Left atrial volume, function and B-lines at rest and during vasodilator stress echocardiography

Background

Left atrial volume index (LAVi), left atrial reservoir function assessed with global peak amplitude longitudinal strain (PALS), and B-lines at lung ultrasound are supplementary markers of left ventricular filling pressures.

Aim

To assess the relationship between LAVi, PALS and B-lines at rest and peak vasodilator stress.

Methods

A comprehensive dipyridamole stress echo was completed in 266 patients (187 male, 71%, age 65±10 years) with chronic coronary syndromes. LAVi was measured with the biplane disk summation method. PALS was measured from a single vendor with 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography and expressed in % values as the mean of the 12 atrial segments from 4- and 2-chamber values. B-lines were assessed with the simplified 4-site scan in the third intercostal space, with global score from 0 to 40, and considered significant with global score ≥2 units.

Results

During dipyridamole, LAVi decreased (rest= 26±14 ml/m2 vs stress= 24±12 ml/m2, p<0.001), PALS increased (rest= 33±8 vs stress= 38±10%, p<0.001), and B-lines were more frequent (rest= 0.4, median interquartile range 0–30, vs stress= 0.7, median interquartile range 0–30, units, p<0.001). There was a significant, linear, inverse correlation between LAVi and PALS both at rest (r=−0.301, p<0.001) and at peak stress (r=−0.279, p<0.001, see figure). At group analysis, peak B-lines were directly correlated with peak LAVi (r=0.151, p=0.017) and inversely correlated with peak PALS (r=−0.234, p<0.001). At individual patient analysis, 4/93 patients (4.3%) showed stress B-lines (black dots in figure) with normal LAVi (<34 ml/m2) and preserved PALS (>42%).

Conclusion

Vasodilator stress echocardiography with combined assessment of left atrial volume, function and pulmonary congestion is feasible with high success rate in patients with chronic coronary syndromes. Pulmonary congestion is more frequent with dilated left atrium with reduced atrial contractile reserve, but it may occur in a minority of patients with normal LAVi and normal PALS.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Heart rate reserve complements regional wall motion abnormality for predicting outcome in hypertensives during stress echocardiography

Background

Stress echocardiography (SE) was recently upgraded to include imaging-independent heart rate reserve (HRR) which assesses cardiac sympathetic balance and is simply based on one-lead electrocardiogram present in the echo monitor. The value of HRR for risk stratification of hypertensive patients remains undetermined.

Aim

To assess the prognostic value of SE with HRR in hypertensive patients in a prospective, large scale, multicenter, international, effectiveness study.

Methods

From July 2016 to December 2020, we enrolled 2747 hypertensives (age 66±10 years, 1599 males, 58.2%; ejection fraction 61±8%) referred from 12 certified laboratories. All patients underwent clinically indicated SE. The employed stress modality was exercise (n=754) or pharmacological stress (n=1993). Exercise modality was either semi-supine bike (n=674) or treadmill (n=80). Pharmacological stress was either vasodilator (n=1695, 1661 with dipyridamole and 34 with adenosine) or dobutamine (n=298). SE response included the evaluation of regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA) and non-imaging HRR (peak/rest heart rate), with stress-specific cutoff values abnormal response <1.80 for exercise or dobutamine, <1.22 for dipyridamole or adenosine. All-cause death was the only end-point.

Results

Rate of abnormal results was 17% for RWMA and 40% for HRR. During a median follow-up of 624 days (interquartile range: 380–1037 days), 60 deaths occurred. Global X2 was 25.0 considering clinical and resting echocardiographic variables, with no change after stress-induced RWMA and a significant increase after HRR (Figure 1). Annual mortality rate was 0.7% person/year for patients (n=1496) with normal HRR and absence of stress-induced RMWA, 0.4% for patients (n=151) with RWMA and normal HRR, up to 2.1% person/year for patients (n=1101) with abnormal HRR with (n=321) or without (n=780) RWMA. At multivariable analysis, only age (HR: 1.070, 95% CI: 1.039–1.101, p<0.001) and abnormal HRR 2.651 (HR: 2.651, 95% CI: 1.550–4.543, p<0.001) showed independent value in predicting survival.

Conclusion

SE with either exercise or pharmacological stress allows an effective prediction of survival in hypertensive patients with chronic coronary syndromes, but only when the conventional criterion of RWMA is complemented with imaging-independent HRR.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Negative prognostic impact of right ventricular free wall strain in patients with functional mitral regurgitation undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Backgrounds

although right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction seems to be associated with adverse outcome after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) with the MitraClip system, the prognostic value of RV free wall strain in this setting has not been yet investigated. 

Purpose

aim of this study is to evaluate RV free wall strain as predictor of outcome in patients with severe or moderate-to-severe functional MR undergoing TEER and its prognostic role compared with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE).

Methods

102 patients [73 (IQR 66.8-77.0) years, 73 males (71.6%)] were retrospectively selected from March 2012 to February 2021. Echocardiograms were performed by using General Electric machines. RV free wall strain was assessed through RV modified apical 4-chamber view, setting the region of interest to minimum size (Figure 1). Values of RV free wall strain >-20% were recognized as abnormal. We considered a composite endpoint including rehospitalization for heart failure (HF) and overall death as primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were overall death, cardiac death and rehospitalization for HF. All patients were assessed at the longest available follow-up [median 22.1 (IQR 9.7-49.3) months].

Results

primary outcome was found in 60 (58.8%) patients, while secondary outcomes, i.e. overall death, cardiac death and rehospitalization for HF, were found respectively in 50 (50.0%), 31 (30.4%) and 36 (35.3%) patients. Mean TAPSE was 16.7 ± 4.0 mm and mean RV free wall strain was -16.9 ± 6.0%. At univariable analysis both TAPSE (HR 0.907, CI 0.848-0.970, p value 0.004) and RV free wall strain (HR 0.937, CI 0.897-0.979, p value 0.004) were significantly associated with the primary outcome. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients with TAPSE <17 mm had a lower survival free from the composite outcome compared with those with TAPSE ≥17 mm (Log-Rank = 0.030); patients with RV free wall strain value > -20% also showed a lower survival free from the composite outcome compared with patients with RV free wall strain ≤-20% (Log Rank 0.004). Among patients with preserved RV systolic longitudinal function as indicated by TAPSE ≥17 mm, subjects with RV free wall strain >-20% had a significantly higher incidence of the composite outcome compare with those with RV free wall strain ≤-20% (Log-Rank = 0.008, Figure 2). Conversely, no difference was found among patients with TAPSE <17 mm. 

