bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of temporal changes in longitudinal strain distribution during the systolic period to determine left ventricular activation sequence: a study using 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography
Authors: Hara H , Nakata T , Nagata T , Igarashi T , Murakami M , Ito H , Niwano S , Ako J 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Evaluation of two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking longitudinal strain (LS) is useful for assessing global and regional left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that temporal changes in regional 2D-LS distribution, (i.e., changes in area and intensity of the negative strain), during the systolic period may reflect the LV activation sequence.

Methods
We studied 52 patients with an ejection fraction &lt;35% who were classified into four groups: complete left bundle branch block (LBBB, QRS 162±17 ms, n=17); right ventricular pacing from inferior septum (RVP, QRS 180±29 ms, n=16); left VP from lateral branch of the coronary sinus (LVP, QRS 182±21 ms, n=9); and no conduction block (Narrow QRS, QRS 100±9 ms, n=19). Longitudinal strain was evaluated in three standard apical views, and then bulls-eye distribution maps were constructed every 50 ms from the QRS onset to aortic valve closing (AVC) and at the time of the end of QRS. Segments indicating negative strain at the end of QRS were regarded as an early contraction site. Segments with intensifying negativity of strain as it got closer to the AVC were regarded as a late contraction site.

Results
In patients with LBBB, negative strain appeared initially in the septum region. Then, the contracted area enlarged including the apical region, and the basal lateral region contracted late. On the other hand, Narrow QRS showed a few regional differences in strain at the end of QRS (standard deviation in 17-segments: Narrow QRS 1.3±0.4%*, LBBB 3.3±1.1%, RVP 3.2±1.0%, LVP 3.3±1.1%, *p&lt;0.001), and contracted homogeneously during the systolic period. RVP and LVP showed negative strain at the end of QRS in septum and lateral regions respectively, with the contracted area becoming enlarged towards the opposite regions of the early contracted regions.

Conclusion
The 2D-LS distribution during the systolic period reflects the LV contraction process in patients with an altered ventricular activation sequence, and may have potential for identifying the regions of early activation site and subsequent activation propagation.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Key changes in indices of myocardial work in cardiometabolic disease states
Authors: Chen H.H.L , Bhat A , Chandrakumar D , Fernandez F , Kodsi M , Gan G , Tan T.C 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are prevalent cardiovascular disease states which have been shown to be associated with adverse cardiac remodelling and subclinical myocardial dysfunction. Myocardial work (MW) indices are novel non-invasive measures of left ventricular (LV) function. We aimed to characterise key differences in MW indices in patients with these conditions.

Methods
Outpatients with HTN and DM undergoing transthoracic echocardiography (TTE; 2016–2019) at our institution were assessed and compared to healthy controls. Only patients without cardiac disease with normal diastolic parameters on TTE were recruited. Patients with impaired LV function, cardiac ischaemia or arrhythmia, structural and valvular heart disease or poor-quality images were excluded. Recruited patients were stratified into 3 groups (Group1: Healthy Controls; Group 2: HTN; Group 3: HTN-DM). MW assessment was performed using GE E-95 EchoPac v2.2 system.

Results
Three hundred patients (57.3±17.4y, 51% female) were recruited. HTN and HTN-DM patients were associated with higher resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), indexed LV mass (LVMI), e' and E/e' compared to controls but no differences were noted in these parameters between HTN and HTN-DM. Global myocardial work index (GWI) was higher in HTN patients compared to Controls but not different compared to HTN-DM. Of interest, HTN-DM patients had higher global myocardial wasted work (GWW) and lower global myocardial work efficiency (GWE) compared to HTN patients and Controls.

Conclusions
MW indices may be a sensitive tool for the detection of subclinical changes in cardiac function in cardiometabolic disease states.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Longitudinal strain reflects the interaction of myocardial contractility to afterload in rat models of hemodynamic overload-induced heart failure
Authors: Ruppert M , Lakatos B.K , Tokodi M , Karime C , Hizoh I , Olah A , Sayour A.A , Barta B.A , Merkely B , Kovacs A , Radovits T 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)-derived myocardial strain parameters are sensitive markers of left ventricular (LV) systolic function. Novel findings suggest that the contractile state of the myocardium, afterload and preload are major determinants of STE measurements. However, the hypothesis that longitudinal strain expresses the interaction between contractility and loading conditions rather than contractility alone in hemodynamic overload-induced heart failure (HF) has not been tested.

Purpose
This study aimed to explore the connection between longitudinal strain and contractility, afterload and preload in rat models of pressure overload (PO)- and volume overload (VO)-induced heart failure (HF).

