Evaluations of coronary microvascular dysfunction in a patient with thrombotic microangiopathy and cardiac troponin elevation: a case report.

Background: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) syndromes include thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and haemolytic uremic syndrome, and contribute to myocardial infarction and multiple organ failure. Although coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is the key for understanding the pathophysiology of cardiac involvement in TMA, there is limited knowledge on the recovery from CMD in patients with TMA. Case summary: An 80-year-old woman was brought to the emergency department due to worsening back pain, dyspnoea on exertion, jaundice, and fever. Although she had typical TTP symptoms and elevated cardiac troponin level, ADAMTS13 activity was preserved (34%), leading to the diagnosis of TMA with myocardial infarction. She underwent plasma exchange and was administered aspirin and prednisolone. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed iliopsoas abscess, which is a possible aetiologic factor of sepsis-related TTP. She had impaired coronary flow reserve (CFR) with angiographically non-obstructive epicardial coronary arteries. Improved CFR was observed on follow-up, suggesting existence of transient CMD caused by TMA. After treatment of the iliopsoas abscess with antibiotics for 3 months, she was discharged without any adverse complications. Discussion: Coronary microvascular dysfunction is an underlying mechanism of myocardial infarction, with or without epicardial obstructive coronary artery stenosis. TMA is characterized by pathological lesions caused by endothelial cell damage in small terminal arteries and capillaries, with complete or partial occlusion caused by platelet and hyaline thrombi. CMD and its recovery are keys for understanding the natural history of cardiac involvement in TMA. In vivo evaluations of CMD can provide mechanistic insights into the cardiac involvement in TMA.

Extent of coronary atherosclerosis is associated with deterioration of left ventricular global longitudinal strain in patients with preserved ejection fraction undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) accumulation, and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and without LV regional wall motion abnormalities. Methods: This study included 169 preserved LVEF patients without LV wall motion abnormalities who underwent coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography for the assessment of suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). The segment stenosis score (SSS) and segment involvement score (SIS) were calculated to evaluate CAD extent. The EAT volume was defined as CT attenuation values ranging from -250 to -30 HU within the pericardial sac. LVGLS was measured using echocardiography to assess subclinical LV dysfunction. Results: All patients had preserved LVEF of ≥50%, and the mean LVGLS was -18.7% (-20.5% to -16.9%). Mean SSS and SIS were 2.0 (0-5) and 4.0 (0-36), respectively, while mean EAT volume was 116.1 mL (22.9-282.5 mL). Multivariate analysis using linear regression model demonstrated that LVEF (ß, -17.0; 95% CI, -20.9 - -13.1), LV mass index (ß, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01-0.06), and EAT volume (ß, 0.010; 95% CI, 0.0020-0.0195) were independently associated with LVGLS; however, obstructive CAD was not. The multivariate models demonstrated that SSS (Î, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.05-0.18) and SIS (Î, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.10-0.44) were correlated with deterioration of LVGLS, independent of other parameters. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that EAT volume and CAD extent are associated with the deterioration of LVGLS in this population.

Aortic arch plaque morphology in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography with wide-volume scan.

BACKGROUND: Wide-volume scanning with 320-row multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA-WVS) enables the assessment of the aortic arch plaque (AAP) morphology and coronary arteries without requiring additional contrast volume. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of AAPs and their association with coronary artery disease (CAD) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients who underwent CTCA-WVS. METHODS: This study included 204 patients without known CAD (mean age, 65 years; 53% men) who underwent CTCA-WVS. We evaluated the presence of aortic plaques in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and thoracic descending aorta using CTCA-WVS. Large aortic plaques were defined as plaques of at least 4 mm in thickness. A complex aortic plaque was defined as a plaque with ulceration or protrusion. MACEs were defined as composite events of cardiovascular (CV) death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke. RESULTS: AAPs and large/complex AAPs were identified in 51% ( n = 105) and 18% ( n = 36) of the study patients, respectively. The prevalence of AAPs with large/complex morphology increased with CAD severity (2.1% in no CAD, 12% in nonobstructive CAD, and 39% in obstructive CAD). The univariate Cox hazard model demonstrated that the predictors associated with MACEs were diabetes, obstructive CAD, and large/complex AAPs. Independent factors associated with large/complex AAPs were male sex [odds ratio (OR), 2.90; P = 0.025], stroke history (OR, 3.48; P = 0.026), obstructive CAD (OR, 3.35; P = 0.011), and thoracic aortic calcification (OR, 1.77; P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: CTCA-WVS provides a comprehensive assessment of coronary atherosclerosis and thoracic aortic plaques in patients with CAD, which may improve the stratification of patients at risk for CV events.

