Dapagliflozin vs. metolazone in heart failure resistant to loop diuretics.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To examine the decongestive effect of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin compared to the thiazide-like diuretic metolazone in patients hospitalized for heart failure and resistant to treatment with intravenous furosemide. METHODS AND RESULTS: A multi-centre, open-label, randomized, and active-comparator trial. Patients were randomized to dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily or metolazone 5-10 mg once daily for a 3-day treatment period, with follow-up for primary and secondary endpoints until day 5 (96 h). The primary endpoint was a diuretic effect, assessed by change in weight (kg). Secondary endpoints included a change in pulmonary congestion (lung ultrasound), loop diuretic efficiency (weight change per 40 mg of furosemide), and a volume assessment score. 61 patients were randomized. The mean (±standard deviation) cumulative dose of furosemide at 96 h was 977 (±492) mg in the dapagliflozin group and 704 (±428) mg in patients assigned to metolazone. The mean (±standard deviation) decrease in weight at 96 h was 3.0 (2.5) kg with dapagliflozin compared to 3.6 (2.0) kg with metolazone [mean difference 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.12,1.41 kg; P = 0.11]. Loop diuretic efficiency was less with dapagliflozin than with metolazone [mean 0.15 (0.12) vs. 0.25 (0.19); difference -0.08, 95% CI -0.17,0.01 kg; P = 0.10]. Changes in pulmonary congestion and volume assessment score were similar between treatments. Decreases in plasma sodium and potassium and increases in urea and creatinine were smaller with dapagliflozin than with metolazone. Serious adverse events were similar between treatments. CONCLUSION: In patients with heart failure and loop diuretic resistance, dapagliflozin was not more effective at relieving congestion than metolazone. Patients assigned to dapagliflozin received a larger cumulative dose of furosemide but experienced less biochemical upset than those assigned to metolazone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04860011.

Prevalence and prognostic importance of lung ultrasound findings in acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) complicating acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a herald of adverse outcomes. In this systematic review, we investigated the prevalence of lung ultrasound (LUS) findings and their prognostic utility among patients with ACS. METHODS: We searched the online databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies (full-text articles, published in English) that used LUS in adult patients with ACS [ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina]. RESULTS: Of 462 studies screened, five prospective, observational investigations published between 2010 and 2021 including 1087 patients met our inclusion criteria. Two studies employed 28-zone imaging protocols whereas three used eight-zone protocols. The proportion of patients with a prior HF diagnosis was ≤ 5% in all studies. The prevalence of B-lines was examined prior to or within 12 hours after coronary angiogram and reporting varied between studies due to different imaging protocols or quantification methods. A higher number of B-lines on admission was associated with an increased risk for developing symptomatic HF during the baseline hospitalization and with a higher in-hospital mortality rate using either 8 or 28-zone protocols. A higher number of B-lines at baseline was also associated with an increased risk of subsequent HF hospitalization or all-cause death. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary congestion by LUS performed on admission appears to be a common finding among patients hospitalized for ACS and is associated with adverse in-hospital and long-term outcomes. Further investigations using standardized LUS protocols are warranted and have the potential to improve risk stratification in ACS.

A randomized trial of ultrasound-guided peripheral IV catheter placement in difficult access patients using a guidewire approach.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate whether use of a guidewire improves successful placement of ultrasound-guided peripheral IVs (PIV) in difficult intravenous access patients in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This was an unblinded, prospective, randomized trial performed by emergency medicine (EM) clinicians at a single academic ED. Eligible participants were randomized to ultrasound-guided PIV placement with or without the use of a guidewire. PIV access was obtained using the Accucath™ 20 gauge × 5.7 cm catheters by way of deployment or non-deployment of the guidewire. Primary outcome measure was first-pass success rate and secondary outcomes included number of attempts, complication rates, and clinician reported ease of insertion. RESULTS: Seventy patients were enrolled and 69 were included in the final analysis. Thirty-four participants were randomized to use of guidewire and 35 to no guidewire. First-pass success rates were similar with and without guidewire use, 47.1% vs. 45.7%, (p = 0.9). There were no differences found in median number of attempts between the two techniques, 2 (IQR 1-2) vs 2 (IQR 1-2), (p = 0.60). The complication rates were similar, 15% vs. 29% (p = 0.25). Clinicians reported no difference in ease of insertion between methods on a 5-point Likert Scale, mean 2.6 vs 2.7 (p = 0.76). DISCUSSION: In this pilot study comparing ultrasound-guided PIV placement in ED patients using an integrated guidewire versus no guidewire, there was no significant difference in first-pass success, number of attempts, or complication rates. This study provides preliminary data for further investigations.

