Determinants of survival in patients with congestive cardiomyopathy: quantitative morphologic findings and left ventricular hemodynamics

Phenotyping heart failure by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging of cardiac macro- and microscopic structure: state of the art review

Heart failure demographics have evolved in past decades with the development of improved diagnostics, therapies, and prevention. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has developed in a similar timeframe to become the gold-standard non-invasive imaging modality for characterizing diseases causing heart failure. CMR techniques to assess cardiac morphology and function have progressed since their first use in the 1980s. Increasingly efficient acquisition protocols generate high spatial and temporal resolution images in less time. This has enabled new methods of characterizing cardiac systolic and diastolic function such as strain analysis, exercise real-time cine imaging and four-dimensional flow. A key strength of CMR is its ability to non-invasively interrogate the myocardial tissue composition. Gadolinium contrast agents revolutionized non-invasive cardiac imaging with the late gadolinium enhancement technique. Further advances enabled quantitative parametric mapping to increase sensitivity at detecting diffuse pathology. Novel methods such as diffusion tensor imaging and artificial intelligence-enhanced image generation are on the horizon. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides a window into the molecular environment of the myocardium. Phosphorus (31P) spectroscopy can inform the status of cardiac energetics in health and disease. Proton (1H) spectroscopy complements this by measuring creatine and intramyocardial lipids. Hyperpolarized carbon (13C) spectroscopy is a novel method that could further our understanding of dynamic cardiac metabolism. CMR of other organs such as the lungs may add further depth into phenotypes of heart failure. The vast capabilities of CMR should be deployed and interpreted in context of current heart failure challenges.

Clinical effects of carvedilol and trimetazidine for the treatmentof alcoholic myocardiopathy

The aim of the study was to compare the clinical effects of carvedilol and trimetazidine for the treatment of alcoholic cardiomyopathy. A total of 60 patients diagnosed with alcoholic cardiomyopathy were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly divided into the carvedilol (n=20), trimetazidine (n=20) and control (n=20) groups. The patients in the control, carvedilol and trimetazidine groups were treated with conventional drugs, conventional drugs + carvedil and conventional drugs + trimetazidine respectively, for 12 weeks. The patients were compared for their heart functions [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), C-reactive protein (CRP) and 6 min walking], heart rate, blood pressure and heart enlargement (cardiothoracic proportion and left ventricular diameter) before and after treatment. The parameters studied for heart functions, heart rate, blood pressure, heart enlargement, clinical effects before and after treatment were statistically insignificant (p>0.05). After treatment, the carvedilol and trimetazidine groups showed higher LVEF and CRP, longer walking distance in 6 min, as well as lower heart rate and blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) compared to the control group. Similarly, the cardiothoracic proportion and left ventricular internal diameter for the carvedilol and trimetazidine groups was lower than those of the control group, with better clinical effects (p<0.05). In conclusion, the curative effects of the carvedilol and trimetazidine groups of alcoholic myocardiopathy similar. Both are safe agents that may improve the cardiac function and heart expansion of patients.

Gremlin-1 identifies fibrosis and predicts adverse outcome in patients with heart failure undergoing endomyocardial biopsy

BACKGROUND

Gremlin-1 (Grem1), an antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins, is involved in fibrotic tissue formation in kidney and lung. The impact of myocardial Grem1 expression is unknown. We investigated the prognostic value of Grem1 expression in 214 consecutive patients with nonischemic heart failure (HF) undergoing endomyocardial biopsy.

METHODS

In all patients, the following risk factors were assessed: Grem1 expression (semiquantitative score scheme ranging from 1 to 4), presence of inflammatory markers, detection of viral genome, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA), troponin I, and B-type natriuretic peptide. Degree of myocardial fibrosis was defined as an index. Study end point was a combination of all-cause death and HF-related rehospitalization within 3 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Grem1 expression significantly correlated with the degree of myocardial fibrosis (correlation coefficient r = 0.619; P < .0001). Patients with the highest Grem1 expression (score 4) showed the most severely impaired LVEF and highest LVEDD (P < .0001 and P = .030, respectively, for comparison of semiquantitative scores). During follow-up, 33 patients (15.4%) reached the study end point. Grem1 expression and NYHA ≥II were independent predictors of the end point (Grem1: hazard ratio [HR] 7.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-32.2; P = .006; NYHA ≥II: HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-4.1; P = .048).

CONCLUSIONS

Grem1 correlates with the degree of myocardial fibrosis and left ventricular dysfunction and is an independent predictor of adverse outcome in patients with nonischemic HF.

Recurrence of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with restored idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

In some patients with nonischemic idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), left ventricular (LV) dysfunction improves spontaneously but can recur. The factors predicting recurrence of LV dysfunction in recovered idiopathic DCM are poorly defined. We investigated the clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory variables affecting recurrence of LV dysfunction in patients who recovered from DCM.

HYPOTHESIS

The recurrence of LV dysfunction in recovered idiopathic DCM is impacted by clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory variables.

METHODS

The study comprised 85 consecutively enrolled patients (62 males, age 57 ± 16 years) with DCM who achieved a restoration of LV systolic function. Patients were followed up for 50 ± 33 months after recovery from LV dysfunction without discontinuation of standard medication for heart failure with depressed ejection fraction. Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory variables were analyzed to identify factors independently associated with recurrence of LV dysfunction.

RESULTS

LV dysfunction recurred in 33 patients (23 males, age 64 ± 12 years). Univariate analysis revealed that age, duration from initial presentation to recovery time, diabetes, and LV end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) at initial presentation were associated with recurrence of LV dysfunction. Multivariate analysis revealed that only age, diabetes, and LVEDD at initial presentation were independent predictors in patients who recovered from LV dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

The recurrence of LV dysfunction was significantly correlated with age, presence of diabetes, and LVEDD at initial presentation. Clinicians should consider maintenance of intensive care to patients who recovered from DCM with these factors.

The early diastolic myocardial velocity: a marker of increased risk in patients with coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVE

Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is a promising echocardiographic modality allowing quantification of myocardial performance. However, the prognostic potential of TDI in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is not yet investigated. We sought to explore the ability of TDI in identifying patients at risk for new cardiovascular events after AMI.

METHODS

One hundred and nineteen patients with AMI were recruited prospectively (mean age 61 years; range 32-81 years of age). Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) were excluded. Echocardiography was performed 3-12 months after AMI. Two-dimensional (2-D) and TDI variables were recorded. The patients were followed during a mean period of 4·6 years (range 1-8 years). The primary end-point was defined as any of the following: death from any cause, non-fatal reinfarction or stroke, unstable angina pectoris, congestive heart failure requiring hospitalization and coronary revascularization procedure.

