Non-invasive evaluation of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure using the left atrial expansion index in mitral valve stenosis, prosthesis and repair

Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) non-invasive evaluation is limited in patients with mitral valve (MV) stenosis, prosthesis, and surgical repair. This study aimed to assess the left atrial expansion index (LAEI) measured through transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as a novel parameter for estimating PCWP in these challenging cardiac conditions. We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional study, including chronic cardiac patients receiving within 24 h a clinically indicated right heart catheterization (RHC) and transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) exam. PCWP measured during RHC was used as the reference. TTE measurements were performed offline, blinded to RHC results. LAEI was calculated as LAEI = [(LAmaxVolume-LAminVolume)/LAminVolume] × 100. We included 167 patients (age = 73 ± 11.5 years; PCWP = 18 ± 7.7 mmHg) with rheumatic mitral valve (MV) stenosis (16.2%), degenerative MV stenosis (51.2%), MV prosthesis (18.0%), and MV surgical repair (13.8%). LAEI correlated logarithmically with PCWP, and the log-transformed LAEI (lnLAEI) showed a good linear association with PCWP (r = - 0.616; p < 0.001). lnLAEI was an independent PCWP determinant, providing added predictive value over conventional clinical (age, atrial fibrillation, heart rate, MV subgroups) and echocardiographic variables (LVEF, MV effective orifice area, MV mean gradient, net atrioventricular compliance, and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure). lnLAEI identified PCWP > 12 mmHg with AUC = 0.870, p < 0.001; and PCWP > 15 mmHg with AUC = 0.797, p < 0.001, with an optimal cut-off of lnLAEI < 3.69. The derived equation PCWP = 36.8-5.5xlnLAEI estimated the invasively measured PCWP ± 6.1 mmHg. In this cohort of patients with MV stenosis, prosthesis, and surgical repair, lnLAEI resulted in a helpful echocardiographic parameter for PCWP estimation.

Myocardial Fibrosis at Cardiac MRI Helps Predict Adverse Clinical Outcome in Patients with Mitral Valve Prolapse

Background Patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) may develop adverse outcomes even in the absence of mitral regurgitation or left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Purpose To investigate the prognostic value of mitral annulus disjunction (MAD) and myocardial fibrosis at late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac MRI in patients with MVP without moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation or LV dysfunction. Materials and Methods In this longitudinal retrospective study, 118 144 cardiac MRI studies were evaluated between October 2007 and June 2020 at 15 European tertiary medical centers. Follow-up was from the date of cardiac MRI examination to June 2020; the minimum and maximum follow-up intervals were 6 months and 156 months, respectively. Patients were excluded if at least one of the following conditions was present: cardiomyopathy, LV ejection fraction less than 40%, ischemic heart disease, congenital heart disease, inflammatory heart disease, moderate or worse mitral regurgitation, participation in competitive sport, or electrocardiogram suggestive of channelopathies. In the remainder, cardiac MRI studies were reanalyzed, and patients were included if they were aged 18 years or older, MVP was diagnosed at cardiac MRI, and clinical information and electrocardiogram monitoring were available within 3 months from cardiac MRI examination. The end point was a composite of adverse outcomes: sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), sudden cardiac death (SCD), or unexplained syncope. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed. Results A total of 474 patients (mean age, 47 years ± 16 [SD]; 244 women) were included. Over a median follow-up of 3.3 years, 18 patients (4%) reached the study end point. LGE presence (hazard ratio, 4.2 [95% CI: 1.5, 11.9]; P = .006) and extent (hazard ratio, 1.2 per 1% increase [95% CI: 1.1, 1.4]; P = .006), but not MAD presence (P = .89), were associated with clinical outcome. LGE presence had incremental prognostic value over MVP severity and sustained VT and aborted SCD at baseline (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.70 vs 0.62; P = .03). Conclusion In contrast to mitral annulus disjunction, myocardial fibrosis determined according to late gadolinium enhancement at cardiac MRI was associated with adverse outcome in patients with mitral valve prolapse without moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation or left ventricular dysfunction. © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Gerber in this issue.

843 QUANTIFICATION OF VENTRICULAR FUNCTIONAL MITRAL REGURGITATION USING THE VOLUMETRIC METHOD BY 3D-ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Background

ventricular functional mitral regurgitation (v-FMR) is associated with an increased risk of mortality and hospitalization for heart failure. In this setting, the echocardiographic assessment of v-FMR severity using 2D proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) yields several limitations, potentially leading to an underestimation of v-FMR severity. An alternative approach is to derive the regurgitant volume (RegVol) and the effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) using the three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) to estimate left ventricular volumes (volumetric method, VM). However, a direct comparison of these methods has never been tested. Accordingly, the aims of our study are: i; to compare both 2D PISA measurements of EROA and RegVol with those obtained by VM using 3DE, ii; to test their accuracy using the 3D planimetry of vena contracta area (3D-VCA) of MR jet, as reference.

Methods

we retrospectively analysed 82 (mean age 75±12, 48% men, 79% sinus rhythm, 85% with ischemic cardiomyopathy, 15% with dilated cardiomyopathy) consecutive patients with v-FMR and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF &lt;50%), acquired between July 2020 and October 2021. Exclusion criteria were: age &lt; 18 years, primary MR, presence of intra-cardiac shunts, greater than mild aortic regurgitation, and inadequate acoustic window. PISA EROA was calculated using the formula: 6.28 r2×Va/Vp (where: r= PISA radius, Va= aliasing velocity, Vp= MR peak velocity). FMR regurgitant volume (RegVol) by PISA was calculated as EROA×VTIMR, where VTIMR represents the time–velocity integral of the CW Doppler MR jet tracing. FMR RegVol by 3DE volumetric method (VM) was calculated as: total LV stroke volume (LV SV) – forward LV SV (Ao SV). LV SV was obtained by subtracting the respective end-systolic (ESV) from the end-diastolic (EDV) volumes measured by 3DE. Ao SV was calculated by multiplying LV outflow area by LV outflow tract velocity time integral (VTI). EROA by VM was calculated as the MR RegVol divided by VTIMR. In a group of 10 patients, the quantification of 3D-VCA was performed by multiplanar reconstruction using a dedicated software package (EchoPAC 204 GE Vingmed, Horten, Norway).

Results

average LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, total stroke volume, LVEF and global longitudinal strain were 211±25 mL, 134±17 mL, 73±9 mL, 36±8% and, 9.4±2.7% respectively. Median Ao SV was 50±12 mL. Left atrial volume and left atrial reservoir strain were respectively 99±19 mL and 10±16%. Both EROA and RegVol by VM were larger than EROA (0.17± 0.09 cm2 vs 0.11± 0.01 cm2; p&lt;0.001) and RegVol (25.7±12.1 mL vs 17.2±9.9 mL; p&lt;0.001) by PISA, respectively. Compared to 3D-VCA, EROA by VM resulted more accurate than EROA by PISA (bias= -0.15 cm2, LOA ±0.24 cm2 vs bias= -0.25 cm2, LOA ±0.29 cm2). Finally, VM EROA (r= 0.778) showed a better correlation than PISA EROA (r= 0.681) with the 3D-VCA (p&lt;0.001).

