Simple prediction of right ventricular ejection fraction using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion in pulmonary hypertension

Serial tissue Doppler imaging in the evaluation of bronchopulmonary dysplasia-associated pulmonary hypertension among extremely preterm infants: a prospective observational study

Objectives

To evaluate serial tissue Doppler cardiac imaging (TDI) in the evolution of bronchopulmonary dysplasia-associated pulmonary hypertension (BPD-PH) among extremely preterm infants.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Single-center, tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit.

Patients

Infant born <28 weeks gestation.

Main outcome measures

Utility of TDI in the early diagnosis and prediction of BPD-PH and optimal timing for screening of BPD-PH.

Results

A total of 79 infants were included. Of them, 17 (23%) had BPD-PH. The mean gestational age was 25.9 ± 1.1 weeks, and mean birth weight was 830 ± 174 g. The BPD-PH group had a high incidence of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (83% vs. 56%, p < 0.018), longer oxygen days (96.16 ± 68.09 vs. 59.35 ± 52.1, p < 0.008), and prolonged hospital stay (133.8 ± 45.9 vs. 106.5 ± 37.9 days, p < 0.005). The left ventricular eccentricity index (0.99 ± 0.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.7, p < 0.01) and the ratio of acceleration time to right ventricular ejection time showed a statistically significant trend from 33 weeks (0.24 ± 0.05 vs. 0.28 ± 0.05, p < 0.05). At 33 weeks, the BPD-PH group showed prolonged isovolumetric contraction time (27.84 ± 5.5 vs. 22.77 ± 4, p < 0.001), prolonged isovolumetric relaxation time (40.3 ± 7.1 vs. 34.9 ± 5.3, p < 0.003), and abnormal myocardial performance index (0.39 ± 0.05 vs. 0.32 ± 0.03, p < 0.001). These differences persisted at 36 weeks after conceptional gestational age.

Conclusions

TDI parameters are sensitive in the early evolution of BPD-PH. Diagnostic accuracy can be increased by combining the TDI parameters with conventional echocardiographic parameters. BPD-PH can be recognizable as early as 33-34 weeks of gestation.

Deep learning to assess right ventricular ejection fraction from two-dimensional echocardiograms in precapillary pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND

Precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by a sustained increase in right ventricular (RV) afterload, impairing systolic function. Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography is the most performed cardiac imaging tool to assess RV systolic function; however, an accurate evaluation requires expertise. We aimed to develop a fully automated deep learning (DL)-based tool to estimate the RV ejection fraction (RVEF) from 2D echocardiographic videos of apical four-chamber views in patients with precapillary PH.

METHODS

We identified 85 patients with suspected precapillary PH who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography. The data was divided into training (80%) and testing (20%) datasets, and a regression model was constructed using 3D-ResNet50. Accuracy was assessed using five-fold cross validation.

RESULTS

The DL model predicted the cardiac MRI-derived RVEF with a mean absolute error of 7.67%. The DL model identified severe RV systolic dysfunction (defined as cardiac MRI-derived RVEF < 37%) with an area under the curve (AUC) of .84, which was comparable to the AUC of RV fractional area change (FAC) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) measured by experienced sonographers (.87 and .72, respectively). To detect mild RV systolic dysfunction (defined as RVEF ≤ 45%), the AUC from the DL-predicted RVEF also demonstrated a high discriminatory power of .87, comparable to that of FAC (.90), and significantly higher than that of TAPSE (.67).

CONCLUSION

The fully automated DL-based tool using 2D echocardiography could accurately estimate RVEF and exhibited a diagnostic performance for RV systolic dysfunction comparable to that of human readers.

