Autonomic function and specific right atrial functions - Is there a relationship? Correlations from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Healthy Study.

INTRODUCTION: Similarly to the ventricles, the atria are under sympathetic/parasympathetic neural regulation. Accordingly, correlations were investigated between Ewing's standard cardiovascular reflex tests (SCRTs) and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE)-derived right atrial (RA) volumes and strains in healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 45 healthy adults, but 5 subjects were excluded due to inferior image quality for 3DSTE-derived RA assessments. The remaining 40 individuals being in sinus rhythm had a mean age of 35.1 ± 3.5 years (20 men). Two-dimensional, Doppler, 3DSTE and SCRTs were performed in all cases. RESULTS: RA maximum volume and total and passive RA stroke volumes correlated with the Valsalva ratio. Active RA stroke volume and emptying fraction showed correlations with 30/15 ratio. Peak global and mean segmental RA circumferential (CS) and longitudinal strains (LS) showed correlation with the Valsalva ratio. At atrial contraction, global RA-LS and mean segmental RA-CS showed correlations with the Valsalva ratio. Moreover, mean segmental RA-CS correlated with 30/15 ratio and mean segmental RA radial strain showed correlations with systolic blood pressure in response to standing. Autonomic neuropathy score correlated with peak global RA-LS. CONCLUSIONS: Autonomic function parameters have significant associations with specific RA functions in healthy adults, making the latter possible indicators of autonomic dysregulation.

Correlations between vegetative autonomic function and specific left atrial functions in healthy adults: Insights from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Healthy Study.

INTRODUCTION: The functioning of the left atrium (LA) is partly controlled by the neural system. It was purposed to evaluate correlations between the result of Ewing's 5 standard cardiovascular reflex tests (SCRTs) characterizing autonomic function and LA volumetric and functional features as assessed by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) in healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study comprised 18 healthy volunteers being in sinus rhythm (mean age: 35 ± 12 years, 10 men). Measurement of blood pressure, ECG, 5 SCRTs, two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and 3DSTE were performed. These parameters were in normal ranges in all cases. RESULTS: From LA volumetric parameters, only systolic total atrial emptying fraction (r = 0.559, p = 0.037) and early diastolic passive atrial emptying fraction (r = 0.539, p = 0.047) correlated with systolic blood pressure response to standing representing sympathetic autonomic function. From LA strains, peak mean segmental LA radial strain (RS) (r = -0.532, p = 0.050), global and mean segmental LA circumferential strain (CS) (r = 0.662, p = 0.010 and r = 0.635, p = 0.015, respectively) representing systolic LA function correlated with Valsalva ratio representing parasympathetic autonomic function. Global LA-RS (r = -0.713, p = 0.040) and LA-CS (r = 0.657, p = 0.011) and mean segmental LA-CS (r = 0.723, p = 0.003) at atrial contraction representing end-diastolic atrial contraction showed correlations with Valsalva ratio, as well. Peak global and mean segmental LA-CS (r = 0.532, p = 0.050 and r = 0.530, p = 0.050) and the same strains at atrial contraction (r = 0.704, p = 0.005 and r = 0.690, p = 0.006) representing systolic function and end-diastolic atrial contraction correlated with systolic blood pressure response to standing representing both parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic functions. CONCLUSIONS: Significant correlations between features of vegetative autonomic function represented by Ewing's 5 SCRTs and specific LA functions represented by 3DSTE-derived LA volume-based functional properties and strains could be demonstrated in healthy adults.

A three-month physical training program improves cardiovascular autonomic function in patients with metabolic syndrome with and without diabetes - a pilot study.

