Left ventricular ejection fraction using a simplified wall motion score based on mid-parasternal short axis and apical four-chamber views for non-cardiologists.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for a convenient, yet reliable method to assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with point-of-care ultrasound study (POCUS). We aim to validate a novel and simplified wall motion score LVEF based on the analysis of a simplified combination of echocardiographic views. METHODS: In this retrospective study, transthoracic echocardiograms of randomly selected patients were analysed by the standard 16-segments wall motion score index (WMSI) to derive the reference semi-quantitative LVEF. To develop our semi-quantitative simplified-views method, a limited combination of imaging views and only 4 segments per view were tested: (1) A combination of the three parasternal short-axis views (PSAX BASE, MID-, APEX); (2) A combination of the three apical views (apical 2-chamber, 3-chamber and 4-chamber) and (3) A more limited combination of PSAX-MID and apical 4-chamber is called the MID-4CH. Global LVEF is obtained by averaging segmental EF based on contractility (normal = 60%, hypokinesia = 40%, and akinesia = 10%). Accuracy of the novel semi-quantitative simplified-views WMS method compared to the reference WMSI was evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis and correlation was assessed in both emergency physicians and cardiologists. RESULTS: In the 46 patients using the 16 segments WMSI method, the mean LVEF was 34 ± 10%. Among the three combinations of the two or three imaging views analysed, the MID-4CH had the best correlation with the reference method (r2 = 0.90) with very good agreement (mean LVEF bias = - 0.2%) and precision (± 3.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac POCUS by emergency physicians and other non-cardiologists is a decisive therapeutic and prognostic tool. A simplified semi-quantitative WMS method to assess LVEF using the easiest technically achievable combination of mid-parasternal and apical four-chamber views provides a good approximative estimate for both non-cardiologist emergency physicians and cardiologists.

Right ventricular ejection fraction with cardiac magnetic resonance using a wall motion score.

BACKGROUND: The volumetric method in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), the reference standard for right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), requires expertise because of the complex right ventricular geometry and anatomical landmarks. AIM: The aim of our retrospective study was to describe a new method to evaluate RVEF based on wall motion score index (WMSI) in CMR. METHODS: Visual assessment of wall motion was performed using an eight-segment model (normokinesia=1, hypokinesia=2, akinesia=3). Correlation between WMSI (WMS/8) and the reference volumetric RVEF was analysed. A regression equation was derived to convert the WMSI into RVEF. The accuracy of CMR WMSI-derived RVEF compared with CMR volumetric RVEF was evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: In the 112 patients using the volumetric method, the mean RVEF was 48±14%. Fifty-nine patients had normal RV kinetics (WMSI=1), which corresponded to a volumetric RVEF of 56% (standard deviation 7%; range 43-76%). CMR WMSI showed a strong correlation with CMR volumetric RVEF (Spearman's Rho=-0.69). A regression equation was created: RVEF=80-22×WMSI. Overall, the WMSI-derived RVEF resulted in good agreement with the CMR volumetric RVEF (mean bias-3%, standard deviation±7.5%). In addition, using a WMSI cut-off of≥1.5 was highly accurate (92%) to predict a reference RVEF of˂45%, an important prognostic indicator in CMR. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that using the WMS in CMR (eight-segment) to estimate RVEF is accurate, and correlates well with the volumetric method. A WMSI≥1.5 is optimal to categorize patients in the higher-risk subset of CMR RVEF˂45%.

