bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic global longitudinal strain as a marker of myocardial fibrosis predicts outcomes in aortic stenosis
Authors: Chin C , Le T T , Singh G , Yip J , Chai S C , Yong Q W , Lee E , Yeo D , Tay E , Goh P P , Ling L F , Richards A M , Delgado V , Ding Z P , Ling L H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) reflects intrinsic myocardial function, influenced by interstitial abnormalities. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) detects myocardial fibrosis non-invasively, but it is limited for widespread use. We aim to establish LV-GLS as a marker of replacement myocardial fibrosis on CMR and validate the prognostic value of LV-GLS thresholds associated with fibrosis.

Methods
LV-GLS thresholds of replacement fibrosis were established in the derivation cohort: 151 patients (57±10 years; 58% males) with hypertension who underwent STE to measure LV-GLS and CMR for replacement myocardial fibrosis. Prognostic value of the thresholds was validated in a separate outcome cohort: 261 patients with moderate-severe aortic stenosis (AS; 71±12 years; 58% males; NYHA functional class I-II) and preserved LVEF ≥50%. Primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular mortality, heart failure hospitalization, myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular events.

Results
In the derivation cohort, LV-GLS demonstrated good discrimination (c-statistics 0.74; 95% confidence interval: 0.66–0.83; P&lt;0.001) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow X2=6.37; P=0.605) for replacement fibrosis. In the outcome cohort, 52 events occurred over 16 [3.1, 42.0] months of follow-up. Patients with LV-GLS &gt;−15.0% (corresponding to 95% specificity to rule-in myocardial fibrosis) had the worst outcomes compared to patients with LV-GLS &lt;−21.0% (corresponding to 95% sensitivity to rule-out myocardial fibrosis) and those between −21.0 and −15.0% (log-rank P&lt;0.001; Figure 1). Furthermore, LV-GLS offered independent prognostic value over clinical variables, AS severity, echocardiographic LVEF and E/e' (hazard ratio 1.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.07 to 1.30; P=0.001).

Conclusions
LV-GLS thresholds associated with replacement myocardial fibrosis is a novel approach to risk-stratify patients with AS and preserved LVEF (Figure 2).

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Medical Research Council Figure 1Figure 2
Staging cardiac damage in aortic valve disease: one size fits all?
Authors: Silva G , Sampaio F , Espada Guerreiro C , Goncalves Teixeira P , Ribeiro Queiros P , Ribeiro Da Silva M , Brandao M , Ferreira D , Fontes-Carvalho R 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Nowadays, in patients with aortic regurgitation (AR), aortic valve surgery is indicated when severe and symptomatic or those with depressed LVEF. However, clinical outcomes of patients with significant aortic regurgitation are not influenced by these factors only. Recently, a new staging system for severe aortic stenosis has been proposed by Généreux on the basis of the extent of anatomic and functional cardiac damage. If this model could be applicable to an unselected significant AR population has not been tested.

Purpose
The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of the different stages of extra-aortic valvular cardiac damage by the application of Généreux staging and its impact on prognosis in a large, real world cohort of significant AR patients.

Methods
This study retrospectively analysed the clinical, Doppler echocardiographic and outcome data in patients with grade III or greater AR between January 2014 and September 2019. According to the extent of cardiac damage on echocardiography, patients were classified as Stage 0 (no cardiac damage), Stage 1 (left ventricular damage), Stage 2 (mitral valve or left atrial damage), Stage 3 (tricuspid valve or pulmonary artery vasculature damage) or Stage 4 (right ventricular damage). Exclusion criteria were severe aortic stenosis and previous valve repair or replacement. The primary end-point was all-cause mortality.

