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Dershowitz L, Lawlor MK, Hamid N, Kampaktsis P, Ning Y, Vahl TP, Nazif T, Khalique O, Ng V, Kurlansky P, Leon M, Hahn R, Kodali S, George I. Right ventricular remodeling and clinical outcomes following transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2024; 103:367-375. [PMID: 37890014 DOI: 10.1002/ccd.30850] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Characterize the impact of residual tricuspid regurgitation (TR) on right ventricle (RV) remodeling and clinical outcomes after transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention. METHODS We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVr) or replacement (TTVR) patients. The primary outcomes were longitudinal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), and RV dimensions (RVd). We used multivariable linear mixed models to evaluate association with replacement versus repair and degree of TR reduction with changes in these echo measures over time. Multivariable Cox regression was used to identify associations between changes in these echo measures and a composite clinical outcome of death, heart failure hospitalization, or re-do tricuspid valve intervention. RESULTS We included a total of 61 patients; mean age was 77.5 ± 11.7 and 62% were female. TTVR was performed in 25 (41%) and TTVr in 36 (59%). Initially, 72% (n = 44) had ≤ severe TR and 28% (n = 17) had massive or torrential TR. The median number of follow up echos was 2: time to 1st follow-up was 50 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 20, 91) and last follow-up was 147 (IQR: 90, 327). Median TR reduction was 1 (IQR: 0, 2) versus 4 (IQR: 3, 6) grades in TTVr versus TTVR (p < 0.0001). In linear mixed modeling, TTVR was associated with decline in TAPSE and PASP, and TR reduction was associated with decreased RVd. In multivariable Cox regression, greater RVd was associated with the clinical outcome (hazard ratio: 9.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-69.88, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION Greater TR reduction is achieved by TTVR versus TTVr, which is in turn associated with RV reverse remodeling. RV dimension in follow-up is associated with increased risk of a composite outcome of death, heart failure hospitalization, or re-do tricuspid valve intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyle Dershowitz
- Division of Internal Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Matthew K Lawlor
- Division of Cardiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Nadira Hamid
- Division of Cardiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
- Structural Heart & Valve Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Polydoros Kampaktsis
- Division of Cardiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
- Structural Heart & Valve Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Yuming Ning
- Department of Surgery, Center for Innovation and Outcomes Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Torsten P Vahl
- Division of Cardiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
- Structural Heart & Valve Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Tamim Nazif
- Division of Cardiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
- Structural Heart & Valve Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Omar Khalique
- Division of Cardiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
- Structural Heart & Valve Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Vivian Ng
- Division of Cardiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
- Structural Heart & Valve Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Paul Kurlansky
- Department of Surgery, Center for Innovation and Outcomes Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Martin Leon
- Division of Cardiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
- Structural Heart & Valve Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca Hahn
- Division of Cardiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
- Structural Heart & Valve Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Susheel Kodali
- Division of Cardiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
- Structural Heart & Valve Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Isaac George
- Structural Heart & Valve Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
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Bartnik A, Pepke-Zaba J, Bunclark K, Ruggiero A, Jenkins D, Taghavi J, Tsui S, Screaton N, D'Errico L, Weir-McCall J. Cardiac MRI in the assessment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and response to treatment. Thorax 2023; 79:90-97. [PMID: 38050117 DOI: 10.1136/thorax-2022-219716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Bartnik
- Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Radiology, Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Radiology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - D Jenkins
- Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - J Taghavi
- Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Steven Tsui
- Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - L D'Errico
- Radiology, Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jonathan Weir-McCall
- Radiology, Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Radiology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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3
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Update on the roles of imaging in the management of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. J Cardiol 2023; 81:297-306. [PMID: 35490106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2022.03.001] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), classified as group 4 pulmonary hypertension (PH), is caused by stenosis and obstruction of the pulmonary arteries by organized thrombi that are incompletely resolved after acute pulmonary embolism. The prognosis of patients with CTEPH is poor if untreated; however, in expert centers with multidisciplinary teams, a treatment strategy for CTEPH has been established, dramatically improving its prognosis. CTEPH is currently not a fatal disease and is the only curable form of PH. Despite these advances and the establishment of treatment approaches, early diagnosis is still challenging, especially for non-experts, for several reasons. One of the reasons for this is insufficient knowledge of the various diagnostic imaging modalities, which are essential in the clinical practice of CTEPH. Imaging modalities should detect the following pathological findings: lung perfusion defects, thromboembolic lesions in pulmonary arteries, and right ventricular remodeling and dysfunction. Perfusion lung scintigraphy and catheter angiography have long been considered gold standards for the detection of perfusion defects and assessment of vascular lesions, respectively. However, advances in imaging technology of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have enabled the non-invasive detection of these abnormal findings in a single examination. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for evaluating the morphology and function of the right heart; however, state-of-the-art techniques in CMR allow the assessment of cardiac tissue characterization and hemodynamics in the pulmonary arteries. Comprehensive knowledge of the role of imaging in CTEPH enables appropriate use of imaging modalities and accurate image interpretation, resulting in early diagnosis, determination of treatment strategies, and appropriate evaluation of treatment efficacy. This review summarizes the current roles of imaging in the clinical practice for CTEPH, demonstrating the characteristic findings observed in each modality.