RESULTS

Thirty patients had some form of cardiovascular events during follow-up. Seven patients had cardiovascular death, 13 patients had reinfarction and four patients had a stroke. New angina or unstable angina was recorded in 21 patients. Of these patients, 13 underwent percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The early diastolic myocardial velocity (E(m)) emerged as the only echocardiographic variable that offered a clear differentiation between patients that presented with new cardiovascular (CV) events as compared to the corresponding group without any CV events at follow-up (P<0·05). In multivariate statistical analysis and after adjustment for age, sex, total cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and other baseline characteristics, Em remained as independent predictors of CV events (HR, 1·18, 95% CI, 1·02-1·36; P<0·05). However, none of the investigated variables evolved as an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSION

E(m) appears to be a sensitive echocardiographic index in identifying non-diabetic patients with AMI at risk of new cardiovascular events.

Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, oncosis, and autophagic vacuolization predict mortality in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy with advanced heart failure

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify the remodeling parameters cardiomyocyte (CM) damage or death, hypertrophy, and fibrosis that may be linked to outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure (HF) in an effort to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of HF that may support newer therapeutic modalities.

BACKGROUND

There are controversial results on the influence of fibrosis, CM hypertrophy, and apoptosis on outcomes in patients with HF; other modalities of cell damage have been poorly investigated.

METHODS

In endomyocardial biopsy specimens from 100 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and advanced HF, CM diameter and the extent of fibrosis were determined by morphometry. The proportion of CMs with evidence of apoptosis, autophagic vacuolization (AuV), and oncosis was investigated by immunohistochemical methods and by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling. Those parameters were correlated with mortality in 3 years of follow-up by univariate analysis and with multivariate models incorporating the clinical variables more relevant to the prediction of outcomes.

RESULTS

CM AuV occurred in 28 patients (0.013 ± 0.012%) and oncosis in 41 (0.109 ± 0.139%). Nineteen patients showed both markers. Apoptotic CM nuclei were observed in 3 patients. In univariate analysis, CM diameter and AuV, either alone or associated with oncosis, were predictors of mortality. In multivariate analysis, CM diameter (hazard ratio: 1.37; 95% confidence interval: 1.12 to 1.68; p = 0.002) and simultaneous presence in the same endomyocardial biopsy specimen of AuV and oncosis (hazard ratio: 2.82; 95% confidence interval: 1.12 to 7.13; p = 0.028) were independent predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

CM hypertrophy and AuV, especially in association with oncosis, are predictors of outcome in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and severe HF.

Recovery and recurrence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Some patients with nonischemic left ventricular (LV) systolic failure recover to have normal LV systolic function. However, few studies on the rates of recovery and recurrence have been reported, and no definitive indicators that can predict the recurrence of LV dysfunction in recovered idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCMP) patients have been determined. It was hypothesized that patients who recovered from nonischemic LV dysfunction have a substantial risk for recurrent heart failure.

METHODS

Forty-two patients (32 men) with IDCMP (mean [+/- SD] age 56.9+/-8.7 years) who recovered from systolic heart failure (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] of 26.5+/-6.9% at initial presentation) to a near-normal state (LVEF of 40% or greater, and a 10% increase or greater in absolute value) were monitored for recurrence of LV systolic dysfunction. Patients with significant coronary artery disease were excluded. Patients were monitored for 41.0+/-26.3 months after recovery (LVEF 53.4+/-7.6%) from LV dysfunction.

RESULTS

LV systolic dysfunction reappeared (LVEF 27.5+/-8.1%) during the follow-up period in eight of 42 patients (19.0%). No significant difference between the groups with or without recurrent heart failure was observed in the baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics. However, more patients in the recurred IDCMP group than those in the group that maintained the recovery state had discontinued antiheart failure medication (62.5% versus 5.9%, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

LV dysfunction recurs in some patients with reversible IDCMP. The recurrence was significantly correlated with the discontinuation of antiheart failure drugs. The results suggest that continuous medical therapy may be mandatory in patients who recover from LV systolic dysfunction.

Canadian Cardiovascular Society Consensus Conference guidelines on heart failure--2008 update: best practices for the transition of care of heart failure patients, and the recognition, investigation and treatment of cardiomyopathies

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome that normally requires health care to be provided by both specialists and nonspecialists. This is advantageous because patients benefit from complementary skill sets and experience, but can present challenges in the development of a common, shared treatment plan. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society published a comprehensive set of recommendations on the diagnosis and management of heart failure in January 2006, and on the prevention, management during intercurrent illness or acute decompensation, and use of biomarkers in January 2007. The present update builds on those core recommendations. Based on feedback obtained through a national program of heart failure workshops during 2006 and 2007, several topics were identified as priorities because of the challenges they pose to health care professionals. New evidence-based recommendations were developed using the structured approach for the review and assessment of evidence that was adopted and previously described by the Society. Specific recommendations and practical tips were written for best practices during the transition of care of heart failure patients, and the recognition, investigation and treatment of some specific cardiomyopathies. Specific clinical questions that are addressed include: What information should a referring physician provide for a specialist consultation? What instructions should a consultant provide to the referring physician? What processes should be in place to ensure that the expectations and needs of each physician are met? When a cardiomyopathy is suspected, how can it be recognized, how should it be investigated and diagnosed, how should it be treated, when should the patient be referred, and what special tests are available to assist in the diagnosis and treatment? The goals of the present update are to translate best evidence into practice, apply clinical wisdom where evidence for specific strategies is weaker, and aid physicians and other health care providers to optimally treat heart failure patients, resulting in a measurable impact on patient health and clinical outcomes in Canada.

Myocyte diameter and fractional area of collagen are not associated with survival time of outpatients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: A study based on right ventricular endomyocardial biopsies

Morphometric data obtained from the analysis of endomyocardial biopsy might be useful to evaluate prognosis of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. We measured the myocyte diameter, its coefficient of variation and the fractional area of collagen in right ventricular endomyocardial biopsies of 35 outpatients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. None of the evaluated histological parameter was associated with the survival time of the patients (range: 2 to 5588; median: 706 days). Right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy should not be indicated to predict evolution or fatal outcome in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Prognostic significance of morphometric endomyocardial biopsy analysis in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

To date, considerable controversy exists on the prognostic significance of morphometric endomyocardial biopsy findings in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC).

METHODS

Quantitative analyses of interstitial structured tissue, myofibril volume fraction, and myocytic fiber diameters of left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy specimens were performed in 124 patients with IDC.

