Improvement in tricuspid regurgitation following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) remains a challenging clinical problem with poor outcomes and few effective treatments. Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with functional TR. We sought to determine whether restoring sinus rhythm through catheter ablation of AF can decrease the degree of TR. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing AF ablation between 2011 and 2017 at a single center was conducted. We included patients with at least moderate TR on echocardiogram within the year preceding ablation, who underwent repeat echocardiogram within the year following ablation. Formal quantitative analysis was performed by an experienced research echocardiographer, blinded to arrhythmia outcomes. Arrhythmia-free survival was correlated to the extent of improvement in TR. Thirty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. A baseline echocardiogram was performed 37 ± 68 days before ablation and follow-up echocardiogram 139 ± 112 days following ablation. Patients were 63.7 ± 11.1 years old with a mean CHA2 DS2 -VASc score of 2.7 ± 1.7. The degree of TR improved by at least one grade in 23 patients (64%). TR area decreased from 11.6 ± 3.4 to 7.0 ± 3.5 cm2 (p < .001) following ablation. Freedom from AF postablation was associated with a greater likelihood of improvement in TR by at least one grade (100% vs. 41%, p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AF and at least moderate TR, catheter ablation is associated with substantial improvement in TR severity.

Dexrazoxane preferentially mitigates doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in female children with sarcoma.

Objective: We sought to determine how sex and dexrazoxane therapy influence cardiac remodelling in children with sarcoma receiving high-dose doxorubicin. Methods: In a retrospective cohort of 85 children with sarcoma receiving high-dose doxorubicin, echocardiography measures prior to, early after (within 6 months of doxorubicin completion) and 1 - 2 years after doxorubicin completion were quantified. At each follow-up visit, multivariable, propensity-adjusted linear regression models evaluated dexrazoxane's effects on changes in left ventricular (LV) shortening fraction (SF), structure, strain and wall stress for subgroups divided by sex. Likelihood ratio tests assessed the interaction between sex and dexrazoxane in determining these changes. Results: Early after doxorubicin completion, males not treated with dexrazoxane (n = 15) developed increased cavity size and diminished circumferential strain; females (n = 8) developed diminished SF and strain indices, and increased cavity size and wall stress. With dexrazoxane, males (n = 33) demonstrated less deterioration in circumferential strain by 3.4% (95% CI 0.01 to 6.8), and females (n = 29) demonstrated less reduction in SF by 5.7% (95% CI 2.1 to 9.3), and had mitigation of increases in cavity size and wall stress. In interaction analyses, females had greater protection with dexrazoxane with regard to SF (p = 0.019) and cavity size in diastole (p = 0.002) and systole (p ≤ 0.001). These findings largely persisted 1 - 2 years after doxorubicin therapy. Conclusions: Early, sustained alterations in LV structure and function occur in children with sarcoma after high-dose doxorubicin, with adverse changes and protective effects of dexrazoxane more pronounced in females as compared with males. Dexrazoxane may have sex-specific cardioprotective effects.

Longitudinal Assessment of Vascular Function With Sunitinib in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Sunitinib, used widely in metastatic renal cell carcinoma, can result in hypertension, left ventricular dysfunction, and heart failure. However, the relationships between vascular function and cardiac dysfunction with sunitinib are poorly understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a multicenter prospective study of 84 metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients, echocardiography, arterial tonometry, and BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) measures were performed at baseline and at 3.5, 15, and 33 weeks after sunitinib initiation, correlating with sunitinib cycles 1, 3, and 6. Mean change in vascular function parameters and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Linear regression models were used to estimate associations between vascular function and left ventricular ejection fraction, longitudinal strain, diastolic function (E/e'), and BNP. After 3.5 weeks of sunitinib, mean systolic blood pressure increased by 9.5 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, 2.0-17.1; P=0.02) and diastolic blood pressure by 7.2 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, 4.3-10.0; P<0.001) across all participants. Sunitinib resulted in increases in large artery stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity) and resistive load (total peripheral resistance and arterial elastance; all P<0.05) and changes in pulsatile load (total arterial compliance and wave reflection). There were no statistically significant associations between vascular function and systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction and longitudinal strain). However, baseline total peripheral resistance, arterial elastance, and aortic impedance were associated with worsening diastolic function and filling pressures over time. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, sunitinib resulted in early, significant increases in blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and resistive and pulsatile load within 3.5 weeks of treatment. Baseline vascular function parameters were associated with worsening diastolic but not systolic function.

