Geometry as a Confounder When Assessing Ventricular Systolic Function

Imaging and mechanisms of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a state-of-the-art review

Understanding of the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has advanced rapidly over the past two decades. Currently, HFpEF is recognized as a heterogeneous syndrome, and there is a growing movement towards developing personalized treatments based on phenotype-guided strategies. Left ventricular dysfunction is a fundamental pathophysiological abnormality in HFpEF; however, recent evidence also highlights significant roles for the atria, right ventricle, pericardium, and extracardiac contributors. Imaging plays a central role in characterizing these complex and highly integrated domains of pathophysiology. This review focuses on established evidence, recent insights, and the challenges that need to be addressed concerning the pathophysiology of HFpEF, with a focus on imaging-based evaluations and opportunities for further research.

How to diagnose heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a major healthcare problem that is raising in prevalence. There has been a shift in HpEF management towards early diagnosis and phenotype-specific targeted treatment. However, the diagnosis of HFpEF remains a challenge due to the lack of universal criteria and patient heterogeneity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the diagnostic workup of HFpEF, highlighting the role of echocardiography in HFpEF phenotyping.

The Influence of Non-Dipping Pattern of Blood Pressure in Gestational Hypertension on Early Onset of Hypertension Later in Life-Single Center Experience in Very-High-Risk Southeast and Central European Country

Gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE) are associated with the onset of hypertension. This study aimed to investigate whether the blood pressure (BP) pattern in GH is associated with the prevalence of hypertension later in life. In this prospective cohort study pregnant women screened for GH underwent medical history, laboratory analysis, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (AMBP), and transthoracic echocardiography (with left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS)) assessment. Overall, 138 GH (67 non-dippers and 71 dippers), 55 preeclamptic, and 72 normotensive pregnant controls were included. Women were followed in the postpartum period, first after 6 weeks and later on, for the occurrence of hypertension. The median follow-up was 8.97 years (8.23; 9.03). Non-dippers and PE compared with normotensives and dippers had a higher prevalence of hypertension onset (p < 0.01), as well as significantly reduced absolute values of LVGLS during pregnancy, after delivery, and at the time of onset of hypertension during follow-up (p < 0.01). Night-time diastolic BP, LVGLS, age, and left ventricular ejection fraction were the strongest predictors of postpartum onset of hypertension. The non-dipping BP pattern in GH was significantly associated with the onset of hypertension later in life, as well as with decreased systolic function.

Imminent risk of LVEF decline in asymptomatic patients with primary mitral regurgitation

Background

2020 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines state that the ideal time for mitral valve surgery in primary mitral regurgitation (PMR) is when the LV approaches but has not yet reached echocardiographic LV ejection fraction (EF) < 60% or LV end-systolic dimension (ESD) > 40 mm. However, it is difficult to know the imminent risk of crossing this threshold when the surgical outcome is less optimal.

Objective

Using machine learning and statistical models, we have shown that cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) LV sphericity index (SI) and LV mid circumferential strain rate (SRcirc) added to LVEF and LVESD predict LVEF < 50% after mitral valve surgery. Here we test the hypothesis that these CMR features predict LVEF < 60% in asymptomatic PMR patients at 18 months.

Methods

33 asymptomatic PMR patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation had CMR with tissue tagging at baseline and every 6 months for 18 months. Two types of models were employed to predict LVEF < 60% at 18 months: a model using CMR features at a single time point (e.g., baseline) and a model utilizing repeated measurements over time.

Results

CMR LVEF decreased below 60% in 13 patients over 18 months. LVEF varied over time with an inverse relation to mean arterial pressure and mean end-systolic wall stress. Random Forest models utilizing LV SI, LV mid SRcirc, LVESD, and LVEF at a single time point (baseline) had a predictive accuracy of 64%. LV SI, LV mid SRcirc, LVESD and LVEF at baseline, 6, and 12 months achieved a higher predictive accuracy of 79%, improved sensitivity from 57% to 85% than baseline alone and identified a threshold of CMR LVEF 63%-64% signaling LVEF < 60%.

Conclusion

The variability of LVEF due to blood pressure dependence may require a longitudinal study that incorporates LVEF, LVESD, SRcirc at multiple time points to identify the threshold at which LVEF is at risk for decline to less than 60%.

The Sub-Pulmonary Left Ventricle in Patients with Systemic Right Ventricle, the Paradoxical Neglected Chamber: A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking Study

Background/Objective: The impact of subpulmonary left ventricle (LV) dysfunction in patients with a systemic right ventricle (SRV) is insufficiently characterized, with only a few studies suggesting its prognostic significance. Additionally, its evaluation through imaging techniques is a challenge. To assess the correlation between quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance-feature tracking (CMR-FT) data and the risk of clinical events related to the natural history of SRV failure. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 21 patients with a diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and atrial switch operation (AtSO) or congenitally corrected transposition (ccTGA) were recruited. All participants underwent CMR-FT analysis. Considered clinical events included NYHA class deterioration (from I-II to III-IV), increased diuretic therapy, arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, and hospitalizations. Results: The cohort consisted of 52.4% males (mean age: 25.4 ± 11.9 years). Eleven patients were diagnosed with ccTGA. Of the 10 patients with TGA post-AtSO, 50% had undergone Mustard repair. Clinical events occurred in 11 patients, with 47.6% experiencing hospitalizations and 28.6% developing arrhythmias. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) was significantly associated with event-risk in both univariate and multivariate analyses (p = 0.011; p = 0.025). A cut-off value of LV GLS > -19.24 was proposed to stratify high-risk patients (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our study confirms the role of subpulmonary LV function in determining outcomes of SRV patients. The assessment of LV GLS by using CMR-FT could significantly enhance clinical management during follow-up.

Intraoperative Assessment of Noninvasive Left Ventricular Myocardial Work Indices in Patients Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of noninvasive left ventricular (LV) myocardial work (MW) enables insights into cardiac contractility and efficacy beyond conventional echocardiography. However, there is limited intraoperative data on patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility and the intraoperative course of this technique of ventricular function assessment in these patients and compare it to conventional two (2D)- and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic measurements and strain analysis.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Single university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-five patients scheduled for isolated AVR with preoperative preserved left and right ventricular function, sinus rhythm, without significant other heart valve disease or pulmonary hypertension, and an uneventful intraoperative course.

INTERVENTIONS

Transesophageal echocardiography was performed after induction of anesthesia (T1), after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass (T2), and after sternal closure (T3). Evaluation was performed in stable hemodynamics, in sinus rhythm or atrial pacing and vasopressor support with norepinephrine ≤ 0.1 µg/kg/min.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

EchoPAC v206 software (GE Vingmed Ultrasound AS, Norway) was used for analysis of 2D and 3D LV ejection fraction (EF), LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), LV global work index (GWI), LV global constructive work (GCW), LV global wasted work (GWW), and LV global work efficiency (GWE). Estimation of myocardial work was feasible in all patients. Although there was no significant difference in the values of 2D and 3D EF, GWI and GCW decreased significantly after AVR (T1 v T2, 1,647 ± 380 mmHg% v 1,021 ± 233 mmHg%, p < 0.001; T1 v T2, 2,095 ± 433 mmHg% v 1,402 ± 242 mmHg%, p < 0.001, respectively), while GWW remained unchanged (T1 v T2, 296 mmHg% [IQR 178-452) v 309 mmHg% [IQR 255-438), p = 0.97). This resulted in a decreased GWE directly after bypass (T1 v T2, 84% ± 6% v 78% ± 5%, p < 0.001), but GWE already improved at the end of surgery (T2 v T3, 78% ± 5% v 81% ± 5%, p = 0.003). There was no significant change in the values of GWI, GCW, or 2D and 3D LVEF before and after sternal closure (T2 v T3).

CONCLUSION

LV MW analysis showed a reduction of LV workload after bypass in our group of patients, which was not detected by conventional echocardiographic measures. This evolving technique provides deeper insights into cardiac energetics and efficiency in the perioperative course of aortic valve replacement surgery.

Transforming Heart Failure Management: The Power of Strain Imaging, 3D Imaging, and Vortex Analysis in Echocardiography

Heart failure (HF) remains a critical global health challenge, necessitating advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This review explores the evolution of imaging technologies and their impact on HF management, focusing on three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE), myocardial strain imaging, and vortex dynamics imaging. Three-dimensional echocardiography enhances traditional echocardiography by providing more accurate assessments of cardiac structures, while myocardial strain imaging offers the early detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction, crucial in conditions such as chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and ischemic heart disease. Vortex dynamics imaging, a novel technique, provides insights into intracardiac flow patterns, aiding in the evaluation of left ventricular function, valve diseases, and congenital heart anomalies. The integration of these advanced imaging modalities into clinical practice facilitates personalized treatment strategies, enabling the earlier diagnosis and more precise monitoring of disease progression. The ongoing refinement of these imaging techniques holds promise for improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of precision medicine in HF care.