Methods
Pressure overload (PO)-induced HF was evoked by transverse aortic constriction ([TAC], n=14). Volume overload (VO)-induced HF was established by an aortocaval fistula ([ACF], n=12). Age-matched sham operated animals served as controls. Pressure-volume analysis was carried out to compute cardiac contractility (slope of end-systolic pressure-volume relationship [ESPVR]), afterload (arterial elastance [Ea]) and ventriculo-arterial coupling ([VAC] = Ea/ESPVR). Preload was evaluated by meridional end-diastolic wall stress (σend-diastolic). STE was performed to assess global longitudinal strain (GLS).

Results
GLS was impaired in both PO-induced HF (−5.9±0.6 vs. −12.9±0.5%, TAC vs Sham, P&lt;0.001) and VO-evoked HF (−11.7±0.7 vs. −13.5±0.4%, ACF vs Sham, P=0.048). Hemodynamic measurements indicated that the TAC group presented with maintained ESPVR, increased Ea and enhanced σend-diastolic. In contrast, the ACF group was characterized by reduced ESPVR, decreased Ea and enhanced σend-diastolic. Ordinary least squares non-linear regression revealed that GLS was predominantly determined by afterload (Ea) in the TAC model and by contractility (ESPVR) in the ACF model. In accordance, GLS showed a strong correlation with Ea in case of PO-induced HF (R= 0.848, P&lt;0.001) and with ESPVR in case of VO-evoked HF (R=−0.526; P=0.008), respectively. Furthermore, GLS also demonstrated strong correlation with VAC in both the TAC and the ACF models. Of particular interest, a robust correlation between VAC and GLS could also be detected in the entire study population (R= 0.654, P&lt;0.001).

Conclusion
Both afterload and contractility define GLS. Hence, under conditions when both factors become altered, GLS reflects VAC.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): NVKP_16-1-2016-0017
Atrial fibrillation recurrence after transcatheter ablation worsens left atrial strain
Authors: Annunziata R , Notaristefano F , Spighi L , Piraccini S , Giuffre' G , Deluca F , Bearzot L , D'Ammando M , Reccia M.R , Verdecchia P , Zingarini G , Cavallini C 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Left atrial strain (LAs) shows correlation with atrial fibrosis and is a predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after transcatheter ablation. Little is known about LAs evolution after ablation.

Purpose
We sought to evaluate the atrial function with echocardiographic strain before and 6 months after AF ablation.

Methods
65 consecutive patients undergoing radiofrequency or cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation at our centre were enrolled. They underwent a transthoracic echocardiography before the procedure and at 6 months follow-up. 5 patients were excluded because of low quality images. Global left atrial strain during the reservoir phase (LASr) was calculated as a mean of the values obtained in 4 and 2 chamber apical view; the ventricular end-diastole was set as reference to allow the calculation both in patients in AF and sinus rhythm during the echocardiography. Recurrence was defined as any atrial arrhythmia episode lasting more than 30 seconds recorded on an EKG strip after the 3 months blanking period; all patients underwent a 24 hours EKG Holter after the blanking period to detect asymptomatic recurrence. Quality of life was assessed before the procedure and at follow-up with the EQ-5D-3L model.

Results
At 6 months 14 patients (13%) had AF recurrence. Patients with recurrence (AF-R) had similar baseline characteristics compared to those without recurrence (AF-NR) but the former had a longer history of AF (39±53 vs 85±94 months, p=0,018). LASr, LA volume and left ventricle ejection fraction (EF) were similar at baseline between groups. At follow-up LASr was significantly impaired in the AF-R group compared to AF-NR (14±6% vs 26±10% respectively, p&lt;0,0001) whereas LA volume, LV end systolic volume and EF remained similar. Compared to baseline LASr worsened in patients experiencing AF recurrence (22±11% vs 14±6%, p=0.016) and this finding was consistent also in patients in sinus rhythm during both examinations (29±8 vs 17±7, p=0,005). Compared to baseline LASr (22±10% vs 26±10%, p=0.024), LV end-systolic volume (29±15 ml vs 22±6 ml, p=0,006) and EF (51±9% vs 58±18%, p=0,038) improved in the AF-NR group but the effect was driven mainly by patients restoring sinus rhythm. Both groups showed a significant improvement of the quality of life (55±23 vs 85±13, p&lt;0,0001 AF-NR; 63±17 vs 80±12, p=0,012 AF-R).

Conclusions
Atrial fibrillation recurrence after transcatheter ablation is associated with significant left atrial strain worsening which indicates disease progression and may predispose to further long-term recurrences whereas a successful ablation has a protective effect on atrial function.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Left atrial size derived by non-contrast cardiac computed tomography and risk of incident atrial fibrillation
Authors: Fredgart M.H , Lindholt J.S , Brandes A , Steffensen F.H , Frost L , Lambrechtsen J , Karon M , Busk M , Urbonaviciene G , Egstrup K , Diederichsen A.C.P 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Left atrial (LA) size is an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcome. While performing non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT), LA size is readily available, and a single cross-section area provides a accurate estimate of LA enlargement.

