Accuracy of Devereaux and Teichholz formulas for left ventricular mass calculation in different geometric patterns: comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Left ventricular (LV) myocardial mass is important in the evaluation of cardiac remodeling and requires accurate assessment when performed on linear measurements in two-dimensional echocardiography (Echo). We aimed to compare the accuracy of the Devereaux formula (DEV) and the Teichholz formula (TEICH) in calculating LV myocardial mass in Echo using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as the reference method. Based on preceding mathematical calculations, we identified primarily LV size rather than wall thickness as the main source of bias between DEV and TEICH in a retrospective derivation cohort (n = 1276). Although LV mass from DEV and TEICH were correlated with CMR, TEICH did not show a proportional bias as did DEV (- 2 g/m2 vs. + 22 g/m2). This could be validated in an independent prospective cohort (n = 226) with symptomatic non-ischemic heart failure. DEV systematically overestimated LV mass in all tiers of LV remodeling as compared to TEICH. In conclusion, the TEICH method accounts for the changes in LV geometry with increasing LV mass and thus better reflects the different pattern of LV remodeling than the DEV method. This has important clinical implications, as TEICH may be more appropriate for use in clinical practice, rather than DEV, currently recommended.

The Impact of Right Atrial Size to Predict Success of Direct Current Cardioversion in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prognostic implication of right atrial (RA) and left atrial (LA) size for an immediate success of direct current cardioversion (DCCV) in atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. This study aimed to compare RA and LA size for the prediction of DCCV success. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2018, 734 consecutive outpatients were screened for our prospective registry. Each eligible patient received a medical history, blood analysis, and transthoracic echocardiography with a focus on indexed RA (iRA) area and LA volume (iLAV) prior to DCCV with up to three biphasic shocks (200-300-360 J) or additional administration of amiodarone or flecainide to restore sinus rhythm. RESULTS: We enrolled 589 patients, and DCCV was in 89% (n=523) successful. Mean age was 68 ± 10 years, and 40% (n=234) had New York heart association class >II. A prevalence of the male sex (64%, n=376) and of persistent AF (86%, n=505) was observed. Although DCCV success was associated with female sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-3.65), with absence of coronary heart disease and normal left ventricular function (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.26-4.25), with short AF duration (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.05-4.04) in univariable regression, only iRA area remained a stable and independent predictor of DCCV success (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.12-0.69; area under the curve 0.71), but not iLAV size (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05-1.56) in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: iRA area is superior to iLAV for the prediction of immediate DCCV success in AF.

Single-Site Experience with an Automated Artificial Intelligence Application for Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Measurement in Echocardiography.

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a key parameter in evaluating left ventricular (LV) function using echocardiography (Echo), but its manual measurement by the modified biplane Simpson (MBS) method is time consuming and operator dependent. We investigated the feasibility of a server-based, commercially available and ready-to use-artificial intelligence (AI) application based on convolutional neural network methods that integrate fully automatic view selection and measurement of LVEF from an entire Echo exam into a single workflow. We prospectively enrolled 1083 consecutive patients who had been referred to Echo for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. LVEF was measured independently using MBS and AI. Test-retest variability was assessed in 40 patients. The reliability, repeatability, and time efficiency of LVEF measurements were compared between the two methods. Overall, 889 Echos were analyzed by cardiologists with the MBS method and by the AI. Over the study period of 10 weeks, the feasibility of both automatic view classification and seamlessly measured LVEF rose to 81% without user involvement. LVEF, LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes correlated strongly between MBS and AI (R = 0.87, 0.89 and 0.93, p < 0.001 for all) with a mean bias of +4.5% EF, -12 mL and -11 mL, respectively, due to impaired image quality and the extent of LV function. Repeatability and reliability of LVEF measurement (n = 40, test-retest) by AI was excellent compared to MBS (coefficient of variation: 3.2% vs. 5.9%), although the median analysis time of the AI was longer than that of the operator-dependent MBS method (258 s vs. 171 s). This AI has succeeded in identifying apical LV views and measuring EF in one workflow with comparable results to the MBS method and shows excellent reproducibility. It offers realistic perspectives for fully automated AI-based measurement of LVEF in routine clinical settings.

Purposeful use of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis of caseous mitral annular calcification: a case series report.

