Prevalence and predictors of ventricular remodeling after anterior myocardial infarction in the era of modern medical therapy

[68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/MR in patients with acute myocardial infarction: potential role of predicting left ventricular remodeling

PURPOSE

To assess predictive value of ⁶⁸Ga-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor-04 ([⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04) PET/MR for late left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

Twenty-six patients with STEMI were included in the study. [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/MR was performed at baseline and at average 12 months after STEMI. LV remodeling was defined as >10% increase in LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) from baseline to 12 months.

RESULTS

The LV remodeling group demonstrated higher [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 uptake volume (UV) at baseline than the non-LV remodeling group (p < 0.001). [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 UV at baseline was a significant predictor (OR = 1.048, p = 0.011) for LV remodeling at 12 months after STEMI. Compared to clinical information, MR imaging and cardiac function parameters at baseline, [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 UV demonstrated better predictive ability (AUC = 0.938, p < 0.001) for late LV remodeling, with sensitivity of 100.0% and specificity of 81.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

[⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/MR is an effective tool to non-invasively quantify myocardial fibroblasts activation, and baseline [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 UV may have potential predictive value for late LV remodeling.

The role of temporal changes of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the development of adverse cardiac remodeling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Introduction

Increasing evidence supports the view that pro-inflammatory cytokines play a role in fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI). It has been suggested that interleukin (IL)-12p40, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, can induce interferon γ (IFN-γ) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). However, the role of IL-12p40 in adverse cardiac remodeling (AR) after ST-elevation MI (STEMI) is unclear.

Aim

To examine the role of temporal changes of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the development of post-STEMI AR.

Material and methods

A total of 43 patients with STEMI for the first time ever were prospectively analyzed. In cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 6 months after STEMI, a decrease of left ventricular end-diastolic volume by ≥ 12% was defined as reverse cardiac remodeling (RR), and a 12% increase was defined as AR. Cytokine concentrations were measured on the first day (baseline) and 2 weeks after STEMI.

Results

Mean IL-12p40 (59.1 ±14.5 vs. 46.7 ±9.1 pq/ml, p = 0.001), median IFN-γ (20.4 vs. 16.2 pq/ml, p = 0.048) and median MMP-2 (33866 vs. 20691 pq/ml, p = 0.011) baseline concentrations were higher in AR than RR. In patients with AR, IL-12p40 level was lower at 2 weeks than baseline (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the baseline concentrations of IL-12p40, IFN-γ, MMP-2, C-reactive protein and infarct size (p < 0.05). Increased IL-12p40 and MMP-2 baseline levels were independently associated with AR (OR = 1.14, p = 0.010; OR = 1.08, p = 0.035).

Conclusions

In the initial phase of MI, greater release of pro-inflammatory cytokines was associated with increased MMP-2 levels. Elevated expression of IL-12 and MMP-2 had an independent association with AR. This may be related to the excessive inflammatory response in the initial phase of MI.

Jaboticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba) Attenuates Ventricular Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction in Rats

The cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction is characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress. Thus, this study aimed to test the hypothesis that jaboticaba, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties, attenuates cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction. Wistar rats were submitted to myocardial infarction due to coronary artery occlusion, and divided into four experimental groups: C, sham control animals; I, animals submitted to myocardial infarction, received a standard diet; IJ2, animals submitted to myocardial infarction, received a standard diet plus 2% jaboticaba; and IJ4, animals submitted to myocardial infarction, received a standard diet plus 4% jaboticaba. After a three-month follow-up, echocardiography, histology, oxidative stress, and cardiac energy metabolism were analyzed. There was no difference in infarct size or mortality among the infarcted groups. The IJ4 group displayed improved diastolic function, as assessed by isovolumetric relaxation time normalized to the heart rate. As expected, the percentage of collagen was higher in all infarcted groups than in the C group. However, the IJ2 group had less collagen than groups I and IJ4. The IJ4 group presented lower PFK activity than I and IJ2, and lower pyruvate dehydrogenase activity than controls, whereas the IJ2 group showed no differences compared to the control group in both LDH and ATP synthase activity. The 2% and 4% doses attenuated lipid peroxidation and increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase compared with the I group. In conclusion, jaboticaba attenuated the remodeling process after myocardial infarction, which was associated with decreased oxidative stress and improved energy metabolism.

