High power short duration versus low power long duration ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: High-power-short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a viable alternative to low-power-long-duration (LPLD) RF for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Nevertheless, trials showed conflicting results regarding atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences and few data concerning complications. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing HPSD versus LPLD. METHODS: We systematically searched the electronic databases for studies published from inception to March 31, 2023 focusing on HPSD versus LPLD. The study endpoints were AF recurrence, procedural times and overall complications. RESULTS: Five studies enrolling 424 patients met the inclusion criteria (mean age 61.1 years; 54.3% paroxysmal AF; mean LVEF 58.2%). Compared to LPLD, HPSD showed a significantly lower AF recurrence rate [16.3% vs. 30,1%; RR: 0.54 (95% CI: 0.38-0.79); p = 0.001] at a mean 10.9 months follow-up. Moreover, HPSD led to a significant reduction in total procedural time [MD: -26.25 min (95%CI: -42.89 to -9.61); p = 0.002], PVI time [MD: -26.44 min (95%CI: -38.32 to -14.55); p < 0.0001], RF application time [MD: -8.69 min (95%CI: -11.37 to -6.01); p < 0.00001] and RF lesion number [MD: -7.60 (95%CI: -10.15 to -5.05); p < 0.00001]. No difference was found in either right [80.4% vs. 78.2%; RR: 1.04 (95% CI: 0.81-1.32); p = 0.77] or left [92.3% vs. 90.2%; RR: 1.02 (95% CI: 0.94-1.11); p = 0.58] first-pass isolation and overall complications [6% vs. 3.7%; RR: 1.45 (95%CI: 0.53-3.99); p = 0.47] between groups. CONCLUSION: In our metanalysis of randomized trials, HPSD ablation appeared to be associated to a significantly improved freedom from AF and shorter procedures, without increasing the risk of complications.

Left bundle branch pacing versus biventricular pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces heart failure (HF) hospitalization and all-cause mortality in HF patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). Biventricular pacing (BVP) is the gold standard for achieving CRT, but about 30%-40% of patients do not respond to BVP-CRT. Recent studies showed that left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) provided remarkable results in CRT. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis aiming to compare LBBP-CRT versus BVP-CRT in HF patients. METHODS: We systematically searched the electronic databases for studies published from inception to December 29, 2022 and focusing on LBBP-CRT versus BVP-CRT in HF patients. The primary endpoint was HF hospitalization. The effect size was estimated using a random-effect model as Risk Ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD). RESULTS: Ten studies enrolling 1063 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared to BVP-CRT, LBBP-CRT led to significant reduction in HF hospitalization [7.9% vs.14.5%; RR: 0.60 (95%CI: 0.39-0.93); p = .02], QRSd [MD: 30.26 ms (95%CI: 26.68-33.84); p < .00001] and pacing threshold [MD: -0.60 (95%CI: -0.71 to -0.48); p < .00001] at follow up. Furthermore, LBBP-CRT improved LVEF [MD: 5.78% (95%CI: 4.78-6.77); p < .00001], the rate of responder [88.5% vs.72.5%; RR: 1.19 (95%CI: 1.07-1.32); p = .002] and super-responder [60.8% vs. 36.5%; RR: 1.56 (95%CI: 1.27-1.91); p < .0001] patients and the NYHA class [MD: -0.42 (95%CI: -0.71 to -0.14); p < .00001] compared to BVP-CRT. CONCLUSION: In HF patients, LBBP-CRT was superior to BVP-CRT in reducing HF hospitalization. Further significant benefits occurred within the LBBP-CRT group in terms of QRSd, LVEF, pacing thresholds, NYHA class and the rate of responder and super-responder patients.

Which is the best Myocardial Work index for the prediction of coronary artery disease? A data meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) plays a key role to prevent adverse cardiac events such as myocardial infarction and Left Ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Myocardial Work (MW) indices derived from echocardiographic speckle tracking data in combination with non-invasive blood pressure recordings seems promising to predict CAD even in the absence of impairments of standard echocardiographic parameters. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of MW indices to predict CAD and to assess intra- and inter-observer variability of MW through a meta-analysis. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for observational studies evaluating the MW indices diagnostic accuracy for predicting CAD and intra- and inter-observer variability of MW indices. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic (SROC) curves were assessed. RESULTS: Five studies enrolling 501 patients met inclusion criteria. Global Constructive Work (GCW) had the best pooled sensitivity (89%) followed by GLS (84%), Global Work Index (GWI) (82%), Global Work Efficiency (GWE) (80%), and Global Wasted Work (GWW) (75%). GWE had the best pooled specificity (78%) followed by GWI (75%), GCW (70%), GLS (68%), and GWW (61%). GCW had the best accuracy according to SROC curves, with an area under the curve of 0.86 compared to 0.84 for GWI, 0.83 for GWE, 0.79 for GLS, and 0.74 for GWW. All MW indices had an excellent intra- and inter-observer variability. CONCLUSIONS: GCW is the best MW index proving best diagnostic accuracy in the prediction of CAD with an excellent reproducibility.

