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Roslan A, Stanislaus R, Yee Sin T, Aris FA, Ashari A, Shaparudin AA, Rahimi Shah WFW, Hui Beng K, Tjen Jhung L, Tantawi Jauhari Aktifanus A, Kamsani SH, Rusani BI, Win NT, Abdul Rani MNH, Ai Ming T, Aedrus N, Azman K, Halim MNA, Zainal MDY, Hussein K, Shariff Hamid M, Puji A, Khairuddin A. Echocardiography and strain analysis in Malaysian elite athletes versus young healthy adults. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2023; 47:101242. [PMID: 37576081 PMCID: PMC10422669 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2023.101242] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Athletes have changes that can mimic pathological cardiomyopathy. Methods Echocardiographic study of 50 male, female athletes (MA, FA) and non-athletes (MNA, FNA) age 18 to 30 years. These athletes participate in sports with predominantly endurance component. All participants exhibit no known medical illnesses or symptoms. Results MA have thicker wall (IVSd) than MNA. No MA have IVSd > 1.2 cm and no FA have IVSd > 1.0 cm. Left ventricle internal dimension (LVIDd), left ventricle end diastolic volume index (LVEDVi) is bigger in athletes. None have LVIDd > 5.8 cm. Right ventricle fractional area change (FAC) is lower in athletes. (MA vs MNA, p = 0.013, FA vs FNA, p = 0.025). Athletes have higher septal and lateral e' (Septal e'; MA 13.57 ± 2.66 cm/s vs MNA 11.46 ± 2.93 cm/s, p < 0.001, Lateral e'; MA 17.17 ± 3.07 cm/s vs MNA 14.82 ± 3.14 cm/s, p < 0.001), (Septal e'; FA 13.46 ± 2.32 cm/s vs FNA 12.16 ± 2.05 cm/s, p = 0.04, Lateral e'; FA 16.92 ± 2.97 cm/s vs FNA 15.44 ± 2.29 cm/s, p = 0.006).No difference in Global longitudinal (GLS), Right ventricle free wall (RVFWS) and Global circumferential strain (GCS). Left atrial reservoir (LArS) and left atrial booster strain (LAbS) is smaller in athletes. (LArS, MA 44.12 ± 9.55% vs MNA 52.95 ± 11.17%, p < 0.001 LArS, FA 48.07 ± 10.06% vs FNA 53.64 ± 8.99%, p = 0.004), (LAbS, MA 11.59 ± 5.13% vs MNA 17.35 ± 5.27%, p < 0.001 LAbS FA 11.77 ± 4.65% vs FNA 15.30 ± 4.19%, p < 0.001). Conclusion Malaysian athletes have thicker wall and bigger left ventricle than controls. No athletes have IVSd > 1.2 cm and/or LVIDd > 5.8 cm. There is no difference in GLS, RVFWS and GCS but athletes have smaller LArS and LAbS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslannif Roslan
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rohith Stanislaus
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tey Yee Sin
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Faten A. Aris
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Afif Ashari
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Koh Hui Beng
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lee Tjen Jhung
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Suraya H. Kamsani
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Beni I. Rusani
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nay T. Win
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Tan Ai Ming
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noraminah Aedrus
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kartina Azman
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | | | | | - Arshad Puji
- Institut Sukan Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Khairuddin
- Department of Cardiology, Institut Jantung Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Johnson C, Sculthorpe N, George K, Stout M, Procter W, Cooper RM, Oxborough D. Concentric and Eccentric Remodelling of the Left Ventricle and Its Association to Function in the Male Athletes Heart: An Exploratory Study. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:269. [PMID: 37504525 PMCID: PMC10380865 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10070269] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To compare (1) conventional left ventricular (LV) functional parameters, (2) LV peak strain and strain rate and (3) LV temporal strain and strain rate curves in age, ethnicity and sport-matched athletes with concentric, eccentric and normal LV geometry. METHODS Forty-five male athletes were categorised according to LV geometry including concentric remodelling/hypertrophy (CON), eccentric hypertrophy (ECC) or normal (NORM). Athletes were evaluated using conventional echocardiography and myocardial speck tracking, allowing the assessment of myocardial strain and strain rate; as well as twist mechanics. RESULTS Concentric remodelling was associated with an increased ejection fraction (EF) compared to normal geometry athletes (64% (48-78%) and 56% (50-65%), respectively; p < 0.04). No differences in peak myocardial strain or strain rate were present between LV geometry groups including global longitudinal strain (GLS; CON -16.9% (-14.9-20.6%); ECC -17.9% (-13.0-22.1%); NORM -16.9% (-12.8-19.4%)), global circumferential strain (GCS; CON -18.1% (-13.5-24.5%); ECC -18.7% (-15.6-22.4%); NORM -18.0% (-13.5-19.7%)), global radial strain (GRS; CON 42.2% (30.3-70.5%); ECC 50.0% (39.2-60.0%); NORM 40.6 (29.9-57.0%)) and twist (CON 14.9° (3.7-25.3°); ECC 12.5° (6.3-20.8°); NORM 13.2° (8.8-24.2°)). Concentric and eccentric remodelling was associated with alterations in temporal myocardial strain and strain rate as compared to normal geometry athletes. CONCLUSION Physiological concentric and eccentric remodelling in the athletes heart is generally associated with normal LV function; with concentric remodelling associated with an increased EF. Physiological concentric and eccentric remodelling in the athletes heart has no effect on peak myocardial strain but superior deformation and untwisting is unmasked when assessing the temporal distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Johnson
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Nicholas Sculthorpe
- Sport and Physical Activity Institute, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Martin Stout
