Left atrial stiffness is in correlation with left atrial reservoir strain in pediatric patients with mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial stiffness index (LASI), defined as the ratio of early diastolic transmitral flow velocity/lateral mitral annulus myocardial velocity (E/e') to peak atrial strain, reflects reduced left atrial (LA) compliance and represents an emerging marker that can be used for noninvasive measurement of fibrosis of LA in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of chronic MR in children and adolescents on the remodeling and function of the LA, quantified through strain parameters and diastolic function. METHODS: The study included fifty patients (n= 50) diagnosed with primary and secondary chronic MR lasting at least 5 years. The echocardiographic recordings were performed by a third party, two cardiologists actively engaged in echocardiography on a daily basis. RESULTS: Older participants had higher values of the LASI (r= 0.467, p= 0.001). Participants with higher LASI values had a smaller LA reservoir (r= 0.784, p= 0.0001) and smaller LA conduit values (r=-0.374, p= 0.00). Participants with higher LASI values had a larger LA diameter (r= 0.444, p-value= 0.001) and higher average E/e' ratio (r= 0.718, p= 0.0001). There was a significant difference (p= 0.04) in the LASI among participants based on the MR jet area (< 20.85% ⩾ 20.85%), LASI was higher in participants with an area greater than 20.85%. Differences in other parameters such as LA reservoir, LA conduit, LA contractile were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Increased LA stiffness is associated with diminished atrial compliance and reservoir capacity, and LASI has a potential to as an early marker for assessing disease severity and progression in pediatric MR.

Left atrial strain in fetal echocardiography - could it be introduced to everyday clinical practice?

OBJECTIVES: Prenatal cardiology is a part of preventive cardiology based on fetal echocardiography and fetal interventional cardiology, which facilitates treatment of congenital heart defects (CHD) in pediatric patients and consequently in adults. Timely prenatal detection of CHD plays a pivotal role in facilitating the appropriate referral of pregnant women to facilities equipped to provide thorough perinatal care within the framework of a well-structured healthcare system. The aim of this paper is to highlight the role of left atrial strain (LAS) in prenatal evaluation of fetal heart and prediction of structural and functional disorders. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature review searching PubMed for articles published from inception up until August 2023, including the search terms "left atrial strain", "fetal echocardiography", and "prenatal cardiology" combined through Boolean operators. In addition, references lists of identified articles were further reviewed for inclusion. RESULTS: Our review underscores the significance of LAS parameters in fetal echocardiography as a screening tool during specific gestational windows (starting from 11 to 14 weeks of gestation, followed by better visualization between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation). The left atrial strain technique and its parameters serve as valuable indicators, not only for identifying cardiac complications but also for predicting and guiding therapeutic interventions in cases of both cardiac and noncardiac pregnancy complications in fetuses. Evidence suggests establishment of second-trimester reference strain and strain rate values by speckle-tracking echocardiography in the healthy fetal cohort is essential for the evaluation of myocardial pathologies during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Finding of LAS of fetal heart is feasible and probably can have potential for clinical and prognostic implications.

Left atrial strain analysis in the realm of pediatric cardiology: Advantages and implications.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) strain analysis has emerged as a noninvasive technique for assessing LA function and early detection of myocardial deformation. Recently, its application has also shown promise in the pediatric population, spanning diverse cardiac conditions that demand accurate and sensitive diagnostic measures. OBJECTIVE: This research endeavors to explore the role of LA strain parameters and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in pediatric cardiology, paving the way for more effective and tailored approaches to patient care. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather evidence from studies using echocardiographic strain imaging techniques across pediatric populations. RESULTS: LA strain parameters exhibited greater sensitivity than conventional atrial function indicators, with early detection of diastolic dysfunction and LA remodeling in pediatric cardiomyopathy, children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome, rheumatic heart disease, as well as childhood renal insufficiency and obesity offering prognostic relevance as potential markers in these pediatric subpopulations. However, there remains a paucity of evidence concerning pediatric mitral valve pathology, justifying further exploration. CONCLUSION: LA strain analysis carries crucial clinical and prognostic implications in pediatric cardiac conditions, with reliable accuracy and sensitivity to early functional changes.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors: a swinging pendulum in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are integral in treating patients with heart failure, regardless of the existence of diabetes mellitus. In light of their benefits on the heart muscle, the question of their effect on acute coronary syndrome is raised, and a hypothesis as to whether they can be implemented in its treatment is proposed. The aim of the article was to indicate the potential of using SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A PubMed search for articles published between October 2017 and May 2022 was conducted using the following keywords: "SGLT2 inhibitors," "Acute Coronary Syndrome," "Treatment," "Prognosis." Reference lists of identified articles were searched for further articles. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Reports from clinical trials and animal studies thus far investigating mechanistic pathways of SGLT2 inhibitors' effect in relation to acute myocardial infarction were interplayed to extract relevant findings and analyze the safety of this therapy in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. CONCLUSIONS: SGLT2 inhibitors indicate beneficial effects in acute cardiovascular incident by various mechanisms, and early initiation of therapy may improve outcomes for AMI survivors.

