Prognostic Value of Global Longitudinal Strain and Etiology After Surgery for Primary Mitral Regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate whether left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) is associated with long-term outcome after mitral valve (MV) surgery for primary mitral regurgitation (MR) and assess the differences in outcome according to MR etiology: Barlow's disease (BD), fibroelastic deficiency (FED), and forme fruste (FF). BACKGROUND: Appropriate timing of MV surgery for primary MR is still challenging and may differ according to the etiology. In these patients, LV-GLS has been proposed as more sensitive measure to detect subtle LV dysfunction as compared with LV ejection fraction. METHODS: Echocardiography was performed in 593 patients (64% men, age 65 ± 12 years) with severe primary MR who underwent MV surgery, including assessment of LV-GLS. The etiology (BD, FED, or FF) was defined based on surgical observation. During follow-up, primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and a secondary endpoint included cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalizations, and cerebrovascular accidents. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 6.4 (interquartile range: 3.6 to 10.4) years, 146 patients died (16 within 30 days after surgery), 46 patients were hospitalized for heart failure, and 13 patients had a cerebrovascular accident. Age (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05 to 1.11; p < 0.001) and LV-GLS (HR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.21; p < 0.001) were independently associated with all-cause mortality. Patients with LV-GLS >-20.6% (more impaired) showed significant worse survival than did patients with LV-GLS ≤-20.6%; of interest, patients with BD showed similar prognosis compared with FED and FF. In addition, previous atrial fibrillation (HR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.86; p = 0.045) and LV-GLS (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.15; p = 0.019) were independently associated with the secondary endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: LV-GLS is independently associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events after MV surgery for primary MR and might be helpful to guide surgical timing. Importantly, patients with BD showed similar prognosis when corrected for age, compared with patients with FED or FF.

Flow disturbances and the development of endocardial fibroelastosis.

OBJECTIVES: Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has been identified as the underlying mechanism of endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) formation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether hemodynamic alterations due to valvar defects promote EndMT and whether age-specific structural changes affect ventricular diastolic compliance despite extensive surgical resection of EFE tissue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed EFE tissue from 24 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) who underwent left ventricular (LV) rehabilitation surgery at Boston Children's Hospital between December 2011 and March 2018. Six patients with flow disturbances across the aortic valve and/or mitral valve but no HLHS diagnosis and macroscopic appearance of "EFE-like tissue" in the LV were included for comparison. All samples were examined for amount of collagen/elastin production and degradation, and presence of active EndMT by histologic analysis. RESULTS: EFE tissue from patients with and without HLHS consisted predominantly of elastin and collagen fibers. There was no alteration in degradation activity for collagen or elastin as shown by in situ zymography. Active EndMT was found in all patients with and without HLHS with flow disturbances ("EFE-like"). In patients with HLHS, EFE infiltrated into the underlying myocardium with increasing age. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with and without HLHS with flow disturbances due to stenotic or incompetent valves develop EndMT-derived fibrotic tissue covering the LV. When EFE recurs, it is directly associated with flow disturbances and switches to an infiltrative growth pattern with increasing age, leading to increased diastolic stiffness of the LV.

Flow disturbances and progression of endocardial fibroelastosis - a case report.

Endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) is described as thickening of the endocardium and is associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The stimulus for EFE and the mechanism for recurrence and/or progression need to be investigated. In this report, we describe the case of a 4-year-old HLHS patient who underwent several surgeries with EFE resections due to recurrence of EFE. EFE recurrence was associated with flow disturbances due to valvar defects. At her latest follow-up 7 months after the last surgery, competent valves and no EFE were identified on all imaging study.

Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis with Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis-like Features.

A 64-year-old man who presented with repeated bouts of pneumothorax was admitted to our hospital because of gradually progressive dyspnea and repeated episodes of a fever. The physiological, radiological and pathological findings were consistent with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE). In addition, the serum-specific precipitating antibody for Aspergillus was positive. After the administration of voriconazole, a marked improvement was observed in the imaging and physiological findings. Given this clinical course, we diagnosed the patient with PPFE secondary to aspergillosis. The present case suggests that a therapeutic approach based on the cause of secondary PPFE may improve the prognosis of PPFE.

Endocardial Fibroelastosis of the Left Ventricle Affects Right Ventricular Performance in Fetuses with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Prospective Study Using M-Mode, PW- and Tissue Doppler Techniques.

