Comparing outcomes of an 'early' versus 'late' diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis following a baseline presentation of high-grade atrioventricular block.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of evidence on impact of a delay in Cardiac Sarcoidosis (CS) diagnosis after high-grade atrioventricular-block (AVB) and this study aims to fill this void. METHODS: Consecutive CS patients (n = 77) with high grade AVB referred to one specialist hospital in London between February 2007 to February 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The median time from AVB to diagnosing CS (112 days) was used to define the Early (n = 38) and Late (n = 39) cohorts. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, cardiac transplantation, ventricular arrhythmic events or heart failure hospitalisation. Secondary endpoints included difference in maintenance prednisolone dose, need for cardiac device upgrade and device complications. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 54.4 (±10.6) years of whom 64 % were male and 81 % Caucasian. After a mean follow up of 54.9 (±45.3) months, the primary endpoint was reached by more patients from the Late cohort (16/39 vs. 6/38, p = 0.02; multivariable HR 6.9; 95 %CI 1.5-32.2, p = 0.01). Early Group were more likely to have received an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator or Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy-defibrillator as index device after AVB (19/38 vs. 6/39; p < 0.01) and had fewer device upgrades (19/38 vs. 30/39, p = 0.01) and a trend towards fewer device complications (1 vs. 5, p = 0.20). The maintenance dose of prednisolone was significantly higher in Late Group [20.7(±9.7) mg vs. 15.3(±7.9) mg, p = 0.02]. CONCLUSION: A late diagnosis of CS was associated with more adverse events, a greater probability of needing a device upgrade and required higher maintenance steroid dose.

Role of serial 18F-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in determining the therapeutic efficacy of immunosuppression and clinical outcome in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial inflammation and perfusion defects detected by 18F-fludeoxyglucose (FDG) and Rubidium-82 positron emission tomography (PET) may be associated with ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). The role of serial quantitative PET in determining the effect of treatment on myocardial inflammation and clinical outcomes is yet to be defined. METHODS: Newly diagnosed CS patients with active myocardial inflammation (maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) ≥ 2.5) were treated with immunosuppression, then underwent repeat FDG-PET, Rubidium-82, and echocardiographic imaging 6-12 months later. Serial changes in SUVmax, SUVmean, inflammatory extent, perfusion defect (PD) extent, metabolism/perfusion mismatch extent, global cardiac metabolic activity, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were assessed. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, serious VA and heart-failure (HF) hospitalisation. Event data were recorded from the date of the second FDG-PET. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 113 patients (66% male, age: 55 ± 11 years, LVEF: 54 ± 13%). SUVmax reduced from 4.5 (interquartile range: 3.3-7.1) to 2.7 (2.2-3.6). Overall, 94 (83%) patients saw serial reduction in SUVmax, with 42 (37%) demonstrating complete response (SUVmax <2.5). Following a median of 46 (25-57) months, 28 (25%) patients reached the endpoint (8 deaths, 17 VAs, and 3 HF hospitalisations). PD extent (Hazard ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.05; p = 0.035) was a significant predictor of outcome following treatment, even after accounting for LVEF and change in SUVmean. The risk of adverse events was the greatest in those with a pre-treatment or post-treatment PD extent of >10%. CONCLUSION: In our cohort with active CS, following a treatment-induced reduction in myocardial inflammation, PD extent was the main predictor of adverse events.

Prevalence, characteristics and clinical impact of work-related musculoskeletal pain in echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP) is increasingly recognised in cardiac ultrasound practice. WRMSP can impact workforce health, productivity and sustainability. We sought to investigate the prevalence, characteristics and clinical impact of WRMSP. METHODS: Prospective electronic survey of 157 echocardiographers in 10 institutions. Data acquired on demographics, experience, working environment/pattern, WRMSP location, severity and pattern, the impact on professional, personal life and career. RESULTS: 129/157 (82%) echocardiographers completed the survey, of whom 109 (85%) reported WRMSP and 55 (43%) reported work taking longer due to WRMSP. 40/129 (31%) required time off work. 78/109 (60%) reported sleep disturbance with 26/78 (33%) of moderate or severe severity. 56/129 (45%) required medical evaluation of their WRMSP and 25/129 (19%) received a formal diagnosis of musculoskeletal injury. Those with 11+ years of experience were significantly more likely to receive a formal diagnosis of WRMSP (p = 0.002) and require medication (p = 0.006) compared to those with 10 years or less experience. CONCLUSION: WRMSP is very common amongst echocardiographers, with a fifth having a related musculoskeletal injury. WRMSP has considerable on impact on personal, social and work-related activities. Strategies to reduce the burden of WRMSP are urgently required to ensure sustainability of the workforce and patient access to imaging.

