High Resting Coronary Flow Velocity by Echocardiography Is Associated With Worse Survival in Patients With Chronic Coronary Syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Resting coronary flow velocity (CFV) in the mid-distal left anterior descending coronary artery can be easily assessed with transthoracic echocardiography. In this observational study, the authors sought to assess the relationship between resting CFV, CFV reserve (CFVR), and outcome in patients with chronic coronary syndromes. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a prospective multicenter study design, the authors retrospectively analyzed 7576 patients (age, 66±11 years; 4312 men) with chronic coronary syndromes and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% referred for dipyridamole stress echocardiography. Recruitment (years 2003-2021) involved 7 accredited laboratories, with interobserver variability <10% for CFV measurement at study entry. Baseline peak diastolic CFV was obtained by pulsed-wave Doppler in the mid-distal left anterior descending coronary artery. CFVR (abnormal value ≤2.0) was assessed with dipyridamole. All-cause death was the only end point. The mean CFV of the left anterior descending coronary artery was 31±12 cm/s. The mean CFVR was 2.32±0.60. During a median follow-up of 5.9±4.3 years, 1121 (15%) patients died. At multivariable analysis, resting CFV ≥32 cm/s was identified by a receiver operating curve as the best cutoff and was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24 [95% CI, 1.10-1.40]; P<0.0001) together with CFVR ≤2.0 (HR, 1.78 [95% CI, 1.57-2.02]; P<0.0001), age, diabetes, history of coronary surgery, and left ventricular ejection fraction. When both CFV and CFVR were considered, the mortality rate was highest in patients with resting CFV ≥32 cm/s and CFVR ≤2.0 and lowest in patients with resting CFV <32 cm/s and CFVR >2.0. CONCLUSIONS: High resting CFV is associated with worse survival in patients with chronic coronary syndromes and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%. The value is independent and additive to CFVR. The combination of high resting CFV and low CFVR is associated with the worst survival.

Treatment adherence in patients without ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Despite progress during the last decades, patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remain with a high residual risk due to multiple reasons. Optimal medical treatment (OMT) provides a decrease of recurrent ischemic events after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Therefore, treatment adherence results crucial to reduce further outcomes after the index event. No recent data are available in Argentinian population; the main objective of our study was to evaluate the adherence at 6 and 15 months in post non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NST-ACS) consecutive patients. Secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship of adherence with 15-month events. METHODS: A prespecified sub-analysis in the prospective registry Buenos Aires I was performed. The adherence was evaluated using the modified Morisky-Green Scale. RESULTS: A number of 872 patients had information about adherence profile. Of them 76.4% were classified as adherents at month 6 and 83.6% at 15 (P=0.06). We did not find any difference in baseline characteristic between the adherent and non-adherent patients at 6 months. The adjusted analysis showed that non-adherent patients had a rate of ischemic events at 15th month of 20% (27/135) vs. 11.5% (52/452) in adherent patients (P=0.001). The bleeding events defined were of 3.6% in the non-adherent group vs. 5% in the adherent group without a statistical difference (P=0.238). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to treatment is still a major issue as almost 25% of patients should be considered as non-adherent to OMT. No clinical predictor of this phenomenon was identified but our criteria were not exhaustive. Good adherence to treatment was highly associated to a reduction of ischemic events, whereas no impact on bleeding events was found. These data support a better network and collaboration with shared decision between healthcare professionals with patients and family members to improve acceptance and adherence to optimal medical strategies.

Multiple Phenotypes of Chronic Coronary Syndromes Identified by ABCDE Stress Echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Regional wall motion abnormality is considered a sensitive and specific marker of ischemia during stress echocardiography (SE). However, ischemia is a multifaceted entity associated with either coronary artery disease (CAD) or angina with normal coronary arteries, a distinction difficult to make using a single sign. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of the five-step ABCDE SE protocol for CAD detection. METHODS: From the 2016-2022 Stress Echo 2030 study data bank, 3,229 patients were selected (mean age, 66 ± 12 years; 2,089 men [65%]) with known CAD (n = 1,792) or angina with normal coronary arteries (n = 1,437). All patients were studied using both the ABCDE SE protocol and coronary angiography, within 3 months. In step A, regional wall motion abnormality is assessed; in step B, B-lines and diastolic function; in step C, left ventricular contractile reserve; in step D, coronary flow velocity reserve in the left anterior descending coronary artery; and in step E, heart rate reserve. RESULTS: SE response ranged from a score of 0 (all steps normal) to a score of 5 (all steps abnormal). For CAD, rates of abnormal results were 347 for step A (19.4%), 547 (30.5%) for step B, 720 (40.2%) for step C, 615 (34.3%) for step D, and 633 (35.3%) for step E. For angina with normal coronary arteries, rates of abnormal results were 81 (5.6%) for step A, 429 (29.9%) for step B, 432 (30.1%) for step C, 354 (24.6%) for step D, and 445 (31.0%) for step E. The dominant "solitary phenotype" was step B in 109 patients (9.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Stress-induced ischemia presents with a wide range of diagnostic phenotypes, highlighting its complex nature. Using a comprehensive approach such as the advanced ABCDE score, which combines multiple markers, proves to be more valuable than relying on a single marker in isolation.