Effect of Coronary Collateral Supply on Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain after Recanalization of Chronic Total Occlusion

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to chronic total occlusion (CTO) is still a subject of debate. The primary goal of revascularization is to provide symptomatic relief and enhance left ventricular (LV) functions. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is proven to be more sensitive than the ejection fraction (EF), especially for subtle ischemic changes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the improvement in LV GLS after revascularization of symptomatic stable coronary patients with single-vessel CTO, categorized according to their collateral supply grades. Sixty-nine patients with successful CTO-PCI were grouped, according to their collateral supply grades, as well-developed (WD) and poor collateral groups and followed-up for 3 months. Basal characteristics were similar for both groups, except for a lower EF (p = 0.04) and impaired GLS (p < 0.0001) in the poor collateral group. At the end of 3 months follow-up, symptomatic relief was similar in both groups (p = 0.101). GLS improvement reached statistical significance only for the poor collateral, not for the WD group (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.054, respectively). The EF did not change significantly in both groups. Poorly collateralized CTO lesions may not only result in baseline LV dysfunction, but also appear to carry potential for recovery after revascularization. This may not be the case for WD collaterals.

Noninvasive Assessment of Myocardial Work in Children

The noninvasive assessment of ventricular function is an ongoing challenge, with new tools and measurements always being considered and tested. The noninvasive assessment of myocardial work via the pressure-strain relationship is one of the newer tools proposed to evaluate ventricular systolic function. However, prior to using any new tool, one should understand its properties, utility, and limitations. In this commentary we focus on the noninvasive assessment of myocardial work via the pressure-strain relationship from a pediatric point of view. We address the current knowledge and limitations and propose future directions to better understand this tool.

Computational investigation of the role of ventricular remodelling in HFpEF: The key to phenotype dissection

Recent clinical studies have reported that heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) can be divided into two phenotypes based on the range of ejection fraction (EF), namely HFpEF with higher EF and HFpEF with lower EF. These phenotypes exhibit distinct left ventricle (LV) remodelling patterns and dynamics. However, the influence of LV remodelling on various LV functional indices and the underlying mechanics for these two phenotypes are not well understood. To address these issues, this study employs a coupled finite element analysis (FEA) framework to analyse the impact of various ventricular remodelling patterns, specifically concentric remodelling (CR), concentric hypertrophy (CH), and eccentric hypertrophy (EH), with and without LV wall thickening on LV functional indices. Further, the geometries with a moderate level of remodelling from each pattern are subjected to fibre stiffening and contractile impairment to examine their effect in replicating the different features of HFpEF. The results show that with severe CR, LV could exhibit the characteristics of HFpEF with higher EF, as observed in recent clinical studies. Controlled fibre stiffening can simultaneously increase the end-diastolic pressure (EDP) and reduce the peak longitudinal strain (ell) without significant reduction in EF, facilitating the moderate CR geometries to fit into this phenotype. Similarly, fibre stiffening can assist the CH and 'EH with wall thickening' cases to replicate HFpEF with lower EF. These findings suggest that potential treatment for these two phenotypes should target the bio-origins of their distinct ventricular remodelling patterns and the extent of myocardial stiffening.

Myocardial Strain Imaging: Theory, Current Practice, and the Future

Myocardial strain imaging by echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a powerful method to diagnose cardiac disease. Strain imaging provides measures of myocardial shortening, thickening, and lengthening and can be applied to any cardiac chamber. Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain by speckle-tracking echocardiography is the most widely used clinical strain parameter. Several CMR-based modalities are available and are ready to be implemented clinically. Clinical applications of strain include global longitudinal strain as a more sensitive method than ejection fraction for diagnosing mild systolic dysfunction. This applies to patients suspected of having heart failure with normal LV ejection fraction, to early systolic dysfunction in valvular disease, and when monitoring myocardial function during cancer chemotherapy. Segmental LV strain maps provide diagnostic clues in specific cardiomyopathies, when evaluating LV dyssynchrony and ischemic dysfunction. Strain imaging is a promising modality to quantify right ventricular function. Left atrial strain may be used to evaluate LV diastolic function and filling pressure.

Myocardial strain is regulated by cardiac preload in the early stage of sepsis

BACKGROUND

Owing to a lack of data, this study aimed to explore the effect of cardiac preload on myocardial strain in patients with sepsis.

METHODS

A total of 70 patients with sepsis in intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary teaching hospital in China from January 2018 to July 2019 and underwent transthoracic echocardiography were enrolled. Echocardiographic data were recorded at ICU admission and 24 h later. Patients were assigned to low left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) and normal LVEDVI groups. We assessed the impact of preload on myocardial strain between the groups and analyzed the correlation of echocardiographic parameters under different preload conditions.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients (53%) had a low LVEDVI and 33 (47%) a normal LVEDVI. Those in the low LVEDVI group had a faster heart rate (121.7 vs. 95.3, p < 0.001) and required a greater degree of fluid infusion (3.67 L vs. 2.62 L, P = 0.019). The left ventricular global strain (LVGLS) (-8.60% vs. -10.80%, p = 0.001), left ventricular global circumferential strain (LVGCS) (-13.83% vs. -18.26%, p = 0.006), and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) (-6.9% vs. -10.60%, p = 0.001) showed significant improvements in the low LVEDVI group after fluid resuscitation. However, fluid resuscitation resulted in a significantly increased cardiac afterload value (1172.00 vs. 1487.00, p = 0.009) only in the normal LVEDVI group. Multivariate backward linear regression showed that LVEDVI changes were independently associated with myocardial strain-related improvements during fluid resuscitation. The baseline LVEDVI was significantly negatively correlated with the LVGLS and RVGLS (r = -0.44 and - 0.39, respectively) but not LVGCS. LVEDVI increases during fluid resuscitation were associated with improvements in the myocardial strain degree.

CONCLUSIONS

Myocardial strain alterations were significantly influenced by the cardiac preload during fluid resuscitation in sepsis.

Alterations in Left Atrial and Ventricular Coupling in Mixed Aortic Valve Disease

AIMS

To characterize left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) function and atrioventricular (AV) coupling in patients with moderate mixed aortic valve disease (MMAVD) against those with isolated moderate or severe aortic valve disease and controls.

METHODS & RESULTS

Retrospective LA and LV peak longitudinal strain (LS) analysis were performed on 260 patients (46 MMAVD, 81 moderate aortic stenosis (AS), 50 severe AS, 48 moderate aortic regurgitation (AR), and 35 severe AR) and 66 controls. Peak LV and LA LS and AV coupling, assessed by combined peak LA and LV strain, was compared between the groups. ANOVA and 2-sided t-tests were used and a p-value of <0.01 was considered significant.LV strain was significantly lower in those with MMAVD compared to controls and those with moderate or severe isolated AR but comparable to those with moderate or severe AS (-17.1±1.1% MMAVD vs. -17.7±1.5% moderate AS p=0.02; vs. -17.0%±1.5% severe AS, p=0.74). AV coupling was significantly lower in those with MMAVD compared to controls and those with moderate AS or AR but comparable to those with severe AS or AR (47.1±6.8% MMAVD vs. 45.1±5.6% severe AS, p=0.13; vs. 50.4±9% severe AR, p=0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Impairments in AV coupling are comparable for patients with MMAVD and those with severe isolated AS or AR. Impairments in LV GLS in MMAVD mirror those found in severe AS. These findings suggest that haemodynamic consequences and adverse remodelling are similar for patients with MMAVD and isolated severe disease.

Multidirectional myocardial function in bicuspid aortic valve stenosis patients: a three-dimensional speckle tracking analysis

Purpose

The impact of aortic stenosis (AS) severity on multidirectional myocardial function in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) remains unclear, despite the recognized presence of early left ventricular longitudinal myocardial dysfunction in BAV patients with normal valve function. The aim of the study was to evaluate the multidirectional myocardial functions of BAV patients.

Methods

A total of 86 BAV patients (age 46.71 ± 13.62 years, 69.4% men) with normally functioning (BAV-nf), mild AS, moderate AS, and severe AS with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥ 52%) were included. 30 healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group. Multidirectional strain and volume analysis were performed by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography(3D-STE).

Results

Global longitudinal strain (GLS), and global radial strain (GRS) were reduced in BAV-nf patients compared with the controls. With each categorical of AS severity from BAV-nf to severe AS, there was an associated progressive impairment of GLS and GRS (all P < 0.001). Global circumferential strain (GCS) did not show a significant decrease from BAV-nf to mild AS but began to decrease from moderate AS. Multiple linear regressions indicated that indexed aortic valve area (AVA/BSA), as a measure of AS severity, was an independent determinant of GLS, GCS and GRS.