Detailed Echocardiographic Phenotyping in Breast Cancer Patients: Associations With Ejection Fraction Decline, Recovery, and Heart Failure Symptoms Over 3 Years of Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease in patients with breast cancer is of growing concern. The longitudinal effects of commonly used therapies, including doxorubicin and trastuzumab, on cardiac remodeling and function remain unknown in this population. We aimed to define the changes in echocardiographic parameters of structure, function, and ventricular-arterial coupling, and their associations with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and heart failure symptoms. METHODS: In a longitudinal prospective cohort study of 277 breast cancer participants receiving doxorubicin (Dox), trastuzumab (Tras), or both (Dox+Tras), we obtained 1249 echocardiograms over a median follow-up of 2.0 (interquartile range, 1.0-3.0) years. Left ventricular structure, diastolic and contractile function, and ventricular-arterial coupling measures were quantified in a core laboratory blinded to participant characteristics. We evaluated changes in echocardiographic parameters over time, and used repeated-measures regression models to define their association with LVEF decline and recovery. Linear regression models defined the association between early changes in these parameters and subsequent changes in LVEF and heart failure symptoms. RESULTS: Overall, 177 (64%) received Dox, 51 (18%) received Tras, and 49 (18%) received Dox+Tras. With Dox, there was a sustained, modest decrease in LVEF over the follow-up duration (1-year change in LVEF -3.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -4.4% to -2.8%; 3-year change -3.8%; 95% CI, -5.1% to -2.5%). With Tras, a similar LVEF decline was observed at 1 year (-4.5%; 95% CI, -6.0% to -2.9%) and 3 years (-2.8%; 95%CI, -5.3 to -0.4%). Participants receiving Dox+Tras demonstrated the greatest declines at 1 year (-6.6%; 95% CI, -8.2 to -5.0%), with partial recovery at 3 years (-2.8%; 95% CI, -4.8 to -0.8%). LVEF declines and recovery were associated primarily with changes in systolic volumes, longitudinal and circumferential strain, and ventricular-arterial coupling indices, effective arterial elastance (Ea) and the coupling ratio Ea/Eessb, without evidence for effect modification across therapies. Early changes in volumes, strain, and Ea/Eessb at 4 to 6 months were associated with 1- and 2-year LVEF changes. Similarly, early changes in strain and Ea were associated with worsening heart failure symptoms at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Doxorubicin and trastuzumab resulted in modest, persistent declines in LVEF at 3 years. Changes in volumes, strain, and ventricular-arterial coupling were consistently associated with concurrent and subsequent LVEF declines and recovery across therapies.

The value of preoperative 3-dimensional over 2-dimensional valve analysis in predicting recurrent ischemic mitral regurgitation after mitral annuloplasty.

OBJECTIVES: Repair for ischemic mitral regurgitation with undersized annuloplasty is characterized by high recurrence rates. We sought to determine the value of pre-repair 3-dimensional echocardiography over 2-dimensional echocardiography in predicting recurrence at 6 months. METHODS: Intraoperative transesophageal 2-dimensional echocardiography and 3-dimensional echocardiography were performed in 50 patients undergoing undersized annuloplasty for ischemic mitral regurgitation. Two-dimensional echocardiography annular diameter and tethering parameters were measured in the apical 2- and 4-chamber views. A customized protocol was used to assess 3-dimensional annular geometry and regional leaflet tethering. Recurrence (grade ≥2) was assessed with 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography at 6 months. RESULTS: Preoperative 2- and 3-dimensional annular geometry were similar in all patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation. Preoperative 2- and 3-dimensional leaflet tethering were significantly higher in patients with recurrence (n = 13) when compared with patients without recurrence (n = 37). Multivariate logistic regression revealed preoperative 2-dimensional echocardiography posterior tethering angle as an independent predictor of recurrence with an optimal cutoff value of 32.0° (area under the curve, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.95; P = .002) and preoperative 3-dimensional echocardiography P3 tethering angle as an independent predictor of recurrence with an optimal cutoff value of 29.9° (area under the curve, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-1.00; P < .001). The predictive value of the 3-dimensional geometric multivariate model can be augmented by adding basal aneurysm/dyskinesis (area under the curve, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-1.00; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative 3-dimensional echocardiography P3 tethering angle is a stronger predictor of ischemic mitral regurgitation recurrence after annuloplasty than preoperative 2-dimensional echocardiography posterior tethering angle, which is highly influenced by viewing plane. In patients with a preoperative P3 tethering angle of 29.9° or larger (especially when combined with basal aneurysm/dyskinesis), chordal-sparing valve replacement should be strongly considered.

