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Mangia M, D'Andrea E, Cecchetto A, Beccari R, Mele D, Nistri S. Current and Clinically Relevant Echocardiographic Parameters to Analyze Left Atrial Function. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:241. [PMID: 39195149 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11080241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of the left atrial (LA) size using the LA volume index (LAVI) is clinically relevant due to its prognostic significance in various conditions. Nonetheless, adding a LA function assessment to the LAVI provides further clinical and prognostic information in different cardiovascular (CV) diseases. The assessment of LA function by echocardiography primarily includes volumetric measurements (LA ejection fraction [LAEF]), tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) (mitral annular late diastolic velocity [a']), and speckle-tracking methods, such as LA longitudinal reservoir strain (LA strain). This review analyzes and discusses the current medical evidence and potential clinical usefulness of these different methods to analyze LA function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mangia
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Emilio D'Andrea
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Antonella Cecchetto
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Riccardo Beccari
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Donato Mele
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Nistri
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Cardiology Service, CMSR Veneto Medica, 36077 Altavilla Vicentina, Italy
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Campora A, Lisi M, Pastore MC, Mandoli GE, Ferrari Chen YF, Pasquini A, Rubboli A, Henein MY, Cameli M. Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Myopathy, and Thromboembolism: The Additive Value of Echocardiography and Possible New Horizons for Risk Stratification. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3921. [PMID: 38999487 PMCID: PMC11242512 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13133921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac sustained arrhythmia, and it is associated with increased stroke and dementia risk. While the established paradigm attributes these complications to blood stasis within the atria and subsequent thrombus formation with cerebral embolization, recent evidence suggests that atrial myopathy (AM) may play a key role. AM is characterized by structural and functional abnormalities of the atria, and can occur with or without AF. Moving beyond classifications based solely on episode duration, the 4S-AF characterization has offered a more comprehensive approach, incorporating patient's stroke risk, symptom severity, AF burden, and substrate assessment (including AM) for tailored treatment decisions. The "ABC" pathway emphasizes anticoagulation, symptom control, and cardiovascular risk modification and emerging evidence suggests broader benefits of early rhythm control strategies, potentially reducing stroke and dementia risk and improving clinical outcomes. However, a better integration of AM assessment into the current framework holds promise for further personalizing AF management and optimizing patient outcomes. This review explores the emerging concept of AM and its potential role as a risk factor for stroke and dementia and in AF patients' management strategies, highlighting the limitations of current risk stratification methods, like the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Echocardiography, particularly left atrial (LA) strain analysis, has shown to be a promising non-invasive tool for AM evaluation and recent studies suggest that LA strain analysis may be a more sensitive risk stratifier for thromboembolic events than AF itself, with some studies showing a stronger association between LA strain and thromboembolic events compared to traditional risk factors. Integrating it into routine clinical practice could improve patient management and targeted therapies for AF and potentially other thromboembolic events. Future studies are needed to explore the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation in AM patients with and without AF and to refine the diagnostic criteria for AM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Campora
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Lisi
- Department of Emergency, Internal Medicine and Cardiology-AUSL Romagna, Division of Cardiology, Ospedale S. Maria delle Croci, Viale Randi 5, 48121 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Pastore
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Elena Mandoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Yu Fu Ferrari Chen
- Cardiovascular Division, Pisa University Hospital and University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pasquini
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Rubboli
- Department of Emergency, Internal Medicine and Cardiology-AUSL Romagna, Division of Cardiology, Ospedale S. Maria delle Croci, Viale Randi 5, 48121 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Michael Y Henein
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
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KAYA AF, OZDIL MH, YILMAZ C, KILIC R, OZBEK M, KAYA H. Non-invasive Evaluation of Electromechanical Transmission in Patients with Hypertensive Response to Exercise Stress Test. Medeni Med J 2023; 38:180-186. [PMID: 37766599 PMCID: PMC10542984 DOI: 10.4274/mmj.galenos.2023.42027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Excessive hypertensive response to exercise testing is associated with adverse cardiovascular events such as left ventricular hypertrophy and atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study, we examined the relationship between electromechanical delay and excessive hypertensive response to exercise testing. Methods Twenty-five people who had a hypertensive response to the exercise stress test and 28 people who were similar in age and gender with a normal blood pressure response in the exercise stress test as the control group were included in the study. Results There was no statistical difference between the study groups in blood pressure holter values, conventional echocardiography findings, and exercise stress test findings. Lateral PA-TDI time (the time from the beginning of the P wave measured by tissue Doppler imaging to the beginning of the A' wave), left atrial electromechanical delay, and interatrial electromechanical delay were observed to be significantly longer in the hypertensive response group to exercise stress test compared with the control group (74.0±6.3 vs. 68.8±5.7, p=0.003; 24.7±7.0 vs. 19.6±7.1, p=0.013; 36.8±8.5 vs. 30.6±6.6, p=0.003, respectively). Conclusions Early detection of electromechanical delay non-invasively may be useful in this patient group in predicting the development of new AF risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Ferhat KAYA