Assessment of LVEF using a new 16-segment wall motion score in echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Simpson biplane method and 3D by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), radionuclide angiography (RNA) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) are the most accepted techniques for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) assessment. Wall motion score index (WMSI) by TTE is an accepted complement. However, the conversion from WMSI to LVEF is obtained through a regression equation, which may limit its use. In this retrospective study, we aimed to validate a new method to derive LVEF from the wall motion score in 95 patients. METHODS: The new score consisted of attributing a segmental EF to each LV segment based on the wall motion score and averaging all 16 segmental EF into a global LVEF. This segmental EF score was calculated on TTE in 95 patients, and RNA was used as the reference LVEF method. LVEF using the new segmental EF 15-40-65 score on TTE was compared to the reference methods using linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses. RESULTS: The median LVEF was 45% (interquartile range 32-53%; range from 15 to 65%). Our new segmental EF 15-40-65 score derived on TTE correlated strongly with RNA-LVEF (r = 0.97). Overall, the new score resulted in good agreement of LVEF compared to RNA (mean bias 0.61%). The standard deviations (s.d.s) of the distributions of inter-method difference for the comparison of the new score with RNA were 6.2%, indicating good precision. CONCLUSION: LVEF assessment using segmental EF derived from the wall motion score applied to each of the 16 LV segments has excellent correlation and agreement with a reference method.

Left ventricular ejection fraction assessment by non-cardiologists from transverse views using a simplified wall motion score index.

For the non-cardiologist emergency physician and intensivist, performing an accurate estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is essential for the management of critically ill patients, such as patients presenting with shock, severe respiratory distress or chest pain. Our objective was to develop a semi-quantitative method to improve visual LVEF evaluation. A group of 12 sets of transthoracic echocardiograms with LVEF in the range of 18-64% were interpreted by 17 experienced observers (PRO) and 103 untrained observers or novices (NOV), without previous training in echocardiography. They were asked to assess LVEF by two different methods: i) visual estimation (VIS) by analysing the three classical left ventricle (LV) short-axis views (basal, midventricular and apical short-axis LV section) and ii) semi-quantitative evaluation (base, mid and apex (BMA)) of the same three short-axis views. The results for each of these two methods for both groups (PRO and NOV) were compared with LVEF obtained by radionuclide angiography. The semi-quantitative method (BMA) improved estimation of LVEF by PRO for moderate LV dysfunction (LVEF 30-49%) and normal LVEF. The visual estimate was better for lower LVEF (<30%). In the NOV group, the semi-quantitative method was better than than the visual one in the normal group and in half of the subjects in the moderate LV dysfunction (LVEF 30-49%) group. The visual estimate was better for the lower LVEF (ejection fraction <30%) group. In conclusion, semi-quantitative evaluation of LVEF gives an overall better assessment than VIS for PRO and untrained observers.

Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels and the Occurrence of Subclinical Pulmonary Edema in Healthy Lowlanders at High Altitude.

BACKGROUND: High altitude (HA) pulmonary edema (PE) results from complex and misunderstood interactions between adaptation mechanisms. We assessed the occurrence of subclinical PE and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels among nonacclimatized individuals during an expedition on Mount Elbrus (5642 m). METHODS: Seven subjects underwent assessment of vital signs, Lake Louise Score, ultrasound lung comets using handheld echography and circulating BNP using capillary testing at different stages of ascension, in addition to baseline echocardiography. Friedman tests were used to compare serial measurements. RESULTS: Heart rate, Lake Louise Score (P < 0.0001) and blood pressure (P = 0.037) increased during ascension; oxygen saturation decreased (P < 0.0001). BNP increased (40.7 ± 16.8 vs 19.7 ± 3.04 pg/mL; P < 0.01) after the summit, as did ultrasound lung comet count throughout ascension (P < 0.0001), but both parameters were not correlated (r = 0.36; P = 0.42). Post-summit peak BNP correlated with baseline left ventricular mass index (r = -0.79; P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: This study confirms the high incidence of subclinical PE during subacute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia and enhancement of this phenomenon after exertion. Although not correlated with the degree of PE, BNP levels increased after sustained effort at HA, but not at rest. Further investigation is needed to determine the mechanisms underlying the BNP response at HA and its usefulness as a monitoring tool during expeditions.

