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Cavarretta E, D'Ascenzi F, Bianco M, Castelletti S, Cavigli L, Cecchi F, D'Andrea A, De Luca A, Di Salvo G, Nistri S, Palamà Z, Palmieri V, Ricci F, Sinagra G, Zorzi A, Biffi A, Pelliccia A, Romano S, Dello Russo A, Zeppilli P, Patrizi G, Sciarra L. The role of echocardiography in sports cardiology: An expert opinion statement of the Italian Society of Sports Cardiology (SIC sport). Int J Cardiol 2024; 410:132230. [PMID: 38852859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.132230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is routinely required during pre-participation screening in the presence of symptoms, family history of sudden cardiac death or cardiomyopathies <40-year-old, murmurs, abnormal ECG findings or in the follow-up of athletes with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). TTE is a cost-effective first-line imaging modality to evaluate the cardiac remodeling due to long-term, intense training, previously known as the athlete's heart, and to rule out the presence of conditions at risk of sudden cardiac death, including cardiomyopathies, coronary artery anomalies, congenital, aortic and heart valve diseases. Moreover, TTE is useful for distinguishing physiological cardiac adaptations during intense exercise from pathological behavior due to an underlying CVD. In this expert opinion statement endorsed by the Italian Society of Sports Cardiology, we discussed common clinical scenarios where a TTE is required and conditions falling in the grey zone between the athlete's heart and underlying cardiomyopathies or other CVD. In addition, we propose a minimum dataset that should be included in the report for the most common indications of TTE in sports cardiology clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cavarretta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy; Advanced Cardiovascular Therapies Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Sports Cardiology and Rehab Unit, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bianco
- Sports Medicine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Unit of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Sacred Heart Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Castelletti
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Luna Cavigli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Sports Cardiology and Rehab Unit, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Franco Cecchi
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonello D'Andrea
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Coronary Care, Umberto I Hospital, 84014 Nocera Inferiore, Italy
| | - Antonio De Luca
- Cardiothoracovascular Department, Division of Cardiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina and University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Salvo
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Paediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Nistri
- CMSR Veneto Medica, 36077 Altavilla Vicentina, VI, Italy
| | - Zefferino Palamà
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, Italy; Electrophysiology Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Verde", Taranto, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Palmieri
- Sports Medicine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Unit of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Sacred Heart Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G.d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Luigi Polacchi, 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy; Heart Department, SS. Annunziata Hospital, ASL 2 Abruzzo, 66100 Chieti, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, 214 28 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Gianfranco Sinagra
- Cardiothoracovascular Department, Division of Cardiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina and University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Biffi
- Med-Ex, Medicine and Exercise srl, Medical Partner Scuderia Ferrari, RomeMaranello, MO, Italy
| | - Antonio Pelliccia
- Institute of Sport Medicine and Science, National Italian Olympic Committee, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvio Romano
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, Italy
| | - Antonio Dello Russo
- Cardiology and Arrhythmology Clinic, Marche Polytechnic University, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paolo Zeppilli
- Sports Medicine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Unit of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Sacred Heart Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giampiero Patrizi
- Department of Cardiology, B. Ramazzini Hospital, Ausl Modena, Carpi, Italy
| | - Luigi Sciarra
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, Italy
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Maestrini V, Penza M, Monosilio S, Borrazzo C, Prosperi S, Filomena D, Birtolo LI, Lemme E, Mango R, Di Gioia G, Gualdi G, Squeo MR, Pelliccia A. The role of cardiac magnetic resonance in sports cardiology: results from a large cohort of athletes. Clin Res Cardiol 2024; 113:781-789. [PMID: 38619578 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-024-02447-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) provides information on morpho-functional abnormalities and myocardial tissue characterisation. Appropriate indications for CMR in athletes are uncertain. OBJECTIVE To analyse the CMR performed at our Institute to evaluate variables associated with pathologic findings in a large cohort of athletes presenting with different clinical conditions. METHODS All the CMR performed at our Institute in athletes aged > 14 years were recruited. CMR indications were investigated. CMR was categorised as "positive" or "negative" based on the presence of morphological and/or functional abnormalities and/or the presence of late gadolinium enhancement (excluding the right ventricular insertion point), fat infiltration, or oedema. Variables associated with "positive" CMR were explored. RESULTS A total of 503 CMR were included in the analysis. "Negative" and "positive" CMR were 61% and 39%, respectively. Uncommon ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) were the most frequent indications for CMR, but the proportion of positive results was low (37%), and only polymorphic ventricular patterns were associated with positive CMR (p = 0.006). T-wave inversion at 12-lead ECG, particularly on lateral and inferolateral leads, was associated with positive CMR in 34% of athletes (p = 0.05). Echocardiography abnormalities resulted in a large proportion (58%) of positive CMR, mostly cardiomyopathies. CONCLUSION CMR is more efficient in identifying a pathologic cardiac substrate in athletes in case of VAs (i.e., polymorphic beats), abnormal ECG repolarisation (negative T-waves in inferolateral leads), and borderline echocardiographic findings (LV hypertrophy, mildly depressed LV function). On the other hand, CMR is associated with a large proportion of negative results. Therefore, a careful clinical selection is needed to indicate CMR in athletes appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Maestrini
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Italian National Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli n 1, 00197, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico n 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Penza
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Italian National Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli n 1, 00197, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Monosilio
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Italian National Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli n 1, 00197, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico n 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristian Borrazzo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Prosperi
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Italian National Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli n 1, 00197, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico n 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Filomena
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Italian National Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli n 1, 00197, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico n 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Ilaria Birtolo
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Italian National Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli n 1, 00197, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico n 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Lemme
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Italian National Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli n 1, 00197, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggiero Mango
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Italian National Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli n 1, 00197, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Gioia
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Italian National Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli n 1, 00197, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Gualdi
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Italian National Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli n 1, 00197, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Squeo
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Italian National Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli n 1, 00197, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Pelliccia
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Italian National Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli n 1, 00197, Rome, Italy
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Henning RJ. The differentiation of the competitive athlete with physiologic cardiac remodeling from the athlete with cardiomyopathy. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102473. [PMID: 38447749 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102473] [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: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
There are currently 5 million active high school, collegiate, professional, and master athletes in the United States. Regular intense exercise by these athletes can promote structural, electrical and functional remodeling of the heart, which is termed the "athlete's heart." In addition, regular intense exercise can lead to pathological adaptions that promote or worsen cardiac disease. Many of the athletes in the United States seek medical care. Consequently, physicians must be aware of the normal cardiac anatomy and physiology of the athlete, the differentiation of the normal athlete heart from the athlete with cardiomyopathy, and the contemporary care of the athlete with a cardiomyopathy. In athletes with persistent cardiovascular symptoms, investigations should include a detailed history and physical examination, an ECG, a transthoracic echocardiogram, and in athletes in whom the diagnosis is uncertain, a maximal exercise stress test or a continuous ECG recording, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or cardiac computed tomography angiography when definition of the coronary anatomy or characterization of the aorta and the aortic great vessels is indicated. This article discusses the differentiation of the normal athlete with physiologic cardiac remodeling from the athlete with hypertrophic, dilated or arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy (ACM). The ECG changes in trained athletes that are considered normal, borderline, or abnormal are listed. In addition, the normal echocardiographic measurements for athletes who consistently participate in endurance, power, combined or heterogeneous sports are enumerated and discussed. Algorithms are listed that are useful in the diagnosis of trained athletes with borderline or abnormal echocardiographic measurements suggestive of cardiomyopathies along with the major and minor criteria for the diagnosis of ACM in athletes. Thereafter, the treatment of athletes with hypertrophic, dilated, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathies are reviewed. The distinction between physiologic changes and pathologic changes in the hearts of athletes has important therapeutic and prognostic implications. Failure by the physician to correctly diagnose an athlete with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, or ACM, can lead to the sudden cardiac arrest and death of the athlete during training or sports competition. Conversely, an incorrect diagnosis by a physician of cardiac pathology in a normal athlete can lead to an unnecessary restriction of athlete training and competition with resultant significant emotional, psychological, financial, and long-term health consequences in the athlete.
