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Ismailov T, Khamitova Z, Jumadilova D, Khissamutdinov N, Toktarbay B, Zholshybek N, Rakhmanov Y, Salustri A. Reliability of left ventricular hemodynamic forces derived from feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306481. [PMID: 39052620 PMCID: PMC11271850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemodynamic forces (HDF) analysis has been proposed as a method to quantify intraventricular pressure gradients, however data on its reliability are still scanty. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the reliability of HDF parameters derived from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS CMR studies of 25 athletes were analysed by two independent observers and then re-analysed by the same observer one week apart. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC [95% CI]) and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess association, agreement, and bias of the longitudinal (A-B) HDF, transverse (L-S) HDF, and Impulse Angle. The sample size required to detect a relative change in the HDF parameters was also calculated. RESULTS In terms of inter-observer variability, there was a good correlation for the A-B and L-S (ICC 0.85 [0.67-0.93] and 0.86 [0.69-0.94]; p<0.001 for both, respectively) and a moderate correlation for the Impulse Angle (ICC 0.73 [0.39-0.87]; p = 0.001). For intra-observer variability, A-B and L-S showed excellent correlation (ICC 0.91 [0.78-0.93] and 0.93 [0.83-0.97]; p<0.001 for both, respectively). Impulse Angle presented good correlation (ICC 0.80 [0.56-0.90]; p<0.001). Frame selection and aortic valve area measurements were the most vulnerable step in terms of reliability of the method. Sample size calculation to detect relative changes ranged from n = 1 to detect a 15% relative change in Impulse Angle to n = 171 for the detection of 10% relative change in A-B HDF. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study showed a low inter- and intra-observer variability of HDF parameters derived from feature-tracking CMR. This provides the fundamental basis for their use both in research and clinical practice, which could eventually lead to the detection of significant changes at follow-up studies.
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Hou Y, Zhou H, Li Y, Mao T, Luo J, Yang J. Hemodynamic Force Based on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: State of the Art and Perspective. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024. [PMID: 38958118 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Intracardiac blood flow has long been proposed to play a significant role in cardiac morphology and function. However, absolute blood pressure within the heart has mainly been measured by invasive catheterization, which limits its application. Hemodynamic force (HDF) is the global force of intracavitary blood flow acquired by integrating the intraventricular pressure gradient over the entire ventricle and thus may be a promising tool for accurately characterizing cardiac function. Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging technology allow for a noninvasive measurement of HDF through both 4D flow cardiac MRI and cine cardiac MRI. The HDF time curve provides comprehensive data for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. In this review, a series of HDF parameters is introduced and a summary of the current literature regarding HDF in clinical practice is presented. Additionally, the current dilemmas and future prospects are discussed in order to contribute to the future research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5. TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangzhen Hou
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yajuan Li
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ting Mao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ji Yang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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3
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Aimo A, Panichella G, Fabiani I, Garofalo M, Fanizzi AI, Ragagnin M, Milazzo A, Zocchi C, Del Franco A, Pedrizzetti G, Olivotto I, Emdin M. Assessing cardiac mechanics through left ventricular haemodynamic forces. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. IMAGING METHODS AND PRACTICE 2024; 2:qyae077. [PMID: 39224620 PMCID: PMC11367958 DOI: 10.1093/ehjimp/qyae077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Haemodynamic forces (HDFs), which represent the forces exchanged between blood and surrounding tissues, are critical in regulating the structure and function of the left ventricle (LV). These forces can be assessed on cardiac magnetic resonance or transthoracic echocardiography exams using specialized software, offering a non-invasive alternative for measuring intraventricular pressure gradients. The analysis of HDFs can be a valuable tool in improving our understanding of cardiovascular disease and providing insights beyond traditional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. For instance, HDF analysis has the potential to identify early signs of adverse remodelling and cardiac dysfunction, which may not be detected by standard imaging methods such as bidimensional or speckle-tracking echocardiography. This review aims to summarize the principles of HDF analysis and to reappraise its possible applications to cardiac disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Aimo
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Panichella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Iacopo Fabiani
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Manuel Garofalo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Ilaria Fanizzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Maddalena Ragagnin