Noninvasive Measures of Ventricular-Arterial Coupling and Circumferential Strain Predict Cancer Therapeutics-Related Cardiac Dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the relationships between echocardiography-derived measures of myocardial mechanics and cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin and trastuzumab are highly effective breast cancer therapies, but have a substantial risk of CTRCD. There is a critical need for the early detection of patients at increased risk of toxicity. METHODS: We performed a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of breast cancer participants undergoing doxorubicin and/or trastuzumab therapy. Echocardiography was performed prior to therapy initiation (baseline) and at standardized follow-up intervals during and after completion of therapy. Ejection fraction (EF), strain, strain rate, and ventricular-arterial coupling (effective arterial elastance [Ea]/end-systolic elastance [Eessb]) were quantitated. CTRCD was defined as a ≥10% reduction in EF from baseline to <50%. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between baseline levels and changes from baseline in echocardiographic measures and CTRCD. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the predictive ability of these measures. RESULTS: In total, 135 participants contributed 517 echocardiograms to the analysis. Over a median follow-up time of 1.9 years (interquartile range: 0.9 to 2.4 years), 21 participants (15%) developed CTRCD. In adjusted models, baseline levels and changes in Ea/Eessb, circumferential strain, and circumferential strain rate were associated with 21% to 38% increased odds of CTRCD (p < 0.001). Changes in longitudinal strain (p = 0.037), radial strain (p = 0.015), and radial strain rate (p = 0.006) were also associated with CTRCD. Ea/Eessb (area under the curve: 0.703; 95% confidence interval: 0.583 to 0.807) and circumferential strain (area under the curve: 0.655; 95% confidence interval: 0.517 to 0.767) demonstrated the greatest predictive utility. Sensitivity analyses using an alternative CTRCD definition did not impact our results. CONCLUSIONS: Over an extended follow-up time, ventricular-arterial coupling and circumferential strain were strongly predictive of CTRCD. Our findings suggest a noninvasive strategy to identify high-risk patients prior to, during, and after cardiotoxic cancer therapy.

Prevalence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Pulmonary Hypertension in CKD.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with poor outcomes in the dialysis and general populations, but its effect in CKD is unclear. We evaluated the prevalence and predictors of PH measures and their associations with long-term clinical outcomes in patients with nondialysis-dependent CKD. Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study participants who had Doppler echocardiography performed were considered for inclusion. PH was defined as the presence of estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) >35 mmHg and/or tricuspid regurgitant velocity (TRV) >2.5 m/s. Associations between PH, PASP, and TRV and cardiovascular events, renal events, and all-cause mortality were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. Of 2959 eligible participants, 21% (n=625) had PH, with higher rates among those with lower levels of kidney function. In the multivariate model, older age, anemia, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and presence of left ventricular hypertrophy were associated with greater odds of having PH. After adjusting for relevant confounding variables, PH was independently associated with higher risk for death (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 1.72) and cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.52) but not renal events. Similarly, TRV and PASP were associated with death and cardiovascular events but not renal events. In this study of patients with CKD and preserved left ventricular systolic function, we report a high prevalence of PH. PH and higher TRV and PASP (echocardiographic measures of PH) are associated with adverse outcomes in CKD. Future studies may explain the mechanisms that underlie these findings.

Preoperative Three-Dimensional Valve Analysis Predicts Recurrent Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation After Mitral Annuloplasty.

