Is Doppler tissue velocity during early left ventricular filling preload independent?

Parameters associated with successful weaning of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be used to restore organ perfusion in patients with cardiogenic shock until native heart recovery occurs. It may be challenging, however, to determine when patients can be weaned successfully from ECMO-surviving without requiring further mechanical support or heart transplant. We aimed to systematically review the medical literature to determine the biomarkers, hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters associated with successful weaning of VA-ECMO in adults with cardiogenic shock and to present an evidence-based weaning algorithm incorporating key findings.

METHOD

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, Google Scholars, Web of Science and the Grey literature for pertinent original research reports. We excluded studies limited to extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) as the neurological prognosis may significantly alter the decision-making process surrounding the device removal in this patient population. Studies with a mixed population of VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest were included. We excluded studies limited to patients in which ECMO was only used as a bridge to VAD or heart transplant, as such patients are, by definition, never "successfully weaned." We used the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-Randomized Studies. The study was registered on the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO CRD42020178641).

RESULTS

We screened 14,578 records and included 47 that met our pre-specified criteria. Signs of lower initial severity of shock and myocardial injury, early recovery of systemic perfusion, left and right ventricular recovery, hemodynamic and echocardiographic stability during flow reduction trial and/or pump-controlled retrograde trial off predicted successful weaning. The most widely used parameter was the left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral, an indicator of stroke volume. Most studies had a moderate or high risk of bias. Heterogeneity in methods, timing, and conditions of measurements precluded any meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In adult patients on VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock, multiple biomarkers, hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters may be used to track resolution of systemic hypoperfusion and myocardial recovery in order to identify patients that can be successfully weaned.

Cardiac magnetic resonance identifies raised left ventricular filling pressure: prognostic implications

AIMS

Non-invasive imaging is routinely used to estimate left ventricular (LV) filling pressure (LVFP) in heart failure (HF). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is emerging as an important imaging tool for sub-phenotyping HF. However, currently, LVFP cannot be estimated from CMR. This study sought to investigate (i) if CMR can estimate LVFP in patients with suspected HF and (ii) if CMR-modelled LVFP has prognostic power.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Suspected HF patients underwent right heart catheterization (RHC), CMR and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (validation cohort only) within 24 h of each other. Right heart catheterization measured pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was used as a reference for LVFP. At follow-up, death was considered as the primary endpoint. We enrolled 835 patients (mean age: 65 ± 13 years, 40% male). In the derivation cohort (n = 708, 85%), two CMR metrics were associated with RHC PCWP:LV mass and left atrial volume. When applied to the validation cohort (n = 127, 15%), the correlation coefficient between RHC PCWP and CMR-modelled PCWP was 0.55 (95% confidence interval: 0.41-0.66, P < 0.0001). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance-modelled PCWP was superior to TTE in classifying patients as normal or raised filling pressures (76 vs. 25%). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance-modelled PCWP was associated with an increased risk of death (hazard ratio: 1.77, P < 0.001). At Kaplan-Meier analysis, CMR-modelled PCWP was comparable to RHC PCWP (≥15 mmHg) to predict survival at 7-year follow-up (35 vs. 37%, χ2 = 0.41, P  = 0.52).

CONCLUSION

A physiological CMR model can estimate LVFP in patients with suspected HF. In addition, CMR-modelled LVFP has a prognostic role.

Amplifying effect of chronic lisinopril therapy on diastolic function and the angiotensin-(1-7) Axis by the G1 agonist in ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) activation by G1 attenuates diastolic dysfunction from estrogen loss, which may be partly due to suppression of angiotensin II pathological actions. We aimed to determine the independent effects of 8 weeks of G1 (100 µg/kg/d, subcutaneous pellet), ACE-inhibition (ACEi; lisinopril 10 mg/kg, drinking water), or combination therapy versus vehicle in the ovariectomized (OVX) spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) on cardiac function and morphometrics (echocardiography), serum equilibrium of angiotensins (mass spectroscopy) and cardiac components of the RAS (Western blotting). G1 alone and when combined with ACEi enhanced myocardial relaxation (é: 30 and 17%) and diastolic wall strain (DWS: 76 and 68%) while reducing relative wall thickness (RWT: 20 and 33%) and filling pressures (E/é: 30 and 37%). Cardiac expression levels of Mas receptor (Mas-R) and ACE2 also increased in the presence of G1. Strong antihypertensive effects of lisinopril monotherapy were associated with reductions in RWT, collagen deposition and E/é without overtly altering é or DWS. Chronic ACEi also increased cardiac levels of Mas-R and AT₁-R and tilted the circulating RAS toward the formation of Ang-(1-7), which was amplified in the presence of G1. In vitro studies further revealed that an inhibitor to prolyl endopeptidase (PEP), but not to neprilysin, significantly reduced serum Ang-(1-7) levels in G1-treated rats, suggesting that G1 might be increasing Ang-(1-7) formation via PEP. We conclude that activating GPER with G1 augments components of the cardiac RAS and improves diastolic function without lowering blood pressure, and that lisinopril-induced blood pressure control and cardiac alterations in OVX SHR are permissive in facilitating G1 to augment Ang-(1-7) in serum, thereby strengthening its cardioprotective benefits.

Left ventricular myocardial function in hemodialysis patients: the effects of preload decrease in conventional, Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography parameters

Introduction

our aim was to investigate the value of conventional echocardiography, pulsed Doppler and speckle tracking imaging (STI) analysis in the assessment of the left ventricular (LV) myocardial function in hemodialysis (HD) patients with preserved LV ejection fraction and to evaluate the effect of a single HD session on the LV systolic and diastolic functions.

Methods

the study population consisted of 30 chronic HD patients. Echocardiography and Doppler studies were performed before and after HD. The LV global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strains were measured with two and three-dimensional STI.

Results

after HD, LV dimensions, left atrium (LA) area, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and inferior vena cava diameter decreased significantly. The peak mitral E velocity, the E/A ratio of the mitral inflow and the lateral E/E´ ratio decreased also significantly. The LV and LA volumes index and LV mass index (LVMi) decreased remarkably after HD. The 3D- LV and LA ejection fractions were unchanged after HD. Although, 3D-estimated LVEF seemed to be preserved in the HD patients, the 2D and 3D- strain rates were decreased in all directions. The global strain values improved in all directions after a single HD session. Inverse correlations were found between the LVMi, serum BNP and LV global longitudinal strain.

Conclusion

in HD patients with preserved LV ejection fraction, the STI analysis may add important information concerning the subclinical LV dysfunction.

Lack of Association Between Anemia and Intrinsic Left Ventricular Diastolic Function or Cardiac Mechanics in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Anemia is associated with a poor prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but the reasons underlying this association are unclear. Previous studies have reported an association between anemia and diastolic dysfunction. However, these studies used volume- and flow-dependent indexes of diastolic dysfunction. We hypothesized that in HFpEF, anemia is more closely associated with volume status and not markers of intrinsic myocardial dysfunction. We prospectively studied 419 outpatients in a systematic HFpEF program, all of whom underwent hemoglobin measurement and comprehensive echocardiography. Longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain were also measured in 311 patients. We defined anemia as hemoglobin <12g/dL in women and <13g/dL in men. Linear and Cox regression analyses were used to determine the association between anemia and echocardiographic/strain variables and adverse outcomes, respectively. Over half (224/419 [53%]) of the HFpEF patients had anemia. Anemia was associated with volume (preload)-dependent markers of diastolic dysfunction including echocardiographic E/A (p = 0.004) and E/e' ratio (p = 0.014) and elevated right heart pressures such as right atrial pressure (p = 0.002) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (p<0.001). Anemia was not associated with markers of intrinsic myocardial dysfunction such as lateral e' (p = 0.16) and septal e' (p = 0.65) velocities or echocardiographic strain parameters (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). Anemia was associated with the combined outcome of cardiovascular hospitalization or death (hazard ratio = 1.50 [95% confidence interval 1.20, 1.88]; p < 0.001). In conclusion, anemia in HFpEF is associated with markers of volume status and not intrinsic markers of myocardial dysfunction.