RESULTS

During 51 +/- 22 months follow-up after left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy, major arrhythmic events, defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), or sudden cardiac death, were observed in 24 patients (19%). Death from any cause or heart transplant was observed in 39 patients (31%). The amount of interstitial structured tissue, myofibril volume fraction, and myocytic fiber diameters determined from left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy specimens did not differ significantly between patients with and patients without major arrhythmic events or between patients with and patients without transplant-free survival during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative analysis of the amount of interstitial structured tissue, myofibril volume fraction, and myocytic fiber diameters in left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy specimens does not appear to be useful for predicting arrhythmic events and transplant-free survival in IDC.

Clinical Value of Iodine-123 Beta-Methyliodophenyl Pentadecanoic Acid (BMIPP) Myocardial Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography for Predicting Cardiac Death Among Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

In the present study, the effectiveness of 123I-beta-methyliodophenyl pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for predicting cardiac death of patients with chronic heart failure was evaluated. Abnormalities of fatty acid metabolism are found in patients with chronic heart failure and BMIPP was developed as a tracer for scintigraphic assessment of myocardial fatty acid utilization. The study group comprised 74 patients with chronic heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45% on left ventriculography or radionuclide angiocardiography. They underwent both 201Tl SPECT and BMIPP SPECT. The uptake of tracer was scored semiquantitatively from 0 (normal) to 4 (defect) in 20 segments and a total defect score (TDS) for all 20 segments was calculated. On planar images the mediastinum to heart count ratio (H/M) was calculated for the BMIPP and Tl studies, and the H/M(BMIPP):H/M(Tl) (H/M(BMIPP) divided by H/M(Tl)) was also calculated. The mean follow-up period was 660 days and there were 17 cases of cardiac death. Multivariate analysis identified H/M(BMIPP):H/M(Tl) (p<0.05) and LVEF (p<0.05) as independent predictors of cardiac death. The receiver-operating characteristic curve of H/M(BMIPP):H/M (Tl) was situated to the left relative to LVEF. Analysis of the myocardial metabolism by BMIPP SPECT can predict the high-risk patients with chronic heart failure.

Prognostic significance of exercise plasma noradrenaline levels for cardiac death in patients with mild heart failure

The present study was designed to determine whether exercise plasma noradrenaline (NA) levels could predict cardiac death in patients with mild heart failure in whom the plasma NA levels were only minimally elevated. Treadmill exercise testing with serial measurement of plasma NA and plasma adrenaline were performed in 142 patients with heart failure (New York Heart Association class I-II; age, 58+/-12 years) and 26 age-matched normal subjects. During a median follow-up of 9.6 years, 27 cardiac deaths occurred among the patients. By univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, left ventricular end-systolic dimension (p<0.001), age (p<0.01), peak exercise heart rate (p<0.01), exercise plasma NA level (p<0.01) and left ventricular ejection fraction (p<0.001) were identified as significant prognostic markers. In a multivariate analysis, exercise plasma NA level was identified as the most powerful prognostic marker (p<0.001), followed by left ventricular end-systolic dimension and peak exercise heart rate. In addition, from the Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with a supramedian level of exercise plasma NA concentration (NA > or =840pg/ml) had a significantly lower survival rate than those with an inframedian level (p<0.01). Exercise plasma NA levels can provide prognostic information in patients with mild heart failure, which suggests an important role of exercise-induced activation of sympathetic nervous system activity in the prognosis of patients with mild heart failure.

Usefulness of left ventricular mass in predicting recovery of left ventricular systolic function in patients with symptomatic idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Prognosis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) is variable. We determined the prognostic value of left ventricular (LV) mass and systolic and diastolic function in patients with IDC of <12 months duration. Clinical and echocardiographic assessment was performed at baseline and at 8+/-6 months follow-up in 25 patients (47+/-13 years) with IDC and an LV ejection fraction (LVEF1) of <40% (22+/-7%). Based on a follow-up LVEF (LVEF2) of < or >40%, patients were divided into unimproved (n = 13, LVEF2 = 21+/-9%) and improved groups (n = 12, LVEF2 = 51+/-11%). There was no difference in the LVEF1 (22+/-8% vs. 22+/-6%), LV end-systolic (5.7+/-0.8 vs. 5.8+/-0.9 cm) or end-diastolic (6.5+/-0.6 vs. 6.6+/-0.9 cm) dimension, wall stress (102+/-26 vs 99+/-28 g/cm2), end-systolic (1.7+/-0.3 vs. 1.8+/-0.2) or end-diastolic (1.7+/-0.3 vs. 1.6+/-0.1) sphericity, dp/dt (582+/-163 vs. 678+/-222 mm Hg/s), or right ventricular fractional shortening (20+/-9% vs. 27+/-7%, p = 0.06) in unimproved and improved groups. LV mass was lower (1.00+/-0.21 vs. 1.38+/-0.27 g/ml, p = 0007) and mitral inflow E-wave deceleration time shorter (97+/-42 vs. 164+/-58 ms, p = 0007) in the unimproved versus the improved group. On Pearson correlation analysis, LV mass (r = 0.62, p = 0.001), deceleration time (r = 0.68, p = 0.0002), wall motion score index (r = -0.47, p = 02), and dp/dt (r = 0.52, p = 03) were the significant predictors of LVEF2. There was correlation between LV mass (grams per milliliter) and deceleration time (r = 0.61, p = 0.001). During follow-up, death occurred in 1, and readmission for worsening heart failure in 4 patients in the unimproved group versus no hospitalization in the improved group. Thus, in patients with recent onset IDC, LV mass and diastolic function determine late outcome.

Myocardial contractile reserve on dobutamine echocardiography predicts late spontaneous improvement in cardiac function in patients with recent onset idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine whether identification of contractile reserve with dobutamine would predict recovery of myocardial function during follow-up in patients with recent onset idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC).

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients presenting with new onset IDC is variable and difficult to predict.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients (17 men, 5 women, 46 +/- 14 years) with recently diagnosed IDC (4 +/- 3 months) underwent dobutamine echocardiography. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV sphericity before and at peak dobutamine infusion (30 +/- 11 microg/kg/min) were determined. A follow-up echocardiographic assessment was done at 6 +/- 4 months.

RESULTS

The LVEF on dobutamine was directly related to baseline LV mass expressed as g/ml (Pearson r = 0.65, p = 0.0003). Baseline variables that were significantly predictive of follow-up LVEF were deceleration time (r = 0.69, p = 0.0006), wall motion score index (WMSI) (r = -0.63, p = 0.002), LV mass (r = 0.56, p = 0.008) and LVEF on dobutamine (r = 0.84, p = 0.0001). When either deceleration time or WMSI or LV mass was entered into a regression equation to predict follow-up LVEF, the LVEF on dobutamine added significantly to predictive power. However, if LVEF on dobutamine was entered first, none of the other three variables added significantly to prediction. Baseline LV sphericity at end diastole (ED) (r = 0.13, p = 0.6) did not correlate with follow-up LV sphericity in ED, whereas LV sphericity in ED on dobutamine (ED [r = 0.70, p = 0.0004]) correlated with LV sphericity in ED on follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that dobutamine-induced improvement in baseline LVEF and LV sphericity identifies patients with IDC who exhibit substantial improvement in LV function and geometry over time.