BACKGROUND: Valve repair for ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) with undersized annuloplasty rings is characterized by high IMR recurrence rates. Patient-specific preoperative imaging-based risk stratification for recurrent IMR would optimize results. We sought to determine if prerepair three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography combined with a novel valve-modeling algorithm would be predictive of IMR recurrence 6 months after repair. METHODS: Intraoperative transesophageal real-time 3D echocardiography was performed in 50 patients undergoing undersized ring annuloplasty for IMR and in 21 patients with normal mitral valves. A customized image analysis protocol was used to assess 3D annular geometry and regional leaflet tethering. IMR recurrence (≥ grade 2) was assessed with two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography 6 months after repair. RESULTS: Preoperative annular geometry was similar in all IMR patients, and preoperative leaflet tethering was significantly higher in patients with recurrent IMR (n=13) than in patients in whom IMR did not recur (n=37) (tethering index: 3.91 ± 1.01 vs 2.90 ± 1.17, p = 0.008; tethering angles of A3: 23.5° ± 8.9° vs 14.4° ± 11.4°, p = 0.012; P2: 44.4° ± 8.8° vs 28.2° ± 17.0°, p = 0.002; and P3: 35.2° ± 6.0° vs. 18.6° ± 12.7°, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the preoperative P3 tethering angle as an independent predictor of IMR recurrence with an optimal cutoff value of 29.9° (area under the curve, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.84 to 1.00; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 3D echocardiography combined with valve modeling is predictive of recurrent IMR. Preoperative regional leaflet tethering of segment P3 is a strong independent predictor of IMR recurrence after undersized ring annuloplasty. In patients with a preoperative P3 tethering angle of 29.9° or larger, chordal-sparing valve replacement rather than valve repair should be strongly considered.

Mammalian cardiac regeneration after fetal myocardial infarction requires cardiac progenitor cell recruitment.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to the adult, fetal sheep consistently regenerate functional myocardium after myocardial infarction. We hypothesize that this regeneration is due to the recruitment of cardiac progenitor cells to the infarct by stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and that its competitive inhibition will block the regenerative fetal response. METHODS: A 20% apical infarct was created in adult and fetal sheep by selective permanent coronary artery ligation. Lentiviral overexpression of mutant SDF-1α competitively inhibited SDF-1α in fetal infarcts. Echocardiography was performed to assess left ventricular function and infarct size. Cardiac progenitor cell recruitment and proliferation was assessed in fetal infarcts at 1 month by immunohistochemistry for nkx2.5 and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine. RESULTS: Competitive inhibition of SDF-1α converted the regenerative fetal response into a reparative response, similar to the adult. SDF-inhibited fetal infarcts demonstrated significant infarct expansion by echocardiography (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in the number of nkx2.5+ cells repopulating the infarct (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The fetal regenerative response to myocardial infarction requires the recruitment of cardiac progenitor cells and is dependent on SDF1α. This novel model of mammalian cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction provides a powerful tool to better understand cardiac progenitor cell biology and to develop strategies to cardiac regeneration in the adult.

Single dose GLP-1-Tf ameliorates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has insulinomimetic, insulinotropic, and antiapoptotic properties that may make it a useful adjunct to reperfusion therapy for myocardial infarction (MI); however, GLP-1 has a short plasma half-life. Fusion of GLP-1 to human transferrin (GLP-1-Tf) significantly prolongs drug half-life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We tested the ability of single dose GLP-1-Tf to limit myocardial ischemia (30 min)/reperfusion (180 min) injury in rabbits. Nineteen animals were untreated controls. The pre-ischemic group (n=10) was given 10mg/kg of GLP-1-Tf 12 h before ischemia. Immediately after reperfusion, the post-ischemic group (n=10) received GLP-1-Tf (10 mg/kg) and the Tf group (n=4) received transferrin alone. RESULTS: Infarct size as a percentage of the area at risk was 59.1% ± 1.3%, 45.7% ± 1.9%, 44.1% ± 3.3%, 59.7% ± 2.0% in the control group, pre-ischemic group, post-ischemic group, and Tf group, respectively (P<0.05 for both GLP-1-Tf treatments group versus control). GLP-1-Tf reduced the apoptotic index from 4.67% ± 0.40% in the control group to 3.15% ± 0.46% in the pre-ischemic group and to 2.66% ± 0.40% in the post-ischemic group (P<0.05 for both GLP-1-Tf treatments versus control). The size of the wall motion abnormality and ejection fraction was significantly improved in the post-ischemic group relative to the control group. Serum GLP-1 levels were 239.8 ± 25.7 µg/mL in the post-ischemic group, 27.9 ± 5.8 µg/mL in the pre-ischemic group, and undetectable in the control group. CONCLUSION: GLP-1-Tf limits myocardial reperfusion injury whether given prior to the onset of ischemia or given at reperfusion. GLP-1-Tf may also limit myocardial stunning at high serum levels of the drug.

