The prognostic impact of right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling in heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The echocardiographic tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) ratio is a non-invasive surrogate of right ventricular-pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) coupling which corresponds well with the respective invasively derived index. Recently, a wealth of observational data has arisen, outlining its prognostic value in heart failure (HF) patients. To systematically appraise and quantitatively synthesize the evidence of the prognostic value of TAPSE/PASP ratio in left-sided HF regardless of etiology or left ventricular ejection fraction. A systematic literature review was conducted in electronic databases to identify studies reporting the association of TAPSE/PASP ratio with outcomes in patients with HF and, when appropriate, a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios [(a)HRs] for all-cause death and the composite outcome of all-cause death or HF hospitalization. Eighteen studies were deemed eligible encompassing 8,699 HF patients. The applied cut-off value for RV-PA uncoupling varied substantially from 0.27 to 0.58 mm/mmHg, and in most studies values lower than the applied cutoff conveyed dismal prognosis. Eleven studies reported appropriate data for meta-analysis. TAPSE/PASP reduction by 1 mm/mmHg was independently associated with all-cause death (pooled aHR=1.32 [1.06-1.65]; p=0.01; I2=56%) and the composite outcome (pooled aHR=3.48 [1.67-7.25]; p<0.001; I2=0%). When a TAPSE/PASP cutoff value of 0.36 mm/mmHg was applied it yielded independent association with all-cause death (pooled aHR=2.84 [2.22-3.64]; p<0.001; I2=82%). RV-PA coupling assessed by echocardiographic TAPSE/PASP ratio appears to be an independent outcome predictor for HF patients.

Hypoglycemic Drugs in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure: A Narrative Review.

Over the last few years, given the increase in the incidence and prevalence of both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure (HF), it became crucial to develop guidelines for the optimal preventive and treatment strategies for individuals facing these coexisting conditions. In patients aged over 65, HF hospitalization stands out as the predominant reason for hospital admissions, with their prognosis being associated with the presence or absence of T2DM. Historically, certain classes of glucose-lowering drugs, such as thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone), raised concerns due to an observed increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiovascular (CV)-related mortality. In response to these concerns, regulatory agencies started requiring CV outcome trials for all novel antidiabetic agents [i.e., dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is)] with the aim to assess the CV safety of these drugs beyond glycemic control. This narrative review aims to address the current knowledge about the impact of glucose-lowering agents used in T2DM on HF prevention, prognosis, and outcome.

Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life among Patients with Heart Failure.

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by a progressive clinical course marked by frequent exacerbations and repeated hospitalizations, leading to considerably high morbidity and mortality rates. Patients with HF present with a constellation of bothersome symptoms, which range from physical to psychological and mental manifestations. With the transition to more advanced HF stages, symptoms become increasingly more debilitating, interfere with activities of daily living and disrupt multiple domains of life, including physical functioning, psychological status, emotional state, cognitive function, intimate relationships, lifestyle status, usual role activities, social contact and support. By inflicting profuse limitations in numerous aspects of life, HF exerts a profoundly negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). It is therefore not surprising that patients with HF display lower levels of HRQOL compared not only to the general healthy population but also to patients suffering from other chronic diseases. On top of this, poor HRQOL in patients with HF becomes an even greater concern considering that it has been associated with unfavorable long-term outcomes and poor prognosis. Nevertheless, HRQOL may differ significantly among patients with HF. Indeed, it has consistently been reported that women with HF display poorer HRQOL compared to men, while younger patients with HF tend to exhibit lower levels of HRQOL than their older counterparts. Moreover, patients presenting with higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (III-IV) have significantly more impaired HRQOL than those in a better NYHA class (I-II). Furthermore, most studies report worse levels of HRQOL in patients suffering from HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) compared to patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Last, but not least, differences in HRQOL have been noted depending on geographic location, with lower HRQOL levels having been recorded in Africa and Eastern Europe and higher in Western Europe in a recent large global study. Based on the observed disparities that have been invariably reported in the literature, this review article aims to provide insight into the underlying differences in HRQOL among patients with HF. Through an overview of currently existing evidence, fundamental differences in HRQOL among patients with HF are analyzed based on sex, age, NYHA functional class, ejection fraction and geographic location or ethnicity.

