T1 mapping and cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking in mitral valve prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: T1 mapping (T1-map) and cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) techniques have been introduced for the early detection of interstitial myocardial fibrosis and deformation abnormalities. We sought to demonstrate that T1-map and CMR-FT may identify the presence of subclinical myocardial structural changes in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP). METHODS: Consecutive MVP patients with moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation and comparative matched healthy subjects were prospectively enrolled and underwent CMR-FT analysis to calculate 2D global and segmental circumferential (CS) and radial strain (RS) and T1-map to determine global and segmental native T1 (nT1) values. RESULTS: Seventy-three MVP patients (mean age, 57 ± 13 years old; male, 76%; regurgitant volume, 57 ± 21 mL) and 42 matched control subjects (mean age, 56 ± 18 years; male, 74%) were included. MVP patients showed a lower global CS (- 16.3 ± 3.4% vs. - 17.8 ± 1.9%, p = 0.020) and longer global nT1 (1124.9 ± 97.7 ms vs. 1007.4 ± 26.1 ms, p < 0.001) as compared to controls. Moreover, MVP patients showed lower RS and CS in basal (21.6 ± 12.3% vs. 27.6 ± 8.9%, p = 0.008, and - 13.0 ± 6.7% vs. - 14.9 ± 4.1%, p = 0.013) and mid-inferolateral (20.6 ± 10.7% vs. 28.4 ± 8.7%, p < 0.001, and - 12.8 ± 6.3% vs. - 16.5 ± 4.0%, p < 0.001) walls as compared to other myocardial segments. Similarly, MVP patients showed longer nT1 values in basal (1080 ± 68 ms vs. 1043 ± 43 ms, p < 0.001) and mid-inferolateral (1080 ± 77 ms vs. 1034 ± 37 ms, p < 0.001) walls as compared to other myocardial segments. Of note, nT1 values were significantly correlated with CS (r, 0.36; p < 0.001) and RS (r, 0.37; p < 0.001) but not with regurgitant volume. CONCLUSIONS: T1-map and CMR-FT identify subclinical left ventricle tissue changes in patients with MVP. Further studies are required to correlate these subclinical tissue changes with the outcome. KEY POINTS: • T1 mapping (T1-map) and cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) techniques have been introduced for the early detection of interstitial myocardial fibrosis and deformation abnormalities. • In MVP patients, we demonstrated a longer global nT1 with associated reduced global circumferential (CS) and radial strain (RS) as compared to control subjects. • Among MVP patients, the mid-basal left ventricle inferolateral wall showed longer nT1 with reduced CS and RS as compared to other myocardial segments. Further studies are required to correlate these subclinical tissue changes with the outcome.

Putative Circulating MicroRNAs Are Able to Identify Patients with Mitral Valve Prolapse and Severe Regurgitation.

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) associated with severe mitral regurgitation is a debilitating disease with no pharmacological therapies available. MicroRNAs (miRNA) represent an emerging class of circulating biomarkers that have never been evaluated in MVP human plasma. Our aim was to identify a possible miRNA signature that is able to discriminate MVP patients from healthy subjects (CTRL) and to shed light on the putative altered molecular pathways in MVP. We evaluated a plasma miRNA profile using Human MicroRNA Card A followed by real-time PCR validations. In addition, to assess the discriminative power of selected miRNAs, we implemented a machine learning analysis. MiRNA profiling and validations revealed that miR-140-3p, 150-5p, 210-3p, 451a, and 487a-3p were significantly upregulated in MVP, while miR-223-3p, 323a-3p, 340-5p, and 361-5p were significantly downregulated in MVP compared to CTRL (p ≤ 0.01). Functional analysis identified several biological processes possible linked to MVP. In addition, machine learning analysis correctly classified MVP patients from CTRL with high accuracy (0.93) and an area under the receiving operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.97. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study performed on human plasma, showing a strong association between miRNAs and MVP. Thus, a circulating molecular signature could be used as a first-line, fast, and cheap screening tool for MVP identification.