Indications and practical approach to non-invasive ventilation in acute heart failure.

In acute heart failure (AHF) syndromes significant respiratory failure (RF) is essentially seen in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (ACPE) or cardiogenic shock (CS). Non-invasive ventilation (NIV), the application of positive intrathoracic pressure through an interface, has shown to be useful in the treatment of moderate to severe RF in several scenarios. There are two main modalities of NIV: continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and pressure support ventilation (NIPSV) with positive end expiratory pressure. Appropriate equipment and experience is needed for NIPSV, whereas CPAP may be administered without a ventilator, not requiring special training. Both modalities have shown to be effective in ACPE, by a reduction of respiratory distress and the endotracheal intubation rate compared to conventional oxygen therapy, but the impact on mortality is less conclusive. Non-invasive ventilation is also indicated in patients with AHF associated to pulmonary disease and may be considered, after haemodynamic stabilization, in some patients with CS. There are no differences in the outcomes in the studies comparing both techniques, but CPAP is a simpler technique that may be preferred in low-equipped areas like the pre-hospital setting, while NIPSV may be preferable in patients with significant hypercapnia. The new modality 'high-flow nasal cannula' seems promising in cases of AHF with less severe RF. The correct selection of patients and interfaces, early application of the technique, the achievement of a good synchrony between patients and the ventilator avoiding excessive leakage, close monitoring, proactive management, and in some cases mild sedation, may warrant the success of the technique.

Pulmonary Congestion by Lung Ultrasound in Ambulatory Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction and Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Although pulmonary congestion can be quantified in heart failure (HF) by means of lung ultrasonography (LUS), little is known about LUS findings (B-lines) in different HF phenotypes. This prospective cohort study investigated the prevalence and clinical and echocardiographic correlates of B-lines in ambulatory HF patients with preserved (HFpEF) or reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction compared with hypertensive patients. We related LUS findings to 12-month HF hospitalizations and all-cause mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used LUS to examine hypertensive (n = 111), HFpEF (n = 46), and HFrEF (n = 73) patients (median age 66 y, 56% male, 79% white, and median EF 55%) undergoing clinically indicated outpatient echocardiography. B-line number was quantified offline, across 8 chest zones, blinded to clinical and echocardiographic characteristics. The proportion of patients with ≥3 B-lines was lower in hypertensive patients (13.5%) compared with both HFrEF (45.2%, P < .001) and HFpEF (34.8%; P = .05). HF patients with ≥3 B-lines had a higher risk of the composite outcome (age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio 2.62, 95% confidence interval 1.15-5.96; P = .022). CONCLUSIONS: When performed at the time of outpatient echocardiography, LUS findings of pulmonary congestion differ between patients with known HF and those with hypertension, and may be associated with adverse outcomes.

Right atrial structure and function in patients with hypertension and with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have shown that both heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are factors that impact left atrial function and structure. However, right atrial (RA) function measured as RA emptying fraction (RAEF) on echocardiography has not been analyzed systematically in a chronic HF population. The aim of this study was to assess RA volume index (RAVI) and RAEF in patients with chronic HF and patients with hypertension (HTN) and to relate these findings to other cardiopulmonary ultrasound parameters and 12-month outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prospective observational study, we identified 119 patients with chronic HF (64 patients without a history of AF [HF without AF], 55 with AF [HF with AF]), and 127 patients with HTN but without important cardiac disease who underwent routine outpatient transthoracic echocardiography. We found that RAEF was impaired in patients with HF without AF compared to patients with HTN (35% ±2 vs 50% ±1, P < .001), whereas RAVI did not differ between these two groups. Lower RAEF was associated with larger RAVI and higher estimated RA pressures but not with a higher degree of pulmonary congestion by lung ultrasound. Both lower RAEF and higher RAVI were associated with an increased risk of 12-month HF hospitalizations or all-cause death (age, sex, and AF adjusted HR: 4.07, 95% CI: 1.69-9.79; P = .002, vs 2.74, 95% CI: 1.15-6.54, P = .023). CONCLUSIONS: In an outpatient HF cohort, both lower RAEF and increased RAVI were associated with other markers of impaired cardiac function and 12-month adverse events.