The association between transthoracic echocardiogram parameters and white matter hyperintensities

OBJECTIVE

Identify abnormal cardiac chamber size and hemodynamic parameters on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) as predictors of advancing cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review of adults with a brain MRI and a 2-dimensional TTE was performed. WMH measured by the Fazekas score served as the primary outcome. We fit multivariate ordinal logistic regression models to the Fazekas score with the individual predictors of the TTE measurements and adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

132 individuals were included. Cardiac functional markers were not significant, including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (p = 0.818), right ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.818) and left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.673). Cardiac structural markers included right atrial area (p = 0.247), right ventricular internal diameter (RVID, p = 0.020) and left atrial area (LAA, p = 0.041). RVID and LAA were identified as being predictors, although the direction of the association suggested that normal values resulted in more WMH. Analysis of isolated DWM or PVWM Fazekas scores were not associated with cardiac structure or function.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we found that normal LAA and RVID values were associated with an increased degree of WMH on MRI. This finding may represent earlier identification of WMH prior to TTE cardiac changes. Future studies are needed for more robust quantitative comparison as well as evaluation prospectively of the association between cardiac chamber sizes and development of WMH.

Utility of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion normalized by right ventricular size indices in dogs with postcapillary pulmonary hypertension

Background

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is a common right ventricular (RV) function indicator. However, TAPSE was not decreased in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) because of its load, angle, and body weight dependency, and TAPSE was considered a preload‐dependent index.

Objectives

To evaluate the utility of TAPSE normalized by RV size in dogs with postcapillary PH.

Animals

Twenty healthy dogs and 71 MMVD dogs with or without PH.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, end‐diastolic RV internal dimension (RVIDd), end‐diastolic and end‐systolic RV area, and end‐diastolic RV wall thickness were measured as RV size indices. The TAPSE was measured using B‐mode and M‐mode methods. Normalized TAPSE was calculated by dividing TAPSE by each RV size index. The RV strain was obtained as the detailed RV function using 2‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. All indices were compared among the PH severity groups and in the presence of right‐sided congestive heart failure (R‐CHF).

Results

Although nonnormalized TAPSE was higher with PH severity progression, each normalized TAPSE showed a significant decrease in the severe PH group (P < .05). The TAPSE_B‐mode/RVIDd ratio had high area under the curve to predict R‐CHF and had moderate correlation with RV strain (P < .05). The TAPSE_B‐mode/RVIDd and left atrial‐to‐aortic diameter ratios were independent predictors for R‐CHF.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Normalized TAPSE could reflect RV systolic dysfunction in dogs with severe PH, which could not be detected by nonnormalized TAPSE. The TAPSE_B‐mode/RVIDd ratio might predict R‐CHF with high sensitivity and reproducibility.

Right ventriculo-pulmonary arterial uncoupling and poor outcomes in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Right ventricular function critically affects the prognosis of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. We aimed to analyze the prognostic value of right ventricular indices calculated using magnetic resonance imaging and right heart catheterization metrics in pulmonary arterial hypertension. We retrospectively collected data from 57 Japanese patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and 18 controls and calculated six indices of right ventricular function: two indices of contractility (end-systolic elastance calculated with right ventricular maximum pressure and with magnetic resonance imaging metrics); two indices of right ventricular–pulmonary arterial coupling (end-systolic elastance/arterial elastance calculated with the pressure method (end-systolic elastance/arterial elastance (P)) and with the volume method (end-systolic elastance/arterial elastance (V)); and two indices of right ventricular diastolic function (stiffness (β) and end-diastolic elastance). We compared the indices between controls and patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and examined their prognostic role. In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, end-systolic elastance (right ventricular maximum pressure) was higher (pulmonary arterial hypertension 0.94 (median) vs control 0.42 (mmHg/mL), p < 0.001), end-systolic elastance/arterial elastance (V) was lower (pulmonary arterial hypertension 0.72 vs control 1.69, p < 0.001), and β and end-diastolic elastance were significantly higher than those in the controls. According to the log-rank test, end-systolic elastance/arterial elastance (P) and end-diastolic elastance were significantly associated with the composite event rate. According to the multivariate Cox regression analysis, decreased end-systolic elastance/arterial elastance (P) was associated with a higher composite event rate (hazard ratio 11.510, 95% confidence interval: 1.954–67.808). In conclusion, an increased right ventricular contractility, diastolic dysfunction, and a trend of impaired right ventricular–pulmonary arterial coupling were observed in our pulmonary arterial hypertension cohort. According to the multivariate outcome analysis, a decreased end-systolic elastance/arterial elastance (P), suggestive of impaired right ventricular–pulmonary arterial coupling, best predicted the pulmonary arterial hypertension-related event.