Acute regional changes in myocardial strain may predict ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction in a large animal model

To identify predictors of left ventricular remodelling (LVR) post-myocardial infarction (MI) and related molecular signatures, a porcine model of closed-chest balloon MI was used along with serial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) up to 5-6 weeks post-MI. Changes in myocardial strain and strain rates were derived from CMRI data. Tissue proteomics was compared between infarcted and non-infarcted territories. Peak values of left ventricular (LV) apical circumferential strain (ACS) changed over time together with peak global circumferential strain (GCS) while peak GLS epicardial strains or strain rates did not change over time. Early LVR post-MI enhanced abundance of 39 proteins in infarcted LV territories, 21 of which correlated with LV equatorial circumferential strain rate. The strongest associations were observed for D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (D-3PGDH), cysteine and glycine-rich protein-2, and secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (sFRP1). This study shows that early changes in regional peak ACS persist at 5-6 weeks post-MI, when early LVR is observed along with increased tissue levels of D-3PGDH and sFRP1. More studies are needed to ascertain if the observed increase in tissue levels of D-3PGDH and sFRP1 might be casually involved in the pathogenesis of adverse LV remodelling.

The assessment of pressure-volume relationship during exercise stress echocardiography predicts left ventricular remodeling and eccentric hypertrophy in patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND

The contractile response of patients with heart failure (HF) may be assessed by exercise stress echocardiography (ESE)-derived indexes. We sought to test whether ESE parameters are useful to identify the risk of adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with chronic HF and reduced or mildly reduced LV ejection fraction (EF).

METHODS

We enrolled 155 stabilized patients (age: 62 ± 11 years, 17% female, coronary artery disease 47%) with chronic HF, LV EF ≤50% and LV end-diastolic volume index > 75 ml/m2. All patients underwent a symptom-limited graded bicycle semi-supine ESE, with evaluation of peak stress LV EF, end-systolic pressure-volume relation (ESPVR, i.e. LV elastance) and cardiac power output to LV mass (CPOM). A complete echocardiographic study was performed at baseline and after 6 ± 3 months. Adverse LV remodeling was defined as the association of eccentric LV hypertrophy (LV mass: ≥115 g/m2 for male and ≥ 95 g/m2 for women, and relative wall thickness < 0.32) with an increase in LV end-systolic volume index ≥10% at six months.

RESULTS

Adverse LV remodeling was detected in 34 (22%) patients. After adjustment for clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic data, peak ESPVR resulted in the most powerful independent predictor of adverse LV remodeling (OR: 12.5 [95% CI 4.5-33]; p < 0.0001) followed by ischemic aetiology (OR: 2.64 [95% 1.04-6.73]; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

In patients with HF and reduced or mildly reduced EF, a compromised ESE-derived peak ESPVR, that reflects impaired LV contractility, resulted to be the most powerful predictor of adverse LV remodeling.

Metabolomic Approach in STEMI-Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Remodeling

