Cardiac abnormalities identified with echocardiography in anorexia nervosa: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anorexia nervosa affects most organ systems, with 80% suffering from cardiovascular complications. AIMS: To define echocardiographic abnormalities in anorexia nervosa through systematic review and meta-analysis. METHOD: Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility of publications from Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews registries. Studies were included if anorexia nervosa was the primary eating disorder and the main clinical association in described cardiac abnormalities. Data was extracted in duplicate and quality-assessed with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. For continuous outcomes we calculated mean and standardised mean difference (SMD), and corresponding 95% confidence interval. For dichotomous outcomes we calculated proportion and corresponding 95% confidence interval. For qualitative data we summarised the studies. RESULTS: We identified 23 eligible studies totalling 960 patients, with a mean age of 17 years and mean body mass index of 15.2 kg/m2. Fourteen studies (469 participants) reported data suitable for meta-analysis. Cardiac abnormalities seen in anorexia nervosa compared with healthy controls were reduced left ventricular mass (SMD 1.82, 95% CI 1.32-2.31, P < 0.001), reduced cardiac output (SMD 1.92, 95% CI 1.38-2.45, P < 0.001), increased E/A ratio (SMD -1.10, 95% CI -1.67 to -0.54, P < 0.001), and increased incidence of pericardial effusions (25% of patients, P < 0.01, 95% CI 17-34%, I2 = 80%). Trends toward improvement were seen with weight restoration. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with anorexia nervosa have structural and functional cardiac changes, identifiable with echocardiography. Further work should determine whether echocardiography can help stratify severity and guide safe patient location, management and effectiveness of nutritional rehabilitation.

State of the art: A roadmap for the national echocardiography team 2023.

Over the past 30 years, echocardiography has carved a vital professional role within the care of millions of patients per year. Here, I examine the provision of this vital service through the lens of the people who provide it, focussing on the challenges and opportunities facing this unique workforce over the next 10 years.

The assessment of left ventricular diastolic function: guidance and recommendations from the British Society of Echocardiography.

Impairment of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function is common amongst those with left heart disease and is associated with significant morbidity. Given that, in simple terms, the ventricle can only eject the volume with which it fills and that approximately one half of hospitalisations for heart failure (HF) are in those with normal/'preserved' left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF) (Bianco et al. in JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 13:258-271, 2020. 10.1016/j.jcmg.2018.12.035), where abnormalities of ventricular filling are the cause of symptoms, it is clear that the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) is crucial for understanding global cardiac function and for identifying the wider effects of disease processes. Invasive methods of measuring LV relaxation and filling pressures are considered the gold-standard for investigating diastolic function. However, the high temporal resolution of trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) with widely validated and reproducible measures available at the patient's bedside and without the need for invasive procedures involving ionising radiation have established echocardiography as the primary imaging modality. The comprehensive assessment of LVDF is therefore a fundamental element of the standard TTE (Robinson et al. in Echo Res Pract7:G59-G93, 2020. 10.1530/ERP-20-0026). However, the echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function is complex. In the broadest and most basic terms, ventricular diastole comprises an early filling phase when blood is drawn, by suction, into the ventricle as it rapidly recoils and lengthens following the preceding systolic contraction and shortening. This is followed in late diastole by distension of the compliant LV when atrial contraction actively contributes to ventricular filling. When LVDF is normal, ventricular filling is achieved at low pressure both at rest and during exertion. However, this basic description merely summarises the complex physiology that enables the diastolic process and defines it according to the mechanical method by which the ventricles fill, overlooking the myocardial function, properties of chamber compliance and pressure differentials that determine the capacity for LV filling. Unlike ventricular systolic function where single parameters are utilised to define myocardial performance (LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS)), the assessment of diastolic function relies on the interpretation of multiple myocardial and blood-flow velocity parameters, along with left atrial (LA) size and function, in order to diagnose the presence and degree of impairment. The echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function is therefore multifaceted and complex, requiring an algorithmic approach that incorporates parameters of myocardial relaxation/recoil, chamber compliance and function under variable loading conditions and the intra-cavity pressures under which these processes occur. This guideline outlines a structured approach to the assessment of diastolic function and includes recommendations for the assessment of LV relaxation and filling pressures. Non-routine echocardiographic measures are described alongside guidance for application in specific circumstances. Provocative methods for revealing increased filling pressure on exertion are described and novel and emerging modalities considered. For rapid access to the core recommendations of the diastolic guideline, a quick-reference guide (additional file 1) accompanies the main guideline document. This describes in very brief detail the diastolic investigation in each patient group and includes all algorithms and core reference tables.