Implications of multiple late gadolinium enhancement lesions on the frequency of left ventricular reverse remodeling and prognosis in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) is a heterogeneous disease, and its prognosis varies. Although late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)-cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) demonstrates a linear pattern in the mid-wall of the septum or multiple LGE lesions in patients with NICM, the therapeutic response and prognosis of multiple LGE lesions have not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling (LVRR) and prognosis in patients with NICM who have multiple LGE lesions. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 101 consecutive patients with NICM who were divided into 3 groups according to LGE-CMR results: patients without LGE (no LGE group = 48 patients), patients with a typical mid-wall LGE pattern (n = 29 patients), and patients with multiple LGE lesions (n = 24 patients). LVRR was defined as an increase in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 10 % and a final value of LVEF > 35 %, which was accompanied by a decrease in LV end-systolic volume ≥ 15 % at 12-month follow-up using echocardiography. The frequency of composite cardiac events, defined as sudden cardiac death (SCD), aborted SCD (non-fatal ventricular fibrillation, sustained ventricular tachycardia, or adequate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapies), and heart failure death or hospitalization for worsening heart failure, were summarized and compared between the groups. RESULTS: Among the 3 groups, the frequency of LVRR was significantly lower in the multiple lesions group than in the no LGE and mid-wall groups (no LGE vs. mid-wall vs. multiple lesions: 49 % vs. 52 % vs. 19 %, p = 0.03). There were 24 composite cardiac events among the patients: 2 in patients without LGE (hospitalization for worsening heart failure; 2), 7 in patients of the mid-wall group (SCD; 1, aborted SCD; 1 and hospitalization for worsening heart failure; 5), and 15 in patients of the multiple lesions group (SCD; 1, aborted SCD; 8 and hospitalization for worsening heart failure; 6). The multiple LGE lesions was an independent predictor of composite cardiac events (hazard ratio: 11.40 [95 % confidence intervals: 1.49-92.01], p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with multiple LGE lesions have a higher risk of cardiac events and poorer LVRR. The LGE pattern may be useful for an improved risk stratification in patients with NICM.

Changes in cardiac sympathetic nerve activity on 123 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy after MitraClip therapy.

AIMS: In patients with heart failure, over-activation of the cardiac sympathetic nerve (CSN) function is associated with severity of heart failure and worse outcome. The effects of MitraClip therapy on the CSN activity in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) remained unknown. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the MitraClip therapy on CSN activity assessed by 123 I-metaiodobezylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe (3+) or severe (4+) MR who were scheduled to undergo MitraClip procedure in this prospective observational study. MIBG scintigraphy was performed at baseline and 6 months after the MitraClip procedure to evaluate the heart-mediastinum ratio and washout rate (WR). Changes in these MIBG parameters were analysed. Of the 13 consecutive patients, 10 were successfully treated with MitraClip procedure and completed follow-up assessment. With regard to the MIBG parameters, changes in the early and delayed heart-mediastinum ratio from baseline to 6 months were not significant (2.16 ± 0.42 to 2.06 ± 0.34, P = 0.38 and 1.87 ± 0.39 to 1.83 ± 0.39, P = 0.43, respectively), whereas WR was significantly decreased (38.6 ± 3.9% to 32.6 ± 3.94%, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The CSN activity of the WR on MIBG imaging was improved 6 months after MitraClip therapy in patients with 3+ or 4+ MR.

