[Clinical and genetic manifestations of left ventricular non-compaction in children]

Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a myocardial disease characterized by a two-layered structure typically seen at the apical and lateral left portions of the ventricular myocardium, distal to the papillary muscles. While considered a rare disease, its prevalence in children is increasing due to the increased awareness of this condition and improved resolution of imaging techniques. The etiology is heterogeneous, ranging from inherited conditions to acquired diseases. Although many patients are asymptomatic, some patients may experience adverse events, including heart failure, arrhythmias, or thromboembolic events. Several echocardiographic or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging diagnostic criteria have been proposed for diagnosing LVNC. However, their application in children is significantly limited. This review aims to describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of children with LVNC and discuss the role of the proposed diagnostic criteria.

OCT angiography indices and the choroidal vascularity index in wild-type transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTRwt)

Purpose

Retinal angiopathy represents a well-known ocular manifestation of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv). Until recently, there have been no reports on retinal changes in ATTRwt. In this retrospective observational clinical study, we aimed to determine whether vessel density (VD) indices and the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) could offer insights into retinal and choroidal vascular changes among patients affected by ATTRwt.

Methods

Eighteen patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ATTRwt underwent structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). We established a control group consisting of 16 healthy subjects for statistical comparisons. The 3D OCT and OCTA datasets were analyzed to assess retinal and choroidal thickness and VD. For measuring CVI, we obtained measurements for the total choroid area (TCA), luminal area (LA), and stromal area (SA).

Results

The mean VD exhibited a statistically significant reduction in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC) among the ATTRwt group in comparison to the control group (p < 0.0001). Notably, ATTRwt patients displayed decreased choroidal thickness (p = 0.08). Additionally, the median CVI was lower in the ATTRwt group than in the control group (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

The indices from OCTA and CVI have the potential to serve as non-invasive biomarkers for the quantitative evaluation of retinal and choroidal vascular involvement in patients with ATTRwt.

Left Ventricular Non-Compaction in Children: Aetiology and Diagnostic Criteria

Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a heterogeneous myocardial disorder characterized by prominent trabeculae protruding into the left ventricular lumen and deep intertrabecular recesses. LVNC can manifest in isolation or alongside other heart muscle diseases. Its occurrence among children is rising due to advancements in imaging techniques. The origins of LVNC are diverse, involving both genetic and acquired forms. The clinical manifestation varies greatly, with some cases presenting no symptoms, while others typically manifesting with heart failure, systemic embolism, and arrhythmias. Diagnosis mainly relies on assessing heart structure using imaging tools like echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance. However, the absence of a universally agreed-upon standard and limitations in diagnostic criteria have led to ongoing debates in the scientific community regarding the most reliable methods. Further research is crucial to enhance the diagnosis of LVNC, particularly in early life stages.

Clinical manifestation of patients with Fabry disease and R356W GLA variant

BACKGROUND

The R356W GLA variant is an ultra-rare cause of Fabry disease (FD). The clinical manifestations of adult patients carrying this variant have never been reported. This study aims to describe the clinical phenotype of the R356W GLA variant.

METHODS

The cohort consisted of consecutive patients diagnosed with FD and carrying the R356W GLA variant. An observational, longitudinal, retrospective cohort study design was used. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data have been collected from the baseline evaluation to the last clinical review.

RESULTS

Six families, including 36 patients with FD and the R356W GLA variant (age 41.1 ± 15.9 years, 67% females), were evaluated. Eleven patients (31%) showed left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and 6 (17%) had chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with LVH were older (53.4 ± 8.5 vs. 35.7 ± 15.5, p-value 0.001), showed a higher prevalence of CKD (45% vs. 4%, p-value 0.002), and worse structural and functional cardiac parameters at echocardiographic evaluation. During a median follow-up of 42 (IQR 21-98) months, one patient experienced advanced atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation and one end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. No patients experienced major adverse events.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the R356W GLA variant could be a late-onset FD-causing variant with incomplete penetrance and predominantly cardiac manifestations.

Prevalence and clinical significance of right ventricular pulmonary arterial uncoupling in cardiac amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and the clinical significance of the right ventricular pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) uncoupling in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA).

