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.

Aortic dilation rates in patients with biscuspid aortic valve: correlations with cusp fusion phenotype.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to compare the pattern and rate of aortic dilation in patients with isolated non-surgical bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with left-right fusion (L-R) and right-non coronary fusion (R-N). Although the etiology and optimal management of aortic dilation associated with BAV remain the subject of debate, recent data have suggested that L-R and R-N cusp fusion phenotypes represent distinct pathological entities. METHODS: Consecutive patients with BAV and at least two echocardiographic assessments made between 2006 and 2012 were reviewed. Patients with hemodynamically significant valvular disease, aortic aneurysm (> 50 mm) or unrepaired aortic coarctation were excluded. Longitudinal analyses of the aortic annulus, sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and ascending aortic diameters were performed using mixed-effect models. RESULTS: A total of 590 echocardiographic studies was analyzed in 212 patients (mean age 33 ± 14 years), of which 147 had L-R phenotype and 65 had R-N phenotype. The median follow up was 3.6 years. Baseline aortic diameters at the sinuses of Valsalva were larger in patients with L-R compared to R-N fusion (33.8 ± 5.3 mm versus 30.8 ± 4.8 mm; p < 0.001). At this level, the rate of aortic dilation was higher with L-R versus R-N fusion (0.41 ± 0.11 mm/year versus 0.01 ± 0.08 mm/year; p < 0.001). The rate of proximal ascending aortic dilation was also higher with L-R versus R-N fusion (0.58 ± 0.08 mm/year versus 0.18 ± 0.09 mm/year; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Aortic dilation rates vary according to the pattern of BAV cusp fusion, with faster rates of aortic sinus and ascending aortic dilation associated with the L-R compared to R-N phenotype.

Long-term survival in patients older than 80 years hospitalised for heart failure. A 5-year prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Although heart failure (HF) is frequent in elderly patients, few studies have focused on patients older than 80 years. AIMS: To evaluate the clinical features, treatment and long-term prognosis of HF in patients older than 80 years. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients hospitalised for a first HF episode in the Somme Department (France) during 2000 were prospectively included. Of the 799 included patients, 305 (38%) were aged over 80 years. The elderly patients were mostly women with a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation, ischaemic and hypertensive heart disease. Ejection fraction (EF) was assessed in 68.5% of elderly patients and 61% had EF >or=50%. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, oral anticoagulants and statins were prescribed less frequently in elderly patients. The 5-year survival in elderly patients was 19%, dramatically lower than the survival of age- and sex-matched general population (48%). Cardiovascular causes were recorded in over 60% of deaths. On multivariable analysis, cancer, renal insufficiency, old myocardial infarction, diabetes, hyponatraemia and age were predictors of mortality in elderly patients. Reduced EF was a potent predictor of death (HR 1.72, 95%CI 1.24-2.37, p=0.001) in elderly patients. CONCLUSION: Long-term prognosis in HF patients older than 80 years is poor, with a dramatic excess mortality compared to the elderly general population. Life-saving drugs are largely underused in elderly HF patients.

Prognosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a 5 year prospective population-based study.

AIMS: This study was designed to identify the characteristics and long-term prognosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) in patients hospitalized for a first episode of HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients (n = 799) hospitalized for a first episode of HF during 2000 in the Somme department (France) were recruited. EF was available in 662 (83%) patients, representing the study population. Patients with HFPEF (55.6% of cases) were significantly older, with a high proportion of women. During the 5 year follow-up, 370 patients (56%) died. Patients with HFPEF had a significantly lower 5 year survival than the age- and sex-matched general population (43 vs. 72%). Five year survival rates were not significantly different in patients with preserved and reduced EF (43 vs. 46%; P = 0.95). Both groups had similar relative 5 year survival rates compared with the general population. Multivariable analysis identified age, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, diabetes, low glomerular filtration rate, and hyponatraemia as independent predictors of 5 year mortality in patients with HFPEF. CONCLUSIONS: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction has a poor prognosis, comparable with that of HF with reduced EF, with a 5 year survival rate after a first episode of 43% and a high excess mortality compared with the general population.

Dynamic quantitative echocardiographic evaluation of mitral regurgitation in the operating department.

Hemodynamic modifications induced by general anesthesia could lead to underestimation of mitral regurgitation (MR) severity in the operating department and potentially serious consequences. The intraoperative severity of MR was prospectively compared with the preoperative baseline evaluation using dynamic quantitative transesophageal echocardiography in 25 patients who were stable with MR 2/4 or greater undergoing coronary bypass, mitral valve operation, or both. Significant changes in the severity of MR using transesophageal echocardiographic criteria occurred after the induction of general anesthesia and with phenylephrine. Quantitative transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of MR using effective orifice area and vena contracta, and the use of phenylephrine challenge, were useful to avoid underestimating MR severity in the operating department.