Racial disparities among patients with cardiac sarcoidosis and arrhythmias in the United States: A propensity matched-analysis from the national inpatient sample database 2016-2020.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is frequently associated with conduction abnormalities and arrhythmias. In this study, we aim to evaluate racial disparities in the frequency of arrhythmias, and associated co-morbidities, among patients with CS. METHODS: White and African American (AA) patients diagnosed with CS were identified and compared from the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database whilst adjusting for confounders via logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 7,935 patients with CS were included in the study. The propensity-matched sample comprised of 5,570 patients, of whom 2,785 were White and 2,785 were AA. AA patients had a longer mean length of hospital stay (LOS) (7.84 vs. 6.94, p<0.01), a higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score (3.10 vs. 2.84, p<0.01), and significantly higher incidences of cardiogenic shock [(9.2% vs 6.3%, p<0.01), aOR 1.45 (95% CI 1.17-1.78), p<0.01] and acute kidney injury (AKI) [(34.3% vs. 26.9%, p<0.01), aOR 1.41 (95% CI 1.24-1.61), p<0.01]. From an arrhythmia perspective, AA CS patients were shown to have a lower frequency of: (1) ventricular tachycardia (32.5% vs. 37.9%, p<0.01), (2) ventricular fibrillation (5.4% vs.7.2%, p<0.01), (3) first-degree AV block (1.8% vs. 4.1%, p<0.01), (4) complete AV block (6.3% vs. 14.2%, p<0.01), and (5) atrial fibrillation (31.8% vs. 34.8%, p=0.016) when compared to Whites with CS. Mortality remained higher for AAs (3.8% vs. 2.7%, p=0.024). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates a higher incidence of cardiac arrhythmias among White patients but a higher incidence of cardiogenic shock, AKI, mean LOS, and mortality among AA patients with cardiac sarcoidosis.

Echocardiography versus Cardiac MRI for Measurement of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Individuals with Cancer and Suspected Cardiotoxicity.

Purpose To compare left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measured with echocardiography and cardiac MRI in individuals with cancer and suspected cardiotoxicity and assess the potential effect on downstream clinical decision-making. Materials and Methods In this prospective, single-center observational cohort study, participants underwent same-day two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography and cardiac MRI between 2011 and 2021. Participants with suboptimal image quality were excluded. A subset of 74 participants also underwent three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography. The agreement of LVEF derived from each modality was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis and at relevant thresholds for cardiotoxicity. Results A total of 745 participants (mean age, 60 years ± 5 [SD]; 460 [61.7%] female participants) underwent same-day echocardiography and cardiac MRI. According to Bland-Altman analysis, the mean bias was -3.7% ± 7.6 (95% limits of agreement [LOA]: -18.5% to 11.1%) for 2D echocardiography versus cardiac MRI. In 74 participants who underwent cardiac MRI, 3D echocardiography, and 2D echocardiography, the mean LVEFs were 60.0% ± 10.4, 58.4% ± 9.4, and 57.2% ± 8.9, respectively (P < .001). At the 50% LVEF threshold for detection of cardiotoxicity, there was disagreement for 9.3% of participants with 2D echocardiography and cardiac MRI. Agreement was better with 3D echocardiography and cardiac MRI (mean bias, -1.6% ± 6.3 [95% LOA: -13.9% to 10.7%]) compared with 2D echocardiography and cardiac MRI (mean bias, -2.8% ± 6.3 [95% LOA: -15.2% to 9.6%]; P = .016). Conclusion Two-dimensional echocardiography had variations of ±15% for LVEF measurement compared with cardiac MRI in participants with cancer and led to misclassification of approximately 10% of participants for cardiotoxicity detection. Three-dimensional echocardiography had better agreement with cardiac MRI and should be used as first-line imaging. Keywords: Echocardiography, MR Functional Imaging, Cardiac Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2024.

Predictors of outcome in a contemporary cardiac sarcoidosis population: Role of brain natriuretic peptide, left ventricular function and myocardial inflammation.

