Incremental diagnostic and prognostic utility of left atrial deformation in heart failure using speckle tracking echocardiography.

Left atrium (LA) is a very important component of cardiovascular performance. The assessment of LA function has gathered the interest with expanding research supporting the utility as a biomarker for outcomes in heart failure (HF). Echocardiography is the main imaging modality which helps in a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the LA size and function. Recent advances in probe technology and software analysis have provided a better understanding of LA anatomy, physiology, pathology, and function. A variety of parameters have been defined as markers of LA function but there is no single parameter that best defines LA function. Speckle tracking echocardiography-derived analysis of LA deformation provides a window on all phases of LA function (reservoir, conduit, and booster pump). There is accumulative published data that supported the diagnostic and prognostic values of LA deformation integration during echo assessment of LA in HF. This review article summarized the clinical utility of LA deformation that may help in prediction, diagnosis, categorization, risk stratification, and guiding the proper selection of therapy in HF patients in daily practice.

Echocardiographic evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A review of up-to-date knowledge and practical tips.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most frequent cardiac disease with genetic substrate, affecting about .2%-.5% of the population. The proper diagnosis is important for optimal management and follow-up. Echocardiography plays an essential role in the assessment of patients with HCM including diagnosis, screening, management formulation, prognosis, and follow up. It also helps to differentiate HCM from other diseases. The advancement of software and probe technology added many echo modalities and techniques that helped in refining the diagnostic and assessing the prognosis of patients with HCM. In this review, we briefly summarize how to integrate the different echocardiographic modalities to obtain comprehensive assessment supported by an updated knowledge of the latest guidelines and recently published articles. Many practical tips and tricks are included in this review to improve the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography and minimize errors during interpretation.

Real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography: a novel approach for the assessment of prosthetic heart valves.

OBJECTIVES: To explore our initial experience with real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3DTEE) for the assessment of prosthetic valves (PV). METHODS: The study included 40 patients (mean age 35 ± 8.5 years, 68% male) who underwent PV implant. Fifty PV (34 bioprosthetic and 16 mechanical) were evaluated using two-dimensional (2D)TEE and RT3DTEE to rule out PV dysfunction. RESULTS: In all patients, RT3DTEE allowed good and simultaneous visualization of PV leaflets. Ten patients had normal functioning PV (5 in mitral, 3 in aortic, and 2 in tricuspid positions). Infective endocarditis was evident in 13 patients (20 PV) by repeated 2DTEE. RT3DTEE confirmed the 2DTEE diagnosis of endocarditis in same patients. Clear delineation of vegetations (size, site, and number) was obtained from RT3DTEE full volume while the vegetation attachment, consistency, mobility and its relation to valve structure were obtained using zoom 3D. Paraaortic abscesses size, site, extension, wall thickness of the abscess could be identified by RT3DTEE in 7 PV. Through cropping of the full-volume 3D images, the orifice of communication between the abscess cavity and aorta could be visualized well in en face view. Color full-volume allowed the detection of paravalvular regurgitation (size, location, direction, and extent) in 8 patients. In the 18 PV who underwent redo surgery, the intra-operative findings confirmed the RT3DTEE description of PV lesions. CONCLUSION: Real time 3DTEE improved the anatomical and functional assessment of PV with better understanding of the underlying causes of PV dysfunction; hence, it could improve the management planning for such patients.

Morphological and functional assessment of the left atrial appendage in daily practice: a comprehensive approach using basic and advanced echocardiography with practical tips.

Cardioembolic stroke is the most serious and life-threatening complication of atrial fibrillation (AF), with an associated mortality up to 30% at 12 months. Approximately 47% of thrombi in valvular AF and 91% of thrombi in nonvalvular AF are localized in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Therefore, identification or exclusion of LAA thrombi is critical in many clinical situations. It is essential to assess LAA morphology and function using imaging modalities (particularly echocardiography) before, during, and after interventional procedures such as AF ablation and LAA occlusion. This review article describes the anatomical, physiological, and pathological background of the LAA, followed by an assessment of different echocardiographic modalities. Many practical points are included to improve the diagnostic accuracy and to minimize errors during image acquisition and interpretation. In each clinical scenario where LAA is the crucial target, specific and essential information and parameters are collected.

