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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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Martini L, Lisi M, Pastore MC, Righini FM, Rubboli A, Henein MY, Cameli M. The Role of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Advanced-Heart-Failure Patients. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4037. [PMID: 39064077 PMCID: PMC11277875 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144037] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Health care is currently showing a fall in heart failure (HF) incidence and prevalence, particularly in developed countries, but with only a subset receiving appropriate therapy to protect the heart against maladaptive processes such as fibrosis and hypertrophy. Appropriate markers of advanced HF remain unidentified, which would help in choosing the most suitable therapy and avoid major compliance problems. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a good choice, being a non-invasive imaging technique which is able to assess cardiac deformation in a variety of conditions. Several multicenter studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated the clinical application and accuracy of STE in early and late stages of HF, as well as its association with both left ventricular (LV) filling pressures and myocardial oxygen consumption. Furthermore, STE assists in assessing right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS), which is a solid predictor of right ventricle failure (RVF) following LV assist device (LVAD) implantation. However, STE is known for its limitations; despite these, it has been shown to explain symptoms and signs and also to be an accurate prognosticator. The aim of this review is to examine the advantages of STE in the early evaluation of myocardial dysfunction and its correlation with right heart catheterization (RHC) parameters, which should have significant clinical relevance in the management of HF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Martini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.C.P.); (F.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Matteo Lisi
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, AUSL Romagna, Division of Cardiology, Ospedale S. Maria delle Croci, 48121 Ravenna, Italy; (M.L.); (A.R.)
| | - Maria Concetta Pastore
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.C.P.); (F.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Francesca Maria Righini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.C.P.); (F.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Andrea Rubboli
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, AUSL Romagna, Division of Cardiology, Ospedale S. Maria delle Croci, 48121 Ravenna, Italy; (M.L.); (A.R.)
| | - Michael Y. Henein
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden;
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.C.P.); (F.M.R.); (M.C.)
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Campora A, Lisi M, Pastore MC, Mandoli GE, Ferrari Chen YF, Pasquini A, Rubboli A, Henein MY, Cameli M. Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Myopathy, and Thromboembolism: The Additive Value of Echocardiography and Possible New Horizons for Risk Stratification. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3921. [PMID: 38999487 PMCID: PMC11242512 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13133921] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac sustained arrhythmia, and it is associated with increased stroke and dementia risk. While the established paradigm attributes these complications to blood stasis within the atria and subsequent thrombus formation with cerebral embolization, recent evidence suggests that atrial myopathy (AM) may play a key role. AM is characterized by structural and functional abnormalities of the atria, and can occur with or without AF. Moving beyond classifications based solely on episode duration, the 4S-AF characterization has offered a more comprehensive approach, incorporating patient's stroke risk, symptom severity, AF burden, and substrate assessment (including AM) for tailored treatment decisions. The "ABC" pathway emphasizes anticoagulation, symptom control, and cardiovascular risk modification and emerging evidence suggests broader benefits of early rhythm control strategies, potentially reducing stroke and dementia risk and improving clinical outcomes. However, a better integration of AM assessment into the current framework holds promise for further personalizing AF management and optimizing patient outcomes. This review explores the emerging concept of AM and its potential role as a risk factor for stroke and dementia and in AF patients' management strategies, highlighting the limitations of current risk stratification methods, like the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Echocardiography, particularly left atrial (LA) strain analysis, has shown to be a promising non-invasive tool for AM evaluation and recent studies suggest that LA strain analysis may be a more sensitive risk stratifier for thromboembolic events than AF itself, with some studies showing a stronger association between LA strain and thromboembolic events compared to traditional risk factors. Integrating it into routine clinical practice could improve patient management and targeted therapies for AF and potentially other thromboembolic events. Future studies are needed to explore the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation in AM patients with and without AF and to refine the diagnostic criteria for AM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Campora
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Lisi
- Department of Emergency, Internal Medicine and Cardiology-AUSL Romagna, Division of Cardiology, Ospedale S. Maria delle Croci, Viale Randi 5, 48121 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Pastore
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Elena Mandoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Yu Fu Ferrari Chen
- Cardiovascular Division, Pisa University Hospital and University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pasquini
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Rubboli
- Department of Emergency, Internal Medicine and Cardiology-AUSL Romagna, Division of Cardiology, Ospedale S. Maria delle Croci, Viale Randi 5, 48121 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Michael Y Henein
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Lisi M, Luisi GA, Pastore MC, Mandoli GE, Benfari G, Ilardi F, Malagoli A, Sperlongano S, Henein MY, Cameli M, D'Andrea A. New perspectives in the echocardiographic hemodynamics multiparametric assessment of patients with heart failure. Heart Fail Rev 2024; 29:799-809. [PMID: 38507022 PMCID: PMC11189326 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-024-10398-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
International Guidelines consider left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as an important parameter to categorize patients with heart failure (HF) and to define recommended treatments in clinical practice. However, LVEF has some technical and clinical limitations, being derived from geometric assumptions and is unable to evaluate intrinsic myocardial function and LV filling pressure (LVFP). Moreover, it has been shown to fail to predict clinical outcome in patients with end-stage HF. The analysis of LV antegrade flow derived from pulsed-wave Doppler (stroke volume index, stroke distance, cardiac output, and cardiac index) and non-invasive evaluation of LVFP have demonstrated some advantages and prognostic implications in HF patients. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is able to unmask intrinsic myocardial systolic dysfunction in HF patients, particularly in those with LV preserved EF, hence allowing analysis of LV, right ventricular and left atrial (LA) intrinsic myocardial function (global peak atrial LS, (PALS)). Global PALS has been proven a reliable index of LVFP which could fill the gaps "gray zone" in the previous Guidelines algorithm for the assessment of LV diastolic dysfunction and LVFP, being added to the latest European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging Consensus document for the use of multimodality imaging in evaluating HFpEF. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of the hemodynamics multiparametric approach of assessing myocardial function (from LVFP to stroke volume) in patients with HF, thus overcoming the limitations of LVEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lisi
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease-AUSL Romagna, Division of Cardiology, Ospedale S. Maria delle Croci, Viale Randi 5, 48121, Ravenna, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Andrea Luisi
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease-AUSL Romagna, Division of Cardiology, Ospedale S. Maria delle Croci, Viale Randi 5, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Pastore
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Elena Mandoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Benfari
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federica Ilardi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Division of Cardiology, Federico II University Hospital, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, 80122, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Malagoli
- Division of Cardiology, Nephro-Cardiovascular Department, Baggiovara Hospital, Baggiovara, Italy
| | - Simona Sperlongano
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Michael Y Henein
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease-AUSL Romagna, Division of Cardiology, Ospedale S. Maria delle Croci, Viale Randi 5, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Antonello D'Andrea
- Department of Cardiology, Umberto I Hospital, 84014, Nocera Inferiore, SA, Italy
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Gonzalo A, Augustin CM, Bifulco SF, Telle Å, Chahine Y, Kassar A, Guerrero-Hurtado M, Durán E, Martínez-Legazpi P, Flores O, Bermejo J, Plank G, Akoum N, Boyle PM, Del Alamo JC. Patient-specific multi-physics simulations of fibrotic changes in left atrial tissue mechanics impact on hemodynamics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596526. [PMID: 38853952 PMCID: PMC11160719 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Atrial myopathy, including fibrosis, is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, but the mechanisms underlying this association are poorly understood. Fibrosis modifies myocardial structure, impairing electrical propagation and tissue biomechanics, and creating stagnant flow regions where clots could form. Fibrosis can be mapped non-invasively using late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-MRI). However, fibrosis maps are not currently incorporated into stroke risk calculations or computational electro-mechano-fluidic models. We present multi-physics simulations of left atrial (LA) myocardial motion and hemodynamics using patient-specific anatomies and fibrotic maps from LGE-MRI. We modify tissue stiffness and active tension generation in fibrotic regions and investigate how these changes affect LA flow for different fibrotic burdens. We find that fibrotic regions and, to a lesser extent, non-fibrotic regions experience reduced myocardial strain, resulting in decreased LA emptying fraction consistent with clinical observations. Both fibrotic tissue stiffening and hypocontractility independently reduce LA function, but together, these two alterations cause more pronounced effects than either one alone. Fibrosis significantly alters flow patterns throughout the atrial chamber, and particularly, the filling and emptying jets of the left atrial appendage (LAA). The effects of fibrosis in LA flow are largely captured by the concomitant changes in LA emptying fraction except inside the LAA, where a multi-factorial behavior is observed. This work illustrates how high-fidelity, multi-physics models can be used to study thrombogenesis mechanisms in a patient-specific manner, shedding light onto the link between atrial fibrosis and ischemic stroke. Key points Left atrial (LA) fibrosis is associated with arrhythmogenesis and increased risk of ischemic stroke; its extent and pattern can be quantified on a patient-specific basis using late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging.Current stroke risk prediction tools have limited personalization, and their accuracy could be improvedfib by incorporating patient-specific information like fibrotic maps and hemodynamic patterns.We present the first electro-mechano-fluidic multi-physics computational simulations of LA flow, including fibrosis and anatomies from medical imaging.Mechanical changes in fibrotic tissue impair global LA motion, decreasing LA and left atrial appendage (LAA) emptying fractions, especially in subjects with higher fibrosis burdens.Fibrotic-mediated LA motion impairment alters LA and LAA flow near the endocardium and the whole cavity, ultimately leading to more stagnant blood regions in the LAA.