Conclusions

RV dysfunction assessed either by TAPSE and RV free wall strain is associated with poorer outcome in patients with severe or moderate-to-severe functional MR undergoing TEER. Compared with TAPSE, RV free wall strain seems to be superior in identifying patients at higher risk of adverse events during follow-up. Our data encourage the use of this speckle tracking-derived echocardiographic parameter in routinely evaluation of patients with functional MR candidate for TEER. Abstract Figure.  Abstract Figure 2

Wasted myocardial work may affect left ventricular remodelling occurrence after primary percutaneous coronary revascularization

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Left ventricular function recovery (LV-REC) or left ventricular adverse remodelling (LV-REM) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) play an important role for identifying patients at risk of heart failure.

Purpose

In this study we aim to evaluate the usefulness of non-invasive myocardial work (MW), a new index of global and regional myocardial performance, to predict LV-REC or LV-REM after AMI.

Methods

Fifty patients with AMI (mean age, 63,8 ±13,4 years), treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), were prospectively enrolled.  They underwent a baseline transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) within 48 hours after PCI and a second TTE after a median of 31 days during the follow-up. MW was derived from the strain-pressure loops, integrating in its calculation the non-invasive arterial pressure, according to standard speckle tracking echocardiography recommendations. LV-REC was defined as an absolute improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 5% from LVEF at baseline, whereas LV-REM was defined as an increase of ≥ 20% of the LV end diastolic volume (LVEDV) at 1 month follow up.

Results

We overall found a significant improvement from baseline to one-month follow-up for values of LVEF (49,8 ± 9,5 % vs 52,8 ± 9,3 %, p = 0.001), Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) (-13,4 ± 3,9 % vs -18,7 ± 5,4 %, p = 0.016), Global Work Index (GWI) (1368,6 ±435,2 vs 1788 ±493 mmHg/%, p = 0.0001), Global Work Efficiency (GWE) (89,96 ± 9,3 % vs 91,3 ± 6,4 %,  p = 0.001), Global Constructive Work (GCW) (1619,16 ± 497,9 mmHg/% vs 2008,6 ± 535,3 mmHg/%, p = 0.0001), Global Wasted Work (GWW) (188,8 ± 19,8 mmHg/% vs 149,2 ± 16,5 mmHg/%). However, LV-REC at 1 month of follow-up was observed only in 36 % of the population enrolled, whereas LV-REM was described in 18% of cases. Using ROC curve analysis, we identified a cut off value of 202 mmHg/% for baseline GWW (Sensitivity 75%, Specificity 62%, AUC 0.6667, CI 95%: 0,51618 - 0,81715, p =0.0001) to identify patients with LV-REM at 1 month. With regards to conventional echo parameters, patients with LV-REC showed lower baseline Wall Motion Score Index (WMSI) than those without LV-REC (1,73 vs 1,38, p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Among standard and advanced TTE parameters, only baseline GWW is able to predict early LV-REM at 1 month after primary PCI. Therefore, it could be used during baseline evaluation of AMI patients for a more accurate stratification of those at higher risk of heart failure. However, further larger scale studies are needed to validate these findings. Abstract table 1  Abstract table 2

Mitral regurgitation and in-hospital mortality in patients with heart failure and low flow low gradient aortic stenosis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Aim

this study sought to determine the prevalence, clinical impact, and in-hospital outcome of moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (LFLG-AS) hospitalized for heart failure (HF).

Methods

Patients with aortic valve thickness and aortic velocities >2.5 m/s hospitalized for heart failure in a single referral center were prospectively enrolled from 2013 to 2021.

LFLG-AS was defined as indexed aortic valve area (iAVA) ≤0.6 cm2/m2, mean transaortic gradient <40 mmHg and stroke volume index <36 ml/m2. Complete demographic, clinical characteristics and echocardiographic data were collected. Mitral regurgitation severity was graded according to current guidelines. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to MR severity: no/mild MR vs moderate/severe MR. In hospital all cause death has been considered as the primary outcome.

Results

A total of 136 patients  (78 ± 9 yy; 68 (50%) male) hospitalized for HF with a new diagnosis of LFLG-AS were included in the study.

The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (121, 89%), dyslipidemia (106, 78%), chronic kidney disease (85, 63%), diabetes (56, 41%) and obesity (44, 32%). Atrial fibrillation/flutter was detected in 61 (45%) patients. Moderate to severe MR was detected in 33%. Mean functional NYHA class was 2,8 ± 0,8.

Concerning echocardiographic evaluation, the mean gradient of the aortic valve was 26 ± 7 mmHg and the mean iAVA was 0.42 ± 0.10 cm2/m2. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) was 46 ± 13%. Paradoxical LFLG-AS with a preserved LV EF was detected in 73 patients (54%) and the LFLG-AS with a low LV EF was detected in 63 (46%).

In this population, 26 patients (19%) underwent surgical valvular replacement, 15 patients (11%) had aortic percutaneous valvuloplasty and 33 patients (24%) underwent TAVI. The remaining patients (45%, n = 62) were maintained under optimized medical therapy.

In-hospital death occurred in 17 (12,5%) patients (just 1 for non-cardiovascular causes).

Moderate/severe MR was detected in 44 (33%) patients.

When comparing the two subgroups statistically significant differences between age (p = 0,035), male sex (p = 0,028), atrial fibrillation/flutter (p = 0,003), obesity (p = 0,040) and in-hospital mortality (p = 0,013) were detected. In the overall population the multivariate regression analysis showed that only the presence of moderate /severe MR was a significant independent predictor of all-cause in-hospital death (p = 0.017 ; OR 3.571 ; IC  1.257-10.151).

Conclusion. Moderate to severe MR is frequently detected in patients with LFLG AS and HF. In this peculiar cohort significant MR has a negative impact on outcome and is independently associated with in-hospital mortality.

Deformation imaging by strain in chronic heart failure over sacubitril/valsartan: a multicenter echocardiographic registry (DISCOVER) ARNI

Background

Sacubitril/valsartan changed the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), due to the positive effects morbidity and mortality partly mediated by left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR). The aim of this multicenter study was to identify echocardiographic predictors of LVRR after sacubitril/valsartan administration.

Methods

Patients with HFrEF requiring therapy with sacubitril/valsartan from 13 Italian centers were included. Echocardiographic indexes including speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) were used to predict LVRR (defined as LV end-systolic volume reduction and ejection fraction [LVEF] improvement >10% at follow-up) at 6 months follow-up as the primary endpoint. Changes in symptoms (NYHA class) and neurohormonal activations (N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide [NTproBNP]) were also evaluated as secondary endpoints. Patients with poor acoustic windows and missing data were excluded.

