bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P774 Utility of global longitudinal strain to predict post-operative outcomes in non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Park C J , Tan L S , Huang P , Tan P J , See J H J
Published: January 2020

Background

Pre-operative echocardiography is performed in selected groups of patients for cardiac risk stratification prior to surgery. Many parameters, including Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF), are assessed during echocardiography. While many studies have cited association between low LVEF and poor operative outcomes such as perioperative myocardial infarction or cardiogenic pulmonary edema, LVEF has limitations such as left ventricular (LV) cavity border tracing, geometric assumptions and inter-observer variability. LVEF may also appear normal in the presence of LV hypertrophy and a small LV cavity size. Studies have described the routine use of global longitudinal strain (GLS) as an alternative measure of ventricular function, with GLS having been reported to be a reliable marker in detecting subclinical LV dysfunction. This adds incremental value in predicting myocardial function and in risk stratification. In fact, some studies have documented GLS being a useful preoperative parameter in predicting postoperative LV dysfunction after cardiac valve surgery.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine the value of GLS in predicting post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgeries.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all patients who had echocardiography performed for a pre-operative indication from February 2017 to October 2017. These patients were screened for those who had normal LVEF, had undergone subsequent non-cardiac surgery, and had post-operative troponins measured. Medical records were traced for baseline demographics, past medical history and echocardiographic features. GLS evaluation was prospectively performed using TOMTEC-ARENA (TOMTEC Imaging Systems GmbH) by assessors blinded to patient outcomes. Outcomes for major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality up to 1 year post surgery were collected. Post-op myocardial injury was defined as a peak Troponin T value of >30 ng/L or a >20% increment from baseline.

Results

A total of 42 patients were included. 61.9% (n = 26) were male and mean age was 72.3 years. Only 75.6% of patients were fully independent with activities of daily living and mean creatinine was 153.4μmol/L. Mortality at 1 year was 16.7% (n = 7) and 28.6% (n = 12) were deemed to have post-operative myocardial injury. 1-year mortality was associated with a lower GLS (-23.8% vs -19.2%, p = 0.001). However, GLS was not correlated with post-operative myocardial injury or hospital readmissions. In our study population, only a history of past myocardial infarction predicted post-op myocardial injury (58.3% vs 16.7%, p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Our study did not demonstrate the utility of GLS in predicting post-operative events, but this is likely because of the small sample size with low event rates. Nevertheless, GLS values did correlate with 1-year mortality and could be a marker of frailty and an increased mortality risk.
P775 Assessment of left ventricular function in patients with atrial fibrillation using real time triplain speckle tracking in comparison with 2D speckle tracking
Authors: Ali Al-Farhan HASAN , Sulaiman T A
Published: January 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases in the world, can cause many structural and functional cardiac abnormalities, one of them is left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction which may not be detected by conventional echocardiographic parameters (CEP) and need to use a modality of real time triplain (3P) speckle tracking strain for early detection and improvement of prognosis

Purpose

Assessment of LV systolic function in AF patients with normal ejection fraction (EF) using 3P speckle-tracking strain and its role as early predictor of subclinical dysfunction

Methods

A case-control study was conducted at Baghdad Heart Center, Baghdad Medical City since July 2017 to July 2018, including patients with AF and control group. The CEP (EF, diastolic function, mitral annular plane systolic excursion) and speckle tracking longitudinal strain were done for the patients by 3P in comparison with two dimension (2D)

Results

The study included two groups. First group: 100 patients with AF, mean age (48 ± 12.2) ranging between (25-81), (48%) men, (52%) women. Second group: 100 control patients with mean age (46.4 ± 13.1) ranging between (20-84), (58%) men, (42%) women. 3P method showed more easy and accurate in comparison with 2D method in patients with AF. Applying cut off value of (-17.5%), it was found that 71% of AF patients had undetected LV systolic dysfunction even with preserved EF. Global longitudinal strain was reduced significantly in those with AF group and reduced mitral annular plane systolic excursion

Conclusion(s)

Real time triplain speckle tracking can be dependable which is easy, useful, and more accurate in comparison with 2D method in assessment of LV function in patients with AF. 3P method is a useful tool in the early detection of subtle LV systolic dysfunction in AF patients with preserved EF and in whom more aggressive interventions could have a significant impact on prognosis.

3P vs 2D in Patients with AF and Control Average GLS by 3P % Average GLS by 2D % p-value No. Mean± SD No. Mean± SD AF group EF < 52 % 29 -11.23± 3.89 29 -12.05± 3.84 0.01 EF ≥53 % 71 -13.30± 2.55 71 -14.20± 2.64 0.001 Control group EF < 52 % 2 -21.15± 4.45 2 -20.20± 1.84 0.6 EF ≥53 % 98 -19.14± 1.49 98 -19.91± 1.66 0.001 3P, real time triplain; 2D, two dimension; AF, atrial fibrillation; GLS, global longitudinal strain; SD, standard deviation; EF, ejection fraction
P777 Effects of chronic cigarette smoking on left ventricle, left atrium and right ventricle strain parameters with 2D speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Yaman B , Cerit L , Kemal Gunsel H , Acikgoz E , Usalp S , Yuksek Ü , Duygu H , Akpinar O
Published: January 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

None

Background

Cigarette smoking effects myocardium with several mechanisms such as sympathetic nervous system activation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Chronic smokers have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality associated with adverse cardiac events. Echocardiography is the well-established non-invasive diagnostic tool for the assessment of cardiac systolic and diastolic functions. 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has been widely used for this purpose in recent years.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to compare the left ventricle, left atrium and right ventricle systolic functions with 2D speckle tracking echocardiography in chronic smokers and non-smoker healthy population.