METHODS

The study population consisted in 92 consecutive patients with CA (age 71.1 ± 12.2 years, 71% males; 47% with immunoglobulin light chain (AL), 53% with transthyretin [ATTR]). A pre-specified tricuspid anulus plane systolic excursion on pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) value <0.31 mm/mmHg was used to define RV-PA uncoupling and to dichotomize the study population.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (35%) showed RV-PA uncoupling at baseline evaluation (15/44 [34%] AL and 17/48 [35%] ATTR). Patients with RV-PA uncoupling, in both AL and ATTR, showed worse NYHA functional class, lower systemic blood pressure, and more pronounced left ventricular and RV systolic dysfunction than those with RV-PA coupling. During a median follow-up of 8 months (IQR 4-13), 26 patients (28%) experienced cardiovascular death. Patients with RV-PA uncoupling showed lower survival at 12 months follow-up than those with RV-PA coupling (42.7% [95%CI 21.7-63.7%] vs. 87.3% [95%CI 78.3-96.3%], p-value<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified high-sensitivity troponin I values (HR 1.01 [95%CI 1.00-1.02] per 1 pg/mL increase; p-value 0.013) and TAPSE/PASP (HR 1.07 [95%CI 1.03-1.11] per 0.01 mm/mmHg decrease; p-value 0.002) as independent predictors of cardiovascular death.

CONCLUSIONS

RV-PA uncoupling is common among patient with CA, and it is a marker of advanced disease and worse outcome. This study suggest that TAPSE/PASP ratio has the potential to improve risk stratification and guide management strategies in patients with CA of different etiology and advanced disease.

Consensus recommendations on holistic care in hereditary ATTR amyloidosis: an international Delphi survey of patient advocates and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals

BACKGROUND

Hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis is a rare, progressive and potentially life-limiting multisystem disease, affecting every aspect of a patient's life.

OBJECTIVES

This online international Delphi survey aimed to evolve clinical-patient-led practical guidance, to inspire and encourage a holistic approach to care that is managed in specialist settings by multidisciplinary teams and supported by allied healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patient advocacy groups (PAGs).

DESIGN

A 14-member joint patient advocate-HCP primary panel was convened including representation from PAGs and key clinical specialties (neurology, cardiology, internal medicine, physiotherapy, clinical psychology, dietetics and specialist nursing). Guidance evolved on the care provision needed to support seven core goals: early diagnosis and treatment; disease monitoring and organisation of care; maintenance of physical and mental health; family-centred care and caregiver support; patient-doctor dialogue; access to social support and social networking.

PARTICIPANTS

From June to October 2022, 252 HCPs and 51 PAG representatives from 27 countries were invited to participate in a Delphi survey. Of the 122 respondents who answered at least one survey question, most were HCPs (100, 82%) from specialist centres; the remainder were PAG representatives (22, 18%).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Both level of agreement and feasibility in practice of each recommendation was tested by two anonymised online Delphi voting rounds.

RESULTS

Based on an a priori threshold for consensus of ≥75% agreement, the clinical-patient community endorsed all but one recommendation. However, only 17/49 (35%) recommendations were identified by most HCPs as a core part of routine care; the remainder (32/49 (65%)) were identified as part of core care by <50% of HCPs respondents, or as largely achievable by 30%-45% of HCPs. By comparison, PAGs recorded lower implementation levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Further consideration is needed on how to evolve multidisciplinary services (supported by allied HCPs and PAGs) to address the complex needs of those affected by this disease.

Cardiovascular Involvement in Fabry's Disease: New Advances in Diagnostic Strategies, Outcome Prediction and Management

Cardiovascular involvement is common in Fabry's disease and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The research is focused on identifying diagnostic clues suggestive of cardiovascular involvement in the preclinical stage of the disease through clinical and imaging markers. Different pathophysiologically driven therapies are currently or will soon be available for the treatment of Fabry's disease, with the most significant benefit observed in the early stages of the disease. Thus, early diagnosis and risk stratification for adverse outcomes are crucial to determine when to start an aetiological treatment. This review describes the cardiovascular involvement in Fabry's disease, focusing on the advances in diagnostic strategies, outcome prediction and disease management.