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4
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Leong K, Howard L, Giudice FL, Davies R, Haji G, Gibbs S, Gopalan D. Utility of cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking strain assessment in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension for prediction of REVEAL 2.0 high risk status. Pulm Circ 2023; 13:e12116. [PMID: 36843875 PMCID: PMC9947220 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12116] [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: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension may be cured by pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). Thromboembolic disease distribution/PEA success primarily determines prognosis but risk scoring criteria may be adjunctive. Right ventriculoarterial (RV-PA) and ventriculoatrial (RV-right atrium [RA]) coupling may be evaluated by cardiac MRI (CMR) feature tracking deformation/strain assessment. We characterized biatrial and biventricular CMR feature tracking (FT) strain parameters following PEA and tested the ability of CMR FT to identify REVEAL 2.0 high-risk status. We undertook a retrospective single-center cross-sectional study of patients (n = 57) who underwent PEA (2015-2020). All underwent pre and postoperative catheterization and CMR. Pulmonary arterial hypertension validated risk scores were calculated. Significant postoperative improvements were observed in mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (pre-op 45 ± 11 mmHg vs. post-op 26 ± 11 mmHg; p < 0.001) and PVR however a large proportion had residual pulmonary hypertension (45%; mPAP ≥25 mmHg). PEA augmented left heart filling with left ventricular end diastolic volume index and left atrial volume index increment. Left ventricular ejection fraction was unchanged postoperatively but LV global longitudinal strain improved (pre-op median -14.2% vs. post-op -16.0%; p < 0.001). Right ventricular (RV) geometry and function also improved with reduction in RV mass. Most had uncoupled RV-PA relationships which recovered (pre-op right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain -13.2 ± 4.8%, RV stroke volume/right ventricular end systolic volume ratio 0.78 ± 0.53 vs. post-op -16.8 ± 4.2%, 1.32 ± 0.55; both p < 0.001). Postoperatively, there were six REVEAL 2.0 high-risk patients, best predicted by impaired RA strain which was superior to traditional volumetric parameters (area under the curve [AUC] 0.99 vs. RVEF AUC 0.88). CMR deformation/strain evaluation can offer insights into coupling recovery; RA strain may be an expeditious surrogate for the more laborious REVEAL 2.0 score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai'En Leong
- Department of RadiologyImperial College Healthcare NHS Trust/Hammersmith HospitalLondonUK,Department of CardiologyThe Royal Melbourne HospitalVictoriaAustralia
| | - Luke Howard
- National Pulmonary Hypertension ServiceImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK,National Heart & Lung InstituteImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Francesco Lo Giudice
- National Pulmonary Hypertension ServiceImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK,Department of CardiologyImperial College Healthcare NHS Trust/Hammersmith HospitalLondonUK
| | - Rachel Davies
- National Pulmonary Hypertension ServiceImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Gulammehdi Haji
- National Pulmonary Hypertension ServiceImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Simon Gibbs
- National Heart & Lung InstituteImperial College LondonLondonUK,Imperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Deepa Gopalan
- Department of RadiologyImperial College Healthcare NHS Trust/Hammersmith HospitalLondonUK,Imperial College LondonLondonUK,Department of RadiologyCambridge University Hospitals NHS TrustCambridgeUK
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5
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Benza RL, Langleben D, Hemnes AR, Vonk Noordegraaf A, Rosenkranz S, Thenappan T, Hassoun PM, Preston IR, Ghio S, Badagliacca R, Vizza CD, Lang IM, Meier C, Grünig E. Riociguat and the right ventricle in pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Eur Respir Rev 2022; 31:31/166/220061. [PMID: 36198418 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0061-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are progressive diseases that can lead to right heart failure and death. Right ventricular dysfunction, hypertrophy and maladaptive remodelling are consequences of increased right ventricular (RV) afterload in PAH and CTEPH and are indicative of long-term outcomes. Because RV failure is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in PAH and CTEPH, successful treatments should lead to improvements in RV parameters. Riociguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator approved for the treatment of PAH and inoperable or persistent/recurrent CTEPH after pulmonary endarterectomy. This review examines the current evidence showing the effect of riociguat on the right ventricle, with particular focus on remodelling, function and structural parameters in preclinical models and patients with PAH or CTEPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond L Benza
- Dept of Medicine, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - David Langleben
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Disease, Division of Cardiology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Anna R Hemnes
