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Gherbesi E, Gianstefani S, Angeli F, Ryabenko K, Bergamaschi L, Armillotta M, Guerra E, Tuttolomondo D, Gaibazzi N, Squeri A, Spaziani C, Pizzi C, Carugo S. Myocardial strain of the left ventricle by speckle tracking echocardiography: From physics to clinical practice. Echocardiography 2024; 41:e15753. [PMID: 38284665 DOI: 10.1111/echo.15753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a reliable imaging technique of recognized clinical value in several settings. This method uses the motion of ultrasound backscatter speckles within echocardiographic images to derive myocardial velocities and deformation parameters, providing crucial insights on several cardiac pathological and physiological processes. Its feasibility, reproducibility, and accuracy have been widely demonstrated, being myocardial strain of the various chambers inserted in diagnostic algorithms and guidelines for various pathologies. The most important parameters are Global longitudinal strain (GLS), Left atrium (LA) reservoir strain, and Global Work Index (GWI): based on large studies the average of the lower limit of normality are -16%, 23%, and 1442 mmHg%, respectively. For GWI, it should be pointed out that myocardial work relies primarily on non-invasive measurements of blood pressure and segmental strain, both of which exhibit high variability, and thus, this variability constitutes a significant limitation of this parameter. In this review, we describe the principal aspects of the theory behind the use of myocardial strain, from cardiac mechanics to image acquisition techniques, outlining its limitation, and its principal clinical applications: in particular, GLS have a role in determine subclinical myocardial dysfunction (in cardiomyopathies, cardiotoxicity, target organ damage in ambulatory patients with arterial hypertension) and LA strain in determine the risk of AF, specifically in ambulatory patients with arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Gherbesi
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Gianstefani
- Cardiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - DIMEC - Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Angeli
- Cardiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - DIMEC - Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Khrystyna Ryabenko
- Cardiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - DIMEC - Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Bergamaschi
- Cardiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - DIMEC - Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Armillotta
- Cardiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - DIMEC - Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emiliano Guerra
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico Di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Domenico Tuttolomondo
- Cardiology Division, Parma University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Nicola Gaibazzi
- Cardiology Division, Parma University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Angelo Squeri
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care and Research, Cotignola, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Cristina Spaziani
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Carmine Pizzi
- Cardiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - DIMEC - Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Carugo
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
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Faro DC, Losi V, Rodolico MS, Torrisi EM, Colomba P, Duro G, Monte IP. Sex Differences in Anderson-Fabry Cardiomyopathy: Clinical, Genetic, and Imaging Analysis in Women. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1804. [PMID: 37761944 PMCID: PMC10531426 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Anderson-Fabry Disease (AFD) is a rare, systemic lysosomal storage disease triggered by mutations in the GLA gene, leading to α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) deficiency. The disease's X-linked inheritance leads to more severe, early-onset presentations in males, while females exhibit variable, often insidious, manifestations, notably impacting cardiac health. This study aims to examine gender-based AFD cardiac manifestations in correlation with the variant type: classical (CL), late-onset (LO), or variants of uncertain significance (VUS). We analyzed data from 72 AFD patients (53 females, 19 males) referred to the "G. Rodolico" University Hospital, employing enzyme activity measurements, genetic analysis, periodic lyso-Gb3 monitoring, comprehensive medical histories, and advanced cardiac imaging techniques. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Our AFD cohort, with an average age of 45 ± 16.1 years, comprised 12 individuals with hypertrophy (AFD-LVH) and 60 without (AFD-N). Women, representing about 75% of the subjects, were generally older than men (47.2 ± 16.2 vs. 38.8 ± 14.6, p = 0.046). In the female group, 17% had CL variants, 43.3% LO, and 39.6% had VUS, compared to 21.1%, 36.8%, and 31.6% in the male group, respectively. Females exhibited significantly higher α-Gal A values (median 7.9 vs. 1.8 nmol/mL/h, p < 0.001) and lower lyso-Gb3 levels (1.5 [IQR 1.1-1.7] vs. 1.9 [1.5-17.3] nmol/L, p = 0.02). Regarding the NYHA class distribution, 70% of women were in class I and 28% in class II, compared to 84% and 16% of men, respectively. Among women, 7.5% exhibited ventricular arrhythmias (10.5% in men), and 9.4% had atrial fibrillation (10.5% in men). Cardiac MRIs revealed fibrosis in 57% of examined women, compared to 87% of men. Even among patients without LVH, significant differences persisted in α-Gal A and lyso-Gb3 levels (p = 0.003 and 0.04), as well as LVMi (61.5 vs. 77.5 g/sqm, p = 0.008) and GLS values (-20% vs. -17%, p = 0.01). The analysis underscored older age, decreased lyso-Gb3 deposition, reduced hypertrophy, and lesser GLS compromise in females, suggesting later disease onset. Severe cardiac patterns were associated with classic variants, while more nuanced manifestations were noted in those with VUS. Early GLS impairment in males, irrespective of hypertrophy, emphasized the role of subclinical damage in AFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Cristiana Faro
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina Losi
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Stefania Rodolico
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Section of Catania, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Elvira Mariateresa Torrisi
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Colomba
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Duro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ines Paola Monte