Results

The final population consisted of 341 patients (mean age: 65±10 years; 18% female, median LVEF 30% [interquartile range:25; 34]. At 6 months follow-up, cardiac dimensions and function, including left heart STE parameters, improved (Table 1). Moreover, 82 (24%) patients showed early complete response (LVRR and LVEF ≥35%), 55 (16%) early incomplete response (LVRR and LVEF <35%), 204 (60%) no response (no LVRR and LVEF <35%) after 6 months of sacubitril/valsartan. Among patients with ischemic etiology, 68% (108) did not develop LV RR. Age, sex, general characteristics, baseline NYHA class and NT-pro BNP did not significantly differ between the groups.Conversely, baseline LV dimensions and LVEF showed significant differences between the groups (p<0.0001). Also, STE parameters were considerably better in group 1 compared to group 2 and 3 both at baseline and follow-up. Non-ischemic etiology, a lower left atrial volume index and a higher global longitudinal strain were all independent predictors of LVRR at multivariable logistic analysis (all p<0.01). With ROC and spline curves, LV GLS >−9.3% showed a good accuracy in predicting LV RR (Figure 1). LA strain was the best predictor of positive changes in NYHA class and NT-proBNP (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

STE parameters at baseline could be useful to predict LVRR and early clinical response to sacubitril-valsartan, and thus could be used as a guide for treatment in patients with HFrEF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Table 1Figure 1

Stress echocardiography and outcomes after cardiac surgery in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation

Background

Ischaemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is a frequent complication of coronary artery disease. This is generally associated with double mortality rates. Poor prognosis could be observed despite successful cardiac surgery. There is a gap about predictors of further negative outcomes after surgical treatment. Owing to the dynamic nature of IMR, we hypothesize that multiparametric stress echocardiography (SE) would be helpful in assessing risk stratification. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between multiparametric SE parameters and outcomes after cardiac surgery in patients with IMR.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 30 patients (62.7±8.5 yrs, 18 men), who have severe IMR by ESC classification, referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with or without mitral surgery. Before cardiac surgery, the patients performed semi-supine bicycle multiparametric SE. Wall motion abnormalities, systolic and diastolic volumes of left ventricle, B-lines (lung congestion feature), left atrium volume, pulmonary pressure, mitral regurgitation volume, and effective regurgitation orifice area (EROA) were assessed before and during exercise. Ejection fraction (EF) and left contractile reserve were calculated. All-cause death was an endpoint.

Results

All patients had indications for CABG due to severe three-vessel disease. Before exercising, EF was 42±12%, end-diastolic volume was 167±49 ml, systolic volume of left ventricle was 86±39 ml, left atrium was 103±37 ml, global longitudinal strain was 12±4%, index of wall motion abnormality was 1.83±0.48, EROA was 0.39±0.22 cm2, regurgitation volume was 58±27 ml, systolic pulmonary pressure was 43±16 mmHg, and B-lines were 2.4±2. During exercise, EF was 44±17%, end-diastolic volume was 148±54 ml, systolic volume of left ventricle was 98±44 ml, index of wall motion abnormality was 2.30±0.49, EROA was 0.45±0.2 cm2, regurgitation volume was 70±32 ml, systolic pulmonary pressure was 51±14 mmHg, and B-lines were 5.4±3.3. A median follow-up time was 332 days (224–335). ROC analysis demonstrated that left ventricle end-diastolic volume during exercise (the cut-off value 192 ml, area under the ROC curve 0.77, p<0.03), EROA during exercise (the cut-off value 0.37 cm2, the area 0.86, p<0.0003), regurgitant volume during stress (the cut-off value 82 ml, the area 0.79, p<0.02), the difference between stress and rest B-lines (the cut-off value 6 lines, the area 0.83, p<0.0001), the difference between stress and rest EROA (the cut-off value 0.15 cm2, the area 0.77, p=0.05) were associated with death.

Conclusion

The stress echocardiographic parameters were associated with increased mortality after cardiac surgery in patients with IMR over the 1-year follow-up. B-lines (objective evidence of severe congestive heart failure), EROA, regurgitation volume (severity of mitral regurgitation during exercise) were all associated with worse outcome. These preliminary results should be confirmed in the larger studies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Prediction of early left ventricular recovery and adverse remodelling in patients with acute myocardial infarction: the role of non-invasive myocardial work evaluation

Background

Left ventricular recovery (LVR) and adverse left ventricular remodelling (aLVR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) play an important prognostic role.

Purpose

Our aim was to evaluate the usefulness of non-invasive myocardial work (MW), a new index of global and regional myocardial performance, to predict LVR and aLVR.

Methods

Fifty patients with AMI (mean age, 63,8±13,4 years), treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), were prospectively enrolled and underwent a transthoracic Doppler echocardiography within 48 hours after PCI and a median of 31 days at follow-up. Myocardial work is derived from the strain-pressure relation, integrating in its calculation the non-invasive arterial pressure. Segmental LVR was defined as an absolute improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥5% from LVEF at the baseline. The aLVR was defined as an increase of ≥20% of the LV end diastolic volume (LVEDV) at 1 month follow up.

Results

We found significant differences between the baseline and the follow-up value of LVEF (49,28 vs 52,80 p=0.001), Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) (−13,41 vs −18,72, p=0.016), Global Work Index (GWI) (1368,68 vs 1788,08, p<0.0001), Global Work Efficiency (GWE) (86,96 vs 91,36, p=0.001), and Global Constructive Work (GCW) (1619,16 vs 2008,68, p<0.0001). The LVR at 1 month of follow-up was observed in 36% of the population enrolled, whereas aLVR was described in 18% of cases. Using ROC curve analysis, we identified a cut off value of 137 mmHg/% for baseline Global Wasted Work (Sensitivity 100%, Specificity 57,14%, AUC 0.6667, CI 95%: 0,51618- 0,81715, p<0.0001) to identify patients with aLVR at 1 month. With regards to conventional echo parameters, patients with LVR showed lower baseline Wall Motion Score Index (WMSI) than those with LVR (1,73 vs 1,38, p=0.007).

Conclusions

Baseline global wasted work can predict early adverse left ventricular remodelling at 1 months after AMI. These parameters could be used at baseline in order to predict worse outcome in AMI patients. Further larger scale studies are needed to validate these findings.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Coherent spin-wave transport in an antiferromagnet

Magnonics is a research field complementary to spintronics, in which quanta of spin waves (magnons) replace electrons as information carriers, promising lower dissipation1-3. The development of ultrafast nanoscale magnonic logic circuits calls for new tools and materials to generate coherent spin waves with frequencies as high, and wavelengths as short, as possible4,5. Antiferromagnets can host spin waves at terahertz (THz) frequencies and are therefore seen as a future platform for the fastest and the least dissipative transfer of information6-11. However, the generation of short-wavelength coherent propagating magnons in antiferromagnets has so far remained elusive. Here we report the efficient emission and detection of a nanometer-scale wavepacket of coherent propagating magnons in antiferromagnetic DyFeO3 using ultrashort pulses of light. The subwavelength confinement of the laser field due to large absorption creates a strongly non-uniform spin excitation profile, enabling the propagation of a broadband continuum of coherent THz spin waves. The wavepacket contains magnons with a shortest detected wavelength of 125 nm that propagate with supersonic velocities of more than 13 km/s into the material. This source of coherent short-wavelength spin carriers opens up new prospects for THz antiferromagnetic magnonics and coherence-mediated logic devices at THz frequencies.

