Time course, predictors, and prognostic implications of significant mitral regurgitation after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is a known complication of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with important prognostic implications. We evaluated changes over time in ischemic MR after STEMI and the prevalence and predictors of significant (grade ≥2) MR at 12 months. Furthermore, the prognostic additional value of significant MR at 12-month follow-up over acute MR was assessed. METHODS: STEMI patients (n = 1,599; 77% male; 60 ± 12 years) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention underwent echocardiography <48 hours of admission (baseline) and at 12 months. Mortality data were collected during long-term follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline, significant MR was present in 103 (6%) patients. After 12 months, MR worsened ≥1 grade in 321 (20%) patients, remained stable in 963 (60%), and improved ≥1 grade in 315 (20%). Significant MR was present in 135 patients at 12 months (8%, P = .01 vs baseline). Age, left ventricular end-systolic volume, and significant MR at baseline were independently associated with significant MR at follow-up. During follow-up (median, 50 months), 121 (8%) patients died (40% of cardiovascular cause). Significant MR at follow-up was independently associated with all-cause (hazard ratio, 1.65, 95% CI, 1.02-2.99) and cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.24-4.92), also after adjusting for significant MR at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of significant MR after STEMI increases over time. Age, baseline left ventricular end-systolic volume, and baseline significant MR are independently associated with significant MR at follow-up. Significant MR at 12 months is associated with subsequent all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and shows additional prognostic value over acute MR.

Assessment of global left ventricular excursion using three-dimensional dobutamine stress echocardiography to identify significant coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative three-dimensional (3D) dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) for myocardial ischemia detection may be an adjuvant to left ventricular (LV) wall-motion analysis. The aim of the current study was to assess the association between global 3D LV excursion during DSE and the presence of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) on coronary angiography. METHODS: Three-dimensional DSE was performed in 40 patients (67±12 years, 68% male) who underwent subsequent coronary angiography (median 1.6 months later). Using 3D echocardiography, global LV excursion was measured (in a total of 680 segments) at rest and peak dose and the change between stages was calculated (peak-rest=∆global LV excursion). Significant CAD was defined as >70% stenosis on coronary angiography. RESULTS: In total, 25 patients (63%) demonstrated significant CAD on coronary angiography. At rest, global LV excursion was similar in patients with and without significant CAD (5.1±0.2 vs 5.0±0.2 mm, P=.74). However, patients with significant CAD demonstrated a worsening in global LV excursion from rest to peak stress (from 5.1±0.2 to 4.1±0.2 mm, P<.001), while global LV excursion in patients without significant CAD remained unchanged (from 5.0±0.2 to 5.5±0.2 mm, P=.10). After adjusting for clinically relevant characteristics, ∆global LV excursion was independently associated with significant CAD (odds ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.12-0.72, P=.008). CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of 3D echocardiographic LV excursion at global level on full-protocol DSE may be a helpful tool to detect CAD on coronary angiography.

Influence of coronary vessel dominance on short- and long-term outcome in patients after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

AIMS: Prognostic importance of coronary vessel dominance in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess influence of coronary vessel dominance on the short- and long-term outcome after STEMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: Coronary angiographic images of consecutive patients presenting with first STEMI were retrospectively reviewed to assess coronary vessel dominance. Patients were followed after STEMI during a median period of 48 (IQR38-61) months for the occurrence of all-cause mortality and the composite of reinfarction and cardiac death. The population comprised 1131 patients of which 971 (86%) patients had a right dominant, 102 (9%) a left dominant, and 58 (5%) a balanced system. After 5 years of follow-up, the cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with a left dominant system, compared with a right dominant and balanced system (log-rank P = 0.013). Moreover, a left dominant system was an independent predictor for 30-day mortality (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.11-5.67, P = 0.027) and the composite of reinfarction and cardiac death within 30-days after STEMI (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.09-4.61, P = 0.028). In patients surviving first 30-days post-STEMI, coronary vessel dominance had no influence on long-term outcome. CONCLUSIONS: A left dominant coronary artery system is associated with a significantly increased risk of 30-day mortality and early reinfarction after STEMI. After surviving the first 30-days post-STEMI, coronary vessel dominance had no influence on long-term outcome.

