The effects of lower body compression on left ventricular rotational mechanics in lymphoedema (from the MAGYAR-Path Study).

AIMS: Lower body half compression of bilateral secondary leg lymphoedema (LE) without relevant cardiac insufficiency gives rise to whether external leg compression may influence left ventricular (LV) function. Patients with LE were subjected to baseline two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE) for general assessment then three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) before and 1 h after lower body half external compression for LV torsion analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Baseline 2DTTE was performed in the cohort of 25 LE patients, and the results were compared with those of age- and gender-matched 52 healthy controls (mean age: 47.8 ± 12.8 vs. 40.7 ± 14.0 years, 24 women/1 man vs. 49 women/3 men, respectively). 3DSTE was conducted for the assessment of LV rotational mechanics where apical (AR), and basal rotations (BR) were measured before and 1 h after the use of compression class 2 (ccl 2) flat-knitted medical compression pantyhoses (pressure range: 23-32 mmHg). 2DTTE showed significantly larger LV end-diastolic volume and ejection fraction among LE patients compared with control subjects (108.3 ± 20.1 vs. 98.5 ± 21.7 mL, 69.8 ± 4.8 vs. 65.5 ± 4.3%, respectively) and notably smaller LV end-systolic diameter and posterior wall thickness (28.9 ± 3.5 vs. 31.2 ± 3.4 mm, 8.1 ± 1.0 vs. 9.0 ± 1.7 mm, respectively). The results of 20 patients with LE were considered in 3DSTE examinations due to the drop-out of five probands with technical failures. The data of four LE patients showing significant LV rotational abnormalities were managed separately, and the rotational parameters of the remaining sixteen patients did not differ significantly from those of matched controls except significant reduction of LV BR following the application of medical compression stockings (MCS) (-2.70 ± 1.26 degrees after 1 h use of pantyhose in patient group vs. -4.28 ± 2.18 degrees of the control group; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The application of compression pantyhoses moderately but significantly decreased LV BR without a remarkable impact on twisting mechanism in LE patients in the absence of LV rotational abnormalities.

Left ventricular rotational abnormalities in adult patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot following different surgical procedures (Results from the CSONGRAD Registry and MAGYAR-Path Study).

BACKGROUND: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD). Abnormal aortic dimensions and elasticity parameters have been long described for corrected TOF (cTOF) together with left ventricular (LV) rotational abnormalities, but results are conflicting. The present study focuses on investigating LV rotational mechanics in cTOF, and possible correlation of these parameters with aortic elasticity. It was also aimed to be examined whether different surgical strategies have any effect on these results. METHODS: The study involved 26 adult cTOF patients, from which 14 had palliative surgery first and a late total correction (pcTOF), while early total correction was the treatment of choice in 12 patients (etrTOF). Their results were compared to those of 37 age- and gender-matched healthy adults. Routine transthoracic two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography extended with assessment of aortic elastic properties and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) was performed in all cTOF patients and controls. RESULTS: Sixteen out of 26 cTOF patients showed normally directed LV rotational mechanics, while apical or basal LV rotations were in the same clockwise or counterclockwise directions in 7 and 3 cTOF cases, respectively (LV 'rigid body rotation', RBR). Significantly reduced LV apical rotation and twist could be demonstrated in all cTOF patients with preserved LV basal rotation regardless of previous procedure. pcTOF patients showed significantly reduced LV apical rotation as compared to that of etrTOF cases. Significant correlations could be demonstrated between LV apical rotation and aortic stiffness index (r=-0.55, P=0.03) and aortic distensibility (r=0.52, P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Significant LV rotational abnormalities could be demonstrated in cTOF with the high prevalence of LV-RBR. pcTOF patients showed significantly reduced LV apical rotation as compared to that of etrTOF cases. Unexpected abnormal physiologic response of LV rotational mechanics to increased aortic stiffness can be detected in cTOF patients without LV-RBR.

Normal reference values of left ventricular volumetric parameters in healthy adults-real-life single-center experience from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Healthy Study.

