bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes of adults with Ebstein anomaly: 20 years of a single-center experience
Authors: Nartowicz S , Cieplucha A , Wasniewski M , Bartczak-Rutkowska A , Miechowicz I , Trojnarska O
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Ebstein anomaly (EA) is rare congenital heart disease. Malformation of the tricuspid valve and right ventricle may contribute to supraventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, and pacemaker implantation, affecting these patients" overall survival.

Aim

We aimed to evaluated long-term outcomes in adults with EA.

Methods and results: We retrospectively analyzed EA patients followed up in our center from 1988 to 2020. Seventy-one adults with EA were identified (40 [56.3%) males), including 11 (15.5%) patients operated on during childhood. The median age was 53 (range 24-84) years, and the median follow-up time was 7 (range 1-28) years. During this time, 40 (56.3%) individuals presented with supraventricular tachycardia, of whom 18 (45.0%) pts required at least one catheter ablation. Out of 18 patients treated invasively, only 7 (38.9%) patients were free from SVT after the first ablation; 7 pts (38.9%) underwent 2 ablations; 6 pts (33.3%) - required 3 and 4 ablations. Atrio-ventricular block of II or III degree was diagnosed in 11 (15.5%) adults. A total of fifteen (21.1%) individuals had a pacemaker implanted – 10 due to the AV block and 5 due to the sinus node dysfunction. The functional NYHA class was ≥ only in 15 (21.1.%) pts. In contrast, a cardiopulmonary test performed in majority of the study group (45 [63.4%] pts) revealed a reduced peak oxygen uptake (peakO2 < 85% of predicted value) in 38 (84.4%), with a significant reduction (%peakO2 < 60%) present in 13 (28.9%) patients. Ten patients (14.0%) died - 5 deaths were due to heart failure, 2 - sudden cardiac death, and thromboembolism, respectively, 1- due to myocardial infarction. The overall survival was 95% to age 50 years, 82% to age 60 years, 72% to age 70 years, and 53% to age 80 years.

Conclusion

Patients with EA are at high risk of developing supraventricular arrhythmias, heart failure and conduction disturbances requiring pacemaker implantation. However, a long-term prognosis of adults with EA is satisfactory.
Advanced echocardiographic function analysis in adolescents and young adults with corrected and residual coartation of the aorta
Authors: Lemos M , Rato J , Mata M , Sequeira M , Cordeiro Mendes S , Carmo Mendes I , Anjos R
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

This study aimed to assess systolic and diastolic heart function changes in patients with history of aortic coarctation using advanced echocardiographic imaging. Additionally, we sought to analyse which severity factors influenced these changes.

Methods

We performed a complete echocardiographic evaluation, with advanced functional analysis, including myocardial work analysis, to a random sample of 53 patients (age 12 to 40 years). These had a previous history of coarctation of the aorta (CoAo), which was either corrected (aortic transisthmic Doppler gradient (Dgrad) ≤20mmHg) or presented a significant residual gradient (Dgrad >20mmHg). A control group of healthy individuals, matched for age, sex and BMI, was subjected to the same evaluation. Selected dependent variables were: E/A, E’, E/E’, atrial strain parameters, biplane ejection fraction, ventricular global longitudinal strain, and global myocardial work (GMW). One-way ANOVA with appropriate post-hoc tests was done to compare the distribution of dependent variables among controls (n = 31), patients with corrected coartation (cCOAO) (n = 36), and patients with residual coartation (rCOAO) (n = 17). Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate the association, in the 53 patients, between the dependent variables and parameters of CoAo severity: systolic blood pressure (SBP), left ventricular indexed mass (LVmass), Dgrad, and the ratio of the narrowest diameter of the aortic arch to the aorta at the diaphragm level (Aoratio). Statistical significance was established as p < 0.05.

Results

Patients with either cCOAO or rCOAO had lower E’ (p < 0.001), higher E/E’ (p < 0.001), lower atrial reservoir (p < 0.001) and conduit (p < 0.001) strain, when compared with controls (table 1). Patients with rCOAO had higher GMW when compared with either cCOAO or controls (p = 0.002). Multivariable regression analysis showed that both lower atrial reservoir and conduit strain were associated with a narrower aortic arch (lower Aoratio (p = 0.002 and p = 0.011, respectively); higher E/E’ with higher LVmass (p = 0.030); higher GMW with higher LVmass (p = 0.027) and Dgrad (p = 0.035). Patients subsequently submitted to an intervention for coartation treatment (n = 8) had lower atrial conduit (p = 0.007) and higher GMW (p = 0.015) when compared to all other patients (n = 45). Conclusion: Myocardial work emerged as a particularly useful tool as it was both significantly different between CoAo groups, and significantly higher in more severe patients, driven by the LV mass and residual gradient. This analysis may have a role in these patients’ clinical decision-making. Abstract Table 1
Functional echocardiographic and serum biomarker changes following surgical and percutaneous atrial septal defect closure in children
Authors: Van Der Ven J , Van Den Bosch E , Kamphuis VP , Terol C , Gnanam D , Bogers AJJC , Breur JMPJ , Berger R , Blom NA , Koopman L , Ten Harkel ADJ , Helbing WA
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Dutch Heart Foundation

Background

Ventricular performance is temporarily reduced following surgical atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. Cardiopulmonary bypass and changes in loading conditions are considered important factors, but this phenomenon is incompletely understood. We aim to characterize biventricular performance following surgical and percutaneous ASD closure and to relate biomarkers to ventricular performance following intervention.