Prognostic implications of left ventricular regional function heterogeneity assessed with two-dimensional speckle tracking in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and depressed left ventricular ejection fraction.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the prognostic implications of myocardial tissue heterogeneity assessed with two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in patients three months after first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35 %. For this purpose, a total of 79 patients with first STEMI and LVEF ≤35 % at three months postinfarction were evaluated. Based on left ventricular (LV) speckle-tracking longitudinal strain echocardiography, the infarct core, border zone, and remote zone at baseline and three months' follow-up were defined. Patients were followed for the occurrence of the composite end point of appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy and/or cardiac mortality. During a median follow-up of 46 months, 13 patients (17 %) reached the composite end point. At baseline, patients with and without events showed comparable values of LV longitudinal strain at the infarct, border, and remote zones. However, at three months' follow-up, patients with events showed significantly more impaired longitudinal strain at the border zone (-6.8 ± 3.1 % vs. -10.5 ± 4.9 %, P = 0.002), whereas LVEF was comparable (28 ± 6 % vs. 31 ± 4 %, P = 0.09). The median three-month LV longitudinal strain at the border zone was -9.4 %. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that three-month longitudinal strain >-9.4 % at the border zone was independently associated with the composite end point (hazard ratio 3.94, 95 % confidence interval 1.05-14.70; P = 0.04). In conclusion, regional longitudinal strain at the border zone three months post-STEMI is associated with appropriate ICD therapy and cardiac mortality.

Clinical, echocardiographic, and neurohormonal response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: are they interchangeable?

BACKGROUND: The relationship between changes in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and echocardiographic or clinical definitions of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has not been evaluated. The aims of the present evaluation were to assess: (1) the relationship between changes in NT-proBNP after 6 months of CRT and clinical and echocardiographic responses; (2) the association between NT-proBNP changes and long-term outcome. METHODS: In 170 patients treated with CRT (age 61 ± 11 years, 75% male), clinical and echocardiographic parameters and circulating NT-proBNP levels were assessed at baseline and 6 months after CRT. At 6 months follow-up, improvement in New York Heart Association class ≥ 1 point, decrease in left ventricular end-systolic volume ≥ 15%, and decrease in NT-proBNP ≥ 15% defined clinical, echocardiographic, and neurohormonal CRT response, respectively. All-cause mortality data were collected and related to neurohormonal response. RESULTS: Neurohormonal, echocardiographic, and clinical response rates were 54%, 58%, and 66%, respectively. The majority of patients (71%) showing echocardiographic response had NT-proBNP reduction ≥ 15%. In contrast, only 58% of patients who showed clinical response also had NT-proBNP reduction ≥ 15%. During a median follow-up of 32 months, 40 patients died. Patients with neurohormonal response demonstrated a superior long-term outcome compared to patients without neurohormonal response (log-rank P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: NT-proBNP reduction ≥ 15% showed better agreement with echocardiographic response compared to clinical response. Neurohormonal response was associated with superior long-term outcome compared to insufficient reduction in NT-proBNP levels.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Risk of New Onset Heart Failure With Preserved or Reduced Ejection Fraction: The PREVEND Study.