Introduction: Vascular complications and neuropathy may develop in the presence of metabolic syndrome. The aim of our study was to measure the cardiovascular autonomic function following physical training in patients with metabolic syndrome with and without diabetes. Subjects and methods: 56 patients with metabolic syndrome (32 men/24 women, 40 non-diabetic patients (NDMetS)/16 diabetic patients (DMetS) [mean ± SD]: age: 50.35 ± 8.03 vs. 56.8 ± 9.30 years, p=0.023; baseline BMI: 32.2 ± 7.03 vs. 32.8 ± 5.94 kg/m2, p=0.739) were involved in our study. All tests and measurements were carried out before and following a 3-month physical training period. Autonomic function was assessed by means of five standard cardiovascular reflex tests. ECG repolarization parameters, including short-term QT variability and stress-ECG were also measured. Results: In the whole population, Valsalva-ratio (VR) and the autonomic score (AS) improved following training (VR: 1.49 ± 0.24 vs. 1.64 ± 0.34, p=0.001; AS: 2.05 ± 1.73 vs. 1.41 ± 1.36, p=0.015) accompanied by the significant decrease of the systolic (150.3 ± 16.12 vs. 134.1 ± 16.67 mmHg, p<0.001) and diastolic (90.64 ± 12.8 vs. 82.79 ± 11.1 mmHg, p<0.001) blood pressure. An improvement in VR was detected in NDMetS patients following training (1.51 ± 0.24 vs. 1.67 ± 0.31, p= 0.002). No significant changes could be detected in autonomic tests' results in the DMetS patient group following training. The applied exercise training program did not lead to significant changes in ECG repolarization. The stress-ECG test in the whole study population yielded a significant increase in the test duration (12.9 ± 3.76 vs. 15.1 ± 2.96 min, p<0.001) and in the test load (10.5 ± 2.78 vs. 11.6 ± 2.39 MET, p<0.001). The load capability improved significantly in both subgroups: 11.1 ± 2.04 vs. 12.1 ± 1.82, (p<0.001) and 9.0 ± 3.64 vs. 10.4 ± 3.05, (p=0.033) in subpopulations of NDMetS and DMetS, respectively. The DMetS patients achieved a significantly lower MET score at baseline (p=0.039) and following training (p=0.044) in comparison to the NDMetS patients. Conclusion: The three-month exercise program improved the Valsalva-ratio and the AN score in the MetS patients, that is potentially protective against cardiovascular events. The training had some beneficial effect on blood pressure and the results of the stress-ECG tests in both groups. The absence of significant change in the reflex tests in DMetS group reflects an impaired adaptation compared to the NDMestS group.

Effect of ivabradine in heart failure: a meta-analysis of heart failure patients with reduced versus preserved ejection fraction.

In clinical trials of heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), ivabradine seemed to be an effective heart rate lowering agent associated with lower risk of cardiovascular death. In contrast, ivabradine failed to improve cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) despite the significant effect on heart rate. This meta-analysis is the first to compare the effects of ivabradine on heart rate and mortality parameters in HFpEF versus HFrEF. We screened three databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The outcomes of these studies were mortality, reduction in heart rate, and left ventricular function improvement. We compared the efficacy of ivabradine treatment in HFpEF versus HFrEF. Heart rate analysis of pooled data showed decrease in both HFrEF (-17.646 beats/min) and HFpEF (-11.434 beats/min), and a tendency to have stronger bradycardic effect in HFrEF (p = 0.094) in randomized clinical trials. Left ventricular ejection fraction analysis revealed significant improvement in HFrEF (5.936, 95% CI: [4.199-7.672], p < 0.001) when compared with placebo (p < 0.001). We found that ivabradine significantly improves left ventricular performance in HFrEF, at the same time it exerts a tendency to have improved bradycardic effect in HFrEF. These disparate effects of ivabradine and the higher prevalence of non-cardiac comorbidities in HFpEF may explain the observed beneficial effects in HFrEF and the unchanged outcomes in HFpEF patients after ivabradine treatment.

Peripheral and Autonomic Neuropathy Status of Young Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus at the Time of Transition From Pediatric Care to Adult-Oriented Diabetes Care.

