Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion evaluation improves selection of cardiac resynchronization therapy patients

Response predictors to cardiac resynchronization therapy in chronic heart failure: a 10-year-cardiovascular center experience

BACKGROUND

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been established as an effective therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Randomized clinical trials have shown its impact on mortality and HF hospitalizations, as well as improvement of symptoms and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

Finding clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic variables that may predict the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

METHODS

We performed a single-center, observational, analytic, and retrospective study that included 102 patients with heart failure (HF) diagnosis who underwent CRT according to guideline-directed therapy from January 2010 to April 2020 in a third-level center. CRT response was defined as an improvement of New York Heart Association functional class in at least 1 category associated with a recovery of ≥ 5% in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

RESULTS

Our study population was 102 patients of which 61 (59.8%) were men. The mean age at HF diagnosis was 54 ± 18.7 years. Ischemic heart disease was the etiology in 37 (36.3%) cases. Fifty-one (50%) patients were classified as responders. Responders had wider QRS, and lower LVEF and right ventricular fractional area change at baseline. After CRT, responders had a greater reduction of QRS duration, and improvement in LVEF, global longitudinal strain, and echocardiographic dyssynchrony parameters. Multivariate regression analysis showed that left bundle branch block (LBBB), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and baseline difference of pre-ejection periods were predictors of a positive response to CRT in this population.

CONCLUSIONS

LBBB, TAPSE, LVEDV, and pre-ejection time difference are independent variables that can predict adequate response to CRT.

Impact of baseline right ventricular function on the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy - A meta-analysis

Baseline right ventricular (RV) function potentially determines the response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) but is not included in the current selection criteria. In this meta-analysis, we examined the value of echocardiographic indices of RV function as potential predictors of CRT outcomes in patients with standard indications for CRT. Baseline tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was consistently higher in CRT responders, and this association appears independent of age, sex, ischemic etiology of heart failure, and baseline left ventricular ejection fraction. This proof-of-concept meta-analysis of observational data may justify a more detailed assessment of RV function as an additional component in the selection process of CRT candidates.

Right ventricular function and long-term clinical outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy: A cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

BACKGROUND

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction has been linked to a poor response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We sought to determine whether cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived measures of RV function influence clinical outcomes after CRT.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we used cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to assess pre-implant RV volumes and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) in relation to clinical outcomes after CRT implantation.

RESULTS

Among 243 patients (age: 70.3 ± 10.8 years [mean ±. SD]; 68.7% male; 121 [49.8%]) with ischemic cardiomyopathy and 122 (50.2%) with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, 141 (58%) after CRT-defibrillation and 102 (42%) after CRT-pacing, 101 (41.6.0%) patients died, 61 (25.1%) from cardiac causes and 24 (9.88%) from non-cardiac causes, over 5.87 years (median; interquartile range: 4.35-7.73). Two (0.82%) patients underwent cardiac transplantation and 4 (1.64%) had a left ventricular assist device. A total of 41 (16.9%) met the composite endpoint of sudden cardiac death, ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. In univariate analyses, no measure of RV function was associated with total mortality or the arrhythmic endpoint. RVEF was associated with cardiac mortality on univariate analyses (HR per 10%: 0.82, 95% CI 0.70-0.96), but not on multivariate analyses that included left ventricular ejection fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no relationship between measures of RV function, such as RV volumes and RVEF, and the long-term clinical outcome of CRT. These findings indicate that such measures should not be considered in patient selection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Importance of Systematic Right Ventricular Assessment in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Candidates: A Machine Learning Approach

BACKGROUND

Despite all having systolic heart failure and broad QRS intervals, patients screened for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are highly heterogeneous, and it remains extremely challenging to predict the impact of CRT devices on left ventricular function and outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative impact of clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic data on the left ventricular remodeling and prognosis of CRT candidates by the application of machine learning approaches.