Off-Target Effects of P2Y12 Receptor Inhibitors: Focus on Early Myocardial Fibrosis Modulation.

Several studies have demonstrated that, beyond their antithrombotic effects, P2Y12 receptor inhibitors may provide additional off-target effects through different mechanisms. These effects range from the preservation of endothelial barrier function to the modulation of inflammation or stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, with an impact on different cell types, including endothelial and immune cells. Many P2Y12 inhibitors have been developed, from ticlopidine, the first thienopyridine, to the more potent non-thienopyridine derivatives such as ticagrelor which may promote cardioprotective effects following myocardial infarction (MI) by inhibiting adenosine reuptake through sodium-independent equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1). Adenosine may affect different molecular pathways involved in cardiac fibrosis, such as the Wnt (wingless-type)/beta (ß)-catenin signaling. An early pro-fibrotic response of the epicardium and activation of cardiac fibroblasts with the involvement of Wnt1 (wingless-type family member 1)/ß-catenin, are critically required for preserving cardiac function after acute ischemic cardiac injury. This review discusses molecular signaling pathways involved in cardiac fibrosis post MI, focusing on the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, and the off-target effect of P2Y12 receptor inhibition. A potential role of ticagrelor was speculated in the early modulation of cardiac fibrosis, thanks to its off-target effect.

Non-conducted premature atrial complexes: A new independent predictor of atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the main cardiac cause of stroke, but it frequently remains undetected. In patients with cryptogenic stroke an Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring for AF is recommended. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic role of Non-Conducted Premature Atrial Complexes (ncPACs) recorded on Holter ECG. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients admitted to the Stroke Unit of our hospital with a diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke between December 2018 and January 2020; all patients underwent 24-h Holter ECG monitoring during hospitalization. Two follow-up visits were scheduled, including a 24-h Holter ECG at 3 and 6 months to detect AF. RESULTS: Among 112 patients, 58% were male with an average age of 72.2 ± 12.2 years. At follow-up, AF was diagnosed in 21.4% of the population. The baseline 24-h Holter ECG burden of ncPACs and Premature Atrial Complexes (PACs) was higher in patients with AF detected on follow-up (13.5 vs 2, p = 0.001; 221.5 vs 52; p = 0.01). ROC analysis showed that ncPACs had the best diagnostic accuracy in predicting AF (AUC:0.80; 95% CI 0.68-0.92). Cut-off value of ≥7 for ncPACs burden showed the highest accuracy with sensitivity of 62.5% and specificity 97.7% to predict AF onset at follow-up. Moreover, at multivariate Cox-proportional hazard analysis ncPACs burden ≥7 was a powerful independent predictor of AF onset (HR 12.4; 95% CI 4.8-32.8; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: NcPACs burden ≥7 represents a new predictor of AF that could guide the screening of this arrhythmia in cryptogenic stroke patients.

Non-transmural myocardial infarction associated with regional contractile function is an independent predictor of positive outcome: an integrated approach to myocardial viability.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance permits assessment of irreversible myocardial fibrosis and contractile function in patients with previous myocardial infarction. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of myocardial fibrotic tissue with preserved/restored contractile activity. METHODS: In 730 consecutive myocardial infarction patients (64 ± 11 years), we quantified left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic (ESV) volumes, ejection fraction (EF), regional wall motion (WM) (1 normal, 2 hypokinetic, 3 akinetic, 4 dyskinetic), and WM score index (WMSI), and measured the transmural (1-50 and 51-100) and global extent of the infarct scar by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Contractile fibrotic (CT-F) segments were identified as those showing WM-1 and WM-2 with LGE ≤ or ≥ 50%. RESULTS: During follow-up (median 2.5, range 1-4.7 years), cardiac events (cardiac death or appropriate implantable defibrillator shocks) occurred in 123 patients (17%). At univariate analysis, age, LVEDV, LVESV, LVEF, WMSI, extent of LGE, segments with transmural extent > 50%, and CT-F segments were associated with cardiac events. At multivariate analysis, age > 65 years, LVEF < 30%, WMSI > 1.7, and dilated LVEDV independently predicted cardiac events, while CT-F tissue was the only independent predictor of better outcome. After adjustment for LVEF < 30% and LVEDV dilatation, the presence of CT-F tissue was associated with good prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to CMR imaging parameters associated with adverse outcome (severe LV dysfunction, poor WM, and dilated EDV), the presence of fibrotic myocardium showing contractile activity in patients with previous myocardial infarction yields a beneficial effect on patient survival.