Introduction: The prevalence of neuropathic lesions in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) at the time of transition from pediatric care to adult-oriented diabetes care is poorly studied. A comparative study with healthy volunteers to assess the possible neuropathic condition of this special population and to identify the potential early screening needs has not been performed yet. The results may provide important feedback to pediatric diabetes care and a remarkable baseline reference point for further follow up in adult diabetes care. Patients and Methods: Twenty-nine young patients with T1DM [age: 22.4 ± 2.9 years; HbA1c: 8.5 ± 2.1%, diabetes duration: 12.2 ± 5.8 years; (mean ± SD)] and 30 healthy volunteers (age: 21.5 ± 1.6 years; HbA1c: 5.3 ± 0.3%) were involved in the study. Autonomic function was assessed by standard cardiovascular reflex tests. Complex peripheral neuropathic testing was performed by Neurometer®, Neuropad®-test, Tiptherm®, Monofilament®, and Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork tests. Results: T1DM patients had significantly higher diastolic blood pressure than controls (80 ± 9 vs. 74 ± 8 mmHg, p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference in systolic blood pressure (127 ± 26 vs. 121 ± 13 mmHg). Cardiovascular reflex tests had not revealed any significant differences between the T1DM patients and controls. No significant differences with Neurometer®, Neuropad®-test, and Monofilament® were detected between the two groups. The vibrational sensing on the radius on both sides was significantly impaired in the T1DM group compared to the controls with Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork test (right: 7.5 ± 1.0 vs. 7.9 ± 0.3; left: 7.5 ± 0.9 vs. 7.9 ± 0.3, p < 0.05). The Tiptherm®-test also identified a significant impairment in T1DM patients (11 sensing failures vs. 1, p < 0.001). In addition, the neuropathic complaints were significantly more frequently present in the T1DM patient group than in the controls (9 vs. 0, p < 0.01). Conclusion: In this young T1DM population, cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and cardiac morphological alterations could not be found. However, Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork and Tiptherm®-tests revealed peripheral sensory neurological impairments in young T1DM patients at the time of their transition to adult diabetes care.

Correlations between left ventricular rotational mechanics and parasympathetic autonomic function-results from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Healthy Study.

Left ventricular (LV) twist is calculated from the net difference of counterclockwise apical and clockwise basal rotation during systole. The current study was designed to evaluate correlations between autonomic function and LV rotational mechanics in healthy subjects. The present study comprised 18 healthy subjects (mean age: 36±12 years, 12 men). Three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) could be used for non-invasive evaluation of LV rotation and twist. Autonomic function was assessed by means of 5 standard cardiovascular reflex tests. During 3DSTE, basal LV rotation proved to be -3.24±2.02 degree, while apical LV rotation was 9.08±3.04 degree, therefore LV twist was 11.70±6.80 degree. Valsalva test showed significant correlations with LV basal (r=0.529, P=0.019) and apical rotations (r=-0.534, P=0.022), and LV twist (r=-0.467, P=0.044). Heart rate response to deep breathing significantly correlated with LV twist, as well (r=-0.452, P=0.052). The other tests had no any relationship with rotational characteristics. Correlations exist between parasympathetic autonomic function and 3DSTE-derived LV rotation and twist in healthy subjects.

Peripheral sensory nerve hyperaesthesia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Dysfunction of the nervous system is well-known in diabetes and also among patients with prediabetes, obesity and hypertension. However, there is only a limited amount of data available on the changes in neuronal function in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOs), despite the fact that this condition is also accompanied by metabolic and vascular abnormalities. The aim of our study was to assess the cardiovascular autonomic and peripheral sensory function in patients with PCOs. The study involved 27 women with PCOs, and 24 healthy women as control subjects. Autonomic neuropathy (AN) was assessed using the four standard cardiovascular reflex tests. Peripheral sensory function was determined using the Neurometer. Electric stimulation was applied transcutaneously and the current perception threshold (CPT) values were determined on the median and peroneal nerves. No significant differences were found between the PCOs patients and the control group regarding the cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests and the AN scores. The CPT values of PCOs patients in the median and peroneal nerves were lower at all frequencies in comparison to controls. Conclusions: The cardiovascular autonomic nerve function was normal in the patients with PCOs. The current perception thresholds were consequently lower in the PCOs patients both in the upper and lower extremities at all frequencies, which serves as an early sign of neuropathy. As a novel observation, our results suggest that early neuronal damage manifests in the form of sensory hyperaesthesia in patients with PCOs.

Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy and Glucose Variability in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: Is There an Association?

INTRODUCTION: The oxidative stress associated with glucose variability might be responsible for neuronal damage while autonomic neuropathy (AN) has a detrimental effect on metabolism. The aim of the study was to find relationship between AN and GV in type 1 diabetic patients and to identify further factors that affect GV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty type 1 diabetic patients were involved (age: 39.5 ± 3.4 years, duration of diabetes: 17.5 ± 2.5 years; HbA1c: 8.1 ± 0.2%, mean ± SE). AN was assessed by the cardiovascular reflex tests. The interstitial glucose levels were determined following insertion of a subcutaneous electrode during the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) method on six consecutive days. GV was characterized by calculation of four parameters. RESULTS: SD of interstitial glucose values correlated positively with the overall AN score and the degree of the orthostatic reduction of systolic blood pressure (AN-score-SD ρ = 0.47, p < 0.05; orthostasis-SD: ρ = 0.51, p < 0.05). Mean absolute glucose (MAG) correlated with three parameters of AN (AN-score-MAG: ρ = 0.62, p < 0.01; 30/15 ratio-MAG: ρ = -0.50, p < 0.05; orthostasis-MAG: ρ = 0.59, p < 0.01). The HbA1c also correlated with two parameters of GV (HbA1c-continuous overlapping net glycemic action: ρ = 0.56, p < 0.05; HbA1c-MAG: ρ = 0.45, p < 0.05). The frequency of hypoglycemia did not exhibit any correlation with measures of GV. CONCLUSION: Severity of glucose variability but not overall glucose load correlates with both parasympathetic and sympathetic dysfunctions in type 1 diabetes. Higher HbA1c is associated with more severe glucose variability. The observed correlation between increased glucose variability and the severity of AN necessitates the further exploration of this relationship.

Left ventricular twist is impaired in acromegaly: Insights from the three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Path Study.

INTRODUCTION: Acromegaly is a rare, chronic, disfiguring, and debilitating disease caused, in 90% of cases, by a benign monoclonal growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma. The present study aimed to assess left ventricular (LV) rotational and twist mechanics in acromegalic patients and to compare their results to age- and gender-matched healthy controls. METHODS: The present study comprised 24 acromegalic patients, from which 4 were excluded due to insufficient image quality (mean age: 57.8 ± 13.7 years, 7 men). The control group consisted of 18 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals (mean age: 54.8 ± 6.9 years, 8 men). RESULTS: In 4 out of 20 acromegalic patients, LV showed near absence of twist, as the so-called LV "rigid body rotation" (RBR). Between all acromegalic patients without LV-RBR and controls, both LV basal (-3.76 ± 1.73 vs. -6.17 ± 2.66°, P = .004) and apical rotation (6.12 ± 4.03 vs. 10.81 ± 3.65°, P = .001) and LV twist (9.88 ± 4.74 vs. 16.98 ± 3.88°, P < .001) differed significantly. Between active and nonactive acromegaly subgroups, only the time-to-peak LV twist (377 ± 78 vs. 229 ± 97 ms, P = .005) showed significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Acromegaly is associated with impaired LV rotation and twist as assessed by 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. LV-RBR is a frequent phenomenon in acromegaly.

Increased Short-Term Beat-to-Beat QT Interval Variability in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance.

