Apical longitudinal strain can help predict the development of left ventricular thrombus after anterior myocardial infarction

Abstract Background: Left ventricular (LV) thrombus formation is a common complication of anterior myocardial infarction (ANT-MI). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between apical longitudinal strain (ALS) and LV apical thrombus after ANT-MI. Methods: The cross-sectional study included a total of 235 patients who were followed up after primary percutaneous coronary intervention performed for ANT-MI and had a reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (≤40%). Of these patients, 24 were excluded from the study, and the remaining 211 patients were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence (n = 42) or absence (n = 169) of LV thrombus detected by echocardiography. ALS was measured using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Results: Thrombus was detected in 42 of 211 patients. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding age or gender. Apical strain (AS), global longitudinal strain (GLS), apical wall thickness (AWT), and EF were significantly lower in patients with LV apical thrombus when compared to those without LV apical thrombus (AS, –5.00 ± 2.30% vs. −8.54 ± 2.48%, p < 0.001; GLS, −10.6 ± 3.54% vs. −12.1 ± 2.84%, p = 0.013; AWT, 4.71 ± 1.11 vs. 6.33 ± 1.78 mm, p < 0.001; EF, 31.40 ± 4.10% vs. 37.75 ± 3.17%, p < 0.001). On univariate and multivariate analyses, aneurysm (AA), AS, and AWT were found to be independent predictors of LV apical thrombus (AA, odds ratio [OR] 4.649, p = 0.010; AS, OR 1.749, p < 0.001; AWT, OR 0.729, p = 0.042). Conclusion: ALS is highly sensitive and specific for predicting LV thrombus after ANT-MI. An early and accurate evaluation of LV thrombus may prevent embolic complications, particularly cerebrovascular events.

Apical Longitudinal Strain Can Help Predict the Development of Left Ventricular Thrombus after Anterior Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) thrombus formation is a common complication of anterior myocardial infarction (ANT-MI). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between apical longitudinal strain (ALS) and LV apical thrombus after ANT-MI. METHODS: The cross-sectional study included a total of 235 patients who were followed up after primary percutaneous coronary intervention performed for ANT-MI and had a reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (< -40%). Of these patients, 24 were excluded from the study, and the remaining 211 patients were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence (n = 42) or absence (n = 169) of LV thrombus detected by echocardiography. ALS was measured using speckle-tracking echocardiography. RESULTS: Thrombus was detected in 42 of 211 patients. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding age or gender. Apical strain (AS), global longitudinal strain (GLS), apical wall thickness (AWT), and EF were significantly lower in patients with LV apical thrombus when compared to those without LV apical thrombus (AS, -5.00 +- 2.30% vs. -8.54 +- 2.48%, p < 0.001; GLS, -10.6 +- 3.54% vs. -12.1 +- 2.84%, p = 0.013; AWT, 4.71 +- 1.11 vs. 6.33 +- 1.78 mm, p < 0.001; EF, 31.40 +- 4.10% vs. 37.75 +- 3.17%, p < 0.001). On univariate and multivariate analyses, aneurysm (AA), AS, and AWT were found to be independent predictors of LV apical thrombus (AA, odds ratio [OR] 4.649, p = 0.010; AS, OR 1.749, p < 0.001; AWT, OR 0.729, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: ALS is highly sensitive and specific for predicting LV thrombus after ANT-MI. An early and accurate evaluation of LV thrombus may prevent embolic complications, particularly cerebrovascular events.

Effects of Low-Dose Recombinant Human Brain Natriuretic Peptide on Anterior Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock.

INTRODUCTION:: The mortality due to cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is high even in patients with early revascularization. Infusion of low dose recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) at the time of AMI is well tolerated and could improve cardiac function. OBJECTIVE:: The objective of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic effects of rhBNP in AMI patients revascularized by emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who developed cardiogenic shock. METHODS:: A total of 48 patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock and whose hemodynamic status was improved following emergency PCI were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to rhBNP (n=25) and control (n=23) groups. In addition to standard therapy, study group individuals received rhBNP by continuous infusion at 0.005 µg kg-1 min-1 for 72 hours. RESULTS:: Baseline characteristics, medications, and peak of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were similar between both groups. rhBNP treatment resulted in consistently improved pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) compared to the control group. Respectively, 7 and 9 patients died in experimental and control groups. No drug-related serious adverse events occurred in either group. CONCLUSION:: When added to standard care in stable patients with cardiogenic shock complicating anterior STEMI, low dose rhBNP improves PCWP and is well tolerated.

