bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echocardographic changes in anorexia nervosa: a pathophysiological adaptation or a disease?
Authors: Toriello F , Santangelo G , Bursi F , Epis E , Tamagni ME , Massironi L , Bertelli S , Benetti A , Cattaneo M , Carugo S 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is one of the most common form of eating disorders and it is a severe and potentially fatal disease with high rates of morbidity and mortality especially in the population aged 15-25 years. Cardiac involvement occurs in approximately 80% of patients with AN. Cardiovascular complications include changes in the autonomic regulation (increased vagal tone, bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension, syncope), arrhythmias, congestive heart failure and sudden death. Few reports have described, in small series, a variety of echocardiographic abnormalities including decreased cardiac mass, mitral valve prolapse, pericardial effusion and reduced left ventricular (LV) dimensions. No previous studies, however, examined if there is a change in these abnormalities with weight fluctuations.

Purpose
To describe echocardiographic findings among male and female patients with AN and to examine the effect of weight gain on clinical and echocardiographic parameters.

Methods
We performed a single center, retrospective, study of patients diagnosed with AN using the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). Clinical, laboratory and ECG-graphic data were obtained by reviewing each patient’s medical records. Echocardiographic parameters were measured off-line.

Results
The study population consisted of 81 patients, mean age 24.5 ± 11.6 years, 92.6% females. 75% showed an extreme AN degree. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 15.2 ± 2.1 kg/m2. Mean heart rate was 57.2 ± 12.7 beats per minute. Some patients showed right bundle branch block (7.4%) or prolonged QT interval (14.8%). Patients with BMI below the mean value had more often pericardial effusion, smaller LV mass and LV end-diastolic volume and thinner interventricular septum (all p &lt; 0.05). However, when index to BSA, LV mass and volumes were within normal range in the 90% of the population. They also showed mitral valve abnormalities and low values of white blood cells and platelets. The presence of pericardial effusion was not related to inflammatory parameters or protein deficiency. For 39 patients echocardiographic exams at the highest and the lowest weight were available. With weight gain, there was an improvement in LV mass, interventricular septum thickness, pericardial effusion and an increase in white blood cells and platelet count.

Conclusions
Our study showed that patients with AN have a specific echocardiographic pattern which seems to be proportional to the body size, suggesting a pathophysiological adaptation to the lack of substrates, hypothesis confirmed by the regression with weight gain. It is possible that pericardic effusion fills the gap left by mass loss.
Phenotyping right heart function for prognosticating heart failure
Authors: Cho J , Uejima T , Hayama H , Yajima Y , Yamashita Y 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Right heart failure has been shown to portend poor prognosis. The pathophysiology of right heart function is complex, as right ventricular (RV) function is easily affected by preload and afterload.

Purpose
To test the hypothesis that machine learning would detect heterogeneity in right heart function and improve risk stratifications in a heart failure population

Methods
This study included 403 heart failure patients who had a history of hospitalization for decompensation. Patients were excluded if they had primary heart valve disease or pericardial disease or a previous cardiac surgery. Hierarchical clustering was undertaken on right heart variables (RV strain, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), vena contracta of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and diameter of inferior vena cava) to identify homogenous groups of patients with similar profiles of the variables. Cox hazard analysis was used to elucidate the benefit of clustering over each variable for prognosticating heart failure. Endpoint was hospitalization for worsening heart failure.

Results
Cluster analysis identified three groups with distinct right heart function. Cluster 1 (n = 191) represented patients with preserved RV function and low RVSP (figure A). On the other hand, cluster 2 (n = 144) had reduced RV function and low RVSP, while cluster 3 (n = 68) had preserved RV function and high RVSP, associated with severe TR and high central venous pressure. The latter 2 clusters carried worse outcome than cluster 1 (p &lt; 0.001, figure B). Cox hazard analysis demonstrated that, although the addition of each right heart variable to baseline model constructed from left heart variables did not improve predictive power, clusters predicted events with a hazard ratio of 1.566, independent from and incremental to the left heart variables (Figure C).