Multimodality Imaging in Arrhythmogenic Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

The term arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) describes a large spectrum of myocardial diseases characterized by progressive fibrotic or fibrofatty replacement, which gives the substrate for the occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and the development of ventricular dysfunction. This condition may exclusively affect the left ventricle, leading to the introduction of the term arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC). The clinical features of ALVC are progressive fibrotic replacement with the absence or mild dilation of the LV and the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias within the left ventricle. In 2019, the diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of ALVC, based on family history and clinical, electrocardiographic, and imaging features, have been proposed. However, since the significant clinical and imaging overlap with other cardiac diseases, genetic testing with the demonstration of a pathogenic variant in an ACM-related gene is required for diagnostic confirmation. In ALVC, the multimodality imaging approach comprises different imaging techniques, such as echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and cardiac nuclear imaging. It provides essential information for the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, sudden cardiac death risk stratification, and management purposes. This review aims to elucidate the current role of the different multimodality imaging techniques in patients with ALVC.

Pathophysiological, haemodynamic and prognostic implications of left atrial dysfunction in cardiac amyloidosis and other cardiomyopathies with hypertrophic phenotype

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE. Left atrial function (LAF) is a determinant of clinical status and outcome in many cardiac disorders, including cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Aim of this study is to explores the LAF in CA and other cardiomyopathies with hypertrophic phenotype, and its consequences on cardiovascular haemodynamics, right ventricular function and survival.

METHODS. We enrolled 50 patients with CA (26 AL and 24 wtATTR) and 75 with hypertrophic phenotype (LVH group) [25 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) pts, 25 hypertensive pts (HypCM), and 25 pts with aortic stenosis (AS)]. LAF was analysed using the phasic method [LAEI as reservoir, LAPEF as conduit, LAAEF as active pump and TLAEF as total emptying function; see figure 1] by LA volumes determination.

RESULTS. ATTR patients showed higher LA dimensions and impaired reservoir and total LA emptying function (TLAEF) compared to AL without differences LAF. Compared to the LVH group, CA patients showed higher LA dimension with impaired LAF in all phasic parameters, higher LV filling pressures and reduced biventricular function. We further divided CA and LVH patients into four subgroups based on the presence or absence of LA dysfunction (LADys+ for TLAEF values below the median: &lt;50.2%; range 9.3-70.9%]. Among the groups, patients with CA/LADys+ showed worst clinical status, higher pulmonary pressures (sPAP) and lower TAPSE and TAPSE/sPAP ratio values. After a median follow-up of 24 months, 19 patients died from cardiovascular (CV) causes (15 in CA/LADys+ group and 4 in LVH/LADys+). The overall survival free of CV death was  64% in CA/LADys+ and 85% in LVH/LADys+ (4/26) group [log-rank χ2 29.6; p &lt; 0.0001]. A sequential multivariate model was employed to assess whether LAF could predict CV deaths: TLAEF was entered together with established clinical and echocardiographic parameters (NYHA functional class, LAVI, E/Em, sPAP, TAPSE and TAPSE/sPAP ratio). At the final backward analysis, LAVI, TAPSE/sPAP and TLAEF were independent prognosticators of CV death.

CONCLUSIONS. LAF is significantly more impaired in CA than LVH group and is associated with worst clinical status, RV dysfunction and higher LV filling and pulmonary pressure. Moreover, LADys is a frequent feature of CA and significantly associated with higher CV mortality. We suggests that LADys in LVH group could results from chronic pressure overload due to LA"s exposure to high LV diastolic pressure (impaired LV compliance). In CA, LADys could also be determined by direct LA infiltration. The pathophysiological result is a progressive LA remodelling with increased LA pressure, consequent backward transmission to the pulmonary venous system and, ultimately, RV dysfunction. TLAEF is parameter of LAF that correlates with increased pulmonary vascular resistance (measured elsewhere with cardiac catheterisation) and RV dysfunction. In CA, it  seems  promising as marker of the haemodynamic consequences of LADys and CV mortality. Abstract Figure 1  Abstract Figure 2

Diagnostic and prognostic implications of myocardial work in cardiac amyloidosis and in genetic and non-genetic cardiomyopathies with hypertrophic phenotype

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE. Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative disorder characterized by left ventricular (LV) thickening with early systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Due to it poor prognosis, and the beneficial impact of novel treatments when started in early stages of disease, its forward detection is crucial. Aim of this study is comparing the diagnostic accuracy of classical and novel echocardiographic parameters in detecting CA among other forms of genetic and non-genetic cardiomyopathies with hypertrophic phenotype.

