Association of Plasma Ceramides With Myocardial Perfusion in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Stress Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy.

Objective- It is known that specific plasma ceramides are associated with stress-induced reversible myocardial perfusion defects in patients with established or suspected coronary artery disease undergoing myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS). However, it is currently uncertain whether plasma ceramides are also associated with reduced poststress myocardial perfusion in these patients. Approach and Results- We measured 6 previously identified high-risk plasma ceramide species (ceramide [d18:1/16:0], ceramide [d18:1/18:0], ceramide [d18:1/20:0], ceramide [d18:1/22:0], ceramide [d18:1/24:0], and ceramide [d18:1/24:1]) in 167 consecutive patients with established or suspected coronary artery disease undergoing stress MPS for clinical indications. Plasma ceramides were measured by a targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay both at baseline and after MPS. Multivariable linear regression analysis was undertaken to examine the associations (standardized B coefficients) between plasma ceramides and the percentage of poststress myocardial perfusion after adjustment for multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Seventy-eight patients had stress-induced myocardial ischemia on MPS (mainly located in the anteroapical wall). Of the 6 measured plasma ceramides, higher levels of basal ceramide (d18:1/18:0; B=-0.182; P=0.019), ceramide (d18:1/20:0; B=-0.224; P=0.004), ceramide (d18:1/22:0; B=-0.163; P=0.035), and ceramide (d18:1/24:1; B=-0.20; P=0.010) were associated with lower poststress anteroapical wall perfusion. Notably, these significant associations persisted even after adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors, previous coronary artery disease, electrocardiographic left bundle branch block, left ventricular ejection fraction and type of stress testing. Similar results were observed for poststress plasma ceramides. Conclusions- Higher circulating levels of specific ceramides, both at baseline and after stress, were independently associated with lower poststress anteroapical wall perfusion in patients with suspected or established coronary artery disease referred for clinically indicated MPS.

Association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with QTc interval in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and prolonged heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval, a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, is currently unknown. We therefore examined the relationship between NAFLD and QTc interval in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied a random sample of 400 outpatients with type 2 diabetes. Computerized electrocardiograms were performed for analysis and quantification of QTc interval. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonographic detection of hepatic steatosis in the absence of other liver diseases. Mean QTc interval and the proportion of those with increased QTc interval (defined as either QTc interval above the median, i.e. ≥416 ms, or QTc interval >440 ms) increased steadily with the presence and ultrasonographic severity of NAFLD. NAFLD was associated with increased QTc interval (odds ratio [OR] 2.16, 95% CI 1.4-3.4, p < 0.001). Adjustments for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, hypertension, electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy, diabetes-related variables and comorbid conditions did not attenuate the association between NAFLD and increased QTc interval (adjusted-OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.4-3.7, p < 0.001). Of note, the exclusion of those with established coronary heart disease or peripheral artery disease from analysis did not appreciably weaken this association. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to demonstrate that the presence and severity of NAFLD on ultrasound is strongly associated with increased QTc interval in patients with type 2 diabetes even after adjusting for multiple established risk factors and potential confounders.

ICD and neuromodulation devices: is peaceful coexistence possible?

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential cross-talk between implantable cardioverter defibrillator device (ICD) and implantable neuromodulation device (IND) during the implantation procedure and the ventricular fibrillation induction test and in daily life. METHODS: We present two cases of patients with an IND who underwent ICD implantation and one case of a patient implanted with a biventricular ICD who received an IND 6 months later. Two of these patients had a spinal cord stimulator (SCS), while the other had a sacral neuromodulator. RESULTS: No cross-talk was recorded in the patient with the sacral neuromodulator and the ICD. Temporary damage to one of the SCSs was observed after multiple ICD shocks. CONCLUSIONS: When implanted contemporarily with sacral or spinal neurostimulators, cardiac devices appear to be safe, as confirmed by the appropriate detection and interruption of arrhythmic episodes. On the other hand, neuromodulation devices could be temporarily or permanently damaged by multiple ICD discharges. It is recommended that the neurostimulator be interrogated after an ICD shock, in order to check the state of the device.

Circulating biomarkers and cardiac function over 3 years after chemotherapy with anthracyclines: the ICOS-ONE trial.

