Acute dissection of a syphilitic saccular aneurysm of the ascending aorta and arch in a hypertensive patient - a rare phenomenon.

We report the case of a 77-year-old male who suffered from hypertension and died suddenly. At autopsy, he was found to have hypertensive cardiomegaly and a dissecting syphilitic saccular aneurysm of the ascending aorta and arch with tamponade. Chronic aortic regurgitation, which is often seen in syphilitic aortitis, produces an additive effect to the concentric left ventricular hypertrophy seen in hypertension.

Should echocardiogram be undertaken routinely when a child has severe iron deficiency anaemia?

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is common in children. Treatment usually consists of oral iron therapy and, if severe, inpatient hospitalisation with blood transfusion. Providers may also undertake an echocardiogram, depending on availability and the severity of anaemia. A male toddler with nutritional IDA, haemoglobin of 1.7 g/dL (the lowest level in the literature) and hypertension had left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on the initial echocardiogram. He was managed acutely with judicious blood transfusion, followed by oral iron supplementation and anti-hypertensive medication at discharge. Repeat echocardiogram a month later demonstrated slight improvement of the LVH but the hypertension persisted at follow-up 6 months later. There was complete resolution of the findings a year later. In chronic nutritional IDA, there can be structural cardiac changes which can affect the acute management and requires close follow-up. It is important to use echocardiography in such severe cases.Abbreviations: CHF: congestive heart failure; CM: cardiomyopathy; DCM: dilated cardiomyopathy; ICU: intensive care unit; IDA: iron deficiency anaemia; IVSd: interventricular septum in diastole; LA: left atrium; LV: left ventricle; LVEDD: left ventricular end-diastolic diameter; LVH: left ventricular hypertrophy; LVM: left ventricular mass; LVPWd: left ventricular posterior wall end-diastole; PRBC: packed red blood cells.

Acute dissection of a syphilitic saccular aneurysm of the ascending aorta and arch in a hypertensive patient - a rare phenomenon

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 77-year-old male who suffered from hypertension and died suddenly. At autopsy, he was found to have hypertensive cardiomegaly and a dissecting syphilitic saccular aneurysm of the ascending aorta and arch with tamponade. Chronic aortic regurgitation, which is often seen in syphilitic aortitis, produces an additive effect to the concentric left ventricular hypertrophy seen in hypertension.

DNA Damage and Nuclear Morphological Changes in Cardiac Hypertrophy Are Mediated by SNRK Through Actin Depolymerization.

BACKGROUND: Proper nuclear organization is critical for cardiomyocyte function, because global structural remodeling of nuclear morphology and chromatin structure underpins the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Previous reports have implicated a role for DNA damage in cardiac hypertrophy; however, the mechanism for this process is not well delineated. AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) family of proteins regulates metabolism and DNA damage response (DDR). Here, we examine whether a member of this family, SNRK (SNF1-related kinase), which plays a role in cardiac metabolism, is also involved in hypertrophic remodeling through changes in DDR and structural properties of the nucleus. METHODS: We subjected cardiac-specific Snrk-/- mice to transaortic banding to assess the effect on cardiac function and DDR. In parallel, we modulated SNRK in vitro and assessed its effects on DDR and nuclear parameters. We also used phosphoproteomics to identify novel proteins that are phosphorylated by SNRK. Last, coimmunoprecipitation was used to verify Destrin (DSTN) as the binding partner of SNRK that modulates its effects on the nucleus and DDR. RESULTS: Cardiac-specific Snrk-/- mice display worse cardiac function and cardiac hypertrophy in response to transaortic banding, and an increase in DDR marker pH2AX (phospho-histone 2AX) in their hearts. In addition, in vitro Snrk knockdown results in increased DNA damage and chromatin compaction, along with alterations in nuclear flatness and 3-dimensional volume. Phosphoproteomic studies identified a novel SNRK target, DSTN, a member of F-actin depolymerizing factor proteins that directly bind to and depolymerize F-actin. SNRK binds to DSTN, and DSTN downregulation reverses excess DNA damage and changes in nuclear parameters, in addition to cellular hypertrophy, with SNRK knockdown. We also demonstrate that SNRK knockdown promotes excessive actin depolymerization, measured by the increased ratio of G-actin to F-actin. Last, jasplakinolide, a pharmacological stabilizer of F-actin, rescues the increased DNA damage and aberrant nuclear morphology in SNRK-downregulated cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that SNRK is a key player in cardiac hypertrophy and DNA damage through its interaction with DSTN. This interaction fine-tunes actin polymerization to reduce DDR and maintain proper cardiomyocyte nuclear shape and morphology.