Prediabetic states and diabetes are important risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Determination of short-term QT interval variability (STVQT) is a non-invasive method for assessment of proarrhythmic risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate the STVQT in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). 18 IGT patients [age: 63 ± 11 years, body mass index (BMI): 31 ± 6 kg/m2, fasting glucose: 6.0 ± 0.4 mmol/l, 120 min postload glucose: 9.0 ± 1.0 mmol/l, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): 5.9 ± 0.4%; mean ± SD] and 18 healthy controls (age: 56 ± 9 years, BMI: 27 ± 5 kg/m2, fasting glucose: 5.2 ± 0.4 mmol/l, 120 min postload glucose: 5.5 ± 1.3 mmol/l, HbA1c: 5.4 ± 0.3%) were enrolled into the study. ECGs were recorded, processed, and analyzed off-line. The RR and QT intervals were expressed as the average of 30 consecutive beats, the temporal instability of beat-to-beat repolarization was characterized by calculating STVQT as follows: STVQT = Σ|QTn + 1 - QTn| (30x√2)-1. Autonomic function was assessed by means of standard cardiovascular reflex tests. There were no differences between IGT and control groups in QT (411 ± 43 vs 402 ± 39 ms) and QTc (431 ± 25 vs 424 ± 19 ms) intervals or QT dispersion (44 ± 13 vs 42 ± 17 ms). However, STVQT was significantly higher in IGT patients (5.0 ± 0.7 vs 3.7 ± 0.7, P < 0.0001). The elevated temporal STVQT in patients with IGT may be an early indicator of increased instability of cardiac repolarization during prediabetic conditions.

A novel 'splice site' HCN4 Gene mutation, c.1737+1 G>T, causes familial bradycardia, reduced heart rate response, impaired chronotropic competence and increased short-term heart rate variability.

BACKGROUND: The most important molecular determinant of heart rate regulation in sino-atrial pacemaker cells includes hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels, the major isoform of which is encoded by the HCN4 gene. Mutations affecting the HCN4 gene are associated primarily with sick sinus syndrome. METHODS AND RESULTS: A novel c.1737+1 G>T 'splice-site' HCN4 mutation was identified in a large family with familial bradycardia which co-segregated with the disease providing a two-point LOD score of 4.87. Twelve out of the 22 investigated family members [4 males, 8 females average age 36 (SD 6) years] were considered as clinically affected (heart rate<60/min on resting ECG). Minimum [36 (SD 7) vs. 47 (SD 5) bpm, p=0.0087) and average heart rates [62 (SD 8) vs. 73 (SD 8) bpm, p=0.0168) were significantly lower in carriers on 24-hour Holter recordings. Under maximum exercise test carriers achieved significantly lower heart rates than non-carrier family members, and percent heart rate reserve and percent corrected heart rate reserve were significantly lower in carriers. Applying rigorous criteria for chronotropic incompetence a higher number of carriers exhibited chronotropic incompetence. Parameters, characterizing short-term variability of heart rate (i.e. rMSSD and pNN50%) were increased in carrier family members, even after normalization for heart rate, in the 24-hour ECG recordings with the same relative increase in 5-minute recordings. CONCLUSIONS: The identified novel 'splice site' HCN4 gene mutation, c.1737+1 G>T, causes familial bradycardia and leads to reduced heart rate response, impaired chronotropic competence and increased short-term heart rate variability in the mutation carriers.

