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Truong ET, Lyu Y, Ihdayhid AR, Lan NSR, Dwivedi G. Beyond Clinical Factors: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Multimodal Cardiac Imaging to Predict Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence Post-Catheter Ablation. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:291. [PMID: 39330349 PMCID: PMC11432286 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11090291] [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: 08/16/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia, with catheter ablation being a key alternative to medical treatment for restoring normal sinus rhythm. Despite advances in understanding AF pathogenesis, approximately 35% of patients experience AF recurrence at 12 months after catheter ablation. Therefore, accurate prediction of AF recurrence occurring after catheter ablation is important for patient selection and management. Conventional methods for predicting post-catheter ablation AF recurrence, which involve the use of univariate predictors and scoring systems, have played a supportive role in clinical decision-making. In an ever-changing landscape where technology is becoming ubiquitous within medicine, cardiac imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) could prove pivotal in enhancing AF recurrence predictions by providing data with independent predictive power and identifying key relationships in the data. This review comprehensively explores the existing methods for predicting the recurrence of AF following catheter ablation from different perspectives, including conventional predictors and scoring systems, cardiac imaging-based methods, and AI-based methods developed using a combination of demographic and imaging variables. By summarising state-of-the-art technologies, this review serves as a roadmap for developing future prediction models with enhanced accuracy, generalisability, and explainability, potentially contributing to improved care for patients with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward T. Truong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia;
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (Y.L.); (A.R.I.); (N.S.R.L.)
| | - Yiheng Lyu
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (Y.L.); (A.R.I.); (N.S.R.L.)
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, School of Physics, Mathematics and Computing, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Abdul Rahman Ihdayhid
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (Y.L.); (A.R.I.); (N.S.R.L.)
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Nick S. R. Lan
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (Y.L.); (A.R.I.); (N.S.R.L.)
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Girish Dwivedi
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (Y.L.); (A.R.I.); (N.S.R.L.)
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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2
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Hagendorff A, Stöbe S, Helfen A, Knebel F, Altiok E, Beckmann S, Bekfani T, Binder T, Ewers A, Hamadanchi A, Ten Freyhaus H, Groscheck T, Haghi D, Knierim J, Kruck S, Lenk K, Merke N, Pfeiffer D, Dorta ER, Ruf T, Sinning C, Wunderlich NC, Brandt R, Ewen S. Echocardiographic assessment of atrial, ventricular, and valvular function in patients with atrial fibrillation-an expert proposal by the german working group of cardiovascular ultrasound. Clin Res Cardiol 2024:10.1007/s00392-024-02491-6. [PMID: 39186180 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-024-02491-6] [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: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Echocardiography in patients with atrial fibrillation is challenging due to the varying heart rate. Thus, the topic of this expert proposal focuses on an obvious gap in the current recommendations about diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF)-the peculiarities and difficulties of echocardiographic imaging. The assessment of systolic and diastolic function-especially in combination with valvular heart diseases-by echocardiography can basically be done by averaging the results of echocardiographic measurements of the respective parameters or by the index beat approach, which uses a representative cardiac cycle for measurement. Therefore, a distinction must be made between the functionally relevant status, which is characterized by the averaging method, and the best possible hemodynamic status, which is achieved with the most optimal left ventricular (LV) filling according to the index beat method with longer previous RR intervals. This proposal focuses on left atrial and left ventricular function and deliberately excludes problems of echocardiography when assessing left atrial appendage in terms of its complexity. Echocardiography of the left atrial appendage is therefore reserved for its own expert proposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hagendorff
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig AöR, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Stephan Stöbe
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig AöR, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Helfen
- Department of Kardiologie, Katholische St. Paulus Gesellschaft, St. Marien Hospital Lünen, Lünen, Germany
| | - Fabian Knebel
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Cardiology, Sana Klinikum Lichtenberg, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ertunc Altiok
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephan Beckmann
- Privatpraxis Kardiologie, Beckmann Ehlers Und Partner, Berlin-Grunewald, Germany
| | - Tarek Bekfani
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital Magdeburg AöR, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Binder
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital AKH Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aydan Ewers
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ali Hamadanchi
- Department of Cardiology, University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Henrik Ten Freyhaus
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Groscheck
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital Magdeburg AöR, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dariush Haghi
- Kardiologische Praxisklinik Ludwigshafen-Akademische Lehrpraxis of the University of Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Jan Knierim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Paulinenkrankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kruck
- Praxis Für Kardiologie Cardio Centrum Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Karsten Lenk
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig AöR, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nicolas Merke