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function and its Role in the Prognosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with structural and mechanical changes in the pulmonary vascular bed that increase right ventricular (RV) afterload and subsequently right heart failure.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to elucidate RV dysfunction at rest by echocardiography in a cohort of COPD patients and to study its impact on prognosis.

METHODS

84 patients of COPD and 40 matching healthy controls were evaluated at baseline. Evaluation included clinical examination, pulmonary function tests; 6 minutes walk test and echocardiography. Patient with COPD were again evaluated after 6 months.

RESULTS

All echocardiographic parameters of RV function were significantly impaired in COPD patients as compared to controls. Clinical deterioration in COPD group was much more in patients with baseline abnormal RV function (89%) and patients with RV systolic pressure ≥35 mmHg (P = 0.018). All the six patients who died had three or more abnormal RV systolic function parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

RV myocardial performance index and basal strain showed largest difference between controls and COPD cases. Clinical deterioration was more common in patients with abnormal RV function parameters and pulmonary hypertension.

Longitudinal Reference Ranges for Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion and Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion in Normally Grown Fetuses

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to construct reference ranges for fetal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) using conventional M-mode ultrasound (US) in the second half of pregnancy.

METHODS

Participants underwent US scans every 4 weeks from 18 weeks' gestation until delivery. The TAPSE and MAPSE were measured by conventional M-mode US at each examination. The relationships between TAPSE and MAPSE and gestational age and estimated fetal weight were modeled by Bayesian mixed effects linear regression.

RESULTS

Positive linear relationships were observed between both MAPSE and TAPSE and gestational age and estimated fetal weight. Reference centiles for TAPSE and MAPSE were developed.

CONCLUSIONS

This simple technique is a useful tool for assessing cardiac function and could be used for quantitative assessments of fetal cardiac function, particularly in high-risk pregnancies such as those complicated by maternal diabetes.

Right Ventricular Systolic Assessment by Transesophageal Versus Transthoracic Echocardiography: Displacement, Velocity, and Myocardial Deformation

OBJECTIVE

First, to compare tricuspid annular displacement and velocity in transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (TTE, TEE) using conventional angle-dependent technologies. Second, to evaluate both alternative TEE views as well as an alternative technology (speckle tracking) for overcoming proposed differences in TTE and TEE.

DESIGN

Prospective, comparative, cross-over study with a randomized order of image acquisition.

SETTING

University hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults undergoing cardiac surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Postinduction standardized image acquisition and analysis in TTE and TEE by 2 echocardiographers.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The authors measured tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) by M-mode and velocity by tissue Doppler (S') in the apical 4-chamber TTE view and midesophageal 4-chamber TEE view (AP4C, ME4C). They then examined (1) the same measurements in alternative TEE views with proposed better ultrasound angulation; and (2) speckle tracking-based endpoints (TAPSE by speckle tracking, strain, and strain rate). Data were available in 24 of 25 patients. Conventional TAPSE by M-mode and velocity by tissue Doppler (TDI) were underestimated in the ME4C compared with the AP4C reference (mean ± standard deviation: TAPSE: 13.1 ± 3.8 mm v 17.3 ± 4.0 mm; S': 6.7 ± 2.1 cm/s v 9.1 ± 2.2 cm/s; both p < 0.001). Neither a modified deep transgastric view (TAPSE 14.5 ± 4.7 mm, p = 0.017; S' 6.8 ± 1.8 cm/s, p < 0.001) nor a transgastric right ventricular inflow view (TAPSE 12.3 ± 4.0 mm, p = 0.001; S' 6.0 ± 1.3 cm/s, p < 0.001) was similar to the AP4C. Speckle tracking TAPSE was unbiased but with high variability (mean bias = -0.3 mm, 95% limits of agreement = -9.1 to 8.4); strain and strain rate were higher in TEE than for TTE (-17.7 ± 3.6 v -12.6 ± 2.1, p < 0.001; -1.0 ± 0.2/s v -0.7 ± 0.1/s, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Right ventricular displacement, velocity, and myocardial deformation measured by TEE versus TTE are different. Neither alternative transesophageal echocardiography views nor speckle tracking-based deformation is promising; TAPSE by speckle tracking is unbiased but imprecise.