- School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BH, UK
| | - William Procter
- Department of Cardiology, Barts Heart Centre, London EC1A 7BE, UK
| | - Robert M Cooper
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
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Orlandi M, Corsi M, Bini V, De Simone L, Stefani L. Myocardial Fitness of Bicuspid Aortic Valve Athletes during COVID 19 Pandemic. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2022; 7:37. [PMID: 35645299 PMCID: PMC9149884 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk7020037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID 19 pandemic has induced a large sedentarism in several kinds of sports. Some peculiar categories of athletes could particularly suffer from a prolonged inactivity as those affected by minimal cardiopathies as bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) athletes. This study aims to verify the myocardial performance in a restricted group of BAV athletes compared to a control group of agonistic athletes evaluated by traditional echocardiography and deformation parameters. 2D standard and deformations parameters were measured at rest conditions in BAV athletes and controls. Particularly EF, LVDD/LVS diameters, GLS rotation and twisting were considered as myocardial performance data; E/A, E1 and A1 as diastolic ones. All the 2D standard parameters measured were within the normal range in both groups, especially the EF value. Significant differences were found in the diastolic function with reduced values of E and E1 waves in BAV vs. controls. The strain analysis showed a significant reduction in GLS measured in 2C, 3C, 4C in BAV if compared to controls, while no significant differences were found in torsional and rotational parameters. These results are suggestive for a potential long term negative impact of inactivity on cardiac performance more evident in BAV athletes, if compared to athletes with normal aortic valve. GLS of LV and RV can be considered as a predictive parameter of this mild dysfunction and assumed as follow-up parameter to restore a progressive training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Orlandi
- Sports Medicine Center, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (M.O.); (M.C.)
| | - Marco Corsi
- Sports Medicine Center, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (M.O.); (M.C.)
| | - Vittorio Bini
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | | | - Laura Stefani
- Sports Medicine Center, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (M.O.); (M.C.)
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The Role of Multimodality Imaging in Athlete's Heart Diagnosis: Current Status and Future Directions. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215126. [PMID: 34768646 PMCID: PMC8584488 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
“Athlete’s heart” is a spectrum of morphological and functional changes which occur in the heart of people who practice physical activity. When athlete’s heart occurs with its most marked expression, it may overlap with a differential diagnosis with certain structural cardiac diseases, including cardiomyopathies, valvular diseases, aortopathies, myocarditis, and coronary artery anomalies. Identifying the underlying cardiac is essential to reduce the potential for sudden cardiac death. For this purpose, a spectrum of imaging modalities, including rest and exercise stress echocardiography, speckle tracking echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, computed tomography, and nuclear scintigraphy, can be undertaken. The objective of this review article is to provide to the clinician a practical step-by-step approach, aiming at distinguishing between extreme physiology and structural cardiac disease during the athlete’s cardiovascular evaluation.
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Cardiac adaptations in elite female football- and volleyball-athletes do not impact left ventricular global strain values: a speckle tracking echocardiography study. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 36:1085-1096. [PMID: 32170496 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-020-01809-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac adaptations to exercise on an elite level have been well studied. Strain analysis by speckle tracking echocardiography has emerged as a tool for sports cardiologists to assess the nature of hypertrophy in athletes' hearts. In prior studies, strain values generally did not change in physiological adaptations to exercise but were reduced in pathological hypertrophy. However, research in this field has focused almost solely on male athletes. Purpose of the present study is to investigate strain values in the hearts of female elite athletes in football and volleyball. In this cross-sectional study echocardiography was performed on 19 female elite football-players, 16 female elite volleyball-players and 16 physically inactive controls. Conventional echocardiographic data was documented as well as left ventricular longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain values gained by speckle tracking echocardiography. The hearts of the female athletes had a thicker septal wall, a larger overall mass and larger atria than the hearts in the control group. Global longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain values did not differ between the athletes and controls or between sporting disciplines. No correlation between septal wall thickness and global strain values could be documented. Cardiac adaptations to elite level exercise in female volleyball and football players do not influence global strain values. This has been documented for male athletes of several disciplines. The present study adds to the very limited control-group comparisons of left ventricular strain values in elite female athletes. The findings indicate that global strain values can be used when assessing the cardiac health in female athletes.