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Augustine DX, Willis J, Sivalokanathan S, Wild C, Sharma A, Zaidi A, Pearce K, Stuart G, Papadakis M, Sharma S, Malhotra A. Right ventricular assessment of the adolescent footballer's heart. Echo Res Pract 2024; 11:7. [PMID: 38424646 PMCID: PMC10905853 DOI: 10.1186/s44156-023-00039-4] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Athletic training can result in electrical and structural changes of the right ventricle that may mimic phenotypical features of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), such as T-wave inversion and right heart dilatation. An erroneous interpretation may have consequences ranging from false reassurance in an athlete vulnerable to cardiac arrhythmias, to unnecessary sports restriction in a healthy individual. The primary aim of this study was to define normal RV dimension reference ranges for academy adolescent footballers of different ethnicities. Secondary aims include analysis of potential overlap between this adolescent group with ARVC criteria and comparison with normal adult ranges. RESULTS Electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic data of 1087 academy male footballers aged between 13 and 18 years old (mean age 16.0 ± 0.5 years), attending mandatory cardiac screening were analysed. Ethnicity was categorised as white (n = 826), black (African/Caribbean; n = 166) and mixed-race (one parent white and one parent black; n = 95). Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy major criteria for T-wave inversion was seen in 3.3% of the cohort. This was more prevalent in black footballers (12%) when compared to mixed race footballers (6.3%) or white footballers (1%), P < 0.05. Up to 59% of the cohort exceeded adult reference ranges for some of the right ventricular parameters, although values were similar to those seen in adult footballers. There were no differences in right ventricular dimensions between ethnicities. In particular, the right ventricular outflow tract diameter would fulfil major criteria for ARVC dimension in 12% of footballers. Overall, 0.2% of the cohort would fulfil diagnosis for 'definite' arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and 2.2% would fulfil diagnosis for 'borderline' arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy for RV dimensions and ECG changes. This was seen more frequently in black footballers (9.9%) than mixed race footballers (3.9%) or white footballer (0.6%), P < 0.05. Among athletes meeting definite or borderline arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy criteria, no cardiomyopathy was identified after comprehensive clinical assessment, including with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, exercise testing, ambulatory electrocardiograms and familial evaluation. CONCLUSION Right heart sizes in excess of accepted adult ranges occurred in as many as one in two adolescent footballers. Structural adaptations in conjunction with anterior T-wave inversion may raise concern for ARVC, highlighting the need for evaluation in expert settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- D X Augustine
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - J Willis
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - S Sivalokanathan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C Wild
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - A Sharma
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St George's, University of London and St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - A Zaidi
- University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - K Pearce
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - G Stuart
- Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - M Papadakis
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Sharma
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A Malhotra
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
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Forsythe L, George K, Papadakis M, Mill N, Daniels M, Oxborough D. Seasonal variation of cardiac structure and function in the elite rugby football league athlete. Echo Res Pract 2023; 10:16. [PMID: 37817231 PMCID: PMC10566089 DOI: 10.1186/s44156-023-00026-9] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-participation cardiac screening (PCS) of "Super-League" rugby football league (RFL) athletes is mandatory but may be completed at any time point. The aim of this study was to assess cardiac electrical, structural and functional variation across the competitive season. METHODS Elite, male, RFL athletes from a single Super-League club underwent cardiac evaluation using electrocardiography (ECG), 2D echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) at four time points across the RFL season; (1) End pre-season (ENDPRE), (2) mid-season (MIDCOMP), (3) end-season (ENDCOMP) and (4) End off-season (ENDOFF). Training loads for each time point were also determined. One-way ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS Total workload undertaken by athletes was lower at both MIDCOMP and ENDCOMP compared to ENDPRE (P < 0.001). ECG patterns were normal with training-related changes that were largely consistent across assessments. Structural data did not vary across assessment points. Standard functional data was not different across assessment points but apical rotation and twist were higher at ENDPRE (9.83˚ and 16.55˚, respectively compared to all other time points (MIDCOMP, 6.13˚ and 12.62˚; ENDCOMP, 5.84˚ and 12.12˚; ENDOFF 6.60˚ and 12.35˚). CONCLUSIONS Despite some seasonal variation in training load, the athletes' ECG and cardiac structure were stable across a competitive season. Seasonal variation in left ventricular (LV) apical rotation and twist, associated with higher training loads, should be noted in the context of PCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey Forsythe
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool, L3 3AF UK
| | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre, St Georges University of London, London, UK
| | - Nathan Mill
- St Helens Rugby Football League Club, St Helens, UK
| | - Matt Daniels
- St Helens Rugby Football League Club, St Helens, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool, L3 3AF UK
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Garg G, Appadurai V, Cheema B, Gruca M, Kinno M, Ryan J, Bavishi A, Baldridge AS, Rigolin VH, Thomas JD, Zielinski A, Puthumana JJ. Right Ventricular Remodeling in Elite Basketball Athletes. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2023; 36:1120-1125. [PMID: 37364756 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2023.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gaurang Garg
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Vinesh Appadurai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Baljash Cheema
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Martin Gruca
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Menhel Kinno
- Division of Cardiology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Juliet Ryan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Aakash Bavishi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Abigail S Baldridge
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Vera H Rigolin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - James D Thomas
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Allison Zielinski
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jyothy J Puthumana
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Bauer P, Tello K, Kraushaar L, Dörr O, Keranov S, Husain-Syed F, Nef H, Hamm CW, Most A. Normative values of non-invasively assessed RV function and pulmonary circulation coupling for pre-participation screening derived from 497 male elite athletes. Clin Res Cardiol 2023; 112:1362-1371. [PMID: 36102951 PMCID: PMC10562270 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-022-02099-8] [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: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reference values for right ventricular function and pulmonary circulation coupling were recently established for the general population. However, normative values for elite athletes are missing, even though exercise-related right ventricular enlargement is frequent in competitive athletes. METHODS We examined 497 healthy male elite athletes (age 26.1 ± 5.2 years) of mixed sports with a standardized transthoracic echocardiographic examination. Tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) were measured. Pulmonary circulation coupling was calculated as TAPSE/SPAP ratio. Two age groups were defined (18-29 years and 30-39 years) and associations of clinical parameters with the TAPSE/SPAP ratio were determined and compared for each group. RESULTS Athletes aged 18-29 (n = 349, 23.8 ± 3.5 years) displayed a significantly lower TAPSE/SPAP ratio (1.23 ± 0.3 vs. 1.31 ± 0.33 mm/mmHg, p = 0.039), TAPSE/SPAP to body surface area (BSA) ratio (0.56 ± 0.14 vs. 0.6 ± 0.16 mm*m2/mmHg, p = 0.017), diastolic blood pressure (75.6 ± 7.9 vs. 78.8 ± 10.7 mmHg, p < 0.001), septal wall thickness (10.2 ± 1.1 vs. 10.7 ± 1.1 mm, p = 0.013) and left atrial volume index (27.5 ± 4.5 vs. 30.8 ± 4.1 ml/m2, p < 0.001), but a higher SPAP (24.2 ± 4.5 vs. 23.2 ± 4.4 mmHg, p = 0.035) compared to athletes aged 30-39 (n = 148, 33.1 ± 3.4 years). TAPSE was not different between the age groups. The TAPSE/SPAP ratio was positively correlated with left ventricular stroke volume (r = 0.133, p = 0.018) and training amount per week (r = 0.154, p = 0.001) and negatively correlated with E/E' lat. (r = -0.152, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION The reference values for pulmonary circulation coupling determined in this study could be used to interpret and distinguish physiological from pathological cardiac remodeling in male elite athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Bauer
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35390, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Khodr Tello
- Department of Internal Medicine, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Oliver Dörr
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stanislav Keranov
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| | - Faeq Husain-Syed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Holger Nef
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christian W Hamm
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35390, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, Kerckhoff Clinic GmbH, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Astrid Most
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35390, Giessen, Germany
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Pelliccia A, Ferrara R, Prosperi S, Spataro A, Maestrini V, Squeo MR. Long-Term Clinical Consequences of Right Ventricular Remodeling in Olympic Endurance Athletes. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023; 82:750-751. [PMID: 37587587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
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Dorobantu DM, Riding N, McClean G, de la Garza MS, Abuli-Lluch M, Sharma C, Duarte N, Adamuz MC, Watt V, Hamilton RM, Ryding D, Perry D, McNally S, Stuart AG, Sitges M, Oxborough DL, Wilson M, Friedberg M, Williams C, Pieles GE. The use of 2-D speckle tracking echocardiography in differentiating healthy adolescent athletes with right ventricular outflow tract dilation from patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Int J Cardiol 2023; 382:98-105. [PMID: 37030404 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Echocardiographic assessment of adolescent athletes for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) can be challenging owing to right ventricular (RV) exercise-related remodelling, particularly RV outflow tract (RVOT) dilation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of RV 2-D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in comparing healthy adolescent athletes with and without RVOT dilation to patients with ACM. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 391 adolescent athletes, mean age 14.5 ± 1.7 years, evaluated at three sports academies between 2014 and 2019 were included, and compared to previously reported ACM patients (n = 38 definite and n = 39 borderline). Peak systolic RV free wall (RVFW-Sl), global and segmental strain (Sl), and corresponding strain rates (SRl) were calculated. The participants meeting the major modified Task Force Criteria (mTFC) for RVOT dilation were defined as mTFC+ (n = 58, 14.8%), and the rest as mTFC- (n = 333, 85.2%). Mean RVFW-Sl was -27.6 ± 3.4% overall, -28.2 ± 4.1% in the mTFC+ group and - 27.5 ± 3.3% in the mTFC- group. mTFC+ athletes had normal RV-FW-Sl when compared to definite (-29% vs -19%, p < 0.001) and borderline ACM (-29% vs -21%, p < 0.001) cohorts. In addition, all mean global and regional Sl and SRl values were no worse in the mTFC+ group compared to the mTFC- (p values range < 0.0001 to 0.1, inferiority margin of 2% and 0.1 s-1 respectively). CONCLUSIONS In athletes with RVOT dilation meeting the major mTFC, STE evaluation of the RV can demostrate normal function and differentiate physiological remodelling from pathological changes found in ACM, improving screening in grey-area cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan M Dorobantu
- Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; Population Health Sciences and Medical Schools, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Congenital Heart Unit, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and Heart Institute, Bristol, UK
| | - Nathan Riding
- Population Health Sciences and Medical Schools, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Sports Medicine Department and the Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, ASPETAR Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar; Institute of Sport Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gavin McClean
- Sports Medicine Department and the Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, ASPETAR Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar; Institute of Sport Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK; Echocardiography Laboratory, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health National Health System Foundation Trust and University College London, London, UK
| | - María-Sanz de la Garza
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Marc Abuli-Lluch
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Chetanya Sharma
- Population Health Sciences and Medical Schools, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Nuno Duarte
- Congenital Heart Unit, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and Heart Institute, Bristol, UK
| | - Maria Carmen Adamuz
- Sports Medicine Department and the Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, ASPETAR Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Victoria Watt
- Sports Medicine Department and the Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, ASPETAR Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar; Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona and Barcelona Football Club Medical Services, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert M Hamilton
- Cardiology Department, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Diane Ryding
- Labatt Family Heart Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dave Perry
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | | | - A Graham Stuart
- Congenital Heart Unit, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and Heart Institute, Bristol, UK; Manchester United Football Club, Football Medicine & Science Department, Manchester, UK
| | - Marta Sitges
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - David L Oxborough
- Echocardiography Laboratory, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health National Health System Foundation Trust and University College London, London, UK
| | - Mathew Wilson
- Sports Medicine Department and the Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, ASPETAR Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar; Institute of Sport Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mark Friedberg
- Cardiology Department, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Craig Williams
- Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
| | - Guido E Pieles
- Sports Medicine Department and the Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, ASPETAR Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar; Institute of Sport Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol Heart Institute, UK
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10
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Reference Standards in Quantitative Pediatric Echocardiography: A Guide to the Nuanced World of Z Scores and Nomograms. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2023; 36:324-326. [PMID: 36549924 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2022.12.003] [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: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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11
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Myrstad M, Sørensen E, Janssens K, Mitchell A, Apelland T, Claessen G, La Gerche A. Exercise-Induced Cardiac Remodeling and Atrial Fibrillation in Female Endurance Athletes. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2023; 36:344-345. [PMID: 36513172 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marius Myrstad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baerum Hospital Vestre Viken Trust, Gjettum, Norway; Department of Medical Research, Baerum Hospital Vestre Viken Trust, Gjettum, Norway.