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Milazzo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Zocchi
- Cardiovascular Department, San Donato Hospital, 52100 Arezzo, Italy
| | - Annamaria Del Franco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Gianni Pedrizzetti
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Michele Emdin
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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4
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Yang W, Wang Y, Zhu L, Xu J, Wu W, Zhou D, Sirajuddin A, Arai AE, Zhao S, Lu M. Unravelling the intricacies of left ventricular haemodynamic forces: age and gender-specific normative values assessed by cardiac MRI in healthy adults. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2024; 25:229-239. [PMID: 37724746 PMCID: PMC11046054 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jead234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Haemodynamic forces (HDFs) provided a feasible method to early detect cardiac mechanical abnormalities by estimating the intraventricular pressure gradients. The novel advances in assessment of HDFs using routine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) cines shed new light on detection of preclinical dysfunction. However, definition of normal values for this new technique is the prerequisite for application in the clinic. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 218 healthy volunteers [38.1 years ± 11.1; 111 male (50.9%)] were recruited and underwent CMR examinations with a 3.0T scanner. Balanced steady state free precession breath hold cine images were acquired, and HDF assessments were performed based on strain analysis. The normal values of longitudinal and transversal HDF strength [root mean square (RMS)] and ratio of transversal to longitudinal HDF were all evaluated in overall population as well as in both genders and in age-specific groups. The longitudinal RMS values (%) of HDFs were significantly higher in women (P < 0.05). Moreover, the HDF amplitudes significantly decreased with ageing in entire heartbeat, systole, diastole, systolic/diastolic transition, and diastolic deceleration, while increased in atrial thrust. In multivariable linear regression analysis, age, heart rate, and global longitudinal strain emerged as independent predictors of the amplitudes of longitudinal HDFs in entire heartbeat and systole, while left ventricular end-diastole volume index was also independently associated with longitudinal HDFs in diastole and diastolic deceleration (P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION Our study provided comprehensive normal values of HDF assessments using CMR as well as presented with specific age and sex stratification. HDF analyses can be performed with excellent intra- and inter-observer reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yang
- Departments of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, 167 Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Yining Wang
- Departments of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, 167 Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Leyi Zhu
- Departments of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, 167 Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Departments of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, 167 Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Weichun Wu
- Departments of Echocardiography, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, Beilishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Di Zhou
- Departments of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, 167 Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Arlene Sirajuddin
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Shihua Zhao
- Departments of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, 167 Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Minjie Lu
- Departments of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, 167 Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging (Cultivation), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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5
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Konijnenberg LSF, Beijnink CWH, van Lieshout M, Vos JL, Rodwell L, Bodi V, Ortiz-Pérez JT, van Royen N, Rodriguez Palomares J, Nijveldt R. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging-derived intraventricular pressure gradients in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a long-term follow-up study. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. IMAGING METHODS AND PRACTICE 2024; 2:qyae009. [PMID: 39045208 PMCID: PMC11195698 DOI: 10.1093/ehjimp/qyae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Aims Recently, novel post-processing tools have become available that measure intraventricular pressure gradients (IVPGs) on routinely obtained long-axis cine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images. IVPGs provide a comprehensive overview of both systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) functions. Whether IVPGs are associated with clinical outcome after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is currently unknown. Here, we investigated the association between CMR-derived LV-IVPGs and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in a large reperfused STEMI cohort with long-term outcome. Methods and results In this prospectively enrolled multi-centre cohort study, 307 patients underwent CMR within 14 days after the first STEMI. LV-IVPGs (from apex-to-base) were estimated on the long-axis cine images. During a median follow-up of 9.7 (5.9-12.5) years, MACE (i.e. composite of cardiovascular death and de novo heart failure hospitalisation) occurred in 49 patients (16.0%). These patients had larger infarcts, more often microvascular injury, and impaired LV-IVPGs. In univariable Cox regression, overall LV-IVPG was significantly associated with MACE and remained significantly associated after adjustment for common clinical risk factors (hazard ratio (HR) 0.873, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.794-0.961, P = 0.005) and myocardial injury parameters (HR 0.906, 95% CI 0.825-0.995, P = 0.038). However, adjusted for LV ejection fraction and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), overall LV-IVPG does not provide additional prognostic information (HR 0.959, 95% CI 0.866-1.063, P = 0.426). Conclusion Early after STEMI, CMR-derived LV-IVPGs are univariably associated with MACE and this association remains significant after adjustment for common clinical risk factors and measures of infarct severity. However, LV-IVPGs do not add prognostic value to LV ejection fraction and LV GLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara S F Konijnenberg
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Casper W H Beijnink
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten van Lieshout
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline L Vos
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Rodwell
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Vicente Bodi
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (INCLIVA), 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28022 Madrid, Spain
| | - José T Ortiz-Pérez
- Department of Cardiology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Clínic Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Niels van Royen
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - José Rodriguez Palomares
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28022 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robin Nijveldt
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Zholshybek N, Khamitova Z, Toktarbay B, Jumadilova D, Khissamutdinov N, Dautov T, Rakhmanov Y, Bekbossynova M, Gaipov A, Salustri A. Cardiac imaging in athlete's heart: current status and future prospects. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2023; 21:21. [PMID: 38098064 PMCID: PMC10720202 DOI: 10.1186/s12947-023-00319-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity contributes to changes in cardiac morphology, which are known as "athlete's heart". Therefore, these modifications can be characterized using different imaging modalities such as echocardiography, including Doppler (flow Doppler and Doppler myocardial imaging) and speckle-tracking, along with cardiac magnetic resonance, and cardiac computed tomography. MAIN TEXT Echocardiography is the most common method for assessing cardiac structure and function in athletes due to its availability, repeatability, versatility, and low cost. It allows the measurement of parameters like left ventricular wall thickness, cavity dimensions, and mass. Left ventricular myocardial strain can be measured by tissue Doppler (using the pulse wave Doppler principle) or speckle tracking echocardiography (using the two-dimensional grayscale B-mode images), which provide information on the deformation of the myocardium. Cardiac magnetic resonance provides a comprehensive evaluation of cardiac morphology and function with superior accuracy compared to echocardiography. With the addition of contrast agents, myocardial state can be characterized. Thus, it is particularly effective in differentiating an athlete's heart from pathological conditions, however, is less accessible and more expensive compared to other techniques. Coronary computed tomography is used to assess coronary artery anatomy and identify anomalies or diseases, but its use is limited due to radiation exposure and cost, making it less suitable for young athletes. A novel approach, hemodynamic forces analysis, uses feature tracking to quantify intraventricular pressure gradients responsible for blood flow. Hemodynamic forces analysis has the potential for studying blood flow within the heart and assessing cardiac function. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, each diagnostic technique has its own advantages and limitations for assessing cardiac adaptations in athletes. Examining and comparing the cardiac adaptations resulting from physical activity with the structural cardiac changes identified through different diagnostic modalities is a pivotal focus in the field of sports medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurmakhan Zholshybek
- School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 01000, Kazakhstan
| | - Zaukiya Khamitova
- School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 01000, Kazakhstan
| | - Bauyrzhan Toktarbay
- School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 01000, Kazakhstan
| | - Dinara Jumadilova
- School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 01000, Kazakhstan
- National Research Cardiac Surgery Center, Radiology Unit, Astana, 01000, Kazakhstan
| | - Nail Khissamutdinov
- National Research Cardiac Surgery Center, Cardiology Unit #2, Astana, 01000, Kazakhstan
| | - Tairkhan Dautov
- Clinical and Academic Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, CF "University Medical Center", Astana, 01000, Kazakhstan
| | - Yeltay Rakhmanov
- School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 01000, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Abduzhappar Gaipov
- School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 01000, Kazakhstan
| | - Alessandro Salustri
- School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 01000, Kazakhstan.