Clinical profile and in-hospital course of patients with primary and secondary takotsubo syndrome: single center experience

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute cardiac disease increasingly recognized in a variety of clinical scenarios. Heart Failure Association of the ESC classified TTS in primary (occurring in the setting of psychological or emotional trigger or without clear identifiable stressors) and secondary (triggered by physical stressors or other critical illnesses). However, the clinical profile and outcome of these different subtypes is still controversial.

Aim of the study

To compare baseline features, clinical presentation and in-hospital outcomes in patients with primary or secondary TTS in a single referral center.

Methods

Overall study population included 210 patients (mean age 66.1±12.2 years, 14 male); 165 and 45 with primary and secondary TTS, respectively; consecutively enrolled from 2012 to 2019 in our center. Clinical, instrumental and laboratory data and in-hospital events were also recorded in both groups.

Results

Compared to patients with primary TTS, patients with secondary form were older (70.6±14.6 vs 64.9±11.2 years; p=0.006) and more frequently man (13.3% vs 4.8%; p=0.043). Several comorbidities such as diabetes (23.8% vs 8.9%; p=0.008); pulmonary (45.2% vs 12.9%; p<0.001); neurologic (23.8% vs 9.7%; p=0.015); nephro-urologic (31% vs 13.5%; p=0.008); psychiatric (42.9% vs 26.5%; p=0.039) and orthopedic (28.6% vs 13.5%; p=0.020) diseases were prevalent in secondary TTS patients. Atypical presentation with higher incidence of dyspnea was significantly prevalent (42.2% vs 19.4%; p=0.002) in secondary group. The number of patients with ST-T elevation on admission was similar (80% vs 77%; p=0.5) in both groups. Prolonged QT interval in a majority of secondary TTS patients (46.3% vs 28.4%; p=0.029) was detected. Peak levels of troponin, creatine-kinase and myoglobin did not differ between the two groups. Echocardiography revealed larger left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (62.7±25.3 vs 50.6±14.3 ml/mq; p=0.024 and 35.1±14.5 vs 28.7±9 ml/mq; p=0.048) at presentation in secondary TTS, however no differences in baseline left ventricular ejection fraction were detected. Furthermore, the prevalence of apical ballooning was similar between the two groups. Of note, secondary TTS patients experienced more frequently acute heart failure (40.5% vs 23.1%; p=0.024), hyperkinetic arrhythmia (9.1% vs 1.9%; p=0.022), cardiogenic shock (15.9% vs 3.2%; p=0.002), and mechanical ventilation use (9.3% vs 1.3%; p=0.006) during the acute phase. In-hospital stay (10.8±6.9 vs 7.4±6.2 days, p=0.004) was longer in this cohort.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that to classify TTS patients in primary or secondary form is clinically relevant. Secondary form generally is associated to higher rate of comorbidities and to atypical presentation. Owing to the worse in-hospital outcome of the secondary TTS patients a tailored and more intensive treatment should be adopted in this cohort.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Hyperthyroidism in Takotsubo syndrome: prevalence, clinical features and long-term outcomes

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an increasingly recognized form of transient left ventricular dysfunction, often completely reversible. The exact pathogenesis is not fully understood, but central role of adrenergic dysfunction has been widely accepted. A possible link between hyperthyroidism and TTS has been hypothesized, since thyroid and adrenergic systems are in closely connection. Nevertheless, clinical study to define the association between hyperthyroidism and TTS is still lacking.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess prevalence, clinical features and long-term outcomes of hyperthyroidism at presentation in TTS patients.

Methods

Overall, 590 TTS patients from 23 centers were included in this prospective registry. Thyroid profile was available for 314 patients at time of TTS admission. Patients in hypothyroid state (n=32) according to TSH value were excluded. The remaining 282 patients were divided in normal thyroid state and hyperthyroid state according to TSH value, respectively 240 (85%) and 42 (15%) patients.

Results

The median age was 73±10 and the female rate was 93%. TTS related to physical trigger was mostly detected in hyperthyroidism patients (52% vs 30%, respectively in hyperthyroid state and normal thyroid state; p=0.005); while, TTS related to emotional trigger was less common (19%, vs 38%, respectively in hyperthyroid state and normal thyroid state; p=0.016). In TTS unprovoked by a stress factor, there was no statistical difference in thyroid state (29% vs 31%, respectively in hyperthyroid state and normal thyroid state; p=0.690). Follow-up rate was 95% and follow-up length was 41±36 months. At long-term follow-up, mortality rate was 39% and 20% in hyperthyroidism and normal thyroid state, respectively (p=0.008; Figure 1) and adverse event rates (the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction and stroke) were 39% and 24% in hyperthyroid state and normal thyroid state, respectively (p=0.034). At multivariable analysis, hyperthyroidism resulted as a strong predictor of mortality (OR 3.82, 95% CI: 1.71–8.50; p=0.001) and of adverse event rates (OR 2.18, 95% CI: 1.19–3.98; p=0.011).

Conclusion

Hyperthyroidism at presentation is relatively common in TTS patients and associated with physical triggers and unfavorable long-term prognosis.

Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier curves

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Functional correlates of left atrial volume dilatation during vasodilator stress echocardiography

Background

Exercise and dobutamine stress may induce acute left atrial volume index (LAVI) dilatation in 1 out 10 patients. The effect of vasodilator stress in LAVI remains unknown.

Purpose

To assess the feasibility and functional correlates of LAVI change during dipyridamole stress echocardiography (SE).

Methods

We studied 149 patients (99 male, age 66±10 years, ejection fraction 59±8%, 64 with previous myocardial infarction), who underwent dipyridamole ABCDE-SE. LAVI was measured with the biplane disk summation method at rest and peak stress: LAVI-dilators were defined as those with stress-rest increase ≥6.8 ml/m2. Criteria for abnormal response of ABCDE-SE were: stress-induced changes in regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) for step A; B-lines at peak stress ≥2 for step B (4-site simplified scan, each site scored from 0= A-lines or black lung to 10= white lung for coalescing B-lines); reduced left ventricular contractile reserve (LVCR, peak/ rest based on force) ≤1.1 for step C; abnormal coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) ≤2.0, assessed by pulsed wave Doppler sampling in left anterior descending coronary artery for step D; abnormal heart rate reserve (HRR, peak/rest heart rate) ≤1.22 for step E.

Results

LAVI dilation occurred in 13 patients (9%). The positivity was for step A: RWMA in 6 pts (4%); step B: presence of peak B-lines in 12 pts (8%); step C: abnormal LCVR in 14 pts (9%); step D: reduced CFVR in 17 pts (11%) and step E: abnormal HRR in 46 pts (31%). LAVI dilators showed significantly higher incidence of positivity of steps A-B-C-D (see figure) compared to patients without LAVI dilatation.