Method

40 healthy participant (mean age 33.4 ± 10.0) without smoking history, 42 healthy participant (mean age 33.9 ± 9.2) who had smoking history at least 3 years without history of cardiac disease or any other chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, kidney failure were prospectively included. In addition to Standard 2D echocardiographic measurements, left ventricular global longitidunal strain (LvGLS), right ventricular global longitidunal strain (RvGLS), left atrial strain and strain rate were analyzed with Vivid E9, offline using a customized software package.

Results

Smokers had lower peak early diastolic velocity (E) and E/A (late diastolic velocity) ratio in mitral inflow (0.70 ± 0.13 vs 0.77 ± 0.13, p = 0.023; 1.47 ± 0.44 vs 1.73 ± 0.44, p = 0.011; respectively). Peak early diastolic velocity of mitral valve medial annulus and E’/A’ ratio (0.11 ± 0.02 vs 0.12 ± 0.02, p = 0.023; 1.20 ± 0.37 vs 1.40 ± 0.46, p = 0.039; respectively) was lower in smokers. LvGLS and RvGLS were significantly impaired in smokers (-17.65 ± 3.01 vs -19.21 ± 2.52, p = 0.013; -18.96 ± 4.47 vs -21.06 ± 4.58, p = 0.039; respectively). Although εs, reservoir phase strain of left atrium; εe, conduit phase strain of left atrium; εa, contractile phase strain of left atrium were similar between two groups, εe/εa was significantly lower in smokers than non-smokers (1.32 ± 0.59, 1.63 ± 0.63, p = 0.026).

Conclusion

Impaired RV deformation was found in chronic cigarette smokers. Besides standardized diastolic dysfunction parameters εe/εa might be used for the early indicator of diastolic dysfunction. Although there was no statistically significant difference with left ventricular ejection fraction between smokers and non-smokers, LvGLS which is the early indicator of LV systolic dysfunction in chronic smokers might be used for the early assesment of LV systolic impairment.

Abstract P777 figure 1
P785 Left ventricular geometry and myocardial contractility modulate impact of statins on prognosis in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Park J B , Park C S , Choi Y J , Kwak S , Moon I , Hwang I C , Park J J , Lee S P , Park J H , Cho G Y
Published: January 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

N/A

Background/Introduction: The benefit of statins in patients with heart failure (HF) remains controversial and the mechanism of action is largely speculative. We investigated whether survival benefit with statins differs according to left ventricular (LV) geometry and myocardial contractility in acute HF patients.

Methods

We enrolled 1792 acute HF patients receiving statins and 2296 patients not receiving statins admitted from 2009 to 2016. The LV and right ventricular (RV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) was assessed as a measure of myocardial contractility. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on ischemic etiology of HF and further divided into 4 subgroups according to the median values of LV-GLS or RV-GLS. The primary outcome was 5-year all-cause mortality. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee at each institute and complied with the Declaration of Helsinki. The need for written informed consent was waived.

Results

During the 5-year follow-up, 1740 (40.4%) patients died and they had more unfavorable baseline characteristics. Statin therapy was significantly associated with improved survival in overall patients and in both groups with and without ischemic etiology (all p <0.001). Patients with concentric remodeling/hypertrophy and eccentric hypertrophy demonstrated survival benefit with statin therapy (P = 0.033, 0.004, and 0.008, respectively), while those with normal geometry did not (p = 0.123). In the non-ischemic HF group, survival benefit with statin therapy was confined to patients with low LV-GLS (p = 0.045) or those with low RV-GLS p = 0.003). On the contrary, in ischemic HF group, survival benefit with statin therapy was observed in all patients regardless of the values of LV-GLS or RV-GLS. Significant interactions were present between statin use and diabetes mellitus and IHD (p for interaction = 0.027 and 0.003, respectively) regarding mortality.

Conclusions

LV geometry and myocardial contractility may modulate the effects of statins in patients with acute HF. These echocardiographic measures can provide prognostic information to guide tailored statin treatment in this population. Our findings may also help to develop more well-designed prospective studies, in terms of a more homogenous study population, to confirm survival benefit with statin therapy.

Abstract P785 Figure. Multivariate Cox survival curves
P787 Interstudy reproducibility in the real world of speckle tracking echocardiography in direct comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance
Authors: Houard L , Miltaru S , Pouleur A C , Vanoverschelde J L , Gerber B L
Published: January 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

Fond national de la recherche scientifique (FNRS)

Background

New research methods to assess cardiac function such as 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) are emerging in clinical practice after showing incremental prognostic information beyond ejection fraction in a variety of settings. However, comprehensive data regarding the day to day reproducibility is still lacking.

Aim

To assess the inter and especially the day to day intravariability of RV and LV GLS STE in direct comparison with cMR in asymptomatic volunteers and in patients with heart failure.

Methods for the volunteers:30 asymptomatic volunteers ( 34 ± 9years, 33% were women) underwent 2 cMR and 2 echocardiography studies with a maximal interval between each study of 6 days and 20 minutes between each technique. RV strain was performed on a RV focus view and LV strain on 4, 3 and 2 chamber views using the segment software. cMR- RVEF and cMR-LVEF was performed in short axis view.