Results
A total of 572 patients, aged 70.1±13.9 years, 294 (51.3%) men were enrolled. One third of patients were in NYHA I. Based on the proposed classification, 82 patients (14.3%) were classified in stage 0, 130 (22.7%) in stage 1, 276 (48.2%) in stage 2, 68 (11.8%) in stage 3 and 17 (3.0%) in stage 4. Median follow-up time was 3.3±1.9 years. There was a progressive increase in mortality rates according to staging: 8.5% in stage 0, 10.8% in stage 1, 24.9% in stage 2, 42.6% in stage 3 and 52.9% in stage 4 (p&lt;0.001). On multivariable analysis, the extent of cardiac damage was independently associated with excess mortality (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.21)

Conclusion
Our study demonstrated that this new staging system studied for aortic stenosis also provides increased prognostic value to patients with significant aortic regurgitation. This staging system can be helpful to identify the degree of extra-aortic valvular cardiac damage and to optimize the time of valvular intervention. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the benefit of the applicability of this model in clinical practice.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia / Espinho Distribution of stages of cardiac damageSurvival analysis according to stage
Cardiac CT derived 3D reconstruction discriminates for complexity and hemodynamic effect of transcatheter mitral valve repair
Authors: Meijerink F , Wolsink I , Holierook M , Chekanova E V , Planken R N , Van Randen A , De Winter R J , Beijk M A M , Koch K T , Robbers-Visser D , Boekholdt S M , Bouma B J , Baan J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) is increasingly used to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) in high risk patients. Optimal transseptal access and guiding catheter position are essential to perform adequate repair. Anatomy of the inter-atrial septum (IAS) and mitral annulus (MA) are often complex and difficult to determine from echocardiography.

Purpose
The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether pre-TMVR cardiac CT and 3D reconstruction of the IAS and MA could discriminate for complexity and hemodynamic effect of TMVR.

Methods
Patients planned for TMVR, underwent cardiac CT scan (if eligible). Post-processing software was used to segment and reconstruct the aortic root, IAS, fossa ovalis (FO) and MA, resulting in a 3D model. The following parameters were measured in each model: (1) IAS angle (°) (2) Posterior-FO angle (°) (3) FO-perpendicularity angle (°) (4) MA area (cm2). Patient specific anatomy was categorized in 4 groups as either (1) Posterior-perpendicular (PP) FO + limited IAS angle, (2) PP FO + wide IAS angle, (3) non-PP FO + limited IAS angle or (4) non-PP FO + wide IAS angle. PP FO was defined as posterior-FO angle &gt;65° and FO-perpendicularity angle &gt;135°. IAS angle was considered limited if &lt;110°. Device implantation time (min) was used to assess complexity of the procedure and was compared between the different groups. MR reduction (grades), number of clips used and mitral valve (MV) gradient (mmHg) were compared for patients with MA area &lt;14 cm2 vs. ≥14 cm2.

Results
46 patients (mean age 75 years, 41% male) were included. Anatomy was classified (1) PP FO + limited IAS angle in 13, (2) PP FO + wide IAS angle in 13, (3) Non-PP FO + limited IAS angle in 8 and (4) Non-PP FO + wide IAS angle in 12. Median device implantation time was 20 min in group 1, compared to 39 min in group 2 (p=0.02), 33 min in group 3 (p=0.03) and 29 min in group 4 (p=0.08). In patients with MA area &lt;14 cm2, MR reduction was greater (2.22 vs. 1.68, p=0.02), number of clips used was lower (1.44 vs. 1.79, p=0.05) and MV gradient was higher, though not significant (3.15 vs. 2.58, p=0.26)

Conclusion
The current study showed that TMVR seemed less complex in patients with an optimal anatomy. In patients with limited mitral annulus area a more favorable hemodynamic effect was achieved. Cardiac CT and 3D reconstruction could therefore be of strong aid for procedural planning of TMVR.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Abbott Vascular Anatomy and device implantation timeHemodynamic effect of annulus area
Impact of atrial fibrillation on the progression and outcomes of isolated mild functional tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Kwak S , Park J B 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasingly recognized as a cause of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in the structurally normal tricuspid valve. However, there are limited data regarding the impact of AF on TR progression and its long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Purpose
We aimed to investigate the association of AF with the significant TR progression and its impact on clinical outcomes among patients with isolated mild functional TR.