Left ventricular remodeling (LVR) occurring after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is frequent and severe. We present a metabolomic approach as an attempt to reveal unknown biomarkers associated with post-STEMI LVR. Out of 192 consecutive patients with successfully revascularized STEMI, 32 presented LVR and were clinically matched with 32 no-LVR patients. They underwent cardiac magnetic resonance at baseline, three months and 12 months. Blood samples were collected during index hospitalization. Creatine kinase (CK) peak and inflammatory markers were higher for LVR patients compared to no-LVR patients (mean 3466 ± 2211 and 2394 ± 1615 UI/L respectively, p = 0.005 for CK peak; mean 35.9 ± 44.3 vs. 21.7 ± 30.4 mg/L respectively, p = 0.020 for C-reactive protein). Leukocyte and neutrophil counts were also higher for LVR patients (mean 12028 ± 2593/mL vs. 10346 ± 3626/mL respectively, p = 0.028 and mean 9035 ± 3036/mL vs. 7596 ± 3822/mL respectively, p < 0.001). For metabolomic analysis, sphingomyelin C20:2 and symmetrical dimethylarginine were higher for LVR patients, but did not reach significance after the correction for the alpha risk. The metabolomic approach did not discriminate patients with and without LVR. However, common parameters that focus on infarction severity, such as infarct size and inflammatory markers, differed between the groups.

TIME Trial: Effect of Timing of Stem Cell Delivery Following ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction on the Recovery of Global and Regional Left Ventricular Function: Final 2-Year Analysis

RATIONALE

The TIME trial (Timing in Myocardial Infarction Evaluation) was the first cell therapy trial sufficiently powered to determine if timing of cell delivery after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction affects recovery of left ventricular (LV) function.

OBJECTIVE

To report the 2-year clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging results and their modification by microvascular obstruction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

TIME was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing 150 million bone marrow mononuclear cells versus placebo in 120 patients with anterior ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarctions resulting in LV dysfunction. Primary end points included changes in global (LV ejection fraction) and regional (infarct and border zone) function. Secondary end points included changes in LV volumes, infarct size, and major adverse cardiac events. Here, we analyzed the continued trajectory of these measures out to 2 years and the influence of microvascular obstruction present at baseline on these long-term outcomes. At 2 years (n=85), LV ejection fraction was similar in the bone marrow mononuclear cells (48.7%) and placebo groups (51.6%) with no difference in regional LV function. Infarct size and LV mass decreased ≥30% in each group at 6 months and declined gradually to 2 years. LV volumes increased ≈10% at 6 months and remained stable to 2 years. Microvascular obstruction was present in 48 patients at baseline and was associated with significantly larger infarct size (56.5 versus 36.2 g), greater adverse LV remodeling, and marked reduction in LV ejection fraction recovery (0.2% versus 6.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

In one of the longest serial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging analyses of patients with large anterior ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarctions, bone marrow mononuclear cells administration did not improve recovery of LV function over 2 years. Microvascular obstruction was associated with reduced recovery of LV function, greater adverse LV remodeling, and more device implantations. The use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging leads to greater dropout of patients over time because of device implantation in patients with more severe LV dysfunction resulting in overestimation of clinical stability of the cohort.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00684021.

Left Ventricular Remodelling: A Problem in Search of Solutions

Cardiac remodelling (REM) is a generally unfavourable process that leads to left ventricular dilation in response to cardiac injury, predominantly acute myocardial infarction (AMI). REM occurs in around 30 % of anterior infarcts despite timely primary coronary intervention and the use of drugs, i.e. angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, aldosterone inhibitors and statins. In order to diagnose REM, many imaging modalities (echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, scintigraphy) are employed together with an increasing number of serum biomarkers including microRNAs. The most widely used definition of REM is a >20 % increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV). There is also evidence that regression of REM can occur, i.e. reverse REM. The latter is defined as a ≥10 % decrease in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and confers a more favourable outcome. Many therapeutic agents may be used during primary intervention and over the long term; however, few have demonstrated significant benefits. Revascularisation, anti-REM surgery and, where indicated, cardiac resynchronisation therapy can be of benefit. Gene therapy by sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase 2 (SERCA-2a) transfer has been investigated but data from the Calcium upregulation by percutaneous administration of gene therapy in patients with cardiac disease (CUPID 2) trial were disappointing. Progenitor cell therapy shows promise. In conclusion, therapy for REM remains inadequate.