Transthoracic Echocardiographic Assessment of the Heart in Pregnancy-a position statement on behalf of the British Society of Echocardiography and the United Kingdom Maternal Cardiology Society.

Pregnancy is a dynamic process associated with profound hormonally mediated haemodynamic changes which result in structural and functional adaptations in the cardiovascular system. An understanding of the myocardial adaptations is important for echocardiographers and clinicians undertaking or interpreting echocardiograms on pregnant and post-partum women. This guideline, on behalf of the British Society of Echocardiography and United Kingdom Maternal Cardiology Society, reviews the expected echocardiographic findings in normal pregnancy and in different cardiac disease states, as well as echocardiographic signs of decompensation. It aims to lay out a structure for echocardiographic scanning and surveillance during and after pregnancy as well as suggesting practical advice on scanning pregnant women.

Echocardiographic assessment and critical care management of peri-partum women with unexpected left ventricular failure.

Introduction: Cardiac disease remains the largest single cause of maternal death. Whilst uncommon, left ventricular failure during pregnancy and delivery can be devastating to both mother and child. Echocardiography can play a significant role in rapidly establishing a diagnosis, guiding initial therapy and then monitoring response. Clinical vignettes: The history, presentation and management of three cases of peri-partum left ventricular failure is examined: stress cardiomyopathy in a 34 year old with twins, left ventricular dysfunction secondary to pre-eclampsia in a 22 year old with a singleton pregnancy and a true peri-partum cardiomyopathy in a 42 year old with IVF twins. The defining risk factors, presenting characteristics and echocardiographical findings for each pathology are highlighted. Conclusion: Echocardiography is playing an increasingly important role in the immediate assessment and management of left ventricular failure. This is especially true in the peri-partum woman, where establishing the correct therapy is both challenging and crucial due to the significant cardiovascular changes that occur around the time of delivery. To this end we believe that echocardiography should be rapidly available to guide the management of these patients by a multidisciplinary team made up of obstetricians, cardiologists, anaesthetists and intensive care physicians.

Clinical indications and triaging for adult transthoracic echocardiography: a consensus statement by the British Society of Echocardiography in collaboration with British Heart Valve Society.

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is widely utilised within many aspects of clinical practice, as such the demand placed on echocardiography services is ever increasing. In an attempt to provide incremental value for patients and standardise patient care, the British Society of Echocardiography in collaboration with the British Heart Valve Society have devised updated guidance for the indications and triaging of adult TTE requests for TTE services to implement into clinical practice.

United Kingdom standards for non-invasive cardiac imaging: recommendations from the Imaging Council of the British Cardiovascular Society.

Heart and circulatory diseases affect more than seven million people in the UK. Non-invasive cardiac imaging is a critical element of contemporary cardiology practice. Progressive improvements in technology over the last 20 years have increased diagnostic accuracy in all modalities and led to the incorporation of non-invasive imaging into many standard cardiac clinical care pathways. Cardiac imaging tests are requested by a variety of healthcare practitioners and performed in a range of settings from the most advanced hospitals to local health centres. Imaging is used to detect the presence and consequences of cardiovascular disease, as well as to monitor the response to therapies. The previous UK national imaging strategy statement which brought together all of the non-invasive imaging modalities was published in 2010. The purpose of this document is to collate contemporary standards developed by the modality-specific professional organisations which make up the British Cardiovascular Society Imaging Council, bringing together common and essential recommendations. The development process has been inclusive and iterative. Imaging societies (representing both cardiology and radiology) reviewed and agreed on the initial structure. The final document therefore represents a position, which has been generated inclusively, presents rigorous standards, is applicable to clinical practice and deliverable. This document will be of value to a variety of healthcare professionals including imaging departments, the National Health Service or other organisations, regulatory bodies, commissioners and other purchasers of services, and service users, i.e., patients, and their relatives.

A minimum dataset for a Level 1 echocardiogram: a guideline protocol from the British Society of Echocardiography.

The British Society of Echocardiography has previously outlined a minimum dataset for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram, and this remains the basis on which an echocardiographic study should be performed. The importance of ultrasound in excluding critical conditions that may require urgent treatment is well known. Several point-of-care echo protocols have been developed for use by non-echocardiography specialists. However, these protocols are often only used in specific circumstances and are usually limited to 2D echocardiography. Furthermore, although the uptake in training for these protocols has been reasonable, there is little in the way of structured support available from accredited sonographers in the ongoing training and re-accreditation of those undertaking these point-of-care scans. In addition, it is well recognised that the provision of echocardiography on a 24/7 basis is extremely challenging, particularly outside of tertiary cardiac centres. Consequently, following discussions with NHS England, the British Society of Echocardiography has developed the Level 1 echocardiogram in order to support the rapid identification of critical cardiac pathology that may require emergency treatment. It is intended that these scans will be performed by non-specialists in echocardiography and crucially are not designed to replace a full standard transthoracic echocardiogram. Indeed, it is expected that a significant number of patients, in whom a Level 1 echocardiogram is required, will need to have a full echocardiogram performed as soon as is practically possible. This document outlines the minimum dataset for a Level 1 echocardiogram. The accreditation process for Level 1 echo is described separately.