Conclusions

in patients with v-FMR, the echocardiographic assessment of EROA and RegVol using the 3DE volumetric method showed larger values compared to the conventional PISA method, and a closer correlation with the 3D VCA. Accordingly, the 3DE VM could improve the accuracy of evaluation of v-FMR severity. Larger studies with longer clinical follow-up are needed to define if it translates into improved risk stratification and may address patients’ management.

511 INCREMENTAL VALUE OF RIGHT ATRIAL STRAIN ANALYSIS TO PREDICT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION RECURRENCE AFTER CARDIOVERSION

Background

In patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), left atrial (LA) mechanics has been reported to be important to predict recurrences after cardioversion. However, the potential additive role of right atrial (RA) function in this setting remains to be tested. Accordingly, the aims of our study was to assess the added role of right atrial reservoir longitudinal strain (RARS) for prediction of AF recurrence after electrical cardioversion.

Methods

we prospectively studied 130 (mean age 69±14, 55% men) consecutive patients with persistent AF who underwent electrical cardioversion, acquired between June 2020 and December 2021. Exclusion criteria were: presence of pacemaker, more than moderate mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, left or right ventricular dysfunction, prior cardiac surgery, and, inadequate acoustic window. LA and RA 2D-speckle-tracking echocardiography analyses were obtained from dedicated, non-foreshortened 4-ch and RV-focused apical 4-ch views respectively, using a dedicated software package (AFI LA, EchoPAC 204, GE Vingmed, Horten, Norway). The primary endpoint was AF recurrence.

Results

after a follow-up period of 12 months, 60 patients (45%) reached the primary endpoint. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 56.5±8%, for all patients. No significant difference in LA (98±31 vs 94±30 mL, p= 0.333) and RA (68±26 vs 65±26 mL, p=0.286) volumes was detected between patients with and without AF recurrence, while left atrial reservoir strain (LARS, 10±6 vs 14±7%, p&lt;0.001) and RA reservoir strain (RARS, 14±10 vs 16±8%, p&lt;0.001) were significantly lower in patients with recurrent AF. Receiving operator characteristics curve analysis showed that the predictive power of LARS (AUC 0.68 [IC 95% 0.58-0.78]), was lower than RARS (AUC 0.75 [IC 95% 0.66-0.84]) (p&lt;0.001, for all), with cut-off of 10.5% (sensitivity 62%, specificity 70%) and, 15.5% (sensitivity 75%, specificity 75%), respectively. Kaplan-Meier curve for time to primary endpoint showed that patients with LARS≤10.5% and RARS ≤15.5% had a significant risk for AF recurrences (log rank,p&lt;0.001), even after correcting for confounding variables. However, at multivariable Cox regression RARS (HR 3.42 [CI 95% 1.72-6.8], p&lt; 0.001) was the only parameter independently associated with the primary endpoint.

Conclusions

RARS is an independent predictor of the recurrences of AF after electrical cardioversion and provides an incremental prognostic value over LARS. This study highlights the pivotal role of the assessment of bi-atrial remodeling in patients with AF.

517 RIGHT ATRIAL THROMBUS IN A PATIENT WITH CARDIAC AMYLOIDOSIS: A MULTIMODALITY IMAGING APPROACH

Case Presentation

A 47-year-old man was referred to our outpatient clinic for dyspnea and chest pain. His past medical history was remarkable for an admission of acute congestive heart failure, occurred two weeks before presentation. On that occasion, the patient was discharged after a few days of diuretic therapy.

Diagnostic Workup

at presentation, the patient was symptomatic for dyspnea with signs of systemic congestion. The ECG showed sinus rhythm, inferolateral negative T waves and absent progression of R wave in precordial leads. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed markedly thickened left ventricular (LV) walls (maximum interventricular septum dimension 19 mm) with a granular-sparkling appearance of the myocardium, bi-atrial enlargement, preserved LV ejection fraction, restrictive mitral flow pattern thickened interatrial septum and atrio-ventricular valves. No significant valvular regurgitations were detected. Global LV longitudinal strain was significantly reduced (-9.4%), with relative apical sparing. Given the high suspicion for infiltrative disease we performed further investigations. The cardiac computed tomography (CCT) excluded significant coronary artery disease, but it raised the suspicion of a thrombus at the level of the right atrial appendage, that was confirmed by a transesophageal echocardiography showing a mobile round mass of 14×12 mm. Finally, tissue characterization by cardiac magnetic resonance exhibit a diffuse myocardial delayed enhancement, with a dark blood pool and, an increase in extracellular volume and T1 mapping values (1266.3 ms). Laboratory tests showed increased levels of creatinine, BNP and, lambda light chains. Bone scintigraphy imaging didn't identify any uptake of radiotracers at myocardial level. These findings were suggestive for cardiac light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Accordingly, a treatment with warfarin, beta-blockers, steroid, and diuretics was initiated.

Conclusions

cardiac amyloidosis is an infiltrative disease characterized by the deposition of aggregates of amyloid fibrils in the myocardium. Multimodality imaging is pivotal to determine the diagnosis, assess the potential complications, and stratify the patients’ prognosis. Our case demonstrates that cardiac AL amyloidosis is associated with an increased thromboembolic risk, irrespective of the presence of atrial fibrillation. Moreover, although the left atrial appendage is most frequently the site of thrombus formation, it is advised to look for them also in uncommon sites as the right atrial appendage.

394 PROGNOSTIC POWER OF A NEW INDEX OF RIGHT VENTRICLE-PULMONARY ARTERY COUPLING BASED ON RIGHT VENTRICULAR VOLUMES IN PATIENTS WITH SECONDARY TRICUSPID REGURGITATION

Background

Echocardiographic surrogates of right ventricle (RV) to pulmonary artery (PA) coupling have been reported to be associated with outcomes in secondary tricuspid regurgitation (STR). However, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) is difficult to be estimated using echocardiography in patients with severe STR and 3D-derived indexes are loading dependent.

Objectives

To evaluate the predictive power of a new surrogate of RV-PA coupling obtained using RV volumes measured by three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE), accounting for regurgitant volume of STR.

Methods

Patients with moderate or severe STR were enrolled. The primary outcome was the composite endpoint of death from any cause and heart failure hospitalization.

Results

180 patients were included with a median follow up of 24 months (IQR: 2-48); 72 patients (40%) reached the primary endpoint. Among the tested RV-PA coupling indexes, the ratio between (RV stroke volume [SV]-regurgitant volume)/ RV End-systolic volume (ESV) (i.e. RV forward SV/ESV) showed the highest predictive power of the combined endpoint (AUC 0.85 [IC 95% 0.78-0.93]), with a threshold value of 0.40. It was followed by RV ejection fraction/PASP (AUC 0.75 [IC 95% 0.67-0.84]), and TAPSE/PASP (AUC 0.76 [IC 95% 0.68-0.85]). Severe TR (HR 2.04 [CI 95%: 1.10-3.78], p=0.02), TAPSE/PASP &lt;0.36 mm/mmHg (HR 2.39 [CI 95%: 1.26-4.54], p=0.01), and RV forward SV/ESV &lt;0.40 (HR 5.45 [CI 95% 2.47-12.00], p&lt;0.001) were independently associated with the combined endpoint.

