Three-dimensional analysis of the tricuspid annular geometry in healthy subjects and in patients with different grades of functional tricuspid regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Accurate sizing of the tricuspid valve annulus is essential for determining the optimal timing of tricuspid valve (TV) intervention. Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography has limitations for comprehensive TV analysis. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging of the valve provides a better understanding of its spatial anatomy and enables more accurate measurements of TV structures. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to analyze tricuspid annulus (TA) parameters in normal heart and in different grades of functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR); to compare TA measurements obtained by 2D and 3D echocardiography. METHODS: One hundred fifty-five patients (median age 65 years, 57% women) with normal TV and different functional TR grades underwent 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiography. The severity of TR was estimated using multiparametric assessment according to the guidelines. Mid-systolic 3D TA parameters were calculated using TV dedicated software. The conventional 2D systolic TA measurements in a standard four-chamber view were performed. RESULTS: In mid-systole, the normal TA area was 9.2 ± 2.0 cm2 for men and 7.4 ± 1.6 cm2 for women. When indexed to body surface area (BSA), there were no significant differences in the 3D parameters between genders. The 2D TA diameters were smaller than those measured in 3D. The ROC curve analysis identified that all 3D TA parameters can accurately differentiate between different functional TR grades. Additionally, the optimal cut-off values were identified for each TA parameter. CONCLUSIONS: Gender, body size, and age have an impact on the TA parameters in healthy subjects. 2D measurements are smaller than 3D parameters. The reference values for 3D metrics according to TR severity can help in identifying TA dilation and distinguishing between different functional TR grades.

Is the coronary artery calcium score the first-line tool for investigating patients with severe hypercholesterolemia?

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is known as a reliable tool for estimating risk of myocardial infarction, coronary death, all-cause mortality and is even used to evaluate suitable asymptomatic patients. We therefore aimed to evaluate whether CAC scoring can be applied in the algorithm for clinical examination of patients with severe hypercholesterolemia (SH). METHODS: During the period of 2016-2017 a total of 213 asymptomatic adults, underwent computed tomography angiography to evaluate their CAC scoring. The sample consisted of 110 patients with SH and 103 age and sex matched controls without dyslipidemia and established cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: In total there were 79 (37.2%) subjects with elevated (≥25th) CAC percentiles. Out of them 47 (59.5%) had SH and 32 (40.5%) did not. CAC score did not differ between groups (SH (+) 140.30 ± 185.72 vs SH (-) 87.84 ± 140.65, p = 0.146), however there was a comparable difference in how the participants of these groups distributed among different percentile groups (p = 0.044). Gender, blood pressure, tabaco use, physical activity, family history of coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus were not associated with CAC score (p > 0.05). There were no significant correlations between biochemical parameters and CAC percentiles except for increase in lipoprotein(a) (p = 0.038). Achilles tendon pathology, visceral obesity, body mass index and increased waist-hip ratio were not associated with CAC percentiles either (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CAC score is not associated with presence of SH. CAC score is not an appropriate diagnostic tool in the algorithm for clinical examination of patients with SH. Further larger studies are needed to support our findings.

The Early Effects on Tricuspid Annulus and Right Chambers Dimensions in Successful Tricuspid Valve Bicuspidization.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear to what degree of tricuspid annulus (TA) reduction is necessary to achieve good postoperative results in surgical bicuspidization. The study aimed to evaluate TA and right heart chamber's dimensions before and after heart surgery; and to compare TA parameters assessed by different modalities. METHODS: Forty patients underwent mitral valve surgery with or without concomitant tricuspid valve (TV) bicuspidization. Preoperative and postoperative measurements of TA dimensions were performed prospectively using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Additionally, preoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) was performed in the operating room prior to surgery. RESULTS: All patients had no or mild TR immediately after surgery. There was a significant reduction in 2D and 3D parameters of the TV and right chambers in the TV bicuspidization group. However, TV leaflets' tethering parameters did not change significantly. Preoperative 3D TTE measurements were smaller than those obtained through 3D TOE in the operation room, before surgery under general anesthesia. The 2D systolic apical 4Ch diameter and the parasternal short axis diameter mainly represent the 3D minor axis of the TA and are smaller than its 3D major axis. CONCLUSIONS: Although bicuspidization results in a one-third reduction of the TV area, tethering of the TV leaflets remains unchanged. Moreover, 3D TOE parameters of the TV under general anesthesia are larger than preoperative 3D TTE measurements. Conventional 2D measurements are insufficient for evaluating the maximum diameter of the TA.

Achilles tendon ultrasonography - A useful screening tool for cardiovascular risk estimation in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Achilles tendon lesions have long been associated with genetic defects in lipid metabolism and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). With this study we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of Achilles tendon ultrasonography in identifying people at greater risk among subjects with severe hypercholesterolemia (SH) in a high-risk population. METHODS: During the period of 2016-2017 a total of 213 participants were enrolled in this case-control study. Data of 110 patients with SH and 103 age and sex matched controls without dyslipidaeplemia and established CVD was collected. RESULTS: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) was present in 42.7% of subjects with SH and in 29.1% of controls (p = 0.039). Stronger association between SH and AT was seen in women - 24.1% vs 2.0% (p = 0.001). SH increased odds of AT by 1.815 (95% CI, 1.028-3.206). Prevalence of AT was higher in males despite presence (SH+) or absence (SH-) of severe hypercholesterolemia (SH+ 60.7% vs 24.1%, SH- 55.8% vs 2.0%, p < 0.001). AT was associated with higher proportion of subjects exceeding normal mean values of TC (80.5% vs 52.9%, p = 0.001), LDL-C (76.6% vs 52.2%), TG (54.5% vs. 22.1%), ApoB (57.1% vs 22.2%), ApoE (44.0% vs 22.4%) levels and ApoB/ApoA ratio (46.1% vs 21.5%) (p = 0.001) and family history of premature coronary heart disease (CHD). CONCLUSIONS: AT is more prevalent among subjects with SH and is associated with higher levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ApoB, ApoE, ApoB/ApoA ratio, family history of premature CHD. SH increases the odds of developing AT.