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Pastore MC, Cavigli L, Olivoni G, Morrone F, Amati F, Imbalzano E, Rinaldi A, Liga R, Mattioli AV, Scicchitano P, Curcio A, Barillà F, Ciccarelli M, Maestrini V, Perrone Filardi P, D'Ascenzi F, Cameli M. Physical exercise in hypertensive heart disease: From the differential diagnosis to the complementary role of exercise. Int J Cardiol 2024; 410:132232. [PMID: 38844090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.132232] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Arterial hypertension (AH) is one of the most common pathologic conditions and uncontrolled AH is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. AH chronically causes myocardial and arterial remodelling with hemodynamic changes affecting the heart and other organs, with potentially irreversible consequences leading to poor outcomes. Therefore, a proper and early treatment of AH is crucial after the diagnosis. Beyond medical treatment, physical exercise also plays a therapeutic role in reducing blood pressure, given its potential effects on sympathetic tone, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and endothelial function. International scientific societies recommend physical exercise among lifestyle modifications to treat AH in the first stages of the disease. Moreover, some studies have also shown its usefulness in addition to drugs to reduce blood pressure further. Therefore, an accurate, personalized exercise prescription is recommended to optimize the prevention and treatment of hypertension. On the other hand, uncontrolled AH in athletes requires proper risk stratification and careful evaluation to practice competitive sports safely. Moreover, the differential diagnosis between hypertensive heart disease and athlete's heart is sometimes challenging and requires a careful and comprehensive interpretation in order not to misinterpret the clinical findings. The present review aims to discuss the relationship between hypertensive heart disease and physical exercise, from diagnostic tools to prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Concetta Pastore
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luna Cavigli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Olivoni
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Morrone
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Egidio Imbalzano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Rinaldi
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine-DIMES, University of Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, IRCCS, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Liga
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonio Curcio
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesco Barillà
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Ciccarelli
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Perrone Filardi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Italian Society of Cardiology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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2
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Qin Y, Qin X, Zhang J, Guo X. Artificial intelligence: The future for multimodality imaging of right ventricle. Int J Cardiol 2024; 404:131970. [PMID: 38490268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.131970] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The crucial pathophysiological and prognostic roles of the right ventricle in various diseases have been well-established. Nonetheless, conventional cardiovascular imaging modalities are frequently associated with intrinsic limitations when evaluating right ventricular (RV) morphology and function. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in multimodality imaging presents a promising avenue to circumvent these obstacles, paving the way for future fully automated imaging paradigms. This review aimed to address the current challenges faced by clinicians and researchers in integrating RV imaging and AI technology, to provide a comprehensive overview of the current applications of AI in RV imaging, and to offer insights into future directions, opportunities, and potential challenges in this rapidly advancing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohan Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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3
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Hădăreanu CD, Hădăreanu DR, Stoiculescu FM, Raicea VC, Târtea GC, Florescu C, Radu RI, Donoiu I. The Added Value of Advanced Echocardiography for the Morpho-Functional and Prognostic Evaluation of the Right Heart in Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Do Not Forget about the Right Atrium. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1400. [PMID: 38592247 PMCID: PMC10932129 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Introduction and Aims: Right ventricular (RV) remodeling significantly impacts the prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients, and right atrial (RA) size and function are still often neglected in DCM patients. Accordingly, our aims were to (i) evaluate right heart subclinical changes and (ii) the prognostic value of RA compared to left atrial (LA) size and function in patients with DCM by advanced echocardiography. (2) Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight patients with DCM (with a mean age of 60 years; 35 men) were evaluated by comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography, compared to 62 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (with a mean age of 61 years; 32 men), and followed up for 12.4 ± 5 months. (3) Results: DCM patients have RV and RA global longitudinal dysfunction by 2DSTE, higher RA minimum volumes and tricuspid annulus areas despite having normal RV volumes, ejection fractions, and RA maximum volumes by 3DE compared to the controls. The RA strain and RV strain are correlated with each other. The RA reservoir strain (with an AUC = 0.769) has an increased value for outcome prediction compared to that of the LA strain. (4) Conclusion: Patients with DCM have RV longitudinal dysfunction and decreased RA function, in the absence of clinical RV involvement or atrial arrhythmias, and the RA strain is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and cardiac death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Călin-Dinu Hădăreanu
