bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P687 Left atrial mass - a potential pitfall
Authors: Skarlovnik A , Erzen B 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background.
Echocardiography is an important diagnostic tool in differential diagnosis of retrosternal pain. Despite the high prevalence of hiatus hernia, a relatively small number of echocardiographically manifested cases have been reported.
Case summary.
A 75 y old female patient with rheumatic polymialgia and diabetes was admitted for progressive weakness, retrosternal pain and dyspnoea. Due to elevated levels of D-dimer and troponin I an urgent CT angiography was performed and a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was confirmed in the ER. Echocardiography showed a mildly hypertrophied left ventricle with normal EF, a mildly dilated right ventricle, moderate pulmonary hypertension 45 mmHg, and an apparent mass in the left atrium (picture).
To further characterize the left atrial mass a cardiac MR angiography was made, that excluded potential cardiac tumor and confirmed that the suspected mass was a large hiatus hernia impressing the left atrium. Patient was treated with anticoagulant therapy due to PE and corticosteroids due to polymialgia and was discharged in improved condition. We also consulted thoracic surgeons regarding hernia and did not decide to operate on the hernia urgently but opted for conservative reflux measures and an outpatient follow up with barium contrast oesophagus imaging.

Discussion.
Hiatal hernia may exert a wide spectrum of manifestations mimicking acute cardiovascular events, from ECG changes to angina, dyspnoea and even syncope as a consequence of total compression of the left atrium. A history of known hiatus hernia and aforementioned clinical correlates postprandially may shed some clues. Echocardiographic features that may suggest a hiatus hernia include:
1. A large ill-defined mass filling the left atrial chamber from posteriorly, with its maximal size seen when imaged in a posterior plane.
2. Respiratory variation in the degree of encroachment of the mass on the left atrium.
3. Loss of the normal sharply defined sonolucency of the descending thoracic aorta in the apical 4-chamber and long-axis views due to superimposition of the hiatus hernia.
4. A swirling motion seen within the mass after consumption of effervescent fluids.
5. Occasionaly, identification of an inner lining reminiscent of gastric mucosa is possible.
Various intracardiac or extrinsic lesions can resemble the echocardiographic appearance of hiatus hernia. Other potential causes of extracardiac masses that could encroach on the left atrium include structures such as aneurysm or dissection of the aorta, dilation of coronary sinus, abcesses, oesophageal carcinoma and other mediastinal space occupying structures.

Conclusion.
Hiatus hernia can simulate clinical and sonographic characteristics of cardiac disorders. Its echocardiographic manifestation may mimic a left atrial mass and must therefore be differentiated from such lesions.
Abstract P687 Figure. Hiatal hernia mimicking LA mass(PLAX)
P694 Late shunt closure: is it the only cause of pulmonary hypertension after surgical repair?
Authors: Almeida I , Ferreira F , Almeida A R , Repolho D , Joao I , Pereira H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Atrial septal defects (ASD) may be a cause of pulmonary hypertension (PH) specially when they are only detected in adulthood. Sinus venosus type ASD are rare, with an estimated prevalence of 4-11%, and frequently they are associated with anomalous venous return of the right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV). Surgical closure is safe and effective, and it is associated with normal life expectancy when performed before age 25; the risk of PH is higher in untreated defects or late closure.

Clinical case
The authors present the case of a 74-years old female patient with previous diagnosis of a sinus venosus type ASD. Closure of the shunt and correction of venous return was performed when the patient was 36. Follow up in the following years was normal, and the patient was discharged from the congenital surgical center. The patient was referred to our PH unit due to symptomatic PH for etiological investigation (PSAP of 70 mmHg in transthoracic echocardiogram). After excluding PH related to left heart disease and lung disease, the most likely cause was pulmonary arterial hypertension due to late closure of left to right shunt, but complete investigation was performed. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed dilatation of right heart chambers and a communication of 36 mm at the high atrial septum between the RSPV and superior vena cava entrance with spontaneous left to right shunt. A severe dilation of coronary sinus (maximal dimension 33.4mm) suggestive of persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) was also found. A cardiac magnetic resonance was performed showing dilated right chambers, abnormal drainage of right superior pulmonary vein to right atrium, a dilated coronary sinus with a PLSVC and Qp/Qs 1.7. Right heart catheterization showed a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 25 mmHg with normal pulmonary vascular resistance (2.4 UWood) suggesting that the intracardiac shunt is the responsible for the PH with reversible pulmonary vascular disease. The patient was proposed to surgical repair.