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Li Z, Zhao R, Zhang Q, Shen Y, Shu X, Cheng L. Left atrial reservoir longitudinal strain and its incremental value to the left ventricular global longitudinal strain in predicting anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Echocardiography 2024; 41:e15805. [PMID: 38558436 DOI: 10.1111/echo.15805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) has been recommended by current guidelines for diagnosing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. However, little is known about the early changes in left atrial (LA) morphology and function in this population. Our study aimed to evaluate the potential usefulness of LA indices and their incremental value to LVGLS with three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in the early detection of subclinical cardiotoxicity in patients with lymphoma receiving anthracycline. METHODS A total of 80 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who received six cycles of anthracycline-based treatment were enrolled. Echocardiography was performed at baseline (T0), after four cycles (T1), and after the completion of six cycles of chemotherapy (T2). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LVGLS, LA volumes, LA emptying fraction (LAEF), LA active emptying fraction (LAAEF), and LA reservoir longitudinal strain (LASr) were quantified with 3DE. Left atrioventricular global longitudinal strain (LAVGLS) was calculated as the sum of peak LASr and the absolute value of peak LVGLS (LAVGLS = LASr+|LVGLS|). LV cardiotoxicity was defined as a new LVEF reduction by ≥10 percentage points to an LVEF of ≤50%. RESULTS Fourteen (17.5%) patients developed LV cardiotoxicity at T2. LA volumes, LAEF, and LAAEF remained stable over time. Impairment of LASr (28.35 ± 5.03 vs. 25.04 ± 4.10, p < .001), LVGLS (-22.77 ± 2.45 vs. -20.44 ± 2.62, p < .001), and LAVGLS (51.12 ± 5.63 vs. 45.61 ± 5.22, p < .001) was observed by the end of the fourth cycle of chemotherapy (T1). Statistically significant declines in LVEF (61.30 ± 4.73 vs. 57.08 ± 5.83, p < .001) were only observed at T2. The relative decrease in LASr (ΔLASr), LVGLS (ΔLVGLS), and LAVGLS (ΔLAVGLS) from T0 to T1 were predictors of LV cardiotoxicity. A ΔLASr of >19.75% (sensitivity, 71.4%; specificity, 87.9%; area under the curve (AUC), .842; p < .001), a ΔLVGLS of >13.19% (sensitivity, 78.6%; specificity, 74.2%; AUC, .763; p < .001), and a ΔLAVGLS of >16.80% (sensitivity, 78.6%; specificity, 93.9%; AUC, .905; p < .001) predicted subsequent LV cardiotoxicity at T2, with the AUC of ΔLAVGLS significantly larger than that of ΔLVGLS (.905 vs. .763, p = .027). Compared to ΔLVGLS, ΔLAVGLS showed improved specificity (93.9% vs. 74.2%, p = .002) and maintained sensitivity in predicting LV cardiotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS LASr could predict anthracycline-induced LV cardiotoxicity with excellent diagnostic performance. Incorporating LASr into LVGLS (LAVGLS) led to a significantly improved specificity and maintained sensitivity in predicting LV cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Li
- Department of Echocardiography, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Medicine, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Qunling Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihui Shen
- Department of Echocardiography, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianhong Shu
- Department of Echocardiography, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Leilei Cheng
- Department of Echocardiography, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Mandoli GE, Cameli M, Pastore MC, Loiacono F, Righini FM, D'Ascenzi F, Focardi M, Cavigli L, Lisi M, Bisleri G, Dokollari A, Bernazzali S, Maccherini M, Valente S, Henein MY. Left ventricular fibrosis as a main determinant of filling pressures and left atrial function in advanced heart failure. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2024; 25:446-453. [PMID: 38109280 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jead340] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Advanced heart failure (AdHF) is characterized by variable degrees of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, and raised filling pressures which lead to left atrial (LA) dilatation and cavity dysfunction. This study investigated the relationship between LA peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), assessed by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), and invasive measures of LV filling pressures and fibrosis in a group of AdHF patients undergoing heart transplantation (HTX). METHODS AND RESULTS We consecutively enrolled patients with AdHF who underwent HTX at our Department. Demographic and basic echocardiographic data were registered, then invasive intracardiac pressures were obtained from right heart catheterization, and STE was also performed. After HTX, biopsy specimens from explanted hearts were collected to quantify the degree of LV myocardial fibrosis. Sixty-four patients were included in the study (mean age 62.5 ± 11 years, 42% female). The mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 26.7 ± 6.1%, global PALS was 9.65 ± 4.5%, and mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was 18.8 ± 4.8 mmHg. Seventy-three % of patients proved to have severe LV fibrosis. Global PALS was inversely correlated with PCWP (R = -0.83; P < 0.0001) and with LV fibrosis severity (R = -0.78; P < 0.0001) but did not correlate with LVEF (R = 0.15; P = 0.2). Among echocardiographic indices of LV filling pressures, global PALS proved the strongest [area under the curve 0.955 (95% confidence interval 0.87-0.99)] predictor of raised (>18 mmHg) PCWP. CONCLUSION In patients with AdHF, reduced global PALS strongly correlated with the invasively assessed LV filling pressure and degree of LV fibrosis. Such relationship could be used as non-invasive indicator for optimum patient stratification for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Elena Mandoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Pastore
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Loiacono
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Maria Righini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Marta Focardi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luna Cavigli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Lisi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases-AUSL Romagna, 'Santa Maria delle Croci' Hospital, Ravenna, Italy
| | | | | | - Sonia Bernazzali
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Massimo Maccherini
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Serafina Valente
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Michael Y Henein
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
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Sillett C, Razeghi O, Lee AWC, Solis Lemus JA, Roney C, Mannina C, de Vere F, Ananthan K, Ennis DB, Haberland U, Xu H, Young A, Rinaldi CA, Rajani R, Niederer SA. A three-dimensional left atrial motion estimation from retrospective gated computed tomography: application in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1359715. [PMID: 38596691 PMCID: PMC11002108 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1359715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background A reduced left atrial (LA) strain correlates with the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Conventional atrial strain analysis uses two-dimensional (2D) imaging, which is, however, limited by atrial foreshortening and an underestimation of through-plane motion. Retrospective gated computed tomography (RGCT) produces high-fidelity three-dimensional (3D) images of the cardiac anatomy throughout the cardiac cycle that can be used for estimating 3D mechanics. Its feasibility for LA strain measurement, however, is understudied. Aim The aim of this study is to develop and apply a novel workflow to estimate 3D LA motion and calculate the strain from RGCT imaging. The utility of global and regional strains to separate heart failure in patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with and without AF is investigated. Methods A cohort of 30 HFrEF patients with (n = 9) and without (n = 21) AF underwent RGCT prior to cardiac resynchronisation therapy. The temporal sparse free form deformation image registration method was optimised for LA feature tracking in RGCT images and used to estimate 3D LA endocardial motion. The area and fibre reservoir strains were calculated over the LA body. Universal atrial coordinates and a human atrial fibre atlas enabled the regional strain calculation and the fibre strain calculation along the local myofibre orientation, respectively. Results It was found that global reservoir strains were significantly reduced in the HFrEF + AF group patients compared with the HFrEF-only group patients (area strain: 11.2 ± 4.8% vs. 25.3 ± 12.6%, P = 0.001; fibre strain: 4.5 ± 2.0% vs. 15.2 ± 8.8%, P = 0.001), with HFrEF + AF patients having a greater regional reservoir strain dyssynchrony. All regional reservoir strains were reduced in the HFrEF + AF patient group, in whom the inferior wall strains exhibited the most significant differences. The global reservoir fibre strain and LA volume + posterior wall reservoir fibre strain exceeded LA volume alone and 2D global longitudinal strain (GLS) for AF classification (area-under-the-curve: global reservoir fibre strain: 0.94 ± 0.02, LA volume + posterior wall reservoir fibre strain: 0.95 ± 0.02, LA volume: 0.89 ± 0.03, 2D GLS: 0.90 ± 0.03). Conclusion RGCT enables 3D LA motion estimation and strain calculation that outperforms 2D strain metrics and LA enlargement for AF classification. Differences in regional LA strain could reflect regional myocardial properties such as atrial fibrosis burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Sillett