Prognostic value of dipyridamole stress cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease: a mid-term follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES: Dipyridamole stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) evaluates the key phases (perfusion and wall motion) of the ischemic cascade. We sought to determine the prognostic value of dipyridamole stress-CMR in consecutive patients symptomatic for chest pain. METHODS: Seven hundred and ninety-three consecutive patients symptomatic for chest pain underwent dipyridamole stress-CMR and were followed up for 810 ± 665 days. Patients were classified in group 1 (no- reversible ischemia), group 2 (stress perfusion defect alone), and group 3 [stress perfusion defect plus abnormal wall motion (AWM)]. End points were "all cardiac events" (myocardial infarction, cardiac death and revascularization) and "hard cardiac events" (all cardiac events excluding revascularization). RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-five (24 %) all cardiac events and 53 (7 %) hard cardiac events were observed. All and hard cardiac event rates in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 11 %, 49 %, 69 % and 4 %, 8 %, 21 %, respectively, with a higher rate in group 2 vs. group 1 (p<0.01) and group 3 vs. groups 1 and 2 (p<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed the presence of late gadolinium enhancement and stress perfusion defect plus AWM as independent predictors of all and hard cardiac events. CONCLUSIONS: Dipyridamole stress-CMR improves prognostic stratification of patients through differentiation between the different components of the ischemic cascade. KEY POINTS: • Dipyridamole stress cardiac magnetic resonance helps to assess coronary artery disease. • Novel technique to study the key phases of myocardial ischemia. • Combined assessment of perfusion and motion defects. • Dipyridamole stress imaging has additional value for predicting cardiac events.

PROGnostic RolE of strain measurements in stress cardiac MRI in predicting major adverse cardiac events.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the role of feature-tracking (FT) strain in long-term risk stratification of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent stress cardiac MRI with dipyridamole; to determine if contrast-free stress cardiac MRI with strain measurements could provide comparable prognostic value to myocardial perfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive patients with stable symptoms suggesting possible cardiac ischemia who underwent stress cardiac MRI with dipyridamole. The mean follow-up period was 5.8 years ±1.2 [SD]. FT cardiac MRI analysis was performed for each patient to obtain 2D global peak circumferential strain (GCS). The primary outcome measure was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as nonfatal myocardial infarction and cardiac death. RESULTS: A total of 729 patients (mean age, 63 years ±10 [SD]; 616 males) were included. MACE occurred in 70 (9.6%) patients. The presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) ([HR] 2.74, [95% CI: 1.53, 4.88]; P < .001) and stress GCS (HR, 1.06 [95% CI: 1.01, 1.12]; P = .016) were independently associated with MACE. A model based on contrast-free assessment of LVEF and stress GCS showed similar performance for predicting MACE than LVEF and perfusion (P = .056). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with known or suspected CAD undergoing stress cardiac MRI with dipyridamole, GCS and LGE presence were independent predictors of MACE. Contrast-free stress cardiac MRI with stress GCS measurement offered prognostic value akin to myocardial perfusion assessment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Stress global circumferential strain represented an additional method to predict major adverse cardiac events in patients undergoing stress cardiac MRI, even without the use of contrast agents. This would be of particular significance in patients with severe renal impairment.

DEep LearnIng-based QuaNtification of epicardial adipose tissue predicts MACE in patients undergoing stress CMR.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study investigated the additional prognostic value of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients undergoing stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. METHODS: 730 consecutive patients [mean age: 63 ± 10 years; 616 men] who underwent stress CMR for known or suspected coronary artery disease were randomly divided into derivation (n = 365) and validation (n = 365) cohorts. MACE was defined as non-fatal myocardial infarction and cardiac deaths. A deep learning algorithm was developed and trained to quantify EAT volume from CMR. EAT volume was adjusted for height (EAT volume index). A composite CMR-based risk score by Cox analysis of the risk of MACE was created. RESULTS: In the derivation cohort, 32 patients (8.7 %) developed MACE during a follow-up of 2103 days. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 35 % (HR 4.407 [95 % CI 1.903-10.202]; p<0.001), stress perfusion defect (HR 3.550 [95 % CI 1.765-7.138]; p<0.001), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (HR 4.428 [95%CI 1.822-10.759]; p = 0.001) and EAT volume index (HR 1.082 [95 % CI 1.045-1.120]; p<0.001) were independent predictors of MACE. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, adding EAT volume index to a composite risk score including LVEF, stress perfusion defect and LGE provided additional value in MACE prediction, with a net reclassification improvement of 0.683 (95%CI, 0.336-1.03; p<0.001). The combined evaluation of risk score and EAT volume index showed a higher Harrel C statistic as compared to risk score (0.85 vs. 0.76; p<0.001) and EAT volume index alone (0.85 vs.0.74; p<0.001). These findings were confirmed in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with clinically indicated stress CMR, fully automated EAT volume measured by deep learning can provide additional prognostic information on top of standard clinical and imaging parameters.

