bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocardial work, combined with arterial stiffness and biomarkers, are able to detect earlier and predict cardiotoxicity in non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Mihalcea D , Memis H , Cosmulescu G , Balinisteanu A , Vladareanu AM , Vinereanu D 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, oncovin, prednisone) in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is limited by risk of cardiotoxicity. Aim. To define new parameters of LV myocardial work, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers for early diagnosis and prediction of cardiotoxicity. Methods. 91 patients (34 men, 57 ± 11 years), with NHL, with LVEF &gt;50%, scheduled for CHOP, were assessed at baseline, and after 4th and 8th cycle (doxorubicin total dose of 341 ± 52 mg). 3D echo was used for LVEF; 2D STE for longitudinal strain (LS) and myocardial work: global constructive work (GCW) as "the positive" work of the heart; global wasted work (GWW) as "the negative" work of the heart; global work efficiency (GWE) by formula GCW/(GCW + GWW), and global work index (GWI) as sum of GCW and GWW; echo-tracking for pulse wave velocity (PWV) and β index. Troponin I and NTproBNP were measured. Cardiotoxicity was defined as LVEF decrease &lt;50%, with &gt;10% from baseline. Results. After 8th cycle, 17 patients (18%) (group I) developed cardiotoxicity (3D LVEF: 63 ± 3 vs. 48 ± 1, p &lt; 0.0001), whereas 74 patients (group II) did not (3D LVEF: 63 ± 2 vs. 57 ± 3, p &lt; 0.0001). There was a significant reduction of LS, GCW and GWE, with an increase of GWW and arterial stiffness, starting with the 4th cycle; changes in group I were higher than in group II (p &lt; 0.001) (table). Univariate analysis showed significant correlation between reduction of 3D LVEF and decrease of LS, GCW, GWE (r = 0.65; r = 0.74; r = 0.54), and increase of GWW, PWV, β index, and troponin level after 4th cycle (r=-0.44; r=-0.38; r=-0.39; r=-0.35; all p &lt; 0.05). Reduction of GCW after the 4th cycle was the best independent predictor of decrease of 3D LVEF after the 8th cycle (R2 = 0.48, p = 0.001). By ROC analysis, decrease of GCW by more than 29% after the 4th cycle predicted development of cardiotoxicity after the 8th cycle of CHOP (Sb 82%, Sp 81%). Conclusion. Assessment of myocardial work, combined with arterial stiffness and biomarkers, are able to detect early chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and to predict further decline of LVEF in non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Myocardial work and cardiotoxicity CHOP Group I Group II LS(-%) Baseline 4th cycle 8th cycle 22 ± 2 17 ± 1† 13 ± 2† 22 ± 2 19 ± 2† 17 ± 2±† GCW (mmHg%) Baseline 4th cycle 8th cycle 2256 ± 123 1902 ± 133† 1633 ± 167† 2278 ± 168 2104 ± 111† 1937 ± 102† GWW (mmHg%) Baseline 4th cycle 8th cycle 84 ± 4 124 ± 18† 198 ± 24† 85 ± 11 94 ± 21† 113 ± 19† GWE (%) Baseline 4th cycle 8th cycle 98 ± 1 92 ± 2† 86 ± 2† 98 ± 1 95 ± 2 94 ± 1† GWI (mmHg%) Baseline 4th cycle 8th cycle 1982 ± 155 1888 ± 136† 1723 ± 172† 2003 ± 189 1945 ± 111 1873†±102† GCW = global constructive work; GWE = global work efficiency; GWI = global work index; GWW = global waste work; LS = longitudinal strain; † p &lt; 0.001
Characteristics of idiopathic tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Li LWY , Huang MS , Lee WH , Tsai WC 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Ministry of Science and Technology, Executive Yuan, Taiwan

Background
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) were traditionally classified as primary and secondary TR. Recently a new category of TR was developed and named as idiopathic TR. However, diagnosis and characteristics of idiopathic TR were not consisted. We tried to identify idiopathic TR by a new systemic approach and studied its characteristics.

Methods
207 consecutive patients (mean age 71.2 ± 14.7 years, 40.6% male) identified as significant TR (moderate and severe) by echocardiography were recruited. We classified TR by a new systemic approach. The classification process started from identified primary TR, then pacemaker related TR, left heart disease related TR, congenital heart related TR, right ventricular (RV) myopathy, pulmonary hypertension and, finally idiopathic TR step by step.