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Orod Razeghi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Angela W. C. Lee
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Alonso Solis Lemus
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Roney
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carlo Mannina
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Felicity de Vere
- Department of Cardiology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kiruthika Ananthan
- Department of Cardiology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel B. Ennis
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | | | - Hao Xu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair Young
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher A. Rinaldi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Cardiology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ronak Rajani
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Cardiology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven A. Niederer
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Turing Research and Innovation Cluster: Digital Twins, The Alan Turing Institute, London, United Kingdom
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9
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Mancusi C, Basile C, Spaccarotella C, Gargiulo G, Fucile I, Paolillo S, Gargiulo P, Santoro C, Manzi L, Marzano F, Ambrosino P, De Luca N, Esposito G. Novel Strategies in Diagnosing Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Comprehensive Literature Review. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2024; 31:127-140. [PMID: 38489152 PMCID: PMC11043114 DOI: 10.1007/s40292-024-00629-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a prevalent global condition affecting approximately 50% of the HF population. With the aging of the worldwide population, its incidence and prevalence are expected to rise even further. Unfortunately, until recently, no effective medications were available to reduce the high mortality and hospitalization rates associated with HFpEF, making it a significant unmet need in cardiovascular medicine. Although HFpEF is commonly defined as HF with normal ejection fraction and elevated left ventricular filling pressure, performing invasive hemodynamic assessments on every individual suspected of having HFpEF is neither feasible nor practical. Consequently, several clinical criteria and diagnostic tools have been proposed to aid in diagnosing HFpEF. Overall, these criteria and tools are designed to assist healthcare professionals in identifying and evaluating patients who may have HFpEF based on a combination of signs, symptoms, biomarkers, and non-invasive imaging findings. By employing these non-invasive diagnostic approaches, clinicians can make informed decisions regarding the best pharmacological and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with suspected HFpEF. This literature review aims to provide an overview of all currently available methods for diagnosing and monitoring this disabling condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costantino Mancusi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - Christian Basile
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Spaccarotella
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gargiulo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fucile
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Paolillo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Gargiulo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Ciro Santoro
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Lina Manzi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Marzano
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Ambrosino
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Scientific Directorate of Telese Terme Institute, Telese, Italy
| | - Nicola De Luca
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Esposito
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
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10
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Pastore MC, Degiovanni A, Grisafi L, Renda G, Sozzani M, Giordano A, Salvatici C, Lorenz V, Pierfelice F, Cappelli C, De Donno F, Focardi M, Ricci F, Benedetto U, Gallina S, Cameli M, Patti G. Left Atrial Strain to Predict Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2024; 17:e015969. [PMID: 38227692 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.123.015969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery being associated with poorer outcomes. Revealing before the operation of left atrial subtle structural/functional abnormalities may help to identify patients at increased risk of POAF. We investigated the role of left atrial strain parameters by preoperative speckle tracking echocardiography as independent predictors of POAF in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft. METHODS Consecutive patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft were prospectively enrolled at three Italian centers. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography before the operation. The occurrence of POAF up to discharge was monitored. RESULTS Overall, a total of 310 patients were included. POAF was demonstrated in 103 patients (33%). At receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, lower global peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) values significantly predicted the risk of POAF (area under the curve, 0.74; P<0.001). The optimal cutoff value for the arrhythmia prediction was a global PALS value <28%, with a specificity of 86% and a sensitivity of 36%. The incidence of POAF was 51% in patients with global PALS <28% versus 14% in those with PALS ≥28% (P<0.001), with a POAF-free survival at Kaplan-Meier analysis of 45.4% and 85.7%, respectively (P<0.001). At multivariate analysis, a global PALS <28% carried a 3.6-fold higher risk of POAF (hazard ratio, 3.6 [95% CI, 2.2-5.9]; P<0.001). The risk increase was even higher when PALS <28% was associated with age ≥70 years (adjusted hazard ratio, 11.2 [4.7-26.6], P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS A presurgery global PALS <28% is a specific parameter to stratify patients at increased risk of POAF after coronary artery bypass graft. This assessment can be useful to identify patients at higher arrhythmic risk in whom perioperative preventive strategies and stricter monitoring aimed at early diagnosing and treating POAF may be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Concetta Pastore
- University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara (M.C.P., L.G., M.S., A.G., G.P.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena (M.C.P., C.S., M.F., M.C.)
| | - Anna Degiovanni
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Diseases, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Novara (A.D., L.G., G.P.)
| | - Leonardo Grisafi
- University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara (M.C.P., L.G., M.S., A.G., G.P.)
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Diseases, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Novara (A.D., L.G., G.P.)
| | - Giulia Renda
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti (G.R., F.P., C.C., F.D.D., F.R., U.B., S.G.)
- Division of Cardiology, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Chieti (G.R., F.P., C.C., F.D.D., F.R., S.G.)
| | - Martina Sozzani
- University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara (M.C.P., L.G., M.S., A.G., G.P.)
| | - Andrea Giordano
- University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara (M.C.P., L.G., M.S., A.G., G.P.)
| | - Cosimo Salvatici
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena (M.C.P., C.S., M.F., M.C.)
| | - Veronica Lorenz
- Division of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena (V.L.)
| | - Francesca Pierfelice
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti (G.R., F.P., C.C., F.D.D., F.R., U.B., S.G.)
- Division of Cardiology, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Chieti (G.R., F.P., C.C., F.D.D., F.R., S.G.)
| | - Clelia Cappelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti (G.R., F.P., C.C., F.D.D., F.R., U.B., S.G.)
- Division of Cardiology, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Chieti (G.R., F.P., C.C., F.D.D., F.R., S.G.)
| | - Federica De Donno
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti (G.R., F.P., C.C., F.D.D., F.R., U.B., S.G.)
- Division of Cardiology, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Chieti (G.R., F.P., C.C., F.D.D., F.R., S.G.)
| | - Marta Focardi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena (M.C.P., C.S., M.F., M.C.)
| | - Fabrizio Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti (G.R., F.P., C.C., F.D.D., F.R., U.B., S.G.)
- Division of Cardiology, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Chieti (G.R., F.P., C.C., F.D.D., F.R., S.G.)
| | - Umberto Benedetto
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti (G.R., F.P., C.C., F.D.D., F.R., U.B., S.G.)