| | - Eivind Sørensen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baerum Hospital Vestre Viken Trust, Gjettum, Norway; Department of Medical Research, Baerum Hospital Vestre Viken Trust, Gjettum, Norway
| | - Kristel Janssens
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Sports Cardiology Laboratory, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amy Mitchell
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Sports Cardiology Laboratory, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Turid Apelland
- Department of Medical Research, Baerum Hospital Vestre Viken Trust, Gjettum, Norway
| | - Guido Claessen
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andrè La Gerche
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Sports Cardiology Laboratory, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Australia
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12
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Maceira AM, Monmeneu JV, López MP, García MP, Higueras L, Masiá MD, Boraita A. Reference ventricular dimensions and function parameters by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in highly trained Caucasian athletes. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2023; 25:12. [PMID: 36755302 PMCID: PMC9909951 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-023-00910-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data regarding cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) reference values in athletes have not been well determined yet. Using CMR normal reference values derived from the general population may be misleading in athletes and may have clinical implications. AIMS To determine reference ventricular dimensions and function parameters and ratios by CMR in high performance athletes. METHODS Elite athletes and age- and gender-matched sedentary healthy controls were included. Anatomical and functional variables, including biventricular volumes, mass, systolic function, wall thickness, sphericity index and longitudinal function were determined by CMR. RESULTS A total of 148 athletes (29.2 ± 9.1 years; 64.8% men) and 124 controls (32.1 ± 10.5 years; 67.7% men) were included. Left ventricular (LV) mass excluding papillary muscles was 67 ± 13 g/m2 in the control group and increased from 65 ± 14 g/m2 in the low intensity sport category to 83 ± 16 g/m2 in the high cardiovascular demand sport category; P < 0.001. Regarding right ventricular (RV) mass, the data were 20 ± 5, 31 ± 6, and 38 ± 8 g/m2, respectively; P < 0.001. LV and RV volumes, and wall thickness were higher in athletes than in the control group, and also increased with sport category. However, LV and RV ejection fractions were similar in both groups. LV and RV dimensions, wall thickness and LV/RV ratios reference parameters for athletes are provided. CONCLUSIONS LV and RV masses, volumes, and wall thicknesses are higher in athletes than in sedentary subjects. Specific CMR reference ranges for athletes are provided and can be used as reference levels, rather than the standard upper limits used for the general population to exclude cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Maceira
- Cardiovascular Imaging Unit, Cardiology Department, Ascires Grupo Biomédico, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Jose V Monmeneu
- Cardiovascular Imaging Unit, Cardiology Department, Ascires Grupo Biomédico, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Pilar López
- Cardiovascular Imaging Unit, Cardiology Department, Ascires Grupo Biomédico, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Pilar García
- Cardiovascular Imaging Unit, Cardiology Department, Ascires Grupo Biomédico, Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Higueras
- Cardiovascular Imaging Unit, Cardiology Department, Ascires Grupo Biomédico, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Araceli Boraita
- Cardiology Department, Spanish Sports Health Protection Agency, Madrid, Spain
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13
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The athlete's heart exhibits unique structural and functional adaptations in the setting of strenuous and repetitive athletic training which may be similarly found in pathologic states. The purpose of this review is to highlight the morphologic and functional changes associated with the athlete's heart, with a focus upon the insights that echocardiography provides into exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies are aiming to investigate the long-term effects and clinical consequences of an athlete's heart. The "gray-zone" continues to pose a clinical challenge and may indicate scenarios where additional imaging modalities, or longitudinal follow-up, provide a definitive answer. Echocardiography is likely to remain the first-line imaging modality for the cardiac evaluation of elite athletes. Multimodality imaging combined with outcome and long-term follow-up studies both during training and after retirement in both men and women may help further clarify the remaining mysteries in the coming years.
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14
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Petek BJ, Hayes DM, Wasfy MM. Right Heart Resilience and Atrial Fibrillation Risk in Long-Term Endurance Athletes. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2022; 35:1269-1272. [PMID: 36471518 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2022.09.019] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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15
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Sørensen EIVIND, Myrstad MARIUS, Solberg MAGNARGANGÅS, Øie ERIK, Tveit ARNLJOT, Aarønæs MARIT. Right heart structure and function in lifelong recreational endurance athletes with and without paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2022; 35:1259-1268. [PMID: 35760278 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthy young athletes adapt to the increased demands of endurance exercise with symmetric cardiac remodeling. Male veteran endurance athletes have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), and some athletes seem susceptible to changes mimicking arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Intense exercise puts a disproportionate hemodynamic load on the right-sided heart chambers. Despite this, data describing right heart structure and function in older veteran athletes are scarce. We aimed to investigate structural and functional characteristics of the right heart in veteran athletes with and without AF to contribute to the understanding of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling in this group. METHODS Three hundred and two male participants, of whom 151 were veteran skiers (62 with paroxysmal AF) and 151 were controls from the general population (62 with paroxysmal AF) underwent an echocardiographic examination in sinus rhythm to evaluate right atrial (RA) and right ventricular (RV) structure and function. While 87 of the participants had never exercised regularly, 50, 43, and 122 men had practiced regular endurance exercise for 1-20, 20-40, and >40 years, respectively. RESULTS RA volume and RV size increased with cumulative years of exercise (p<0.001), with a disproportionate increase in RV size compared with left ventricular (LV) size, regardless of AF status (p<0.001). RA and RV function assessed by strain remained similar despite lifelong exposure to endurance exercise. AF was associated with reduced RA strain irrespective of exposure to exercise (p<0.001). CONCLUSION RA and RV size and RV/LV ratio showed a dose-response relationship with cumulative years of endurance exercise, whereas RA and RV function did not. Indicating that increasing RV/LV ratio may represent a physiological adaptation to prolonged endurance exercise. AF was associated with reduced RA function, regardless of exposure to exercise, suggesting RA functional parameters are more closely linked to AF than RA size in veteran athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E I V I N D Sørensen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, N-0370, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Research, Bærum Hospital Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, N-1346, Gjettum, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0316, Oslo, Norway.
| | - M A R I U S Myrstad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bærum Hospital Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, N-1346, Gjettum, Norway; Department of Medical Research, Bærum Hospital Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, N-1346, Gjettum, Norway
| | - M A G N A R G A N G Å S Solberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bærum Hospital Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, N-1346, Gjettum, Norway; Department of Medical Research, Bærum Hospital Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, N-1346, Gjettum, Norway
| | - E R I K Øie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, N-0370, Oslo, Norway
| | - A R N L J O T Tveit
- Department of Medical Research, Bærum Hospital Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, N-1346, Gjettum, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - M A R I T Aarønæs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, N-0370, Oslo, Norway
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16
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Allwood RP. Differentiating right ventricular remodelling from cardiac pathology in athletes. SONOGRAPHY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/sono.12299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard P. Allwood
- Cardiology Department St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
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17
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Investigating the Accuracy of Quantitative Echocardiographic-Modified Task Force Criteria for Arrhythmogenic Ventricular Cardiomyopathy in Adolescent Male Elite Athletes. Pediatr Cardiol 2022; 43:457-464. [PMID: 34689217 PMCID: PMC8850234 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-021-02744-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Athlete preparticipation screening focuses on preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) by detecting diseases such as arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy (AVC), which affects primarily the right ventricular myocardium. Diagnosis may be obscured by physiological remodeling of the athlete heart. Healthy athletes may meet the 2010 Task Force Criteria right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dimension cut-offs, questioning the suitability of the modified Task Force Criteria (mTFC) in adolescent athletes. In this study, 67 male adolescent footballers undergoing preparticipation screening were reviewed. All athletes underwent a screening for resting ECG and echocardiogram according to the English FA protocol, as well as cardiopulmonary exercise testing, stress ECG, and exercise echocardiography. Athletes' right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) that met the major AVC diagnostic criteria for dilatation were identified. Of 67 evaluated athletes, 7 had RVOT dilatation that met the major criteria, all in the long axis parasternal view measurement. All had normal right ventricular systolic function, including normal free-wall longitudinal strain (ranging from - 21.5 to - 32.7%). Left ventricular ejection fraction ranged from 52 to 67%, without evidence of structural changes. Resting ECGs and cardiopulmonary exercise tests were normal in all individuals. In a series of healthy athletes meeting the major AVC diagnostic criteria for RVOT dilatation, none had any other pathological changes on a detailed screening including ECG, exercise testing, and echocardiography. This report highlights that current AVC echocardiographic diagnosis criteria have limitations in this population.