Inadequacy of current pediatric epinephrine autoinjector needle length for use in infants and toddlers.

BACKGROUND: Epinephrine injection represents the standard of care for anaphylaxis treatment. It is most effective if delivered intramuscularly, whereas inadvertent intraosseous injection may be harmful. The needle length in current pediatric epinephrine autoinjectors (EAIs) is 12.7 mm; however, the ideal needle length for infants and toddlers weighing less than 15 kg is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the skin-to-bone distance (STBD) and skin-to-muscle distance (STMD) at baseline and after simulated EAI application in infants and toddlers (weighing 7.5-15 kg). METHODS: Study participants recruited from 2 North American allergy clinics underwent baseline and compression (10-lb pressure) ultrasonography of the anterolateral thigh with a modified ultrasound transducer mimicking the footprint and maximum pressure application of an EAI device. Ultrasound images, with clinical data masked, were analyzed offline for STBD and STMD in short-axis approach. RESULTS: Of 53 infants (mean age, 18.9 months; 54.7% male; 81.1% white; mean weight, 11.0 kg), 51 had adequate images for short-axis STBD measurements. In these infants, the mean (SD) baseline STBD was 22.4 (3.8 mm), and the mean (SD) STMD was 7.9 (1.7) mm. With 10-lb compression, the mean (SD) STBD was 13.3 (2.1) mm, and the mean (SD) STMD was 6.3 (1.2) mm. An EAI with a needle length of 12.7 mm applying 10-lb pressure could strike the bone in 43.1% of infants and toddlers in this cohort. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the optimal EAI needle length for infants and toddlers weighing 7.5 to 15 kg should be shorter than the needle length in currently available pediatric EAIs to avoid accidental intraosseous injections.

Detection and prognostic value of pulmonary congestion by lung ultrasound in ambulatory heart failure patients.

AIMS: Pulmonary congestion is a common and important finding in heart failure (HF). While clinical examination and chest radiography are insensitive, lung ultrasound (LUS) is a novel technique that may detect and quantify subclinical pulmonary congestion. We sought to independently relate LUS and clinical findings to 6-month HF hospitalizations and all-cause mortality (composite primary outcome). METHODS: We used LUS to examine 195 NYHA class II-IV HF patients (median age 66, 61% men, 74% white, ejection fraction 34%) during routine cardiology outpatient visits. Lung ultrasound was performed in eight chest zones with a pocket ultrasound device (median exam duration 2 min) and analysed offline. RESULTS: In 185 patients with adequate LUS images in all zones, the sum of B-lines (vertical lines on LUS) ranged from 0 to 13. B-lines, analysed by tertiles, were associated with clinical and laboratory markers of congestion. Thirty-two per cent of patients demonstrated ≥3 B-lines on LUS, yet 81% of these patients had no findings on auscultation. During the follow-up period, 50 patients (27%) were hospitalized for HF or died. Patients in the third tertile (≥3 B-lines) had a four-fold higher risk of the primary outcome (adjusted HR 4.08, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.95, 8.54; P < 0.001) compared with those in the first tertile and spent a significantly lower number of days alive and out of the hospital (125 days vs. 165 days; adjusted P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary congestion assessed by ultrasound is prevalent in ambulatory patients with chronic HF, is associated with other features of clinical congestion, and identifies those who have worse prognosis.