AIMS: Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a potentially fatal condition that varies in its clinical presentation. Here, we describe baseline characteristics at presentation along with prognosis and predictors of outcome in a sizable and deeply phenotyped contemporary cohort of CS patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive CS patients seen at one institution were retrospectively enrolled after undergoing laboratory testing, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and 18 F-flourodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) at baseline. The composite endpoint consisted of all-cause mortality, aborted sudden cardiac death, major ventricular arrhythmic events, heart failure hospitalization and heart transplantation. A total of 319 CS patients were studied (67% male, 55.4 ± 12 years). During a median follow-up of 2.2 years (range: 1 month-11 years), 8% of patients died, while 33% reached the composite endpoint. The annualized mortality rate was 2.7% and the 5- and 10-year mortality rates were 6.2% and 7.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels (hazard ratio [HR] 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-4.31, p = 0.003), CMR left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.98, p < 0.0001) and maximum standardized uptake value of FDG-PET (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.19, p = 0.001) to be independent predictors of outcome. These findings remained robust for different patient subgroups. CONCLUSION: Cardiac sarcoidosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in those with cardiac involvement as the first manifestation. Higher BNP levels, lower LVEF and more active myocardial inflammation were independent predictors of outcomes.

Viability and Outcomes With Revascularization or Medical Therapy in Ischemic Ventricular Dysfunction: A Prespecified Secondary Analysis of the REVIVED-BCIS2 Trial.

Importance: In the Revascularization for Ischemic Ventricular Dysfunction (REVIVED-BCIS2) trial, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) did not improve outcomes for patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction. Whether myocardial viability testing had prognostic utility for these patients or identified a subpopulation who may benefit from PCI remained unclear. Objective: To determine the effect of the extent of viable and nonviable myocardium on the effectiveness of PCI, prognosis, and improvement in left ventricular function. Design, Setting, and Participants: Prospective open-label randomized clinical trial recruiting between August 28, 2013, and March 19, 2020, with a median follow-up of 3.4 years (IQR, 2.3-5.0 years). A total of 40 secondary and tertiary care centers in the United Kingdom were included. Of 700 randomly assigned patients, 610 with left ventricular ejection fraction less than or equal to 35%, extensive coronary artery disease, and evidence of viability in at least 4 myocardial segments that were dysfunctional at rest and who underwent blinded core laboratory viability characterization were included. Data analysis was conducted from March 31, 2022, to May 1, 2023. Intervention: Percutaneous coronary intervention in addition to optimal medical therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures: Blinded core laboratory analysis was performed of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging scans and dobutamine stress echocardiograms to quantify the extent of viable and nonviable myocardium, expressed as an absolute percentage of left ventricular mass. The primary outcome of this subgroup analysis was the composite of all-cause death or hospitalization for heart failure. Secondary outcomes were all-cause death, cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, and improved left ventricular function at 6 months. Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 69.3 (9.0) years. In the PCI group, 258 (87%) were male, and in the optimal medical therapy group, 277 (88%) were male. The primary outcome occurred in 107 of 295 participants assigned to PCI and 114 of 315 participants assigned to optimal medical therapy alone. There was no interaction between the extent of viable or nonviable myocardium and the effect of PCI on the primary or any secondary outcome. Across the study population, the extent of viable myocardium was not associated with the primary outcome (hazard ratio per 10% increase, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.93-1.04) or any secondary outcome. The extent of nonviable myocardium was associated with the primary outcome (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00-1.15), all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and improvement in left ventricular function. Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that viability testing does not identify patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy who benefit from PCI. The extent of nonviable myocardium, but not the extent of viable myocardium, is associated with event-free survival and likelihood of improvement of left ventricular function. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01920048.

The Role of Echocardiography in the Contemporary Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Comprehensive Review.