Conclusion
Cluster analysis identified two distinct phenotypes of right heart failure that were associated with adverse outcomes. This data-driven phenotyping can help in categorizing right heart failure and better prognosticating heart failure.
Abstract Figure.
Beneficial effect of angiotensin converter enzyme inhibitors on left ventricular deformation in patients with hematologic malignancies after bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Ikonomidis I , Katogiannis K , Stamouli M , Makavos G , Frogoudaki A , Vrettou AR , Birba D , Thymis J , Tsilivarakis D , Tsirigotis P , Eliodromitis EK 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Hellenic society of lipidiology, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease
Background/Introduction: Optimal medical treatment for heart failure may reverse myocardial dysfunction in the early stages of cardiotoxic treatment.

Patients and methods
60 patients age 46,3 ± 12,9 years old, 19 male) with preserved ejection fraction, who suffered from hematologic malignancies (lymphoma, leukemia) and underwent bone marrow transplantation, were randomized to receive 2,5 mg enalapril bid daily or placebo. We measured at baseline, before transplantation, and after three months: i) Global Longitudinal Strain of left ventricle (LV) (GLS), ii) LV Epicardial Strain (GLSepi), iii) LV Endocardial Strain (GLSendo), by speckle tracking imaging, iv) LV End Diastolic ,End Systolic Volume and Ejection Fraction (LVEF).

Results
The two treatment groups had similar age, sex atherosclerotic risk factors and cardiotoxic medication before and after bone marrow transplantation. Compared to baseline, patients treated with enalapril did not show a deterioration of LV GLS and GLSepi [ p = 0,540 and p = 0,422)], Conversely, patients treated with placebo group, presented a significant impairment of LV GLS and GLSepi [p = 0,041 and p = 0,028)] three months after bone marrow transplantation. No significant changes were found in LVEF after treatment with enalapril ( p = 0,692) or the placebo ( p = 0,892). Table 1

Conclusions
Treatment with enalapril prevented deterioration of myocardial deformation three months after bone marrow transplantation
Table 1 group baseline 3 months follow-up p Longitudinal strain apical 4 chambers view placebo -20.56 ± 2.55 -19.46 ± 2.59 0.154 enalapril -20.41 ± 3.31 -19.70 ± 3.70 0.433 Longitudinal strain apical 2 chambers view placebo -20.5 ± 1.97 -16.11 ± 10.38 0.149 enalapril -20.30 ± 3.90 -20.00 ± 3.82 0.763 Longitudinal strain apical 3 chambers view placebo -19.55 ± 2.36 -18.55 ± 2.43 0.197 enalapril -20.01 ± 4.09 -19.26 ± 3.68 0.489 Global Longitudinal Strain placebo -20.19 ± 1.76 -18.96 ± 2.08 0.041 enalapril -20.24 ± 3.58 -19.66 ± 3.65 0.540 Average Global Epicardial Strain placebo -17.82 ± 1.45 -16.60 ± 1.68 0.028 enalapril -17.84 ± 3.09 -17.16 ± 3.20 0.422 Average Global Endocardial Strain placebo -23.03 ± 2.15 -21.96 ± 2.56 0.181 enalapril -23.07 ± 4.19 -23.60 ± 4.17 0.666 EF (Simpon’s method) placebo 59.46 ± 6.59 59.69 ± 6.79 0.892 enalapril 58.65 ± 7.63 59.45 ± 9.28 0.692 Left ventricular parameters during 3 months of follow-up.
Prognostic value of diastolic function assessment in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Galli E , Smiseth OA , Aalen JM , Larsen CK , Sade E , Le Rolle V , Hernandez A , Leclercq C , Duchenne J , Voigt J-U , Donal E 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Objective
The best modality to assess diastolic function in CRT-candidates is an object of debate and the relationship between diastolic function, CRT-response and survival are not
clearly understood.
Purpose of the study: to assess diastolic patterns in patients undergoing CRT according to the 2016 recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and to evaluate the prognostic value of diastolic dysfunction (DD) in CRT candidates.
Methods
193 patients (age: 67 ± 11 years, QRS width: 167 ± 21 ms) were included in this multicentre prospective study. Patients were stratified according to DD grades (grade I
to III). CRT-response was defined as a reduction of left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume &gt;15% at 6-month follow-up (FU). The primary endpoint was defined as a
composite of heart transplantation, LV assisted device implantation or all-cause death during FU.
Results
During FU, 132 (68%) patients were CRT-responders. CRT delivery was associated with diastolic function degradation in non-responders. Grade I DD was able to predict
CRT-response with a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 70%, 65%, and 63%, respectively. After a median period of 35 months, the primary endpoint occurred in 29
(15%) patients. Grade I DD was associated with a better outcome [HR 0.26 95% CI: (0.10-0.66)], independently from ischemic cardiomyopathy, LV dyssynchrony and CRT-response (Table 1). Non-responders with grade II or grade III DD had the worse prognosis (HR 4.36, 95%CI: 2.10-9.06) Figure 1.
Conclusions
Grade I DD is associated with LV remodelling after CRT and is an independent predictor of prognosis in CRT candidates.
Abstract Figure.
Regional myocardial work as determinant of heart failure in left bundle branch block
Authors: Sletten OJ , Aalen JM , Izci H , Duchenne J , Remme EW , Larsen CK , Hopp E , Galli E , Sirnes PA , Kongsgard E , Voigt JU , Donal E , Smiseth OA , Skulstad H 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The Norwegian Health Association

