bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Invasive validation of a novel approach to determine aortic valve area with phase-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Troger F , Lechner I , Reindl M , Tiller C , Holzknecht M , Pamminger M , Reinstadler SJ , Bauer A , Gizewski ER , Metzler B , Klug G , Mayr A 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Austrian Society of Cardiology
Background. Echocardiography is considered the standard method for screening and diagnosing aortic valve stenosis. However, inaccuracies in the determination of stroke-volumes by the continuity equation might particularly make the evaluation of patients with low-flow states difficult. Phase-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance (PC-CMR) is a promising tool in overcoming these limitations by the simultaneous determination of flow volumes and velocities across the stenotic valve.

Purpose
The aim of this study is to validate a novel approach based on PC-CMR against the invasive determination of the aortic valve area (AVA).
Methods. PC-CMR was performed in 50 patients with moderate or severe AS (n = 52; age 72 years [interquartile range (IQR) 66 - 78], 38% of patients with low-flow states). All of them were referred to invasive evaluation of aortic stenosis by cardiac catheterization. Additionally, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed. Aortic valve area (AVA) was determined by PC-CMR (AVAPC-CMR) via plotting momentary flow across the valve against momentary flow velocity. AVAPC-CMR at different time points over the entire cardiac cycle was compared to invasively determined AVA, calculated according to the Gorlin-formula. Stroke volumes (SV) were determined by the Fick-principle, pressure gradients according to the modified Bernoulli-equation.
Results. Mean AVA during the whole systolic phase showed a good correlation (r: 0.544, p &lt; 0.001) with invasive AVA with a small bias (AVACMR: 0.78 cm², IQR: [0.60-0.96] versus AVAINVASIVE: 0.70 cm², IQR: [0.52-0.87], bias: 0.08 cm², p = 0.017). Intermethodical correlation and bias of AVA as measured by TTE (AVATTE) and AVAINVASIVE were similar to AVAPC-CMR (AVATTE: 0.81 cm²; IQR: [0.64-0.96] versus AVAINVASIVE: 0.70 cm², IQR: [0.52-0.87] r: 0.580, p &lt; 0.001, bias 0.11 cm², p &lt; 0.001). SV by PC-CMR showed a good correlation with Cine-CMR with no significant bias (r: 0.730, p &lt; 0.001; SVPC-CMR: 86 ± 31 ml; SVCine: 85 ± 19 ml). Maximum gradients determined by PC‑CMR were 65 ± 2 9mmHg and showed a good inverse correlation with AVAPC-CMR (r: ‑0.371; p = 0.008).
Conclusion. PC-CMR with continuous determination of flow volumes and flow velocities is able to determine AVA in patients with severe aortic stenosis with a tendency to overestimate AVA compared to invasively determined AVA.
CMR derived ventricular arterial coupling in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kharabish A , Eid M , Elmozy W , Elguindy A , Yacoub M 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Ventriculoarterial coupling (VAC) is an important surrogate measurement of global cardiovascular efficiency. However, up till recently, this measurement has been rarely used in clinical practice. This could be due to its invasive nature, and the relatively complex methods required for acquisition and interpretation. We here describe a noninvasive method of measuring VA coupling using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in a cohort of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Methods

Cardiac MRI was performed in 61 patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) before and after undergoing extended surgical myectomy. Cardiac MRIs from 15 patients with non-obstructive HCM were also included for comparison. Hypertensive patients were excluded from this study. Vitals signs were recorded during each MRI study. Arterial end-systolic pressure (AESP) was determined non-invasively as previously described (0.9x brachial blood pressure). Left ventricular end-systolic pressure (LVESP) was calculated by adding the echo-derived peak systolic gradient across the left ventricular outflow tract to the arterial end-systolic pressure. Indexed stroke volume (SVI) in the ascending aorta as well as indexed end systolic volume (ESVI) were calculated from CMR. Indexed arterial (Ea) and ventricular (Ev) elastance were calculated as AESP/SVI and LVESP/ESVI. VA coupling was then calculated as Ea/Ev.