AIMS: A multicentre trial, ICOS-ONE, showed increases above the upper limit of normality of cardiac troponin (cTn) in 27% of patients within 12 months after the end of cancer chemotherapy (CT) with anthracyclines, whether cardiac protection with enalapril was started at study entry in all (prevention arm) or only upon first occurrence on supra-normal cTn (troponin-triggered arm). The aims of the present post hoc analysis were (i) to assess whether anthracycline-based treatment could induce cardiotoxicity over 36 month follow-up and (ii) to describe the time course of three cardiovascular biomarkers (i.e. troponin I cTnI-Ultra, B-type natriuretic peptide BNP, and pentraxin 3 PTX3) and of left ventricular (LV) function up to 36 months. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eligible patients were those prescribed first-in-life CT, without evidence of cardiovascular disease, normal cTn, LV ejection fraction (EF) >50%, not on renin-angiotensin aldosterone system antagonists. Patients underwent echocardiography and blood sampling at 24 and 36 months. No differences were observed in biomarker concentration between the two study arms, 'prevention' vs. 'troponin-triggered'. During additional follow-up 13 more deaths occurred, leading to a total of 23 (9.5%), all due to a non-cardiovascular cause. No new occurrences of LV-dysfunction were reported. Two additional patients were admitted to the hospital for cardiovascular causes, both for acute pulmonary embolism. No first onset of raised cTnI-Ultra was reported in the extended follow-up. BNP remained within normal range: at 36 months was 23.4 ng/L, higher (N.S.) than at baseline, 17.6 ng/L. PTX3 peaked at 5.2 ng/mL 1 month after CT and returned to baseline values thereafter. cTnI-Ultra peaked at 26 ng/L 1 month after CT and returned to 3 ng/L until the last measurement at 36 months. All echocardiographic variables remained stable during follow-up with a median LVEF of 63% and left atrial volume index about 24 mL/m2 . CONCLUSIONS: First-in-life CT with median cumulative dose of anthracyclines of 180 mg/m2 does not seem to cause clinically significant cardiac injury, as assessed by circulating biomarkers and echocardiography, in patients aged 51 years (median), without pre-existing cardiac disease. This may suggest either a 100% efficacy of enalapril (given as preventive or troponin-triggered) or a reassuringly low absolute cardiovascular risk in this cohort of patients, which may not require intensive cardiologic follow-up.

Association between plasma ceramides and inducible myocardial ischemia in patients with established or suspected coronary artery disease undergoing myocardial perfusion scintigraphy.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that specific plasma ceramides are independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), but it is currently unknown whether plasma ceramide levels are associated with stress-induced reversible myocardial ischemia. METHODS: We measured six previously identified high-risk plasma ceramide molecules [Cer(d18:1/16:0), Cer(d18:1/18:0), Cer(d18:1/20:0), Cer(d18:1/22:0), Cer(d18:1/24:0), and Cer(d18:1/24:1)] in 167 consecutive patients with established or suspected CAD who underwent either exercise or dypiridamole myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) for various clinical indications. Plasma ceramide levels were measured by a targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay both at baseline and after MPS. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients had inducible myocardial ischemia on stress MPS. Women had significantly higher circulating levels of basal and post-stress Cer(d18:1/16:0) and Cer(d18:1/18:0) compared to men, whereas all other plasma ceramides did not differ between the sexes. Of the six measured plasma ceramides, basal Cer(d18:1/24:1) showed the strongest association with the presence of stress-induced myocardial perfusion defects in univariate analysis (unadjusted-odds ratio 1.48 per 1-SD increment, 95% confidence interval 1.08-2.04). Notably, after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, prior history of CAD, left ventricular ejection fraction, and type of stress testing (exercise vs. dypiridamole), all measured ceramides, except for plasma Cer(d18:1/24:0), were independently associated with the presence of inducible myocardial ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct plasma ceramides are positive and independent predictors of stress-induced myocardial perfusion defects in patients with established or suspected CAD referred for clinically indicated MPS. Further research is needed to examine whether distinct plasma ceramides could be a useful therapeutic target for treatment and management of CAD.

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: A multicenter randomised trial comparing two strategies for guiding prevention with enalapril: The International CardioOncology Society-one trial.