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Elena Romero Dorta
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum Charité Berlin, University of Berlin, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruf
- Department of Cardiology, Center of Cardiology, Heart Valve Center, University Medical Center Mainz, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christoph Sinning
- Department of Cardiology, German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Roland Brandt
- Department of Cardiology, Kerckhoff Klinik GmbH, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ewen
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Schwarzwald-Baar Klinik, Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany
- University Heart Center Freiburg • Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
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3
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Barilli M, Mandoli GE, Sisti N, Dokollari A, Ghionzoli N, Soliman-Aboumarie H, D’Ascenzi F, Focardi M, Cavigli L, Pastore MC, Cameli M. Potential Role of Left Atrial Strain to Predict Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence after Catheter Ablation Therapy: A Clinical and Systematic Review. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:203. [PMID: 39057623 PMCID: PMC11277505 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11070203] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with catheter ablation (CA) represents an effective therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). Unfortunately, it is still not exempt from severe complications. The balance of risks and benefits should be assessed, and a patient-tailored approach is desirable. So far, several clinical and cardiac imaging parameters have been evaluated to investigate pre- and post-procedural features that could help clinicians in the selection of patients at high risk of a poor outcome after CA. This clinical and systematic review analyses the potential role of new LA parameters, such as LA reservoir strain, to predict AF recurrence after CA therapy. Notably, LA reservoir strain gains substantial clinical importance in patients with paroxysmal AF and when a low CHADS2-VASc score is retrieved. LA reservoir strain provides data concerning the risk of AF recurrence after PVI and, thus, in the management of long-term medical therapy in this patient's group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Barilli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Policlinico “Le Scotte”, 53100 Siena, Italy (M.F.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Giulia Elena Mandoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Policlinico “Le Scotte”, 53100 Siena, Italy (M.F.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Nicolò Sisti
- Cardiology Unit, Electrophysiology Section, Gualdo Tadino Hospital, 06024 Gubbio, Italy
| | - Aleksander Dokollari
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Research, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, PA 19096, USA
| | - Nicolò Ghionzoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Policlinico “Le Scotte”, 53100 Siena, Italy (M.F.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Hatem Soliman-Aboumarie
- Department of Anaesthetics and Cardiothoracic Critical Care, Harefield Hospital, Hill End Road, Uxbridge UB9 6JH, UK;
| | - Flavio D’Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Policlinico “Le Scotte”, 53100 Siena, Italy (M.F.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Marta Focardi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Policlinico “Le Scotte”, 53100 Siena, Italy (M.F.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Luna Cavigli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Policlinico “Le Scotte”, 53100 Siena, Italy (M.F.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Maria Concetta Pastore
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Policlinico “Le Scotte”, 53100 Siena, Italy (M.F.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Policlinico “Le Scotte”, 53100 Siena, Italy (M.F.); (M.C.P.)
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Anwar AM. Incremental diagnostic and prognostic utility of left atrial deformation in heart failure using speckle tracking echocardiography. Heart Fail Rev 2024; 29:713-727. [PMID: 38466374 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-024-10392-z] [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] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Left atrium (LA) is a very important component of cardiovascular performance. The assessment of LA function has gathered the interest with expanding research supporting the utility as a biomarker for outcomes in heart failure (HF). Echocardiography is the main imaging modality which helps in a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the LA size and function. Recent advances in probe technology and software analysis have provided a better understanding of LA anatomy, physiology, pathology, and function. A variety of parameters have been defined as markers of LA function but there is no single parameter that best defines LA function. Speckle tracking echocardiography-derived analysis of LA deformation provides a window on all phases of LA function (reservoir, conduit, and booster pump). There is accumulative published data that supported the diagnostic and prognostic values of LA deformation integration during echo assessment of LA in HF. This review article summarized the clinical utility of LA deformation that may help in prediction, diagnosis, categorization, risk stratification, and guiding the proper selection of therapy in HF patients in daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf M Anwar
- Department of Cardiology, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, P.O. Box: 9862, Jeddah, 21159, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
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5