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7
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Pambianchi G, Giannetti M, Marchitelli L, Cundari G, Maestrini V, Mancone M, Francone M, Catalano C, Galea N. Papillary Muscle Involvement during Acute Myocardial Infarction: Detection by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Using T1 Mapping Technique and Papillary Longitudinal Strain. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041497. [PMID: 36836032 PMCID: PMC9963367 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Papillary muscle (PPM) involvement in myocardial infarction (MI) increases the risk of secondary mitral valve regurgitation or PPM rupture and may be diagnosed using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging. The native T1-mapping (nT1) technique and PPM longitudinal strain (PPM-ls) have been used to identify PPM infarction (iPPM) without the use of the contrast agent. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of nT1 and PPM-ls in the identification of iPPM. Forty-six patients, who performed CMR within 14-30 days after MI, were retrospectively enrolled: sixteen showed signs of iPPM on LGE images. nT1 values were measured within the infarcted area (IA), remote myocardium (RM), blood pool (BP), and anterolateral and posteromedial PPMs and compared using ANOVA. PPM-ls values have been assessed on cineMR images as the percentage of shortening between end-diastolic and end-systolic phases. Higher nT1 values and lower PPM-ls were found in infarcted compared to non-infarcted PPMs (nT1: 1219.3 ± 102.5 ms vs. 1052.2 ± 80.5 ms and 17.6 ± 6.3% vs. 21.6 ± 4.3%; p-value < 0.001 for both), with no significant differences between the nT1 of infarcted PPMs and IA and between the non-infarcted PPMs and RM. ROC analysis demonstrated an excellent discriminatory power for nT1 in detecting the iPPM (AUC = 0.874; 95% CI: 0.784-0.963; p < 0.001). nT1 and PPM-ls are valid tools in assessing iPPM with the advantage of avoiding contrast media administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pambianchi
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Giannetti
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Marchitelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Cundari
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Maestrini
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, “Policlinico Umberto I” Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Mancone
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, “Policlinico Umberto I” Hospital, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Francone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Catalano
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Galea
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Kheradvar A, Pedrizzetti G. State of energy of ventricular flow: A cause or the first indicator of adverse remodeling? Int J Cardiol 2023; 371:490-491. [PMID: 36162524 PMCID: PMC9771912 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arash Kheradvar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Gianni Pedrizzetti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, USA,Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy,Corresponding author at: Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy. (G. Pedrizzetti)
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9
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Calvieri C, Riva A, Sturla F, Dominici L, Conia L, Gaudio C, Miraldi F, Secchi F, Galea N. Left Ventricular Adverse Remodeling in Ischemic Heart Disease: Emerging Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12010334. [PMID: 36615133 PMCID: PMC9820966 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-ischemic left ventricular (LV) remodeling is a biologically complex process involving myocardial structure, LV shape, and function, beginning early after myocardial infarction (MI) and lasting until 1 year. Adverse remodeling is a post-MI maladaptive process that has been associated with long-term poor clinical outcomes. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) is the best tool to define adverse remodeling because of its ability to accurately measure LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and their variation over time and to characterize the underlying myocardial changes. Therefore, CMR is the gold standard method to assess in vivo myocardial infarction extension and to detect the presence of microvascular obstruction and intramyocardial hemorrhage, both associated with adverse remodeling. In recent times, new CMR quantitative biomarkers emerged as predictive of post-ischemic adverse remodeling, such as T1 mapping, myocardial strain, and 4D flow. Additionally, CMR T1 mapping imaging may depict infarcted tissue and assess diffuse myocardial fibrosis by using surrogate markers such as extracellular volume fraction, which may predict functional recovery or risk stratification of remodeling. Finally, there is emerging evidence supporting the utility of intracavitary blood flow kinetic energy and hemodynamic features assessed by the 4D flow CMR technique as early predictors of remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Calvieri
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandra Riva
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20129 Milan, Italy
- 3D and Computer Simulation Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Sturla
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20129 Milan, Italy
- 3D and Computer Simulation Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Dominici
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Conia
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Gaudio
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Miraldi