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18
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Athlete’s Heart in Elite Biathlon, Nordic Cross—Country and Ski-Mountaineering Athletes: Cardiac Adaptions Determined Using Echocardiographic Data. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 9:jcdd9010008. [PMID: 35050218 PMCID: PMC8779238 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Twelve world elite Biathlon (Bia), ten Nordic Cross Country (NCC) and ten ski-mountaineering (Ski-Mo) athletes were evaluated for pronounced echocardiographic physiological cardiac remodeling as a primary aim of our descriptive preliminary report. In this context, sports-related cardiac remodeling was analyzed by performing two-dimensional echocardiography including speckle tracking analysis as left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS). A multicenter retrospective analysis of echocardiographic data was performed in 32 elite world winter sports athletes, which were obtained between 2020 and 2021 during the annual medical examination. The matched data of the elite world winter sports athletes (14 women, 18 male athletes, age: 18–35 years) were compared for different echocardiographic parameters. Significant differences could be revealed for left ventricular systolic function (LV-EF, p = 0.0001), left ventricular mass index (LV Mass index, p = 0.0078), left atrial remodeling by left atrial volume index (LAVI, p = 0.0052), and LV-GLS (p = 0.0003) between the three professional winter sports disciplines. This report provides new evidence that resting measures of cardiac structure and function in elite winter sport professionals can identify sport specific remodeling of the left heart, against the background of training schedule and training frequency.
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19
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Bryde R, Applewhite AI, Abu Dabrh AM, Taylor BJ, Heckman MG, Filmalter SE, Pujalte G, Rojas C, Heckman AJ, Brigham TJ, Prokop LJ, Shapiro BP. Cardiac structure and function in elite female athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e15141. [PMID: 34894105 PMCID: PMC8665377 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We conducted a meta-analysis to synthesize the best available evidence comparing cardiac biventricular structure and function using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in elite female athletes and healthy controls (HC). Chronic exposure to exercise may induce cardiac chamber enlargement as a means to augment stroke volume, a condition known as the "athlete's heart." These changes have not been clearly characterized in female athletes. Multiple databases were searched from inception to June 18, 2019. Outcomes of interest included left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) dimensional, volumetric, mass, and functional assessments in female athletes. Most values were indexed to body surface area. The final search yielded 22 studies, including 1000 female athletes from endurance, strength, and mixed athletic disciplines. CMR-derived LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and RV end-diastolic volume (RVEDV) were greater in endurance athletes (EA) versus HC (17.0% and 18.5%, respectively; both p < 0.001). Similarly, TTE-derived LVEDV and RVEDV were greater in EA versus HC (16.8% and 28.0%, respectively; both p < 0.001). Both LVEF and RVEF were lower in EA versus HC, with the most pronounced difference observed in RVEF via TTE (9%) (p < 0.001). LV stroke volume was greater in EA versus HC via both CMR (18.5%) and TTE (13.2%) (both p < 0.05). Few studies reported data for the mixed athlete (MA) population and even fewer studies reported data for strength athletes (SA), therefore a limited analysis was performed on MA and no analysis was performed on SA. This evidence-synthesis review demonstrates the RV may be more susceptible to ventricular enlargement. General changes in LV and RV structure and function in female EA mirrored changes observed in male counterparts. Further studies are needed to determine if potential adverse outcomes occur secondary to these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Bryde
- Department of Cardiovascular DiseasesMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - Abd Moain Abu Dabrh
- Department of Family MedicineMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
- Division of General Internal MedicineIntegrative Medicine and HealthMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Bryan J. Taylor
- Department of Cardiovascular DiseasesMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - Sara E. Filmalter
- Department of Family MedicineMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
- Division of Sports MedicineDepartment of OrthopedicsMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - George Pujalte
- Department of Family MedicineMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
- Division of Sports MedicineDepartment of OrthopedicsMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Carlos Rojas
- Department of RadiologyMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | | | | | - Brian P. Shapiro
- Department of Cardiovascular DiseasesMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
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20
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Conti V, Migliorini F, Pilone M, Barriopedro MI, Ramos-Álvarez JJ, Montero FJC, Maffulli N. Right heart exercise-training-adaptation and remodelling in endurance athletes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22532. [PMID: 34795399 PMCID: PMC8602371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02028-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term sports training leads to myocardial adaptations, with remodelling of the heart chambers. However, while myocardial adaptations of the left heart are well described, remodelling of the right heart and its impact on the development of arrhythmias is still debated. To conduct a systematic review on right ventricle (RV) and right atrium (RA) structural and functional changes in athletes who participate in long-term endurance training. Systematic review. A systematic literature search was conducted. All the articles reporting right heart echocardiographic (ECHO) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters evaluated in endurance athletes and sedentary subjects were considered eligible. A multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate whether age, sex, body surface area (BSA), intensity of training are associated with RV ECHO, CMR parameters and RA ECHO parameters. A positive association between age and right atrium area (RAA) (P = 0.01) was found. This is a negative association to RV E/A (P = 0.004), and RV end diastolic diameter (RVED) longitudinal (P = 0.01). A positive association between BSA and RVED middle (P = 0.001), as well between BSA and RAA (P = 0.05) was found, along with a negative association with RV E/A (P = 0.002). A positive association between intensity of training and RV end systolic area (RVESA) (P = 0.03), RV end diastolic volume indexed (RVEDVI) (P = 0.01), RV end systolic volume indexed (RVESVI) (P = 0.01) was found, along with a negative association with ejection fraction (EF %) (P = 0.01). Endurance athletes demonstrated an association between RV remodelling and age, BSA and intensity of training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Conti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Filippo Migliorini
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Recontructive Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Marco Pilone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - María I Barriopedro
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José Ramos-Álvarez
- Escuela de Medicina Deportiva. Departamento de Radiología, Rehabilitación y Fisioterapia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javer Calderon Montero
- Escuela de Medicina Deportiva. Departamento de Radiología, Rehabilitación y Fisioterapia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicola Maffulli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Mile End Hospital, Queen Mary University of London, 275 Bancroft Road, London, E1 4DG, England, UK
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, School of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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21
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A Novel Diagnostic Score Integrating Atrial Dimensions to Differentiate between the Athlete's Heart and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184094. [PMID: 34575205 PMCID: PMC8472715 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The 2010 Task Force Criteria (TFC) have not been tested to differentiate ARVC from the athlete’s heart. Moreover, some criteria are not available (myocardial biopsy, genetic testing, morphology of ventricular tachycardia) or subject to interobserver variability (right ventricular regional wall motion abnormalities) in clinical practice. We hypothesized that atrial dimensions are useful and robust to differentiate between both entities and proposed a new diagnostic score based upon readily available parameters including echocardiographic atrial dimensions. Methods: In this observational study, 21 patients with definite ARVC were matched for age, gender and body mass index to 42 athletes. Based on ROC analysis, the following parameters were included in the score: indexed right/left atrial volumes ratio (RAVI/LAVI ratio), NT-proBNP, RVOT measurements (PLAX and PSAX BSA-corrected), tricuspid annular motion (TAM), precordial TWI and depolarization abnormalities according to TFC. Results: ARVC patients had a higher RAVI/LAVI ratio (1.76 ± 1.5 vs. 0.87 ± 0.2, p < 0.001), lower right ventricular function (fac: 29 ± 10.1 vs. 42.2 ± 5%, p < 0.001; TAM: 19.8 ± 5.4 vs. 23.8 ± 3.8 mm, p = 0.001) and higher serum NT-proBNP levels (345 ± 612 vs. 48 ± 57 ng/L, p < 0.001). Our score showed a good performance, which is comparable to the 2010 TFC using those parameters, which are available in routine clinical practice (AUC93%, p < 0.001 (95%CI 0.874–0.995) vs. AUC97%, p < 0.001 (95%CI 0.93–1.00). A score of 6/12 points yielded a specificity of 91% and an improved sensitivity of 67% for ARVC diagnosis as compared to a sensitivity of 41% for the abovementioned readily available 2010 TFC. Conclusions: ARVC patients present with significantly larger RA compared to athletes, resulting in a greater RAVI/LAVI ratio. Our novel diagnostic score includes readily available clinical parameters and has a high diagnostic accuracy to differentiate between ARVC and the athlete’s heart.