Rest and Stress Left Atrial Dysfunction in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) myopathy with paroxysmal and permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequent in chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) but sometimes occult at rest and elicited by stress. AIM: This study sought to assess LA volume and function at rest and during stress across the spectrum of AF. METHODS: In a prospective, multicenter, observational study design, we enrolled 3042 patients [age = 64 ± 12; 63.8% male] with known or suspected CCS: 2749 were in sinus rhythm (SR, Group 1); 191 in SR with a history of paroxysmal AF (Group 2); and 102 were in permanent AF (Group 3). All patients underwent stress echocardiography (SE). We measured left atrial volume index (LAVI) in all patients and LA Strain reservoir phase (LASr) in a subset of 486 patients. RESULTS: LAVI increased from Group 1 to 3, both at rest (Group 1 = 27.6 ± 12.2, Group 2 = 31.6 ± 12.9, Group 3 = 43.3 ± 19.7 mL/m2, p < 0.001) and at peak stress (Group 1 = 26.2 ± 12.0, Group 2 = 31.2 ± 12.2, Group 3 = 43.9 ± 19.4 mL/m2, p < 0.001). LASr progressively decreased from Group 1 to 3, both at rest (Group 1 = 26.0 ± 8.5%, Group 2 = 23.2 ± 11.2%, Group 3 = 8.5 ± 6.5%, p < 0.001) and at peak stress (Group 1 = 26.9 ± 10.1, Group 2 = 23.8 ± 11.0 Group 3 = 10.7 ± 8.1%, p < 0.001). Stress B-lines (≥2) were more frequent in AF (Group 1 = 29.7% vs. Group 2 = 35.5% vs. Group 3 = 57.4%, p < 0.001). Inducible ischemia was less frequent in SR (Group 1 = 16.1% vs. Group 2 = 24.7% vs. Group 3 = 24.5%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In CCS, rest and stress LA dilation and reservoir dysfunction are often present in paroxysmal and, more so, in permanent AF and are associated with more frequent inducible ischemia and pulmonary congestion during stress.

Stress Echo 2030: the new ABCDE protocol defining the future of cardiac imaging.

Functional testing with stress echocardiography is based on the detection of regional wall motion abnormality with two-dimensional echocardiography and is embedded in clinical guidelines. Yet, it under-uses the unique versatility of the technique, ideally suited to describe the different functional abnormalities underlying the same wall motion response during stress. Five parameters converge conceptually and methodologically in the state-of-the-art ABCDE protocol, assessing multiple vulnerabilities of the ischemic patient. The five steps of the ABCDE protocol are (1) step A: regional wall motion; (2) step B: B-lines by lung ultrasound assessing extravascular lung water; (3) step C: left ventricular contractile reserve by volumetric two-dimensional echocardiography; (4) step D: coronary flow velocity reserve in mid-distal left anterior descending coronary with pulsed-wave Doppler; and (5) step E: assessment of heart rate reserve with a one-lead electrocardiogram. ABCDE stress echo offers insight into five functional reserves: epicardial flow (A); diastolic (B), contractile (C), coronary microcirculatory (D), and chronotropic reserve (E). The new format is more comprehensive and allows better functional characterization, risk stratification, and personalized tailoring of therapy. ABCDE protocol is an 'ecumenic' and 'omnivorous' functional test, suitable for all stresses and all patients also beyond coronary artery disease. It fits the need for sustainability of the current era in healthcare, since it requires universally available technology, and is low-cost, radiation-free, and nearly carbon-neutral.

Myocardial Wringing and Rigid Rotation in Cardiac Amyloidosis.

Background: The motion of the heart is a result of the helicoidal arrangement of the myofibers in the organ's wall. We aimed to study the relationship between the wringing motion state and the degree of ventricular function in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Methods: Fifty patients with CA and decreased global longitudinal strain (LS) were evaluated using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. We have expressed LS as positive values to facilitate understanding. Normal twist, which occurs when basal and apical rotations occur in opposite directions, was coded as positive. When the apex and base rotate in the same direction (rigid rotation), twist was coded as negative. Left ventricular (LV) wringing (calculated as twist/LS, which takes into account actions that occur simultaneously during LV systole [ie, longitudinal shortening and twist]) was evaluated according to LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Results: Most of the patients (66%) who participated in the study were diagnosed with transthyretin amyloidosis. A positive relationship was observed between wringing and LVEF (r = 0.75, P < 0.0001). In advanced stages of ventricular dysfunction, rigid rotation appeared in 66.6% of patients with LVEF ≤ 40%, in whom negative values of twist and wringing were observed. LV wringing proved to be a good discriminator of LVEF (area under the curve 0.90, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval 0.79-0.97); for example, wringing < 1.30°/% detected LVEF < 50% with 85.7% sensibility and 89.7% specificity. Conclusions: Wringing, which integrates twist and simultaneous LV longitudinal shortening, is a conditioning rotational parameter of the degree of ventricular function in patients with CA.