The prognostic role of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) primarily affects the left ventricle (LV) sparing the right ventricle (RV) in vast majority of cases. However, several studies employing CMR have revealed that myocardial hypertrophy may also involve the RV. To assess RV size and function in a large prospectively cohort of HCM patients and to evaluate whether these parameters in association with other MR findings can predict cardiac events. Two participating centers prospectively included patients with known or suspected HCM between 2011 and 2017. CMR studies were performed with three different scanners. Outcome measures were a composite of ventricular arrhythmias, hospitalization for HF and cardiac death. Of 607 consecutive patients with known or suspected HCM, 315 had complete follow-up information (mean 65 ± 20 months). Among them, 115 patients developed major cardiac events (MACE) during follow-up. At CMR evaluation, patients with events had higher left atrium (LA) diameter (41.5 ± 8 mm vs. 37.17 ± 7.6 mm, p < 0.0001), LV mass (156.7 vs. 144 g, p = 0.005) and myocardial LGE (4.3% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.001). Similarly, patients with events had lower RV stroke volume index (42.7 vs. 47.0, p = 0.0003) and higher prevalence of both RV hypertrophy (16.4% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.0005) and reduced RV ejection fraction (12.2% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.006). In the multivariate analysis, LA diameter and RV stroke volume index were the strongest predictors of events (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0006, respectively). Anatomic and functional RV anomalies detected and characterized with CMR may have may have a major role in predicting the prognosis of HCM patients.

Early Biological Valve Failure: Structural Valve Degeneration, Thrombosis, or Endocarditis?

Biological valve failure (BVF) is an inevitable condition that compromises the durability of biological heart valves (BHVs). It stems from various causes, including rejection, thrombosis, and endocarditis, leading to a critical state of valve dysfunction. Echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and nuclear imaging play pivotal roles in the diagnostic multimodality workup of BVF. By providing a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of BVF and the diagnostic approaches in different clinical scenarios, this review aims to aid clinicians in their decision-making process. The significance of early detection and appropriate management of BVF cannot be overstated, as these directly impact patients' prognosis and their overall quality of life. Ensuring timely intervention and tailored treatments will not only improve outcomes but also alleviate the burden of this condition on patients' life. By prioritizing comprehensive assessments and adopting the latest advancements in diagnostic technology, medical professionals can significantly enhance their ability to manage BVF effectively.

Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Patients With Different Transvalvular Flow-Gradient Patterns.

Low-flow low-gradient (LF-LG) aortic stenosis (AS) may occur with preserved or depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Both situations represent the most challenging subset of patients to manage and generally have a poor prognosis. Few and controversial data exist on the outcomes of these patients compared with normal flow-high gradient (NF-HG) AS after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We sought to characterize different transvalvular flow-gradient patterns and to examine their prognostic value after TAVR. We enrolled 1,208 patients with severe AS and categorized as follow: 976 patients NF-HG (mean aortic pressure gradient [MPG] ≥40 mm Hg), 107 paradoxical LF-LG (pLF-LG, MPG <40 mm Hg, LVEF ≥50%, stroke volume index <35 ml/m2), and 125 classical LF-LG (cLF-LG) (MPG <40 mm Hg, LVEF <50%, stroke volume index <35 ml/m2). When compared with NF-HG and pLF-LG, cLF-LG had a worse symptomatic status (New York Heart Association III to IV 86% vs 62% and 67%, p <0.001), a higher prevalence of eccentric hypertrophy and a higher level of LV global afterload reflected by a higher valvuloarterial impedance. Valvular function after TAVR was excellent over time in all patients. While 30-day mortality (p = 0.911) did not differ significantly among groups, cLF-LG had a lower 5-year survival rate (LF-LG 50% vs pLF-LG 62% and NF-HG 68%, p <0.05). cLF-LG was associated with a hazard ratio for mortality of 2.41 (95% confidence interval 1.65 to 3.52, p <0.001). In conclusion, TAVR is an effective procedure regardless of transvalvular flow-gradient patterns. However, special care should be given to characterized hemodynamic of AS, as patients with pLF-LG had similar survival rates than patients with NF-HG, whereas cLF-LG is associated with a twofold increased risk of mortality at 5-year follow-up.