Preliminary Results: Volunteers

Average values for the the STE measurements was -24.2%±2.3 and -27.4%±2.1 for LV and RV GLS respectively. Average values for the 2 cMR measurements was 61.9% ±4.5 and 56.3%± 6.2% for cMR-LVEF and RVEF respectively. The interstudy varability coefficient of variability was lower in GLS-STE parameters (RV-GLS = 7.7% and LV-GLS = 6.3%) than for the cMR parameters (cMR-LVEF= 8.2% and cMR-RVEF= 12.9%). The superior interstudy reproducibility resulted in lower calculated sample sizes require by GLS compared with cMR to show clinically relevant changes in LV and RV function. (Figure 1)

Conclusion

LV and RV -GLS- STE has excellent interstudy reproducibility in normal hearts and is as good as cMR- LVEF and RVEF.

Echocardiography cMR LV-GLS-STE RV-GLS-STE LVEF RVEF Mean difference ±SD 0.6 ± 1.88 0.5± 1.73 1.14 ± 5.22 0.98 ± 7.23 Coefficient of variation 7.7% 6.3% 8.2% 12.9% Sample Size for 2% absolute change in GLS or 5% absolute change in cMR- EF 18 16 22 44 Sample size required to detect a clinically significant change in global longidutdinal strain speckle tracking (GLS-STE) echocardiographie and cMR - ejection fraction (EF). RV and LV indicate Right ventricular and left ventricular respectively.
P790 Bi-ventricular dysfunction in patients after bone marrow transplant: the value of strain imaging
Authors: Deshmukh T , Geenty P , Geraghty L , Emmerig D , Sivapathan S , Hogg M , Brown P , Panicker S , Altman M , Gottlieb D , Thomas L
Published: January 2020

Background

Cardiovascular events are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors, particularly occurring at 5-10 years after their cancer therapy.

Purpose

To assess the utility of strain imaging by 2-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography in detecting bi-ventricular dysfunction, as compared to traditional measures, in patients post bone marrow transplantation (BMT) with previous anthracycline (AC) therapy for haematological conditions.

Methods

50 consecutive patients post BMT + AC, reviewed at a long-term survivor clinic, were compared to 50 age and gender matched controls. 48/50 patients received AC doses below the recommended cumulative lifetime thresholds set by the European Society of Medical Oncology. 2D left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) and right ventricle free wall strain (RV FWS) were compared to conventional measures of bi-ventricular function.

Results

The mean LVEF (58 ± 6% vs 63 ± 6%) and RV fractional area change (FAC) (39 ± 5% vs 44 ± 5%), although reduced in the BMT + AC group vs controls, were within normal limits. LV GLS was reduced in BMT + AC patients as compared to controls (-17.8 ± 3.1% vs -20.5 ± 2.2%, p < 0.01) while RV FWS was also reduced (-23.2 ± 4.0% vs -27.9 ± 2.7%, p < 0.001). In BMT + AC patients with a preserved LVEF (LVEF > 53%), 28% (11/40) had reduced GLS (GLS < -17%) while 52% (24/46) of those with preserved FAC (FAC > 35%) had reduced FWS (FWS < -25%). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) occurred in 9/50 patients in the BMT + AC group and none in the control group. 8/9 patients had normal biventricular function as assessed by traditional parameters (LVEF and RV FAC) but 5/9 patients had reduced LV GLS and/or RV FWS.

Conclusions

Subclinical bi-ventricular dysfunction is common in patients post BMT + AC therapy, and can be detected using strain analysis, despite preserved LV and RV systolic function using conventional measures. MACE occurred at a significantly higher rate in BMT patients exposed to AC. More than half of MACE events occurred in patients with reduced LV or RV strain, with preserved bi-ventricular function by traditional measures. LV GLS and RV FWS should be utilised for early identification of subclinical dysfunction in BMT patients.
P797 Assessment of right ventricular systolic function with 3D echocardiography following cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Jenei C , Papp E , Clemens M , Csanadi Z
Published: January 2020

Background

In approximately 30-40% of cases, the left ventricular systolic function does not improve following cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT; non-responders). Currently, the role of right ventricular (RV) systolic function is not yet completely clear in the background. Our aim was to assess the RV systolic function with 3D echocardiography in CRT patients.

Methods

We selected 19 patients who received CRT in our department between May and June 2017, and whose 1-year follow-up data were available. We characterized several 2D parameters of RV systolic function, such as RV free wall strain (RV GLSFW), annular s’ wave velocity (TDI s), tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change (RV FAC). A number of 3D parameters were also assessed, such as RV ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic (ESV) volumes, using a dedicated RV analysis software. Moreover, we measured the LV EF and considered the patients "responder", when the LV EF improved with at least 10% after CRT implantation.

Results

From 19 patients, 12 was identified as responders (R) and 7 as non-responders (NR). No significant difference was seen in the mean age of patients in the two groups (NR: 68 ± 6 year; R: 67 ± 9 year, p = 0.76), however, the proportion of male individuals was higher in the NR group (8/12 vs. 1/7). The RV EF was higher in the R group (41 ± 8% vs.29 ± 10%; p = 0.012), while the EDV or ESV did not differ between the two groups. The RV GLSFW (–21.2 ± 7% vs.–13.9 ± 7%, p = 0.045) and the TAPSE (16.8 ± 5 mm vs.11.4 ± 3 mm, P = 0.03) values were significantly different between the two groups. Based on logistic regression analysis, the RV EF was an independent predictor of non-respondence.