Results
Compared to the baseline measurements, VAC increased significantly post myectomy (mean VAC pre-myectomy and post-myectomy 0.38 vs. versus 0.62 respectively, p= 0.00001). VAC in non-obstructive HCM patients (mean = 0.64) was statistically similar to that in post-myectomy (p = 0.82) and statistically different from pre-myectomy (p = 0.00016). The mean of LVOTO gradients post- and pre-myectomy were significantly different (p = 0.00001). Significant correlation of the delta-VAC with the delta gradient in the LVOTO was found (r= 0.35, p = 0.005).

Conclusion
Non-invasive assessment of VA coupling using CMR is feasible and could be a useful tool in the evaluation of patients with various cardiovascular disorders. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are required to establish the utility of this method in clinical practice.
EpCAM and microvascular obstruction in patients with STEMI: a cardiac magnetic resonance study
Authors: Rios-Navarro C , Gavara J , Nunez J , Bonanad Lozano C , Revuelta-Lopez E , Monmeneu JV , Lopez-Lereu MP , De Dios E , Perez-Sole N , Vila JM , Oltra R , Chorro FJ , Bayes-Genis A , Bodi V 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): This study was funded by “Instituto de Salud Carlos III” and “Fondos Europeos de Desarrollo Regional FEDER”
Bachground. Microvascular obstruction (MVO) is negatively associated with cardiac structure and worse prognosis after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), involved in endothelium adhesion, is an understudied area in the MVO setting.
Purpose. We aimed to evaluate whether EpCAM is associated with the appearance of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived MVO and long-term systolic function in reperfused STEMI.
Methods. We prospectively included 106 patients with a first STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, quantifying serum levels of EpCAM 24 hours post-reperfusion. All patients underwent CMR imaging 1 week and 6 months post-STEMI. The independent correlation of EpCAM with MVO, systolic volume indices, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was evaluated.
Results. The mean age of the sample was 59 ± 13 years and 76% were male. Patients were dichotomized according to EpCAM median (4.48 pg/mL). At 1-week CMR, lower EpCAM was related to extensive MVO (p-value = 0.02) and greater infarct size (p-value = 0.02). At presentation, only EpCAM values were significantly associated with the presence of MVO in univariate (Odds Ratio [95% confidence interval] (OR [95% CI]): 0.58 [0.38-0.88], p-value = 0.01) and multivariate logistic regression models (OR [95% CI]: 0.54 [0.34-0.85], p-value = 0.007). Although MVO tends to resolve at chronic phases, decreased EpCAM was associated with worse systolic function: depressed LVEF (p-value = 0.009) and higher left ventricular end-systolic volume (p-value = 0.04).
Conclusions. EpCAM is associated with occurrence of CMR-derived MVO at acute phases and long-term adverse ventricular remodeling post-STEMI. Future studies are needed to confirm EpCAM as biomarker, and eventually biotarget in STEMI pathophysiology.
Effect of weight loss on early left atrial myopathy in obese patients without known cardiovascular disease
Authors: Deal O , Rayner J , Stracquadanio A , Wijesurendra R , Neubauer S , Casadei B , Rider O , Spartera M 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): BHF & NIHR BRC

Introduction
Obesity is strongly associated with increased risk of heart failure and ischaemic stroke independently of associated co-morbidities. Left atrial (LA) reservoir dysfunction, a marker of atrial distensibility and compliance, is an early pathophysiological change which precedes the onset of cardiovascular disease in patients with obesity. It is unclear whether a weight loss intervention may be sufficient to reverse LA reservoir dysfunction.

Purpose
To longitudinally assess whether a weight loss intervention normalizes LA reservoir function by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature-tracking in patients with obesity and only subclinical cardiovascular disease and compared this age and sex matched non-obese normal weight controls.

Methods
A total of 45 patients with severe obese (age = 45 ± 11 years, body mass index = 39.1 ± 6.7 kg/m2, 51 ± 18 kg of excess body weight [EBW], 67% female) underwent CMR for quantification of LA and left ventricular (LV) size and function before and a median of 373 days following weight loss intervention. Weight loss was achieved by means of a very-low calorie diet (N = 28; 800 kcal/day) or by bariatric surgery (N = 17). A total of N = 27 non-obese healthy controls (age = 41 ± 12 years, body mass index = 22.3 ± 2.4 kg/m2, 75% female) underwent the same CMR protocol once.