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Hopman LHGA, Mulder MJ, van der Laan AM, Bhagirath P, Demirkiran A, von Bartheld MB, Kemme MJB, van Rossum AC, Allaart CP, Götte MJW. Left atrial strain is associated with arrhythmia recurrence after atrial fibrillation ablation: Cardiac magnetic resonance rapid strain vs. feature tracking strain. Int J Cardiol 2023; 378:23-31. [PMID: 36804765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.02.019] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study assesses different left atrial (LA) strain approaches in relation to atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after ablation and compares LA feature tracking (FT) strain to novel rapid LA strain approaches in AF patients. METHODS This retrospective single-center study comprised of 110 prospectively recruited AF patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in sinus rhythm prior to their first pulmonary vein isolation ablation. LA rapid strain (long axis strain and atrioventricular (AV)-junction strain), LA FT strain, and LA volumes were derived from 2-chamber and 4-chamber cine images. AF recurrence was followed up for 12 months using either 12‑lead ECGs or rhythm Holter monitoring. RESULTS Arrhythmia recurrence was observed in 39 patients (36%) after the 90-day blanking period, occurring at a median of 181 (122-286) days. LA long axis strain, AV-junction strain, and FT strain were all more impaired in patients with AF recurrence compared to patients without AF recurrence (long axis strain: P < 0.01; AV-junction strain: P < 0.001; FT strain: P < 0.01, respectively). Area under the curve (AUC) values for LA remodeling parameters in association with AF recurrence were 0.68 for long axis strain, 0.68 for AV-junction strain, 0.66 for FT strain, 0.66 for LA volume index. Phasic FT LA strain demonstrated that contractile strain had the highest AUC (0.70). CONCLUSION Both LA rapid strain and LA FT strain are associated with arrhythmia recurrence after ablation in AF patients. LA rapid strain can be a convenient and reproducible alternative for LA FT strain to assess LA function in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luuk H G A Hopman
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Mark J Mulder
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Pranav Bhagirath
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Ahmet Demirkiran
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Michiel J B Kemme
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Marco J W Götte
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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6
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Atrial cardiomyopathy: Diagnosis, clinical implications and unresolved issues in anticoagulation therapy. J Electrocardiol 2023; 76:1-10. [PMID: 36370545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2022.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Atrial cardiomyopathy (AC) is an evolving pathophysiological entity that has expanded our understanding regarding the atrium and its role in arrhythmogenesis and cardiac thromboembolism. The pathological myocardium in AC promotes arrhythmogenesis through mechanical dysfunction (hypocontractility, fibrosis), adverse alterations of the endothelium and secretion of prothrombotic factors (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-a). 'Red flags', indicative of AC, can be recognized either non-invasively by electrocardiography, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or invasively by high-density electroanatomical mapping as low bipolar voltage areas of the affected myocardium. Signs of AC have been strongly associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, even embolic strokes of undetermined source, regardless of the coexistence of atrial fibrillation (AF). The underlying existence of AC has been negatively correlated with the success rate of catheter ablation of AF. The clinical value of AC is the provision of a novel pathway regarding the potential mechanisms of cerebrovascular events of cardiac thromboembolic origin. In addition, AC may serve as a risk stratification tool to predict the long-term responders of AF catheter ablation.
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7
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Boulmpou A, Teperikidis E, Papadopoulos CΕ, Patoulias DI, Charalampidis P, Mouselimis D, Tsarouchas A, Boutou A, Giannakoulas G, Vassilikos V. The role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in risk stratification and prognosis of atrial fibrillation: a scoping review of the literature. Acta Cardiol 2022; 78:274-287. [PMID: 36448316 DOI: 10.1080/00015385.2022.2148894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a significant tool for evaluating exercise capacity in healthy individuals and in various pulmonary and cardiovascular conditions, quantifying symptoms and predicting outcomes. Atrial fibrillation (AF) poses a significant burden on patients and health systems; a research marathon is ongoing for discovering the pathophysiologic substrate, natural history, prognostic tools and optimal treatment strategies for AF. Among the plethora of variables measured during CPET, there is a series of parameters of interest concerning AF. METHODS We conducted a scoping review aiming to identify significant CPET-related parameters linked to AF, as well as indicate the impact of other cardiac disease-related variables. We searched PubMed from its inception to 12 January 2022 for reports underlining the contribution of CPET in the assessment of patients with AF. Only clinical trials, observational studies and systematic reviews were included, while narrative reviews, expert opinions and other forms of manuscripts were excluded. RESULTS In our scoping review, we report a group of heterogeneous, thus noteworthy parameters relevant to the potential contribution of CPET in AF. CPET helps phenotype AF populations, evaluates exercise capacity after cardioversion or catheter ablation, and assesses heart rate response to exercise; peak VO2 and VE/VCO2, commonly measured indices during CPET, also serve as prognostic tools in patients with AF and heart failure. CONCLUSIONS CPET seems to hold a clinically important predictive value for future cardiovascular events both in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions and in healthy individuals. CPET variables may play a fundamental role in the prediction of future AF-related events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristi Boulmpou
- Third Department of Cardiology, Ippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Teperikidis
- Third Department of Cardiology, Ippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christodoulos Ε. Papadopoulos
- Third Department of Cardiology, Ippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Ioannis Patoulias
- Second Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Ippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Charalampidis
- Third Department of Cardiology, Ippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- St Luke’s Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Mouselimis
- Third Department of Cardiology, Ippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasios Tsarouchas
- Third Department of Cardiology, Ippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Afroditi Boutou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Giannakoulas
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vassilios Vassilikos