Circulating Small Extracellular Vesicles Reflect the Severity of Myocardial Damage in STEMI Patients.

Circulating small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) contribute to inflammation, coagulation and vascular injury, and have great potential as diagnostic markers of disease. The ability of sEVs to reflect myocardial damage assessed by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unknown. To fill this gap, plasma sEVs were isolated from 42 STEMI patients treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and evaluated by CMR between days 3 and 6. Nanoparticle tracking analysis showed that sEVs were greater in patients with anterior STEMI (p = 0.0001), with the culprit lesion located in LAD (p = 0.045), and in those who underwent late revascularization (p = 0.038). A smaller sEV size was observed in patients with a low myocardial salvage index (MSI, p = 0.014). Patients with microvascular obstruction (MVO) had smaller sEVs (p < 0.002) and lower expression of the platelet marker CD41-CD61 (p = 0.039). sEV size and CD41-CD61 expression were independent predictors of MVO/MSI (OR [95% CI]: 0.93 [0.87-0.98] and 0.04 [0-0.61], respectively). In conclusion, we provide evidence that the CD41-CD61 expression in sEVs reflects the CMR-assessed ischemic damage after STEMI. This finding paves the way for the development of a new strategy for the timely identification of high-risk patients and their treatment optimization.

Aortic annulus area assessment by multidetector computed tomography for predicting paravalvular regurgitation in patients undergoing balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a comparison with transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a valid alternative to surgery in high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Aortic annulus (AoA) sizing is crucial for TAVI success. The aim of the study was to compare AoA dimensions measured by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) vs those obtained with transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for predicting paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PVR) after TAVI. METHODS: Aortic annulus maximum diameter, minimum diameter, and area were assessed using MDCT and compared with TTE and TEE diameter and area for predicting PVR after TAVI in 151 patients (45 men, age 81.2 ± 6.4 years). RESULTS: Aortic annulus maximum, minimum diameter, and area detected by MDCT were 25.04 ± 2.39 mm, 21.27 ± 2.10 mm, and 420.87 ± 76.10 mm(2), respectively. Aortic annulus diameter and area measured by TTE and TEE were 21.14 ± 1.94 mm and 353.82 ± 64.57 mm(2) and 22.04 ± 1.94 mm and 384.33 ± 67.30 mm(2), respectively. A good correlation was found between AoA diameters and area evaluated by MDCT vs TTE and TEE (0.61, 0.65, and 0.69 and 0.61, 0.65, and 0.70, respectively), with a mean difference of 3.90 ± 1.98 mm, 0.13 ± 1.67 mm, and 67.05 ± 55.87 mm(2) and 3.0 ± 2.0 mm, 0.77 ± 1.70 mm, and 36.54 ± 56.43 mm(2), respectively. Grade ≥2 PVR occurred in 46 patients and was related to male gender, higher body mass index, preprocedural aortic regurgitation, and lower mismatch between the nominal area of the implanted prosthesis and AoA area detected by MDCT. CONCLUSIONS: Mismatch between prosthesis area and AoA area detected by MDCT is a better predictor of PVR as compared with echocardiography mismatch. Specific MDCT-based sizing recommendations should be developed.

Cardiac tumors: imaging findings, clinical correlations and surgical treatment in a 15 years single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were: to present the clinical and pathological characteristics of cardiac tumors in a single-center series of patients; to describe the association of imaging characteristics, clinical presentation and surgical treatment; to analyze if second level imaging tests, computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR); and to improve the diagnostic accuracy when compared to first-line imaging technique (transthoracic echocardiography [TTE]). METHODS: We reviewed the medical and surgical records, TTE, CT and CMR examinations of 86 patients with a histological diagnosis of cardiac tumors between 2004 and 2019. RESULTS: The majority were benign tumors (81%) with myxoma accounting for 66% of cases. Among malignancies, metastasis (8%) and primary tumors (10%) were equally recognized. Symptoms at presentation (45% of patients) were associated to larger diameters at TTE. Malignancies were larger (mean diameter 37±14 mm vs. 27±13 mm, P<0.01), more frequently exhibited irregular shape (67% vs. 17%, P<0.01), frayed or polylobulated surface (73% vs. 38%, P=0.035), heterogeneous aspect (67% vs. 32%, P=0.012). A maximum diameter >28 mm and a minimum diameter >19.5 mm emerged as possible cut-off values for the differentiation of benign and malignant tumors. The ability of TTE, CT and CMR features in identifying malignancies was moderate (diagnostic accuracy of 84%, 81%, 76% respectively). The mean survival time after surgery was 1.6±1.4 years in malignancies and 6.8±4.7 years in benign tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac tumors are rare and mostly benign; their nature and clinics related to TTE appearance. CT and CMR may be used synergically with TTE. Surgery is curative in benign tumors, survival remains scarce in malignancies.