Conclusions

Left ventricular longitudinal myocardial reduction is observed even in patients with well-functioning bicuspid aortic valves. With each categorical increase in the grade of AS severity from normally functioning to severe aortic stenosis, there was an associated progressive impairment of longitudinal myocardial function. Furthermore, circumferential myocardial function was starting damaged from moderate AS. AVA/BSA was independently associated with multidirectional myocardial function injuries.

Echocardiographic predictors of cardiovascular outcome in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

AIMS

The optimal echocardiographic predictors of cardiovascular outcome in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are unknown. We aimed to identify independent echocardiographic predictors of cardiovascular outcome in patients with HFpEF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Systematic literature search of three electronic databases was conducted from date of inception until November 2022. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for echocardiographic variables from multivariate prediction models for the composite primary endpoint of cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization were pooled using a random effects meta-analysis. Specific subgroup analyses were conducted for studies that enrolled patients with acute versus chronic HF, and for those studies that included E/e', pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), renal function, natriuretic peptides and diuretic use in multivariate models. Forty-six studies totalling 20 056 patients with HFpEF were included. Three echocardiographic parameters emerged as independent predictors in all subgroup analyses: decreased left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10-1.39 per 5% decrease), decreased left atrial (LA) reservoir strain (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.13-1.1.50 per 5% decrease) and lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to PASP ratio (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07-1.25 per 0.1 unit decrease). Other independent echocardiographic predictors of the primary endpoint were a higher E/e', moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation, LV mass index and LA ejection fraction, although these variables were less robust.

CONCLUSIONS

Impaired LV global longitudinal strain, lower LA reservoir strain and lower TAPSE/PASP ratio predict cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization in HFpEF and are independent of filling pressures, clinical characteristics and natriuretic peptides. These echocardiographic parameters reflect key functional changes in HFpEF, and should be incorporated in future prospective risk prediction models.

Integrating Toe Brachial Index and longitudinal strain echocardiography for detecting coronary artery disease in patients with diabetic foot syndrome

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common problem amongst diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) patients, associated with peripheral arterial disease. This analytic cross-sectional study investigates the diagnostic efficacy of the Toe Brachial Index (TBI) in the detection of CAD in 62 DFS patients. The presence of CAD was assessed by longitudinal strain echocardiography, a sensitive method that provides a more accurate measure of intrinsic left ventricular contractility than left ventricular ejection fraction, especially in diabetic patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression identified CAD-associated factors. Receiver operating characteristic curve evaluated TBI and toe pressure's diagnostic performance for CAD. p-Values < 0.05 were considered significant. There was a significant association between TBI and CAD, with each 0.01 increase in TBI associated with a 15% decrease in the odds of CAD development (odds ratio = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72-0.99, p = 0.039). TBI demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.854, a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 66.7% at a cut-off of 0.69. Additionally, toe pressure exhibited an area under the curve of 0.845, sensitivity of 74.0% and specificity of 75.0% at a cut-off of 68.0 mmHg. Overall accuracy for TBI and toe pressure was 77.4% and 74.2%, respectively, indicating their potential for CAD risk stratification in the DFS population. This study highlights a significant association between low TBI and the presence of CAD in DFS patients. Consequently, TBI emerges as a valuable screening tool for identifying CAD within this population.

Predicting cardiovascular events in out-of-hospital patients presenting with atypical chest pain and complete left bundle branch block: role of CTA and echocardiographic Global Longitudinal Strain

Background

Out-of-hospital patients presenting with atypical chest pain and complete left bundle branch block (LBBB) have to be stratified for the presence of coronary artery disease and the risk of developing heart failure (HF). We investigated the prognostic role of coronary CT-angiography (CTA) and echocardiographic global longitudinal strain (GLS) in those patients in a mid-term follow-up.

Methods

Out-of-hospital patients with LBBB underwent echocardiography and a 64-slice CT angiography were evaluated retrospectively. Development of HF or a cardiovascular death were the events scheduled.

Results

Seventy-eight patients (32 female; mean age: 66.0 ± 10.4 years were enrolled. During a follow-up of 33 months (IQR: 17-77), one patient (1.5%) experienced a cardiovascular death, 14 patients (17.9%) required urgent outpatient visits due to acute decompensated HF (12 hospitalizations). Echocardiography showed a slightly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (50.0% ± 9.8%) and GLS within the normal range (-16.2% ± 4.1%). CTA analysis showed coronary stenosis > 50% in 28 patients (35.9%). A high Agatston score (> 100) was observed in 29.5%. Notably, 25 patients (32.1%) were diagnosed with left main coronary artery disease and 15 patients (16.7%) underwent revascularization during the follow up. Significant associations were observed between events and LVEF (P = 0.001), diastolic dysfunction grade ≥ 2 (P = 0.02), GLS (P < 0.001), multiple coronary stenosis (P = 0.04) and Agatston score (P = 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed the relationships with LVEF (R2 = 0.89, P < 0.001), diastolic dysfunction (R2 = 3.30, P = 0.04), GLS (R2 = 1.43, P < 0.001), and Agatston score (R2 = 1.01, P = 0.05).

Conclusions

In patients with complete LBBB, CTA and GLS identified those at a high risk of development HF.

Racial Differences in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: The ARISE-HF Trial

BACKGROUND

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM) increases risk of overt heart failure in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Racial and ethnic differences in DbCM remain unexplored.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to identify racial and ethnic differences among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, structural heart disease, and impaired exercise capacity.

METHODS

The ARISE-HF (Aldolase Reductase Inhibitor for Stabilization of Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure) trial is assessing the efficacy of an aldose reductase inhibitor for exercise capacity preservation in 691 persons with DbCM. Baseline characteristics, echocardiographic parameters, and functional capacity were analyzed and stratified by race and ethnicity.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study participants was 67.4 years; 50% were women. Black and Hispanic patients had lower use of diabetes mellitus treatments. Black patients had poorer baseline ventricular function and more impaired global longitudinal strain. Overall, health status was preserved, based on Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores, but reduced exercise capacity was present as evidenced by reduced Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) scores. When stratified by race and ethnicity and compared with the entire cohort, Black patients had poorer health status, more reduced physical activity, and a greater impairment in exercise capacity during cardiopulmonary exercise testing, whereas Hispanic patients also displayed compromised cardiopulmonary exercise testing functional capacity. White patients demonstrated higher physical activity and functional capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial and ethnic differences exist in baseline characteristics of persons affected by DbCM, with Black and Hispanic study participants demonstrating higher risk features. These insights inform the need to address differences in the population with DbCM. (Safety and Efficacy of AT-001 in Patients With Diabetic Cardiomyopathy [ARISE-HF]; NCT04083339).

Global longitudinal active strain energy density (GLASED): age and sex differences between young and veteran athletes

BACKGROUND

Global longitudinal active strain energy density (GLASED) is an innovative method for assessing myocardial function and quantifies the work performed per unit volume of the left ventricular myocardium. The GLASED, measured using MRI, is the best prognostic marker currently available. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of measuring the GLASED using echocardiography and to investigate potential differences in the GLASED among athletes based on age and sex.

METHODS

An echocardiographic study was conducted with male controls, male and female young athletes, and male and female veteran athletes. GLASED was calculated from the myocardial stress and strain.

RESULTS

The mean age (in years) of the young athletes was 21.6 for males and 21.4 for females, while the mean age of the veteran athletes was 53.5 for males and 54.2 for females. GLASED was found to be highest in young male athletes (2.40 kJ/m3) and lowest in female veterans (1.96 kJ/m3). Veteran males exhibited lower values (1.96 kJ/m3) than young male athletes did (P < 0.001). Young females demonstrated greater GLASED (2.28 kJ/m3) than did veteran females (P < 0.01). However, no significant difference in the GLASED was observed between male and female veterans.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated the feasibility of measuring GLASED using echocardiography. GLASED values were greater in young male athletes than in female athletes and decreased with age, suggesting possible physiological differences in their myocardium. The sex-related differences observed in GLASED values among young athletes were no longer present in veteran athletes. We postulate that measuring the GLASED may serve as a useful additional screening tool for cardiac diseases in athletes, particularly for those with borderline phenotypes of hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies.

Prognostic value of global longitudinal strain in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function: A cardiac magnetic resonance real-world study

BACKGROUND

Myocardial strain is a more sensitive parameter for cardiac function evaluation than left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This study aimed to assess the predictive value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) by feature tracking-cardiac magnetic resonance (FT-CMR) imaging in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) with preserved left ventricular systolic function.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort analysis enrolled patients with known or suspected CAD who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging from September 2017 to December 2019. LV-GLS was analyzed via feature-tracking analysis. Patients with LVEF <50% were excluded. The composite outcome comprised all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and heart failure.