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Dept of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Stephan Rosenkranz
- Dept of Cardiology and Cologne Cardiovascular Research Center, Cologne University Heart Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thenappan Thenappan
- Cardiovascular Division, Dept of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Paul M Hassoun
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ioana R Preston
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Division, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefano Ghio
- Division of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Irene M Lang
- Division of Cardiology, Dept of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Allgemeines Krankenhaus, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Ekkehard Grünig
- Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik-Heidelberg gGmbH, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
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6
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Bartnik A, Pepke-Zaba J, Hoole SP, White P, Garbi M, Coghlan JG, Taghavi F, Tsui S, Weir-McCall J. Right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Heart 2022; 109:898-904. [PMID: 36549680 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2022-321770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension occurs in a proportion of patients with prior acute pulmonary embolism and is characterised by breathlessness, persistently raised pulmonary pressures and right heart failure. Surgical pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) offers significant prognostic and symptomatic benefits for patients with proximal disease distribution. For those with inoperable disease, management options include balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) and medical therapy. Current clinical practice relies on the evaluation of pulmonary haemodynamics to assess disease severity, timing of and response to treatment. However, pulmonary haemodynamics correlate poorly with patient symptoms, which are influenced by right ventricular tolerance of the increased afterload. How best to manage symptomatic patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) in the absence of pulmonary hypertension is not resolved.Right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling (RV-PAC) describes the energy transfer within the whole cardiopulmonary unit. Thus, it can identify the earliest signs of decompensation even before pulmonary hypertension is overt. Invasive measurement of coupling using pressure volume loop technology is well established in research settings. The development of efficient and less invasive measurement methods has revived interest in coupling as a viable clinical tool. Significant improvement in RV-PAC has been demonstrated after both PEA and BPA. Further studies are required to understand its clinical utility and prognostic value, in particular, its potential to guide management in patients with CTEPD. Finally, given the reported differences in coupling between sexes in pulmonary arterial hypertension, further work is required to understand the applicability of proposed thresholds for decoupling in therapeutic decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Bartnik
- Radiology, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK .,University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Surgery, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joanna Pepke-Zaba
- Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Paul White
- Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.,Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Steven Tsui
- Surgery, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jonathan Weir-McCall
- Radiology, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK.,University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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7
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Marchetta S, Verbelen T, Claessen G, Quarck R, Delcroix M, Godinas L. A Comprehensive Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension. J Clin Med 2022; 12:jcm12010047. [PMID: 36614845 PMCID: PMC9821031 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
While chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) results from macroscopic and microscopic obstruction of the pulmonary vascular bed, the function of the right ventricle (RV) and increased RV afterload are the main determinants of its symptoms and prognosis. In this review, we assess RV function in patients diagnosed with CTEPH with a focus on the contributions of RV afterload and dysfunction to the pathogenesis of this disease. We will also discuss changes in RV function and geometry in response to treatment, including medical therapy, pulmonary endarterectomy, and balloon pulmonary angioplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom Verbelen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guido Claessen
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rozenn Quarck
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chonic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marion Delcroix
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chonic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurent Godinas
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chonic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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8