BACKGROUND: The left ventricle (LV) is the pump of the peripheral circulation, therefore its non-invasive accurate volumetric and functional assessment is essential. Three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is a new tool with capability of quantification of LV volumes and ejection fraction (EF). In the present study, age- and gender-dependency of 3DSTE-derived LV volumetric parameters were aimed to be quantified in healthy adults. METHODS: The present study involved 298 healthy adults. Data acquisition took place over a 6 year period (2011-2017), during which 123 adults had to be excluded due to inferior image quality. The study population was further divided into 4 groups based on age decades. In every case, a complete two-dimensional echocardiography was performed followed by 3DSTE examination. RESULTS: No significant differences were detected between the different age groups regarding 3D end-diastolic volume (EDV) and 3D end-systolic volume (ESV) and their body surface area (BSA)-indexed counterpart. 3DEF differed significantly between the 30-39-year-old males and 40-49-year-old males (P=0.04). Between the youngest and oldest patient group, only 3D left ventricular mass (LVM) was significantly different (P=0.02). The 18-29-year-old females had a significantly different 3DLVM (P<0.001) compared to that of the 50+ year-old females. Between the 40-49-year-old and 50+ year-old females 3DLVM (P=0.02) and BSA-indexed 3DLVM (P=0.05) proved to be significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: 3DSTE seems to be a reasonably viable tool for the quantification of LV volumetric parameters.

Correlations between left ventricular rotational mechanics and parasympathetic autonomic function-results from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Healthy Study.

Left ventricular (LV) twist is calculated from the net difference of counterclockwise apical and clockwise basal rotation during systole. The current study was designed to evaluate correlations between autonomic function and LV rotational mechanics in healthy subjects. The present study comprised 18 healthy subjects (mean age: 36±12 years, 12 men). Three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) could be used for non-invasive evaluation of LV rotation and twist. Autonomic function was assessed by means of 5 standard cardiovascular reflex tests. During 3DSTE, basal LV rotation proved to be -3.24±2.02 degree, while apical LV rotation was 9.08±3.04 degree, therefore LV twist was 11.70±6.80 degree. Valsalva test showed significant correlations with LV basal (r=0.529, P=0.019) and apical rotations (r=-0.534, P=0.022), and LV twist (r=-0.467, P=0.044). Heart rate response to deep breathing significantly correlated with LV twist, as well (r=-0.452, P=0.052). The other tests had no any relationship with rotational characteristics. Correlations exist between parasympathetic autonomic function and 3DSTE-derived LV rotation and twist in healthy subjects.

Diabetes mellitus deteriorates left ventricular deformation in acromegaly-analysis from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Path study.

Acromegaly and diabetes mellitus (DM) separately are associated with cardiovascular alterations and modified left ventricular (LV) deformation, which can be quantitatively assessed by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE). The present study aimed to assess the relationship between LV deformation and twist in the presence of DM in acromegaly. Thirty-seven acromegaly patients were involved in the study, but due to insufficient image quality 13 have to be excluded from analysis. Therefore, the present study comprised 24 acromegaly patients, from which 5 had DM. Their data was compared to 35 age- and gender matched healthy controls. Complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography extended with 3DSTE were performed in all patients and controls. Only non-diabetic acromegaly cases had increased global and mean segmental LV radial strain, diabetic acromegaly patients had similar LV radial strain as compared to that of healthy subjects. Other LV strain parameters did not show any difference between diabetic and non-diabetic acromegaly patients. While LV basal rotation was similar among the groups, LV apical rotation was reduced in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients as compared to healthy subjects. However, diabetic acromegaly patients had tendentiously higher values. The ratio of absence of LV twist called as LV rigid body rotation was similar between the groups examined. Diabetes mellitus deteriorates left ventricular deformation in acromegaly.

Active acromegaly is associated with enhanced left ventricular contractility: Results from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Path Study.