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22
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Glibbery M, Banks L, Altaha MA, Bentley RF, Konieczny K, Yan AT, Dorian P, Deva DP, Goodman JM, Connelly KA. Atrial structure and function in middle-aged, physically-active males and females: A cardiac magnetic resonance study. Clin Cardiol 2021; 44:1467-1474. [PMID: 34469002 PMCID: PMC8495091 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have reported on an association between endurance sport, atrial enlargement and the development of lone atrial fibrillation in younger, male cohorts. The atrial morphology and function of middle‐aged, physically‐active males and females have not been well studied. We hypothesized that middle‐aged males would demonstrate larger left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) volumes compared to females, but atrial function would not differ. LA and RA volume and function were evaluated at rest in healthy adults, using a standardized 3.0Tesla cardiac magnetic resonance protocol. Physical activity, medical history, and maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2peak) were also assessed. Physically‐active, middle‐aged men (n = 60; 54 ± 5 years old) and women (n = 30; 54 ± 5 years old) completed this study. Males had a higher body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and V˙O2peak than females (p < .05 for all), despite similar reported physical activity levels. Absolute and BSA and height‐indexed LA and RA maximum volumes were higher in males relative to females, despite no differences in ejection fractions (p < .05 for all). In multivariable regression, male sex p < .001) and V˙O2peak (p = .004) were predictors of LA volume (model R2 = 0.252), whereas V˙O2peak (p < .001), male sex (p = .03), and RV EF (p < .05) were predictors of RA volume (model R2 = 0.377). While middle‐aged males exhibited larger atrial volumes relative to females, larger, prospective studies are needed to explore the magnitude of physiologic atrial remodeling and functional adaptations in relation to phenotypic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Glibbery
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Laura Banks
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mustafa A Altaha
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert F Bentley
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kaja Konieczny
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrew T Yan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul Dorian
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Djeven P Deva
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jack M Goodman
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Mount Sinai Hospital, Division of Cardiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kim A Connelly
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
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23
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Gasperetti A, James CA, Cerrone M, Delmar M, Calkins H, Duru F. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and sports activity: from molecular pathways in diseased hearts to new insights into the athletic heart mimicry. Eur Heart J 2021; 42:1231-1243. [PMID: 33200174 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited disease associated with a high risk of sudden cardiac death. Among other factors, physical exercise has been clearly identified as a strong determinant of phenotypic expression of the disease, arrhythmia risk, and disease progression. Because of this, current guidelines advise that individuals with ARVC should not participate in competitive or frequent high-intensity endurance exercise. Exercise-induced electrical and morphological para-physiological remodelling (the so-called 'athlete's heart') may mimic several of the classic features of ARVC. Therefore, the current International Task Force Criteria for disease diagnosis may not perform as well in athletes. Clear adjudication between the two conditions is often a real challenge, with false positives, that may lead to unnecessary treatments, and false negatives, which may leave patients unprotected, both of which are equally inacceptable. This review aims to summarize the molecular interactions caused by physical activity in inducing cardiac structural alterations, and the impact of sports on arrhythmia occurrence and other clinical consequences in patients with ARVC, and help the physicians in setting the two conditions apart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gasperetti
- Division of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cynthia A James
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Marina Cerrone
- Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mario Delmar
- Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Hugh Calkins
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Firat Duru
- Division of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 71, Zurich 8006, Switzerland
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24
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Szabo D, Nagy D, Melczer C, Acs P, Ratgeber L, Szokodi I, Toth M, Cziraki A, Eklics K, Sarszegi Z. Influencing Factors of Cardiac Adaptation in Adolescent Athletes. Int J Sports Med 2021; 42:1209-1221. [PMID: 34005827 DOI: 10.1055/a-1386-4805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Endurance training-induced changes in left ventricular diastolic function and right ventricular parameters have been investigated extensively in adolescent athletes. Our aim was to examine the parameters for adolescent athletes (n=121, 15.1±1.6 years) compared to adult athletes and age-matched non-athletes. We explored the effects of influencing factors on the echocardiographic parameters. Significantly higher E/A (p<0.05) and e' values (p<0.001) were detected in adolescent athletes compared to age-matched non-athletes' and also adult athletes' parameters. Significantly lower structural and functional right ventricular parameters (p<0.05) were detected in adult athletes. In adolescent athletes significantly higher right ventricular diameters, tricuspid S wave, right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic area values (p<0.05) were found compared to the matching parameters of non-athletes. We found significantly higher corrected tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion values (p<0.001) in athletes compared to the non-athletes. Based on multivariate analysis lean body mass, body surface area, age and cumulative training time were proved as strong predictive factors of both left ventricular diastolic and right ventricular parameters. Supernormal left ventricular diastolic function and significantly higher right ventricular parameters are indicative of cardiac adaptation. Well-defined cut-off values should be applied to discriminate pathological conditions in the relation of the influencing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Szabo
- Heart Institution, Cardiology Department, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dora Nagy
- Institute of Physiolotherapy and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Csaba Melczer
- Institute of Physiolotherapy and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Pongrac Acs
- Institute of Physiolotherapy and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Ratgeber
- Institute of Physiolotherapy and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Istvan Szokodi
- Heart Institution, Cardiology Department, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Miklos Toth
- Szentagothai Research Centre , University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Attila Cziraki
- Heart Institution, Cardiology Department, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Kata Eklics
- Department of Languages for Biomedical Purposes, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Sarszegi
- Heart Institution, Cardiology Department, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
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25
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Dawkins TG, Curry BA, Wright SP, Meah VL, Yousef Z, Eves ND, Shave RE, Stembridge M. Right Ventricular Function and Region-Specific Adaptation in Athletes Engaged in High-Dynamic Sports: A Meta-Analysis. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 14:e012315. [PMID: 33993732 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.120.012315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural remodeling of the right ventricle (RV) is widely documented in athletes. However, functional adaptation, including RV pressure generation and systolic free-wall longitudinal mechanics, remains equivocal. This meta-analysis compared RV pressure and function in athletes and controls. METHODS A systematic review of online databases was conducted up to June 4, 2020. Meta-analyses were performed on RV systolic pressures, at rest and during exercise, tricuspid annular plane systolic displacement, myocardial velocity (S'), and global and regional longitudinal strain. Bias was assessed using Egger regression for asymmetry. Data were analyzed using random-effects models with weighted mean difference and 95% CI. RESULTS Fifty-three studies were eligible for inclusion. RV systolic pressure was obtained from 21 studies at rest (n=1043:1651; controls:athletes) and 8 studies during exercise (n=240:495) and was significantly greater in athletes at rest (weighted mean difference, 2.9 mmHg [CI, 1.3-4.5 mmHg]; P=0.0005) and during exercise (11.0 [6.5-15.6 mm Hg]; P<0.0001) versus controls. Resting tricuspid annular plane systolic displacement (P<0.0001) and S' (P=0.001) were greater in athletes. In contrast, athletes had similar RV free-wall longitudinal strain (17 studies; n=450:605), compared with controls but showed greater longitudinal apical strain (16 studies; n=455:669; 0.9%, 0.1%-1.8%; P=0.03) and lower basal strain (-2.5% [-1.4 to -3.5%]; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Functional RV adaptation, characterized by increased tricuspid annular displacement and velocity and a greater base-to-apex strain gradient, is a normal feature of the athlete's heart, together with a slightly elevated RV systolic pressure. These findings contribute to our understanding of RV in athletes and highlight the importance of considering RV function in combination with structure in the clinical interpretation of the athlete's heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony G Dawkins
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom (T.G.D., B.A.C., M.S.)
| | - Bryony A Curry
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom (T.G.D., B.A.C., M.S.).,Centre for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada (B.A.C., S.P.W., N.D.E., R.E.S.)
| | - Stephen P Wright
- Centre for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada (B.A.C., S.P.W., N.D.E., R.E.S.)
| | - Victoria L Meah
- Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Canada (V.L.M.).,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Canada (V.L.M.).,Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Canada (V.L.M.)
| | - Zaheer Yousef
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom (Z.Y.)
| | - Neil D Eves
- Centre for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada (B.A.C., S.P.W., N.D.E., R.E.S.)
| | - Rob E Shave
- Centre for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada (B.A.C., S.P.W., N.D.E., R.E.S.)
| | - Michael Stembridge
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom (T.G.D., B.A.C., M.S.)