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine if enlarged LA measured by a NCCT scan was an independent risk factor of subsequent atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF).

Methods
The Cardiovascular Screening Trial; a population-based multicenter randomized screening trial, consisting primarily of men aged 60–74 years were randomly allocated (1:2) for screening.
NCCT was performed and LA area was manually traced in a single axial slice excluding the pulmonary veins at mitral valve level. LA size was indexed to body surface area. Indexed LA area was divided into five categories (defined by standard deviations). Hospital admission due to AF were identified using data from the National Patient Registry using ICD-10 codes (DI48-DI489).

Results
Between 2014 and 2019, 14,986 participants were enrolled, of these 13,410 without known AF were eligible for follow-up. During 2.3±1.0 years of follow-up 301 developed incident AF, corresponding to an incidence rate of 10.0 per 1,000 person-years.
Figure 1 shows the Kaplan-Meier of incident AF stratified by categories of LA (p&lt;0.0001). A very large LA was associated with a four-fold higher risk of incident AF in the fully adjusted analysis (HR (95% CI): 4.0 (2.6–5.8), p&lt;0.0001), and a two-fold higher risk by a large LA (HR (95% CI): 2.0 (1.5–2.6), p&lt;0.0001) (Table 1).

Conclusion
An enlarged LA area measured by NCCT was associated with a two to four-fold higher risk of incident AF. The prognostic use of LA area provides an individual risk assessment during NCCT for other purposes.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by the University of Southern Denmark and the Region of Southern Denmark.
Clinical risk score for prediction of early left ventricular thrombus after percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Reinstadler S , Holzknecht M , Reindl M , Tiller C , Lechner I , Mayr A , Brenner C , Klug G , Bauer A , Metzler B 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the reference standard for left ventricular (LV) thrombus detection in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, routine CMR imaging is currently not recommended post-STEMI.

Objective
This observational study sought to develop a practical risk score for the prediction of early LV thrombus formation after STEMI to identify patients in whom routine CMR might be appropriate.

Methods and results
Five hundred and fifty-six consecutive patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and CMR at 3 [IQR: 2–4] days after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute STEMI. A LV thrombus was visualized in 12 patients (2.2%) using TTE and in 22 patients (4%) using CMR. A weighted risk score including multivariable associates of LV thrombus formation (LV ejection fraction by TTE, peak high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and peak high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and left anterior descending coronary artery as culprit vessel, with a range of 0 to 7 points (median risk score: 2 points) showed a strong and significantly higher area under the curve (0.93 (95% CI 0.88–0.97; p&lt;0.001)) for LV thrombus prediction than each individual risk factor alone (p&lt;0.001). The sensitivity and the specificity of the risk score was 91% and 80%, respectively. The incidence of LV thrombi was 0% in the very low risk group (0 to 1 points, n=248), 1.8% in the low risk group (2 to 4 points, n=219) and 20.2% in the high risk group (5 to 7 points, n=89). Eighty-two percent of all LV thrombi occurred in the high risk group (number needed to scan to detect one LV thrombus=5).

Conclusions
The proposed risk score provides incremental value for the prediction of early LV thrombus and could be useful to identify STEMI patients in whom routine CMR for LV thrombus evaluation could be most meaningful. Additional investigation is warranted to validate the clinical application of the score.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Role of myocardial T1 mapping in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Georgiopoulos G , Zampieri M , Molaro S , Chaloupka A , Barra B , Roberts L , Monje-Garcia L , Evans C , Sheikh N , Bastiaenen R , Masci P.G , Carr-White G , Finocchiaro G , Chiribiri A 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
T1 mapping by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is an accurate tool to assess myocardial extracellular space with wider clinical applications in the aetiological characterization of cardiomyopathies. The aims of the study were to explore a possible role of myocardial T1 mapping in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and in first-degree relatives at risk and to investigate the possible relationship between left ventricular (LV) involvement at CMR and ECG features.

Methods
Thirty patients with ARVC (47% males, mean age 42±22 years) and 59 first-degree relatives who did not fulfil ARVC diagnostic Task Force criteria, underwent full diagnostic work-up including CMR with native and post-contrast T1 mapping.