RESULTS

There was a total of 2613 patients. Mean follow-up duration was 39.7 ± 13.9 months. During follow-up, 194 patients (7.4%) experienced a composite outcome. The best cutoff of LV-GLS in the prediction of composite outcome from receiver operating characteristics was -14.4%. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to the LV-GLS; 1489 (57.0%) had LV-GLS <-14.4% and 1124 (43.0%) had LV-GLS ≥-14.4%. Patients with LV-GLS ≥-14.4% had a significantly higher rate of composite outcome than LV-GLS <-14.4% patients (3.59 vs. 1.39 per 100 person-years, respectively; p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that patients with LV-GLS ≥-14.4% had a significantly higher risk of experiencing a composite outcome event compared to global longitudinal strain <-14.4% patients (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.28-2.61; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

LV-GLS by FT-CMR was shown to be useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with known or suspected CAD with preserved left ventricular systolic function. LV-GLS -14.4% was the identified cutoff for prognostic determination.

Non-invasive myocardial tissue deformation and discoordination indices predict cardiac allograft vasculopathy in pediatric heart transplantation patients

There is an urgent need for non-invasive imaging-based biomarkers suitable for diagnostic surveillance of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in pediatric heart transplant (PHT) patients. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively investigate left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation in conjunction with electromechanical discoordination in PHT. PHT patients with and without CAV were evaluated for echocardiography derived global longitudinal strain (GLS) and electromechanical discoordination indices including systolic stretch fraction (SSF) and diastolic relaxation fraction (DRF). SSF was increased in CAV(+) patients at the time of CAV diagnosis (median CAV(+) 5.0 vs. median CAV(-) 0.0, P = 0.008) and in the echocardiogram preceding the CAV diagnosis (median CAV(+) 29.0 vs. median CAV(-) 0.0, P < 0.001). DRF was also increased in the echocardiogram that preceded CAV diagnosis in CAV(+) patients (0.31 ± 0.08 vs. 0.25 ± 0.05, P = 0.008). The final model using indices 6-12 months prior to CAV diagnosis included GLS, SSF, and DRF providing AUC of 0.94 with sensitivity 98.5%, specificity 80.0%, positive predictive value 85.0%, and negative predictive value 94.1%. Systolic and diastolic electro-mechanical discoordination indices are significantly worse in PHT patients experiencing CAV. Non-invasive imaging guided surveillance using echocardiographic myocardial deformation indices can be improved by adding SSF and DRF to standard GLS measurements.

Additional Impact of Aortic Regurgitation on Left Ventricular Strain and Remodeling in Essential Hypertension Patients Evaluated Using MRI

BACKGROUND

Understanding the impact of aortic regurgitation (AR) on hypertensive patients' hearts is important.

PURPOSE

To assess left ventricular (LV) strain and structure in hypertensive patients and investigate the relationship with AR severity.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective.

POPULATION

263 hypertensive patients (99 with AR) and 62 controls, with cardiac MRI data.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequence at 3.0T.

ASSESSMENT

AR was classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on echocardiographic findings. LV geometry was classified as normal, concentric remodeling, eccentric hypertrophy, or concentric hypertrophy based on MRI assessment of LV mass/volume ratio and LV Mass index (LVMI). LV global radial peak strain (GRPS), global circumferential peak strain (GCPS), and global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS) were obtained by post-processing bSSFP cine datasets using commercial software.

STATISTICAL TESTS

ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's correlation coefficients (r), chi-square test, and multivariable linear regression analysis. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Hypertensive patients with AR had significantly lower LV myocardial strain and higher LVMI than the group without AR (GRPS 26.25 ± 12.23 vs. 34.53 ± 9.85, GCPS -17.4 ± 5.84 vs. -20.57 ± 3.57, GLPS -9.86 ± 4.08 vs. -12.95 ± 2.94, LVMI 90.56 ± 38.56 vs.58.84 ± 17.55). Of the 99 patients with AR, 56 had mild AR, 26 had moderate AR and 17 had severe AR. The degree of AR was significantly negatively correlated to the absolute values of LV GRPS, GCPS and GLPS (r = -0.284 - -0.416). LV eccentric hypertrophy increased significantly with AR severity (no AR 21.3%, mild AR 42.9%, moderate AR 73.1%, severe AR 82.4%). In multivariable analysis, the degree of AR was an independent factor affecting LV global strain and LVMI even after considering confounding factors (β values for global myocardial strain were -0.431 to -0.484, for LVMI was 0.646).

DATA CONCLUSION

Increasing AR severity leads to decreased cardiac function and worse ventricular geometric phenotypes in hypertensive patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

Cardiac screening in pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1: similarities with Noonan syndrome?

Both Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Noonan syndrome (NS) are RASopathies. Characteristic cardiac phenotypes of NS, including specific electrocardiographic changes, pulmonary valve stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have not been completely studied in NF1.

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to assess: (1) similarities in the prevalence and types of ECG and conventional echocardiographic findings described in NS in asymptomatic patients with NF1, and (2) the presence of discrete myocardial dysfunction in NF1 patients using myocardial strain imaging.

METHODS

Fifty-eight patients with NF1 (ages 0-18 years), and thirty-one age-matched healthy controls underwent cardiac assessment including blood pressure measurements, a 12-lead ECG, and detailed echocardiography. Quantification of cardiac chamber size, mass and function were measured using conventional echocardiography. Myocardial strain parameters were assessed using 2-Dimensional (2D) Speckle tracking echocardiography.

RESULTS

Asymptomatic patients with NF1 had normal electrocardiograms, none with the typical ECG patterns described in NS. However, patients with NF1 showed significantly decreased calculated Z scores of the left ventricular internal diameter in diastole and systole, reduced left ventricular mass index and a higher incidence of cardiac abnormal findings, mainly of the mitral valve, in contrast to the frequently described types of cardiac abnormalities in NS. Peak and end systolic global circumferential strain were the only significantly reduced speckle tracking derived myocardial strain parameter.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with NF1 demonstrated more dissimilarities than similarities in the prevalence and types of ECG and conventional echocardiographic findings described in NS. The role of the abnormal myocardial strain parameter needs to be explored.

Increasing region of interest width reduces neonatal circumferential strain

OBJECTIVE

There is growing interest in speckle tracking echocardiography-derived strain as a measure of left ventricular function in neonates. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the effect of image acquisition and processing parameters on circumferential strain measurements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using different region of interest (ROI) widths on speckle tracking derived circumferential strain in healthy neonates.

METHODS

Thirty healthy-term-born neonates were examined with speckle-tracking echocardiography in the short-axis view. Circumferential strain values were acquired and compared using two different ROI widths. Furthermore, strain values in the different vendor-defined wall layers were also compared.

RESULTS

Increasing ROI width led to a decrease in global circumferential strain (GCS) in the midwall and epicardial layers, the respective decreases in strain being -23.4 ± .6% to -22.0 ± 1.1%, p < .0001 and 18.5 ± 1.7% to -15.6 ± 2.0%, p < .0001. Segmental analyses were consistent with these results, apart from two segments in the midwall. There was no statistically significant effect on strain for the endocardial layer. A gradient was seen where strain increased from the epicardial to endocardial layers.

CONCLUSION

Increasing ROI width led to a decrease in GCS in the midwall and epicardium. There is an increase in circumferential strain when moving from the epicardial toward the endocardial layer. Clinicians wishing to implement circumferential strain into their practice should consider ROI width variation as a potential confounder in their measurements.

Three-Dimensional Feature Tracking Study of Healthy Chinese Ventricle by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance

PURPOSE

Myocardial strain, as a crucial quantitative indicator of myocardial deformation, can detect the changes of cardiac function earlier than parameters such as ejection fraction (EF). It has reported that cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR) and post-processing software possess the ability to obtain the stability and repeatability strain values. Recently, the normal strain values range of people are debatable, especially in the Chinese population. Therefore, we aim to explore the ventricular characteristics and the myocardial strain values of the Chinese people by using the cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT). Additionally, we attempted to use the myocardial and chordae tendineae contours to calculate the ventricular volumes by the CMR-FT. This study may provide valuable insights into the application of CMR-FT in tracking the ventricular characteristics and myocardial strain for Chinese population, especially in suggesting an referable myocardial strain parameters of the Chinese.

METHODS

A total of 109 healthy Chinese individuals (age range: 18 to 58 years; 52 males and 57 females) underwent 3.0T CMR to acquire the cardiac images. The commercial post-processing software was employed to analyse the image sequence by semi-automatic processing, then the biventricular morphology (End-Diastolic Volume, EDV; EDV/Body Surface Area, EDV/BSA), function(EF; Cardiac Output, CO; Cardiac Index, CI) and strain(Radial Strain, RS; Circumferential Strain, CS; Longitudinal Strain, LS) values were obtained.The biventricular myocardial strain values were stratified according to the age and gender. The Left Ventricular( LV base, mid, apex) and myocardial strain values of three coronary artery areas were calculated based on the the strain value of LV American Heart Association(AHA) 16 segments.

