Prognostic value of stress echocardiography assessed by the ABCDE protocol.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of ABCDE-SE in a prospective, large scale, multicentre, international, effectiveness study. Stress echocardiography (SE) was recently upgraded to the ABCDE protocol: step A, regional wall motion abnormalities; step B, B lines; step C, left ventricular contractile reserve; step D, Doppler-based coronary flow velocity reserve in left anterior descending coronary artery; and step E, electrocardiogram-based heart rate reserve. METHODS AND RESULTS: From July 2016 to November 2020, we enrolled 3574 all-comers (age 65 ± 11 years, 2070 males, 58%; ejection fraction 60 ± 10%) with known or suspected chronic coronary syndromes referred from 13 certified laboratories. All patients underwent clinically indicated ABCDE-SE. The employed stress modality was exercise (n = 952, with semi-supine bike, n = 887, or treadmill, n = 65 with adenosine for step D) or pharmacological stress (n = 2622, with vasodilator, n = 2151; or dobutamine, n = 471). SE response ranged from score 0 (all steps normal) to score 5 (all steps abnormal). All-cause death was the only endpoint. Rate of abnormal results was 16% for A, 30% for B, 36% for C, 28% for D, and 37% for E steps. During a median follow-up of 21 months (interquartile range: 13-36), 73 deaths occurred. Global X2 was 49.5 considering clinical variables, 50.7 after step A only (P = NS (not significant)) and 80.6 after B-E steps (P < 0.001 vs. step A). Annual mortality rate ranged from 0.4% person-year for score 0 up to 2.7% person-year for score 5. CONCLUSION: ABCDE-SE allows an effective prediction of survival in patients with chronic coronary syndromes.

Noninvasive Assessment of Ventricular-Arterial Coupling in Heart Failure.

The heart and the arterial system are anatomically and functionally linked together. Noninvasive assessment of ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) can be done using different methods that are promising tools to assess individual hemodynamics and tailor treatment in patients with heart failure (HF). Moreover, different methods available can be appropriately used in different settings such as acute and chronic HF. VAC parameters also can add incremental value over the conventional risk factors in predicting cardiac outcome.

Role of Cardiac Rehabilitation After Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Patients with heart failure suffered by a complex syndrome, where the filling of the ventricle or ejection of the blood is impaired. In this setting, the exercise capacity decreases for many reasons, one of them being the insufficient oxygen transfer due to reduced cardiac output and anemia. Ventricular assist device has emerged as a durable and safe therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure. The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in ventricular assist device patients are enormous: the first aim is to progressively reduce the physical and functional impairments of these patients, so that they will be able to resume meaningful daily activities.

Role of New Technologies in Supporting the Treatment of Complex Patients.

Cardiology represents one of the privileged disciplinary areas for the experimentation and validation of the applications of telemedicine. Telemedicine, and the health technologies that go by the name of eHealth, identify the digital exchange of social and health information in order to support and optimize the care process remotely. Telemonitoring applied to cardiovascular diseases is defined as the recording, remote transmission, storage, and interpretation of cardiovascular parameters and diagnostic images. Meta-analyses have shown that telemedicine-supported models of care not only are effective but also cost-effective.

Impact of ambulatory cardiac rehabilitation on cardiovascular outcomes: a long-term follow-up study.

AIMS: To evaluate the long-term clinical impact of the application of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) early after discharge in a real-world population. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed the 5-year incidence of cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization for cardiovascular causes in two populations, attenders vs. non-attenders to an ambulatory CR program which were consecutively discharged from two tertiary hospitals, after ST-elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, or planned percutaneous coronary intervention. A primary analysis using multivariable regression model and a secondary analysis using the propensity score approach were performed. Between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010, 839 patients attended a CR program planned at discharged, while 441 patients were discharged from Cardiovascular Department without any program of CR. During follow-up, the incidence of cardiovascular mortality was 6% in both groups (P = 0.62). The composite outcome of hospitalizations for cardiovascular causes and cardiovascular mortality were lower in CR group compared to no-CR group (18% vs. 30%, P < 0.001) and was driven by lower hospitalizations for cardiovascular causes (15 vs. 27%, P < 0.001). At multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis, CR program was independent predictor of lower occurrence of the composite outcome (hazard ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.43-0.77; P < 0.001), while in the propensity-matched analysis CR group experienced also a lower total mortality (10% vs. 19%, P = 0.002) and cardiovascular mortality (2% vs. 7%, P = 0.008) compared to no-CR group. CONCLUSION: This study showed, in a real-world population, the positive effects of ambulatory CR program in improving clinical outcomes and highlights the importance of a spread use of CR in order to reduce cardiovascular hospitalizations and cardiovascular mortality during a long-term follow-up.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy or athlete's heart? Challenges in assessment of right heart morphology and function.

The incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes varies among studies, due to the disagreement in the definitions and the lack of information in this field.

Effect of uric acid serum levels on carotid arterial stiffness and intima-media thickness: A high resolution Echo-Tracking Study.

Serum uric acid (UA) has been shown to be a predictor of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, and it may play a role in the pathogenesis of CV disease affecting vascular structure and function. However, there is limited evidence of its specific association with carotid artery stiffness and structure. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether UA is associated with early signs of atherosclerosis, namely local carotid arterial stiffness and intima-media thickening. We evaluated 698 consecutive asymptomatic patients, referred to the Cardiovascular Department for risk factors evaluation and treatment. All patients underwent carotid artery ultrasonography with measurement of common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and echo-tracking carotid artery stiffness index Beta. Patients with hyperuricemia (defined as serum uric acid ≥7 mg/dL in men and ≥6 mg/dL in women) had higher IMT (0.97±0.22 vs 0.91±0.18, p<0.001) and stiffness index Beta (8.3±3.2 vs 7.5±2.7, p=0.005). UA levels correlated with both IMT (r=0.225; p<0.001) and stiffness index Beta (r=0.154; p<0.001); the correlations were statistically significant in males and females. In a multivariate model which included age, arterial pressure, serum glucose and LDL-cholesterol, serum UA emerged as an independent explanatory variable of IMT and stiffness index Beta. Carotid IMT and local arterial stiffness are related to UA independently of established CV risk factors; UA may play a role in the early development of atherosclerosis.

Value of ejection fraction/velocity ratio in the prognostic stratification of patients with asymptomatic aortic valve stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The ejection fraction/velocity ratio (EFVR) is a simple function-corrected index of aortic stenosis severity with a good correlation with aortic valve area measured using the Gorlin formula at cardiac catheterization. It is calculated by dividing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to 4 × (peak jet velocity)2 . OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the value of EFVR in predicting adverse events in patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical and echocardiographic data of 216 asymptomatic patients with at least moderate aortic stenosis (AVA ≤ 1.5 cm2 ). The primary end-point was cardiovascular death or aortic valve replacement. RESULTS: There were 119 (55%) men and mean age was 68 ± 10 years. The mean follow-up time was 4.2 ± 1.6 years (median 4.3 years). During follow-up, the composite end-point of death or aortic valve replacement was reached in 105 patients (49%). Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, EFVR and valvulo-arterial impedance emerged as independent variables associated with outcome (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). In the subgroup of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AVA < 1 cm2 ), EFVR ≤ 0.9 was associated with an increased hazard ratio for the composite end-point of mortality and aortic valve replacement (HR 2.14, 95% CI: 1.15-4.0, P = 0.017), even after adjusting for aortic valve area. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with asymptomatic moderate to severe aortic stenosis, EFVR is useful for risk stratification. Our results suggest that incorporating EFVR in the evaluation of patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis might help identify those who are most likely to benefit from early elective aortic replacement.

New classification of geometric ventricular patterns in severe aortic stenosis: Could it be clinically useful?