Background
Left bundle branch block (LBBB) worsen prognosis in heart failure patients. LBBB may also cause heart failure in otherwise healthy individuals. The mechanical changes induced by LBBB are potential determinants of heart failure in these patients, but their relation to left ventricular (LV) systolic function is incompletely understood.

Purpose
This study investigates the contribution of regional contractile function to heart failure in patients with LBBB.

Methods
In 76 patients with LBBB and 11 healthy controls, myocardial strain was measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography and myocardial work by pressure-strain analysis. Patients with ischemic heart disease or myocardial scarring were excluded. LBBB patients were stratified by LV ejection fraction (EF) &gt;50% (EFpreserved), 36-50% (EFmid), and ≤35% (EFlow). 62 LBBB patients subsequently underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation and was re-examined at 6 months.

Results
Septal work was significantly and successively reduced from controls, EFpreserved, EFmid, to EFlow (1977 ± 506, 1025 ± 342, 601 ± 494 and -41 ± 303 mmHg·%, respectively, all p &lt; 0.01) (Figure 1). There was a strong correlation (R = 0.84, p &lt; 0.01) between septal work and LVEF. In contrast, work in the LV lateral wall was preserved in both EFpreserved (2367 ± 459 mmHg·%) and EFmid (2252 ± 449 mmHg·%) vs controls (2062 ± 459 mmHg·%, all NS). In the EFlow group, however, LV lateral wall work was reduced (1473 ± 568 mmHg·%, p &lt; 0.01 vs controls). Thus, lateral wall function was not correlated with LVEF in patients with LVEF &gt;35% (NS). At six month CRT septal work was markedly increased (165 ± 485 vs 1288 ± 523 mmHg·%, p &lt; 0.01) and LV lateral wall work reduced (1730 ± 620 vs 1264 ± 490 mmHg·%, p &lt; 0.01). LVEF increased from 32 ± 8 to 47 ± 10 % (p &lt; 0.01).

Conclusions
Heart failure in LBBB patients is determined by degree of septal dysfunction. LV lateral wall function, on the other hand, is preserved in the early phase of heart failure and was only reduced in patients with severe heart failure. Further clinical studies should investigate if measuring LV lateral wall function can increase precision in patient selection for CRT.
Abstract Figure.
Application of the current HFA-ESC consensus guidelines on diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction to a population referred for echocardiography
Authors: Liang K , Hearse-Morgan R , Fairbairn S , Ismail Y , Nightingale AK 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND
The recent Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) consensus guidelines on diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have developed a simple diagnostic algorithm for clinical use.

PURPOSE
To assess whether echocardiogram (echo) parameters needed to assess diastolic function are routinely collected in patients referred for assessment of heart failure symptoms.