Assessment of myocardial fatty acid metabolic abnormalities in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy using 123I BMIPP SPECT: correlation with clinicopathological findings and clinical course

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical and prognostic value of identifying metabolic abnormalities of myocardial fatty acid metabolism in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy using iodine-123 beta-methyl-iodophenyl pentadecanoic acid (123I BMIPP).

SETTING

Cardiac care division in national hospital.

PATIENTS

32 consecutive patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in whom both 123I BMIPP and thallium-201 myocardial single photon emission computed tomography were performed.

METHODS

The uptake of each tracer was scored visually from 0 (normal) to 3 (defect) in 17 segments (eight basal, eight midventricular, and one apical). A total score for all 17 segments was compared with clinicopathological variables. Prognostic value of mismatches between the two tracers were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The 123I BMIPP total score was correlated with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (r = 0.68, p < 0.001), left ventricular end diastolic pressure (r = 0.65, p < 0.001), percentage fractional shortening at six months' follow up (r = -0.58, p = 0. 001), myocyte diameter (r = 0.66, p < 0.001), and percentage area of interstitial fibrosis (r = 0.69, p < 0.001) measured by morphometry in the biopsy specimens. During a mean (SD) follow up of 20 (11) months, deterioration of the New York Heart Association functional class was observed in 11 of the 32 patients; four of these died. Segments with a greater decrease in 123I BMIPP than thallium-201 uptake (type B mismatching) were often observed in patients with deterioration (88/187, 29% v 58/357, 16%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of the abnormality of myocardial fatty acid metabolism in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy reflects the severity of haemodynamic deterioration and histopathological changes. Type B mismatching is one of the important prognostic indicators in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Arrhythmic profile, ventricular function, and histomorphometric findings in patients with idiopathic ventricular tachycardia and mitral valve prolapse: clinical and prognostic evaluation

BACKGROUND

In patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and apparently normal hearts, mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is discovered fairly often, raising the question of whether or not it is an occasional finding.

HYPOTHESIS

This issue was analyzed in a series of patients with VT and apparently normal hearts in order to define the prevalence of MVP in this condition, the existence of specific diagnostic features suggesting a nonrandom association between idiopathic VT and MVP, and the prognostic implications of this finding.

METHODS

We studied 28 consecutive patients with documented VT and no history of heart disease. Two-dimensional (2-D) echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, morphometric examination of endomyocardial biopsy and arrhythmologic evaluation (24-h Holter monitoring, electrophysiologic study, and signal-averaged electrocardiogram) were performed. Inclusion criteria for all patients were angiographically normal coronary arteries, normal biventricular function, and absence of histologic evidence of myocarditis. Data obtained in patients found to have MVP at 2-D echo were compared with those of the remaining patients. Long-term follow-up data were also collected.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MVP in our study group was 25% (7 patients). It was not associated with leaflet dysplasia or significant regurgitation. Biventricular function (ventricular volumes and ejection fraction) was comparable in patients with and without MVP. Patients with MVP had a significantly higher prevalence of ventricular late potentials at signal-averaged electrocardiogram (86 vs. 29%, p = 0.027), more interstitial fibrosis at morphometry (8.5 +/- 3.7 vs. 5.4 +/- 2.7% p = 0.028), and VT of right bundle-branch block morphology (100 vs. 48%; p = 0.044). Other arrhythmologic findings were similar in the two groups. After a mean follow-up of > 5 years, no patient in either group died, and none developed heart failure or severe mitral regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Mitral valve prolapse is frequently detected in idiopathic VT. The distinguishing features of this association are (1) VT of right bundle-branch block morphology, (2) high prevalence of ventricular late potentials, and (3) increased fibrosis on endomyocardial biopsy. Ventricular function and other arrhythmologic findings are not specific of this association. Prognosis remains substantially benign, as is true for most cases of idiopathic VT.

Alcohol consumption and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: a case control study

BACKGROUND

Alcohol has been implicated as a risk factor for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), but a causal relation has not been established. The objective of this study was to determine the association between alcohol consumption and DCM.

METHODS

Questionnaires detailing average weekly intake of alcohol, total lifetime consumption, and alcohol abuse were administered in a cohort of well-defined patients with DCM and a randomly selected, population-based control group.

RESULTS

Significantly more of the 100 patients with DCM than the 211 members of the control group drank greater than the recommended weekly intake of alcohol (40% vs 24%; p < 0.01) and were alcohol abusers according to the CAGE questionnaire (27% vs 16%; p < 0.05). The average total lifetime consumption measured in units of alcohol was also significantly greater in cases than in the control group (31,200 vs 7,904; p < 0.01). Patients with familial DCM were not significantly more likely to consume alcohol above recommended limits or to be alcohol abusers compared with nonfamilial cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms previous suspicion of a causal association between alcohol and DCM, with significantly more patients than members of the control group either abusing alcohol or drinking it in excess of recommended limits.

Left ventricular function and endomyocardial biopsy in early and advanced dilated cardiomyopathy

We evaluated left ventricular function and endomyocardial biopsy in 20 patients with early and advanced dilated cardiomyopathy, with the purpose of assessing the correlation between histologic variables and systolic and diastolic filling indexes. Group 1 included 10 patients with no clinical history of heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction > or = 45% and group 2, 10 patients with a clinical history of heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction <45%. Group 1 showed lower left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes indexes (49+/-14 versus 86+/-23 ml/m2, P<0.001; 98+/-25 versus 127+/-35 ml/m2, P=0.049), higher left ventricular ejection fraction (50+/-4 versus 32+/-4%, P<0.001) and lower coefficient of variation of percentage shortening of left ventricular transverse hemiaxes (0.3+/-0.1 versus 0.5+/-0.1, P=0.001) compared with group 2. Group 1 had higher A wave peak velocity (78+/-18 versus 60+/-20 cm/s, P=0.048), lower E/A ratio (0.9+/-0.3 versus 1.5+/-0.6, P=0.02) and slower E wave deceleration time (204+/-51 versus 155+/-50 ms, P=0.047) compared with group 2. Semiquantitative histologic scores did not differ significantly between groups. There was no significant correlation between histologic variables and left ventricular systolic and diastolic indexes. Thus, dilated cardiomyopathy shows borderline to severe left ventricular systolic impairment and distinct left ventricular diastolic filling abnormalities, according to the clinical stage. This study suggests a marked dissociation between histologic findings and functional abnormalities in early and advanced dilated cardiomyopathy.