INTRODUCTION: Acromegaly is a relatively rare chronic hormonal disease resulting in disfigurement. In 90% of cases, acromegaly is caused by a benign pituitary monoclonal human growth hormone-secreting tumor. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of left ventricular (LV) deformation abnormalities using three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in a group of acromegalic patients. METHODS: Thirty-eight acromegalic patients were involved in the study. Thirteen patients were excluded due to inadequate image quality. The mean age of the remaining patients was 57.2±13.6 years and seven were male. Their data were compared to an age- and gender-matched control population, which consisted of 34 healthy volunteers (mean age: 52.7±4.9 years, 15 male). RESULTS: Global and mean segmental LV radial strain (RS) (33.2±13.4% vs. 25.2±10.8%, p=0.01 and 36.0±12.1% vs. 28.2±10.0%, p=0.009, respectively) proved to be significantly higher in acromegaly compared to controls. Active acromegalic patients had significantly higher global and mean segmental LV-RS (35.5±14.4% vs. 25.2±10.8%, p=0.03 and 37.9±13.3% vs. 28.2±10.0%, p=0.03, respectively) compared to controls. Between the active and inactive acromegaly groups, only basal LV circumferential strain (-30.2±4.8% vs. -26.7±4.1%, p=0.02) was found to be significantly different. CONCLUSION: The presented clinical, demographic, therapeutic and echocardiographic features demonstrate that active acromegaly is associated with enhanced LV RS as compared to healthy controls and those with inactive acromegaly.

The right atrium in acromegaly-a three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic analysis from the MAGYAR-Path Study.

BACKGROUND: Acromegaly is a chronic, rare hormonal disease associated with major cardiovascular co-morbidities. The disease, in the majority of the cases, is caused by a benign human growth hormone (hGH) secreting adenoma. Cardiovascular involvement is especially common in acromegalic patients from the most common hypertension to cardiomyopathy. Left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis are considered common findings in acromegalic cardiomyopathy, which might result in severe heart failure at end-stages. It was set out to quantify right atrial (RA) morphology and function in a group of acromegalic patients using three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE). METHODS: The study comprised 30 patients from which 8 patients were excluded due to inadequate image quality. Mean age of the remaining acromegaly patients were 53.7±14.5 years (7 males). In the control group 44 healthy adults were enrolled (mean age: 50.7±12.6 years, 15 males). In each case, complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography was performed followed by 3DSTE. RESULTS: All three RA volumetric parameters (Vmax, Vmin, VpreA) were significantly higher in case of acromegaly compared to the healthy controls. Strain analysis revealed that RA function may be enhanced in acromegalic patients, which is more notable in case of active acromegaly. Numerous independent strain parameters had significant correlations with different hormonal variables in the active acromegaly group. These correlations were not present in the inactive acromegaly subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Acromegaly has a profound effect on RA function and with proper treatment these changes partly seem to be reversible.

Left Atrial Volumetric and Deformation Analysis in Adult Patients with Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries (Insights from the CSONGRAD Registry and MAGYAR-Path Study).

BACKGROUND: In complete or dextro-transposition of the great arteries (dTGA), the aorta and the pulmonary artery are transposed. The present study was designed to examine dTGAassociated left atrial (LA) volumetric and functional abnormalities in adult patients late after repair and to compare their results to those of healthy controls. METHODS: The present study consisted of 15 dTGA patients (30.3 ± 8.1 years, 9 males), the patients had Mustard (n = 8) or Senning (n = 7) procedure performed. Their results were compared to those of 36 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects (28.7 ± 1.5 years, 24 males). RESULTS: Increased maximum LA volume and reduced LA emptying fractions respecting the cardiac cycle could be demonstrated in our dTGA patients. LA stroke volumes representing all LA functions were significantly reduced. Peak LA circumferential, longitudinal, and area strains and LA circumferential, longitudinal, and area strains measured at atrial contraction were reduced in our dTGA patients. Most LA strains were reduced in patients having Mustard surgery compared to controls and patients undergoing Senning operation. CONCLUSIONS: Significant LA volumetric and functional abnormalities could be demonstrated in adult patients with dTGA late after repair. Senning procedure seems to have more beneficial long-term effects on LA volumetric and functional features as compared to the Mustard procedure.

[Left ventricular deformation in cardiac light-chain amyloidosis and hypereosinophilic syndrome. Results from the MAGYAR-Path Study]. / Bal kamrai deformáció cardialis könnyulánc-amyloidosisban és hypereosinophilia-szindrómában. Eredmények a MAGYAR-Path Tanulmányból.