Systematic review of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: a hopeful prospect in tackling heart failure-related events.

In modern cardiology, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are critical components of heart failure (HF) treatment algorithms and exert their effects primarily by preventing glucose reabsorption and facilitating its urinary excretion. The objective was to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, particularly canagliflozin, empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, ertugliflozin, sotagliflozin (dual SGLT inhibitor), and their use in HF. Systematic searches of PubMed/Medline, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were performed. There were no restrictions imposed on the date and status of publication; however, there were restrictions on language for the searched studies. A total of 1139 records were identified in the bibliographic searches from both databases and the register of choice for this systematic review. Following duplicate removal, screening for titles and abstracts, and thorough assessment of full-text articles, 12 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Altogether, 83 878 patients were included in this review. Among the included studies, two RCTs, with six respective reports, investigated canagliflozin, four RCTs with 13 derived reports investigated dapagliflozin, three RCTs with 12 separate reports studied the effects of empagliflozin, one RCT and its three respective reports assessed ertugliflozin's effects, and two RCTs with one added report investigated the dual inhibitor sotagliflozin. Pooled meta-analytic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors were as follows: on atrial fibrillation odds ratio (OR) = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68-1.01, prediction interval (PI): 0.57-1.19; on HF hospitalization OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.60-0.78, PI: 0.60-0.78; on cardiovascular death OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.58-1.15, PI: 0.42-1.60; and on major adverse cardiovascular events OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.77-1.06, PI: 0.71-1.15. SGLT2 inhibitors significantly improve the quality of life in HF patients. Their beneficial effects on HF, especially in left ventricular dysfunction, have made their use possible irrespective of diabetes mellitus or atrial fibrillation status.

A Rare Case of Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma with Central Necrosis in the Right Atrium.

Primary cardiac tumors, which are uncommon types of tumors, can be presented with a variety of clinical signs and symptoms, depending on their location. We present a case of a 57-year-old female patient with a severe right-sided heart failure. Examination using 2-dimensional transthoracic and 3-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography detected a large, oval, tumor-like formation within the right atrium, which compromised the blood flow from the superior and inferior vena cava. It appeared to have an irregular echo-free space in its central part, probably due to necrosis. Thoracic multislice computed tomography revealed a heterogeneous, expansive, tumor-like mass in the right atrium, with signs of bleeding in its center. Although there were no signs of metastatic dissemination, it could not be excluded that the tumor-like mass originated outside of the heart. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor. The surgery was accompanied with bleeding complications that developed due to the central necrosis with local infiltration. During the postoperative period, severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome developed and the patient died. Pathologists diagnosed undifferentiated pleomorphic cardiac sarcoma for which the prognosis is usually poor. The median survival of patients with this type of diagnosis is less than 1 year, even with surgical resection and further adjuvant therapy.

Heat-not-burn tobacco products and cardiovascular risk reduction: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Heat-not-burn (HNB) technology by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been classified as a modified risk tobacco product, which can be a better option for those populations who cannot give up the habit of smoking. The outlook on the effects of these products is quite controversial in the scientific world. OBJECTIVE: To present the effect of HNB tobacco products on the cardiovascular system, with reference to the existence of possible benefits of the technology. METHODS: The literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, with reliance on a well-defined guiding research statement. Quality appraisal was performed using the CASP checklist for randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: The search of three databases identified 167 records, and after selection process, 25 randomized controlled trials were eligible for our study's criteria. Twenty studies investigated the effects of HNB products on biomarkers of clinical relevance. Five studies evaluated other functional heart parameters rather than biomarkers. CONCLUSION: With HNB tobacco products, significant reductions were found in biomarkers of exposure and biological effect related to pathways involved in cardiovascular disease, including inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, platelet function, and endothelial dysfunction.

Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Mitral Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis-A Narrative Review.

Despite advances in diagnosis, imaging methods, and medical and surgical interventions, prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) remains an extremely serious and potentially fatal complication of heart valve surgery. Characteristic changes of PVE are more difficult to detect by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) than those involving the native valve. We reviewed advances in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the diagnosis of PVE. Three-dimensional (3D) TEE is becoming an increasingly available imaging method combined with two-dimensional TEE. It contributes to faster and more accurate diagnosis of PVE, assessment of PVE-related complications, monitoring effectiveness of antibiotic treatment, and determining optimal time for surgery, sometimes even before or without previous TTE. In this article, we present advances in the treatment of patients with mitral PVE due to 3D TEE application.

Predictive value of heart failure with reduced versus preserved ejection fraction for outcome in pulmonary embolism.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate whether the risk of short-term mortality is different in pulmonary embolism (PE) patients who have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) as compared with those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Predictive value of HFrEF or HFpEF for 7-day (intrahospital) and 30-day all-cause mortality was determined in the cohort of 1055 out of 1201 consecutive acute PE patients from the Serbian multicentre PE registry. Patients were classified into either HFrEF or HFpEF group, according to guideline-proposed criteria. A 7-day (intrahospital) and 30-day all-cause mortality was 18.5% vs. 7.3% vs. 4.5% (P < 0.001) and 22.2% vs. 16.3% vs. 7.9% (P < 0.001) for patients with the history of HFrEF, HFpEF, and without HF, respectively. Multivariable analysis adjusted to age, gender, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, presence of atrial fibrillation, and mortality risk assessment at admission has shown that only HFrEF, but not HFpEF, was an independent predictor for 7-day mortality (hazard ratio 2.22, 95% confidence interval 1.25-4,38.41, P = 0.021) and neither HFrEF or HFpEF was an independent predictor for 30-day mortality. Among various admission parameters associated to PE outcome, only systolic pressure in HFrEF patients (P < 0.001), heart rate (P = 0.01), and right ventricle systolic pressure (P = 0.039) in HFpEF patients were significantly different in patients who died compared with those who survived at 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has shown that the presence of previous history of HFrEF, but not HFpEF, in acute PE is an independent risk factor for mortality at 7 days.

Diagnostic significance of three-dimensional echocardiography in asymptomatic unicuspid aortic valve.

Unicuspid aortic valve (UAV) is a rare congenital anomaly of aorta associated with a faster progress of valvular dysfunction, aortic dilatation and with necessity for more frequent controls and precise evaluation Asymptomatic 35 year old man had abnormal systolic diastolic murmur on aortic valve during routine examination. Initial diagnostic with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) supposed bicuspid aortic valve, while three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) and multidetector computed tomography defined unicuspid, unicomissural aortic valve with moderate aortic stenosis and regurgitation. This case report confirmed that 3D TEE gives us opportunity for early, improved and precise diagnosis of UAV.

Does thrombolytic therapy harm or help in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) caused by the spontaneous coronary dissection?

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a very rare disease with poor prognosis. It mainly affects young women free of risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) and women during the peripartum period. The prognosis for myocardial infarction caused by SCAD is poor, management is often difficult and guidelines still missing. CASE REPORT: We presented a woman with acute myocardial infarction of anterior wall of the left ventricle, caused by spontaneous dissection of medial segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery. We treated the patient with thrombolytic therapy and performed coronary angiography after that. Finally we decided to do nothing more. Two years later we performed coronary angiography again and founded the coronary artery normal. We also analyzed 19 cases publiched from 1996 to 2012 when coronary artery dissection had been treated with thrombolytic agent Analysis revealed only one case of 19, with complication after treating SCAD with thrombolysis. CONCLUSION: Sometimes, regarding myocardial infarction in young women with no risk factors for CAD, especially in young women in peripartum, we should think about SCAD. The presented case, like eight others, demonstrates that good clinical outcomes can be achieved with thrombolysis. In spite of all this, we still need more data to verify that thrombolysis does not have to harm the therapy for SCAD. For the time being thrombolytic therapy could be an option.