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rares St., 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 1 Tabaci St., 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Diana-Ruxandra Hădăreanu
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rares St., 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 1 Tabaci St., 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Flavia-Mihaela Stoiculescu
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rares St., 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 1 Tabaci St., 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Victor-Cornel Raicea
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rares St., 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 1 Tabaci St., 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Georgică-Costinel Târtea
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 1 Tabaci St., 200642 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rares St., 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Cristina Florescu
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rares St., 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Cardiology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 28 Sararilor St., 200516 Craiova, Romania
| | - Răzvan Ilie Radu
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Prof. Dr. C. C. Iliescu Emergency Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, 258 Fundeni St., 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cardiology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Bld., 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ionuț Donoiu
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rares St., 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 1 Tabaci St., 200642 Craiova, Romania
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4
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The Dysfunctional Right Ventricle in Dilated Cardiomyopathies: Looking from the Right Point of View. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9100359. [PMID: 36286311 PMCID: PMC9605089 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9100359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathies (DCMs) are a heterogenous group of primary myocardial diseases, representing one of the leading causes of heart failure, and the main indication for heart transplantation. While the degree of left ventricular dilation and dysfunction are two key determinants of adverse outcomes in DCM patients, right ventricular (RV) remodeling and dysfunction further negatively influence patient prognosis. Consequently, RV functional assessment and diagnosing RV involvement by using an integrative approach based on multimodality imaging is of paramount importance in the evaluation of DCM patients and provides incremental prognostic and therapeutic information. Transthoracic echocardiography remains the first-line imaging modality used for the assessment of the RV, and newer techniques such as speckle-tracking and three-dimensional echocardiography significantly improve its diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. Nonetheless, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is considered the gold standard imaging modality for the evaluation of RV size and function, and all DCM patients should be evaluated by CMR at least once. Accordingly, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the anatomy and function of the RV, and the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prognostic value of RV dysfunction in DCM patients, based on traditional and novel imaging techniques.
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Alenezi F, Covington TA, Mukherjee M, Mathai SC, Yu PB, Rajagopal S. Novel Approaches to Imaging the Pulmonary Vasculature and Right Heart. Circ Res 2022; 130:1445-1465. [PMID: 35482838 PMCID: PMC9060389 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.319990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
There is an increased appreciation for the importance of the right heart and pulmonary circulation in several disease states across the spectrum of pulmonary hypertension and left heart failure. However, assessment of the structure and function of the right heart and pulmonary circulation can be challenging, due to the complex geometry of the right ventricle, comorbid pulmonary airways and parenchymal disease, and the overlap of hemodynamic abnormalities with left heart failure. Several new and evolving imaging modalities interrogate the right heart and pulmonary circulation with greater diagnostic precision. Echocardiographic approaches such as speckle-tracking and 3-dimensional imaging provide detailed assessments of regional systolic and diastolic function and volumetric assessments. Magnetic resonance approaches can provide high-resolution views of cardiac structure/function, tissue characterization, and perfusion through the pulmonary vasculature. Molecular imaging with positron emission tomography allows an assessment of specific pathobiologically relevant targets in the right heart and pulmonary circulation. Machine learning analysis of high-resolution computed tomographic lung scans permits quantitative morphometry of the lung circulation without intravenous contrast. Inhaled magnetic resonance imaging probes, such as hyperpolarized 129Xe magnetic resonance imaging, report on pulmonary gas exchange and pulmonary capillary hemodynamics. These approaches provide important information on right ventricular structure and function along with perfusion through the pulmonary circulation. At this time, the majority of these developing technologies have yet to be clinically validated, with few studies demonstrating the utility of these imaging biomarkers for diagnosis or monitoring disease. These technologies hold promise for earlier diagnosis and noninvasive monitoring of right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension that will aid in preclinical studies, enhance patient selection and provide surrogate end points in clinical trials, and ultimately improve bedside care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawaz Alenezi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | | | | | - Steve C. Mathai
