bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomical, functional and prognostic correlates of resting coronary flow velocity in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Palinkas E D , Tesic M , Djordjevic Dikic A , Aguiar S R , Cortigiani L , Rigo F , Palinkas A , Del Franco A , Wierzbowska-Drabik K , Ciampi Q , Dekleva M , Beleslin B , Viegas J , Olivotto I , Picano E 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
The clinical significance of baseline peak diastolic coronary flow velocity (CFV) in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) has not been investigated yet in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Aim
To assess the anatomical, functional and prognostic correlates of baseline LAD CFV in HCM.

Methods
384 consecutive adult HCM patients (age=52+15 years, 164 [43%] females) with no known coronary artery disease from 8 centers in 5 countries were prospectively analyzed. All patients underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography including CFV measurement with pulse wave Doppler in the mid-distal LAD. All patients had preserved left ventricular (LV) function. LV force was calculated as (peak instantaneous LV outflow tract gradient+systolic blood pressure)/LV end-systolic volume. Patients were followed for a median of 50 months (IQ range 18-97 months), the outcome measure was a composite endpoint of all-cause death and acute heart failure.

Results
The mean CFV was 36±11 cm/s. CFV was positively correlated with LV maximal wall thickness (r=0.375, p&lt;0.001), LV maximal septal thickness (r=0.320, p&lt;0.001), resting LV outflow tract gradient (r=0.274, p&lt;0.001), LV force (r=0.227, p&lt;0.001), mean E/e’ (r=0.479, p&lt;0.001) and heart rate (r=0.221, p&lt;0.001). During follow-up, 54 events occurred (33 all-cause deaths and 21 acute heart failures). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine the best cut-off value of CFV (&gt;31 cm/s) to predict the composite endpoint. Patients with CFV &gt;31 cm/s had a significantly worse 10-year event-free survival compared to those with CFV ≤31 cm/s, see Figure.

Conclusion
Higher resting LAD CFV is associated with greater LV wall thickness, higher LV outflow tract gradient, faster heart rate and more elevated left ventricular filling pressures in HCM. Elevated resting CFV may indicate a coronary microcirculation dysfunction either primary or secondary to anatomical (septal hypertrophy), functional (increased myocardial oxygen demand), or autonomic (increased sympathetic drive) determinants. Whatever the underlying endotype, high resting CFV is related to worse prognosis in the long term.Figure.
Echocardiographic wall motion abnormalities and mortality reported in 492,338 individuals
Authors: Strange G , Stewart S , Playford D 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of abnormal regional left ventricular function in the setting of myocardial ischaemia is incompletely studied, along with the relative frequency of individual wall motion abnormalities (WMA). We examined the prevalence and distribution of regional WMA in adults being investigated with echocardiography, and the association with mortality.

Methods
Routinely acquired echocardiographic reporting data and individually linked survival profiles were extracted from the Australia-wide, multicentre National Echocardiography Database of Australia. By applying natural language processing (NLP) to the cardiologist’s report of left ventricular (LV) function, we examined global and regional LV dysfunction.

Results
492,338 (age 61.9± 17.9) individuals (255,697 men aged 60.5±17.1 and 236,341 women aged 60.9±18.3 years) could be evaluated. 57,180 (17.6%) individuals were reported to have abnormal wall motion (39,346 men aged 69.0+/-13.4 yrs and 17,834 women, 71.3+/-14.3 yrs). The presence of a WMA was associated with increased left atrial volumes (LAVi: 55.5±36.4 vs 40.9±27.5 ml/m2 for women) , impaired LVEF (50.8±15.1% vs 61.1±12.2% for women), impaired diastolic function (E` 6.64±2.21 vs 8.25±2.86 cm/s for women), and higher pulmonary artery pressure (eRVSP 36.2±11.5 vs 32.5±10.7 mmHg) . Most, but not all individuals had a history of myocardial infarction with or without revascularisation. An inferior WMA was the commonest, with 18,638 WMA reported (4.7%), followed by apical WMA (19,682; 3.4%), lateral WMA (16,976; 2.9%), septal WMA (15,722; 1.7%) and anterior WMA in 9,432 (1.6%). In men, long-term all-cause mortality for WMA was 40.5% (compared to 23.3% without), and in women 42.7% (vs 20.5%). These WMA observations were magnified in those &gt;65 years and with impaired systolic function. The presence of akinesis/dyskinesis/aneurysm of any wall fared worse than hypokinesis (OR 1.34 CI:1.22-1.44 P&lt; 0.001 for Inferior WMA). Females with a WMA had less mortality (OR 0.80 CI: 0.74 – 0.85; P, 0.001), and any revascularisation was protective (OR 0.76 CI 0.46 – 0.69 P&lt;0.001).