Methods
We studied 834 patients with mild function TR identified on the echocardiography between 2007 and 2019, whose follow-up echocardiography beyond 1-year was available. Major exclusion criteria were the overt causes of primary and secondary TR (i.e., concomitant left-sided heart disease). Primary endpoint was the significant TR progression to more than a moderate degree on the follow-up echocardiography. Composite cardiac event was defined as cardiovascular death, TR surgery, and heart failure admission due to TR.

Results
Of 834 patients with isolated mild functional TR (mean age 65.6 years, 41% men), 292 (35.0%) patients had AF at the baseline. Patients with AF were older and had larger left atrium compared to those without. During the median of 4.55 years follow-up (interquartile interval 2.56–7.24 years), 36 patients developed a significant TR ≥ moderate degree. The cumulative rate of TR progression was significantly higher in patients with AF than those without (11.3% versus 0.6%, P&lt;0.001) (Figure 1). Multivariable Cox analyses showed that AF was associated with a 3-fold higher risk of TR progression (adjusted hazard ratio 3.50, 95% confidence interval 1.42–8.65). Regarding the cardiovascular outcomes, patients who developed significant TR had a higher rate of composite cardiac events compared to those who did not (cardiac events: 38.9% versus 6.3% P&lt;0.001) (Figure 2).

Conclusions
AF is a strong risk factor for TR progression among patients with isolated mild functional TR. In addition, the development of significant TR is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. These findings highlight the important pathophysiology of AF on TR development and its clinical consequences.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Predictors of mortality in patients with left-side infective endocarditis, the ESC-EORP EURO-ENDO registry
Authors: Sambola A , Lozano Torres J , Olmos C , Ternacle J , Calvo-Iglesias F E , Tribouilloy C , Reskovic Luksic V , Separovic-Hanzevacki J , Park S W , Bekkers S , Chan K L , Arregle F , Lung B , Lancellotti P , Habib G ,   EURO-ENDO Investigators
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background/Introduction
Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with high in-hospital mortality, ranging from 16% to 25%, despite improvement in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, mainly due to complications and heterogeneity of the disease. Baseline risk stratification is essential, in order to focus an aggressive management toward high-risk patients.

Purpose
We sought to assess the association between surgery and 30-day mortality rate as related to vegetation size.

Methods
The ESC-EORP EURO-ENDO registry is a prospective multicentre observational study of patients presenting with definite or possible IE in Europe and ESC-affiliated/non-affiliated countries. Patients were included from January 2016 to 31 March 2018 in 156 centers from 40 countries. Clinical data, blood test analysis and multi-modality imaging tests (echocardiography, computed tomography, PET-CT, magnetic resonance) were collected. Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess variables associated with 30-day mortality. Besides, univariable analysis was performed to assess best vegetation size cut-off related to 30-day mortality.

Results
Among 2171 patients with left-side IE, 257 patients (11.8%) died during the first 30 days of IE diagnosis. Patient characteristics and univariable analysis are summarized in TABLE 1. Cut-off value for best vegetation size related to 30-day mortality was vegetation length &gt;14mm, with a HR =2.00 (95% CI 1.59–2.51, p&lt;0.0001) and a Harrell's Concordance of 0.58. After multivariable logistic regression analysis, factors associated with 30-day mortality risk were: vegetation size &gt;14mm (OR =2.68, 95% CI [1.96–3.67], p&lt;0.0001), previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (OR =1.60, 95% CI [1.07–2.40], p=0.0235), creatinine &gt;2mg/dL (OR =2.45, 95% CI [1.73–3.47], p&lt;0.0001), presence of embolic events (OR =2.64, 95% CI [1.86–3.74], p&lt;0.0001), hemorrhagic stroke (OR=3.71, 95% CI [1.80–7.64], p=0.0004), presence of heart failure or cardiogenic shock (OR =3.50, 95% CI [2.57–4.77], p&lt;0.0001) and no cardiac surgery during the event (OR =4.07, 95% CI [2.93–5.67], p&lt;0.0001). The C-statistic of the logistic model to predict 30-day mortality was 0.795.