Assessing Right Ventricular Function in the Perioperative Setting, Part I: Echo-Based Measurements

This article reviews transesophageal echocardiography-based assessment of perioperative right ventricular function and failure, including catheter-based methods, three-dimensional echocardiography, and their combination to make pressure-volume loops. It outlines right ventricular pathophysiology, multiple assessment methods, and their relationship to analogous transthoracic echocardiogram measurements. technologies used and developed for transthoracic or left ventricular assessment show significant limitations when applied to transesophageal assessment of the right ventricle. The article provides an overview of right ventricular assessment modalities that can be used in transesophageal echocardiography. Ultimately, clinicians must know limitations of measurements, synthesize information, and assess it in the clinical context.

Increased Sensitivity of Focused Cardiac Ultrasound for Pulmonary Embolism in Emergency Department Patients With Abnormal Vital Signs

BACKGROUND

Focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) is insensitive for pulmonary embolism (PE). Theoretically, when a clot is large enough to cause vital sign abnormalities, it is more likely to show signs of right ventricular dysfunction on FOCUS, although this has not been well quantified. A rapid bedside test that could quickly and reliably exclude PE in patients with abnormal vital signs could be of high utility in emergency department (ED) patients. We hypothesized that in patients with tachycardia or hypotension, the sensitivity of FOCUS for PE would increase substantially.

METHODS

We performed a prospective observational multicenter cohort study involving a convenience sample of patients from six urban academic EDs. Patients suspected to have PE with tachycardia (heart rate [HR] ≥ 100 beats/min) or hypotension (systolic blood pressure [sBP] < 90 mm Hg) underwent FOCUS before computed tomography angiography (CTA). FOCUS included assessment for right ventricular dilation, McConnell's sign, septal flattening, tricuspid regurgitation, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. If any of these were abnormal, FOCUS was considered positive, while if all were normal, FOCUS was considered negative. We a priori planned a subgroup analysis of all patients with a HR ≥ 110 beats/min (regardless of their sBP). We then determined the diagnostic test characteristics of FOCUS for PE in the entire patient population and in the predefined subgroup, based on CTA as the criterion standard. Inter-rater reliability of FOCUS was determined by blinded review of images by an emergency physician with fellowship training in ultrasound.

RESULTS

A total of 143 subjects were assessed for enrollment and 136 were enrolled; four were excluded because they were non-English-speaking and three because of inability to obtain any FOCUS windows. The mean (±SD) age of enrolled subjects was 56 (±7) years, mean (±SD) HR was 114 (±12) beats/min, and 37 (27.2%) subjects were diagnosed with PE on CTA. In all subjects, FOCUS was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 78% to 98%) sensitive and 64% specific (95% CI = 53% to 73%) for PE. In the subgroup of 98 subjects with a HR ≥ 110 beats/min, FOCUS was 100% sensitive (95% CI = 88% to 100%) and 63% specific (95% CI = 51% to 74%) for PE. There was substantial interobserver agreement for FOCUS (κ = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.31 to 1.0).

CONCLUSIONS

A negative FOCUS examination may significantly lower the likelihood of the diagnosis of PE in most patients who are suspected of PE and have abnormal vital signs. This was especially true in those patients with a HR ≥ 110 beats/min. Our results suggest that FOCUS can be an important tool in the initial evaluation of ED patients with suspected PE and abnormal vital signs.