Results
There were 29 (14%) primary TR, 18 (8.7%) pacemaker related, 81 (39.1 %) left heart diseases, 6 (2.9%) congenital heart diseases, 3 (1.4%) RV myopathy, 27 (13%) pulmonary hypertension, and 43 (20.8%) idiopathic TR. Mean age of idiopathic TR was 72.9 ± 11.4 years and 39.5% was male which were not different from other groups. Atrial fibrillation was presented highest in patients with pacemaker related TR (77.8%) and left heart disease (55.6%), lowest in primary TR (24.1%) and pulmonary HT (25.9%), and modest in idiopathic TR (44.2%). Among the echocardiographic characteristics of right heart measurements, idiopathic TR had lowest TR maximal velocity (3.0 ± 0.3 m/s), pulmonary (41.2 ± 8.7 mmHg) and right atrium pressure (5.3 ± 0.3 mmHg; all p &lt;0.001). Idiopathic TR had smallest RV wall thickness (4.5 ± 1.4 mm; p = 0.008), tricuspid annulus diameter (3.2 ± 0.7 cm; p = 0.001), and right atrial area (18.9 ± 8.4 cm2; p &lt;0.001). RV function represented as tricuspid annulus velocity S’ (12.8 ± 3.3 cm/s; p = 0.011) and RV fractional area change FAC (42.6 ± 16.0 %; p &lt;0.001) were best in idiopathic TR. RV dysfunction (FAC &lt; 35%) was lowest (14%) in idiopathic TR.

Conclusions
Idiopathic TR had better RV function then other types of TR. Idiopathic TR can be regarded as a unique disease category in studying TR.
Augmentation index predicts mortality in patients with aortic stenosis. An echo-tracking study
Authors: Vriz O , Palatini P , Mos L , Alsergani H , Grillini G , Alenazy A , Vendramin I , Antonini-Canterin F , Magne J 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Objective. Aortic valve stenosis (AS) shares similarities with the atherosclerotic process which is known to be responsible od arterial stiffness, but little is known on the direct effect of the mechanical properties of large arteries on the outcome in patients with significant AS and even less is known on the effect of the local stiffness of the large elastic arteries.
The aims of the study were 1) to determine the relationship between indexes of local (carotid) arterial stiffness/compliance and the severity of AS and 2) to identify whether local arterial stiffness is independently associated with mortality.
Methods. 133 patients with severe isolated AS and preserved left ventricular (LV) ejction fraction (EF) were prospectively recruited. Patients underwent data collection on cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery disease, standardized transthoracic echocardiographic examination and local carotid stiffness evaluation by means of high-definition echo-tracking ultrasound system with the calculation of arterial stiffness/comliance and augmentation index (AIx). All cause death and the requirement of valvular interventions were recorded during the follow-up period until the occurrence of death or censoring. Deaths were confirmed by reviewing the electronic patient records.
Results. None of the local AS parameters were significantly associated with AS severity. During a mean follow-up of 51.6 ± 39.4 months, 70 patients received aortic valve replacement and 45 died. Patients who died were older (79.2 ± 6.9 vs 73 ± 8.8 years, p &lt; 0.0001), they had higher carotid stiffness (AIx) (21.3 ± 14 vs 16 ± 12%, p = 0.028). In multivariate Cox regression analysis AIx was independently associated with mortality also after the inclusion of age and renal function ((HR 1.048, 95% CI 1.01-1.07, p = 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survival free event curve showed that there was an associated with AIx and the curves were statistically different in the group with no surgery (p = 0.016).
Conclusion. In patients with severe AS and normal LVEF, AIx measured by means of echo-tracking system was higher in patients who deceased. AIx was independently associated with death and mortality was higher in the group of patients with higher AIx who did not underwent surgery. These data emphasize the importance of arterial stiffness that not only causes an increase in LV afterload but is also a harbinger of a long-term atherosclerotic burden.
Hemodynamic, echocardiographic data
Valvular heart disease in autoimmune diseases in Mexico
Authors: Aceituno Melgar J , Fritche-Salazar JF , Soto-Lopez ME 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
The autoimmune diseases (AD) have high morbidity and mortality due to their affection to the heart.

Purpose
Our objective was to describe the valvular heart disease (VHD) in patients with AD.

Methods
Patients with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic sclerosis (SS) diagnosis were included, from January 1st 2008 to December 31th 2018. Prevalence rates of valve involvement were calculated.

