Strain patterns in primary mitral regurgitation due to rheumatic heart disease and mitral valve prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: Left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) remodelling are the adaptive changes that occur in primary mitral regurgitation (MR) and are related to its clinical outcomes. Despite the pathophysiological differences in MR in rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and mitral valve prolapse (MVP), whether the pattern of LV and LA remodelling is different between the two conditions remains unknown. Hence, we compared the LA and LV strain pattern in MR due to RHD, the predominant etiology in developing countries topatients with MVP and age and sex-matched controls. METHODS: A total of 50 patients of severe MR which included 30 MVP MR and 20 RHD MR were assessed by strain imaging by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and were compared with age and sex-matched controls. 2D STE was used for LA and 3D STE was used for LV strain analysis. LA and LV strain parameters were compared between MVP MR and RHD MR groups. RESULTS: 30 patients with MVP and 20 with RHD were studied. 60% (n = 30) were symptomatic. Mean GLS was -17.2 ± 4.4% compared to -20 ± 3.2% among controls and mean LA strain was 17.35 ± 10.3% compared to 51.34 ± 11.5% among controls which were significantly lower (both p < 0.01). No significant difference in LA strain and GLS was found between MVP and RHD subgroups (LA strain 20.45 ± 11.9% and 14.63 ± 8.85%; p = 0.08; GLS - 18.25 ± 4.3% and-16.2 ± 4.6%; p = 0.12). PALS in the RHD group was lower compared to MVP(p = 0.08) which showed a trend towards significance. LV strain parameters showed no significant difference among the MVP and RHD groups. CONCLUSION: LA and LV strain parameters showed no significant difference in MR due to either RHD or MVP. There was a trend towards lower LA strain in RHD which needs validation with large multicentric studies. The current strain parameters from MVP with the prognostic value may be applied to MR of RHD etiology, pending confirmation of our results by other groups.

Prevalence and One-year Outcome of Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity in Unexplained Syncope: A Prospective Cohort Study from South India.

BACKGROUND: Carotid sinus syndrome accounts for one third of patients who presents with unexplained syncope. Prevalence of carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) in Indians has not been studied till now. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and associations of CSH in symptomatic patients above 50 years and to study its prognostic significance pertaining to sudden cardiac death, syncope, recurrent pre syncope and falls on 1 year follow up. METHODS: Patients above 50 years who presented with unexplained syncope, recurrent syncope or falls were considered cases and those without these symptoms were considered as controls. All the patients underwent carotid sinus massage and their responses noted. All symptomatic patients were followed up and observed for events like sudden cardiac death, syncope, recurrent pre syncope and falls during 1 year follow up. Patients with recurrent syncope and predominant cardioinhibitory syncope were advised permanent pacemaker implantation. RESULTS: A total of 252 patients were screened, 130 patients constituted cases and 49 patients constituted controls. CSH was demonstrable in 32% (n = 42) of cases as compared to 8% (n = 4) in controls (p < 0.001). Cardioinhibitory response was the predominant response (88%, n = 38) followed by mixed response (12%, n = 4). CSH was associated with advancing age, male gender (93%, n = 39, p < 0.001) and history of smoking (63%, n = 27, p = 0.009). Composite outcomes of sudden cardiac death, syncope, recurrent pre syncope and falls were significantly higher in patients with symptomatic CSH than in those without it (45%, n = 16 vs. 6.8%, n = 6; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the prevalence of CSH in patients above 50 yrs with unexplained syncope was high in our population. Patients with CSH and baseline symptoms developed recurrent syncope during follow up. Carotid sinus massage should be a part of routine examination protocol for unexplained syncope.