Is Height2.7 Appropriate for Indexation of Left Ventricular Mass in Healthy Adolescents? The Importance of Sex Differences.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular mass (LVM) is an important predictor of cardiovascular risk. In adolescence, LVM is commonly indexed to height2.7, although some evidence suggests that this may not fully account for sex differences. METHODS: We investigated appropriate allometric scaling of LVM to height, total lean mass, and body surface area, in a UK birth cohort of 2039 healthy adolescents (17±1 years). Allometric relationships were determined by linear regression stratified by sex, following log transformation of x and y variables [log(y)=a+b×log(x)], b is the allometric exponent. RESULTS: Log (LVM) showed linear relationships with log(height) and log(lean mass). Biased estimates of slope resulted when the sexes were pooled. The exponents were lower than the conventional estimate of 2.7 for males (mean [95% CI]=1.66 [1.30-2.03]) and females (1.58 [1.27-1.90]). When LVM was indexed to lean mass, the exponent was 1.16 (1.05-1.26) for males and 1.07 (0.97-1.16) for females. When LVM was indexed to estimated body surface area, the exponent was 1.53 (1.40-1.66) for males and 1.34 (1.24-1.45) for females. CONCLUSIONS: Allometric exponents derived from pooled data, including men and women without adjustment for sex were biased, possibly due to sex differences in body composition. We suggest that when assessing LVM, clinicians should consider body size, body composition, sex, and age. Our observations may also have implications for the identification of young individuals with cardiac hypertrophy.

Stricter Blood Pressure Control Is Associated With Lower Left Ventricular Mass in Children After Kidney Transplantation: A Longitudinal Analysis of the 4C-T Study.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the effect of blood pressure (BP) control on left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). METHODS: Ninety-six patients (64 males) ≥9 months post-kidney transplantation from the 4C-T (Cardiovascular Comorbidity in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease and Transplantation) study were analyzed longitudinally (mean follow-up, 2.6±1.3 years). Cumulative systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic BP exposure was calculated as a time-averaged area under the curve and categorized: ≤50th, 50th to ≤75th, 75th to ≤90th, and >90th percentile (pct). We performed adjusted linear and logistic mixed models for LVMI and LVH, respectively. RESULTS: At baseline, LVMI was 49.7±12.7g/m2.16 with 64% (n=61) kidney transplantation recipients displaying LVH. Compared with patients with cumulative SBP exposure >90th pct, patients with cumulative SBP of 50th to ≤75th showed a significant LVMI reduction of -5.24g/m2.16 (P=0.007). A similar tendency was seen for cumulative SBP≤50th (ß=-3.70 g/m2.16; P=0.067), but patients with cumulative SBP of 75th to ≤90th pct showed no reduction. A post hoc analysis in patients with cumulative SBP≤75th revealed that median SBP exposure was at 57.5th pct. For cumulative diastolic BP, a significant LVMI reduction was seen in all 3 categories ≤90th pct compared with patients >90th pct. Patients with cumulative SBP of ≤50th or 50th to ≤75th pct showed 79% or 83% lower odds of developing LVH, respectively. Patients with cumulative diastolic BP ≤50th showed a tendency of 82% lower odds for LVH (95% CI, 0.03-1.07). CONCLUSIONS: Stricter BP control led to regression of LVMI and LVH. Our data suggest a BP target below the 60th pct, which needs to be substantiated in a randomized controlled trial.