Background The role of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in the development of new-onset heart failure (HF) with reduced (HFrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in the general population is unknown. Therefore, we set out to investigate associations of C-terminal FGF23 with development of new-onset HF and, more specifically, with HFrEF or HFpEF in a large, prospective, population-based cohort. Methods and Results We studied 6830 participants (aged 53.8±12.1 years; 49.7% men; estimated glomerular filtration rate, 93.1±15.7 mL/min per 1.73 m2) in the community-based PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease) study who were free of HF at baseline. Cross-sectional multivariable linear regression analysis showed that ferritin (standardized ß, -0.24; P<0.001) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (standardized ß, -0.13; P<0.001) were the strongest independent correlates of FGF23. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to study the association between baseline FGF23 and incident HF, HFrEF (ejection fraction ≤40%) or HFpEF (ejection fraction ≥50%). After median follow-up of 7.4 [IQR 6.9-7.9] years, 227 individuals (3.3%) developed new-onset HF, of whom 132 had HFrEF and 88 had HFpEF. A higher FGF23 level was associated with an increased risk of incident HF (fully adjusted hazard ratio, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.06-1.57]) and with an increased risk of incident HFrEF (fully adjusted hazard ratio, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.01-1.69]). The association between FGF23 and incident HFpEF lost statistical significance after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.87-1.71]). Conclusions Higher FGF23 is independently associated with new-onset HFrEF in analyses fully adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors and other potential confounders. The association between FGF23 and incident HFpEF lost statistical significance upon multivariable adjustment.

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain and long-term prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after acute myocardial infarction.

Aims: Left ventricular (LV) systolic function is a known prognostic factor after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We evaluated the prognostic value of LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after STEMI. Methods and results: One hundred and forty-three STEMI patients with COPD (mean age 70 ± 11 years, 71% male), were retrospectively analysed. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV GLS were measured on transthoracic echocardiography within 48 h of admission. Patients were followed for the occurrence of all-cause mortality and the combined endpoint of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization. After a median follow-up of 68 (interquartile range 38.5-99) months, 66 (46%) patients died and 70 (49%) patients reached the combined endpoint. The median LV GLS was -14.4%. Patients with LV GLS >-14.4% (more impaired) showed higher cumulative event rates of all-cause mortality (19%, 26%, and 44% vs. 7%, 8%, and 18% at 1, 2, and 5 years follow-up; log-rank P = 0.004) and the combined endpoint (26%, 34%, and 50% vs. 8%, 10%, and 20% at 1, 2, and 5 years follow-up; log-rank P = 0.001) as compared to patients with LV GLS ≤-14.4%. In multivariate analysis, LV GLS >-14.4% was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality and the combined endpoint [hazard ratio (HR) 2.07; P = 0.02 and HR 2.20; P = 0.01, respectively] and had incremental prognostic value over LVEF demonstrated by a significant increase in χ2 (P = 0.023 and P = 0.011, respectively). Conclusion: Impaired LV GLS is independently associated with worse long-term survival in STEMI patients with COPD and has incremental prognostic value over LVEF.

ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Prognostic Implications of Right Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction as Assessed with Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) systolic function in patients admitted with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its impact on prognosis have not been characterized. The present study aims to compare the prevalence of RV systolic dysfunction in COPD versus non-COPD patients with STEMI and evaluate the prognostic implications. METHODS: One hundred seventeen STEMI patients with COPD with transthoracic echocardiography performed within 48 hours of admission were retrospectively selected. Matched on age, gender, and infarct size (determined by cardiac biomarkers and left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]), 207 non-COPD patients were selected. RV dysfunction was defined based on tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion <17 mm (TAPSE), tricuspid annular systolic velocity <6 cm/s (S'), RV fractional area change <35% (FAC), and RV longitudinal free wall strain (FWSL) measured with speckle-tracking echocardiography >-20%. Patients were followed for the occurrence of all-cause mortality. RESULTS: RV assessment was feasible in 112 COPD and 199 non-COPD patients (mean age, 69 ± 10; 74% male; mean, LVEF 47% ± 8%). Patients with COPD had significantly lower RV FAC (38% ± 11% vs 40% ± 9%; P = .04), equal TAPSE and S' (17.9 ± 3.7 vs 18.1 ± 3.8 mm, P = .72; and 8.4 ± 2.2 vs 8.5 ± 2.2 cm/sec, P = .605, respectively) and more impaired RV FWSL (-21.1% ± 6.6% vs -23.4% ± 6.5%, P = .005), compared with patients without COPD. RV dysfunction was more prevalent in patients with COPD, particularly when assessed with RV FWSL (46% vs 32%; P = .021). During a median follow-up of 30 (interquartile range 1.5-44) months, 49 patients died (16%). Multivariate models stratified for COPD status showed that RV FWS >-20% was independently associated with 5-year all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.12-3.76; P = .020), after adjusting for age, diabetes, peak troponin level, and LVEF. Interestingly, RV FAC < 35%, S'< 6 cm/sec, and TAPSE < 17 mm were not independently associated with survival. CONCLUSION: In a STEMI population with relatively preserved LVEF, COPD patients had significantly worse RV FWSL compared with patients without COPD. Moreover, RV FWSL > -20% was independently associated with worse survival. In contrast, conventional parameters were not associated with survival.