Conclusion

Evaluation of LAVI change during vasodilator SE is feasible, and LAVI dilatation is more frequently found with ischemic (step A), wet (step B), weak (step C) and cold (step D) heart.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Is raphe only an innocent bystander finding or a predictor of complications in bicuspid aortic valve patients? Experience of Italian REBECCA registry

Background

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart disease, affecting 0.5%–2% of the general population. It is associated with valvular dysfunction (aortic stenosis and/or regurgitation, endocarditis) but also with a wide spectrum of aortopathy with unpredictable clinical presentations. The role of the raphe is still controversial.

Methods

The REgistro della Valvola Aortica Bicuspide della Società Italiana di ECocardiografia e CArdiovascular Imaging is a retrospective/prospective, multicenter, observational registry, with definitive diagnosis of BAV. Anamnestic, demographic, clinical, and instrumental data are collected into dedicated software at first evaluation and during follow-up. Aortopathy was defined as: annulus ≥14 mm/m2; root ≥20 mm/m2; sino-tubular junction (STJ) ≥16 mm/m2; ascending aorta (AA) ≥17 mm/m2; it was classified in: type A, dilation of the ascending aorta; type B, dilation of the aortic root and the ascending aorta; and type C, isolated dilation of the aortic root. Patients were divided in two groups; those with raphe and those without.

Results

At December 2019, 800 patients with BAV (Male, 73.3%; M:F ratio 2.9; Mean Age at diagnosis 44±23 years) have been included in the registry. Prevalence of hypertension was 29%, diabetes mellitus 3%, smoking-habit 8%. We reported a majority (42.7%, 342) of patients with type 1, followed by type 2 (10.2%, 82) and type 3 (3.7%, 30). No gender differences were observed according to BAV phenotypes, while male gender was associated to higher prevalence of aortic valve regurgitation (p=0.0003). Moreover, in patients with raphe, aortic stenosis (49.8% vs 38.4%; p=0.014) and aortopathy (57.4% vs 46.1%; p=0.034) were significantly prevalent (see Table 1). Of note no difference about aortic regurgitation (62.8% vs 48.7%; p=0.064) between two groups were detected. At univariable logistic regression analysis the presence of raphe was significantly associated with aortopathy [OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.02–1.42; p=0.037] especially with Type B Aortopathy [OR: 0.55: 95% CI: 0.33–0.93: p=0.02].

Conclusion

Preliminary data from Italian Multicenter REBECCA registry highlight that, in patients with BAV, the raphe is not an innocent bystander but a risk factor for aortic stenosis and type B aortopathy.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Long-term predictors of myocardial infarction recurrence in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Despite the implementation in the use of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and in secondary preventive measures, the risk of recurrence of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients who underwent ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains high. The prognostic role of old and emerging cardiovascular risk factors for MI recurrence, such as Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels, in this very high-risk population is still not fully understood.

Purpose

To identify the baseline predictors of MI recurrence in a cohort of patients admitted for STEMI and treated with pPCI.

Methods

Single-center, observational, retrospective analysis of consecutive patients admitted for STEMI who underwent pPCI from February 2013 to April 2019 at our Insitution. Baseline demographic, clinical, echocardiographic and laboratory data were prospectively collected. Only patients with available Lp(a) values were included in the analysis.

The study outcome was the recurrence of MI at three years follow-up. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the baseline variables correlated to the study outcome.

Results

The study population included 560 patients (mean age = 60.6±13.7 years; 79.5% males). Hypertension was observed in 351 patients (62.7%), diabetes in 134 (23.9%), dyslipidemia in 266 (47.5%), smoking status in 316 (56.4%), history of coronary artery disease (CAD) in 76 (13.6%), prior MI in 69 (12.3%), prior PCI in 62 (11.1%). Multivessel disease (MVD) was reported in 211 (37.7%) cases. The infarct-related artery was the left anterior descending in 310 patients (55.4%), the right coronary artery in 179 (32.0%), the left circumflex 60 (10.7%) and the left main in 11 (2.0%). Total cholesterol mean value was 187.7±48.8 mg/dl; LDL cholesterol was 112.2±41.3 mg/dl and Lp(a) was 26.5±27.2 mg/dl. At three-year follow-up, MI occurred in 58 (10.4%) patients. At multivariable analysis, Lp(a) (HR 1.015 95% CI: 1.008–1.022 p<0.001) and MVD (HR 1.994; 95% CI 1.179–3.372 p=0.010) emerged as the only two independent predictors of MI recurrence up to three years. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significantly lower survival free from MI in patients with Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dl as compared to the subgroups with levels ≥30 and <50 mg/dL, or <30 mg/dL (Log-Rank=0.001). Also, MVD was able to identify patients with significantly lower survival free from MI for up to three years (Log-Rank=0.004). The Kaplan-Meier analysis combining these two parameters identified patients with both MVD and Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dl as the highest risk cohort for MI recurrence up to three years (MI incidence rate=22.2%; Log-Rank=0.002).

Conclusions

Among patients with STEMI who underwent pPCI, high Lp(a) level and MVD predict the recurrence of MI at long-term follow-up.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Artificial intelligence in echocardiography diagnostics – detection of takotsubo syndrome

Background

Machine learning allows classifying diseases based only on raw echocardiographic imaging data and is therefore a landmark in the development of computer-assisted decision support systems in echocardiography.

Purpose

The present study sought to determine the value of deep (machine) learning systems for automatic discrimination of takotsubo syndrome and acute myocardial infarction.

Methods

Apical 2- and 4-chamber echocardiographic views of 110 patients with takotsubo syndrome and 110 patients with acute myocardial infarction were used in the development, training and validation of a deep learning approach, i.e. a convolutional autoencoder (CAE) for feature extraction followed by classical machine learning models for classification of the diseases.

Results

The deep learning model achieved an area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 0.801 with an overall accuracy of 74.5% for 5-fold cross validation evaluated on a clinically relevant dataset. In comparison, experienced cardiologists achieved AUCs in the range 0.678–0.740 and an average accuracy of 64.5% on the same dataset.

Conclusions

A real-time system for fully automated interpretation of echocardiographic videos was established and trained to differentiate takotsubo syndrome from acute myocardial infarction. The framework provides insight into the algorithms' decision process for physicians and yields new and valuable information on the manifestation of disease patterns in echocardiographic data. While our system was superior to cardiologists in echocardiography-based disease classification, further studies should be conducted in a larger patient population to prove its clinical application.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Left atrial volume stress echocardiography in chronic coronary syndromes

Background

An enlarged left atrial volume index (LAVI) at rest mirrors increased LA pressure and/or impairment of LA function. A cardiovascular stress may acutely modify LAVI within minutes.