Comparison of mortality rates and progression of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and dilated versus nondilated right ventricular cavities

This study assesses the influence of right ventricular (RV) dilation on the progression of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and survival in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC). Using transthoracic echocardiography, we studied 100 patients with IDC aged 20 to 80 years (mean 55 +/- 14); 67% were men. In the apical 4-chamber view, diastolic LV and RV chamber area measurements classified patients into 2 groups: group RV enlargement+ (RV area/LV area > 0.5) included 54 patients; group RV enlargement- (no RV enlargement) had RV area/LV area < or = 0.5. Echocardiographic studies were repeated in all patients after a mean of 33 +/- 16 months. At the time of the initial study, the 2 groups did not differ in age, gender, incidence of atrial fibrillation and diabetes, left ventricular mass, and LV ejection fraction, but the RV enlargement+ group had more severe tricuspid regurgitation and less LV enlargement. After 47 +/- 22 months (range 12 to 96), patients in group RV enlargement+ had lower LV ejection fraction (29% vs 34%, p = 0.006) than patients with initial RV enlargement-. At clinical follow-up, mortality was higher (43%) in patients with initial RV enlargement+ than the RV enlargement- patients (15%), p = 0.002. For survivors, the mitral deceleration time averaged 157 +/- 36 ms; for nonsurvivors or patients who required transplant, the mitral deceleration time averaged 97 +/- 12 ms (p < 0.0001). With use of a multivariate Cox model adjusting for LV ejection fraction, LV size, and age, the relative risk ratio of mortality from initial RV enlargement+ was 4.4 (95% confidence limits 1.7 to 11.1) (p = 0.002). Thus, patients with significant RV dilation had nearly triple the mortality over 4 years and more rapidly deteriorating LV function than patients with less initial RV dilation. In IDC, RV enlargement is a strong marker for adverse prognosis that may represent a different morphologic subset.

Recipient selection and management before cardiac transplantation

Cardiac transplantation is a proven, effective therapy for selected patients with end-stage congestive heart failure. Recipient selection is performed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of transplant physicians and surgeons. Clinicians responsible for patient assessment must establish the severity of cardiac dysfunction, formulate a prognosis, and stratify patients according to risk for mortality. Patients whose survival and quality of life are most limited without cardiac transplantation are candidates for therapy. The scarcity of organ donors makes careful screening of potential recipients necessary to identify those individuals most likely to obtain a long-term benefit. Recipient selection criteria and management strategies are evolving because of extended waiting times and high mortality caused by the lack of sufficient numbers of donors. Alternative therapies should be applied wherever possible.

Long-term prognosis in patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy and severe heart failure after total abstinence

We prospectively evaluated the long-term prognosis of 14 patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy and severe end-stage congestive heart failure after total abstinence. Improvement was very significant after 6 months of follow-up in most patients, and continued thereafter.

Using electronic medical records to predict mortality in primary care patients with heart disease: prognostic power and pathophysiologic implications

OBJECTIVE

To identify high-risk patients with heart disease by using data stored in an electronic medical record system to predict six-year mortality.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic primary care general internal medicine practice affiliated with an urban teaching hospital with a state-of-the-art electronic medical record system.

PATIENTS

Of 2,434 patients with evidence of ischemic heart disease or heart failure or both who visited an urban primary care practice in 1986, half were used to derive a proportional hazards model, and half were used to validate it.

MEASUREMENTS

Mortality from any cause within six years of inception date. Model discrimination was assessed with the C statistic, and goodness-of-fit was measured with a calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic.

MAIN RESULTS

Of these patients 82% had evidence of ischemic heart disease, 53% heart failure, and 35% both conditions. Mean survival among the 653 (27%) who died was 2.8 years; mean follow-up among survivors was 5.0 years. Those with both heart conditions had the highest mortality rate (45% at 6 years), followed by isolated heart failure (39%) and ischemic heart disease (18%). Of 300 potential predictive characteristics, 100 passed a univariate screen and were submitted to maltivariable proportional hazards regression. Twelve variables contributed independent predictive information: age, weight, more than one previous hospitalization for heart failure, and nine conditions indicated on diagnostic tests and problem lists. No drug treatment variables were independent predictors. The model C statistic was 0.76 in the derivation sample of patients and 0.74 in a randomly selected validation sample, and it was well calibrated. Patients in the lowest and highest quartiles of risk differed more than five-fold in their average risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine clinical data stored in patients electronic medical records are capable of predicting mortality among patients with heart disease. This could allow increasingly scarce health care resources to be focused on those at highest mortality risk.

Improvement of vagal tone by ACE inhibition: a mechanism of cardioprotection in patients with mild-to-moderate heart failure

A total of 35 patients in sinus rhythm and with mild-to-moderate congestive heart failure (CHF) (NYHA II-III) aged 53 (+/- 3) years were examined before therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Of these patients, 16 were reexamined after therapy with ACE inhibitors for 17 +/- 3 days. The relation of hemodynamic alterations to vagal tone was assessed and the influence of parasympathetic (baroreflex activation) tone on survival was evaluated. Only hemodynamic responders to ACE inhibition showed a significant increase of vagal tone from 1.4 +/- 0.4 to 3.6 +/- 1.2 ms/mm Hg (p < 0.01). The magnitude of increase of vagal tone was dependent on the baseline level. All 35 patients were discharged on ACE inhibitors and were followed for 56 months or longer. We compared patients whose hearts survived (20 patients) with those whose hearts did not (15 patients). Twelve patients died and three underwent cardiac transplantation. The two groups differed (p < 0.05) in terms of mean arterial blood pressure (98 +/- 3 vs. 90 +/- 3 mm Hg), heart rate (82 +/- 2 vs. 93 +/- 4 beats/min), and mean pulmonary artery pressure (24 +/- 3 vs. 35 +/- 2 mm Hg). Cardiac index, stroke volume index, and right atrial pressures were not different. Heart survivors had lower (p < 0.05) renin values (3.6 +/- 0.8 vs. 9.0 +/- 3.6 Ang-I/ml/h) but norepinephrine values at baseline were not different. Baroreflex sensitivity was lower (p < 0.02) in survivors than in nonsurvivors (1.3 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.3 +/- 0.3 ms/mm Hg). We then calculated the mortality risk in relation to baroreflex sensitivity at the median BS of 1.6 ms/mm Hg. Survival was different (p < 0.004) between the resulting two groups: 2 of 15 subjects (13%) with high baroreflex sensitivity died, and 13 of 20 patients (65%) whose baroreflex sensitivity was less than 1.6 ms/mm Hg died. When systemic blood pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, stroke volume index, plasma norepinephrine concentrations, and baroreflex sensitivity were entered into a Cox proportional hazards regression, only systolic blood pressure and plasma norepinephrine values predicted survival (p < 0.001). We concluded that high vagal tone is correlated with a good prognosis in patients with CHF. ACE inhibitor therapy can increase the vagal tone significantly. This may alter the incidence of sudden cardiac death and thereby improve prognosis.