Conclusions

The lower RV EF indicates non-respondence to CRT, however, it is not associated with RV dilation, i.e.adverse remodelling. These results suggest mechanical abnormality of RV function in the background of impaired EF.
P803 Myocardial work in acutely decompensated heart failure patients differs between HFrEF and HFpEF
Authors: Sahiti F , Morbach C , Henneges C , Hanke M , Ludwig R , Breunig M , Cejka V , Christa M , Scholz N , Ertl M , Kaspar M , Ertl G , Frantz S , Angermann C , Stoerk S
Published: January 2020

OnBehalf

AHF Registry

Background & Aim A novel echocardiographic method to non-invasively determine left ventricular (LV) myocardial work (MyW) based on speckle-tracking derived longitudinal strain and blood pressure has recently been validated against invasive reference measurements. MyW is considered less load-dependent than LV ejection fraction (EF) and LV longitudinal strain. We investigated MyW indices in patients with reduced ejection fraction (LVEF <40%; HFrEF) and patients with preserved ejection fraction (LVEF ≥50%, HFpEF) admitted for acutely decompensated heart failure (AHF).

Methods The AHF registry is a monocentric prospective follow-up study that comprehensively phenotypes consecutive patients hospitalized for AHF. Echocardiography was performed on the day of admission. MyW assessment was performed off-line using EchoPAC (GE, version 202). Here we present MyW indices and performed two-sided t-tests to analyze differences in numerical baseline covariates.

Results We analyzed the echocardiograms of 94 AHF patients (72 ± 10 years; 36% female). 46 patients (49%) had an LVEF <40%, while 48 patients (51%) presented with LVEF ≥50%. HFrEF patients were younger, less often female, and hat lower blood pressure (table). Consistent with lower LVEF, HFrEF patients had less negative global longitudinal strain and lower global constructive work, when compared to HFpEF patients. Since HFrEF patients also had higher global wasted work, this yielded a lower myocardial work efficiency compared to HFpEF patients (table).

Conclusions This analysis in patients with AHF exhibited marked differences in MyW indices according to subgroups with HFrEF and HFpEF, thus adding information to the classical measures of LV function. Future research has to determine whether constructive and/or wasted MyW are valuable diagnostic or therapeutic targets in patients with AHF.

Abstract P803 Figure.
P812 A comparative echocardiographic study of young healthy males with early repolarization pattern
Authors: Frigy A , Szabo I A , Kocsis L , Laszlo S Z , Gabor Kelemen H , Fehervari L
Published: January 2020

Background

Early repolarization pattern (ERP) takes part from the J-wave syndromes and is associated with enhanced ventricular arrhythmogenesis in susceptible individuals. The main reason of our study was, that possible existence of subtle structural and functional cardiac changes related to ERP is still not well estabilished.

Methods

We compared 32 echocardiographic parameters (standard measures and specle tracking derived strain) of 30 young men (mean age 21.5 years) with ERP and 32 age and body-mass matched young men without ERP. T-test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis (significant difference if p < 0.05).

Results

Only the presence of mild mitral regurgitation was significantly more frequent in the ERP group (36.7% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.01). There were no significant differences regarding the other parameters, e.g., the interventricular septum (9.5 mm vs. 9.4 mm, p = 0.97), the end-diastolic diameters of the left and right ventricles (45 mm vs. 46.6 mm, p = 0.11; 34.9 mm vs. 33.8 mm, p = 0.42), the left ventricular ejection fraction ( 62.4% vs. 60.9 %, p = 0,3), the longitudinal diameters of the left and right atrium (51.8 mm vs. 53.1 mm, p = 0.27; 36.8 mm vs. 36.1 mm, p = 0.20), and the left ventricular global longitudinal strain (-21.75% vs. -21.28, p = 0.77).

Conclusion

In young males with ERP the vast majority of echocardiographic parameters was not different from those measured in their counterparts without ERP. The existence and clinical significance of the more prevalent mild mitral regurgitation in the ERP group has to be confirmed in a larger cohort.
P829 Cardiac uptake level in 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy in ATTR amyloidosis: is there any association with the prognosis?
Authors: Almeida I , Victor M , Cruz I , Marques A , Gomes C , Pereira H
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The uptake of bone-seeking radiotracers in 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy has been shown to be highly sensitive for cardiac transthyretin (ATTR) amyloid. Progressive levels of cardiac involvement are associated with poor prognosis.

Purpose

Evaluation of the prognostic impact of the tracer uptake level in the heart through 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy.

Methods

Single center retrospective analysis of patients’ data referred to perform a 99mTc-DPD between September 2014- July 2018 due to an abnormal echocardiogram or family history of ATTR. Data was collected regarding clinical, echocardiographic and 99mTc-DPD parameters to evaluate prognostic impact of the uptake level on cardiovascular events, namely hospitalizations due to acute heart failure, myocardial infarction or stroke, and all-cause mortality.

