.956), but athletes group showed lower C-SDI and R-SDI values (5.99% vs 4.84%, p=0.006, and 5.53% vs 4.47%, p=0.002). Conclusion Our study revealed attenuation of biventricular strain values and lower circumferential and radial LV dyssynchrony indexes in athletes, compared with healthy controls. We hypothesize that these differences may be related with exercise physiologic cardiac adaptations. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Prognostic value of left ventricle global constructive work in patients with cardiac amyloidosis

Abstract Background Left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) has demonstrated incremental diagnostic and prognostic value in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA), however it is sensitive to loading conditions (1). Therefore, myocardial work (MW) analysis emerged as a novel echocardiographic method that incorporates both GLS and afterload for a better assessment of LV performance in several pathologies (2). Nevertheless, data regarding its additional value in patients with CA remains limited. Purpose We aimed to evaluate the additional prognostic value of global constructive work (GCW), assessed using MW analysis, in patients with CA. Method Seventy-one unselected CA patients were included retrospectively between 2015 and 2021. Patients underwent comprehensive clinical, biochemical and imaging evaluation including two-dimentional (2D) echocardiography with MW analysis. The primary endpoint was defined as all-cause mortality and heart failure requiring hospitalization. Results The population (mean age 76,76±11.52 years, 73.2% males) consisted of 53 (74.6%) patients with transthyretin (ATTR), 14 (19.7%) patients with light-chain (AL), and 4 (5.6%) patients with unknown phenotype of CA. The primary endpoint was reached in 37 (52.1%) patients. Patient with the primary endpoint had a significantly lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (40.54% vs. 49.31%, p=0.003), LVGLS (−9.26% vs. −11.32%, p=0.017) and GCW (1034.47mmHg% vs. 1424.86 mmHg%, p=0.005) than those without. No significant clinical differences were found between the two groups. Multivariable analysis (Figure 1) showed that LVEF (p=0.003; odds ratio (OR): 0.881; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.810–0.959), LVGLS (p=0.021; OR: 0.688; 95% CI: 0.502–0.944) and GCW (p=0.016; OR: 0.995; 95% CI: 0.991–0.999) were independent predictors for the primary outcome. The model including GCW had the best discriminative ability to predict the primary endpoint (C-index = 0.900; 95% CI: 0.781–1.000, p=0.001). A GCW less than 1443mmHg% was able to predict the primary endpoint with a sensitivity of 94.1% and a specificity of 64.3% (Figure 2; area under the curve (AUC): 0.771 (95% CI: 0.581–0.961; p=0.005). Conclusion In patients with CA, a decrease in GCW as a reflection of an impaired systolic performance of the LV was independently associated with an increase in heart failure hospitalization and all-cause mortality. Further prospective studies are warranted in order to confirm the potential role of GCW to improve the prognosis of CA patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Superior prognostic value of right ventricular free wall compared to global longitudinal strain in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot.

ObjectivesBoth right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) has been demonstrated to predict adverse outcomes in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (r-TOF). However, RVGLS may be affected by left ventricular (LV) function owing to the fact that the interventricular septum is also a part of the left ventricle. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare the predictive value of RVFWLS with that of RVGLS in patients with r-TOF.Materials and methodsA total of 179 patients with r-TOF were included in this study. RVFWLS, RVGLS, and left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) were evaluated by 2D-STE. The adverse clinical events were death or r-TOF-related rehospitalization. Prognostic performance was evaluated by C-statistic and Akaike information criterion (AIC).ResultsThirty-one patients developed poor outcomes during a median follow-up period of 2.8 years. Compared with patients without end-point events, those with end-point events had higher incidence of moderate/severe pulmonary regurgitation, larger right heart sizes, and lower RV fractional area change (RVFAC), RVFWLS, RVGLS, and LVGLS than those without. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that RVFAC, RVFWLS, RVGLS, and LVGLS were predictive of poor outcomes in patients with r-TOF after adjustment for transannular patch and QRS duration. A Cox model using RVFWLS (C index = 0.876, AIC = 228) was found to predict unfavorable outcomes more accurately than a model with RVGLS (C index = 0.856, AIC = 243), RVFAC (C index = 0.811, AIC = 248), and LVGLS (C index = 0.830, AIC = 248).ConclusionAlthough both RVGLS and RVFWLS are associated with adverse events, RVFWLS provides superior prognostic value than that of RVGLS in patients with r-TOF.