Assessment of myocardial damage after acute myocardial infarction by diastolic deceleration time of coronary flow velocity using echocardiography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data available regarding the use of diastolic deceleration time (DDT) of three major arteries measured by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for assessing coronary microvascular damage after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Therefore, we aimed to compare the DDT of three major arteries using TTE with the transmural extent of infarction (TEI) and infarct size, which were classified using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI), in patients with AMI. METHODS: The DDT of the culprit coronary artery was measured in 74 patients using TTE and CE-MRI 1 week after the onset of AMI. The TEI was graded based on the transmural extent of the hyper-enhanced tissue (grades 1-4). RESULTS: The assessable rate for the DDT was 95%; individual rates were 100% for the left anterior descending coronary artery, 90% for the left circumflex artery, and 93% for the right coronary artery. The DDT decreased gradually as the TEI grade progressed (P = .021). Infarct size was significantly correlated with the DDT (r = -0.51, P < .0001). Univariate analysis revealed that the left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume, LV ejection fraction, and DDT were significantly associated with TEI grade 4. After adjustment via multiple logistic regression analysis, the DDT was independently remained. With a cutoff value of 950ms, as determined by the ROC curve, DDT could detect TEI grade 4 with 81.1% sensitivity and 80.1% specificity. CONCLUSION: The DDT of three major coronary arteries measured by TTE 1 week after the onset of AMI can assess the extent of myocardial damage, which is determined by CE-MRI.

Effect of Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling on Long-term Outcomes After Aortic Valve Replacement.

There have been few studies with a large number of patients on the effect of left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling and long-term outcomes after aortic valve replacement (AVR). This study aimed to investigate long-term outcomes and the prognostic impact of follow-up echocardiographic parameters after AVR. We evaluated 456 consecutive patients from a retrospective multicenter registry in Japan (J-PROVE-Retro) who underwent AVR for aortic valve diseases (predominantly aortic stenosis [AS]; 326 patients and aortic regurgitation [AR]; 130 patients). Preoperative and follow-up echocardiography at 1 year after AVR was evaluated. The primary outcome measure was a composite of cardiac death or hospitalization due to heart failure. The median follow-up period was 9.2 years in AS group and 9.7 years in AR group. The freedom rate from the primary outcome was 92% at 5 years and 79% at 10 years in AS, and 97% at 5 years, and 93% at 10 years in AR. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters, and the LV mass index decreased and LV ejection fraction increased after AVR in both AS and AR, and LV mass index was normalized in more than half of the patients. In the Cox proportional hazard model, echocardiographic parameters at 1 year after AVR were more strongly related to long-term outcomes than preoperative echocardiographic parameters. In conclusion, echocardiographic parameters at 1 year after AVR are more important as predictors of long-term outcomes than preoperative parameters in both AS and AR. More attention should be paid on early postoperative remodeling for long-term follow-up of patients after AVR.

Effect of Erythropoietin Administration on Myocardial Viability and Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Anterior Acute Myocardial Infarction: Randomized Controlled Trial in the Japanese Population.

INTRODUCTION: Cardioprotective effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on infarcted myocardium in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients have been inconclusive. This study aimed to assess the effect of EPO administration on coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and myocardial viability in anterior AMI. We also evaluated the serial changes in CMD and cardiac remodeling in these patients. METHODS: Patients with a successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the first anterior AMI were randomly assigned to two groups (EPO and control groups), and given single-dose intravenous administration of recombinant human EPO (12,000 IU) or saline after PCI. Delayed-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 1 week after AMI to assess the average of transmural extent of infarction and infarct size. Coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) of the left anterior descending coronary artery was measured by Doppler echocardiography at 1 week, 1 month, and 8 months after AMI. All patients underwent clinical follow-up for the assessment of cardiac remodeling. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients (EPO 32, control 29) were eligible for analysis. EPO group (2.4 ± 1.2) had a tendency of smaller transmural extent of infarction than that of control group (2.9 ± 1.1; p = 0.063). CFVR-8 months improved significantly in EPO group (2.9 ± 0.6) compared to control group (2.6 ± 0.5; p = 0.04). Left atrial (LA) volume - 8 months was significantly lower in EPO group (47 ± 11) than those of control group (65 ± 20; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: A single medium dose of EPO could have a favorable effect on CMD and LA remodeling in the chronic phase of anterior AMI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The institutional ethics committee of Wakayama Medical University, identifier, 1125.