Evolution of ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial mechanics in physiological and pathological hypertrophy

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an adaptive response to physiological or pathological stimuli, and distinguishing between the two has obvious clinical implications. However, asymmetric septal hypertrophy and preserved cardiac function are noted in early stages in both cases. We characterized the early anatomic and functional changes in a mouse model of physiological and pathological stress using serial echocardiography-based morphometry and tissue velocity imaging. Weight-matched CF-1 male mice were separated into Controls ( n = 10), treadmill Exercise 1 h daily for 5 days/wk ( n = 7), and transverse aortic constriction (TAC, n = 7). Hypertrophy was noted first in the left ventricle basal septum compared with other segments in Exercise (0.84 ± 0.02 vs. 0.79 ± 0.03 mm, P = 0.03) and TAC (0.86 ± 0.05 vs. 0.77 ± 0.04 mm, P = 0.02) at 4 and 3 wk, respectively. At 8 wk, eccentric LVH was noted in Exercise and concentric LVH in TAC. Septal E/E' ratio increased in TAC (32.6 ± 3.7 vs. 37 ± 6.2, P = 0.002) compared with the Controls and Exercise (32.3 ± 5.2 vs. 32.8 ± 3.8 and 31.2 ± 4.9 vs. 28.2 ± 5.0, respectively, nonsignificant for both). Septal s' decreased in TAC (21 ± 3.6 vs. 17 ± 4.2 mm/s, P = 0.04) but increased in Exercise (19.6 ± 4.1 vs. 29.2 ± 2.3 mm/s, P = 0.001) and was unchanged in Controls (20.1 ± 4.2 vs. 20.9 ± 5.1 mm/s, nonsignificant). With similar asymmetric septal hypertrophy and normal global function during the first 4-8 wk of pathological and physiological stress, there is an early marginal increase with subsequent decrease in systolic tissue velocity in pathological but early and progressive increase in physiological hypertrophy. Tissue velocities may help adjudicate between these two states when there are no overt anatomic or functional differences. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pathological and physiological stress-induced ventricular hypertrophy have different clinical connotations but present with asymmetric septal hypertrophy and normal global function in their early stages. We observed a marginal but statistically significant decrease in systolic tissue velocity in pathological but progressive increase in velocity in physiological hypertrophy. Tissue velocity imaging could be an important tool in the management of asymmetric septal hypertrophy by adjudicating between these two etiologies when there are no overt anatomic or functional differences.

Echocardiographic Evaluation of the Right Heart

The appropriate use of echocardiography may reduce the need for invasive diagnostic cardiac procedures. The right side of the heart has recently gained interest among cardiologists as it became clear that abnormalities of the right heart morphology and function are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography is easy to perform, relatively cheap, readily available and do not pose the risk of ionizing radiation. Conventional 2D and, more recently, 3D echocardiography provides pertinent anatomic and physiologic information about the right side of the heart. Because of the advantages and simplicity of echocardiography it continues to be an excellent tool for evaluating the structure and function of the right side of the heart. This review outlines the uses of echocardiography in evaluating the right heart structure and function.

Paradoxical increase in E/e' ratio after treatment of heart failure in two patients with preserved ejection fraction

We report an increase in E/e' ratio after treatment of heart failure (HF) in two patients. In case 1, the E/e' ratio increased from 15 to 18 after treatment of HF. In case 2, the E/e' ratio also increased from 24 to 35. Although a high E/e' ratio suggests high pulmonary artery wedge pressure and worsening HF, the ratio may increase after improvement of HF.In the present cases of diastolic dysfunction, the high E wave did not change, but the e' wave decreased relatively. This report may suggest difficulty in evaluating hemodynamic status based on the E/e' ratio in patients with diastolic dysfunction.

Could early septal involvement in the remodeling process be related to the advance hypertensive heart disease?

BACKGROUND

Quantitative imaging analyses showed an earlier septal wall involvement in hypertension. We planned to determine the effect of hypertension on regional myocardial performance index (MPI) in a hypertensive patient population.

METHODS

We evaluated 119 hypertensive patients who were divided into gr. I: 57 patients without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), (53.1 ± 10 years), and gr. II: 62 patients with LVH (55.1 ± 9 years) using conventional and tissue doppler imaging. They were compared with gr. III, a sex-age-matched normal control group (37 subjects, 53.0 ± 10 years).

RESULTS

We detected basal septal and basal lateral contraction time (CT), isovolumetric CT and relaxation time (IVRT) and MPI. EF was 68 ± 5 % in gr. I, 69 ± 5 % in gr. II, 69 ± 4 % in gr. III. LV mass index was 122 ± 11 g/m2 in gr. I, 148 ± 13 g/m2 in gr. II and 118 ± 13 g/m2 in gr. III. Concentric LVH was detected in gr. II (relative wall thickness = 0.49 ± 0.8). LV septal and lateral MPI were abnormal in both hypertensive groups (p < 0.0001). Septal MPI was correlated moderately with septal wall thickness (r = 0.447, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

LV diastolic dysfunction becomes more severe in septal wall than lateral wall in hypertensive LVH. Septal myocardial performance is more dominantly affected by hypertension possibly due to earlier septal involvement in disease course. Septal MPI is correlated moderately with septal wall thickness.

The influence of pericardial fat upon left ventricular function in obese females: evidence of a site-specific effect

BACKGROUND

Although increased volume of pericardial fat has been associated with decreased cardiac function, it is unclear whether this association is mediated by systemic overall obesity or direct regional fat interactions. We hypothesized that if local effects dominate, left ventricular (LV) function would be most strongly associated with pericardial fat that surrounds the left rather than the right ventricle (RV).

METHODS

Female obese subjects (n = 60) had cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scans to obtain measures of LV function and pericardial fat volumes. LV function was obtained using the cine steady state free precession imaging in short axis orientation. The amount of pericardial fat was determined volumetrically by the cardiac gated T1 black blood imaging and normalized to body surface area.

RESULTS

In this study cohort, LV fat correlated with several LV hemodynamic measurements including cardiac output (r = -0.41, p = 0.001) and stroke volume (r = -0.26, p = 0.05), as well as diastolic functional parameters including peak-early-filling rate (r = -0.38, p = 0.01), early late filling ratio (r = -0.34, p = 0.03), and time to peak-early-filling (r = 0.34, p = 0.03). These correlations remained significant even after adjusting for the body mass index and the blood pressure. However, similar correlations became weakened or even disappeared between RV fat and LV function. LV function was not correlated with systemic plasma factors, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), resistin and adiponectin (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

LV hemodynamic and diastolic function was associated more with LV fat as compared to RV or total pericardial fat, but not with systemic inflammatory markers or adipokines. The correlations between LV function and pericardial fat remained significant even after adjusting for systemic factors. These findings suggest a site-specific influence of pericardial fat on LV function, which could imply local secretion of molecules into the underlying tissue or an anatomic effect, both mechanisms meriting future evaluation.

The value of diastolic function parameters in the prediction of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular diastolic impairment and consequently elevated filling pressure may contribute to stasis leading to left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated whether transthoracic echocardiographic parameters can predict LAAT independent of traditional clinical predictors.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 297 consecutive nonvalvular AF patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiogram followed by a transesophageal echocardiogram within one year. Multivariate logistic regression analysis models were used to determine factors independently associated with LAAT.