Prediction of recovery after abstinence in alcoholic cardiomyopathy: role of hemodynamic and morphometric parameters

The aim of the study is to describe the hemodynamic and morphometric characteristics of patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) and to evaluate whether these parameters can identify the subgroup of patients in whom recovery of cardiac function after abstinence will occur. Nineteen male patients (mean age 52.4 years, range 39-64 years) with symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) [ejection fraction (EF) <50%] and a history of chronic heavy alcohol intake were submitted to a full invasive work-up including right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). Counseling aimed at obtaining abstention and clinical follow-up were regularly performed in all patients. The two requisites necessary to define recovery were (1) an increase in left ventricular EF, and (2) improvement of symptoms. The former was defined as a gain in left ventricular EF > 15% from baseline; the latter, as a gain of at least one New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. Using these criteria, 9 alcoholic patients (48%) (Group A) improved significantly, while 10 (52%) (Group B) either stabilized or deteriorated at 2 years' follow-up. Group A patients had significantly lower pulmonary artery mean pressure (27.8 mmHg +/- 13.3 vs. 40.3 mmHg +/- 12.4; p < 0.05) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (18.4 mmHg +/- 8.9 vs. 26.5 mmHg +/- 7.7; p < 0.05) compared with Group B. All other hemodynamic data did not show statistically significant differences in the two groups. Quantitative evaluation of myocardial hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis performed on EMB tissue samples using the morphometric approach was not predictive of recovery. Improvement in cardiac performance and functional class was detected in about one-half of patients with ACM who abstained from alcohol, and occurred even in cases presenting with severe LVD. Recovery is associated with significantly lower pulmonary artery and pulmonary wedge pressures. The morphometric evaluation of EMB does not provide adjunctive prognostic information in these patients.

Current approaches in patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias

The article has summarized the studies and ongoing trials looking at the significance and treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. In most instances, the presence of these arrhythmias is associated with an increased risk of future arrhythmic events. Electrophysiologic studies are helpful in risk stratification in patients with coronary artery disease but can be misleading in the setting of dilated cardiomyopathy and often produce nonspecific results in patients with HCM. The need for an invasive electrophysiologic study is crucial in the diagnosis of certain ventricular arrhythmias that are amenable to cure with radiofrequency catheter ablation, such as idiopathic ventricular tachycardia and BBR-VT. The correct approach for patients with SVT not amenable to catheter ablation remains to be determined. In deciding whether to use a device or drug therapy, however, one should take into consideration the degree of left ventricular dysfunction and the overall health status of the patient. For example, device implantation clearly reduces sudden death in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction but may not change total mortality because these same patients may die of congestive heart failure. Device therapy might be more cost-effective for patients with less severe depression of left ventricular function.

Lisinopril versus placebo in the treatment of heart failure: the Lisinopril Heart Failure Study Group

Lisinopril, a long-acting, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, was compared with placebo in a randomized, parallel, double-blind, 12-week study of 193 patients with heart failure. All patients were New York Heart Association Functional Class II, III, or IV and had remained symptomatic despite optimal dosing with digoxin and diuretics. After 12 weeks of therapy, the improvement in treadmill exercise duration was greater in the lisinopril group (113 seconds) compared with the placebo group (86 seconds). This improvement in exercise duration was particularly evident in patients with left ventricular ejection fractions less than 35% (lisinopril = 130 seconds; placebo = 94 seconds). In patients receiving lisinopril, the increase in exercise duration was accompanied by an improvement in quality of life as measured by the Yale Scale Dyspnea/Fatigue Index and in signs and symptoms of heart failure. In addition, the lisinopril group had a larger mean increase (3.7%) in left ventricular ejection fraction when compared with the placebo group (1.3%). Thus, lisinopril, administered once daily for 12 weeks, was well tolerated and efficacious in the treatment of heart failure when used concomitantly with diuretics and digoxin.

Baroreflex sensitivity and cardiovascular mortality in patients with mild to moderate heart failure

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of both sympathetic (plasma noradrenaline concentrations) and parasympathetic (baroreflex activation) tone on survival in patients with congestive heart failure.

DESIGN

Invasive study with determination of parasympathetic activity and follow up for at least 4.5 years.

SUBJECTS

35 patients with sinus rhythm and mild to moderate heart failure (New York Heart Association grades II-III) (mean age 53 (SD 3)).

RESULTS

20 patients whose hearts survived were compared with 15 patients whose hearts did not (12 died and three received transplants). The two groups differed significantly in terms of mean arterial blood pressure (98 (3) v 90 (3) mm Hg), heart rate (82 (2) v 93 (4) beats/min), and mean pulmonary artery pressure (24 (3) v 35 (2) mm Hg) (all P < 0.05), while cardiac index, stroke volume index, and right atrial pressures were not different. The survivors had significantly lower plasma renin activities (3.6 (0.8) v 9.0 (3.6) angiotensin I/ml/h; P < 0.05) and tended to have lower noradrenaline values than non-survivors (170 (23) v 286 (74) pg/ml) at baseline. Baroreflex sensitivity was significantly lower in non- survivors than in survivors (1.3 (0.2) v 2.3 (0.3) ms/mm/Hg); P < 0.02). As the time of cardiac transplantation is dependent on complex logistical factors the three patients who received a transplant were excluded from the analysis of survival time. The risk of death in relation to baroreflex sensitivity at the median sensitivity of 1.48 ms/mm Hg was calculated. Survival was significantly different (P < 0.04) between the resulting two groups; three of the 16 subjects with high baroreflex sensitivity died compared with nine of the 16 with a baroreflex sensitivity < 1.48 ms/mm Hg. When systemic blood pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, stroke volume index, plasma noradrenaline concentrations, and baroreflex sensitivity were entered into a Cox proportional hazards regression, only systolic blood pressure and plasma noradrenaline values predicted survival (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Low vagal tone is correlated with a poor prognosis in patients with heart failure. Sympathetic tone measured as plasma noradrenaline concentration also contributed to survival. An additional contribution of vagal tone to survival could not be shown when sympathetic tone was considered simultaneously. This may be due to the inverse relation of sympathetic and parasympathetic tone and to the insensitivity of the multiple regression method to identify additional risk factors in small numbers of patients.

High prevalence of atrial fibrosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVES

We examined the extent of fibrotic changes in the left atrium of cardiomyopathic human hearts and investigated the relation of mechanical overload caused by left ventricular dysfunction to fibrosis of the left atrium.