PURPOSE: Myocardial function (MF) of the systemic right ventricle (RV) influences the postnatal course of neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Our study examines whether the presence of endocardial fibroelastosis of the left ventricle (LV EFE) influences MF of the RV in HLHS fetuses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted including 10 controls (group 1), 10 HLHS fetuses with (group 2) and 10 without LV EFE (group 3) - all matched for gestational age. M-mode was used to assess tricuspid plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and the shortening fraction (SF). PW-Doppler-derived and PW-TDI-derived velocities were assessed. E/A, E/e', e'/a' ratios and the myocardial performance index (mpi') were calculated. RESULTS: The examination of MF revealed significantly lower s' velocities (p < 0.05) and higher values for SF in group 2 compared to group 3. e'/a' ratio, et' (ejection time), E wave velocity, E/e' and SF showed significantly higher values in group 2 compared to group 1. In group 2 a' velocity increased significantly over gestational age. In group 3 but not in group 2, TAPSE increased during gestation. CONCLUSION: These significant differences in MF between the groups might lend support to the notion of negative ventricular-ventricular interaction in the case of HLHS with LV EFE possibly influencing surgical outcomes.

Sudden cardiac death in isolated right ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrabeculation/noncompaction of the myocardium is a rare disorder that involves most commonly the left ventricle of the heart and it has been recognized as a distinct cardiomyopathy by the World Health Organization. However, it is extremely rare for this condition to involve exclusively the right ventricle. We report the cases of three patients who presented with ventricular tachyarrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. They were found to have isolated right ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction on echocardiography. This supports the hypothesis that this condition is highly arrhythmogenic and is associated with high mortality similarly to the left ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction cardiomyopathy.

Distention of the Immature Left Ventricle Triggers Development of Endocardial Fibroelastosis: An Animal Model of Endocardial Fibroelastosis Introducing Morphopathological Features of Evolving Fetal Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE), characterized by a diffuse endocardial thickening through collagen and elastin fibers, develops in the human fetal heart restricting growth of the left ventricle (LV). Recent advances in fetal imaging indicate that EFE development is directly associated with a distended, poorly contractile LV in evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). In this study, we developed an animal model of EFE by introducing this human fetal LV morphopathology to an immature rat heart. METHODS AND RESULTS: A neonatal donor heart, in which aortic regurgitation (AR) was created, was heterotopically transplanted into a recipient adult rat. AR successfully induced the LV morphology of evolving HLHS in the transplanted donor hearts, which resulted in the development of significant EFE covering the entire LV cavity within two weeks postoperatively. In contrast, posttransplants with a competent aortic valve displayed unloaded LVs with a trace of EFE. CONCLUSIONS: We could show that distention of the immature LV in combination with stagnant flow triggers EFE development in this animal model. This model would serve as a robust tool to develop therapeutic strategies to treat EFE while providing insight into its pathogenesis.

Left ventricular diastolic function and characteristics in fetal aortic stenosis.

Fetal aortic balloon valvuloplasty (FAV) has shown promise in averting progression of midgestation aortic stenosis (AS) to hypoplastic left heart syndrome in a subset of patients. Patients who achieve biventricular circulation after FAV frequently have left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (DD). This study evaluates DD in fetuses with AS by comparing echocardiographic indices of LV diastolic function in fetuses underwent FAV (n = 20) with controls (n = 40) and evaluates for LV factors associated with DD in patients with FAV. We also compared pre-FAV and post-FAV DD variables (n = 16). Median gestational age (24 weeks, range 18 to 29 weeks) and fetal heart rate were similar between FAV and controls. Compared with controls, patients with FAV had universally abnormal LV diastolic parameters including fused mitral inflow E and A waves (p = 0.008), higher E velocity (p <0.001), shorter mitral inflow time (p = 0.001), lower LV lateral annulus E' (p <0.001), septal E' (p = 0.003), and higher E/E' (p <0.001) than controls. Patients with FAV had abnormal right ventricular mechanics with higher tricuspid inflow E velocity (p <0.001) and shorter tricuspid inflow time (p = 0.03). Worse LV diastolic function (lower LV E') was associated with higher endocardial fibroelastosis grade (r = 0.74, p <0.001), large LV volume (r = 0.55, p = 0.013), and sphericity (r = 0.58, p = 0.009) and with lower LV pressure by mitral regurgitation jet (r = -0.68, p <0.001). Post-FAV, fewer patients had fused mitral inflow E and A than pre-FAV (p = 0.05) and septal E' was higher (=0.04). In conclusion, fetuses with midgestation AS have evidence of marked DD. Worse DD is associated with larger, more spherical LV, with more extensive endocardial fibroelastosis and lower LV pressure.