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Chieti; Italy (U.B.)
| | - Sabina Gallina
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti (G.R., F.P., C.C., F.D.D., F.R., U.B., S.G.)
- Division of Cardiology, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Chieti (G.R., F.P., C.C., F.D.D., F.R., S.G.)
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena (M.C.P., C.S., M.F., M.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Patti
- University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara (M.C.P., L.G., M.S., A.G., G.P.)
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Diseases, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Novara (A.D., L.G., G.P.)
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11
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Place F, Carpenter H, Morrison BN, Chester N, Cooper R, Stansfield BN, George KP, Oxborough D. The impact of image and performance enhancing drugs on atrial structure and function in resistance trained individuals. Echo Res Pract 2023; 10:19. [PMID: 38053157 DOI: 10.1186/s44156-023-00031-y] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) are commonly used in resistance trained (RT) individuals and negatively impact left ventricular (LV) structure and function. Few studies have investigated the impact of IPEDs on atrial structure and function with no previous studies investigating bi-atrial strain. Additionally, the impact of current use vs. past use of IPEDs is unclear. METHODS Utilising a cross-sectional design, male (n = 81) and female (n = 15) RT individuals were grouped based on IPED user status: current (n = 57), past (n = 19) and non-users (n = 20). Participants completed IPED questionnaires, anthropometrical measurements, electrocardiography, and transthoracic echocardiography with strain imaging. Structural cardiac data was allometrically scaled to body surface area (BSA) according to laws of geometric similarity. RESULTS Body mass and BSA were greater in current users than past and non-users of IPEDs (p < 0.01). Absolute left atrial (LA) volume (60 ± 17 vs 46 ± 12, p = 0.001) and right atrial (RA) area (19 ± 4 vs 15 ± 3, p < 0.001) were greater in current users than non-users but this difference was lost following scaling (p > 0.05). Left atrial reservoir (p = 0.008, p < 0.001) and conduit (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) strain were lower in current users than past and non-users (conduit: current = 22 ± 6, past = 29 ± 9 and non-users = 31 ± 7 and reservoir: current = 33 ± 8, past = 39 ± 8, non-users = 42 ± 8). Right atrial reservoir (p = 0.015) and conduit (p = 0.007) strain were lower in current than non-users (conduit: current = 25 ± 8, non-users = 33 ± 10 and reservoir: current = 36 ± 10, non-users = 44 ± 13). Current users showed reduced LV diastolic function (A wave: p = 0.022, p = 0.049 and E/A ratio: p = 0.039, p < 0.001) and higher LA stiffness (p = 0.001, p < 0.001) than past and non-users (A wave: current = 0.54 ± 0.1, past = 0.46 ± 0.1, non-users = 0.47 ± 0.09 and E/A ratio: current = 1.5 ± 0.5, past = 1.8 ± 0.4, non-users = 1.9 ± 0.4, LA stiffness: current = 0.21 ± 0.7, past = 0.15 ± 0.04, non-users = 0.15 ± 0.07). CONCLUSION Resistance trained individuals using IPEDs have bi-atrial enlargement that normalises with allometric scaling, suggesting that increased size is, in part, associated with increased body size. The lower LA and RA reservoir and conduit strain and greater absolute bi-atrial structural parameters in current than non-users of IPEDs suggests pathological adaptation with IPED use, although the similarity in these parameters between past and non-users suggests reversibility of pathological changes with withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Place
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Harry Carpenter
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Barbara N Morrison
- School of Human Kinetics, Trinity Western University, Langley, BC, Canada
| | - Neil Chester
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Robert Cooper
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Ben N Stansfield
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Arizona, USA
| | - Keith P George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
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12
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Takahari K, Susawa H, Utsunomiya H, Tsuchiya A, Mogami A, Takemoto H, Izumi K, Ueda Y, Itakura K, Nakano Y. Left Atrial Stiffness Index as a Predictor of Effort Intolerance and Hemodynamics Evaluated by Invasive Exercise Stress Testing in Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation. Am J Cardiol 2023; 208:65-71. [PMID: 37812868 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.09.046] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
In patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR), peak oxygen consumption is the significant prognostic factor, and exercise intolerance has been considered a trigger for surgical intervention. The significant mitral regurgitation (MR) induces left atrial (LA) remodeling, but the significance of LA stiffness calculated by the ratio of E/e' to LA reservoir strain in degenerative MR has not been elucidated. A total of 30 patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic grade ≥III + DMR underwent the cardiopulmonary exercising test simultaneously with invasive hemodynamic assessment. LA stiffness index significantly correlated with exercise hemodynamic deterioration, including pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (r = 0.71, p <0.01), systolic pulmonary arterial pressure at peak exercise (r = 0.73, p <0.01), and pulmonary circulatory reserve (mean pulmonary arterial pressure/cardiac output slope, r = 0.45, p = 0.012). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the higher LA stiffness index was significantly associated with decreased percent predicted peak oxygen consumption (per 0.1 increase, β -4.0, 95% confidence interval -6.9 to -1.3, p <0.01) independently of MR deterioration during exercise. In conclusion, increased LA stiffness was associated with exercise intolerance through hemodynamic deterioration during exercise in patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic severe DMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Takahari
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Susawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroto Utsunomiya
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - Akane Tsuchiya
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Atsuo Mogami
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hajime Takemoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kanako Izumi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ueda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kiho Itakura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yukiko Nakano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
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13
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Petersen SE, Muraru D, Westwood M, Dweck MR, Di Salvo G, Delgado V, Cosyns B. The year 2022 in the European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging: Part I. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2023; 24:1593-1604. [PMID: 37738411 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jead237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging with its over 10 years existence is an established leading multi-modality cardiovascular imaging journal. Pertinent publications including original research, how-to papers, reviews, consensus documents, and in our journal from 2022 have been highlighted in two reports. Part I focuses on cardiomyopathies, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and congenital heart disease and related emerging techniques and technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen E Petersen
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Barts Heart Centre, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Denisa Muraru
- Department of cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Mark Westwood
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Barts Heart Centre, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Marc R Dweck
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Giovanni Di Salvo
- Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Victoria Delgado
- Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Cardiology, Hospital University Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
- Centre de Medicina Comparativa i Bioimatge (CMCIB), Badalona, Spain
| | - Bernard Cosyns
- Department of Cardiology, CHVZ (Centrum voor Hart en Vaatziekten), ICMI (In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging) Laboratory, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, 101 Laarbeeklaan, Brussels 1090, Belgium
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14
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Tomaselli M, Badano LP, Cannone V, Radu N, Curti E, Perelli F, Heilbron F, Gavazzoni M, Rella V, Oliverio G, Caravita S, Baratto C, Perego GB, Parati G, Brasca F, Muraru D. Incremental Value of Right Atrial Strain Analysis to Predict Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Electrical Cardioversion. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2023; 36:945-955. [PMID: 37302440 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the assessment of left atrial (LA) mechanics has been reported to refine atrial fibrillation (AF) risk prediction, it doesn't completely predict AF recurrence. The potential added role of right atrial (RA) function in this setting is unknown. Accordingly, this study sought to evaluate the added value of RA longitudinal reservoir strain (RASr) for the prediction of AF recurrence after electrical cardioversion (ECV). METHODS We retrospectively studied 132 consecutive patients with persistent AF who underwent elective ECV. Complete two-dimensional and speckle-tracking echocardiography analyses of LA and RA size and function were obtained in all patients before ECV. The end point was AF recurrence. RESULTS During a 12-month follow-up, 63 patients (48%) showed AF recurrence. Both LASr and RASr were significantly lower in patients experiencing AF recurrence than in patients with persistent sinus rhythm (LASr, 10% ± 6% vs 13% ± 7%; RASr, 14% ± 10% vs 20% ± 9%, respectively; P < .001 for both). Right atrial longitudinal reservoir strain (area under the curve = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69-0.84; P < .0001) was more strongly associated with the recurrence of AF after ECV than LASr (area under the curve = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.60-0.77; P < .0001). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with both LASr ≤ 10% and RASr ≤ 15% had a significantly increased risk for AF recurrence (log-rank, P < .001). However, at multivariable Cox regression, RASr (hazard ratio, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.73-6.13; P < .001) was the only parameter independently associated with AF recurrence. Right atrial longitudinal reservoir strain was more strongly associated with the occurrence of AF relapse after ECV than LASr, and LA and RA volumes. CONCLUSION Right atrial longitudinal reservoir strain was independently and more strongly associated than LASr with AF recurrence after elective ECV. This study highlights the importance of assessing the functional remodeling of both the RA and LA in patients with persistent AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Tomaselli
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi P Badano
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Cannone