Conclusion
Left-side infective endocarditis had a high 30-day mortality rate (11.8%). Presence of a large vegetation size (&gt;14mm), embolic events, hemorrhagic stroke, renal failure, presence of heart failure or cardiogenic shock were associated with an increase in 30-day mortality. Performing cardiac surgery had a protective effect.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): ESC-EORP EURO-ENDO project from the ESC society
The impact of establishing a regional infective endocarditis (IE) network on pre-operative IE-related complications and on post-operative outcome
Authors: Diab M , Franz M , Hagel S , Guenther A , Struve A , Kuehn H , Ibrahim K , Jahnecke M , Sigusch H , Ebelt H , Faerber G , Lehmann T , Schulze P C , Pletz M W , Doenst T ,   Thuringian endocarditis netowrk
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Infective endocarditis (IE) requires a high degree of suspicion and advanced level of multidisciplinary management. In 2015, the European guidelines recommended the formation of an endocarditis-team (ET) for optimal treatment of IE. In 2011, we already established an ET within the hospital that was only consulted on demand for certain patients. Since 2015, ET has been increasingly involved in the management of almost all patients with IE. In addition, we established in 2015 a statewide endocarditis- (E) network for the referring hospitals.

Purpose
We investigated the effect of E-network on reducing referral latency and pre-operative IE-related complications. We also investigated the adherence to the ET management recommendations in our hospital and its impact on post-operative stroke and mortality.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from patients operated for IE in our center between 01/2007 and 03/2018. We conducted univariate analysis using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, Multivariate logistic regression models for in-hospital mortality and post-operative stroke, and Kaplan-Meier estimate of 5-years survival.

Results
Among 630 patients operated for IE in our center, 409 (65%) underwent surgery in the 1st era before 12/2014. S. aureus IE was more frequent in the second era (34% vs 25%, p&lt;0.001). The median time from the onset of symptoms to referral in the 2nd era was halved compared to the first one [7 days (IQR 2–19) vs 15 days (IQR 6–35)]. Patients in the 2nd era were admitted with less IE-related complications, i.e. less preoperative stroke (14% vs 27%, p&lt;0.001), less heart failure (45% vs 69%, p&lt;0.001) less cardiac abscesses (24% vs 34%, p=0.018), less acute renal insufficiency requiring hemodialysis (8% vs 14%, p=0.026). The lack of ET management recommendations was an independent predictor for in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.27–3.53, p=0.004) and post-operative stroke (adjusted OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.12–4.39, p=0.02), and was associated with worse 5-years survival (59% compared to 40%, log rank&lt;0.001).

Conclusion
Endocarditis-network led to earlier referral of patients, which resulted in less IE-related complications on admission. Lack of ET management recommendations was an independent predictor for post-operative stroke, in-hospital mortality and was associated with worse 5-years survival.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2
Comparison of echocardiographic parameters of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in hospital and three months after discharge
Authors: Yaroslavskaya E , Krinochkin D , Shirokov N , Gultyaeva E , Garanina V , Mamarina A , Osokina N , Gorbatenko E , Musikhina N , Petelina T 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
COVID-19 affects firstly the respiratory system of patients however cardiovascular system is also damaged. To study the impact of a novel coronavirus infection on the cardiovascular system, in particular on echocardiographic parameters after SARS-CoV-2 is very important.

Purpose
To compare echocardiographic parameters in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in hospital and 3 months after hospital discharge.

Methods
A total of 106 patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia were included in the period from April to July 2020 within “One-year Cardiac Follow-up of COVID-19 Pneumonia”. All patients underwent clinical examination including transthoracic echocardiography in hospital and 3 months ± 2 weeks after discharge. Mean age of patients was 47±16 years (19–84 years), mean body mass index was 28.2±5.7 kg/m2, females were 49%. During hospitalization, chest computed tomography detected mild lesions in 29.2%, moderate lesions in 31.1%, severe lesions in 27.4% and critical lesions in 5.7%. Cardiovascular pathology detected in 52% of patients.