Role of imaging in diagnosis and management of left ventricular assist device complications

Heart failure is a clinical condition that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. With the advent of left ventricular assist device (LVAD), an increasing number of patients have received an artificial heart both as a bridge-to-therapy and as a destination therapy. Clinical trials have shown clear survival benefits of LVAD implantation. However, the increased survival benefits and improved quality of life come at the expense of an increased complication rate. Common complications include perioperative bleeding, infection, device thrombosis, gastrointestinal bleeding, right heart failure, and aortic hemodynamic changes. The LVAD-associated complications have unique pathophysiology. Multiple imaging modalities can be employed to investigate the complications, including computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), catheter angiography and echocardiography. Imaging studies not only help ascertain diagnosis and evaluate the severity of disease, but also help direct relevant clinical management and predict prognosis. In this article, we aim to review the common LVAD complications, present the associated imaging features and discuss the role of imaging in their management.

Echocardiographic Applications of M-Mode Ultrasonography in Anesthesiology and Critical Care

Proficiency in echocardiography and lung ultrasound has become essential for anesthesiologists and critical care physicians. Nonetheless, comprehensive echocardiography measurements often are time-consuming and technically challenging, and conventional 2-dimensional images do not permit evaluation of specific conditions (eg, systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, pneumothorax), which have important clinical implications in the perioperative setting. M-mode (motion-based) ultrasonographic imaging, however, provides the most reliable temporal resolution in ultrasonography. Hence, M-mode can provide clinically relevant information in echocardiography and lung ultrasound-driven approaches for diagnosis, monitoring, and interventional procedures performed by anesthesiologists and intensivists. Although M-mode is feasible, this imaging modality progressively has been abandoned in echocardiography and is often underutilized in lung ultrasound. This article aims to comprehensively illustrate contemporary applications of M-mode ultrasonography in the anesthesia and critical care medicine practice. Information presented for each clinical application will include image acquisition and interpretation, evidence-based clinical implications in the critically ill and surgical patient, and limitations. The present article focuses on echocardiography and reviews left ventricular function (mitral annular plane systolic excursion, E-point septal separation, fractional shortening, and transmitral propagation velocity); right ventricular function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, subcostal echocardiographic assessment of tricuspid annulus kick, outflow tract fractional shortening, ventricular septal motion, wall thickness, and outflow tract obstruction); volume status and responsiveness (inferior vena cava and superior vena cava diameter and respiratory variability [collapsibility and distensibility indexes]); cardiac tamponade; systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve; and aortic dissection.

Amelioration of right ventricular systolic function and stiffness in a patient with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension treated with oral triple combination therapy

Right ventricular (RV) function is an important determinant of the prognosis in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In the context of recent therapeutic progress, there is an increasing need for better monitoring of RV function for management of PAH. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman with idiopathic PAH who was treated with three oral pulmonary vasodilators, i.e. tadalafil, ambrisentan, and beraprost. At the baseline assessment, the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was 45 mmHg, cardiac index (CI) was 1.36 L/min/m², and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was elevated to 21.3 Wood units (WU). However, three months after the start of combination treatment, mPAP and PVR decreased to 42 mmHg and 7.5 WU, respectively, and conventional indices of RV function, such as CI, right atrial area, and right atrial pressure also improved. Beyond three months, however, there were no further improvements in mPAP, PVR, or indices of RV function. In addition, we calculated three recently introduced indices of intrinsic RV function: end-systolic elastance (Ees; an index of RV contractility), Ees/arterial elastance ratio (Ees/Ea; an index of RV/pulmonary arterial coupling), and β (an index of RV stiffness) using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and Swan-Ganz catheterization measurements. Notably, in contrast to conventional parameters, Ees, Ees/Ea, and β showed persistent improvement during the entire two-year follow-up. The application of Ees, Ees/Ea, and β may play an additional role in a comprehensive assessment of RV function in PAH.