Methods

In this multicenter prospective study, children scheduled for surgical or percutaneous ASD closure were included. Subjects were assessed pre-operatively (T1); in the 2nd week post-intervention (T2) and 1 year post-intervention (T3). At each time point an echocardiographic study and a panel of biomarkers was obtained.

Results

Sixty-three patients (age 4.1 [3.1–6.1] years) were included. Forty-three patients underwent surgery. At T2 right ventricular (RV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) was decreased for the surgical, but not the percutaneous, group (-17.6 ± 4.1 versus -27.1 ± 3.4, p<.001). A smaller decrease was noted for left ventricular (LV) GLS at T2 for the surgical group (surgical -18.6 ± 3.2 versus percutaneous -20.2 ± 2.4, p=.040). At T3 LV performance returned to baseline, while RV performance improved, but did not reach pre-intervention levels. Cadherin-5, chitotriosidase-1, integrin-beta-2 and urokinase differed across time points and related to favorable RV GLS at T2.

Conclusions

Right, and to a lesser degree left, ventricular performance was reduced early after surgical ASD closure, possibly related to cardiopulmonary bypass. RV performance at T3 remained below baseline levels, probably related to changed loading conditions. Several biomarkers showed a pattern over time similar to ventricular performance and related to cardiac function at early follow-up. These markers may provide insight into the processes that affect ventricular function.
A large anterior mediastinal mass in a young infant
Authors: Davidson H , Veerappan S
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

TITLE

 A large anterior mediastinal mass in a young infant

Case Report

A 4 week old male neonate, KS was referred to the emergency department with a 24 hour history of increased work of breathing, two brief episodes of apnoeas and inspiratory stridor.  There was no infective symptoms or changes to his usual feeding pattern. There was no significant past medical history and he was on no regular medications. A chest x-ray demonstrated a large mediastinal mass and suspicion of cardiomegaly. A transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated a structurally and functionally normal heart. However, there was a large anterior homogenous soft tissue mass extending to the left ventricular apex which was separate from the pericardium. This mass did not cause any heart chamber compression or compromise. Further cross-sectional imaging with cardiac computed tomography (CT) showed a non-enhancing uniform soft tissue mass occupying the superior and anterior mediastinum without evidence of calcification or fatty components. The lesion was seen to be extending from the root of the neck down to the left cardiac apex region with the total dimensions of the mass being 5.2 x 3.5 x 5cm. There was no compression of the great arteries or the airway. Parasternal ultrasound of the chest showed a starry sky appearance compatible with normal thymic tissue. Overall, the appearances were felt to be compatible with a prominent normal thymus. 

Discussion

The differential diagnosis of an anterior mediastinal mass in young infants includes germ cell tumours (mainly teratomas), congenital thymic cysts and true thymic hyperplasia(1). These can be difficult to distinguish from the normal large neonatal thymus. The normal thymus can take on a variety of shapes and sizes and still be considered normal. One of the most important features of a normal thymus is the lack of mass effect or compression on the airway or vascular structures(2). True thymic hyperplasia is characterised by an increase in the size and shape of the thymus while preserving thymic architecture. If the anterior mass has a bipyramidal morphology with the presence of gross intercalated fat on CT, these findings are pathognomonic for thymic hyperplasia(3). Thymomas are rare in children and appear as well-defined, rounded or lobulated soft tissue density mass with mild enhancement on CT. It can demonstrate irregular borders with extension into adjacent structures and approximately 30% will have necrosis and internal cystic foci(4). The most common germ cell tumour in the mediastinum is a teratoma with the hallmark being fat, fluid and calcified components on CT(2). Lymphomas are the most common anterior mediastinal mass in children but are usually seen in children older than 5 years. They often cause mass effect with displacement of the trachea. CT scan demonstrates larger nodal areas with hypodense and cystic areas suggestive of necrosis(1). Abstract Figure 1  Abstract Figure 2
The role of coronary sinus in the risk stratification and the prognostic evaluation of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Uygur B , Demir AR , Sancar K , Yildiz M , Erturk M
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Coronary sinus (CS) is a venous structure draining into the right atrium, therefore it can reflect the pressure and the volume load of the right heart chambers. Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a progressive, life-threatening disease in which the risk assessment plays a critical role.

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the correlation of CS diameter with the well-known risk assessment parameters in IPAH patients and to search the utility of CS diameter in the prediction of mortality and hospitalization.

Methods

A total of 25 IPAH patients were enrolled in our retrospective study.  All patients underwent detailed echocardiographic examination, laboratory examination, 6 minutes walking test and cardiopulmonary exercise test at the same day. The patients were followed-up for a mean 16.8 ± 10.1 months. Primary endpoint was mortality or hospitalization. The relationship between CS diameter and well-known risk parameters and the prognosis were analyzed.

