Assessment of subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis with preserved left ventricular systolic function by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

OBJECTIVES: Left ventricular dysfunction and remodeling can occur as a result of aortic valve stenosis (AS). Three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) can detect early left ventricular myocardial dysfunction even before ejection fraction declines. The purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between various myocardial strain parameters measured by 3D-STE in asymptomatic severe AS patients from Bangladesh. METHODS: This study included 46 patients with asymptomatic severe AS but preserved LV systolic function (mean age 50.11 ± 12.66 years, LVEF 63.78 ± 3.95%, AS group) and 33 healthy subjects with no cardiovascular disease (mean age 48.21 ± 4.53 years, LVEF 65.15 ± 3.13%, control group). 3D-STE was used to measure left ventricular global myocardial strain parameters such as peak systolic longitudinal strain (PSLS), circumferential strain, radial strain, and area strain. RESULTS: The AS group had significantly thicker interventricular septum and posterior ventricular wall than the control group (1.49 ± .19 cm vs. .81 ± .09 cm, p < .001; 1.73 ± 1.71 cm vs. .81 ± .10 cm, p = .003, respectively.) In the AS group, the Indexed Aortic Valve Area (AVA) was significantly lower than in the control group. (.29 ± .10 vs. 2.03 ± .18, p < .001, respectively). In terms of LVEF (p = .102), left ventricular end diastolic volume (p = .075), or left ventricular end systolic volume (p = .092), no significant inter-group difference was found. However, global PSLS (-10.75 ± 2.27 vs. -16.42 ± 2.76, p < .001), circumferential strain (-14.26 ± 3.40 vs. -16.64 ± 2.56, p = .001), area strain (-22.70 ± 4.19 vs. -26.45 ± 9.90, p = .024) and radial strain (32.20 ± 8.77 vs. 41.00 ± 7.52, p < .001) in the AS group were significantly lower than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed reductions in left ventricular global myocardial strains, particularly PSLS in patients suffering from asymptomatic severe AS in Bangladesh; this is consistent with other studies. Reduced area strain, detectable with 3D-STE, is also consistent with that pattern.

The Mid-Term Outcomes of Cone Repair or Replacement of Tricuspid Valve in Patients with Ebstein's Anomaly: Our Experience.

BACKGROUND: Cone repair of the tricuspid valve (TV) is a contemporary reproducible technique for surgical reconstruction of Ebstein's anomaly. Different authorities have shown that this technique restores excellent tricuspid valve function. In Bangladesh, this technique still is unfamiliar to many. We hereby present a case series of cone repair and TV replacement with the mid-term outcome (one year to six years) at the National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh. METHODS: We prospectively studied 21 patients, who underwent surgical intervention (cone repair or tricuspid valve replacement) for Ebstein's anomaly of TV from March 2014 to June 2020. We divided the total patient population into the cone repair and TV replacement groups. Preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up data were collected from the hospital records, telephone conversations, and clinic visits. All collected data statistically were analyzed. RESULTS: Our patients showed there were statistically significant improvements after surgical intervention with regard to tricuspid regurgitation (TR) (P < 0.001), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (P < 0.001), right ventricular (RV) function (P < 0.001), and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (P < 0.001). These developments were sustained throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Cone repair should be offered to the symptomatic patients of Ebstein's anomaly because symptoms relief, reduction of morbidity, and survival benefits are excellent. Above all, the cone reconstruction shows fantastic results and may well become the surgical technique for patients with Ebstein's anomaly. We hope that new valve repair programs may provide extended longevity and restored quality of life to the patient of Ebstein's anomaly (EA) with the appropriate measures. In case of failed repair, valve replacement is an encouraging option.