Conclusions

RV forward SV/ESV is able to stratify the risk of death and HF hospitalization in patients with STR when added to TR severity, RV ejection fraction and TAPSE/PASP

227 THE PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF RIGHT ATRIAL STRAIN IN PATIENTS WITH SECONDARY TRICUSPID REGURGITATION

Background

in secondary tricuspid regurgitation (STR), the remodeling of the right ventricle (RV) and the right atrium (RA) is associated with different outcomes. However, the potential prognostic role of right RA function in this setting, assessed by 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE), remains to be tested. Accordingly, the aim of our study is to assess the prognostic value of RA 2D-STE in patients with significant (i.e. moderate or severe) STR.

Methods

we retrospectively studied 227 (mean age 74±14, 40% men, 59% sinus rhythm) consecutive patients with significant STR, acquired between May 2012 and June 2021. RA 2D-STE was obtained from a dedicated, non-foreshortened RV-focused apical 4-ch view, using a dedicated software package (AFI LA, EchoPAC 204, GE Vingmed, Horten, Norway). Among the three longitudinal strain components provided by the software package (reservoir, conduit and, contraction), we focused on RA longitudinal strain during reservoir (RASR). Patients were divided into two groups according to the median value of RARS (12%). A combined endpoint of heart failure hospitalization and all-cause mortality was defined.

Results

after a median follow-up period of 14 months (IQR, 1-27), 93 patients (41%) reached the combined endpoint. The predictive power of RARS&lt;12% (AUC 0.64 [IC 95% 0.56-0.71]), was significantly higher than RA maximum volume (AUC 0.38 [IC 95% 0.31-0.47]). Patients with RARS ≤ 12% were more symptomatic (according to NYHA class), had larger RA volumes (119 vs 89 mL, p&lt;0.001) and, a reduced right ventricular systolic function (TAPSE: 14.7 vs 18.9 mm; FAC 37.7 vs 42.4%; RV free-wall strain: 17.5 vs 20.8%; all p&lt;0.001). In addition, patients with RARS&lt;12% had more severe TR (corrected EROA: 0.85 vs 0.41 cm2; p&lt;0.05). Prevalence of atrial fibrillation (58 vs 61%), left ventricular ejection fraction, and right ventricular size were similar between the groups. Patients with RARS ≤12% had a significant risk for death (log rank, p&lt;0.001), even after correcting for confounding variables. Moreover, RA strain was independently associated with the combined endopoint in multivariate analysis (p &lt; 0.001)

Conclusions

in patients with significant STR, RARS is an independent predictor of the combined endpoint of heart failure hospitalization and all-cause mortality and provides incremental prognostic value over RA volume.

920 ASSOCIATION OF OUTCOME WITH LEFT VENTRICULAR VOLUMES AND EJECTION FRACTION MEASURED WITH TWO-AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN PATIENTS REFERRED FOR ROUTINE, CLINICALLY INDICATED STUDIES

Background

LV volumes and LVEF measured by 3DE are more accurate and repeatable than those calculated with 2DE. However, the added prognostic value of 3DE LV volumes and EF remains to be clarified.

Objectives

To analyze if the left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) measured by three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) have an incremental prognostic value over measurements obtained from two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) in patients referred to a high-volume echocardiography laboratory.

Methods

We measured LV volumes and EF using both 2DE and 3DE in 725 consecutive patients (67% men; 59±18 years) with various clinical indications referred for a routine clinical study.

Results

LV volumes were significantly larger, and EF was lower when measured by 3DE than 2DE. During follow-up (3.6±1.2 years), 111 (15.3%) all-cause deaths and 248 (34.2%) cardiac hospitalizations occurred. Larger LV volumes and lower EF were associated with worse otcome independent of age, creatinine, hemoglobin, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic heart diseases). In stepwise Cox regression analyses, the association of both death and cardiac hospitalization with clinical data (CD: age, creatinine, hemoglobin, atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart disease) whose Harrel's C-index (HC) was 0.775, were augmented more by the LV volumes and EF obtained by 3DE than by 2DE parameters. The association of CD with death was not affected by LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) either measured by 2DE or 3DE. Conversely, it was incremented by 3DE LVEF (HC= 0.84, p&lt;.001) more than 2DE LVEF (HC= 0.814, p&lt;0.001). The association of CD with the cumulative endpoint (HC= 0.64, p=0.002) was augments more by 3DE LV EDV (HC= 0.786, p&lt;0.001), end-systolic volume (HC= 0.801, p&lt;0.001), and EF (HC= 0.84, p&lt;0.001) than by the correspondent 2DE parameters (HC= 0.786, HC= 0.796, and 0.84, allp&lt;0.001) In addition, partition values for mild, moderate and severe reduction of the LVEF measured by 3DE showed a higher discriminative power than those measured by 2DE for cardiac death (Log-Rank: χ2=98.3 vs. χ2=77.1; p&lt;0.001). Finally, LV dilation defined according to the 3DE threshold values showed higher discriminatory power and prognostic value for cardiac death than when using 2DE reference values (3DE LVEDV: χ2=15.9, p&lt;0.001 vs. χ2=10.8, p=0.001; 3DE LVESV: χ2=24.4, p&lt;0.001 vs. χ2=17.4, p=0.001).

Conclusions

3DE LVEF and ESV showed stronger association with outcome than 2DE parameters LVEF measured by 3DE had a prognostic discriminatory power than 2D LVEF. Moreover, 3DE LV volumes threshold values for LV dilation had a higher discriminatory power and prognostic value than the corresponding 2DE values reported in current guidelines.

Is pulmonary artery wedge pressure a reliable surrogate of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure during exercise for diagnosing HFpEF in patients with unexplained dyspnea?

Background

Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) is the gold-standard for the assessment of LV filling pressure. For practical reasons, pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is used as a surrogate for LVEDP. However, the interposition of the left atrium (LA) may account discrepancies between LVEDP and PAWP. The imprecision of both end-diastolic (or mid-A) and mean PAWP estimates for LVEDP has been widely described for cardiac catheterization at rest. PAWP measurement during exercise has been advocated to discriminate heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) from non-cardiac dyspnea, with an end-expiratory pathologic threshold ≥25 mmHg. However, a formal comparison of PAWP (either mid-A or mean PAWP) vs LVEDP during exercise has never been performed.

Aim

To compare LVEDP and PAWP during exercise.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with unexplained dyspnea and a normal LV ejection fraction, who had a clinical indication of right and left heart catheterization at rest and during exercise to assess unexplained dyspnea. Patients with mitral regurgitation ≥ moderate were excluded. Hemodynamic measurements were always taken at end-expiration.