Contexte: Les mouvements du cœur sont le résultat de l'orientation hélicoïdale des fibres des parois du cœur. L'objectif de notre étude était d'étudier le lien entre le mouvement « d'essorage ¼ et la fonction ventriculaire chez les patients atteints d'amylose cardiaque (AC). Méthodologie: Cinquante patients atteints d'AC et présentant une déformation longitudinale (DL) globale réduite ont fait l'objet d'une évaluation à l'aide de l'échocardiographie bidimensionnelle de suivi des marqueurs acoustiques. Nous avons choisi d'exprimer la DL en valeurs positives pour faciliter la compréhension des données. Une torsion normale, caractérisée par les mouvements de rotation opposés entre la base et l'apex du cœur, a été codée comme positive. Lorsque l'apex et la base opéraient une rotation dans la même direction (rotation rigide), la torsion était codée comme négative. Le mouvement « d'essorage ¼ du ventricule gauche (VG) (calculé comme le rapport torsion/DL, qui tient compte des actions survenant simultanément durant la systole du VG [c.-à-d., raccourcissement longitudinal et torsion]) a été évalué en fonction de la fraction d'éjection du VG (FEVG). Résultats: La plupart des patients (66 %) ayant participé à l'étude avaient reçu un diagnostic d'amylose à transthyrétine. Un lien positif a été établi entre le mouvement d'essorage et la FEVG (coefficient de corrélation [r] = 0,75, p < 0,0001). Aux stades avancés de la dysfonction ventriculaire, une rotation rigide a été observée chez 66,6 % des patients ayant une FEVG ≤ 40 % et chez qui les valeurs de torsion et d'essorage étaient négatives. L'essorage du VG s'est révélé être un facteur fiable de détermination de la FEVG (aire sous la courbe : 0,90; p < 0,001, intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % : 0,79-0,97); par exemple, un mouvement d'essorage < 1,30 °/% a permis de détecter une FEVG < 50 % avec une sensibilité de 85,7 % et une spécificité de 89,7 %. Conclusions: Le mouvement d'essorage, qui intègre simultanément la torsion et le raccourcissement longitudinal du VG, est un paramètre rotationnel qui influence le degré de fonction ventriculaire chez les patients atteints d'AC.

Precise Score Validation in Buenos Aires 1 Registry.

The PRECISE-DAPT score predicts the bleeding risk in patients treated with dual antiplatelet treatment after PCI. We asess the prediction power of the score in patients suffering from non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes. Our cohort included 862 patients from Buenos Aires 1 registry. The PRECISE-DAPT score was calculated upon admission and the follow up period was 15 months. The score as a continuous variable had low to moderate ability to predict bleeding events BARC 2, 3 or 5 (c-statistics 0.58 [95% CI, 0.52-0.61]); moderate at BARC 3 or 5 (c-statistics 0.72 [95% CI, 0.64-0.78]), and poor for MACE (c-statistics 0.49 [95% CI, 0,45-0.51]). PRECISE-DAPT score as a dichotomous variable (≥25, n= 210 [24%]) was associated with very high risk of bleeding (HR 2.1) and ischemic events (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.8-2.1). As conclusion, PRECISE-DAPT score ≥25 was able to identify a subgroup of patients with high bleeding, and thrombotic events.

Reserva contráctil por fracción de eyección sola, o con elastancia. ¿Cuál es el mejor predictor de eventos luego de un Eco Estrés sin isquemia? / Contractile Reserve by Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Alone, o Considering Elastance. ¿Which is the Best Predictor of Events After a Stress Echo Without Ischemia?