BACKGROUND: In severe aortic stenosis, different left ventricle (LV) remodeling patterns as a response to pressure overload have distinct hemodynamic profiles, cardiac function, and outcomes. The most common classification considers LV relative wall thickness and LV mass index to create 4 different groups. A new classification including also end-diastolic volume index has been recently proposed. AIM: To describe the prevalence of the newly identified remodeling patterns in patients with severe aortic stenosis and to evaluate their clinical relevance according to symptoms. METHODS: We analyzed 286 consecutive patients with isolated severe aortic stenosis. Current guidelines were used for echocardiographic evaluation. Symptoms were defined as the presence of angina, syncope, or NYHA class III-IV. RESULTS: The mean age was 75 ± 9 years, 156 patients (54%) were men, while 158 (55%) were symptomatic. According to the new classification, the most frequent remodeling pattern was concentric hypertrophy (57.3%), followed by mixed (18.9%) and dilated hypertrophy (8.4%). There were no patients with eccentric remodeling; only 4 patients had a normalLV geometry. Symptomatic patients showed significantly more mixed hypertrophy (P < .05), while the difference regarding the prevalence of the other patterns was not statistically significant. When we analyzed the distribution of the classic 4 patterns stratified by the presence of symptoms, however, we did not find a significant difference (P = .157). CONCLUSIONS: The new classification had refined the description of different cardiac geometric phenotypes that develop as a response to pressure overload. It might be superior to the classic 4 patterns in terms of association with symptoms.

Left Ventricular Function Assessed by One-Point Carotid Wave Intensity in Newly Diagnosed Untreated Hypertensive Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether newly diagnosed untreated hypertensive patients show higher left ventricular (LV) contractility, as assessed by traditional echocardiographic indices and carotid wave intensity (WI) parameters, including amplitude of the peak during early (W1 ) and late systole (W2 ). METHODS: A total of 145 untreated hypertensive patients were compared with 145 age- and sex-matched normotensive subjects. They underwent comprehensive echocardiography and WI analysis. WI analysis was performed at the level of the common carotid artery. The diameter changes were the difference between the displacement of the anterior and posterior walls, with the cursors set to track the media-adventitia boundaries 2 cm proximal to the carotid bulb and calibrated by systolic and diastolic BP. Peak acceleration was derived from blood flow velocity measured by Doppler sonography with the range-gate positioned at the center of the vessel diameter. WI was based on the calculation of (dP/dt)×(dU/dt), where dP/dt and dU/dt were the derivatives of BP (P) and velocity (U) with respect to time. One-point pulse wave velocity (PWVß) and the interval between the R wave on ECG and the first peak of WI (R-W1 ), using a high definition echo-tracking system implemented in the ultrasound machine (Aloka), were also derived. RESULTS: After adjustment for body weight, heart rate, and physical activity, the two groups had similar general characteristics and diastolic function. However, hypertensives showed significantly higher LV mass, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), circumferential and LV end-systolic stress, and one-point PWV as well as W1 (13.646 ± 7.368 vs 9.308 ± 4.675 mmHg m/s3 , P =.001) and W2 (4.289 ± 2.017 vs 2.995 ± 1.868 mmHg m/s3 , P =.001). Hypertensives were divided into tertiles according to LVEF: W1 (11.934 ± 5.836 vs 11.576 ± 5.857 vs 17.227 ± 8.889 mmHg m/s3 , P <.0001) was higher in the highest LVEF tertile along with relative wall thickness, midwall fractional shortening, endocardial fractional shortening, and R-W1 . CONCLUSIONS: Newly diagnosed hypertensives show increased LVM and LV contractility, including carotid WI parameters and R-W1 values, as compared with normotensive subjects, but no differences in LV diastolic function.

Non-invasive one-point carotid wave intensity in a large group of healthy subjects: A ventricular-arterial coupling parameter.

The analysis of wave intensity (WI) evaluates the working condition of the heart interacting with the arterial system. WI in normal subjects has two peaks, the first (W 1) reflects left ventricle (LV) contractile performance, the second (W 2) is related to the ability of the LV to actively stop aortic blood flow. The aim of the study was to investigate the reference values of W 1 and W 2 in a group of apparently healthy subjects through a radiofrequency-based system. 680 subjects (388 men mean age 43.0 ± 17.4 years, range 16-92; 292 women mean age 44.8 ± 17.7 years, range 16-86) were enrolled and underwent physical examination, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) measurements and comprehensive transthoracic echocardiogram was performed. Measurement of local WI was obtained at the level of the left common carotid artery before the bifurcation, using a high definition echo-tracking system. W 1 was (12.37 ± 6.89) × 10(3) and (9.76 ± 4.8) × 10(3) mmHg m/s(3), p < 0.0001; W 2 was (3.21 ± 1.81) × 10(3) and (2.98 ± 1.69) × 10(3) mmHg m/s(3), p = ns in men and women, respectively. The cohort was divided into 5 age groups (ages 16-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; >60) and stratified by gender. After adjustment for height, systolic BP and HR, W 1 decreased with age (p < 0.0001 in men and p = 0.026 in women for trend) while no relation was found for W 2. Multivariable regression analysis using age, gender, height, systolic BP, HR, ejection fraction and stroke volume indexed by body surface are predicted W 1 and age, systolic BP, HR and E/A as a measure of diastolic function, predicted W 2. Inter and intra-observer variability and feasibility of WI analysis were satisfactory. We reported the values and their clinical correlations of the two peaks (W 1 and W 2) of WI, a non-invasive hemodynamic index for assessing ventricular-arterial coupling in a large group of apparently healthy subjects.