Mesenchymal cell transplantation and myocardial remodeling after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Targeted delivery of mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs) can modify left ventricular (LV) cellular and extracellular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). However, whether and to what degree LV remodeling may be affected by MPC injection post-MI, and whether these effects are concentration-dependent, remain unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Allogeneic MPCs were expanded from sheep bone marrow, and direct intramyocardial injection was performed within the borderzone region 1 hour after MI induction (coronary ligation) in sheep at the following concentrations: 25x10(6) (25 M, n=7), 75x10(6) (75 M, n=7), 225x10(6) (225 M, n=10), 450x10(6) (450 M, n=8), and MPC free media only (MI Only, n=14). LV end diastolic volume increased in all groups but was attenuated in the 25 and 75 M groups. Collagen content within the borderzone region was increased in the MI Only, 225, and 450 M groups, whereas plasma ICTP, an index of collagen degradation, was highest in the 25 M group. Within the borderzone region matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and MMP tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) also changed in a MPC concentration-dependent manner. For example, borderzone levels of MMP-9 were highest in the 25 M group when compared to the MI Only and other MPC treatment group values. CONCLUSIONS: MPC injection altered collagen dynamics, MMP, and TIMP levels in a concentration-dependent manner, and thereby influenced indices of post-MI LV remodeling. However, the greatest effects with respect to post-MI remodeling were identified at lower MPC concentrations, thus suggesting a therapeutic threshold exists for this particular cell therapy.

Aortic size in acute type A dissection: implications for preventive ascending aortic replacement.

OBJECTIVE: Elective ascending aortic replacement is recommended to prevent acute type A aortic dissection when any segment of the proximal aorta is greater than 5.5 cm. However, little data exist that meticulously describe the size of the ascending aorta at multiple levels in patients who suffer acute type A dissections. We sought to definitively characterize the size distribution of the proximal aorta in this patient population. METHODS: Preoperative transesophageal echocardiography was used to measure the diameter of the proximal aorta at the aortic annulus, in the sinus segment, at the sinotubular junction and in the ascending aorta in 177 non-Marfan patients with tricuspid aortic valves who presented to one institution over a 10-year period with an acute type A dissection. Predicted aortic diameters for each patient based on the individual's age, gender and body size were also calculated at all four aortic positions using previously published regression equations derived from a large cohort of normal patients. RESULTS: Sixty patients were female (33.9%; aged 67+/-12 years) and 117 were male (66.1%; aged 60+/-17 years). Sixty-two percent of all patients had maximum aortic diameters less than 5.5 cm at time of dissection and 42% of patients had maximum aortic diameters less than 5.0 cm. Over 20% of all patients had maximal aortic dimensions of less than 4.5 cm. In women, 12% of the dissected aortas had a maximal dimension less than 4.0 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with acute type A aortic dissection present with aortic diameters <5.5 cm and thus do not fall within current guidelines for elective ascending aortic replacement. Methods other than size measurement of the ascending aorta are needed to identify patients at risk for dissection. Aggressive medical management of patients with ascending aortic diameters over 4 cm is warranted. Preventative replacement of the ascending aorta at 4.5 cm should be considered especially at high volume aortic surgery centers and patients having cardiac surgery for other indications.

Allogeneic mesenchymal precursor cell therapy to limit remodeling after myocardial infarction: the effect of cell dosage.

BACKGROUND: This experiment assessed the dose-dependent effect of a unique allogeneic STRO-3-positive mesenchymal precursor cell (MPC) on postinfarction left ventricular (LV) remodeling. The MPCs were administered in a manner that would simulate an off-the-self, early postinfarction, preventative approach to cardiac cell therapy in a sheep transmural myocardial infarct (MI) model. METHODS: Allogeneic MPCs were isolated from male crossbred sheep. Forty-six female sheep underwent coronary ligation to produce a transmural LV anteroapical infarction. One hour after infarction, the borderzone myocardium received an injection of 25, 75, 225, or 450 x 10(6) MPCs, or cell medium. Echocardiography was performed at 4 and 8 weeks after MI to quantify LV end-diastolic (LVEDV) and end-systolic volumes (LVESV), ejection fraction (EF), and infarct expansion. CD31 and smooth muscle actin (SMA) immunohistochemical staining was performed on infarct and borderzone specimens to quantify vascular density. RESULTS: Compared with controls, low-dose (25 and 75 x 10(6) cells) MPC treatment significantly attenuated infarct expansion and increases in LVEDV and LVESV. EF was improved at all cell doses. CD31 and SMA immunohistochemical staining demonstrated increased vascular density in the borderzone only at the lower cell doses. There was no evidence of myocardial regeneration within the infarct. CONCLUSION: Allogeneic STRO-3 positive MPCs attenuate the remodeling response to transmural MI in a clinically relevant large-animal model. This effect is associated with vasculogenesis and arteriogenesis within the borderzone and infarct and is most pronounced at lower cell doses.