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a rare inflammatory disorder characterised by the presence of non-caseating granulomas within the myocardium. Contemporary studies have revealed that 25-30% of patients with systemic sarcoidosis have cardiac involvement, with detection rates increasing in the era of advanced cardiac imaging. The use of late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance and 18fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging has superseded endomyocardial biopsy for the diagnosis of CS. Echocardiography has historically been used as a screening tool with abnormalities triggering the need for advanced imaging, and as a tool to assess cardiac function. Regional wall thinning or aneurysm formation in a noncoronary distribution may indicate granuloma infiltration. Thinning of the basal septum in the setting of extracardiac sarcoidosis carries a high specificity for cardiac involvement. Abnormal myocardial echotexture and eccentric hypertrophy may be suggestive of active myocardial inflammation. The presence of right-ventricular involvement as indicated by free-wall aneurysms can mimic arrhythmogenic right-ventricular cardiomyopathy. More recently, the use of myocardial strain has increased the sensitivity of echocardiography in diagnosing cardiac involvement. Echocardiography is limited in prognostication, with impaired left-ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and LV dilatation being the only established independent predictors of mortality. More research is required to explore how advanced echocardiographic technologies can increase both the diagnostic sensitivity and prognostic ability of this modality in CS.

Torrential mitral regurgitation following right ventricular apical pacing in rheumatic mitral valve disease: a case report.

Background: Mitral regurgitation may develop or worsen following right ventricular apical pacing due to dyssynchronous left ventricular contraction. Pre-existing secondary mitral annular dilation is a well-recognized and important contributing factor. This description of pacing-induced torrential mitral regurgitation in the setting of rheumatic mitral valve disease is a rare case in which a primary mitral valve lesion was the antecedent mechanism. Case summary: A 60-year-old man was admitted with dizziness and pre-syncope. Twelve-lead electrocardiogram showed complete heart block. A dual-chamber pacemaker was implanted and programmed in DDD mode. Transthoracic echocardiography performed a day later demonstrated a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 63% and moderate mitral regurgitation. The patient presented 4 months later with breathlessness and orthopnoea. Pacemaker interrogation demonstrated a 98% right ventricular pacing burden. Echocardiography revealed torrential mitral regurgitation secondary to left ventricular dyssynchrony and complete loss of leaflet coaptation with preserved systolic function. Post-capillary pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed following right heart catheterization. The patient underwent metallic mitral valve replacement, tricuspid annuloplasty, and left internal mammary artery grafting to the left anterior descending artery for a severe proximal stenosis. On inspection, the native mitral valve was notably rheumatic in appearance, and this was confirmed histologically. Discussion: It is important to closely monitor the progression of mitral regurgitation in those with primary mitral valve disease undergoing right ventricular pacing. Early follow-up may prevent the adverse haemodynamic consequences of worsening mitral regurgitation, with a greater chance of recovery of left ventricular function following surgery.

Left Atrial Function Predicts Atrial Arrhythmia Recurrence Following Ablation of Long-Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) function following catheter or surgical ablation of de-novo long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) and its impact on AF recurrence was studied in patients participating in the CASA-AF trial (Catheter Ablation vs. Thoracoscopic Surgical Ablation in Long Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation). METHODS: All patients underwent echocardiography preablation, 3 and 12 months post-ablation. LA structure and function were assessed by 2-dimensional volume and speckle tracking strain measurements of LA reservoir, conduit, and contractile strain. Left ventricular diastolic function was measured using transmitral Doppler filling velocities and myocardial tissue Doppler velocities to derive the e', E/e', and E/A ratios. Continuous rhythm monitoring was achieved using an implantable loop recorder. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients had echocardiographic data suitable for analysis. Their mean age was 63.6±9.7 years, 73.5% were male, had AF for 22.8±11.6 months, and had a mean LA maximum volume of 48.8±13.8 mL/m2. Thirty patients maintained sinus rhythm, and 53 developed AF recurrence. Ablation led to similar reductions in LA volumes at follow-up in both rhythm groups. However, higher LA emptying fraction (36.3±10.6% versus 27.9±9.9%; P<0.001), reservoir strain (22.6±8.5% versus 16.7±5.7%; P=0.001), and contractile strain (9.2±3.4% versus 5.6±2.5%; P<0.001) were noted in the sinus rhythm compared with AF recurrence group following ablation at 3 months. Diastolic function was better in the sinus rhythm compared with the AF recurrence group with an E/A ratio of 1.5±0.5 versus 2.2±1.2 (P<0.001) and left ventricular E/e' ratio of 8.0±2.1 versus 10.3±4.1 (P<0.001), respectively. LA contractile strain at 3 months was the only independent predictor of AF recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Following ablation for long-standing persistent AF, improvement in LA function was greater in those who maintained sinus rhythm. LA contractile strain at 3 months was the most important determinant of AF recurrence following ablation. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT02755688.