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Noela Radu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Prof. Dr. C. C. Iliescu Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Emanuele Curti
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Perelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Heilbron
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Gavazzoni
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Rella
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Oliverio
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Caravita
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Management, Information and Production Engineering, University of Bergamo, Dalmine, Italy
| | - Claudia Baratto
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni B Perego
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Brasca
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Denisa Muraru
- Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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15
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Jiang X, Zhou YX, Zhou Q, Cao S. The 2-year postoperative left heart function in marginal donor heart recipients assessing by speckle tracking echocardiography. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING 2023; 39:1449-1459. [PMID: 37184761 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-023-02867-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This study analyzed the differences and explored the donor/recipient factors between marginal and standard donor heart recipients after heart transplantation (HT) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Seventy-two HT patients were enrolled: 25 standard and 47 marginal donor heart recipients. Thirty HT patients completed 2-year continuous follow-up (1, 6, 12, 24 months). Thirty healthy volunteers were controls. STE was used to track the strain characteristics of the left ventricle and atrium for detecting early changes in marginal donor heart recipients, including left ventricular global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain (LVGLS, LVGCS, LVGRS) and left atrial strain in systole (LAS-S) and late diastole (LAS-A). The perioperative parameters were similar between the standard and marginal groups. No significant differences were found in left heart size, systolic and diastolic function parameters. Left ventricular systolic strain (LVGLS, LVGCS, LVGRS) and systolic and late diastolic left atrial strain (LAS-S, LAS-A) were lower in the HT recipients than the control group (P < 0.05), but there was no difference between the marginal and standard groups (P > 0.05). LVGLS, LVGCS, and LAS-S were low in the marginal group 1 month after surgery but recovered gradually at 6 months. The patients with donor/recipient body weight ratio < 0.8 group had lower LVGLS and LAS-S. STE showed no significant difference between marginal and standard donor recipients. The LVGLS and LAS-S were lower in those with a smaller donor/recipient body weight ratio. The cardiac function of HT patients was lower in the early postoperative period but gradually recovered over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jiang
- Department of Ultrasonography, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yan-Xiang Zhou
- Department of Ultrasonography, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Ultrasonography, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Sheng Cao
- Department of Ultrasonography, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China.
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16
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Telle Å, Bargellini C, Chahine Y, Del Álamo JC, Akoum N, Boyle PM. Personalized biomechanical insights in atrial fibrillation: opportunities & challenges. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2023; 21:817-837. [PMID: 37878350 PMCID: PMC10841537 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2023.2273896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an increasingly prevalent and significant worldwide health problem. Manifested as an irregular atrial electrophysiological activation, it is associated with many serious health complications. AF affects the biomechanical function of the heart as contraction follows the electrical activation, subsequently leading to reduced blood flow. The underlying mechanisms behind AF are not fully understood, but it is known that AF is highly correlated with the presence of atrial fibrosis, and with a manifold increase in risk of stroke. AREAS COVERED In this review, we focus on biomechanical aspects in atrial fibrillation, current and emerging use of clinical images, and personalized computational models. We also discuss how these can be used to provide patient-specific care. EXPERT OPINION Understanding the connection betweenatrial fibrillation and atrial remodeling might lead to valuable understanding of stroke and heart failure pathophysiology. Established and emerging imaging modalities can bring us closer to this understanding, especially with continued advancements in processing accuracy, reproducibility, and clinical relevance of the associated technologies. Computational models of cardiac electromechanics can be used to glean additional insights on the roles of AF and remodeling in heart function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åshild Telle
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Clarissa Bargellini
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yaacoub Chahine
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Juan C Del Álamo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nazem Akoum
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Patrick M Boyle
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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17
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Pastore MC, Campora A, Cameli M. Atrial Fibrillation and Myopathy Predisposing to Stroke and Dementia: What Came First, Chicken or Egg? JACC. ADVANCES 2023; 2:100427. [PMID: 38939003 PMCID: PMC11198162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Concetta Pastore
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Campora
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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18
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Kim J, Park SJ, Jeong DS, Chung S, Jeon K, Bak M, Kim D, Kim EK, Chang SA, Lee SC, Park SW. Left atrial strain predicts fibrosis of left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing totally thoracoscopic ablation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1130372. [PMID: 37265565 PMCID: PMC10229857 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1130372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Left atrial (LA) fibrosis is related with development and severity of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between LA strain and LA fibrosis in patients undergoing totally thoracoscopic ablation (TTA) for AF. Methods Between February 2012 and March 2015, a total of 128 patients who underwent TTA were enrolled from a tertiary hospital. Left atrial appendage (LAA) was harvested during surgery to determine the degree of fibrosis. LAA fibrosis was classified as mild (1st quartile), moderate (2nd and 3rd quartile), or severe (4th quartile). Clinical outcome was 5-year recurrence rate of AF detected on electrocardiogram or 24 h Holter monitoring. Results The mean age was 54.3 ± 8.8 years and 18.8% had paroxysmal AF. Patients with mild LAA fibrosis had a significantly lower rate of recurrent AF (23.3%) at 5 years after TTA compared with those with moderate (51.4%; hazard ratio [HR] 2.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-6.12) or severe (53.2%; HR 2.84; 95% CI 1.16-6.97) fibrosis. Among clinical and echocardiographic parameters, peak LA strain was the only predictor of mild LAA fibrosis (coefficient 0.10, p = 0.005) with the best cutoff value of 14.7% (area under the curve 0.732). The prevalence of mild LAA fibrosis was 40.6% in patients with peak LA strain ≥14.7%, but only 6.8% in those with peak LA strain <14.7%. Conclusions In patients undergoing TTA for AF, mild LAA fibrosis was associated with a lower risk of 5-year AF recurrence. LA strain was the only predictor of mild LAA fibrosis that reflects a lower risk of 5-year AF recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Vascular Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Ji Park
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Vascular Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Seop Jeong
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Vascular Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suryeun Chung
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Cardiac and Vascular Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kina Jeon
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Vascular Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjung Bak
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Vascular Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Darae Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Vascular Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Kyoung Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Vascular Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-A Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Vascular Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Chol Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Vascular Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Woo Park
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Vascular Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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19
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Mandoli GE, Cameli M, Pastore MC, Benfari G, Malagoli A, D'Andrea A, Sperlongano S, Bandera F, Esposito R, Santoro C, Pedrinelli R, Mercuro G, Indolfi C. Speckle tracking echocardiography in early disease stages: a therapy modifier? J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2023; 24:e55-e66. [PMID: 37052222 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Echocardiography has been included as a first-line tool in several international guidelines for the management of patients with various cardiac diseases. Beyond diagnosis, echocardiographic examination helps in characterizing the severity of the condition since the very first stages. In particular, the application of second-level techniques, speckle tracking echocardiography in particular, can also reveal a subclinical dysfunction, while the standard parameters are in the normality range. The present review describes the potentialities of advanced echocardiography in different settings, including arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diastolic dysfunction, and oncological patients, thus opening up potential starting points for its application as a clinical routine changer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Elena Mandoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena
| | - Maria Concetta Pastore
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena
| | - Giovanni Benfari
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona
| | - Alessandro Malagoli
- Division of Cardiology, Nephro-Cardiovascular Department, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | | | - Simona Sperlongano
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Traslational Medical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples
| | - Francesco Bandera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milano
- Cardiology University Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan
| | | | - Ciro Santoro