RESULTS

Nineteen subjects (6.4%) were demonstrated to have LAAT by transesophageal echocardiography. These patients had higher mean CHADS2 scores [2.6 ± 1.2 vs. 1.9 ± 1.3, P = 0.009], higher E:e' ratios [16.6 ± 6.1 vs. 12.0 ± 5.4, P = 0.001], and lower mean e' velocities [6.5 ± 2.1 cm/sec vs. 9.1 ± 3.2 cm/sec, P = 0.001]. Both E:e' and e' velocity were associated with LAAT formation independent of the CHADS2 score, warfarin therapy, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left atrial volume index (LAVI) [E:e' odds-ratio = 1.14 (95% confidence interval = 1.03 - 1.3), P = 0.009; e' velocity odds-ratio = 0.68 (95% confidence interval = 0.5 - 0.9), P = 0.007]. Similarly, diastolic function parameters were independently associated with spontaneous echo contrast.

CONCLUSION

The diastolic function indices E:e' and e' velocity are independently associated with LAAT in nonvalvular AF patients and may help identify patients at risk for LAAT.

Impact of overweight and obesity on left ventricular diastolic function and value of tissue Doppler echocardiography

Background

Diastolic dysfunction is a common cause of heart failure with preserved systolic function in obese patients.

Objective

To assess diastolic function in a series of overweight and obese patients using conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography.

Setting and method

University hospital; left ventricular diastolic function was evaluated in 99 patients (mean age 61.59 ± 13.9 years); body mass index and waist circumference were assessed, and patients were subdivided into three groups according to their body mass index (kg/m²): [normal, (18.5–24.9); overweight, (25–29.9); obese, (>29.9)]. Peak early (E) and late (A) transmitral flow and peak early (E′) diastolic mitral annulus velocities were measured.

Results

Diastolic dysfunction was significantly higher in the overweight/obese groups compared to the normal body mass index group. The analysis was made with regard to waist circumference and other clinical characteristics, and multivariate regression analysis showed a direct and independent effect of body mass index on diastolic function [OR: 2.75; CI: 1.34–5.67; P = 0.006]. Discussion was made in view of the latest clinical data. Also, an insight into normal weight obesity is presented and discussed.

Conclusion

Overweight and obesity are found to have an independent negative impact on diastolic function as assessed by tissue Doppler imaging.

Echocardiographic Measures of Diastolic Function Are Preload Dependent during Triggered Positive Pressure Ventilation: A Controlled Crossover Study in Healthy Subjects

Background. The use of echocardiography in intensive care settings impacts decision making. A prerequisite for the use of echocardiography is relative resistance to changes in volume status and levels of positive pressure ventilation (PPV). Studies on indices of diastolic function report conflicting results with regard to dependence on volume status. Evidence is scarce on PPV. Methods. Ten healthy subjects were exposed to 6 levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and pressure support (PS) following a baseline reading. All ventilator settings were performed at three positions: horizontal, reverse-Trendelenburg, and Trendelenburg. Echocardiography was performed throughout. Results. During spontaneous breathing, early diastolic transmitral velocity (E) changed with positioning (P < 0.001), whereas early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (e') was independent (P = 0.263). With PPV, E and e' proved preload dependent (P   values < 0.001). Increases in PEEP, PS, or a combination influenced E and e' in reverse-Trendelenburg- and horizontal positions, but not in the Trendelenburg position. Discussion. The change towards preload dependency of e' with PPV suggests that PPV increases myocardial preload sensitivity. The susceptibility of E and e' to preload changes during PPV discourages their use in settings of volume shifts or during changes in ventilator settings. Conclusion. Positioning and PPV affect E and e'.

Diastolic dysfunction and mortality in early severe sepsis and septic shock: a prospective, observational echocardiography study

Background

Patients with severe sepsis or septic shock often exhibit significant cardiovascular dysfunction. We sought to determine whether severity of diastolic dysfunction assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) predicts 28-day mortality.

Methods

In this prospective, observational study conducted in two intensive care units at a tertiary care hospital, 78 patients (age 53.2 ± 17.1 years; 51% females; mean APACHE II score 23.3 ± 7.4) with severe sepsis or septic shock underwent TTE within 6 h of ICU admission, after 18 to 32 h, and after resolution of shock. Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction was defined according to modified American Society of Echocardiography 2009 guidelines using E, A, and e’ velocities; E/A and E/e’; and E deceleration time. Systolic dysfunction was defined as an ejection fraction < 45%.

Results

Twenty-seven patients (36.5%) had diastolic dysfunction on initial echocardiogram, while 47 patients (61.8%) had diastolic dysfunction on at least one echocardiogram. Total mortality was 16.5%. The highest mortality (37.5%) was observed among patients with grade I diastolic dysfunction, an effect that persisted after controlling for age and APACHE II score. At time of initial TTE, central venous pressure (CVP) (11+/- 5 mmHg) did not differ among grades I-III, although patients with grade I received less intravenous fluid.

Conclusions

LV diastolic dysfunction is common in septic patients. Grade I diastolic dysfunction, but not grades II and III, was associated with increased mortality. This finding may reflect inadequate fluid resuscitation in early sepsis despite an elevated CVP, suggesting a possible role for TTE in sepsis resuscitation.

Metformin is associated with improved left ventricular diastolic function measured by tissue Doppler imaging in patients with diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between selected glucose-lowering medications and left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in patients with diabetes.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study (years 2005-2008).

METHODS

Echocardiograms of 242 patients with diabetes undergoing coronary angiography were analyzed. All patients had an LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥20% and were without atrial fibrillation, bundle branch block, valvular disease, or cardiac pacemaker. Patients were grouped according to the use of metformin (n=56), sulfonylureas (n=43), insulin (n=61), and combination treatment (n=82).

RESULTS

Mean age (66±10 years) and mean LVEF (45±11%) were similar across the groups. Mean isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) was 66±31, 79±42, 69±23, and 66±29 ms in metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin, and combination treatment groups respectively (P=0.4). Mean early diastolic longitudinal tissue velocity (e') was 5.3±1.6, 4.6±1.6, 5.3±1.8, and 5.4±1.7 cm/s in metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin, and combination treatment groups (P=0.04). In adjusted linear regression models, the use of metformin was associated with a shorter IVRT (parameter estimate -9.9 ms, P=0.049) and higher e' (parameter estimate +0.52 cm/s, P=0.03), compared with no use of metformin. The effects of metformin were not altered by concomitant use of sulfonylureas or insulin (P for interactions >0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of metformin is associated with improved LV relaxation, as compared with no use of metformin.

Cardiac remodeling in patients with primary aldosteronism

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the morpho-functional changes of the myocardium in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA).

DESIGN

An observational study in a university referral center for blood pressure diseases.

PATIENTS

Twenty- three patients with PA, 24 patients with essential hypertension (EH), and 15 normotensive controls (C) underwent conventional echocardiography with integrated backscatter (IBS) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) analysis. The corrected IBS (C-IBS) values and the systo-diastolic variation of IBS (CV-IBS) were performed at both interventricular septum and the posterior wall levels. TDI myocardial systolic (Sm), early diastolic (Em), and late diastolic (Am) velocities of both left ventricular walls were also determined.