- Dicle University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | | | | | - Raif KILIC
- Diyarlife Hospital, Clinic of Cardiology, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet OZBEK
- Dicle University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Hasan KAYA
- Dicle University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Diyarbakir, Turkey
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Mills EW, Antman EM, Javaheri S. Breathless nights and heart flutters: Understanding the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2023; 20:1267-1273. [PMID: 37127146 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2023.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
There is an extraordinary and increasing global burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), two conditions that frequently accompany one another and that share underlying risk factors. Whether a causal pathophysiologic relationship connects OSA to the development and/or progression of AF, or whether shared risk factors promote both conditions, is unproven. With increasing recognition of the importance of controlling AF-related risk factors, numerous observational studies now highlight the potential benefits of OSA treatment in AF-related outcomes. Physicians are regularly faced with caring for this important and increasing population of patients despite a paucity of clinical guidance on the topic. Here, we review the clinical epidemiology and pathophysiology of AF and OSA with a focus on key clinical studies and major outstanding questions that should be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W Mills
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Elliott M Antman
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sogol Javaheri
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Konstantinou CS, Korantzopoulos P, Fousekis FS, Katsanos KH. Inflammatory bowel disease and atrial fibrillation: a contemporary overview. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:695-701. [PMID: 37161981 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice and it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Atrial fibrillation is linked with inflammatory signaling while inflammation and oxidative stress promote atrial remodeling promoting the development and perpetuation of the arrhythmia. On the other hand, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is considered a chronic inflammatory condition with flares and remissions. IBD has been associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease but its relationship with atrial fibrillation has not been studied well. Recent epidemiological evidence indicates an association between IBD and atrial fibrillation, especially during flares/hospitalizations. This brief review provides a concise overview of all available data regarding the association between IBD and atrial fibrillation including the predictive role of electrocardiographic and echocardiographic markers. Several unresolved issues including the thromboembolic risk in this setting and the potential role of antiinflammatory interventions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fotios S Fousekis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Ioannina Faculty of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos H Katsanos
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Ioannina Faculty of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
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Pozios I, Vouliotis AI, Dilaveris P, Tsioufis C. Electro-Mechanical Alterations in Atrial Fibrillation: Structural, Electrical, and Functional Correlates. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:jcdd10040149. [PMID: 37103028 PMCID: PMC10141162 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10040149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice affecting both patients’ survival and well-being. Apart from aging, many cardiovascular risk factors may cause structural remodeling of the atrial myocardium leading to atrial fibrillation development. Structural remodelling refers to the development of atrial fibrosis, as well as to alterations in atrial size and cellular ultrastructure. The latter includes myolysis, the development of glycogen accumulation, altered Connexin expression, subcellular changes, and sinus rhythm alterations. The structural remodeling of the atrial myocardium is commonly associated with the presence of interatrial block. On the other hand, prolongation of the interatrial conduction time is encountered when atrial pressure is acutely increased. Electrical correlates of conduction disturbances include alterations in P wave parameters, such as partial or advanced interatrial block, alterations in P wave axis, voltage, area, morphology, or abnormal electrophysiological characteristics, such as alterations in bipolar or unipolar voltage mapping, electrogram fractionation, endo-epicardial asynchrony of the atrial wall, or slower cardiac conduction velocity. Functional correlates of conduction disturbances may incorporate alterations in left atrial diameter, volume, or strain. Echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to assess these parameters. Finally, the echocardiography-derived total atrial conduction time (PA-TDI duration) may reflect both atrial electrical and structural alterations.