Effect of empagliflozin on left ventricular contractility and peak oxygen uptake in subjects with type 2 diabetes without heart disease: results of the EMPA-HEART trial

BackgroundThe mechanism through which sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) prevent the incidence of heart failure and/or affect cardiac structure and function remains unclear.MethodsThe EMPA-HEART trial is aimed at verifying whether empagliflozin improves myocardial contractility (left ventricle global longitudinal strain, LV-GLS) and/or cardiopulmonary fitness (peak oxygen uptake, VO2peak) in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) without heart disease. Patients with T2D, normal LV systolic function (2D-Echo EF > 50%), and no heart disease were randomized to either empagliflozin 10 mg or sitagliptin 100 mg for 6 months and underwent repeated cardiopulmonary exercise tests with echocardiography and determination of plasma biomarkers.ResultsForty-four patients completed the study, 22 per arm. Despite comparable glycaemic control, modest reductions in body weight (− 1.6; [− 2.7/− 0.5] kg, p = 0.03) and plasma uric acid (− 1.5; [− 2.3/− 0.6], p = 0.002), as well as an increase in haemoglobin (+ 0.7; [+ 0.2/+ 1.1] g/dL, p = 0.0003) were evident with empagliflozin. No difference was detectable in either LV-GLS at 1 month (empagliflozin vs sitagliptin: + 0.44; [− 0.10/+ 0.98]%, p = 0.11) and 6 months of therapy (+ 0.53; [− 0.56/+ 1.62]%), or in VO2peak (+ 0.43; [− 1.4/+ 2.3] mL/min/kg, p = 0.65). With empagliflozin, the subgroup with baseline LV-GLS below the median experienced a greater increase (time*drug p < 0.05) in LV-GLS at 1 month (+ 1.22; [+ 0.31/+ 2.13]%) and 6 months (+ 2.05; [+ 1.14/+ 2.96]%), while sitagliptin induced a modest improvement in LV-GLS only at 6 months (+ 0.92; [+ 0.21/+ 0.62]%).ConclusionsEmpagliflozin has neutral impact on both LV-GLS and exercise tolerance in subjects with T2D and normal left ventricular function. However, in patients with subclinical dysfunction (LV-GLS < 16.5%) it produces a rapid and sustained amelioration of LV contractility.Trial registration EUDRACT Code 2016-002225-10

Can Empagliflozin Improve Left Ventricular Strain Parameters in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus and Normal Ejection Fraction?

Objectives: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are known to improve symptoms and reduce mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). Empagliflozin is an SGLT-2 inhibitor. Although empagliflozin is beneficial in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with or without HF, data on how empagliflozin affects echocardiographic parameters are limited. We aim to evaluate the changes in left ventricular myocardial strain parameters with 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in patients with type-2 DM and normal ejection fraction (EF) after empagliflozin treatment.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 92 participants were included in our study. Forty-eight of them had type-2 DM and 44 were the control group. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of the type-2 DM patients was normal, and there were no HF symptoms and findings. Empagliflozin 10 mg once daily was given to the diabetic group. Initial and at the end of the 3rd month, the 2D-STE parameters of the diabetic group were compared.&#x0D; Results: The median age of the study population was 52.0 (46.0-58.0, IQR), and 48 (52.1%) were female. The left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS), left ventricle global circumferential strain (LV-GCS), and left ventricular global radial strain (LV-GRS) were less in the diabetic group than in the control group (p value &lt; 0.001, &lt; 0.001, and &lt; 0.001, respectively). There was a significant increase in the LV-GCS compared to before empagliflozin treatment (-20.0 [-17.6;-20.9] vs -19.2 [-17.5;-20.2], p= 0.005 and -18.9 [-16.0;-20.8] vs -17.1 [-15.8;-18.7], p= 0.003, respectively). Although the LV-GRS increased compared to baseline, it the change was not significant (37.0 [31.0-41.6] vs 36.3 [32.4-40.3], p= 0.776).&#x0D; Conclusion: In our study, after empagliflozin treatment left ventricular myocardial strain parameters such as LV-GLS and LV-GCS were improved in patients with type-2 DM and normal EF.