METHODS. We enrolled 50 pts with CA (26 AL and 24 wtATTR) and 75 phenocopies (LVH group) [25 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) pts, 25 hypertensive (HypCM) pts, and 25 pts with non-severe aortic stenosis (AS)]. Standard and novel LV morpho-functional echo parameters [LV ejection fraction (LVEF), myocardial contraction fraction (MCF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), relative regional strain ratio (RRSR), ejection fraction on strain ratio (EFSR)], and novel Myocardial Work (MW) parameters [Global Work Index (GWI), Global Constructive Work (GCW), Global Wasted Work (GWW), Global Work Efficiency (GWE)] were analyzed.

RESULTS. LV standard, novel and MW-derived systolic parameters were more impaired in CA compared to LVH group. At ROC curve analysis, GCW showed the best performance in discriminating CA from other forms of LVH (AUC 0.886; 95% CI: 0.819-0.954; P &lt; 0.0001), with a cut-off value &lt; 1473 mmHg% showing 90% of sensitivity and 82% of specificity). At linear regression analysis, GCW correlated with many echocardiographic parameters (IVSD, PWD, RWT ratio, LVMi, MCF, LVESV, LVEF, EFSR and RRSR). At multivariate analysis, PWD (P &lt; 0,029) and RWT ratio (p &lt; 0,014) were the only parameters associated with GCW. At 24 months follow-up, there were 15 deaths in CA and 4 in LVH group. At Kaplan-Meier analysis the overall survival free of cardiovascular death was reduced in the lowest GCW interquartile ranges (log-rank χ2 21.5; p &lt; 0.0001). At Cox hazard ratio analysis, GCW was the only prognostic parameter associated with cardiovascular mortality (β 1.006; 95% CI: 1.003-1.009; P &lt; 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS. Despite CA and LVH patients shows a similar phenotype, the systolic function differs greatly. In the present study, the GCW showed the best ability in detecting CA among other forms of LVH. Its reduction in CA seems reflect the infiltrative burden and its consequences on myocardial deformation properties, while its reduction in LVH group has been attributed elsewhere to fibrotic derangement. GCW showed to be a promising novel diagnostic and prognostic factor in this setting. Abstract Figure 1  Abstract Table 1

Diagnostic and prognostic implications of right ventricular-arterial coupling in cardiac amyloidosis and in genetic and non-genetic cardiomyopathies with hypertrophic phenotype

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in cardiomyopathies is a consequence of chronic overload (i.e. aortic stenosis, AS) or direct involvement of systemic disorders (i.e. cardiac amyloidosis, CA). The Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion/Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure (TAPSE/sPAP) ratio has been recently proposed as a surrogate of RV-arterial coupling (RVAC). This study aims to compare RVAC between CA subgroups and between CA and other forms of genetic and non-genetic cardiomyopathies with hypertrophic phenotype.

METHODS. We enrolled 50 patients with CA (26 AL and 24 wtATTR) and 75 cardiomyopathies with hypertrophy phenotype (LVH group) [25 pts with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), 25 hypertensive pts(HypCM), and 25 pts with AS]. Besides routine echocardiographic measurements, we analysed right chambers dimensions and classical and novel parameters of RV function [TAPSE, TAPSE/sPAP, St wave, global (RVGLS) and free-wall (RVFWS) strain].