The prognostic value of right ventricular longitudinal strain in heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a well-recognized adverse prognostic feature in patients with heart failure (HF). Recently, many single-center studies have demonstrated that RV longitudinal strain assessed using speckle tracking echocardiography might be a powerful prognosticator in HF. OBJECTIVES: To systematically appraise and quantitatively synthesize the evidence of the prognostic value of echocardiographic RV longitudinal strain, across the entire spectrum of left ventricular ejection function (LVEF) in HF. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted in electronic databases to identify every study reporting the predictive role of RV global longitudinal strain (RV GLS) and RV free wall longitudinal strain (RV FWLS) in HF subjects. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the adjusted and unadjusted hazard ratios [(a)HRs] for all-cause-mortality and for the composite outcome of all-cause mortality or HF-related hospitalization for both indices. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were deemed eligible and 15 of these provided appropriate quantitative data for the meta-analysis, encompassing 8,738 patients. Each 1% worsening in RV GLS and RV FWLS was independently associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (pooled aHR = 1.08 [1.03-1.13]; p < 0.01; I2 = 76% and 1.05 [1.05-1.06]; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%, respectively) and the composite outcome (pooled aHR = 1.10 [1.06-1.15]; p < 0.01; I2 = 0% and 1.06 [1.02-1.10]; p < 0.01; I2 = 69%, respectively) for patients with HF. The subgroup analysis of HF patients with LVEF < 45% yielded similar results, with worsening in RV GLS and RV FWLS retaining strong association with the two outcomes. CONCLUSION: Echocardiographic RV GLS and RV FWLS appear to have powerful prognostic value across the range of HF.

Association of clinical, laboratory and imaging biomarkers with the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction in patients without standard modifiable risk factors - rationale and design of the "Beyond-SMuRFs Study".

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The majority of patients who suffer an AMI have a history of at least one of the standard modifiable risk factors (SMuRFs): smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. However, emerging scientific evidence recognizes a clinically significant and increasing proportion of patients presenting with AMI without any SMuRF (SMuRF-less patients). To date, there are no adequate data to define specific risk factors or biomarkers associated with the development of AMIs in these patients. METHODS: The ''Beyond-SMuRFs Study'' is a prospective, non-interventional cohort trial designed to enroll patients with AMI and no previous coronary intervention history, who undergo coronary angiography in two academic hospitals in Thessaloniki, Greece. The rationale of the study is to investigate potential relations between SMuRF-less AMIs and the clinical, laboratory and imaging profile of patients, by comparing parameters between patients with and without SMuRFs. Complete demographic and comprehensive clinical data will be recorded, Venous blood samples will be collected before coronary angiography and the following parameters will be measured: total blood count, standard biochemistry parameters, coagulation tests, hormone levels, glycosylated hemoglobin, N- terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin T levels- as well as serum levels of novel atherosclerosis indicators and pro-inflammatory biomarkers. Furthermore, all participants will undergo a complete and comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic assessment according to a pre-specified protocol within 24 h from admission. Among others, 2D-speckle-tracking echocardiographic analysis of cardiac chambers and non-invasive calculation of myocardial work indices for the left ventricle will be performed. Moreover, all patients will be assessed for angiographic parameters and the complexity of coronary artery disease using the SYNTAX score. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models will be used to phenotypically characterize SMuRF-less patients and investigate independent clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic and angiographic biomarkers-predictors of SMuRF-less status in AMI.The first patient was enrolled in March 2022 and completion of enrollment is expected until December 2023. DISCUSSION: The ''Beyond-SmuRFs'' study is an ongoing prospective trial aiming to investigate potential clinical, laboratory and imaging biomarkers associated with the occurrence of AMIs in SMuRF-less patients. The configuration of these patients' profiles could lead to the development of personalized risk-stratification models predicting the occurrence of cardiovascular events in SΜuRF-less individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05535582 / September 10, 2022.

