Ventricular Free Wall Longitudinal Strain Research Articles

Prognostic implication of DPD quantification in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.

Quantification of cardiac [99mTc]-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid (DPD) uptake enhances diagnostic capabilities and may facilitate prognostic stratification in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA). This study aimed to evaluate the association of quantitative left ventricular (LV) DPD uptake with myocardial structure and function, and their implications on outcome in ATTR-CA. Consecutive ATTR-CA patients (n=100) undergoing planar DPD scintigraphy with Perugini grade 2 or 3, alongside quantitative DPD SPECT/CT imaging and speckle-tracking echocardiography between 2019 and 2023, were included and divided into two cohorts based on median DPD retention index (low DPD uptake: ≤5.4, n=50; high DPD uptake: >5.4, n=50). The DPD retention index showed significant, albeit weak to modest, correlations with LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS: r=0.366,p<0.001), right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FW-LS: r=0.316,p=0.002), LV diastolic function (E/e' average: r=0.304, p=0.013), NT-proBNP (r=0.332,p<0.001), troponin T (r=0.233,p=0.022), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD: r=-0.222,p=0.033) and National Amyloidosis Centre (NAC) stage (r=0.294,p=0.003). ATTR-CA patients in the high DPD uptake cohort demonstrated more advanced disease severity regarding longitudinal cardiac function (LV-GLS: p=0.012, RV-FW-LS: p=0.036), LV diastolic function (E/e' average: p=0.035), cardiac biomarkers (NT-proBNP: p=0.012, troponin T: p=0.044), exercise capacity (6MWD: p=0.035) and disease stage (NAC stage I: p=0.045, III: p=0.006), and experienced adverse outcomes compared to the low DPD uptake cohort [composite endpoint: all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization, HR: 2.873 (95%CI:1.439-5.737), p=0.003; DPD retention index: adjusted HR 1.221 (95%CI: 1.078-1.383), p=0.002]. In ATTR-CA, enhanced quantitative LV DPD uptake indicates advanced disease severity and is associated with adverse outcome. DPD quantification may facilitate prognostic stratification when diagnosing patients with ATTR-CA.

Short-term outcome after isolated tricuspid valve surgery: prognostic role of right ventricular strain.

To assess the incremental prognostic value of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain over conventional risk scores in predicting the peri-operative mortality in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) undergoing isolated tricuspid valve (TV) surgery. We retrospectively enrolled 110 consecutive patients with severe TR who underwent isolated TV surgery between November 2016 and July 2022 at San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy. Exclusion criteria were previous TV surgery, urgent surgery, complex congenital heart disease, active endocarditis and inadequate acoustic window. Baseline clinical data were included, as well as laboratory tests and clinical risk score, as TRI-SCORE and MELD-XI. The clinical outcome was peri-operative mortality, defined as all-cause mortality within 30 days. The final cohort included 79 patients. The endpoint occurred in 7 patients (9%), who died within 30-days after isolated TV surgery. ROC curves analysis showed that, among parameters of right ventricular function, right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain was the best parameter to predict peri-operative mortality (AUC: 0.854, 95% CI 0.74-0.96, p = 0.005, sensitivity 68%, specificity 100%) At univariable analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction, diabetes mellitus, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum sodium, MELD-XI, TRI-SCORE, right ventricular areas, right ventricular global longitudinal strain, right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain, fractional area change and the ratio between right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain/pulmonary arterial systolic pressure were significantly associated with the endpoint. The combination of TRI-SCORE and right ventricular Strain, evaluating right ventricular systolic function with speckle-tracking echocardiography, outperformed classic TRI-SCORE in outcome prediction (AUC 0.874 vs 0,787, p value=0.05). Right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain has an incremental prognostic value over conventional parameters and significantly improves the ability of clinical scores to predict peri-operative mortality in patients undergoing isolated TV surgery.

Three-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in Chronic Coronary Syndrome Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