Results

Mean CS diameter was 9.9 ± 3.7 mm. CS diameter had moderate positive correlation with age (r:0.560, p:0.004), NT-proBNP (r:0.625, p:0.001) and weak positive correlation with functional class (r:0.483, p:0.017) and moderate negative correlation with 6 minutes walking distance (r:-0.553, p:0.005) and peak oxygen uptake (r:-0.506 p:0.038). Six (24%) patients were hospitalized, and three patients (12%) died during mean 16.8 ± 10.1 months follow-up. The CS diameter > 9 mm predicted mortality and hospitalization with a sensitivity of 77.8%, specificity of 75.0% (Area under curve (AUC): 0.788; 95% CI: 0.580-0.996; P = 0.019).

Conclusion

CS which is a noninvasive, cheap and readily available echocardiographic parameter, might be used in the risk assessment and the evaluation of prognosis in IPAH patients. Abstract Figure. Coronary sinus measurement  Abstract Figure. Basal features
Sacubitril-valsartan improves radial and longitudinal strain and ejection fraction in C57Bl/6 mice treated with doxorubicin through NLRP3 mediated pathways and reduction of cytokine storm
Authors: Quagliariello V , Buccolo S , Iovine M , Maurea C , Rea D , Barbieri A , Maurea N
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): Ricerca Corrente grant, Ministero della Salute (it)

Background

Doxorubicin-mediated adverse cardiovascular events are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in breast cancer patients. Sacubitril-valsartan (LCZ 696) is a combination drug, made up of neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril and angiotensin II receptor blocker valsartan, used for the treatment of heart failure in patients with a reduced ejection fraction.

Hypothesis

we hypothesized that LCZ 696, administered during doxorubicin, could improve cardiac functions in preclinical models

Methods

 C57Bl/6 mice were untreated (Sham, n = 6) or treated for 10 days with doxorubicin i.p at 2.17 mg/kg (DOXO, n = 6), LCZ-696 at 60 mg/kg (LCZ, n = 6) or doxorubicin combined to LCZ-696 (DOXO-LCZ, n = 6). Before and after treatments, ejection fraction (EF) and radial and longitudinal strain were analyzed through transthoracic echocardiography (Vevo 2100). After treatment, mice were sacrificed and cardiac tissues were treated for determination of NLRP3 inflammasome, Myd88, NF-kB and cytokines involved in heart failure and arrhythmias (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL17-α, IL-18, IFN-γ, TNF-α, G-CSF, and GM-CSF).

Results

LCZ 696 improved significantly the EF and prevented the reduction of radial and longitudinal strain after 10 days of treatment with doxorubicin. No significant differences were observed for IVS;d-D, LVID;d-D, LVPW;d-D, LV Mass, LV Vol; d, LV Vol;s between the experimental groups.  A reduced expression of NLRP3, MyD88 and NF-kB in cardiac tissues was seen in DOXO-LCZ group compared to DOXO mice (p < 0.001). Cardiac expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, G-CSF and GM-CSF were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) after treatment with LCZ-696 indicating anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties.

Conclusion

LCZ-696 improves cardiac functions in mice treated with doxorubicin. Biochemically, these effects are mediated by the downregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome-related pathways and cytokines involved in doxorubicin-mediated heart failure and cardiomyopathies.
Weight reduction after bariatric surgery improves myocardial work indices and global longitudinal strain
Authors: Sinski M , Piechocki K , Styczynski G , Szmigielski CA , Bidiuk J , Lewandowski J
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Obesity is known to affect cardiovascular morphology, function and outcomes. Most parameters used to evaluate cardiac function, especially ejection fraction, but also strain are load dependent and the research focused on the effects of the weight loss on cardiac systolic function are inconsistent.  Myocardial work is a novel cardiovascular parameter that characterizes cardiac systolic function and is less load dependent. However, there is lack of data how bariatric surgery affects parameters of the non-invasively calculated myocardial work indices obtained from pressure-strain loops obtained in patients referred with severe obesity.

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to analyze whether myocardial work indices change after bariatric surgery.

Methods

Out of 171 consecutive subjects that were referred to bariatric surgery and characterized elsewhere (1) 15 subjects, that had both, adequate visualization, and post- surgery transthoracic echo (TTE) performed, were taken into analysis. Echocardiographic examination was performed using GE Vivid 9 and analyzed with EchoPac 204 software.

Results

Global myocardial work (GWI), global constructive work (GCW) and global work efficiency (GWE) indexes increased, while global wasted work index (GWW) decreased significantly after bariatric surgery (Figure). GLS increased significantly after bariatric surgery (Figure). LV ejection fraction did not change significantly after surgery (60.2 ± 6.5% vs. 60.9 ± 7 %, p = 0.68). LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) did not change (4.86 cm ± 0.35 vs. 4.89 cm ± 0.38, p = 0.55), while posterior wall thickness (PW) and relative wall thickness (RWT) decreased significantly (1.08 ± 0.13 vs. 0.99 ± 0.13, p = 0.001 and 0.45 ± 0.05 vs. 0.41 ± 0.06, p= 0.0003, respectively). Left atrial diameter (Figure) and left atrial area were lower after bariatric surgery (18.6 cm2 ± 2.5 vs. 16.7 cm2 ± 2.5, p = 0.027). Both systolic blood pressure and heart rate decreased after bariatric surgery (Figure). Mean time to post – surgery TTE was 400 days ± 151 and mean weight reduction was 38 kg ± 8.