Accuracy of echocardiographic indices for serial monitoring of right ventricular systolic function in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension

Background

Serial assessment of right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) predicts the clinical outcome of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) enables RVEF monitoring, but its applicability is limited in clinical practice. This study aimed to examine the correlation between changes in CMRI-derived RVEF with those in echocardiographic indices in patients with precapillary PH.

Methods

CMRI and echocardiographic indices of RV systolic function were evaluated at baseline and follow-up in 54 consecutive patients with precapillary PH (pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), n = 23; non-PAH, n = 31). During follow-up, medical treatment was optimized according to the guidelines for PH. Using CMRI-derived RVEF as the gold standard, we examined the accuracy of five echocardiographic indices by correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values.

Results

After an average period of 9.5 months, CMRI-derived RVEF improved from 30.2% ± 10.6% at baseline to 41.4% ± 11.3% at follow-up. These changes significantly correlated with those in the five echocardiographic indices, i.e., %RV fractional shortening (r = 0.27), %RV area change (r = 0.46), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (r = 0.84), RV myocardial performance index (RVMPI) (r = −0.72), and systolic lateral tricuspid annular motion velocity (TVlat) (r = 0.66). Of these indices, %RV area change, TAPSE, and TVlat significantly correlated with those of CMRI-derived RVEF in both PAH and non-PAH subgroups. ROC analysis showed that improvement in echocardiographic indices predicted a pre-specified improvement in CMRI-derived RVEF (>2.9%), with TAPSE and TVlat showing better accuracy over the other three indices.

Conclusions

Echocardiographic indices modestly correlate with the changes in CMRI-derived RVEF in precapillary PH patients. Comparison among the five echocardiographic indices revealed that TAPSE and TVlat provide better accuracy than %RV fractional shortening, %RV area change, and RVMPI.

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease with and without pulmonary hypertension

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) with or without pulmonary hypertension (PH) and to study the correlations with clinical and echocardiographic parameters.

ANIMALS

The study population included 99 dogs with MMVD and tricuspid regurgitation.

METHODS

This is a prospective clinical study. All dogs received a transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation, including 2D, M-mode, echo-Doppler, and tissue Doppler measurements. The TAPSE was measured from the left apical four-chamber view and normalized for the effect of body weight (nTAPSE). The dogs were grouped according to the severity of MMVD (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine guidelines) and presence/absence and severity of PH. Significant differences between TAPSE or nTAPSE and echocardiographic parameters were analyzed among the MMVD and PH severity groups. Correlations between TAPSE or nTAPSE and echocardiographic parameters were calculated.

RESULTS

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion or nTAPSE were not significantly different among dogs of the MMVD or PH severity groups. Significant correlations were obtained between TAPSE and body weight, left ventricular and atrial dimensions, early diastolic septal and early diastolic and systolic tricuspid annulus velocity (p<0.001); nTAPSE was significantly correlated with normalized end-diastolic left ventricular dimension and fractional shortening (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that neither TAPSE nor nTAPSE are reduced in dogs with MMVD with or without PH. It remains unclear if the right ventricle function is not reduced or if a reduced right ventricle function is masked by the contraction of the left ventricle through ventricular interdependence.