RESULTS. Compared to AL, the ATTR group showed higher right chambers dimensions, without differences in all RV systolic parameters. Compared to the LVH group, CA patients showed no differences in RV dimensions while RV systolic parameters,  including the TAPSE/sPAP ratio, were significantly reduced in the presence of significantly higher LV filling pressures.  At ROC curve analysis, TAPSE (AUC 0.877; 95% CI: 0.811-0.943; p &lt; 0,0001) and TAPSE/sPAP ratio (AUC 0.859; 95% CI: 0.783-0.935; p &lt; 0,0001) showed the best ability in discriminating CA among other forms of LVH (cut-off 20.5 mm for TAPSE with sensibility of 80.5% and specificity of 78.8%, respectively; cut-off 0.62 for TAPSE/sPAP ratio with  sensibility of 85.4% and specificity 81.8%). At 24 months follow-up, there were 15 deaths in CA (30%) and 4 in LVH group (5%). At Kaplan-Meier estimation, the TAPSE/sPAP ratio showed progressively a significantly reduced survival in the lowest interquartile ranges. Moreover, at multivariate analysis, TAPSE/sPAP was the only independent prognostic factor (β -5,644; 95% IC: 0,000-0,522; p &lt; 0,027).

CONCLUSIONS. The RVAC is significantly impaired in CA compared to the LVH group but not between CA subgroups. Its reduction seems attributable to both increase LV filling pressure, due to the restrictive nature of the infiltrative cardiomyopathy, and reduced RV systolic function, due to either indirect RV chronic overload and direct myocardial infiltration. The TAPSE/sPAP ratio is a surrogate of RVAC and proved to be a novel echocardiographic parameter useful in both discriminating CA among genetic and non-genetic forms of LVH, and stratifying the prognosis. Abstract Table 1  Abstract Figure 1

589 External validation of the increased wall thickness score for the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis

Aims

This study aimed to validate the increased wall thickness (IWT) score, a multiparametric echocardiographic score to facilitate diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA), in an independent population of patients with increased LV wall thickness suspicious for CA.

Methods and results

Between January 2019 and December 2020, 152 consecutive patients with increased LV wall thickness suspicious for CA were included. For all patient, the multiparametric echocardiographic score (IWT score) was calculated. To validate the diagnostic accuracy of an IWT score ≥8 to predict the diagnosis of CA, sensibility (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and predictive accuracy (PA) were calculated. Among the 152 patients included in the study, 50 (33%) were diagnosed as CA, 25 (16%) had severe aortic stenosis, 25 (16%) had hypertensive remodelling, and 52 (34%) had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Among the 50 and 102 patients with and without CA, 19 (38%) and 1 (1%) showed an IWT score ≥8, respectively. Overall, the diagnostic accuracy of an IWT score ≥8 for the diagnosis of CA in our population was the following: Se 38% (95% CI: 25–53%); Sp 99% (95% CI: 95–100%); PPV 95% (95% CI: 72–99%); NPV 77% (95% CI: 73–80%); PA 79% (95% CI: 72–85%).

Conclusions

This study reports the first external validation of the IWT score for the diagnosis of CA in patients with increased LV wall thickness. A score ≥8 showed a high Sp, PPV and PA, suggesting that the IWT score can be used to identify CA patients in those with increased LV wall thickness.

577 Bisoprolol for the treatment of symptomatic patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Aims

To evaluate to role of bisoprolol to control symptoms and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in a consecutive cohort of adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Methods and results

In this retrospective study, patients with HCM with an LVOT gradient ≥50mmHg after Valsalva manoeuvre and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-III symptoms were assigned to receive bisoprolol (starting at 1.25 mg daily). The initial dose was increased every two weeks to achieve the target in LVOT gradient &lt;30 mmHg or the maximum tolerated dose. The primary endpoint was the achievement of a LVOT gradient &lt;30 mmHg and ≥1 NYHA class improvement. The secondary endpoints were proportion of patients with LVOT gradient &lt;30 mmHg or &lt; 50 mmHg, proportion of patients with ≥1 NYHA class improvement, and change from baseline in LVOT gradient. Between December 2001 and December 2020, 92 patients were enrolled into the study. Sixteen (17%) patients on bisoprolol met the primary endpoint. Bisoprolol reduced the LVOT gradient to less than 30 mmHg in 33 (36%) patients, to less than 50 mmHg in 57 (62%), and improved NYHA class in 30 (33%). The mean reduction of LVOT gradient on bisoprolol was 28 (±14) mmHg and the percentage reduction was 42 (±21)%. In 35 (39%) patients, bisoprolol did not reduce the gradient to less than 50 mmHg requiring disopyramide and/or myectomy to achieve this goal.