Incremental Value of Pocket-Sized Echocardiography in Addition to Physical Examination during Inpatient Cardiology Evaluation: A Multicenter Italian Study (SIEC).

BACKGROUND: We prospectively assessed the incremental value of a pocket-sized echocardiography (PSE) device during cardiology consultations, in addition to physical examination, ECG reading, and chest x-ray. METHODS: A total of 443 consecutive patients (53% men), referred for bedside consultations, underwent physical examination, ECG, and CXR, followed by PSE examination. The physician completed a detailed questionnaire (clinical and echocardiographic data, scanning time, abnormal results). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was generated to test the predictive discrimination value of the different methods. The incremental value of PSE examination compared to clinical visit alone or combined with ECG results was expressed as a global chi-square value. RESULTS: The PSE examination did not influence the definitive diagnosis in only 23.5% of cases, while 25.3% of the diagnoses were confirmed and verified by PSE. The clinical diagnosis was enriched by PSE in 21.9% of cases, and the diagnosis was changed in 26.2%. The area under curve (AUC) of physical examination + ECG results (sensitivity: 80%; specificity: 67%) was significantly higher than physical examination alone (sensitivity: 75%; specificity: 62%) (P < 0.0002), and the AUC of PSE results (sensitivity: 88%; specificity: 86%) was significantly higher than physical examination + ECG results (P < 0.0001). The PSE results, combined with clinical and ECG results, had a significant incremental diagnostic value during cardiology consultation when compared to the clinical visit alone or with ECG results (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: PSE had an incremental diagnostic value during bedside cardiology consultation, increasing the number of appropriate diagnoses and reducing the routine use of echocardiography.

Cardiac structure and function and insulin resistance in morbidly obese patients: does superobesity play an additional role?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of superobesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥50, on cardiac structure and function. METHODS: Using echocardiography, we studied 198 asymptomatic patients (mean age 48 ± 13 years, 29.3% were men) with a BMI ≥40. Insulin resistance was measured using the Homeostasis Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Patients were divided into 2 groups: morbidly obese (BMI ≥40 and <50; n = 160) and superobese (BMI ≥50; n = 38). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, gender, hypertension and diabetes between groups. Superobese patients had higher LV mass (66.0 ± 14.7 vs. 59.9 ± 11.9 g/m(2.7), p = 0.007), left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic (33.8 ± 7.7 vs. 31.5 ± 7.1 ml/m(2.7), p = 0.041) and end-systolic (12.2 ± 3.6 vs. 10.9 ± 2.8 ml/m(2.7), p = 0.016) volumes, left atrial volume (13.8 ± 4.5 vs. 12.2 ± 3.9 ml/m(2.7), p = 0.029), peak velocity of transmitral flow in early diastole/early diastolic peak myocardial velocity ratio (9.1 ± 2.6 vs. 8.2 ± 2.2, p = 0.03) and HOMA-IR (9.7 ± 7.3 vs. 7.3 ± 6.5, p = 0.047). LV ejection fraction was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Superobesity is associated with insulin resistance and a worse impact on cardiac remodeling and LV diastolic function than morbid obesity. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether such further classification of morbid obesity could stratify the cardiovascular risk in these patients more accurately.

Structural and functional left ventricular impairment in subjects with chronic spinal cord injury and no overt cardiovascular disease.

