Left ventricular global longitudinal strain assessment in patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a call for an echocardiography-based classification.

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is classified into 4 types depending on the anatomical area affected identified on gross visual assessment. We have sought to understand if it is feasible and advantageous to use left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), LV segmental longitudinal strain and right ventricle free wall strain (RVFWS) to classify TTC. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study on twenty-five patients who meet the Modified Mayo Clinic Criteria for TTC [1]. Two independent reviewers performed strain analysis, they were both blinded to patient's diagnosed classification and outcomes. RESULTS: Based on classification by traditional assessment the 92% (N.=23) were diagnosed with typical TTC, indicating apical involvement. The entire LV was affected, 67% (N.=16) had abnormal strain (STE>-18) in all three LV regions (base, mid-ventricle and apex). Seventy-one percent of patients (N.=17) had abnormal LVGLS (>-18). Abnormal strain across all three LV regions was associated with higher prevalence (70%, N.=8 Vs 30%, N.=4, respectively) of composite cardiovascular events and longer length of hospital stay. There was a statistically significant difference in average length of hospital stay in those patients who had abnormal strain in all three regions compared to those that did not have abnormal strain across all three regions (8 days compared to 3.44 days, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A new classification of TCC based on strain analysis should be developed. The traditional model is arbitrary; it fails to recognize that in most patients the entire LV is affect, it does not have prognostic significance and the most prevalent typical variant indicates apical involvement. Our study suggests that the entire LV is affected, and strain analysis has prognostic significance.

Comparison of Contractility Patterns on Left Ventriculogram Versus Longitudinal Strain by Echocardiography in Patients With Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is characterized by transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, electrocardiographic changes that can mimic acute myocardial infarction (MI), and release of myocardial enzymes in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Conventionally, gross visual assessment of LV angiogram has been used to classify TTC. We aim to compare quantitative assessment of different regions of LV on angiogram and segmental strain on transthoracic echo to determine a better way to classify TTC rather than conventional qualitative visual assessment. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 20 patients diagnosed with TTC who had LV angiogram and transthoracic echocardiograms performed on presentation that were suitable for analysis. Twenty LV angiograms were analyzed using Rubo DICOM viewer software. Areas of different LV regions were measured in diastole and systole, and percentage changes in area of these regions were calculated. Percentage changes in area of less than 10% was considered "akinetic." On the other hand, using echocardiograms of these patients, LV regional longitudinal strain (LS) was derived from speckle-tracking analysis. These findings were compared to determine concordance between both modalities. RESULTS: On quantitative analysis of 20 LV angiograms, the area of all the three LV regional (apex, mid ventricle, and base) shortening (>10%) was observed in 16 patients (80%) during systole as compared to diastole. However, only 4 out of 20 patients (20%) were noted to have apical region area change of <10% between diastole and systole. Analysis of LV regional LS patterns of 20 patients showed that 14 patients had abnormal values (> -18%) in all three LV regions: apex, mid ventricle, and base. The apical region was the most severely affected region (mean LS -13.9%), followed by the basal region (mean -14.7%) and the mid ventricular region (mean -15.1%). Comparing the results of both modalities showed that there was 35% (n = 7) concordance in the results noted for base and apical regions of the LV, whereas only 20% (n = 4) concordance was noted in mid ventricular region. CONCLUSION: Contractility (shortening) on LV angiogram is present in a majority of patients in the three LV regions, but contractility assessed by LS is impaired in most of them. The concordance in both quantitative assessment modalities was low. LV angiogram may not be an accurate imaging modality to assess contractility patterns in Takotsubo patients, and echocardiographic LS analysis should be taken as the preferred imaging modality.

Reasons for Screen Failure for Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement.

Despite an expanding armamentarium of devices, many patients with mitral regurgitation referred for transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) or replacement (TMVR) do not meet strict clinical trial inclusion and exclusion criteria. We sought to understand the rates that patients were excluded from transcatheter mitral valve therapies and reasons why. We retrospectively analyzed the medical charts and correspondence related to patients referred to our tertiary valve center for TMVr or TMVR between June 2016 and September 2019. Patients were screened for eligibility by our structural Heart Team for either TMVr or TMVR. If TMVr or TMVR was not offered, the reason for screen failure was recorded and categorized. Over the 3-year period, 564 patients were referred for TMVr and orTMVR. Out of these, 15.9% were determined to be eligible for, and underwent, surgical repair or replacement. Ninety-two patients (16.3%) underwent TMVr or TMVR. The majority of patients (343 of 564, 60.8%) ultimately did not undergo intervention. The primary reason for exclusion was clinical in 38.5%, issues related to patient preference of care delivery in 38.8%, anatomical in 13.7%, and futility in 9.0%. In contemporary real-world practice, the majority of patients with mitral regurgitation referred for transcatheter therapies are excluded. Clinical trials testing new transcatheter devices should be encouraged to record and report reasons for screen failure and follow these patients to better understand optimal timing of intervention, address challenging anatomies, and, ultimately, improve penetrance of these novel therapies.

Ward stories: lessons learned from patient perception of the ward round.

INTRODUCTION: Ward rounds (WR) are an invaluable part of the hospital day allowing for daily assessment of each patient and their treatment, perhaps the most crucial role of the WR is information transfer. PURPOSE: This study investigated inpatient's perception of the cardiology and urology WR; in particular, it examined patient-doctor communication. METHODS: Inpatients were interviewed to explore pertinent areas concerning the WR; a questionnaire was subsequently developed which analysed four aspects: information-giving and communication, emotional reaction, professionalism, and privacy. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-eight inpatients completed the questionnaire. Professionalism and privacy scored highly. Emotional reaction was neutral, and information-giving and communication was poorly scored which was attributed to the use of medical jargon, apparent time constraints and patients perceived inopportunity to ask questions. CONCLUSION: The presented data underlines a weakness in knowledge transfer to the patient during the ward round which may have a detrimental impact on post discharge morbidity where understanding and treatment adherence is critical. Improving communication is vital to establishing the WR as a practice of significance in order to deliver superior, safe patient-centred care.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Survivors of Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Early detection and improved treatment in breast cancer have resulted in an increased number of survivors. Cardiovascular disease now remains an important cause for morbidity and mortality in this population. There is a growing gap in the knowledge about the optimal long-term cardiovascular management of this population. FINDINGS: Breast cancer and cardiovascular disease share a number of common risk factors. Different breast cancer treatment modalities, including anthracyclines, radiation, and hormonal therapy, can act in synergy with preexisting and/or new cardiovascular risk factors to result in significant cardiovascular disease. We summarize the recent evidence about cardiovascular effects of breast cancer therapy and recommendations for their diagnosis and management during the cancer treatment continuum into survivorship. We also present current research initiatives and how they inform clinical care.

Cone Reconstruction of Atypical Ebstein Anomaly Associated with Right Ventricular Apical Hypoplasia.

Cone reconstruction for tricuspid valve repair has revolutionized the surgical treatment of Ebstein anomaly. We present the case of a 58-year-old woman with atypical Ebstein anomaly and right ventricular apical hypoplasia who was spared from palliative shunt physiology by our use of cone reconstruction. Compared with other techniques, cone reconstruction of the tricuspid valve more closely replicates normal valvular anatomy and function. This surgical procedure can be applied to many anatomic variations of Ebstein anomaly, as in our patient's apparently unique instance of atypical Ebstein anomaly with right ventricular apical hypoplasia.