BACKGROUND: Troponin changes over time have been suggested to allow for an early diagnosis of cardiac injury ensuing cancer chemotherapy; cancer patients with troponin elevation may benefit of therapy with enalapril. It is unknown whether a preventive treatment with enalapril may further increase the benefit. METHODS: The International CardioOncology Society-one trial (ICOS-ONE) was a controlled, open-label trial conducted in 21 Italian hospitals. Patients were randomly assigned to two strategies: enalapril in all patients started before chemotherapy (CT; 'prevention' arm), and enalapril started only in patients with an increase in troponin during or after CT ('troponin-triggered' arm). Troponin was assayed locally in 2596 blood samples, before and after each anthracycline-containing CT cycle and at each study visit; electrocardiogram and echocardiogram were done at baseline, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up. Primary outcome was the incidence of troponin elevation above the threshold. FINDINGS: Of the 273 patients, 88% were women, mean age 51 ± 12 years. The majority (76%) had breast cancer, 3% had a history of hypertension and 4% were diabetic. Epirubicin and doxorubicin were most commonly prescribed, with median cumulative doses of 360 [270-360] and 240 [240-240] mg/m2, respectively. The incidence of troponin elevation was 23% in the prevention and 26% in the troponin-triggered group (p = 0.50). Three patients (1.1%) -two in the prevention, one in the troponin-triggered group-developed cardiotoxicity, defined as 10% point reduction of LV ejection fraction, with values lower than 50%. INTERPRETATION: Low cumulative doses of anthracyclines in adult patients with low cardiovascular risk can raise troponins, without differences between the two strategies of giving enalapril. Considering a benefit of enalapril in the prevention of LV dysfunction, a troponin-triggered strategy may be more convenient.

Early impairment in left ventricular longitudinal systolic function is associated with an increased risk of incident atrial fibrillation in patients with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: It is known that type 2 diabetic patients are at high risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the early echocardiographic determinants of AF vulnerability in this patient population remain poorly known. METHODS: We followed-up for 2years a sample of 180 consecutive outpatients with type 2 diabetes, who were free from AF and ischemic heart disease at baseline. All patients underwent a baseline echocardiographic-Doppler evaluation with tissue Doppler and 2-D strain analysis. Standard electrocardiograms were performed twice per year, and a diagnosis of incident AF was confirmed in affected patients by a single cardiologist. RESULTS: Over the 2-year follow-up period, 14 (7.8%) patients developed incident AF. In univariate analyses, echocardiographic predictors of new-onset AF were greater indexed cardiac mass, larger indexed left atrial volume (LAVI), lower global longitudinal strain (LSSYS), lower global diastolic strain rate during early phase of diastole (SRE), lower global diastolic strain rate during late phase of diastole (SRL), and higher E/SRE ratio. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower LSSYS remained the only significant predictor of new-onset AF (adjusted-odds ratio 1.63, 95%CI 1.17-2.27; p<0.005) after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes duration, indexed cardiac mass and LAVI. Results were unchanged even after adjustment for body mass index, hypertension and glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective study to show that early LSSYS impairment independently predicts the risk of new-onset AF in type 2 diabetic patients with preserved ejection fraction and without ischemic heart disease. Future larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Relationship between increased left atrial volume and microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: We assessed whether left atrial volume index (LAVI) was associated with the presence of microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes, and whether this association was independent of hemodynamic and non-hemodynamic factors. METHODS: We studied 157 consecutive outpatients with type 2 diabetes with no previous history of ischemic heart disease, chronic heart failure and valvular diseases. A transthoracic echocardiography and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy were performed in all participants. Presence of microvascular complications was also recorded. RESULTS: Overall, 51 patients had decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate and/or abnormal albuminuria, 24 had diabetic retinopathy, 22 had lower-extremity sensory neuropathy, and 67 (42.7%) patients had one or more of these microvascular complications (i.e., combined endpoint). After stratifying patients by LAVI, those with LAVI ≥32 ml/m(2) had a greater prevalence of microvascular complication, lower left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, higher LV mass index and higher E/e' ratio than those with LAVI <32 ml/m(2). Logistic regression analyses revealed that microvascular complications (singly or in combination) were associated with increased LAVI, independently of age, sex, diabetes duration, hemoglobin A1c, hypertension, LV-ejection fraction, LV mass index and the E/e' ratio. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that microvascular diabetic complications are associated with increased LAVI in well-controlled type 2 diabetic patients with preserved systolic function and free from ischemic heart disease, independently of multiple potential confounders.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Independently Associated with Early Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Accumulating evidence suggests that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in nondiabetic individuals. To date, there are very limited data on this topic in patients with type 2 diabetes and it remains uncertain whether NAFLD is independently associated with the presence of LVDD in this patient population. We performed a liver ultrasonography and trans-thoracic echocardiography (with speckle-tracking strain analysis) in 222 (156 men and 66 women) consecutive type 2 diabetic outpatients with no previous history of ischemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, valvular diseases and known hepatic diseases. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between NAFLD and the presence/severity of LVDD graded according to the current criteria of the American Society of Echocardiography, and to identify the variables that were independently associated with LVDD, which was included as the dependent variable. Patients with ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD (n = 158; 71.2% of total) were more likely to be female, overweight/obese, and had longer diabetes duration, higher hemoglobin A1c and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) than those without NAFLD. Notably, they also had a remarkably greater prevalence of mild and/or moderate LVDD compared with those without NAFLD (71% vs. 33%; P<0.001). Age, hypertension, smoking, medication use, E/A ratio, LV volumes and mass were comparable between the two groups of patients. NAFLD was associated with a three-fold increased odds of mild and/or moderate LVDD after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes duration, hemoglobin A1c, eGFR, LV mass index and ejection fraction (adjusted-odds ratio 3.08, 95%CI 1.5-6.4, P = 0.003). In conclusion, NAFLD is independently associated with early LVDD in type 2 diabetic patients with preserved systolic function.