Tissue Doppler indices of diastolic function in critically ill patients and association with mortality - a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Systolic impairment is well reported in critically ill patients but diastolic function has been relatively understudied. The objective of this review was to assess tissue Doppler indices of diastolic function in critically ill patients along with any association with mortality. METHODS: A systematic review of articles in English using Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews. Search terms included diastolic function, diastolic dysfunction, diastolic abnormal*, diastolic heart failure, diastolic filling, ventricular relaxation, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, left ventricular filling pressure, cardiac dysfunction, intensive care, critical care, critically ill, critical illness, sepsis and septic shock. Only studies of critically ill adult patients (excluding post-cardiac surgical patients) whose diastolic function was assessed using tissue Doppler imaging were included. Study quality was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included, with a total of 1365 patients. All trials were observational. There was a large heterogeneity in patient populations and the methodology of tissue Doppler assessment of diastology resulting in a descriptive analysis. Patient groups included severe sepsis or septic shock (5 studies), septic shock (5 studies), systemic inflammatory response syndrome and shock (1 study), septic shock and acute lung injury (1 study), cancer and septic shock (2 studies), general ICU patients (1 study), combined medical and surgical ICU (2 studies) and sub-arachnoid haemorrhage patients (2 studies). Seventeen studies scored 5/6 on the NOS with the remaining two scoring 4/6. Fourteen studies reported on numbers of patients diagnosed with diastolic dysfunction (500/999, mean 50%, range 20-92%). Three studies found that diastolic dysfunction was an independent predictor of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Current data shows a large range in the incidence of diastolic dysfunction in this patient population and a variable link with mortality. Future research should focus on the definition of normal values for diastolic function in critically ill patients along with the effects of ICU therapies and consensus criteria for its assessment in this patient population.

Measuring and monitoring quality in satellite echo services within critical care: an exploration of best practice.

The subspecialty of critical care echocardiography is a rapidly developing area of cardiac imaging. The United Kingdom Committee for Critical Care Echocardiography was set up in 2009 to examine the remit of echocardiography in critical care, and a successful collaboration between the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) and the Intensive Care Society has resulted in the establishment of two new critical care accreditation processes: Focused Intensive Care Echocardiography and Advanced Critical Care Echocardiography. These accreditation processes are currently driving the development of satellite echo services within critical care departments throughout the UK. Individual practitioner - and more recently, departmental - accreditation have become well-established processes advocated by the BSE. Practitioner accreditation promotes accountability, and departmental accreditation standardises the environment in which practitioners operate. The accreditation of individual echocardiographers has been embraced by the critical care fraternity; we propose that departmental accreditation for critical care echo services be viewed in the same way. Identifying quality indicators for satellite echocardiography services within critical care areas is therefore the focus of the present quality exploration: our aim is to propose a set of parameters against which satellite critical care echo services can be benchmarked. In publishing our suggestions, we hope to stimulate debate in light of the rapid evolution of critical care echocardiography as a subspecialty practice. We suggest that our proposed parameters could be used to maintain satellite critical care service standards and to help identify departments capable of delivering high-quality services and training in critical care echocardiography.

Can transthoracic echocardiography be used to predict fluid responsiveness in the critically ill patient? A systematic review.

Introduction. We systematically evaluated the use of transthoracic echocardiography in the assessment of dynamic markers of preload to predict fluid responsiveness in the critically ill adult patient. Methods. Studies in the critically ill using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to predict a response in stroke volume or cardiac output to a fluid load were selected. Selection was limited to English language and adult patients. Studies on patients with an open thorax or abdomen were excluded. Results. The predictive power of diagnostic accuracy of inferior vena cava diameter and transaortic Doppler signal changes with the respiratory cycle or passive leg raising in mechanically ventilated patients was strong throughout the articles reviewed. Limitations of the technique relate to patient tolerance of the procedure, adequacy of acoustic windows, and operator skill. Conclusions. Transthoracic echocardiographic techniques accurately predict fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients. Discriminative power is not affected by the technique selected.