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Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is an underdiagnosed, but potentially curable pulmonary vascular disease. The increased pulmonary vascular resistance in CTEPH is caused by unresolved proximal thrombus and secondary microvasculopathy in the pulmonary vasculature, leading to adaptive and maladaptive remodeling of the right ventricle (RV), eventual right heart failure, and death. Knowledge on the RV remodeling process in CTEPH is limited. The progression to RV failure in CTEPH is a markedly slower process. A detailed understanding of the pathophysiology and underlying mechanisms of RV remodeling may facilitate early diagnosis and the development of targeted therapy. While ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, right heart catheterization, and serum biomarkers have been used to assess cardiac function, the current treatment strategies reduce the afterload of the right heart, but are less effective in improving the maladaptive remodeling of the right heart. This review systematically summarizes the current knowledge on adaptive and maladaptive remodeling of the right heart in CTEPH from molecular mechanisms to clinical practice.
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9
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Kriechbaum SD, Vietheer JM, Wiedenroth CB, Rudolph F, Barde M, Wolter JS, Haas M, Fischer-Rasokat U, Weferling M, Rolf A, Hamm CW, Mayer E, Guth S, Keller T, Roller FC, Liebetrau C. Cardiac biomarkers as indicators of right ventricular dysfunction and recovery in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients after balloon pulmonary angioplasty therapy - a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging cohort study. Pulm Circ 2021; 11:20458940211056500. [PMID: 34917333 PMCID: PMC8669885 DOI: 10.1177/20458940211056500] [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: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure determines outcome. Balloon pulmonary angioplasty therapy allows right heart recovery, which can be monitored by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. This study evaluates whether cardiac biomarkers (NT-proBNP, MR-proANP, sST2, and PAPP-A) are associated with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings prior to and after balloon pulmonary angioplasty therapy. Methods This observational cohort study enrolled 22 chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients who underwent balloon pulmonary angioplasty therapy and completed a six-month follow-up including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Biomarker levels were compared with findings for right heart morphology and function derived from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Results Pulmonary hemodynamics improved after balloon pulmonary angioplasty therapy [pulmonary vascular resistance: 7.7 (6.0–9.0) vs. 4.7 (3.5–5.5) wood units, p < 0.001; mean pulmonary artery pressure 41 (38–47) vs. 32 (28–37) mmHg, p < 0.001]. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings indicated right heart maladaptation at baseline and recovery after therapy [right ventricular end-diastolic volume 192 (141–229) ml vs. 143 (128–172) ml, p = 0.002; right ventricular end-systolic volume 131 (73–157) ml vs. 77 (61–99) ml (p < 0.001); right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) 34 (28–41) % vs. 52 (41–54) %; p < 0.001]. Biomarker level cut-offs [NT-proBNP 347 ng/L (area under the curve (AUC) 0.91), MR-proANP 230 pg/L (AUC 0.78), PAPP-A 14.5 mU/L (AUC 0.81), and sST2 48.0 ng/ml (AUC 0.88)] indicated a RVEF ≤ 35% at baseline. The dynamics of NT-proBNP (rs = −0.79; p < 0.001), MR-proANP (rs = –0.80; p < 0.001), and sST2 (rs = –0.49; p = 0.02) correlated inversely with the improvement in RVEF after therapy. A relative decrease of NT-proBNP < 53% (AUC 0.86) and MR-proANP < 24% (AUC 0.82) indicated a limited RVEF response. Conclusions In chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings illustrate right heart failure and recovery after balloon pulmonary angioplasty therapy. Cardiac biomarker levels correlate with right heart parameters at baseline and their dynamics after therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen D Kriechbaum
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Julia M Vietheer
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christoph B Wiedenroth
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Felix Rudolph
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marta Barde
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jan-Sebastian Wolter
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Moritz Haas
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ulrich Fischer-Rasokat
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Maren Weferling
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Rolf
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division of Cardiology, Medical Clinic I, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christian W Hamm
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division of Cardiology, Medical Clinic I, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Eckhard Mayer
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Stefan Guth
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Till Keller
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division of Cardiology, Medical Clinic I, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Fritz C Roller