A rare case of extensive biventricular cardiac sarcoidosis with reversible torrential tricuspid regurgitation.

Reversal of torrential tricuspid regurgitation is rarely seen. We describe a case in which effective immunosuppression alongside conventional heart failure therapies lead to reversibility of torrential tricuspid regurgitation in a patient with cardiac sarcoidosis. We also discuss the diagnostic challenge in distinguishing cardiac sarcoidosis from other myocardial diseases in a patient presenting with biventricular failure.

The spectrum of cardiovascular complications related to immune-checkpoint inhibitor treatment : Including myocarditis and the new entity of non inflammatory left ventricular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The full range of cardiovascular complications related to the use of Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is not fully understood. We aim to describe the spectrum of cardiovascular adverse events (cvAEs) by presenting our real-world experience of the diagnosis and management of these complications. METHODS: Two thousand six hundred and forty-seven (2647) patients were started on ICI treatment between 2014 and 2020. Data from 110 patients referred to the cardio-oncology service with a suspected cvAE was collected prospectively and analysed. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients (3.4%) were confirmed to have cvAEs while on ICI therapy. Myocarditis was the most frequent event (33/89), followed by tachyarrhythmia (27/89), non-inflammatory left ventricular dysfunction (NILVD) (15/89) and pericarditis (7/89). Results from myocarditis and non-inflammatory left ventricular dysfunction cohorts were compared. Myocarditis and NILVD showed significant differences in respect toof troponin elevation, cardiac magnetic resonance abnormalities and ventricular function. Dual ICI therapy and other immune related adverse events were more frequently associated with myocarditis than NILVD. There was a significant difference in the median time from starting ICI treatment to presentation with myocarditis versus NILVD (12 vs 26 weeks p = 0.049). Through early recognition of myocarditis, prompt treatment with steroids and interruption of ICI, there were no cardiovascular in-hospital deaths. NILVD did not require steroid treatment and ICI could be restarted safely. CONCLUSIONS: The full spectrum of cardiovascular complications in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitors is much broader than initially described. Myocarditis remains the most frequent cvAE related to ICI treatment. A novel type of myocardial injury was observed and defined as Atrial tachyarrhythmias and NILVD were also frequent in this cohort. NILVD has a This differs fromdifferent presentation from ICI-related myocarditis, mainly usually presenting afterby the lack of inflammatory features on CMR and biomarkers and a later presentation in time.

Mitral annular fibrous band-a unique morphological variant of a rare congenital mitral valve anomaly: a case report.

Background: Left atrial bands are rare and can be associated with mitral valve dysfunction, heart failure, and stroke. Most cases are identified on autopsy, and the demonstration in vivo is very uncommon. Various anatomical configurations have been reported. This description of a mitral annular fibrous band contributes to the literature as the first reported case to traverse the supravalvular mitral inflow region, without involving the left atrium. Case summary: A 59-year-old man with a history of metastatic duodenal carcinoma was admitted with a 2-week history of fever and rigors. Inflammatory markers were elevated and blood cultures positive for Enterococcus feacium. Transoesophageal echocardiography performed to investigate for infective endocarditis revealed a 2.3 cm long, thin fibrous band attached to the posterior mitral annulus and extending to the base of the middle scallop of the anterior mitral valve leaflet causing localized tethering, but no valve dysfunction. The band was felt to represent a bystander anatomic variant unrelated to the sepsis, which was most likely gastrointestinal in origin. The patient responded well to intravenous antibiotics. Conclusions: The presence of an abnormal intracardiac structure in the setting of occult infection should always raise the suspicion of infective endocarditis. Using detailed 2D multiplanar and 3D transoesophageal echocardiography, we were able to identify the anomalous band and exclude any overt infective vegetations attached to the band or the leaflets. Once identified, treatment options range from conservative management to surgical resection and mitral valve surgery if concomitant valvular dysfunction is demonstrated.