RESULTS

It was shown that the females had larger LV globe strain values compared with the males (LVGPRS: 42.0 ± 8.5 versus 33.6 ± 6.2%, P < 0.001; LVGPCS: -21.2 ± 2.1 versus - 19.7 ± 2.3%, P < 0.001; LVGPLS: -16.4 ± 2.6 versus - 14.6 ± 2.2%, P < 0.001;). Moreover, the differences in RS, CS, and LS among the LV myocardium 16 segments were obvious. However, the right ventricle (RV) strain values showed non-normal distribution in the volunteers of this research.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we successfully tracked the characteristics of bilateral ventricles in healthy Chinese populations through using the 3.0T CMR. We confirmed that there was a gender difference in LV Globe Strain values. In addition, we obtained strain values for each myocardial segment of the LV and different coronary artery regions based on the AHA 16 segments method, Our results also showed that the RV strain values with a non-normal distribution, and RV global strain values were not related to the gender and age. Furthermore, LVGPRS, LVGPLS, and RVGPRS were significantly correlated with BMI, CO, CI, and EDV in the Chinese population.

Hypersynchrony in sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: description and mechanistic approach using multimodal electro-mechanical non-invasive cartography (HSYNC study)

Background

Little is known about left ventricular (LV) sequences of contraction and electrical activation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A better understanding of the underlying relation between mechanical and electrical activation may allow the identification of predictive response criteria to right ventricular DDD pacing in obstructive patients.

Objective

To describe LV mechanical and electrical activation sequences in HCM patients compared to controls.

Materials and methods

We prospectively studied, in 40 HCM patients (20 obstructive and 20 non-obstructive) and 20 healthy controls: (1) mechanical activation using echocardiography at rest and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, (2) electrical activation using 3-dimensional electrocardiographic mapping (ECM).

Results

In echocardiography, healthy controls had a physiological apex-to-base delay (ABD) during contraction (23.8 ± 16.2 ms). Among the 40 HCM patients, 18 HCM patients presented a loss of this ABD (<10 ms, defining hypersynchrony) more frequently than controls (45% vs. 5%, p = 0.017). These patients had a lower LV end-diastolic volume (71.4 ± 9.7 ml/m2 vs. 82.4 ± 14.8 ml/m2, p = 0.01), lower native T1 values (988 ± 32 ms vs. 1,028 ± 39 ms, p = 0.001) and tended to have lower LV mass (80.7 ± 23.7 g/m2 vs. 94.5 ± 25.3 g/m2, p = 0.08) compared with HCM patients that had a physiological contraction sequence. There was no significant relation between ABD and LV outflow tract obstruction. While HCM patients with a physiological contraction sequence presented an ECM close to those encountered in controls, patients with a loss of ABD presented a particular pattern of ECM with the first potential more frequently occurring in the postero-basal region.

Conclusion

The LV contraction sequence can be modified in HCM patients, with a loss of the physiological ABD, and is associated with smaller LV dimensions and a particular pattern of ECM. Further research is needed to determine whether this pattern is related to an electrical substrate or is the consequence of the hypertrophied heart's specific geometry.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT02559726.

Early reverse remodeling by echocardiography after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

INTRODUCTION

Oslo University Hospital is a tertiary center conducting a significant number of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures per year. In this follow-up MediPace study, we aimed to investigate early echocardiographic changes in systolic and diastolic functions after TAVI in these patients.

METHODS

All patients enrolled in the previous study were contacted 3 months after TAVI for echocardiographic evaluation. Detailed echocardiography was performed 3.5 ± 1.6 months after TAVI, and compared with baseline evaluations.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 80.1 ± 6.8 years and 40% of the patients were female. We observed a significant improvement in global longitudinal strain (GLS) (pre-TAVI -16.8 ± 4.1%, post-TAVI -17.8 ± 3.6%, p < .001), with no notable change in LVEF. More than half of the patients (52%) experienced a significant reverse remodeling with ≥10% decrease in left ventricular mass index (LVMi) following TAVI (pre-TAVI 123.6 ± 32.1 vs. 109.7 ± 28.9 g/m2 post-TAVI, p < .001). Pre-TAVI LVMi was a positive predictor, whereas history of HT was a negative predictor of LVMi reduction. There was no significant improvement in diastolic function following TAVI. Highest degree of paravalvular leakage was mild to moderate and was observed in only 2%.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant improvement in GLS and LVMi was found following TAVI. History of hypertension and baseline LVMi were predictors of LVMi change. There was no notable change in diastolic function, including left atrial strain.

Correlation of Noninvasive Cardiac MRI Measures of Left Ventricular Myocardial Function and Invasive Pressure-Volume Parameters in a Porcine Ischemia-Reperfusion Model

Purpose To assess the correlation between noninvasive cardiac MRI-derived parameters with pressure-volume (PV) loop data and evaluate changes in left ventricular function after myocardial infarction (MI). Materials and Methods Sixteen adult female swine were induced with MI, with six swine used as controls and 10 receiving platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB). Load-independent measures of cardiac function, including slopes of end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR) and preload recruitable stroke work (PRSW), were obtained on day 28 after MI. Cardiac MRI was performed on day 2 and day 28 after infarct. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) were measured. Ventriculo-arterial coupling (VAC) was derived from PV loop and cardiac MRI data. Pearson correlation analysis was performed. Results GCS (r = 0.60, P = .01), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r = 0.60, P = .01), and cardiac MRI-derived VAC (r = 0.61, P = .01) had a significant linear relationship with ESPVR. GCS (r = 0.75, P < .001) had the strongest significant linear relationship with PRSW, followed by LVEF (r = 0.67, P = .005) and cardiac MRI-derived VAC (r = 0.60, P = .01). GLS was not significantly correlated with ESPVR or PRSW. There was a linear correlation (r = 0.82, P < .001) between VAC derived from cardiac MRI and from PV loop data. GCS (-3.5% ± 2.3 vs 0.5% ± 1.4, P = .007) and cardiac MRI-derived VAC (-0.6 ± 0.6 vs 0.3 ± 0.3, P = .001) significantly improved in the animals treated with PDGF-AB 28 days after MI compared with controls. Conclusion Cardiac MRI-derived parameters of MI correlated with invasive PV measures, with GCS showing the strongest correlation. Cardiac MRI-derived measures also demonstrated utility in assessing therapeutic benefit using PDGF-AB. Keywords: Cardiac MRI, Myocardial Infarction, Pressure Volume Loop, Strain Imaging, Ventriculo-arterial Coupling Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2024.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Utilizing Automated Cardiac Motion Quantitation Techniques

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to explore the patterns of alteration in left ventricular systolic function among patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS) through the application of automatic myocardial motion quantification (aCMQ) techniques. Furthermore, we seek to ascertain dependable quantitative markers for the assessment of impaired left ventricular function in patients with SAS and an ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 60%.

METHODS

Seventy patients who underwent echocardiography and received a diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis (SAS) in the hospital from November 2021 to August 2022 were selected for the SAS group and categorized into three subgroups based on ejection fraction (EF)-SAS group with EF ≥ 60%, SAS group with EF ranging from 50% to 59%, and SAS group with EF < 50%. Concurrently, 30 healthy individuals were recruited at the hospital during the same timeframe to serve as the control group. Participants from both groups underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography to assess conventional echocardiographic parameters. Dynamic images were examined using automatic myocardial motion quantification (aCMQ) software to derive longitudinal peak strain (LPS) parameters, which were then subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In comparison to the control group participants, the measurements of ascending aorta diameter (AoD), left atrium diameter (LAD), interventricular septal end diastolic thickness (IVSd), left ventricular posterior wall end diastolic thickness (LVPWd), peak systolic velocity (Vmax), and mean pressure gradient (MPG) were significantly higher in the SAS groups (p < 0.05). When compared to participants in the SAS group with an EF ≥ 60%, the values of IVSd, LVPWd, Vmax, and MPG in the SAS group with EF ranging from 50% to 59% were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Similarly, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), the ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e'), and the ratio of early to late diastolic mitral inflow velocities (E/A) in the SAS group with EF < 50% were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). The absolute values of longitudinal peak strain (LPS) in the SAS groups were significantly lower in comparison to those in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, all measurements of left ventricular global longitudinal systolic peak strain (GLPS) showed a positive correlation with MPG, a moderate negative correlation with aortic valve area index (AVAI), and a moderate positive correlation with E/A.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SAS and an EF < 50% exhibited the most profound impairment in left ventricular myocardial function. Utilizing the aCMQ technique enables the precise and quantitative evaluation of the severity of impaired left ventricular systolic function in patients within the SAS group with an EF ≥ 60%.