- Department of Radiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christoph Liebetrau
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Thorax Center, Campus Kerckhoff, University of Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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10
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Roller FC, Schüssler A, Hasse A, Kriechbaum S, Richter M, Guth S, Tello K, Breithecker A, Liebetrau C, Hamm CW, Mayer E, Seeger W, Krombach GA, Wiedenroth CB. Effects of BPA on right ventricular mechanical dysfunction in patients with inoperable CTEPH - A cardiac magnetic resonance study. Eur J Radiol 2021; 147:110111. [PMID: 34952330 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.110111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess effects of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) on right ventricular (RV) mechanical dysfunction in patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) via MRI. METHOD MRI at 1.5 Tesla and right heart catheterization were performed before and 6 months after BPA in 30 CTEPH patients (mean age 63.4 ± 10.6 years; 17 female). Feature-tracking strain analysis, including global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS), and radial (GRS) strain, was performed and compared with right ventricular function, myocardial remodelling (assessed by native T1 times), and pulmonary haemodynamics (mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance). RESULTS RVEF (35.9% to 48.4%) increased and mPAP (42.1 mmHg to 33.1 mmHg) and PVR (551.8 to 377.7 dyn∙s/cm5) decreased after BPA (all p < 0.0001). Moreover, RV strain increased (GLS -19.9 to -24.0%, p = 0.0003; GCS -9.4 to -11.0%, p = 0.0022; GRS 38.2 to 50.7%, p = 0.001) and septal native area-adjusted T1 time (AA-T1) decreased (1019.4 to 988.7 ms, p < 0.0001). GLS revealed the best correlations with RVEF (before BPA r = -0.75; after BPA r = -0.54), mPAP (r = 0.36; r = 0.52), PVR (r = 0.49; r = 0.48), and AA-T1 (r = 0.44; 0.19). CONCLUSION RV mechanical dysfunction, pulmonary haemodynamics, and myocardial remodelling are markedly improved by BPA. Moreover, RV strain values showed good correlations with RV function, pulmonary haemodynamics, and myocardial remodelling. Therefore, strain analysis might provide new insights regarding therapy outcome, monitoring, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fritz C Roller
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Klinikstraße 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Armin Schüssler
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Klinikstraße 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alexander Hasse
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Klinikstraße 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Manuel Richter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Klinikstraße 33, Giessen, Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Guth
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kerckhoff Heart and Thorax Centre, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Khodr Tello
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Klinikstraße 33, Giessen, Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Breithecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Klinikstraße 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Christian W Hamm
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Klinikstrasse 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Department of Cardiology, Campus Kerckhoff, Bad Nauheim, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhein-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eckhard Mayer
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kerckhoff Heart and Thorax Centre, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Werner Seeger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Klinikstraße 33, Giessen, Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gabriele A Krombach
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Klinikstraße 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
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11
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Frederiksen CA, Waziri F, Ringgaard S, Mellemkjær S, Clemmensen TS, Hjortdal VE, Nielsen SL, Poulsen SH. Reverse remodeling of tricuspid valve morphology and function in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients following pulmonary thromboendarterectomy: a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and invasive hemodynamic study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2021; 21:450. [PMID: 34535073 PMCID: PMC8447771 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-021-02248-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate changes in tricuspid annulus (TA) and tricuspid valve (TV) morphology among chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients before and 12 months after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PEA) and compare these findings to normal control subjects. METHODS 20 CTEPH patients and 20 controls were enrolled in the study. The patients were examined with echocardiography, right heart catherization and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging prior to PEA and 12 months after. RESULTS Right atrium (RA) volume was significantly reduced from baseline to 12 months after PEA (30 ± 9 vs 23 ± 5 ml/m2, p < 0.005). TA annular area in systole remained unchanged (p = 0.11) and was comparable to controls. The leaflet area, tenting