Volumetric and functional assessment of the left atrium in young competitive athletes without left ventricular hypertrophy: the MAGYAR-Sport Study.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) remodeling may be regarded as a physiologic adaptation to exercise conditioning. Three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) is a new promising tool for volumetric and functional characterization of the LA. The present study was undertaken to assess adaptive changes in LA volumes and functional properties respecting cardiac cycle in young competitive athletes without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) by detailed 3DSTE assessment. METHODS: The study group consisted of 20 young elite basketball and handball players (mean age: 28.1±10.1 years, 8 men) without LVH, their results were compared to 23 age- and gender-matched non-sportive healthy controls (mean age: 31.7±8.5 years, 11 men. All subjects had undergone standard transthoracic two-dimensional Doppler echocardiographic study with 3DSTE. RESULTS: Increased systolic maximum (66.5±13.6 mL vs. 38.5±8.6 mL, P<0.0001) and diastolic minimum (36.7±8.1 mL vs. 17.5±5.8 mL, P<0.0001) and preatrial contraction (46.2±10.1 mL vs. 26.2±7.8 mL, P<0.0001) LA volumes could be demonstrated in athletes. Total (29.7±9.0 mL vs. 20.7±5.0 mL, P=0.0002) and passive LA stroke volumes (19.8±8.7 mL vs. 12.4±4.6 mL, P=0.0009) were increased, while total (44.2±9.1 mL vs. 54.2±9.4 mL, P=0.001) and active LA emptying fractions (20.6±11.8% vs. 31.9±8.7%, P=0.0008) proved to be decreased in athletes as compared to controls. Active LA stroke volume (9.9±5.8 mL vs. 8.3±3.3 mL, P=0.29) and passive LA emptying fraction (29.1±10.6 mL vs. 32.6±11.2 mL, P=0.31) did not differ between the groups. Only circumferential global (21.1±7.7% vs. 27.6±9.9%, P=0.02) and mean segmental (26.1±7.1% vs. 35.7±12.0%, P=0.003) peak LA strains proved to be significantly reduced in athletes as compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: 3DSTE-derived increased cyclic LA volumes and specific alterations in LA functional properties could be demonstrated in young competing athletes which is most likely a physiologic consequence of a global cardiac adaptation to intensive and chronic training.

Complex evaluation of left atrial dysfunction in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography: results from the MAGYAR-Path Study.

OBJECTIVE: Changes in left atrial (LA) function can be observed in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Three-dimensional (3-D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) seems to be a promising tool for volumetric and functional evaluation of LA. The objective of the present study was to compare 3DSTE-derived LA volumetric and strain parameters between T1DM patients and matched healthy controls. METHODS: This prospective study consists of 17 subcutaneous insulin pump-treated non-obese patients with T1DM (mean age: 33.5±8.2 years, 8 males). To exclude possible cardiovascular disease, patients with complaints of chest pain, dyspnea, or signs of cerebrovascular disease or peripheral artery disease were not included. Their results were compared with 20 age-matched and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age: 36.9±11.0 years, 9 males). Independent sample Student t-test and Fisher's exact test were used for comparisons. Bland-Altman method was used for evaluating intraobserver and interobserver correlations. RESULTS: Anemia and impaired renal function were not confirmed in T1DM patients. Calculated LA maximum and minimum volumes and LA volume before atrial contraction were significantly increased in T1DM patients. Total atrial stroke volume was increased (23.6±6.9 mL vs. 19.6±4.6 mL, p=0.04), whereas mean segmental circumferential peak strain was decreased (28.9%±11.4% vs. 37.3%±12.5%, p=0.04). Segmental basal longitudinal and area strains were increased, whereas segmental superior circumferential and area strains and midatrial 3-D strain were decreased in T1DM. CONCLUSION: Both 3DSTE-derived volumetric and strain analysis confirmed alterations in LA function, suggesting early LA remodeling in patients with T1DM.

Left atrial ejection force correlates with left atrial strain and volume-based functional properties as assessed by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (from the MAGYAR-Healthy Study).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) is a novel method for assessment of left atrial (LA) volumes and function without geometrical assumptions. 3DSTE allows detailed assessment of LA features including volume measurements, strain assessments and calculation of LA ejection force (LAEF). LA strain and volume-based functional parameters originate from the same 3D dataset, but assessment of LAEF requires more data including measurement of mitral annular dimensions and Doppler-derived inflow velocities. The present study was designed to find correlations between LAEF and 3DSTE-derived LA volume-based functional properties and strain parameters in healthy subjects. METHODS: The study population comprised 34 randomly selected healthy subjects (age 36.1±11.2 years, 15 men) in sinus rhythm, all of whom had undergone standard two-dimensional transthoracic Doppler echocardiographic study extended with 3DSTE. RESULTS: Mitral annulus diameter-based LAEF correlated with global LA peak circumferential (r=0.39, p=0.02), longitudinal (r=0.32, p=0.05) and area (r=0.43, p=0.01) strain, total atrial stroke volume (r=0.30, p=0.05) and total atrial emptying fraction (r=0.31, p=0.05) characterizing (systolic) LA reservoir function and global LA 3D strain at atrial contraction (r=-0.44, p=0.01) and active atrial emptying fraction (r=0.36, p=0.04) characterizing (diastolic) LA contraction function (booster pump phase). CONCLUSIONS: Complex LA functional assessment can be provided by 3DSTE, including calculation of LAEF and volume-based and strain functional properties, with significant correlations between these parameters.