Effects of low-dose recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide on anterior myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The mortality due to cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is high even in patients with early revascularization. Infusion of low dose recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) at the time of AMI is well tolerated and could improve cardiac function. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic effects of rhBNP in AMI patients revascularized by emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who developed cardiogenic shock. METHODS: A total of 48 patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock and whose hemodynamic status was improved following emergency PCI were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to rhBNP (n=25) and control (n=23) groups. In addition to standard therapy, study group individuals received rhBNP by continuous infusion at 0.005 µg kg−1 min−1 for 72 hours. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics, medications, and peak of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were similar between both groups. rhBNP treatment resulted in consistently improved pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) compared to the control group. Respectively, 7 and 9 patients died in experimental and control groups. No drug-related serious adverse events occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: When added to standard care in stable patients with cardiogenic shock complicating anterior STEMI, low dose rhBNP improves PCWP and is well tolerated.

Mechanical thrombectomy using the Solitaire stent in a left main coronary artery: A novel approach to coronary thrombus retrieval.

The Solitaire stent is a self-expanding nitinol, fully retrievable stent that was originally designed for applications in cerebral circulation. Expanded indications for its use in mechanical embolectomy during acute ischemic stroke have proven safe and effective. Herein, we describe a novel use of this stent to perform a mechanical thrombectomy of a large left main coronary artery thrombus. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Miocardiopatía de takotsubo y la arteria coronaria única: una combinación excepcional / Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and single coronary artery: a unique combination

La miocardiopatía de takotsubo es una entidad que clínicamente simula un síndrome coronario agudo, siendo indispensable para su diagnóstico la exclusión de la enfermedad coronaria significativa. Se presenta el caso de una mujer postmenopáusica, quien durante un episodio de migraña desarrolla un cuadro clínico similar a un infarto del miocardio anterior, donde la ecocardiografía durante el evento agudo, orientó hacia el diagnóstico correcto de miocardiopatía de Takotsubo, encontrándose incidentalmente una arteria coronaria única sin enfermedad obstructiva.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a condition that clinically simulates an acute coronary syndrome, thus it remains indispensable for its diagnosis to exclude a significant coronary disease. We present the case of a postmenopausal woman who developed a clinical picture similar to an anterior myocardial infarction during a migraine episode, where the echocardiogram during the acute event oriented towards the correct diagnosis of a Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, incidentally finding a single coronary artery with no obstructive disease.

Value of human brain natriuretic peptide in treatment of acute anterior myocardial infarction evaluated via three-dimensional speckle tracking imaging.

Three-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking imaging was used to evaluate the effects of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) in acute anterior and extensive anterior myocardial infarction. Ninety patients with acute anterior or extensive myocardial infarction were randomly divided into 3 groups: Group A [emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)], Group B (emergency PCI + rhBNP early treatment), and Group C (emergency PCI + late rhBNP treatment). Within 6 h of admission and at 1 week and 3 and 6 months after PCI, patients underwent routine transthoracic echocardiography and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography. At 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, ejection fraction values in groups B and C were significantly greater than those in group A (P < 0.05), and left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular end-systolic volume values in groups B and C were less than those in group A (P < 0.05). Within 6 h of admission in each group, long-axis, radial, circumferential, and area variables corresponding to anterior descending artery segments showed no significant difference (all P > 0.05). However, at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, long-axis, radial, circumferential and area variables in groups B and C were significantly less than those in group A (P < 0.05). Intervention with rhBNP can im-prove resilience of the local myocardium, left ventricular mechanical function, and cardiac remodeling. Within 6 h of admission or after PCI, rhBNP application showed no significant difference in heart function improvement or myocardial remodeling inhibition.

Crioablação em atleta com via acessóriaanterosseptal parahissiana. Uma nova esperança para pacientes com WPW e vias acessórias de alto risco / Cryoablation in athlete with accessory pathway anteroseptal to His bundle. New hope for patients with WPW and roads Ancillary high risk

A eliminação do feixe anômalo em atletas portadores de síndrome de Wolff-Parkinson-White deve sempreser o objetivo do tratamento. O comportamento dofeixe durante exercício máximo pode ser avaliado como preditor de risco de morte súbita...

Intra-aortic balloon pump treatment for patients with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction after reperfusion therapy.