Impact of different obesity assessment methods after acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

Abdominal obesity is an important cardiovascular risk factor. Therefore, identifying the best method for measuring waist circumference (WC) is a priority.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the eight methods of measuring WC in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as a predictor of cardiovascular complications during hospitalization.

METHODS

Prospective study of patients with ACS. The measurement of WC was performed by eight known methods: midpoint between the last rib and the iliac crest (1), point of minimum circumference (2); immediately above the iliac crest (3), umbilicus (4), one inch above the umbilicus (5), one centimeter above the umbilicus (6), smallest rib and (7) the point of greatest circumference around the waist (8). Complications included: angina, arrhythmia, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, hypotension, pericarditis and death. Logistic regression tests were used for predictive factors.

RESULTS

A total of 55 patients were evaluated. During the hospitalization period, which corresponded on average to seven days, 37 (67%) patients had complications, with the exception of death, which was not observed in any of the cases. Of these complications, the only one that was associated with WC was angina, and with every cm of WC increase, the risk for angina increased from 7.5 to 9.9%, depending on the measurement site. It is noteworthy the fact that there was no difference between the different methods of measuring WC as a predictor of angina.

CONCLUSION

The eight methods of measuring WC are also predictors of recurrent angina after acute coronary syndromes.

Infarct size as predictor of systolic functional recovery after myocardial infarction

Background

The effects of modern therapy on functional recovery after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are unknown.

Objectives

To evaluate the predictors of systolic functional recovery after anterior wall AMI in patients undergoing modern therapy (reperfusion, aggressive platelet antiaggregant therapy, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers).

Methods

A total of 94 consecutive patients with AMI with ST-segment elevation were enrolled. Echocardiograms were performed during the in-hospital phase and after 6 months. Systolic dysfunction was defined as ejection fraction value < 50%.

Results

In the initial echocardiogram, 64% of patients had systolic dysfunction. Patients with ventricular dysfunction had greater infarct size, assessed by the measurement of total and isoenzyme MB creatine kinase enzymes, than patients without dysfunction. Additionally, 24.5% of patients that initially had systolic dysfunction showed recovery within 6 months after AMI. Patients who recovered ventricular function had smaller infarct sizes, but larger values of ejection fraction and E-wave deceleration time than patients without recovery. At the multivariate analysis, it can be observed that infarct size was the only independent predictor of functional recovery after 6 months of AMI when adjusted for age, gender, ejection fraction and E-wave deceleration time.

Conclusion

In spite of aggressive treatment, systolic ventricular dysfunction remains a frequent event after the anterior wall myocardial infarction. Additionally, 25% of patients show functional recovery. Finally, infarct size was the only significant predictor of functional recovery after six months of acute myocardial infarction.

Doppler echocardiography in athletes from different sports

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown cardiac changes induced by intense and regular physical activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cardiac structures and function in soccer players, cyclists and long-distance runners, and compare them with non-athlete controls.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cardiac structural, systolic, and diastolic function parameters in 53 athletes and 36 non-athlete controls were evaluated by Doppler echocardiography.

RESULTS

Athletes presented higher left atrial volume, left ventricular (LV) thickness, and LV and right ventricular (RV) diastolic diameters (LVDD and RVDD, respectively) compared to non-athletes. Left atrium and LVDD were higher in cyclists than runners, and RVDD was higher in cyclists than soccer players. LV mass index was higher in athletes, and cyclists had higher values than runners and soccer players. LV systolic function did not differ significantly between groups. The only altered index of LV diastolic function was a higher E/A ratio in cyclists compared to controls. There was no difference in LV E/E' ratio. RV systolic function evaluated by tissue Doppler imaging was higher in cyclists and soccer players than runners. There were no conclusive differences in RV diastolic function.

CONCLUSIONS

Soccer players, runners and cyclists had remodeling of left and right ventricular structures compared to controls. Cardiac remodeling was more intense in cyclists than runners and soccer players.