Results
Three months after discharge significant dynamics of mean echocardiographic parameters was observed. Left ventricular end-diastolic, end-systolic and stroke volume decreased (113.8±26.8 vs 93.5±29.4 ml; 37.7±13.0 vs 31.3±14.2 ml; 77.2±17.8 vs 62.2±18.7 ml, respectively; all p&lt;0.001). End-diastolic right ventricular outflow tract diameter, pulmonary artery trunk diameter decreased (26.0 [24.0–9.3] vs 25.0 [23.0–27.0] mm, p=0.004; 21.7±3.6 vs 18.7±2.5 mm, p&lt;0.001), as well as pulmonary artery systolic pressure (28.0 [25.0–32.25] vs 21.5 [17.0–25.0] mmHg) and rate of moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation (52.4 vs 19.8%, both p&lt;0.001). Right atrium volume (42.0 [37.0–50.0] vs 31.0 [22.0–36.5] ml, p&lt;0.001) and width decreased (36.1±4.6 vs 34.5±6.5 mm, p=0.023), however right atrium length increased (46.7±6.8 vs 48.6±7.1, p=0.021).

Conclusions
In patients after COVID-19 pneumonia echocardiography showed decrease of the load predominantly on the right heart 3 months after discharge. A subgroup analysis is planned depending on the severity of lung damage and presence of cardiovascular pathology.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Echocardiographic predictors of low risk haemodynamic parameters in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Rotunno M , Dardi F , Palazzini M , Guarino D , Zuffa E , Magnani I , De Lorenzis A , Ballerini A , Manes A , Galie N 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
A periodic and multiparametric assessment of the risk profile of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is essential for a low-risk oriented treatment strategy. Haemodynamic parameters anyway cannot be collected at each scheduled outpatients clinic follow-up visit.

Purpose
To evaluate echocardiographic predictors of haemodynamic low-risk parameters in patients with PAH.

Methods
Patients with PAH referred to our centre were included up to 31 December 2019. All patients underwent baseline demographic, clinical, WHO functional class, 6-minute walk test, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), right cardiac catheterization and echocardiographic evaluation. Through a multivariate logistic regression analysis we evaluate the echocardiographic predictors of low risk for: 1) BNP/right atrial pressure (RAP): NT-proBNP &lt;300 ng/l/BNP &lt;50 ng/l AND RAP &lt;8 mmHg; 2) cardiac index (CI)/mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2): CI ≥2.5 l/min/m2 AND SvO2 &gt;65%. Echocardiographic parameters cut-offs were chosen on the basis of the ROC curves or Literature data.

Results
1020 patients were included. The two analysis were performed independently.
1. Independent echocardiographic predictors of low-risk BNP/RAP were: indexed right atrial area, mitral E/A ratio, dimension and inspiratory collapse of inferior vena cava and indexed left ventricular diastolic volume. We elaborated a score utilizing these parameter cut-offs: an indexed right atrial area of 10.4–15 cm2/m2, a mitral E/A ratio of 0.8, dimension and inspiratory collapse of inferior vena cava indicative of 0–5 vs 5–10 vs 10–20 mmHg and an indexed left ventricular diastolic volume of 32 ml/m2. The score has AUC: 0.62, specificity: 92%, sensitivity: 33%, negative predictive value: 70%, positive predictive value: 69%.
2. Independent echocardiographic predictors of low-risk CI/SvO2 were: S wave at TDI, Tei index, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), indexed left ventricular diastolic volume and the severity of the tricuspid regurgitation. We elaborated a score utilizing these parameter cut-offs: an S wave at TDI of 9.5 cm/s, a Tei index of 0.4, a TAPSE of 1.7 cm, an indexed left ventricular diastolic volume of 32 ml/m2 and a mild vs more than mild tricuspid regurgitation. The score has AUC: 0.70, specificity: 89%, sensitivity: 50%, negative predictive value: 71%, positive predictive value: 77%.

Conclusion
Echocardiographic parameters can be used to rule out the presence of low-risk BNP/RAP values (indexed right atrial area, mitral E/A ratio, dimension and inspiratory collapse of inferior vena cava and indexed left ventricular diastolic volume) and low-risk CI/SvO2 (S wave at TDI, Tei index, TAPSE, indexed left ventricular diastolic volume and severity of tricuspid regurgitation).

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.