Results

Forty-six consecutive patients were included in the analysis (80% with a peak mean PAWP ≥25 mmHg). We found a good correlation between both mid-A and mean PAWP on one side, and LVEDP on the other side (R2&gt;0.55). At peak exercise, mid-A PAWP had no bias as compared with LVEDP, while mean PAWP slightly overestimated LVEDP by 1–2 mmHg. However, confidence intervals were quite large (Figure 1), suggesting imprecision of PAWP estimates for LVEDP in the individual patient. A disagreement between mean PAWP and LVEDP, using a threshold of ≥25 mmHg for both variables at peak exercise, was found in 11% of patients. In 4% of them, mean PAWP was ≥25 but LVEDP &lt;25 mmHg, due to the appearance of tall V waves in the PAWP position (LA stiffness), increasing PAWP above LVEDP. In the remaining 7%, LVEDP was ≥25 but PAWP &lt;25 mmHg. The latter patients, in whom HFpEF would have not been diagnosed based on peak PAWP alone, showed a PAWP increase during exercise relative to cardiac output changes (PAWP/CO slope) &gt;2 mmHg/L/min, as an alternative parameter suggesting HFpEF.

Conclusions

In patients with unexplained exertional breathlessness, both mid-A and mean PAWP showed good correlation with LVEDP during exercise with minimal average bias, but their ability to estimate LVEDP was burdened by a relevant imprecision. Therefore, when in these patients peak PAWP is &lt;25 mmHg, its assessment might need to be complemented by additional measurements (including LVEDP or PAWP/CO slope) to maximize the diagnostic power of exercise cardiac catheterization in identifying HFpEF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship.

Cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking analysis of left atrial volumes and function in standard vs left-atrial focused images

Background

Left atrial (LA) volume and function have shown prognostic value in several cardiac conditions. Routine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) evaluation of the LA is obtained from standard 2- and 4-chamber long-axis cine images focused on the left ventricle. Previous echocardiographic data showed that LA-focused apical views provide a more accurate estimation of LA maximum volume, as compared to standard apical images. CMR LA-focused imaging could improve the accuracy of LA morpho-functional analysis. CMR feature-tracking (CMR-FT) analysis is emerging as a feasible semi-automatic tool for the evaluation of LA volumes and function.

Purpose

To investigate the potential of LA-focused CMR cine images using LA CMR-FT analysis.

Methods

100 consecutive patients clinically referred to CMR were included in this prospective, observational, multicenter study. LA volumes (LAVmax, LAVmin), emptying fraction (EF), atrial strain reservoir (ɛs), conduit (ɛe), booster (ɛa) and strain rate reservoir (SRɛs) were calculated by CMR-FT analysis on both standard and LA-focused 2- and 4-chamber long-axis cine images. Manual segmentation of a short-axis cine stack covering the LA was used as the reference method (RefMeth) for LA volumes and EF.

Results

In comparison to the RefMeth, the standard acquisitions underestimated LA volumes (LAVmax: bias = −8ml, LOA = +20, −35ml; LAVmin: bias = −6 ml, LOA = +15, −27ml) and slightly overestimated EF (bias = +3%, LOA = +17, −11%). Conversely, LA-focused images provided a more accurate estimation (LAV max bias = −1ml, LOA = +11, −9ml; LAV min bias = −2ml, LOA = +12, −7ml) and EF (bias = −2%, LOA = +9, −12%). All three LA strain (εs: bias 7%, LOA = 25, −11%; εe: bias 4%, LOA = 15, −8%; εa: bias 3%, LOA = 14, −8%) and SRεs (bias 0.2 s–1, LOA = 1.13, −0.7 s–1) were significantly higher in standard vs LA-focused images (all p&lt;0.001).

Conclusions

Assessment of LA volumes using CMR-FT applied to dedicated LA-focused long-axis cine images is more accurate than the use of standard acquisitions. LA strain and SRɛs obtained from LA-focused images are significantly lower than those obtained from standard LA acquisitions, possibly due to the inclusion in LA-focused images of LA posterior wall, where pulmonary veins convey and atrial deformation is blunted.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Right heart adaptation during exercise in pulmonary arterial hypertension and in pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Background

Right heart failure (RHF) represents the final step of distinct diseases, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). RHF may be defined by the inability of the heart to maintain a normal cardiac output (CO) or to do so at the expense of high right atrial pressure (RAP), at rest or during exercise.

However, exercise hemodynamic features suggestive of RHF, as well as their determinants, have still not been defined.

Aim

We sought to i. define the limits of normal of RAP increase during exercise; ii. describe the behavior of RAP during exercise in PAH and in PH-HFpEF, and its relation to right heart afterload and preload.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from consecutive patients referred for suspicion of PH, who underwent both a resting and exercise right heart catheterization at two centers with identical methodology. We included patients with PH-HFpEF or PAH. Right heart adaptation to exercise was described either using absolute or CO-normalized RAP increase during exercise (RAP/CO slope), this latter representing the inverse of the Frank-Starling reserve. A control cohort of subjects with normal hemodynamics at rest and during exercise served to define abnormal increase in RAP, i.e. values of RAP and RAP/CO slope &gt; mean ± 2 standard deviation of controls.

Estimated stressed blood volume (eSBV), as a measure of effective preload, was computed using a commercially-available software.

Results

80 patients were included in the analysis, of which 29 were PH-HFpEF, 30 PAH and 21 controls.

HFpEF patients were older than PAH patients and with a higher burden of cardiovascular comorbidities (p&lt;0.05). Sex representation, BMI, and NTproBNP values were similar in the two groups.

Mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and total vascular resistance (TPR) were higher in PAH than in PH-HFpEF both at rest and during exercise (p&lt;0.01), in spite of similar CO (Table 1). At rest, eSBV did not differ between HFpEF and PAH, but it was higher in HFpEF at peak exercise.

On average, PH-HFpEF had higher resting and peak RAP than PAH, as well as higher RAP/CO slope (Figure 1).

The upper limit of normal of exercise RAP and of RAP/CO slope, as determined in control subject, was 12 mmHg and 1.55 mmHg/L/min. A higher rate of HFpEF patients, compared with PAH, had a RAP/CO slope and a peak RAP above normal limits (78% and 91% of PH-HFpEF vs 47% and 44% of PAH, respectively, p&lt;0.001).

RAP/CO slope in the whole cohort was associated with eSBV but not with right ventricular afterload measures (PAP, TPR, PVR).

Conclusions

PH-HFpEF display more frequently a steeper increase of RAP during exercise than PAH patients in spite of similar CO, suggesting a more exhausted Frank-Starling reserve. The steep RAP increase during exercise seems to reflect a dysfunctional preload rather than an afterload-mismatch.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship.