Effect Of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy On The Outcome Of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure especially on the early outcome during the first 6 months following surgical intervention. Method: This prospective cohort study included 82 patients with coronary artery disease indicating CABG. These patients were admitted, operated and followed -up in cardiothoracic surgery departmentsin the faculty of medicine, Kafrelsheikh university hospitals in the period from April 2019 till November 2021.The patients included in this study were divided into two groups according to presence or absence of left ventricular hypertrophy, Group I had 38 (46.34%) patients with LVH and Group 2 had 44 (53 .65%). patients without LVH. RESULTS: The time to regain mechanical activity waslonger (5.76±1.82) minutesin LVH patients(p <0.001). LVH group had a significantly longer period of mechanical ventilation 16.50±4.25 hours (p <0.001) compared to non LVH group which was 9.61±3.78 hours. Also, the mean duration of ICU stays in the LVH group compared to the non LVH group was 3.81±1.20 days versus 2.56±0.81 daysrespectively. The ICU follow up showed a statistically significant relationship of arrhythmias with LVH (p =0.022), infections (p =0.005) and wound infections (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing CABG surgery, LVH has been associated with increased morbidity and poor outcome.

Left ventricular myocardial strain responding to chronic pressure overload in patients with resistant hypertension evaluated by feature-tracking CMR.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the alterations of myocardial deformation responding to long-standing pressure overload and the effects of focal myocardial fibrosis using feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance (FT-CMR) in patients with resistant hypertension (RH). METHODS: Consecutive RH patients were prospectively recruited and underwent CMR at a single institution. FT-CMR analyses based on cine images were applied to measure left ventricular (LV) peak systolic global longitudinal (GLS), radial (GRS), and circumferential strain (GCS). Functional and morphological CMR variables, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging were also obtained. RESULTS: A total of 50 RH patients (63 ± 12 years, 32 men) and 18 normotensive controls (57 ± 8 years, 12 men) were studied. RH patients had a higher average systolic blood pressure than controls (166 ± 21 mmHg vs. 116 ± 8 mmHg, p < 0.001) with the intake of 5 ± 1 antihypertensive drugs. RH patients showed increased LV mass index (78 ± 15 g/m2 vs. 61 ± 9 g/m2, p < 0.001), decreased GLS (- 16 ± 3% vs. - 19 ± 2%, p = 0.001) and GRS (41 ± 12% vs. 48 ± 8%, p = 0.037), and GCS was reduced by trend (- 17 ± 4% vs. - 19 ± 4%, p = 0.078). Twenty-one (42%) RH patients demonstrated a LV focal myocardial fibrosis (LGE +). LGE + RH patients had higher LV mass index (85 ± 14 g/m2 vs. 73 ± 15 g/m2, p = 0.007) and attenuated GRS (37 ± 12% vs. 44 ± 12%, p = 0.048) compared to LGE - RH patients, whereas GLS (p = 0.146) and GCS (p = 0.961) were similar. CONCLUSION: Attenuation of LV GLS and GRS, and GCS decline by tendency, might be adaptative changes responding to chronic pressure overload. There is a high incidence of focal myocardial fibrosis in RH patients, which is associated with reduced LV GRS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Feature-tracking CMR-derived myocardial strain offers insights into the influence of long-standing pressure overload and of a myocardial fibrotic process on cardiac deformation in patients with resistant hypertension. KEY POINTS: • Variations of left ventricular strain are attributable to the degree of myocardial impairment in resistant hypertensive patients. • Focal myocardial fibrosis of the left ventricle is associated with attenuated global radial strain. • Feature-tracking CMR provides additional information on the attenuation of myocardial deformation responding to long-standing high blood pressure.

Prevalence and pattern of focal and potential diffuse myocardial fibrosis in male and female marathon runners using contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance.

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the prevalence and pattern of focal and potential diffuse myocardial fibrosis detected by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and extracellular volume (ECV) imaging in male and female marathon runners using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS: Seventy-four marathon runners were studied including 55 males (44 ± 8 years) and 19 females (36 ± 7 years) and compared to 36 controls with similar age and sex using contrast-enhanced CMR, exercise testing, and blood samples. RESULTS: Contrast-enhanced CMR revealed focal myocardial fibrosis in 8 of 74 runners (11%). The majority of runners were male (7 of 8, 88%). LGE was typically non-ischemic in 7 of 8 runners (88%) and ischemic in one runner. ECV was higher in remote myocardium without LGE in male runners (25.5 ± 2.3%) compared to male controls (24.0 ± 3.0%, p < 0.05), indicating the potential presence of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. LV mass was higher in LGE + males (86 ± 18 g/m2) compared to LGE- males (73 ± 14 g/m2, p < 0.05). Furthermore, LGE + males had lower weight (69 ± 9 vs 77 ± 9 kg, p < 0.05) and shorter best marathon finishing times (3.2 ± 0.3 h) compared to LGE- males (3.6 ± 0.4 h, p < 0.05) suggesting higher training load in these runners to accomplish the marathon in a short time. CONCLUSION: The high frequency of non-ischemic myocardial fibrosis in LGE + male runners can be related to increased LV mass in these runners. Furthermore, a higher training load could explain the higher LV mass and could be one additional cofactor in the genesis of myocardial fibrosis in marathon runners. KEY POINTS: • A high frequency of myocardial fibrosis was found in marathon runners. • Myocardial fibrosis occurred typically in male runners and was typically non-ischemic. • Higher training load could be one cofactor in the genesis of myocardial fibrosis in marathon runners.

