Left atrial strain: A memory of the severity of atrial myocardial stress in atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) strain is a simple marker of LA function. The aim of the study was to evaluate the determinants of atrial cardiomyopathy in AF. METHODS: In this pilot study, we prospectively evaluated clinical, biological, metabolomic and echocardiographic parameters for 85 consecutive patients hospitalized for atrial fibrillation (AF) with restoration of sinus rhythm at 6 months. Eighty-one patients with an analysable LA strain at 6 months were divided into groups according to median reservoir strain:<23.3% (n=40) versus≥23.3% (n=41). RESULTS: Compared to patients with the highest LA strain, patients with lowest LA strain had multiple differences at admission: clinical (older age; more frequent history of AF; more patterns of persistent AF); biological (higher fasting blood glucose levels, glycated haemoglobin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and urea; lower glomerular filtration rate); metabolomic (higher levels of kynurenine, kynurenine/tryptophan, and urea/creatinine; lower levels of arginine and methionine/methionine sulfoxide); and echocardiographic (higher two-dimensional end-systolic LA volume [LAV] indexes; higher three-dimensional end-systolic and end-diastolic LAV and right atrial volume indexes; lower LA and right atrial emptying fractions and three-dimensional right ventricular ejection fraction) (all P<0.05). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to predict LA strain alteration at 6 months was highest for a combined score including clinical, biological, metabolomic and echocardiographic variables at admission (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.871; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: LA reservoir strain could be a memory of initial atrial myocardial stress in AF. It can be predicted using a combination of clinical, biological, metabolomic and echocardiographic admission variables.

Human versus Artificial Intelligence-Based Echocardiographic Analysis as a Predictor of Outcomes: An Analysis from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography COVID Study.

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic echocardiography is the leading cardiac imaging modality for patients admitted with COVID-19, a condition of high short-term mortality. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that artificial intelligence (AI)-based analysis of echocardiographic images could predict mortality more accurately than conventional analysis by a human expert. METHODS: Patients admitted to 13 hospitals for acute COVID-19 who underwent transthoracic echocardiography were included. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular longitudinal strain (LVLS) were obtained manually by multiple expert readers and by automated AI software. The ability of the manual and AI analyses to predict all-cause mortality was compared. RESULTS: In total, 870 patients were enrolled. The mortality rate was 27.4% after a mean follow-up period of 230 ± 115 days. AI analysis had lower variability than manual analysis for both LVEF (P = .003) and LVLS (P = .005). AI-derived LVEF and LVLS were predictors of mortality in univariable and multivariable regression analysis (odds ratio, 0.974 [95% CI, 0.956-0.991; P = .003] for LVEF; odds ratio, 1.060 [95% CI, 1.019-1.105; P = .004] for LVLS), but LVEF and LVLS obtained by manual analysis were not. Direct comparison of the predictive value of AI versus manual measurements of LVEF and LVLS showed that AI was significantly better (P = .005 and P = .003, respectively). In addition, AI-derived LVEF and LVLS had more significant and stronger correlations to other objective biomarkers of acute disease than manual reads. CONCLUSIONS: AI-based analysis of LVEF and LVLS had similar feasibility as manual analysis, minimized variability, and consequently increased the statistical power to predict mortality. AI-based, but not manual, analyses were a significant predictor of in-hospital and follow-up mortality.

Inverted Takotsubo Syndrome With HELLP Syndrome: A Case Report.

Background: Takotsubo syndrome is an acute cardiac condition involving sudden, transient apical ballooning of the left ventricle of the heart that may be triggered by emotional stress and some non-cardiac conditions. Its diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, electrocardiogram, cardiac imaging and biomarkers. Case Summary: Here, we present a novel and original case report of a patient presenting very soon in the post-partum period with an unusual form of Takotsubo syndrome without clinical symptoms of cardiac disease and accompanied by HELLP syndrome. The overall dynamics of the changes in troponin I, troponin T and NT-proBNP levels after delivery were generally similar, but the amount of troponin I was much greater than that of troponin T and troponin I was already elevated before delivery. NT-proBNP levels peaked around the same time as the troponins and the peak concentration was within the same range as that of troponin I. Discussion: Our findings indicate that assaying circulating cardiac biomarkers, especially troponin I and NT-proBNP, may be a useful complement to non-invasive cardiac imaging including transthoracic echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, in the diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome. They illustrate the importance of cardiac biomarkers in assisting diagnosis of this disease.