An updated meta-analysis of hemodynamics markers of prognosis in patients with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with left heart disease (LHD). Several hemodynamic variables have been shown to predict outcome, including pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), pulmonary artery compliance (PAC), and the diastolic pressure gradient (DPG). We sought to provide an updated analysis on the association of these variables with prognosis in PH-LHD.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review including studies reporting association measurements between DPG and/or PVR and/or PAC and death in PH-LHD patients. These hemodynamic variables were extracted to estimate the pooled hazard ratio (HR) of adverse outcome for each one, and cumulative meta-analysis was performed to investigate temporal trends in the effects reported in the literature as well as the impact of sample size.

Results

17 articles were identified, including 9716 patients with LHD, heterogeneous in terms of age, sex, and etiology of cardiac disease. In this large population, we found that PVR (HR, 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06–1.12), DPG (HR, 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.02) and PAC (HR, 0.73; 95% CI: 0.76–0.81) were associated with an increased risk of adverse outcome, albeit with a less solid performance of DPG (Figure 1). Similar results were found when hemodynamic variables were analyzed according to the thresholds commonly applied in clinical practice, or subdividing cohorts according to the underlying LHD (either heart failure with preserved or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, or valvular heart disease). Furthermore, cumulative metanalysis indicated that these results are consistently stable since 2018 (Figure 2).

Conclusions

Despite the heterogeneity of PH-LHD group and the intrinsic limitations of each variable, PVR, DPG, and PAC have an established prognostic value in PH-LHD. The strongest correlation with PVR and PAC supports their use in defining disease severity and identifying a subgroup of patients at higher risk of adverse outcome. We believe that these results are consistent through the years and unlikely to change with the addition of further studies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship.

Prognostic power of a new index of right ventricle-pulmonary artery coupling based on right ventricular volumes in patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation

Background

Although echocardiographic surrogates of right ventricular -arterial coupling (RVAC) have been reported to be associated with outcome in patients with moderate or severe secondary tricuspid regurgitation (STR), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (SPAP) is difficult to be estimated using echocardiography in patients with severe STR.

Purpose

Accordingly, we evaluated the predictive power of indexes of RVAC obtained using RV volumes measured using three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE).

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 180 patients with moderate or severe STR and complete two-dimensional, Doppler and 3DE data. The composite endpoint of death for any cause and heart failure hospitalization was used as primary outcome.

Results

After a median follow up of 24 months (IQR: 2–48), 72 patients (40%) reached the primary endpoint. Most of the echocardiographic parameters of RV function were associated with outcomes. Among the different parameters of RVAC, the receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis selected the ratio between (RV stroke volume [SV]-RegVol)/ RV End-systolic volume (ESV) (i.e. the RV forward SV/ESV) as the best predictor of the combined endpoint (AUC 0.80 [IC 95% 0.73–087]), with a threshold value of 0.49.

Event-free survival of patients with RV forward SV/ESV higher and lower 0.49 has been performed (Figure 1).

Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were constructed (Figure 2). Adding sequentially the 3D-RVEF, TAPSE/SPAP and the forward RV SV/RV ESV on top of a basal model made of TR severity, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and tricuspid anulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), the χ2 of the model increased from 40 to 43 (p=0.13) by adding 3D RVEF, from 43 to 46 (p=0.04) by adding TAPSE/SPAP, and from 46 to 51 (p=0.02) by adding RV forward SV/ESV. Severe TR (HR 3.53 [CI 95%: 1.84–6.78], p&lt;0.001) and RV forward SV/ESV &lt;0.49 (HR 2.45 [CI 95% 1.16–5.18], p=0.02) were the only parameters independently associated with outcome.

Conclusions

The RV forward SV/ESV is an index of RVAC obtained by 3DE which is independent from SPAP and it is strongly associated with the occurrence of death or heart failure hospitalization in patients with STR.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

A meta-analysis of exercise hemodynamics in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: the relevance of PAWP/CO slope

Background

Exercise right heart catheterization (RHC) is considered the gold-standard test to diagnose heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, exercise RHC is an insufficiently standardized technique, and current hemodynamic thresholds to define HFpEF are not universally accepted. We sought to describe the exercise hemodynamics profile of HFpEF cohorts reported in literature, as compared with control subjects.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review following the PRISMA statement until December 2020. Studies reporting pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) at rest and peak exercise were extracted. Summary estimates of all hemodynamic variables were evaluated, stratified according to body position (supine/upright exercise). The PAWP / cardiac output (CO) slope during exercise was extrapolated.

Results

Twenty-seven studies were identified, providing data for 2180 HFpEF patients and 682 controls. At peak exercise, HfpEF cohorts showed a summary estimate of PAWP at peak which was twice as high as compared with control cohorts (30; 95% CI: 29–31 mmHg and 16; 95% CI: 15–17 mmHg, respectively), as well as of delta PAWP (15; 95% CI: 14–16 mmHg and 7; 95% CI: 6–8 mmHg, respectively), and of right atrial pressure (18; 95% CI: 16–19 mmHg and 8; 95% CI: 8–9 mmHg, respectively). These differences persisted after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, body position. Additionally, summary estimates of PAWP at peak performed during supine exercise was slightly higher than that obtained in upright position only for HFpEF cohorts (supine position: 31; 95% CI: 30–32 mmHg vs upright position; 26; 95% CI: 25–27 mmHg, respectively, p-value&lt;0.01). However, peak PAWP values were highly heterogeneous among the cohorts (I2=93%), with a relative overlap with controls (Figure 1). HFpEF had a significantly larger impairment in the hemodynamic response to exercise, witnessed by a steeper summary PAWP/CO slope than controls (3.75; 95% CI: 3.20–4.28 mmHg/L/min and 0.95; 95% CI: 0.30–1.59 mmHg/L/min, p-value &lt;0.0001), even after adjustment for covariates (p=0.007) (Figure 2). Finally, summary estimates of PAWP/CO slope were higher in HFpEF cohorts performing exercise in the supine position compared with those in upright position (p&lt;0.0001 and p=0.0002 at non-adjusted and adjusted analysis, respectively), but not in control cohorts (p=0.135 and p=0.966 at non-adjusted and adjusted analysis, respectively).

Conclusions

Despite methodological heterogeneity across centers, the hemodynamic profile of HFpEF patients is consistent across studies and characterized by a higher left and right filling pressure at rest compared with controls, enhanced by physical exercise. A PAWP/CO slope cut-off &gt;2 mmHg/L/min seems to retain validity also for studies conducted in the supine position, potentially overcoming the need of different supine and upright PAWP cut-offs.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship.

Routine use of automated strain analysis and 3D echocardiography provides a more comprehensive assessment of cardiac chambers than conventional 2D echocardiography and is time-saving

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background. In most laboratories three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and longitudinal strain (Lstrain) analysis are not part of the routine studies. Although these modalities have been shown to provide additional clinical information and prognostic value compared to conventional two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), their acquisition and analysis are perceived as being time-consuming.  Recently, new automated tools have been developed to perform accurate, fast and reproducible analyses of heart chambers’ geometry and function. However, their cost-effectiveness when compared to conventional 2DE remains to be demonstrated.