Conclusion
WMA are reported in men at greater than twice more frequently than women, and overall contribute almost a fifth of echocardiographic reports. The presence of a WMA is associated with impaired LV systolic and diastolic function, signs of increased LV filling pressure and pulmonary pressure, and high long-term mortality that is partially ameliorated by revascularisation. Prognosis is affected by the presence, extent and severity of WMA.
Plasma exosomes reflect myocardial injury detected by cardiac magnetic resonance in STEMI patients
Authors: Baggiano A , Zara' M , Banfi C , Campodonico J , Tedesco C , Amadio P , Gili S , De Dona G , Sandrini L , Maragna R , Junod D , Fusini L , Marenzi G , Pontone G , Barbieri S 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard technique to detect microvascular obstruction (MVO) and myocardial salvage index (MSI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Exosomes are lipid vesicles released by all cells that reflect the metabolic status of the releasing cells, thus representing potential biomarkers of disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between exosome profile and myocardial infarction characteristics as detected by CMR in patients after STEMI.

Methods
Exosomes were isolated from plasma of 42 patients by different commercial kits, their concentration and size distribution determined by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, exosomal surface epitopes by the MACSPlex Exosome Kit and GPIIb-IIIa expression by ELISA kit. Data obtained were correlated with parameters of myocardial damage (STEMI location, culprit lesion, time to revascularization, MVO and MSI).

Results
Levels of circulating plasma exosomes were higher in patients with anterior STEMI (p = 0.0002) and when the culprit lesion was located in LAD (p = 0.045). In addition, a high number of exosomes was measured in the subset of patients who underwent a late revascularization (&gt; 3 h from onset of symptoms; p = 0.038). Patients with MVO and low MSI (&lt; 0.5) have smaller exosome (p = 0.0015 and p = 0.014, respectively). By analysing the expression of 37 surface protein markers, the strongest signals are platelet specific markers (CD41b and CD42a) followed by endothelial and immune cells markers. Interestingly, a lower expression of platelet marker GPIIb-IIIa was detected in both patients with MVO and anterior STEMI (p = 0.039 and p = 0.0038, respectively). Univariate analysis demonstrated that exosome size and GPIIb-IIIa were independent predictors of MVO/MSI and ROC analysis demonstrated that dimension and GPIIb-IIIa can identify patients with MVO/MSI (AUC 0.75 and 0.71, respectively).

Conclusion
The plasma exosome profile well reflects CMR-assessed myocardial injury after STEMI. In particular, the exosome dimension and the expression of platelet marker GPIIb-IIIa are independently associated with MVO. Future studies with larger populations are required to confirm the role of platelet-derived exosomesin risk stratification after STEMI.Unfavourable CMR and sEV profi leFavourable CMR and sEV profi le
Pericardiocentesis versus pericardial window surgery in malignant pericardial effusion: trends and clinical outcomes
Authors: Lee J , Kim K , Cho I S , Ha J W , Shim C Y 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Backgrounds
Pericardial effusion (PE) is often an obstacle to cancer treatment and a life-threatening factor. Although cancer survival has improved over the past two decades, an appropriate treatment method for PE in cancer patients has not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the temporal trends and clinical results in the method of drainage of PE.

Methods
Between 2003 and 2022, 744 consecutive patients with malignant PE who underwent pericardial drainage were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided according to the time of pericardial drainage (Period 1: 2003-2012, Period 2: 2013-2022) and initial drainage method (pericardiocentesis vs. window surgery). The rates of all-cause death and redo pericardial drainage for recurrent PE were compared according to the drainage methods.