- Johns Hopkins Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Paul B. Yu
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Sudarshan Rajagopal
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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Manca P, Nuzzi V, Cannatà A, Castrichini M, Bromage DI, De Luca A, Stolfo D, Schulz U, Merlo M, Sinagra G. The right ventricular involvement in dilated cardiomyopathy: prevalence and prognostic implications of the often-neglected child. Heart Fail Rev 2022; 27:1795-1805. [PMID: 35315505 PMCID: PMC9388461 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-022-10229-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary heart muscle disease characterized by left or biventricular systolic impairment. Historically, most of the clinical attention has been devoted to the evaluation of left ventricular function and morphology, while right ventricle (RV) has been for many years the forgotten chamber. Recently, progresses in cardiac imaging gave clinicians precious tools for the evaluation of RV, raising the awareness of the importance of biventricular assessment in DCM. Indeed, RV involvement is far from being uncommon in DCM, and the presence of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is one of the major negative prognostic determinants in DCM patients. However, some aspects such as the possible role of specific genetic mutations in determining the biventricular phenotype in DCM, or the lack of specific treatments able to primarily counteract RVD, still need research. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on RV involvement in DCM, giving an overview on the epidemiology and pathogenetic mechanisms implicated in determining RVD. Furthermore, we discussed the imaging techniques to evaluate RV function and the role of RV failure in advanced heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Manca
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Via Valdoni 7, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nuzzi
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Via Valdoni 7, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonio Cannatà
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Via Valdoni 7, 34149, Trieste, Italy.,Department of Cardiovascular Science, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matteo Castrichini
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Via Valdoni 7, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniel I Bromage
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Antonio De Luca
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Via Valdoni 7, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Davide Stolfo
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Via Valdoni 7, 34149, Trieste, Italy.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Uwe Schulz
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marco Merlo
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Via Valdoni 7, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Gianfranco Sinagra
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Via Valdoni 7, 34149, Trieste, Italy
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7
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Cittar M, Cipriani A, Merlo M, Vitrella G, Masè M, Carrer A, Barbati G, Belgrano M, Pagnan L, De Lazzari M, Giorgi B, Cova MA, Iliceto S, Basso C, Stolfo D, Sinagra G, Perazzolo Marra M. Prognostic Significance of Feature-Tracking Right Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain in Non-ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:765274. [PMID: 34917664 PMCID: PMC8669391 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.765274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) by cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) analysis has shown an incremental prognostic value compared to classical parameters in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICM). However, less is known about the role of right ventricular (RV) GLS. Our objective was to evaluate the prognostic impact of RV-GLS by CMR-FT analysis in a population of NICM patients. Methods: In this multicenter study, we examined NICM patients evaluated with a comprehensive CMR-FT study. Major cardiac events (MACEs) were considered as the study primary outcome measure and were defined as a composite of (a) cardiovascular death, (b) cardiac transplant or destination therapy ventricular assist device, (c) hospitalization for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias or implantable cardiac defibrillator appropriate intervention. Heart failure (HF) related events, including hospitalizations and life-threatening arrhythmia-related events were considered as secondary end-points. Receiver operating time-dependent analysis were used to calculate the possible additional effect of RV-GLS to standard evaluation. Results: We consecutively enrolled 273 patients. During a median follow-up of 39 months, 41 patients (15%) experienced MACEs. RV-GLS and LV late gadolinium emerged as the strongest prognostic CMR-FT variables: their association provided an estimated 3-year MACEs rate of 29%. The addition of RV-GLS significantly improved the prognostic accuracy in predicting MACEs with respect to the standard evaluation including LGE (areas under the curve from 0.71 [0.66–0.82] to 0.76 [0.66–0.86], p = 0.03). On competing risk analysis, RV-GLS showed a significant ability to reclassify overall both HF-related and life-threatening arrhythmia-related events, regardless of LV and RV ejection fraction. Conclusions: In NICM patients, RV-GLS showed a significant prognostic role in reclassifying the risk of MACEs, incremental with respect to standard evaluation with standard prognostic parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cittar
- Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alberto Cipriani
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Merlo
- Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Vitrella
- Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Masè
- Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna Carrer
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Barbati
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Manuel Belgrano