Conclusion
The authors present a rare clinical case of an undiagnosed persisting sinus venous ASD after surgical repair. Failure of shunt closure led to the development of PH, emphasizing the need to maintain lifelong follow up of these patients in specialized centers.
Abstract P694 Figure.
P697 Left ventricular non compaction highlighted by three-dimensional and speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Hotta V T , Martinelli L M B , Fernandes F , Moises V A , Vieira M L C , Mady C 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a relatively new cardiomyopathy, first reported by Chin et al. in 1990. Since then, much has been learned about this entity, but until now, there are some limitations for the diagnosis of this disease. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of LVNC, but echocardiography remains the first line imaging modality due to its availability and cost efficacy.

Case report
In this case, we report a case of an asymptomatic 21 years old young male with no personal or familiar history of cardiomyopathies. Two dimensional echocardiography (2D Echo) evidenced increased left ventricular trabeculation in the apical segments of lateral and anterior walls and a non compacted myocardium/ (compacted + non compacted myocardium) ratio of 0,33, compatible with LVNC according to Chin´s criteria. 3D Echo provided more detailed LV morphology analysis and 3D Echo Color Doppler evidenced ventricular flow within the intraventricular recesses. Strain analysis by speckle tracking (STE) evidenced global longitudinal strain = - 17% (Normal values &lt; -18%), probably related to an incipient systolic dysfunction not evidenced by the evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction by 2D Echo.

Conclusions
This case illustrates new echocardiographic modalities for LVNC diagnosis. 3D Echo and STE are new technologies that may play an incremental role in the evaluation of LVNC but need further investigation and validation.
Abstract P697 Figure.
P710 Nivolumab-induced takotsubo syndrome: a case report
Authors: Prevedello F , Dolci G , Tenaglia R M , Lobascio I , Paolini C , Bilato C 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Nivolumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), with a demonstrated clinical efficacy against metastatic cancer. Immunotherapy cardiovascular toxicity is rare, but recent scientific literature demonstrated possible and different cardiovascular side effects. Nivolumab was found to be associated with fatal acute myocarditis with diffuse myocardial necrosis and heart failure. To our knowledge no case of Nivolumab induced Tako-tsubo syndrome has ever been reported.