RESULTS

In PA patients, septal and posterior wall CV-IBS were significantly lower than C (p<0.0001) and EH patients (p<0.001). In EH, CV-IBS was significantly lower than C (p<0.001). Patients with PA exhibited lower Sm, lower Em, and higher Am, and a subsequently reduced Em/Am ratio than C (p<0.001 for all) and EH (p<0.01 for all) at interventricular septum and lateral wall levels. In the latter, Sm, Em, and Em/Am ratio were lower and Am was higher than C (p<0.001 for all). In PA and EH patients, CV-IBS at both septum (r=-0.66, p<0.001) and posterior wall levels (r=-0.67, p<0.001) and Sm peak of both septum (r=-0.52, p<0.001) and lateral wall (r=-0.55, p<0.001) were inversely related to plasma aldosterone.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PA showed myocardial wall remodeling characterized by increased myocardial fibrosis and early left ventricular systodiastolic function abnormalities.

[Quantification of right ventricular function by 2D speckle imaging and three dimensional echography. Comparison with MRI]

PURPOSE

The echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular (RV) function requires many different parameters. We studied and compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) two markers of RV function derived from new imaging tools: 2D speckle imaging (2DSI) and three dimensional echography.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (19 with RV ejection fraction [RVEF]< or =45%) underwent both complete echocardiography--including standard parameters of RV function (fractional area change [FAC], Tei index, systolic velocity of tricuspid annulus by DTI), 3D full-volume acquisition on RV--and MRI for the evaluation of RV volumes and RVEF. 2DSI was applied to high frame rate cine loops centred on the RV free wall with measurement of peak systolic strain (%) in the basal, median and apical segments of this wall. Strain, especially in RV median and apical segments, is reduced in patients with RVEF less or equal to 45% (median strain: -16.39+/-5.27 vs. -24.74+/-8.00 [p=0.002]; apical strain -13.01+/-6.84 vs. 22.53+/-11.32 [p=0.03]) with a very good correlation with RVEF (r=-0.717, p=0.0001) but also with the usual echographic parameters of RV function, (FAC: r=0.019; Tei: r=0.01; peak systolic velocity: r=0.002). The 3D RVEF is also but poorly correlated with MRI RVEF, (r=0.447, p=0.017). Furthermore, 3D significantly underestimated RV volumes. By multivariate analysis, apical strain (p=0.004) and FAC (p=0.029) were predictive of a decreased RVEF.

CONCLUSION

Apical strain as measured from 2DSI seems a promising parameter in the estimation of RV function. 3D estimation of RVEF is more disappointing because of an important underestimation of RV volumes.

Transmitral flow velocity-contour variation after premature ventricular contractions: a novel test of the load-independent index of diastolic filling

The new echocardiography-based, load-independent index of diastolic filling (LIIDF) M was assessed using load-/shape-varying E-waves after premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Twenty-six PVCs in 15 subjects from a preexisting simultaneous echocardiography-catheterization database were selected. Perturbed load-state beats, defined as the first two post-PVC E-waves, and steady-state E-waves, were subjected to conventional and model-based analysis. M, a dimensionless index, defined by the slope of the peak driving-force vs. peak (filling-opposing) resistive-force regression, was determined from steady-state E-waves alone, and from load-perturbed E-waves combined with a matched number of subsequent beats. Despite high degrees of E-wave shape variation, M derived from load-varying, perturbed beats and M derived from steady-state beats alone were indistinguishable. Because the peak driving-force vs. peak resistive-force relation determining M remains highly linear in the extended E-wave shape and load variation regime observed, we conclude that M is a robust LIIDF.

Ethnicity and left ventricular diastolic function in hypertension an ASCOT (Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial) substudy

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether diastolic function differs between hypertensive patients of African-Caribbean or white European origin and established whether differences could be explained by confounding variables.

BACKGROUND

African Caribbeans are known to have a higher prevalence of heart failure than white Europeans but it is unclear whether this is a result of known risk factors. Tissue Doppler technology now allows accurate quantification of diastolic function, which is recognized as an important factor in the development of heart failure.

METHODS

Participants from a single center participating in the ASCOT (Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial), composed of patients with hypertension but no evidence of heart failure, were studied. Left ventricular structure and function were measured in 509 patients using conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Diastolic function was assessed using the tissue Doppler early diastolic velocity E' (averaged from 3 left ventricular segments) and the ratio of this and the transmitral early filling velocity E (E/E').

RESULTS

In African-Caribbean patients, mean E' was significantly lower (7.7 cm/s vs. 8.6 cm/s, p = 0.003) and mean E/E' was significantly higher (8.85 vs. 7.93, p = 0.003). After adjustment for confounding variables-age, gender, systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, cholesterol, smoking, ejection fraction, left ventricular mass index, and diabetes mellitus-the effect of African-Caribbean ethnicity on diastolic function remained highly significant (E': 7.52 vs. 8.51; p < 0.001; E/E': 8.89 vs. 7.93; p = 0.003; African Caribbeans vs. white Europeans for both comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

Diastolic function is significantly worse in hypertensive patients of African-Caribbean origin than in white Europeans. This difference in diastolic performance is not due to known confounding variables.

Relation between iron-overload indices, cardiac echo-Doppler, and biochemical markers in thalassemia intermedia

Cardiovascular impairment is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with thalassemia intermedia. In this study, echocardiographic assessment of left heart condition was performed in patients with thalassemia intermedia, and its relation to hematologic variables--amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), ferritin, hemoglobin--and liver iron concentration (LIC) was investigated. Echocardiographic assessment was performed using pulse-wave Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging. Data from 74 patients with thalassemia intermedia--35 men, 39 women, mean age 26.5 years (8 to 63)--were randomly selected and evaluated. Blood samples were collected for NT-proBNP levels in a random subgroup of 19 patients. Mean baseline values were hemoglobin 8.4 g/dl (4.9 to 13.1), serum ferritin 902.6 ng/ml (15 to 4,140), LIC 9.0 mg Fe/g (0.5 to 32.1), and NT-proBNP 113.5 pg/ml (16.4 to 371). Correlation between LIC and pulmonary artery systolic pressure was significant, suggesting that iron loading in the liver is indicative of cardiovascular sequelae. NT-proBNP was significantly correlated with the ratio of the left ventricular early rapid filling wave to early diastolic velocity at the mitral annulus (r = 0.50, p = 0.04) and hemoglobin (r = -0.49, p = 0.03), but not with other characteristics assessed. In conclusion, this study has highlighted the importance of using tissue Doppler imaging rather than pulse-wave Doppler to characterize left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with thalassemia intermedia. Demonstration of the correlation of LIC and pulmonary artery systolic pressure independent of left ventricular filling pressures supports our hypothesis that left ventricular diastolic dysfunction does not contribute to the increased pulmonary artery systolic pressure in patients with thalassemia intermedia.

Diastolic time - frequency relation in the stress echo lab: filling timing and flow at different heart rates

A cutaneous force-frequency relation recording system based on first heart sound amplitude vibrations has been recently validated. Second heart sound can be simultaneously recorded in order to quantify both systole and diastole duration.

AIMS

1- To assess the feasibility and extra-value of operator-independent, force sensor-based, diastolic time recording during stress.

METHODS

We enrolled 161 patients referred for stress echocardiography (exercise 115, dipyridamole 40, pacing 6 patients).The sensor was fastened in the precordial region by a standard ECG electrode. The acceleration signal was converted into digital and recorded together with ECG signal. Both systolic and diastolic times were acquired continuously during stress and were displayed by plotting times vs. heart rate. Diastolic filling rate was calculated as echo-measured mitral filling volume/sensor-monitored diastolic time.

RESULTS

Diastolic time decreased during stress more markedly than systolic time. At peak stress 62 of the 161 pts showed reversal of the systolic/diastolic ratio with the duration of systole longer than diastole. In the exercise group, at 100 bpm HR, systolic/diastolic time ratio was lower in the 17 controls (0.74 +/- 0.12) than in patients (0.86 +/- 0.10, p < 0.05 vs. controls). Diastolic filling rate increased from 101 +/- 36 (rest) to 219 +/- 92 ml/m2* s-1 at peak stress (p < 0.5 vs. rest).