CONTEXT: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in subjects with long-term spinal cord injury (SCI). More specific recommendations for CVD prevention in this population are needed. METHODS: One hundred thirty male subjects (47 subjects with SCI and 83 able-bodied persons (ABPs), mean age 43.89 ± 1.9 and 45.44 ± 12.2 years; P = 0.48) underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The effects of age, weight, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and level of physical training on cardiac adaptations were evaluated through multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: In subjects with SCI, TTE revealed increased wall thickness (P < 0.05), lower E wave, E/A ratio and early diastolic myocardial relaxation velocity on Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) (P < 0.05) and higher systolic myocardial contraction velocity on TDI (0.10 ± 0.02 vs. 0.09 ± 0.02 m/seconds, P = 0.002) and peak systolic pressure to end-systolic volume ratio (3.62 ± 1.39 vs. 2.82 ± 0.90, P < 0.001) compared with ABPs. Aortic diameters were larger in subjects with SCI than ABPs. Differences remained statistically significant even after adjustment for age, weight, MAP, and level of physical training. Weight and age were found to be independent variables that substantially affected left ventricular structure and function in subjects with SCI. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with post-traumatic chronic SCI and no overt cardiovascular risk factors, exhibit initial left ventricular remodeling (as assessed by TTE) compared with ABPs. Lifestyle modifications, including regular physical exercise and weight control, should be implemented in all subjects with SCI, even at a very early stage, in order to reduce cardiovascular risk and prevent the development of CVD.

Current use of echocardiography in cardio-oncology: nationwide real-world data from an ANMCO/SIECVI joint survey.

Aims: The need for cardio-oncology competencies is constantly growing, and with the establishment of cardio-oncology services, cardiovascular imaging, particularly transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), has become pivotal in patients' management. However, care pathways for oncologic patients largely depend on local health structures' resources. This survey from Associazione Italiana Medici Cardiologi Ospedalieri and the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging aimed at investigating the use of echocardiography in cardio-oncology services and knowledge levels on cancer patients' care. Methods and results: Data were obtained via an electronic survey based on a structured questionnaire uploaded to the promoting societies' websites. Responses came from 159 centres with echocardiography. According to one-third of participating centres, workload related to cancer patients represented >30% of the total requests. The most common TTE indication (85%) was left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) evaluation. Many centres (55%) still assessed LVEF solely by bidimensional method or visual estimation in case of inadequate acoustic windows. At the same time, almost 40% of centres reported routinely using global longitudinal strain when feasible. We further performed a sub-analysis according to the presence (33%) or absence (77%) of dedicated cardio-oncologists, revealing significant differences in cardiovascular surveillance strategies and cardiotoxicity management. Conclusion: This survey on echocardiography practice for cancer patients reveals a significant gap between actual clinical practice and standards proposed by recommendations, underlying the need for stronger partnerships between cardiologists and oncologists and dedicated, well-structured cardio-oncology services.

Aortopathy and aortic valve surgery in patients with bicuspid aortic valve with and without raphe.

AIM: To evaluate the association between raphe in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients and valve dysfunction, aortopathy and aortic valve surgery in the REBECCA registry [REgistro della valvola aortica Bicuspide della Società Italiana di ECocardiografia e CArdiovascular Imaging (SIECVI)]. METHODS: Prevalence of aortic valve dysfunction and aortopathy was investigated in BAV patients with and without raphe. Aortic valve dysfunction (regurgitation or stenosis) was categorized as mild, moderate and severe. Aortopathy was defined as annulus ≥14 mm/m2; root ≥20 mm/m2; sinotubular junction ≥16 mm/m2; ascending aorta ≥17 mm/m2, and classified in Type A, isolated ascending aorta dilatation; Type B, aortic root and ascending aorta dilatation; and Type C, isolated aortic root dilatation. RESULTS: Overall, 695 patients with BAV were enrolled; 520 (74.8%) with raphe and 175 (25.2%) without raphe. BAV patients with raphe presented more frequently with moderate or severe aortic stenosis than BAV patients without raphe (183 [35.2%] vs 34 [19.4%], p < 0.001). A higher prevalence of aortopathy, particularly Type B, was observed in patients with vs without raphe. At multivariable analysis, raphe was a predictor of aortic valve surgery at three-year follow-up (odds ratio 2.19, 95% confidence interval 1.08-4.44, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BAV and raphe have a higher prevalence of significant aortic stenosis, aortopathy, especially Type B, and a higher risk of undergoing aortic valve surgery at three-year follow-up.