Conclusion

Left ventricular systolic function evaluated using myocardial work indexes increased after bariatric surgery. After bariatric surgery, the myocardial work parameters returned to normal range, when based on the values recorded in the reference STAAB cohort study (2). Abstract Figure
Prognostic value of incidental finding of pulmonary hypertension detected by echocardiography in patients without known cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
Authors: Ashur A , Levy A , Liel-Cohen N , Michael T , Sergienko R , Kobal S
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

The estimated overall prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is ∼1% in the global population, and up to 10% among patients older than 65 years. PHT is associated with a worst prognosis in patients with cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. However, the significance of PHT as an incidental finding among subjects who do not suffer from cardiac or pulmonary diseases is unknown. The aim of our study is to examine whether incidental diagnosis of PHT in patients without cardiovascular or pulmonary comorbidity is associated with long-term all-cause mortality.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 8296 patients (58% females, mean age, 63 ± 14 years), who performed a first echo study (echo 1) in the years 2006-2009 and a follow up study (echo 2) until 01/2020 in a large single center echo-lab. Patients were excluded if they had evidence of moderate or more left ventricular dysfunction (LVD), significant valvular disease or diagnosis of pulmonary disease at echo 1. The association between PHT and LV function degree (Ejection fraction above or below 55%) to all-cause mortality was examined between four groups [group 1 (G1)- normal LV function (NLV)+ no PTH (NPH), G2- LVD and NPH, G3- NLV and PHT, G4- LVD and PHT] using a Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional-hazards model, accounting for various covariates.

Results

Survival time of patients with or without PHT in echo 1 and LV function status at echo 2 was found significantly different among all groups (Pv < 0.001 for all comparisons) (Figure 1). Patients in G1 had the longest mean survival time (141 ± 23 months) compared to any other group (G2-134 ± 30 months, G3-129 ± 32 months, G4-119 ± 38 months). In the multivariable analysis conducted (Table 1), PHT adjusted for various demographic factors and comorbidities was found to be an independent risk factor for long term all-cause mortality with increased risk of up to 34% (adjusted HR-1.34; 95% CI: 1.21-1.47, PV < 0.001).

Conclusion

Incidental finding of PHT in patients without known cardiovascular or pulmonary disease is an independent risk factor for long term all-cause mortality. Future studies should be conducted to assess the impact of an early diagnosis on all-cause mortality, and the need for further diagnostic and therapeutic steps. Abstract Figure.  Abstract Figure.
Prognostic value of left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) in pre- and post-menopausal women : from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Pezel T , Michos E , Varadarajan V , Shabani M , Ambale Venkatesh B , Vaidya D , Kato Y , De Vasconcellos H , Heckbert S , Wu C , Post WENDY , Bluemke D , Allison M , Lima J
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND

Although endogenous sex hormones influence both left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) structure in peri-menopausal women, no study has ever evaluated the interaction between sex hormones levels and the left atrioventricular coupling.

PURPOSE

 This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of a left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) in pre- and post-menopausal women without history of CVD at baseline.

METHODS

In all women participating in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) with baseline cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study, LACI was measured as the ratio of the LA end-diastolic volume divided by the LV end-diastolic volume. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between LACI and the outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), coronary heart disease (CHD) death, and hard CVD defined by myocardial infarction, resuscitated cardiac arrest, stroke, or CHD death. In multivariable analyses, the associations between LACI and the time-to-event were evaluated, adjusting for demographics, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, menopausal status and sex hormone levels.

RESULTS

Among the 2,087 women (61.2 ± 10.1 years), 485 cardiovascular events were observed during mean follow-up period of 13.2 ± 3.3 years. Greater LACI was independently associated with AF (HR 1.70; 95% CI [1.51-1.90]), HF (HR 1.62; 95% CI [1.33-1.97]), CHD death (HR 1.36; 95% CI [1.10-1.68]), and hard CVD (1.30; 95% CI [1.13-1.51], all p < 0.001). Adjusted models with LACI showed significant improvement in model discrimination and reclassification compared to currently used standard models to predict the incidences of AF (C-statistic: 0.82 vs. 0.79; NRI = 0.325; IDI = 0.036), HF (C-statistic: 0.84 vs. 0.81; NRI = 0.571; IDI = 0.023), CHD death (C-statistic: 0.87 vs. 0.85; NRI = 0.506; IDI = 0.012), and hard CVD (C-statistic: 0.78 vs. 0.76; NRI = 0.229; IDI = 0.012). The prognostic value of LACI was homogeneous in both pre- and post-menopausal women with a better discrimination and reclassification compared to individual LA or LV parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

In a multi-ethnic population of pre- and post-menopausal women, LACI is an independent predictor of HF, AF, CHD death and hard CVD. In both pre- and post-menopausal women, LACI has an incremental prognostic value to predict cardiovascular events over traditional risk factors and sex hormone levels.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00005487 Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier curves by LACI terciles  Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier curves by LACI and Menop.
Sex- and age- specific normal values with threshold-based trabeculae quantification
Authors: Grebur K , Gregor ZS , Kiss AR , Szabo LE , Toth A , Horvath M , Dohy ZS , Merkely B , Vago H , Szucs A
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): ÚNKP-19-3-II New National Excellence Program of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology National Research, Development and Innovation Office of Hungary (NKFIA; NVKP_16-1-2016-0017 National Heart Program) Thematic Excellence Program (Tématerületi Kiválósági Program 2020-4.1.1-TKP2020)

The threshold-based (TB) trabeculated and papillary muscle mass (TPM) quantification method for cardiac MRI (CMR) calculates different values than conventional contouring techniques.