One-year clinical outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention with very long (≥ 40mm) drug-eluting stent.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcome of patients with diffuse coronary lesions treated with very long drug-eluting coronary stents (DES) (≥ 40mm) over a period of one year. METHODS: This single-center prospective study enrolled a total of 343 consecutive patients (376 long stents) who underwent percutaneous coronary stent implantation with very long DES. One year clinical outcomes were analyzed. A subgroup analysis of diabetic patients was also performed. RESULTS: One year follow up data was available for 314 patients (91.5%). All-cause mortality was 5 (1.6%). Eleven (3.5%) patients had non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Definite / probable stent thrombosis was reported in 7 (2.2%) patients. Over one year, 3 (1%) patients underwent target lesion revascularization (TLR). The total number of target lesion failure was 9 (2.9%). The rate of target lesion failure at one year was 2.6% using one vessel per patient analysis. Two patients had ischemic stroke. Any major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was observed in 19 (6%) patients. The event rates between sirolimus and everolimus stent groups were compared - cardiac death (1.7% vs 1.5%; p=0.911), stent thrombosis (2.5% vs 1.7%; p=0.612), TLR (1% vs 0.8%; p=0.878), any MACE (7% vs 4.1%; p=0.284). Exertional dyspnea was reported by 47 (15%) patients at the end of one year. Dual antiplatelet adherence rate was 96% (n=301 of 314). CONCLUSION: Use of very long stents (≥40mm) for diffuse coronary lesions is safe and effective with acceptably low event rates. No significant differences in event rates were observed between the types of DES used in this study (Sirolimus Vs. everolimus).

Prevalence and prognostic significance of left ventricular myocardial late gadolinium enhancement in severe aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial fibrosis occurs in aortic stenosis (AS) as part of the hypertrophic response. It can be detected by LGE, which is associated with an adverse prognosis in the form of increased mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of LGE patterns using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in severe AS patients and to study its prognostic significance. METHODS: Patients enrolled into the study from June 2012 to November 2014. All the patients underwent CMR and various patterns of LGE studied. These patients if symptomatic were advised AVR and others were managed conservatively. All patients were followed up and watched for outcomes like mortality, heart failure/hospitalization for cardiovascular cause, fall in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥20% and arrhythmia. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients (mean age-57.7±12.5yrs) underwent CMR with 63 males. These patients were followed up for a mean of 13 months. Among 38 patients who underwent AVR, 6 died (5-cardiovascular cause, 1-non cardiovascular). 71 patients were managed conservatively out of which 18 died (17-cardiovascular cause, 1-non cardiovascular cause). LGE patterns were seen in 46 patients (43%); mid myocardial enhancement was seen in 31.1% of cases (33 patients). No LGE pattern was seen in 57%(63 patients). Basal and mid regions were maximally involved with mid myocardial enhancement in 66% & 68.3% respectively. LV ejection fraction (p=0.002), peak aortic systolic velocity (p=0.01) and peak aortic systolic gradient (p=0.02) were the main predictors of LGE. Main predictors of primary outcome were NYHA class [OR- 13.4(2.8-26.1), p≤0.001], age- 62± 9.6yrs(p=0.001), EF simpson-50.9±13%(p≤ 0.001), LGE[OR 2.8 (1.27-6.47),p=0.01], number of segments involved [2.37±2.1,P≤0.001] & CMR LV mass (151.73±32gms, p=0.007). LGE predicted heart failure/hospitalization for cardiovascular cause [OR- 3.8(1.2-11.9), p=0.01] and fall in LVEF [OR- 5.8(1.5-22.5), p=0.005]. Patients with LGE had 2.87 times risk of adverse outcomes and patients with more than 3 segment LGE involvement had again increased chances for adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: LGE was detected by CMR in 43% of patients with severe AS. It predicted recurrent heart failure, hospitalization for cardiovascular cause and fall in LV ejection fraction. Our study has laid a path to larger prospective studies with long term follow up to assess the prognostic impact of CMR in patients with severe AS.

Demographical and clinicopathological characteristics in heart failure and outcome predictors: a prospective, observational study.