Primary endocardial fibroelastosis: an underappreciated cause of cardiomyopathy in children.

BACKGROUND: Endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) is a thickening of the endocardium by collagen and elastic fibers. Primary EFE is characterized by a dilated left ventricle (LV) that typically has a high takeoff of the papillary muscles and thickening of the free edge of the mitral valve leaflets, in addition to diffuse thickening of the endocardium by aortic-like thick and parallel elastic fibers. In the past, EFE was considered a rare cardiomyopathy, but in the latest American Heart Association classification (2006) of cardiomyopathies, EFE is not mentioned. The existence of the entity of "primary" EFE has been questioned. METHODS: We reviewed medical records, echocardiograms, explanted hearts, and microscopic slides from 52 pediatric heart transplant cases at our institution with a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). RESULTS: Fourteen hearts showed both gross and microscopic findings of primary EFE, with no apparent cause of the diffuse endocardial thickening. Patients with EFE were significantly younger than patients with DCM (median age: 10.1 vs. 142.0 months). No case of EFE was diagnosed clinically. LV wall and endocardial thickness were significantly greater in EFE, with the mitral valve and papillary muscles showing characteristic findings. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically and pathologically, EFE is different from DCM. EFE is not rare and found in 25% of pediatric cases transplanted for "DCM." EFE should be recognized to promote understanding of the natural history and etiology of EFE.

Electrical dyssynchrony and endocardial fibroelastosis resection in the rehabilitation of hypoplastic left cardiac syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Staged left ventricular rehabilitation is a novel surgical approach in patients undergoing single ventricle palliation for borderline hypoplastic left cardiac disease, in an attempt to salvage the left ventricle. The procedure includes resection of endocardial fibroelastosis from the left ventricular free wall and apex. We hypothesised that endocardial fibroelastosis removal may significantly affect ventricular conduction and myocardial electrical characteristics. METHODS: This study included 27 patients with borderline hypoplastic left cardiac syndrome who underwent staged left ventricle rehabilitation with endocardial fibroelastosis resection following single ventricle palliation. The effect on electrical synchrony was measured by ventricular depolarisation timing (QRS duration) on electrocardiogram. Patients were evaluated for a change in QRS duration before and after fibroelastosis removal and at most recent follow-up. RESULTS: The QRS change in the immediate period after endocardial fibroelastosis resection ranged from -16 to 36 milliseconds with a median of 0 (p = 0.09). However, long-term conduction delay was common in 44% (12/27) of patients having a QRS duration greater than 98th percentile for the age at the most recent electrocardiogram. Only one patient had QRS duration greater than 98th percentile before any surgical procedure. Two patients developed left bundle branch block and one developed right bundle branch block with left, but anterior-fascicular block. Overall, the QRS duration correlated with left ventricular size (R = 0.54, p = 0.006) at the most recent electrocardiogram. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical dyssynchrony is a common finding in patients undergoing staged left ventricular rehabilitation after single ventricle palliation; however, it is not acutely related to surgical endocardial resection. Left ventricular size is correlated with QRS duration. Diligent follow-up is required to evaluate the effects of left ventricular growth and consideration of resynchronisation in this population.

Changing concepts of endocardial fibroelastosis.

Endocardial fibroelastosis is not a disease but a reaction of the endocardium. I review the history of the term with emphasis on the gradual understanding of the many causes of this reaction. I include a comprehensive list of diseases or other cardiac stresses that authors have reported in association, and I try to explain the mechanism of the reaction. Although endocardial fibroelastosis is rare today, I issue a warning of a possible epidemic recrudescence of some of the associated diseases. My hope is for nosologic purity, therefore that outworn but surviving concepts will be firmly rejected.

Papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic valve and coronary artery disease visualized by 64-slice CT.

BACKGROUND: A 75-year-old male with a history of myocardial infarction and recent transient ischemic attack was referred to a cardiology clinic for preoperative evaluation before a cystectomy. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed a mobile mass on the right coronary cusp of the aortic valve. Multislice CT demonstrated a significant narrowing in the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. INVESTIGATIONS: Physical examination, chest radiography, laboratory testing, electrocardiography, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, multislice-CT coronary angiography, pathological and histological examination of the surgically excised tissue. DIAGNOSIS: Papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic valve in conjunction with coronary artery disease. MANAGEMENT: Surgical excision of the mobile lesion and an end-to-side anastomosis of the left internal mammary artery to the left anterior descending coronary artery.