METHODS

One hundred ninety-three patients with systolic heart failure receiving CRT according to current recommendations were prospectively included in this multicenter study. A combination of the Boruta algorithm and random forest methods was used to identify features predicting both CRT volumetric response and prognosis. Model performance was tested using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The k-medoid method was also applied to identify clusters of phenotypically similar patients.

RESULTS

From 28 clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic variables, 16 features were predictive of CRT response, and 11 features were predictive of prognosis. Among the predictors of CRT response, eight variables (50%) pertained to right ventricular size or function. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was the main feature associated with prognosis. The selected features were associated with particularly good prediction of both CRT response (area under the curve, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.74-0.87) and outcomes (area under the curve, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75-0.93). An unsupervised machine learning approach allowed the identification of two phenogroups of patients who differed significantly in clinical variables and parameters of biventricular size and right ventricular function. The two phenogroups had significantly different prognosis (hazard ratio, 4.70; 95% CI, 2.1-10.0; P < .0001; log-rank P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Machine learning can reliably identify clinical and echocardiographic features associated with CRT response and prognosis. The evaluation of both right ventricular size and functional parameters has pivotal importance for the risk stratification of CRT candidates and should be systematically performed in patients undergoing CRT.

Equilibrium radionuclide angiography compared with tissue doppler imaging for detection of right ventricular dyssynchrony and prediction of acute response to cardiac resynchronization therapy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare tissue doppler imaging (TDI) and equilibrium radionuclide angiography (ERNA) for detection of right ventricular (RV) dyssynchrony and prediction of the acute response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

METHODS

This study was approved by the local ethics committee of Huai'an First People's Hospital. Patient consent was not provided due to the use of completely anonymous images from which the individual could not be identified in this study. Thirty-three patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy underwent both TDI and ERNA before and within 48 hour after CRT implantation. RV dyssynchrony was measured with TDI using the difference in time to peak systolic velocity between the RV free wall and ventricular septum (RV-T). With ERNA, the standard of RV mean phase angle and RV phase standard deviation (RVmPA% and RVPSD%) were assessed.

RESULTS

Moderate positive correlations were observed among baseline RVmPA%, RVPSD% and RV-T (r = 0.689 and 0.716, P < .001). Twenty patients (61%) with a reduction of at least 15% in LV end-systolic volume were categorized as acute responders after CRT. Responders showed significant reduction in RVmPA% and RVPSD% after CRT (53.60 ± 4.15% to 43.95 ± 6.88% and 14.00 ± 2.41% to 10.40 ± 1.67%, P < .05), whereas RV-T remained unchanged (50.10 ± 10.28 ms to 49.25 ± 13.64ms, NS). Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the cut-off value of RV-T was 48.5ms, yielding 65% sensitivity and 77% specificity to predict acute respond to CRT. The cut-off value of RVmPA% was 49.5%, yielding 85% sensitivity and 85% specificity and the cut-off value of RVPSD% was 11.5%, yielding 85% sensitivity and 92% specificity.

CONCLUSION

ERNA might be an appropriate alternative to TDI for assessment of RV dyssynchrony. Either RVmPA% or RVPSD% was highly predictive for acute response to CRT.

Assessment of right ventriclular systolic function prior to cardiac resynchronization therapy: Does it make any difference?

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment for patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Nearly 30% of candidates are inadequate responders. The benefit of patients with right sided heart failure from CRT is still a matter of debate. We examined the effect of CRT on right ventricular (RV) dimensions and overall systolic function and whether RV function prior to CRT could have an impact on CRT response.