volume and tenting height in systole were significantly increased at baseline but decreased significantly with comparable values to controls after 12 months (p < 0.005). There was correlation between the changes of right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling and changes of TV tenting height (r = - 0.54, p = 0.02), TV tenting volume (r = - 0.73, p < 0.001) and TV leaflet area (- 0.57, p = 0.01) from baseline to 12 months after PEA. Tricuspid regurgitation jet area/RA area was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced from baseline (30 ± 13%) to 12 months after PEA (9 ± 10%). CONCLUSION In CTEPH patients selected for PEA, TV tenting height, volume and valve area are significantly increased whereas annulus size and shape are less affected. The alterations in TV morphology are fully reversed after PEA and correlates to improvements of right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farhad Waziri
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Steffen Ringgaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,The MRI Research Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Søren Mellemkjær
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Vibeke Elisabeth Hjortdal
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Steen Hvitfeldt Poulsen
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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12
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Singh S, Lewis MI. Evaluating the Right Ventricle in Acute and Chronic Pulmonary Embolism: Current and Future Considerations. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 42:199-211. [PMID: 33548932 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The right ventricle (RV), due to its morphologic and physiologic differences, is susceptible to sudden increase in RV afterload, as noted in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Functional impairment of RV function is a stronger presage of adverse outcomes in acute PE than the location or burden of emboli. While current iterations of most clinical prognostic scores do not incorporate RV dysfunction, advancements in imaging have enabled more granular and accurate assessment of RV dysfunction in acute PE. RV enlargement and dysfunction on imaging is noted only in a subset of patients with acute PE and is dependent on underlying cardiopulmonary reserve and clot burden. Specific signs like McConnell's and "60/60" sign are noted in less than 20% of patients with acute PE. About 2% of patients with acute PE develop chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, characterized by continued deterioration in RV function in a subset of patients with a continuum of RV function from preserved to overt right heart failure. Advances in molecular and other imaging will help better characterize RV dysfunction in this population and evaluate the response to therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Singh
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael I Lewis
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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13
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Waziri F, Mellemkjær S, Clemmensen TS, Hjortdal VE, Ilkjær LB, Nielsen SL, Poulsen SH. Long-term changes of exercise hemodynamics and physical capacity in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Int J Cardiol 2020; 317:181-187. [PMID: 32497568 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.05.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A substantial number of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients experience dyspnea on exertion and limited exercise capacity despite surgically successful pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). We sought to prospectively evaluate resting and peak exercise hemodynamics before, 3 and 12 months after PEA in consecutive CTEPH-patients and correlate it to physical functional capacity. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty consecutive CTEPH-patients were examined. Twelve months after PEA, 75% of patients with severely increased pre-PEA mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) at rest had normal or mildly increased mPAP. However, mPAP reduction was less pronounced during exercise where only 45% had normal or mildly increased mPAP at 12 months. Hemodynamic changes during exercise were tested using the pressure-flow relationship (i.e. mPAP/cardiac output (CO) slope). The average mPAP/CO slope was 7.5 ± 4.2 mm Hg/L/min preoperatively and 3.9 ± 3.0 mm Hg/L/min at 12 months (p < .005). CO reserve (CO increase from rest to peak exercise) was increased (5.7 ± 2.9 L/min) 12 months after PEA compared with pre-PEA (2.5 ± 1.8 L/min), p < .0001. However, 12 months after PEA, the CO reserve was only 49% of that of healthy controls, p < .0001. Changes in cardiac output (∆CO), calculated as the difference between CO before PEA and 12 months later, were significantly correlated with six-minute-walk-test and peak oxygen uptake (VO2), both at rest and peak exercise. CONCLUSION Invasive exercise hemodynamic examination in CTEPH-patients demonstrates that after otherwise successful PEA surgery, >50% of patients have a significant increase in exercise mPAP, and the CO reserve remains compromised 12 months after PEA. Improvement in physical capacity is correlated with ∆CO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Waziri
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital of Randers, Denmark.