Heart valve calcification in patients with type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

PURPOSE: Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) and mitral annulus calcification (MAC) are two powerful predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, but the etiology of valvular calcification is uncertain. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging cardiovascular risk factor and is very common in type 2 diabetes, but whether NAFLD is associated with valvular calcification in this group of patients is presently unknown. METHODS: We undertook a cross-sectional study of 247 consecutive type 2 diabetic outpatients with no previous history of heart failure, valvular heart diseases (aortic stenosis, mitral stenosis, moderate or severe aortic and mitral regurgitation) or hepatic diseases. Presence of MAC and AVS was detected by echocardiography. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography. RESULTS: Overall, 139 (56.3%) patients had no heart valve calcification (HVC-0), 65 (26.3%) patients had one valve affected (HVC-1) and 43 (17.4%) patients had both valves affected (HVC-2). 175 (70.8%) patients had NAFLD and the prevalence of this disease markedly increased in patients with HVC-2 compared with either HVC-1 or HVC-0 (86.1% vs. 83.1% vs. 60.4%, respectively; p < 0.001). NAFLD was significantly associated with AVS and/or MAC (unadjusted-odds ratio 3.51, 95% CI 1.89-6.51, p < 0.001). Adjustments for age, sex, waist circumference, smoking, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, LDL-cholesterol, kidney function parameters, medication use and echocardiographic variables did not appreciably weaken this association (adjusted-odds ratio 2.70, 95% CI 1.23-7.38, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that NAFLD is an independent predictor of cardiac calcification in both the aortic and mitral valves in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Can left ventricular diastolic stiffness be measured noninvasively?