Effect of Guideline-Based Therapy on Left Ventricular Systolic Function Recovery After ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Little is known about the proportion of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, who have reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) within 48 hours (baseline) of admission and exhibit LVEF recovery under optimal guideline-based medical treatment. Therefore, the present study evaluates the evolution of LVEF in patients after STEMI and under guideline-based medical therapy. In 2,853 STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, echocardiography was performed at baseline and at 6 months follow-up. Patients with previous myocardial infarction, reinfarction, coronary artery bypass grafting or incomplete echocardiographic data at 6 months follow-up were excluded. Reduced LVEF at baseline was defined as <40%. LVEF recovery was defined as LVEF >50% at 6 months follow-up. The prevalence of LVEF <40% at baseline was 13% (n = 371 patients; mean age 60 [range 33 to 88] years; 76% men). At follow-up, 31% of patients remained with a LVEF <40%, 30% showed a LVEF between 41% and 49% and in 39% of patients LVEF improved to >50%. There were no differences in usage of guideline-based medications at discharge across groups. On multivariable analysis, peak troponin T levels (odds ratio [OR] 0.895; p < 0.001), baseline LVEF (OR 1.069; p = 0.023) and absence of significant mitral regurgitation (OR 0.376; p = 0.018) were independently associated with LV recovery at follow-up. In conclusion, the prevalence of LVEF <40% is low. With optimal medical therapy, LVEF normalizes in 39% of patients. Smaller enzymatic infarct size, baseline LVEF and absence of mitral regurgitation were independently associated with LVEF recovery at follow-up.

Comparison of Left Ventricular Function and Myocardial Infarct Size Determined by 2-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients With and Without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease After ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a high risk of mortality after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We compared STEMI patients with versus without COPD in terms of infarct size and left ventricular (LV) systolic function using advanced 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Of 1,750 patients with STEMI (mean age 61 ± 12 years, 76% male), 133 (7.6%) had COPD. With transthoracic echocardiography, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and wall motion score index were measured. Infarct size was assessed using biomarkers (creatine kinase and troponin T). LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), reflecting active LV myocardial deformation, was measured with 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography to estimate LV systolic function and infarct size. STEMI patients with COPD were significantly older, more likely to be former smokers, and had worse renal function compared with patients without COPD. There were no differences in infarct size based on peak levels of creatine kinase (1315 [613 to 2181] vs 1477 [682 to 3047] U/l, p = 0.106) and troponin T (3.3 [1.4 to 7.3] vs 3.9 [1.5 to 7.8] µg/l, p = 0.489). Left ventricular ejection fraction (46% vs 47%, p = 0.591) and wall motion score index (1.38 [1.25 to 1.66] vs 1.38 [1.19 to 1.69], p = 0.690) were comparable. In contrast, LV GLS was significantly more impaired in patients with COPD compared with patients without COPD (-13.9 ± 3.0% vs -14.7 ± 3.9%, p = 0.034). In conclusion, despite comparable myocardial infarct size and LV systolic function as assessed with biomarkers and conventional echocardiography, patients with COPD exhibit more impaired LV GLS on advanced echocardiography than patients without COPD, suggesting a greater functional impairment at an early stage after STEMI.