BACKGROUND: Caseous mitral annular calcification (CMAC) is a rare liquefactive variant of mitral annular calcification (MAC) and superficially mimics a cardiac vegetation or abscess. CMAC is viewed as a benign condition of MAC, while MAC has clinical implications for patients' lives. Correctly diagnosing CMAC is essential in order to avoid unnecessary interventions, cardiac surgery or even psychological suffering for the patient. CASE PRESENTATION: We report on 6 patients with suspected intra-cardiac masses of the mitral annulus that were referred to our institution for further clarification. A definitive diagnosis of CMAC was achieved by combining echocardiography (Echo), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cardiac computed tomography (CT) for these patients. Echo assessed the mass itself and possible interactions with the mitral valve. MRI was useful in differentiating the tissue from other benign or malign neoplasms. CT revealed the typical structure of CMAC with a "soft" liquefied centre and an outer capsule with calcification. CONCLUSION: CMAC is a rare condition, and most clinicians and even radiologists are not familiar with it. CMAC can be mistaken for an intra-cardiac tumour, thombus, vegetation, or abscess. Non-invasive multimodality imaging (i.e. Echo, MRI, and CT) helps to establish a definitive diagnosis of CMAC and avoid unnecessary interventions especially in uncertain cases.

Cardiac and autonomic function in patients with Wilson's disease.

BACKGROUND: The clinical effect of copper accumulation on the heart of patients suffering from Wilson's disease (WD) is not completely understood. We aimed to determine if patients with WD show signs of cardiac involvement, structural heart disease or autonomic dysfunction. In this prospective trial, we studied 61 patients (mean age 44.3 ± 15.2 years, 51% males) with WD and compared them to 61 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. All subjects underwent clinical examination, blood tests, echocardiography and 24 h electrocardiographic (ECG) recording. RESULTS: Left- and right ventricular systolic function did not differ significantly between WD patients and controls. However, 5 of the 61 patients had a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Furthermore, diastolic dysfunction was more prevalent in WD patients (9 of 61 vs. 0 of 61, p = 0.001). The severity of WD based on the Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale was significantly correlated to NT-pro BNP (r = 0.34, P = 0.013). Patients with an exacerbation of WD in medical history had higher troponin levels compared to those without (11.3 ± 4.7 vs 4.6 ± 1.2). The autonomic function assessed by triangular index (TI) and SDNN-index was significantly reduced in WD patients compared to controls in most in almost every age category (p-value TI and SDNN: age 20-29, p < 0.001 and 0.05; age 30-39, p < 0.01 and not significant (ns); age 40-49, p < 0,01 and 0.001; age 50-59, p = ns and < 0.001, age 60-70, p < 0.05 and ns). CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that cardiac involvement and autonomic dysfunction in WD is possible, however the underlying cause is still not known. We suggest that patients with signs and symptoms of structural heart disease should be examined by a cardiologist in addition to the interdisciplinary treatment team of WD.

Left Ventricular Torsion　- A New Echocardiographic Prognosticator in Patients With Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) torsion is a key parameter in cardiac function and predicts functional capacity (FC) more appropriately than LV ejection fraction (EF). We sought to investigate LV torsion as a marker of hospitalization for worsening heart failure (HF) in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients. Methods and Results: The 91 outpatients with newly diagnosed DCM (53±13 years, 20% female) were evaluated with 3D speckle-tracking imaging and followed up for 12 months; 43 healthy sex- and age-matched volunteers served as controls. LV torsion, LVEF, right ventricular function, LV global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential (GCS) strain values, peak oxygen uptake (peak V̇O2) from FC and B-type natriuretic peptide levels were measured at baseline. Peak V̇O2correlated successively with LV torsion, diastolic filling and GCS (r=0.70, -0.52 and -0.41, P<0.01) disclosing the central role of LV torsion. During follow-up (median 272 days), 24 (26%) cardiac events occurred. A reduced LV torsion (<0.59 degrees/cm) predicted cardiac events similar to a reduced peak V̇O2(<19 mL/kg/min) (unadjusted hazard ratio 6.41 and 5.90, P<0.001). LV torsion provided a significant incremental value over right ventricular function and peak V̇O2(C-index: 0.85, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated a clear relation between LV torsion and disease severity, suggesting that LV torsion has additional prognostic relevance in DCM patients.