METHODS
Retrospective analysis of echo referrals in January 2020 were assessed for parameters of diastolic function as per step 2 of the HF-PEFF diagnostic algorithm. Echo images and clinical reports were reviewed. Electronic records were utilised to obtain clinical history, blood results (NT-proBNP) and demographic data.

RESULTS
1330 patients underwent an echo in our department during January 2020. 83 patients were referred with symptoms of heart failure without prior history of cardiac disease; 20 patients found to have impaired left ventricular (LV) function were excluded from analysis.
Of the 63 patients with possible HFpEF, HF-PEFF score was low in 18, intermediate in 33 and high in 12. Median age was 68 years (range 32 to 97 years); 25% had a BMI &gt;30. There was a high prevalence of hypertension (52%), diabetes (19%) and atrial fibrillation (40%) (cf. Table 1). Body surface area (BSA) was documented in 65% of echo reports. Most echo parameters were recorded with the exception of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and indexed LV mass (cf. image 1). NT-proBNP was recorded in only 20 patients (31.7%). 12 patients with an intermediate HF-PEFF score could have been re-categorised to a high score depending on GLS and NT-proBNP (which were not recorded).

CONCLUSION
More than three quarters of echoes acquired in our department obtained the relevant parameters to assess diastolic function. The addition of BSA, and inclusion of NT-proBNP, and GLS would have been additive to a third of ‘intermediate’ patients to determine definite HFpEF. Our study demonstrates that the current HFA-ESC diagnostic algorithm and HF-PEFF scoring system are easy to use, highly relevant and applicable to current clinical practice.
Age &gt;70 years 29 (46.0%) Obesity (BMI &gt;30) 16 (25.4%) Diabetes 12 (19%) Hypertension 33 (52.4%) Atrial Fibrillation 25 (39.7%) ECG abnormalities 18 (28.5%) Table 1. Prevalence of Clinical Risk Factors Abstract Figure. Image 1. HFPEFF score & echo parameters
Evaluation of left ventricular filling pressure by echocardiography: incremental diagnostic information from left atrial strain
Authors: Khan F , Inoue K , Remme EW , Ohte N , Garcia-Izquierdo E , Chetrit M , Andersen OS , Gude E , Andreassen AK , Kikuchi S , Stugaard M , Ha JW , Klein A , Nagueh SF , Smiseth OA 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority

Background
Elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressure is an important diagnostic feature of heart failure.

Objectives
To investigate determinants of left atrial (LA) reservoir and pump strain and if these parameters may serve as markers of LV filling pressure.

Methods
In a multicenter study of 322 patients with cardiovascular disease of different etiologies, LA strain by speckle tracking echocardiography was compared to conventional echocardiographic markers using invasive pressure as reference.

Results
Left ventricular filling pressure correlated well with LA reservoir and pump strain (r-values
‑0.52 and ‑0.57, respectively) (Figure). However, LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) was the strongest determinant of LA reservoir strain (r = 0.64), and correlated well with LA pump strain (r = 0.51). For both LA strains, association with filling pressure was strongest in patients with reduced LV ejection fraction. In patients with normal GLS (≥18%), atrial strains provided no information regarding filling pressure (Figure). Reservoir strain &lt;18% and pump strain &lt;8% predicted elevated LV filling pressure better (p &lt; 0.05) than the conventional indices LA volume, ratio of mitral early filling velocity/annular velocity and tricuspid regurgitation velocity. Accuracy to classify filling pressure as normal or elevated was 75% for both LA strains . When any one of the conventional indices were missing, and were replaced by LA strains, the combination of indices had accuracy 82% to correctly classify filling pressure.