We evaluated the effects of an intra-aortic balloon pump on hemodynamics, brain natriuretic peptide concentration and cardiac function of patients with acute myocardial infarction, after reperfusion therapy. Sixty-three patients with acute anterior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were given an intra-aortic balloon pump (32 cases) or not (control group, 31 cases). The mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and cardiac index were measured with a Swan-Ganz catheter. The brain natriuretic peptide concentration was detected by immunochemiluminometric assay. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction were measured by echocardiography. No difference in baseline was observed between the two groups on day 1 in the hospital. On day 5, mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of patients with the intra-aortic balloon pump were significantly lower, and cardiac index of was higher than that of the controls, whereas no differences in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter or left ventricular ejection fraction were observed between the two groups. On days 5 and 90, the brain natriuretic peptide concentration of the intra-aortic balloon pump patients was lower than that of the controls. On day 90, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was smaller in the intra-aortic balloon pump patients, but no difference in left ventricular ejection fraction was observed between the two groups. The intra-aortic balloon pump improved the hemodynamic index and cardiac function and decreased brain natriuretic peptide concentration in patients with acute anterior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Right ventricular involvement in anterior myocardial infarction: a tissue Doppler-derived strain and strain rate study.

OBJECTIVE: Strain and strain rate imaging is currently the most popular echocardiographic technique that reveals subclinical myocardial damage. There are currently no available data on this imaging method with regard to assessing right ventricular involvement in anterior myocardial infarction. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate right ventricular regional functions using a derived strain and strain rate imaging tissue Doppler method in patients who were successfully treated for their first anterior myocardial infarction. METHODS: The patient group was composed of 44 patients who had experienced their first anterior myocardial infarction and had undergone successful percutaneous coronary intervention. Twenty patients were selected for the control group. The right ventricular myocardial samplings were performed in three regions: the basal, mid, and apical segments of the lateral wall. The individual myocardial velocity, strain, and strain rate values of each basal, mid, and apical segment were obtained. RESULTS: The right ventricular myocardial velocities of the patient group were significantly decreased with respect to all three velocities in the control group. The strain and strain rate values of the right mid and apical ventricular segments in the patient group were significantly lower than those of the control group (excluding the right ventricular basal strain and strain rate). In addition, changes in the right ventricular mean strain and strain rate values were significant. CONCLUSION: Right ventricular involvement following anterior myocardial infarction can be assessed using tissue Doppler based strain and strain rate.

Efectos del entrenamiento físico de larga duración sobre la función y remodelación del ventrículo izquierdo en pacientes con infarto miocárdico de pared anterior / Effects of long-term exercise training on left ventricular function and remodeling in patients with anterior wall myocardial infarction

Objetivo: Determinar los efectos del entrenamiento físico prolongado sobre la función y remodelación del ventrículo izquierdo después del infarto miocárdico. Métodos: Fueron estudiados 90 pacientes con un primer infarto miocárdico agudo, de localización anterior; todos recibieron el tratamiento médico convencional. Se realizaron pruebas de esfuerzo máximas, ecocardiogramas y ventriculografías isotópicas en reposo y esfuerzo a los 2, 6 y 12 meses de evolución; el seguimiento clínico medio fue de 36.3 ± 17 meses. A todos se les incorporó a un programa de rehabilitación cardíaca con entrenamiento físico moderado o intenso, durante un año como mínimo. Un 41.1% tuvieron una disfunción severa del ventrículo izquierdo. Resultados: Todos los parámetros ergométricos que expresaron capacidad funcional incrementaron significativamente en la evaluación del sexto mes (p < 0.0005), permaneciendo invariables al año. Se comprobó una disminución significativa (p < 0.01) de isquemia miocárdica al esfuerzo a los 6 meses. Las variables que midieron tamaño y función del ventrículo izquierdo no se modificaron evolutivamente. La mortalidad total de la serie fue un 13.3%, de causa cardiovascular un 8.9% y la morbilidad un 16.7%. Conclusiones: El entrenamiento físico prolongado no mostró efectos deletéreos sobre la función y remodelación del ventrículo izquierdo y se obtuvieron efectos funcionales y clínicos beneficiosos en estos pacientes infartados rehabilitados.