Case presentation
A 76-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department for dyspnoea with electrocardiographic evidence of extensive anterior ST segment elevation (Figure 1A); the patient was hemodynamically unstable with increasing shortness of breath and oxygen desaturation (arterial blood pressure 90/50 mmHg, heart rate 120 beats/min, O2 Sat. 87%). She was scheduled for urgent coronary angiography which eventually demonstrated no significant coronary artery disease. The ventriculography revealed dyskinesis of the left apex and peri-apical segments and basal hyperkinesis (Figure 1B). The final diagnosis was stress cardiomyopathy or Tako-tsubo syndrome. The echocardiogram performed in the acute setting revealed severe left ventricular impairment (ejection fraction, EF = 30%) confirming the typical apical ballooning pattern of the syndrome (Figure 1C). Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction was not found. At admission, the level of TroponinT was mildly elevated (745 ng/L) and NT-proBNP was 35 000 pg/ml. The patient was treated with optimal heart failure medical therapy with gradual and complete left ventricular function recovery (EF at discharge = 55%). Of note, the patient had a history of primary lung adenocarcinoma firstly treated in 2017 with carboplatin; due to cancer progression she had undergone Nivolumab therapy in October 2018 with a total of three cycles, the last one interrupted one month before the cardiovascular event due to ipokaliemia and mild renal impairment. At that time the patient was defined as having a good functional status. Apart from the oncologic treatment, patient’s history did not reveal any "acute" stressful event.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge this is the first Takotsubo cardiomyopathy ever detected after Nivolumab therapy. Stress cardiomyopathy is a rare but possibly severe complication that could appear in the course of oncological treatment and, in this backdrop, its aetiology is not well understood. As a matter of fact, cardiac function monitoring and strict clinical follow-up for early detection of complications is mandatory in these patients. Favourable outcomes may be achieved with early diagnosis and prompt treatment introduction.
Abstract P710 Figure. Diagnostic evaluation of Takotsubo Sdr
P712 When Popeye had shortness of breath
Authors: Kocabas U , Turk U O 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A 61-year-old man presented to our clinic with progressive shortness-of-breath in the last 3 months. He had a history of hospitalization and endotracheal intubation due to acute pulmonary edema and type – I respiratory failure a week ago and discharged after diagnostic coronary angiography which demonstrating normal coronary arteries. Physical examination revealed bunching of the left biceps when he flexed his left arm which is consistent with rupture of distal biceps tendon (Panel A, Popeye Sign). A 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) showed low QRS voltage in the limb leads and ST segment depression and asymmetrical T wave inversion in the anterolateral leads (Panel B). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed concentric left ventricular hypertrophy with left ventricular ejection fraction of 60% (Panel C). Pulsed wave-Doppler obtained from the mitral valve demonstrated restrictive filling pattern with high early diastolic velocity (E-wave) and low late diastolic filling (A-wave) peaks with E/A ratio &gt; 2.0 and reduced lateral mitral annular diastolic velocities with E/e’ ratio &gt; 15 which are compatible with impaired left ventricular diastolic function with elevated left ventricular filling pressures (Panel D-E). Biceps tendon rupture, low QRS voltage and left ventricular hypertrophy with restrictive filling pattern were considered suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis and patient was referred to hematology clinic for diagnostic work-up. Protein electrophoresis demonstrated monoclonal gammopathy in the serum and immunoelectrophoresis showed free lambda light chains. The patient diagnosed as AL amyloidosis with cardiac and musculoskeletal involvement.
Biceps tendon rupture is a rare finding of amyloidosis due to musculoskeletal involvement. In the setting of acute pulmonary edema and/or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction with massive left ventricular hypertrophy, restrictive filling pattern, low QRS voltage and spontaneous tendon rupture should raise clinical suspicion of amyloidosis with cardiac and musculoskeletal involvement.
Abstract P712 Figure.
P749 Echocardiographic risk factors of functional ischemic mitral regurgitation in patients with first acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Kochanowski J , Piatkowski R , Scislo P , Budnik M , Marchel M , Opolski G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the size of acute functional ischemic mitral regurgitation (FIMR) and selected left ventricle echocardiography measurements in patients (pts) with first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with effective primary angioplasty (PCI).
Methods
We analyzed 1578 consecutive hospitalized pts with STEMI (M-914; 66,4 ± 10,2 years) treated with PCI. The echocardiographic examination was performed at up to 3 days after admission. We assessed the frequency and size of FIMR, left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDd), ejection fraction (EF), wall motion score index (WMSI) and systolic sphericity index (Sls). Effective regurgitation orifice area (EROA) was used for quantitative FIMR assessment (mild: &lt;10 mm², moderate: ≥10 and &lt; 20 mm², severe: ≥ 20mm²). The study population was divided into four groups depending on the size of FIMR. Correlation coefficient was used to determine correlations between data sets.

Results
We observed mild FIMR in 550 pts (34,9%) - group I, moderate in 356 pts (22,5%) - group II, severe in 57 pts (3,6%) - group III, no FIMR in 615 pts (39%) – group IV. Mean values of selected echocardiographic parameters in each analyzed group are shown in table 1. The positive good correlations between SIs and size of FIMR were found (r = 0,68) as well as weak correlations between LVEDd, WMSI and FIMR (ro = 0,25, ro = 0,34, respectively). The negative weak correlation between EF and size of IMR was present (ro = - 0,34).
Conclusions
1. FIMR is a common complication in pts with STEMI treated with PCI.
2. We found a statistically significant correlation between SIs and FIMR severity.
Table 1 Group I Group II Group III Group IV p LVEDd (cm) 5,22 ± 0,64 5,42 ± 0,56 5,72 ± 0,64 4,98 ± 0,58 NS EF (%) 48 ± 6 42 ± 8 35 ± 8 51 ± 8 NS WMSI 1,34 ± 0,28 1,42 ± 0,24 1,68 ± 0,32 1,32 ± 0,22 NS SIs 0,22 ± 0,1 0,32 ± 0,1 0,68 ± 0,1 0,18 ± 0,1 0,01 NS - non-significant
P772 Percutaneous transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure: does size really matter?
Authors: Ramis Barcelo M F , Mas Llado C , Rodriguez A , Valadron I , Noris M , Forteza J F , Pericas P , Pasamar L , Gonzalez R , Peral V 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been associated with cryptogenic stroke. Percutaneous transcatheter PFO closure has been in development for the last years. In recent studies, it has shown a reduction of recurrent ischemic stroke events. Several manufactures of PFO device closure have developed guidelines for selection of device size based on anatomic measurements obtained through echocardiography. A study showed that according to the guidelines few patients had adequate tissue rim to allow device implantation, and yet almost all the patients had an effective closure.