Results
At baseline, patients with obesity displayed signs of atrial myopathy with increased LA volume and reduced LA reservoir function as compared to normal-weight controls (both P &lt; 0.05, Figure 1) alongside increased LV mass and hyper-normal LV ejection fraction [LVEF] (both p &lt; 0.01). As expected, weight loss led to a significant reduction of LA volume and LV mass with normalization of LVEF regardless of the degree of weight loss achieved (all P &lt; 0.05, Figure 2). By contrast, only a large weight loss (&gt;46.6% EBW, in red in Figure 2) was sufficient to improve and normalize the LA reservoir function (P &lt; 0.05, Figure 2). On the other hand, moderate or milder weight loss (in orange and red) had no significant effect on LA reservoir function (both P &gt; 0.05).

Conclusion
Successful weight loss can completely revert early LA myopathic phenotype in obese patients without known cardiovascular disease although this can be achieved only with larger weight loss targets.
Diffuse myocardial fibrosis precedes impairment of myocardial strain in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Gotschy A , Jordan S , Stoeck CT , Von Deuster C , Gastl M , Vishnevskiy V , Wissmann L , Dobrota R , Mihai C , Becker MO , Maurer B , Kozerke S , Ruschitzka F , Distler O , Manka R 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background - Myocardial involvement is common in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and causes myocardial fibrosis and subtle ventricular dysfunction. However, the temporal onset of myocardial involvement during the progression of the disease is yet unknown.
Purpose - To investigated the presence of subclinical functional impairment and diffuse myocardial fibrosis in patients with very early diagnosis of SSc (VEDOSS) and to compared the findings to patients with established SSc and healthy controls.
Methods - 110 SSc patients (86 with established SSc and 24 with VEDOSS) and 15 healthy controls were prospectively recruited. The study subjects underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance on a clinical 1.5T system. Pre- and post-contrast T1 mapping was performed using a MOLLI (Modified Look-Locker Inversion Recovery) sequence. For extracellular volume (ECV) measurements, a single bolus protocol with image acquisition 15-20 min. post-contrast injection was used. For the assessment of subtle functional impairment, global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential (GCS) myocardial strain were evaluated.
Results - Native T1 values and ECV were elevated in VEDOSS and in patients with established SSc compared to controls (p &lt; 0.001; Figure 1 A & B). GLS was similar in VEDOSS and controls but significantly reduced in patients with established SSc (p &lt; 0.001; Figure 1 C). GCS was similar over all groups (p = 0.88). Patients with clinical evidence of pulmonary or gastrointestinal involvement had higher ECV or T1 values, respectively. Patients with clinical signs of cardiac involvement had lower absolute GLS. SSc subtype, classification or disease duration were not associated with the extent of myocardial fibrosis or impaired strain.
Conclusion - Subclinical myocardial involvement first manifests as diffuse myocardial fibrosis identified by expansion of ECV and increased native T1 in VEDOSS patients while subtle functional impairment as measured by GLS only occurs in established SSc. No single clinical feature of SSc shows a strong association with subtle myocardial involvement.
Cardiac magnetic resonance strain as a predictor of clinical events in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Martinez Vives P , Cecconi A , Vera A , Nogales-Romo T , Lopez-Melgar B , Rojas-Gonzalez A , Jimenez-Borreguero LJ , Alfonso F 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a relatively prevalent condition associated with cardiovascular death and heart failure. Several tools are currently available to identify which HCM patients are at risk of developing these events.

Purpose
We aimed to evaluate the association of new Tissue Tracking strain analysis by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and the development of clinical events in patients with HCM.

Methods
We prospectively analyzed 136 consecutive patients with HCM diagnosis (established according to current clinical practice guidelines) from January 2006 to October 2017. Heart failure hospital admissions and death on follow-up were included in a combined clinical outcome. CMR studies were performed following our predefined CMR protocol for HCM with 1.5T magnets. Cine images were obtained with standard, retrospectively gated, steady-state free-precession (SSFP) sequences in 2, 3 and 4 chambers views and in 10–15 contiguous short-axis slices covering the ventricles from the base to the apex, with breath holding. The strain evaluation was performed by a commercially available Tissue Tracking analysis software, manually defining the endocardial border in short axis, 4, 3 and 2 chambers views and, after verifying adequate identification of the different structures, running the strain analysis (Figure 1, displaying myocardium identification by the strain analysis software).