Results
A total of 163 patients (57.6% with SLE, 23.3% with RA, 19.0% with SS) were included. The global prevalence of VHD was 5.4% in SLS, 23.6% en RA, and 15.9% in SS. The more affected valve in SLS was the tricuspid valve in 24% (12% with severe tricuspid regurgitation (STR), p = 0.028), in RA was the aortic valve in 26% (13% with severe aortic stenosis (SAS), p = 0.02), and with SS was the tricuspid valve in 48% (29% with moderate tricuspid regurgitation (MTR)). The calcium deposit was present in 66% in RA (37% in aortic valve, p &lt; 0.001). The valve thickening (&gt;5 mm) was higher in RA (50%, p &lt; 0.001), with predominance in mitral valve (26%).

Conclusions
We found significant higher rates of STR in SLE, SAS in RA, and MTR in SS compared with the literature. Moreover, calcification and valve thickening were found more often in RA. Early diagnosis of subclinical VHD is mandatory to improve the long-term prognosis of these patients.
Valvular heart disease. Autoimmune Disease (n = 163) P value* SLE (n = 94) RA (n = 38) ES (n = 31) Demographic characteristics Age, years. Gender, Male / Female, n Body Mass Index (kg/m2) Arterial hypertension, n (%) Diabetes Mellitus, n (%) 38.8 (12.6) 9/85 26.2 (5.9) 21(22.3%) 6 (6.3%) 62.45 (12.3) 7/31 26.6 (7.1) 14(36.8%) 4 (10.5%) 53.8 (13.3) 2/29 25.4 (4.7) 12 (38.7) 5 (16.1%) &lt;0.001 NS NS NS NS Echocardiographic findings. Valve thickening Aortic Mitral 8 (9%) 1 (1%) 7 (7%) 19 (50%) 9 (24%) 10 (26%) 1 (3%) 0 1 (3%) &lt;0.001 Calcium Deposit Aortic Mitral 4 (4%) 2 (2%) 2 (2%) 25 (66%) 14 (37%) 11 (29%) 8 (26%) 4 (12.8%) 4 (12.9%) &lt;0.001 Aortic valve disease 4 (4%) 10 (26%) 0 Aortic stenosis Moderate Severe 0 0 0 7 (18%) 2 (5%) 5 (13%) 0 0 0 0,02 Moderate Aortic Regurgitation 4 (4%) 3 (8%) 0 NS Mitral valve disease 8 (9%) 2 (5%) 2 (6%) Mitral stenosis Moderate Severe 4 (4%) 2 (2%) 2 (2%) 1 (3%) 0 1 (3%) 1 (3%) 0 1 (3%) NS Mitral Regurgitation Moderate Severe 4 (4%) 2 (2%) 2 (2%) 1 (3%) 0 1 (3%) 1 (3%) 0 1 (3%) NS Tricuspid Regurgitation Moderate Severe 22 (24%) 11 (12%) 11 (12%) 8 (21%) 7 (18%) 1 (3%) 15 (48%) 9 (29%) 6 (19%) 0,028 Pulmonic valve disease Moderate Pulmonic Stenosis Moderate Pulmonic Regurgitation 6 (6%) 1 (1%) 5 (5%) 1 (3%) 0 1 (3%) 0 0 0 NS * Not Significant.
Impact on outcome of different etiologies, baseline degree and improvement of mitral regurgitation in patients with aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Melillo F , Putorti F , Ancona F , Stella S , Capogrosso C , Ingallina G , Montorfano M , Colombo A , Agricola E 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background - Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a frequent finding in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). Moderate or severe MR is present in up to one-third of pts undergoing TAVR and it is a negative prognostic factor as well as the presence of residual MR after TAVR. However, whether different etiologies/mechanisms of MR have different effects on outcome and MR degree changes after TAVR is yet unknown.
Aim – The aim of the study is to evaluate the prognostic impact of baseline MR degree and its changes after TAVR procedures according to different etiologies of MR in patients who underwent TAVR.
Methods - We performed a retrospective observational study on a cohort of patients who underwent TAVR between January 2015 and December 2019. During the index period 947 pts underwent TAVR. To better characterize the mechanism of MR only pts with pre-procedural 3D transesophageal echocardiographic and at least one follow-up available study were included. The final study population consisted of 224 pts. MR severity was evaluated by multiparametric approach and classified in 4 degrees.
The study population was further divided in 4 groups: Group I: fibro-calcific degeneration of the leaflets (78.6% pts); 2. Group II: prolapse or flail (4.4% pts); Group III: functional MR (FMR) due to leaflets tethering (5.6% pts); Group IV: FMR due to annular dysfunction or dilatation (11.3% pts). Primary outcome was all-cause of death.
Results and Discussion – MR was absent in 15 pts (6.7%), mild in 79 pts (35.7%), mild-to-moderate in 109 in pts (49.3%), moderate-to-severe in 7 pts (3.1%) and severe in 11 pts (4.9%). Patients with &gt; moderate MR degree at baseline had a worse outcome than patients with &lt; moderate MR degree (p log rank = 0.029). FMR (groups III and IV) was associated with better outcome than organic MR (groups I and II) (p log rank = 0.035). Moreover, group IV showed a better outcome compared groups I (p log rank = 0.047) and II (p log rank = 0.038). Patients who showed improvement of MR of at least 1 degree post TAVR showed better outcome compared to patients without improvement (p log rank = 0.04). At multivariate analysis, including pre procedural MR &gt; 2+, pre procedural TR &gt; 2+, organic vs functional etiology and MR improvement after TAVR as covariates, only baseline MR &gt; moderate was an independent predictor of mortality (HR 6.3; 95% CI 1.4 -27.0; p &lt; 0.001).
Conclusion - This study confirms the prognostic role of the baseline degree of MR in patients with AS undergoing TAVR. Moreover, this is the first study demonstrating that FMR due to annular dilatation but not due to leaflet tethering is associated with better outcome compared to organic etiologies.
Intraoperative finding of immobile leaflet(s) following freshly implanted bioprosthetic valves: clinical characteristics and impact on outcomes
Authors: Naser J , Pislaru S , Nkomo V , Geske J , Thaden J , Luis A , Crestanello J , Anderson J , Michelena H , Padang R 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND
Detection of immobile leaflets immediately following bioprosthetic valve implantation is a rare but important intraoperative finding. Restriction of leaflet movement can occur in the closed or open position, leading to abnormal prosthesis function. We sought to determine the clinical implications of immobile leaflets seen on intraoperative echocardiography.