Methods

94 patients with a mean age of 53.7 ± 14.6 years including 19 (20%) females, with advanced HF (EF < 35%, LBBB > 120 ms, or non-LBBB > 150 ms, with NYHA –III or ambulatory class IV) were enrolled and underwent CRT implantation. Standard two dimensional (2D) echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, for assessment of Left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic (LVEDV), and end-systolic volumes (LVESV), ejection fraction, RV maximum basal (RVD basal), maximum mid (RVD mid) transverse, maximum longitudinal (RVD long) diameters, TAPSE, fractional area change (FAC), and tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S′), in addition to RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) measured by speckle tracking echocardiography, were done before CRT implantation and at the end of the follow up period (5.9 ± 1.2 months). Patients presenting with reductions of LVESV of >15% were termed volumetric responders for further statistical analysis.

Results

63 (67%) cases were volumetric responders. Both groups were matched regarding demographic, clinical, ECG, and echocardiographic criteria apart from the RV significantly smaller transverse diameters and significantly better systolic function parameters in the responders group prior to CRT compared to non-responders (NR) group. At the end of the follow up, only the responders group had further significant reduction in RV basal, mid and longitudinal diameters (33.6 ± 7.1 vs 40.7 ± 8.6, 21.4 ± 4.9 vs 27 ± 6.1, 68.3 ± 10.8 vs 81.2 ± 15, respectively), p < 0.01, together with significant improvement in RV systolic performance: FAC (47.7 ± 7.3 vs 40.9 ± 6.4), TAPSE (25.2 ± 4.6 vs 22.1 ± 4.9), S′ (15.3 ± 2.3 vs 12.8 ± 2.3), and GLS (26.1 ± 2.1 vs 18.5 ± 1.6), P < 0.01, compared to baseline readings. S' and GLS were the only independent predictors of CRT response by multivariate analysis. S′ >9 cm/s, and GLS >12.45% had 100% sensitivity and 70%, 99.7% specificity, respectively for prediction of response to CRT.

Conclusions

CRT induces RV reverse remodeling and improves RV systolic function particularly in cardiac volumetric responders. RV systolic dysfunction before CRT implantation could identify patients that might not benefit from CRT thus helping proper patient selection and optimizing CRT response.

Predictors of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: A prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has modified the prognosis of chronic heart failure (HF) with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. However, 30% of patients do not have a favorable response. The big question is how to determine predictors of response.

AIMS

To identify baseline characteristics that might influence echocardiographic response to CRT.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a prospective single-center hospital-based cohort study of consecutive HF patients selected to CRT (NYHA class II-IV, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35% and QRS complex ≥120 ms). Responders were defined as those with a ≥5% absolute increase in LVEF at six months. Clinical, electrocardiographic, laboratory, echocardiographic, autonomic, endothelial and cardiopulmonary function parameters were assessed before CRT device implantation. Logistic regression models were used. Seventy-nine patients were included, 54 male (68.4%), age 68.1 years (standard deviation 10.2), 19 with ischemic etiology (24%). At six months, 51 patients (64.6%) were considered responders. Although by univariate analysis baseline tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and serum creatinine were significantly different in responders, on multivariate analysis only TAPSE was independently associated with response, with higher values predicting a positive response to CRT (OR=1.13; 95% CI: 1.02-1.26; p=0.020). TAPSE ≥15 mm was strongly associated with response, and TAPSE <15 mm with non-response (p=0.005). Responders had no TAPSE values below 10 mm.

CONCLUSION

From a range of clinical and technical baseline characteristics, multivariate analysis only identified TAPSE as an independent predictor of CRT response, with TAPSE <15 mm associated with non-response. This study highlights the importance of right ventricular dysfunction in CRT response. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02413151.

Interplay between right ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony and cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE

The effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) and intraright ventricular dyssynchrony (IRVD) is questionable. Furthermore, it is unclear whether baseline IRVD and RVEF influences response to CRT. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of CRT on RVEF and IRVD and to investigate whether baseline IRVD and RVEF impacts response to CRT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Equilibrium radionuclide angiography and clinical evaluation were performed in 32 nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy patients before and 3 months after CRT implantation. SD of the right ventricle mean phase angle expressed in degrees was used to quantify right intraventricular synchrony. RVEF was also evaluated.