Echocardiographic assessment of cardiac performance in response to high altitude and development of subclinical pulmonary edema in healthy climbers.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding the effect of high altitude on heart function are sparse and conflicting. We aimed to assess the right and left ventricular responses to altitude-induced hypoxia and the occurrence of subclinical pulmonary edema. METHODS: Echocardiography was performed according to protocol on 14 subjects participating in an expedition in Nepal, at 3 altitude levels: Montreal (30 m), Namche Bazaar (3450 m), and Chukkung (4730 m). Systematic lung ultrasound was performed to detect ultrasound lung comets. RESULTS: Pulmonary artery systolic pressure increased in all subjects between Montreal and Chukkung (mean 27.4 ± 5.4 mm Hg vs. 39.3 ± 7.7 mm Hg; P < 0.001). Right ventricular (RV) myocardial performance index (MPI) increased significantly (0.32 ± 0.08 at 30 m vs. 0.41 ± 0.10 at 4730 m; P = 0.046). A trend toward deteriorated RV free wall longitudinal strain was observed between Montreal and Chukkung (-25.9 [5.3%] vs. -21.9 [6.4%]; P = 0.092). The left ventricular early diastolic inflow velocity/atrial mitral inflow velocity and early diastolic inflow velocity/mean of the maximal early diastolic mitral annulus tissue doppler velocities ratios remained unchanged. At 4730 m, ultrasound lung comets were seen in all subjects except 1. None had clinical criteria for high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). All altered parameters normalized after return to sea level. CONCLUSION: Subclinical HAPE is frequent in healthy lowlander climbers. This is the first study to document a trend towards decreased RV free wall strain and MPI increment at high altitude. Whether rising RV MPI is a physiologic adaptive mechanism to hypoxia or a pathologic response identifying HAPE-susceptible subjects needs further study.

Effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy on regional left ventricular function: a speckle tracking strain analysis.

AIMS: The mechanisms associated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) benefits have been elucidated in part, however little is known about the effects of biventricular pacing (BVP) on regional myocardial contractility. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty patients with conventional CRT criteria were studied before and after device implantation. Speckle tracking strain analysis was performed from standard bidimensional acquisitions during different pacing configurations. Longitudinal and transverse strains were measured for the six basal left ventricular (LV) segments. Acute CRT improved LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes without significantly modifying LV ejection fraction. Moreover, CRT produced significant changes in regional strain. When compared with spontaneous rhythm, simultaneous BVP caused a significant increase in longitudinal septal strain (-4.8 vs. -7.3%, P = 0.003) and a significant decrease in longitudinal lateral strain (-8.2 vs. -5.9%, P = 0.03). Simultaneous BVP also induced a significant decrease in transverse lateral strain from 17.9 to 10.9% (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: In this acute echocardiographic study, BVP decreased lateral wall deformation while improving septal wall contraction, thus potentially improving LV contractile pattern.

Heat awareness and response among Montreal residents with chronic cardiac and pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVES: Persons affected by chronic heart and lung disease risk illness and death through exposure to extreme ambient heat. Here we describe their knowledge and awareness of the risks, and the degree to which they practice the protective behaviours recommended by public health and meteorological authorities. METHODS: Over the course of a hot Montreal summer, chronic cardiac and/or pulmonary insufficiency patients were recruited sequentially on site or by telephone from among attendees at five Montreal university hospital clinics. A one-hour face-to-face structured interview was completed by 238 patients, of whom 78% were at least 60 years of age. RESULTS: Participants were well informed about extreme heat and its impact on health. Most see themselves as vulnerable to heat, recall extreme heat advisories, and all adopt at least one recommended protective measure. Of the participants, 68% spend time in an air-conditioned space during extreme heat episodes, and more than 75% reduce their physical activity and drink extra fluids. A small minority resists recourse to air conditioning: of those without, 32% have "little confidence in buying an air conditioner" even if so advised by their caregivers, and 25% would refuse to overnight in an air-conditioned shelter during a prolonged heat wave. CONCLUSIONS: These chronically ill respondents perceive themselves as susceptible to extreme heat, have confidence in prevention, and almost all adopt recommended protective behaviours. A minority resists protective messaging.