Left Atrial Myopathy is Associated With Exercise Incapacity and Ventilatory Inefficiency in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) myopathy is an established component of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); however, the data about its association with exercise incapacity or ventilatory inefficiency that may be seen in HCM patients are limited. This study aimed to explore the association between LA myopathy, evaluated by echocardiography LA strain, and exercise capacity and ventilatory efficiency, evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), in HCM patients. METHODS: This study included 241 consecutive HCM patients (aged 51.2±15.7 years 67.2% male) in sinus rhythm who underwent CPET and transthoracic echocardiography at the same visit. Exercise incapacity (maximal/predicted oxygen consumption [%peakVO2] <80%) and ventilatory inefficiency (ventilation/carbon dioxide output [VE/VCO2] slope >34) were assessed by CPET. Left atrial myopathy was examined by speckle-tracking myocardial deformation parameters: LA reservoir, conduit and booster strain. RESULTS: All three LA strain values were univariate predictors of exercise capacity and ventilatory efficiency. Among them, LA reservoir strain had the higher r correlation coefficient for predicting both %peakVO2 and VE/VCO2 slope. Left atrial reservoir strain, presence of angina and family history of HCM were independent predictors of exercise capacity. Left atrial reservoir strain, male gender and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia were independent predictors of ventilatory efficiency. Left atrial reservoir strain was a significant predictor of %peakVO2<80% with an optimal cut-off value of 27% (sensitivity 87% and specificity 31%) and VE/VCO2>34 with an optimal cut-off value of 18% (sensitivity 71% and specificity 83%). CONCLUSION: Left atrial myopathy, as reflected by the LA strain values, was associated with exercise incapacity and ventilatory inefficiency in HCM individuals. Left atrial reservoir strain was the only common independent predictor of %peakVO2 and VE/VCO2 slope.

Mitral regurgitation impact on left atrial myopathy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that mitral regurgitation (MR) represents a major determinant of left atrial (LA) function in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The role of MR in determining LA myopathy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association of MR with LA myopathy, assessed by LA strain values in HCM patients. METHODS: In total 250 consecutive patients (mean age 51 ± 16 years, 67.2% male) with an established diagnosis of HCM and with sinus rhythm at index echocardiography evaluation were included. LA reservoir, conduit and booster strain were analyzed, besides LA size, left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. The predictors of LA strain values were identified with linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Significant (more than mild) MR was a significant univariate predictor of all the three LA strain values. In multivariate linear regression analysis, independent predictors of LA reservoir strain were more than mild MR (r = -.23), LV global longitudinal strain (r = -.49), LA volume index (r = -.27) and patient age (r = -.23). Significant MR was also an independent determinant of LA conduit (r = -.17) and booster strain (r = -.12). In patients with LA volume index < 34 ml/m2 more than mild MR was an independent predictor of LA reservoir (r = -.32) and conduit strain (r = -.27), but not LA booster strain. CONCLUSION: Significant MR is associated with LA myopathy independently of the LV diastolic and systolic function and LA size.

Contemporary Data on the Status and Medical Management of Acute Heart Failure.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Acute heart failure (AHF) is among the leading causes for unplanned hospital admission. Despite advancements in the management of chronic heart failure, the prognosis of AHF remains poor with high in-hospital mortality and increased rates of unfavorable post-discharge outcomes. With this review, we aim to summarize current data on AHF epidemiology, focus on the different patient profiles and classifications, and discuss management, including novel therapeutic options in this area. RECENT FINDINGS: There is significant heterogeneity among patients admitted for AHF in their baseline characteristics, heart failure (HF) aetiology and precipitating factors leading to decompensation. A novel classification scheme based on four distinct clinical scenarios has been included in the most recent ESC guidelines, in an effort to better risk stratify patients and guide treatment. Intravenous diuretics, vasodilators, and inotropes remain the cornerstone of management in the acute phase, and expansion of use of mechanical circulatory support has been noted in recent years. Meanwhile, many treatments that have proved their value in chronic heart failure demonstrate promising results in the setting of AHF and research in this field is currently ongoing. Acute heart failure remains a major health challenge with high in-hospital mortality and unfavorable post-discharge outcomes. Admission for acute HF represents a window of opportunity for patients to initiate appropriate treatment as soon as possible after stabilization. Future studies are needed to elucidate which patients will benefit the most by available therapies and define the optimal timing for treatment implementation.