Conclusions

Treatment with bisoprolol was well-tolerated and effective in relieving obstruction and improving symptoms in a significant proportion of patients with symptomatic obstructive HCM.

The Role of New Imaging Technologies in the Diagnosis of Cardiac Amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis is an infiltrative disorder caused by transthyretin or immunoglobulin free light-chain deposition, which determines clinical disease with similar phenotype but different time course, prognosis and therapy. Multimodality imaging is the cornerstone for disease diagnosis and management. Multimodality imaging has revolutionized the approach to the disease favoring its awareness and simplifying its diagnosis, especially in ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. This describes the different imaging tools, from the traditional to the more novel ones, and highlights the different approach in each different setting (prognosis, subtyping, prognosis, monitoring disease progression, and response to therapy).

Diagnosis and Management of Cardiovascular Involvement in Fabry Disease

Fabry disease (FD, OMIM 301500) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease caused by pathogenic variants in the GLA gene. Cardiac involvement is common in FD and is responsible for impaired quality of life and premature death. The classic cardiac involvement is a nonobstructive form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, usually manifesting as concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, with subsequent arrhythmogenic intramural fibrosis. Treatment of patients with FD should be directed to prevent the disease progression to irreversible organ damage and organ failure. The aim of this review is to describe the current state of knowledge regarding cardiovascular involvement in FD, focusing on clinical and instrumental features, cardiovascular management, and targeted therapy.

Cardiovascular Involvement in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is a systemic disorder resulting from the extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils of misfolded transthyretin protein in the heart. ATTR-CA is a life-threatening disease, which can be caused by progressive deposition of wild type transthyretin (wtATTR) or by aggregation of an inherited mutated variant of transthyretin (mATTR). mATTR Is a rare condition transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner with incomplete penetrance, causing heterogenous phenotypes which can range from predominant neuropathic involvement, predominant cardiomyopathy, or mixed. Diagnosis of ATTR-CA is complex and requires integration of different imaging tools (echocardiography, bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance) with genetics, clinical signs, laboratory tests, and histology. In recent years, new therapeutic agents have shown good efficacy and impact on survival and quality of life in this subset of patients, nevertheless patients affected by ATTR-CA may still carry an unfavorable prognosis, thus highlighting the need for new therapies. This review aims to assess cardiovascular involvement, diagnosis, and management of patients affected by ATTR-CA.

Myocardial performance is impaired in cardiac amyloidosis: role of myocardial work-derived parameter in differential diagnosis with phenocopies and prognostic implications

Background

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative disorder characterized by left ventricular (LV) thickening and dysfunction. Due to it poor prognosis its early detection and differential diagnosis among other forms of cardiomyopathies is fundamental.

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of LV classical and and novel echocardiographic parameters in differentiating CA from other forms of genetic and non-genetic cardiomyopathies with hypertrophic phenotype.

Methods

We included 50 patients with CA (26 pts with AL and 24 pts with wild type ATTR form) and 75 patients with LV hypertrophy (LVH) [25 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), 25 with hypertensive cardiomyopathy (HypCM), and 25 with aortic stenosis (AS)]. Besides routine echocardiographic measurements, we analysed standard and novel echo parameters implied in LV assessment [LV ejection fraction (LVEF), myocardial contraction fraction (MCF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), relative regional strain ratio (RRSR), ejection fraction on strain ratio (EFSR)], included novel Myocardial Work (MW) parameters [Global Work Index (GWI), Global Constructive Work (GCW), Global Wasted Work (GWW), Global Work Efficiency (GWE)].