Noninvasive assessment of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure by deceleration time of early diastolic mitral annular velocity in patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the diagnostic ability of the deceleration time of early mitral annular velocity (e'DT) as determined by tissue Doppler velocity image, a method for assessing LV filling pressure. BACKGROUNDS: Estimation of LV filling pressure by Doppler echocardiography requires a combination of various parameters. Therefore, there remains a need for a simple index in LV filling pressure estimation. The e' is known to be reduced and delayed with increased LV filling pressure during development of heart failure. Thus, we hypothesized that e'DT would be shortened as LV filling pressure is increased. METHODS: Simultaneous LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) measurement and Doppler echocardiography were performed in 94 patients who were admitted to our hospital for heart failure. Exclusion criteria were atrial fibrillation, mitral valve surgery, and acute coronary syndrome. RESULTS: The e'DT in 31 patients with LVEDP >16 mm Hg (68±13 ms) was significantly shorter than that in 63 patients with LVEDP ≤16 mm Hg (103±27 ms). Both e'DT and early transmitral flow velocity (E)/e' were significantly correlated with LVEDP. In 30 patients with 10-14 E/e', significance of correlation in e'DT was remained, while E/e' was not. The area under the ROC curve for prediction of LVEDP >16 mm Hg for e'DT was greater than that for E/e' (0.91 vs 0.74, P=.046). CONCLUSION: The e'DT is useful to assess LV filling pressure, especially in 10-14 E/e'. This simple tissue Doppler index may be a potential parameter for easily distinguishing between mild and severe heart failures.

Optimal threshold of postintervention minimum stent area to predict in-stent restenosis in small coronary arteries: An optical coherence tomography analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the best threshold of postintervention minimum stent area (MSA) assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) to predict long-term in-stent restenosis (ISR) for 2.5 mm-diameter everolimus-eluting stents (EES). BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for small coronary arteries remains challenging. Stent underexpansion is a strong predictor of late ISR. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 69 lesions in 69 patients undergoing PCI with 2.5 mm-diameter stents using OCT for the assessment of postintervention MSA and subsequent 9-month angiographic follow-up. RESULTS: The rates of angiographic ISR and target lesion revascularization were 7.2% and 1.4%. The postintervention OCT-MSA of EES < 3.5 mm(2) for predicting ISR yielded a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 71%, positive predictive value of 18%, and negative predictive value of 98%. There was a marginally significant trend between increasing MSA quartiles and decreasing ISR rate (P for trend = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Postintervention OCT-MSA of 3.5 mm(2) best predicted 9-month ISR following PCI with 2.5-mm-diameter EES. Further large, prospective, observational studies are warranted that validate this result. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Vasa Vasorum Restructuring in Human Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability: A Clinical Optical Coherence Tomography Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that vasa vasorum (VV) is associated with plaque progression and vulnerability. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between coronary neovascularization structures and plaque characteristics. METHODS: We included 53 patients who underwent optical coherence tomography to observe the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. Patients were classified into 5 groups according to lesion characteristics: normal; fibrous plaque (FP); fibroatheroma (FA); plaque rupture (PR); and fibrocalcific plaque (FC). We defined signal-poor tubuloluminal structures recognized in cross-sectional and longitudinal profiles located in adventitial layer as VV, and within plaque as intraplaque neovessels. Two types of longitudinal microvascular structure (external running and internal running) and a particular type of intraplaque neovessels (a coral tree pattern) were noted. All VV and intraplaque neovessels were manually segmented followed by quantification with Simpson method. RESULTS: Among the groups, there was significant difference (expressed as median [interquartile range (IQR)]) in VV volume (normal: 0.329 [IQR: 0.209 to 0.361] mm(3), FP: 0.433 [IQR: 0.297 to 0.706] mm(3), FA: 0.288 [IQR: 0.113 to 0.364] mm(3), PR: 0.160 [IQR: 0.141 to 0.193] mm(3), and FC: 0.106 [IQR: 0.053 to 0.165] mm(3); p = 0.003) and intraplaque neovessels volume (normal: 0.00 [IQR: 0.00 to 0.00] mm(3), FP: 0.00 [IQR: 0.00 to 0.00] mm(3), FA: 0.028 [IQR: 0.019 to 0.041] mm(3), PR: 0.035 [IQR: 0.026 to 0.042] mm(3), and FC: 0.010 [IQR: 0.005 to 0.014] mm(3); p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in the prevalence of the internal running (normal: 0.0%, FP: 28.6%, FA: 40.0%, PR: 70.0%, and FC: 40.0%; p = 0.032) and the coral tree pattern (normal: 0.0%, FP: 7.1%, FA: 40.0%, PR: 80.0%, and FC: 10.0%; p < 0.01). The VV volume correlated with fibrous plaque volume (r = 0.71; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: VV increase with fibrous plaque volume and intraplaque neovessels with particular structures are associated with plaque vulnerability. Imaging for microvasculature could become a new window for plaque vulnerability.