Multimodality imaging in chronic heart failure.

The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is approximately 1-2% of the adult population in developed countries, rising to ≥ 10% among people over 70. The common symptoms of HF include shortness of breath, ankle swelling and fatigue, determined by a reduced cardiac output. Multimodality imaging is crucial to define HF etiology, determine prognosis and guiding tailored treatments. Echocardiography is the most widely used imaging modality and maintains a pivotal role in the initial diagnostic work-up and in the follow-up of HF patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) may support the morpho-functional assessment provided by echocardiography when the acoustic window is limited or a gold standard evaluation is required. Furthermore, CMR is frequently used due to the unmatched capability to characterize myocardial structure. Coronary computed tomography angiography has become the non-invasive imaging of choice to diagnose or rule-out coronary artery disease, acquiring remarkable importance in the management of HF patients. Moreover, emerging capabilities of CT-based tissue characterization may be useful, especially when CMR is contraindicated. Finally, chest CT may contribute to precisely define the framework of HF patients, revealing new insight about cardiopulmonary pathophysiological interactions with potential high prognostic value.

Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Is There a Role for Screening in General Population?

Stage A and B heart failure (HF) include asymptomatic patients without and with structural cardiac disorder, respectively. Asymptomatic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction represents an early stage of HF that should be recognized to prevent overt HF development. Echocardiography plays a pivotal role in assessment of cardiac structure and function and represents the ideal imaging technique for screening in the general population, thanks to its availability, feasibility, and low cost. Traditional echocardiography, with LV systolic and diastolic function and cardiac remodeling assessment, is usually performed. Development of new technologies may offer additional information and insights in detection of early LV dysfunction.

Pathophysiological and clinical implications of high intramural coronary blood flow velocity in aortic stenosis.

We sought to recognize the blood flow velocity (BFV) through the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and its small intramyocardial (IM) branches by transthoracic Doppler-echocardiography in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). Sixty-two patients, aged 74.0 ± 9.6 years, 37 women, with preserved left ventricular (LV) function, apparently free of active ischemic disease, were enrolled and classified into 3 groups according to the mean gradient (MG) across the aortic valve: 13 patients (21%) entered the group A (MG ≤ 20 mmHg), 29 (48%) group B (MG 21-40 mmHg) and 20 (31%) group C (MG > 40 mmHg). Peak and mean coronary BFVs were demonstrated to gradually increase according to AV gradient, especially through the IM arteries. Peak IM-BFV was 58.9 cm/s (95% CI 46.4-71.4) in group A, 73.2 cm/s (95% CI 64.8-81.6) in group B, and 96.4 cm/s (95% CI 86.3-106.5) in group C (p < 0.001), whereas peak LAD-BFV was 38.1 cm/s (95% CI 32.8-43.3), 44.4 cm/s (95% CI 40.9-47.9) and 47.3 cm/s (95% CI 43.1-52.5), respectively (p = 0.03). Also, 34 patients complaining with unspecific symptoms showed much higher IM-BFV than those who were not. High values were also recognized in patients with LV ejection fraction/velocity ratio (EFVR) ≤ 0.90 (IM-BFV 91 ± 26 cm/s vs. 72 ± 24 cm/s in those with EFVR > 0.90, p = 0.001). In conclusion, AS patients in the present study showed gradually higher coronary BFVs according to AS gradient, especially through the IM vessels, and both peak and mean velocities were discriminating specific patient subsets. Pathophysiological mechanisms and potential clinical implications are discussed.