Evaluation of the Aortic Arch from the Suprasternal Notch View Using Focused Cardiac Ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: The suprasternal notch view (SSNV) is an additional echocardiographic view not routinely used by emergency physicians (EPs) performing focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS). OBJECTIVE: This pilot study determined the ease and self-perceived accuracy of the SSNV as performed by EPs. Additionally, we assessed the accuracy of FOCUS including the SSNV in thoracic aortic measurements compared to chest CT angiography (CTA). METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, pilot study of adult patients undergoing chest CTA. Thoracic aortic measurements were recorded at the sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, and ascending aorta at its widest diameter in the parasternal long axis (PSL) view and SSNV. EPs rated ease of acquisition and self-perceived accuracy of thoracic aorta measurements. Two blinded radiologists performed thoracic aortic CTA measurements at predefined locations corresponding to the ultrasound measurements. RESULTS: Of the 79 patients (median age 57 years) enrolled, the SSNV was obtained in 97% of cases. EPs rated the ease of obtaining the SSNV as "easy" in 64.5% of cases and "very difficult" in 7.6% of cases. The mean difference between ultrasound (FOCUS plus SSNV) and CTA measurements were 1.2 mm (95% limits of agreement -2.9 to 5.3) at the sinus of Valsalva, 1.0 mm (95% limits of agreement -5.5 to 3.6 mm) at the sinotubular junction, 0.8 mm (95% limits of agreement -6.2 to 4.6 mm) at the proximal ascending aorta, and 0.6 mm (95% limits of agreement -2.8 to 4.0) at the aortic arch. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the SSNV is an easily attainable and accurate view of the thoracic aorta that can be obtained by EPs in the majority of ED patients.

Impact of device selection and clip duration on lung ultrasound assessment in patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary edema is a common sign of heart failure and can be quantified by counting vertical artifacts (B-lines) on lung ultrasound (LUS). The primary aim of this study was to compare a pocket size ultrasound device to high-end ultrasound systems on the measured number of B-lines. We also compared the impact of different-length ultrasound clips on the measured number of B-lines. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 21 hospitalized patients with heart failure (81% men; median age, 73; 71% Caucasian) who underwent concurrent 8- and 4-zone LUS using both a pocket ultrasound device and a high-end ultrasound system. For the 4-zone scanning method, the median B line number was 2 (interquartile range, 1-4) for the pocket device and 3 (1-5) for the high-end system (P = .67). For the 8-zone method, the median B-line number was 4 (2-7) for the pocket device and 5 (3-7) for the high-end system (P = .18). A higher number of B-lines was identified on the 4- vs 2-second LUS clips (P < .001 for 4 zones, P = .001 for 8 zones), and on the 6- vs 4-second LUS clips (P=0.057 for 4 zones, P=0.018 for 8 zones). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest significant differences based on LUS clip duration rather than the type of ultrasound device used, with respect to the number of B-lines detectable in patients with heart failure. These factors should be considered in the design and reporting of LUS studies and in longitudinal assessments of heart failure patients.

Echocardiographic and lung ultrasound characteristics in ambulatory patients with dyspnea or prior heart failure.

PURPOSE: Lung ultrasound (LUS) represents a novel, noninvasive method in the assessment of extravascular lung water. We investigated the utility of LUS in ambulatory subjects with dyspnea or prior heart failure (HF). METHODS: We studied 81 ambulatory subjects with HF history or dyspnea who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with LUS of 8 zones. Subjects with heart transplantation or pulmonary conditions known to interfere with LUS were excluded. A reviewer blinded to the clinical data performed echocardiographic measurements and quantified B-lines (reverberation artifacts arising from the pleural line). RESULTS: Of 81 subjects, 74 (91%) (median age 66 years, 39% men, median left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 54%, 39% with prior HF) had adequate LUS images of all 8 zones and were included in the analysis. The number of B-lines ranged from 0-12 (median 2). Increased B-lines, analyzed by tertiles, were associated with larger left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic (P = 0.036) and end-systolic diameters (P = 0.026), septal wall thickness (P = 0.009), LV mass index (P = 0.001), left atrial (LA) volume index (P = 0.005), tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity (P = 0.005) and estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) (P = 0.003). In a secondary analysis associations between B-lines (not grouped by tertiles) and LV mass index, LA volume index, TR velocity and PASP remained stable after adjustment for age, gender, BMI and HF history. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographic B-lines from LUS are related to measures of LV and LA structure and right ventricular pressure in ambulatory patients with dyspnea or prior HF. The added clinical and prognostic utility of this imaging modality in ambulatory patients warrants further investigation.