Purpose

To assess the feasibility and functional correlates of LAVI-stress echocardiography (SE)

Methods

Out of 514 subjects referred to 10 quality-controlled labs, LAVI-SE was completed in 490 (359 male, age 67±12 yrs, ejection fraction 60±10%) with suspected or known chronic coronary syndromes (n=462) or asymptomatic controls (n=28). The utilized stress was exercise in 177, vasodilator in 167, dobutamine in 146. LAVI was measured with the biplane disk summation method. SE was performed with the ABCDE protocol. In a single center sub-study in 50 subjects, including 28 controls and 22 patients, also peak longitudinal atrial strain (PALS, %) was measured as an index of LA reservoir function.

Results

The intra-observer and inter-observer LAVI variability were 5% and 8%, respectively. Δ-LAVI changes (stress-rest) were negatively correlated with resting LAVI (r=−0.271, p<0.001), heart rate reserve (r=−0.239, p<0.001), and Δ-PALS (n=50, r=−0.374, p=0.007).LAVI-dilators were defined as those with stress-rest increase ≥6.8 ml/m2, a cutoff derived from a calculated reference change value above the biological, analytical and observer variability of LAVI. LAVI dilation (see figure) occurred in 56 patients (11%). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, B-lines ≥2 (OR: 2.586, 95% CI =1.1293–5.169, p=0.007) and abnormal left ventricular contractile reserve (OR: 2.207, 95% CI=1.111–4.386, p=0.024) were associated with LAVI dilation.

Conclusion

LAVI-SE is feasible, with high success rate and low variability, in patients with chronic coronary syndromes. A wet (increased B-lines) and weak (reduced LV contractile reserve and LA reservoir function) heart frequently portends LAVI dilation during stress.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Use of MitraClip system for severe mitral regurgitation in cardiogenic shock: results from a multicentre observational Italian experience (the MITRA-SHOCK study)

Background/Introduction

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a medical emergency and a frequent cause of death. CS can be complicated by mitral regurgitation (MR). The presence of at least moderate MR in the setting of shock was associated with about three-times higher odds of 1-year mortality. In the setting of refractory CS, percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) can be a potential therapeutic option.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous approach of severe MR in patients with CS assessing short-term clinical outcomes.

Methods

In this study we retrospectively included patients with CS and concomitant severe MR treated with Mitraclip system. We enrolled 28 patients from 5 Italian centers between 2012 and 2019. MitraClip implantation was performed according to each hospital standard care. CS was defined utilizing the Diagnostic Criteria of Cardiogenic Shock used in the SHOCK trial. Procedural success was defined as the presence of moderate or less MR after MitraClip implantation.

Results

All patients presented at least severe MR. All treated patients were at high surgical risk (STS mortality score 36.4±11.7%). Procedural success was obtained in 24 patients (86%). A mean of 1.71±0.76 clips per patients were implanted. In-hospital complications occurred in 13 patients (46%): 7 minor bleedings (25% of patients), 7 major bleedings (25%), 8 acute kidney injuries (28%). In-hospital mortality was 25% and the reported causes of death were cardiovascular in all patients. At Cox multivariate analysis procedural success was a strong predictor of in-hospital survival (HR 0.11, CI 95% 0.02–0.67, p=0.017).

Conclusions

PMVR with Mitraclip system in patients with CS and concomitant MR demonstrated high procedural success and acceptable safety. It can be considered a bailout option in this setting of patients with high short-term mortality. Larger prospective studies are needed.

In-hospital mortality predictors

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

412 Sacubitril/valsartan promotes cardiac reverse remodeling and preserves renal function in a real-world heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) population

Funding Acknowledgements

none

Aims. To evaluate the effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan (S/V) on clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic parameters and outcomes in a real-world population with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods and results. Prospective study enrolling consecutive patients with HFrEF treated with S/V.The primary outcome was HF rehospitalization;secondary outcomes were all-cause death, cardiac death and the composite of cardiac death and HF rehospitalization at 12 months follow up.The clinical outcome was compared with a retrospective cohort of 90 HFrEF patients treated with standard medical therapy by using propensity score weighting. At 6 months follow-up, changes in symptoms, echocardiographic parameters, eGFR and furosemide dose were also evaluated. The study population consisted of 90 patients (66.1 ± 11.7 years). At 6 months FU, a significant improvement in NYHA class, LVEF (from 31.0% to 34.0%; p = 0.001), LVESV (from 115.0 to 101.0 mL; p = 0.033) and sPAP (from 31.0 to 25.0 mmHg; p = 0.024) was observed. Moreover, S/V did not affect negatively eGFR and was associated with a significantly lower dose of furosemide prescribed. The propensity score weighting adjusted regression analysis showed a significantly lower risk for HF rehospitalization (HR, 0.131; 95% CI, 0.034-0.503; p = 0.003) and the composite outcome (HR, 0.162; 95% CI, 0.053-0.492; p = 0.001) among patients treated with S/V as compared to the standard therapy group.

Conclusions

In this real-world HFrEF population, S/V reduced HF rehospitalization and cardiac death at 1 year. Moreover, S/V improved significantly NYHA class, LVEF, LVESV and sPAP at 6 months, preserving renal function and reducing the need of furosemide.

Table Study outcomes Unadjusted model HR 95% CI p-value HF rehospitalization 0.273 0.101-0.740 0.011 Cardiac death 0.443 0.137-1.440 0.176 Composite outcome 0.331 0.155-0.710 0.005 All-cause death 0.666 0.272-1.628 0.372 Adjusted model HR 95% CI p-value HF rehospitalization 0.131 0.034-0.503 0.003 Cardiac death 0.259 0.047-1.415 0.119 Composite outcome 0.162 0.053-0.492 0.001 All-cause death 0.713 0.201-2.529 0.601 Adjusted and unadjusted HR for the study outcomes.

Abstract 412 Figure.

P330 Blunted heart rate reserve during vasodilator stress echocardiography in diabetic and renal failure patients

Funding Acknowledgements

None

Background

A blunted heart rate reserve (HRR) during dipyridamole stress echo (SE) is a marker of cardiac autonomic dysfunction associated with poor outcome, independently of inducible ischemia, underlying coronary artery disease (CAD) and beta-blocker therapy. Patients with diabetes and/or renal failure have higher prevalence of underlying autonomic dysfunction.

Aim. To assess the value of HRR in patients undergoing dipyridamole SE.

Methods

We prospectively recruited a sample of 61 patients with known or suspected CAD (mean age 75 ± 10 years; 34 males, 55,7%; 50% on beta-blockers at the time of testing). Coexistent atrial fibrillation or previous pacemaker implantation were considered as exclusion criteria. Three groups were identified a priori: non-diabetic with normal renal function (n = 43, Group 1); diabetics, with normal renal function (n = 14, Group 2); severely impaired renal function on dialysis (n = 4, Group 3). All patients underwent dipyridamole SE (0.84 mg/kg in 10"). Wall motion score Index (WMSI) was calculated with a 17-segment score of left ventricle, each segment scored from 1= normal to 4= dyskinetic. HRR was measured by ECG as the peak/rest HR ratio.