CONCLUSION

Cardiological systolic and diastolic duration can be monitored during stress by using an acceleration force sensor. Simultaneous calculation of stroke volume allows monitoring diastolic filling rate.Stress-induced "systolic-diastolic mismatch" can be easily quantified and is associated to several cardiac diseases, possibly expanding the spectrum of information obtainable during stress.

Diagnosis of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in the setting of acute changes in loading conditions

Introduction

Conventional pulsed wave Doppler parameters are known to be preload dependent, whereas newly proposed Doppler indices may be less influenced by variations in loading conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of haemodialysis-induced preload reduction on both conventional and new Doppler parameters for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted in a medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU) and nephrology department of a teaching hospital. In total, 37 haemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease (age [mean ± standard deviation]: 52 ± 13 years) and eight ventilated ICU patients with acute renal failure receiving vasopressor therapy (age 57 ± 16 years; Simplified Acute Physiology Score II 51 ± 17) were studied. Echocardiography was performed before and after haemodialysis. Conventional pulsed wave Doppler indices of LV diastolic function as well as new Doppler indices, including Doppler tissue imaging early diastolic velocities (E' wave) of the septal and lateral portions of the mitral annulus, and propagation velocity of LV inflow at early diastole (Vp) were measured and compared before and after ultrafiltration.

Results

The volume of ultrafiltration was greater in haemodialysis patients than in ICU patients (3.0 ± 1.1 l versus 1.9 ± 0.9 l; P = 0.005). All conventional pulsed wave Doppler parameters were altered by haemodialysis. In haemodialysis patients, E' velocity decreased after ultrafiltration when measured at the septal mitral annulus (7.1 ± 2.5 cm/s versus 5.9 ± 1.7 cm/s; P = 0.0003), but not at its lateral portion (8.9 ± 3.1 cm/s versus 8.3 ± 2.6 cm/s; P = 0.37), whereas no significant variation was observed in ICU patients. Vp decreased uniformly after ultrafiltration, the difference being significant only in haemodialysis patients (45 ± 11 cm/s versus 41 ± 13 cm/s; P = 0.04). Although of less magnitude, ultrafiltration-induced variations in Doppler parameters were also observed in haemodialysis patients with altered LV systolic function.

Conclusion

In contrast to other Doppler parameters, Doppler tissue imaging E' maximal velocity measured at the lateral mitral annulus represents an index of LV diastolic function that is relatively insensitive to abrupt and marked preload reduction.

Evaluation of alterations on mitral annulus velocities, strain, and strain rates due to abrupt changes in preload elicited by parabolic flight

We tested the hypothesis that in normal subjects, cardiac tissue velocities, strain, and strain rates (SR), measured by Doppler tissue echocardiography (DTE), are preload dependent. To accomplish it, immediately preceding image acquisition, reversible, repeatable, acute nonpharmacological changes in preload were induced by parabolic flight. DTE has been proposed as a new approach to assess left ventricular regional myocardial function by computing tissue velocities, strain, and SR. However, preload dependence of these parameters in normal subjects still remains controversial. DTE images (Philips) were obtained in 10 normal subjects in standing upright position at normogravity (1 G z), hypergravity (1.8 G z), and microgravity (0 G z) with and without −50 mmHg lower body negative pressure (LBNP). Myocardial velocity curves in the basal interventricular septum were reconstituted offline from DTE images, from which peak systolic (S′), early (E′) and late (A′) diastolic velocities, SR, and peak systolic strain (PSε) were measured and averaged over four beats. At 1.8 G z (reduced venous return), S′, E′, and A′ decreased by 21%, 21%, and 26%, respectively, compared with 1-G z values, while at 0 G z (augmented venous return), E′, A′, and PSε increased by 57%, 53%, and 49%, respectively. LBNP reduced E′ and PSε. In conclusion, our results were in agreement with those obtained in animal models, in which preload was changed in a controlled, acute, and reversible manner, and image acquisition was performed immediately following preload modifications. The hypothesis of preload dependence was confirmed for S′, E′, A′, and PSε, while SR appeared to be preload independent, probably reflecting intrinsic myocardial properties.

Isovolumic Acceleration Measured by Tissue Doppler Echocardiography Is Preload Independent in Healthy Subjects

BACKGROUND

Isovolumic acceleration (IVA) as assessed by Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) has been proposed as a measure of left ventricular (LV) contractility. IVA is believed to be less dependent on preload than previously proposed estimates. IVA has been measured at different locations, and studies have shown conflicting results.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the impact of increased preload on modern echocardiographic estimates of contractility, including IVA performed at different locations, in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Seventeen young healthy individuals (male 13, age 31(+/- 9) years) with no prior history of cardiovascular or metabolic diseases had a Doppler and Tissue Doppler echocardiographic study performed at baseline and after a rapid infusion of 30 ml/kg of bodyweight of isotonic saline. Results are given as mean +/- standard deviation (SD), differences tested by paired t-test.

RESULTS

Echocardiographic parameters used to determine changes in preload, altered significantly. E/e' increased both at the lateral (5 +/- 1 vs 7 +/- 1 P < 0.01) and at the septal side of the annulus (7 +/- 2 vs 9 +/- 2, P < 0.01). Afterload remained unchanged. IVA was unchanged regardless of the measurement location: in the basal free wall (1.21 +/- 0.58 vs 0.98 +/- 0.41, not significant (NS)) or in the mitral annulus (1.18 +/- 0.56 vs 1.15 +/- 0.33, NS). Peak systolic strain, measured at the basal segment of LV septum, increased significantly (15.4 +/- 5.0 vs 20.7 +/- 5, P < 0.05), while all other measurements for strain or strain rate (SR) remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION

IVA is unchanged following significant increases in preload in healthy subjects, and thus is a potentially useful measure of global LV contractility.

Prognostic role of subclinical left ventricular abnormalities and impact of transplantation in chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE

The outcome of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is influenced by overt left ventricular (LV) abnormalities. We sought the predictive value and treatment response of subclinical LV dysfunction in CKD.

METHOD

Resting and dobutamine stress echocardiography were used to identify LV enlargement, dysfunction, or ischemia in 176 patients with CKD. In 129 patients who had normal dobutamine stress echocardiography, myocardial tissue characterization was performed using tissue Doppler imaging and integrated backscatter. Clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic parameters were recorded at baseline, and patients were followed up for cardiac events and all-cause mortality over 2.4 years. Follow-up echocardiographic and tissue characterization parameters were performed in 80 patients.

RESULTS

Previous cardiac history (HR 5.2, P = .002) and serum phosphate (HR 6.2, P = .001) were independent clinical predictors of events (model chi2 = 20.9). Diastolic tissue velocity (HR 0.8, P = .05) was an independent predictor of outcome, and its addition to clinical assessment added incremental prognostic information (model chi2 = 24.8, P < .001). Patients who underwent transplantation (n = 45) showed reduction of wall thickness (P < .001) and LV volumes (P < .001) and increases in diastolic tissue velocity (P = .007) and strain (P = .001), whereas these measurements worsened in those who remained on dialysis.

CONCLUSION

In patients with CKD, subclinical LV dysfunction is associated with adverse outcome. Subclinical disease can be improved by transplantation but progresses in patients who continue on dialysis.