Patterns of ascending aortic dilatation and predictors of surgical replacement of the aorta: A comparison of bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve patients over eight years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Predictors of thoracic aorta growth and early cardiac surgery in patients with bicuspid aortic valve are undefined. Our aim was to identify predictors of ascending aorta dilatation and cardiac surgery in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). METHODS: Forty-one patients with BAV were compared with 165 patients with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). All patients had LV EF > 50%, normal LV dimensions, and similar degree of aortic root or ascending aorta dilatation at enrollment. Patients with more than mild aortic stenosis or regurgitation were excluded. A CT-scan was available on 76% of the population, and an echocardiogram was repeated every year for a median time of 4 years (range: 2 to 8 years). Patterns of aortic expansion in BAV and TAV groups were analyzed by a mixed-effects longitudinal linear model. In the time-to-event analysis, the primary end point was elective or emergent surgery for aorta replacement. RESULTS: BAV patients were younger, while the TAV group had greater LV wall thickness, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia than BAV patients. Growth rate was 0.46 ±â€¯0.04 mm/year, similar in BAV and TAV groups (p = 0.70). Predictors of cardiac surgery were aorta dimensions at baseline (HR 1.23, p = 0.01), severe aortic regurgitation developed during follow-up (HR 3.49, p 0.04), family history of aortic aneurysm (HR 4.16, p 1.73), and history of STEMI (HR 3.64, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Classic baseline risk factors were more commonly observed in TAV aortopathy compared with BAV aortopathy. However, it is reassuring that, though diagnosed with aneurysm on average 10 years earlier and in the absence of arterial hypertension, BAV patients had a relatively low growth rate, similar to patients with a tricuspid valve. Irrespective of aortic valve morphology, patients with a family history of aortic aneurysm, history of coronary artery disease, and those who developed severe aortic regurgitation at follow-up, had the highest chances of being referred for surgery.

Diastolic dysfunction evaluated by cardiac magnetic resonance: the value of the combined assessment of atrial and ventricular function.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in the evaluation of diastolic function by a combined assessment of left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) function in a cohort of subjects with various degrees of diastolic dysfunction (DD) detected by echocardiography. METHODS: Forty patients with different stages of DD and 18 healthy controls underwent CMR. Short-axis cine steady-state free precession images covering the entire LA and LV were acquired. Parameters of diastolic function were measured by the analysis of the LV and LA volume/time (V/t) curves and the respective derivative dV/dt curves. RESULTS: At receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the peak of emptying rate A indexed by the LV filling volume with a cut-off of 3.8 was able to detect patients with grade I DD from other groups (area under the curve [AUC] 0.975, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-1). ROC analysis showed that LA ejection fraction with a cut-off of ≤36% was able to distinguish controls and grade I DD patients from those with grade II and grade III DD (AUC 0.996, 95% CI 0.92-1, p < 0.001). The isovolumetric pulmonary vein transit ratio with a cut-off of 2.4 allowed class III DD to be distinguished from other groups (AUC 1.0, 95%CI 0.93-1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of LV and LA V/t curves by CMR may be useful for the evaluation of DD. KEY POINTS: • Combined atrial and ventricular volume/time curves allow evaluation of diastolic function. • Atrial emptying fraction allows distinction between impaired relaxation and restrictive/pseudo-normal filling. • Isovolumetric pulmonary vein transit ratio allows distinction between restrictive and pseudo-normal filling.

Echocardiographic Findings in Cardiac Amyloidosis: Inside Two-Dimensional, Doppler, and Strain Imaging.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim is to provide a description of the most important echocardiographic features in systemic amyloidosis. RECENT FINDINGS: Amyloidosis is a heterogeneous group of multisystem disorders, characterized by an extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils. Several imaging tests are available for the diagnosis; however, echocardiography is the cornerstone of the non-invasive imaging modality for cardiac amyloidosis. So far, little is known about the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis through imaging modalities. We summarized the most important echocardiographic findings in cardiac amyloidosis. Hence, we offered a systematic report of the diagnostic performance of cardiac amyloidosis using echocardiography.

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.

Left ventricular endocardial longitudinal dysfunction persists after acute myocarditis with preserved ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: The aim of present study was to assess left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation and changes over time in patients with acute myocarditis (AM) with preserved ejection fraction detected by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: Thirty-five male patients with AM diagnoses and preserved systolic function based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were prospectively enrolled. On admission, echocardiography with measurements of global and segmental longitudinal (LS) strains was performed both at the endocardial (ENDO) and epicardial (EPI) levels. Findings were compared to 25 control subjects. Twenty-six patients were also monitored over a 22-month follow-up (FU group). RESULTS: On admission, global ENDO-LS was poorer in magnitude in AM (-19.2 ± 3.1) than in controls (-24.0 ± 1.05) (P < 0.0001), whereas EPI-LS was not different (-20.6 ± 3.4 vs -19.7 ± 6 P = NS). A functional increase in magnitude in both ENDO-LS (-20.8 ± 5.4, P = NS) and EPI-LS (-22.6 ± 4.6, P = 0.02) was found in FU vs AM patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates a steady ENDO-LS impairment in infarct-like AM during a 2-year follow-up period, despite a preserved LV ejection fraction.