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Pelliccia A, Caselli S, Sharma S, Basso C, Bax JJ, Corrado D, D'Andrea A, D'Ascenzi F, Di Paolo FM, Edvardsen T, Gati S, Galderisi M, Heidbuchel H, Nchimi A, Nieman K, Papadakis M, Pisicchio C, Schmied C, Popescu BA, Habib G, Grobbee D, Lancellotti P. European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) joint position statement: recommendations for the indication and interpretation of cardiovascular imaging in the evaluation of the athlete's heart. Eur Heart J 2019; 39:1949-1969. [PMID: 29029207 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pelliccia
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Largo Piero Gabrielli, 1, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Caselli
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Largo Piero Gabrielli, 1, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jeroen J Bax
- Departmentt of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonello D'Andrea
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fernando M Di Paolo
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Largo Piero Gabrielli, 1, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Thor Edvardsen
- Department of Cardiology, Center of Cardiologic Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Maurizio Galderisi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Jessa Hospital, Hasselt University and Heart Center Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Koen Nieman
- Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cataldo Pisicchio
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Largo Piero Gabrielli, 1, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Bogdan A Popescu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Carol Davila', Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gilbert Habib
- Department of Cardiology, Hôpital La Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Diederick Grobbee
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrizio Lancellotti
- Department of Cardiology, GIGA Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Liège Hospital, Valvular Disease Clinic, Belgium
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Forsythe L, George K, Oxborough D. Speckle Tracking Echocardiography for the Assessment of the Athlete's Heart: Is It Ready for Daily Practice? CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2018; 20:83. [PMID: 30146663 PMCID: PMC6132779 DOI: 10.1007/s11936-018-0677-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe the use of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in the biventricular assessment of athletes' heart (AH). Can STE aid differential diagnosis during pre-participation cardiac screening (PCS) of athletes? RECENT FINDINGS Data from recent patient, population and athlete studies suggest potential discriminatory value of STE, alongside standard echocardiographic measurements, in the early detection of clinically relevant systolic dysfunction. STE can also contribute to subsequent prognosis and risk stratification. Despite some heterogeneity in STE data in athletes, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and right ventricular longitudinal strain (RV ɛ) indices can add to differential diagnostic protocols in PCS. STE should be used in addition to standard echocardiographic tools and be conducted by an experienced operator with significant knowledge of the AH. Other indices, including left ventricular circumferential strain and twist, may provide insight, but further research in clinical and athletic populations is warranted. This review also raises the potential role for STE measures performed during exercise as well as in serial follow-up as a method to improve diagnostic yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey Forsythe
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
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Left Ventricular Speckle Tracking-Derived Cardiac Strain and Cardiac Twist Mechanics in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Studies. Sports Med 2018; 47:1145-1170. [PMID: 27889869 PMCID: PMC5432587 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-016-0644-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background The athlete’s heart is associated with physiological remodeling as a consequence of repetitive cardiac loading. The effect of exercise training on left ventricular (LV) cardiac strain and twist mechanics are equivocal, and no meta-analysis has been conducted to date. Objective The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to review the literature pertaining to the effect of different forms of athletic training on cardiac strain and twist mechanics and determine the influence of traditional and contemporary sporting classifications on cardiac strain and twist mechanics. Methods We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect for controlled studies of aged-matched male participants aged 18–45 years that used two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking with a defined athlete sporting discipline and a control group not engaged in training programs. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. Random-effects meta-analyses, subgroup analyses, and meta-regressions were conducted. Results Our review included 13 studies with 945 participants (controls n = 355; athletes n = 590). Meta-analyses showed no athlete–control differences in LV strain or twist mechanics. However, moderator analyses showed greater LV twist in high-static low-dynamic athletes (d = –0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] –1.32 to –0.20; p < 0.01) than in controls. Peak untwisting velocity (PUV) was greater in high-static low-dynamic athletes (d = –0.43, 95% CI –0.84 to –0.03; p < 0.05) but less than controls in high-static high-dynamic athletes (d = 0.79, 95% CI 0.002–1.58; p = 0.05). Elite endurance athletes had significantly less twist and apical rotation than controls (d = 0.68, 95% CI 0.19–1.16, p < 0.01; d = 0.64, 95% CI 0.27–1.00, p = 0.001, respectively) but no differences in basal rotation. Meta-regressions showed LV mass index was positively associated with global longitudinal (b = 0.01, 95% CI 0.002–0.02; p < 0.05), whereas systolic blood pressure was negatively associated with PUV (b = –0.06, 95% CI –0.13 to –0.001; p = 0.05). Conclusion Echocardiographic 2D speckle tracking can identify subtle physiological differences in adaptations to cardiac strain and twist mechanics between athletes and healthy controls. Differences in speckle tracking echocardiography-derived parameters can be identified using suitable sporting categorizations.