Effects of 3 months of treatment with empagliflozin on left ventricle global longitudinal strain and myocardial mechano-energetic effiency.

Sodium glucose transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are employed in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and coronary artery disease. In the present study, we aimed to investigate how Empagliflozin in SGLT 2 inhibitors affects cardiac contraction and pump efficiency in patients who have Diabetes Mellitus (DM) without cardiovascular disease. The conventional echocardiographic records and biochemical values ​​of 62 patients who had DM without a history of cardiovascular disease were evaluated before using Empagliflozin. The myocardial mechano-energetic (MME) activity and index, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were also calculated. After 3 months of Empagliflozin use, the tests were repeated and compared with previous data. A p<.05 was considered statistically significant. Left ventricular GLS and MME efficiency were found to be significantly higher after treatment (-17.71±2.12, -19.15±.71; p<.001 and 62.14±18.21, 72.24±26.57; p: .019). An increase was detected in left ventricular longitudinal strain and MME efficiency after using Empagliflozin for 3 months in patients with DM. This result suggests that Empagliflozin improves left ventricular pump efficiency and contraction.

Left ventricular strain in neonates using 2-dimensional speckle tracking: Normal range and relation with bi-plan ejection fraction.

Echocardiographic assessment of Left ventricular systolic function is traditionally being performed by estimation of fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF). Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a promising tool for assessment of myocardial function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the global longitudinal strain (GLS) using 2D-STE in healthy neonates to establish normal reference ranges. It is a retrospective study through an analysis of transthoracic echocardiogram of normal healthy neonates. We enrolled all neonates in our institution from January 1st, 2021 to February 28th, 2021. 2-D STE was used to assess left ventricular GLS from the apical views. 185 neonates were enrolled. Mean value for left ventricle GLS (%) was -19.9±1.2, GLS-derived EF (%) was 60.0±2.7; while the left ventricle EF by biplane Simpson's method (%) was 61.0±3. There is a good positive correlation between the Left Ventricle EF by biplane Simpson's method and EF by 2-D STE, which was statistically significant (r=.294,n=102,p=.003). Apical 4-chamber longitudinal strain and strain-derived EF is significantly correlated with GLS and bi-plan EF respectively. 2-STE is feasible technique for analyzing newborn myocardial systolic function. The normal range of GLS in neonates is not much different than reported for the pediatric. There is a good positive correlation between the Left Ventricle EF by 2-D STE and EF by biplane method.

Predictors of sacubitril/valsartan high dose tolerability in a real world population with HFrEF.

The angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan (Sac/Val) demonstrated to be superior to enalapril in reducing hospitalizations, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients with ambulatory heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), in particular when it is maximally up-titrated. Unfortunately, the target dose is achieved in less than 50% of HFrEF patients, thus undermining the beneficial effects on the outcomes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of Sac/Val and its titration dose on reverse cardiac remodelling and determine which echocardiographic index best predicts the up-titration success. From January 2020 to June 2021, we retrospectively identified 95 patients (65.6 [59.1-72.8] years; 15.8% females) with chronic HFrEF who were prescribed Sac/Val from the HF Clinics of 5 Italian University Hospitals and evaluated the tolerability of Sac/Val high dose (the ability of the patient to achieve and stably tolerate the maximum dose) as the primary endpoint in the cohort. We used a multivariable logistic regression analysis, with a stepwise backward selection method, to determine the independent predictors of Sac/Val maximum dose tolerability, using, as candidate predictors, only variables with a P-value < 0.1 in the univariate analyses. Candidate predictors identified for the multivariable backward logistic regression analysis were age, sex, body mass index (BMI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dyslipidaemia, atrial fibrillation, systolic blood pressure (SBP), baseline tolerability of ACEi/ARBs maximum dose, left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LVgLS), LV ejection fraction (EF), tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right ventricle (RV) fractional area change (FAC), RV global and free wall longitudinal strain (RVgLS and RV-FW-LS). After the multivariable analysis, only one categorical (ACEi/ARBs maximum dose at baseline) and three continuous (younger age, higher SBP, and higher TAPSE), resulted significantly associated with the study outcome variable with a strong discriminatory capacity (area under the curve 0.874, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.794-0.954) to predict maximum Sac/Val dose tolerability. Our study is the first to analyse the potential role of echocardiography and, in particular, of RV dysfunction, measured by TAPSE, in predicting Sac/Val maximum dose tolerability. Therefore, patients with RV dysfunction (baseline TAPSE <16mm, in our cohort) might benefit from a different strategy to titrate Sac/Val, such as starting from the lowest dose and/or waiting for a more extended period of observation before attempting with the higher doses.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ARTERIAL STIFFNESS AND LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Objective: Increased arterial stiffness is an early predictor of cardiovascular changes. However the association between arterial stiffness with LV myocardial changes is poorly understood The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between arterial stiffness and LV function in well - controlled hypertensive patients. Methods: A total 100 consecutive patients with hypertension adapted by age, gender and BMI, were separated in two groups: 27 patients with normal ventriculo - arterial coupling (VAC) and 63 hypertensive patients with disturbed VAC, measured by arterial elastance/ventricular elastance ratio(AE/Ees). All patients underwent standard two - dimentional (2D) echocardiography with Speckle tracking analysis for left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS). End - systolic pressure was determined from the brachial pulse wave. Arterial elastance (AE) and ventricular elastance (Ees) were calculated as and - systolic pressure/stroke volume and end - systolic pressure/end - systolic volume. Parameters for arterial stiffness - 24 - hour central systolic pressure (cSys24 h), central pulse pressure (cPP24 h), augmentation index 24 h (Aix24 h) and 24 - hour pulse wave velocity (PWV24 h) were measured non - invasively with oscillometric method by Mobil-O-graph PWA. Results: Statistically significant differences in parameters of vascular stiffness were found in patients with normal AE/Ees ratio in comparison disturbed AE/Ees: cSys24 h (108.76 ± 7.65 vs. 115.12 ± 11.58 mm Hg, p = 0.03), cPP24 h (39.61 ± 12.25 vs. 47.12 ± 11.52 mm Hg, p = 0.03). There is a statistically significant difference in echocardiography parameters between patients with normal VAC in comparison to other group: LV - GLS (-17.98 ± 0.65 vs. -15.9 ± 1.8 %, p = 0.0001), AE (2.09 ± 0.63 vs. 1.75 ± 0.34, p = 0.003), Ees (2.89 ± 0.71vs. 4.29 ± 0.72, p = 0.0001), AE/Ees ratio (0.74 ± 0.27 vs. 0.47 ± 0.46, p = 0.003). There were no statistically significant differences in LV ejection fraction, PWV24 h, Aix24 h and heart rate between two groups. There are moderately positive correlation between cSys24 h and LVMI (r = 0.325, p = 0.001) and negative with AE/Ees (r = -0.326, p = 0.01). cPP24 h correlate positively with AE (r = 0.249, p = 0.015) and negative with E/Em (r = -0.220, p = 0.032). Conclusion: Elevated arterial stiffness was intimately determines early LV alterations, before LV dysfunction, becomes clinically evident

Evolution of echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities during follow-up in patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.

AimsMultisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) with cardiovascular manifestations are frequent. However, there is lacking evidence regarding cardiological follow-up of this cohort of patients. The aim of our study was to describe the early and mid-term cardiac abnormalities assessed by standard and speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), and cardiac MRI (CMR).Methods and resultsWe enrolled 32 patients (21 male, 11 female), mean age 8.25 ± 4years, with diagnosis of MIS-C. During admission, all children underwent TTE, STE with analysis of left ventricle global longitudinal strain (GLS) and CMR. Patients underwent cardiological evaluation at 2 (T1) and 6 months (T2) after discharge. Cardiac MRI was repeated at 6 months after discharge. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at baseline was 58.8 ± 10% with 10 patients (31%) below 55%. Speckle-tracking echocardiography showed reduced mean LV GLS (−17.4 ± 4%). On CMR, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) with non-ischaemic pattern was evident in 8 of 23 patients (35%). Follow-up data showed rapid improvement of LVEF at T1 (62.5 ± 7.5 vs. 58.8 ± 10.6%, P-value 0.044) with only three patients (10%) below ≤ 55% at T1. Left ventricular (LV) GLS remained impaired at T1 (−17.2 ± 2.7 vs.−17.4 ± 4, P-value 0.71) and significantly improved at T2 (−19 ± 2.6% vs. −17.4 ± 4%, P-value 0.009). LV GLS was impaired (>−18%) in 53% of patients at baseline and T1, whereas only 13% showed persistent LV GLS reduction at T2. Follow-up CMR showed LGE persistence in 33.4% of cases.ConclusionEarly cardiac involvement significantly improves during follow-up of MIS-C patients. However, subclinical myocardial dysfunction seems to be still detectable after 6 months of follow-up in a not negligible proportion of them.

Longitudinal CMR assessment of cardiac global longitudinal strain and hemodynamic forces in a mouse model of heart failure

To longitudinally assess left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) and hemodynamic forces during the early stages of cardiac dysfunction in a mouse model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Cardiac MRI measurements were performed in control mice (n = 6), and db/db mice (n = 7), whereby animals were scanned four times between the age of 11–15 weeks. After the first scan, the db/db animals received a doxycycline intervention to accelerate progression of HFpEF. Systolic function was evaluated based on a series of prospectively ECG-triggered short-axis CINE images acquired from base to apex. Cardiac GLS and hemodynamic forces values were evaluated based on high frame rate retrospectively gated 2-, 3-, and 4-chamber long-axis CINE images. Ejection fraction (EF) was not different between control and db/db animals, despite that cardiac output, as well as end systolic and end diastolic volume were significantly higher in control animals. Whereas GLS parameters were not significantly different between groups, hemodynamic force root mean square (RMS) values, as well as average hemodynamic forces and the ratio between hemodynamic forces in the inferolateral-anteroseptal and apical–basal direction were lower in db/db mice compared to controls. More importantly, hemodynamic forces parameters showed a significant interaction effect between time and group. Our results indicated that hemodynamic forces parameters were the only functional outcome measure that showed distinct temporal differences between groups. As such, changes in hemodynamic forces reflect early alterations in cardiac function which can be of added value in (pre)clinical research on HFpEF.