Comparison of cardiac MRI and 18F-FDG positron emission tomography manifestations and regional response to corticosteroid therapy in newly diagnosed cardiac sarcoidosis with complet heart block.

BACKGROUND: Complete heart block (CHB) caused by myocardial inflammation is a serious consequence of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) that requires early diagnosis for effective anti-inflammatory treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG PET) manifestations of newly diagnosed CS with CHB and to assess whether certain imaging features could predict responders to corticosteroid therapy. METHODS: Fifteen newly diagnosed CS patients with CHB and 17 without CHB were examined. We defined abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake on (18)F-FDG PET and increased T2-weighted signal on cardiac MRI as signs of myocardial inflammation and delayed enhancement (DE) on cardiac MRI as a sign of myocardial fibrosis. Ten CHB+ patients were then treated with corticosteroids. RESULTS: The CHB+ group showed higher (18)F-FDG uptake and increased T2-weighted signal in the interventricular septum, which involves the electrical pathway of atrioventricular conduction, than the CHB- group (P = .001 and P < .0001, respectively), whereas there was no group difference in DE (P = .232). Six corticosteroid-treated patients recovered from CHB; all had exhibited increased T2-weighted signal, (18)F-FDG uptake, and DE in the interventricular septum before therapy. In contrast, among the 4 patients without recovery, 2 showed no abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake and 3 had no increased T2-weighted signal in the interventricular septum, but all showed DE. The 2 patients without recovery with abnormal (18)F-FDG uptake showed wall thinning in the interventricular septum. CONCLUSION: Focal inflammation in the interventricular septum was associated with CHB and might predict recovery from CHB after corticosteroids if it coexists with preserved wall thickness.

Comparison of effects of sitagliptin and voglibose on left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes: results of the 3D trial.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is frequently observed in patients with type 2 diabetes. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) attenuates postprandial hyperglycemia (PPH) and may have cardio-protective effects. It remains unclear whether DPP-4i improves LV diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes, and, if so, it is attributable to the attenuation of PPH or to a direct cardiac effect of DPP-4i. We compared the effects of the DPP-4i, sitagliptin, and the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, voglibose, on LV diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter study of 100 diabetic patients with LV diastolic dysfunction. Patients received sitagliptin (50 mg/day) or voglibose (0.6 mg/day). The primary endpoints were changes in the e' velocity and E/e' ratio from baseline to 24 weeks later. The secondary efficacy measures included HbA1c, GLP-1, lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers and inflammatory markers. RESULTS: The study was completed with 40 patients in the sitagliptin group and 40 patients in the voglibose group. There were no significant changes in the e' velocity and E/e' ratio from baseline to 24 weeks later in both groups. However, analysis of covariance demonstrated that pioglitazone use is an independent factor associated with changes in the e' and E/e' ratio. Among patients not using pioglitazone, e' increased and the E/e' ratio decreased in both the sitagliptin and voglibose groups. GLP-1 level increased from baseline to 24 weeks later only in the sitagliptin group (4.8 ± 4.7 vs. 7.3 ± 5.5 pmol/L, p < 0.05). The reductions in HbA1c and body weight were significantly greater in the sitagliptin group than in the voglibose group (-0.7 ± 0.6 % vs. -0.3 ± 0.4, p < 0.005; -1.3 ± 3.2 kg vs. 0.4 ± 2.8 kg, p < 0.05, respectively). There were no changes in lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our trial showed that sitagliptin reduces HbA1c levels more greatly than voglibose does, but that neither was associated with improvement in the echocardiographic parameters of LV diastolic function in patients with diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at http://www.umin.ac.jp under UMIN000003784.