Introduction: Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (ALA) are two, rare haematological disorders associated with cardiac alterations. Aim: The goal of the present study was a comparative assessment of left ventricular (LV) deformational parameters in HES and ALA patients using three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE). Method: In the present study, results of 10 HES patients (mean age: 60.9 ± 14.7 years) and 19 ALA patients (mean age: 63.4 ± 7.8 years, 13 males) were analysed. The control group contained 13 age- and gender-matched healthy adults (mean age: 59.2 ± 4.3 years, 5 males). All patients underwent a complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography followed by 3DSTE. Results: All basal segmental LV strains were significantly reduced in ALA patients as compared to the control group. Global and mean segmental LV longitudinal strain (LS) values of ALA patients proved to be significantly decreased as compared to those of the healthy control group. During comparison of HES patients and healthy controls, significant difference could be detected in global LV-LS, while segmental basal LV-LS was also significantly reduced in HES patients. Basal LV radial and 3D strains showed significant differences when parameters of HES and ALA patient groups were compared. Conclusion: 3DSTE is a feasible tool for the detailed assessment of LV deformation in HES and ALA patients. Significant LV deformational abnormalities could be detected in both groups. In the case of ALA, these abnormalities are more prominent. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(5): 169-176.

Left ventricular rotational mechanics in hypereosinophilic syndrome-Analysis from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Path Study.

INTRODUCTION: Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a very heterogeneous group of disorders with varied etiologies characterized by peripheral eosinophilia and eosinophilic tissue/end-organ damage. Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) was used for assessment of left ventricular (LV) rotational mechanics in HES patients. METHODS: The study comprised 13 HES patients, from which one patient was excluded due to insufficient image quality. The remaining patient population consisted of 12 HES cases (mean age: 59.7 ± 13.7 years, eight males). The control group consisted of 36 healthy volunteers (mean age: 52.9 ± 8.3 years, 23 males). 3DSTE was used for the evaluation of LV rotational abnormalities. RESULTS: Both LV apical rotation (4.86 ± 1.92 degree vs 10.07 ± 3.92 degree, P < .0001) and LV twist (8.52 ± 2.79 degree vs 14.41 ± 4.26 degree, P < .0001) showed significant deteriorations in most of HES patients. Time-to-peak LV apical rotation (380 ± 115 ms vs 344 ± 69 ms, P = .56), LV basal rotation (335 ± 148 ms vs 337 ± 111 ms, P = .89), and LV twist (348 ± 91 ms vs 320 ± 60 ms, P = .64) were not significantly different between HES patients and controls. No correlations could be detected between absolute eosinophil count and eosinophil ratio and apical LV rotation (r = 0.12, P = .51 and r = 0.23, P = .45, respectively) and LV twist (r = 0.24, P = .39 and r = 0.31, P = .34, respectively). In two subjects, the absence of LV twist called LV "rigid body rotation" (RBR) was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced LV apical rotation and twist could be demonstrated in HES. LV-RBR could be detected in some HES patients.

Left ventricular longitudinal strain is associated with mitral annular fractional area change in healthy subjects-Results from the three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Healthy Study.

BACKGROUND: The mitral annulus (MA) plays a significant role in promoting left atrial and left ventricular (LV) filling and emptying, which is dependent on LV functional properties. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between LV strains, quantitative features of longitudinal contractility and MA size and function in healthy subjects. METHODS: The present study comprised 295 healthy adults; 117 subjects were excluded due to inferior image quality (40%). Finally, 178 healthy adults (mean age: 32.0±11.3 years, 92 males). Complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography were performed in all cases. RESULTS: The global and mean segmental left ventricular longitudinal strain (LV-LS) proved to be -16.1%±2.5% and -16.9%±2.4%, respectively. In the present study, LV-LS ≤-13% was considered to be reduced. In ROC analysis, the cut-off value for MA fractional area change (MAFAC) to predict impaired LV-LS was ≤44%, with 67% sensitivity and 69% specificity and ROC area under curve 0.73 (P=0.0005). Significantly increased LV volumes and LV mass and reduced MAFAC could be demonstrated in healthy subjects with global LV-LS ≤-13%. Significantly larger ratio of subjects with global LV-LS ≤-13% had MAFAC ≤44% (31% vs. 67%, P=0.009). Patients with MAFAC ≤44% had significantly reduced global and mean segmental LV-LS. Significantly larger ratio of subjects with MAFAC ≤44% had global LV-LS ≤-13% (4% vs. 16%, P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong relationship between MA and LV longitudinal function. MA fractional area change predicts global LV-LS.