Aim. We designed a prospective, multicenter, observational study aimed to compare the time required for the acquisition and analysis of conventional transthoracic 2DE vs advanced echocardiography (AEcho, i.e. 3DE+ Lstrain) for the assessment of cardiac chambers and myocardial mechanics.

Methods. According to current guidelines, 196 consecutive patients referred for clinically indicated echocardiography underwent complete 2DE and Doppler echocardiography. In addition, 3DE datasets of the left atrium (LA), left and right ventricle (LV, RV) were acquired using automated 3DE software package (Heart Model). Acquisition time for both 2DE and 3DE images were recorded. Conventional 2DE analyses of LA (biplane volume), LV (biplane volumes and mass) and RV (both linear dimensions, areas, and longitudinal function) were performed following current guidelines, and the time required for acquisition and analysis was recorded. The time spent for AEcho analysis (both 3DE volumetric analysis and Lstrain of LA, LV and RV) was also recorded.

Results. Feasibility of AEcho was 86% (169 patients). The additional time for 3D dataset acquisition over conventional 2DE was 38 ± 0.16 sec. Quantitative analysis of the cardiac chambers by 2DE required an average of 5.55 ± 1.51 min vs 4.25 ± 1.23 min using AEcho (p &lt; 0.001). Total time for both 3D dataset acquisition and AEcho assessment was 5.03 ± 1.28 min vs 5.55 ± 1.51 min of 2DE analysis alone (p &lt; 0.001). Globally, AEcho provided a more comprehensive assessment of heart chambers than 2DE (Table). Moreover, the time spent for 3DE dataset acquisition and AEcho analysis on top of standard 2DE acquisition was significantly shorter compared to the 2DE acquisition and analysis (18:50 ± 4.23 vs 19:42 ± 4.24 min, p &lt; 0.001) (Table).

Conclusions. Our data showed that the use of new AEcho automated tools are highly feasible resulting in significant time-savings compared to standard 2DE evaluation, while providing significant additional information. Abstract Table

Impact of leaflet-tethering angle correction on the assessment of tricuspid regurgitation severity using the PISA method

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with excess mortality and morbidity. Therefore, assessment of TR severity is pivotal. Calculation of the effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) and the regurgitant volume (RVol) using flow convergence method (PISA) by echocardiography are still the recommended parameters to define TR severity. However, the distortion of the proximal convergence zone related to the extent of valve leaflet tethering may result in smaller PISA radius and in underestimation of TR severity. Correcting for the angle of the leaflet tethering could reduce errors due to geometric assumption of a flat valvular plane and improve the accuracy of the calculations.

Purpose: The aims of our study were

(1) to evaluate whether taking into account the extent of leaflet tethering by applying the angle correction (AC) in the PISA formula improves the accuracy of the quantitative assessment of TR severity; (2) to assess the potential clinical impact of AC.

Methods

Forty-one patients with functional TR (73.5 ± 11.8 years,51% men,36% sinus rhythm,17% severe), underwent 2D  and 3D echocardiography. We compared the RVol obtained by volumetric method (as reference) with the RVol by PISA with and without AC. TR RVol by volumetric method was calculated as: total RV stroke volume (RVSV) – left ventricular forward SV (LVSV), where RVSV was obtained by subtracting the end-systolic from end-diastolic RV volume measured by 3D echocardiography and LV SV was calculated by multiplying LV outflow area by velocity time integral (VTI)  (Fig. 1). TR RVol by PISA was calculated as EROA x VTITR. Uncorrected EROA was calculated using the formula: 6.28 r2 xVa/ PeakVTR (r - PISA radius, Va, aliasing velocity, PeakVTR – TR peak velocity). The corrected EROA accounting for the PISA geometric distortion by leaflet tethering angle (α) was calculated as: 6.28 r2 x Va (α/180)/ PeakV TR (PISAac), where α was measured using a protractor generated by dedicated software.

Results

Application of AC to PISA method resulted in larger EROA and RVol (0.34± 0.38 cm2 vs 0.24± 0.24cm2 and, 25.2± 19.3 mL vs 18.6 ± 13.1mL, respectively). The percentage change in EROAac was over 40%. When compared to the volumetric method, RVol by corrected PISA method was significantly closer and correlated (bias -3.95mL, LOA ± 6.41 mL,  r= .987; p&lt; .001) than the conventional PISA without AC (bias -10.5 mL, LOA ± 15 mL, r= .975). Angle correction resulted in a change of TR severity in 32% of cases (Fig. 2) and in a greater concordance of TR severity grade with the volumetric method (75%, 31/41 with AC vs 52%, 22/41 without AC).

Conclusions

Angle-corrected PISA method that accounts for the extent of the leaflet tethering in TR provided significantly larger TR RVol that were closely correlated with the volumetric RVol by 3D echocardiography. A simple geometric angle correction of the proximal flow with PISA method reclassified up to 1/3 of patients with functional TR. Abstract Figure. Representation of study method  Abstract Figure. Reclassification of TR severity

Automated left atrial volume measurement by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography: feasibility, accuracy and reproducibility

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction - A by-product of left atrial (LA) strain analysis is the automated measurement of LA maximal volume (LAVmax), which may decrease the time of echocardiography reporting, and increase the reproducibility of the LAVmax measurement. However, the automated measurement of LAVmax by two-dimensional speckle-tracking analysis (2DSTE) has never been validated.

Purpose – Accordingly, we sought to: i. assess the feasibility of automated LAVmax measurement by 2DSTE; ii.  compare the automated LAVmax by 2DSTE with conventional two-dimensional (2DE) biplane and three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) measurements; and iii. evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of the three echocardiography techniques.

Methods – LAVmax (34­-197 mL) were prospectively obtained from 198/210 (feasibility 94%) consecutive patients with various cardiac diseases (median age 67 years, 126 men) by 2DSTE, 2DE and 3DE.

Results – 2DE and 2DSTE measurements resulted in similar LAVmax values (bias = 1.5 mL, limits of agreement, LOA ± 7.5 mL), and slightly underestimated 3DE LAVmax (biases=-5 mL, LOA ± 17 mL, and -6 mL, LOA ± 16 mL, respectively). LAVmax by 2DSTE and 2DE were strongly correlated to those obtained by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) (r=.946, and r=.935, respectively; p&lt;.001). However, LAVmax obtained by 2DSTE (bias=-9.5 mL, LOA ± 16 mL), and 2DE (bias=-8 mL, LOA ± 17 mL) were significantly smaller than those measured by CMR. Conversely, 3DE LAVmax were similar to CMR (bias=-2 ml, LOA ± 10 mL). Excellent intra- and inter-observer intraclass correlation coefficients were found for 3DE (0.995 and 0.995), 2DE (0.990 and 0.988), and 2DSTE (0.990 and 0.989).