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pagnan
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Manuel De Lazzari
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Benedetta Giorgi
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliera of Padua, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria A Cova
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sabino Iliceto
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Davide Stolfo
- Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Sinagra
- Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Martina Perazzolo Marra
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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8
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Mandoli GE, D'Ascenzi F, Vinco G, Benfari G, Ricci F, Focardi M, Cavigli L, Pastore MC, Sisti N, De Vivo O, Santoro C, Mondillo S, Cameli M. Novel Approaches in Cardiac Imaging for Non-invasive Assessment of Left Heart Myocardial Fibrosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:614235. [PMID: 33937354 PMCID: PMC8081830 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.614235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past, the identification of myocardial fibrosis was only possible through invasive histologic assessment. Although endomyocardial biopsy remains the gold standard, recent advances in cardiac imaging techniques have enabled non-invasive tissue characterization of the myocardium, which has also provided valuable insights into specific disease processes. The diagnostic accuracy, incremental yield and prognostic value of speckle tracking echocardiography, late gadolinium enhancement and parametric mapping modules by cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac computed tomography have been validated against tissue samples and tested in broad patient populations, overall providing relevant clinical information to the cardiologist. This review describes the patterns of left ventricular and left atrial fibrosis, and their characterization by advanced echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac computed tomography, allowing for clinical applications in sudden cardiac death and management of atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Elena Mandoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Vinco
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Benfari
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Institute of Advanced Biomedical Technologies, "G.d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Casa di Cura Villa Serena, Città Sant'Angelo, Italy
| | - Marta Focardi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luna Cavigli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Pastore
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Nicolò Sisti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Oreste De Vivo
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ciro Santoro
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, Federico II University Hospital Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Mondillo
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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9
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Cavigli L, Zorzi A, Spadotto V, Gismondi A, Sisti N, Valentini F, Anselmi F, Mandoli GE, Spera L, Di Florio A, Baccani B, Cameli M, D'Ascenzi F. The acute effects of an ultramarathon on biventricular function and ventricular arrhythmias in master athletes. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 23:423-430. [PMID: 33544827 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeab017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Endurance sports practice has significantly increased over the last decades, with a growing proportion of participants older than 40 years. Although the benefits of moderate regular exercise are well known, concerns exist regarding the potential negative effects induced by extreme endurance sport. The aim of this study was to analyse the acute effects of an ultramarathon race on the electrocardiogram (ECG), biventricular function, and ventricular arrhythmias in a population of master athletes. METHODS AND RESULTS Master athletes participating in an ultramarathon (50 km, 600 m of elevation gain) with no history of heart disease were recruited. A single-lead ECG was recorded continuously from the day before to the end of the race. Echocardiography and 12-lead resting ECG were performed before and at the end of the race. The study sample consisted of 68 healthy non-professional master athletes. Compared with baseline, R-wave amplitude in V1 and QTc duration were higher after the race (P < 0.001). Exercise-induced isolated premature ventricular beats were observed in 7% of athletes; none showed non-sustained ventricular tachycardia before or during the race. Left ventricular ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain (GLS), and twisting did not significantly differ before and after the race. After the race, no significant differences were found in right ventricular inflow and outflow tract dimensions, fractional area change, s', and free wall GLS. CONCLUSION In master endurance athletes running an ultra-marathon, exercise-induced ventricular dysfunction, or relevant ventricular arrhythmias was not detected. These results did not confirm the hypothesis of a detrimental acute effect of strenuous exercise on the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Cavigli
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular and Public Health Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Spadotto
- Ospedale Riabilitativo di Alta Specializzazione, Motta di Livenza (TV), Italy
| | - Annalaura Gismondi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Niccolò Sisti
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Valentini
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Anselmi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Elena Mandoli
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Spera
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alex Di Florio
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Bernardo Baccani
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
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