Results

Patients in CA group showed a smallest LV cavity size, higher LV mass and, consequently, a more pronounced concentric hypertrophy compared to LVH group. All LV systolic parameters where more impaired in CA than in LVH group. At ROC curve analysis, among all others, GCW showed the best performance in discriminating CA from LVH (AUC 0.886; 95% CI: 0.819–0.954; P&lt;0,0001), with a cut-off value &lt;1473 mmHg% showing good sensitivity and specificity (90% and 82%, respectively). At linear regression analysis GCW correlated with IVSD (P&lt;0,0001), PWD (p&lt;0,0001), RWT ratio (p&lt;0,0001), LVMi (p&lt;0,0001), MCF (P&lt;0,0001), LVESV (p&lt;0,002), LVEF (P&lt;0,0001), EFSR (p&lt;0,0001) and RRSR (p&lt;0,0001). At multivariate analysis, PWD (P&lt;0,029) and RWT ratio (p&lt;0,014) were the only parameters associated. At 24 months follow-up there were 15 deaths in the CA group and 4 in LVH group. At Kaplan-Meier analysis the overall survival free of cardiovascular death was reduced in the lowest GCW interquartile ranges (log-rank χ2 21,5; p&lt;0,0001). At Cox hazard ratio analysis GCW (β 1,233; 95% CI: 1,201–1,246; P&lt;0,0001) was the only prognostic parameter associated with cardiovascular mortality.

Discussion

Although CA and and LVH have with similar phenotype, they differ greatly in terms of systolic function. The MW, estimated by non-invasive pressure-strain loops, is a novel method for a load-independent LV systolic function assessment. In the present study the GCW showed the best ability in detecting CA in comparison to other parameters usually implied in clinical practice.

Conclusion

Myocardial performance is significantly reduced in CA compared to other forms of LVH. GCW showed to be a promising novel diagnostic and prognostic factor in this setting.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Table 1Figure 1

Left atrial function is impaired in cardiac amyloidosis and other cardiomyopathies with hypertrophic phenotype: haemodynamic correlations, pathophysiological consequences and prognostic implications

Background

Left atrial function (LAF) is emerging as a novel determinant of clinical status and outcome in cardiomyopathies. However, few studies compare LAF between CA subgroups and between CA and other hypertrophic cardiomyopathies.

Purpose

This study explores the LAF in cardiomyopathies with hypertrophic phenotype and between CA subgroups and its consequences on clinical status, haemodynamic consequences and survival.

Methods

We enrolled 50 patients with CA (26 with AL and 24 with wild type ATTR form), 75 patients with LV hypertrophy (LVH) [25 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), 25 with hypertensive cardiomyopathy (HypCM), and 25 with aortic stenosis (AS)]. Besides routine echocardiographic measurements, we analysed LAF using the phasic method (LAEI as reservoi, LAPEF as conduit, LAAEF as pump and TLAEF as total emptying LA function).

Results

The ATTR showed higher atrial dimensions with a significant reduction in the reservoir and total LA emptying function compared to the AL group (see Table 1). Instead, compared to the LVH group, CA patients showed higher atrial dimension with all LAF phasic parameters reduced, higher LV filling pressures and reduced biventricular function. Then, we further divided the CA and LVH group into subgroups based on the presence or absence of LA dysfunction (LADys+) defined as TLAEF values below the median [TLAEF &lt;50,2%; range 9,3–70,9%]. Patients in CA/LADys+ group showed the worst NYHA class, higher sPAP and lower values of TAPSE and TAPSE/sPAP ratio (see Figure 2). After a follow-up of 24 months, 19 patients died from cardiovascular causes [0/8 in CA/LADys-, 15/42 in CA/LADys+, 0/60 in LVH/LADys- and 4/26 in LVH/LADys+ group; (log-rank χ2 29,6; p&lt;0,0001)]. To predict whether LAF could predict cardiovascular deaths sequential multivariate model was employed, and TLAEF was entered together with established clinical and echocardiographic parameters (NYHA class, LAVI, E/Em, sPAP, TAPSE and TAPSE/sPAP ratio). At the final backward analysis, LAVI, TAPSE/sPAP and TLAEF were the independent prognosticators for adverse events.

Discussion

The LAF is significantly impaired in CA and associated with worst clinical status, higher incidence of RV dysfunction and higher LV filling and pulmonary pressure. Moreover, LADys is significant associated with higher cardiovascular mortality. LADys results from chronic pressure overload due to LA's exposition to the higher LV diastolic pressure due to impaired LV compliance, and from direct infiltration in CA The result is a progressive LA remodelling with an increased LA pressure and consequenT backward transmission to the pulmonary venous system and to RV.