Prevalence of Right Atrial Impairment and Association with Outcomes in Cardiac Amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative cardiomyopathy in which abnormally folded proteins deposit within the myocardium and the atrial walls. While left atrial dysfunction has been previously reported, the impact of CA on right atrial (RA) structure and function is unknown. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 118 patients (67 immunoglobulin light chain [AL-CA], 51 transthyretin [ATTR-CA]; age, 70 ± 12 years; 57% men) who underwent transthoracic echocardiogram in sinus rhythm. Right atrial reservoir, conduit, and booster strain were quantified using speckle-tracking and compared between patients with CA and 50 healthy age-, sex-, and race-matched controls using the chi-squared or Mann-Whitney test. The relationship between RA parameters and mortality was assessed using Cox regression. RESULTS: Right atrial volume was significantly larger in cases with CA compared with in controls: 29 (22-37) vs 21 (15-25) mL/m2, P < .001. Right atrial reservoir (21% [14%-35%] vs 37% [34%-43%], P < .001), conduit 11% [18%-6%] vs 14% [11%-17%], P < .001), and booster (10% [17%-5%] vs 23% [20%-27%], P < .001) strains were all significantly more impaired in the CA group compared with controls. Compared with AL-CA, ATTR-CA patients had significantly larger RA volume (34 [26-44] vs 28 [20-35] mL/m2, P = .005) and significantly more impaired RA reservoir (17% [10%-30%] vs 27% [17%-37%], P = .007), conduit (8% [13%-6%] vs 13% [20%-8%], P = .031), and booster (7% [14%-4%] vs 11% [18%-6%], P = .030) strain. Among CA patients, RA reservoir (hazard ratio = 0.97 per %, P = .006) and RA conduit (hazard ratio = 1.05 per %, P = .004) were significantly associated with mortality, while RA volume (P = .362) and RA booster strain (P = .180) were not. CONCLUSIONS: In CA, abnormalities in RA size and strain are highly prevalent and associated with worse prognosis, suggesting the presence of intrinsic RA atriopathy. Right atrial strain appears to be a potentially useful marker in the diagnosis, subtype differentiation, and risk stratification of CA.

Restoring Sinus Rhythm Reverses Cardiac Remodeling and Reduces Valvular Regurgitation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac chamber remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF) reflects the progression of cardiac rhythm and may affect functional regurgitation. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the 3-dimensional echocardiographic variables of cardiac cavity remodeling and the impact on functional regurgitation in patients with AF with/without sinus rhythm restoration at 12 months. METHODS: A total of 117 consecutive patients hospitalized for AF were examined using serial 3-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography at admission, at 6 months, and at 12 months (337 examinations). RESULTS: During follow-up, 47 patients with active restoration of sinus rhythm (SR) (through cardioversion and/or ablation) had a decrease in all atrial indexed volumes (Vi), end-systolic (ES) right ventricular (RV) Vi, an increase in end-diastolic (ED) left ventricular Vi, and an improvement in 4-chambers function (P < 0.05). Patients with absence/failure of restoration of SR (n = 39) had an increase in ED left atrial Vi and ED/ES RV Vi without modification of 4-chambers function, except for a decrease in left atrial emptying fraction (P < 0.05). Patients with spontaneous restoration of SR (n = 31) had no changes in Vi or function. The authors found an improvement vs baseline in severity of functional regurgitation in patients with active restoration of SR (tricuspid and mitral regurgitation) and in spontaneous restoration of SR (tricuspid regurgitation) (P < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, right atrial and/or left atrial reverse remodeling exclusively correlated with intervention (cardioversion and/or ablation) during 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Management of AF should focus on restoration of SR to induce anatomical (all atrial Vi, ES RV Vi) and/or functional (4 chambers) cardiac cavity reverse remodeling and reduce severity of functional regurgitation. (Thromboembolic and Bleeding Risk Stratification in Patients With Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation [FASTRHAC]; NCT02741349).