AIMS: The aims of the study were to study the demographical and clinicopathological characteristics of patients presenting with heart failure and evaluate the 1 year outcomes and to identify risk predictors if any. METHODS AND RESULTS: A prospective observational study was conducted in consecutive patients of systolic heart failure. The study was divided into two parts-an initial 6 month enrolment phase followed up for 1 year for major adverse cardiovascular events. All patients were treated according to the Institutional Heart Failure Protocol. Demographical and clinicopathophysiological characteristics were studied, and results were analysed. A total of 143 patients were enrolled. The mean age of subjects was 56.4 years with male subjects constituting almost two-thirds of the study population. The commonest aetiology of heart failure was ischemic with valvular heart disease being the commonest cause of non-ischemic heart failure. Bendopnea, a recently described symptom of heart failure, was found in a significant number of subjects. By univariate analysis, male sex (P = 0.042) and cardiomegaly (P = 0.035) were predictors of rehospitalization, whereas the univariate predictors of mortality were ischemic aetiology (P = 0.000), age > 50 years (P = 0.007), hypertension (P = 0.012), worsening NYHA class (P = 0.003), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.009), and hypokalaemia (P = 0.006). Multivariate analysis performed showed age > 50 years [P = 0.007; OR (CI) = 13.547 (2.034-90.238)], NYHA class [P = 0.002; OR (CI) = 32.300 (3.733-276.532)], and hypokalaemia [P = 0.031; OR (CI) = 7.524 (1.208-46.862)] as significant predictors of mortality during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The study will definitely help us to throw more light in identifying risk predictors of heart failure and help in improving clinical outcomes.

Functional tricuspid stenosis: a rare presentation of suspected rhabdomyoma as congenital cyanotic heart disease.

Cardiac tumours in newborns are often asymptomatic and can be sporadically detected on routine screening unless they result in intractable arrhythmias or haemodynamically significant obstructions causing heart failure. Their presentation as a cause of congenital cyanosis is never anticipated. We report a rare case of a newborn presenting with congenital cyanosis consequent to suspected cardiac rhabdomyoma causing tricuspid inflow obstruction. Our experience with this patient with two large cardiac masses illustrates the significance of its inclusion in the differential diagnosis of perinatal cyanosis, as early detection and surgical management might be the only lifesaving options, if performed well in time.

A case of recent myocardial infarction with cardiac failure.

CLINICAL INTRODUCTION: A 50-year-old hypertensive smoker presented with a typical angina of 2 days duration. An urgent ECG revealed extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction. In view of the delayed presentation, the patient was conservatively managed with heparin. In-hospital echocardiogram showed akinesia of entire left anterior descending artery (LAD) territory with severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. He was discharged with a plan for early coronary intervention. However, he presented a fortnight later with acute pulmonary oedema. General appraisal revealed a restless individual who was dyspnoeic and diaphoretic at rest. On clinical examination, the patient was in hypotension with features of biventricular failure. A 12-lead ECG showed QS pattern with persistent ST segment elevation in precordial leads. The chest radiograph demonstrated features of pulmonary oedema, cardiomegaly and bilateral pleural effusion. Creatine Phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB) was negative. A preliminary transthoracic echocardiography was done (figure 1 and see online supplementary video 1). QUESTION: What is the most likely diagnosis based on the echocardiogram? LV pseudo-aneurysm with contained ruptureDissecting intramural haematoma of LV apexVentricular apical aneurysm with thrombusLV non-compaction with prominent ventricular trabaculations.

A comparative study of ivabradine and atenolol in patients with moderate mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm.

BACKGROUND: Beta-blockers are frequently used in patients with mitral stenosis to control the heart rate and alleviate exercise-related symptoms. The objective of our study was to examine whether ivabradine was superior to atenolol for achieving higher exercise capacity in patients with moderate mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm. We also evaluated their effects on left ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-two patients with moderate mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm were randomized to receive ivabradine (n=42) 5mg twice daily or atenolol (n=40) 50mg daily for 6 weeks. Transthoracic echocardiography and treadmill test were performed at baseline and after completion of 6 weeks of treatment. Mean total exercise duration in seconds markedly improved in both study groups at 6 weeks (298.57±99.05s vs. 349.12±103.53s; p=0.0001 in ivabradine group, 290.90±92.42s vs. 339.90±99.84s; p=0.0001 in atenolol group). On head-to-head comparison, there was no significant change in improvement of exercise time between ivabradine and atenolol group (p=0.847). Left ventricular MPI did not show any significant change from baseline and at 6 weeks in both drug groups (49.8%±8% vs. 48.3%±7% in ivabradine group, 52.9%±10% vs. 50.9%±10% in atenolol groups; p=0.602). CONCLUSION: Ivabradine or atenolol can be used for heart rate control in patients with moderate mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm. Ivabradine is not superior to atenolol for controlling heart rate or exercise capacity. Left ventricular MPI was unaffected by either of the drugs.