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, Federico II University Hospital, Naples
| | - Roberto Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa
| | - Giuseppe Mercuro
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari
| | - Ciro Indolfi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Grecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
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20
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Sun P, Cen H, Chen S, Chen X, Jiang W, Zhu H, Liu Y, Liu H, Lu W. Left atrial dysfunction can independently predict exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure who use beta-blockers. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:128. [PMID: 36894879 PMCID: PMC9996944 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03127-9] [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: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beta-blockers are first-line clinical drugs for the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF). In the guidelines for cardiac rehabilitation, patients with heart failure who do or do not receive beta-blocker therapy have different reference thresholds for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). It has been reported that left atrial (LA) strain can be used to predict VO2max in patients with heart failure, which can be used to assess exercise capacity. However, most existing studies included patients who did not receive beta-blocker therapy, which could have a heterogeneous influence on the conclusions. For the vast majority of CHF patients receiving beta-blockers, the exact relationship between LA strain parameters and exercise capacity is unclear. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 73 patients with CHF who received beta-blockers. All patients underwent a thorough resting echocardiogram and a cardiopulmonary exercise test to obtain VO2max, which was used to reflect exercise capacity. RESULTS LA reservoir strain, LA maximum volume index (LAVImax), LA minimum volume index (LAVImin) (P < 0.0001) and LA booster strain (P < 0.01) were all significantly correlated with VO2max, and LA conduit strain was significantly correlated with VO2max (P < 0.05) after adjusting for sex, age, and body mass index. LA reservoir strain, LAVImax, LAVImin (P < 0.001), and LA booster strain (P < 0.05) were significantly correlated with VO2max after adjusting for left ventricular ejection fraction, the ratio of transmitral E velocity to tissue Doppler mitral annulus e' velocity (E/e'), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. LA reservoir strain with a cutoff value of 24.9% had a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 63% for the identification of patients with VO2max < 16 mL/kg/min. CONCLUSION Among CHF patients receiving beta-blocker therapy, resting LA strain is linearly correlated with exercise capacity. LA reservoir strain is a robust independent predictor of reduced exercise capacity among all resting echocardiography parameters. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is a part of the Baduanjin-Eight-Silken-Movement with Self-efficacy Building for Patients with Chronic Heart Failure (BESMILE-HF) trial NCT03180320 (ClinicalTrials.gov, registration date: 08/06/2017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengtao Sun
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China.,Department of Ultrasonography, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Huan Cen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China.,Department of Ultrasonography, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Sinan Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China.,Department of Ultrasonography, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Xiankun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China.,Key Unit of Methodology in Clinical Research, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China.,Health Systems and Policy, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wei Jiang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China.,Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Huiying Zhu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China.,Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Yuexia Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China.,Department of Ultrasonography, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Hongmei Liu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, China. .,Department of Ultrasonography, Institute of Ultrasound in Musculoskeletal Sports Medicine, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
| | - Weihui Lu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China. .,Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
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21
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Clinical Utility of Strain Imaging in Assessment of Myocardial Fibrosis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030743. [PMID: 36769393 PMCID: PMC9917743 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a non-reversible process that occurs following acute or chronic myocardial damage. MF worsens myocardial deformation, remodels the heart and raises myocardial stiffness, and is a crucial pathological manifestation in patients with end-stage cardiovascular diseases and closely related to cardiac adverse events. Therefore, early quantitative analysis of MF plays an important role in risk stratification, clinical decision, and improvement in prognosis. With the advent and development of strain imaging modalities in recent years, MF may be detected early in cardiovascular diseases. This review summarizes the clinical usefulness of strain imaging techniques in the non-invasive assessment of MF.
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22
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Mandoli GE, Pastore MC, Benfari G, Setti M, Maritan L, Diviggiano EE, D'Ascenzi F, Focardi M, Cavigli L, Valente S, Cameli M. The loss of left atrial contractile function predicts a worse outcome in HFrEF patients. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 9:1079632. [PMID: 36712283 PMCID: PMC9874119 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1079632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In chronic heart failure, high intracardiac pressures induce a progressive remodeling of small pulmonary arteries up to pulmonary hypertension. At the end of left atrial conduit function, pulmonary and left heart end-systolic pressures equalization might affect left atrial systole. In this single-center prospective study, we aimed to investigate whether peak atrial contraction strain (PACS), measured by speckle tracking echocardiography, was independently associated with prognosis in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Materials and methods Outpatients with HFrEF and sinus rhythm referred to our echo-labs were enrolled. After clinical and echocardiographic evaluation, off-line speckle tracking echocardiography analysis was performed. Primary and secondary endpoint were cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization, respectively. Spline knotted survival model identified the optimal prognostic cut-off for PACS. Results The 152 patients were stratified based on PACS <8% (n = 76) or PACS ≥8% (n = 76). Patients with PACS <8% had lower left ventricle and left atrial reservoir strain and higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and left atrial volume index (LAVI). Over a mean follow-up of 3.4 ± 2 years, 117 events (51 cardiovascular death, 66 heart failure hospitalizations) were collected. By univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, PACS emerged as a strong and independent predictor of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization, after adjusting for age, sex, left ventricle strain, and E/e', LAVI (HR 0.6 per 5 unit-decrease in PACS). Kaplan-Meier curves showed a sustained divergence in event-free survival rates for the two groups. Conclusion The reduction of PACS significantly and independently affects cardiovascular outcome in HFrEF. Therefore, its assessment, although limited to patients with sinus rhythm, could offer additive prognostic information for HFrEF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Elena Mandoli
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Pastore
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Benfari
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Martina Setti
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Maritan
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Enrico Emilio Diviggiano
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marta Focardi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luna Cavigli
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Serafina Valente
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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23
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Prognostic Value of Left Atrial Strain in Aortic Stenosis: A Competing Risk Analysis. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2023; 36:29-37.e5. [PMID: 36441088 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of left atrial (LA) strain as an imaging biomarker in aortic stenosis is not well established. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic performance of phasic LA strain in relation to clinical and echocardiographic variables and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in asymptomatic and minimally symptomatic patients with moderate to severe aortic stenosis and left ventricular ejection fraction > 50%. METHODS LA reservoir strain (LASr), LA conduit strain (LAScd), and LA contractile strain (LASct) were measured using speckle-tracking echocardiography. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, progression to New York Heart Association functional class III or IV, acute coronary syndrome, or syncope. Secondary outcomes 1 and 2 comprised the same end points but excluded acute coronary syndrome and additionally syncope, respectively. The prognostic performance of phasic LA strain cutoffs was evaluated in competing risk analyses, aortic valve replacement being the competing risk. RESULTS Among 173 patients (mean age, 69 ± 11 years; mean peak transaortic velocity, 4.0 ± 0.8 m/sec), median LASr, LAScd, and LASct were 27% (interquartile range [IQR], 22%-32%), 12% (IQR, 8%-15%), and 16% (IQR, 13%-18%), respectively. Over a median of 2.7 years (IQR, 1.4-4.6 years), the primary outcome and secondary outcomes 1 and 2 occurred in 66 (38%), 62 (36%), and 59 (34%) patients, respectively. LASr < 20%, LAScd < 6%, and LASct < 12% were identified as optimal cutoffs of the primary outcome. In competing risk analyses, progressing from echocardiographic to echocardiographic-clinical and combined models incorporating N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, LA strain parameters outperformed other key echocardiographic variables and significantly predicted clinical outcomes. LASr < 20% was associated with the primary outcome and secondary outcome 1, LAScd < 6% with all clinical outcomes, and LASct < 12% with secondary outcome 2. LAScd < 6% had the highest specificity (95%) and positive predictive value (82%) for the primary outcome, and competing risk models incorporating LAScd < 6% had the best discriminative value. CONCLUSIONS In well-compensated patients with moderate to severe aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular ejection fractions, LA strain was superior to other echocardiographic indices and incremental to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide for risk stratification. LAScd < 6%, LASr < 20%, and LASct < 12% identified patients at higher risk for adverse outcomes.