RESULTS

There was no significant change in the RVEF and IRVD between the baseline and at 3 months after CRT equilibrium radionuclide angiography studies (RVEF: 40.5±10.6 vs. 40.4±10.4%, P=0.75; IRVD: 36.6±13.7 vs. 36.3±13.3°, P=0.35). Of 32 patients, 6/14 (43%) patients with baseline IRVD responded compared with 16/18 (89%) without baseline IRVD (P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

CRT did not cause any significant change in RVEF and IRVD. Patients with IRVD are less likely to respond to CRT.

Right heart-pulmonary circulation unit and cardiac resynchronization therapy

Clinical response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been known for years to be highly variable, with a spectrum of responses from no change or even deterioration of cardiac function to spectacular improvements. In the plethora of clinical, echocardiographic, biohumoral, and electrophysiological predictors of response to CRT and postimplant issues besides patient selection, the role of right ventricular (RV) function has been largely overlooked. In reviewing current evidence, we noticed conflicting results between observational studies and randomized trials not only concerning the impact of baseline RV function on CRT efficacy but also on the effects of CRT on RV size and function. Hence, we aimed to provide a critical reappraisal of current knowledge and unresolved issues on the reciprocal interactions between RV function and CRT, shifting the spotlight on the concept of right heart pulmonary circulation unit and on the clinical and prognostic significance of impaired ventricular-arterial coupling reserve. In this viewpoint, we propose that (1) CRT should not be denied to potential candidate because of "isolated" RV dysfunction and (2) assessment of baseline right heart pulmonary circulation unit and its dynamic response to pharmacological stress should be considered in future studies, as well as in the preimplant evaluation of individual candidates among other clinical factors.

Prognostic Role of Right Ventricular Function in Patients With Heart Failure Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

BACKGROUND

Because 20% to 40% of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) do not respond to it, identification of potential factors predicting response is a relevant research topic.

HYPOTHESIS

There is a possible association between right ventricular function and response to CRT.

METHODS

We analyzed 227 patients from the Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Modular Registry (CRT-MORE) who received CRT according to current guidelines from March to December 2013. Response to therapy was defined as a decrease of ≥15% in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) at 6 months.

RESULTS

The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) value that best predicted improvement in LVESV (sensitivity 68%, specificity 54%) was 17 mm. Stratifying patients according to TAPSE, LVESV decreased ≥15% in 78% of patients with TAPSE >17 mm (vs 59% in patients with TAPSE ≤17 mm; P = 0.006). At multivariate analysis, TAPSE >17 mm was independently associated with LVESV improvement (odds ratio: 1.97, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-3.80, P < 0.05), together with ischemic etiology (odds ratio: 0.39, 95% confidence interval: 0.20-0.75, P < 0.01). These results were confirmed for New York Heart Association class III to IV patients (79% echocardiographic response rate in patients with TAPSE >17 mm vs 55% in patients with TAPSE <17 mm; P = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline signs of right ventricular dysfunction suggest possible remodeling after CRT. A TAPSE value of 17 mm was identified as a good cutoff for predicting a better response to CRT in patients with both mildly symptomatic and severe heart failure.

Is cardiac resynchronization therapy for right ventricular failure in pulmonary arterial hypertension of benefit?

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a manifestation of a group of disorders leading to pulmonary vascular remodeling and increased pulmonary pressures. The right ventricular (RV) response to chronic pressure overload consists of myocardial remodeling, which is in many ways similar to that seen in left ventricular (LV) failure. Maladaptive myocardial remodeling often leads to intraventricular and interventricular dyssychrony, an observation that has led to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for LV failure. CRT has proven to be an effective treatment strategy in subsets of patients with LV failure resulting in improvement in LV function, heart failure symptoms, and survival. Current therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension is based on decreasing pulmonary vascular resistance, and there is currently no effective therapy targeting the right ventricle or maladaptive ventricular remodeling in these patients. This review focuses on the RV response to chronic pressure overload, its effect on electromechanical coupling and synchrony, and how lessons learned from left ventricular cardiac resynchronization might be applied as therapy for RV dysfunction in the context of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