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Ujka K, Bastiani L, D'Angelo G, Catuzzo B, Tonacci A, Mrakic-Sposta S, Vezzoli A, Giardini G, Pratali L. Enhanced Right-Chamber Remodeling in Endurance Ultra-Trail Athletes Compared to Marathon Runners Detected by Standard and Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography. Front Physiol 2017; 8:527. [PMID: 28790928 PMCID: PMC5524917 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Strenuous and endurance exercise training have been associated with morphological and functional heart remodeling. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is a novel technique that allows an accurate quantification of global myocardium deformation. Our aim was to evaluate together left and right cardiac remodeling in different long-distance running athletes: marathon runners (42 km) (M) and endurance mountain runners (>300 Km) (UT). Methods: A total of 92 athletes (70 males, 76%) including 47 M [age 45 ± 7 years; training: 18 (9–53) years*days/week], 45 UT [age 42 ± 9, training: 30 (15–66) years*days/week] underwent conventional echocardiography and STE (Beyond Diogenes 2.0, AMID) during the agonistic season. Results: Right ventricle (RV) end-diastolic area (p = 0.026), fractional area changing (FAC) (p = 0.008) and RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) were significantly increasedin UT athletes. Furthermore, UT showed larger right atrium (RA) volume (p = 0.03), reduced RA GLS and significantly increased RA global circumferential strain (GCS) compared to M. After adjustment for age, sex, and HR as covariates, UT showed a reduced RA GLS (OR 0.907; CI 0.856–0.961) and increased RV FAC (OR 1.172; CI: 1.044–1.317) compared to M. Conclusion: Athletes enrolled in UT endurance activities showed RV and RA morphological and functional remodeling to increased preload in comparison with M runners characterized by increased RV FAC and reduced RA GLS. Follow-up studies are needed to better assess the long-term clinical impact of these modifications. 2D STE is a useful tool for investigating the deformation dynamic in different sports specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Ujka
- Insitute of Clinical Physiology, National Research CouncilPisa, Italy
| | - Luca Bastiani
- Insitute of Clinical Physiology, National Research CouncilPisa, Italy
| | - Gennaro D'Angelo
- Insitute of Clinical Physiology, National Research CouncilPisa, Italy
| | - Bruna Catuzzo
- Mountain Medicine Center, Ospedale Regionale Umberto PariniAosta, Italy
| | | | - Simona Mrakic-Sposta
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, National Research CouncilMilan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vezzoli
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, National Research CouncilMilan, Italy
| | - Guido Giardini
- Mountain Medicine Center, Ospedale Regionale Umberto PariniAosta, Italy
| | - Lorenza Pratali
- Insitute of Clinical Physiology, National Research CouncilPisa, Italy
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Murtaza G, Virk HUH, Khalid M, Rahman Z, Sitwala P, Schoondyke J, Al-Balbissi K. Role of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Review. Cureus 2017; 9:e1372. [PMID: 28744419 PMCID: PMC5519311 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important cause of the heart failure. Timely diagnosis and optimal management decrease morbidity and mortality in heart failure patients. Although transthoracic echocardiography is used as the diagnostic test of choice in these patients, new modalities like speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) have promising results in diagnosing these patients in the earlier course of the disease. Advancements in cardiac imaging are expected as more clinical studies on the role of STE in different cardiac diseases that emerge. In this review article, we will discuss the basics of STE and its role in diagnosing DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Murtaza
- Department of Internal Medicine, East Tennessee State University
| | - Hafeez Ul Hasan Virk
- Department of Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York
| | - Muhammad Khalid
- Department of Internal Medicine, East Tennessee State University
| | - Zia Rahman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, East Tennessee State University
| | - Puja Sitwala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, East Tennessee State University
| | | | - Kais Al-Balbissi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, East Tennessee State University
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von Lueder TG, Hodt A, Gjerdalen GF, Steine K. Left ventricular biomechanics in professional football players. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2017; 28:187-195. [PMID: 28378431 DOI: 10.1111/sms.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exercise induces adaptive changes of left ventricular (LV) ejection and filling capacities which may be detected by novel speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI)-based techniques. A total of 103 consecutive male elite Norwegian soccer players and 46 age-matched healthy controls underwent echocardiography at rest. STE was used to assess LV torsional mechanics and LV systolic longitudinal strain (LS). Diastolic function was evaluated by trans-mitral blood flow, mitral annular velocities by TDI, and LV inflow propagation velocity by color M-mode. Despite similar global LS, players displayed lower basal wall and higher apical wall LS values vs controls, resulting in an incremental base-to-apex gradient of LS. Color M-mode and TDI-derived data were similar in both groups. Peak systolic twist rate (TWR) was significantly lower in players (86.4±2.8 vs controls 101.9±5.2 deg/s, P<.01). Diastolic untwisting rate (UTWR) was higher in players (-124.5±4.2 vs -106.9±6.7 deg/s) and peaked earlier during the cardiac cycle (112.7±0.8 vs 117.4±2.4% of systole duration, both P<.05). Untwisting/twisting ratio (-1.48±0.05 vs -1.11±0.08; P<.001) and untwisting performance (=UTR/TW; -9.25±0.34 vs -7.38±0.40 s-1 , P<.01) were increased in players. Augmented diastolic wall strain (DWS), a novel measure of LV compliance in players, was associated with improved myocardial mechanical efficiency. The described myocardial biomechanics may underlie augmented exertional cardiac function in athletes and may have a potential role to characterize athlete's heart by itself or to distinguish it from hypertensive or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G von Lueder