Short-term beat-to-beat variability of the QT interval is increased and correlates with parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Stratification models for the prediction of sudden cardiac death (SCD) are inappropriate in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We investigated conventional electrocardiogram (ECG) repolarization parameters and the beat-to-beat short-term QT interval variability (QT-STV), a new parameter of proarrhythmic risk, in 37 patients with HCM (21 males, average age 48 ± 15 years). Resting ECGs were recorded for 5 min and the frequency corrected QT interval (QTc), QT dispersion (QTd), beat-to-beat short-term variability of QT interval (QT-STV), and the duration of terminal part of T waves (Tpeak-Tend) were calculated. While all repolarization parameters were significantly increased in patients with HCM compared with the controls (QTc, 488 ± 61 vs. 434 ± 23 ms, p < 0.0001; QT-STV, 4.5 ± 2 vs. 3.2 ± 1 ms, p = 0.0002; Tpeak-Tend duration, 107 ± 27 vs. 91 ± 10 ms, p = 0.0015; QTd, 47 ± 17 vs. 34 ± 9 ms, p = 0.0002), QT-STV had the highest relative increase (+41%). QT-STV also showed the best correlation with indices of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, i.e., maximal LV wall thickness normalized for body surface area (BSA; r = 0.461, p = 0.004) or LV mass (determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging) normalized for BSA (r = 0.455, p = 0.015). In summary, beat-to-beat QT-STV showed the most marked increase in patients with HCM and may represent a novel marker that merits further testing for increased SCD risk in HCM.

[Relationships between right atrial and left ventricular size and function in health subjects. Results from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Healthy Study]. / A jobb pitvar és bal kamra méretének és funkciójának összefüggései egészségesekben. Eredmények a háromdimenziós speckle-tracking echokardiográfiás MAGYAR-Healthy Tanulmányból.

INTRODUCTION: The heart cycle includes systole and diastole when the heart chambers are characterized by a complex motion. AIM: The present study was designed to test whether relationships exist between three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived right atrial and routine two-dimensional echocardiography-derived left ventricular volumetric and functional parameters is healthy subjects. METHOD: The present study comprised 20 healthy volunteers. Complete two-dimensional echocardiography and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography were perfomed in all cases. RESULTS: Left ventricular ejection fraction showed correlations with systolic and diastolic right atrial volumes and area strain characterzing atrial contraction in diastole. Right atrial volumes respective of cardiac cycle correlated only with left ventricular end-systolic diameter and volume, while similar relationships could not be confirmed with end-diastolic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Relationships could be demonstrated between three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived right atrial and two-dimensional echocardiography-derived left ventricular volumetric and functional parameters in healthy subjects.

Increased Short-Term Beat-To-Beat Variability of QT Interval in Patients with Acromegaly.