Imaging assessment of the right atrium: anatomy and function.

The right atrium (RA) is the cardiac chamber that has been least well studied. Due to recent advances in interventional cardiology, the need for greater understanding of the RA anatomy and physiology has garnered significant attention. In this article, we review how a comprehensive assessment of RA dimensions and function using either echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging may be used as a first step towards a better understanding of RA pathophysiology. The recently published normative data on RA size and function will likely shed light on RA atrial remodelling in atrial fibrillation (AF), which is a complex phenomenon that occurs in both atria but has only been studied in depth in the left atrium. Changes in RA structure and function have prognostic implications in pulmonary hypertension (PH), where the increased right ventricular (RV) afterload first induces RV remodelling, predominantly characterized by hypertrophy. As PH progresses, RV dysfunction and dilatation may begin and eventually lead to RV failure. Thereafter, RV overload and increased RV stiffness may lead to a proportional increase in RA pressure. This manuscript provides an in-depth review of RA anatomy, function, and haemodynamics with particular emphasis on the changes in structure and function that occur in AF, tricuspid regurgitation, and PH.

Prognostic value of right ventricular dilatation in patients with COVID-19: a multicentre study.

AIMS: Although cardiac involvement has prognostic significance in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is associated with severe forms, few studies have explored the prognostic role of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). We investigated the link between TTE parameters and prognosis in COVID-19. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients with COVID-19 admitted to 24 French hospitals were retrospectively included. Comprehensive data, including clinical and biological parameters, were recorded at admission. Focused TTE was performed during hospitalization, according to clinical indication. Patients were followed for a primary composite outcome of death or transfer to intensive care unit (ICU) during hospitalization. Among 2878 patients, 445 (15%) underwent TTE. Most of these had cardiovascular risk factors, a history of cardiovascular disease, and were on cardiovascular treatments. Dilatation and dysfunction were observed in, respectively, 12% (48/412) and 23% (102/442) of patients for the left ventricle, and in 12% (47/407) and 16% (65/402) for the right ventricle (RV). Primary composite outcome occurred in 44% (n = 196) of patients [9% (n = 42) for death without ICU transfer and 35% (n = 154) for admission to ICU]. RV dilatation was the only TTE parameter associated with the primary outcome. After adjustment, male sex [hazard ratio (HR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09 - 2.25; P = 0.02], higher body mass index (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02 - 1.18; P = 0.01), anticoagulation (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33 - 0.86; P = 0.01), and RV dilatation (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.05 - 2.64; P = 0.03) remained independently associated with the primary outcome. CONCLUSION: Echocardiographic evaluation of RV dilatation could be useful for assessing risk of severe COVID-19 developing in hospitalized patients.