Relationship Between Myocardial Function, Body Mass Index, and Outcome After ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Better survival for overweight and obese patients after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been demonstrated. The association between body mass index (BMI), outcome, and left ventricular (LV) structure and function after STEMI, including LV longitudinal strain (global longitudinal strain), was evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: First patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (n=1604; mean age, 61±12 years; 75% men) had BMI measured on admission, and 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography performed within 48 hours. Patients were categorized based on standard criteria (normal/underweight, BMI<25 kg/m2 [n=486]; overweight, 25≤BMI<30 kg/m2 [n=820]; obese, BMI≥30 kg/m2 [n=298]). LV global longitudinal strain was measured using speckle-tracking analysis. Primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality. Compared with normal/underweight patients, obese patients were younger and more likely to have diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia and have higher discharge blood pressures. Despite no significant differences in infarct size, obese patients had significantly more impaired LV global longitudinal strain (-13.7±3.8 versus -15.0±4.2% and -15.0±4.1%; P<0.001) compared with normal/underweight and overweight patients, respectively. Although normal/underweight patients had the worst overall survival (log-rank P=0.04) after STEMI during a median follow-up of 5.2 (3.6, 6.9) years on Kaplan-Meier analysis, a significant nonlinear association between BMI and all-cause mortality across the range of BMI was seen, persisting after adjustment for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients demonstrate greater adverse LV remodeling and more impaired LV deformation after STEMI compared with those with normal BMI, amid similar infarct characteristics. Normal weight patients continue to demonstrate the worst survival, suggesting that the potential nonadverse effect of higher BMI in this population is independent of LV function.

Influence of Myocardial Ischemia Extent on Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain in Patients After ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Two-dimensional echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is moderately correlated with infarct size and reflects the residual LV systolic function. This correlation may be influenced by the presence of myocardial ischemia. The present study investigated how myocardial ischemia modulates the correlation between LV GLS and infarct size determined with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in patients with first STEMI treated with primary coronary intervention. A total of 1,128 patients (age 60 ± 11 years) who underwent SPECT MPI for the evaluation of infarct size and residual ischemia were evaluated. LV GLS was measured on transthoracic echocardiography. The time interval between echocardiography and SPECT MPI was 1 ± 1 month. A moderate correlation between echocardiographic LV GLS and infarct size on SPECT MPI was observed (r = 0.58, p <0.001). This correlation was weakened by the presence or extent of ischemia; in the group of patients without ischemia, the correlation between LV GLS and infarct size on SPECT MPI was r = 0.66 (p <0.001), whereas in patients with mild or moderate-to-severe ischemia, the correlations were r = 0.56 and 0.38, respectively (both p <0.001). Moderate-to-severe myocardial ischemia was independently associated with more impaired LV GLS after adjusting for infarct size, age, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension (ß 0.60, 95% confidence interval 013 to 1.06). In conclusion, the presence of myocardial ischemia after STEMI impacts on the correlation between echocardiographic LV GLS and infarct size measured on SPECT MPI. Residual ischemia is independently associated with more impaired LV GLS.

Prognostic Implications of Elevated Pulmonary Artery Pressure After ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been associated with adverse outcome. However, little is known about the development of increased SPAP after STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The aims of this study were to investigate the incidence and determinants of elevated SPAP (SPAP ≥36 mm Hg at 12 months) after first STEMI and to analyze its prognostic implications. A total of 705 patients (60 ± 12 years; 75% men; left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 47 ± 9%) with first STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention were evaluated. Two-dimensional echocardiography was available at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Data on all-cause mortality were collected at long-term follow-up. Incident elevated SPAP was present in 5% (n = 38) of patients. Patients with incident elevated SPAP were older (66 ± 12 vs 60 ± 11 years, p = 0.001), had more systemic hypertension (58% vs 30%, p <0.001) and lower LVEF (43 ± 9% vs 48 ± 8%, p <0.001) than their counterparts. Left atrial volume was larger (23 ± 11 vs 18 ± 6 ml/m(2), p = 0.006), and moderate to severe mitral regurgitation was more prevalent in patients with incident elevated SPAP (16% vs 7%, p = 0.05). Independent correlates of incident elevated SPAP at 12-month follow-up were age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.08, p = 0.01), hypertension (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.23 to 5.14, p = 0.01), baseline LVEF (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.98, p = 0.003), and baseline left atrial volume (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.12, p = 0.001). Incident elevated SPAP was independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 3.84, 95% CI 1.76 to 8.39, p = 0.001). In conclusion, although the incidence of elevated SPAP after STEMI is low, its presence is independently associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality at follow-up.