This study aimed to assess alterations in right ventricular (RV) function following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with chronic coronary syndromes utilizing three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE). A prospective study was conducted involving 136 patients diagnosed with chronic coronary syndromes undergoing PCI, constituting the study group, alongside 110 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers serving as the control group. Echocardiographic evaluations, including both conventional and three-dimensional assessments, were performed on all study participants at 1-week, 6, and 12 months post-PCI. Parameters such as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were derived from conventional echocardiography, while tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S') was measured via tissue Doppler imaging. 3D-STE was utilized to quantify metrics including right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC), right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS), right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS), right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV), and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF). TAPSE, S', RVFAC, RVFWLS, RVGLS, RVSV, and RVEF exhibited significant increases from 1-week to 6 months post-PCI (p < 0.05). However, from 6 to 12 months post-PCI, RVFAC, RVGLS, RVSV, and RVEF demonstrated no notable changes (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, TAPSE, S', and RVFWLS sustained significant elevations: TAPSE (19.63±3.253% to 22.603±2.885%, p < 0.001); S' (10.57±2.643 to 12.61±2.189cm/s, p < 0.001); RVFWLS (18.64±2.745% to 19.926±3.291%, p = 0.002). At 12 months post-PCI, S', RVFAC, RVGLS, RVSV, and RVEF remained lower than those of the healthy control group, but the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, RVFWLS was significantly lower compared to the healthy control group (19.926 ± 3.291%vs. 22.10 ± 1.994%, p < 0.001). Following PCI, right ventricular systolic function in patients with chronic coronary syndromes improves significantly over time. However, even at the 12-month post-PCI mark, RVFWLS remains lower than that of the control group. Notably, 3D-STE emerges as a noninvasive method for quantifying right ventricular systolic function post-PCI in chronic coronary syndrome patients.

Right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain as a predictor of myocardial recovery in patients with advanced cardiogenic shock supported with the Impella device

Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a known independent factor influencing the outcome of patients in cardiogenic shock (CS). The aim of this monocentric retrospective study was to investigate the impact of left ventricular (LV) unloading on the right heart function and its predictive role regarding weaning following Impella device implantation in patients with profound CS due to LV failure. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 41 patients admitted to intensive care unit over a period of 3 years with CS due to LV dysfunction requiring support with Impella. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected and correlated with weaning success. Finally, a multivariate analysis to identify independent predictors of weaning success was performed. Results After Impella implantation, the following was observed: right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) increased from a mean value of 28% to 38% (p=0.01), the tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TASV) increased from 9 cm/s to 10 cm/s (p=0.01), the velocity time integral right ventricular outflow tract (VTI RVOT) increased from 10 to 13 cm3/stroke (p=0.01), the right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) increased from -12% to -21% (p&amp;lt; 0.001). However, following LV unloading, a decrease in both RVFAC from 38% to 30% (p 0.01) and in VTI RVOT from 13 to 11 cm3/stroke (p&amp;lt;0.01) was observed. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in RVFWLS from -21% to -14% (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Notably, the percentage of change in RVFWLS between maximum and minimum (Δ%RVFWLSPmax-Pmin) support with Impella during the weaning process was significantly lower in weanable patients (34.5% in weaned vs 86% in non-weaned; p=0.038). Investigating the predicting ability of these parameters, Δ%RVFWLSPmax-Pmin emerged showing an AUC of 0.826 (0.690-0.962) in identifying non-weaned patients with a cut-off value of 38%. According to the multivariate analysis, Δ%RVFWLSPmax-Pmin in non-weaned patients remained the only significant parameter even considering possible confounders. Conclusions LV unloading with Impella in advanced CS patients improved RV function echocardiographic parameters. RVFWLS increased significantly after Impella implantation and its percentage of change between maximum and minimum support was significantly lower in weanable compared to non-weanable patients. Our findings suggest that RVFWLS could be used as a predictor of myocardial recovery allowing to identify weanable patients with adequate accuracy.

Improving exercise cardiac reserve assessment using a novel cardiopulmonary and echocardiography testing protocol (CPET-ESE) based on individualised exercise intensity domains

Abstract Background Functional exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) is used to quantify changes in cardiac reserve and can improve early cardiac dysfunction diagnosis and follow-up.[1.2] Current ESE protocols do not account for individual variations in fitness and heart rate response, leading to difficulties in defining normal reference values.[2,3] Physiologically defined exercise intensity domains could be implemented as part of combined cardiopulmonary and ESE testing (CPET-ESE) to address this problem. Purpose We propose that using exercise intensity domains as part of CPET-ESE will result in cardiac reserve values not influenced by individual cardiorespiratory fitness or physical activity (PA) levels. We also hypothesise by matching work-rates and heart rates (HR), respectively, cardiac reserve will be higher in those exercising at the higher exercise intensity domain. Methods A total of 45 healthy adults (mean age 43.8 ± 14.2, range 18-65 y) underwent a CPET followed by a CPET-ESE consisting of two 6-minute stages: 1. Moderate intensity (MOD) at 90% of the work-rate at the gas exchange threshold (GET) and 2. High intensity (HIGH) at 40% of the difference between GET and peak. Global left ventricular and right ventricular free wall (LV and RV) longitudinal strain (Sl), RV fractional area change (RV-FAC), peak LV and RV TDI derived systolic (S’) and diastolic velocities (E’) were measured at each step, including rest. HIGH steps were matched 1-to-n with MOD steps from other participants based on work-rate and HR, respectively. Questionnaire derived PA was classified as low, moderate, and high active. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured as peak oxygen uptake relative to body mass (mL·kg-1·min-1). Results After adjusting for age and sex, neither higher PA nor peak VO2 were associated with higher cardiac function parameters at either intensity (Table 1). Higher peak VO2 was associated with higher work-rate for HIGH only, while higher PA was associated with lower HR for MOD only (interaction term p&amp;lt;0.05). When paired by matching HR and work-rate, respectively, HIGH was associated with higher cardiac function parameters compared to MOD (all except for LV-S’ and RV-FAC when HR matched, Table 2), despite those matched from HIGH being older, less physically active and having lower peak VO2 (p&amp;lt;0.05 for all). Conclusions Current ESE protocols, which define submaximal exercise intensity using arbitrary work-rate or HR targets,[3] do not account for the complex differences in exercise response between healthy individuals. Cardiac function augmentation during exercise is likely a response to VO2 kinetics and this is not accurately described by either HR or work-rate alone. We derived normal reference values for cardiac reserve from implementing physiologically defined exercise intensity domains within the combined CPET-ESE testing frameworks. These values could be more appropriately used when comparing diverse clinical populations using CPET-ESE.