Conclusion – Automated LAVmax measurement by 2DSTE is highly feasible, highly reproducible, and provided similar values to conventional 2DE calculations in consecutive patients with a wide range of LAVmax. Abstract Figure. Echocardiography and CMR correlations  Abstract Figure. Echocardiography techniques correlations

Prognostic value of different echocardiographic indices reflecting right ventriculo-arterial coupling in a large cohort of patients with various cardiac diseases

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction – Non-invasive parameters used to assess right ventricular (RV) function, i.e. tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change (FAC), RV ejection fraction (RVEF), and RV free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) have shown their prognostic implications. However, since they are extremely load dependent, they do not provide an accurate representation of the RV intrinsic performance. On the other end, invasive indices of RV-arterial coupling (RVAC) derived from pressure-volume loops are not routinely performed, rising the urgency for more feasible, and reliable non-invasive estimates of RVAC.

Purpose – To: i. evaluate the prognostic value of echocardiography-derived RVAC surrogates: RVEF/systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), RVFWLS/sPAP, TAPSE/sPAP, FAC/sPAP, and RV stroke volume/end-systolic volume (SV/ESV), ii. identify the cut-off values associated to all-cause mortality; and iii. compare their prognostic value with that of classical parameters of RV function.

Methods – We prospectively enrolled 366 patients with various cardiac diseases, undergoing clinically-indicated comprehensive two- and three-dimensional echocardiography.

Results – During a mean follow-up of 7.6 ± 1 years, 80 (21.9%) patients died. At univariable Cox regression, most of the echocardiographic parameters were related to all-cause mortality. The echocardiographic parameters with significance at univariable analysis (p &lt; 0.01) were included in a multivariable regression model. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), RVEF, TAPSE, RVEF/sPAP and RVFWLS/sPAP remained independently associated to all-cause mortality (p &lt; 0.05 for all). Subsequently, they were tested in receiving operator characteristics (ROC) curves. At ROC analysis, RVEF/sPAP (area under the curve, AUC = 0.807, p &lt; 0.001) and RVFWLS/sPAP (AUC = 0.743, p &lt; 0.001) showed the greatest predictive value (p &lt; 0.001 between them). However, all RV parameters significantly improved their prognostic values after indexing for sPAP (p &lt; 0.01 for all). The best cut-offs to predict the outcome were 1.5 for RVEF/sPAP (specificity 71%, sensitivity 83%) and 0.67 for RVFWLS/sPAP (specificity 72%, sensitivity 68%). At Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with reduced RVAC (less than the predefined cut-offs) had significantly lower probability of survival (p &lt; 0.001 for all).

Conclusion – RVAC surrogates provide incremental prognostic value compared to standard RV functional measurements. RVEF/sPAP, with a cut-off value of 1.5, was the best parameter for risk stratification, and was independently related to all-cause mortality. Abstract Figure. Prognostic value of RVAC surrogates  Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier curves survival probability

Right heart chambers geometry and function in patients with the atrial and the ventricular phenotypes of functional tricuspid regurgitation

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction — Atrial functional tricuspid regurgitation (A-FTR) is a recently defined phenotype of FTR associated with persistent/permanent atrial fibrillation. Differently from the classical ventricular form of FTR (V-FTR), patients with A-FTR might present with severely dilated right atrium (RA) and tricuspid annulus (TA), and with preserved right ventricular (RV) size and systolic function. However, the geometry and function of the RV, RA and TA in patients with A-FTR and V-FTR remain to be systematically evaluated.

Purpose — Accordingly, we sought to: i. study the geometry and function of the RV, RA and TA in A-FTR by two- and three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography; and ii. compare them with those found in V-FTR.

Methods — We prospectively analysed 113 (44 men, age 68 ± 18 years) FTR patients (A-FTR = 55 and V-FTR = 58) that were compared to two groups of age- and sex-matched controls to develop the respective Z-scores.

Results — The severity of FTR, and the degree of TA dilation were similar in A-FTR and V-FTR patients. The Z-scores of RV size were significantly larger, and those of RV function were significantly lower in V-FTR than in A-FTR (p &lt; 0.001 for all). The RA was significantly enlarged in both A-FTR and V-FTR compared to controls (p &lt; 0.001, Z-scores &gt; 2), with similar RA maximal volumes (RAVmax) between A-FTR and V-FTR (p = 0.2). Whereas, the RA minimal volumes (RAVmin) were significantly larger in A-FTR than in V-FTR (p = 0.001).

Conclusion — Despite similar degrees of FTR, RAVmax and TA size, A-FTR patients show larger RAVmin than V-FTR patients. Conversely, V-FTR patients show dilated, more elliptic and dysfunctional RV than A-FTR patients. Abstract Figure. A-FTR versus V-FTR  Abstract Figure. Remodelling patterns in A-FTR and V-FTR

Biomarkers Predict In-Hospital Major Adverse Cardiac Events in COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter International Study

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic carries a high burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We aimed to identify possible predictors of in-hospital major cardiovascular (CV) events in COVID-19.

METHODS

We retrospectively included patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from 10 centers. Clinical, biochemical, electrocardiographic, and imaging data at admission and medications were collected. Primary endpoint was a composite of in-hospital CV death, acute heart failure (AHF), acute myocarditis, arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes (ACS), cardiocirculatory arrest, and pulmonary embolism (PE).

RESULTS

Of the 748 patients included, 141(19%) reached the set endpoint: 49 (7%) CV death, 15 (2%) acute myocarditis, 32 (4%) sustained-supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias, 14 (2%) cardiocirculatory arrest, 8 (1%) ACS, 41 (5%) AHF, and 39 (5%) PE. Patients with CV events had higher age, body temperature, creatinine, high-sensitivity troponin, white blood cells, and platelet counts at admission and were more likely to have systemic hypertension, renal failure (creatinine ≥ 1.25 mg/dL), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atrial fibrillation, and cardiomyopathy. On univariate and multivariate analysis, troponin and renal failure were associated with the composite endpoint. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a clear divergence of in-hospital composite event-free survival stratified according to median troponin value and the presence of renal failure (Log rank p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings, derived from a multicenter data collection study, suggest the routine use of biomarkers, such as cardiac troponin and serum creatinine, for in-hospital prediction of CV events in patients with COVID-19.

106 The effective study: development and application of a question-driven, time-effective cardiac magnetic resonance scanning protocol

Aims

Long scanning times impede cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) clinical uptake. A ‘one-size-fits-all’ shortened, focused protocol [e.g. only function and late-gadolinium enhancement (LGE)] reduces scanning time and costs, but provide less information. We developed two question-driven CMR and stress-CMR protocols, including tailored advanced tissue characterization, and tested their effectiveness in reducing scanning time while retaining the diagnostic performances of standard protocols.