Results

A positive SE (stress WMSI> rest WMSI) was present in 2 patients of Group 1 (4.7%), 4 of Group 2 (28.6%) and no patient in Group 3. Heart rate was different, although not significant, among the 3 groups both at rest (66.1 ± 11.1 vs 64.6 ± 8.5 vs 79.0 ± 8.0, p = 0.050) and at peak stress (83.8 ± 12.6 vs 75.3 ± 10.3 vs 86.5 ± 11.1, p = 0.059). Of note, HRR was statistically different among groups (1.29 ± 0.20 vs 1.19 ± 0.14 vs 1.09 ± 0.06, p < 0.047; see figure). There was no difference in HRR between patients off and on-beta-blockers (1.19 ± 0.16 vs 1.24 ± 0.24, p = 0.421) and with or without positive SE (1.20 ± 0.14 vs 1.25 ± 0.20, p = 0.530). Overall, HRR ≤ 1.17 (median value) was reported in 39.5% of Group 1, 71.4% of Group 2, and 100% of Group 3 pts (p = 0.024). No significant correlations between HRR and peak WMSI (p = 0.183) or age (0.062) were reported.

Conclusion

HRR is frequently abnormal in patients referred for SE testing, especially in presence of concomitant diabetes and advanced renal failure. The blunted chronotropic response is a simple, imaging independent marker of cardiac autonomic dysfunction and may usefully complement the conventional evaluation with regional wall motion abnormalities during vasodilator SE.

Abstract P330 Figure title: HRR box plots

P1401 The prognostic value of the reduction of coronary flow velocity reserve in non-ischemic heart failure patients

OnBehalf

Stress Echo 2020 study group of the Italian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging

Background

Coronary microvascular abnormalities determining a reduction of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) have been described in patients (pts) with non-ischemic heart failure (HF).

Aim

To assess the prognostic value of CFVR in HF.

Methods

In a prospective, observational, multicenter study, we recruited 333 pts with angiographically normal coronary arteries: 105 patients with HF and preserved (>50%) ejection fraction (HFpEF); 71 with HF and mid-range (40-50%) ejection fraction (HFmrEF); 157 with HF and reduced (<40%) ejection fraction (HFrEF). All patients underwent vasodilator SE with dipyridamole (0.84 mg/kg) in 10 accredited laboratories of 5 countries (Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Serbia). CFVR was calculated as the stress/rest ratio of diastolic peak flow velocity pulsed wave-Doppler assessment of LAD flow. In all patients we also assessed left ventricular contractile reserve (LVCR) based on force (systolic blood pressure/end-systolic volume) Abnormal cutoff values were ≤2.0 for CFVR and ≤1.1 for LVCR. All pts were followed-up.

Results

After a median follow-up time of 15 months, 78 events occurred: 36 hospital admissions for acute decompensated heart failure, 23 deaths, 16 worsening in NYHA functional class, 2 stroke and 1 late revascularization. Event-free survival was best in patients with preserved CFVR and LVCR and worst in pts with reduced CFVR and impaired LVCR, with intermediate values for patients with either one (CFVR or LVCR) abnormal results: see figure. A preserved CFVR was associated with a better 24-month event-free survival than reduced CFVR in a subset analysis in pts with HFpEF (HR = 16.2, 95% CI, 1.8-145.1, p = 0.001) and in HFrEF (HR = 3.06, 95% CI, 1.6-5.6, p < 0.001). A multivariable analysis in the overall group of HF pts identified a reduced CFVR as the only independent predictor of event-free survival (HR = 3.455,95% CI 1.723-6.929).

Conclusions

A reduction in CFVR identifies a high risk subset in HF patients, outlining a shared role of coronary microvascular abnormalities as a marker and potential therapeutic target of HF, independently of underlying EF.

Abstract P1401 Figure. Event-free survival based on CFVR-LVCR

P322 Dynamic changes of left ventricular cardiac mechanics in takotsubo syndrome: a preliminary study

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a transient left ventricular (LV) heart failure due to a reversible systolic dysfunction, usually recovering within days or weeks.

Purpose

To assess the dynamic changes of LV cardiac mechanics in a small cohort of TTS patients through the estimation of myocardial work, a newly developed non-invasive approach which allows correction of global longitudinal strain (GLS) for systolic blood pressure.

Methods

Twenty-four patients (mean age, 63.8 ± 8.4 yy; all female) with TTS diagnosis were retrospectively enrolled. Data from transthoracic two-dimensional and speckle-tracking echocardiography on admission and at 3 months follow-up were collected. Global myocardial work index (GWI, mmHg%) was calculated as the area of the LV pressure (LVP)-strain loop, where LVP was estimated noninvasively using a standard waveform fitted to valvular events and scaled to systolic blood pressure. From GWI we also assessed: global constructive work (GCW, mmHg%: work performed during shortening in systole + negative work during lenghtening in isovolumetric relaxation, IVR), global wasted work (GWW, mmHg%: negative workperformed by a segment during lengthening in systole + work performed during shortening in IVR) and global work efficiency (GWE, %: constructive work divided by the sum of constructive and wasted work). Baseline demographic and clinical features, including in-hospital adverse events as acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock and cardiac death, were also assessed.

Results

On overall population, a reduced ejection fraction (EF) and GLS were detected at hospital admission, with a substantial improvement at discharge and at follow-up (from 41.7 ± 8.3% to 54.5 ± 6.5% to 60.2 ± 4.6% for EF and from -11.7 ± 4.5% to -16.2 ± 4.2 to -21.3 ± 2.8% for GLS, respectively). Similarly, global MWI and MWE both showed a positive trend during the hospital course and at follow-up: MWI increased from 1048.8 ± 580.5 to 1522.4 ± 695.4 to 2021.1 ± 388.6 mmHg% and MWE from 78.7 ± 10.2 to 91.1 ± 4.6 to 94.5 ± 3.8 %. Increasing in MWE has been obtained through an improvement of GCW (from 1195.9 ± 537.2 to 1651.3 ± 700.3 to 2316.8 ± 490.6 mmHg%) and a contemporary decreasing in GWW (from 237.9 ± 137.2 to 106 ± 37.2 to 131.8 ± 150.8 mmHg%).

In-hospital adverse events occurred in 8 (50%) patients. Of note, despite EF and GLS at admission showed no significant differences, patients experiencing in-hospital adverse events showed lower value of acute MWI (725.6 ± 289.6 vs 1371.9 ± 632.1 mmHg%; p= 0.02) and MWE (73.6 ± 3.4 vs 83.8 ± 12.4%; p= 0.04) compared to patients without in-hospital complications.

Conclusion

Non-invasive assessment of myocardial work through echocardiographic strain-based technique could be useful to demonstrate the peculiar dynamic changes of cardiac mechanics and for a better risk stratification in TTS patients.