Repetitive squatting exercise as a diagnostic predictor in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Objectives: Non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterised by a highly variable disease progression. Stress echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are beneficial in risk assessment, but are labour intensive. Repetitive squatting and standing without weights is a simple exercise (EX). The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic role of left ventricular (LV) contractile recruitment (CR) after a simple EX of repetitive squatting through three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography. Methods: Patients with DCM (LV ejection fraction (EF)<50%, n=68) and age-matched healthy volunteers (n=25) received a 3D echocardiographic evaluation of LV EF before and after 30 repetitions of squatting-standing EX. CR was defined by the change of LV EF (Δ>4%). Patients were followed up prospectively (2 years) for cardiac death and deteriorating heart failure. Results: During follow-up, 14 cardiac events occurred (21%) with six deaths and eight severe heart failure deteriorations. A poor CR after squatting EX differentiated DCM patients with cardiac events during follow-up as accurately as a reduced peak oxygen consumption (peak VO 2<20 mL/kg/min) (sensitivity: 0.97 and 0.95). Both had a significant incremental diagnostic value over clinical (age, dyspnoea and natriuretic peptide level) or resting echocardiographic parameters (E/E' ratio, LV EF and end-diastolic LV volume) to predict cardiac events (global χ2: 16.0 vs 5.3; 19.5 vs 6.1; P<0.01 for all). Conclusions: The presence of LV CR after EX of repetitive squatting without weights can stratify risk and predict cardiac events in patients with DCM as correct as CPET.

Three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography is crucial for valid assessment of mitral valve leaflet morphology in severe mitral regurgitation prior to interventional repair.

BACKGROUND: Interventional mitral valve (MV) repair of severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) is a therapeutic option in high-risk surgical or inoperable patients. Assessment of the MV remains a crucial part of pre-interventional screening. Three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (3D-TOE) may compensate for well-known pitfalls that occur in 2D-TOE. PURPOSE: We investigated whether the functional length of the central segments of the posterior and anterior MV leaflets (PML-P2 and AML-A2) is more reliably determined by 3D-TOE full volume datasets (3D-MPR) or orthogonal biplane-imaging (Xplane) when compared to 2D-TOE. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between February 2014 and August 2015, 265 consecutive patients with moderate to severe symptomatic MR were screened. Seventy patients were judged suitable for interventional MV repair by the in-house Heart-Team. Eventually, 59 patients remained for data analysis. Inter-observer variability was lowest in 3D-MPR followed by Xplane (r = 0.92 and 0.90, p < .001 for both) and highest in Mplane (r = 0.82, p < .001). Mean functional PML-P2 lengths were similar in Xplane (12.6 ± 1.7 mm) and 3D-MPR (12.1 ± 2.0 mm), however, significantly different in 2D-TOE (10.0 ± 2.1 mm, p < .001). 2D-TOE underestimated PML-P2 length with a bias of -2.5 mm compared to Xplane and -1.95 mm compared to 3D-MPR. In contrast, functional AML-A2 length was determined similar across all methods. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the superiority of 3D-TOE over 2D-TOE for accurate MV assessment in MR, especially for the determination of the functional PML length. Erroneous MV leaflet assessment may result in inadequate therapy restriction if the MV is deemed not suitable for interventional repair.

Three-Dimensional Left Ventricular Torsion in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy　- A Marker of Disease Severity.

BACKGROUND: LV twist has a key role in maintaining left ventricular (LV) contractility during exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate LV torsion instead of twist as a surrogate marker of peak oxygen uptake (peak V̇O2) assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).Methods and Results:We evaluated 45 outpatients with DCM (50±12 years, 24% females) with 3D speckle-tracking electrocardiography prior to CPET. LV torsion, LV ejection fraction (EF), LV diastolic function, LV global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential (GCS) strain were quantified. A reduced functional capacity (FC) was defined as a peak V̇O2<20 mL/kg/min. LV torsion correlated most strongly with peak V̇O2(r=0.76, P<0.001). LV torsion instead of twist was an independent predictor of peak V̇O2(B: 0.59 to 0.71, P<0.001) in multivariable analyses. Impaired LV torsion <0.61 degrees/cm was able to predict a reduced FC with higher sensitivity and specificity (0.91 and 0.81; area under the curve (AUC): 0.88, P<0.001) than LV EF, GLS or GCS (AUC 0.64, 0.63 and 0.66; P<0.05 for differences in AUC). CONCLUSIONS: Peak V̇O2correlated more strongly with LV torsion than with LV diastolic function, LV EF, GLS or GCS. LV torsion had high accuracy in identifying patients with a reduced FC.