[Borderline left ventricular ejection fraction is associated with alterations in mitral annular size and function. Results from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Healthy Study]. / A határérték bal kamrai ejekciós frakció együtt jár a mitralis anulus méretének és funkciójának eltéréseivel. Eredmények a MAGYAR-Healthy Tanulmányból.

INTRODUCTION: Morphology and function of the mitral annulus (MA) shows alterations in different valvular (for instance in mitral regurgitation) and non-valvular disorders (for instance in certain cardiomyopathies, cardiac amyloidosis). AIM: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between MA morphologic and functional properties and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography- (3DSTE) derived left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) in subjects with normal versus borderline LV-EF. METHOD: The present study comprised 146 volunteers (mean age: 32.0 ± 11.4 years; 74 males) in whom complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography was performed with a negative result extended with 3DSTE. The population was further divided into two groups according to their 3DSTE-derived LV-EF (borderline 50-54% versus ≥55%). RESULTS: In cases with borderline LV-EF, higher LV end-systolic LV volumes and lower LV longitudinal strain could be measured. All end-systolic and end-diastolic MA diameter, area and perimeter data proved to be higher in cases with borderline LV-EF. In these subjects, MA functional parameters proved to be lower as well. In contrast, LV-EF showed correlations neither with end-systolic and end-diastolic MA dimensions nor with MA functional parameters. CONCLUSIONS: 3DSTE-derived borderline LV-EF is associated with MA dilatation and functional impairment. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(50): 2129-2135.

Right Atrial Deformation Analysis in Cardiac Amyloidosis - Results from the Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiographic MAGYAR-Path Study / Análise da Deformação Atrial Direita na Amiloidose Cardíaca - Resultados de Ecocardiografia Tridimensional de Speckle-Tracking do Estudo MAGYAR-Path

Abstract Background: Light-chain (AL) cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is characterized by fibril deposits, which are composed of monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains. The right ventricle is mostly involved in AL-CA and impairment of its function is a predictor of worse prognosis. Objectives: To characterize the volumetric and functional properties of the right atrium (RA) in AL-CA by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE). Methods: A total of 16 patients (mean age: 64.5 ± 10.1 years, 11 males) with AL-CA were examined. Their results were compared to that of 15 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age: 58.9 ± 6.9 years, 8 males). All cases have undergone complete two-dimensional Doppler and 3DSTE. A two-tailed p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Significant differences could be demonstrated in RA volumes respecting cardiac cycle. Total (19.2 ± 9.3% vs. 27.9 ± 10.7%, p = 0.02) and active atrial emptying fractions (12.1 ± 8.1 vs. 18.6 ± 9.8%, p = 0.05) were significantly decreased in AL-CA patients. Peak global (16.7 ± 10.3% vs. 31.2 ± 19.4%, p = 0.01) and mean segmental (24.3 ± 11.1% vs. 38.6 ± 17.6%, p =0.01) RA area strains, together with some circumferential, longitudinal and segmental area strain parameters, proved to be reduced in patients with AL-CA. Global longitudinal (4.0 ± 5.2% vs. 8.2 ± 5.5%, p = 0.02) and area (7.8 ± 8.1% vs. 15.9 ± 10.3%, p = 0.03) strains at atrial contraction and some circumferential and area strain parameters at atrial contraction were reduced in AL-CA patients. Conclusion: Significantly increased RA volumes and deteriorated RA functions could be demonstrated in AL-CA.