Management of pneumothoraces detected on chest computed tomography: can anatomical location identify patients who can be managed expectantly?

BACKGROUND: Pneumothorax (PTX) can be readily detected by computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound. However, management of PTX in hemodynamically stable patients remains controversial. STUDY OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate whether a distinct anatomical distribution of PTX along prespecified chest zones as detected by CT can be described in patients with or without subsequent chest tube thoracotomy (CTT), thus potentially allowing the extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (EFAST) ultrasound examination to guide PTX management. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of chest CT scans performed in the emergency department (ED) of a Level I trauma center. CT scans were analyzed for PTX distribution according to a chest zone model. Medical records of subjects with PTX were reviewed for subsequent CTT. RESULTS: Of 3636 chest CT scans performed, 183 PTX (156 patients) were detected without CTT at the time of CT scan (69% male, mean age 42 years). Of these, 66 subjects (40%) underwent CTT; 43 chest tubes (63%) were placed in the ED, 9 (13%) during hospitalization and 9 (13%) in the operating room. Median time to CTT was 140 min (interquartile range 52-199). Initial hemodynamic parameters, need for surgery, and need for mechanical ventilation were similar in both groups (p > 0.05 for all). Anatomical distribution and size of PTX were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Although the majority of patients with traumatic PTX could be managed conservatively, we did not identify a characteristic anatomical PTX pattern, which could identify subjects who may not require CTT.

Predictors of heart failure readmission and all-cause mortality in patients with acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Predischarge risk stratification of patients with acute heart failure (AHF) could facilitate tailored treatment and follow-up, however, simple scores to predict short-term risk for HF readmission or death are lacking. METHODS: We sought to develop a congestion-focused risk score using data from a prospective, two-center observational study in adults hospitalized for AHF. Laboratory data were collected on admission. Patients underwent physical examination, 4-zone, and in a subset 8-zone, lung ultrasound (LUS), and echocardiography at baseline. A second LUS was performed before discharge in a subset of patients. The primary endpoint was the composite of HF hospitalization or all-cause death. RESULTS: Among 350 patients (median age 75 years, 43% women), 88 participants (25%) were hospitalized or died within 90 days after discharge. A stepwise Cox regression model selected four significant independent predictors of the composite outcome, and each was assigned points proportional to its regression coefficient: NT-proBNP ≥2000 pg/mL (admission) (3 points), systolic blood pressure < 120 mmHg (baseline) (2 points), left atrial volume index ≥60 mL/m2 (baseline) (1 point) and ≥ 9 B-lines on predischarge 4-zone LUS (3 points). This risk score provided adequate risk discrimination for the composite outcome (HR 1.48 per 1 point increase, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-1.67, p < 0.001, C-statistic: 0.70). In a subset of patients with 8-zone LUS data (n = 176), results were similar (C-statistic: 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: A four-variable risk score integrating clinical, laboratory and ultrasound data may provide a simple approach for risk discrimination for 90-day adverse outcomes in patients with AHF if validated in future investigations.

Health-related quality of life in acute heart failure: association between patient-reported symptoms and markers of congestion.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the association between patient-reported symptoms and the extent of pulmonary congestion in acute heart failure (AHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prospective, observational study, patient-reported symptoms were assessed at baseline using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire total symptom score (KCCQ-TSS) (range 0-100; 0 worst) in patients hospitalized for AHF. In a subset, patient-reported dyspnoea at rest and on exertion was examined (range 0-10; 10 worst) at baseline. In addition, 4-zone lung ultrasound (LUS) was performed at baseline at the time of echocardiography. B-lines were quantified offline, blinded to clinical findings, by a core laboratory. Chest X-ray (CXR) and physical examination findings were collected from the medical records. Among 322 patients (mean age 72, 60% men, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 39%) with AHF, the median KCCQ-TSS score was 33 (interquartile range 18-48). Worse KCCQ-TSS was associated with worse New York Heart Association class, dyspnoea at rest and on exertion, and peripheral oedema (p trend <0.001 for all). However, KCCQ-TSS was not associated with the extent of pulmonary congestion, as assessed by the number of B-lines on LUS, or findings on CXR, or physical examination (p trend >0.25 for all). Similarly, KCCQ-TSS was not significantly associated with echocardiographic markers of left ventricular filling pressure, pulmonary pressure or with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients hospitalized for AHF, at baseline, KCCQ-TSS was not associated with pulmonary congestion assessed by LUS, CXR, or physical examination. These findings suggest that the profound reduction in KCCQ-TSS in patients with AHF may not be solely explained by pulmonary congestion.