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26
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Zorzi A, Cipriani A, Bariani R, Pilichou K, Corrado D, Bauce B. Role of Exercise as a Modulating Factor in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Curr Cardiol Rep 2021; 23:57. [PMID: 33961139 PMCID: PMC8105216 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-021-01489-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The review addresses the role of exercise in triggering ventricular arrhythmias and promoting disease progression in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) patients and gene-mutation carriers, the differential diagnosis between AC and athlete's heart and current recommendations on exercise activity in AC. RECENT FINDINGS AC is an inherited heart muscle disease caused by genetically defective cell-to-cell adhesion structures (mainly desmosomes). The pathophysiological hallmark of the disease is progressive myocyte loss and replacement by fibro-fatty tissue, which creates the substrates for ventricular arrhythmias. Animal and human studies demonstrated that intense exercise, but not moderate physical activity, may increase disease penetrance, worsen the phenotype, and favor life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. It has been proposed that in some individuals prolonged endurance sports activity may in itself cause AC (so-called exercise-induced AC). The studies agree that intense physical activity should be avoided in patients with AC and healthy gene-mutation carriers. However, low-to-moderate intensity exercise does not appear detrimental and these patients should not be entirely deprived from the many health benefits of physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Cipriani
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bariani
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Kalliopi Pilichou
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Barbara Bauce
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
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27
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Miranda DP, Alves WEFM, Lopes HHMC, Santana VJ, Bocchi EA, Salemi VMC. Association between right heart dimensions and muscle performance and cardiorespiratory capacity in strength and endurance athletes. TRANSLATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/tsm2.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas P. Miranda
- Heart Institute (InCor) do Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo Sao Paulo Brazil
- Laboratory of Physical Evaluation and Exercise Physiology (LAFFEX) Department of Physical Education University of Barretos (Unifeb) Barretos Brazil
| | | | | | - Vinícius J. Santana
- Laboratory of Physical Evaluation and Exercise Physiology (LAFFEX) Department of Physical Education University of Barretos (Unifeb) Barretos Brazil
| | - Edimar A. Bocchi
- Heart Institute (InCor) do Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Vera Maria C. Salemi
- Heart Institute (InCor) do Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo Sao Paulo Brazil
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28
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Yoon HJ, Kim KH, Hornsby K, Park JH, Park H, Kim HY, Cho JY, Ahn Y, Jeong MH, Cho JG. Gender Difference of Cardiac Remodeling in University Athletes: Results from 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade. Korean Circ J 2021; 51:426-438. [PMID: 33764011 PMCID: PMC8112176 DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2020.0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives There is little data about cardiac geometry in highly trained young athletes, especially female specific changes. We investigated gender difference on exercise induced cardiac remodeling (EICR) in highly trained university athletes. Methods A total of 1,185 university athletes divided into 2 groups; female (n=497, 22.0±2.3 years) vs. male (n=688, 22.6±2.4 years). Remodeling of the left ventricle (LV), left atrium (LA), right ventricle (RV), and any cardiac chamber were compared. Results LV, LA, RV, and any remodeling was found in 156 (13.2%), 206 (17.4%), 82 (6.9%), and 379 athletes (31.9%), respectively. LV, LA, and any remodeling were more common in male than female athletes (n=53, 12.1% vs. n=103, 15.5%, p=0.065), (n=65, 13.1% vs. n=141, 20.5%, p<0.001), (n=144, 30.0% vs. n=235, 34.2%, p=0.058), respectively, whereas RV remodeling was significantly more common in female than male athletes (n=56, 11.3% vs. n=26, 3.8%, p<0.001). Interestingly, the development of LV, LA, and RV remodeling were not overlapped in many of athletes, suggesting different mechanism of EICR according to cardiac chamber. Various predictors including sports type, heart rate, muscle mass, fat mass, body surface area, and training time were differently involved in cardiac remodeling, and there were gender differences of these predictors for cardiac remodeling. Conclusions EICR was common in both sex and was independently developed among cardiac chambers in highly trained university athletes. LV and LA remodeling were common in males, whereas RV remodeling was significantly more common in females demonstrating gender difference in EICR. The present study also demonstrated gender difference in the predictors of EICR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ju Yoon
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kye Hun Kim
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
| | - Kyle Hornsby
- International University Sports Federation (FISU), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jae Hyeong Park
- Department of Cardiology in Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyukjin Park
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Hyung Yoon Kim
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jae Yeong Cho
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Youngkeun Ahn
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Myung Ho Jeong
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jeong Gwan Cho
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
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29
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Idiazabal-Ayesa U, Izquierdo M, Elías Ruiz V, Ramírez-Vélez R. Medidas de las cavidades cardiacas de jóvenes adolescentes deportistas. Rev Esp Cardiol (Engl Ed) 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.recesp.2020.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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30
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Idiazabal-Ayesa U, Izquierdo M, Elías Ruiz V, Ramírez-Vélez R. Cardiac dimensions for young adolescent athletes. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH ED.) 2021; 74:196-198. [PMID: 32843321 DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2020.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikel Izquierdo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica (Navarrabiomed), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicente Elías Ruiz
- Medicina de la Educación Física y el Deporte, CTD Adarraga, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Robinson Ramírez-Vélez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica (Navarrabiomed), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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31
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D'Ascenzi F, Biella F, Lemme E, Maestrini V, Di Giacinto B, Pelliccia A. Female Athlete's Heart: Sex Effects on Electrical and Structural Remodeling. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 13:e011587. [PMID: 33317335 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.120.011587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most of our knowledge on training-induced cardiac remodeling is derived from men, with the paucity of data from women representing an important gap in knowledge. The aim of the study was to define the electrocardiographic and morphological features of female athlete's heart, with special attention to differences related to sex and sport. METHODS Seven hundred twenty Olympic athletes (360 females and 360 age- and sport-matched males, mean age: 23±5 years) were evaluated by clinical, resting, and exercise electrocardiography and echocardiography. RESULTS Anterior T-wave inversion was more common in females than males (P<0.05). Left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and LV mass were greater in men (P<0.001). Females had smaller absolute but greater indexed LV and right ventricular (RV) dimensions as compared to males. Most women had normal LV geometry (80.8%). A progressive increase in LV/RV dimensions was observed in women from those engaged in skill, power, to mixed and endurance disciplines, with the endurance ones demonstrating the greatest degree of RV dilatation. Women had a peculiar biventricular adaptation, with higher LV/RV (1.41±0.16 versus 1.36±0.15, P<0.0001) and lower RV inflow/outflow ratio (P<0.001), as compared to men. CONCLUSIONS Sex significantly affects cardiac remodeling in athletes, with females presenting a different electrical and structural remodeling. Women maintain a normal LV geometry, with relative larger increase of cavity dimensions compared with men. Type of sport has a relevant impact, with endurance athletes exhibiting the greatest degree of RV and LV dimensional remodeling. The present study confirms the need for a sex-based approach for interpreting the complex features of athlete's heart in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy (F.D.)
| | - Federico Biella
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Rome, Italy (F.B., E.L., V.M., B.D.G., A.P.)
| | - Erika Lemme
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Rome, Italy (F.B., E.L., V.M., B.D.G., A.P.)
| | - Viviana Maestrini
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Rome, Italy (F.B., E.L., V.M., B.D.G., A.P.)
| | - Barbara Di Giacinto
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Rome, Italy (F.B., E.L., V.M., B.D.G., A.P.)
| | - Antonio Pelliccia
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Rome, Italy (F.B., E.L., V.M., B.D.G., A.P.)
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32
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Garcia-Martin A, Zamorano JL. Editorial commentary: The right ventricle in "left-sided" cardiomyopathies. Where are we and where are we heading. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2020; 31:485-486. [PMID: 33129974 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Garcia-Martin
- Cardiology Department, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital (IRYCIS), Alcalá de Henares University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Zamorano
- Cardiology Department, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital (IRYCIS), Alcalá de Henares University, Madrid, Spain
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33
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Cavigli L, Focardi M, Cameli M, Mandoli GE, Mondillo S, D'Ascenzi F. The right ventricle in “Left-sided” cardiomyopathies: The dark side of the moon. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2020; 31:476-484. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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34
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Palumbo P, Cannizzaro E, Di Cesare A, Bruno F, Schicchi N, Giovagnoni A, Splendiani A, Barile A, Masciocchi C, Di Cesare E. Cardiac magnetic resonance in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies. Radiol Med 2020; 125:1087-1101. [PMID: 32978708 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-020-01289-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Over the past few years, the approach to the 'arrhythmic patient' has profoundly changed. An early clinical presentation of arrhythmia is often accompanied by non-specific symptoms and followed by inconclusive electrocardiographic findings. In this scenario, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has been established as a clinical tool of fundamental importance for a correct prognostic stratification of the arrhythmic patient. This technique provides a high-spatial-resolution tomographic evaluation of the heart, which allows studying accurately the ventricular volumes, identifying even segmental kinetic anomalies and properly detecting diffuse or focal tissue alterations through an excellent tissue characterization, while depicting different patterns of fibrosis distribution, myocardial edema or fatty substitution. Through these capabilities, CMR has a pivotal role for the adequate management of the arrhythmic patient, allowing the identification of those phenotypic manifestations characteristic of structural heart diseases. Therefore, CMR provides valuable information to reclassify the patient within the wide spectrum of potentially arrhythmogenic heart diseases, the definition of which remains the major determinants for both an adequate treatment and a poor prognosis. The purpose of this review study was to focus on the role of CMR in the evaluation of the main cardiac clinical entities associated with arrhythmogenic phenomena and to present a brief debate on the main pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the arrhythmogenesis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Palumbo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, AQ, Italy.