Striving towards the ideal cardiac functional assessment strategy: the contribution of tissue Doppler, strain and strain rate imaging

In cardiac research, a major goal of prevention of catastrophic events by risk-factor management and earlier detection has, in recent years, led to a proliferation of imaging modalities, moving us from old-fashioned chest X-ray through increasingly sophisticated approaches such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multi-slice fast computer-aided tomography (CT) scanning. Today, we have the option of using a vast array of invasive and non-invasive approaches, with diverse technical underpinnings, to assess various, and often overlapping aspects of cardiac function. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and the related applications of strain and strain rate imaging are new technologies that are now being evaluated in the realm of practical patient care, and the underlying principles remind us that cardiac contractility is a reflection of the integration of muscle fibre architecture, mechanics and metabolism. TDI is the first technology that allowed imaging of motion within the myocardial wall rather than that of the blood pool, and permits analysis of velocities and accelerations from ultrasonic scatterers in muscle. Since its inception, it has been used to evaluate both new cardiac functional parameters as well as conventional function; for some of these, TDI has proven the superior imaging modality, while for others it offers only incremental information over conventional approaches.

Preload Dependency of the Time Interval Between the Onset of Mitral Inflow and the Early Diastolic Annular Motion A Hemodialysis-Related Preload Reduction Study

BACKGROUND

The novel parameter T(E-E'), which is the time interval between the onset of the early diastolic mitral inflow velocity (E) and the early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E'), is reported to be related to the constant of the left ventricular (LV) relaxation, and T(E-E') is also reported to be useful for predicting the LV filling pressure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To investigate the effect of preload reduction via hemodialysis on T(E-E'), 28 pairs of echocardiographic evaluations were performed just before and immediately after hemodialysis, including the measurement of the T(E-E') as well as measurement of the conventional echocardiographic parameters. The baseline T(E-E') was 17.9 +/-28.1 ms, which correlated with the ratio of E/E' (r=0.49, p=0.008). After hemodialysis, T(E-E') was shortened to -3.2+/-34.1 ms, which was a significant change from baseline (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

As T(E-E') is a preload dependent parameter, the intravascular volume status should be taken into account when the clinical application of T(E-E') is considered as an index of LV relaxation.

Left and Right Ventricular Function Is Impaired in Behçet's Disease

OBJECTIVES

Subclinical cardiac involvement may occur in patients with Behçet's disease (BD). The purpose of our study was to assess the noninvasive parameters of biventricular function derived from Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) of the tricuspid and mitral annular motion in BD.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients with BD and 20 control subjects were enrolled in this study. All subjects were selected to exclude those with cardiovascular risk factors. Standard echocardiography and pulsed DTI were obtained in every patient.

RESULTS

Peak systolic (13.71 +/- 2.09 vs 20.01 +/- 1.57, P < 0.001), peak early diastolic (11.26 +/- 2.52 vs 15.35 +/- 2.06, P < 0.001) tricuspid annular velocities were significantly lower in patients than controls. Peak systolic (8.68 +/- 1.4 vs 12.25 +/- 1.7, P < 0.001), peak early diastolic (7.89 +/- 1.07 vs 9.94 +/- 1.12, P < 0.001), and peak end diastolic (8.30 +/- 1.32 vs 9.23 +/- 0.91, P = 0.013) lateral mitral annular velocities were significantly lower in patients than controls.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that myocardial velocities, were affected in patients with BD. Therefore, we conclude that right and left ventricular function is impaired in patients with BD.

Tissue Doppler Evaluation of Tricuspid Annulus for Estimation of Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Patients with COPD

Because transthoracic echocardiography is an inexpensive, easy, and reproducible method, it is the most commonly used noninvasive diagnostic tool to determine pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) emerged as a new echocardiographic method that can be applied in various clinical conditions. In our study we aimed to evaluate the relationship between tricuspid lateral annulus TDI parameters and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) as estimated by continuous wave Doppler in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 51 (42 men, mean age: 62.3 +/- 8.2 years) patients with clinically stable COPD were included in the study. The tricuspid annular systolic myocardial velocity (Sm), velocity time integral of Sm (SmVTI), early (Em) and late (Am) peak diastolic myocardial velocities, and myocardial isovolumic relaxation time (IVRTm) were acquired as well as two-dimensional (2-D) and conventional Doppler data. When compared with values of patients without pulmonary hypertension (PHT), Sm, SmVTI, Em, and Em/Am values were found to be lower and IVRTm values higher in patients with PHT. When all the patients were analyzed, there was a significant negative correlation between PASP and Sm and SmVTI (r = -0.82, p < 0.001 and r = -0.84, p < 0.001, respectively). Sm velocity < or = 12 cm/s had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 93.3% for predicting PASP > 40 mmHg. SmVTI < or = 2.5 cm had a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 90% for detecting PHT. In our study, there was significant negative correlation between tricuspid lateral annular Sm and SmVTI values and PASP in patients with stable COPD irrespective of the presence of PHT. Tricuspid annular Sm and SmVTI had very good level sensitivity and specificity for predicting PHT. In conclusion, it might be suggested that in cases where noninvasive PASP measurement is not possible, TDI can be used as an alternative and reliable method to assess PAP.

Load-independent index of diastolic filling: model-based derivation with in vivo validation in control and diastolic dysfunction subjects

Maximum elastance is an experimentally validated, load-independent systolic function index stemming from the time-varying elastance paradigm that decoupled extrinsic load from (intrinsic) contractility. Although Doppler echocardiography is the preferred method of diastolic function (DF) assessment, all echo-derived indexes are load dependent, and no invasive or noninvasive load-independent index of filling (LIIF) exists. In this study, we derived and experimentally validated a LIIF. We used a kinematic filling paradigm (the parameterized diastolic filling formalism) to predict and derive the (dimensionless) dynamic diastolic efficiency M, defined by the slope of the peak driving force [maximum driving force (kx(o)) proportional, variant peak atrioventricular (AV) gradient] to maximum viscoelastic resistive force [peak resistive force (cE(peak))] relation. To validate load independence, we analyzed E-waves recorded while load was varied via tilt table (head up, horizontal, and head down) in 16 healthy volunteers. For the group, linear regression of E-wave derived kx(o) vs. cE(peak) yielded kx(o) = M (cE(peak)) + B, r2 = 0.98; where M = 1.27 +/- 0.09 and B = 5.69 +/- 1.70. Effects of diastolic dysfunction (DD) on M were assessed by analysis of preexisting simultaneous cath-echo data in six DD vs. five control subjects. Average M for the DD group (M = 0.98 +/- 0.07) was significantly lower than controls (M = 1.17 +/- 0.05, P < 0.001). We conclude that M is a LIIF because it uncouples intrinsic DF (i.e., the pressure-flow relation) from extrinsic load (left ventricular end-diastolic pressure). Larger M values imply better DF in that increasing AV pressure gradient results in relatively smaller increases in peak resistive losses (cE(peak)). Conversely, lower M implies that increasing AV gradient leads to larger increases in resistive losses. Further prospective validation characterizing M in well-defined pathological states is warranted.

Usefulness of a New Proposed Tissue Doppler Imaging Global Function Index in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

A global function index (GFI) derived from tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) has been proposed to improve the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of this index in a large selected HCM population.

METHODS

GFI =[E/Ea]/Sa, was calculated at mitral annulus lateral and septal borders in 164 HCM patients and in 40 healthy volunteers. Group comparisons and correlations between GFI and other variables were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 164 patients, 69 (42%) had a peak gradient >30 mmHg in the left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT). GFI (lateral or septal) was not normally distributed. There were differences among controls, obstructive HCM, and nonobstructive HCM (P < 0.0001), but significant overlap of GFI values were observed between groups. GFI was correlated to septal thickness (r = 0.44; P < 0.0001), left atrial diameter (r = 0.52; P < 0.0001), and LVOT gradient (r = 0.58; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In a selected HCM population, GFI was limited by its asymmetrical distribution and significant overlap of values between groups. Further studies are necessary to verify the reliability of GFI in the clinical practice and its position among other tissue Doppler indices.