- Third Department of Cardiology, Ippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Bax M, Ajmone Marsan N, Delgado V, Bax JJ, van der Bijl P. Effect of Bi-Atrial Size and Function in Patients With Paroxysmal or Permanent Atrial Fibrillation. Am J Cardiol 2022; 183:33-39. [PMID: 36114023 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2022.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice. The choice between a rate-control and rhythm-control strategy depends on various factors, including the anatomical and functional substrate. This study investigates the anatomical and functional characteristics of both atria in patients with AF and explores the potential therapeutic implications. From an ongoing registry of patients with paroxysmal or permanent AF, those who underwent cardiac computed tomography (CCT) were included. Left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) sizes were measured on CCT, whereas bi-atrial function was quantified with speckle tracking strain echocardiography. The mean LA volume index was 41.6 ± 5.6 ml/m2, and the mean RA volume index was 71.0 ± 21.6 ml/m2. Mean LA reservoir strain was 24.3 ± 15.1%, compared with the mean RA reservoir strain of 21.6 ± 13.2%. Patients with smaller LA volumes had higher LA reservoir strain values than those with larger LA volumes (24.6% [interquartile range (IQR) 15.8 to 35.8] vs 16.5% [IQR 11.2 to 25.0], p <0.001). Patients with permanent AF had larger LA volumes (44.0 [IQR 33.7 to 55.2] ml/m2 vs 36.9 [IQR 30.1 to 47.1] ml/m2, p = 0.025) compared with paroxysmal AF. Patients with permanent AF had more impaired LA reservoir strain (15.5% [IQR 11.6 to 22.7] vs 26.9% [IQR 17.4 to 35.6], p <0.001) compared with paroxysmal AF. Similar trends were observed in the RA. In conclusion, atrial substrate characterization by CCT and speckle tracking strain echocardiography may have therapeutic implications, especially for choosing between a rate-control and rhythm-control strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Bax
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Lung Center, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Nina Ajmone Marsan
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Lung Center, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Victoria Delgado
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Lung Center, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J Bax
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Lung Center, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands; Heart Center, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Pieter van der Bijl
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Lung Center, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands.
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9
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Nielsen AB, Skaarup KG, Djernæs K, Hauser R, San José Estépar R, Sørensen SK, Ruwald MH, Hansen ML, Worck RH, Johannessen A, Hansen J, Biering-Sørensen T. Left atrial contractile strain predicts recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia after catheter ablation. Int J Cardiol 2022; 358:51-57. [PMID: 35469934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite improvement in treatment strategies of atrial fibrillation (AF), a considerable number of patients still experience recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) following catheter ablation (CA). This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of left atrial (LA) deformation analysis in a large group of patients undergoing CA for AF. METHODS This study included 678 patients with AF. Echocardiography including two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) was performed in all patients prior to CA. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between ATA recurrence and LA strain during reservoir phase (LASr), LA strain during contraction phase (LASct), and LA strain during conduit phase (LAScd). RESULTS During one-year follow-up, 274 (40%) experienced ATA recurrence. Median age of the included study population was 63.2 years (IQR: 55.5, 69.5) and 485 (72%) were male. Patients with recurrence had lower LASr (22.6% vs. 25.1%, p = 0.001) and LASct (10.7% vs. 12.4%, p < 0.001). No difference in LAScd was observed. After adjusting for potential clinical and echocardiographic confounders LASr (OR = 1.04, CI95% [1.01; 1.07], p = 0.015, per 1% decrease) and LASct (OR = 1.06, CI95% [1.02; 1.11], p = 0.007, per 1% decrease) remained independent predictors of recurrence. However, in patients with a normal-sized LA (LA volume index<34 mL/m2), only LASct remained an independent predictor of recurrence (OR = 1.07, CI95% [1.01; 1.12], p = 0.012, per 1% decrease). CONCLUSION In patients undergoing CA for AF, LA deformation analysis by 2DSTE could be of use in risk stratification in clinical practice regarding ATA recurrence, even in patients with a normal-sized LA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bjerg Nielsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Kasper Djernæs
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raphael Hauser
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Samuel Kiil Sørensen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Huth Ruwald
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Lock Hansen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - René Husted Worck
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arne Johannessen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jim Hansen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tor Biering-Sørensen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Bandera F, Mollo A, Frigelli M, Guglielmi G, Ventrella N, Pastore MC, Cameli M, Guazzi M. Cardiac Imaging for the Assessment of Left Atrial Mechanics Across Heart Failure Stages. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:750139. [PMID: 35096989 PMCID: PMC8792604 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.750139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The left atrium (LA) is emerging as a key element in the pathophysiology of several cardiac diseases due to having an active role in contrasting heart failure (HF) progression. Its morphological and functional remodeling occurs progressively according to pressure or volume overload generated by the underlying disease, and its ability of adaptation contributes to avoid pulmonary circulation congestion and to postpone HF symptoms. Moreover, early signs of LA dysfunction can anticipate and predict the clinical course of HF diseases before the symptom onset which, particularly, also applies to patients with increased risk of HF with still normal cardiac structure (stage A HF). The study of LA mechanics (chamber morphology and function) is moving from a research interest to a clinical application thanks to a great clinical, prognostic, and pathophysiological significance. This process is promoted by the technological progress of cardiac imaging which increases the availability of easy-to-use tools for clinicians and HF specialists. Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography and feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance are becoming essential for daily practice. In this context, a deep understanding of LA mechanics, its prognostic significance, and the available approaches are essential to improve clinical practice. The present review will focus on LA mechanics, discussing atrial physiology and pathophysiology of main cardiac diseases across the HF stages with specific attention to the prognostic significance. Imaging techniques for LA mechanics assessment will be discussed with an overlook on the dynamic (under stress) evaluation of the chamber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bandera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