METHODS
Patients with immobile leaflets identified on intra-operative/procedure echocardiography immediately post implantation between 2009-2020 were identified from an institutional database. All echocardiograms were reviewed de-novo to confirm immobile leaflets in the immediate post-implantation period. Identified cases were matched 1:2 to controls for age; sex; prosthesis position, model and size; and implantation approach (surgical vs. transcatheter). Nominal logistic regression and proportional hazards were used to analyze outcomes.

RESULTS
Thirty patients with immobile leaflets immediately post-bioprosthesis implantation were included. Clinical characteristics are summarized in the Table. Immobile leaflets were documented in procedural reports in only 18 (60%) patients. Moderate stenosis was present intraoperatively in 1 patient, none demonstrated ≥moderate regurgitation, and none resulted in immediate corrective action. In 3 (10%), valve re-intervention was required within 30 days due to symptomatic prosthesis dysfunction. Presence of restricted leaflet motion was associated with higher need for post-operative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use (odds-ratio 7.3, p = 0.02) and composite end-point of death, valve re-replacement, prosthesis thrombosis, or cardiac hospitalizations (risk ratio 2.1, p = 0.03, Figure).

CONCLUSION
Immobile leaflet(s) immediately post-bioprosthetic valve implantation is an uncommon, under-reported, and under-treated phenomenon. Even in the absence of significant prosthetic valve dysfunction, it can be associated with worse post-operative course as well as worse outcomes.
Baseline characteristics Age 76 (67-84) Sex, male 10 (33%) Surgical approach 25 (83%) Aortic 5 (17%) Mitral 12 (40%) Tricuspid 12 (40%) Pulmonary 1 (3%) Re-intervention within 10 days 3 (10%) Numbers are presented as median (interquartile range) or number (percentage). Abstract Figure. Clinical outcome of stuck leaflets
Adapting the concepts of proportionate and disproportionate functional mitral regurgitation to clinical practice
Authors: Lopes P , Albuquerque F , Freitas P , Gama F , Horta E , Reis C , Abecasis J , Trabulo M , Ferreira A , Canada M , Ribeiras R , Mendes M , Andrade MJ 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Despite its theoretical appeal, the concept of Proportionate and Disproportionate FMR has been limited by the lack of a simple way to assess it and by the paucity of data showing its prognostic superiority over currently established ways of grading FMR.

Objectives
This study sought to evaluate the prognostic value of a new and individualized method of assessing Functional Mitral Regurgitation (FMR) Proportionality.