Sex differences in transaortic flow rate and association with all-cause mortality in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

AIMS: It is not known whether transaortic flow rate (FR) in aortic stenosis (AS) differs between men and women, and whether the commonly used cut-off of 200 mL/s is prognostic in females. We aimed to explore sex differences in the determinants of FR, and determine the best sex-specific cut-offs for prediction of all-cause mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2017, a total of 1564 symptomatic patients (mean age 76 ± 13 years, 51% men) with severe AS were prospectively included. Mean follow-up was 35 ± 22 months. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease was significantly higher in men than women (63% vs. 42%, P < 0.001). Men had higher left ventricular mass and lower left ventricular ejection fraction compared to women (both P < 0.001). Men were more likely to undergo an aortic valve intervention (AVI) (54% vs. 45%, P = 0.001), while the death rates were similar (42.0% in men and 40.6% in women, P = 0.580). A total of 779 (49.8%) patients underwent an AVI in which 145 (18.6%) died. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, each 10 mL/s decrease in FR was associated with a 7% increase in hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality (HR 1.07; 95% CI 1.03-1.11, P < 0.001). The best cut-off value of FR for prediction of all-cause mortality was 179 mL/s in women and 209 mL/s in men. CONCLUSION: Transaortic FR was lower in women than men. In the group undergoing AVI, lower FR was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, and the optimal cut-off for prediction of all-cause mortality was lower in women than men.

Right ventricular dysfunction in critically ill COVID-19 ARDS.

AIMS: Comprehensive echocardiography assessment of right ventricular (RV) impairment has not been reported in critically ill patients with COVID-19. We detail the specific phenotype and clinical associations of RV impairment in COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) measures of RV function were collected in critically unwell patients for associations with clinical, ventilatory and laboratory data. RESULTS: Ninety patients (25.6% female), mean age 52.0 ± 10.8 years, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VVECMO) (42.2%) were studied. A significantly higher proportion of patients were identified as having RV dysfunction by RV fractional area change (FAC) (72.0%,95% confidence interval (CI) 61.0-81.0) and RV velocity time integral (VTI) (86.4%, 95 CI 77.3-93.2) than by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (23.8%, 95 CI 16.0-33.9), RVS' (11.9%, 95% CI 6.6-20.5) or RV free wall strain (FWS) (35.3%, 95% CI 23.6-49.0). RV VTI correlated strongly with RV FAC (p ≤ 0.01). Multivariate regression demonstrated independent associations of RV FAC with NTpro-BNP and PVR. RV-PA coupling correlated with PVR (univariate p < 0.01), as well as RVEDAi (p < 0.01), and RVESAi (p < 0.01), and was associated with P/F ratio (p 0.026), PEEP (p 0.025), and ALT (p 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Severe COVID-19 ARDS is associated with a specific phenotype of RV radial impairment with sparing of longitudinal function. Clinicians should avoid interpretation of RV health purely on long-axis parameters in these patients. RV-PA coupling potentially provides important additional information above standard measures of RV performance in this cohort.

Reversible exercise-induced left ventricular dysfunction in symptomatic patients with previous Takotsubo syndrome: insights from stress echocardiography.

AIMS: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is usually associated with rapid and spontaneous recovery of left ventricular (LV) function. However, a proportion of patients may have persistent symptoms. This study aimed to determine the haemodynamic and LV contractile responses to exercise in these patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty symptomatic TTS patients referred for exercise echocardiography, a median of 15 months following the index TTS episode, were matched with 30 controls with normal exercise echocardiography. Beta-blockers were withheld prior to the test. LV volumes, ejection fraction (EF) and wall motion score index (WMSI), were measured at rest and stress. The TTS cohort were Caucasian women with mean age of 64.6 ± 7.4 years and similar coronary risk factor profile and EF to controls. Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), LV end-diastolic volume, wall stress, and right ventricular fractional area change were higher in TTS patients compared with controls. Stress echo data showed similar exercise time, peak heart rate, and peak SBP in TTS patients vs. controls, but TTS patients had higher LV volumes, lower exercise LVEF (70 ± 10% vs. 78 ± 7%; P = 0.001), ΔLVEF (4 ± 8% vs. 12 ± 5%; P < 0.001), and WMSI (1.4 ± 0.4 vs. 1 ± 0; P < 0.001) compared with controls. Twenty TTS patients had clear exercise-induced wall motion abnormalities, mainly involving the apex or more globally, with a mean ΔLVEF of 1% compared with 12% in controls. Among the other 10 TTS patients, the ΔLVEF was 10%. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic patients with previous TTS have a blunted contractile response to exercise. The therapeutic and prognostic implications of these findings need further investigation.