Dermal filler injection: a novel approach for limiting infarct expansion.

BACKGROUND: Early infarct expansion after coronary occlusion compromises contractile function in perfused myocardial regions and promotes adverse long-term left ventricular (LV) remodeling. We hypothesized that injection of a tissue-expanding dermal filler material into a myocardial infarction (MI) would attenuate infarct expansion and limit LV remodeling. METHODS: Fifteen sheep were subjected to an anteroapical MI involving approximately 20% of the LV followed by the injection of 1.3 mL of a calcium hydroxyapatite-based dermal filler into the infarct. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography was performed at baseline, 30 minutes after MI, and 15 minutes after injection to assess infarct expansion. Sixteen additional sheep were subjected to the same infarction and followed echocardiographically and hemodynamically for 4 weeks after MI to assess chronic remodeling. Eight animals had injection with dermal filler as described above immediately after MI, and 8 animals were injected with an equal amount of saline solution. RESULTS: All animals exhibited infarct expansion soon after coronary occlusion. The regional ejection fraction of the apex became negative after infarction, consistent with systolic dyskinesia. Injection of the dermal filler converted the apical wall motion from dyskinetic to akinetic and resulted immediately in significant decreases in global, regional, and segmental LV volumes. Chronically, relative to saline control, dermal filler injection significantly reduced LV end-systolic volume (62.2 +/- 3.6 mL versus 44.5 +/- 3.9 mL; p < 0.05) and improved global ejection fraction (0.295 +/- 0.016 versus 0.373 +/- 0.017; p < 0.05) at 4 weeks after infarction. CONCLUSIONS: Injection of an acellular dermal filler into an MI immediately after coronary occlusion reduces early infarct expansion and limits chronic LV remodeling.

Very mild hypothermia during ischemia and reperfusion improves postinfarction ventricular remodeling.

BACKGROUND: Mild hypothermia (< 4 degrees C) improves myocardial salvage after infarct reperfusion in animals and in early clinical studies. In this experiment the effect of mild hypothermia during ischemia and early reperfusion on long-term postinfarction left ventricular (LV) remodeling was assessed in an ovine infarct model. METHODS: In the initial phase of the experiment the effect of progressive degrees of hypothermia on infarct size was quantified. Thirty-eight male sheep were subjected to 1 hour of ischemia using a standardized anteroapical infarct followed by 3 hours of reperfusion. Temperature was maintained at either 39.5 degrees C (n = 11), 38.5 degrees C (n = 7), 37.5 degrees C (n = 7), 36.5 degrees C (n = 7), or 35.5 degrees C (n = 6) for the entire period of ischemia and reperfusion. The area at risk (AR) and infarct size as a percentage of AR (I/AR) were determined with a double staining and planimetry technique. In the second phase of the study, chronic post-infarction remodeling was assessed in animals with nonreperfused infarcts (n = 6), 1 hour of ischemia followed by reperfusion at 39.5 degrees C (n = 6) and 1 hour of ischemia followed by reperfusion at 37.5 degrees C (n = 6). Remodeling was determined at 8 weeks after infarction using echocardiography. RESULTS: The I/AR in the 39.5 degrees C, 38.5 degrees C, 37.5 degrees C, 36.5 degrees C, and the 35.5 degrees C groups was 71.8 +/- 3.0%, 63.1 +/- 1.9%, 49.4 +/- 1.4%, 38.7 +/- 1.4%, and 21.7 +/- 2.2%, respectively (p < 0.05 between all groups). In the chronic study LV end systolic volume at 8 weeks after infarction was 81 +/- 8 mL in the nonreperfused group, 57 +/- 4 mL in the 39.5 degrees C reperfusion group, and 41 +/- 3 mL in the 37.5 degrees C reperfusion group (p < 0.05 for between group differences). CONCLUSIONS: Subtle degrees of hypothermia can significantly improve immediate myocardial salvage and long-term LV remodeling after infarct reperfusion.