Prognostic Significance of Right Ventricular Free Wall Longitudinal Strain and Angiographic Correlation in Acute Inferior Wall ST-elevation MI

Background: In this study, we assessed the prognostic significance of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVfwLS) in patients with acute inferior wall MI and investigated its association with angiographic characteristics and adverse outcomes. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted with 200 patients admitted with acute inferior wall MI who underwent primary angioplasty. 2D speckle tracking echocardiography was used to measure the RVfwLS at the time of admission. Angiographic characteristics were collected, and patients were followed up for adverse outcomes until discharge. Categorical data were compared using the χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify adverse cardiovascular outcomes independently associated with RVfwLS. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses. Results: Compared with patients with normal strain (n=88, 44%), patients with diminished strain (n=116, 56%) had significantly lower blood pressure (56.52% versus 43.58%; p=0.03), reduced tissue velocities (93.3% versus 6.7%; p&lt;0.01), elevated jugular venous pressure (58.93% versus 41.07%; p=0.04), and higher right ventricular systolic pressure (52.04% versus 47.96%; p=0.04). Additionally, patients with diminished strain had a higher incidence of triple vessel disease (80% versus 20%; p=0.026) and arrhythmias necessitating inotropic support (66.67% versus 37.33%; p=0.02), as well as a longer hospital stay (78.7% versus 21.3%; p&lt;0.01) compared with patients with normal strain. In multivariate analysis, arrhythmias (p=0.046; OR 2.05; 95% CI [0.93–8.10]) and right heart failure (p=0.035; OR 3.64; 95% CI [1.35–11.53]) were independently associated with RVfwLS. The optimal RVfwLS cut-off value for predicting adverse outcomes was −14.8% (AUC=0.915; 95% CI [0.876–0.954]; p&lt;0.001), with a sensitivity of 81.3% and specificity of 86.8%. Conclusion: RVfwLS can be used to categorise the severity of infarction and predict adverse outcomes.

Multimodality Imaging for Right Ventricular Function Assessment in Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation.

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a pathological condition associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. In the vicious cycle of right ventricular compensation and maladaptation to TR, the development of right ventricle (RV) dysfunction has significant prognostic implications, especially in patients undergoing surgical or percutaneous treatments. Indeed, RV dysfunction is associated with increased operative morbidity and mortality in both surgical and percutaneously treated patients. In this context, the identification of clinical or subtle right ventricle dysfunction plays a critical role inpatient selection and timing of surgical or percutaneous tricuspid valve intervention. However, in the presence of severe TR, evaluation of RV function is challenging, given the increase in preload that may lead to an overestimation of systolic function for the Frank-Starling law, reduced reliability of pulmonary artery pressure estimation, the sensitivity of RV to afterload that may result in afterload mismatch after treatment. Consequently, conventional echocardiographic indices have some limitations, and the use of speckle tracking for right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FWLS) analysis and the use of 3D echocardiography for RV volumes and ejection fraction estimation are showing promising data. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) represents the gold standards for volumes and ejection fraction evaluation and may add further prognostic information. Finally, cardiac computer tomography (CCT) provides measurements of RV and annulus dimensions that are particularly useful in the transcatheter field. Identification of subtle RV dysfunction may need, therefore, more than one imaging technique, which will lead to tip the balance between medical therapy and early intervention towards the latter before disease progression. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe the main imaging techniques, providing a comprehensive assessment of their role in RV function evaluation in the presence of severe TR.