Results
In comparison with Period 1, there was an increasing number of patients who underwent pericardial drainage in Period 2 (235 vs. 509). However, the proportion of window surgery decreased (21.7 vs. 14.9%, P=0.029). The median survival time of patients was improved (4.4 vs. 6.3 months, log-rank P&lt;0.001). There was no significant difference in all-cause death and 30-day mortality (24.4 vs. 18.6%, P=0.171) after drainage between surgery and pericardiocentesis groups. The window surgery group had a significantly lower incidence of redo pericardial drainage than the pericardiocentesis group (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.91, P=0.022). In Period 1, there was no significant difference in redo pericardial drainage between window surgery and pericardiocentesis (HR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.35–1.74, P=0.540). However, the window surgery group had significantly lower redo pericardial drainage than the pericardiocentesis group in Period 2(HR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12–0.91, P=0.024).

Conclusions
The window surgery was safe in cancer patients. As cancer survival rates improve, surgery showed benefits in reducing redo pericardial drainage. Pericardial window surgery could be preferred over pericardiocentesis in patients who expected longer life expectancy.
Effect of sodium-glucose type 2 cotransporter inhibitors on cardiac structure and function in patients with normal ejection fraction
Authors: Cortes Garcia M , Lorenzo O , Lumpuy-Castillo J , Taibo M , Pello A M , Orejas M , Navas M A , Martinez M E , Macia E , Rueda A , Hang T , Tunon J 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLT2i) have proven a reduction in cardiovascular events in diabetic patients with and without heart failure (HF), as well as in non-diabetic patients with heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction (EF). The mechanisms underlying this benefit are not well known, with contradicting data on the changes that SGLT2i produce on cardiac function and structure.

Methods
Between October 2020 and October 2021, 31 diabetic patients without prior history of SGLT2i use with normal EF (&gt;50%), glycated hemoglobin &lt;6.5%, renal clearance rate of &gt;60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and sinus rhythm were prospectively included. In all of them, SGLT2i were started. At inclusion and 6-months follow-up, different clinical, ECG, analytical and echocardiographic (standard, 3D and speckle tracking) variables were recorded.

Results
The average age of our population was 66.4 years (±8.4). 90% were male, 71% were hypertensive, 77.4% were dyslipidemic, 22.6% were obese and 87.1% were current or former smokers. 77.4% of patients had a history of ischemic heart disease, and 10% had vascular disease in other territories. At the time of inclusion, 80.6% of the population was treated with ACEI or ARB, 54.8% with beta-blockers, 29% with diuretics, and 93.5% with statins. After an average follow-up period of 6.6 months (±0.8), medication had to be withdrawn in 5 patients (in 3 of them due to repeated genital or urinary infections, and in 2 of them because of patient choice). An average reduction of 0.89 mm (±0.24, p = 0.001) in myocardial thickness was observed, as well as a reduction in the 3D-estimated left ventricle mass of 9.9 g/m2 (±4.5, p = 0.03), and in the E/é ratio of 1.4 (±4.5, p = 0.02). An increase in absolute left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) of 0.74 (±0.35, p = 0.05) was observed, as well as an increase in isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) of 9.8 ms (±4.8, p = 0.05). An increase in LA strain and indexed volume was noted, although differences did not achieve statistical significance. No relevant differences in LV dimensions and volumes were observed, as well as in the evaluated RV parameters (picture 1).

Conclusions
It is necessary to understand the mechanism underlying the clinical benefit of these drugs. This will allow us to better understand its effect in patients with HF. Our data shows that the use of SGLT2i is associated with cardiac improvements, both structural (myocardial mass) and functional (IVRT, LVGLS, E/e'), in a population of patients with normal EF.
Echocardiographic reference ranges for non-invasive myocardial work indices in heart transplant patients
Authors: Landra F , Martini L , Tanzi L , Fusi C , Barilli M , Sciaccaluga C , Diviggiano E , Focardi M , D'ascenzi F , Bernazzali S , Maccherini M , Valente S , Cameli M , Mandoli G E 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Non-invasive myocardial work (MW) is a relatively novel echocardiographic method with increasing fields of application. Normal reference ranges of MW indices in a healthy population have already been determined but these may differ in patients who have undergone a heart transplant (HTX).