Acute effects of hemodialysis on left ventricular function evaluated by tissue Doppler imaging

Evidence exists that left ventricular function is impaired in chronic uremic patients. During hemodialysis (HD) treatment, myocardium undergoes electrolyte, hemodynamic and neuro-humoral stress; however, data about the acute changes on ventricular function are controversial. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a single hemodialysis session on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function using pulsed tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) sampled by echocardiography. The study group included 20 uremic patients (17 males, aged 51+/-13 yrs) on maintenance HD, free from clinically overt cardiac dysfunction who underwent echocardiography with pulsed TDI 30 min prior and 30 min after a HD session. TDI was performed by placing the sample volume in the center of the basal lateral segment and the basal interventricular septum in the apical four-chamber view. Myocardial systolic wave (S(m)) and early (E(m)) and atrial (A(m)) diastolic waves were measured. On standard sonography examination, no significant changes in LV systolic function parameters were observed after HD, but the indices for LV diastolic function deteriorated significantly (peak E, 75.4+/-11.2 vs. 58.8+/-12.5 cm/s, P<0.01; E/A ratio, 1.0+/-0.3 vs. 0.8+/-0.2, P<0.01). However, regarding TDI measures following HD, the patients exhibited a lower S(m) peak (septum: 7.6+/-1.1 vs. 5.9+/-0.8 cm/s; lateral wall: 7.7+/-1.7 vs. 6.8+/-1.2 cm/s, P<0.001), a lower E(m) peak (septum: 8.3+/-1.6 vs. 6.3+/-1.7 cm/s; lateral wall: 10.2+/-2.4 vs. 7.1+/-1.9 cm/s, P<0.001), and a reduced E(m)/A(m) ratio (septum: 1.0+/-0.4 vs. 0.7+/-0.2; lateral wall: 1.2+/-0.5 vs. 0.7+/-0.2, P<0.001, respectively), as compared to pre-HD parameters. Of interest, peak E(m), and E(m)/A(m) ratio of the lateral wall were negatively related to ultrafiltration rate (r = -0.60, P<0.05 and -0.69, P<0.01, respectively). Our data indicate that a single hemodialysis session is associated with acute deterioration of diastolic and systolic parameters of myocardial function, as assessed by TDI. These reversible changes could be considered as a cardiac stunning that seems to be related to the ultrafiltration rate and then to the interdialysis weight gain. These findings suggest that low ultrafiltration volume and/or limited interdialytic weight gain are cardioprotective measures in hemodialysis patients.

Which Doppler Parameters Are Load Independent? A Study in Normal Volunteers After Blood Donation

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess the effects of blood donation on different echocardiographic parameters in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

A total of 101 healthy male volunteers were evaluated by echocardiography before and immediately after a 500-mL blood donation. In addition to traditional Doppler indices of left ventricular filling, Doppler tissue, color flow propagation, strain (epsilon), and epsilon rate were measured.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant decrease in mitral peak E and A values after blood donation (E wave 0.85 +/- 0.12 vs 0.79 +/- 0.14 cm/s, P = .01; A wave 0.65 +/- 0.10 vs 0.60 +/- 0.12 cm/s, P = .05). Mitral color flow propagation velocity was not affected (560 +/- 123 vs 571 +/- 132 mm/s, P = not significant). There were no significant differences in the Doppler tissue parameters of peak systolic, and early and late diastolic velocities after blood donation (Sm 13.5 +/- 4.6 vs 13.3 +/- 4.9 cm/s, P = not significant; Em 15.5 +/- 4.9 vs 15.9 +/- 5.1 cm/s, P = not significant; and Am 14.1 +/- 3.9 vs 14.1 +/- 3.5 cm/s, P = not significant, respectively). The peak systolic decreased significantly (-28 +/- 8% vs -21 +/- 4%, P = .03) whereas the peak systolic rate was not affected (1.5 +/- 0.35 vs 1.4 +/- 0.40 s(-1), P = not significant).

CONCLUSION

In healthy male volunteers, preload reduction induced by a 500-mL blood donation does not affect the color propagation velocity, rate, and Doppler tissue velocities.

Comparative value of tissue Doppler imaging and m-mode color Doppler mitral flow propagation velocity for the evaluation of left ventricular filling pressure

BACKGROUND

Recently, two new indexes based on the ratio of transmitral early diastolic velocity (E) to tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), and early diastolic velocity of mitral annulus (E') and E to propagation velocity (Vp) have been proposed to predict left ventricular (LV) filling pressures. However, little is known about the comparative value of these two indexes.

METHODS

We studied 71 consecutive patients referred for coronary angiography (mean age +/- SD, 65 + 11 years; 21 patients with LV ejection fraction [EF] < 50%). Complete Doppler echocardiographic examination including TDI and Vp measurements and direct measurement of LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were performed simultaneously in the catheterization laboratory. LV filling pressures were considered elevated when LVEDP was > or = 15 mm Hg.

RESULTS

The correlation coefficients between E/E' and E/Vp and LVEDP were 0.68 (p = 0.01) and 0.54 (p = 0.01), respectively, in the overall population. The correlations were better in patients with low LV EF (< 50%) [0.8 (p = 0.01) and 0.77(p = 0.01)] and poor in patients with normal LV EF (0.57 [p = 0.05] and 0.41 [not significant]), respectively. Moreover, Vp measurements had higher interobserver variability compared to E' (14% vs 7%). The cutoff values for both indexes giving the best sensitivity and specificity in identifying LVEDP > or = 15 mm Hg were 9 for (E/E') and 2 for (E/Vp).

CONCLUSION

Both E/E' and E/Vp can be used for the evaluation of LV filling pressures. However, the sensitivity of these indexes, especially E/Vp, is hampered by EF. E/E' has a lower variability than Vp and should be preferred for estimation of filling pressures especially in patients with EF > 50%.

Left ventricular function and calcium phosphate plasma levels in uraemic patients

BACKGROUND. Recent investigations have focused on the pathogenetic role of disturbances of calcium phosphate metabolism in causing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in haemodialysis patients. The aim of the present study was to assess left ventricular function and its relationship to phosphate and calcium plasma levels in stable uraemic patients on haemodialysis treatment.

METHODS

Twenty uraemic patients (mean age 51+/-13 years) on maintenance haemodialysis and free from overt cardiac dysfunction, and 20 healthy volunteers underwent standard echocardiography, tissue Doppler-derived early (E(m)) and late (A(m)) diastolic velocities, tissue characterization with cyclic variations of integrated backscatter (CV-IBS), and serum biochemistry.

RESULTS

With respect to tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), uraemic patients showed a lower E(m) peak, a higher A(m) peak, and a reduced E(m)/A(m) ratio of both interventricular septum and lateral wall (0.01>P<0.001) than controls. CV-IBS of both septum and posterior wall was significantly smaller in uraemic patients than in the control subjects (P<0.001). Moreover, the E(m)/A(m) ratio of septum and lateral wall were negatively related to serum phosphorus and to calcium phosphate product (P<0.001 for all). Accordingly, an inverse relationship was also found between CV-IBS of septum and lateral wall and calcium phosphate product and phosphorus (P<0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed early cardiac impairment of diastolic myocardial function evaluated by TDI and IBS analysis, and a close relationship between these changes and the calcium-phosphate plasma levels. These findings are well in keeping with the important role of hyperphosphataemia as a risk factor for cardiovascular damage, and justify the effort for optimal control of calcium phosphate metabolism in uraemic patients.

Left ventricular dysfunction in subjects with mild secondary hyperparathyroidism detected with pulsed wave tissue Doppler echocardiography

AIMS

To assess left ventricular function by conventional and pulsed wave tissue Doppler (PWTD) echocardiography in subjects with mild secondary hyperparathyroidism, and to evaluate whether PWTD would be more sensitive than conventional echocardiography in detecting subtle changes in LV systolic and diastolic function.