Progression of myocardial dysfunction and prediction of arrhythmic events in patients with exercise-induced arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

Several reports exist of an acquired exercise-induced arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Little is known about myocardial disease progression and arrhythmia prediction in this population. The study sought to explore the evolution of myocardial function and structure and its relation to incident life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (VA), to identify markers of impending events. We included athletes (individuals with exercise doses >24 metabolic equivalent of task hours per week, >6 consecutive years, participating in organized and competitive sports) who had VA, absence of family history and known genetic variants associated with cardiac disease, and no other identified etiology, in a tertiary referral single-center, longitudinal cohort study of patients with exercise-induced arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (EiAC). Evolution of myocardial function and structure was assessed by repeated echocardiographic examinations during long-term follow-up. Life-threatening VA were assessed at baseline and during long-term follow-up. Forty-one EiAC patients (15% women, age 45 ± 13 years) were followed for 80 (interquartile range 48-115) months. There were no changes in myocardial function or structure in the overall population during follow-up. We observed high incidence rate and high recurrence rate of life-threatening VA in EiAC patients. Subtle deterioration of right ventricular function was strongly associated with subsequent first-time VA (odds ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.25, P = .031, per 1% deterioration of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain). There were no clear changes in myocardial function or structure during follow-up in the overall population, but there was a high incidence rate and high recurrence rate of life-threatening VA. Subtle right ventricular deterioration by free wall longitudinal strain was a strong predictor of impending first-time life-threatening VA during follow-up.

Comparacão dos Parâmetros Ecocardiográficos Convencionais e com Speckle Tracking entre Indivíduos Saudáveis e Transplantados Cardíacos sem Rejeição

Abstract Background Echocardiography is essential for the assessment of patients with heart transplants. However, normal values in such individuals are not clearly defined. Objectives To compare conventional echocardiographic and speckle tracking variables between patients with unrejected heart transplants and healthy individuals. Methods : A prospective study was conducted with adult patients having undergone heart transplantation at least one year earlier and submitted to endomyocardial biopsy followed by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Conventional TTE measures and mechanical heart strain assessments using speckle tracking were performed and the results were compared to those of a group of healthy volunteers. Statistical significance was set at 5% (p &lt; 0.05). Results Thirty-six transplant patients without rejection were analyzed and compared to 30 healthy individuals. Chagas disease was the main reason for transplantation. Lower left ventricular global longitudinal strain expressed in absolute values was found (11.99% in transplant patients vs. 20.60% in controls; p &lt;0.0001), right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (16.67% in transplant patients vs. 25.50% in controls; p &lt;0.0001) and myocardial work indices (p &lt; 0.0001) as well as a larger size of the left atrium (38.17 ml/m2 in transplant patients vs. 18.98 ml/m2 in controls; p &lt;0.0001) and greater mass and relative wall thickness (p &lt;0.0001). Conclusion Stable patients having undergone heart transplants without rejection have differences concerning echocardiographic variables compared to healthy individuals. These findings indicate that conventional echocardiographic measures and heart mechanics are altered in transplant patients even in the absence of rejection. Such findings are relevant to the clinical context and follow-up of the patient.

The Role of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Advanced-Heart-Failure Patients.

Health care is currently showing a fall in heart failure (HF) incidence and prevalence, particularly in developed countries, but with only a subset receiving appropriate therapy to protect the heart against maladaptive processes such as fibrosis and hypertrophy. Appropriate markers of advanced HF remain unidentified, which would help in choosing the most suitable therapy and avoid major compliance problems. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a good choice, being a non-invasive imaging technique which is able to assess cardiac deformation in a variety of conditions. Several multicenter studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated the clinical application and accuracy of STE in early and late stages of HF, as well as its association with both left ventricular (LV) filling pressures and myocardial oxygen consumption. Furthermore, STE assists in assessing right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS), which is a solid predictor of right ventricle failure (RVF) following LV assist device (LVAD) implantation. However, STE is known for its limitations; despite these, it has been shown to explain symptoms and signs and also to be an accurate prognosticator. The aim of this review is to examine the advantages of STE in the early evaluation of myocardial dysfunction and its correlation with right heart catheterization (RHC) parameters, which should have significant clinical relevance in the management of HF patients.