Purpose and methods
The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of PFO with transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) (size, distance between foramen ovale-superior vena cava (FO-SVC) and distance between FO-aortic annulus (FO-AoAn)) and to determinate the correlation between the size of PFO device implanted and the theoretical device size according to the guidelines.
We performed a retrospective study among patients who underwent a PFO closure procedure between 2006 and 2018.

Results
42 patients were included, 55% male, mean age 56 years and mean BSA 1,83 m². The PFO mean diameter and length were 3 and 13 mm respectively. The majority of PFO were complex: 91% of patients had defects larger than 8mm and 36% had atrial septum aneurism. Characteristic of PFO were measured (Table). In older patients the distance between PFO-SVC and PFO-AoAn was larger and the septum secundum was thicker (p 0.02). The right-to-left shunt was moderated or severe in most cases (75%). The PFO closure device was successfully implanted in all patients. The majority of them received an Amplatzer PFO device (45%) followed by an Hyperion PFO device. The size of the device was 25mm in half of the patients followed by 30mm device. According to the guidelines, in 67% of the cases the wrong size was chosen and the mean size of the device should had been 30mm (SD ±5,2). TEE examination during follow up showed no residual or mild residual shunt in 80% of the patients. Residual shunt was more prevalent with larger devices (p 0.008)

Conclusions
These results showed that the size of PFO closure device implanted in our population differed from the size recommended by guidelines. Smaller devices have been used. According to our results, larger devices are associated with more residual shunt, which suggests that a different approach may be necessary to establish new protocols for PFO device closure
Table Minimal Maximal Mean SD SVC (mm) 10 30 17.55 ±3,7 AoAn (mm) 9 23 14.1 ±3,5 Minimal and maximal distance between PFO-SVC and AoAn
P776 Stress ecocardiography and speckle tracking analysis in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Di Lisi D , Lupo A , Castellano F , Nugara C , Triolo O F , Evola G , Trapani R , Novo S , Novo G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is characterized by heart failure symptoms despite preserved LV systolic function together with at least one among left ventricle hypertrophy/left atrial enlargement plus diastolic dysfunction (DD) and increased brain natriuretic peptide levels. Rest echocardiography could still be normal despite patients experience HF symptoms. Speckle tracking analysis (STE) analyzes myocardial deformation and is able to identify subtle left ventricular dysfunction.

PURPOSE
to analyze the added value of stress echocardiography to improve diagnostic accuracy in patients with normal ejection fraction and unexplained dyspnoea by evaluating DD, lung B lines and STE.

METHODS
Main inclusion criteria were: suspected heart failure, EF &gt; 40%, DD up to moderate at rest (E/e"&lt;14), age &lt; 85 and &gt;18 years, satisfactory acoustic window. Exclusion criteria were: comorbidities limiting the prognosis, valvulopathy more than moderate, coronary artery disease, moderate to severe DD at rest (E/e"≥14; E/A≥2), pregnancy or lactation. Each patient underwent physical stress echo and STE by GE Vivid 7, (AFI).