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Secchi
- Unit of Radiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Galea
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
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10
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Demirkiran A, van der Geest RJ, Hopman LHGA, Robbers LFHJ, Handoko ML, Nijveldt R, Greenwood JP, Plein S, Garg P. Association of left ventricular flow energetics with remodeling after myocardial infarction: New hemodynamic insights for left ventricular remodeling. Int J Cardiol 2022; 367:105-114. [PMID: 36007668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myocardial infarction leads to complex changes in left ventricular (LV) hemodynamics. It remains unknown how four-dimensional acute changes in LV-cavity blood flow kinetic energy affects LV-remodeling. METHODS AND RESULTS In total, 69 revascularised ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients were enrolled. All patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) examination within 2 days of the index event and at 3-month. CMR examination included cine, late gadolinium enhancement, and whole-heart four-dimensional flow acquisitions. LV volume-function, infarct size (indexed to body surface area), microvascular obstruction, mitral inflow, and blood flow KEi (kinetic energy indexed to end-diastolic volume) characteristics were obtained. Adverse LV-remodeling was defined and categorized according to increase in LV end-diastolic volume of at least 10%, 15%, and 20%. Twenty-four patients (35%) developed at least 10%, 17 patients (25%) at least 15%, 11 patients (16%) at least 20% LV-remodeling. Demographics and clinical history were comparable between patients with/without LV-remodeling. In univariable regression-analysis, A-wave KEi was associated with at least 10%, 15%, and 20% LV-remodeling (p = 0.03, p = 0.02, p = 0.02, respectively), whereas infarct size only with at least 10% LV-remodeling (p = 0.02). In multivariable regression-analysis, A-wave KEi was identified as an independent marker for at least 10%, 15%, and 20% LV-remodeling (p = 0.09, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively), yet infarct size only for at least 10% LV-remodeling (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION In patients with STEMI, LV hemodynamic assessment by LV blood flow kinetic energetics demonstrates a significant inverse association with adverse LV-remodeling. Late-diastolic LV blood flow kinetic energetics early after acute MI was independently associated with adverse LV-remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Demirkiran
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rob J van der Geest
- Department of Radiology, Division of Image Processing, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Luuk H G A Hopman
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lourens F H J Robbers
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M Louis Handoko
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robin Nijveldt
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - John P Greenwood
- Multidisciplinary Cardiovascular Research Centre & Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Sven Plein
- Multidisciplinary Cardiovascular Research Centre & Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Pankaj Garg
- Department of Cardiology, Norfolk Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom.
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11
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Zakirova AN, Zakirova NE, Nizamova DF. Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 and Myocardial Remodeling in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure of Ischemic Origin. RATIONAL PHARMACOTHERAPY IN CARDIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.20996/1819-6446-2022-10-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim. To study the presence and nature of correlations between the level of Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and structural and functional parameters of the heart in the development of myocardial remodeling and fibrosis in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) of ischemic origin.Material and methods. The study included 120 men with class II-IV CHF who have history of myocardial infarction, which are divided into 3 groups depending on the CHF class. The control group included 25 healthy men. Assessment of left ventricular (LV) structural-functional state was carried out by echocardiography. Investigation of IGF-1 and N-terminal precursor indices of cerebral natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) was performed by enzyme immunoassay.Results. Patients with class II CHF were hyperexpression of IGF-1, with class III CHF were registered low-normal level, with class IV CHF was established a deficiency of IGF-1. The most significant structural-geometric rearrangement of LV and significant deficit of IGF-1 recorded in patients with class IV CHF (95,6±7,02 ng/ml with class IV CHF versus 178,3±11,36 ng/ml and 124,3±9,14 ng/ml with class II and III CHF; р<0,05). In patients of class III-IV CHF, correlation relationships between IGF-1 level and echocardiographic parameters (LV myocardial mass index are established: r=-0,59, p=0,05; end systolic volume index: r=-0,55, p=0,05; value of LV ejection fraction: r=0,61, p=0,05). Significant negative correlation are established in patients with class III-IV CHF between IGF-1 level and NT-pro BNP levels (r=-0,51; р=0,05).Conclusion. The intensity of myocardial remodeling and fibrosis processes in patients with a progressive course of CHF is related to deficit of IGF-1 and is associated with a high level of activity of natriuretic peptides.