Conclusions
Left atrial reservoir and pump strain may serve as clinical markers of LV filling pressure, but will be useful predominantly in patients with reduced systolic function. Due to limited diagnostic accuracy, LA strain should be used in combination with other indices.
Abstract Figure
Asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis: what is the current role of exercise stress test and NT-proBNP in patient risk stratification
Authors: Campos I , Pereira J , Salome N , Pereira VH , Oliveira C , Marques Pires C , Medeiros P , Flores R , Mane F , Marques J , Vieira C 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Aortic stenosis (AS) is prevalent in the elderly population. When severe and the patient is symptomatic or left ventricular dysfunction arises, the prognosis deteriorates and valve replacement (AVR) is recommended. During the asymptomatic phase regular clinical evaluation is advised to detect early onset of symptoms and/or signs of myocardial maladaptation. Due to the inherent difficulties in the evaluation of symptoms, especially in the elderly, as well as the change in prognosis when symptoms appear (even if not perceived), it is crucial to evaluate the behavior of patients with effort and signs of myocardial injury.

Methods
An observational and retrospective study that included 74 patients followed at the Cardiology Service by severe AS (aortic valve area ≤ 1cm2 and/or aortic transvalvular mean gradient ≥40mmHg), who underwent exercise stress test (EST) and NT-proBNP evaluation for risk stratification. The outcome studied was hospitalization for heart failure (HF), or referral to SV, or death during the follow-up period. Independent predictors were obtained using multivariate Cox regression.

Results
Non-progression or decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in EST is the only independent predictor of a short-term adverse event (p = 0.025). This parameter, NT-proBNP levels and interventricular septal thickness (IVS) were independent predictors of a medium (two (p = 0.025; p = 0.014; p = &lt;0.001), three (p = 0.015; p = 0.007; p = 0.001) and four years (p = 0.007; p = 0.049; p = 0.005)) and a long term adverse event (p = 0.006; p = 0.028; p = 0.005).

Conclusion
In asymptomatic patients with severe AS, no progression or decrease in SBP in EST, increased NT-proBNP levels and thickness of IVS were independent predictors of hospitalization for HF, need for VS or death in short, medium and long term.
Assessment of aortic regurgitation mechanism with cardiac magnetic resonance: an echocardiography comparative study
Authors: Richardson M , Raad N , Coisne A , Ridon H , Polge AS , Mouton S , Silvestri V , Pagniez J , Longere B , Modine T , Soquet J , Juthier F , Montaigne D , Pontana F 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Aortic regurgitation (AR) quantification still remains challenging and requires an integrated approach. AR mechanism is one key parameter to take into account to assess its severity and repairability, and thus help to guide surgical decision. Although Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) has a growing interest in AR quantification, its performance to identify aortic AR mechanism has never been studied.

Purpose
We intended to define CMR Performance in this setting, by using echocardiography as reference.

Methods
AR mechanism was systematically evaluated in sixty-seven patients (81% male, mean age 46 ± 20 years) with chronic AR using CMR, and compared to transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography as gold standard. AR were categorized as follows: type 1, aortic dilatation; type 2, Cusp prolapse; type 3, restrictive cusp motion. Jet direction, number of cusps and calcification (1 = no calcification, 2 = spots, 3 = big calcification interfering with cusp motion and 4 = Extensive with restricted cusp motion) were also evaluated.

Results
At TTE/TEE, mechanisms of AR were type 1 in 56 (83.5%), type 2 in 33 (49.2%), type 3 in 24 (35%). Agreement between TTE/TEE and CMR was modest, with respectively 74.6% (k= 0.4), 79.1% (k = 0.58) and 74.6% (k = 0.44). Bicuspid aortic valve was found in 44 (65.7%) patients at TTE/TEE, agreement with CMR was excellent, 98.5% (k = 0.97). Jet was directed to the mitral valve in 42 (62.7%), at the inter ventricular septum in 12 (17.9%), and central in 13 (19.4%). Agreement with CMR was correct, respectively 80% (k = 0,6), 88% (k = 0.62) and 83.5% (K= 0.52). Calcification extension was 1 in 26 (38.8%), 2 in 25 (37.3%), 3 in 11 (16.4%) and 4 in 5 (7.5%). Agreement with CMR was poor, 44.7% (K= 0.28).

Conclusion
Accuracy between CMR and TTE/TEE to evaluate chronic AR mechanism and repairability was modest, with lower performance to define calcification extension.
Abstract Figure. AR classification TTE/TEE vs CMR