Results
Mean follow-up was 49 ± 45 months. Mean age was 61 ± 15.33 years old (p 0.024) and 31% of patients were women (p 0.01). 20% had atrial fibrillation (p 0.154). Mean ejection fraction was 69 ± 9.21% (p 0.762) and mean HCM-SCD (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy sudden cardiac death) risk score was 2.20 ± 1.35 (p 0.885).
Mean global radial systolic strain rate (GRSsr) was -1,33 ± 0.59 s-1 (p 0.083). During follow-up, 12 heart failure hospital admissions and 14 death from any cause were registered.
GRSsr showed an area under de ROC curve of 0.63 (95% confidence interval -CI- 0.51 – 0.75) predicting clinical events. The value of 1.40 s−1 was selected as the best sensitivity/specificity cutoff point. Three variables (sex, age, and previous history of atrial fibrillation) were chosen (through the allsets method) and included as adjusting variables together with &lt;1,40 s−1/≥1.40 s−1 in a multivariate Cox’s regression model (p 0.002; AIC 99.7; Harrell C index 0.82). Patients with GRSsr &lt;1.40 s−1 showed more clinical evens on follow-up vs those with GRSsr ≥1.40 s−1 (adjusted HR 6.57; 95% CI 2.01 – 21.49; p 0.002; Figure 2, displaying Kaplan-Meier survival estimates).

Conclusions
A GRSsr &lt;1.40 s−1 emerges as a novel independent predictor of worse clinical outcomes in patients with HCM and preserved ejection fraction.
Myocardial strain overrules left ventricular ejection fraction and late gadolinium enhancement extent in predicting MACE in CMR-proven acute myocarditis
Authors: Vos JL , Raafs AG , Van Der Velde N , Germans T , Biesbroek PS , Hirsch A , Heymans SRB , Nijveldt R 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) plays a major role in both the diagnostic process and prognostic stratification in acute myocarditis. Presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) are known predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). However, in daily clinical practice it remains challenging to distinguish ‘the good from the bad’. The prognostic value of CMR feature tracking (FT) derived strain, with respect to LGE and LVEF, remains unclear.

Purpose
To evaluate the incremental prognostic value of left atrial (LA) phasic function, LV and right ventricular (RV) strain using CMR-FT in patients with CMR-proven acute myocarditis.

Methods
In this multicenter observational study, patients with CMR-proven acute myocarditis were included and followed with regard to MACE including all-cause mortality (ACM), heart-failure hospitalizations (HFH), and life-threatening arrhythmias (LTA). Using FT-derived strain, LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), circumferential strain (GCS), and radial strain (GRS), RV GLS and LA phasic function were measured. Uni- and multivariable analysis including clinical and CMR parameters were performed to assess the association with MACE.

Results
A total of 162 patients were included (75% male, 41 ±17 years). MACE occurred in 29 patients (18%, ACM n = 18, HFH n = 7, LTA n = 11) during a median follow-up of 5.5 (2.2-8.3) years. Forty-six percent had a STEMI-like presentation (combination of chest pain, elevated troponin, and ST-elevation, n = 74). LGE was present in 90% of patients and mean LVEF was 51 ± 12%. Patients with LVEF &lt;50% had a significantly worse prognosis compared to patients with LVEF ≥50% (p &lt; 0.0001, Figure A). When we categorized the study population into subgroups of quartile values of LV GLS, patients with LV GLS worse than 18% had a significant worse outcome compared to the other subgroups (p &lt; 0.05, Figure B). Subgroups of LGE extent did not show significantly different associations with outcome (p = 0.458, Figure C). Cox regression analysis showed that LV strain and LA phasic function were univariably associated with MACE, whereas RV GLS and LGE extent were not. All univariable associated strain parameters were separately included in a multivariable model, including age, sex, STEMI-like presentation, and LVEF. LV GLS (HR 1.08, p = 0.01), LV GCS (HR 1.15, p = 0.02), and LV GRS (HR 0.98, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of MACE.