METHODS

In the fifth Tromsø study (2001) serum PTH and calcium were measured in 7,954 subjects. One hundred subjects with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT; serum PTH >6.40 pmol/l and serum calcium <2.40 mmol/l) and 106 control subjects with normal PTH and calcium levels and with no history of cardiovascular disease were examined at the follow-up 6-12 months later.

RESULTS

Conventional transthoracic echocardiography and PWTD of mitral annulus were successfully performed in 83 cases and 88 controls. At follow-up mean serum PTH values were 6.0 +/- 2.2 versus 3.2 +/- 1.3 pmol/l (p < 0.05) and mean calcium 2.28 +/- 0.10 versus 2.33 +/- 0.08 mmol/l (p < 0.05) in cases and controls, respectively. Unpaired t test and multiple linear regression analyses were used. No significant differences in conventional echocardiographic parameters were found. However, PWTD showed reduced systolic velocity in septal, lateral and anterior mitral annulus (p < 0.05) and also reduced early diastolic velocity in septal and anterior mitral annulus (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Subjects with mild SHPT have impaired left ventricular long axis function as evaluated by PWTD compared to conventional echocardiography. PWTD seems to be a more sensitive tool in detecting minor changes in left ventricular function and the new modality should routinely be included in studies evaluating left ventricular function, especially the long axis function.

Characteristics of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure: A Doppler Tissue Imaging Study

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to characterize myocardial velocity profiles in different types of diastolic dysfunction for patients with severely decreased left ventricular (LV) systolic function.

METHODS

A total of 126 patients with congestive heart failure and an LV ejection fraction of 35% or less were included. Patients underwent an echocardiographic Doppler examination, with measurement of the transmitral inflow pattern, and Doppler tissue imaging of the mitral annulus.

RESULTS

Compared with age-matched control subjects, the patients had decreased systolic (9.5 vs 4.9 cm/s, P < .001) and early diastolic (11.6 vs 5.6 cm/s, P < .001) mitral annular velocities. According to the transmitral inflow pattern, 56 patients had signs of a LV restrictive pattern, 36 had a pseudonormalization pattern, and 34 had an abnormal relaxation pattern. The peak systolic and early diastolic mitral annular velocities were quite similarly reduced in different diastolic groups (systolic velocities of 4.6, 5.0, and 5.3 cm/s, and early diastolic velocities of 5.7, 5.8, and 5.1 cm/s at restrictive, pseudonormal, and abnormal relaxation, respectively). The ratio of the transmitral early wave and mitral annular early velocity, an expression of LV filling pressure, was highest in the restrictive group compared with other groups (17.0, 14.6, and 11.7 in the above 3 groups, respectively, P < .001 among groups). The ratio of the transmitral early wave and mitral annular early velocity was also higher in the pseudonormal group than in a control group of patients with ejection fraction of 35% or more with signs of a normal/pseudonormal pattern (14.6 vs 9.0, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Doppler tissue imaging may enhance the estimates of diastolic dysfunction in patients with decreased LV systolic function, and help to disclose abnormal diastolic function especially in a pseudonormal group.

Mitral annular myocardial velocity assessment of segmental left ventricular diastolic function after prolonged exercise in humans

We assessed segmental and global left ventricular (LV) diastolic function via tissue-Doppler imaging (TDI) as well as Doppler flow variables before and after a marathon race to extend our knowledge of exercise-induced changes in cardiac function. Twenty-nine subjects (age 18-62 year) volunteered to participate and were assessed pre- and post-race. Measurements of longitudinal plane TDI myocardial diastolic velocities at five sites on the mitral annulus included peak early myocardial tissue velocity (E'), peak late (or atrial) myocardial tissue velocity (A') and the ratio E'/A'. Standard pulsed-wave Doppler transmitral and pulmonary vein flow indices were also recorded along with measurements of body mass, heart rate, blood pressures and cardiac troponin T (cTnT), a biomarker of myocyte damage. Pre- to post-race changes in LV diastolic function were analysed by repeated measures ANOVA. Delta scores for LV diastolic function were correlated with each other and alterations in indices of LV loading. Diastolic longitudinal segmental and mean TDI data were altered post-race such that the mean E'/A' ratio was significantly depressed (1.51 +/- 0.34 to 1.16 +/- 0.35, P < 0.05). Changes in segmental and global TDI data were not related to an elevated post-race HR, a decreased post-race pre-load or an elevated cTnT. The pulsed wave Doppler ratio of peak early transmitral flow velocity (E)/peak late (or atrial) flow velocity (A) was also significantly reduced post-race (1.75 +/- 0.46 to 1.05 +/- 0.30, P < 0.05); however, it was significantly correlated with post-race changes in heart rate. The lack of change in E/E' from pre- to post-race (3.4 +/- 0.8 and 3.3 +/- 0.7, respectively) suggests that the depression in diastolic function is likely to be due to altered relaxation of the left ventricle; however, the exact aetiology of this change remains to be determined.

Tissue Doppler velocities of mitral annulus and NT-proBNP in patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that pulsed wave tissue Doppler velocities of mitral annulus correlate well with left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic functions. It is not yet clear whether these velocities can be used to estimate left ventricular dysfunction in an unselected population of patients with clinical signs and symptoms of heart failure (HF).

AIM

To determine whether LV mitral annulus velocities measured by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) correlate with plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in patients with HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Early diastolic (E(m)) and systolic (S(m)) TDI velocities of septal and lateral mitral annulus were measured in 50 patients with HF together with other conventional echocardiographic parameters, and compared with plasma NT-proBNP levels. Significant correlations were found between NT-proBNP level and E(m) velocity (r=-0.79), S(m) velocity (r=-0.43), early transmitral to E(m) velocity ratio (r=0.38), LV end diastolic diameter (r=0.29), LV ejection fraction (r=-0.44) and tricuspid regurgitant velocity (r=0.31). In multiple regression model (R(2)=0.733), the E(m) velocity was the most important predictor of NT-proBNP level.

CONCLUSIONS

Early diastolic mitral annulus velocity measured by TDI correlates strongly with plasma NT-proBNP levels, and provides a simple, accurate and reproducible echocardiographic index of heart failure.

Change in filling pattern with preload reduction reflects left ventricular relaxation

BACKGROUND

The early diastolic mitral valve pressure gradient and the rate of left ventricular filling are determined by the rate of left ventricular relaxation and left atrial pressure at the time of mitral valve opening. Accordingly, we hypothesized that the left ventricular filling pattern with preload reduction can be used to estimate left ventricular relaxation in patients with preserved systolic function.

METHODS

We evaluated the relationship between the logistic time constant of left ventricular relaxation and left ventricular filling pattern calculated from the time derivative of left ventricular volume using a microtipmanometer and a conductance catheter in 26 consecutive patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (>45%). Left ventricular filling patterns were determined from the maximal rates of early diastolic left ventricular filling (E velocity) and atrial filling (A velocity) before and after preload reduction by inferior venal caval occlusion.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant relationship between the logistic time constant of left ventricular relaxation and the E/A velocity ratio at baseline. However, the time constant was correlated with the E/A velocity ratio after venal caval occlusion (r=-0.47, p=0.02). Furthermore, the time constant was correlated with %E/A velocity change, which was defined as the rate of change of E/A before and after caval occlusion divided by E/A after caval occlusion, more significantly (r=-0.67, p<0.01) than with the E/A velocity ratio after caval occlusion. Thus, the left ventricular filling pattern with preload reduction can be used to estimate left ventricular relaxation in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.