Analysis of changes in cardiac structure and function in 363 patients with maintenance hemodialysis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of cardiac structure and function changes in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients.Methods:The information of 363 MHD patients with dialysis age ≥3 months who were registered in Huadu District People′s Hospital of Guangzhou City before January 2020 was collected, and the echocardiographic screening was performed to analyze the changes in cardiac structure and function.Results:The most common abnormal changes of heart structure and function in MHD patients were valve regentation (69.7%), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (51.8%), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (29.8%), valve calcification (11.6%), and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (10.2%). With the increase of age, the left ventricular ejection fraction of MHD patients decreased, and the proportion of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, left atrial enlargement and pulmonary hypertension increased (all P<0.05). Among 363 MHD patients, 188(51.8%) had LVH. It was found that LVH patients had higher average single ultrafiltration volume, higher brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, more type 2 diabetes, lower left ventricular ejection fraction (all P<0.05), and were more prone to chest tightness, chest pain, post activity shortness of breath, heart failure and other symptoms compared with the non-LVH patients (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Most MHD patients have different degrees of cardiac structural changes. Early intervention, reduction of single ultrafiltration volume and control of blood glucose are beneficial to improve the dialysis quality of MHD patients and reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events.

Relação da Ascensão Matinal da Pressão Arterial com a Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda em Hipertensos Obesos / Association between Morning Surge and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Obese Hypertensive Patients

Resumo Fundamento O aumento do peso frequentemente desencadeia mecanismos que elevam a pressão arterial. A obesidade causa mudanças estruturais no miocárdio, incluindo aumento da massa ventricular, dilatação atrial, bem como disfunções diastólicas e sistólicas. Além disso, variações pressóricas nos hipertensos obesos, como a ascensão matinal (AM), podem ter relevância clínica na prevenção dos eventos cardiovasculares. A AM da pressão arterial é um fenômeno fisiológico, que quando elevada pode ser considerada um fator de risco independente para eventos cardiovasculares. Objetivo Avaliar valores da elevação da AM e sua associação com a hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) e com o Descenso do Sono (DS) em obesos e não obesos hipertensos. Métodos Estudo transversal que avaliou medidas pressóricas à monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA) e a presença de HVE, avaliada pela ecocardiografia, em 203 pacientes hipertensos em tratamento ambulatorial, separados em dois grupos: 109 não obesos e 94 hipertensos obesos. O nível de significância adotado foi de 0,05 em testes bicaudais. Resultados A AM acima de 20 mmHg à MAPA foi detectada em 59,2% dos pacientes do grupo "não obesos" e em 40,6% no grupo "obesos". A HVE foi encontrada em 18,1% no grupo dos não-obesos e em 39,3% no grupo de obesos, p<0,001. No grupo "obesos" foi observado que AM >16 mmHg esteve associada à HVE, com [razão de prevalência: 2,80; IC95% (1,12-6,98), p=0,03]. Para o grupo dos "não obesos", o ponto de corte da AM para essa associação foi >22 mmHg. Conclusão A AM elevada associou-se positivamente com HVE, com comportamento peculiar na população de hipertensos e obesos.