Sex-, Age-, and Race-Related Normal Values of Right Ventricular Diastolic Function Parameters: Data from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the assessment of right ventricular (RV) diastolic function is feasible, it has garnered far less momentum for use compared with its left ventricular counterpart. The scarcity of data defining normative RV diastolic function and the fact that implications of RV diastolic dysfunction in different disease states on outcomes are less well known both hinder integration into routine clinical assessment. The aim of this study was to establish normal values of RV diastolic parameters stratified by sex, age, and race using data from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography study. METHODS: A subset of 888 normal subjects from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography database were analyzed, including measurements of tricuspid valve (TV) inflow E- and A-wave velocities, E-wave deceleration time, and TV annular tissue Doppler e' and a' velocities. Additionally, right atrial (RA) maximal volume and RA peak reservoir strain were measured. Patients were grouped by age (<40, 41-65, and >65 years) and stratified by sex and race. Differences were analyzed using unpaired t tests. RESULTS: Compared with men, women had significantly higher TV e' and E-wave and A-wave velocities, though differences were modest. Increasing age was associated with stepwise lower TV E wave, e' velocity, and TV E/A ratio and higher a' velocity and E/e' ratio. RA peak reservoir strain was also lower, and RA end-systolic volume trended toward being smaller for older age groups. Asian subjects demonstrated significantly higher a' velocities, lower E wave, the smallest RA end-systolic volumes, and the lowest RA peak strain values compared with white subjects of both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides normal values for parameters used in the assessment of RV diastolic function stratified by race, sex, and age. The results demonstrate significant differences in RV diastolic parameters between age groups, which manifest in both individual parameters and composite ratios of TV inflow and annular velocities. Although limited sex- and race-related differences were also noted, age appears to have the most significant impact on RV diastolic parameters. These findings may aid in refining current normative values.

Ventricular Changes in Patients with Acute COVID-19 Infection: Follow-up of the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography (WASE-COVID) Study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 infection is known to cause a wide array of clinical chronic sequelae, but little is known regarding the long-term cardiac complications. We aim to report echocardiographic follow-up findings and describe the changes in left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function that occur following acute infection. METHODS: Patients enrolled in the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography-COVID study with acute COVID-19 infection were asked to return for a follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram. Overall, 198 returned at a mean of 129 days of follow-up, of which 153 had paired baseline and follow-up images that were analyzable, including LV volumes, ejection fraction (LVEF), and longitudinal strain (LVLS). Right-sided echocardiographic parameters included RV global longitudinal strain, RV free wall strain, and RV basal diameter. Paired echocardiographic parameters at baseline and follow-up were compared for the entire cohort and for subgroups based on the baseline LV and RV function. RESULTS: For the entire cohort, echocardiographic markers of LV and RV function at follow-up were not significantly different from baseline (all P > .05). Patients with hyperdynamic LVEF at baseline (>70%), had a significant reduction of LVEF at follow-up (74.3% ± 3.1% vs 64.4% ± 8.1%, P < .001), while patients with reduced LVEF at baseline (<50%) had a significant increase (42.5% ± 5.9% vs 49.3% ± 13.4%, P = .02), and those with normal LVEF had no change. Patients with normal LVLS (<-18%) at baseline had a significant reduction of LVLS at follow-up (-21.6% ± 2.6% vs -20.3% ± 4.0%, P = .006), while patients with impaired LVLS at baseline had a significant improvement at follow-up (-14.5% ± 2.9% vs -16.7% ± 5.2%, P < .001). Patients with abnormal RV global longitudinal strain (>-20%) at baseline had significant improvement at follow-up (-15.2% ± 3.4% vs -17.4% ± 4.9%, P = .004). Patients with abnormal RV basal diameter (>4.5 cm) at baseline had significant improvement at follow-up (4.9 ± 0.7 cm vs 4.6 ± 0.6 cm, P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there were no significant changes over time in the LV and RV function of patients recovering from COVID-19 infection. However, differences were observed according to baseline LV and RV function, which may reflect recovery from the acute myocardial injury occurring in the acutely ill. Left ventricular and RV function tends to improve in those with impaired baseline function, while it tends to decrease in those with hyperdynamic LV or normal RV function.

Role of Cardiac Imaging in the Diagnosis of Immune Checkpoints Inhibitors Related Myocarditis.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have constituted a paradigm shift in the management of patients with cancer. Their administration is associated with a new spectrum of immune-related toxicities that can affect any organ. In patients treated with ICI, cardiovascular toxicities, particularly myocarditis, occur with a low incidence (<1%) but with a high fatality rate (30-50%). ICI-related myocarditis has been attributed to an immune infiltration, comprising of T-cells that are positive for CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and macrophages that are positive for CD68. The diagnosis remains challenging and is made based on clinical syndrome, an electrocardiogram (ECG), biomarker data, and imaging criteria. In most clinical scenarios, endomyocardial biopsy plays a pivotal role in diagnosis, while cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) has limitations that should be acknowledged. In this review, we discuss the role of medical imaging in optimizing the management of ICI related myocarditis, including diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment decisions.