Evaluation of mitral regurgitation by cardiac magnetic resonance and transthoracic echocardiography: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) have complementary roles in the severity grading of mitral regurgitation (MR). Our objective was to systematically review the correlation of MR severity as assessed by TTE and CMR. We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane Library for original series published between January 1st, 2000 and March 23rd, 2020. We used Cohen's kappa coefficient to measure agreement between modalities. We plotted a hierarchical summary receiver operator characteristic (HSROC) curve and estimated the area under the curve (AUC) to assess the concordance between the two imaging modalities for the detection of severe MR. We identified 858 studies, of which 65 underwent full-text assessment and 8 were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 718 patients were included (425 males, 59%) in the final analysis. There was significant heterogeneity in the methods used and considerable variation in kappa coefficient, ranging from 0.10 to 0.48. Seven out of eight studies provided the necessary data to plot HSROC curves and calculate the AUC. The AUC for detecting severe MR was 0.83 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.86), whereas the AUC for detecting moderate to severe MR was 0.83 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.86). The agreement between TTE and CMR in MR severity evaluation is modest across the entire spectrum of severity grading. However, when focusing on patients with at least moderate MR the concordance between TTE and CMR is very good. Further prospective studies comparing hard clinical endpoints based on the CMR and TTE assessment of MR severity are needed.

Inter-ethnic differences in valve morphology, valvular dysfunction, and aortopathy between Asian and European patients with bicuspid aortic valve.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been shown safe and feasible in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) morphology. Evaluation of inter-ethnic differences in valve morphology and function and aortic root dimensions in patients with BAV is important for the worldwide spread of this therapy in this subgroup of patients. Comparisons between large European and Asian cohorts of patients with BAV have not been performed, and potential differences between populations may have important implications for TAVR. Aim: The present study evaluated the differences in valve morphology and function and aortic root dimensions between two large cohorts of European and Asian patients with BAV. Methods and results: Aortic valve morphology was defined on transthoracic echocardiography according to the number of commissures and raphe: type 0 = no raphe and two commissures, type 1 = one raphe and two commissures, type 2 = two raphes and one commissure. Aortic stenosis and regurgitation were graded according to current recommendations. For this study, aortic root dimensions were manually measured on transthoracic echocardiograms at the level of the aortic annulus, sinus of Valsalva (SOV), sinotubular junction (STJ), and ascending aorta (AA). Of 1427 patients with BAV (45.2 ± 18.1 years, 71.9% men), 794 (55.6%) were Europeans and 633 (44.4%) were Asians. The groups were comparable in age and proportion of male sex. Asians had higher prevalence of type 1 BAV with raphe between right and non-coronary cusps than Europeans (19.7% vs. 13.6%, respectively; P < 0.001), whereas the Europeans had higher prevalence of type 0 BAV (two commissures, no raphe) than Asians (14.5% vs. 6.8%, respectively; P < 0.001). The prevalence of moderate and severe aortic regurgitation was higher in Europeans than Asians (44.2% vs. 26.8%, respectively; P < 0.001) whereas there were no differences in BAV with normal function or aortic stenosis. After adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and valve function, the dimensions of the aortic annulus [mean difference 1.17 mm/m2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96-1.39], SOV (mean difference 1.86 mm/m2, 95% CI 1.47-2.24), STJ (mean difference 0.52 mm/m2, 95% CI 0.14-0.90) and AA (mean difference 1.05 mm/m2, 95% CI 0.57-1.52) were significantly larger among Asians compared with Europeans. Conclusions: This large multicentre registry reports for the first time that Asians with BAV showed more frequently type 1 BAV (with fusion between right and non-coronary cusp) and have larger aortic dimensions than Europeans. These findings have important implications for prosthesis type and size selection for TAVR.

Effects of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair With MitraClip on Left Ventricular and Atrial Hemodynamic Load and Myocardial Wall Stress.