Quantitative Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography Using Speckle-Tracking Analysis versus Conventional Visual Analysis for Detection of Significant Coronary Artery Disease after ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Residual ischemia detection after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) using visual analysis is challenging. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of two-dimensional speckle-tracking strain DSE to detect significant coronary artery disease (CAD) after STEMI. METHODS: First STEMI patients (n = 105; mean age, 60 ± 11 years; 86% men) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention undergoing full-protocol DSE at 3 months and repeat coronary angiography within 1 year were retrospectively included. Using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography, segmental and global left ventricular peak longitudinal systolic strain (PLSS) at rest and peak stress and change (Δ) in PLSS were measured. Significant CAD was defined as detection of >70% diameter stenosis at coronary angiography. RESULTS: In total, 1,653 (93%) and 1,645 (92%) segments were analyzable at rest and peak stress, respectively. At follow-up, 38 patients (36%) showed significant angiographic CAD. These patients demonstrated greater worsening in global PLSS from rest to peak (-16.8 ± 0.5% to -12.6 ± 0.5%) compared with patients without significant CAD (-16.6 ± 0.4% to -14.3 ± 0.3%; group-stage interaction P < .001). The optimal cutoff of ΔPLSS for the detection of significant CAD on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was ≥1.9% (area under the curve, 0.70; sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 46%; accuracy, 60%). Using a sentinel segment approach (apex, midposterior, and midinferior for the left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary artery territories, respectively), larger segmental ΔPLSS was also independently associated with significant CAD (odds ratio, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.1-1.2). CONCLUSIONS: Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic strain analysis is feasible on DSE after STEMI and represents a promising new technique to detect significant angiographic CAD at follow-up.

Comparison of Changes in Global Longitudinal Peak Systolic Strain After ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Versus Without Diabetes Mellitus.

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) measured by 2-dimensional longitudinal speckle-tracking echocardiography may be a more sensitive measure of left ventricular (LV) mechanics than conventional LV ejection fraction (EF) to characterize adverse post-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remodeling. The aim of the present evaluation was to compare changes in LV GLS in patients with versus without diabetes after the first STEMI. Patients with first STEMI and diabetes (n = 143; age 64 ± 12 years; 68% men; 50% left anterior descending artery as culprit vessel) and 290 patients with first STEMI and without diabetes matched on age, gender, and infarct location were included. LV volumes and function and 2-dimensional LV GLS were measured after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (baseline) and at 6-month follow-up. At baseline, patients with and without diabetes had similar LVEF (46.8 ± 0.7% vs 48.0 ± 0.5%, p = 0.19) and infarct size (peak cardiac troponin T: 3.1 [1.2 to 6.5] vs 3.7 [1.3 to 7.3] µg/l, p = 0.10; peak creatine phosphokinase:1,120 [537 to 2,371] vs 1,291 [586 to 2,613] U/l, p = 0.17), whereas LV GLS was significantly more impaired in diabetic patients (-13.7 ± 0.3% vs -15.3 ± 0.2%, p <0.001). Although diabetic patients showed an improvement in LVEF over time similar to nondiabetic patients (52.0 ± 0.8% vs 53.1 ± 0.6%, p = 0.25), GLS remained more impaired at 6-month follow-up compared with nondiabetic patients (-15.8 ± 0.3% vs -17.3 ± 0.2%, p <0.001). After adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, diabetes was independently associated with changes in GLS from baseline to 6-month follow-up (ß 1.41, 95% confidence interval 0.85 to 1.96, p <0.001). In conclusion, after STEMI, diabetic patients show more impaired LV GLS at both baseline and follow-up compared with a matched group of patients without diabetes, despite having similar infarct size and LVEF at baseline and follow-up.