We aimed to identify the sex- and age-related normal reference ranges for left ventricular (LV) myocardial mass values, volumetric and functional parameters and the correspondence of these parameters using the TB method.

Healthy European adults (n = 200, age: 39.4 ± 12 years, males: 100) were examined with CMR and evaluated with a TB postprocessing method. They were stratified by sex and age (Group A: 18-29, Group B: 30-39, Group C: 40-49, Group D: >50 years). The calculated parameters were indexed to body surface area (i).

The normal reference ranges for the studied parameters were assessed in each age group. Significant biometric differences in LV parameters and mass-to-volume ratios were found between males and females, and the left ventricular compacted myocardial mass (LVCMi) and TPMi differences remained significant after stratification by age. Unlike other LV volumetric and functional parameters and mass-to-volume ratios, the TPMi, the LVCMi and the TPMi-to-LVCMi ratio did not differ among age groups in males or females. This finding was strengthened by the lack of correlation between TPMi and age.

Age- and sex-related normal reference ranges for LV volumetric and functional parameters and LVCMi and TPMi values were established using a TB postprocessing method. TPMi, LVCMi and their ratio did not change over time. The TPMi-to-LVCMi and the mass-to-volume ratios might have clinical utility in the differential diagnosis of conditions with LV hypertrabeculation.
Regression of left ventricular mass after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Costa Mauricio AR , Goncalves S , Santiago H , Prata S , Santos L , Vaz R , Ribeiro F , Almeida A , Pinto F
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Regression of left ventricular mass (LVM) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an important parameter of left ventricular reverse remodeling and is associated with less hospitalizations 1year after TAVI. The association between LVM índex (LVMi) at 6 months and outcome 1 year after TAVI is unclear.

Purpose

Evaluate and compare LVMi, before TAVI and 6 months after, and determine the association between LVMi regression and clinical outcomes at 1-year follow-up.

Methods

Retrospective, comparative study in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis with a high operative risk, after TAVI. All patients underwent echocardiographic study before TAVI and 6 months of follow-up, the LVMi (by the Devereux formula) was evaluated. Associations between LVMi regression (percent change between baseline and 6 months after TAVI), rehospitalization rate and death at 1 year of follow-up were examined.

Results

We studied 50 patients, 82% with moderade or severe LVMi before TAVI. Comparative analysis between ecocardiography study before and 6 months after TAVI, showed there was statistically significant decrease in LVMi (150,7 ± 38 g/m2 vs 132 ± 36 g/m2; p = 0.03). LVMi moderate or severe (between 130 and 154 g/m2) at 6 months was associated with biggest hospitalization rate (p = 0,03).Comparative analysis between regression of LVMi (before and 6 months after TAVI) and death, showed: decrease of 5% and 10% in LVMi was independently associated with death at 1 year (p = 0,77 vs p = 0,4).

Conclusions

Patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis treated with TAVI who had a significant decrease of LVMi after 6 months of follow-up had lower hospitalization rates, but decrease of LVMi is independently associated with death at 1 year of follow-up.
Cardio-vascular remodelling during sacubitril/valsartan therapy in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Monosilio S , Filomena D , Luongo F , Neccia M , Sannino M , Birtolo IL , Cimino S , Tonti G , Pedrizzetti G , Benedetti G , Fedele F , Maestrini V , Agati L
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) benefits in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are partially related to cardiac reverse remodelling, in terms of volumes reduction and function improvement.  Effects on vascular remodeling are less investigated.

Purpose

To evaluate cardiac and vascular remodelling in a cohort of patients with HFrEF after six months of therapy with S/V.

Methods

50 patients with HFrEF eligible to start a therapy with sacubitril/valsartan were enrolled. Clinical evaluation and standard and advanced echocardiography were performed at baseline and after six months of follow up (FU). Standard left ventricular dimension and function parameters, global longitudinal strain (GLS) were calculated. Non-invasive pressure-volume curves (P-V loop) estimation was assessed with an off-line dedicated software using ST-E derived time-resolved LV volumes and brachial pressure as input. The following hemodynamic parameters were calculated based on P-V loop curves: left ventricular elastance (Ees), arterial elastance (Ea) and ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC).

Results

At six months F/U, a reduction of NYHA class in the vast majority of patients was detected (NYHA Class ≥ II, baseline vs F/U = 100% vs 50%; p< 0,001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were lower, in comparison with baseline values (119 ± 16 vs 126  ± 11 mmHg; p = 0,002 and 71 ±  8 vs 78 ±  8 mmHg; p = 0,001, respectively). At echocardiographic evaluation, left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes decreased (p< 0.001 and p< 0,001, respectively) and ejection fraction and GLS significantly improved (p< 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, a significant reduction of Ea and a significant improvement of Ees and VAC were observed (p = 0.008, p< 0,001 and p< 0,001, respectively).