AIMS: To evaluate the effects of MitraClip on left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) myocardial wall stress as assessed with the use of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and strain imaging. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-five patients with symptomatic moderate and severe mitral regurgitation (MR; age 75 ± 9 y, 57% male, 89% functional MR) treated with the use of MitraClip were evaluated. Patients were divided according to 6-month NT-proBNP tertiles. Changes in echocardiographic parameters over 6 months were assessed. Reductions in LV end-diastolic volumes (178 ± 77 mL to 170 ± 79 mL; P = .045) and LV end-systolic volumes (120 ± 70 mL to 111 ± 69 mL; P = .040) were observed in the overall population. Interestingly, low-NT-proBNP-tertile patients showed slight improvements in LV and LA longitudinal strain, whereas high-NT-proBNP-tertile patients showed impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Although MitraClip induces hemodynamic unloading in patients with predominantly functional MR, myocardial wall stress is not consistently improved. In patients with reduced NT-proBNP, improvements in LA volume index and LV and LA strains were observed. Patients who showed an increase in NT-proBNP exhibited impairment in LV and LA strain, suggesting an increase of myocardial wall stress.

Integrated imaging of echocardiography and computed tomography to grade mitral regurgitation severity in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

AIMS: Quantitative mitral regurgitation (MR) grading remains challenging. This study evaluated the concept of integrating echocardiography and computed tomography for grading MR severity. Specifically, an integrated parameter was developed that combines the true cross-sectional mitral regurgitant orifice area (ROA) assessed with multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) with flow data from echocardiography. METHODS AND RESULTS: Systolic MDCT data of 73 patients, referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) who also had MR, were evaluated. The MDCT systolic phase with the smaller left ventricular volume and the largest mitral regurgitant orifice was selected. Using planimetry, the mitral ROA was measured. The mitral ROA was multiplied with the velocity time integral of the MR jet on echocardiography for the calculation of the integrated regurgitant volume (RVol). MDCT analysis showed a mean mitral ROA of 11.3 ± 7.4 mm2 and a mean integrated RVol of 21.4 ± 14.7 mL/beat, whereas echocardiography showed a mean effective ROA and RVol of MR of 13.3 ± 8.2 mm2 and 23.9 ± 13.6 mL/beat, respectively. Compared with echocardiography, grading based on integrated mitral RVol resulted in reclassification of 10% of the patients from severe to non-severe MR and 14% of the patients from non-severe to severe MR. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated mitral RVol is a quantitative parameter of MR severity by combining the true cross-sectional mitral ROA assessed with MDCT and Doppler mitral haemodynamics which resulted in a significant reclassification of MR grade in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR.

Computed tomography for planning transcatheter tricuspid valve therapy.

AIMS: Percutaneous transcatheter tricuspid valve therapy is an evolving treatment option for patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) deemed too fragile for open heart surgery. The present study proposes comprehensive anatomical evaluation of the tricuspid valve, right ventricle (RV), and vena cavae and its spatial relationships with the right coronary artery (RCA) using computed tomography (CT) and investigates the implications for suitability for current technologies. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 250 patients (mean age 80 ± 7.2 years, 52.4% men) undergoing CT were divided according to the presence of moderate or severe TR (≥3+, n = 40) and less than moderate TR (<3+, n = 210). Tricuspid valve annulus, RV, and vena cavae dimensions and the course of the RCA relative to the tricuspid annulus were evaluated. Patients with TR ≥ 3+ showed significantly larger dimensions of the tricuspid annulus, RV and vena cavae. In 64.8% of patients, the RCA coursed along the tricuspid valve annulus. Patients with TR <3+ showed more frequently a course of the RCA superior to the tricuspid annulus at the levels of the anterior and the posterior tricuspid leaflet compared with their counterparts (12.4% vs. 0%, P = 0.019). A less favourable course of the RCA (≤2.0 mm distance to the annulus) for current annuloplasty techniques was observed at the level of the anterior tricuspid and posterior leaflets in respective 12.5 and 27.5% of patients with TR ≥3+. CONCLUSION: The present study proposes a first systematic approach based on CT to define the patient suitability for current transcatheter tricuspid valve devices.

Transcatheter aortic valve thrombosis: the relation between hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening, abnormal valve haemodynamics, and stroke.