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24
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Aimo A, Fabiani I, Giannoni A, Mandoli GE, Pastore MC, Vergaro G, Spini V, Chubuchny V, Pasanisi EM, Petersen C, Poggianti E, Taddei C, Castiglione V, Latrofa S, Panichella G, Sciaccaluga C, Georgiopoulos G, Passino C, Cameli M, Emdin M. Multi-chamber speckle tracking imaging and diagnostic value of left atrial strain in cardiac amyloidosis. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022; 24:130-141. [PMID: 35292807 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeac057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) affects the four heart chambers, which can all be evaluated through speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). METHODS AND RESULTS We evaluated 423 consecutive patients screened for CA over 5 years at two referral centres. CA was diagnosed in 261 patients (62%) with either amyloid transthyretin (ATTR; n = 144, 34%) or amyloid light-chain (AL; n = 117, 28%) CA. Strain parameters of all chambers were altered in CA patients, particularly those with ATTR-CA. Nonetheless, only peak left atrial longitudinal strain (LA-PALS) displayed an independent association with the diagnosis of CA or ATTR-CA beyond standard echocardiographic variables and cardiac biomarkers (Model 1), or with the diagnosis of ATTR-CA beyond the validated IWT score in patients with unexplained left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Patients with the most severe impairment of LA strain were those most likely to have CA or ATTR-CA. Specifically, LA-PALS and/or LA-peak atrial contraction strain (PACS) in the first quartile (i.e. LA-PALS <6.65% and/or LA-PACS <3.62%) had a 3.60-fold higher risk of CA, and a 3.68-fold higher risk of ATTR-CA beyond Model 1. Among patients with unexplained LV hypertrophy, those with LA-PALS or LA-PACS in the first quartile had an 8.76-fold higher risk for CA beyond Model 1, and a 2.04-fold higher risk of ATTR-CA beyond the IWT score. CONCLUSIONS Among STE measures of the four chambers, PALS and PACS are the most informative ones to diagnose CA and ATTR-CA. Patients screened for CA and having LA-PALS and/or LA-PACS in the first quartile have a high likelihood of CA and ATTR-CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Aimo
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124 Pisa, Italy.,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Iacopo Fabiani
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Giannoni
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124 Pisa, Italy.,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Elena Mandoli
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Pastore
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vergaro
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124 Pisa, Italy.,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Spini
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vladyslav Chubuchny
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Emilio Maria Pasanisi
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Christina Petersen
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Poggianti
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Taddei
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Castiglione
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Latrofa
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Panichella
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlotta Sciaccaluga
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Georgios Georgiopoulos
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St. Thomas' Hospital Campus, London, UK.,Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Claudio Passino
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124 Pisa, Italy.,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Michele Emdin
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124 Pisa, Italy.,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
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25
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Left Atrial Remodeling in Response to Aortic Valve Replacement: Pathophysiology and Myocardial Strain Analysis. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12122074. [PMID: 36556439 PMCID: PMC9788515 DOI: 10.3390/life12122074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Severe aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valve disease in the elderly and is associated with poor prognosis if treated only medically. AS causes chronic pressure overload, concentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, myocardial stiffness, and diastolic dysfunction. This adverse remodeling also affects the left atrium (LA), which dilates and develops myocardial fibrosis, with a reduction in intrinsic function and a consequent high risk of the development of atrial fibrillation. Speckle-tracking echocardiography is able to detect myocardial dysfunction before other conventional parameters, such as LV ejection fraction, and also predict clinical outcomes. This review aims at describing LV and LA remodeling in AS and before and after aortic valve replacement and the usefulness of myocardial strain analysis in this clinical setting.
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26
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Molecular Approaches and Echocardiographic Deformation Imaging in Detecting Myocardial Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810944. [PMID: 36142856 PMCID: PMC9501415 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological remodeling of myocardial tissue is the main cause of heart diseases. Several processes are involved in the onset of heart failure, and the comprehension of the mechanisms underlying the pathological phenotype deserves special attention to find novel procedures to identify the site of injury and develop novel strategies, as well as molecular druggable pathways, to counteract the high degree of morbidity associated with it. Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is recognized as a critical trigger for disruption of heart functionality due to the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, in response to an injury. Its diagnosis remains focalized on invasive techniques, such as endomyocardial biopsy (EMB), or may be noninvasively detected by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). The detection of MF by non-canonical markers remains a challenge in clinical practice. During the last two decades, two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has emerged as a new non-invasive imaging modality, able to detect myocardial tissue abnormalities without specifying the causes of the underlying histopathological changes. In this review, we highlighted the clinical utility of 2D-STE deformation imaging for tissue characterization, and its main technical limitations and criticisms. Moreover, we focalized on the importance of coupling 2D-STE examination with the molecular approaches in the clinical decision-making processes, in particular when the 2D-STE does not reflect myocardial dysfunction directly. We also attempted to examine the roles of epigenetic markers of MF and hypothesized microRNA-based mechanisms aiming to understand how they match with the clinical utility of echocardiographic deformation imaging for tissue characterization and MF assessment.
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27
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Bruns F, Dobrev D. Assessment of atrial function by echocardiography: Can this be used to assess the arrhythmogenic atrial substrate? Int J Cardiol 2022; 362:190-191. [PMID: 35659557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.05.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Bruns
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA; Montréal Heart Institute, University de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
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28
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Versteylen MO, Brons M, Teske AJ, Oerlemans MIFJ. Restrictive Atrial Dysfunction in Cardiac Amyloidosis: Differences between Immunoglobulin Light Chain and Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis Patients. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1768. [PMID: 35892668 PMCID: PMC9330560 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In cardiac amyloidosis, the prevalence of thromboembolic events and atrial fibrillation is higher in transthyretin amyloidosis compared to immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis. Therefore, we hypothesize that transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis patients have worse atrial function. Purpose: To explore the left atrial function by conventional ultrasound and strain analysis in immunoglobulin light chain- and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis patients. Methods: In cardiac amyloidosis patients in our Amyloidosis Expert Center, echocardiographic strain analysis was performed using speckle tracking. Results: The data of 53 cardiac amyloidosis patients (83% male, mean age 70 years) were analyzed. Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis patients (n = 24, 45%) were older (75 ± 5.6 vs. 65 ± 7.2 years, p < 0.001) and had more left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy than immunoglobulin light chain cardiac amyloidosis patients (n = 29, 55%). However, LV systolic and diastolic function did not differ, nor did left atrial dimensions (LAVI 56(24) vs. 50(31) mL/m2). Left atrial reservoir strain was markedly lower in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (7.4(6.2) vs. 13.6(14.7), p = 0.017). This association was independent of other measurements of the left atrial and ventricular function. Conclusions: Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis patients had lower left atrial reservoir function compared to immunoglobulin light chain cardiac amyloidosis patients although the left atrial geometry was similar. Interestingly, this association was independent of left atrial- and LV ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain. Further research is warranted to assess the impact of impaired left atrial dysfunction in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis on atrial fibrillation burden and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marish I. F. J. Oerlemans
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.O.V.); (M.B.); (A.J.T.)
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29
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Perutsky DN, Obrezan AG, Osipova OA, Zarudsky AA. Left atrial function in patients with heart failure. КАРДИОВАСКУЛЯРНАЯ ТЕРАПИЯ И ПРОФИЛАКТИКА 2022. [DOI: 10.15829/1728-8800-2022-3265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Improvement of the treatment and diagnosis of hypertension and heart failure (HF) contributes to an increase in life expectancy of the population and, accordingly, its aging. The problem of diagnosing and predicting HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is currently one of the urgent problems. The role of left atrial function in the development and course prediction of HF are the subject of scientific study. This review provides an analysis of recent studies on left atrial function in HF patients.