Study of Right Ventricular Function in Post COVID Syndrome in Recovered Mild Severity COVID-19 Patients Using Conventional and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Abstract Background Many patients seek medical help for COVID-19’s longer term physical and mental effects. The term post COVID syndrome is used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to identify individuals with a history of probable or confirmed COVID-19 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of infection with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Symptoms may be due to persistent chronic inflammation, sequelae of organ damage, and hospitalization and social isolation. These symptoms may persist from the initial infection, or appear after a period of recovery. RV dimensions (RVD) and RV function (RVF) are closely correlated to symptom occurrence and to exercise capacity in many clinical conditions. Consequently, a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of the RV is essential. Echocardiography is the modality of choice for the assessment of RVD and RVF in clinical practice owing to its numerous advantages. It is widely available, relatively cheaper than other modalities, non-invasive, and doesn’t require radiation or contrast injection. Nevertheless, the RV special anatomy, its retrosternal position and its complex architecture pose a challenge to conventional echocardiographic imaging. Novel modalities of echocardiography, such as myocardial deformation imaging by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), provide the solution to overcome most of these challenges owing to the fact that it is independent of cardiac translation, angle-independent and load-independent. Aim and Objectives The aim was to study RV function in post COVID syndrome in recovered mild severity COVID-19 patients using 2D RV STE and correlate these findings with the patients’ symptomatology. Patients and Methods This study included 96 subjects divided into 3 age and gender matched groups; the first group consisted of 32 mild severity COVID-19 patients 3-6 months after recovery and not complaining of post COVID-19 syndrome, the second group consisted of 32 mild severity COVID-19 patients 3-6 months after recovery and complaining of post COVID-19 syndrome and the third group consisted of 32 healthy controls who didn’t get COVID-19. This study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals. The patients were recruited from the outpatient ECHO clinic in the cardiology department during the period from March 2022 to August 2022. The entire study population was evaluated via 2D conventional echocardiography and STE imaging. Results Our study assessed RV functions at 3-6 months after recovery from mild severity COVID-19 disease. At the follow-up, TAPSE, RV-FAC, RV S’, RV-GLS and RV-FWLS parameters were significantly lower in patients with mild severity COVID-19 disease than healthy controls. They also showed lower values in patients with post COVID syndrome than those without post COVID syndrome with P-value = 0.032, 0.034, 0.003, 0.010 and 0.029 respectively. In addition, RV diameters (longitudinal, mid and basal RVEDD), RV MPI and sPAP values were significantly higher in patients with mild severity COVID-19 disease than healthy controls. They also showed higher values in patients with post COVID syndrome than those without post COVID syndrome with P-value = 0.043, 0.026, 0.014, 0.000 and 0.025 respectively. LV-GLS showed lower value in patients with post COVID syndrome than control group with P-value = 0.002. It also showed lower value in patients with post COVID syndrome than those without post COVID syndrome with P-value = 0.018. We also found that the most common symptom in post COVID syndrome was fatigue, with a percentage of 65.6%, followed by palpitations (40.6%) and chest pain (31%). These three symptoms showed a significant negative relation with RV 2D STE parameters. Additionally, a negative correlation between inflammatory markers including CRP, TLC, PLT, ferritin and D-dimer levels during active infection and long term echocardiographic parameters such as RV-GLS, RV-FWLS and LV-GLS was detected in our study. Conclusion We concluded that RV-GLS and RV-FWLS decreased at 3-6 month follow-up of patients with history of mild severity COVID-19 disease especially those complaining of post COVID syndrome. Additionally, it is demonstrated that increased CRP, TLC, PLT, ferritin and D-dimer levels during acute infection is related to RV-GLS, RV-FWLS and LV-GLS values. 2D STE may be used for both detection and follow-up for possible long term right ventricular dysfunction after mild severity COVID-19 disease. Key words: Post-COVID Syndrome, Speckle Tracking Echocardiography, RV-GLS, RV-FWLS, LV-GLS Abbreviations. Abbreviations: RV Right Ventricle STE Speckle Tracking Echocardiography 2D 2-Dimensional TAPSE Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion RV-FAC Right Ventricular Fractional Area Change RV-GLS Right Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain RV-FWLS Right Ventricular Free Wall Longitudinal Strain LV-GLS Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain RVEDD Right Ventricular End Diastolic Dimension RV MPI Right Ventricular Myocardial Performance Index sPAP Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure CRP C – Reactive Protein TLC Total Leucocytic Count PLT Platelets WHO World Health Organization LVEDD Left Ventricular End Diastolic Dimension LVESD Left Ventricular End Systolic Dimension FS Fractional Shortening EF Ejection Fraction

Comparative Analysis of Conventional and Speckle Tracking Echocardiographic Variables between Patients with Unrejected Heart Transplants and Healthy Individuals.