AIMS: The presence of hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) and/or reduced leaflet motion on multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) has been proposed as a possible marker for early transcatheter aortic valve thrombosis. However, its association with abnormal valve haemodynamics on echocardiography (another potential marker of thrombosis) and clinical outcomes (stroke) remains unclear. The present study evaluated the prevalence of HALT on MDCT and abnormal valve haemodynamics on echocardiography. In addition, the occurrence of ischemic stroke and/or transient ischemic attack (TIA) was assessed. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 434 patients (mean age 80 ± 7 years, 51% male) who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) were evaluated. Transcatheter valve haemodynamics were assessed on echocardiography at discharge, 6 months, and thereafter yearly (up to 3 years post-TAVR). The presence of HALT and/or reduced leaflet motion was assessed on MDCT performed 35 days [interquartile range 19-210] after TAVR in 128 of these 434 patients. Possible TAVR valve thrombosis was defined by mean transvalvular gradient ≥20 mmHg and aortic valve area (AVA) ≤1.1cm2 on echocardiography or by the presence of HALT or reduced leaflet motion on MDCT. The occurrence of ischemic stroke/TIA at follow-up was recorded. HALT and/or reduced leaflet motion was present in 12.5% of 128 patients undergoing MDCT, and was associated with a slightly higher mean transvalvular gradient (12.4 ± 8.0 mmHg vs. 9.4 ± 4.3 mmHg; P = 0.026) and smaller AVA (1.49 ± 0.39 cm2 vs. 1.78 ± 0.45 cm2, P = 0.017). Only one patient with HALT on MDCT revealed abnormal valve haemodynamics on echocardiography. At 3-year follow-up, abnormal valve haemodynamics on echocardiography were observed in 3% of patients. HALT on MDCT and abnormal valve haemodynamics on echocardiography were not associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke/TIA. CONCLUSION: On MDCT, 12.5% of patients showed HALT or reduced leaflet motion, whereas only one of these patients had abnormal valve haemodynamics on echocardiography. Neither HALT nor increased transvalvular gradient were associated with stroke/TIA.

Left ventricular systolic function assessment in secondary mitral regurgitation: left ventricular ejection fraction vs. speckle tracking global longitudinal strain.

AIMS: Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) is currently considered for the decision making of patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). However, LVEF represents change in LV volume between end-diastole and end-systole but does not characterize the intrinsic function of the myocardium. In contrast, speckle-tracking global longitudinal strain (GLS) characterizes myocardial deformation. The present study evaluated whether LV GLS may detect further impairment in LV systolic function in dilated cardiomyopathy patients with and without severe secondary MR matched based on LVEF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (N = 150, 59 ± 12 years old, 58% male) were included: 75 patients with severe secondary MR and 75 patients with none or less than mild MR matched 1 : 1 according to LVEF. The LV systolic function was evaluated by LVEF (following Simpson's biplane method), forward ejection fraction (forward stroke volume relative to LV end-diastolic volume), and speckle-tracking GLS. By definition, LVEF was comparable between the two groups (patients with severe MR 31 ± 10 vs. patients with no/mild MR 31 ± 10%, P = 0.93). However, patients with severe MR had significantly lower forward ejection fraction (29 ± 14 vs. 40 ± 18%, P < 0.001) and more impaired GLS (-8.08 ± 3.33 vs. -9.78 ± 3.78%, P = 0.004) compared with their counterparts. The presence of severe secondary MR was significantly associated with worse LV GLS (ß 1.32, 95% confidence interval 0.14-2.49, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In patients with severe secondary MR, speckle-tracking GLS shows more deteriorated LV systolic function than LVEF.

Low gradient severe aortic stenosis with preserved ejection fraction: reclassification of severity by fusion of Doppler and computed tomographic data.

AIMS: Low gradient severe aortic stenosis (AS) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) may be attributed to aortic valve area index (AVAi) underestimation due to the assumption of a circular shape of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) with 2-dimensional echocardiography. The current study evaluated whether fusing Doppler and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) data to calculate AVAi results in significant reclassification of inconsistently graded severe AS. METHODS AND RESULTS: In total, 191 patients with AVAi < 0.6 cm2/m2 and LVEF ≥ 50% (mean age 80 ± 7 years, 48% male) were included in the current analysis. Patients were classified according to flow (stroke volume index <35 or ≥35 mL/m2) and gradient (mean transaortic pressure gradient ≤40 or >40 mmHg) into four groups: normal flow-high gradient (n = 72), low flow-high gradient (n = 31), normal flow-low gradient (n = 46), and low flow-low gradient (n = 42). Left ventricular outflow tract area was measured by planimetry on MDCT and combined with Doppler haemodynamics on continuity equation to obtain the fusion AVAi. The group of patients with normal flow-low gradient had significantly larger AVAi and LVOT area index compared with the other groups. Although MDCT-derived LVOT area index was comparable among the four groups, the fusion AVAi was significantly larger in the normal flow-low gradient group. By using the fusion AVAi, 52% (n = 24) of patients with normal flow-low gradient and 12% (n = 5) of patients with low flow-low gradient would have been reclassified into moderate AS due to AVAi ≥ 0.6 cm2/m2. CONCLUSION: The fusion AVAi reclassifies 52% of normal flow-low gradient and 12% of low flow-low gradient severe AS into true moderate AS, by providing true cross-sectional LVOT area.