Conclusion

Therapy with S/V in HFrEF patients determines both cardiac and vascular remodelling reflecting the complex mechanisms behind clinical improvement. Abstract Figure.
Additional value of CMR feature tracking parameters for the evaluation of the risk of complex ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in patients with Mitral Valve Prolapse
Authors: Pavon A , Guglielmo M , Arangalage D , Bonanni M , Angelini G , Paiocchi V , Leo L , Valgimigli M , Pedrazzini G , Pontone G , Monney P , Faletra F
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) with mitro-annular disjunction (MAD) has been associated with complex ventricular arrhythmias (c-VA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) but risk stratification in this subset of patients remains insufficiently characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between deformation parameters assessed by feature tracking (FT) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with MVP and MAD (MVP-MAD) and c-VA and/or SCD.

Methods

We included 23 patients (47 ± 13 years; 43 % males) with MVP-MAD, of whom 17 (74 %) presented with c-VA and 6 (26%) with SCD, as well as 20 age- and sex-matched controls (50 ± 18 years; 57% males). All patients underwent CMR with assessment of MAD length, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), extracellular volume (ECV), global and regional longitudinal (LS), and circumferential strain (CS). RATIO-CS was defined as the ratio between regional CS in the basal inferolateral and mid-inferolateral walls (fig.1).

Results

In MVP-MAD patients, non-ischemic LGE of the LV inferior and inferolateral wall was observed in 21 patients (50%). As compared to controls, MVP-MAD patients showed lower global LS (-18.7 ±4.1 vs -24.7 ± 5.7 p < 0.001), higher native T1 relaxation time and ECV of the left ventricle (LV) inferolateral wall (1104 ± 63ms vs 1083 ± 66ms p < 0.029 and 0.31 ± 0.03 vs 0.27 ± 0.04 p 0.003), lower CS and LS of the LV mid and inferolateral segments (p < 0.005).

Logistic univariate regression analysis showed an increased risk of c-VA in case of LGE presence (OR: 9.52 [2.28-39.7] p = 0.002), a high number of LV segments with LGE (OR: 1.78 [1.21-2.63] p = 0.004), GLS (OR: 1.58 [1.21-2.07] p < 0.001), decreased inferolateral mid ventricular wall CS (OR: 1.41 [1.16-1.72] p < 0.001), decreased basal and mid-ventricular inferolateral wall LS (OR: 1.11 [1.00-1.23] p = 0.047 and OR: 1.62 [1.22-2.13] p < 0.001 respectively), increased native T1 times (OR: 1.01 [1.00-1.02] p = 0.039), increased ECV of the basal infero-lateral wall  (OR: 4.93e + 07 [1.22-1.98e + 15] p = 0.047) and decreased RATIO-CS (OR: 7.48 [1.87-30.00] p = 0.005) (table 1). In multivariate analysis the presence of a lower LS in the basal inferolateral wall remained an independent predictor of c-VA (OR: 1.62 [1.22-2.13.00] p = 0.0007) and RATIO-CS remained an independent predictor of SCD (OR: 7.73 [1.78-33.60] p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Lower inferolateral LS and RATIO CS are respectively associated with c-VA and SCD in MVP-MAD patients.  FT may provide additional value for risk stratification on top of standard CMR parameters in this subset of patients. Abstract Figure. fig.1  Abstract table 1
Change in left atrioventricular coupling index to predict incident atrial fibrillation: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Pezel T , Ambale Venkatesh B , Quinaglia T , Heckbert S , Kato Y , De Vasconcellos H , Wu C , Post W , Henry P , Bluemke D , Lima J
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND

Left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) structural and functional parameters have independent prognostic values as predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF).

PURPOSE

To investigate the prognostic value of a left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) and average annualized change in LACI measured by cardiac MRI to predict incident AF in a population-based sample from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

METHODS

In a secondary analysis of the prospective Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) study, 1,911 study participants, free of clinically recognized AF and cardiovascular disease at baseline, had LACI assessed with cardiac MRI at baseline (Exam 1, 2000-2002), and ten years later (Exam 5, 2010-2012). LACI was defined as the ratio of LA to LV end-diastolic volumes. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the associations of LACI and average annualized change in LACI (ΔLACI) with incident AF.

RESULTS

Among the 1,911 participants (mean age 59 ± 9 years and 907 men), 87 incident AF events occurred over 3.9 ± 0.9 years following the second imaging (Exam 5). After adjustment for traditional risk factors, greater LACI and ΔLACI were independently associated with AF (HR 1.69, 95% CI[1.46-1.96] and HR 1.71, 95% CI[1.50-1.94], respectively; both p<.001). Adjusted models for LACI and ΔLACI showed improvement in model discrimination compared to currently used AF risk score (CHARGE-AF score) model (AUC: 0.78 vs. 0.74, and AUC: 0.80 vs. 0.74, both p<.001); and to the final model including individual LA or LV parameters for predicting AF incidence (AUC: 0.78 vs. 0.76, and AUC: 0.80 vs. 0.78, both p<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Atrioventricular coupling (LACI) and coupling change (ΔLACI) were strong predictors for AF in a multi-ethnic population. Both had incremental prognostic value for predicting AF over traditional risk factors, and superior discrimination compared to the CHARGE-AF score and to individual LA or LV parameters.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00005487 Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier curves by change in LACI  Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier curves by ΔLACI and LACI
Short-term coronary risk assessment in the elderly population
Authors: Zagatina A , Kalinina E , Shmatov D
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background. Atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) are a common condition and cause of death in the elderly population. There are difficulties with risk assessment in the elderly as the of their symptomatic status can be challenging due to neuromuscular weakness, physical deconditioning or neurological, orthopaedic, peripheral vascular, or respiratory limitations. Non-invasive coronary artery velocity assessment by Doppler method at rest could be helpful in the elderly population.