Conclusions

The TLAEF is a novel parameter of LAF that correlates with increased pulmonary vascular resistance and RV dysfunction. It seems a promising novel prognosticator and amarker of the haemodynamic consequences of LADys.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Table 1Figure 1

The role of right ventricular-arterial coupling in cardiac amyloidosis: a comparison between subtypes and with other genetic and non-genetic hypertrophic cardiomyopathies and prognostic consequences

Background

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in cardiomyopathies is a consequence of chronic overload (i.e. aortic stenosis) or direct involvement of systemic disorders (i.e. cardiac amyloidosis, CA). The Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion/Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure ratio (TAPSE/sPAP) has been recently proposed as a surrogate of RV-arterial coupling (RVAC) in many cardiac disorders.

Purpose

This study aims to compare RVAC between CA subgroups and between CA and other forms of genetic and non-genetic cardiomyopathies with hypertrophic phenotype.

Methods

We enrolled 50 patients with CA (26 pts with AL and 24 pts with wild type ATTR form), 75 patients with LV hypertrophy (LVH) [25 patients with HCM, 25 with hypertensive cardiomyopathy (HypCM), and 25 with aortic stenosis]. We analysed right chambers dimensions and classical and novel parameters of RV function [TAPSE, TAPSE/sPAP, St (S' wave at RV TDI), global (RVGLS) and free-wall (RVFWS) strain].

Results

The ATTR group showed higher right dimensions than AL, without differences in all RV systolic parameters (see Table 1). Compared to the LVH group, CA patients showed no differences in RV dimensions while RV systolic parameters, included the TAPSE/sPAP ratio, were significantly reduced. At ROC curve analysis TAPSE (AUC 0.877; 95% CI: 0.811–0.943; p&lt;0,0001) and TAPSE/sPAP ratio (AUC 0.859; 95% CI: 0.783–0.935; p&lt;0,0001) showed the best ability in discriminating CA among other forms of LVH (cut-off 20,5 mm for TAPSE with a sensibility of 80,5% and specificity of 78,8%; cut-off 0,62 for TAPSE/sPAP ratio with a sensibility of 85,4% and a specificity 81,8%). At Kaplan-Meier estimation, the TAPSE/sPAP ratio showed a significantly reduced survival in the lowest interquartile ranges. Moreover, at multivariate analysis TAPSE/sPAP was the only independent prognostic factor (β −5,644; 95% IC: 0,000–0,522; p&lt;0,027).

Discussion

The RVAC is significantly impaired in CA compared to the LVH group but not between CA subgroups. TAPSE/sPAP proved to be a novel echocardiographic parameter useful in discriminating CA among genetic and non-genetic forms of LVH, and that also show prognostic significance.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. K-M for TAPSE/sPAP ratio IQ rangesTable 1

External validation of the increased wall thickness score for the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to validate the increased wall thickness (IWT) score, a multiparametric echocardiographic score to facilitate diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA), in an independent population of patients with increased LV wall thickness suspicious for CA.

METHODS

Between January 2019 and December 2020, 152 consecutive patients with increased LV wall thickness suspicious for CA were included. For all patient, the multiparametric echocardiographic score (IWT score) was calculated. To validate the diagnostic accuracy of an IWT score ≥ 8 to predict the diagnosis of CA, sensibility (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and predictive accuracy (PA) were calculated.

RESULTS

Among the 152 patients included in the study, 50 (33%) were diagnosed as CA, 25 (16%) had severe aortic stenosis, 25 (16%) had hypertensive remodeling, and 52 (34%) had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Among the 50 and 102 patients with and without CA, 19 (38%) and 1 (1%) showed an IWT score ≥ 8, respectively. Overall, the diagnostic accuracy of an IWT score ≥ 8 for the diagnosis of CA in our population was the following: Se 38% (95%CI 25-53%); Sp 99% (95%CI 95-100%); PPV 95% (95%CI 72-99%); NPV 77% (95%CI 73-80%); PA 79% (95%CI 72-85%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports the first external validation of the IWT score for the diagnosis of CA in patients with increased LV wall thickness. A score ≥ 8 showed a high Sp, PPV and PA, suggesting that the IWT score can be used to identify CA patients in those with increased LV wall thickness.