Global longitudinal strain correlates to systemic right ventricular function

Abstract

Background

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relationship between right ventricular function derived from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), echocardiography and exercise stress test performance, NT-proBNP (N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide) level and NYHA class in patients with a systemic right ventricle.

Methods

All patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA), or transposition of the great arteries after Mustard or Senning procedures, (TGA) followed at our centre who had undergone CMR, echocardiography, an exercise stress test and blood sampling, were included in the study.

Results

We examined 11 patients (six after the Senning procedure, one after the Mustard procedure, and four ccTGA) who have a median age of 32 years (22-67 years). A significant correlation was observed between the systemic ventricular function, expressed as the CMR-derived right ventricular ejection fraction and the right ventricular global longitudinal strain (r= -0.627; p=0.039).

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that in patients with ccTGA or TGA right ventricular global longitudinal strain may be useful in the evaluation of the systemic right ventricular function.

A novel label-free photoelectrochemical immunosensor based on NCQDs and Bi2S3 co-sensitized hierarchical mesoporous SnO2 microflowers for detection of NT-proBNP

A novel label-free PEC immunosensor based on NCQDs and Bi₂S₃ co-sensitized hierarchical mesoporous SnO₂ microflowers was developed for NT-proBNP detection.

Right ventricular function and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in adult patients with simple dextro-transposition of the great arteries

INTRODUCTION

Dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) patients is at high risk of developing right ventricular dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation in adulthood. Determining the relation between echocardiographic parameters, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) levels and the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class may help determining the best time to operate them.

METHODS

Patients with simple d-TGA operated in infancy with an atrial switch procedure (Mustard or Senning operation) were followed up in our Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit. Analytical, echocardiographic, and clinical parameters were determined to evaluate the correlation between right echocardiographic ventricular function, NT-pro-BNP levels, and NYHA functional class.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients with d-TGA were operated in infancy of whom 17 alive patients had simple d-TGA. Nine patients had NT-pro-BNP levels lower than 200 pg/mL and eight patients were above 200 pg/mL. Patients with lower hemoglobin concentration, higher right ventricular diameter or under diuretic treatment showed significant higher NT-pro-BNP levels (above 200 pg/dL). The Spearman test showed a positive correlation between basal right ventricular diameter and tricuspid regurgitation with pro NT BNP levels (correlation coefficient of .624; P=.017 and .490; P=.046, respectively) and a negative correlation with the right ventricle fractional area change (-.508, P=.045). No correlation was seen between NT-pro-BNP levels and the rest of echocardiographic parameters or the NYHA functional class.

CONCLUSION

NT-pro-BNP levels showed a positive correlation with basal right ventricular diameter and tricuspid regurgitation but not with NYHA association functional class in d-TGA patients.

Usefulness of N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide to Predict Mortality in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Natriuretic peptides are often elevated in congenital heart disease (CHD); however, the clinical impact on mortality is unclear. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the prediction of all-cause mortality in adults with different CHD. In this prospective longitudinal mortality study, we evaluated NT-proBNP in 1,242 blood samples from 646 outpatient adults with stable CHD (mean age 35 ± 12 years; 345 women). Patients were followed up for 6 ± 3 (1 to 10) years. The mortality rate was 5% (35 patients, mean age 40 ± 14 years, 17 women). Median NT-proBNP (pg/ml) was 220 in the whole cohort, 203 in survivors, and 1,548 in deceased patients. The best discrimination value for mortality prediction was 630 pg/ml with 74% sensitivity and 84% specificity. During the follow-up, the survival rate was 65% for those with median NT-proBNP ≥630 pg/ml and 94% for NT-proBNP <630 pg/ml; p <0.0001. There was only 1% mortality among 388 patients with at least 1 NT-proBNP value ≤220 pg/ml compared with 41% mortality among 54 patients with at least 1 NT-proBNP value >1,548 pg/ml. Even the first (baseline) measurements of NT-proBNP were strongly associated with a high risk of death (log10 NT-proBNP had hazard ratio 7, p <0.0001). In conclusion, NT-proBNP assessment is a useful and simple tool for the prediction of mortality in long-term follow-up of adults with CHD.