Results
The CMR was abnormal in 26 (86%) patients with ARVC. The RV was affected in isolation in 13 (43%) patients. Prior to T1 mapping assessment, 2 (7%) patients exhibited isolated LV involvement and 11 (36%) patients showed features of biventricular disease. Left ventricular involvement was manifested as detectable LV late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in 12 out of 13 cases. According to pre-specified septal T1 mapping thresholds, 11 (37%) patients showed abnormally high native T1 values. Myocardial T1 mapping was higher than normal in 5 (17%) patients who would have been classified as exhibiting a normal LV by conventional imaging. The proportion of patients with abnormal T1 values was similar in patients with or without LGE. Myocardial T1 mapping was higher than normal in 22 (37%) of the 59 first-degree relatives.

Conclusions
Native and/or post contrast myocardial T1 values are raised in almost half of patients with ARVC and in a similar proportion of unaffected first-degree relatives. T1 mapping offers the potential for early detection of LV involvement in patients with ARVC and in first-degree relatives at risk.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Contrast-agent free evaluation of cardiomyopathies with T1 mapping and the new fast strain-encoded (fSENC) magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hirschberg K , Paul O , Salatzki J , Andre F , Riffel J , Ochs M , Vago H , Merkely B , Katus H.A , Friedrich M 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Cardiomyopathies (CMP) may cause impairment of cardiac function and structure. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR) is used for analysis and risk stratification of CMP by Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE). However, T1 mapping (T1) and fast strain encoded (f-SENC) sequences allow contrast-free and faster exams. The aim of this study was to characterize CMP by T1 and f-SENC to develop a faster and safer CMR protocol (fast-CMR).

Methods
CMP scans from our CMR database were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were scanned at 1.5T/3T scanner. Study groups were divided as follows: Patients with normal findings, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and cardiac amyloidosis. Global T1 times, longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential (GCS) strain using f-SENC of study groups were compared to healthy individuals (controls). Scan time and amount of gadolinium-based contrast agent (CA) in CMR-protocol with LGE were compared to fast-CMR.

Results
174 patients and 31 controls were recruited. T1 times, GLS and GCS were similar between controls and normal individuals. T1 times were significantly increased (p&lt;0.05), while GLS and GCS were significantly reduced (p&lt;0.05) in all CMR study groups compared to controls (Table 1). Using fast-CMR 21 (±6) min of scan time were saved, about 47%, and 9 (±2) ml of CA were saved per patient.

Conclusion
Normal findings could be identified by fast-CMR without contrast agent. Fast CMR might also be a useful tool to identify different forms of CMP.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Cardiomyopathy phenotyping and risk-stratification in danon disease
Authors: Rigolli M , Khan A , Brambatti M , Contijoch F , Adler E 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Danon Disease (DD) is a rare, X-linked vacuolar myopathy due to mutations in Lysosomal Associated Membrane Protein 2 (LAMP-2). Though it is strongly associated with severe cardiomyopathy, heart failure and sudden death, there is no data on typical cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging characteristics in DD and their association with clinical severity and outcome.

Purpose
To phenotype and risk-stratify DD patients.

Methods
CMR scans of confirmed DD patients recruited in a global registry were prospectively analyzed for biventricular volumes, ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular (LV) strain, mass (LVM) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in a core-lab blinded fashion. A major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was a composite of death, heart transplant and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for secondary prevention.

Results
12 DD patients (5 males [42%], median age 13 yrs [interquartile range (IQR) 5]) were included. LV hypertrophy (LVH) was present in 10/12 (83%), associated with LV dilation in 2 females. LVH was typically asymmetric in females (5/7) and concentric in males (3/5); right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy frequent in females (4/7). LV strain was reduced (global circumferential strain [GCS] −12±4%) and LGE common (73%), often extensive and always sparing the basal-mid septum. LGE was strongly associated with heart failure (BNP r=0.9, p=0.0021). Patients with MACE (6 [50%], median follow-up 2.9 yrs) had elevated LVM (241±63 g, p=0.032), impaired LV strain (GCS: −9.8±3.9, p=0.02) and higher LGE mass (median 56 g [IQR 35], p=0.021) compared to those without events during follow-up (LVM 155±56 g, GCS −14.9±1.6, LGE mass 0 g [IQR 8]). CMR characteristics were predictors of MACE (LV strain: hazard ratio [HR] 1.4, p=0.021; LGE mass: HR 1.1, p=0.03).

Conclusions
LGE sparing the basal-mid septum was pathognomonic in DD. LVH with reduced LV strain was the most common DD phenotype but the spectrum included LV dilation and RV hypertrophy in females. CMR characteristics (LV strain and LGE) were associated with heart failure and predicted worse outcome (heart transplant and fatal arrhythmias). CMR phenotyping and risk-stratification of this severe and underrecognized cardiomyopathy may aid diagnosis and clinical management in DD patients who need selection for early heart transplant, ICD implantation and targeted gene therapy.
Danon Disease Phenotypes and Outcome

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): National Institute of Health and Rocket Pharmaceuticals