Follow-up tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion predicts survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Few studies have examined the utility of serial echocardiography in the evaluation, management, and prognosis of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Therefore, we sought to evaluate the prognostic significance of follow-up tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in PAH. We prospectively studied 70 consecutive patients with PAH who underwent baseline right heart catheterization (RHC) and transthoracic echocardiogram, who survived to follow-up echocardiogram after initiation of PAH therapy. Baseline TAPSE was 1.6 ± 0.5 cm which increased to 2.0 ± 0.4 cm on follow-up (P < 0.0001). The cohort was dichotomized by TAPSE at one-year follow-up: Group 1 (n = 37): follow-up TAPSE ≥ 2 cm; Group 2 (n = 33): follow-up TAPSE < 2 cm. Group 1 participants were significantly more likely to reach WHO functional class I–II status and achieve a higher six-minute walk distance on follow-up. Of the 68 patients who survived more than one year, 18 died (26.5%) over a median follow-up of 941 days (range, 3–2311 days), with significantly higher mortality in Group 2 versus Group 1 (41.9% vs. 13.5%; P = 0.003). While baseline TAPSE stratified at 2 cm did not predict survival in this cohort, TAPSE ≥ 2 cm at follow-up strongly predicted survival in bivariable models (hazard ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.08–0.60). In conclusion, follow-up TAPSE ≥ 2 cm is a prognostic marker and potential treatment target in a PAH population.

Right ventricular ejection fraction measurements using two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography by applying an ellipsoid model

Background

There is today no established approach to estimate right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) using 2D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The aim of this study was to evaluate a new method for RVEF calculations using 2D TTE and compare the results with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE).

Methods

A total of 37 subjects, 25 retrospectively included patients and twelve healthy volunteers, were included to give a wide range of RVEF. The right ventricle (RV) was modeled as a part of an ellipsoid enabling calculation of the RV volume by combining three distance measurements. RVEF calculated according to the model, RVEF_TTE, were compared with reference CMR-derived RVEF, RVEF_CMR. Further, TAPSE was measured in the TTE images and the correlations were calculated between RVEF_TTE, TAPSE and RVEF_CMR.

Results

The mean values were RVEF_CMR = 43 ± 12% (range 20–66%) and RVEF_TTE = 50 ± 9% (range 34–65%). There was a high correlation (r = 0.80, p < 0.001) between RVEF_TTE and RVEF_CMR. Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean difference between RVEF_CMR and RVEF_TTE of 6 percentage points (ppt) with limits of agreement from −11 to 23 ppt. The mean value for TAPSE was 19 ± 5 mm and the correlation between TAPSE and RVEF_CMR was moderate (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). The correlation between RVEF_TTE and RVEF_CMR was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the correlation between TAPSE and RVEF_CMR.

Conclusions

The ellipsoid model shows promise for RVEF calculations using 2D TTE for a wide range of RVEF, providing RVEF estimates that were significantly better correlated to RVEF obtained from CMR compared to TAPSE.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12947-017-0096-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Predictability of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion for the effectiveness of tolvaptan in patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

There is no echocardiographic predictor of the effectiveness of tolvaptan in patients with heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to investigate the echocardiographic predictor of responders to tolvaptan in patients with HF.

METHODS

This observational study consisted of 62 consecutive in-hospital patients with HF who received tolvaptan with volume overload despite standard therapies. The echocardiography data were obtained within 1 week before the administration of tolvaptan. Tolvaptan responders were defined as those having a body weight decrease from baseline >1 kg on the morning of day 8.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 62 patients was 75.1 ± 13.9 years, and 45 patients (72.6%) were considered to be responders. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was significantly higher (17.1 ± 3.8 vs. 13.0 ± 3.9 mm; p = 0.0004) and the tricuspid valve regurgitation pressure gradient (33.3 ± 14.6 vs. 44.9 ± 12.2 mmHg; p = 0.007) and estimated right atrium pressure (7.8 ± 4.2 vs. 10.3 ± 4.5 mmHg; p = 0.043) were significantly lower in the Responder group than in the Non-responder group. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, TAPSE was found to be an independent predictor of response (odds ratio 1.28; 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.60). According to the receiver operating characteristics analysis, the area under the curve of TAPSE was the largest among the parameters measured by echocardiography. The cut-off value for TAPSE to predict responders was determined to be 17.0 mm (sensitivity = 56.8%, specificity = 94.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

TAPSE is a simple predictor of the effectiveness of tolvaptan in patients with HF.