Left and right ventricular strain-volume/area loops: a narrative review of current physiological understanding and potential clinical value

Traditionally, echocardiography is used for volumetric measurements to aid in assessment of cardiac function. Multiple echocardiographic-based assessment techniques have been developed, such as Doppler ultrasound and deformation imaging (e.g., peak global longitudinal strain (GLS)), which have shown to be clinically relevant. Volumetric changes across the cardiac cycle can be related to deformation, resulting in the Ventricular Strain-Volume/Area Loop. These Loops allow assessment of the dynamic relationship between longitudinal strain change and volumetric change across both systole and diastole. This integrated approach to both systolic and diastolic function assessment may offer additional information in conjunction with traditional, static, measures of cardiac function or structure. The aim of this review is to summarize our current understanding of the Ventricular Strain-Volume/Area Loop, describe how acute and chronic exposure to hemodynamic stimuli alter Loop characteristics, and, finally, to outline the potential clinical value of these Loops in patients with cardiovascular disease. In summary, several studies observed Loop changes in different hemodynamic loading conditions and various (patho)physiological conditions. The diagnostic and prognostic value, and physiological interpretation remain largely unclear and have been addressed only to a limited extent.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of an ejection fraction adjusted for myocardial remodeling

Introduction

Ejection fraction (EF) is widely used to evaluate heart function during heart failure (HF) due to its simplicity compared but it may misrepresent cardiac function during ventricular hypertrophy, especially in heart failure with preserved EF (HFpEF). To resolve this shortcoming, we evaluate a correction factor to EF, which is equivalent to computing EF at the mid-wall layer (without the need for mid-layer identification) rather than at the endocardial surface, and thus better complements other complex metrics.

Method

The retrospective cohort data was studied, consisting of 2,752 individuals (56.5% male, age 69.3 ± 16.4 years) admitted with a request of a troponin test and undergoing echocardiography as part of their clinical assessment across three centres. Cox-proportional regression models were constructed to compare the adjusted EF (EFa) to EF in evaluating risk of heart failure admissions.

Result

Comparing HFpEF patients to non-HF cases, there was no significant difference in EF (62.3 ± 7.6% vs. 64.2 ± 6.2%, p = 0.79), but there was a significant difference in EFa (56.6 ± 6.4% vs. 61.8 ± 9.9%, p = 0.0007). Both low EF and low EFa were associated with a high HF readmission risk. However, in the cohort with a normal EF (EF ≥ 50%), models using EFa were significantly more associative with HF readmissions within 3 years, where the leave one out cross validation ROC analysis showed a 18.6% reduction in errors, and Net Classification Index (NRI) analysis showed that risk increment classification of events increased by 12.2%, while risk decrement classification of non-events decreased by 16.6%.

Conclusion

EFa is associated with HF readmission in patients with a normal EF.

Comparative analysis of left ventricle function and deformation imaging in short and long axis plane in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Background

Advancements in cardiac imaging have revolutionized our understanding of ventricular contraction. While ejection fraction (EF) is still the gold standard parameter to assess left ventricle (LV) function, strain imaging (SI) has provided valuable insights into ventricular mechanics. The lack of an integrative method including SI parameters in a single, validated formula may limit its use. Our aim was to compare different methods for evaluating global circumferential strain (GCS) and their relationship with global longitudinal strain (GLS) and EF in CMR and how the different evaluations fit in the theoretical relationship between EF and global strain.

Methods

Retrospective monocenter study. Inclusion of every patient who underwent a CMR during a 15 months period with various clinical indication (congenital heart defect, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy). A minimum of three LV long-axis planes and a stack of short-axis slices covering the LV using classical steady-state free precession cine sequences. A single assessment of GLS on long axis (LAX) slices and a double assessment of GCS and EF with both short axis (SAX) and LAX slices were made by a single experienced CMR investigator.

Results

GCS-SAX and GCS-LAX were correlated (r = 0.77, P < 0.001) without being interchangeable with a high reproducibility for GCS, GLS and EF. EF calculated from LAX images showed an overestimation compared to EF derived from SAX images of 7%. The correlation between calculated EF and theoretical EF derived from SI was high (r = 0.88 with EF-SAX, 0.95 with EF-LAX).

Data conclusion

This study highlights the need to integrate strain imaging techniques into clinical by incorporating strain parameters into EF calculations, because it gives a deeper understanding of cardiac mechanics.

Left ventricular strain changes at high altitude in rats: a cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking imaging study

BACKGROUND

Long-term exposure to a high altitude environment with low pressure and low oxygen could cause abnormalities in the structure and function of the heart. Myocardial strain is a sensitive indicator for assessing myocardial dysfunction, monitoring myocardial strain is of great significance for the early diagnosis and treatment of high altitude heart-related diseases. This study applies cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking technology (CMR-TT) to evaluate the changes in left ventricular myocardial function and structure in rats in high altitude environment.

METHODS

6-week-old male rats were randomized into plateau hypoxia rats (plateau group, n = 21) as the experimental group and plain rats (plain group, n = 10) as the control group. plateau group rats were transported from Chengdu (altitude: 360 m), a city in a plateau located in southwestern China, to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (altitude: 3850 m), Yushu, China, and then fed for 12 weeks there, while plain group rats were fed in Chengdu(altitude: 360 m), China. Using 7.0 T cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to evaluate the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV) and stroke volume (SV), as well as myocardial strain parameters including the peak global longitudinal (GLS), radial (GRS), and circumferential strain (GCS). The rats were euthanized and a myocardial biopsy was obtained after the magnetic resonance imaging scan.

RESULTS

The plateau rats showed more lower left ventricular GLS and GRS (P < 0.05) than the plain rats. However, there was no statistically significant difference in left ventricular EDV, ESV, SV, EF and GCS compared to the plain rats (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

After 12 weeks of exposure to high altitude low-pressure hypoxia environment, the left ventricular global strain was partially decreased and myocardium is damaged, while the whole heart ejection fraction was still preserved, the myocardial strain was more sensitive than the ejection fraction in monitoring cardiac function.

Global longitudinal strain is an informative index of left ventricular performance in neonates receiving intensive care

Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function is crucial in NICU. The study aimed to compare the accuracy and agreement of global longitudinal strain (GLS) with conventional measurements. Real-life echocardiograms of neonates receiving intensive care were retrospectively reviewed. Shortening fraction (SF), ejection fraction (EF) and S' measurements were retrieved from health records. GLS was calculated offline from stored images. The association with stroke volume indexed for body weight (iSV) was evaluated by regression analysis. The diagnostic ability to identify uncompensated shock was assessed by ROC curve analysis. Cohen's κ was run to assess agreement. 334 echocardiograms of 155 neonates were evaluated. Mean ± SD gestational age and birth weight were 34.5 ± 4.1 weeks and 2264 ± 914 g, respectively. SF, EF, S' and GLS were associated with iSV with R2 of 0.133, 0.332, 0.252 and 0.633, (all p < .001). Including all variables in a regression model, iSV prediction showed an adjusted R2 of 0.667, (p < .001). GLS explained 73% of the model variance. GLS showed a better ability to diagnose uncompensated shock (AUC 0.956) compared to EF, S' and SF (AUC 0.757, 0.737 and 0.606, respectively). GLS showed a moderate agreement with EF (κ = .500, p < .001) and a limited agreement with S' and SF (κ = .260, p < .001, κ = .242, p < .001). GLS was a more informative index of left ventricular performance, providing the rationale for a more extensive use of GLS at the cotside.

Noninvasive Techniques for Tracking Biological Aging of the Cardiovascular System: JACC Family Series

Population aging is one of the most important demographic transformations of our time. Increasing the "health span"-the proportion of life spent in good health-is a global priority. Biological aging comprises molecular and cellular modifications over many years, which culminate in gradual physiological decline across multiple organ systems and predispose to age-related illnesses. Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of ill health and premature death in older people. The rate at which biological aging occurs varies across individuals of the same age and is influenced by a wide range of genetic and environmental exposures. The authors review the hallmarks of biological cardiovascular aging and their capture using imaging and other noninvasive techniques and examine how this information may be used to understand aging trajectories, with the aim of guiding individual- and population-level interventions to promote healthy aging.

Mortality in patients with septic cardiomyopathy identified by longitudinal strain by speckle tracking echocardiography: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

Septic cardiomyopathy is associated with poor outcomes but its definition remains unclear. In a previous meta-analysis, left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (LS) showed significant prognostic value in septic patients, but findings were not robust due to a limited number of studies, differences in effect size and no adjustment for confounders.

METHODS

We conducted an updated systematic review (PubMed and Scopus up to 14.02.2023) and meta-analysis to investigate the association between LS and survival in septic patients. We included studies reporting global (from three apical views) or regional LS (one or two apical windows). A secondary analysis evaluated the association between LV ejection fraction (EF) and survival using data from the selected studies.

RESULTS

We included fourteen studies (1678 patients, survival 69.6%) and demonstrated an association between better performance (more negative LS) and survival with a mean difference (MD) of -1.45%[-2.10, -0.80] (p < 0.0001;I2 = 42%). No subgroup differences were found stratifying studies according to number of views used to calculate LS (p = 0.31;I2 = 16%), severity of sepsis (p = 0.42;I2 = 0%), and sepsis criteria (p = 0.59;I2 = 0%). Trial sequential analysis and sensitivity analyses confirmed the primary findings. Grade of evidence was low. In the included studies, thirteen reported LVEF and we found an association between higher LVEF and survival (MD = 2.44% [0.44,4.45]; p = 0.02;I2 = 42%).