3D echocardiography in mitral valve prolapse.

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is the leading cause of mitral valve surgery. Echocardiography is the principal imaging modality used to diagnose MVP, assess the mitral valve morphology and mitral annulus dynamics, and quantify mitral regurgitation. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic (3DE) imaging represents a consistent innovation in cardiovascular ultrasound in the last decades, and it has been implemented in routine clinical practice for the evaluation of mitral valve diseases. The focus of this review is the role and the advantages of 3DE in the comprehensive evaluation of MVP, intraoperative and intraprocedural monitoring.

The Role of Multimodality Imaging in Left-Sided Prosthetic Valve Dysfunction.

Prosthetic valve (PV) dysfunction (PVD) is a complication of mechanical or biological PV. Etiologic mechanisms associated with PVD include fibrotic pannus ingrowth, thrombosis, structural valve degeneration, and endocarditis resulting in different grades of obstruction and/or regurgitation. PVD can be life threatening and often challenging to diagnose due to the similarities between the clinical presentations of different causes. Nevertheless, identifying the cause of PVD is critical to treatment administration (thrombolysis, surgery, or percutaneous procedure). In this report, we review the role of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis of PVD. Specifically, this review discusses the characteristics of advanced imaging modalities underlying the importance of an integrated approach including 2D/3D transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography. In this scenario, it is critical to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each modality according to the suspected cause of PVD. In conclusion, for patients with suspected or known PVD, this stepwise imaging approach may lead to a simplified, more rapid, accurate and specific workflow and management.

Left atrial reverse remodeling and functional improvement after mitral valve repair in degenerative mitral regurgitation: a real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography study.

BACKGROUND: Severe mitral regurgitation is often associated with left atrium (LA) enlargement, which is a well-known predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, only few data are available on the effect of mitral valve (MV) repair on LA size. The aim of this study was to evaluate, using real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography, the changes in LA volumes after MV repair. METHODS: A total of 65 patients with severe mitral regurgitation due to MV prolapse and scheduled for repair at an early stage were enrolled. Before the procedure, real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography was performed to assess LA volumes (maximum, before atrial active contraction [preA], and minimum). The same evaluation was repeated 6 months and 1 year after MV repair. Twenty healthy subjects matched for age and gender were enrolled as a control group. RESULTS: Before MV repair, patients showed significantly higher values of LA volumes (maximum 43 ± 14 mL/m², preA 33 ± 12 mL/m², minimum 23 ± 11 mL/m²) as compared to controls (maximum 22 ± 6 mL/m², preA 13 ± 4 mL/m², minimum 8 ± 3 mL/m²). Six months after the operation, LA volumes significantly decreased (maximum 25 ± 8 mL/m², preA 18 ± 8 mL/m², minimum 13 ± 5 mL/m²), with a further reduction at 1-year follow-up (maximum 23 ± 7 mL/m², preA 15 ± 7 mL/m², minimum 11 ± 5 mL/m²), resulting in values similar to controls. The extent of LA reverse remodeling was inversely correlated with age (r = -0.42) and postoperative transmitral mean pressure gradient (r = -0.32), whereas a positive correlation was found with the reduction in left ventricular volume after MV repair (r = 0.35). DISCUSSION: In patients with severe mitral regurgitation due to MV prolapse, MV repair, when performed at an early stage, results in a significant LA reverse remodeling.

Quantification of mitral annulus dynamic morphology in patients with mitral valve prolapse undergoing repair and annuloplasty during a 6-month follow-up.