Results

35 patients were reviewed of whom 12 (34.3%) had a positive 99mTc-DPD, performing the diagnosis of an ATTR amyloidosis: mean age 78.4 ± 7.3 years, 100% male. 33.3% had a cardiac uptake level 2 (group 1) and 66.6% level 3 (group 2). Group 1 patients were younger (mean age 72.3 ± 4.6 versus 81.5 ± 6.5 years, p 0.03). At the time of diagnosis, most patients in both groups were in NYHA class II. Mean value of NTproBNP in group 1 patients was 4322.4 ± 35.0 versus 6387.7 ± 60.0 pg/ml (p 0.03); troponin level was not statistically different between groups (88.3 ± 63.1 versus 54.5 ± 16.1 pg/ml, p 0.228). On transthoracic echocardiogram evaluation, there were no significant differences between groups regarding cardiac function: mean ejection fraction 48.8 ± 6.3 versus 43.9 ± 11.5% (p 0.453) and mean global longitudinal strain -10.4 ± 2.8 versus -9.0 ± 2.9% (p 0.531). Although almost patients presented a nearly normal ejection fraction, almost have diastolic dysfunction (75 versus 100%, p 0.140) and pericardial effusion (100% in both groups). Hypertrophy level was similar between groups: septum thickness was 19.5 ± 0.7 in group 1 and 19 ± 1.4mm in group 2 (p 0.386). During follow-up, 25% of group 1 patients were hospitalized due to acute heart failure and 25% died. In group 2 patients, there were 25% of hospitalizations due to heart failure and all-cause mortality rate of 50%.

Conclusions

In our population, there was no significant association between the cardiac uptake level in 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy and cardiac symptoms or cardiac function evaluated through transthoracic echocardiogram at the time of diagnosis. However, higher levels of cardiac uptake were associated with higher mortality in the follow-up period. This data suggests that 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy should be performed not only for diagnosis but also for prognosis assessment in these patients.
P834 Pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with direct-acting antiviral medications for hepatitis C virus infection - a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Schild D , Hellige G J , Piso R J , Arenja N
Published: January 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

Kantonsspital Olten, Switzerland

Background

In patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a higher risk for pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) has been described after interferon (IFN) therapy. With the development of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents, vast improvements have been made in tolerance and less complications of HCV treatment. However, except of a few case reports, to date no clinical study about the evidence of PAH in patients with DAA medication for HCV infection has been published. We hypothesized that in patients, who receive DAA medication for HCV-infection, the systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) will not change significantly during and after competition of the therapy and there may be a lower post treatment risk for PAH within the population.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled patients who underwent treatment with DAA for chronic HCV infection. The patients received a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for the measurement of the pulmonary artery pressure before, during (8 weeks after starting the medication) and 8 weeks after completion of the HCV medication for evaluation of sPAP (figure 1). The whole treatment period took 8-12 weeks.

Results

Between June 2016 and October 2018, 33 patients completed the study protocol. In mean, the patient’s age was 50.1 ± 1.4 years and 30% of the population were female. Three patients (9 %) were HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfected. The patients received different treatment regimens, according to hepatitis C genotype and co-medication. The left ventricular systolic and diastolic function were normal in all patients before treatment was started (left ventricular ejection fraction 60.7% [59.7 – 61.7%], E/A 1.18 [1.0 – 1.37]). The following table depicts the right ventricular parameter before the DAA therapy was started, 8 weeks after therapy start, and 8 weeks after therapy was completed. The analysis showed no significant difference between the sPAP in all three groups (25.9 ± 1.2 mmHg vs. 26.0 ± 1.3 mmHg vs.26.9 ± 1.1 mmHg, p-value 0.37, see figure).

Conclusion

DAA-therapy in chronic HCV infected patients is not associated with PAH in a follow-up of 2 months after the treatment was completed.

Echocardiography Data Echocardiography data Before DAA medication was started 8 weeks after DAA-therapy 8 weeks after completion of DAA-therapy p-Value Right ventricular fractional area change (FAC), % 49.1 ± 1.4 51.7 ± 1.0 51.8 ± 1.1 0.09 Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE), mm 25.2 ± 1.1 25.8 ± 0.7 24.3 ± 0.5 0.4 Right ventricular/right atrial gradient, mmHg 19.9 ± 1.0 20.5 ± 0.9 21.0 ± 0.8 0.24 Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), mmHg 25.9 ± 1.2 26.0 ± 1.3 26.9 ± 1.1 0.37

Abstract P834 Figure. Multiple variable graph of sPAP
P842 The sword in the heart
Authors: Scheggi V , Mariani T , Alterini B
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Needle embolism is a rare complication of intravenous drug abuse which has only been reported on a handful of occasions. Potential sequelae include cardiac perforation, tamponade, infective endocarditis and recurrent pericarditis. We report the case of a young intravenous opiate abuser.

Case Report

A 23-year-old heroin addicted man presented to the emergency department because of chest pain ensued six months before; the pain was sharp, was relieved by sitting up and leaning forward and increased with coughing, swallowing, deep breathing or lying flat. He complained also fatigue and fever since one month before presentation.

Echocardiography revealed non haemodinamic pericardial effusion and pleural effusion, treated with pleural drainage. Three haemocoltures were negative. Cardiac biomarkers were negative. HIV, HBV and HCV sierology was negative. He was treated with cochicine and ibuprofen and empiric antibiotic therapy with initial improvement of symptoms and rapid recurrence of them. After a few weeks an ECG showed widespread concave ST segment elevation and an echocardiogram revealed pericardial effusion relapse.

A chest radiograph showed a needle near the right ventricle. The patient underwent computed tomography angiography that was able to localize a needle inside the pericardium. A second echocardiogram confirmed the presence of the fragment in the pericardial cavity, beside the right ventricle.

The patient underwent minithoracototomy surgical removal of the needle fragment and of 500 cc of haematic pericardial fluid.