A fetal cardiovascular score to predict infant hypertension and arterial remodeling in intrauterine growth restriction

OBJECTIVE

Intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) fetuses experience cardiovascular remodeling that persists into infancy and has been related to cardiovascular outcomes in adulthood. Hypertension in infancy has been demonstrated to be a strong risk factor for later cardiovascular disease. Close monitoring together with dietary interventions have shown to improve cardiovascular health in hypertensive children; however, not all IUGR infants show increased blood pressure. We evaluated the potential of fetal echocardiography for predicting hypertension and arterial remodeling in 6-month-old IUGR infants.

STUDY DESIGN

One hundred consecutive IUGR and 100 control fetuses were observed into infancy. Fetal assessment included perinatal Doppler imaging, cardiac morphometry, ejection fraction, cardiac output, isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), tricuspid annular-plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and tissue Doppler imaging. Infant hypertension and arterial remodeling were defined as mean blood pressure of >95th percentile together with aortic intima-media thickness of >75th percentile at 6 months of age. Odds ratio were obtained for fetal parameters that were associated with infant outcomes.

RESULTS

Fetal TAPSE, right sphericity index, IVRT, and cerebroplacental ratio were the strongest predictors for postnatal vascular remodeling. A cardiovascular risk score that was based on fetal TAPSE, cerebroplacental ratio, right sphericity index, and IVRT was highly predictive of infant hypertension and arterial remodeling (area under the curve, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.93; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Fetal echocardiographic parameters identify a high-risk group within the IUGR fetuses who could be targeted for early screening of blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors and for promoting healthy diet and physical exercise.

Value of annular M-mode displacement vs tissue Doppler velocities to assess cardiac function in intrauterine growth restriction

OBJECTIVE

To compare the ability of two different methods for longitudinal annular motion measurement, M-mode and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), to demonstrate cardiac dysfunction in intrauterine-growth-restricted (IUGR) fetuses.

METHODS

Cardiac longitudinal annular motion in the basal free wall of the left ventricle (mitral annulus), interventricular septum and tricuspid annulus was assessed in 23 early-onset IUGR cases and 43 controls by TDI (annular peak velocities) and M-mode (displacement).

RESULTS

All annular parameters were significantly decreased in the IUGR group with respect to controls using both methods. M-mode showed a trend towards equal performance as classifier between cases and controls, as compared to TDI, mainly in the tricuspid annulus.

CONCLUSIONS

Both M-mode and TDI demonstrate annular motion changes and consequently cardiac dysfunction in IUGR fetuses. M-mode imaging is simpler to perform and could be as sensitive as TDI for detecting subtle changes.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts response to cardiac resynchronization therapy

BACKGROUND

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (N/L) ratio has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes and increased risk for long-term mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy consecutive patients (mean age 58 ± 13 years; 40 men) undergoing CRT were included in the study. Hematological and echocardiographic parameters were measured before and 6 months after CRT. Echocardiographic response to CRT was defined as a ≥ 15% reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume at 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

After 6 months of CRT, 49 (70%) patients were responders. After 6 months, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) had significantly increased, from 21 ± 7% to 34 ± 11% in responder patients (p = 0.001). N/L ratio decreased significantly, from 2.4 ± 1 to 2.1 ± 0.7 in responders (p = 0.04). In multivariate analysis, significant associates of echocardiographic response to CRT was evaluated adjusting for age, etiology of cardiomyopathy, baseline LVEF, New York Heart Association functional class, C-reactive protein, and baseline N/L ratio. Baseline N/L ratio was the only predictor of response to CRT (OR 1.506, 95% CI, 1.011-2.243, p = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

N/L ratio at baseline could help to identify patients with response to CRT.