P151 RIGHT VENTRICULAR MECHANICS IN PATIENTS AFFECTED BY PULMONARY VALVE STENOSIS, BEFORE AND AFTER PERCUTANEOUS PULMONARY VALVULOPLASTY

Abstract Aim of the Study To evaluate the mechanical changes of the right ventricle in patients undergoing balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty using transthstandard transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and speckle–tracking echocardiography (STE) and to investigate the correlation between haemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters before and after treatment. Materials and Methods 43 pediatric patients (19 males), mean age 3,2±4,9 years with severe pulmonary valve stenosis and indication for percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty were recruited. All patients underwent TTE and STE with analysis of right ventricle global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) one day before and after the procedure. For each patient were collected invasive parameters during balloon valvulopasty. Results After the procedure, there was an immediate reduction of both peak–to–peak transpulmonary gradient (Dp post) and ratio between the systolic pressure of right and left ventricle (RV/LV ratio) with a drop of 29,3±14,67mmHg and 0,43±0,03, respectively. Post–procedural echocardiography showed peak and mean transvalvar pressure gradient drop (50±32,23 and 31±17,97, respectively). The degree of pulmonary valve regurgitation was mild in 8% of patients before the procedure, following the intervention it reached 29% with a statistically significant increase (p = 0,007). However, moderate and severe regurgitation remained stable after the procedure. There was a significant improvement of Fractional Area Change (FAC) after the procedure (40,11% vs 44,42%, p = 0,01). TAPSE (p = 0,60) and longitudinal strain (p = 0,31), did not improve significantly after intervention. Finally, pre–procedural invasive RV/LV ratio showed good correlation to echocardiographic transvalvular peak and mean pressure gradient (R = 0,375, p = 0,019 and R = 0,40, p = 0,012, respectively), as well as with FAC (R = 0,31 p = 0,05), TAPSE (R = 0,62 p &amp;lt; 0,001)and RVGLS (R = 0,46 p = 0,01) Conclusions Percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty represents an efficient and safe procedure. Right ventricular global systolic function improved following afterload reduction, while longitudinal systolic function did not show improvement immediately after intervention. Finally, invasive preprocedural RV/LV ratio demonstrated better correlation with echocardiographic evaluation of stenosis degree and right ventricular function compared to invasive peak–to–peak pressure gradient. Therefore, RV/LV ratio should be preferred for the assessment of pulmonary valve stenosis.

P154 EVOLUTION OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC AND CARDIAC MRI ABNORMALITIES DURING FOLLOW–UP IN PATIENTS WITH PREVIOUS MIS–C DIAGNOSIS

Abstract Background Cardiovascular manifestations in the acute phase of MIS–C are frequent. However, there is lacking evidence regarding late cardiological follow–up of this cohort of patients. The aim of our study was to describe the early and late cardiac abnormalities in patients with MIS–C, assessed by standard echocardiography (TTE), speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), and cardiac MRI (CMR). Materials and Methods 32 consecutive patients with confirmed MIS–C diagnosis were enrolled in this study. Clinical, laboratory and microbiological data were collected for all patients. At disease onset, all children underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography, STE with analysis of left ventricle global longitudinal strain (GLS) and 23 (75%) of them performed CMR. Patients underwent complete cardiological evaluation, including echocardiography and STE at two months (T1) and six months (T2) after diagnosis. CMR was repeated at six months after diagnosis. Results Mean age was 8.25±4years (range 1.3–17.7). Cardiovascular symptoms were present in 45.8% of cases. Thirteen children (40.6%) shared Kawasaki Disease–like symptoms, and 5 (15.6%) needed ICU admission. All patients showed an hyperinflammatory state. Tn–I was elevated in 20 (62.5%) and BNP in 28 (87.5%) patients. Median time to STE evaluation was 7 days and to CMR 18 days since fever onset. Mean LVEF at baseline was 58.8±10% with 10 patients (31%) below 55%. STE showed reduced mean LV GLS (–17.4±4%). Coronary dilation was observed in 9 (28,1%) patients. On CMR, LGE with nonischemic pattern was evident in 8/23 patients (35%). Median time to T1 and T2 evaluation was respectively 48.5 and 207 days. Follow–up data showed statistically significant improvement in left ventricular systolic function compared to acute phase. LVEF improved rapidly at T1 (62.5 ± 7.5 vs. 58.8±10.6%, p value 0.044) with only three patients (10%) below ≤ 55% at T1 and one patient (4%) at T2. LV GLS remained impaired at T1 (–17.2 ± 2.7 vs.–17.4 ± 4, p value 0.71), and significantly improved at T2 (–19±2.6% vs. –17.4±4%, p value 0.009). LV GLS was impaired (&amp;gt;–18%) in 53% of patients at baseline and T1, while only 13% showed LV GLS reduction at T2. CMR, performed 6 months after diagnosis, showed LGE persistence in 33.4% of cases. Conclusions Even though, early cardiac involvement significantly improves during follow–up, subclinical myocardial damage seems to be still detectable 6 months follow up in one third of MIS–C patients.