The relationship between time from myocardial infarction, left ventricular dyssynchrony, and the risk for ventricular arrhythmia: speckle-tracking echocardiographic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Differences in arrhythmogenic substrate may explain the variable efficacy of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in primary sudden cardiac death prevention over time after myocardial infarction (MI). Speckle-tracking echocardiography allows the assessment left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony, which may reflect the electromechanical heterogeneity of myocardial tissue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship among LV dyssynchrony, age of MI, and their association with the risk for ventricular tachycardia (VT) after MI. METHODS: A total of 206 patients (median age, 67 years; 87% men) with prior MIs (median MI age, 6.2 years; interquartile range, 0.66-15 years) who underwent programmed electrical stimulation, speckle-tracking echocardiography, and ICD implantation were retrospectively evaluated. LV dyssynchrony was defined as the standard deviation of time to peak longitudinal systolic strain values using speckle-tracking strain echocardiography. LV scar burden was evaluated by the percentage of segments exhibiting scar (defined as an absolute longitudinal strain of magnitude < 4.5%). Patients were followed up for the occurrence of first monomorphic VT requiring ICD therapy (antitachycardia pacing or shock) for a median of 24 months. RESULTS: In total, 75 individuals experienced the primary end point of monomorphic VT. LV dyssynchrony was independently associated with the occurrence of VT at follow-up (hazard ratio per 10-msec increase, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.18; P < .001), together with nonrevascularization of the infarct-related artery and VT inducibility. Patients with older (>180 months) MIs had a higher likelihood of VT inducibility (88% vs 63%, P = .003) and greater scar burden (14.7 ± 15.8% vs 10.7 ± 11.4%, P = .03) compared with patients with recent (<8 months) MIs. CONCLUSIONS: LV dyssynchrony is independently associated with the occurrence of VT after MI.

Determinants of right ventricular remodeling following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Right ventricular (RV) function after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has important prognostic implications. However, the changes in RV function over time after STEMI and the incidence of RV remodeling remain unknown. The present study evaluated changes in RV dimensions and function in contemporary patients with first STEMI and assessed the independent determinants of RV dysfunction at follow-up. Patients with first STEMI (n = 940, 60 ± 11 years, 77% men) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention underwent echocardiography at baseline and 6- and 12-month follow-up. The prevalence of RV dysfunction (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE] ≤15 mm) decreased significantly at 6 months follow-up (from 15% to 8%, p <0.001) and the incidence of RV remodeling (increase in RV end-diastolic area [RVEDA] ≥20%) was observed in 200 patients (25%). Absolute changes in RVEDA were independently associated with absolute changes in wall motion score index and left ventricular (LV) remodeling (p <0.001 for both parameters), whereas absolute changes in TAPSE were independently related with absolute changes in wall motion score index and mitral regurgitation grade (p <0.001 for both parameters). Independent correlates of RV dysfunction at 6 months follow-up were multivessel coronary disease (odds ratio [OR] 2.13), peak cardiac troponin T (OR 1.05), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers use (OR 0.27), baseline LV ejection fraction (OR 0.96) and baseline TAPSE (OR 0.88). In conclusion, despite the non-negligible incidence of RV remodeling in patients with first STEMI, RV function improves early after STEMI. Multivessel coronary disease, infarct size, baseline LV ejection fraction and TAPSE and the nonuse of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers are independent determinants of RV dysfunction.