The effects of pulmonary vasodilating agents on right ventricular parameters in severe group 3 pulmonary hypertension: a pilot study

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-approved vasodilators improve right ventricular (RV) function in patients with PAH. However, whether PAH-approved drugs ameliorate RV morphology and function in lung disease-associated pulmonary hypertension (lung-PH) remains unclear. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the changes in RV volume and ejection fraction (RVEF) in 14 consecutive severe lung-PH patients treated with PAH-approved vasodilators. Severe lung-PH was defined as a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) of ≥35 mmHg or an MPAP of ≥25 mmHg with a cardiac index (L/min/m²) of <2. Right heart catheterization and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging were performed at baseline and at 3 months after starting sildenafil with or without other PAH-approved drugs. Follow-up was conducted at 3 months in 11 participants; compared with baseline values, MPAP and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) decreased by 18% and 37%, respectively. Baseline CMR imaging revealed an elevated RV end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI; mL/m²) of 117.5 ± 35.9 and a below-average RVEF of 25.2% ± 7.2%; after 3 months, RVEDVI decreased by 23.7% (P = 0.0061) and RVEF increased by 32.9% (P = 0.0165). Among the 11 patients, 3 were thought to be a stable and homogenous subset in terms of background lung disease and medical management administered. These 3 patients exhibited similar ameliorations in PVR and RVEF, compared with the other 8 patients. PAH-approved drug treatment may improve RV dilatation and systolic function among patients with severe lung-PH. This study was approved by University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) on September 1, 2013 (UMIN000011541).

Determination of Right Ventricular Volume by Combining Echocardiographic Distance Measurements

BACKGROUND

The position of the right ventricle (RV), often partly behind the sternum, implies difficulties to image the RV free wall using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and consequently limits the possibilities of stroke volume calculations. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the volume of the right ventricle (RV) can be determined by combining TTE distance measurements that do not need the RV free wall to be fully visualized.

METHODS

The RV volume was approximated by an ellipsoid composed of three distances. Distance measurements, modeled RV stroke volumes (RVSV), and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) were compared to reference values obtained from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging for 12 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Inter-modality comparisons showed that distance measurements were significantly underestimated in TTE compared to CMR. The modeled RV volumes using TTE distance measurements were underestimated compared to reference CMR volumes. There was, however, for TTE an agreement between modeled RVSV and left ventricular stroke volumes determined by biplane Simpson's rule. Similar agreement was shown between modeled RVSV based on CMR distance measurements and the CMR reference. Regarding RVEF, further studies including patients with a wider range of RVEF are needed to evaluate the method.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the ellipsoid model of the RV provides good estimates of RVSVs, but volumes based on distance measurements from different modalities cannot be used interchangeably.

Comparison of Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Versus Sinus Rhythm

Echocardiography now plays a central guiding role in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the current guidelines mention little about the presence AF during the assessment of echocardiographic variables in the clinical setting. AF itself may impact on tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) as a right ventricular systolic function compared with sinus rhythm (SR). The aim of this study was to compare and assess the echocardiographic parameters including TAPSE in patients with AF and SR. From January 1, 2013, to September 30, 2014, patients with AF without any cardiovascular disease were retrospectively evaluated using echocardiography. Age-, gender-, and left ventricular ejection fraction-matched patients with SR were selected from our database on the basis of a comprehensive history, physical examination, and echocardiographic findings. During the study period, we identified 239 patients with AF (74 ± 9 years; 65% men) and without any cardiac disease who underwent echocardiography. We also included 281 patients in the SR group (74 ± 8 years; 67% men). In all study subjects, TAPSE in AF was smaller than in SR regardless of age (17 ± 3 vs 20 ± 3 mm, p <0.001). In the stepwise multiple regression model, TAPSE was strongly associated with the presence of AF (standardized β = -0.362, p <0.001) and stroke volume index (standardized β = 0.173, p <0.001) after adjustment for age, gender, heart rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, and tricuspid regurgitant grade. In conclusions, patients with AF had lower TAPSE than those with SR regardless of age. When we assess TAPSE in the clinical setting, we must pay attention to the presence of AF.