Abstract Background Weight gain can trigger mechanisms that increase blood pressure. Nevertheless, obesity causes structural changes in the myocardium, including increased ventricular mass, atrial dilatation, and diastolic and systolic dysfunction. Additionally, blood pressure variations, like morning surge (MS) in obese hypertensive patients may have clinical relevance in cardiovascular events. Although morning blood pressure surge is a physiological phenomenon, excess MS can be considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. Objective To evaluate MS values and their association with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and nocturnal dipping (ND) in obese and non-obese hypertensive patients. Methods A cross-sectional study that evaluated BP measurements by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and the presence of LVH by echocardiography in 203 hypertensive outpatients, divided into two groups: 109 non-obese and 94 obese hypertensives patients. The significance level was set at 0.05 in two-tailed tests. Results A MS above 20 mmHg by ABPM was detected in 59.2% of patients in the non-obese group and 40.6% in the obese group. LVH was found in 18.1% and 39.3% of patients in the non-obese and obese groups, respectively, p<0.001. In the "obese group", it was observed that a MS>16 mmHg was associated with LVH, [prevalence ratio: 2.80; 95%CI (1.12-6.98), p=0.03]. For the non-obese group, the cut-off point of MS for this association was >22 mmHg. Conclusion High MS was positively associated with LVH, with a particular behavior in the hypertensive obese group.

COVID-19 Associated Acute Viral Myocarditis and Thyroid Gland Follicular Neoplasm in a Hemodialysis Patient.

Since the first cases were reported in Wuhan, China, COVID-19 has spread swiftly worldwide and is caused by SARS-CoV-2. The development of myocardial injury is associated with significantly worse clinical course and increased mortality. However, currently, it is unclear whether cardiac injury occurred in COVID-19 patients. Histological results obtained directly from the viral infection of the myocardium (i.e., SARS-CoV-2 viral myocarditis) or indirectly from the complications of COVID-19, showed that only a portion of patients infected with the virus developed viral myocarditis. Therefore, it is possible that with more autopsy evidence of SARS-CoV-2 and more correlation with the severity of the viral infection, viral myocarditis will emerge. Although COVID-19 manifests primarily as respiratory disease, few cases of cardiac injury without respiratory involvement or febrile illness have been reported. The pathogenesis of cancer and viral infections is due to the inability of the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self. Several oncogenic (hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human papilloma virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and HIV) and oncolytic viruses (coxsackievirus, reovirus, vaccinia virus, and adenovirus) are known to cause and regress various cancer types. We report a case of atypical manifestation of COVID-19-induced acute myocarditis and thyroid gland follicular neoplasm in a hemodialysis patient with no respiratory symptoms. This case illustrates that COVID-19 can present atypically and affect non-respiratory organ systems.

Flutter Atrial na Síndrome do PRKAG2: Características Clínicas e Eletrofisiológicas / Atrial Flutter in PRKAG2 Syndrome: Clinical and Electrophysiological Characteristics

Resumo Fundamento A síndrome do PRKAG2 é uma rara doença genética autossômico dominante, fenocópia da miocardiopatia hipertrófica, caracterizada pelo acúmulo intracelular de glicogênio. Manifestações clínicas incluem pré-excitação ventricular, hipertrofia ventricular, distúrbio de condução cardíaca e arritmias atriais. Objetivo Comparar características clínicas e eletrofisiológicas observadas em pacientes com flutter atrial, com e sem síndrome do PRKAG2. Métodos Estudo observacional, comparativo de pacientes com flutter atrial: grupo A, cinco pacientes de família com síndrome do PRKAG2; e grupo B, 25 pacientes sem fenótipo da síndrome. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultados Todos os pacientes do grupo A apresentaram pré-excitação ventricular e bloqueio de ramo direito; quatro tinham marca-passo (80%). Pacientes do grupo A tinham menor idade (39±5,4 vs. 58,6±17,6 anos, p=0,021), e maior espessura de septo interventricular (mediana=18 vs. 10 mm; p<0,001) e parede posterior (mediana=14 vs. 10 mm; p=0,001). Quatro do grupo A foram submetidos a estudo eletrofisiológico, sendo observada via acessória fascículo-ventricular; em três foi realizada ablação do flutter atrial. Todos os do grupo B foram submetidos à ablação do flutter atrial, sem evidência de via acessória. Observado maior prevalência no grupo B de hipertensão arterial, diabetes mellitus, doença coronariana e apneia do sono, sem diferença estatisticamente significante. Conclusão Portadores da síndrome do PRKAG2 apresentaram flutter atrial em idade mais precoce, e menos comorbidades, quando comparados a pacientes com flutter atrial sem fenótipo da mutação. Importante suspeitar de miocardiopatia geneticamente determinada, como síndrome do PRKAG2, em jovens com flutter atrial, especialmente na presença de pré-excitação ventricular e hipertrofia ventricular familiar.