Correlation between the Finnish Diabetes risk Score and the severity of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The FINish Diabetes RIsk SCore (FINDRISC) which includes age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, physical (in) activity, diet, arterial hypertension, history of high glucose levels, and family history of diabetes, is of a great significance in identifying patients with impaired glucose tolerance and a 10-year risk assessment of developing type 2 diabetes in adults. Due to the fact that the FINDRISC score includes parameters which are risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), our aim was to determine a correlation between this score, and some of its parameters respectively, with the severity of angiographically verified CAD in patients with stable angina in two ways: according to the Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score and the number of diseased coronary arteries. METHODS: The study included 70 patients with stable angina consecutively admitted to the Clinic of Cardiology, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade. The FINDRISC score was calculated in all the patients immediately prior to angiography. Venous blood samples were collected and inflammatory markers [erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), leucocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting glucose] determined. Coronary angiography was performed in order to determine the severity of coronary artery disease according to the SYNTAX score and the number of affected coronary vessels: 1-vessel, 2-vessel or 3-vessel disease (hemodynamically significant stenoses: more than 70% of the blood vessel lumen). The patients were divided into three groups regarding the FINDRISC score: group I: 5-11 points; group II: 12-16 points; group III: 17-22 points. RESULTS: Out of 70 patients (52 men and 18 women) enrolled in this study, 14 had normal coronary angiogram. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the FINDRISC score and its parameters respectively (age, body mass index-BMI, waist circumference) and the severity of CAD according to the SYNTAX score (p < 0.001) and the number of diseased coronary arteries (p < 0.001). The patients with higher FINDRISC score (groups II and III) had more severe and extensive-CAD according to the SYNTAX score than the group I. The odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CI) between the group III and the group I was 5.143 (95% CI 1.299-20.360, p = 0.002) and between the group II and the group I 5.867 (95% CI 1.590- 21.525, p = 0.007). There were no differences in odds ratio for multivessel disease according to FINDRISC score between the group II and the group III [1.141; (95% CI 0.348-3.734). In the group I mean SYNTAX score was 5.18, and more than 70% of patients had normal coronary angiogram. In the group II mean SYNTAX score was 17.06, and more than 70% of patients had 2-vessel disease and 3-vessel disease, and in the group III mean SYNTAX score was 18.89, and 2-vessel and 3-vessel disease had 36.36% and 31.82% patients, respectively. In multiple regression analysis, where SYNTAX score was dependent variable, and age, BMI, waist circumference, FINDRISC score were independent variables, we found that only FINDRISC score was independent predictor of SYNTAX score. CONCLUSION: The obtained results suggest a statistically significant correlation between the FINDRISC score and its parameters (age, BMI, waist circumference) and the severity of CAD according to the SYNTAX score and the number of diseased coronary arteries. The FINDRISC score may be useful in identifying patients at the high risk for coronary artery disease.

The additive diagnostic role of coronary flow reserve in noninvasive evaluation of coronary stenosis on left descending artery previously detected by multislice computed tomography.

PURPOSE: Multislice computed coronary angiography (MSCT) provides valuable morphological information about coronary artery disease, but precise quantification of coronary stenosis remains difficult. Transthoracic color Doppler echocardiography (TDE) gives a new insight into the functional significance of coronary luminal narrowing. We have tried to assess the additive value of coronary flow reserve (CFR) determined by TDE over MSCT in prediction of a significant stenosis on the left anterior descending artery (LAD) using the invasive coronary angiography (ICA) as a reference method. METHODS: This prospective study included 63 patients in stable cardiac status with previously detected atherosclerotic lesions on LAD by MSCT. CFR assessment by TDE with adenosine infusion was obtained to all patients (feasibility was 96.92%). CFR was determined as ratio between the peak diastolic flow velocity during adenosine infusion and at basal condition, a cutoff value indicating significant stenosis was <2. ICA was preformed to all patients 24-48 hours after CFR. RESULTS: MSCT had sensitivity of 86.36%, specificity 53.66%, positive predictive value 50.00%, negative predictive value 88.00%, and diagnostic accuracy of 65.07% in detection of significant LAD stenosis. CFR had sensitivity 81.81%, specificity 97.06%, positive predictive value 94.74%, negative predictive value 89.19%, and diagnostic accuracy of 91.07%. When the results of both methods were agreed diagnostic accuracy was improved to 92.72%. CONCLUSION: Additional assessment of CFR by TDE increase diagnostic accuracy of MSCT angiography in detection of significant coronary artery lesions.