Trajectory and correlates of pulmonary congestion by lung ultrasound in patients with acute myocardial infarction: insights from PARADISE-MI.

AIM: PARADISE-MI examined the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), pulmonary congestion, or both. We sought to assess the trajectory of pulmonary congestion using lung ultrasound (LUS) and its association with cardiac structure and function in a pre-specified substudy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients without prior heart failure (HF) underwent eight-zone LUS and echocardiography at baseline (±2 days of randomization) and after 8 months. B-lines were quantified offline, blinded to treatment, clinical findings, time point, and outcomes. Among 152 patients (median age 65, 32% women, mean LVEF 41%), B-lines were detectable in 87% at baseline [median B-line count: 4 (interquartile range 2-8)]. Among 115 patients with LUS data at baseline and follow-up, B-lines decreased significantly from baseline (mean ± standard deviation: -1.6 ± 7.3; P = 0.018). The proportion of patients without pulmonary congestion at follow-up was significantly higher in those with fewer B-lines at baseline. Adjusted for baseline, B-lines at follow-up were on average 6 (95% confidence interval: 3-9) higher in patients who experienced an intercurrent HF event vs. those who did not (P = 0.001). A greater number of B-lines at baseline was associated with larger left atrial size, higher E/e' and E/A ratios, greater degree of mitral regurgitation, worse right ventricular systolic function, and higher tricuspid regurgitation velocity (P-trend <0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: In this AMI cohort, B-lines, indicating pulmonary congestion, were common at baseline and, on average, decreased significantly from baseline to follow-up. Worse pulmonary congestion was associated with prognostically important echocardiographic markers.

Anatomical distribution of traumatic pneumothoraces on chest computed tomography: implications for ultrasound screening in the ED.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the anatomical distribution of traumatic pneumothoraces (PTXs) on chest computed tomography (CT) to develop an optimized protocol for PTX screening with ultrasound in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all chest CTs performed in one ED between January 2005 and December 2008 according to presence, location, and size of PTX. Pneumothoraces were then measured and categorized into 14 anatomical regions for each hemithorax. RESULTS: A total of 277 (3.8%) PTXs were identified, with 26 bilateral PTX, on 3636 chest CTs performed during the study period. Etiology was blunt (85%) or penetrating trauma (15%). Eighty-three (45%) PTXs were radiographically occult on initial chest x-ray. One hundred eighty-three (66%) PTX had no chest tube at the time of CT. For both hemithoraces, the distribution demonstrated increasing PTX frequency and size from lateral to medial and from superior to inferior. Region 12 (parasternal, intercostal spaces [ICS] 7-8) was involved in 68% of PTX on either side; region 9 (parasternal, ICS 5-6), in 67% on the left and in 52% on the right; and region 11 (lateral to midclavicular line, ICS 7-8), in 46% on the left and in 53% on the right. The largest anterior-to-posterior PTX dimension was seen in region 12. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that 80.4% of right- and 83.7% of left-sided traumatic PTXs would be identified by scanning regions 9, 11, and 12. These findings suggest that a standardized protocol for PTX screening with ultrasound should include these regions.