Assessment of a right ventricular metastasis using contrast echocardiography perfusion imaging.

Cardiac metastases of thyroid carcinomas are rarely diagnosed ante mortem and infrequently reported in the literature. A 68-year-old man with known papillary thyroid carcinoma presented to the hospital with progressive shortness of breath. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a right ventricular mass. Contrast echocardiography perfusion imaging was used to evaluate the vascularity of the mass.

Incidental finding of a papillary fibroelastoma of the mitral valve chordae.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) is a rare neoplasm with predilection for heart valves, usually found incidentally on routine echocardiography. Most CPFs are asymptomatic; rarely, they are diagnosed because of cardiac symptoms or after an embolic event. This report describes the case of a 69-year-old woman with the incidental finding of a mass attached to the anterior mitral valve chordae. Owing to the risk of embolic complications, surgery was emergently performed with complete resection of the mass and preservation of the mitral valve. Histological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of CPF.

Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac dyssynchrony.

First described a decade ago, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has recently become a proven therapeutic strategy for refractory heart failure. Large clinical trials have shown a reduction in both morbidity and mortality in patients treated with CRT. Initial patient selection has relied mainly on electrocardiographic criteria, which allows identification of only 70% of responders. Accordingly, echocardiographic criteria were developed to identify mechanical dyssynchrony in an effort to improve patient selection. Multiple echocardiographic criteria have since been proposed, with no consensus as to which parameter better predicts CRT response. Although comparison studies using different criteria are underway, current evaluation of dyssynchrony should probably use an integrated multiparameter approach. The objective of the present article was to review the role of echocardiography in the evaluation of cardiac dyssynchrony in clinical practice.

Depression, C-reactive protein and two-year major adverse cardiac events in men after acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the impact of depression and inflammatory markers, assessed 2 months after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), on major adverse cardiac events over 2 years (MACEs; cardiac death, survived myocardial infarction, survived cardiac arrest, and nonelective revascularization). METHODS: Depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II; BDI-II), major depression, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule were assessed in 741 ACS patients (including 602 men). RESULTS: Some 102 (78 men) experienced at least one MACE. Beck Depression Inventory-II scores of > or =14 predicted MACEs (p = .007). The increase in risk was marked in men (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.24-3.09, p = .004), with little evidence of a relationship in women (p = .85). Subsequent analyses were limited to men. Results were similar after covariate adjustment (HR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.07-2.77, p = .024). C-reactive protein levels were also associated with increased MACE risk (adjusted HR for CRP > or = 2.0 mg/L = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.07-2.62, p = .025). C-reactive protein levels and BDI-II scores interacted in predicting MACEs. Men with both BDI-II scores of > or =14 and CRP of > or =2.0 mg/L experienced an increase in risk similar to those with only one of these factors. CONCLUSIONS: In men assessed 2 months after ACS, depression and CRP are overlapping prognostic risks. Patients with either risk may benefit from similar therapies.

Multidisciplinary outpatient congestive heart failure clinic: impact on hospital admissions and emergency room visits.

BACKGROUND: Life-saving drugs, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers, are frequently underused and underdosed in patients with heart failure. Specialized clinics have been shown to provide additional benefits. OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of a multidisciplinary outpatient heart failure clinic on the frequency of cardiovascular readmissions and emergency room (ER) visits, length of inpatient and ER stays, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. METHODS: A retrospective chart review study comprising 72 patients who had two or more visits to a heart failure clinic between December 1, 1998, and August 31, 1999, was performed. The number of readmissions and ER visits, and the NYHA class were recorded during the six-month period before and after the first visit to the clinic. RESULTS: Most subjects were in NYHA class III or IV (71% and 21%, respectively), and the mean ejection fraction was 31%. The post- versus preintervention relative risk of readmission was 0.43 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.72). The total number of inpatient days decreased by 54% (95% CI 44% to 62%). The post- versus preintervention relative risk of an ER visit was 0.29 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.45). The number of ER days decreased by 60% (95% CI 41% to 73%). NYHA functional class significantly improved, with most subjects ending the six-month postintervention period in class I or II (33% and 49%, respectively; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This multidisciplinary heart failure clinic significantly decreased the risk of cardiovascular readmissions and subsequent ER visits. It led to improvement in NYHA class and to a decrease in the number of days spent in the hospital and in the ER.