Echocardiography is essential for the assessment of patients with heart transplants. However, normal values in such individuals are not clearly defined. To compare conventional echocardiographic and speckle tracking variables between patients with unrejected heart transplants and healthy individuals. :A prospective study was conducted with adult patients having undergone heart transplantation at least one year earlier and submitted to endomyocardial biopsy followed by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Conventional TTE measures and mechanical heart strain assessments using speckle tracking were performed and the results were compared to those of a group of healthy volunteers. Statistical significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05). Thirty-six transplant patients without rejection were analyzed and compared to 30 healthy individuals. Chagas disease was the main reason for transplantation. Lower left ventricular global longitudinal strain expressed in absolute values was found (11.99% in transplant patients vs. 20.60% in controls; p <0.0001), right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (16.67% in transplant patients vs. 25.50% in controls; p <0.0001) and myocardial work indices (p < 0.0001) as well as a larger size of the left atrium (38.17 ml/m2 in transplant patients vs. 18.98 ml/m2 in controls; p <0.0001) and greater mass and relative wall thickness (p <0.0001). Stable patients having undergone heart transplants without rejection have differences concerning echocardiographic variables compared to healthy individuals. These findings indicate that conventional echocardiographic measures and heart mechanics are altered in transplant patients even in the absence of rejection. Such findings are relevant to the clinical context and follow-up of the patient.

Preoperative right ventricular strain as an early predictor of perioperative cardiac failure in patients undergoing mitral surgery: An exploratory study.

This study's primary purpose was to demonstrate the correlation of preoperative right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) and pre-/postsurgical variation in strain (delta strain) with the clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of right ventricular dysfunction. Its secondary purpose was to determine the correlation of RVFWLS and delta strain with length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU), ventilation days, trend of natriuretic peptide test. (NT-proBNP) and lactate in the first 48 h, incidence of acute renal failure, and 28-day mortality. Prospective observational study. Cardio-thoracic and Vascular Anaesthesia Department and ICU of the University Hospital Integrated Trust of Verona. Patients scheduled for mitral surgery. None. All clinical and transoesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) parameters were collected at baseline, before surgery (T1) and at admission in the ICU postsurgery (T2). During the postoperative period, the clinical and echocardiographic diagnoses of right, left, or biventricular dysfunction were evaluated. TEE parameters were evaluated by a cardiologist offline. The patients were divided into two subgroups according to the development of any type of ventricular dysfunction. No statistically significant differences emerged between the two groups. According to a logistic regression model, a T1-RVFWLS value of -15% appeared to predict biventricular dysfunction (sensitivity: 100%; specificity: 91.3%). No correlation between T1- or T2-RVFWLS and creatinine, hours of ventilation or ICU LOS was found. Our study introduces a new parameter that could be used in perioperative evaluations to identify patients at risk of postoperative biventricular dysfunction.

Detection of Cardiotoxicity Using Right Ventricular Free Wall Longitudinal Strain in Low Cardiovascular Risk Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Low-Dose Anthracycline Treatment.

Objective Breast cancer patients who receive chemotherapy may develop cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity, particularly if they have pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors. Notably, right ventricle dysfunction may manifest before the left ventricle. Our study aims to compare conventional echocardiography with global longitudinal strain (GLS) in low cardiovascular risk patients on low-dose anthracycline, focusing on early cardiotoxicity detection. Additionally, we explore the predictive role of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) in cardiotoxicity. Methods In a recent study, 28 women with low cardiovascular risk who underwent low-dose anthracycline chemotherapy for breast cancer were assessed for cardiac function using two-dimensional echocardiography and speckle-tracking echocardiography. The measurements included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right ventricular systolic function (RVS'), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), and RVFWLS. All patients had normal LVEF at the beginning of the study. Cardiotoxicity was defined as a new decrease in LVEF by 10% or below 53% and/or changes in LVGLS/RVFWLS by 15%. Results In our study, no significant changes were observed in the LVEF following chemotherapy treatment. The LVEF values remained stable, changing slightly from 63 ± 3.7 to 65.0 ± 3.4, with a t-test value of 1.790 and a p-value of 0.079. Similarly, the analysis found no significant changes in RVS' and TAPSE values following chemotherapy treatment. However, significant changes were observed in strain measurements. LVGLS decreased from -21.2 ± 2.1 to -18.6 ± 2.6 (t-test = -4.116; df = 54, p=0.001), and RVFWLS decreased from -25.2 ± 2.9 to -21.4 ± 4.4 (t-test = -3.82; df = 54, p=0.001). Notably, 35% of participants showed changes in RVFWLS greater than 15%, whereas LVGLS changed by less than 15%. This indicates that RVFWLS is more sensitive to the treatment compared to LVGLS. Conclusions The study results indicate that during the initial phases of chemotherapy treatment in low cardiovascular risk patients, early changes in strain measures reveal subclinical cardiotoxicity. This suggests that GLS measurements are more effective at detecting early signs of myocardial damage and potential deterioration in cardiac function than traditional echocardiographic parameters. Additionally, it is noteworthy that RVFWLS exhibits greater sensitivity to these changes, regardless of the chemotherapy dosage and regimen.