Echocardiographic Correlates of In-Hospital Death in Patients with Acute COVID-19 Infection: The World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography (WASE-COVID) Study.

BACKGROUND: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 virus, which has led to the global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is known to adversely affect the cardiovascular system through multiple mechanisms. In this international, multicenter study conducted by the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography, we aim to determine the clinical and echocardiographic phenotype of acute cardiac disease in COVID-19 patients, to explore phenotypic differences in different geographic regions across the world, and to identify parameters associated with in-hospital mortality. METHODS: We studied 870 patients with acute COVID-19 infection from 13 medical centers in four world regions (Asia, Europe, United States, Latin America) who had undergone transthoracic echocardiograms. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, including patient outcomes. Anonymized echocardiograms were analyzed with automated, machine learning-derived algorithms to calculate left ventricular (LV) volumes, ejection fraction, and LV longitudinal strain (LS). Right-sided echocardiographic parameters that were measured included right ventricular (RV) LS, RV free-wall strain (FWS), and RV basal diameter. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Significant regional differences were noted in terms of patient comorbidities, severity of illness, clinical biomarkers, and LV and RV echocardiographic metrics. Overall in-hospital mortality was 21.6%. Parameters associated with mortality in a multivariate analysis were age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12 [1.05, 1.22], P = .003), previous lung disease (OR = 7.32 [1.56, 42.2], P = .015), LVLS (OR = 1.18 [1.05, 1.36], P = .012), lactic dehydrogenase (OR = 6.17 [1.74, 28.7], P = .009), and RVFWS (OR = 1.14 [1.04, 1.26], P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular dysfunction is noted in approximately 20% and RV dysfunction in approximately 30% of patients with acute COVID-19 illness and portend a poor prognosis. Age at presentation, previous lung disease, lactic dehydrogenase, LVLS, and RVFWS were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. Regional differences in cardiac phenotype highlight the significant differences in patient acuity as well as echocardiographic utilization in different parts of the world.

EACVI recommendations on cardiovascular imaging for the detection of embolic sources: endorsed by the Canadian Society of Echocardiography.

Cardioaortic embolism to the brain accounts for approximately 15-30% of ischaemic strokes and is often referred to as 'cardioembolic stroke'. One-quarter of patients have more than one cardiac source of embolism and 15% have significant cerebrovascular atherosclerosis. After a careful work-up, up to 30% of ischaemic strokes remain 'cryptogenic', recently redefined as 'embolic strokes of undetermined source'. The diagnosis of cardioembolic stroke remains difficult because a potential cardiac source of embolism does not establish the stroke mechanism. The role of cardiac imaging-transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), cardiac computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-in the diagnosis of potential cardiac sources of embolism, and for therapeutic guidance, is reviewed in these recommendations. Contrast TTE/TOE is highly accurate for detecting left atrial appendage thrombosis in patients with atrial fibrillation, valvular and prosthesis vegetations and thrombosis, aortic arch atheroma, patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defect, and intracardiac tumours. Both CT and MRI are highly accurate for detecting cavity thrombosis, intracardiac tumours, and valvular prosthesis thrombosis. Thus, CT and cardiac magnetic resonance should be considered in addition to TTE and TOE in the detection of a cardiac source of embolism. We propose a diagnostic algorithm where vascular imaging and contrast TTE/TOE are considered the first-line tool in the search for a cardiac source of embolism. CT and MRI are considered as alternative and complementary tools, and their indications are described on a case-by-case approach.