Two-dimensional echocardiography estimation of right ventricular ejection fraction by wall motion score index.

BACKGROUND: Radionuclide angiography (RNA) and echocardiography (biplane Simpson method) are the most accepted methods for right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) evaluation. The authors tried to determine a new method to measure RVEF based on wall motion score index (WMSI). OBJECTIVES: One hundred forty-one patients with RV dysfunction had transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) evaluation of the right ventricle. In a first group of 54 patients, a correlation between RVEF using the biplane Simpson method (four chamber and two chamber [4C+2C]) and RV-WMSI was established from a polar map using an eight-segment model to find a regression equation. With the second group of 51 subsequent patients, this equation (RVEF=73.07-20.7 x WMSI), comparing the RVEF-WMSI with the biplane Simpson RVEF (4C+2C), was validated. In a third group of 36 consecutive patients with abnormal RV contractility, the RVEF was calculated by RNA and this RVEF was correlated to the RV-WMSI. RESULTS: The first group of 54 patients had a correlation coefficient of 0.84 between WMSI and RVEF (biplane Simpson method). The results from the second group of 51 patients with RVEF derived from the estimated regression equation correlated well with the biplane Simpson RVEF (r=0.84). The correlation coefficient for these two groups taken together (105 patients), that is, between WMSI and RVEF (biplane Simpson method), was 0.92. The third group of 36 patients with RNA-EF displayed a correlation coefficient of 0.83 with RV-WMSI. CONCLUSION: This new semiquantitative method for estimating RVEF from RV-WMSI is easy to use in routine TTE and shows an excellent correlation with the biplane Simpson method and RNA.

A new tool for estimating left ventricular ejection fraction derived from wall motion score index.

BACKGROUND: Radionuclide angiography (RNA) and echocardiography (biplane Simpson method) are the most accepted techniques for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) assessment. A new method to evaluate LVEF based on the regional wall motion assessment of the LV was attempted. OBJECTIVE: To develop a simple method for LVEF estimation using wall motion score index (WMSI) with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). METHODS: Two hundred and forty-three patients with abnormal LV contractility had TTE and RNA performed less than three days apart. The WMSI was calculated in all patients using the 16-segment model as proposed by the American Society of Echocardiography. For the first 150 patients, a correlation between LV WMSI and RNA EF was established to create a regression equation. This regression equation (RNA LVEF=92.8-25.8xWMSI) was used on 93 consecutive patients to compare this equation with RNA EF. From the total cohort (243 patients), three subgroups were studied specifically: atrial fibrillation (AF) (n=50 patients), dyskinesia (DK) (n=40 patients) and aneurysm (AN) (n=42 patients). RESULTS: Correlation between RNA EF and WMSI in the first 150 patients was r=0.82. In the second group of 93 consecutive patients, WMSI EF derived from the estimated regression equation correlated well with RNA EF (r=0.86). Correlation remained high in the three subgroups: AF (r=0.87), DK (r=0.87) and AN (r=0.80). In the 111 patients without DK, AN or AF correlation between RNA and the studied method was even higher (r=0.91). In a random subgroup of 54 patients, RNA was compared with the biplane Simpson method (49 of 54 patients, r=0.82). In the same subgroup of 54 patients, the score was modified to allow for mild hypokinesia (score=1.5) and severe hypokinesia (score=2.5) (54 of 54 patients, r=0.83). CONCLUSION: LVEF assessment by this new simple mathematical model using the WMSI is feasible and easy to use during routine TTE. It has excellent correlation with other methods such as biplane Simpson and RNA.