BACKGROUND

Left atrial dysfunction in dilated cardiomyopathy may contribute to progression of heart failure. In contrast to fibrosis of the left ventricle, atrial fibrosis has not been extensively studied in cardiomyopathic hearts.

METHODS

The extent of fibrosis in the left atrium and left ventricle was determined by an automatic image analyzer in 38 autopsied hearts obtained from 9 patients who died of noncardiac illness (control group), 16 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, 6 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with features mimicking dilated cardiomyopathy and 7 patients with a previous myocardial infarction. Transverse sections were obtained at the upper margins of the foramen ovale and left auricle in the left atrium and the median level of the left ventricle.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in extent of left atrial dilation, left ventricular dysfunction or duration of illness among the three groups with cardiac disease. Percent area of left atrial fibrosis (mean +/- SD) was significantly greater in the specimens from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (13.1 +/- 6.1%, p < 0.01) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mimicking dilated cardiomyopathy (26.5 +/- 9.5%, p < 0.01) than in those from patients with an old myocardial infarction (3.8 +/- 1.1%). Percent area of left ventricular fibrosis in hearts from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (12.9 +/- 8.6%) was significantly smaller than that in hearts from patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mimicking dilated cardiomyopathy (35.8 +/- 11.9%, p < 0.01) and a previous myocardial infarction (38.4 +/- 8.0%, p < 0.01). Percent area of atrial fibrosis was significantly correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction in the group with a previous myocardial infarction but not in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high degree of fibrotic change in the left atrium in the groups with dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mimicking dilated cardiomyopathy. Our findings suggest that atrial fibrosis in these patients may not have been related to mechanical overload of the left atrium but to some other, still unknown mechanisms.

Systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with clinical diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy. Relation to symptoms and prognosis

BACKGROUND

Dilated cardiomyopathy is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with congestive heart failure. Hemodynamic and prognostic characterization are critical in guiding selection of medical and surgical therapies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cohort of 102 patients with the clinical diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent echocardiographic examination between 1986 and 1990 was identified and followed up through July 1, 1991. Patients with moderate or severe symptoms had lower indices of systolic function and greater left atrial and right ventricular dilation. Mitral inflow Doppler signals were characterized by a restrictive left ventricular filling pattern. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, deceleration time, ejection fraction, and peak E velocity were independently associated with symptom status. Over a mean follow-up of 36 months, 35 patients died. Kaplan-Meier estimated survival at 1, 2, and 4 years was 84%, 73%, and 61%, respectively, and was significantly poorer than that of an age- and sex-matched population. The subgroup with an ejection fraction < 0.25 and deceleration time < 130 milliseconds had a 2-year survival of only 35%. The subgroup with ejection fraction < 0.25 and deceleration time > 130 milliseconds had an intermediate 2-year survival of 72%, whereas patients with an ejection fraction > or = 0.25 had 2-year survivals > or = 95% regardless of deceleration time. In multivariate analysis, ejection fraction and systolic blood pressure were independently predictive of subsequent mortality. Mitral deceleration time was significant in univariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with the clinical diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy, markers of diastolic dysfunction correlated strongly with congestive symptoms, whereas variables of systolic function were the strongest predictors of survival. Consideration of both ejection fraction and deceleration time allowed identification of subgroups with divergent long-term prognoses.

Survival and predictors of survival in patients with congestive heart failure due to Chagas' cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

The fundamental determinant of the natural history of Chagas' disease is cardiac involvement.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 104 male patients with congestive heart failure due to Chagas' disease to estimate the survival distribution function and to evaluate age, functional class (FC), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and ejection fraction (EF) as predictors of survival. Statistical evaluation was performed through univariate (Student's t test and chi 2 test) and multivariate analyses (Cox's regression model). Overall survival was 66% at 1 year, 56% at 3 years, and 48% at 5 years. Ages were not statistically different (P = .9811) between survivor (40.3 +/- 8.7) and nonsurvivor (40.3 +/- 9.4) groups. The ejection fraction(s) were statistically different (P = .0001) between survival (43.6 +/- 9.9) and nonsurvival (30.6 +/- 8.1) groups, as was VO2max (P = .0001) (21.0 +/- 4.7 and 15.0 +/- 4.9, respectively). Most of the surviving patients were in FC II and most of the nonsurvivors were in FC IV (P = .0001). VO2max (P = .0001) and EF (P = .0008) are highly associated with survival time in the multivariate analysis, but FC (P = .0578) is less important. Age (P = .9811) did not influence survival.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that 50% of the patients with heart failure due to Chagas' disease die in 47 months and that VO2max and EF are important indices of survival in this group.

Making judgements about treatment effectiveness based on health outcomes: theoretical and practical issues

ISSUES

This article considers the problem of deciding which health care outcomes are important and relevant for (1) developing management recommendations for clinical practice guidelines and (2) evaluating patients' responses to treatment.

DECISIONS

The Heart Failure Guideline Panel sponsored by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) decided that for both purposes the relevant outcomes are those experienced directly by patients: mortality and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Changes in intermediate outcomes, such as test results of various kinds, were deemed insufficient evidence of effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of heart failure, mortality risk (prognosis) can be measured using a variety of biochemical and physiological variables, but changes in these variables do not appear to correspond to changes in prognosis. For this reason, the Heart Failure Guideline Panel recommended that patients' responses to treatment be guided by signs and symptoms, rather than test results (for example, echocardiographic measurement of left-ventricular function or exercise-tolerance testing). HRQOL is best assessed by direct patient self-reports. Although patients may be influenced by a host of other variables (for example, mood, adaptation to chronic disease, placebo effect), self-reports will probably always represent the "gold standard" in assessing HRQOL. The reliability and validity of these reports can be enhanced by using standardized instruments or by incorporating questions from such instruments into the history-taking aspect of patient evaluation and monitoring. Finally, physical examination and submaximal exercise testing can provide additional information that can supplement patient reports. Information from these sources must be evaluated carefully in light of patients' self-reported HRQOL.