Multiparametric CMR imaging of myocardial structure and function changes in diabetic mini-pigs with preserved LV function: a preliminary study

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to dynamically monitor the myocardial structure and function changes in diabetic mini-pigs by 1.5 T cardiac magnetic resonance.MethodsThree male mini-pigs underwent cardiac magnet resonance (CMR) imaging, and histologic examination. T1-mapping was acquired at basal, mid and apical segments. CMR feature-tracking (CMR-FT) is used to quantify left ventricle global longitudinal (LVGLS), circumferential (LVGCS) and radial strain (LVGRS). Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) was evaluated using a commercially available software.ResultsLeft ventricular mass (LVM), myocardial native T1 value, extracellular volume (ECV) value and EAT were increased gradually after 6 months of modeling, while LVGLS decreased gradually after 6 months of modeling (LVM: 24.5 (23.4, 26.7) vs. 42.7 (41.4, 44.6) g/m2, p < 0.001; Native T1: 1005.5 (992.6, 1010.7) vs. 1028.7 (1015.5, 1035.6) ms, p = 0.041; EAT: 16.1 (14.5, 18.2) vs. 24.6 (20.8, 26.9) mL, p = 0.020; ECV: 21.4 (20.2, 23.9) vs. 28.9 (26.7, 30.3) %, p = 0.011; LVGLS: − 22.8 (− 21.4, − 23.9) vs. − 17.4 (− 17.2, − 19.2)%, p = 0.008). The diffuse myocardial interstitial fibrosis was found in histology samples.ConclusionThe progressive impairments in LV structure and myocardial deformation occurs in diabetic mini-pigs. T1 mapping and CMR-FT technology are promising to monitor abnormal changes of diabetic myocardium in the early stage of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Comparison of Strain-Encoding and Feature-Tracking Derived Myocardial Deformation Assessment of Left Ventricular Function in a Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Cohort.

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) strain can be assessed with feature-tracking (FT), which utilizes a post-processing algorithm to quantify myocardial deformation on routine cine images, and strain-encoding magnetic resonance imaging (SENC), which uses parallel magnetization tags combined with out-of-plane phase-encoding gradients to quantify deformation. Assessing agreement is critical to determine whether results can be translated between methods. We compared SENC to FT in the assessment of left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) in a cohort of pediatric and adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients. Pediatric subjects and ACHD patients underwent CMR on 1.5T Siemens scanners, including balanced steady-state-free precession (bSSFP) cine imaging and SENC acquisitions in apical two and four chamber, left ventricular outflow tract, and short axis views. bSSFP cine imaging FT analysis was completed with Medis QStrain. Myocardial Solutions MyoStrain was used to analyze SENC. Correlation was assessed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Agreement between techniques was assessed with concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland-Altman. The cohort included 134 patients, 75 with congenital heart disease (56%). The median age was 16.3years (IQR 13.7, 19.5). Median LV ejection fraction was 57% (IQR 54.4, 61.6). SENC and FT were in poor agreement for GLS (Spearman's ρ = 0.58, p < 0.001; CCC 0.24) and GCS (Spearman's ρ = 0.29, p < 0.001; CCC 0.03). There was poor agreement between SENC and FT derived GLS and GCS in a cohort of pediatric and ACHD patients, suggesting that SENC and FT cannot be used interchangeably.