| | | | - Annamaria Di Cesare
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federico Bruno
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, AQ, Italy
| | - Nicolò Schicchi
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Ospedali Riuniti Di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Giovagnoni
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Ospedali Riuniti Di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandra Splendiani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, AQ, Italy
| | - Antonio Barile
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, AQ, Italy
| | - Carlo Masciocchi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, AQ, Italy
| | - Ernesto Di Cesare
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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35
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(Right ventricle in athletes). COR ET VASA 2020. [DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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36
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Beaumont AJ, Grace FM, Richards JC, Campbell AK, Sculthorpe NF. Aerobic Training Protects Cardiac Function During Advancing Age: A Meta-Analysis of Four Decades of Controlled Studies. Sports Med 2020; 49:199-219. [PMID: 30374946 PMCID: PMC6513799 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-018-1004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background In contrast to younger athletes, there is comparatively less literature examining cardiac structure and function in older athletes. However, a progressive accumulation of studies during the past four decades offers a body of literature worthy of systematic scrutiny. Objectives We conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of controlled echocardiography studies comparing left ventricular (LV) structure and function in aerobically trained older athletes (> 45 years) with age-matched untrained controls, in addition to investigating the influence of chronological age. Methods Electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2018 before conducting a random-effects meta-analysis to calculate pooled differences in means, effect size and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Study heterogeneity was reported using Cochran’s Q and I2 statistic. Results Overall, 32 studies (644 athletes; 582 controls) were included. Athletes had greater LV end-diastolic diameter (3.65 mm, 95% CI 2.66–4.64), interventricular septal thickness (1.23 mm, 95% CI 0.85–1.60), posterior wall thickness (1.20 mm, 95% CI 0.83–1.56), LV mass (72 g, 95% CI 46–98), LV mass index (28.17 g·m2, 95% CI 19.84–36.49) and stroke volume (13.59 mL, 95% CI 7.20–19.98) (all p < 0.01). Athletes had superior global diastolic function [ratio of early (E) to late (A) mitral inflow velocity (E/A) 0.18, 95% CI 0.13–0.24, p < 0.01; ratio of early (e′) to late (a′) diastolic annular tissue velocity (e′/a′) 0.23, 95% CI 0.06–0.40, p = 0.01], lower A (−8.20 cm·s−1, 95% CI −11.90 to −4.51, p < 0.01) and a′ (−0.72 cm·s−1, 95% CI −1.31 to −0.12, p = 0.02), and more rapid e′ (0.96 cm·s−1, 95% CI 0.05–1.86, p = 0.04). Meta-regression for chronological age identified that athlete–control differences, in the main, are maintained during advancing age. Conclusions Athletic older men have larger cardiac dimensions and enjoy more favourable cardiac function than healthy, non-athletic counterparts. Notably, the athlete groups maintain these effects during chronological ageing. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40279-018-1004-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Beaumont
- School of Health and Life Science, Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Fergal M Grace
- Human Movement and Sports Science Group, Faculty of Health, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
| | - Joanna C Richards
- School of Sport Science and Physical Activity, Institute of Sport and Physical Activity Research, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford, UK
| | - Amy K Campbell
- School of Health and Life Science, Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nicholas F Sculthorpe
- School of Health and Life Science, Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
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Lewicka-Potocka Z, Dąbrowska-Kugacka A, Lewicka E, Kaleta AM, Dorniak K, Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz L, Fijałkowski M, Nabiałek-Trojanowska I, Ratkowski W, Potocki W, Raczak G. The "athlete's heart" features in amateur male marathon runners. Cardiol J 2020; 28:707-715. [PMID: 31909474 DOI: 10.5603/cj.a2019.0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Training on a professional level can lead to cardiac structural adaptations called the "athlete's heart". As marathon participation requires intense physical preparation, the question arises whether the features of "athlete's heart" can also develop in recreational runners. METHODS The study included 34 males (mean age 40 ± 8 years) who underwent physical examination, a cardiopulmonary exercise test and echocardiographic examination (ECHO) before a marathon. ECHO results were compared with the sedentary control group, reference values for an adult male population and those for highly-trained athletes. Runners with abnormalities revealed by ECHO were referred for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). RESULTS The mean training distance was 56.5 ± 19.7 km/week, peak oxygen uptake was 53.7 ± 6.9 mL/kg/min and the marathon finishing time was 3.7 ± 0.4 h. Compared to sedentary controls, amateur athletes presented larger atria, increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, larger LV mass and basal right ventricular (RV) inflow diameter (p < 0.05). When compared with ranges for the general adult population, 56% of participants showed increased left atrial volume, indexed to body surface area (LAVI), 56% right atrial area and interventricular septum thickness, while 47% had enlarged RV proximal outflow tract diameter. In 50% of cases, LAVI exceeded values reported for highly-trained athletes. Due to ECHO abnormalities, CMR was performed in 6 participants, which revealed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 1 runner. CONCLUSIONS "Athlete's heart" features occur in amateur marathon runners. In this group, ECHO reference values for highly-trained elite athletes should be considered, rather than those for the general population and even then LAVI can exceed the upper normal value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Lewicka-Potocka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland. .,First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland.
| | | | - Ewa Lewicka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Maria Kaleta
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Karolina Dorniak
- Noninvasive Cardiac Diagnostics Department, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | | | | | - Izabela Nabiałek-Trojanowska
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland.,First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Wojciech Ratkowski
- Department of Management Tourism and Recreation, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Wojciech Potocki
- Department of Molecular Bacteriology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Raczak
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
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38
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D’Ascenzi F, Anselmi F, Ceccon C, Baccani B, Sisti N, Gismondi A, Sciaccaluga C, Aprile F, Fiorentini C, Graziano F, Franchini A, Berti B, Mandoli GE, Cameli M, Zorzi A, Bonifazi M, Mondillo S. The acute impact of an ultramarathon on right heart: A 12‐lead ECG study. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2019; 30:549-555. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.13597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Flavio D’Ascenzi
- Division of Cardiology Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Francesca Anselmi
- Division of Cardiology Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Chiara Ceccon
- Division of Cardiology Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Bernardo Baccani
- Division of Cardiology Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Nicolò Sisti
- Division of Cardiology Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Annalaura Gismondi
- Division of Cardiology Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Carlotta Sciaccaluga
- Division of Cardiology Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Federica Aprile
- Division of Cardiology Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Caterina Fiorentini
- Division of Cardiology Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Francesca Graziano
- Division of Cardiology Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Andrea Franchini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Neuroscience University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Beatrice Berti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Neuroscience University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Giulia Elena Mandoli
- Division of Cardiology Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Division of Cardiology Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular and Public Health sciences University of Padova Padova Italy
| | - Marco Bonifazi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Neuroscience University of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Sergio Mondillo
- Division of Cardiology Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena Siena Italy
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D'Ascenzi F, Solari M, Corrado D, Zorzi A, Mondillo S. Diagnostic Differentiation Between Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy and Athlete's Heart by Using Imaging. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 11:1327-1339. [PMID: 30190032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2018.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an important cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in youth and athletes. In the last decade, several studies focused on right ventricular (RV) remodeling in athletes and revealed that features of the physiological adaptation of the right heart to training, such as RV dilation, may overlap with those of ARVC. Therefore, a careful multiparametric evaluation is required for differential diagnosis in order to avoid false diagnosis of ARVC or, in contrast, fail to identify the risk of causing SCD. This review summarizes physiological adaptation of the RV to exercise and describes features that could help distinguishing between athlete's heart and ARVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Marco Solari
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences, Division of Cardiology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences, Division of Cardiology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sergio Mondillo
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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40
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D’Ascenzi F, Anselmi F, Graziano F, Berti B, Franchini A, Bacci E, Ceccon C, Capitani M, Bonifazi M, Mondillo S. Normal and abnormal QT interval duration and its changes in preadolescents and adolescents practicing sport. Europace 2019; 21:1566-1574. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euz198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aims
Twelve-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is an established tool in the evaluation of athletes, providing information about life-threatening cardiovascular diseases, such as long QT syndrome. However, the interpretation of ECG is sometimes challenging in children, particularly for the repolarization phase. The aim of this prospective, longitudinal study was to determinate the distribution of QT interval in children practicing sport and to evaluate changes in QT duration overtime.
Methods and results
A population of 1473 preadolescents practising sport (12.0 ± 1.8 years, 7–15 years) was analysed. Each athlete was evaluated at baseline, mid-term, and end of the study (mean follow-up: 3 ± 1 years). QT interval was corrected with Bazett (B) and Fridericia (F) formulae. At baseline QT interval corrected with the Bazett formula (QTcB) was 412 ± 25 ms and QT interval corrected with the Fridericia formula (QTcF) 387 ± 21 ms, with no changes during follow-up. Ten children (0.68%) had an abnormal QTc. In those with QTcB and QTcF ≥480 ms, QTc duration persisted abnormal during the follow-up and they were disqualified. Conversely, children with 460 ms < (QTcB) <480 ms had a normal QTc interval at the end of the study. These children had also a normal QTcF. Mean difference in the calculation of QT between the two formulae was 25 ± 11 ms (P < 0.0001). For resting heart rate (HR) ≥82 b.p.m., QTcF was independent from HR contrary to QTcB.