Association between left ventricular global longitudinal strain and adverse left ventricular dilatation after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarct size is a major determinant of left ventricular (LV) remodeling after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. We evaluated whether LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), proposed as a novel marker of infarct size, is associated with 3- and 6-month LV dilatation after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the first ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, baseline LVGLS was measured with 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Patients were dichotomized according to median value. The independent relationship between GLS groups and LV end-diastolic volume at 3 and 6 months (adjusted for clinical and echocardiographic variables) was assessed. The final study population comprised 1041 patients (60±12 years; 76% men). Median LVGLS was -15.0%. Patients with baseline LVGLS>-15.0% exhibited greater LV dilatation at 3 and 6 months compared with patients with GLS≤-15.0% (LV end-diastolic volume 123±44 versus 106±36 mL and 121±43 versus 102±34 mL, respectively; global group-time interaction P<0.001). This association retained the same statistical significance after adjustment for various relevant demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic characteristics. Further, net reclassification improvement index demonstrated significant incremental value of LVGLS for prediction of LV end-diastolic volume increase (0.14 [95% confidence interval, 0.00034-0.29]; P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: LVGLS before discharge after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction is independently associated with LV dilatation at follow-up.

Relation between coronary arterial dominance and left ventricular ejection fraction after ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction in patients having percutaneous coronary intervention.

The presence of a left dominant coronary artery system is associated with worse outcome after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) compared with right dominance or a balanced coronary artery system. However, the association between coronary arterial dominance and left ventricular (LV) function at follow-up after STEMI is unclear. The present study aimed at evaluating the relation between coronary arterial dominance and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) shortly after STEMI and at 12-month follow-up. A total of 741 patients with STEMI (mean age 60 ± 11 years and 77% men) were evaluated with 2-dimentional echocardiography within 48 hours of admission (baseline) and at 12-month follow-up after STEMI. Coronary arterial dominance was assessed on the angiographic images obtained during primary percutaneous coronary intervention. A right, left, and balanced dominant coronary artery system was noted in 640 (86%), 58 (8%), and 43 (6%) patients, respectively. At baseline, significant difference in LV function was observed, with slightly lower LVEF in patients with a left dominant coronary artery system (LVEF 45 ± 8% vs 48 ± 9% and 50 ± 9%, for left dominant, right dominant, and balanced coronary artery system respectively, p = 0.03). However, at 12-month follow-up no differences in LV function or volumes were observed among the different coronary arterial dominance groups. In conclusion, patients with a left dominant coronary artery system had lower LVEF early after STEMI. At 12-month follow-up, differences in LVEF were no longer present among the different coronary arterial dominance groups.

Left ventricular twist during dobutamine stress echocardiography after acute myocardial infarction: association with reverse remodeling.

Left ventricular (LV) twist is emerging as a marker of global LV contractility after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aimed to describe stress-induced changes in LV twist during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) after AMI and investigate their association with LV reverse remodeling at 6 months follow-up. In 82 consecutive first AMI patients (61 ± 12 years, 85 % male) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, DSE was performed at 3 months follow-up. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking-derived apical and basal rotation and LV twist were calculated at rest, low- and peak-dose stages. LV reverse remodeling was defined as ≥10 % decrease in LV end-systolic volume between baseline and 6 months follow-up. Patterns of LV twist response on DSE consisted of either a progressive increase throughout each stage (n = 18), an increase at either low- or peak-dose (n = 53) or no significant increase (n = 11). LV reverse remodeling occurred in 28 (34 %) patients, who showed significantly higher peak-dose LV twist (8.51° vs. 6.69°, p = 0.03) and more frequently progressive LV twist increase from rest to peak-dose (39 vs. 13 %, p < 0.01) compared to patients without reverse remodeling. Furthermore, increase in LV twist from rest to peak-dose was the only independent predictor of LV reverse remodeling at 6 months follow-up (OR 1.3, 95 % CI 1.1-1.5, p = 0.005). Both the pattern of progressive increase in LV twist and the stress-induced increment in LV twist on DSE are significantly associated with LV reverse remodeling at 6 month follow-up after AMI, suggesting its potential use as a novel marker of contractile reserve.