Purpose
To obtain the reference ranges for 2D echocardiographic indices of MW for HTX patients and to compare them with the results of the EACVI NORRE study regarding healthy volunteers.

Methods
All consecutive HTX patients admitted at our Institution under Day Hospital regimen from September 2019 to May 2022 who performed endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) were considered. Patients with echocardiographic exam or brachial artery cuff pressure unavailability, history of rejection, history of coronary artery vasculopathy (CAV) and either acute cellular rejection (ACR) or acute antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) at EMB were excluded. Non-invasive MW calculation through Speckle-tracking Echocardiography (STE) was retrospectively performed for included patients. Further, MW analysis results were compared to those from the EACVI NORRE study.

Results
Out of 176 HTX patients who had performed EMB and had available echocardiographic and blood pressure data, 35 patients were excluded because of history of rejection, 4 patients because of history of CAV and 55 patients because of either ACR or AMR at EMB. Therefore, study population consisted of 82 HTX patients (68.3% male, median age 53 (46 – 62) years). Median age from HTX was 5 (2 – 22) months. Mean global work efficiency (GWE, 84 ± 8 %), global work index (GWI, 1447 ± 409 mmHg%), global constructive work (GCW, 2067 ± 423 mmHg%) and median global wasted work (GWW, 310 (217 – 499) mmHg%) did not differ between sex categories (p-value &gt; 0.05). Each of these indices significantly differed from those reported in the EACVI NORRE study (p-value &lt; 0.001), with lower GWI, GCW, GWE and higher GWW in the HTX population.

Conclusion
This study provides reference ranges for non-invasive MW indices in a HTX population free from transplant-related complications which are different from those regarding a population of healthy volunteers.Table 1
Right ventricular pulmonary arterial coupling in patients with implanted left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Stapor M , Sobczyk D , Wasilewski G , Wierzbicki K , Gackowski A , Kleczynski P , Zmudka K , Kapelak B , Legutko J 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Both the right ventricular (RV) contractile function and pulmonary arterial (PA) pressure influence clinical outcomes in patients supported with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), but the impact of RV-PA coupling is unknown.

Purpose
This study aimed to determine the prognostic impact of RV-PA coupling in patients with implanted LVADs.

Methods
Patients with implanted third-generation LVADs were retrospectively enrolled. The RV-PA coupling was assessed preoperatively by the ratio of RV free wall strain (RVFWS) and noninvasively measured peak RV systolic pressure (RVSP). The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or right heart failure (RHF) hospitalization. Secondary endpoints consisted of all-cause mortality at a 12-month follow-up and RHF hospitalization.

Results
A total of 72 patients with good RV myocardial imaging were included. The median age was 57 years, 67 patients (93.1%) were men and 41 (56,9%) had dilated cardiomyopathy. A receiver-operating characteristic analysis (AUC 0.703, 51.5% sensitivity, 94.9% specificity) was used to identify the optimal cutoff point (0.28%/mmHg) for the RVFWS/TAPSE threshold. Event rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method showing an association with an increased risk for the primary endpoint of death or RHF hospitalization (89.47% vs. 30.19%, p&lt;0.001). A similar observation applied to all-cause mortality (47.37% vs. 13.21%, p=0.003) and RHF hospitalization (80.43% vs. 20%, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion
An advanced RV dysfunction assessed by RV-PA coupling may serve as a predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with implanted LVADs.
A preliminary study on the standard value of left ventricular mechanic dyssynchrony by speckle tracking
Authors: Tan J , Zhang Q , Luo Y R , Tan X , Feng K 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Speckle tracking imaging automatic functional imaging (AFI) is a new method to measure left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony. Parameter peak strain dispersion (PSD) is the standard deviation when the long axial strain of 17 segments of the left ventricle (LV) reach there’s peak. There is no unified standard value at present. Li C[1] included 59 healthy women aged 43.08 ± 8.22 years old, whose PSD was 31.44±3.83ms. Ji X[2] included 57 healthy volunteers aged 43.30 ±6.03 years old whose PSD value was 23.8±2.2ms. Some studies referred to the standard range of Yu index and used PSD&gt;32.6ms as an indicator of left ventricular mechanic dyssynchrony.