Assessment of suitability for percutaneous mitral commissurotomy: a contemporary review of key anatomical criteria and predictive models.

The immediate result of percutaneous balloon mitral commissurotomy is largely determined by the anatomy of the mitral valve complex. Several scores and models have been developed to assess anatomical suitability for percutaneous balloon mitral commissurotomy. Although none has an optimal predictive power, these models look at the valvular apparatus from different perspectives bearing the potential for a complementary role.

Real-time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in daily practice: initial experience.

AIM OF THE WORK: To evaluate the feasibility and possible additional value of transthoracic real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3D-TTE) for the assessment of cardiac structures as compared to 2D-TTE. METHODS: 320 patients (mean age 45 ± 8.4 years, 75% males) underwent 2D-TTE and RT3D-TTE using 3DQ-Q lab software for offline analysis. Volume quantification and functional assessment was performed in 90 patients for left ventricle and in 20 patients for right ventricle. Assessment of native (112 patients) and prosthetic (30 patients) valves morphology and functions was performed. RT3D-TTE was performed for evaluation of septal defects in 30 patients and intracardiac masses in 52 patients. RESULTS: RT3D-TTE assessment of left ventricle was feasible and reproducible in 86% of patients while for right ventricle, it was (55%). RT3D-TTE could define the surface anatomy of mitral valve optimally (100%), while for aortic and tricuspid was (88% and 81% respectively). Valve area could be planimetered in 100% for the mitral and in 80% for the aortic. RT3D-TTE provided a comprehensive anatomical and functional evaluation of prosthetic valves. RT3D-TTE enface visualization of septal defects allowed optimal assessment of shape, size, area and number of defects and evaluated the outcome post device closure. RT3D-TTE allowed looking inside the intracardiac masses through multiple sectioning, valuable anatomical delineation and volume calculation. CONCLUSION: Our initial experience showed that the use of RT3D-TTE in the assessment of cardiac patients is feasible and allowed detailed anatomical and functional assessment of many cardiac disorders.

Incremental utility of real time three-dimensional tranthoracic echocardiography in the assessment of congenitally malformed aortic valve.

OBJECTIVES: To study the feasibility and additional value of real time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (RT3D-TTE) for anatomical and functional assessment of malformed aortic valve (AV) compared to conventional two-dimensional TTE (2D-TTE). METHODS: Malformed AV was evaluated in 35 patients (mean age 18 ± 9.5 years, 70% male) by both 2D-TTE and RT3D-TTE. The anatomical definition of aortic cusps (number, direction, and commissures) was evaluated by a 3-point visualization score (1: nonvisualized, 2: inadequate, 3: adequate). 2D-TTE and RT3D-TTE measurements included AV area and maximum diameters of both AV annulus and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). RESULTS: Adequate visualization of AV cusps was achieved in 86% of patients by RT3D-TTE compared to 63% by 2D-TTE. The mean and median visualization score obtained by RT3D-TTE were higher than that by 2D-TTE. The opening of commissures was detected in (80%) of patients by RT3D-TTE compared to (34%) by 2D-TTE. AV area planimetry could be obtained in 77% of patients by RT3D-TTE compared to 43% by 2D-TTE. RT3D-TTE visualization score of AV cusps and commissures showed better interobserver agreement (Kappa: 0.62 and 0.72, respectively) than 2D-TTE (0.58 and 0.69, respectively). RT3D-TTE and 2D-TTE measurements of AV annulus and LVOT were well correlated (r = 0.85; P < 0.001) but the RT3D-TTE measurements were significantly larger than that obtained by 2D-TTE (2.05 ± 0.7 cm and 2.5 ± 0.86 cm vs 1.94 ± 0.67 cm and 1.98 ± 0.74 cm; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: RT3D-TTE is a feasible technique that allows comprehensive quantitative and qualitative assessment of malformed AV.

Organized intrapericardial haematoma: a rare cause of heart failure after 2 years of trauma.