RESULTS
After measuring diastolic function parameters variation with stress, HFpEF was diagnosed in 8 patients, who had baseline non-diagnostic echocardiogram (Table 1). In the remaining 20 patients a non-cardiac etiology of dyspnoea was diagnosed (NCD). EF did not significantly change from rest to stress either in HFpEF group (58 ± 6 vs 61 ± 8.7 p:0.62) or in DNC group (59 ± 8 vs 62.2 ± 7.4; p:0.26). GLS values tended to decrease in patients with HFpEF (-18.5 ± 2.2 at baseline vs -15.96 ± 6.67 at peak stress; p:0.33), and it was stable in DNC (-17.69 ± 1.15 at baseline vs - 18.04 ± 2.02 at peak stress; p:0.64).

CONCLUSIONS
Study of diastolic function during stress echocardiography is a useful diagnostic tool to reveal HFpEF in patients with dyspnea and unremarkable baseline echocardiogram. STE could offer useful adjunctive diagnostic information but further studies are needed to confirm its value.
Table 1 HFpEF NCD p HFpEF NCD p GLS -18,5 ± 2,2 -17,6 ± 1,15 0,23 -15,96 ± 6,67 18,04 ± 2,02 0,26 E/A 0,8 ± 0,1 1 ± 0,7 0,55 1,67 ± 0,7 1,26 ± 0,6 0,07 E/e’ 10,1 ± 2,2 9,9 ± 3,7 0,4 16,4 ± 0,9 13,8 ± 5 0,16 PAP 25,6 ± 4,1 22,33 ± 0,55 0,57 49,8 ± 9,65 28,27 ± 4,35 0,001 LA 35,5 ± 8,5 23,44 ± 4,9 0,001 34,45 ± 4,88 27,32 ± 7,33 0,018 EF 58 ± 6 59 ± 8 0,6 61 ± 8,7 62,2 ± 7,4 0,7 Echocardiographic parameters at baseline and at peak stress in patients with HFpEF and with NCD
P780 Left ventricular torsion in severe valvular disease
Authors: Azul Freitas A , Ferreira J , Ferreira C , Milner J , Alves P , Marinho V , Martins R , Baptista R , Jorge E , Goncalves L 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Left Ventricular (LV) torsion is an important component of LV performance. With the development of speckle tracking echocardiography, it became possible and feasible to measure rotation and twisting with a high degree of accuracy. No standard normal values are defined for peak torsion, although mean values around 10° are found in normal subjects with a slight increase with age.

Purpose
In this study we aimed to evaluate torsion in the different types of severe valvular disease.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective, observational study including patients with severe valvular disease with suitable images for torsion analysis. We included 61 patients (21 with severe aortic stenosis (AS), 20 with severe aortic regurgitation (AR) and 20 with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Circumferential basal and apical strain was performed, and peak torsion was calculated. Results were compared between groups and were related with echocardiographic parameters, including left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF).

Results
Mean age was 70.3 ± 13.6 years with a male preponderance (66%). Mean LVEF was within normal range in the aortic valve disease group; no significant difference was found in LVEF between AS and AR patients (57 ± 7.7% vs 55 ± 9.7%, p = 0.57). In comparison with the aortic disease group, MR patients had a reduced LVEF (48 ± 17.3% vs 56 ± 8.7%, p = 0.05). Mean peak torsion was 8.9 ± 5.1° in AS, 12.6 ± 4.9° in AR and 7.9 ± 3.2° in MR (p = 0.004). Comparing with aortic valve disease patients, MR patients had a reduced mean peak torsion (7.9 ± 3.2° vs 10.7 ± 5.3°, p = 0.03). In relation with patients with AS, those with AR had a higher peak torsion (12.6 ± 4.9° vs 8.9 ± 5.1°, p = 0.024) and a higher left ventricle end-diastolic volume (87.3 ± 29.1 mL.m-² vs 64.5 ± 24.9 mL.m-², p = 0.011). Circumferential apical strain showed a negative correlation with peak torsion (r²=0.203, p = 0.006) and with LVEF (r²=0.290, p &lt; 0.001). Peak torsion did not demonstrate any significant correlation neither LVEF nor circumferential basal strain.

Conclusion
LV function and peak torsion are more associated with apical than basal circumferential movement. Aortic valve disease is responsible for LV torsion variations in patients with normal ejection fraction, showing an increase in AR and a reduction in AS. In MR patients a reduced LVEF could entails a decrease in peak torsion.