Regional right ventricular strain pattern in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

AIMS: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a frequent consequence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and a marker of increased risk. However, current qualitative methods assessing RV function are imprecise. We sought to determine whether RV strain analysis would have clinical utility in patients with PE compared with normal controls. METHODS AND RESULTS: We compared 75 acute PE subjects (mean age 54 ± 16) with 30 normal controls (mean age 50 ± 15). Regional RV longitudinal strain was assessed using offline speckle tracking software to obtain strain and strain rate data from the basal, mid, and apical free wall and septum. Global RV free wall and septal strain was significantly reduced in PE subjects (-14.17 (±5.96) vs -24.92 (±4.16), P < 0.0001; -14.99 (±5.55) vs -18.54 (±7.34), P = 0.0082). Regional RV strain was markedly reduced in PE subjects in all regions of the free wall and in the mid and basal septum (P < 0.05). Strain rates of PE subjects were significantly reduced in all segments of the RV free wall (P < 0.05). In 36 PE subjects with regional RV dysfunction ("McConnell sign"), strain in the apical free wall was significantly reduced in comparison to those without (-10.08 vs -13.51; P = 0.0420), in parallel with higher RV:LV ratios (1.30, ±1.01 vs 0.78, ±0.16; P = 0.0035) and lower RV fractional area change (32.06, ±14.42 vs 42.52, ±11.61; P = 0.0021). CONCLUSIONS: Regional RV longitudinal strain is altered in the free wall and mid and basal septum in subjects with acute PE. Strain rates are only reduced in the RV free wall.

Left atrial inflow propagation velocity derived by color M-mode Doppler in acute heart failure.

Left atrial (LA) inflow propagation velocity from the pulmonary vein (LAIF-PV) has been proposed as a novel measure of LA reservoir function and is associated with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in critically ill patients. However, data on LAIF-PV in acute heart failure (AHF) are lacking. We sought to examine the feasibility of measuring LAIF-PV and evaluate clinical and echocardiographic correlates of LAIF-PV in AHF. In a prospective cohort study of adults hospitalized for AHF, we used color M-mode Doppler of the pulmonary veins to obtain LAIF-PV in systole. Among 142 patients with appropriate images and no more than moderate mitral regurgitation, LAIF-PV measures were feasible in 76 patients (54%) aged 71 ± 14 years, including 68% men with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 38% ± 13. Mean LAIF-PV was 24.2 ± 5.9 cm/s. In multivariable regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index, New York Heart Association class, LA volume and LVEF, the only independent echocardiographic predictors of LAIF-PV were right ventricular (RV) S' [ß 0.46 cm/s per cm/s (95% CI 0.01-0.91), p = 0.045] and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) [ß 0.28 cm/s per mm (95% CI 0.02-0.54), p = 0.039]. Notably, LAIF-PV was not significantly correlated with measures of LV function, LA function or E/e'. In conclusion, LAIF-PV was measurable in 54% of patients with AHF, and lower values were associated with measures of impaired RV systolic function but not LV or LA function.

Global and regional wall motion abnormalities and incident heart failure in the general population.

BACKGROUND: Wall Motion Score Index (WMSI) is a simple method to quantify global and regional systolic function on echocardiography. We sought to investigate the prognostic importance of global and regional WMSI for the development of incident heart failure (HF) in the general population. METHODS: We included adults without HF or ischemic heart disease from the 4th Copenhagen City Heart Study (2001-2003). At baseline, participants underwent an echocardiography and physical examination and completed a self-administered health questionnaire. WMSI was assessed by conventional echocardiography using a 16-segment model obtaining WMSI assessments for the anterior, lateral, inferior, septal, and posterior left ventricular (LV) walls and calculating a global WMSI. The primary endpoint was incident HF. RESULTS: Among 3415 participants (mean age 58 years, 42% male, 45% with hypertension), 83 (2.4%) had hypo-, a-, or dyskinesia of at least one LV wall segment at baseline. During a median follow-up of 15.4 years, 297 (8.7%) participants developed HF. After adjusting for important clinical variables, LV ejection fraction and E/A, hypo-, a- or dyskinesia of at least one segment in any of the LV regional walls was associated with a higher risk of incident HF (HR 3.63, 95% CI 2.15-6.12, p < 0.001). Similarly, global WMSI was independently associated with a higher risk of HF (HR 1.38 per 0.1 increase, 95%CI 1.22-1.56, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Wall motion abnormalities in any regional LV wall and global WMSI were associated with incident HF in this general population cohort independent of various baseline clinical data, LV ejection fraction and E/A.