Resumo Fundamento: A amiloidose cardíaca (AC) de cadeias leves (AL) é caracterizada por depósitos fibrilares, que são compostos por cadeias leves de imunoglobulina monoclonal. O ventrículo direito é mais afetado pela AC-AL, e o comprometimento da sua função é preditor de um prognóstico pior. Objetivos: Caracterizar as propriedades volumétricas e funcionais do átrio direito (AD) na AC-AL por ecocardiografia tridimensional de speckle-tracking (3DSTE). Métodos: Um total de 16 pacientes (idade média: 64,5 ± 10,1 anos, 11 homens) com AC-AL foram examinados. Seus resultados foram comparados aos de 15 controles saudáveis pareados por idade e gênero (média de idade: 58,9 ± 6,9 anos, 8 homens). Todos os casos foram submetidos a Doppler bidimensional completo e 3DSTE. Um valor p bicaudal inferior a 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Diferenças significativas foram demonstradas em volumes do AD com respeito ao ciclo cardíaco. O total (19,2 ± 9,3% vs. 27,9 ± 10,7%, p = 0,02) e as frações ativas de esvaziamento atrial (12,1 ± 8,1 vs. 18,6 ± 9,8%, p = 0,05) foram significativamente menores nos pacientes com AC-AL. Picos de strain no AD em áreas globais (16,7 ± 10,3% vs. 31,2 ± 19,4%, p = 0,01) e segmentares médias (24,3 ± 11,1% vs. 38,6 ± 17,6%, p = 0,01), juntamente com alguns parâmetros de strain por áreas circunferenciais, longitudinais e segmentares, mostraram-se menores em pacientes com AC-AL. Strains globais longitudinais (4,0 ± 5,2% vs. 8,2 ± 5,5%, p = 0,02) e por área (7,8 ± 8,1 vs. 15,9 ± 10,3%, p = 0,03) na contração atrial e alguns parâmetros de circunferência e de strain por área na contração atrial foram menores em pacientes com AC-AL. Conclusão: Foi possível demonstrar o aumento significativo dos volumes do AD e a deterioração de suas funções na AC-AL.

Right Atrial Deformation Analysis in Cardiac Amyloidosis - Results from the Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiographic MAGYAR-Path Study.

BACKGROUND: Light-chain (AL) cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is characterized by fibril deposits, which are composed of monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains. The right ventricle is mostly involved in AL-CA and impairment of its function is a predictor of worse prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the volumetric and functional properties of the right atrium (RA) in AL-CA by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE). METHODS: A total of 16 patients (mean age: 64.5 ± 10.1 years, 11 males) with AL-CA were examined. Their results were compared to that of 15 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age: 58.9 ± 6.9 years, 8 males). All cases have undergone complete two-dimensional Doppler and 3DSTE. A two-tailed p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Significant differences could be demonstrated in RA volumes respecting cardiac cycle. Total (19.2 ± 9.3% vs. 27.9 ± 10.7%, p = 0.02) and active atrial emptying fractions (12.1 ± 8.1 vs. 18.6 ± 9.8%, p = 0.05) were significantly decreased in AL-CA patients. Peak global (16.7 ± 10.3% vs. 31.2 ± 19.4%, p = 0.01) and mean segmental (24.3 ± 11.1% vs. 38.6 ± 17.6%, p =0.01) RA area strains, together with some circumferential, longitudinal and segmental area strain parameters, proved to be reduced in patients with AL-CA. Global longitudinal (4.0 ± 5.2% vs. 8.2 ± 5.5%, p = 0.02) and area (7.8 ± 8.1% vs. 15.9 ± 10.3%, p = 0.03) strains at atrial contraction and some circumferential and area strain parameters at atrial contraction were reduced in AL-CA patients. CONCLUSION: Significantly increased RA volumes and deteriorated RA functions could be demonstrated in AL-CA.

Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography detects different patterns of right atrial dysfunction in selected disorders: a short summary from the MAGYAR-Path Study.

The right atrium (RA) is the most under-evaluated heart chamber in the clinical practice. Three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) merges the benefits of 3D echocardiography and STE: volumetric and strain assessment of the RA can be performed at the same time from the same digitally acquired 3D echocardiographic dataset with a special equipment using a virtual 3D model of the RA. A diagnostic focused study is under way at the Second Department of Medicine and Cardiology Center, University of Szeged, Hungary to assess 3D-STE-derived RA variables in different patient populations, which serves as a substudy of Motion Analysis of the heart and Great vessels bY three-dimensionAl speckle-tRacking echocardiography in Pathological cases (MAGYAR-Path) Study. The aim of the present review is to summarize these early results.

Three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography-derived left atrial deformation analysis in acromegaly (Results from the MAGYAR-Path Study).