RESUMEN Introducción: El comportamiento de la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) durante el ejercicio se utiliza para medir la reserva contráctil (RC). La RC medida por elastancia podría tener mayor valor pronóstico. Objetivo: Establecer si la medición de la RC por elastancia añade valor pronóstico a largo plazo en relación al comportamiento aislado de la FEVI en pacientes con un Eco Estrés sin isquemia miocárdica. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, realizado en 904 pacientes con Eco Estrés con ejercicio sin isquemia. Se valoró la RC por FEVI y por elastancia. Se dividieron en 2 grupos: Grupo 1: RC por FEVI presente (a su vez este grupo se dividió en 2 subgrupos: Grupo 1 A, RC con elastancia presente y Grupo 1B: ausencia de RC por elastancia), y Grupo 2: pacientes con ausencia de RC por FEVI. El seguimiento fue de 17,7 ± 5,4 meses. Se consideraron como eventos: muerte, infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) y/o internación de causa cardiovascular. Resultados: Del total del Grupo 1 (536 pacientes), 200 (37,3%) se incluyeron en el Grupo 1A y 336 (62,7%) en el Grupo 1B. En el Grupo 2, se incluyeron 368 pacientes. En el seguimiento, los pacientes del Grupo 2 tuvieron más eventos, 30 (8,1%) vs. 22 (2,6%) (HR 3,14, IC95% 1,95-5,9, log rank test p<0,001). Dentro del G1, los pacientes del Grupo 1B presentaron más eventos: 18 (5,3%) vs 4 eventos (2%) (HR 2,46 IC95% 1,06-7,3, log rank test p<0,05). En el modelo de regresión, la elastancia fue la única variable predictora de eventos (HR 3,2, IC95% 1,83-5,6, p<0,001). Conclusiones: En el Eco Estrés ejercicio negativo para isquemia, el comportamiento de la RC evaluada por elastancia permitió identificar un subgrupo de peor pronóstico a largo plazo en pacientes con comportamiento normal de la FEVI.

ABSTRACT Background: The behavior of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during exercise is used to measure contractile reserve (CR). CR measured by elastance could have greater prognostic value. Objective: To establish whether the measurement of CR by elastance adds long-term prognostic value to CR measured by LVEF in patients with a Stress Echo without myocardial ischemia. Material and methods: Retrospective study, carried out in 904 patients with an exercise Stress Echo without ischemia. CR was assessed by LVEF and by elastance. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: presence of CR by LVEF (in turn this group was divided into 2 subgroups: Group 1A, CR with elastance present, and Group 1B: absence of CR by elastance), and Group 2: patients with absence of CR by LVEF. The follow-up was 17,7 ± 5,4 months. Outcomes considered were death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, and cardiovascular hospitalization. Results: 536 patients were included in Group 1, 200 (37,3 %) in Group 1A and 336 (62,7%) in Group 1B. In Group 2, 368 patients were included. At follow-up, patients in Group 2 had more events, 30 (8.1%) vs. 22 (2.6%) (HR 3.14, 95% CI 1.95-5.9, log rank test p <0.001). Within G1, patients in Group 1B presented more events: 18(5.3%) vs 4 (2%) (HR 2.46 CI 95% 1.06-7.3, log rank test p <0.05). In the regression model, CR assessed by LVEF and additionally by elastance was the only significant outcome predictor (HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.83-5.6, p <0.001). Conclusions: In an exercise Stress Echo negative for ischemia, CR behavior evaluated by elastance allowed us to identify a subgroup with a worse long-term prognosis in patients with normal LVEF response.

Pulmonary Congestion During Exercise Stress Echocardiography in Ischemic and Heart Failure Patients.

BACKGROUND: Lung ultrasound detects pulmonary congestion as B-lines at rest, and more frequently, during exercise stress echocardiography (ESE). METHODS: We performed ESE plus lung ultrasound (4-site simplified scan) in 4392 subjects referred for semi-supine bike ESE in 24 certified centers in 9 countries. B-line score ranged from 0 (normal) to 40 (severely abnormal). Five different populations were evaluated: control subjects (n=103); chronic coronary syndromes (n=3701); heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (n=395); heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (n=70); ischemic mitral regurgitation ≥ moderate at rest (n=123). In a subset of 2478 patients, follow-up information was available. RESULTS: During ESE, B-lines increased in all study groups except controls. Age, hypertension, abnormal ejection fraction, peak wall motion score index, and abnormal heart rate reserve were associated with B-lines in multivariable regression analysis. Stress B lines (hazard ratio, 2.179 [95% CI, 1.015-4.680]; P=0.046) and ejection fraction <50% (hazard ratio, 2.942 [95% CI, 1.268-6.822]; P=0.012) were independent predictors of all-cause death (n=29 after a median follow-up of 29 months). CONCLUSIONS: B-lines identify the pulmonary congestion phenotype at rest, and more frequently, during ESE in ischemic and heart failure patients. Stress B-lines may help to refine risk stratification in these patients. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03049995.

Fisiopatología y pronóstico de la deformación longitudinal regional durante el eco estrés con dipiridamol / Pathophysiology and Prognosis of Apical Longitudinal Strain During Dipyridamole Stress Echocardiography