Discussion and conclusions

The presence of a foreign body in the heart may result from either a direct injury to the heart such as a gunshot injury or from some other embolization to the heart from distal penetration sites (eg, the migration of a catheter or a needle fragment from a peripheral vessel). It may cause fever, recurrent pericarditis and arrhythmia. Surgical extraction in the therapy of choice.

Abstract P842 Figure.
P843 A rare cause of chest pain: paradoxical embolism in Ebstein"s anomaly
Authors: Abdelgawad H S A , Hisham N , Shehata M , Abdelhay M A
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Ebstein’s anomaly is characterized by displacement of the proximal attachments of the tricuspid valve from the atrioventricular ring into the right ventricle. This structural abnormality divides the right ventricle into an ‘atrialized’ portion and a distal ‘ventricularized’ portion. The severity is variable and accounts for the broad clinical spectrum, from severe disease causing fetal or neonatal death to mild disease compatible with natural survival as late as the eighth decade of life. Ebstein’s anomaly is an uncommon defect occurring in less than 1% of patients with congenital heart disease, but it is disproportionately represented in the adult congenital heart disease population because of its favourable natural history

Case report

A 55 year old man with no previous cardiac history .He presented to our medical facility complaining of acute retrosternal squeezing retrosternal chest pain few hours before admission. On clinical examination, he had a pansystolic murmur over the tricuspid area .ECG showed right bundle branch block. Laboratory results were unremarkable except elevated cardiac enzymes. 2D Transthoracic Echocardiography revealed a small well-functioning right ventricle, 15 mm/m2 apical displacement of the tricuspid septal leaflet with severe tricuspid regurgitation . 2D and 3D transesophageal echocardiography with intravenous agitated saline injection revealed patent foramen ovale with right to left shunt with immediate crossing of bubbles.Coronary angiography revealed normal coronaries.

The patient refused intervention and he was maintained on warfarin treatment .

Conclusion

The clinical presentation of Ebstein’s anomaly is highly variable—depending on anatomic severity, haemodynamics ,and degree of interatrial shunting. The majority of patients have shunting through a secundum ASD or patent-foramen ovale. Paradoxical embolism maybe an indication for PFO/ ASD closure

Abstract P843 Figure.
P852 Cancer-associated thrombotic diathesis: one of your worst nightmares
Authors: Sousa J P , Neves C , Jesus E , Chaves A , Lourenco C , Goncalves L , Sousa G
Published: January 2020

A 34-year-old male patient was diagnosed with undifferentiated sarcoma of the right thigh, with lung metastasis. He underwent primary lesion resection surgery and initiated chemotherapy with both doxorubicin and ifosfamide. Though primary tumor burden was substantially reduced, secondary lesions were found to be irresponsive to drug therapy, leading to regimen switching to both gemcitabine and docetaxel. Three months later, patient started complaining of atypical chest pain and palpitations. Electrocardiography revealed very frequent supraventricular ectopic complexes, while a transthoracic echocardiogram unveiled a pulmonary vein thrombus, which extended into the left atrium. This finding, which was further characterized by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, prompted anticoagulation initiation, under the form of enoxaparin 1mg/kg bid. At this time, chemotherapeutic scheme was, again, swapped, and a cycle of both doxorubicin and olaratumab was introduced. A combined episode of inferolateral ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and peripheral arterial embolism followed shortly thereafter. Emergent invasive coronary angiogram revealed no signs of both epicardial atherosclerosis and thrombus, whereas subsequent transthoracic echocardiography showed a massive left heart thrombus, extending into the aortic valve annulus. Anti-thrombotic approach involved increasing enoxaparin dosage to 1.5mg/kg bid but no fibrinolytic therapy. Despite a rather uneventful immediate clinical course, with no electric or hemodynamic instability and no limb-threatening ischemia, lamentably, patient died two weeks later, before thrombus definitive imaging reassessment. As no autopsy was performed, it is unclear whether a cardiovascular acute event or neoplasm inexorable progression is to blame as the primary cause of death.

Thrombosis is a common, costly and potentially fatal cancer complication. Patients receiving systemic chemotherapy for advanced diseased are at higher risk. Despite major management developments in the past fifteen years, evidence still supports traditional low-molecular-weight heparins as the first-line therapy and prognosis remains dismal.

Abstract P852 Figure.
P861 Immediate aortic dissection after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
Authors: Rujirachun P , Junyavoraluk A , Jakrapanichakul D , Wongpraparut N , Chunhamaneewat N , Maneesai A , Sakiyalak P
Published: January 2020

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a treatment of choice for treating symptomatic severe aortic stenosis patient whose condition is considered the high and intermediate operative risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. Here, we present a case of 67-year-old man with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, triple vessels disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease who was treated with TAVR. After the valve was deployed, we found the abnormal leakage at descending aorta by transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Under intraoperative close monitoring, the dissection was slowly expanding so we decided to perform thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR). In conclusion, TEE after TAVR procedure is helpful to detect this rare complication.