Left and right ventricular function measured by strain analysis predicts one-year mortality in ventricular tachycardia ablation patients with structural heart disease

Abstract Introduction Radiofrequency catheter ablation has become increasingly important in the management of scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT). Wide range of clinical and procedural predictors of VT recurrence and mortality are described by previous studies. However, currently known echocardiographic predictors are mainly limited to conventional echo parameters. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a novel and promising method to evaluate systolic and diastolic function. STE derived parameters, such as global longitudinal strain (GLS), are proven predictors of mortality and arrhythmic events in heart diseases. Aims The aim of the present study was to assess whether STE derived parameters could be considered predictors of VT recurrence and mortality after catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with structural heart disease. Methods We measured pre-ablation strain and strain rate parameters with speckle tracking. Left ventricular four-chamber longitudinal strain (LV4CLS), early diastolic strain rate (e’-sr), right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) and right ventricular four-chamber longitudinal strain (RV4CLS) were assessed in 73 cases. Patients were followed up for one year. Endpoints were VT recurrence, which was defined as either ICD recording of a sustained VT episode requiring therapy or an episode of sustained VT recorded on 12-lead ECG or CIED, and all-cause mortality. Results Univariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model revealed that only lower LVEF (HR: 0.52 [0.31-0.88], p=0.02) was associated with higher VT recurrence in the first year among the echocardiographic parameters. High LVEDD (HR: 3.9 [1.31-11.65], p=0.02), low TAPSE (HR: 0.52 [0.28-0.98], p=0.04), low LV4CLS (HR: 0.4 [0.19-0.83], p=0.01) and low RV4CLS (HR: 0.31 [0.13-0.72], p&amp;lt;0.01) were the predictors of 1-year mortality. Conclusion Strain parameters, especially right ventricular four-chamber longitudinal strain may supplement conventional echocardiographic parameters in the prediction of one-year mortality after catheter ablation in patients with structural heart disease. Further prospective clinical studies are necessary to verify the significance of strain parameters.

Echocardiographic characterization of age- and sex-associated differences in cardiac function and morphometry in nonhuman primates.

Aging per se is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and is associated with progressive changes in cardiac structure and function. Rodent models are commonly used to study cardiac aging, but do not closely mirror differences as they occur in humans. Therefore, we performed a 2D echocardiographic study in non-human primates (NHP) to establish age- and sex-associated differences in cardiac function and morphometry in this animal model. M mode and 2D echocardiography and Doppler analyses were performed cross-sectionally in 38 healthy rhesus monkeys (20 females and 18 males), both young (age 7-12years; n = 20) and old (age 19-30years; n = 18). The diameters of the cardiac chambers did not differ significantly by age group, but males had larger left ventricular diameters (2.43 vs 2.06cm in diastole and 1.91 vs 1.49cm in systole, p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0001, respectively) and left atrial diameter (1.981 vs 1.732cm; p = 0.0101). Left ventricular mass/body surface area did not vary significantly with age and sex. Ejection fraction did not differ by age and females presented a higher ejection fraction than males (54.0 vs 50.8%, p = 0.0237). Diastolic function, defined by early to late mitral peak flow velocity ratio (E/A), was significantly lower in old rhesus monkeys (2.31 vs 1.43, p = 0.0020) and was lower in females compared to males (1.595 vs 2.230, p = 0.0406). Right ventricular function, evaluated by measuring the Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion, did not differ by age or sex, and Right Ventricular Free Wall Longitudinal Strain, did not differ with age but was lower in males than in females (-22.21 vs -17.95%, p = 0.0059). This is the first echocardiographic study to evaluate age- and sex-associated changes of cardiac morphometry and function in young and old NHP. The findings of this work will provide a reference to examine the effect of age and sex on cardiac diseases in NHP.

Right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain is independently associated with 1-yr mortality in patients with COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation

Right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain is independently associated with 1-yr mortality in patients with COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation

Echocardiographic parameters as adjuncts to the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index in predicting 30-day mortality in acute pulmonary embolism patients.

The Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) is a validated tool to predict 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) but includes only clinical variables. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of PESI extended with an echocardiographic parameter. This cross-sectional observational study included consecutive patients with acute PE diagnosed with computed tomography pulmonary angiography. Of 117 subjects (57 men, 48.7%), at a median age of 69 (59-80) years, 16 patients died during the 30-day follow-up. Six modified models of PESI with an additional single echocardiographic parameter were created, which increased the predictive value of PESI (area under the curve [AUC] 0.8608): tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) <18 mm, right ventricular (RV) free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) >-23%, 60/60 sign, RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) >-16%, pulmonary ejection acceleration time (AcT) <67 ms, and thrombus in right heart cavities (AUC 0.8657 to 0.8976, respectively, all markers P <0.001). TAPSE, AcT, RVFWLS, and RVGLS showed significant correlations with the PESI score, but not a thrombus in the right heart cavity or the 60/60 sign. As PESI adjuncts, they independently predicted fatal outcomes: thrombus with hazard ratio (HR) 10.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.81-37.12; P <0.001) and the 60/60 sign with HR 4.07 (95% CI, 1.27-12.81; P <0.001). The quantitative echocardiographic parameters of RV systolic function and pulmonary artery blood flow are associated with the PESI score and thus increase its predictive value to a limited extent. PE- specific findings: a thrombus in the right heart cavity and the 60/60 sign are effective adjuncts to the PESI score.

Prognostic Implication of Right Ventricular Free Wall Longitudinal Strain and Right Atrial Pressure Estimated By Echocardiography in Patients With Severe Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation.

The interaction between right ventricular (RV) function and pulmonary hypertension is crucial for prognosis of patients with severe functional tricuspid regurgitation. RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) has been reported to detect RV systolic dysfunction earlier than other conventional parameters. Although pulmonary artery systolic pressure measured by Doppler echocardiography is often underestimated in severe functional tricuspid regurgitation, right atrial pressure (RAP) estimated by echocardiography may be viewed as a prognostic factor. Impact of RAP and RVFWLS on outcome in patients with severe functional tricuspid regurgitation remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate prognostic implication of RAP, RVFWLS, and their combination in this population. We retrospectively examined 377 patients with severe functional tricuspid regurgitation. RAP, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, RV fractional area change, and RVFWLS were analyzed. RAP of 15 mm Hg was classified as elevated RAP. All-cause death at 2-year follow-up was defined as the primary end point. RVFWLS provided better prognostic information than RV fractional area change by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, elevated RAP and RVFWLS of ≤18% were independent predictors of clinical outcome. Patients with RVFWLS of ≤18% had higher risk of all-cause death than those without by Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. Furthermore, when patients were stratified into 4 groups by RAP and RVFWLS, the group with elevated RAP and RVFWLS of ≤18% had the worst outcome. Elevated RAP and RVFWLS of ≤18% were independent predictors of all-cause death. The combination of elevated RAP and RVFWLS effectively stratified the all-cause death.

Comparative assessment of myocardial function between late premature newborns and term neonates using the 2D speckle tracking method.

Assessment of myocardial function through speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) can bring benefits to conventional echocardiography in premature newborns, a particular vulnerable group in terms of adaptation to extra-uterine life. Furthermore, it represents a non-invasive imagistic method which can guide therapeutic approach in the hemodynamically unstable newborn. This study aims to highlight the particularities of myocardial function in late premature newborns, by conducting a comparison with a group of healthy neonates, by using STE. Conducted over a timespan of two years, this prospective study enrolled 64 term neonates and 21 premature newborns, with gestational ages ranging between 28 and 36 weeks, who prior to discharge underwent a cardiac ultrasound, involving two-dimensional image acquisitions of the apical four-chamber view of both ventricles. Afterwards, the images were offline analyzed, by using the autostrain function. After segmental strain analysis, no significant discrepancies between the two groups in terms of interventricular values were found. However, left ventricle and right ventricle strain measurements differed significantly (p < 0.01), for each of the analyzed segments (basal, medial or apical). Moreover, a linear increase in interventricular (IV) basal strain with corrected gestational age progression was noted (p = 0.04). Peak global longitudinal strain (pGLS) and EF were similar between the two study groups. Premature newborns presented significantly more negative mean values of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWSL), (-24.19 ± 4.95 vs. -18.05 ± 5.88, p < 0.01) and of right ventricle global four chamber longitudinal strain (RV4CSL), (-19.71 ± 3.62 vs. -15.46 ± 5.59, p < 0.01), when compared to term neonates. The 2D STE is a reliable method for cardiac assessment of late preterm newborns. The evaluation of two-dimensional global longitudinal LV and RV strains might represent a useful tool in clinical practice. A better response of the right ventricle to the longitudinal deformation within premature neonates was noted. Thus, this study facilitates the identification of accurate reference values for this particular population segment, which will enable the evaluation of ventricular function in premature newborns with concurring disorders. Future longitudinal studies, assessing the fetal heart, could provide more insight into the development of myocardial function.