A methodology for assessing human mitral leaflet curvature using real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography.

OBJECTIVES: Using 3-dimensional echocardiography in conjunction with novel geometric modeling and rendering techniques, we have developed a high-resolution, quantitative, 3-dimensional methodology for imaging the human mitral valve. Leaflet and annular geometry are important determinants of mitral valve stress. Repair techniques that optimize valvular geometry will reduce stress and potentially increase repair durability. The development of such procedures will require image-processing methodologies that provide a quantitative description of 3-dimensional valvular geometry. METHODS: Ten healthy adult subjects underwent mitral valve imaging with real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography. By using specially designed image analysis software, multiple valvular geometric parameters, including 2- and 3-dimensional leaflet curvature, leaflet surface area, annular height, intercommissural width, septolateral annular diameter, and annular area were determined for each subject. Image-rendering techniques that allow for the clear and concise presentation of this detailed information are also presented. RESULTS: Although 3-dimensional annular and leaflet geometry were found to be highly conserved between healthy human subjects in general, substantial intrasubject and intersubject regional geometric heterogeneity was observed in the midposterior leaflet, the region most commonly involved in leaflet flail in subjects with myxomatous disease. CONCLUSIONS: The image-processing and graphic-rendering techniques that we have developed can be used to provide a complete description of 3-dimensional mitral valve geometry in human subjects. Widespread application of these techniques to healthy subjects and patients with mitral valve disease will provide insight into the geometric basis of both valvular pathology and repair durability.

The influence of annuloplasty ring geometry on mitral leaflet curvature.

BACKGROUND: The effect of mitral leaflet curvature on stress reduction is an important mechanism in optimizing valve function. We hypothesize that annuloplasty ring shape could directly influence leaflet curvature and, potentially, repair durability. We describe an echocardiographically based methodology for quantifying mitral valve geometry and its application to the characterization of ovine mitral valve geometry before and after implantation of an annuloplasty ring. METHODS: Multiple mitral annular and leaflet geometric variables were calculated for 8 naïve adult male sheep using real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic images. These indexes were recalculated after annuloplasty using a 30-mm Carpentier-Edward Physio ring (n = 4; Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) or a 30-mm saddle ring (n = 4). RESULTS: After implantation of the Physio ring, the annular height to commissural width ratio (AHCWR) decreased from 19.4% +/- 2.3% to 11.1% +/- 2.5% (p = 0.06). After implantation of the saddle ring, AHCWR increased from 19.6% +/- 1.3% to 24.3% +/- 1.3% (p < 0.05). Statistically significant increases in three-dimensional Gaussian curvature occurred after implantation within six defined leaflet regions (A1 to A3, P1 to P3) of the saddle ring but only within the P1 and P3 leaflet regions with the Physio ring. CONCLUSIONS: Annuloplasty ring shape affects leaflet curvature. Implantation of a saddle ring reflecting normal human annular geometry augmented ovine annular nonplanarity and increased three-dimensional leaflet curvature across the entire mitral valve surface. The Physio ring decreased annular nonplanarity and increased leaflet curvature only across limited regions of the posterior leaflet. These findings confirm the hypothesis that ring design influences leaflet curvature.

Effect of reperfusion on left ventricular regional remodeling strains after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Reperfusion therapy for myocardial infarction is currently the most effective means for limiting early and late mortality. We sought to elucidate how reperfusion influences remodeling strains in the infarct, borderzone, and remote myocardial regions. Understanding the effects of reperfusion on regional remodeling will help to evaluate and optimize emerging treatments for patients who do not achieve effective reperfusion after myocardial infarction. METHODS: An ovine infarct model (n = 13) was used to assess the effect of 1 hour of ischemia followed by reperfusion on regional and global myocardial geometry, function, and perfusion using sonomicrometry, echocardiography, and microspheres. Thirteen additional animals were assessed chronically (8 weeks) with echocardiography and postmortem analysis after either reperfusion (n = 5) or untreated infarction (n = 8). RESULTS: During ischemia the area at risk thinned, stretched, and became dyskinetic. The normally perfused borderzone also stretched, and contraction decreased by 40% during ischemia. Reperfusion increased area at risk wall thickness and reduced area at risk stretching but did not restore contractile function. Borderzone stretching was reduced and contractile function improved by reperfusion. Contractile function of remote regions was also improved with reperfusion. Ventricular dilatation after ischemia was reversed within 180 minutes of reperfusion. Chronically, reperfusion significantly improved global remodeling when compared with nonreperfused controls. Reperfused animals had thicker infarcts and akinetic rather than dyskinetic apical segments. CONCLUSIONS: Reperfusion acutely increases area at risk wall thickness, reduces area at risk and borderzone stretching, and improves borderzone and remote function. Reperfusion increases mature scar thickness and improves chronic global remodeling. These beneficial effects of reperfusion result primarily from reduced infarct expansion (stretching).