- Cardiology University Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Anita Mollo
- Cardiology University Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Frigelli
- Cardiology University Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Guglielmi
- Cardiology University Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Ventrella
- Cardiology University Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Guazzi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
- Cardiology Division, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy
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11
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Benjamin MM, Moulki N, Waqar A, Ravipati H, Schoenecker N, Wilber D, Kinno M, Rabbat M, Sanagala T, Syed MA. Association of left atrial strain by cardiovascular magnetic resonance with recurrence of atrial fibrillation following catheter ablation. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2022; 24:3. [PMID: 34980165 PMCID: PMC8722067 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-021-00831-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a progressive condition, which is characterized by inflammation/fibrosis of left atrial (LA) wall, an increase in the LA size/volumes, and decrease in LA function. We sought to investigate the relationship of anatomical and functional parameters obtained by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), with AF recurrence in paroxysmal AF (pAF) patients after catheter ablation. METHODS We studied 80 consecutive pAF patients referred for ablation, between January 2014 and December 2019, who underwent pre- and post-ablation CMR while in sinus rhythm. LA volumes were measured using the area-length method and included maximum, minimum, and pre-atrial-contraction volumes. CMR-derived LA reservoir strain (ℇR), conduit strain (ℇCD), and contractile strain (ℇCT) were measured by computer assisted manual planimetry. We used a multivariate logistical regression to estimate the independent predictors of AF recurrence after ablation. RESULTS Mean age was 58.6 ± 9.4 years, 75% men, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 1.7, 36% had prior cardioversion and 51% were taking antiarrhythmic drugs. Patients were followed for a median of 4 years (Q1-Q3 = 2.5-6.2 years). Of the 80 patients, 21 (26.3%) patients had AF recurrence after ablation. There were no significant differences between AF recurrence vs. no recurrence groups in age, gender, CHA2DS2-VASc score, or baseline comorbidities. At baseline, patients with AF recurrence compared to without recurrence had lower LV end systolic volume index (32 ± 7 vs 37 ± 11 mL/m2; p = 0.045) and lower ℇCT (7.1 ± 4.6 vs 9.1 ± 3.7; p = 0.05). Post-ablation, patients with AF recurrence had higher LA minimum volume (68 ± 32 vs 55 ± 23; p = 0.05), right atrial volume index (62 ± 20 vs 52 ± 19 mL/m2; p = 0.04) and lower LA active ejection fraction (24 ± 8 vs 29 ± 11; p = 0.05), LA total ejection fraction (39 ± 14 vs 46 ± 12; p = 0.02), LA expansion index (73.6 ± 37.5 vs 94.7 ± 37.1; p = 0.03) and ℇCT (6.2 ± 2.9 vs 7.3 ± 1.7; p = 0.04). Adjusting for clinical variables in the multivariate logistic regression model, post-ablation minimum LA volume (OR 1.09; CI 1.02-1.16), LA expansion index (OR 0.98; CI 0.96-0.99), and baseline ℇR (OR 0.92; CI 0.85-0.99) were independently associated with AF recurrence. CONCLUSION Significant changes in LA volumes and strain parameters occur after AF ablation. CMR derived baseline ℇR, post-ablation minimum LAV, and expansion index are independently associated with AF recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina M Benjamin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Naeem Moulki
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Aneeq Waqar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Harish Ravipati
- Department of Internal Medicine, MacNeal Hospital, Berwyn, IL, USA
| | - Nancy Schoenecker
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - David Wilber
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Menhel Kinno
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Mark Rabbat
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Thriveni Sanagala
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Mushabbar A Syed
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA.
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12
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Sagris M, Vardas EP, Theofilis P, Antonopoulos AS, Oikonomou E, Tousoulis D. Atrial Fibrillation: Pathogenesis, Predisposing Factors, and Genetics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010006. [PMID: 35008432 PMCID: PMC8744894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia managed in clinical practice, and it is linked to an increased risk of death, stroke, and peripheral embolism. The Global Burden of Disease shows that the estimated prevalence of AF is up to 33.5 million patients. So far, successful therapeutic techniques have been implemented, with a high health-care cost burden. As a result, identifying modifiable risk factors for AF and suitable preventive measures may play a significant role in enhancing community health and lowering health-care system expenditures. Several mechanisms, including electrical and structural remodeling of atrial tissue, have been proposed to contribute to the development of AF. This review article discusses the predisposing factors in AF including the different pathogenic mechanisms, sedentary lifestyle, and dietary habits, as well as the potential genetic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Sagris
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (D.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-213-2088099; Fax: +30-213-2088676
| | - Emmanouil P. Vardas
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (D.T.)