Conclusion
Normal QTc interval does not change over time in preadolescents. A minority of them has a QTc ≥480 ms; in these subjects, QTc interval remains prolonged. The use of Bazett and Fridericia correction formulae is not interchangeable and the Fridericia correction should be preferred in preadolescents with a resting HR ≥82 b.p.m.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio D’Ascenzi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Anselmi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Graziano
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, Siena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Berti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and NeuroScience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Franchini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and NeuroScience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elodi Bacci
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Ceccon
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, Siena, Italy
| | - Massimo Capitani
- Centre for Sports Medicine, National Health Service, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Bonifazi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and NeuroScience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Sergio Mondillo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, Siena, Italy
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Csecs I, Czimbalmos C, Toth A, Dohy Z, Suhai IF, Szabo L, Kovacs A, Lakatos B, Sydo N, Kheirkhahan M, Peritz D, Kiss O, Merkely B, Vago H. The impact of sex, age and training on biventricular cardiac adaptation in healthy adult and adolescent athletes: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2019; 27:540-549. [DOI: 10.1177/2047487319866019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aims Physiological cardiac adaptation in athletes is influenced by multiple factors. This study aimed to investigate the impact of sex, age, body size, sports type and training volume on cardiac adaptation in healthy athletes with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Methods A total of 327 athletes (242 male) were studied (adults ≥18 years old; adolescents 14–18 years old). Left and right ventricular ejection fractions, end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, stroke volumes and masses were measured. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume/left ventricular mass, right ventricular end-diastolic volume/right ventricular mass and derived right/left ventricular ratios were determined to study balanced ventricular adaptation. Athletes were categorised as skill, power, mixed and endurance athletes. Results Male athletes had higher left and right ventricular volumes and masses in both adult ( n = 215 (145 male); 24 ± 5 years old) and adolescent ( n = 112 (97 male); 16 ± 1 years old) groups compared with women (all P < 0.05). In adults, male sex, age, body surface area, weekly training hours, mixed and endurance sports correlated with higher ventricular volumes and masses (all P < 0.05); and a combination of age, sex, training hours, endurance and mixed sports explained 30% of the variance of the left ventricular end-diastolic volume index ( r = 0.30), right ventricular end-diastolic volume index ( r = 0.34), right ventricular mass index ( r = 0.30); and as much as 53% of the left ventricular mass index ( r = 0.53) (all P < 0.0001). In adolescents, positive correlations were found between training hours and left ventricular hypertrophy ( r = 0.39, P < 0.0001), and biventricular dilation (left ventricular end-diastolic volume r = 0.34, P = 0.0008; right ventricular end-diastolic volume r = 0.36, P = 0.0004). In adolescents, age and body surface area did not correlate with cardiac magnetic resonance parameters. Conclusion There are significant sex differences in the physiological adaptation of adult and adolescent athlete’s heart; and male sex, higher training volume and endurance sports are major determinants of sports adaptation in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibolya Csecs
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | | | - Attila Toth
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | - Zsofia Dohy
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | - Imre F Suhai
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | - Liliana Szabo
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | - Attila Kovacs
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | - Balint Lakatos
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | - Nora Sydo
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | | | - David Peritz
- Cardiovascular Division, University of Utah, USA
| | - Orsolya Kiss
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | - Bela Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | - Hajnalka Vago
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Hungary
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42
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Perry R, Swan AL, Hecker T, De Pasquale CG, Selvanayagam JB, Joseph MX. The Spectrum of Change in the Elite Athlete's Heart. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2019; 32:978-986. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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43
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Cantinotti M, Koestenberger M, Santoro G, Assanta N, Franchi E, Paterni M, Iervasi G, D'Andrea A, D'Ascenzi F, Giordano R, Galderisi M. Normal basic 2D echocardiographic values to screen and follow up the athlete's heart from juniors to adults: What is known and what is missing. A critical review. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2019; 27:1294-1306. [PMID: 31266355 DOI: 10.1177/2047487319862060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the last few years, multiple echocardiographic nomograms have been published. However, normal values calculated in the general population are not applicable to athletes, whose hearts may be enlarged and hypercontractile. Accordingly, athletes require specific nomograms. Our aim is to provide a critical review of echocardiographic nomograms on two-dimensional (2D) measures for athletes. We performed a systematic search in the National Library of Medicine for Medical Subject Headings and free text terms including echocardiography, athletes, normal values and nomograms. The search was refined by adding the keywords heart, sport, elite, master, children and young. Twenty-eight studies were selected for the final analysis. Our research revealed that currently available ranges of normality for athletes reported by different authors are quite consistent, with limited exceptions (e.g. atria, aorta). Numerical and methodological limitations, however, emerged. Numerical limitations included a limited sample size (e.g. < 450 subjects) of the population assessed and the paucity of data in women, non-Caucasian athletes, and junior and master athletes. Some data on M-mode measurements are available, while those for some specific structures (e.g. left atrial (LA) area and volumes, right ventricular diameters and aorta) are limited or rare (e.g. LA area). There was heterogeneity in data normalization (by gender, sport type and ethnicity) and their expression was limited to mean values (Z-scores have rarely been employed), while variability analysis was often lacking or incomplete. We conclude that comprehensive nomograms using an appropriate sample size, evaluating a complete dataset of 2D (and three-dimensional) measures and built using a rigorous statistical approach are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Cantinotti
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Massa and Pisa, Italy.,Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martin Koestenberger
- Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, Medical University Graz, Austria.,European Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease Network, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Santoro
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Massa and Pisa, Italy
| | - Nadia Assanta
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Massa and Pisa, Italy
| | - Eliana Franchi
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Massa and Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonello D'Andrea
- Division of Cardiology, Umberto I' Hospital Nocera Inferiore (Salerno), Luigi Vanvitelli University, Caserta, Italy
| | - Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Raffaele Giordano
- Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - Maurizio Galderisi
- Cardiology, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
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Forsythe L, Somauroo J, George K, Papadakis M, Brown B, Qasem M, Oxborough D. The right heart of the elite senior rugby football league athlete. Echocardiography 2019; 36:888-896. [DOI: 10.1111/echo.14330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey Forsythe
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
| | - John Somauroo
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
| | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research CentreSt Georges University of London London UK
| | - Benjamin Brown
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
| | - Mohammad Qasem
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
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45
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D'Ascenzi F, Anselmi F, Piu P, Fiorentini C, Carbone SF, Volterrani L, Focardi M, Bonifazi M, Mondillo S. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Normal Reference Values of Biventricular Size and Function in Male Athlete's Heart. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2018; 12:1755-1765. [PMID: 30553678 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2018.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this meta-analysis was to derive normal reference values of biventricular size and function estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in competitive athletes. BACKGROUND Exercise-induced enlargement of cardiac chambers is commonly observed in competitive athletes. However, ventricular dilatation is also a common phenotypic expression of life-threatening cardiomyopathies. The use of CMR for the exclusion of pathology is growing. However, normal reference values have not been established for athletes. METHODS The authors conducted a systematic review of English-language studies in the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases investigating biventricular size and function by CMR in athletes. Athletes were divided into endurance, combined, and mixed groups according to the sport practiced. The potential impact of training volume was also evaluated. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies and 983 competitive athletes were included for CMR quantification of biventricular size and function. In this review, normal reference values are presented for biventricular size and function to be applied to male competitive athletes according to the disciplines practiced. A significant impact of training volume was demonstrated for the right ventricle: athletes practicing the largest number of training hours per week were those exhibiting the greatest degree of right ventricular remodeling. Notably, biventricular function was not significantly affected by training volume. CONCLUSIONS The present meta-analysis defines the normal limits of biventricular size and function estimated by CMR in competitive athletes. The authors suggest using these normal reference values as an alternative to standard upper limits derived from the general population when interpreting CMR images in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Francesca Anselmi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Pietro Piu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Fiorentini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Luca Volterrani
- Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, University Hospital Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Marta Focardi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Bonifazi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Sergio Mondillo
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Abstract
Purpose of the review For many years, competitive sport has been dominated by men. Recent times have witnessed a significant increase in women participating in elite sports. As most studies investigated male athletes, with few reports on female counterparts, it is crucial to have a better understanding on physiological cardiac adaptation to exercise in female athletes, to distinguish normal phenotypes from potentially fatal cardiac diseases. This review reports on cardiac adaptation to exercise in females. Recent findings Recent studies show that electrical, structural, and functional cardiac changes due to physiological adaptation to exercise differ in male and female athletes. Women tend to exhibit eccentric hypertrophy, and while concentric hypertrophy or concentric remodeling may be a normal finding in male athletes, it should be evaluated carefully in female athletes as it may be a sign of pathology. Although few studies on veteran female athletes are available, women seem to be affected by atrial fibrillation, coronary atherosclerosis, and myocardial fibrosis less than male counterparts. Summary Males and females exhibit many biological, anatomical, and hormonal differences, and cardiac adaptation to exercise is no exception. The increasing participation of women in sports should stimulate the scientific community to develop large, longitudinal studies aimed at a better understanding of cardiac adaptation to exercise in female athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clea Simone S S Colombo
- MSc Sports Cardiology, Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW 17 0RE, London, UK. .,Cuore Dello Sport, Valinhos, R. Luiz Spiandorelli Neto, 60, s307. Valinhos, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Gherardo Finocchiaro
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW 17 0RE, London, UK
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Forsythe L, George K, Oxborough D. Speckle Tracking Echocardiography for the Assessment of the Athlete's Heart: Is It Ready for Daily Practice? CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2018; 20:83. [PMID: 30146663 PMCID: PMC6132779 DOI: 10.1007/s11936-018-0677-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe the use of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in the biventricular assessment of athletes' heart (AH). Can STE aid differential diagnosis during pre-participation cardiac screening (PCS) of athletes? RECENT FINDINGS Data from recent patient, population and athlete studies suggest potential discriminatory value of STE, alongside standard echocardiographic measurements, in the early detection of clinically relevant systolic dysfunction. STE can also contribute to subsequent prognosis and risk stratification. Despite some heterogeneity in STE data in athletes, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and right ventricular longitudinal strain (RV ɛ) indices can add to differential diagnostic protocols in PCS. STE should be used in addition to standard echocardiographic tools and be conducted by an experienced operator with significant knowledge of the AH. Other indices, including left ventricular circumferential strain and twist, may provide insight, but further research in clinical and athletic populations is warranted. This review also raises the potential role for STE measures performed during exercise as well as in serial follow-up as a method to improve diagnostic yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey Forsythe
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
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Qasem M, George K, Somauroo J, Forsythe L, Brown B, Oxborough D. Right ventricular function in elite male athletes meeting the structural echocardiographic task force criteria for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. J Sports Sci 2018; 37:306-312. [PMID: 30022711 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1499392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Athlete pre-participation screening is focused on detecting pathological conditions like arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). The diagnosis of ARVC is established by applying the revised 2010 ARVC Task Force Criteria (TFC) that assesses RV structure and function. Some athletes may meet structural TFC without having ARVC but we do not know the consequences for RV function. This study compared RV structural and functional indices in male athletes that meet the structural TFC (MTFC) for ARVC and those that do not (NMTFC). We recruited 214 male elite athletes. All participants underwent 2D, Doppler, tissue Doppler and strain (ε) echocardiography with a focused and comprehensive assessment of the right heart. Athletes were grouped on RV structural data: MTFC n = 34; NMTFC n = 180. Functional data were compared between groups. By selection, MTFC had larger absolute and scaled RV outflow tract (RVOT) diameter compared to NMTFC (P ˂0.05) but these athletes did not develop a proportional increase in the RV inflow dimensions. There was no difference in global conventional RV systolic function between both groups however, there was significantly lower global RV ε in athletes that MTFC which can be explained, in part, by the RVOT dimension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Qasem
- a Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , UK
| | - Keith George
- a Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , UK
| | - John Somauroo
- a Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , UK
| | - Lynsey Forsythe
- a Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , UK
| | - Benjamin Brown
- a Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , UK
| | - David Oxborough
- a Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio D’Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Italy
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Koshy SKG, George KK, George LK. Changes in right ventricular morphology and function in athletes. Echocardiography 2018; 35:767-768. [PMID: 29879309 DOI: 10.1111/echo.14027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Santhosh K G Koshy
- Department of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | | | - Lekha K George
- Regional One Health, Memphis, TN, USA.,Department of Medicine, Department of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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