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12
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Kollar S, Balaras E, Olivieri LJ, Loke YH, Capuano F. Statistical shape modeling reveals the link between right ventricular shape, hemodynamic force, and myocardial function in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H449-H460. [PMID: 35839154 PMCID: PMC9394773 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00228.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) can develop chronic pulmonary insufficiency (PI) with right ventricular (RV) dilation, progressive RV dysfunction, and decreased exercise capacity. Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) can help reduce the amount of PI and RV dilation; however, optimal timing remains controversial; a better understanding of rTOF pathophysiology is of fundamental importance to inform clinical management of patients with rTOF and optimal timing of PVR. In this study, we hypothesize a tight interplay between RV shape, intracardiac biomechanics, and ventricular function in patients with rTOF. To explore this hypothesis and derive quantitative measures, we combined statistical shape modeling with physics-based analysis of in vivo 4D flow data in 36 patients with rTOF. Our study demonstrated for the first time a correlation between regional RV shape variations, hemodynamic forces (HDF), and clinical dysfunction in patients with rTOF. The main findings of this work include 1) general increase in RV size, due to both volume overload and physiological growth, correlated with decrease in strain magnitude in the respective directions, and with increased QRS; 2) regional PI-induced remodeling accounted for ∼10% of the shape variability of the population, and was associated with increased diastolic HDF along the diaphragm-to-right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) direction, resulting in a net RV deformation along the same direction and decreased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE); and 3) three shape modes independently correlated with systolic HDF and exercise capacity. Identification of patients based on the shape variations described in this study could help identify those at risk for irreversible dysfunction and guide optimal timing of PVR.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We combine statistical shape modeling with physics-based analysis of 4D flow data to elucidate the interplay between RV shape, hemodynamic forces, and clinical dysfunction in repaired tetralogy of Fallot. We are the first to show that ventricular remodeling is related to hemodynamic force magnitude and direction, global and regional functional parameters, and exercise intolerance. Identification of patients based on the shape variations described in this study could help identify those at risk for irreversible dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kollar
- Division of Cardiology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Elias Balaras
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Laura J Olivieri
- Division of Cardiology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yue-Hin Loke
- Division of Cardiology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Francesco Capuano
- Department of Fluid Mechanics, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Loke YH, Capuano F, Kollar S, Cibis M, Kitslaar P, Balaras E, Reiber JHC, Pedrizzetti G, Olivieri L. Abnormal Diastolic Hemodynamic Forces: A Link Between Right Ventricular Wall Motion, Intracardiac Flow, and Pulmonary Regurgitation in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:929470. [PMID: 35911535 PMCID: PMC9329698 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.929470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective The effect of chronic pulmonary regurgitation (PR) on right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (RTOF) patients is well recognized by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). However, the link between RV wall motion, intracardiac flow and PR has not been established. Hemodynamic force (HDF) represents the global force exchanged between intracardiac blood volume and endocardium, measurable by 4D flow or by a novel mathematical model of wall motion. In our study, we used this novel methodology to derive HDF in a cohort of RTOF patients, exclusively using routine CMR imaging. Methods RTOF patients and controls with CMR imaging were retrospectively included. Three-dimensional (3D) models of RV were segmented, including RV outflow tract (RVOT). Feature-tracking software (QStrain 2.0, Medis Medical Imaging Systems, Leiden, Netherlands) captured endocardial contours from long/short-axis cine and used to reconstruct RV wall motion. A global HDF vector was computed from the moving surface, then decomposed into amplitude/impulse of three directional components based on reference (Apical-to-Basal, Septal-to-Free Wall and Diaphragm-to-RVOT direction). HDF were compared and correlated against CMR and exercise stress test parameters. A subset of RTOF patients had 4D flow that was used to derive vorticity (for correlation) and HDF (for comparison against cine method). Results 68 RTOF patients and 20 controls were