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas”, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Theofilis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (D.T.)
| | - Alexios S. Antonopoulos
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (D.T.)
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (D.T.)
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Thoracic Diseases Hospital of Athens, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (D.T.)
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13
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Nielsen AB, Skaarup KG, Hauser R, Johansen ND, Lassen MCH, Jensen GB, Schnohr P, Møgelvang R, Biering-Sørensen T. Normal values and reference ranges for left atrial strain by speckle-tracking echocardiography: the Copenhagen City Heart Study. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 23:42-51. [PMID: 34632487 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeab201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Left atrial (LA) function assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography has shown increasing clinical and prognostic significance. We sought to establish age- and sex-based normative values of LA strain in the general population and to assess the prognostic yield of lower limits of normality of LA strain in relation to future atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS We determined normative values of peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), peak atrial contraction strain (PACS), and LA strain during the conduit phase (LACS) in 1641 healthy participants included in the fifth Copenhagen City Heart Study. In a secondary analysis, a validation cohort of 2016 participants, regardless of health status, were included to assess the prognostic value of the established reference values. In the healthy cohort, median age was 46 years (interquartile range 32-57), 62% were female. Median PALS, PACS, and LACS and corresponding limits of normality in the healthy participants were 39.4% (23.0-67.6%), 15.5% (6.4-28.0%), and 23.7% (8.8-44.8%), respectively. There was a tendency of lower values of PALS and LACS in males and older participants, while PACS tended to increase with advancing age. The established lower limits of normality showed high specificity (range 93-94%) regarding future AF, implying a low risk of developing AF in participants with LA strain above the lower limits of normality in their respective sex and age group. CONCLUSION We report normal values for LA strain stratified by sex and age. The lower limits of normality showed high specificity regarding future AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bjerg Nielsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, DK-2900 Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Copenhagen City Heart Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Grundtvig Skaarup
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, DK-2900 Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Copenhagen City Heart Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Raphael Hauser
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, DK-2900 Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Copenhagen City Heart Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Niklas Dyrby Johansen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, DK-2900 Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Copenhagen City Heart Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Mats Christian Højbjerg Lassen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, DK-2900 Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Copenhagen City Heart Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Gorm Boje Jensen
- The Copenhagen City Heart Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Peter Schnohr
- The Copenhagen City Heart Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Møgelvang
- The Copenhagen City Heart Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark.,Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tor Biering-Sørensen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, DK-2900 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Sotiriadou M, Papadopoulos CE, Antoniadis AP, Roumelis P, Vergopoulos S, Konstantinidis P, Pagkourelias ED, Tzikas S, Fragakis N, Vassilikos V. The impact of atrial mechanical function on age-dependent presentation of neurocardiogenic syncope. Clin Cardiol 2021; 44:1440-1447. [PMID: 34374094 PMCID: PMC8495094 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The contribution of atrial and ventricular function in neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) pathophysiology is elusive. Hypothesis We assessed the influence of echocardiographic properties to the age of presentation and NCS recurrences. Methods We assigned 124 patients with symptoms suggesting NCS, to those with syncope initiation at age <35 (group A, n = 56) and >35 years (group B, n = 68). Echocardiographic indices were measured before head‐up tilt test (HUTT). Results A total of 55 had positive HUTT (44%) with a trend favoring group A (p = .08). Group A exhibited lower left atrial (LA) volume index (17 ± 6 vs. 22 ± 11 ml/m2, p = .015), higher LA ejection fraction (69 ± 10 vs. 63 ± 11%, p = .008), LA peak strain (reservoir phase 41 ± 13 vs. 31 ± 14%, p = .001, contraction phase 27 ± 11 vs. 15 ± 10%, p < .001) and LA peak strain rate (reservoir phase 1.83 ± 1.04 vs. 1.36 ± 0.96 1/s, p = .012, conduit phase 2.36 ± 1.25 vs. 1.36 ± 0.78 1/s, p = .001). Group A showed smaller minimum right atrial (RA) volume, better RA systolic function, superior left ventricular diastolic indices, and lower filling pressures. Group A patients were more likely to have >3 recurrences (82.0% vs. 50.1%, p < .05). Conclusions Patients with younger age of NCS onset and more syncopal recurrences manifest smaller LA and RA dimensions with distinct patterns of systolic and diastolic function and better LA reservoir and contraction properties. These findings may indicate an increased susceptibility to preload reduction, thereby triggering the NCS mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melani Sotiriadou
- Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christodoulos E Papadopoulos
- Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Antonios P Antoniadis
- Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Roumelis
- Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros Vergopoulos
- Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Periklis Konstantinidis
- Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efstathios D Pagkourelias
- Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stergios Tzikas
- Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Fragakis
- Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vassilios Vassilikos
- Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
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15
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Ma XX, Wang A, Lin K. Incremental predictive value of left atrial strain and left atrial appendage function in rhythm outcome of non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients after catheter ablation. Open Heart 2021; 8:openhrt-2021-001635. [PMID: 34172560 PMCID: PMC8237744 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2021-001635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to develop a non-invasive and convenient nomogram based on speckle tracking echocardiography, left atrial appendage function and clinical factors to predict the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation. Methods A total of 124 prospectively consecutive patients with AF treated with catheter ablation in our hospital was retrospectively analysis. Baseline echocardiographic parameters were measured by using transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography before ablation. Multivariate analysis was performed for selecting predictors for a nomogram and internal validation and calibration were evaluated by the bootstep method. Results During the follow-up of 12±3 months, 41 patients (33.1%) occurred AF recurrence after catheter ablation, while 83 patients (66.9%) had maintained sinus rhythm. Four predictors (AF type, left atrial appendage emptying flow velocity, left Atrial maximal volumes index and global longitudinal strain) with the P<0.5 was selected into the nomogram according to multivariate findings. Internal validation by bootstrapping with 1000 resamples was determined C-index of the nomogram for prediction AF recurrence was 0.901, which showed optimal discrimination and calibration of the established nomogram. Conclusions Nomogram based on echocardiography and clinical characteristics had good predictive performance for the possibility of AF recurrence, which providing practical guidance for individualised management of patients with AF after catheter ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xin Ma
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aiqing Wang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaibin Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Qu YY, Buckert D, Ma GS, Rasche V. Quantitative Assessment of Left and Right Atrial Strains Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Based Tissue Tracking. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:690240. [PMID: 34250043 PMCID: PMC8264056 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.690240] [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: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Left and right atrium (LA and RA) exert an essential and dynamic role in ventricular filling and hence affect heart performance. Strain quantification has been reported as a novel parameter to assess function. However, the assessment of bi-atrial strains with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) based techniques is still limited and gender- and age-specific normal values in a healthy population are missing. Methods: One hundred and fifty healthy volunteers (49.8 ± 17.3 years, 75 males) undergoing 1.5 Tesla CMR examination were retrospectively and consecutively recruited. LA and RA free wall (RAFW) radial and longitudinal strains (RS and LS) associated with atrial reservoir, conduit and booster pump functions were evaluated with CMR based tissue tracking (CMR-TT) technique. Results: The reservoir, conduit and pump LS resulted as 30.7 ± 10.2%, 19.5 ± 8.2%, 10.9 ± 3.7% for LA, and 52.2 ± 17.6%, 33.3 ± 14.2%, 19.1 ± 8.5% for RAFW, respectively. The amplitude of RA strains was significantly larger than that of LA strains, except for conduit RS. With the increase of age, the decrement of majority of reservoir and conduit strains were observed, while pump strains remained unaffected. Females presented with significantly larger RAFW strains compared with males, especially in the elderly. In addition to the positive correlation between atrial strains and emptying fraction, the negative correlation between atrial strains and volume index was also confirmed. Intra-observer reproducibility of LA strains was superior to RAFW strains (coefficient of variation: 10.12–17.04% vs. 10.80–27.36%, respectively), and the measurement of reservoir and conduit strains was more reproducible in comparison with pump strain. Conclusion: CMR-TT is a feasible and reproducible technique to quantify LA and RA strains and determine atrial phasic functions. The existence of age- and gender-related difference of strains suggests the necessity to establish specific normal values for individual populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Yang Qu
- Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dominik Buckert
- Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gen-Shan Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Volker Rasche
- Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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17
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van der Bijl P, van Rosendael A, Bax JJ. Atrial positron emission tomography in atrial fibrillation: predicting radiofrequency catheter ablation success. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 23:113-114. [PMID: 34151943 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeab113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pieter van der Bijl
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Centre, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander van Rosendael
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Centre, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J Bax
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Centre, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
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18
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Tousoulis D. Lights back on the mitral valve. Hellenic J Cardiol 2021; 62:1-3. [PMID: 33771729 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1(st) Cardiology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens University Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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19