RESUMEN Introducción: El strain longitudinal apical regional permite corroborar el diagnóstico de alteraciones regionales de la motilidad parietal sobre una base cuantitativa, pero faltan datos sobre su valor pronóstico a largo plazo. Objetivos: Evaluar el correlato fisiológico y el valor pronóstico del strain longitudinal apical en el eco estrés con dipiridamol frente a la motilidad parietal. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, que incluyó 150 pacientes remitidos para eco estrés con dipiridamol. Se evaluó el strain longitudinal apical, la reserva coronaria (RC) de la arteria descendente anterior y el análisis visual de la motilidad parietal. Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos. Grupo1: pacientes con strain longitudinal apical normal y Grupo 2: con strain anormal. Se realizó seguimiento por 36 ± 9,3 meses. Evento mayor fue definido como: muerte, infarto de miocardio, revascularización e internación por causa cardíaca. Resultados: Fueron incluidos en el análisis 142 pacientes (8 pacientes fueron excluidos por ventana ultrasónica subóptima), 87 (61,3%) en el Grupo 1 y 55 (38,7%) en el Grupo 2. No hubo diferencias en el strain longitudinal apical en reposo entre ambos grupos. Durante el apremio, los pacientes del Grupo1 evidenciaron mejor motilidad parietal visual y una RC más alta (p < 0,001). La RC y los cambios del strain longitudinal apical presentaron una correlación positiva (coeficiente r de Pearson = 0,89, p < 0,0001). En el seguimiento hubo 24 eventos mayores. Los pacientes del Grupo1 tuvieron una mejor supervivencia libre de eventos (p<0,01) y el strain longitudinal apical demostró ser un predictor independiente de evento, mejor que el análisis de motilidad parietal (p = 0,002 vs p = 0,1), en el análisis de regresión logística. Conclusiones: El strain longitudinal apical tiene muy buena correlación con: la reserva de velocidad del flujo coronario y se asocia mejor con el pronóstico a largo plazo. El strain longitudinal apical anormal durante el eco dipiridamol predijo un peor resultado, independientemente del análisis visual de la motilidad parietal.

ABSTRACT Background: Regional apical longitudinal strain can corroborate the diagnosis of regional wall motion abnormalities on a quantitative basis, but data on long-term prognostic value are lacking. Objectives: To evaluate the physiological correlate and the prognostic value of apical longitudinal strain versus wall motility during dipyridamole stress echocardiography. Methods: Retrospective study, which included 150 patients referred for dipyridamole stress echocardiography. Apical longitudinal strain, anterior descending artery coronary reserve, and visual analysis of wall motility were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1: patients with normal apical longitudinal strain, and Group 2: abnormal strain. Follow-up was carried out for 36 ± 9.3 months. Major event was defined as: death, myocardial infarction, revascularization and hospitalization for cardiac causes. Results. Eighty-seven patients (61.3%) in Group 1 and 55 (38.7%) patients in Group 2 were included (8 patients were excluded due to a suboptimal ultrasound window). There were no differences in apical longitudinal strain at rest between the groups. During the stress, Group 1 patients showed better visual wall motility and a higher coronary reserve (p < 0.001). The coronary reserve showed a linear correlation with the changes in the apical longitudinal strain (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.89, p < 0.0001). At follow-up, there were 24 major events. Group 1 patients had better event-free survival (p < 0.01) and apical longitudinal strain proved to be a better independent event predictor than wall motion analysis (p = 0.002 vs p = 0.1) in logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Apical longitudinal strain has a very good correlation with physiological standards -coronary flow velocity reserve- and its association with long-term prognosis is better. Abnormal apical longitudinal strain during dipyridamole stress echocardiography predicted a worse outcome, regardless of visual wall motion analysis.

Long Term Prognostic Value of Contractile Reserve Assessed by Global Longitudinal Strain in Patients with Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) at rest has shown prognostic value in patients (pts) with severe aortic stenosis (SAS). Contractile reserve (CR) during exercise stress echo (ESE) estimated via GLS (CR-GLS) could better stratify the asymptomatic patients who could benefit from early intervention. AIMS: To determine the long-term prognostic value of CR-GLS in patients with asymptomatic SAS with an ESE without inducible ischemia. Additionally, to compare the prognostic value of CR assessed via ejection fraction (CR-EF) and CR-GLS. METHODS: In a prospective, single-center, observational study between 2013 and 2019, 101 pts with asymptomatic SAS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 55% were enrolled. CR was considered present with an exercise-rest increase in LVEF (Simpson's rule) ≥ 5 points and > 2 absolute points in GLS. Patients were assigned to 2 groups (G): G1: 56 patients with CR-GLS present; and G2: 45 patients CR-GLS absent. All patients were followed up. RESULTS: G2 Patients were older, with lower exercise capability, less aortic valve area (AVA), a higher peak aortic gradient, and less LVEF (71.5% ± 5.9 vs. 66.8% ± 7.9; p = 0.002) and GLS (%) at exercise (G1: -22.2 ± 2.8 vs. G2: -18.45 ± 2.4; p = 0.001). During mean follow-up of 46.6 ± 3.4 months, events occurred in 45 pts., with higher incidence in G2 (G2 = 57.8% vs. G1 = 42.2%, p < 0.01). At Cox regression analysis, CR-GLS was an independent predictor of major cardiovascular events (HR: 1.98, 95% CI 1.09-3.58, p = 0.025). Event-free survival was lower for patients with CR-GLS absent (log rank test p = 0.022). CR-EF was not outcome predictive (log rank test p 0.095). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with asymptomatic SAS, the absence of CR-GLS during ESE is associated with worse prognosis. Additionally, CR-GLS was a better predictor of events than CR-EF.