Reported cases of AD status post TAVR Author Sex/Age Comorbidity Detection time of AD Site of AD Detection of AD Treatment for AD Result Route access of TAVR This case 2018 M/67 DM, ESRD Immediate after implant Ds TEE TEVAR Recovery Femoral Losmanova et al. 2018 F/81 NA 3 yrs As Autopsy Conservative Died NR Kratimenos et al. 2016 F/81 COPD, renal dysfunction, angiodysplasia 12 days Ds CT TEVAR Recovery Femoral Nagasawa et al. 2016 F/86 Heart failure During the procedure Ds TEE Conservative Recovery Femoral Yashima et al. 2015(14) F/88 NA 3 days As CT Conservative Recovery Femoral Van Mieghem et al. 2013 F/86 Coronary artery disease, post total knee prosthesis 1-2 hours As Angiogram TEVAR Recovery Femoral Loeser et al. 2013 F/89 NA 2-5 hours As Autopsy NA Cardiogenic shock and died Femoral Bibombe et al. 2013 M/83 Previous CBG, HT, DLP During the procedure As and Ds TEE, CTA, angiogram Open surgery Recovery Femoral Al-Attar et al. 2013 F/84 HT, thrombophlebitis 8 months 2 weeks As CT Open surgery Arrest and died Femoral D"Onofrio et al. 2012 F/79 RA, pulmonary edema, cerebral hemorrhage Immediate after implant As TEE Open surgery Died 32 day later due to septic shock Aortic Ong et al. 2011 M/90 HT, CA prostate, CKD, gastric and duodenal ulcer Immediate after implant As TEE Conservative Recovery Femoral Gerber et al. 2010 F/83 DM, LE 22 days As Autopsy NA Cardiac arrest and died Femoral Abbreviations M Male; F Female; DM Diabetes mellitus; ESRD End-stage renal disease; NA Not available; COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CBG Coronary bypass graft; HT hypertension; DLP Dyslipidemia; RA Rheumatoid arthritis; CA cancer; CKD Chronic kidney disease; LE Lupus erythematosus; AD Aortic dissection; As Ascending; Ds Descending; TEVAR Thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Abstract P861 Figure. Intraoperative TEE after TAVR
P863 Large pericardial effusion two months after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: case report of a post-cardiac injury syndrome
Authors: Alves Pinto R , Martins Carvalho M , Proenca T , Araujo P M , Nunes A , Torres S , Grilo P D , Resende C X , Dias P , Almeida R , Silva J C , Maciel M J , Macedo F
Published: January 2020

We present a case of a 87-year-old female with a symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (aortic valve area 0.9 cm2, mean transvalvular pressure gradient 44 mmHg). She was refused to surgical aortic valve replacement due to marked aortic root calcification. A transcatheter aortic valve (ACCURATE neo™ 27) was electively implanted. In immediate post-procedure, the patient presented an episode of hypotension, rapidly reverted with supportive treatment. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed a circumferential mild pericardial effusion (PE) without prosthetic valve disfunction and with preserved biventricular systolic function. Due to paroxysmal episodes of atrial fibrillation, it was decided to withdraw anti-aggregation and to start anticoagulation. Four days after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) the patient presented newer intraventricular and atrioventricular conduction disturbance (left bundle branch block and type-I second-degree atrioventricular block). A definitive pacemaker was implanted without complications. PE maintained stable and seven days after TAVI the patient was discharged from hospital.

Two months after TAVI, the patient was admitted to Intensive care unit (ICU) with increasing asthenia, dyspnea and pleuritic thoracic pain over the preceding two weeks. Laboratory workup exhibited elevation of inflammatory markers (leukocytosis and C-reactive protein). A TTE was performed and showed a large circumferential PE (29 mm) with signs of hemodynamic impact (swinging heart, inferior vena cava dilation with <50% inspiratory collapse, right atrial collapse >1/3 of cardiac cycle, proto-diastolic right ventricular collapse and mitral respiratory flow variation >25%). The patient started treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin 1000mg every 8h plus colchicine 0.5mg twice daily) and pericardiocentesis was initially postponed. In spite of clinical and echocardiographic improvement, she maintained elevated inflammatory markers and a moderate PE. Prednisolone 30mg daily was added to initial therapy and serial evaluations showed a pronounced reduction of PE as well as of inflammatory markers. Two weeks after admission to ICU the patient was discharged with a residual PE measuring less than 5mm. The previous recent cardiac intervention and the effective response to anti-inflammatory treatment suggest a post-cardiac injury syndrome.

This case report wants to show that post-cardiac injury syndrome is a diagnosis that should be keep in mind after TAVI.

Abstract P863 Figure. TTE showing large pericardial effusion
P870 The role of transthoracic doppler echocardiography in chronic total occlusion diagnosis in a patient with stable angina and cerebral atherosclerosis
Authors: Pavlova N
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The issue of sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains one of the most actual problem in healthcare. Several reports underscores that about 50-80% of SCD is linked to ischemic heart disease (IHD). The usage of contemporary risk-stratification criteria of SCD and implementation of new noninvasive ultrasound methods allow to improve patient’s prognosis through early start of optimal medical therapy and surgical treatment.

Material and methods: 63 years-old male with moderate class II stable angina. Patient undergone eversion endarterectomy 2 years prior to initial admittance due to an 80% left internal carotid stenosis and received appropriate optimal medical therapy provided by the modern dyslipidemia guidelines. We’ve used ECG (MAC 1600, GE); transthoracic doppler echocardiography, stress-echo, triplex scanning (VIVID E9, E95, GE); ergometry stress test (eBike, GE), quantitative coronary angiography (Innova 3100, GE).