Histomorphometric features predict 1-year outcome of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy considered to be at low priority for cardiac transplantation

Cardiac transplantation for patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) and poor left ventricular function usually is postponed until symptoms have become intolerable. However, the short-term prognosis of this subset of patients has been defined poorly. Accordingly, the 1-year outcome was investigated in 30 patients with IDC with an ejection fraction < or = 25% who showed a stabilized clinical condition at assessment for transplantation and were therefore considered at low priority for surgery. During follow-up, 10 patients (group A) showed a poor outcome: 2 died suddenly, and 8 had hemodynamic failure (4 of whom underwent transplantation and 4 of whom died from heart failure while on the waiting list). The remaining 20 patients (group B) had a benign outcome. At assessment for cardiac transplantation, clinical and electrocardiographic features, left ventricular dimension, and ejection fraction were similar between the two groups. However, group A patients had higher left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (p < 0.03) and lower cardiac index (p < 0.02) and stroke volume index (p < 0.03) with respect to group B patients. In addition, the former had a lower myofibril volume fraction (p < 0.001) and a higher nuclear area (p < 0.001) compared with the latter. Multivariate analysis selected myofibril volume fraction (p < 0.001) and nuclear area (p < 0.005) as the only independent predictors of a poor 1-year outcome. The combination of myofibril volume fraction < or = 89% and nuclear area > 50 microns 2 was found in all group A patients (sensitivity 100%) but in only 2 group B patients (specificity 90%). It is concluded that in patients with IDC considered at low priority for cardiac transplantation: (1) the 1-year freedom from a cardiac event is lower than that currently expected with surgery; (2) histomorphometric features, that is, the concurrency of low myofibril volume fraction and increased nuclear area, predict short-term outcome; and (3) endomyocardial biopsy at assessment for cardiac transplantation might improve the rationalization of the timing of the procedure.

Prognosis in congestive heart failure

Prognostic variables such as the ejection fraction and peak oxygen consumption can be used to place patients with heart failure in risk strata. Some vasodilators have been shown to improve survival at all stages of heart failure with the probability of benefit increasing as the prognosis worsens. Quantitative estimates of survival among groups defined by prognostic variables and treatments should be used to make more informed benefit-to-risk assessments.

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy

Clinical observations over the past two decades have pointed to the relationship between heart disease and alcohol abuse, usually without evident malnutrition or cirrhosis. While the prevalence of heart failure in the alcoholic population is now known, subclinical abnormalities of left ventricular function in noncardiac alcoholics who were normotensive have a high prevalence with or without some degree of ventricular hypertrophy by echocardiogram. This is frequently a diastolic rather than systolic abnormality. Congestive cardiomyopathy is not infrequently associated with high diastolic arterial blood pressures. Intoxication itself may contribute to blood pressure elevation. Angina pectoris in the absence of significant coronary disease is another presentation. Although the history may not be readily obtained, the major diagnostic feature in this entity is the history of ethanol ingestion in intoxicating amounts for at least 10 years, often marked by periods of spree drinking. While the course of congestive cardiomyopathy may be progressively downhill in individuals who continue to be actively alcoholic after the onset of heart failure, in one series one third of the patients became abstinent. These patients had a 4 year mortality that was persistently one-sixth of the alcoholic group. Management of heart failure is traditional in these patients. Atrial arrhythmias have been shown to occur during the early ethanol withdrawal phase in patients without other clinical evidence of heart disease. Sudden death in a segment of the alcoholic population is considered arrhythmia related and is commonly associated with cigarette use. Identification of the addicted individual is the essential element to management.

Natural history of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: effect of referral bias and secular trend

OBJECTIVES

The current study was designed to determine the effect of secular trend and referral bias on the natural history of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND

In a previous study of 104 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy conducted in a referral population at the Mayo Clinic between 1960 and 1973, the 1- and 5-year mortality rates were 31% and 64%, respectively. A recent study of 40 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy conducted in a population-based cohort at the Mayo Clinic between 1975 and 1984 reported 1- and 5-year mortality rates of 5% and 20%, respectively. We hypothesized that improvements in diagnosis and therapy have occurred since the original referral cohort was described and that these improvements have altered the apparent natural history of the disease. We refer to this effect as secular trend. Alternatively, the presence of more advanced disease in the referral population (referral bias) may also contribute to the differences in survival.

METHODS

Two sequential referral populations with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy seen at the Mayo Clinic between 1976 and 81 (n = 85) and 1982 and 1987 (n = 137) were identified. Outcome was compared between these cohorts and the 1960-1973 referral cohort to examine the effect of secular trend. Outcomes were compared with that of the population-based cohort to examine the effect of referral bias.

RESULTS

Survival in the 1976-1981 referral cohort did not differ from that in the 1960-1973 referral cohort, suggesting little impact of secular trend during these time periods. Survival in the more recent 1982-1987 referral cohort was significantly better than that in the earlier referral cohorts, suggesting that improvements in diagnosis and treatment in the 1980s altered the natural history of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Survival in the 1982-1987 referral cohort was still worse than that of the population-based cohort, suggesting an effect of referral bias on studies of the natural history of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrates that secular trend and referral bias affect the apparent natural history of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Survival in referral patients with this disease is significantly better than previously described.

Chronic ethanol ingestion modifies the renin-aldosterone axis independent of alterations in the regulation of atrial natriuretic peptide

Using an animal model, we have investigated the effects of chronic ethanol ingestion on the regulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) synthesis and release. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained for 6 weeks on a liquid diet of ethanol (up to 20% v/v) as part of a 2% solution of calf milk replacer. Weight-matched controls received an equal volume of ethanol-free solution, and normal animals drank ad libitum. All animals received rat chow throughout the experiment. This model produced physiologically relevant levels of blood ethanol, as concentrations at the time of sacrifice were 171.98 +/- 39.26 mg/dl. Plasma renin activity was significantly elevated in response to ethanol treatment, whereas circulating aldosterone concentration was reduced. No alterations in the plasma or atrial tissue levels of ANP were evident, although we did observe a significant increase in the ventricular tissue levels of ANP from 45.1 to 71.8 ng/g as a consequence of ethanol treatment. Levels of both atrial and ventricular ANP mRNA were not different between alcohol-treated and liquid-restricted control animals, although both groups showed significant increases in the amount of transcript in comparison with rats drinking ad libitum. No significant increases in either arterial blood pressure or heart/body weight ratio were observed for ethanol-treated rats. These results suggest that modifications in the renin-aldosterone axis can occur independently of alterations in the regulation of ANP under the influence of chronic ethanol ingestion.

Varicella zoster myocarditis progressing to cardiomyopathy and cardiac transplantation

The case of a 12 year old schoolgirl with heart failure due to varicella myocarditis is reported. Heart failure and cardiogenic shock were evident 21 days after the appearance of the rash, and cardiac transplantation was performed two weeks later. Myocarditis is a serious complication of varicella zoster infection and heart failure may be fulminant. Endomyocardial biopsy changes consistent with myocarditis were documented six days after the start of heart failure. The histological changes, however, developed into those of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (with anisonucleosis and fibre width variation) over a seven day period. This case provides further evidence for the link between viral myocarditis and idiopathic cardiomyopathy and underlines the value of immediate endomyocardial biopsy in heart failure of recent onset. Cardiac transplantation led to a rapid and full recovery.