Vasodilator Strain Stress Echocardiography in Suspected Coronary Microvascular Angina.

Background: In patients with Ischemia and non-obstructive coronary artery stenosis (INOCA) wall motion is rarely abnormal during stress echocardiography (SE). Our aim was to determine if patients with INOCA and reduced coronary flow velocity reserve (CVFR) have altered cardiac mechanics using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) during SE. Methods: In a prospective, multicenter, international study, we recruited 135 patients with INOCA. Overall, we performed high dose (0.84 mg/kg) dipyridamole SE with combined assessment of CVFR and 2DSTE. The population was divided in patients with normal CVFR (>2, group 1, n = 95) and abnormal CVFR (≤2, group 2, n = 35). Clinical and 2DSTE parameters were compared between groups. Results: Feasibility was high for CFVR (98%) and 2DSTE (97%). A total of 130 patients (mean age 63 ± 12 years, 67 women) had complete flow and strain data. The two groups showed similar 2DSTE values at rest. At peak SE, Group 1 patients showed lower global longitudinal strain (p < 0.007), higher mechanical dispersion (p < 0.0005), lower endocardial (p < 0.001), and epicardial (p < 0.0002) layer specific strain. Conclusions: In patients with INOCA, vasodilator SE with simultaneous assessment of CFVR and strain is highly feasible. Coronary microvascular dysfunction is accompanied by an impairment of global and layer-specific deformation indices during stress.

Feasibility and value of two-dimensional volumetric stress echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Stroke volume response during stress is a major determinant of functional status in heart failure and can be measured by two-dimensional (2-D) volumetric stress echocardiography (SE). The present study hypothesis is that SE may identify mechanisms underlying the change in stroke volume by measuring preload reserve through end-diastolic volume (EDV) and left ventricular contractile reserve (LVCR) with systolic blood pressure and end-systolic volume (ESV). METHODS: We enrolled 4735 patients (age 63.6±11.3 years, 2800 male) referred to SE for known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and/or heart failure (HF) in 21 SE laboratories in 8 countries. In addition to regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA), force was measured at rest and peak stress as the ratio of systolic blood pressure by cuff sphygmomanometer/ESV by 2D with Simpson's or linear method. Abnormal values of LVCR (peak/rest) based on force were ≤1.10 for dipyridamole (N.=1992 patients) and adenosine (N.=18); ≤2.0 for exercise (N.=2087) or dobutamine (N.=638). RESULTS: Force-based LVCR was obtained in all 4735 patients. Lack of stroke volume increase during stress was due to either abnormal LVCR and/or blunted preload reserve, and 57% of patients with abnormal LVCR nevertheless showed increase in stroke volume. CONCLUSIONS: Volumetric SE is highly feasible with all stresses, and more frequently impaired in presence of ischemic RWMA, absence of viability and reduced coronary flow velocity reserve. It identifies an altered stroke volume response due to reduced preload and/or contractile reserve.

High-Sensitivity Troponin T For The Risk Assessment Of Patients With Acute Atrial Fibrillation.

Elevations of high-sensitivity troponin T (Hs-TnT) in the setting of acute atrial fibrillation (AF) are not clearly understood. This study evaluated factors associated with these elevations and its prognostic implication. We prospectively included 413 consecutive patients who presented to our institution with acute AF. The median Hs-TnT on admission was 12 ng/l and 39.4% had values above the 99th percentile. At 1-year, AF recurrence occurred in 38.3% of patients, and MACE in 5.6%. Hs-TnT levels were not associated with AF reversion (p 0.869) or with 1-year AF recurrence (p 0.132) but they were with MACE (12 vs 24 ng/l, p 0.001). Thus, Hs-TnT was a strong predictor of MACE (HR 3.486, 95% CI 1.256-5.379, p 0.009) in this population. In conclusion, Hs-TnT elevation was frequently observed in patients with acute AF, and although it was not associated with AF reversion or recurrence, it was highly predictive of MACE at 1-year.

Stress Echo 2030: The Novel ABCDE-(FGLPR) Protocol to Define the Future of Imaging.