included. RTOF patients had increased diastolic HDF amplitude in all three directions (p<0.05). PR% correlated with Diaphragm-RVOT HDF amplitude/impulse (r = 0.578, p<0.0001, r = 0.508, p < 0.0001, respectively). RV ejection fraction modestly correlated with global HDF amplitude (r = 0.2916, p = 0.031). VO2-max correlated with Septal-to-Free Wall HDF impulse (r = 0.536, p = 0.007). Diaphragm-to-RVOT HDF correlated with RVOT vorticity (r = 0.4997, p = 0.001). There was no significant measurement bias between Cine-derived HDF and 4D flow-derived HDF by Bland-Altman analysis. Conclusion RTOF patients have abnormal diastolic HDF that is correlated to PR, RV function, exercise capacity and vorticity. HDF can be derived from conventional cine, and is a potential link between RV wall motion and intracardiac flow from PR in RTOF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Hin Loke
- Department of Cardiology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
- 3D Cardiac Visualization Laboratory, Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Francesco Capuano
- Department of Fluid Mechanics, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah Kollar
- Department of Cardiology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Merih Cibis
- Medis Medical Imaging Systems, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Elias Balaras
- Laboratory for Computational Physics and Fluid Mechanics, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Gianni Pedrizzetti
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Laura Olivieri
- 3D Cardiac Visualization Laboratory, Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Cardiology, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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14
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Monosilio S, Filomena D, Luongo F, Sannino M, Cimino S, Neccia M, Mariani MV, Birtolo LI, Benedetti G, Tonti G, Pedrizzetti G, Vizza CD, Maestrini V, Agati L. Cardiac and Vascular Remodeling After 6 Months of Therapy With Sacubitril/Valsartan: Mechanistic Insights From Advanced Echocardiographic Analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:883769. [PMID: 35665260 PMCID: PMC9157573 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.883769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan (S/V) on left ventricular (LV) mechanics and ventricular-arterial coupling in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate both cardiac and vascular remodeling in a group of HFrEF patients undergoing S/V therapy. Methods Fifty HFrEF patients eligible to start a therapy with S/V were enrolled. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed at baseline and after 6 months of follow-up (FU). Beside standard evaluation, including global longitudinal strain (GLS), estimated hemodynamic forces (HDFs) and non-invasive pressure-volume curves (PV loop) were assessed using dedicated softwares. HDFs were evaluated over the entire cardiac cycle, in systole and diastole, both in apex to base (A-B) and latero-septal (L-S) directions. The distribution of LV HDFs was evaluated by L-S over A-B HDFs ratio (L-S/A-B HDFs ratio). Parameters derived from estimated PV loop curves were left ventricular end-systolic elastance (Ees), arterial elastance (Ea), and ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC). Results At 6 months of FU indexed left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes decreased (EDVi: 101 ± 28 mL vs. 86 ± 30 mL, p < 0.001; ESVi: 72 ± 23 mL vs. 55 ± 24 mL, p < 0.001), ejection fraction and GLS significantly improved (EF: 29 ± 6% vs. 37 ± 7%, p < 0.001; GLS: −9 ± 3% vs. −13 ± 4%, p < 0.001). A reduction of Ea (2.11 ± 0.91 mmHg/mL vs. 1.72 ± 0.44 mmHg/mL, p = 0.008) and an improvement of Ees (1.01 ± 0.37 mmHg/mL vs. 1.35 ± 0.6 mmHg/mL, p < 0.001) and VAC (2.3 ± 1.1 vs. 1.5 ± 0.7, p < 0.001) were observed. Re-alignment of HDFs occurred, with a reduction of diastolic L-S/A-B HDFs ratio [23 (20–35)% vs. 20 (11–28) %, p < 0.001]. Conclusion S/V therapy leads to a complex phenomenon of reverse remodeling involving increased myocardial contractility, HDFs distribution improvement, and afterload reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Monosilio
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Filomena
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Luongo
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Sannino
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Cimino
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Neccia
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Valerio Mariani
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Ilaria Birtolo
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Benedetti
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tonti
- Cardiology Division, ‘G. D'Annunzio’ University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Gianni Pedrizzetti
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Carmine Dario Vizza
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Maestrini
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Agati
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Luciano Agati
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