Conclusions
LV strain parameters are independent and incremental predictors of prognosis in patients with acute myocarditis, while RV strain and LA phasic function are not. Therefore, LV strain is a promising novel parameter for risk stratification in acute myocarditis.
Aortic rotational flow patterns and stiffness by 4D flow CMR in patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome compared to healthy volunteers and patients with Marfan syndrome
Authors: Ruiz Munoz A , Guala A , Rodriguez-Palomares JF , Dux-Santoy L , Servato L , Lopez-Sainz A , La Mura L , Gonzalez-Alujas T , Galian-Gay L , Gutierrez L , Johnson K , Wieben O , Ferreira I , Evangelista A , Teixido-Tura G 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): La Marató de TV3, Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the project and Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

BACKGROUND
Loeys-Dietz (LDS) and Marfan (MFS) syndromes are rare genetic connective tissue disorders associated with progressive aortic dilation, however, aortic dissections have been observed at lower aortic root diameters in LDS than in MFS. Recent CMR studies in MFS patients reported increased aortic stiffness (1–3) and altered rotational flow (4), but research on aortic flow dynamics and biomechanics in LDS is lacking.

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to assess rotational aortic flow and aortic stiffness in LDS compared to healthy volunteers (HV) and MFS patients, using 4Dflow CMR.

METHODS
Twenty-one LDS and 44 MFS patients, without previous aortic dissection or surgery, and 43 HV underwent a non-contrast-enhanced 4D flow CMR. Aortic stiffness was quantified at the AAo and DAo using pulse wave velocity (PWV). In-plane rotational flow (IRF), systolic flow reversal ratio (SFRR) (5) and local aortic diameters were obtained at 20 equidistant planes from the ascending (AAo) to the proximal descending aorta (DAo).

RESULTS
LDS patients had lower IRF at the distal AAo and proximal DAo compared to HV (p = 0.053 and 0.004, respectively), once adjusted for age, stroke volume and local aortic diameter; but no differences were found with respect to MFS (Figure). Although SFRR at the proximal DAo was increased in LDS patients compared to both HV (p = 0.037) and MFS populations (p = 0.015), once adjusted for age and aortic diameter, the difference in magnitude was small (Figure). On the other hand, AAo and DAo PWV revealed stiffer aortas in LDS patients compared to HV but no differences versus MFS patients (Table).

CONCLUSIONS
Patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome showed decreased in-plane rotational flow and abnormally-high regional aortic stiffness compared to healthy controls, and similar hemodynamics and aortic stiffness with respect to patients with Marfan syndrome.
Feasibility and prognostic value of adenosine stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance in patient with implantable device
Authors: Pavon A , Porretta AP , Arangalage D , Rutz T , Hugelshofer S , Domenichini G , Pruvot E , Muller O , Monney P , Pascale P , Schwitter J 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
stress CMR has a limited use in patients with implantable device, in order to the possible artefacts due to the metallic component and to the risk of adenosine interaction with cardiac pacing. The aim of the study was to assess the global feasibility and to assess the prognostic value of stress perfusion CMR in patients with implantable device.

Materials and Methods
we conducted a retrospective single-center longitudinal analysis of consecutive patients with an implantable device referred for stress CMR, performed using a 1.5 Tesla unit (Siemens Healthcare,MAGNETOM Aera, Erlangen-Germany). Protocol was adapted according to current guidelines. Cardiac follow-up [6 months to 7 years] was obtained by medical records of direct contact with patient’s cardiologist referral.

Results
44 patients were enrolled. 34 patients needed a continuous pacing during adenosine stress, that was settled in DOO in 14 (32%) and in VOO in 20 (45%). Device integrity was not compromised by CMR and not competitive atrial or ventricular stimulation was observed during examination. Image quality was good in 95% cases. 26% cases had a perfusion deficit corresponding to a previous scar, while 12% of patients had a positive stress test. All of them needed continuous pacing during stress test and underwent to a coronary angiography who confirmed the coronary stenosis. In patients without inducible ischemia 2 patients experienced a Non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction after 6 and 2 years while no other cardiac symptoms or cardiac hospitalisation was remarkable during follow up.

Conclusion
adenosine stress CMR in patient who are pacemaker dependent during scanner is feasible, with an overall good image quality, proving an excellent diagnostic and prognostic value in a long term follow up even. Adenosine administration is safe and no the magnetic field interference with the correct functioning of the device have been shown in short or long term follow-up.