Purpose
To investigate the standard value range of PSD and PSD/R-R interval.

Methods
Healthy volunteers who came to our hospital for physical examination from March 2020 to September 2021 were included, excluding hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease and other diseases. According to the 20∼29 years old, 30∼39 years old, 40∼49 years old, 50∼59 years old, 60∼69 years old and 70∼79 years old, 10 males and 10 females were included, respectively. GE Vivid E95 was used to collect echocardiographic images, and the following parameters were measured: ①The general parameters of the heart, such as the diameter of the atrium(LA) and the left ventricle (LV) and the thickness of the left ventricular wall .; ②the values of PSD and PSD/ R-R interval. The normal distribution parameters were represented by mean plus or minus the standard deviation. Analysis of variance and post hoc test (LSDt-test) were used to analyse measured values statistically.

Results
Values of general echocardiographic data such as BSA, atrial and ventricular diameter, interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, and LV ejection fraction were consistent with the guideline of Recommendations for Cardiac Chamber Quantification by Echocardiography in Adults: An Update from the American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging published in 2015. The range of PSD values for subjects in this study was 43±9ms, and the maximum was 65ms. The range of PSD/R-R was 5±1%, and the maximum was 7%. The values of PSD and PSD/R-R were 36±5ms(27∼45ms) and 4.4±0.76%(3∼6.4%) for 20∼39 years old, 42±5ms(34.9-54ms), 5.0±0.8%(3.5-6.7%) in 40∼59 years; 51±8ms(34∼65ms), 5.8±0.9%(3.9∼7%) in age 60∼79.

Conclusions
The preliminary study has shown that left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony is associated with age. The standard value range of PSD is inconsistent in different age groups, and PSD and PSD/R-R values increase with age.PSD values at different agesBar chart of PSD values at different age
Resting strain analysis to identify myocardial ischemia in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease
Authors: Tsartsalis D , Kakiouzi V , Dimitroglou Y , Koukos M , Patsourakos D , Tolis E , Liakos C , Zisimos K , Tzoras S , Petras D , Tsioufis C , Aggeli C 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular death, particularly as the disease progresses and patients are on long term dialysis treatment. Screening for coronary artery disease in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients is challenging and controversial.

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the incremental value of resting deformation analysis with speckle tracking echocardiography in predicting positive results on stress transthoracic echocardiography in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis (stage 5 CKD).

Methods
Our cohort consisted of 61 consecutive patients (mean age 62.3±11.8, 65.7% men) with stage 5 CKD. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of pre-existing cardiac diseases, such as obstructive coronary artery disease, heart failure, severe arrhythmias or severe valvular disease were excluded. Patients underwent a resting transthoracic echocardiogram and a dobutamine stress contrast echo (DSCE) protocol. Positive results of DSCE were defined as stress-induced LV wall motion abnormalities (new or worsening preexisting abnormalities).

Results
The study cohort had normal or mildly impaired systolic function with mean LV ejection fraction (EF) of 49.17% (±10.41) and a mean LV GLS of 14.35% (±4.49) (Figure 1). In addition, half of our population had impaired LA strain: mean LA reservoir, LA conduit, and LA contractile reserve were 24.11% (±12.61), 10.56% (±5.88), and 13.60% (±9.15), respectively. DSCE was positive for ischemia in 55.7%. Age, gender, and history of diabetes were significantly correlated with positive result in DSCE (p=0.027, p=0.022 and p=0.039, respectively). Additionally, a significant negative association with DSCE results was found for the echocardiographic parameters LV EF, LV GLS, the conduit phase of LA strain, LV end diastolic volume as well as LA dimensions (p=0.002, p=0.002, p=0.004, p= 0.002 and p=0.048, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that LV global longitudinal strain was independently associated with DSCE outcome (p=0.007), after controlling for covariates. The area under the curve (AUC) to predict positive results for LV GLS was 0.92 with with a sensitivity of 96%, a specificity of 56% and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 84% (Fig 2).

Conclusion
The present findings demonstrate that resting LV deformation is associated with the presence of coronary ischemia and may be useful to better identify patients with advanced CKD who might benefit from coronary artery screening.LV GLSAUC