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30
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Lee JH, Park JH, Hwang IC, Park JJ, Park JB. Decreased Peak Left Atrial Longitudinal Strain Is Associated with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Left Heart Disease. J Clin Med 2022; 11:3510. [PMID: 35743580 PMCID: PMC9225174 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123510] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with left heart disease (PH-LHD) is the most common form of PH and has significantly higher morbidity and mortality. We estimated the prevalence of PH-LHD on the follow-up echocardiography and the role of left atrial (LA) function in PH-LHD. From the STRATS-AHF registry composed of 4312 acute heart failure (HF) patients, we analyzed peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) in 1729 patients with follow-up echocardiographic examinations during mean 18.1 ± 13.5 months. PH was determined by the maximal velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR Vmax ≥ 3.4 m/s). Persistent PH was found in 373 patients (21.6%). The PH-LHD group was significantly older, and the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF), hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction were higher compared with the no PH-LHD group. Baseline left ventricular end-systolic volume and PALS were lower, and LA diameter, mitral E/E’ ratio, and TR Vmax were higher in the PH-LHD group. In the multivariate analysis, PALS (HR = 1.024, p = 0.040) was a significant variable after adjustment of LA diameter and mitral E/E’. A decreased PALS of <12.5% was the best cutoff value in the prediction of persistent PH-LHD (AUC = 0.594, sensitivity = 65.3%, specificity = 46.1%). PH-LHD was associated with increased HF hospitalization (HR = 2.344, p < 0.001) and mortality (HR = 2.015, p < 0.001) after adjusting for age and sex. In conclusion, persistent PH-LHD was found in 21.6% in the follow-up echocardiography and was associated with decreased PALS (<12.5%). PH-LHD persistence was associated with poor clinical outcomes. Thus, AHF patients with decreased PALS, especially <12.5%, should be followed with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Hee Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Korea;
| | - Jae-Hyeong Park
- Department of Cardiology in Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - In-Chang Hwang
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea; (I.-C.H.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Jin Joo Park
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea; (I.-C.H.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Jun-Bean Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea;
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31
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Marchandise S, Garnir Q, Scavée C, Varnavas V, le Polain de Waroux JB, Wauters A, Beauloye C, Roelants V, Gerber BL. Prediction of Left Atrial Fibrosis and Success of Catheter Ablation by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients Imaged in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:856796. [PMID: 35694674 PMCID: PMC9176405 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.856796] [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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundNon-invasive evaluation of left atrial structural and functional remodeling should be considered in all patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) to optimal management. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has been shown to predict AF recurrence after catheter ablation; however in most studies, patients had paroxysmal AF, and STE was performed while patients were in sinus rhythm.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of STE parameters acquired during persistent AF to assess atrial fibrosis measured by low voltage area, and to predict maintenance of sinus rhythm of catheter ablation.MethodsA total of 94 patients (69 men, 65 ± 9 years) with persistent AF prospectively underwent measurement of Global Peak Atrial Longitudinal Strain (GPALS), indexed LA Volume (LAVI), E/e′ ratio, and LA stiffness index (the ratio of E/e′ to GPALS) by STE prior to catheter ablation, while in AF. Low-voltage area (LVA) was assessed by electro-anatomical mapping and categorized into absent, moderate (>0 to <15%), and high (≥15%) atrial extent. AF recurrence was evaluated after 3 months of blanking.ResultsMultivariable regression showed that LAVI, GPALS, and LA stiffness independently predicted LVA extent after correcting for age, glomerular filtration rate, and CHA2DS2-VASc score. Of all the parameters, LA stiffness index had the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.85), allowing using a cut-off value ≥0.7 to predict moderate or high LVA with 88% sensitivity and 47% specificity, respectively. In multivariable Cox analysis, both GPALS and LA stiffness were able to significantly improve the c statistic to predict AF recurrence (n = 40 over 9 months FU) over CHARGE-AF (p < 0.001 for GPALS and p = 0.01 for LA stiffness) or CHA2DS2-VASc score (p < 0.001 for GPALS and p = 0.02 for LA stiffness). GPALS and LA stiffness also improved the net reclassification index (NRI) over the CHARGE-AF index (NRI 0.67, 95% CI [0.33–1.13] for GPALS and NRI 0.73, 95% CI [0.12–0.91] for LA stiffness, respectively), and over the CHA2DS2-VASc score (NRI 0.43, 95% CI [−0.14 to 0.69] for GPALS and NRI 0.52, 95% CI [0.10–0.84], respectively) for LA stiffness to predict AF recurrence at 9 months.ConclusionSTE parameters acquired during AF allow prediction of LVA extent and AF recurrence in patients with persistent AF undergoing catheter ablation. Therefore, STE could be a valuable approach to select candidates for catheter ablation.
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32
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A systematic review and meta-analysis of the normal reference value of the longitudinal left atrial strain by three dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4395. [PMID: 35292684 PMCID: PMC8924244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08379-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The normal reference value of the global longitudinal left atrial strain during the reservoir phase (LASr) by 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) is needed to define the abnormal and normal spectra and to compare and interpret the obtained values. The present study is a meta-analysis of 3DSTE-derived normal reference value of the longitudinal LASr and an attempt to determine probable contributing factors in the variations of reported ranges. The databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched for the following keywordS: "Left atrial/left atrium" and "strain/speckle/deformation" and "three-dimensional/3-dimensional/three dimensional/3 dimensional/three dimension/3 dimension/three-dimension/3-dimension/3D/3-D". The studies selected included those on adult healthy subjects without cardiovascular risk factors. A random-effect model was used to calculate the global 3DSTE-derived longitudinal LASr, and meta-regression was applied to determine inter-study heterogeneity. Our search yielded 316 adult subjects from 5 studies. The mean value of the global 3DSTE-derived longitudinal LASr was 27.5% (95% CI, 25.2-29.8%). There was significant heterogeneity between the studies. The meta-regression analysis revealed the publication year, the heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure as the sources of heterogeneity. The current meta-analysis determined a normal reference value of the global 3DSTE-derived longitudinal LASr of 27.5% (95% CI, 25.2-29.8%). The heterogeneity between studies may be explained by the publication year, the heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
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33
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Lisi M, Cameli M, Mandoli GE, Pastore MC, Righini FM, D'Ascenzi F, Focardi M, Rubboli A, Mondillo S, Henein MY. Detection of myocardial fibrosis by speckle-tracking echocardiography: from prediction to clinical applications. Heart Fail Rev 2022; 27:1857-1867. [PMID: 35043264 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-022-10214-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis (MF) represents the underlying pathologic condition of many cardiac disease, leading to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure (HF). Biopsy studies have shown the presence of MF in patients with decompensating HF despite apparently normal cardiac function. In fact, basic indices of left ventricular (LV) function, such as LV ejection fraction (EF), fail to recognize subtle LV dysfunction caused by MF. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is currently recognized as the gold standard imaging investigation for the detection of focal and diffuse cardiac chambers MF; however, its use is limited by its availability and the use of contrast agents, while echocardiography remains the first level cardiac imaging technique due to its low cost, portability and high accessibility. Advanced echocardiographic techniques, above all speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), have demonstrated reliability for early detection of structural myocardial abnormalities and for the prediction of prognosis in acute and chronic HF. Myocardial strain of both ventricles and also left atrium has been shown to correlate with the degree of MF, providing useful prognostic information in several diseases, such as HF, cardiomyopathies and valvular heart disease. This paper aims to provide an overview of the pathophysiology of MF and the clinical application of STE for the prediction of left and right heart chambers MF in HF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lisi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease - AUSL Romagna, Division of Cardiology, Ospedale S. Maria Delle Croci, Viale Randi 5, 48121, Ravenna, Italy.
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University and Heart Centre, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Elena Mandoli
- 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
- University of Eastern Piedmont, Maggiore Della Carità Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesca Maria Righini
- 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
| | - Marta Focardi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Rubboli
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease - AUSL Romagna, Division of Cardiology, Ospedale S. Maria Delle Croci, Viale Randi 5, 48121, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Sergio Mondillo
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Michael Y Henein
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University and Heart Centre, Umeå, Sweden
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