Myocardial Damage Detected by Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Extracardiac Sarcoidosis: Comparison with Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography can identify the myocardial damage detected by delayed enhancement (DE) magnetic resonance imaging via the differences in myocardial deformation in patients with extracardiac sarcoidosis who showed no structural and functional abnormalities in the heart. METHODS: Forty-five patients with biopsy-proven extracardiac sarcoidosis were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with abnormal electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings, including ventricular arrhythmias, heart block, regional wall motion abnormalities, valvular heart disease, and cardiomyopathy, were excluded. Ten age-matched healthy control subjects were recruited as a control group. Comprehensive echocardiography and DE magnetic resonance imaging were performed, and circumferential, longitudinal, and radial strain were consecutively assessed using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic software in a 16-segment model of the left ventricle in accordance to the presence (DE+) or absence (DE-) of DE. RESULTS: Among the 45 patients, 36 segments in 13 patients showed DE. DE+ segments had lower peak circumferential strain than DE- and control segments (-14 ± 5% vs -28 ± 7% vs -30 ± 7%, P < .0001). Peak longitudinal strain in DE+ segments was significantly decreased compared with control segments (-19 ± 4% vs -23 ± 5%, P = .005). However, peak radial strain was similar among the three groups: 41 ± 17% in DE+ segments, 45 ± 23% in DE- segments, and 46 ± 18% in control segments (P = .50). CONCLUSIONS: Circumferential and longitudinal strain via two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography can identify the myocardial damage detected by DE magnetic resonance imaging in patients with extracardiac sarcoidosis.

Circulating CD14++CD16+ Monocyte Subsets as a Surrogate Marker of the Therapeutic Effect of Corticosteroid Therapy in Patients With Cardiac Sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate whether specific monocyte subsets could serve as surrogate markers of disease activity in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) evaluated by 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET). METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 28 patients with CS (8 men; mean age: 61±9 years) diagnosed according to consensus criteria. We divided the patients into 2 groups: known CS receiving corticosteroid therapy (Rx(+); n=13) and new-onset CS (Rx(-); n=15), and analyzed 3 distinct monocyte subsets (CD14+CD16-, CD14++CD16+, and CD14+ -CD16+). Monocyte subsets were also analyzed in 10 Rx(-) patients before and 12 weeks after starting corticosteroid therapy. Inflammatory activity was quantified by 18F-FDG PET using the coefficient of variation (COV) of the standardized uptake value (SUV). The proportion of CD14++CD16+ monocytes in Rx(+) patients (10.8 [0.2-23.5] %) was significantly lower than in Rx(-) patients (23.0 [11.5-38.4] %, P=0.001). After corticosteroid therapy, the COV of the SUV was significantly improved from 0.32 [0.14-0.62] to 0.17 [0.04-0.43] (P=0.017). The proportion of CD14++16+ monocytes showed a significant decrease from 22.2 [8.8-38.4] % to 8.4 [1.8-16.8] % (P=0.001). The decrease in the proportion of CD14++16+ monocytes significantly correlated with the decrease in the COV of the SUV (r=0.495, P=0.027). CONCLUSIONS: CD14++16+ monocytes are a possible surrogate marker of the therapeutic effect of corticosteroid therapy in CS.