BACKGROUND: A noninvasive estimation of left ventricular (LV) diastolic chamber stiffness (K(LV)) is still a challenge. Experimental data suggests that K(lv) can be obtained by using Doppler mitral flow deceleration time (DT) as the only variable: K(lv) = (70/[DT-20])(2) mm Hg/mL. We assessed the accuracy of this noninvasive estimate of K(lv) by comparing it with invasive measurement of K(lv) in intact patients with a wide range of LV size and function under varying loading conditions. METHODS: Twenty-five patients (age 54 +/- 12 years) with ischemic heart disease (n = 19) or primary LV dysfunction (n = 6), with a wide range of DT (79-324 ms) and ejection fraction (8%-57%), underwent simultaneous assessment of LV pressure by micromanometer and volume by 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography-guided Doppler mitral flow velocity (where volume = mitral flow velocity integral x annular area) calibrated to 2D echocardiography stroke volume. Invasive K(lv) [delta pressure (from minimum to end-diastolic)/delta volume (during the same time interval)] was obtained at baseline and in 23 patients after LV unloading by prostaglandin E(1) (30-60 ng/kg/min) (n = 12), nitroglycerin (0.2 mg) (n = 9) or magnesium (1 g) (n = 2). Noninvasive K(lv) was estimated according to the above formula. RESULTS: In this set of patients with normal mitral annular area (3.9 +/- 1.1 cm(2)/m(2)), multivariate analysis showed that DT is inversely related to K(lv) (P <.001) but not to left atrial chamber stiffness, LV volume, relaxation time constant, mitral valve opening pressure, or area. The relation between noninvasively calculated and directly measured K(lv) was close to the line of identity under all conditions, (y = 0.93x + 0.05, r = 0.67, n = 48, P <.001), although with a wide standard error of the estimate (0.26 mm Hg/mL). CONCLUSION: We conclude that K(lv) can be calculated +/- 0.5 mm Hg/mL from noninvasively measured DT in patients.

Mid-term results after extensive vein patch reconstruction and internal mammary grafting of the diffusely diseased left anterior descending coronary artery.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of extensive reconstruction of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) by an autologous vein patch, with or without endarterectomy (EA), associated with left internal mammary artery grafting onto the patch. METHODS: Between January 1994 and April 2001, among 5871 myocardial revascularizations, 83 patients (1.4%), 77 male (93%), with a mean age+/-SD of 64+/-8 years (range 44-84) underwent the above mentioned procedure. Seventy-three of them (88%) were in Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Class III or IV, and 78 (94%) had a three-vessel disease. Mean preoperative ejection fraction was 58+/-12%. Risk factors included hypertension (63%), family history (51%), hyperlipidemia (41%), smoking (38%), diabetes (19%). Mean number of anastomoses/patient was 3+/-0.6. Mean length of vein patch was 2.8+/-0.9 cm (range 2-6 cm). A total of 16% of the patients underwent associated LAD-EA (mean cardiopulmonary bypass time: 132+/-21 min; mean aortic crossclamp time: 81+/-15 min). RESULTS: There was one hospital death (recurrent MI, 1.2%). Seven patients (8%) had a perioperative myocardial infarction, in three cases in the region supplied by the LAD (none after associated LAD-EA). Mean follow-up period was 47+/-20 months (range 5-90) and is 99% complete. There were five late cardiac deaths (6%). A total of 74% survivors have no symptoms, 12% are in CCS Class I-II, and 14% in III-IV. Actuarial freedom from recurrent angina at 3 and 5 years is 77 and 69%, respectively. Follow-up angiograms (49 patients, 60%) revealed a full patent LAD graft in 82% of the cases (GI), versus poor run-off/occluded graft in the remaining 18% (GII). Anginal status was significantly worse in GII patients (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Extended reconstruction of the LAD coronary artery increases surgical risk. The procedure however enhances the probability for a complete revascularization in patients with an unfavourable anatomical substrate, with acceptable mid-term results.

[Cardiogenic shock caused by acute occlusion of mammary artery bypass: successful treatment with primary angioplasty in the immediate postoperative period]. / Shock cardiogeno per occlusione acuta di un bypass di arteria mammaria: efficace trattamento con angioplastica primaria nell'immediato postoperatorio.