NGAL and ST2 levels in ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure. Clinical and echocardiographic correlates.

AIM: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and ST2 receptor, a member of the interleukin-1 receptor family, are novel biomarkers with a potential role in the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). There is however scarce data on their relation with clinical characteristics and cardiac function in patients with CHF. METHODS: Consecutive ambulatory patients with CHF were studied. All patients underwent clinical and echocardiographic assessment, and blood samples were collected for the estimation of ST2 and NGAL serum levels during the same assessment. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients (79% male, mean age: 63 ± 14 years), with CHF and left ventricular ejection fraction of 28 ± 7% were included. Median NGAL was 0.16 (0.09-0.275) mg/L and median ST2 was 0.0125 (0.0071-0.0176) mg/L. No association between NGAL and ST2 was observed. Multivariate analysis revealed tissue Doppler-derived right ventricular systolic velocity as an independent predictor of ST2, and the duration of HF and serum creatinine levels as independent predictors of NGAL. CONCLUSIONS: NGAL levels depend on the renal function and the duration of HF, while ST2 levels are affected by the right but not the left ventricular function and show no association with clinical indices of HF.

Metabolic syndrome is associated with a poor outcome in patients affected by outflow tract premature ventricular contractions treated by catheter ablation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome (MS) on outcome of catheter ablation (CA) for treatment of frequent premature ventricular contraction beats (PVCs) originating from right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) or coronary cusps (CUSPs), in patients with normal ventricular systolic function and absence of cardiac structural disease. METHODS: In this multicentre prospective study we evaluated 90 patients with frequent PVCs originating from RVOT (n = 68), LVOT (n = 19) or CUSPs (n = 3), treated with CA. According to baseline diagnosis they were divided in patients with MS (n = 24) or without MS (n = 66). The study endpoint was a composite of recurrence of acute or delayed outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia: acute spontaneous or inducible outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia recurrence or recurrence of outflow tract PVCs in holter monitoring at follow up. RESULTS: Patients with MS compared to patients without MS showed a higher acute post-procedural recurrence of outflow tract PVCs (n = 8, 66.6%, vs. n = 6, 9.0%, p = 0.005). At a mean follow up of 35 (17-43) months survival free of recurrence of outflow tract PVCs was lower in patients with baseline MS compared to patients without MS diagnosis (log-rank test, p < 0.001). In cox regression analysis, only MS was independently associated with study endpoint (HR = 9.655 , 95% CI 3.000-31.0.68 , p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MS is associated with a higher recurrence rate of outflow tract PVCs after CA in patients without structural heart disease.

QRS analysis using wavelet transformation for the prediction of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: a prospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Wider QRS and left bundle branch block morphology are related to response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). A novel time-frequency analysis of the QRS complex may provide additional information in predicting response to CRT. METHODS: Signal-averaged electrocardiograms were prospectively recorded, before CRT, in orthogonal leads and QRS decomposition in three frequency bands was performed using the Morlet wavelet transformation. RESULTS: Thirty eight patients (age 65±10years, 31 males) were studied. CRT responders (n=28) had wider baseline QRS compared to non-responders and lower QRS energies in all frequency bands. The combination of QRS duration and mean energy in the high frequency band had the best predicting ability (AUC 0.833, 95%CI 0.705-0.962, p=0.002) followed by the maximum energy in the high frequency band (AUC 0.811, 95%CI 0.663-0.960, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Wavelet transformation of the QRS complex is useful in predicting response to CRT.