Methods and results

Eighty-three consecutive patients with cardiomyopathy or ischaemic heart disease underwent the tailored CMR. Each scan consisted of standard cines, LGE imaging, native T1-mapping, and extracellular volume. Fat/oedema modules, right ventricle cine, and in-line quantitative perfusion mapping were performed as clinically required. Workflow was optimized to avoid gaps. See Figure 1 for protocol details. Time target was &lt;30 min for a CMR and &lt;35 min for a stress-CMR. CMR was considered impactful when its results drove changes in diagnosis or management. Advanced tissue characterization was considered impactful when it changed the confidence level in the diagnosis. Images’ quality was assessed. A ‘control group’ of 137 patients was identified among scans performed before February 2020. Compared to standard protocols, the average scan duration dropped by &gt; 30% (CMR: from 42 ± 8 to 28 ± 6min; stress-CMR: from 50 ± 10 to 34 ± 6min, both P &lt; 0.0001). Independent on the protocol, CMR was impactful in ∼60% cases, and advanced tissue characterization was impactful in &gt; 45% of cases. Quality grading was similar between the two protocols. Tailored protocols did not require additional staff.

Conclusions

Tailored CMR and stress-CMR protocols including advanced tissue characterization are accurate and time-effective for cardiomyopathies and ischaemic heart disease.

319 Right heart chambers geometry and function in patients with the atrial and the ventricular phenotypes of functional tricuspid regurgitation

Aims

Atrial functional tricuspid regurgitation (A-FTR) is a recently defined phenotype of FTR associated with persistent/permanent atrial fibrillation. Differently from the classical ventricular form of FTR (V-FTR), patients with A-FTR might present with severely dilated right atrium (RA) and tricuspid annulus (TA), and with preserved right ventricular (RV) size and systolic function. However, the geometry and function of the RV, RA, and TA in patients with A-FTR and V-FTR remain to be systematically evaluated. Accordingly, we sought to: (i) study the geometry and function of the RV, RA, and TA in A-FTR by two- and three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and (ii) compare them with those found in V-FTR.

Methods and results

We prospectively analysed 113 (44 men, age 68 ± 18 years) FTR patients (A-FTR = 55 and V-FTR = 58) that were compared to two groups of age- and sex-matched controls to develop the respective Z-scores. Severity of FTR was similar in A-FTR and V-FTR patients. Z-scores of RV size were significantly larger, and those of RV function were significantly lower in V-FTR than in A-FTR (P &lt; 0.001 for all). The RA was significantly enlarged in both A-FTR and V-FTR compared to controls (P &lt; 0.001, Z-scores &gt; 2), with similar RA maximal volume (RAVmax) between A-FTR and V-FTR (P = 0.2). Whereas, the RA minimal volumes (RAVmin) were significantly larger in A-FTR than in V-FTR (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Despite similar degrees of FTR, and RAVmax size, A-FTR patients show a larger RAVmin, and smaller TA areas than V-FTR patients. Conversely, V-FTR patients show dilated, more elliptic, and dysfunctional RV than A-FTR patients.

314 Automated left atrial volume measurement by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiograpy. Feasibility, accuracy, and reproducibility

Aims

A by-product of left atrial (LA) strain analysis is the automated measurement of LA maximal volume (LAVmax), which may decrease the time of echocardiography reporting, and increase the reproducibility of the LAVmax measurement. However, the automated measurement of LAVmax by two-dimensional speckle-tracking analysis (2DSTE) has never been validated. Accordingly, we sought to: (i) assess the feasibility of automated LAVmax measurement by 2DSTE; (ii) compare the automated LAVmax by 2DSTE with conventional two-dimensional (2DE) biplane and three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) measurements; and (iii) evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of the three echocardiography techniques.

Methods and results

LAVmax (34–197 ml) were obtained from 198/210 (feasibility 94%) consecutive patients with various cardiac diseases (median age 67 years, 126 men) by 2DSTE, 2DE, and 3DE. 2DE and 2DSTE measurements resulted in similar LAVmax values (bias = 1.5 ml, limits of agreement, LOA ± 7.5 ml), and slightly underestimated 3DE LAVmax (biases = −5 ml, LOA ± 17 ml, and −6 ml, LOA ± 16 ml, respectively). LAVmax by 2DSTE and 2DE were strongly correlated to those obtained by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) (r = 0.946, and r = 0.935, respectively; P &lt; 0.001). However, LAVmax obtained by 2DSTE (bias = −9.5 ml, LOA ± 16 ml) and 2DE (bias = −8 ml, LOA ± 17 ml) were significantly smaller than those measured by CMR. Conversely, 3DE LAVmax were similar to CMR (bias = −2 ml, LOA ± 10 ml). Excellent intra- and inter-observer intraclass correlations were found for 3DE (0.995 and 0.995), 2DE (0.990 and 0.988), and 2DSTE (0.990 and 0.989).

Conclusions

Automated LAVmax measurement by 2DSTE is highly feasible, highly reproducible, and provided similar values to conventional 2DE calculations in consecutive patients with a wide range of LAVmax.

313 Prognostic value of different echocardiographic indices reflecting right ventriculo-arterial coupling in a large cohort of patients with various cardiac diseases

Aims

Non-invasive parameters used to assess right ventricular (RV) function, i.e. tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change (FAC), RV ejection fraction (RVEF), and RV free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) have shown their prognostic implications. However, since they are extremely load dependent, they do not provide an accurate representation of the RV intrinsic performance. On the other end, invasive indices of RV-arterial coupling (RVAC) derived from pressure–volume loops are not routinely performed, rising the urgency for more feasible, and reliable non-invasive estimates of RVAC. To (i) evaluate the prognostic value of echocardiography-derived RVAC surrogates: RVEF/sPAP, RVFWLS/sPAP, TAPSE/sPAP, FAC/sPAP, and RV stroke volume/end-systolic volume (SV/ESV); (ii) identify the cut-off values associated to all-cause mortality; and (iii) compare their prognostic value with that of classical parameters of RV function.

Methods and results

We prospectively enrolled 366 patients with various cardiac diseases, undergoing clinically indicated comprehensive two- and three-dimensional echocardiography. During a mean follow-up of 7.6 ± 1 years, 80 (21.9%) patients died. At univariable Cox regression, most of the echocardiographic parameters were related to all-cause mortality. The echocardiographic parameters with significance at univariable analysis (P &lt; 0.01) were included in a multivariable regression model. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), RVEF, TAPSE, RVEF/sPAP, and RVFWLS/sPAP remained independently associated to all-cause mortality (P &lt; 0.05 for all). Subsequently, they were tested in receiving operator characteristics (ROC) curves. At ROC analysis, RVEF/sPAP (area under the curve, AUC = 0.807, P &lt; 0.001) and RVFWLS/sPAP (AUC = 0.743, P &lt; 0.001) showed the greatest predictive value (P &lt; 0.001 between them). However, all RV parameters significantly improved their values after indexing for sPAP (P &lt; 0.01 for all). The best cut-offs to predict the outcome were 1.5 for RVEF/sPAP (specificity 71%, sensitivity 83%) and 0.67 for RVFWLS/sPAP (specificity 72%, sensitivity 68%). At Kaplan–Meier analysis, patients with reduced RVAC (less than the predefined cut-offs) had significantly lower probability of survival (P &lt; 0.001 for all).

Conclusions

RVAC surrogates provide incremental prognostic value compared to standard RV functional measurements. RVEF/sPAP, with a cut-off value of 1.5, was the best parameter for risk stratification, and was independently related to all-cause mortality.