Abstract Background PRKAG2 syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disease, a phenocopy of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy characterized by intracellular glycogen accumulation. Clinical manifestations include ventricular preexcitation, cardiac conduction disorder, ventricular hypertrophy, and atrial arrhythmias. Objective To compare the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics observed in patients with atrial flutter, with and without PRKAG2 syndrome. Methods An observational study comparing patients with atrial flutter: group A consisted of five patients with PRKAG2 syndrome from a family, and group B consisted of 25 patients without phenotype of PRKAG2 syndrome. The level of significance was 5%. Results All patients in group A had ventricular preexcitation and right branch block, and four had pacemakers (80%). Patients in group A were younger (39±5.4 vs 58.6±17.6 years, p=0.021), had greater interventricular septum (median=18 vs 10 mm; p<0.001) and posterior wall thickness (median=14 vs 10 mm; p=0.001). In group A, four patients were submitted to an electrophysiological study, showing a fasciculoventricular pathway, and atrial flutter ablation was performed in tree. All patients in group B were submitted to ablation of atrial flutter, with no evidence of accessory pathway. Group B had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease and sleep apnea, with no statistically significant difference. Conclusion Patients with PRKAG2 syndrome presented atrial flutter at an earlier age and had fewer comorbidities when compared to patients with atrial flutter without mutation phenotype. The occurrence of atrial flutter in young individuals, especially in the presence of ventricular preexcitation and familial ventricular hypertrophy, should raise the suspicion of PRKAG2 syndrome.

Associations Between Albuminuria, Estimated GFR and Cardiac Phenotype in a Cohort with Chronic Kidney Disease: The CPH-CKD ECHO Study.

OBJECTIVE: Echocardiographic findings in chronic kidney disease (CKD) vary. We sought to estimate the prevalence of abnormal cardiac structure and function in patients with CKD and their association to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 825 outpatients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD, mean age 58± 13 yrs, and 175 matched healthy controls, mean age 60±12 yrs. Echocardiography included assessment of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS) and diastolic dysfunction according to ASE/EACVI guidelines. RESULTS: LV hypertrophy was found in 9% of patients vs. 1.7% of controls (p=0.005) was independently associated with UACR (p=0.002). Median LVEF was 59.4% (IQR 55.2, 62.8) in patients vs. 60.8% (57.7, 64.1) in controls (p=0.002). GLS was decreased in patients with eGFR <60ml/min/1.73m² (-17.6%±3.1%) vs. patients with higher eGFR (19.0%±2.2%, p<0.001), who were similar to controls. Diastolic dysfunction was detected in 55% of patients and in 34% of controls. LIMITATIONS: Non-random sampling, cross-sectional analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We report lower prevalence of hypertrophy than previous studies, but similar measurements of systolic and diastolic function. Cardiac remodeling in CKD may be influenced by treatment modalities, demographics, comorbidities and renal pathology.

Differential Diagnosis of Thick Myocardium according to Histologic Features Revealed by Multiparametric Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Left ventricular (LV) wall thickening, or LV hypertrophy (LVH), is common and occurs in diverse conditions including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hypertensive heart disease, aortic valve stenosis, lysosomal storage disorders, cardiac amyloidosis, mitochondrial cardiomyopathy, sarcoidosis and athlete's heart. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging provides various tissue contrasts and characteristics that reflect histological changes in the myocardium, such as cellular hypertrophy, cardiomyocyte disarray, interstitial fibrosis, extracellular accumulation of insoluble proteins, intracellular accumulation of fat, and intracellular vacuolar changes. Therefore, CMR imaging may be beneficial in establishing a differential diagnosis of LVH. Although various diseases share LV wall thickening as a common feature, the histologic changes that underscore each disease are distinct. This review focuses on CMR multiparametric myocardial analysis, which may provide clues for the differentiation of thickened myocardium based on the histologic features of HCM and its phenocopies.