INTRODUCTION: Acromegaly is a chronic and disfiguring hormonal disease caused by a benign growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma in most of the cases. The objective of this study was to investigate three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE)-derived left atrial (LA) volumetric and functional properties in patients with acromegaly. It was also examined whether the activity of acromegaly is associated with further alterations in these LA parameters. METHODS: A total of 23 patients with acromegaly were involved in this study. Due to inadequate image quality, 4 patients were excluded from the 3DSTE analysis. The mean age of the remaining acromegalic subjects was 58.5 ± 13.1 years (7 males). The control group consisted of 21 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects (mean age 51.8 ± 10.3 years, 10 males). RESULTS: Maximum (44.8 ± 12.7 mL vs 78.7 ± 25.4 mL, P < .05), minimum (24.1 ± 9.0 mL vs 44.5 ± 15.5 mL, P < .05), and preatrial contraction (35.5 ± 11.2 mL vs 66.0 ± 22.8 mL, P < .05) LA volumes were significantly different between all acromegaly patients compared with controls. Increased peak global and mean segmental radial and 3D strains and decreased LA circumferential strain (CS) could be detected in all acromegaly patients as compared to healthy subjects. Significant correlation could be detected between insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) index and peak superior LA-CS (r = .49, P = .05) in acromegaly. CONCLUSION: Acromegaly is associated with increased LA volumes and changes in LA functional properties.

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma: A case report.

Cardiac angiosarcomas are the most common primary malignant cardiac tumors in adults. The diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific clinical symptoms at presentation. The cornerstones of diagnosis are echocardiography and the histological evaluation of the cardiac biopsy. The knowledge on the treatment is limited; the outcomes of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, complete surgical removal, and heart transplantation are controversial. We report a 38-year-old woman with a primary heart tumor which infiltrated the right atrial wall and the pericardium and caused pericardial effusion. Angiosarcoma was verified histologically. The surgical excision could not be radical, and the patient died 3 months from diagnosis.

Left ventricular twist is impaired in acromegaly: Insights from the three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Path Study.

INTRODUCTION: Acromegaly is a rare, chronic, disfiguring, and debilitating disease caused, in 90% of cases, by a benign monoclonal growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma. The present study aimed to assess left ventricular (LV) rotational and twist mechanics in acromegalic patients and to compare their results to age- and gender-matched healthy controls. METHODS: The present study comprised 24 acromegalic patients, from which 4 were excluded due to insufficient image quality (mean age: 57.8 ± 13.7 years, 7 men). The control group consisted of 18 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals (mean age: 54.8 ± 6.9 years, 8 men). RESULTS: In 4 out of 20 acromegalic patients, LV showed near absence of twist, as the so-called LV "rigid body rotation" (RBR). Between all acromegalic patients without LV-RBR and controls, both LV basal (-3.76 ± 1.73 vs. -6.17 ± 2.66°, P = .004) and apical rotation (6.12 ± 4.03 vs. 10.81 ± 3.65°, P = .001) and LV twist (9.88 ± 4.74 vs. 16.98 ± 3.88°, P < .001) differed significantly. Between active and nonactive acromegaly subgroups, only the time-to-peak LV twist (377 ± 78 vs. 229 ± 97 ms, P = .005) showed significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Acromegaly is associated with impaired LV rotation and twist as assessed by 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. LV-RBR is a frequent phenomenon in acromegaly.

Cardiac amyloidosis is associated with increased aortic stiffness.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is as an infiltrative disorder primarily caused by extracellular tissue deposition of amyloid fibrils in the myocardial interstitium. The current study was designed to test whether alterations in ascending aortic elastic properties could be detected by echocardiography in CA patients, and to compare their results to controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 19 CA patients from which CA proved to be AL amyloidosis in 17 cases and transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis in 2 cases. Their results were compared to 20 age-, gender-, and risk factor-matched controls. RESULTS: There was significantly greater interventricular septum and left ventricular (LV) posterior wall thickness, lower LV ejection fraction and greater E/A in CA patients than in controls, suggesting systolic, and diastolic dysfunction. CA patients also showed significantly reduced aortic strain and pulsatile change in aortic diameter, and increased aortic stiffness index. CONCLUSION: These results suggest increased aortic stiffness in CA patients.