- Department of Cardiology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog/Oslo, Norway.,Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - A Hodt
- Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Section of Vascular Investigations, Oslo University Hospital Aker, Oslo, Norway
| | - G F Gjerdalen
- Section of Vascular Investigations, Oslo University Hospital Aker, Oslo, Norway
| | - K Steine
- Department of Cardiology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog/Oslo, Norway.,Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Two-dimensional and three-dimensional left ventricular deformation analysis: a study in competitive athletes. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2016; 32:1697-1705. [DOI: 10.1007/s10554-016-0961-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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13
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Holmes AA, Taub CC, Garcia MJ, Shan J, Slovut DP. Paradoxical low-flow aortic stenosis is defined by increased ventricular hydraulic load and reduced longitudinal strain. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2015; 18:87-95. [PMID: 26556444 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000000324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Patients with paradoxical low-flow severe aortic stenosis (PLF-AS) reportedly have higher left ventricular hydraulic load and more systolic strain dysfunction than patients with normal-flow aortic stenosis. This study investigates the relationship of systolic loading and strain to PLF-AS to further define its pathophysiology. METHODS One hundred and twenty patients (age 79 ± 12 years, 37% men) with an indexed aortic valve area (AVAi) of 0.6 cm/m or less and an ejection fraction of 50% or higher were divided into two groups based on indexed stroke volume (SVi): PLF-AS, SVi ≤ 35 ml/m, N = 46; normal-flow aortic stenosis, SVi > 35 ml/m, N = 74). Valvular and arterial load were assessed using multiple measurements, and strain was assessed using speckle-tracking echocardiography. RESULTS Patients with PLF-AS were found to have more valvular load (lower AVAi, P = 0.028; lower energy loss coefficient, P = 0.001), more arterial load [decreased arterial compliance and increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR), both P < 0.001] and more total hydraulic load [increased valvuloarterial impedance (Zva), P < 0.001]. Transvalvular gradients and arterial pressures were similar. Longitudinal strain was lower in PLF-AS (P < 0.001), but circumferential and rotation strains were similar. On adjusted regression, AVAi, SVR and longitudinal strain were associated with PLF-AS [odds ratio (OR) = 1.34, P = 0.043; OR = 1.31, P = 0.004; OR = 1.34, P = 0.011, respectively]. When SVR and AVAi were replaced with Zva, longitudinal strain and Zva (OR = 1.38, P = 0.015; OR = 1.33, P < 0.001 for both, respectively) were associated with PLF-AS. CONCLUSION Increased hydraulic load, from more severe valvular stenosis and increased vascular resistance, and longitudinal strain impairment are associated with PLF-AS and their interplay is likely fundamental to its pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony A Holmes
- aDepartment of Medicine bDivision of Cardiology cDepartment of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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Holmes AA, Taub CC, Garcia MJ, Shan J, Slovut DP. Increased apical rotation in severe aortic stenosis is associated with reduced survival: a speckle-tracking study. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2015; 28:1294-301. [PMID: 26341121 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2015.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) are known to have increased left ventricular apical rotation (ApRot) during systole, but its clinical relevance is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the association of ApRot with patient symptoms and total mortality. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 82 patients (mean age, 77 ± 14 years; 40% men) with newly diagnosed severe AS with indexed aortic valve areas ≤ 0.6 cm(2)/m(2) and left ventricular ejection fractions ≥ 50%. Sixty-three percent of patients were symptomatic. ApRot was calculated using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of ApRot: high ApRot (>4.0°, n = 41) and low ApRot (≤4.0°, n = 41). RESULTS There were 33 deaths and 30 aortic valve replacement procedures after 33 ± 17 months of follow-up. Patients in the high-ApRot group had smaller indexed aortic valve areas (P = .021) and increased valvuloarterial impedance (P = .014). There was no difference in overall symptoms, but the low-ApRot group experienced more syncope (P = .020). Patients in the high-ApRot group had reduced survival with medical therapy (log-rank P = .018) after aortic valve replacement (log-rank P = .039) and overall (log-rank P = .009). Asymptomatic patients with low ApRot had the best survival, while asymptomatic patients with high ApRot had similar survival to that of symptomatic patients (log-rank P = .008). On adjusted Cox regression, ApRot ≥ 6.0° was independently associated with death (hazard ratio, 3.06; P = .003). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, ApRot added incremental prognostic value to indexed aortic valve area, symptom status, and aortic valve replacement status. CONCLUSION Increased ApRot is independently associated with poor survival and may represent a compensatory mechanism to preserve cardiac output against severe obstruction to flow and high systolic load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony A Holmes
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York.