Mitral valve tenting index for assessment of subvalvular remodeling.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic mitral regurgitation results from a variable combination of annular dilatation and remodeling of the subvalvular apparatus. Current surgical techniques effectively treat annular dilatation, but methods for addressing subvalvular remodeling have not been standardized. An effective technique for determining the extent of subvalvular remodeling could improve surgical results by identifying patients who are unlikely to benefit from annuloplasty alone. METHODS: A well-characterized ovine model of ischemic mitral regurgitation was used. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography was performed on each animal at baseline and at 1 hour and 8 weeks after infarction. Multiple valvular geometric measurements were calculated at each time point. RESULTS: Immediate and long-term changes in mitral valvular geometry were observed. Annular height-to-commissural width ratio decreased from 20.0% +/- 1.6% to 11.2% +/- 0.9% 1 hour after infarction (p < 0.001) and to 9.4% +/- 0.4% 8 weeks after infarction (p < 0.001), whereas mitral annular area increased from 8.1 +/- 0.3 cm2 to 9.2 +/- 0.4 cm2 (p < 0.05) and then to 10.5 +/- 0.6 cm2 (p < 0.05). Maximum mitral valve tenting area increased from 49.7 +/- 5.1 mm2 to 58.6 +/- 4.2 mm2 (p < 0.05) and then to 106.4 +/- 3.9 mm2 (p < 0.001), whereas mitral valve tenting volume increased from 679.0 +/- 75.5 mm3 to 828.6 +/- 102.4 mm3 (p = 0.050) and then to 1530.5 +/- 97.8 mm3 (p < 0.001). The mitral valve tenting index increased from 0.83 +/- 0.08 mm to 0.88 +/- 0.08 mm (p > 0.05) and then to 1.46 +/- 0.08 mm (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We have described a technique that uses real-time three-dimensional echocardiography to perform a comprehensive assessment of leaflet tethering on the entire mitral valve. Our methodology is not influenced by viewing plane selection, regional tenting asymmetry, or annular dilatation and therefore represents a potentially useful, clinically relevant, and consistent measure of subvalvular remodeling.

Description of regional mitral annular nonplanarity in healthy human subjects: a novel methodology.

OBJECTIVE: Finite-element analysis demonstrates that the nonplanar shape of the mitral annulus diminishes mitral leaflet stress. It has therefore been postulated that repair with annuloplasty rings that maintain the nonplanar shape of the annulus could increase repair durability. Although the global nonplanarity of the mitral annulus has been adequately characterized, design of such a ring requires a quantitative description of regional annular geometry. By using real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography in conjunction with available image processing software, we developed a methodology for describing regional annular geometry and applied it to the characterization of the normal human mitral annulus. METHODS: Five healthy volunteers underwent mitral valve imaging with real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography. Regional annular height was calculated at 36 evenly spaced intervals. RESULTS: Maximal annular height/commissural width ratio was found to occur at the midpoint of the anterior annulus in all cases. These values averaged 26% +/- 3.1%, whereas those for the midposterior annulus averaged 18% +/- 3.0%. The average commissural width was 35.2 +/- 6.0 mm. Although substantial spatial heterogeneity was observed, regional annular height at a given rotational position was highly conserved among subjects when normalized to commissural width. CONCLUSIONS: These quantitative imaging and analytic techniques demonstrate that the normal human mitral annulus is regionally heterogeneous in its nonplanarity, and they establish a means of describing annular geometry at a regional level. With wider application, these techniques may be used both to characterize pathologic annular geometry and to optimize the design of mitral valve annuloplasty devices.