Normal Values of Right Atrial Size and Function According to Age, Sex, and Ethnicity: Results of the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography Study.

BACKGROUND: The World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography study is a multicenter, international, prospective, cross-sectional study whose aims were to evaluate healthy adult individuals to establish age- and sex-normative values of echocardiographic parameters and to determine whether differences exist among people from different countries and of different ethnicities. The present report focuses on two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) right atrial (RA) size and function. METHODS: Transthoracic 2D and 3D echocardiographic images were obtained in 2,008 healthy adult individuals evenly distributed among subgroups according to sex (1,033 men, 975 women) and age 18 to 40 years (n = 854), 41 to 65 years (n = 653), and >65 years (n = 501). For ethnicity, 34.9% were white, 41.6% Asian, and 9.7% black. Images were analyzed in a core laboratory according to current American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines. RA measurements included 2D dimensions, 2D and 3D RA volumes (RAVs) indexed to body surface area (BSA), emptying fraction (EmF), and global longitudinal strain, including total/reservoir, passive/conduit, and active/contractile phases. Differences among age and sex categories and among countries were also examined. RESULTS: RAVs were larger in men (even after BSA indexing), while 3D total EmF and global longitudinal strain magnitudes were higher in women. For both sexes, there were no significant age-related differences in 2D RAV measurements, but 3D RAV values differed minimally with age, remaining significant after BSA indexing. RA total EmF and reservoir strain and passive EmF and conduit strain magnitude were lower in older groups for both sexes. Interestingly, whereas RA active EmF increased with age, contractile strain magnitude decreased. Considerable geographic variations were identified: Asians of both sexes had significantly lower BSA than non-Asians, and their 2D and 3D end-systolic RAVs were significantly smaller even after BSA indexing. Of note, 2D end-systolic RAVs in this group were considerably lower than normal values provided in the current guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant sex, age, and geographic variability in normal RA size and function parameters. Current guideline-recommended normal ranges for RA size and function parameters should be adjusted geographically on the basis of the results of this study.

TREM-1 orchestrates angiotensin II-induced monocyte trafficking and promotes experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm.

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) drives inflammatory responses in several cardiovascular diseases but its role in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains unknown. Our objective was to explore the role of TREM-1 in a mouse model of angiotensin II-induced (AngII-induced) AAA. TREM-1 expression was detected in mouse aortic aneurysm and colocalized with macrophages. Trem1 gene deletion (Apoe-/-Trem1-/-), as well as TREM-1 pharmacological blockade with LR-12 peptide, limited both AAA development and severity. Trem1 gene deletion attenuated the inflammatory response in the aorta, with a reduction of Il1b, Tnfa, Mmp2, and Mmp9 mRNA expression, and led to a decreased macrophage content due to a reduction of Ly6Chi classical monocyte trafficking. Conversely, antibody-mediated TREM-1 stimulation exacerbated Ly6Chi monocyte aorta infiltration after AngII infusion through CD62L upregulation and promoted proinflammatory signature in the aorta, resulting in worsening AAA severity. AngII infusion stimulated TREM-1 expression and activation on Ly6Chi monocytes through AngII receptor type I (AT1R). In human AAA, TREM-1 was detected and TREM1 mRNA expression correlated with SELL mRNA expression. Finally, circulating levels of sTREM-1 were increased in patients with AAA when compared with patients without AAA. In conclusion, TREM-1 is involved in AAA pathophysiology and may represent a promising therapeutic target in humans.

Improved Delineation of Cardiac Pathology Using a Novel Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Tissue Transparency Tool.