With stress echo (SE) 2020 study, a new standard of practice in stress imaging was developed and disseminated: the ABCDE protocol for functional testing within and beyond CAD. ABCDE protocol was the fruit of SE 2020, and is the seed of SE 2030, which is articulated in 12 projects: 1-SE in coronary artery disease (SECAD); 2-SE in diastolic heart failure (SEDIA); 3-SE in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (SEHCA); 4-SE post-chest radiotherapy and chemotherapy (SERA); 5-Artificial intelligence SE evaluation (AI-SEE); 6-Environmental stress echocardiography and air pollution (ESTER); 7-SE in repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (SETOF); 8-SE in post-COVID-19 (SECOV); 9: Recovery by stress echo of conventionally unfit donor good hearts (RESURGE); 10-SE for mitral ischemic regurgitation (SEMIR); 11-SE in valvular heart disease (SEVA); 12-SE for coronary vasospasm (SESPASM). The study aims to recruit in the next 5 years (2021-2025) ≥10,000 patients followed for ≥5 years (up to 2030) from ≥20 quality-controlled laboratories from ≥10 countries. In this COVID-19 era of sustainable health care delivery, SE2030 will provide the evidence to finally recommend SE as the optimal and versatile imaging modality for functional testing anywhere, any time, and in any patient.

Fibrilación auricular de novo en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST. Datos del Registro Buenos Aires I / De Novo Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome. Data from the Buenos Aires I Registry

RESUMEN Introducción: La fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia con mayor incidencia a nivel mundial y tiene una clara asociación con los síndromes coronarios agudos. El propósito de nuestro trabajo es describir la incidencia, los factores predisponentes y el pronóstico de pacientes con FA de novo luego de un síndrome coronario agudo, en una población representativa de nuestro medio. Material y métodos: Se realizó un subanálisis del registro BUENOS AIRES I, el cual incluyó 1110 pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST (SCASEST), con un seguimiento a 6 meses. Resultados: Se evidenció una incidencia del 7,7% de FA de novo y se identificaron como factores predictores independientes de su desarrollo la edad (OR 1,04; IC95% 1,02-1,08; p = 0,001), la presentación inicial con infarto agudo de miocardio (OR 2,35; IC95% 1,20-4,57; p = 0,012) y la necesidad de revascularización quirúrgica (OR 6,86; IC95% 3,95-11,89; p <0,001). Los pacientes que desarrollaron FA presentaron mayor mortalidad por todas las causas, mayor mortalidad cardiovascular y eventos de sangrado BARC ≥2. Se identificó a la FA de novo post-SCASEST como un factor predictor independiente de mortalidad cardiovascular (OR 3,67; IC95% 1,25-10,76; p = 0,018) y sangrado a 6 meses BARC ≥2 (OR 3,024; IC95% 1,49-6,11; p = 0,002). Conclusiones: Este subanálisis preespecificado del registro BUENOS AIRES I demostró una incidencia significativa de FA de novo en el contexto de un SCASEST, vinculada a una mayor edad, mayor daño estructural cardíaco agudo y requerimiento de cirugía de revascularización, y con una peor evolución en términos de eventos clínicos adversos en el seguimiento a mediano plazo.

ABSTRACT Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and has a close correlation with acute coronary syndromes. The aim of our study is to describe the incidence, predisposing factors and outcome of patients with de novo AF after an acute coronary syndrome in a population representative of our environment. Methods: We conducted a sub-analysis of the BUENOS AIRES I registry, which included 1110 patients with non- ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) followed-up at 6 months. Results: The incidence of de novo AF was 7.7%. The independent predictors of de novo AF were age (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.021.08; p = 0.001), initial presentation as MI (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.20-4.57; p = 0.012) and requirement of myocardial revascularization surgery (OR 6.86; 95% CI 3.95-11.89; p < 0.001). Patients who developed AF had greater all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and bleeding events ≥BARC type 2. The development of de novo AF after NSTE-ACS was identified as an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality (OR, 3.67; 95% CI 1.25-10.76; p = 0.018) and of bleeding events ≥ BARC type 2 (OR, 3.024; 95% CI, 1.49-6.11; p = 0.002). Conclusions: This prespecified sub-analysis of the BUENOS AIRES I registry demonstrated a significant incidence of de novo AF in the setting of a NSTE-ACS, associated with elderly patients, greater acute myocardial structural damage and need for myocardial revascularization surgery, with worse outcome in terms of adverse clinical events at mid-term follow-up.