Aim

To evaluate the prognostic role of coronary artery ultrasound assessment in a non-selected elderly population in everyday clinical practice. Methods: 145 patients, aged ≥75years (99 women; 80 ± 4 years), formed the study group. Left coronary artery flows were scanned in addition to conventional echocardiography. During a median follow-up of 26 months, 16 deaths and 2 non-fatal MI occurred. Results: In multivariable analysis, maximal coronary velocity was the only independent predictor for mortality (HR: 1.02, 95%, CI: 1.01-1.04, p < 0.0005), and for mortality/MI (HR: 1.02, 95%, CI: 1.01-1.03, p < 0.0001). The value of 110 cm/s maximal coronary flow velocity in the proximal segments of left arteries was the best predictor for death, sensitivity 50%, specificity 90%, p < 0.005. The annual mortality rate was 16.6% persons/year for patients with elevated coronary flow velocity ≥110 cm/s. The value 81 cm/s was the best predictor for death/MI, sensitivity 61%, specificity 80%, p < 0.0005; annual mortality rate was 11.2% persons/year for patients with elevated coronary flow velocity ≥81 cm/s (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

 Doppler coronary flow velocity scanning during routine echocardiography is a feasible and valuable tool for assessment of short-term prognosis in elderly patients. Abstract Figure.
Left atrial strain reduction in acute myocarditis and its association with incident atrial fibrillation
Authors: Pastore MC , Degiovanni A , Spinoni E , De Zan G , Carassia C , Patti G
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of acute myocarditis remains still challenging. Particularly, acute atrial involvement could be underdiagnosed due to its limited evaluation by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and the lack of sensitive basic echocardiographic indices.

Purpose

Our aim was to assess left atrial strain in a cohort of patients with diagnosis of acute myocarditis, and its correlation with incident cardiovascular events at follow up.

Methods

30 patients with acute myocarditis diagnosed by CMR, performed within one week from admission, according to Lake-Louise criteria were retrospectively included. Patients with poor acoustic window or missing data related to hospitalization or follow-up were excluded. Clinical characteristics, laboratory examinations, transthoracic echocardiography data were collected. Speckle tracking analysis was performed offline on the echocardiographic records. Follow up data were obtained via electronical records or phone-calls. Clinical endpoints were the development of all-cause or cardiovascular death, cardiovascular hospitalization (including heart failure, major arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes), atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmias onset.

Results

The study cohort, composed of 30 patients with acute myocarditis (mean age 38 ±15 years, 33% (n = 10) female), showed raised C-reactive protein and cardiac troponin at admission, beside a mild reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction (Fig.1). Left ventricular strain was preserved in the majority of patients (57%, n = 17) or mildly reduced, while left atrial strain was significantly reduced (Table 1). At CMR, 57% (n = 17) of patients presented myocardial edema and 70% (n = 21) presented late gadolinium enhancement.  Over a mean follow up of 2.3 ± 1.9 years, 5 patients had hospitalizations for cardiovascular reasons, one of whom for heart failure, 3 patients developed atrial fibrillation, 5 patients developed ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with cardiovascular events showed lower left atrial strain than those without events (Fig.2); global atrial reservoir strain reached a statistically significant difference in patients with incident atrial fibrillation vs those without (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

our findings suggest that patients with acute myocarditis may have a subtle atrial involvement which could be detected by speckle tracking echocardiography. Moreover, lower values of left atrial strain may characterize patients at higher risk of incident atrial fibrillation during follow-up. Abstract Figure. Fig.1  Abstract Figure. Fig.2
Left ventricular apical aneurysm in Fabry disease: implications for clinical significance and risk stratification
Authors: Chang HC , Kuo L , Niu DM , Yu WC
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

More than 50% of patients with Fabry disease (FD) present with cardiac phenotype, and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is the most frequent manifestation. Among FD patients with LVH, a rare and novel presentation of left ventricular apical aneurysm (LVAA) has been reported.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the clinical incidence of LVAA and its impacts on prognosis among FD patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 268 FD patients at a tertiary medical center between January 2003 to September 2020. Two patients with ischemic LVAA were excluded. LVH and LVAA were confirmed either by echocardiography (Figure 1A) or cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (Figure 1B). The primary endpoints were a composite of heart failure (HF) hospitalization, sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), stroke, and death. 

Results

Of 266 FD patients, there were 105 (39.5%) patients had LVH, and 11 (10.3%) of them had LVAAs (age 67.5 ± 9.5 years, 8 males [72.7%]). After a mean follow-up of 49.3 ± 34.8 months, 8 patients experienced primary endpoints, including 5 (45.5%) HF hospitalizations, 3 (27.3%) VT, 1 (9.1%) stroke, and 4 (36.4%) deaths. The risk for composite adverse events was significantly higher in patients with LVAA compared with those without (8 [72.7%] vs 17 [18.1%]), leading to significantly lower event-free survival in patients with LVAA (Log-Rank P < 0.001, Figure 2). The presence of LVAA was independently associated with an increased risk of composite adverse events (hazard ratio: 3.59; confidence interval: 1.30-9.91, P = 0.01) after adjusting for age, gender, advanced HF, renal function, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, left ventricular ejection fraction of <40%, average E/e’, and LV mass index.