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed that more negative LS values are associated with higher survival in septic patients. The clinical relevance of this difference and whether the use of LS may improve understanding of septic cardiomyopathy and prognostication deserve further investigation. The association found between LVEF and survival is of unlikely clinical meaning.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO number CRD42023432354.

Global longitudinal strain in long-term risk prediction after acute coronary syndrome: an investigation of added prognostic value to ejection fraction

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the additional value of global longitudinal strain (GLS) on top of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in long-term risk prediction of combined death and heart failure (HF) re-hospitalization after acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHOD AND RESULTS

This retrospective study included patients admitted with ACS between 2008 and 2014 from the three participating university hospitals. LVEF and GLS were assessed at a core lab from images acquired during the index hospital stay. Their prognostic value was studied with the Cox proportional hazards model (median follow-up 6.2 years). A nested model comparison was performed with C-statistics. A total of 941 patients qualified for multivariable analysis after multiple imputation of missing baseline covariables. The combined outcome was reached in 17.7% of the cases. Both GLS and LVEF were independent predictors of the combined outcome, hazard ratio (HR) 1.068 (95% CI 1.017-1.121) and HR 0.980 (95% CI 0.962-0.998), respectively. The C-statistic increased from 0.742 (95% CI 0.702-0.783) to 0.749 (95% CI 0.709-0.789) (P = 0.693) when GLS entered the model with clinical data and LVEF.

CONCLUSION

GLS emerged as an independent long-term risk predictor of all-cause death and HF re-hospitalization. However, there was no significant incremental predictive value of GLS when LVEF was already known.

Diverse distribution patterns of segmental longitudinal strain are associated with different clinical features and outcomes in dilated cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) presents with diverse clinical courses, hardly predictable solely by the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). Longitudinal strain (LS) offers distinct information from LVEF and exhibits various distribution patterns. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of LS distribution patterns in DCM.

METHODS

We studied 139 patients with DCM (LVEF ≤ 35%) who were admitted for heart failure (HF). LS distribution was assessed using a bull's eye map and the relative apical LS index (RapLSI), calculated by dividing apical LS by the sum of basal and mid-LS values. We evaluated the associations of LS distribution with cardiac events (cardiac death, LV assist device implantation, or HF hospitalization) and LV reverse remodeling (LVRR), as indicated by subsequent LVEF changes.

RESULTS

Twenty six (19%) and 29 (21%) patients exhibited a pattern of relatively apical impaired or preserved LS (defined by RapLSI < 0.25 or > 0.75, signifying a 50% decrease or increase in apical LS compared to other segments), and the remaining patients exhibited a scattered/homogeneously impaired LS pattern. The proportion of new-onset heart failure and LVEF differed between the three groups. During the median 595-day follow-up, patients with relatively-impaired apical LS had a higher rate of cardiac events (both log-rank p < 0.05) and a lower incidence of LVRR (both p < 0.01) compared to patients with other patterns. RapLSI was significantly associated with cardiac event rates after adjusting for age, sex, and new-onset HF or global LS.

CONCLUSION

DCM patients with reduced EF and distinct distribution patterns of impaired LS experienced different outcomes.

Effects evaluation of different exercises on subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in obese rats by speckle-tracking echocardiography

OBJECTIVE

To identify subclinical left ventricle dysfunction (LVD) in obese rats by speckle-tracking echocardiography, and to evaluate the effects of 12-week Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) or High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on LV geometry, histology and function in obese rats.

METHODS

Eighteen male standard or obese Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the Control group, the MICT group, and the HIIT group. Exercise interventions were conducted for 12 weeks, with equal total load and increased intensity gradient. Using dual-energy X-ray, two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography, pulse Doppler, and HE staining to evalucate body shape, LV morphology, structure, and myocardial mechanics function.

RESULTS

(1) Both MICT and HIIT have good weight loss shaping effect. (2) The LV of obese rats underwent pathological remodeling, with decreased longitudinal contractility and synchrony, and increased circumferential contractility and synchrony. (3) Exercise can inhibit LV pathological remodeling, improve myocardial mechanical function. HIIT is superior to MICT. (4) The global longitudinal strain of obese rats in the HIIT group showed a significant correlation with Fat% and Lean%.

CONCLUSION

Obesity can induce LV pathological remodeling and subclinical dysfunction. Compared with MICT, 12-week HIIT can effectively inhibit the pathological remodeling of LV and promote the benign development of myocardial mechanical function in obese rats.

Potential Mechanisms of the Protective Effects of the Cardiometabolic Drugs Type-2 Sodium-Glucose Transporter Inhibitors and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Heart Failure

Different multifactorial pathophysiological processes are involved in the development of heart failure (HF), including neurohormonal dysfunction, the hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, interstitial fibrosis, microvascular endothelial inflammation, pro-thrombotic states, oxidative stress, decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, energetic dysfunction, epicardial coronary artery lesions, coronary microvascular rarefaction and, finally, cardiac remodeling. While different pharmacological strategies have shown significant cardiovascular benefits in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), there is a residual unmet need to fill the gap in terms of knowledge of mechanisms and efficacy in the outcomes of neurohormonal agents in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Recently, type-2 sodium-glucose transporter inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been shown to contribute to a significant reduction in the composite outcome of HF hospitalizations and cardiovascular mortality across the entire spectrum of ejection fraction. Moreover, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) have demonstrated significant benefits in patients with high cardiovascular risk, excess body weight or obesity and HF, in particular HFpEF. In this review, we will discuss the biological pathways potentially involved in the action of SGLT2i and GLP1-RA, which may explain their effective roles in the treatment of HF, as well as the potential implications of the use of these agents, also in combination therapies with neurohormonal agents, in the clinical practice.

Left ventricular ejection fraction: clinical, pathophysiological, and technical limitations

Risk stratification of cardiovascular death and treatment strategies in patients with heart failure (HF), the optimal timing for valve replacement, and the selection of patients for implantable cardioverter defibrillators are based on an echocardiographic calculation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in most guidelines. As a marker of systolic function, LVEF has important limitations being affected by loading conditions and cavity geometry, as well as image quality, thus impacting inter- and intra-observer measurement variability. LVEF is a product of shortening of the three components of myocardial fibres: longitudinal, circumferential, and oblique. It is therefore a marker of global ejection performance based on cavity volume changes, rather than directly reflecting myocardial contractile function, hence may be normal even when myofibril's systolic function is impaired. Sub-endocardial longitudinal fibers are the most sensitive layers to ischemia, so when dysfunctional, the circumferential fibers may compensate for it and maintain the overall LVEF. Likewise, in patients with HF, LVEF is used to stratify subgroups, an approach that has prognostic implications but without a direct relationship. HF is a dynamic disease that may worsen or improve over time according to the underlying pathology. Such dynamicity impacts LVEF and its use to guide treatment. The same applies to changes in LVEF following interventional procedures. In this review, we analyze the clinical, pathophysiological, and technical limitations of LVEF across a wide range of cardiovascular pathologies.

Left ventricular remodeling in twin pregnancy, noninvasively assessed using hemodynamic forces and pressure-volume relation analysis: prospective, cohort study

This study was designed to prospectively investigate the pattern of intraventricular hemodynamic forces (HDFs) associated with left ventricular (LV) function and remodeling in women with uncomplicated twin pregnancy. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on 35 women (aged 35.9 ± 4.7-yr old) during gestation (T1, <14 wk; T2, 14-27 wk; T3, >28 wk) and 6-7 mo after delivery (T0). LV HDFs were computed from echocardiography long-axis data sets using a novel technique based on endocardial boundary tracking, both in apex-base (A-B) and latero-septal (L-S) directions. HDF distribution was evaluated by L-S over A-B HDF ratio (L-S:A-B HDF ratio). At T1, L-S:A-B HDF ratio was higher than in T0 (P < 0.05) indicating HDF misalignment. At T2, a slight impairment of cardiac function was then recorded with a reduction of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and left ventricular end-systolic elastance (Ees) at pressure-volume relationship analysis versus T1 (both P < 0.05). Finally, at T3, when HDF misalignment and LV contractility reduction (GLS and Ees) were all restored, a rightward shift of the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR) with an increase of ventricular capacitance was documented. In twin pregnancy, HDF misalignment in the first trimester precedes the slight temporary decrease in left ventricular systolic function in the second trimester; at the third trimester, a rightward shift of the EDPVR was associated with a realignment of HDF and normalization of ventricular contractility indexes. These coordinated changes that occur in the maternal heart during twin pregnancy suggest the role of HDFs in cardiac remodeling.NEW & NOTEWORTHY These changes indicate that 1) the misalignment of hemodynamic forces (HDFs) precedes a mild reduction in systolic function in twin pregnancy and 2) the positive left ventricular (LV) response to hemodynamic stress is mainly due to an improved diastolic function with enhanced LV cavity compliance.