Intrapericardial organized haematoma secondary to blunt chest trauma is an extremely rare cause of constrictive pericarditis. We report a 30-year-old male who presented with heart failure for 12 months and was found to have an organized intrapericardial haematoma secondary to blunt chest trauma in a road traffic accident 2 years prior. The use of multiple imaging modalities including two-dimensional (transthoracic and transoesophageal) echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging established the diagnosis. Surgical excision of the haematoma and removal of the constricting pericardium relieved his symptoms.

Right atrial metastasis mimicking myxoma in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary tumor of the liver accounting for 4.6% of all new human cancers. Cardiac metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma is an uncommon secondary cardiac malignancy. We described two cases of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with large masses in the right atrium mimicking atrial myxoma. The RA masses were incidentally detected during two-dimensional echocardiographic examination.

An incidental finding of mitral valve network.

A 63-year-old male presented with a 6-month history of worsening exertional dyspnea and was found to have three-vessel coronary artery disease. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a filamentous structure attached to the anterior mitral valve leaflet, which was confirmed during surgery as filamentous network. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe such a network attached to the mitral valve.

Value of Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Assessing Double-Orifice Mitral Valve in an Asymptomatic Patient.

Double-orifice mitral valve (DOMV) is a rare congenital anomaly consisting of an accessory bridge of fibrous tissue, which divides the mitral valve (MV) into two orifices. The mitral leaflets are essentially normal in most cases, but they can be regurgitant or stenotic. It is most commonly associated with a variety of other cardiac anomalies. Isolated DOMV with normal MV function is very rare. We present here a rare case of congenital DOMV in a 25-year-old female diagnosed by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE). RT3DE enabled complete anatomical and functional assessment of MV apparatus. It added much valuable information over conventional 2DE that helped in establishment of the diagnosis, identification of the anatomical type, and selection of the proper management.

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic assessment of inferior vena caval thrombosis.

Inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT) represents a subset of deep venous thrombosis. Because of the variety of its clinical presentations, the exact incidence is elusive. We present two cases of IVCT that was incidentally discovered during a routine two-dimensional echocardiography. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) assessment of IVCT added more valuable information that may help in its management. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report using RT3DE in the assessment of IVCT.

Right atrial myxoma associated with an atrial septal defect by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography.

A 40-year-old woman presented with a 1 month history of shortness of breath and easy fatigability. Two-dimensional echocardiography and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) showed a large right atrial mass protruding into the right ventricle and an atrial septal defect (ASD). Successful excision of the mass, which proved to be a myxoma, and closure of the ASD completely relieved her symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of RT3DE in a patient with right atrial myxoma associated with an ASD.

Imaging of ventricular septal tumor in an asymptomatic adolescent using multiple modalities.

Primary cardiac tumors are rare at all ages, and especially so in childhood, where the most prevalent type of benign cardiac masses are rhabdomyomas followed by fibromas, both of which have a predilection for ventricular septum. We report an unusual case of a tumor involving the ventricular septum in an asymptomatic 17-year-old adolescent who has been known to have this tumor for 10 years. The use of multiple imaging included myocardial contrast two-dimensional echocardiography, real time three-dimensional echocardiography (with and without myocardial contrast), and magnetic resonance imaging supported the diagnosis of cardiac rhabdomyoma.

"Hanging by a thread" left ventricular thrombus in an asymptomatic soldier.

A mobile and pedunculated left ventricular mass was incidentally detected on transthoracic echocardiography in a 32-year old asymptomatic soldier. Because of the mobility of the mass and the uncertainty of its nature, the risk of embolization was considered to be high, and hence surgical removal was recommended but the patient opted for anticoagulation therapy. The mass resolved within 6 weeks without any embolic or bleeding complications. No recurrence of the thrombus was observed during a 12-month follow up period.

[The role of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in the evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]. / A real-time háromdimenziós echokardiográfia szerepe a hypertrophiás cardiomyopathia vizsgálatában.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a relatively common hereditary disorder, which is associated with cardiac morphologic and functional alterations. Echocardiography is a non-invasive, simple and easy-to-learn method to evaluate patients with cardiomyopathy. The aim of this review paper is to demonstrate the possible diagnostic role of one of the newest echocardiographic development, the real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography in the evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Stepwise Protocols for Scoring of Mitral Valve using Three-Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in Mitral Stenosis.