Conclusions

LVAA presents in around 10% of patients with Fabry cardiomyopathy and is strongly associated with an increased risk of adverse events. The identification of this phenotype would be useful to identify high-risk patients with Fabry cardiomyopathy, among whom more aggressive treatments may be considered. Abstract Figure. Apical aneurysm in Fabry cardiomyopathy  Abstract Figure. KM curve of composite adverse events
Machine-learning score using stress CMR for death prediction in patients with suspected or known CAD
Authors: Pezel T , Sanguineti F , Garot P , Unterseeh T , Champagne S , Toupin S , Morisset S , Hovasse T , Garot J
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND

In patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease (CAD), traditional prognostic risk assessment is based upon a limited selection of clinical and imaging findings. Machine learning (ML) methods can take into account a greater number and complexity of variables.

PURPOSE

To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of ML using stress CMR and clinical data to predict 10-year all-cause mortality in patients with suspected or known CAD, and compared its performance to existing clinical or CMR scores.

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2018, a retrospective cohort study with a median follow-up of 6.0 years (interquartile range: 5.0-8.0) included all consecutive patients referred for stress CMR. Twenty-three clinical and 11 stress CMR parameters were evaluated. Machine learning involved automated feature selection by random survival forest, model building with a multiple fractional polynomial algorithm, and 5 repetitions of 10-fold stratified cross-validation. The primary outcome was all-cause death based on the electronic National Death Registry.

RESULTS

Of 31,752 consecutive patients (mean age 63.7 ± 12.1 years and 65.7% males), 2,679 (8.4%) died with 206,453 patient-years of follow-up. ML score (ranging 0 to 10 points) exhibited a higher area-under-the-curve compared with C-CMR-10-score, ESC-score, QRISK3-score, FRS and stress CMR data alone for prediction of 10-year all-cause mortality (ML: 0.76 vs. C-CMR-10-score: 0.68, ESC-score: 0.66, QRISK3-score: 0.64, FRS: 0.63, extent of inducible ischemia: 0.66, extent of LGE: 0.65, all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The ML score including clinical and stress CMR data exhibited a higher prognostic value to predict 10-year death compared with all traditional clinical or CMR scores. Abstract Figure. Random survival Forest: ML score  Abstract Figure. Prognostic Value of ML score
Multimodality imaging in the evaluation of left ventricle myocardial deformation determined by edema and scar in acute myocarditis
Authors: Angelini G , Bonanni M , Paiocchi VL , Leo LA , Schlossbauer S , Pasotti E , Pedrazzini G , Valgimigli M , Favale S , Forleo C , Pavon AG , Faletra F
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

INTRODUCTION

acute myocarditis (aMY) is characterized by the presence of edema and myocardial scar detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). 

Aim of our study is to investigate the diagnostic value of two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography and Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) feature tracking (FT) in detecting edema and myocardial scar in aMY.

METHODS

all consecutive patients with clinically suspected aMY were enrolled in our study. Inclusion criteria were: 1) new ECG abnormalities 2) myocardial cytolysis markers and 3) absence of angiographically detectable coronary artery disease. Exclusion criteria included poor cine image quality caused by respiratory motion and arrhythmia. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac function was evaluated by a comprehensive assessment of LV function, including 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D STE). CMR was performed in all patients in a 3T scanner. Extension of edema and myocardial scar were respectively evaluated on T2 mapping and on Late Gadolinium Enhancement sequences considering numbers of segments involved according to 17-segment model (AHA). FT analysis of the left ventricle (LV) was performed using the Tissue Tracking Module to obtain LV strain data.

RESULTS

52 patients were included in the study, mean age was 36± 17 years, three patients were female (6%). Mean LVEF was 56,2 ± 7,2 % and mean end diastolic volume index (EDVi) was 62,52 ± 19,02 ml/m2. 10 patients (19,2%) had impaired EF with mean values of 44,6 ± 6,15%. aMY was confirmed in all patients with the presence of myocardial edema and subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).  Inferior segments were involved in 28 patients (53,8%), lateral segment in 19 patients (36,5%), septal segments in 7 patients (13,5%)  and anterior segments in 15 patients (28,8%). 2D STE LV GLS was -16.41± 5,47% while CMR-FT LV GLS was -19,07 ± 4,65%, showing a good agreement between the two methods (r = 0,5; p < 0,001). The univariate analysis showed a significant correlation between 2D STE LV GLS and CMR-FT LV GLS with the extension of myocardial edema assessed by CMR (r= 0,43; p= 0,002 and r = 0.47; p = 0,002 respectively). The univariate analysis did not show a significant correlation between 2D STE LV and the extension of myocardial scar assessed by CMR (r= 0.2; p= 0.155) while a significant correlation was found between CMR-FT LV GLS and myocardial scar (r = 0.4; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

in patients with aMY, good correlation was found between CMR-FT and 2D STE in the evaluation of GLS. 2D STE LV GLS and CMR-FT LV GLS proved to have a good correlation with the extension of myocardial edema, while only CMR-FT LV GLS proved to be associated with myocardial scar extension.