Utility of apical four-chamber longitudinal strain in the assessment of childhood cancer survivors: A multicenter study

BACKGROUND

A previous multicenter study showed that longitudinal changes in standard cardiac functional parameters were associated with the development of cardiomyopathy in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Evaluation of the relationship between global longitudinal strain (GLS) changes and cardiomyopathy risk was limited, largely due to lack of quality apical 2- and 3-chamber views in addition to 4-chamber view. We sought to determine whether apical 4-chamber longitudinal strain (A4LS) alone can serve as a suitable surrogate for GLS in this population.

METHODS

A4LS and GLS were measured in echocardiograms with acceptable apical 2-, 3-, and 4-chamber views. Correlation was evaluated using Pearson and Spearman coefficients, and agreement was evaluated with Bland-Altman plots. The ability of A4LS to identify normal and abnormal values compared to GLS as the reference was evaluated.

RESULTS

Among a total of 632 reviewed echocardiograms, we identified 130 echocardiograms from 56 patients with adequate views (38% female; mean age at cancer diagnosis 8.3 years; mean follow-up 9.4 years). Correlation coefficients between A4LS and GLS were .89 (Pearson) and .85 (Spearman), with Bland-Altman plot of GLS-A4LS showing a mean difference of -.71 ± 1.8. Compared with GLS as the gold standard, A4LS had a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI 79%-93%) and specificity of 82% (69%-95%) when using normal range cutoffs and 90% (82%-97%) and 70% (58%-81%) when using ±2 standard deviations.

CONCLUSION

A4LS performs well when compared with GLS in this population. Given the more recent adoption of apical 2- and 3-chamber views in most pediatric echocardiography laboratories, A4LS is a reasonable stand-alone measurement in retrospective analyses of older study cohorts and echocardiogram biorepositories.

Prognostic Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking Strain in Aortic Stenosis

BACKGROUND

Recent data have suggested that global longitudinal strain (GLS) could be useful for risk stratification of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic role of GLS in patients with AS and also its incremental value in relation to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).

METHODS

We analysed all consecutive patients with AS and LGE-CMR in our institution. Survival data were obtained from office of national statistics, a national body where all deaths in England are registered by law. Death certificates were obtained from the general register office.

RESULTS

Some 194 consecutive patients with aortic stenosis were investigated with CMR at baseline and followed up for 7.3 ± 4 years. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, only increasing age remained significant for both all-cause and cardiac mortality, while LGE (any pattern) retained significance for all-cause mortality and had a trend to significance for cardiac mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that patients in the best and middle GLS tertiles had significantly better mortality compared to patients in the worst GLS tertiles. Importantly though, sequential Cox proportional-hazard analysis demonstrated that GLS did not have significant incremental prognostic value for all-cause mortality or cardiac mortality in addition to LVEF and LGE.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has demonstrated that age and LGE but not GLS are significant poor prognostic indicators in patients with moderate and severe AS.

Coronary slow flow and its correlation with reduced left ventricle global longitudinal strain: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Coronary slow flow (CSF) often links to inflammation and endothelial function disturbance. While conventional ejection fraction measurements fall short in identifying myocardial dysfunction, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) has shown superior efficacy in this regard. Our study aimed to explore subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction by assessing LV GLS in patients diagnosed with coronary slow flow (CSF).

METHODS

The study included sixty patients with CSF and sixty control individuals without CSF. Coronary angiography employed the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC) to identify CSF. LV GLS values were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Significantly reduced LV GLS was evident in the CSF group compared to the control group (- 16.18 ± 1.25 vs. - 19.34 ± 1.33, p < 0.001). A notable correlation (r = 0.492, p < 0.001) between LV GLS and TFC was observed in the CSF group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis highlighted reduced LV-GLS (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.57-3.09, p < 0.001) and smoking (OR 11.55, 95% CI 3.24-41.2, p < 0.001) as significant predictors for CSF presence. The receiver operating characteristic curve established that an LV GLS value of ≥ - 17.8% accurately predicted the presence of CSF (AUC: 0.958, 95% CI: 0.924-0.991, p < 0.001) with 90% specificity and 91.7% sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that reduced LV GLS is associated with CSF presence, offering a valuable means to early detect subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in high-risk patients susceptible to heart failure.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ZU-IRB#7038/12-7-2021 Registered 12 July 2021, email: IRB_123@medicine.zu.edu.eg.

Incremental prognostic value of speckle tracking echocardiography and early follow-up echo assessment in predicting left ventricular recovery after reperfusion for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)

PURPOSE

Up to 50% of patients do not achieve significant left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery after primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI) for STEMI. We aimed to identify the echocardiographic predictors for LVEF recovery and assess the value of early follow-up echocardiography (Echo) in risk assessment of post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients.

METHODS

One hundred one STEMI patients undergoing PPCI were enrolled provided EF below 50%. Baseline echocardiography assessed LVEF, volumes, wall motion score index (WMSI), global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and E/e'. Follow-up echocardiography after 6 weeks reassessed left ventricular volumes, LVEF and GLS.GCS was not assessed at follow up. Patients were classified into recovery and non-recovery groups. Predictors of LVEF recovery and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 6 months were analysed.

RESULTS

The mean change of EF was 8.04 ± 3.32% in group I versus -.39 ± 5.09 % in group II (p < .001). Recovered patients had better baseline GLS, baseline GCS, E/e', and follow-up GLS. Multivariate regression analysis revealed E/e', GCS, and follow-up GLS after 6 weeks to be strong independent predictors for LVEF recovery. Composite MACE was considerably higher in group II (32.7% vs. 4.1%, p < .001) mainly driven by higher heart failure hospitalisation Multivariate regression analysis revealed baseline GLS, E/e', and ejection fraction (EF) percentage recovery as strong independent predictors for MACE.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiparametric echocardiographic approach incorporating LVEF, strain parameters, and diastolic function could allow early optimal risk stratification after STEMI treated with PPCI. Follow-up GLS and LVEF percentage change are the strongest predictors for early LV recovery and long term clinical outcome, respectively.

Longitudinal Strain vs. Conventional Echocardiographic Parameters in the First Week of Life in Healthy Term Newborns

The first week of life is characterized by substantial alterations in hemodynamic conditions. Changes in myocardial contractility will reflect these changes. We aimed to assess right and left ventricular function on the third and seventh days of life in 50 healthy term newborns. To assess myocardial function, we used speckle tracking echocardiography. Pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging, M-mode, Doppler and pulsed-wave Doppler were also used to assess ventricular function. We found a significant increase in both right and left longitudinal strain and an increase in systolic and diastolic tissue Doppler velocities, whereas most other parameters remained unchanged. At both time points, the measured parameters were significantly greater for the right ventricle, but the changes with time were similar for both ventricles. We also found an increase in right ventricular outflow tract acceleration time as an indirect sign of decreasing pulmonary vascular resistance and an increase in systolic blood pressure, pointing to increasing systemic vascular resistance. Together with a decreasing proportion of patients with patent ductus arteriosus, the estimated left ventricular cardiac output decreased and right ventricular cardiac output increased but not to a statistically significant degree. In conclusion, the results of our study show how different echocardiographic techniques capture hemodynamic changes and changes in myocardial contractility and compliance. Both longitudinal strain and tissue Doppler imaging parameters seem to offer greater sensitivity in comparison with conventional echocardiographic parameters.

Strain Assessment in Aortic Stenosis: Pathophysiology and Clinical Utility

Contemporary echocardiographic criteria for grading aortic stenosis severity have remained relatively unchanged, despite significant advances in noninvasive imaging techniques over the last 2 decades. More recently, attention has shifted to the ventricular response to aortic stenosis and how this might be quantified. Global longitudinal strain, semiautomatically calculated from standard two-dimensional echocardiographic images, has been the focus of extensive research. Global longitudinal strain is a sensitive marker of subtle hypertrophy-related impairment in left ventricular function and has shown promise as a relatively robust prognostic marker, both independently and when added to severity classification systems. Herein we review the pathophysiological basis underpinning the potential utility of global longitudinal strain in the assessment of aortic stenosis, as well as its potential role in quantifying myocardial recovery and prognostic discrimination following aortic valve replacement.

Comprehensive diagnostic workup in patients with suspected heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

Diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) can be challenging and it could require different tests, some of which are affected by limited availability. Nowadays, considering that new therapies are available for HFpEF and related conditions, a prompt and correct diagnosis is relevant. However, the diagnostic role of biomarker level, imaging tools, score-based algorithms and invasive evaluation, should be based on the strengths and weaknesses of each test. The aim of this review is to help the clinician in diagnosing HFpEF, overcoming the diagnostic uncertainty and disentangling among the different underlying causes, in order to properly treat this kind of patient.