Cardiovascular diseases, including ventricular arrhythmias are responsible for increased mortality in patients with acromegaly. Acromegaly may cause repolarization abnormalities such as QT prolongation and impairment of repolarization reserve enhancing liability to arrhythmia. The aim of this study was to determine the short-term beat-to-beat QT variability in patients with acromegaly. Thirty acromegalic patients (23 women and 7 men, mean age±SD: 55.7±10.4 years) were compared with age- and sex-matched volunteers (mean age 51.3±7.6 years). Cardiac repolarization parameters including frequency corrected QT interval, PQ and QRS intervals, duration of terminal part of T waves (Tpeak-Tend) and short-term variability of QT interval were evaluated. All acromegalic patients and controls underwent transthoracic echocardiographic examination. Autonomic function was assessed by means of five standard cardiovascular reflex tests. Comparison of the two groups revealed no significant differences in the conventional ECG parameters of repolarization (QT: 401.1±30.6 ms vs 389.3±16.5 ms, corrected QT interval: 430.1±18.6 ms vs 425.6±17.3 ms, QT dispersion: 38.2±13.2 ms vs 36.6±10.2 ms; acromegaly vs control, respectively). However, short-term beat-to-beat QT variability was significantly increased in acromegalic patients (4.23±1.03 ms vs 3.02±0.80, P<0.0001). There were significant differences between the two groups in the echocardiographic dimensions (left ventricular end diastolic diameter: 52.6±5.4 mm vs 48.0±3.9 mm, left ventricular end systolic diameter: 32.3±5.2 mm vs 29.1±4.4 mm, interventricular septum: 11.1±2.2 mm vs 8.8±0.7 mm, posterior wall of left ventricle: 10.8±1.4 mm vs 8.9±0.7 mm, P<0.05, respectively). Short-term beat-to-beat QT variability was elevated in patients with acromegaly in spite of unchanged conventional parameters of ventricular repolarization. This enhanced temporal QT variability may be an early indicator of increased liability to arrhythmia.

Changes in mitral annular morphology and function in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus-results from the three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Path Study.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in mitral annular size and function could be demonstrated in cardiomyopathies and ischaemic heart disease. The present study was designed to evaluate mitral annulus (MA) morphology and function in young type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) and to compare their results to matched healthy controls. METHODS: The study comprised 18 patients with T1DM (mean age: 33.0±8.0 years). Their results were compared to that of 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age: 37.8±10.9 years). Complete two-dimensional (2D) Doppler echocardiography and 3DSTE have been performed in all cases. RESULTS: No significant differences could be demonstrated in demographic and standard echocardiographic parameters between the groups. Significantly enlarged diastolic MA diameter (2.87±0.27 mm vs. 2.58±0.32 mm, P=0.01), MA diameter index 1.61±0.20 cm/m(2) vs. 1.30±0.39 cm/m(2), P=0.008, and MA area index (4.81±0.88 cm(2)/m(2) vs. 3.91±1.35 cm(2)/m(2), P=0.03) could be demonstrated in T1DM together with augmented MA fractional shortening (28.64±9.63% vs. 20.35±12.50%, P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Early alterations in MA size and function could be demonstrated in young patients with T1DM by 3DSTE.

[Correlations between mitral annular and left atrial function as assessed by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in healthy volunteers. Results from the MAGYAR-Healthy Study]. / A mitralis anulus és a bal pitvar funkciója közötti összefüggések vizsgálata háromdimenziós speckle-tracking echokardiográfia segítségével egészséges önkéntesekben. Eredmények a MAGYAR-Healthy Tanulmányból.

INTRODUCTION: Left atrium is a heart chamber with dinamic motion communicating with left ventricle through the mitral valve and its annulus. AIM: The aim of the present study was to analyse whether relationships could exist between three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived morphologic and functional parameters of the left atrium and mitral annulus in healthy subjects. METHOD: The present study comprised 35 healthy volunteers. Maximum (Vmax) and minimum (Vmin) left atrial volumes and left atrial volume before atrial contraction (VpreA) were measured, and several functional parameters based on these volumes were calculated in all cases. Morphologic and functional characteristics of the mitral annulus were also determined. RESULTS: While Vmax showed correlations with both systolic and diastolic mitral annulus parameters, Vmin-VpreA correlated with only systolic ones. While total left atrial stroke volume correlated with both systolic and diastolic mitral annular parameters, passive left atrial stroke volume showed correlations only with diastolic ones. CONCLUSIONS: Correlations exist between left atrial and mitral annular morphological and functional characteristics in healthy subjects.