| | | | - Tor Skibsted Clemmensen
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Vibeke Elisabeth Hjortdal
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Lars Bo Ilkjær
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Sten Lyager Nielsen
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Steen Hvitfeldt Poulsen
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
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14
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Myocardial deformation assessment in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension: A cardiac magnetic resonance study. Diagn Interv Imaging 2020; 102:153-161. [PMID: 32917553 DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate right atrial and ventricular strain parameters on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and whether they can aid in the assessment of PPH prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult patients with groups 1 and 4 PPH were invited to participate in the study. Age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were also recruited as controls. At baseline, patients underwent clinical examination, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide measurement and CMR with feature tracking post-processing (CMR-FT). Healthy controls underwent only CMR-FT. The study's primary endpoint was clinical failure, defined as death, hospitalization or demonstrable clinical deterioration during follow-up. Patients who were unable to perform 6-minute walking test due to musculoskeletal disorders were excluded from the study. RESULTS Thirty-six patients (8 men, 28 women; mean age, 50.6±13.8 [SD] years [range: 18.6-78.5years]) and 12 healthy control subjects (5 mean, 7 women; mean age, 40.6±13.5 [SD] years [range: 23.1-64.4years]) were recruited. Right ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) was significantly impaired in PPH patients (-20.2±5.3 [SD] % [range: -28.8 to -9.1%] vs. -28.4±3.1% [-33.7 to -22.7%] respectively, P<0.001). The right atrial GLS was significantly impaired in PPH compared to healthy controls (-19.9±4.5% [range: -28.6 to -3.6%] vs. -26.5±4.2% [range: -32.8 to -15.8%] respectively) (P<0.001). Clinical failure occurred in 19 (19/36, 53%) of patients. Right ventricular GLS predicted clinical failure most reliably among CMR parameters (-22.6±3.8 [SD] % [range: -27.6 to -12.7%] for patients without clinical failure vs. -18±5.6 [SD] % [range: -28.8 to -9.1%] for patients with clinical failure; hazard ratio [HR]=1.85; P=0.007; area under the AUC curve=0.75). Lower absolute right atrial GLS was significantly associated with clinical failure (-22.7±3.0 [SD] % [range: -28.6 to -17.7%] for patients without clinical failure vs. -16.9±5.8 [SD] % [range: -24.2 to -3.6%] for patients with clinical failure) (HR=1.53; P=0.035). CONCLUSION CMR feature tracking-derived myocardial strain parameters of both the right atrium and ventricle can assist clinicians in the prognosis of PPH.
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15
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Reindl M, Eitel I, Reinstadler SJ. Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance to Improve Risk Prediction Following Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1041. [PMID: 32272692 PMCID: PMC7231095 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9041041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging allows comprehensive assessment of myocardial function and tissue characterization in a single examination after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Markers of myocardial infarct severity determined by CMR imaging, especially infarct size and microvascular obstruction, strongly predict recurrent cardiovascular events and mortality. The prognostic information provided by a comprehensive CMR analysis is incremental to conventional risk factors including left ventricular ejection fraction. As such, CMR parameters of myocardial tissue damage are increasingly recognized for optimized risk stratification to further ameliorate the burden of recurrent cardiovascular events in this population. In this review, we provide an overview of the current impact of CMR imaging on optimized risk assessment soon after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Reindl
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Ingo Eitel
- University Heart Center Lübeck, Medical Clinic II (Cardiology/Angiology/Intensive Care Medicine), University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany;
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sebastian Johannes Reinstadler
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
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