| | - Cynthia C Taub
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Mario J Garcia
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Jian Shan
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - David P Slovut
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York; Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
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D'Ascenzi F, Caselli S, Solari M, Pelliccia A, Cameli M, Focardi M, Padeletti M, Corrado D, Bonifazi M, Mondillo S. Novel echocardiographic techniques for the evaluation of athletes' heart: A focus on speckle-tracking echocardiography. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2015; 23:437-46. [PMID: 25990017 DOI: 10.1177/2047487315586095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development and rapid dissemination of two-dimensional echocardiography led to important further advances in our understanding of athletes' heart that has been the subject of several echocardiographic studies involving many thousands of athletes. The description of ventricular chamber enlargement, myocardial hypertrophy and atrial dilatation has led to a more comprehensive understanding of cardiac adaptation to exercise conditioning. Most recently, advanced echocardiographic techniques have begun to clarify significant functional adaptations of the myocardium that accompany previously reported morphological features of athletes' heart. In particular, speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) has recently provided further insights into the characterisation of myocardial properties. DISCUSSION STE is a relatively new, largely angle-independent, non-invasive imaging technique that allows for an objective and quantitative evaluation of global and regional myocardial function. STE has enhanced our understanding of athletes' heart through a comprehensive characterisation of biventricular and biatrial function, providing novel insights into the investigation of physiological adaptation of the heart to exercise conditioning. These peculiarities can provide further useful data to distinguish between athletes' heart and cardiomyopathies. Furthermore, STE represents a promising tool to address new concerns on right ventricular function and to increase understanding of the complexity of the non-systemic circulation, especially in the athletic population. CONCLUSION This review article analyses new data on cardiac function in athletes by novel echocardiographic techniques with a particular attention to the application of STE to characterise biventricular and biatrial function in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Italy
| | | | - Marco Solari
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Marta Focardi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Margherita Padeletti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Bonifazi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and NeuroScience, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Sergio Mondillo
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Italy
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Attanà P, Paoletti Perini A, Votta CD, Cappelli F, Pieragnoli P, Ricciardi G, Nesti M, Giomi A, Sacchi S, Chiostri M, Padeletti L. QRS duration in left bundle branch block does not affect left ventricular twisting in chronic systolic heart failure. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2014; 35:436-42. [PMID: 25077412 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Left ventricular (LV) torsion is an important parameter of LV performance and can be influenced by several factors. Aim of this investigation was to evaluate whether QRS prolongation in left bundle branch block (LBBB) may influence global LV twist and twisting/untwisting rate in chronic systolic heart failure (HF) patients. METHODS We prospectively evaluated 30 healthy subjects (control group) and 100 chronic HF patients with severely impaired LV systolic function (ejection fraction ≤ 35%). Patients were divided into three groups according to QRS duration: A: QRS < 120 ms (n 49), B: 120 ≤ QRS ≤ 150 ms (n 28) and C: QRS > 150 ms (n 23). Patients in groups B and C presented LBBB. All subjects underwent standard trans-thoracic echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography evaluation. Categorical variables were compared by the chi-square or the Fisher's exact test. Continuous variables were compared using the ANOVA test. Correlations between variables were analysed with linear regression. RESULTS Control subjects presented higher torsion parameters, when compared with patients in any HF group. Among the three HF groups, no differences were detected in global twist (4.79 ± 3.54, 3.8 ± 3.0 and 4.15 ± 3.14 degrees, respectively), twist rate max (44.81 ± 25.03, 37.94 ± 19.09 and 37.61 ± 24.49 degrees s(-1), respectively) and untwist rate max (-36.31 ± 30.89, -27.68 ± 34.67 and -39.62 ± 26.27 degrees s(-1), respectively) (P>0.05 for all). At linear regression analysis, there was no relation between QRS duration and any torsion parameter (P>0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS In patients with chronic severe systolic heart failure, QRS duration and LBBB morphology do not affect LV twisting and untwisting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Attanà
- Dipartimento Cuore e Vasi, Università degli Studi, Firenze, Italia
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Pieragnoli
- Dipartimento Cuore e Vasi, Università degli Studi, Firenze, Italia
| | | | - Martina Nesti
- Dipartimento Cuore e Vasi, Università degli Studi, Firenze, Italia
| | - Andrea Giomi
- Dipartimento Cuore e Vasi, Università degli Studi, Firenze, Italia
| | - Stefania Sacchi
- Dipartimento Cuore e Vasi, Università degli Studi, Firenze, Italia
| | - Marco Chiostri
- Dipartimento Cuore e Vasi, Università degli Studi, Firenze, Italia
| | - Luigi Padeletti
- Dipartimento Cuore e Vasi, Università degli Studi, Firenze, Italia.,Cliniche Humanitas Gavazzeni, Bergamo, Italia