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Lo AKC, Mew T, Mew C, Guppy-Coles K, Dahiya A, Ng A, Prasad S, Atherton JJ. Exaggerated myocardial torsion may contribute to dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL OPEN 2023; 3:oead043. [PMID: 37608844 PMCID: PMC10442061 DOI: 10.1093/ehjopen/oead043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Aims Dynamic left ventricular (LV) outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) is associated with symptoms and increased risk of developing heart failure in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The association of LVOTO and LV twist mechanics has not been well studied in HCM. The aim of the study was to compare the pattern of LV twist in patients with HCM associated with asymmetrical septal hypertrophy with and without LVOTO. Methods and results Echocardiography (including speckle tracking) was performed in 212 patients with HCM, divided according to the absence (n = 130) or presence (n = 82) of LVOTO (defined as peak pressure gradient ≥30 mmHg either at rest and/or with Valsalva manoeuvre). Patients with LVOTO were older, had smaller LV dimensions, a higher LV ejection fraction (LVEF), a longer anterior mitral valve leaflet length, and a higher early transmitral pulsed wave to septal tissue Doppler velocity ratio (E/E'). A univariate analysis showed that peak twist was significantly higher in patients with LVOTO compared with patients without LVOTO (19.7 ± 7.3 vs. 15.7 ± 6.0, P = 0.00015). Peak twist was similarly enhanced in patients with LVOTO, manifesting only during Valsalva (19.2 ± 5.6, P = 0.007) and patients with resting LVOTO (19.9 ± 8.0, P = 0.00004) compared with patients without LVOTO (15.7 ± 6.0). A stepwise forward logistic regression analysis showed that LVEF, LV end-systolic dimension indexed to body surface area, anterior mitral valve leaflet length, E/E', and peak twist were all independently associated with LVOTO. Conclusion This study demonstrates that increased peak LV twist is independently associated with LVOTO in patients with HCM. Peak twist was similarly exaggerated in patients with only latent LVOTO, suggesting that it may play a contributory role to LVOTO in HCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada K C Lo
- Cardiology Department, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Level 3, Dr James Mayne Building, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Level 3, Dr James Mayne Building, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Thomas Mew
- Cardiology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Christina Mew
- Cardiology Department, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Level 3, Dr James Mayne Building, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Kristyan Guppy-Coles
- Cardiology Department, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Level 3, Dr James Mayne Building, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Arun Dahiya
- Cardiology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Arnold Ng
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Level 3, Dr James Mayne Building, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
- Cardiology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sandhir Prasad
- Cardiology Department, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Level 3, Dr James Mayne Building, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Level 3, Dr James Mayne Building, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - John J Atherton
- Cardiology Department, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Level 3, Dr James Mayne Building, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Level 3, Dr James Mayne Building, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
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Monte IP, Faro DC, Trimarchi G, de Gaetano F, Campisi M, Losi V, Teresi L, Di Bella G, Tamburino C, de Gregorio C. Left Atrial Strain Imaging by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography: The Supportive Diagnostic Value in Cardiac Amyloidosis and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:261. [PMID: 37367426 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10060261] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Left atrial (LA) function is crucial for assessing left ventricular filling in various cardiovascular conditions. Cardiac Amyloidosis (CA) is characterized by atrial myopathy and LA function impairment, with diastolic dysfunction up to restrictive filling pattern, leading to progressive heart failure and arrhythmias. This study evaluates LA function and deformation using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in patients with CA compared to a cohort of patients with sarcomeric Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and a control group. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational study (from January 2019 to December 2022) including a total of 100 patients: 33 with ATTR-CA, 34 with HCMs, and 33 controls. Clinical evaluation, electrocardiograms, and transthoracic echocardiography were performed. Echocardiogram images were analyzed in post-processing using EchoPac software for LA strain quantification, including LA-reservoir, LA-conduit, and LA-contraction strain. Results: The CA group exhibited significantly impaired LA function compared to HCMs and control groups, with LA-reservoir median values of -9%, LA-conduit -6.7%, and LA-contraction -3%; this impairment was consistent even in the CA subgroup with preserved ejection fraction. LA strain parameters correlated with LV mass index, LA volume index, E/e', and LV-global longitudinal strain and were found to be associated with atrial fibrillation and exertional dyspnea. Conclusions: LA function assessed by STE is significantly impaired in CA patients compared to HCMs patients and healthy controls. These findings highlight the potential supportive role of STE in the early detection and management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Paola Monte
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Denise Cristiana Faro
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Trimarchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, 98121 Messina, Italy
| | - Fabrizio de Gaetano
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Mariapaola Campisi
- Azienda Ospedaliera Provinciale di Catania, Santa Maria e Santa Venera Hospital, 95024 Acireale, Italy
| | - Valentina Losi
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Lucio Teresi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, 98121 Messina, Italy
| | - Gianluca Di Bella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, 98121 Messina, Italy
| | - Corrado Tamburino
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Cesare de Gregorio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, 98121 Messina, Italy
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