AIMS: Mitral valve (MV) repair is the preferred treatment for mitral regurgitation associated with organic MV prolapse (MVP). Our goals were to describe by transthoracic real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3D TTE) the pre-operative changes in mitral annulus (MA) dynamic morphology related to MVP, compared with a normal population, and to evaluate the differential long-term effects induced by annuloplasty, using either an incomplete flexible band or a complete semi-rigid ring. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-four patients (62 ± 11 years) with organic MVP and ejection fraction >55% were studied by RT3D TTE the day before MV repair, and 3 and 6 months after (23 patients received a complete rigid ring-CAR, 21 an incomplete flexible band-COS). An age-matched group of 20 normal subjects (57 ± 9 years) was studied as control. After initialization, the MA was tracked frame-by-frame in 3D, and several parameters computed. Differences in MVP vs. controls, vs. pre-surgery, and between rings were tested (P < 0.05). MVP showed enlarged MA resulting in greater area and height during the cardiac cycle, with reduced planarity compared with controls. Annuloplasty resulted in reduced MA area in both CAR and COS, with minimal area change, and planar shape (more evident in CAR than COS). CONCLUSION: The main factor affecting MA function after annuloplasty appears to be the undersizing of the MA dimensions, and not the choice of the ring. This methodology could represent the basis for further evaluation of implanted rings, to provide the surgeon with additional information to be used in the pre-surgical planning and ring selection.

Novelties in 3D Transthoracic Echocardiography.

Cardiovascular imaging is developing at a rapid pace and the newer modalities, in particular three-dimensional echocardiography, allow better analysis of heart structures. Identifying valve lesions and grading their severity represents crucial information and nowadays is strengthened by the introduction of new software, such as transillumination, which provide detailed morphology descriptions. Chambers quantification has never been so rapid and accurate: machine learning algorithms generate automated volume measurements, including left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, which is extremely important for clinical decisions. This review provides an overview of the latest innovations in the echocardiography field, and is helpful by providing a better insight into heart diseases.

Feasibility and Accuracy of the Automated Software for Dynamic Quantification of Left Ventricular and Atrial Volumes and Function in a Large Unselected Population.

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of machine learning-based automated dynamic quantification of left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) volumes in an unselected population. We enrolled 600 unselected patients (12% in atrial fibrillation) clinically referred for transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE), who also underwent 3D echocardiography (3DE) imaging. LV ejection fraction (EF), LV, and LA volumes were obtained from 2D images; 3D images were analyzed using dynamic heart model (DHM) software (Philips) resulting in LV and LA volume-time curves. A subgroup of 140 patients also underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Average time of analysis, feasibility, and image quality were recorded, and results were compared between 2DTTE, DHM, and CMR. The use of DHM was feasible in 522/600 cases (87%). When feasible, the boundary position was considered accurate in 335/522 patients (64%), while major (n = 38) or minor (n = 149) border corrections were needed. The overall time required for DHM datasets was approximately 40 seconds. As expected, DHM LV volumes were larger than 2D ones (end-diastolic volume: 173 ± 64 vs. 142 ± 58 mL, respectively), while no differences were found for LV EF and LA volumes (EF: 55% ± 12 vs. 56% ± 14; LA volume 89 ± 36 vs. 89 ± 38 mL, respectively). The comparison between DHM and CMR values showed a high correlation for LV volumes (r = 0.70 and r = 0.82, p < 0.001 for end-diastolic and end-systolic volume, respectively) and an excellent correlation for EF (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) and LA volumes. The DHM software is feasible, accurate, and quick in a large series of unselected patients, including those with suboptimal 2D images or in atrial fibrillation.