Impact of associated significant aortic regurgitation on left ventricular remodeling and hemodynamic impairment in severe aortic valve stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: The left ventricular (LV) response to combined pressure and volume overload [aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR)] versus pressure overload (isolated AS)has not been systematically studied. We aimed to assess LV remodeling, functional and hemodynamic consequences inpatients with mixed aortic valve disease versus patients with isolated AS. METHODS: We enrolled 181 patients (67 ± 9 years,109 men) with severe AS (aortic valve area indexed to body surface area <0.6 cm 2 /m 2 ) who underwent preoperative cardiac catheterization and a complete echocardiogram. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were measured. RESULTS: One hundred and ten patients (group A)had isolated severe AS (AR 0­1) and 71 patients (group B)had mixed aortic valve disease (severe AS plus AR 2­3). Patients in group B were younger and in a higher New York Heart Association class (p < 0.01). Severity of AS was similar in both groups. Patients in group B had a higher indexed LV mass, a lower LV ejection fraction, and higher PCWP, LVED Pand PAP (all p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe AS and significant AR are more symptomatic than patients with isolated severe AS. The increased burden due to the combined lesion induces pronounced LV remodeling and more severe hemodynamic consequences.

The role of statin treatment in valvular heart disease: is the jury still out?

Valvular heart disease (VHD) represents a significant burden within the spectrum of cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, there has been a great interest in finding medical treatments able to slow the progression ofVHD. The negative results of several large randomized trials failing to demonstrate a benefit of such therapies, has led to a decrease of interest in this field. However, finding a medical treatment capable of preventing VHD progression is still a hot topic, due to the important clinical implications. We believe that the jury is still out on the debate about the role of statin therapy in VHD, considering also recently published studies providing new information with future implications for the treatment of this disease process. This article gives an overview of the published evidence about the role of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase inhibitors on delaying progressive valve dysfunction. A preventive therapy, which could influence not only the haemodynamic progression of valve disease, but also the cardiovascular outcome, is warranted. Large, prospective, randomized trials are needed to properly evaluate the role of statins in the early stages of valvular heart disease.

Current national availability of advanced echocardiography imaging: real world data from an Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging survey.

Aims: Advanced echocardiographic imaging (AEI) techniques, such as three-dimensional (3D) and multi-chamber speckle-tracking deformation imaging (strain) analysis, have been shown to be more accurate in assessing heart chamber geometry and function when compared with conventional echocardiography providing additional prognostic value. However, incorporating AEI alongside standard examinations may be heterogeneous between echo laboratories (echo labs). Thus, our goal was to gain a better understanding of the many AEI modalities that are available and employed in Italy. Methods and results: The Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI) conducted a national survey over a month (November 2022) to describe the use of AEI in Italy. Data were retrieved via an electronic survey based on a structured questionnaire uploaded on the SIECVI website. Data obtained from 173 echo labs were divided into 3 groups, according to the numbers of echocardiograms performed: <250 exams (low-volume activity, 53 centres), between 251 and 550 exams (moderate-volume activity, 62 centres), and ≥550 exams (high-volume activity, 58 centres). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) 3D was in use in 75% of centres with a consistent difference between low (55%), medium (71%), and high activity volume (85%) (P = 0.002), while 3D transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was in use in 84% of centres, reaching the 95% in high activity volume echo labs (P = 0.006). In centres with available 3D TTE, it was used for the left ventricle (LV) analysis in 67%, for the right ventricle (RV) in 45%, and for the left atrium (LA) in 40%, showing greater use in high-volume centres compared with low- and medium-volume centres (all P < 0.04). Strain analysis was utilized in most echo labs (80%), with a trend towards greater use in high-volume centres than low- and medium-volume centres (77%, 74%, and 90%, respectively; P = 0.08). In centres with available strain analysis, it was mainly employed for the LV (80%) and much less frequently for the RV and LA (49% and 48%, respectively). Conclusion: In Italy, the AEI modalities are more frequently available in centres with high-volume activity but employed only in a few applications, being more frequent in analysing the LV compared with the RV and LA. Therefore, the echocardiography community and SIECVI should promote uniformity and effective training across the Italian centres. Meanwhile, collaborations across centres with various resources and expertise should be encouraged to use the benefits of the AEI.