A young soldier with syncope, shortness of breath and palpitations.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery disease in people under 30 years is relatively uncommon, but once a disease occurs it brings a significant morbidity and psychological effects. CASE REPORT: We reported a 28-year-old patient presenting atypical symptoms after sincopa and non-specific changes on electrocardiogram at admission. After noninvasive and invasive cardiology diagnostic procedures were made, we concluded that he had a subtotal tubular stenosis in proximal segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Myocardial revascularization was successfully performed 24-hour after coronarography with the left internal mammary thoracic artery graft on the left anterior descending coronary artery and the patient had a prompt and satisfactory postoperative recovery. CONCLUSION: This case indicates the importance of a careful evaluation of young adults even if they do not experience typical anginal symptoms or do not have multiple risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Early predictors of left ventricular function improvement late after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AIM) depends on the extent of irreversibly damaged myocardium and viable tissue due to stunning or hibernation. The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic significance of early echocardiographic parameters of myocardial viability in prediction of late recovery of regional and global ventricular function. METHODS: The study prospectively included 40 patients after the first, uncomplicated univessel AIM treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Low dose dobutamine echocardiography (LDDE) was preformed 7-10 days after AIM and follow-up resting echocardiography from 7 to 12 months later. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of post revascularisation regional, dys synergy improvement were 61.29% and 94.59% respectively. The positive and negative predicative values were 90.48% and 74.47% re spectively. The number of viable segments (p = 0.01) and extent of contractile reserve (p = 0.01) were univariate, independent predictors of improvement in ejection fraction (EF). From the multivariate stepwise regression analysis contractile reserve was selected as most powerful predictor of late recovery of left ventricular contractile function (p = 0.007). Receiving-operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated that three or more recovered segments were necessary for an improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > or = 5% after the revascularisation, with the highest sensitivity, 100% and specificity 56% (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Low-dose dobutamine echocardiography is a powerful predictor of the regional dys synergy recovery late after AIM treated with PTCA with implantation stent. Late full functional improvement of the left ventricle is related to the extent of contractile reserve and amount of viable tissue. At least three recovered segments are necessary for a significant recovery of the global left ventricular contractility.

The cardioprotective role of preinfarction angina as shown in outcomes of patients after first myocardial infarction.

This prospective study evaluated the relationship between preinfarction angina (2 months before a 1st acute myocardial infarction) and the extent of postinfarction myocardial injury, myocardial perfusion, contractile function, and late recovery of global left ventricular contractile function. We enrolled 46 patients who had been admitted for a 1st, single-vessel-disease, acute myocardial infarction. Low-dose dobutamine echocardiography and technetium-99m-tetrofosmin scintigraphy were performed on all patients 7 to 10 days after acute myocardial infarction; and resting echocardiography was performed 7 to 12 months later. Twenty-seven of 46 (58.7%) patients had experienced angina before acute myocardial infarction, and 19 of 46 (41.3%) had not. There was no difference between the 2 groups in acute basal left ventricular ejection fraction (P=0.17) or in basal wall motion score index (P=0.521). The maximal creatine kinase-MB level was lower in the preinfarction-angina group (P=0.039). Patients with preinfarction angina had significantly more myocardial segments with preserved regional contractile function (P <0.0001) and significantly fewer segments with less than 50% perfusion (P=0.008). Stepwise regression analysis identified preinfarction angina (r2=0.317, P=0.032) as a significant predictor of the percentage of left ventricular ejection fraction recovery after the follow-up period. In our study, preinfarction angina was associated with decreased infarct size and with better protection of global and regional left ventricular contractility and improved preservation of the microvasculature. A history of preinfarction angina should be of value in predicting the late clinical outcomes of patients after a 1st acute myocardial infarction.