Multimodality imaging assessment of mitral annular disjunction in mitral valve prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is an abnormality linked to mitral valve prolapse (MVP), possibly associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias. We assessed the agreement among different imaging techniques for MAD identification and measurement. METHODS: 131 patients with MVP and significant mitral regurgitation undergoing transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were retrospectively enrolled. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) was available in 106 patients. MAD was evaluated in standard long-axis views (four-chamber, two-chamber, three-chamber) by each technique. RESULTS: Considering any-length MAD, MAD prevalence was 17.3%, 25.5%, 42.0% by TTE, TOE and CMR, respectively (p<0.05). The agreement on MAD identification was moderate between TTE and CMR (κ=0.54, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.59) and good between TOE and CMR (κ=0.79, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.84). Assuming CMR as reference and according to different cut-off values for MAD (≥2 mm, ≥4 mm, ≥6 mm), specificity (95% CI) of TTE and TOE was 99.6 (99.0 to 100.0)% and 98.7 (97.4 to 100.0)%; 99.3 (98.4 to 100.0)% and 97.6 (95.8 to 99.4)%; 97.8 (96.2 to 99.3)% and 93.2 (90.3 to 96.1)%, respectively; sensitivity (95% CI) was 43.1 (37.8 to 48.4)% and 74.5 (69.4 to 79.5)%; 54.0 (48.7 to 59.3)% and 88.9 (85.2 to 92.5)%; 88.0 (84.5 to 91.5)% and 100.0 (100.0 to 100.0)%, respectively. MAD length was 8.0 (7.0-10.0), 7.0 (5.0-8.0], 5.0 (4.0-7.0) mm, respectively by TTE, TOE and CMR. Agreement on MAD measurement was moderate between TTE and CMR (ρ=0.73) and strong between TOE and CMR (ρ=0.86). CONCLUSIONS: An integrated imaging approach could be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of patients with MVP and symptoms suggestive for arrhythmias. If echocardiography is fundamental for the anatomic and haemodynamic characterisation of the MV disease, CMR may better identify small length MAD as well as myocardial fibrosis.

Machine Learning Prediction Models for Mitral Valve Repairability and Mitral Regurgitation Recurrence in Patients Undergoing Surgical Mitral Valve Repair.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is the most common valvular heart disease and current variables associated with MR recurrence are still controversial. We aim to develop a machine learning-based prognostic model to predict causes of mitral valve (MV) repair failure and MR recurrence. METHODS: 1000 patients who underwent MV repair at our institution between 2008 and 2018 were enrolled. Patients were followed longitudinally for up to three years. Clinical and echocardiographic data were included in the analysis. Endpoints were MV repair surgical failure with consequent MV replacement or moderate/severe MR (>2+) recurrence at one-month and moderate/severe MR recurrence after three years. RESULTS: 817 patients (DS1) had an echocardiographic examination at one-month while 295 (DS2) also had one at three years. Data were randomly divided into training (DS1: n = 654; DS2: n = 206) and validation (DS1: n = 164; DS2 n = 89) cohorts. For intra-operative or early MV repair failure assessment, the best area under the curve (AUC) was 0.75 and the complexity of mitral valve prolapse was the main predictor. In predicting moderate/severe recurrent MR at three years, the best AUC was 0.92 and residual MR at six months was the most important predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Machine learning algorithms may improve prognosis after MV repair procedure, thus improving indications for correct candidate selection for MV surgical repair.

Tricuspid annular dilation in patients undergoing early mitral valve surgery: is it an old story?

Patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), undergoing early surgery for severe regurgitation, are usually characterized by a low degree of right chambers' remodeling. In this selected population, the mechanisms leading to tricuspid annular (TA) dilatation (TAD) are not well understood. In this setting, we aimed to evaluate, using three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE), how right chambers affect TA size and might contribute to functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) progression. We studied 159 patients treated with early isolated surgery for MVP, characterized by: sinus rhythm; normal biventricular function; normal or elevated pulmonary artery pressure; tricuspid regurgitation (TR) ≤ mild; no concomitant cardiac disease. All patients reached a 3-year echocardiographic follow-up. Based on two-dimensional echocardiography, patients were divided in Group 1 (N = 68, 43%, TAD, TA ≥ 21 mm/m2) and Group 2 (N = 91, 57%, no TAD, TA < 21 mm/m2). By 3DE, Group 1 showed larger TA size, right atrial (RA) volume and right ventricular (RV) conical remodeling compared to Group 2 (p < 0.05). The multivariate analysis revealed that RA volume, RV basal diameter and function were independently correlated to TA size (p < 0.05). At the 3-year follow-up there was a low incidence of FTR, with a trend towards FTR progression in Group 1 (p = 0.07). In patients undergoing early surgery for MVP, TAD seems to result from distinctive early-onset geometrical changes of the right chambers, preceding TR, RV dilatation and pulmonary hypertension at rest. An integrated approach, including right chambers' assessment by 3DE, might help to better recognized patients at higher risk for TAD and, potentially for FTR.