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Santoro A, Alvino F, Antonelli G, Zacà V, Benincasa S, Lunghetti S, Mondillo S. Left ventricular twisting modifications in patients with left ventricular concentric hypertrophy at increasing after-load conditions. Echocardiography 2014; 31:1265-73. [PMID: 24649936 DOI: 10.1111/echo.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) develops as a result of several clinical conditions, such as intensive training, hypertension, aortic valve stenosis. Aim of this study was to analyze the left ventricular twist (LVT) modifications in LVH patients with increasing after-load conditions. METHODS A total of 131 patients were enrolled: 17 healthy sedentary people (Hg), without concentric LVH; 45 water polo players (ATg); 22 patients with hypertensive cardiopathy (HPg); 47 patients with different degrees of aortic stenosis (ASg); all patients had concentric LVH, ejection fraction (EF) >54%, and were age-matched. The left ventricular end-systolic wall stress (LV-ESWS) was used as index of after-load. RESULTS Left ventricular twist value showed a progressive increase from ATg to ASg, according to increasing after-load. Longitudinal left ventricular function by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) was reduced in HPg and ASg. There was a negative correlation between LVT and longitudinal systolic function at TDI and STE (r = -0.4; P < 0.001; -0.23; P < 0.05). E/A ratio was lower in HPg and ASg than ATg and Hg. LVT was linearly related to LV-ESWS (r = 0.36; P < 0.01), E/A ratio (r = -0.59; P < 0.001), E/E' ratio (r = 0.43; P < 0.001), age (r = 0.5; P < 0.001), relative wall thickness (RWT) (r = 0.38; P < 0.01), heart rate (HR) (r = 0.3; P < 0.05), maximum (G. max), and mean transvalvular gradient (G. mean) in ASg (r = 0.37; P < 0.01, r = 0.4; P < 0.01). RWT, E/A ratio, and HR were independent predictor of LVT (β = 0.23; P = 0.007; -0.44; P = 0.001; 0.17; P = 0.049). Only in ASg, G. mean was independent predictor of LVT (β = 0.44; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION Left ventricular twist showed a linear trend at increasing after-load values to compensate the reduction in systolic longitudinal function in pathological LVH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amato Santoro
- Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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18
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Shin HW, Kim H, Lee JE, Kim IC, Yoon HJ, Park HS, Cho YK, Nam CW, Hur SH, Kim YN, Kim KB. Left ventricular twist and ventricular-arterial coupling in hypertensive patients. Echocardiography 2014; 31:1274-82. [PMID: 24640942 DOI: 10.1111/echo.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Left ventricular (LV) twist is usually influenced by LV hypertrophy resulting from hypertension or vascular stiffness. Vascular stiffness would increase arterial elastance (Ea), whereas LV end-systolic stiffness (Ees) could be influenced by LV hypertrophy. Therefore, in hypertensive patients, we assessed the extent to which ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC; Ea/Ees) affects LV twist, which may be a compensatory mechanism for systolic dysfunction. METHODS Hypertensive patients (n = 128) and healthy controls (n = 40) underwent conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography including LV twist. Ea and Ees were estimated noninvasively by echocardiography. Patients were divided into 3 tertiles according to the twist angle. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to test the influence of VAC on twist. RESULTS Patients in the lowest LV twist tertile had larger LV end-systolic volume, lower ejection fraction, lesser mid-wall fractional shortening (MWFS), and higher LV mass index (LVMI), compared to those with the highest tertile. They showed the lower septal tissue Doppler velocity, and global longitudinal and circumferential strain. With regard to VAC, Ea was similar among 3 groups, but Ees was significantly decreased in patient with lower tertile, resulting in increased VAC (1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1 vs. 0.7 ± 0.1, P < 0.001). While LV twist showed significant correlations with Ees, MWFS, and LVMI, VAC (β = -14.92, P < 0.001) was most associated with twist in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS LV twist was significantly associated with VAC in accordance with LV function; LV twist and VAC decreased progressively as LV systolic function deteriorated, while being enhanced during the well-compensated phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Won Shin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
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Binnetoğlu FK, Babaoğlu K, Altun G, Kayabey Ö. Effects that different types of sports have on the hearts of children and adolescents and the value of two-dimensional strain-strain-rate echocardiography. Pediatr Cardiol 2014; 35:126-39. [PMID: 23884667 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-013-0751-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Whether the hypertrophy found in the hearts of athletes is physiologic or a risk factor for the progression of pathologic hypertrophy remains controversial. The diastolic and systolic functions of athletes with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy usually are normal when measured by conventional methods. More precise assessment of global and regional myocardial function may be possible using a newly developed two-dimensional (2D) strain echocardiographic method. This study evaluated the effects that different types of sports have on the hearts of children and adolescents and compared the results of 2D strain and strain-rate echocardiographic techniques with conventional methods. Athletes from clubs for five different sports (basketball, swimming, football, wrestling, and tennis) who had practiced regularly at least 3 h per week during at least the previous 2 years were included in the study. The control group consisted of sedentary children and adolescents with no known cardiac or systemic diseases (n = 25). The athletes were grouped according to the type of exercise: dynamic (football, tennis), static (wrestling), or static and dynamic (basketball, swimming). Shortening fraction and ejection fraction values were within normal limits for the athletes in all the sports disciplines. Across all 140 athletes, LV geometry was normal in 58 athletes (41.4 %), whereas 22 athletes (15.7 %) had concentric remodeling, 20 (14.3 %) had concentric hypertrophy, and 40 (28.6 %) had eccentric hypertrophy. Global LV longitudinal strain values obtained from the average of apical four-, two-, and three-chamber global strain values were significantly lower for the basketball players than for all the other groups (p < 0.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Köksal Binnetoğlu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Izmit, Kocaeli, Turkey,