AIM: This study aims to propose protocols that enable scoring of mitral valve (MV) in mitral stenosis using the three-dimensional (3D) scoring system. METHODS: A two-staged study was conducted. The first stage was designed to select the best 3D images of MV leaflets and chordae through analysis of 471 images. The second stage was designed to organize the best 3D images into protocols for complete scoring of MV. It included 35 consecutive patients; 23 had sinus rhythm (SR) and 12 had atrial fibrillation (AF). Both single- and multi-beat 3D acquisition from apical and parasternal windows were focused on MV leaflets and chordae using all 3D modalities (live, zoom, and full volume). To propose the protocols, 1563 images were analyzed. RESULTS: In SR with good apical window, 2 protocols were recommended for complete scoring of leaflets and chordae (4 zoom 3D images [1 image for leaflets and 3 images for chordae] and 1 full-volume 3D image) using single- and multi-beat acquisition. In AF, the same 2 protocols using single-beat acquisition were recommended. From parasternal window, complete scoring of leaflets was obtained by 3 recommended protocols (single- or multi-beat zoom 3D images from parasternal short axis [PSAX], multibeat live 3D images from PSAX, and single- or multi-beat full-volume 3D images from parasternal long axis) in SR and 1 protocol in AF (single-beat zoom 3D images from PSAX). Scoring of chordae was incomplete in all patients by all 3D modalities. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed 3D-transthoracic echocardiography protocols suit all patients regardless of echo window and heart rhythm and enabled complete MV scoring.

Bicaval obstruction complicating right atrial tuberculoma: the diagnostic value of cardiovascular MR.

Cardiac tuberculosis is rare and usually involves the pericardium. Myocardial tuberculoma is a very rare occurrence and only a few cases were reported. We describe the use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in the diagnosis of a rare case of cardiac tuberculoma involving the right atrium which was complicated by a bicaval obstruction. The patient made a remarkable improvement with the anti-tuberculous treatment. To our knowledge, this complication has never been reported in relation to cardiac tuberculoma.

Double orifice mitral valve by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography.

Double orifice mitral valve (DOMV) is a rare congenital malformation described as division of mitral orifice into two anatomically distinct orifices separated by an accessory bridge of fibrous tissue. In 85% of cases, both orifices are unequal in size. It is usually associated with other congenital defects such as atrioventricular septal defect and complex congenital heart disease. Most of cases could be diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE). The real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) helped in more detailed structure and function. Presented here RT3DE used for orientation of DOMV that allowed detailed and comprehensive assessment incremental to that obtained by 2DE.

Non-compaction cardiomyopathy is associated with mitral annulus enlargement and functional impairment: a real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) is a disorder characterized by loosened, spongy myocardium associated with a high incidence of heart failure and systemic embolization. The mitral annulus (MA) is an important component of the mitral valve apparatus, and plays a role in left ventricular and left atrial function. The study aim was to use real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) in the assessment of MA size and function in patients with NCCM. METHODS: The study comprised the following patient populations: 20 patients with an established diagnosis of NCCM; 20 with an established diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM); and 16 control subjects. RT3DE was used to measure MA annulus diameter, MA fractional area change (MAFAC(3D)) and MA fractional shortening (MAFS(3D)). RESULTS: The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in NCCM patients (38.0 +/- 18.3%) was higher than in DCM patients (18.0 +/- 4.1%), but lower than in controls (56.9 +/- 9.2%) (p <0.05). The prevalence and severity of mitral regurgitation were comparable in the NCCM and DCM groups, but higher than in controls (p <0.05). The MA area was significantly larger, while MAFAC(3D) and MAFS(3D) were significantly impaired in NCCM patients compared to controls. Both, in systole and diastole, the MA diameter and area were larger in DCM than NCCM patients, but no difference was observed in MAFAC(3D) and MAFS(3D). The number of non-compacted segments did not correlate with MA diameter and area, MAFAC(3D) and MAFS(3D). MAFAC(3D) was significantly correlated with LVEF in NCCM (r = 0.43, p <0.05) and in DCM (r = 0.47, p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Mitral annulus enlargement and functional impairment were both present in NCCM patients, with a higher incidence and severity of mitral regurgitation.