The early occlusion of a graft in the postoperative phase is not infrequent and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. A non-surgical solution, which is quick and effective, is an important achievement. A 65-year-old woman underwent myocardial revascularization. Three grafts were performed: left mammary artery to the left anterior descending coronary artery, saphenous vein to the right coronary artery and to the marginal branch. One hour after surgery, the patient developed progressive arterial hypotension which rapidly progressed to cardiogenic shock. The electrocardiogram showed anterior and lateral lesions. The angiogram revealed the occlusion of the first third of the left mammary artery. An angioplasty was performed in this vessel and in the left anterior descending coronary artery. The final angiogram showed good patency of the mammary artery and of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The hemodynamic conditions of the patient improved rapidly, with good pressure values. Primary angioplasty proved to be feasible in the early postoperative phase with good results; it could be a valid alternative to reoperation with lower morbidity and mortality.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with aortic valve sclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Recent epidemiological data suggest that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with aortic valve sclerosis (AVS), an emerging risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes, in nondiabetic and type 2 diabetic individuals. To date, nobody has investigated the association between NAFLD and AVS in people with type 2 diabetes, a group of individuals in which the prevalence of these two diseases is high. METHODS AND RESULTS: We recruited 180 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients without ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, hepatic diseases or excessive alcohol consumption. NAFLD was diagnosed by liver ultrasonography whereas AVS was determined by conventional echocardiography in all participants. In the whole sample, 120 (66.7%) patients had NAFLD and 53 (29.4%) had AVS. No patients had aortic stenosis. NAFLD was strongly associated with an increased risk of prevalent AVS (odds ratio [OR] 2.79, 95% CI 1.3-6.1, p<0.01). Adjustments for age, sex, duration of diabetes, diabetes treatment, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hemoglobin A1c and estimated glomerular filtration rate did not attenuate the strong association between NAFLD and risk of prevalent AVS (adjusted-OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.3-7.3, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide the first demonstration of a positive and independent association between NAFLD and AVS in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) in type 2 diabetes is currently unknown. We examined the relationship between NAFLD and risk of incident AF in people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively followed for 10 years a random sample of 400 patients with type 2 diabetes, who were free from AF at baseline. A standard 12-lead electrocardiogram was undertaken annually and a diagnosis of incident AF was confirmed in affected participants by a single cardiologist. At baseline, NAFLD was defined by ultrasonographic detection of hepatic steatosis in the absence of other liver diseases. During the 10 years of follow-up, there were 42 (10.5%) incident AF cases. NAFLD was associated with an increased risk of incident AF (odds ratio [OR] 4.49, 95% CI 1.6-12.9, p<0.005). Adjustments for age, sex, hypertension and electrocardiographic features (left ventricular hypertrophy and PR interval) did not attenuate the association between NAFLD and incident AF (adjusted-OR 6.38, 95% CI 1.7-24.2, p = 0.005). Further adjustment for variables that were included in the 10-year Framingham Heart Study-derived AF risk score did not appreciably weaken this association. Other independent predictors of AF were older age, longer PR interval and left ventricular hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD is strongly associated with an increased incidence of AF in patients with type 2 diabetes even after adjustment for important clinical risk factors for AF.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Data on cardiac function in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are limited and conflicting. We assessed whether NAFLD is associated with abnormalities in cardiac function in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied 50 consecutive type 2 diabetic individuals without a history of ischemic heart disease, hepatic diseases, or excessive alcohol consumption, in whom NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography. A tissue Doppler echocardiography with myocardial strain measurement was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (64%) had NAFLD, and when compared with the other 18 patients, age, sex, BMI, waist circumference, hypertension, smoking, diabetes duration, microvascular complication status, and medication use were not significantly different. In addition, the left ventricular (LV) mass and volumes, ejection fraction, systemic vascular resistance, arterial elasticity, and compliance were also not different. NAFLD patients had lower e' (8.2 ± 1.5 vs. 9.9 ± 1.9 cm/s, P < 0.005) tissue velocity, higher E-to-e' ratio (7.90 ± 1.3 vs. 5.59 ± 1.1, P < 0.0001), a higher time constant of isovolumic relaxation (43.1 ± 10.1 vs. 33.2 ± 12.9 ms, P < 0.01), higher LV-end diastolic pressure (EDP) (16.5 ± 1.1 vs. 15.1 ± 1.0 mmHg, P < 0.0001), and higher LV EDP/end diastolic volume (0.20 ± 0.03 vs. 0.18 ± 0.02 mmHg, P < 0.05) than those without steatosis. Among the measurements of LV global longitudinal strain and strain rate, those with NAFLD also had higher E/global longitudinal diastolic strain rate during the early phase of diastole (E/SR(E)). All of these differences remained significant after adjustment for hypertension and other cardiometabolic risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that in patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD, even if the LV morphology and systolic function are preserved, early features of LV diastolic dysfunction may be detected.