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Kreimer F, Gotzmann M. Left Atrial Cardiomyopathy - A Challenging Diagnosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:942385. [PMID: 35845077 PMCID: PMC9280085 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.942385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Left atrial cardiomyopathy (LACM) has been an ongoing focus of research for several years. There is evidence that LACM is responsible for atrial fibrillation and embolic strokes of undetermined sources. Therefore, the correct diagnosis of LACM is of clinical importance. Various techniques, including electrocardiography, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, electroanatomic mapping, genetic testing, and biomarkers, can both identify and quantify structural, mechanical as well as electrical dysfunction in the atria. However, the question arises whether these techniques can reliably diagnose LACM. Because of its heterogeneity, clinical diagnosis is challenging. To date, there are no recommendations for standardized diagnosis of suspected LACM. However, standardization could help to classify LACM more precisely and derive therapeutic directions to improve individual patient management. In addition, uniform diagnostic criteria for LACM could be important for future studies. Combining several parameters and relating them seems beneficial to approach the diagnosis of LACM. This review provides an overview of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis of LACM, in which several potential parameters are discussed and, consequently, a proposal for a diagnostic algorithm is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Kreimer
- University Hospital St. Josef-Hospital Bochum, Cardiology and Rhythmology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michael Gotzmann
- University Hospital St. Josef-Hospital Bochum, Cardiology and Rhythmology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Cunha PS, Laranjo S, Heijman J, Oliveira MM. The Atrium in Atrial Fibrillation - A Clinical Review on How to Manage Atrial Fibrotic Substrates. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:879984. [PMID: 35859594 PMCID: PMC9289204 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.879984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in the population and is associated with a significant clinical and economic burden. Rigorous assessment of the presence and degree of an atrial arrhythmic substrate is essential for determining treatment options, predicting long-term success after catheter ablation, and as a substrate critical in the pathophysiology of atrial thrombogenesis. Catheter ablation of AF has developed into an essential rhythm-control strategy. Nowadays is one of the most common cardiac ablation procedures performed worldwide, with its success inversely related to the extent of atrial structural disease. Although atrial substrate evaluation remains complex, several diagnostic resources allow for a more comprehensive assessment and quantification of the extent of left atrial structural remodeling and the presence of atrial fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the pathophysiology, etiology, and electrophysiological aspects of atrial substrates promoting the development of AF. We also describe the risk factors for its development and how to diagnose its presence using imaging, electrocardiograms, and electroanatomic voltage mapping. Finally, we discuss recent data regarding fibrosis biomarkers that could help diagnose atrial fibrotic substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Silva Cunha
- Arrhythmology, Pacing and Electrophysiology Unit, Cardiology Service, Santa Marta Hospital, Central Lisbon Hospital University Center, Lisbon, Portugal
- Lisbon School of Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Laranjo
- Arrhythmology, Pacing and Electrophysiology Unit, Cardiology Service, Santa Marta Hospital, Central Lisbon Hospital University Center, Lisbon, Portugal
- Lisbon School of Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jordi Heijman
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Mário Martins Oliveira
- Arrhythmology, Pacing and Electrophysiology Unit, Cardiology Service, Santa Marta Hospital, Central Lisbon Hospital University Center, Lisbon, Portugal
- Lisbon School of Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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