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Giannetta E, Isidori AM, Galea N, Carbone I, Mandosi E, Vizza CD, Naro F, Morano S, Fedele F, Lenzi A. Chronic Inhibition of cGMP phosphodiesterase 5A improves diabetic cardiomyopathy: a randomized, controlled clinical trial using magnetic resonance imaging with myocardial tagging. Circulation 2012; 125:2323-33. [PMID: 22496161 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.111.063412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND cGMP phosphodiesterase type 5 protein is upregulated in myocardial hypertrophy. However, it has never been ascertained whether phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition exerts an antiremodeling effect in nonischemic heart disease in humans. We explored the cardioreparative properties of a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, sildenafil, in a model of diabetic cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty-nine diabetic men (60.3 ± 7.4 years) with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging consistent with nonischemic, nonfailing diabetic cardiomyopathy (reduced circumferential strain [σ], -12.6 ± 3.1; increased left ventricular [LV] torsion [θ], 18.4 ± 4.6°; and increased ratio of LV mass to volume, 2.1 ± 0.5 g/mL) were randomized to receive sildenafil or placebo (100 mg/d). At baseline, the metabolic indices were correlated with torsion, strain, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, vascular endothelial growth factor, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and blood pressure. After 3 months, sildenafil produced a significant improvement compared with placebo in LV torsion (Δθ: sildenafil, -3.89 ± 3.11° versus placebo, 2.13 ± 2.35°; P<0.001) and strain (Δσ: sildenafil, -3.30 ± 1.86 versus placebo, 1.22 ± 1.84; P<0.001). Sildenafil-induced improvement of LV contraction was accompanied by consistent changes in chamber geometry and performance, with a 6.5 ± 11 improvement in mass-to-volume ratio over placebo (P=0.021). Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and transforming growth factor-β were the only markers affected by active treatment (Δmonocyte chemotactic protein-1: -75.30 ± 159.28 pg/mL, P=0.032; Δtransforming growth factor-β: 5.26 ± 9.67 ng/mL, P=0.009). No changes were found in endothelial function, afterload, or metabolism. CONCLUSIONS The early features of diabetic cardiomyopathy are LV concentric hypertrophy associated with altered myocardial contraction dynamics. Chronic phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition, at this stage, has an antiremodeling effect, resulting in improved cardiac kinetics and circulating markers. This effect is independent of any other vasodilatory or endothelial effects and is apparently exerted through a direct intramyocardial action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giannetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Bruno RM, Cartoni G, Taddei S. Hypertension in special populations: athletes. Future Cardiol 2012; 7:571-84. [PMID: 21797751 DOI: 10.2217/fca.11.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise is known to lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk through a wide range of mechanisms. Nevertheless, hypertension is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease among athletes and physically active subjects. This article reviews the state of the art in practical approaches to this issue, focusing on special aspects a physician should take into account when diagnosing hypertension, such as screening of secondary causes, assessment of global cardiovascular risk and target organ damage and, in addition, the treatment choice in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Maria Bruno
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, 56123 Pisa, Italy
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Detection of irregular patterns of myocardial contraction in patients with hypertensive heart disease. J Hypertens 2011; 29:2255-64. [DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e32834bdd09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Santoro A, Caputo M, Antonelli G, Lisi M, Padeletti M, D’Ascenzi F, Cameli M, Giacomin E, Mondillo S. Left Ventricular Twisting as Determinant of Diastolic Function: A Speckle Tracking Study in Patients with Cardiac Hypertrophy. Echocardiography 2011; 28:892-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8175.2011.01441.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Cappelli F, Porciani MC, Bergesio F, Perfetto F, De Antoniis F, Cania A, Tronconi F, Ricceri I, Padeletti L. Characteristics of left ventricular rotational mechanics in patients with systemic amyloidosis, systemic hypertension and normal left ventricular mass. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2010; 31:159-65. [PMID: 21310001 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-097x.2010.00987.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recently, two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography has enabled assessment of a particular behaviour of left ventricular (LV) motion defined as twisting/untwisting. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether in early stage of hypertension and systemic amyloidosis, subclinical alteration of LV twist and untwist is already present even if no LV hypertrophy is evidenced. METHODS Forty-seven patients with light chain immunoglobulin amyloidosis (AL) entered the study and were classified having cardiac amyloidosis (CA) or not (NCA) if the mean value of LV wall thickness was ≥12 mm or not. Twenty-two consecutive patients with history of arterial essential hypertension (Hyp Group) and no sign of LV hypertrophy were enrolled. A total of 26 asymptomatic healthy subjects, age-matched, were analysed as control group. All three groups of patients and healthy subjects underwent traditional and 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography evaluation. LV diameters, volumes, wall thickness, mass, ejection fraction, E/A and E/E' ratio were evaluated. RESULTS Twisting and untwisting rates were significantly increased in NCA and Hyp group when compared with CA and control group. Moreover, despite similar LV mass and diastolic dysfunction degree, untwisting rate peak was significantly delayed in NCA when compared with Hyp group. In patients with CA, untwisting rate delay was similar to patients with NCA. CONCLUSION Our results show that amyloidosis and systemic hypertension produce both LV twist and untwist rate enhancement before LV hypertrophy is developed. In patients with amyloidosis irrespectively of LV infiltration degree, a significant LV untwisting rate peak delay occurs suggesting that different aetiology of cardiac involvement could differently affect LV untwisting rate.
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Cikes M, Sutherland GR, Anderson LJ, Bijnens BH. The role of echocardiographic deformation imaging in hypertrophic myopathies. Nat Rev Cardiol 2010; 7:384-96. [DOI: 10.1038/nrcardio.2010.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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