Hemodynamic Heterogeneity of Reduced Cardiac Reserve Unmasked by Volumetric Exercise Echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional volumetric exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) provides an integrated view of left ventricular (LV) preload reserve through end-diastolic volume (EDV) and LV contractile reserve (LVCR) through end-systolic volume (ESV) changes. PURPOSE: To assess the dependence of cardiac reserve upon LVCR, EDV, and heart rate (HR) during ESE. METHODS: We prospectively performed semi-supine bicycle or treadmill ESE in 1344 patients (age 59.8 ± 11.4 years; ejection fraction = 63 ± 8%) referred for known or suspected coronary artery disease. All patients had negative ESE by wall motion criteria. EDV and ESV were measured by biplane Simpson rule with 2-dimensional echocardiography. Cardiac index reserve was identified by peak-rest value. LVCR was the stress-rest ratio of force (systolic blood pressure by cuff sphygmomanometer/ESV, abnormal values ≤2.0). Preload reserve was defined by an increase in EDV. Cardiac index was calculated as stroke volume index * HR (by EKG). HR reserve (stress/rest ratio) <1.85 identified chronotropic incompetence. RESULTS: Of the 1344 patients, 448 were in the lowest tertile of cardiac index reserve with stress. Of them, 303 (67.6%) achieved HR reserve <1.85; 252 (56.3%) had an abnormal LVCR and 341 (76.1%) a reduction of preload reserve, with 446 patients (99.6%) showing ≥1 abnormality. At binary logistic regression analysis, reduced preload reserve (odds ratio [OR]: 5.610; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 4.025 to 7.821), chronotropic incompetence (OR: 3.923, 95% CI: 2.915 to 5.279), and abnormal LVCR (OR: 1.579; 95% CI: 1.105 to 2.259) were independently associated with lowest tertile of cardiac index reserve at peak stress. CONCLUSIONS: Heart rate assessment and volumetric echocardiography during ESE identify the heterogeneity of hemodynamic phenotypes of impaired chronotropic, preload or LVCR underlying a reduced cardiac reserve.

Influence of Ventricular Wringing on the Preservation of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Cardiac Amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this work was to determine the influence of myocardial wringing on ventricular function in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). METHODS: Fifteen healthy volunteers (group 1) and 34 patients with CA (17 with left ventricular ejection fractions [LVEFs] ≥ 53% [group 2] and 17 with LVEFs < 53% [group 3]) were evaluated using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. A control group of mass-matched patients (n = 20) with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and LVEFs ≥ 53% was also included. Longitudinal strain (LS), circumferential strain, and LV twist and torsion were calculated. Deformation index (DefI), a new parameter of wringing, calculated as twist/LS, that takes into account actions that occur simultaneously during LV systole (i.e., longitudinal shortening and twist), was evaluated. Torsional and wringing parameters were calculated according to LVEF. RESULTS: Lower global values of LS and circumferential strain were observed among patients with CA (LS: group 1, -20.6 ± 2.5%; group 2, -11.6 ± 4.1%; group 3, -9.0 ± 3.1%; circumferential strain: group 1, -22.7 ± 4.9%; group 2, -14.4 ± 8.0%; group 3, -13.6 ± 3.8%; P < .001 for both). Torsion did not vary between group 2 and group 1 (2.5 ± 1.1°/cm vs 2.7 ± 0.8°/cm, P = NS). In contrast, DefI was greater in group 2 than in group 1 (-1.8 ± 0.8°/% vs -1.0 ± 0.3°/%, P < .01). Torsion and DefI were lower in group 3 (1.2 ± 0.7°/cm and -1.1 ± 0.6°/%, respectively, P < .001 for both) than in group 2. DefI was similar in patients with LV hypertrophy (-1.7 ± 0.6°/%, P = NS) and group 2. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CA, preservation of LVEF depends on greater ventricular wringing. DefI, a parameter that integrates the twist and the simultaneous longitudinal shortening of the left ventricle, is a more accurate indicator of the efficacy of this mechanism.

Feasibility and functional correlates of left atrial volume changes during stress echocardiography in chronic coronary syndromes.

An enlarged left atrial volume index (LAVI) at rest mirrors increased LA pressure and/or impairment of LA function. A cardiovascular stress may acutely modify left atrial volume (LAV) within minutes. Aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and functional correlates of LAV-stress echocardiography (SE) Out of 514 subjects referred to 10 quality-controlled labs, LAV-SE was completed in 490 (359 male, age 67 ± 12 years) with suspected or known chronic coronary syndromes (n = 462) or asymptomatic controls (n = 28). The utilized stress was exercise in 177, vasodilator in 167, dobutamine in 146. LAV was measured with the biplane disk summation method. SE was performed with the ABCDE protocol. The intra-observer and inter-observer LAV variability were 5% and 8%, respectively. ∆-LAVI changes (stress-rest) were negatively correlated with resting LAVI (r = - 0.271, p < 0.001) and heart rate reserve (r = -.239, p < 0.001). LAV-dilators were defined as those with stress-rest increase ≥ 6.8 ml/m2, a cutoff derived from a calculated reference change value above the biological, analytical and observer variability of LAVI. LAV dilation occurred in 56 patients (11%), more frequently with exercise (16%) and dipyridamole (13%) compared to dobutamine (4%, p < 0.01). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, B-lines ≥ 2 (OR: 2.586, 95% CI = 1.1293-5.169, p = 0.007) and abnormal contractile reserve (OR: 2.207, 95% CI = 1.111-4.386, p = 0.024) were associated with LAV dilation. In conclusion, LAV-SE is feasible with high success rate and low variability in patients with chronic coronary syndromes. LAV dilation is more likely with reduced left ventricular contractile reserve and pulmonary congestion.