Cardiac function assessment in patients with family history of nonhypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a prenatal and postnatal study.

Nonobstructive cardiomyopathies (CMs) may be familial in 20â"55% of cases. Little is known about the role of fetal echocardiography in such cases. We evaluated the cardiac function serially pre- and postnatally in cases with a family history of nonobstructive CM. The fetal and postnatal studies were performed in the echocardiogarphy laboratory at a tertiary institution. Twenty-six cases from 16 families with a family history of CM were studied. Three fetal echocardiograms were performed at or near 18, 25, and 32 weeks of gestation for complete cardiac functional assessment. Postnatally clinical evaluation, electrocardiogram, and an echocardiogram were performed within the first 3 months, with serial reevaluation for those identified with CM. The mean follow-up was 46 +/- 9 months. Abnormal cardiac function was observed in 8 cases (30%). Six had a previously affected sibling, 1 had other family members affected, and 1 had both antecedents. Four had dilated CM diagnosed prenatally of which 1 recovered, 2 died in utero, and 1 died soon after birth. The remaining 4 had normal fetal echoes and were diagnosed with CM in the first 3 months of life. Three had dilated CM with recovery, and 1 had restrictive CM requiring cardiac transplantation. This study demonstrates a high familial recurrence rate of CM. Fetal echo is useful for early diagnosis, although a normal study does not preclude ventricular dysfunction at a later stage, justifying serial prenatal and postnatal evaluation. Early identification may expedite listing for transplantation.

Diagnóstico prenatal de estenosis aórtica crítica y fibroelastosis endocárdica / Prenatal diagnosis of critical aortic estenosis and endocardial fibroelastosis

La fibroelastosis endocárdica se caracteriza por un engrosamiento difuso de la pared ventricular. Su etiología y patogenia no es bien conocida y presenta un pronóstico variable, en general grave. Los casos de fibroelastosis endocárdica descritos prenatalmente suelen diagnosticarse en el segundo y tercer trimestre. Describimos a continuación el diagnóstico prenatal de estenosis aórtica crítica y fibroelastosis endocárdica efectuado a las 26 semanas de gestación (AU)

[Symptoms of primary endocardial fibroelastosis in a young adult]. / Symptomatik der primären Endokardfibroelastose im Erwachsenenalter.

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: A 21-year-old woman with known endocardial fibroelastosis diagnosed when aged 3 months was admitted because of progressive dyspnoea. The physical examination revealed symptoms of heart failure, with pulmonary rales, mild hepatomegaly, and tachyarrhythmia. INVESTIGATIONS: The electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation, complete right bundle branch block and right ventricular hypertrophy. Echocardiography indicated hypertrophy and dilatation of the right ventricle (61 mm) with tricuspid regurgitation and hypoplasia of the left ventricle. Heart catheterization confirmed pulmonary hypertension (60/46 mmHg) as well as dilatation and hypokinesia of the right ventricle. Right ventricular biopsy showed severe myocardial hypertrophy resulting from secondary pulmonary hypertension, while no evidence of myocarditis or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy was found. TREATMENT AND COURSE: Symptoms of heart failure improved under medical treatment with digitalis, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and diuretics. CONCLUSION: Primary endocardial fibroelastosis of the contracted type must be included in the differential diagnosis of heart failure occurring in young adults.

Late-diastolic forward flow in the aorta induced by left atrial contraction.

Late-diastolic forward flow is a well-described phenomenon detectable by Doppler echocardiography in the pulmonary trunk. It is supported by a restrictive right ventricular diastolic function and by a low end-diastolic pulmonary artery pressure. A similar phenomenon for the left ventricle and the aorta has not been described. We report a case of a preterm infant with aortic stenosis and endocardial fibroelastosis, who underwent balloon valvuloplasty. Restrictive left ventricular diastolic filling led to high left atrial pressure (27 mm Hg) and a very pathologic ratio of early-to-late peak velocities (2.6) for an infant of 29 weeks' gestation. In combination with a low diastolic aortic pressure (24 mm Hg) caused by moderate aortic regurgitation after intervention, a late-diastolic forward flow was detectable in the aorta during left atrial contraction with pulsed Doppler echocardiography.