Results

ECG (sinus rhythm, 62bpm, left ventricular hypertrophy) and brachiocephalic arteries triplex scan were unremarkable. Patient had dyslipidemia with low HDL. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed no region wall motion abnormalities, concentric remodeling, mild diastolic dysfunction, preserved ejection fraction (57%, Simpson). Transthoracic doppler echocardiography showed retrograde mid-LAD flow and patient was scheduled for noninvasive stress-echocardiography (Level III, 100W 2:00 min). Stress-echo was positive with apical anterior and lateral akinesia, septal and mid-lateral hypokinesia, GLS rest 15 %, GLS peak 13% and dynamic ST-segment changes in V4-V6. Invasive coronary angiography showed LAD CTO and subtotal LCx lesion. Then LAD and LCx PTCA with stenting were performed with good clinical outcome.

Conclusion

Novel methods of cardiac and coronary visualization are feasible in coronary flow reserve assessment and chronic total occlusions identification, especially in patients with multifocal atherosclerosis.
P879 3D transoesophageal echocardiography to asses a case of a non-ebstein tricuspid valve congenital regurgitation
Authors: Sanz Ortega I , Velasco Del Castillo S , Onaindia Gandarias J J , Rodriguez Sanchez I , Florido Perena J , Oria Gonzalez G , Zugazabeitia Irazabal G , Salcedo Arruti A
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Due to the complexity of congenital heart disease and limitations of transthorathic echocardiogram (TTE), especially in adult patients, it is not unusual to need other image techniques to assess cardiac anatomy and function. The most common primary anomaly of tricuspid valve (TV) is Ebstein anomaly, but there are other much rarer primary anomalies of this valve consisting in prolapse, cord retraction.... without downward displacement of the leaflet, generally causing tricuspid regurgitation (TR) that can be severe and sometimes intervention is needed, preferably reparation. Due to anatomical issues, it is difficult to assess anatomy of TV in TTE, so sometimes 3D-TTE must be performed to clarify the mechanism and to measure orifice, but when transthoracic view is not enough, 3D transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) can be useful for this purpose.

Case

We report the case of a 15-year-old boy that was referred to our clinic because of shortness of breath and a systolic tricuspid murmur. TTE was performed and an image compatible with tricuspid valve prolapse with no apical displacement of any leaflets (Figure, A) causing severe TR (Figure, B) was noticed, as well as severely dilated right chambers, with good ejection fraction of both ventricles. It was not clear the mechanism so 2D TOE was done, showing a prolapse of a leaflet (Figure, C) causing severe TR (Figure, D). The mechanism was finally clarified by 3D TOE (figure E). This was a prolapse of lateral portion of posterior leaflet (asterisk) with restrictive movement of anterior (triangle) and septal (arrow) ones, causing a huge coaptation defect in systole leading to a very severe tricuspid insufficiency with signs of volume overload of right ventricle. There was no atrial septal defect and pulmonary drainage anomalies were ruled out by cardiac magnetic resonance. Patient was referred to surgery due to symptoms and great dilatation of right chambers.

Conclusión: Due to anatomical complexity and limitations of echography, cross and multimodality cardiac imaging is usually needed in assessing congenital heart disease. Apart from Ebstein anomaly, other congenital entities of tricuspid valve such as prolapse and/or retraction can lead to severe tricuspid regurgitation. Due to limitations of 2D TTE in assessing tricuspid valve anatomy, 3D TTE has to be performed, but if it is not enough, 3D TOE can be an option to evaluate mechanism and directly see the orifice of regurgitation in congenital disease of tricuspid valve.

Abstract P879 Figure
P895 Relationship between left ventricular function components and cardiovascular risk factors in asymptomatic individuals
Authors: Vancheri F , Henein M Y
Published: January 2020

Funding Acknowledgements

none

Background and Aim

Coronary artery disease is commonly related to conventional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. The exact role of those risk factors in early development of CV disease or left ventricular (LV) dysfunction before the development of sign and symptoms remains debated. We studied the relationship between conventional risk factors and LV systolic, diastolic and synchronous function in a population sample of asymptomatic individuals.

Methods

All participants underwent a detailed echocardiographic examination as part of a cross-sectional survey for the prevalence of coronary risk factors in randomly selected individuals from general population. LV end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions, and LV volumes and ejection fraction (EF) were all calculated. From the spectral Doppler flow, LV early diastolic (E wave) and atrial systolic (A wave) velocities were measured and E/A ratio calculated. LV filling time (FT) was also measured from the onset of E wave to the end of A wave, and LV ejection time (ET) from the onset to the end of aortic Doppler velocity. Global LV dyssynchrony was assessed using total isovolumic time (T-IVT) as 60 – (total filling time + total ejection time), and Tei index was also calculated.

Results

The study population comprised 184 individuals (96 male and 88 female, mean age 55.9 (11.3), range 25-78 years). There was no relationship between systolic LV function expressed by EF and CV risk factors. Markers of diastolic function: LV filling velocities and E/A ratio, were correlated with age (r= -0.36, p < 0.000, r= -0.57, p < 0.000, respectively), with glycemia (r= -0.21, p < 0.000, r= -0.14, p = 0.004,) and with systolic blood pressure (r= -0.31, p < 0.000, r= -0.34, p < 0.000). Markers of LV dyssynchrony, in the form of prolonged T-IVT, and raised Tei index, directly correlated with age, glycemia and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.58, p < 0.000, r = 0.18, p < 0.000, r = 0.33, p < 0.000, respectively). However, when these correlations were adjusted for age in a multivariate analysis, the statistical significance was strongly reduced (LV filling) or completely lost (IVT and E/A).

Conclusions

In normal asymptomatic population, age, rather than CV risk factors, is the main determinant of changes in diastolic and synchronous function.