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.

Role of Echocardiography in Assessment of Cardioembolic Sources: a Strong Diagnostic Resource in Patients with Ischemic Stroke.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review will discuss the most frequent sources of cardiac embolism and the role of echocardiography in these different clinical settings, and, in addition, provide suggestions about the choice between transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). RECENT FINDINGS: Stroke is the third leading cause of death in industrial countries, and 15-40% of all ischemic strokes are due to cardioembolism. TTE and TEE are cornerstones in the detection of cardioembolic sources and provide fundamental information about the embolic risk and most suitable treatment of these patients, improving long-term outcomes. Echocardiography is a widely available, inexpensive, and safe diagnostic tool that is almost free from contraindication, and these elements allow the common use of this technique in almost all the patients with ischemic stroke. The most common cardioembolic sources include left atrial appendage thrombosis during atrial fibrillation; vegetations in infective endocarditis; cardiac masses including left ventricular thrombosis, cardiac tumors, etc.; atherosclerotic plaques; and passageways within the heart serving as conduits for paradoxical embolization, e.g., patent foramen ovale.

Atrial septal defect morphology and stenting in hypoplastic left heart syndrome after hybrid palliation.

Aims The aim of this study was to describe atrial septal defect morphology in hypoplastic left heart syndrome, to report the incidence of restrictiveness and its relationship with defect morphology, to correlate restriction with midterm outcome, and to describe our interventional approach to restrictive defect. Methods and results From 2011 to 2015, 31 neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome underwent hybrid procedure with pulmonary artery banding and ductal stenting at our Institution. Restrictive physiology of the atrial septal defect was based on Doppler gradient >6 mmHg through the defect and on clinical signs of pulmonary hypertension. The mean gradient was then measured invasively. Restrictive defect occurred in 11/27 patients (40%). The restrictive group showed three ostium secundum defects (27%) and eight complex morphologies (73%). Conversely, in the non-restrictive group, we observed 11 ostium secundum defects (69%) and five complex morphologies (31%). Early balloon atrioseptostomy was required in three cases. Late restriction occurred in eight patients and was dealt with balloon dilation, stenting, or atrioseptectomy. There was no significant difference between restrictive and non-restrictive groups in terms of early or 12-month survival. CONCLUSIONS: Complex morphologies were more frequently related to restrictiveness. Stenting technique has a crucial role, as the procedure carries a significant risk for stent migration. Effective treatment of restrictive atrial septal defect is related to a better outcome, as it leads to equalisation of survival between patients with and those without restrictive atrial septal defect.

Quantitative Comparison Between Amyloid Deposition Detected by (99m)Tc-Diphosphonate Imaging and Myocardial Deformation Evaluated by Strain Echocardiography in Transthyretin-Related Cardiac Amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: Management of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is related to amyloid deposition. Our aim was to assess the effect of amyloid deposition on myocardial function. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with transthyretin mutation and a group of 14 controls underwent echocardiography to quantify left ventricular (LV) dimensions, function, and global (G) longitudinal (L), radial (R) and circumferential (C) strain (S). (99m)Tc-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic-acid-scintigraphy ((99m)Tc-DPD) was used to quantify CA. (99m)Tc-DPD revealed accumulation in 14/28 patients (CA group) and no accumulation (no-CA group) in 14. Cardiac accumulation was lower-than-bone uptake in 5 (mild-CA group) and higher-than-bone uptake in 9 (severe-CA group). Ejection fraction was similar among groups. GLS was lower (P<0.001) in the severe-CA group (-12.2±4.5) with respect to the no-CA group (-19.3±3.0) and to the control group (-20.9±2.5). Conversely, GCS and GRS were lower (P<0.05) in the mild-CA group (-10.8±4.1 and 9.5±5.7, respectively) with respect to the severe-CA group (-18.9±5.1 and 23.9±6.3 respectively), no-CA group (-19.2±4.1 and 28.4±10.2, respectively) and the control group (-23.9±4.4 and 29.9±8.7, respectively). A correlation was found between the scintigraphic heart retention index (HRI) and LV septal thickness (ρ=0.72), E/E' (ρ=0.46) and GLS (ρ=-0.40). CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial deformation is impaired in a different stage of CA. The (99m)Tc-DPD HRI correlated well with morphologic, diastolic and strain abnormalities. (Circ J 2016; 80: 1998-2003).

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.