Methods
Patients with at least mild FMR and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (&lt; 50%) under optimal guideline-directed medical therapy were retrospectively identified at a single-center. To determine FMR proportionality status, we used a novel approach where two simple equations establish an individual cut-off of regurgitant volume/effective regurgitant orifice area, categorizing the study population into non-severe, proportionate and disproportionate FMR (Figure 1). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.

Results
A total of 572 patients (median age 70 years; 76% male) were included. Median LVEF was 35% (IQR 28-40) and LVEDV was 169 ml (IQR 132-215). Disproportionate FMR was present in 109 patients (19%) with a median EROA of 26 mm2 (IQR 22-31) and a median RegVol of 40 ml (IQR 34-48), proportionate FMR in 148 patients (26%) with a median EROA of 16mm2 (IQR 12-21) and a median RegVol of 26 ml (IQR 19-32). During a median follow-up of 3.8 years (interquartile range: 1.8 to 6.2 years) there were 254 deaths (44%). The unadjusted mortality incidence per 100 persons-year rose as the degree of FMR disproportionality worsened. On multivariable analysis, disproportionate FMR remained independently associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.785; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.249 to 2.550; P = 0.001). The FMR proportionality concept showed greater discriminative power (C-statistic 0.639; 95% CI: 0.597 to 0.680) than the American (C-statistic 0.588; 95% CI: 0.550 to 0.626; P for comparison = .001) and European guidelines (C-statistic 0.563; 95% CI: 0.534 to 0.591; P for comparison &lt; .001). It was also able to increase the net reclassification index (0.167 [P &lt; 0.001] and 0.084 [P = 0.001], respectively).

Conclusions
A new, simplified and individualized method of assessing FMR Proportionality showed that disproportionate FMR is independently associated with all-cause mortality. This approach seems to outperform the risk stratification of current guidelines.
Abstract Figure 1
External validation of the unifying concept for the quantitative assessment of secondary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Albuquerque F , Lopes P , Freitas P , Horta E , Reis C , Abecassis J , Trabulo M , Ferreira A , Canada M , Ribeiras R , Mendes M , Joao Andrade M 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
A Unifying Concept for the Quantitative Assessment of Secondary Mitral Regurgitation (SMR) was recently proposed in order to provide a solution for the ongoing guideline controversy. However, these data were derived from a single center cohort and lacks external validation. We aimed to validate the proposed algorithm in a different patient population.

Methods
Patients with at least mild SMR and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (&lt; 50%) under optimal guideline-directed medical therapy were retrospectively identified at a single-center. The cohort was stratified in low-risk (effective regurgitant orifice area [EROA] &lt; 20 mm2 and regurgitant volume [RegVol] &lt; 30 ml), intermediate-risk (EROA 20 to 29 mm2 and RegVol 30 to 44 ml) and high-risk (EROA ≥ 30 mm2 and RegVol ≥ 45ml) according to the defined risk-based thresholds tailored to the pathophysiological concept of SMR. In the intermediate-risk group, patients were further stratified on the basis of the hemodynamic severity of SMR, into intermediate low-risk and intermediate high-risk (regurgitant fraction &lt; 50% or ≥ 50%, respectively). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.

Results
A total of 572 patients (median age 70 years; 76% male) were included. Median LVEF was 35% (IQR 28-40) and LVEDV was 169 ml (IQR 132-215). Median measures of SMR severity were EROA of 14 mm2 (IQR 8-22) and RegVol of 23 ml (12-34). During a median follow-up of 3.8 years (interquartile range: 1.8 to 6.2 years) there were 254 deaths (44%). The mortality at 6-years was 38.9% for the low-risk group, 30.7% for the intermediate low-risk, 64.9% in the intermediate high-risk and 63.2% in the high-risk group. On multivariable analysis, the defined thresholds of risk for SMR severity remained independently associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.164; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.020 to 1.327; P = 0.024). The unifying concept showed similar discriminative power (C-statistic 0.588; 95% CI: 0.540 to 0.635) to the American (C-statistic 0.588; 95% CI: 0.541 to 0.635; P for comparison = 1) and European guidelines (C-statistic 0.563; 95% CI: 0.515 to 0.610; P for comparison = 0.458), but it was able to increase the net reclassification index (0.143 [P &lt; .001] and 0.026 [P = .025], respectively).

Conclusions
In this cohort of patients with SMR and LVEF &lt;50%, the proposed unifying concept based on combined assessment of the EROA, the RegVol, and the RegFrac proved to be associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and could improve risk prediction of current guidelines.
Abstract Figure.