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Yilmaz M, Candemir B. Approach to recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation. Minerva Cardiol Angiol 2021; 69:81-93. [PMID: 33691388 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5683.20.05173-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly observed sustained rhythm disorder during adult ages. Since it has been shown that the ectopic beat initiating AF is usually caused by pulmonary veins, AF ablation has become the mainstay of therapy worldwide. Cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablation are the most commonly used methods in today's technologies. However, despite technological advances, the success of a single procedure in AF ablation is still limited and multiple procedures may be required for the majority of patients. In cases in which a redo ablation is required, pulmonary vein isolation is still the main target, but non-pulmonary vein targets should also be considered in AF episodes that continue despite multiple ablations. Many issues are still unclear as to which energy to choose in the first procedure, and what ablation strategy will be utilized when a redo ablation is required. The studies on this subject are very limited but, it still seems feasible and a rational approach to utilize a customized treatment strategy in each specific patient subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Yilmaz
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Adana, Turkey -
| | - Basar Candemir
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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20
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Ferkh A, Stefani L, Trivedi SJ, Brown P, Byth K, Pathan F, Thomas L. Inter-vendor comparison of left atrial strain using layer specific strain analysis. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 37:1279-1288. [PMID: 33389361 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-020-02114-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Left atrial strain (LAS) on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is increasingly recognised to have clinical utility in cardiovascular disease. Differences in LAS measurements between vendors remains a barrier for clinical use. We sought to compare LAS between two commonly used software platforms; the layer-specific endocardial and mid-myocardial measurements of LAS on General Electric (GE) Echopac were compared to TomTec strain. LAS was measured in 88 individuals with no previous cardiac history and 40 paroxysmal AF (PAF) patients, in sinus rhythm at TTE. Conventionally, LAS measured using GE Echopac is mid-myocardial strain (GE-mid); additionally, endocardial (GE-endo) LAS was evaluated. Both LAS measurements by GE were compared to TomTec-Arena (v2.30.02) measurements. Reservoir (ƐR), contractile (ƐCT) and conduit (ƐCD) phasic strain were evaluated. Both GE-mid and GE-endo LAS correlated well with TomTec LAS. On Bland-Altman analysis, GE-mid LAS measurements were systematically lower than TomTec LAS (ƐR: mean difference (MD) - 6.08%, limits of agreement (LOA) - 12%, 0%, ƐCT: MD - 0.8%, LOA - 7%, 5%, ƐCD: MD - 5.2% LOA - 12%, 1%). GE-endo LAS demonstrated no systematic difference from TomTec LAS, but had wider limits of agreement (ƐR: MD 0.41%, LOA - 7%, 8%, ƐCT: MD 0.50%, LOA - 6%, 7%, ƐCD: MD - 0.08%, LOA - 7%, 7%). ƐR had the best reproducibility. Mid-myocardial LAS, routinely evaluated by GE Echopac software, systematically underestimates LAS compared to TomTec. Using GE endocardial LAS eliminated this bias, but introduced greater variation between measurements. Serial measurements of LAS should therefore be performed on the same vendor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaisha Ferkh
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia.,Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Luke Stefani
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia.,Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Siddharth J Trivedi
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia.,Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Paula Brown
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia.,Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Karen Byth
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.,NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Faraz Pathan
- Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney ,University of Sydney, Nepean Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cardiology Department, Nepean Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Liza Thomas
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia. .,Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia. .,South Western Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Sydney, Australia. .,Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Corner Hawkesbury and Darcy Road, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
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Atrial conduction time associated predictors of recurrent atrial fibrillation. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 37:1267-1277. [PMID: 33389363 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-020-02113-y] [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: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Identifying patients at high risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence remains challenging. This study aimed to evaluate total atrial conduction time (TACT) and left atrial (LA) asynchrony as predictors of AF recurrence. Consecutive patients after the first AF episode, terminated either spontaneously or with cardioversion, underwent transthoracic echocardiography. TACT, estimated by the time delay between the onset of P-wave and the peak A'-wave on the Tissue Doppler Imaging (PA-TDI duration), atrial volumetric and functional parameters, and biatrial strain were assessed. We calculated mean PA-TDI-the average of PA-TDI measurements in all left atrial (LA) walls-and the difference between the longest and the shortest PA interval (DLS) and the standard deviation of 4 PA intervals (SD4) to assess the LA global remodeling and asynchrony, respectively. The primary endpoint was AF recurrence. Patients with recurrent AF had significantly prolonged PA-TDI intervals in each LA wall-and thus mean PA-TDI-than those without recurrence (mean PA-TDI: 157.4 ± 17.9 vs. 110.2 ± 7.7 ms, p < 0.001). At univariate analysis, LA maximum volume index, total LA emptying fraction, right atrial maximum volume index, PA-TDI, DLS, and SD4 were predictors of AF recurrence. At multivariable analysis, PA-TDI intervals in all LA walls remained strong predictors with mean PA-TDI (odds ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.06) having an optimal cutoff of 125.8 ms in receiver operator characteristics curve analysis providing 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity for AF recurrence (area under the curve = 0.989). PA-TDI was an independent predictor of AF recurrence and outperformed established echocardiographic parameters.
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