BACKGROUND: Accurate visualization of cardiac valves and lesions by three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography is integral for optimal guidance of structural procedures and appropriate selection of closure devices. A new 3D rendering tool known as transillumination (TI), which integrates a virtual light source into the data set, was recently reported to effectively enhance depth perception and orifice definition. We hypothesized that adding the ability to adjust transparency to this tool would result in improved visualization and delineation of anatomy and pathology and improved localization of regurgitant jets compared with TI without transparency and standard 3D rendering. METHODS: We prospectively studied 30 patients with a spectrum of structural heart disease who underwent 3D transesophageal imaging (EPIQ system, Philips) with standard acquisition and TI with and without the transparency feature. Six experienced cardiologists and sonographers were shown randomized images of all three display types in a blinded fashion. Each image was scored independently by all experts using a Likert scale from 1 to 5, while assessing each of the following aspects: (1) ability to recognize anatomy, (2) ability to identify pathology, including regurgitant jet origin, (3) depth perception, and (4) quality of border delineation. RESULTS: TI images with transparency were successfully obtained in all cases. All experts perceived an incremental value of the transparency mode, compared with TI without transparency and standard 3D rendering, in terms of ability to recognize anatomy (respective scores: 4.5 ± 1.1 vs 4.1 ± 1.1 vs 3.6 ± 1.1, P < .05), ability to identify pathology (4.1 ± 1.1 vs 3.9 ± 1.2 vs 3.3 ± 1, P < .05), depth perception (4.6 ± 0.7 vs 4.1 ± 0.8 vs 3.2 ± 1.0, P < .05), and border delineation (4.6 ± 0.8 vs 4.1 ± 1.0 vs 3.1 ± 1.1, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of the transparency mode to TI rendering significantly improves the diagnostic and clinical utility of 3D echocardiography and has the potential to markedly enhance echocardiographic guidance of cardiac structural interventions.

Correlation between left atrial spontaneous echocardiographic contrast and 5-year stroke/death in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) can be used to detect the presence of left atrial thrombus and left atrial spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (LASEC). AIM: To evaluate the prognostic value of TTE and TOE in predicting stroke and all-cause death at 5-year follow-up in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). METHODS: This study included patients hospitalised with electrocardiography-diagnosed NVAF in Saint-Antoine University Hospital, Paris, between July 1998 and December 2011, who underwent TTE and TOE evaluation within 24hours of admission. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to identify predictors of the composite outcome (stroke or all-cause death). RESULTS: During 5 years of follow-up, stroke/death occurred in 185/903 patients (20.5%). By multivariable analysis, independent predictors of stroke/death were CHA2DS2-VASc score (hazard ratio [HR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-1.47; P<0.001), left atrial area>20 cm2 (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.08-2.35; P=0.018), moderate LASEC (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.13-2.62; P=0.012) and severe LASEC (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.16-3.58; P=0.013). Independent protective predictors were dyslipidaemia (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.43-0.83; P=0.002) and discharge prescription of anti-arrhythmics (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.40-0.87; P=0.008). Adding LASEC to the CHA2DS2-VASc score modestly improved predictive accuracy and risk classification, with a C index of 0.71 vs. 0.69 (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective monocentric study, the presence of moderate/severe LASEC was an independent predictor of stroke/death at 5-year follow-up in patients with NVAF. The inclusion of LASEC in stroke risk scores could modestly improve risk stratification.

Does layer-specific strain using speckle tracking echocardiography improve the assessment of left ventricular myocardial deformation? A review.

An increasing number of studies of left ventricular myocardial deformation have been published. Layer-specific strain using speckle tracking echocardiography to evaluate left ventricular function is not recommended in clinical practice. However, evaluation of myocardial mechanics using longitudinal and circumferential layer-specific strain enables the detection of subclinical impairment of myocardial deformation in various diseases. Unfortunately, normal values for longitudinal and circumferential strain have not been clearly defined. In normal subjects, layer-specific strain decreases from the endocardial to the epicardial layer, and from the apex to the base of the left ventricle. Although various studies have tried to define normal values for each layer in healthy subjects, studies with more subjects are needed. This tool has good reproducibility in terms of intraobserver and interobserver variability, but, as with monolayer strain, it has poor intervendor variability. Efforts that aim for standardization between vendors will be required before widespread use of this technique can be advocated.