Objective: To assess the effects of long-term exercise training on the function and remodeling of the left ventricle after myocardial infarction. Methods: We studied 90 patients with a first acute anterior-wall myocardial infarction, all received conventional medical treatment. Symptom-limited maximal exercise stress tests, echocardiograms and effort-rest isotopic ventriculographies at 2, 6 and 12 months after myocardial infarction were performed; the follow-up time averaged 36.3 ± 17 months. All patients joined a cardiac rehabilitation program with moderate or intense exercise training lasting at least a year. Of all patients, 41.1% suffered severe left ventricle dysfunction. Results: Ergometric parameters that expressed functional capacity increased significantly (P< .0005) at the sixth month evaluation and remained unchanged after a year. There was significant decrease (P< .01) of exercise myocardial ischemia at 6 months. The variables that measured size and function of left ventricle did not change during evolution. Morbidity amounted to 16.7% and total mortality of the series was 13.3%, with 8.9% of cardiovascular cause. Conclusions: Long-term exercise training showed no deleterious effects on left ventricle function or remodeling and beneficial functional and clinical effects were obtained in these rehabilitated postinfarction patients.

Right ventricular involvement in anterior myocardial infarction: a tissue Doppler-derived strain and strain rate study

OBJECTIVE: Strain and strain rate imaging is currently the most popular echocardiographic technique that reveals subclinical myocardial damage. There are currently no available data on this imaging method with regard to assessing right ventricular involvement in anterior myocardial infarction. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate right ventricular regional functions using a derived strain and strain rate imaging tissue Doppler method in patients who were successfully treated for their first anterior myocardial infarction. METHODS: The patient group was composed of 44 patients who had experienced their first anterior myocardial infarction and had undergone successful percutaneous coronary intervention. Twenty patients were selected for the control group. The right ventricular myocardial samplings were performed in three regions: the basal, mid, and apical segments of the lateral wall. The individual myocardial velocity, strain, and strain rate values of each basal, mid, and apical segment were obtained. RESULTS: The right ventricular myocardial velocities of the patient group were significantly decreased with respect to all three velocities in the control group. The strain and strain rate values of the right mid and apical ventricular segments in the patient group were significantly lower than those of the control group (excluding the right ventricular basal strain and strain rate). In addition, changes in the right ventricular mean strain and strain rate values were significant. CONCLUSION: Right ventricular involvement following anterior myocardial infarction can be assessed using tissue Doppler based strain and strain rate .

[Effects of long-term exercise training on left ventricular function and remodeling in patients with anterior wall myocardial infarction]. / Efectos del entrenamiento físico de larga duración sobre la función y remodelación del ventrículo izquierdo en pacientes con infarto miocárdico de pared anterior.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of long-term exercise training on the function and remodeling of the left ventricle after myocardial infarction. METHODS: We studied 90 patients with a first acute anterior-wall myocardial infarction, all received conventional medical treatment. Symptom-limited maximal exercise stress tests, echocardiograms and effort-rest isotopic ventriculographies at 2, 6 and 12 months after myocardial infarction were performed; the follow-up time averaged 36.3±17 months. All patients joined a cardiac rehabilitation program with moderate or intense exercise training lasting at least a year. Of all patients, 41.1% suffered severe left ventricle dysfunction. RESULTS: Ergometric parameters that expressed functional capacity increased significantly (P<.0005) at the sixth month evaluation and remained unchanged after a year. There was significant decrease (P<.01) of exercise myocardial ischemia at 6 months. The variables that measured size and function of left ventricle did not change during evolution. Morbidity amounted to 16.7% and total mortality of the series was 13.3%, with 8.9% of cardiovascular cause. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exercise training showed no deleterious effects on left ventricle function or remodeling and beneficial functional and clinical effects were obtained in these rehabilitated postinfarction patients.

Impacto do padrão geométrico ventricular na remodelação cardíaca após o infarto do miocárdio / Impact of ventricular geometric pattern on cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction

FUNDAMENTO: A relevância do padrão de geometria após o infarto do miocárdio não é conhecida. OBJETIVOS: Analisar a presença de diferentes padrões de geometria ventricular esquerda (VE) e seu impacto como preditor de remodelação em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio. MÉTODOS: Pacientes com infarto agudo anterior (n = 80) foram divididos de acordo com o padrão de geometria: normal (índice de massa [IMVE] normal e espessura relativa da parede [ERP] normal), remodelação concêntrica (IMVE normal e ERP aumentada), hipertrofia concêntrica (IMVE e ERP aumentadas) e hipertrofia excêntrica (IMVE aumentado e ERP normal). Após seis meses, foi repetido o ecocardiograma. RESULTADOS: Quatro pacientes foram a óbito. Dos sobreviventes, 41 apresentaram remodelação (R+), enquanto 39 não remodelaram (R-). Considerando-se o padrão geométrico, houve a seguinte distribuição: 24 pacientes com padrão normal, 13 com remodelação concêntrica, 29 com hipertrofia concêntrica e 14 com hipertrofia excêntrica. Os pacientes que remodelaram apresentaram maiores tamanhos de infarto analisados pelo pico da CPK (R+ = 4.610 (1.688 - 7.970), R- = 1.442 (775 - 4.247), p < 0,001) e da CK-MB (R+ = 441 (246 - 666), R- = 183 (101 - 465), p < 0,001), tendência a maior prevalência de remodelação concêntrica (R+ = 10, R- = 3, p = 0,08) e menor prevalência de hipertrofia excêntrica (R+ = 2, R- = 12, p = 0,006). Na análise de regressão multivariada, o tamanho do infarto foi preditor (OR = 1,01; p = 0,020) e a hipertrofia excêntrica foi fator protetor (OR = 0,189; p = 0,046) de remodelação ventricular após a oclusão coronariana. CONCLUSÃO: O padrão de geometria ventricular pode ter impacto no processo de remodelação em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio.

BACKGROUND: The relevance of left ventricular (LV) geometric pattern after myocardial infarction is not known. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the presence of different LV geometric patterns and teir impact as a predictor of remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction. METHODS: Patients with anterior acute myocardial infarction (n = 80) were divided according to the geometric pattern: normal (normal left ventricular mass index [LVMI] and normal relative wall thickness [RWT]), concentric remodeling (normal LVMI and increased RWT), concentric hypertrophy (increased LVMI and RWT) and eccentric hypertrophy (increased LVMI and normal RWT). After six months, echocardiographic assessment was repeated. RESULTS: Four patients died. Of the survivors, 41 showed remodeling (R +), whereas 39 did not (R-). Considering the geometric pattern, the cases were distributed as follows: 24 patients with normal pattern, 13 with concentric remodeling, 29 with concentric hypertrophy and 14 with eccentric hypertrophy. Patients who showed remodeling had larger infarction sizes analyzed by peak CPK (R + = 4,610 (1,688-7,970), R- = 1,442 (775-4247), p <0.001) and CK-MB (R + = 441 (246 - 666), R- = 183 (101-465), p <0.001), trend towards higher prevalence of concentric remodeling (R+ = 10, R- = 3, p = 0.08) and lower prevalence of eccentric hypertrophy (R + = 2 R- = 12, p = 0.006). In the multivariate regression analysis, infarction size was a predictor (OR = 1.01, p = 0.020) and eccentric hypertrophy was a protective factor (OR = 0.189, p = 0.046) of ventricular remodeling after coronary occlusion. CONCLUSION: The LV geometric pattern of can have an impact on the remodeling process in patients with myocardial infarction.

Impact of ventricular geometric pattern on cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The relevance of left ventricular (LV) geometric pattern after myocardial infarction is not known. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the presence of different LV geometric patterns and their impact as a predictor of remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction. METHODS: Patients with anterior acute myocardial infarction (n = 80) were divided according to the geometric pattern: normal (normal left ventricular mass index [LVMI] and normal relative wall thickness [RWT]), concentric remodeling (normal LVMI and increased RWT), concentric hypertrophy (increased LVMI and RWT) and eccentric hypertrophy (increased LVMI and normal RWT). After six months, echocardiographic assessment was repeated. RESULTS: Four patients died. Of the survivors, 41 showed remodeling (R +), whereas 39 did not (R-). Considering the geometric pattern, the cases were distributed as follows: 24 patients with normal pattern, 13 with concentric remodeling, 29 with concentric hypertrophy and 14 with eccentric hypertrophy. Patients who showed remodeling had larger infarction sizes analyzed by peak CPK (R + = 4,610 (1,688-7,970), R- = 1,442 (775-4247), p <0.001) and CK-MB (R + = 441 (246 - 666), R- = 183 (101-465), p <0.001), trend towards higher prevalence of concentric remodeling (R+ = 10, R- = 3, p = 0.08) and lower prevalence of eccentric hypertrophy (R + = 2 R- = 12, p = 0.006). In the multivariate regression analysis, infarction size was a predictor (OR = 1.01, p = 0.020) and eccentric hypertrophy was a protective factor (OR = 0.189, p = 0.046) of ventricular remodeling after coronary occlusion. CONCLUSION: The LV geometric pattern of can have an impact on the remodeling process in patients with myocardial infarction.