Bilateral variant origin of subclavian artery branches.

Subclavian artery branching patterns have been studied in cadaveric series and frequencies of the many variations have been documented. However, such variations have been seldom noticed antemortem. Here, we present the case of a very rare type of bilaterally different branching pattern of the subclavian artery.

Device closure of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation using Amplatzer vascular plug II in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are very rare and carry the risk of cerebral thrombo-embolism, brain abscess or pulmonary hemorrhage. The Amplatzer vascular plug II (AVP II) is a new device, used for embolization of the pulmonary AVMs. We report a case of pulmonary AVM successfully managed by using AVP II in a patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

'A twist in the heart' - Echocardiographic diagnosis of criss-cross heart.

Criss-cross heart is an extremely rare congenital anomaly seen in less than 0.1% of all congenital heart diseases. We present a case of criss-cross heart in a 13-year-old boy. Suspicion of criss-cross heart occurred when all the four chambers of the heart could not be profiled in a single four-chamber view and a vertical septum was noticed in parasternal short-axis view. In this patient there was a ventricular septal defect along with this anomaly. Criss-cross heart usually presents with atrioventricular concordance and ventriculoarterial discordance. This case is unique and rare with atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial concordance. .

Malignant arrhythmia with benign tumour: fibrolipoma of the left ventricle.

We report a case of young male referred for evaluation of recent onset recurrent syncope. Inhospital electrocardiogram revealed an episode of ventricular flutter which reverted spontaneously to sinus rhythm. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed hyperechoic mass in the left ventricle. For further tissue characterization a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was done which revealed a left ventricular mass with predominant fat content. The tumor was surgically resected. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac fibrolipoma. The patient recovered and is currently asymptomatic.

Hammock mitral valve: a rare cause of congenital mitral regurgitation--a case report.

Hammock valve, also known as anomalous mitral arcade is a rare mechanism for congenital mitral insufficiency. We report a case of a two-week-old neonate who presented with features of heart failure and an apical systolic murmur. Echocardiogram showed severe mitral regurgitation and abnormal mitral valve with direct attachment of mitral leaflets to papillary muscle without intervening chordae tendinae, typical of hammock valve. Heart failure was controlled with ionotrpes and diuretics. The literature on the hammock mitral valve is reviewed.

Idiopathic dilatation of right atrium with atrial standstill presenting as stroke.

A 48-year-old lady presenting with stroke was found to have idiopathic dilatation of right atrium with atrial standstill.

Comparison of proximal isovelocity surface area method and pressure half time method for evaluation of mitral valve area in patients undergoing balloon mitral valvotomy.

BACKGROUND: The pressure half time (PHT) method is unreliable for measurement of mitral valve area (MVA) immediately after valvotomy. The proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method has been used to derive mitral valve area in patients with mitral stenosis. The aim of our study was to compare PISA method and PHT method in patients undergoing percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV). METHODS: The PISA was recorded from the apex and MVA was calculated using continuity equation by the formula 2pir(2) Vr/Vm, where 2pir(2) is the hemispheric isovelocity area, Vr is the velocity at the radial distance "r" from the orifice, and Vm is the peak velocity. A plain angle correction factor (theta)/180 was used to correct the inlet angle subtended by leaflet tunnel as a result of leaflet doming. RESULTS: MVA calculated using PISA method (r = 0.5217, P < 0.0001, SE = 0.016) and PHT (r = 0.6652, P < 0.0001, SE = 0.017) correlated well with 2D method in patients with mitral stenosis before BMV. After BMV, MVA by PISA method correlated well with 2D planimetry (r = 0.5803, P < 0.0001, SE = 0.053) but PHT showed poor correlation (r = 0.1334, P = 0.199, SE = 0.036). The variability of measurement of MVA was most marked with PHT method in the post-BMV period. CONCLUSION: The PISA method correlates well with 2D planimetry in patients with mitral stenosis before and after BMV and is superior to the PHT method in the post-BMV period where the latter may be unreliable.