Abstract P322 Figure.

5037Drug treatment with beta-blockers and long-term outcome in patients with takotsubo syndrome: results from the takotsubo Italian network

Background

Although generally considered a benign disease, Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) has recently been associated to a substantially comparable long-term outcome than acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The use of beta-blockers (BB) has been advocated in these patients for secondary prevention after the index event, considering the presumed role of catecholamine in TTS pathophysiology. However, the effect of BB on long-term outcome remains controversial due to the paucity of data and the lack of evidence from randomized studies.

Purpose

To investigate the impact of BB therapy on long-term outcome in patients with TTS.

Methods

The study included all TTS patients enrolled in the Takotsubo Italian Network multicenter registry. Patients were divided in two study groups according to the BB therapy after discharge. The following major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were assessed at the longest available follow-up: cardiac death, TTS recurrence, rehospitalization for cardiac cause, acute or worsening heart failure (HF) and ACS. Also, the composite of cardiac death and rehospitalization as well as the overall MACE were analyzed

Results

The study population included 548 patients (mean age 68.7±11.4 years; 44 males, 8%). Among them, BB treatment was reported in 368 (BB group, 67.2%) and 180 (no-BB group, 32.8%) patients, respectively. The baseline clinical characteristics were substantially comparable among groups with the only exception of COPD, which was prevalent in the no-BB group (10.3% vs 21.7%, p=0.001).

During follow-up (median 18 months 25–75% c.i. 6–29), TTS recurrence was reported in 26 patients (4.7%), ACS in 10 (1.8%), acute or worsening HF in 39 (7.1%), cardiac hospitalization in 71 (13.0%) and cardiac death in 18 (3.3%). The rate of TTS recurrence and ACS was comparable between groups. Conversely, no-BB patients experienced more frequently acute or worsening HF (5.4% vs 10.6%, p=0.034), cardiac rehospitalization (10.9% vs 17.2%, p=0.042) and cardiac death (1.9% vs 6.1, p=0.018) than BB patients. Therefore, the MACE composite endpoint was significantly prevalent in the no-BB group (12.0% vs 20.6%, p=0.010).

Kaplan-Meier curves for the composite of cardiac death and rehospitalization showed a statistically lower survival in the no-BB patients compared to the BB group (p=0.006). Moreover, landmark analysis showed a wider survival benefit in the BB patients after 2 years.

Conclusions

Although in absence of a secondary preventive effect on TTS recurrence, BB may improve the long-term cardiac outcome in patients with TTS. Prospective randomized studies are advisable to confirm these findings.

P3373Predictors of dilatation of ascending aorta in patients with bicuspid aortic valve, a longitudinal multicenter study

Introduction

The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is frequently associated to dilation of the ascending aorta. Some cross-sectional studies have related the aortic dilation with morphotype and valvular dysfunction. The aim of this longitudinal multicenter study was to analyze the progression of the aortic dilation and to identify its predictors.

Methods

We included 459 patients (mean age 52±17; 325 men 70.8%) with BAV, without aortic coarctation. The BAV morphotype, significant valvular dysfunction and dilation of the aortic root and ascending aorta were established by echocardiography. The patients were followed annually, with an average of 7.5±3.2 years.

Results

77% of the patients had BAV with a fusion between left and right cusps, 21% between right and non coronary cusps and 2% between left and non coronary cusps, with a raphe in 77% of these patients. Risk factors included: 35% hypertension, 20% smoking, 5% diabetes and 18% dyslipidemia. The baseline study showed a maximum root diameter of 36±6.2 mm and ascending aorta of 39±8.1 mm. In 7% the aortic root was>45 mm, while in 32% the ascending aorta>45 mm. There was no valvular dysfunction in 17% of patients, while the 8% had significant aortic stenosis and 35% significant aortic regurgitation. The annual growth of the aortic root was 0.33±0.2 mm and for the ascending aorta was 0.38±0.3 mm. At the end of follow-up, 16% of the patients had a root>45 mm and 41% an ascending aorta>45 mm. The annual progression of aortic diameters was not related to valvular morphotype, valvular dysfunction or cardiovascular risk factors. The univariate analysis showed a significant relationship between the annual growth of the aortic root and arterial hypertension (p=0.028) and the annual growth of the ascending aorta with the male sex (p=0.019), smoking (p=0.046) and significant (moderate or severe) aortic stenosis (p=0.013). Diabetes mellitus and the presence of raphe were found to be slightly protective (p=0.049 and p=0.031, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, only the male sex and significant aortic stenosis were independent predictors of dilation of the ascending aorta.

Conclusions

In patients with bicuspid aortic valve, the progression of the dilation of the aortic root is related to hypertension and the growth of the ascending aorta with the male sex and the presence of significant aortic stenosis. Both bicuspid valve morphotype, basal aortic diameter or age were not related to the progression of aortic dilation.

Spin Pumping and Measurement of Spin Currents in Optical Superlattices

We report on the experimental implementation of a spin pump with ultracold bosonic atoms in an optical superlattice. In the limit of isolated double wells, it represents a 1D dynamical version of the quantum spin Hall effect. Starting from an antiferromagnetically ordered spin chain, we periodically vary the underlying spin-dependent Hamiltonian and observe a spin current without charge transport. We demonstrate a novel detection method to measure spin currents in optical lattices via superexchange oscillations emerging after a projection onto static double wells. Furthermore, we directly verify spin transport through in situ measurements of the spins' center-of-mass displacement.

A novel miR-371a-5p-mediated pathway, leading to BAG3 upregulation in cardiomyocytes in response to epinephrine, is lost in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Molecular mechanisms protecting cardiomyocytes from stress-induced death, including tension stress, are essential for cardiac physiology and defects in these protective mechanisms can result in pathological alterations. Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) is expressed in cardiomyocytes and is a component of the chaperone-assisted autophagy pathway, essential for homeostasis of mechanically altered cells. BAG3 ablation in mice results in a lethal cardiomyopathy soon after birth and mutations of this gene have been associated with different cardiomyopathies including stress-induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC). The pathogenic mechanism leading to TTC has not been defined, but it has been suggested that the heart can be damaged by excessive epinephrine (epi) spillover in the absence of a protective mechanism. The aim of this study was to provide more evidence for a role of BAG3 in the pathogenesis of TTC. Therefore, we sequenced BAG3 gene in 70 TTC patients and in 81 healthy donors with the absence of evaluable cardiovascular disease. Mutations and polymorphisms detected in the BAG3 gene included a frequent nucleotide change g2252c in the BAG3 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of Takotsubo patients (P<0.05), resulting in loss of binding of microRNA-371a-5p (miR-371a-5p) as evidenced by dual-luciferase reporter assays and argonaute RNA-induced silencing complex catalytic component 2/pull-down assays. Moreover, we describe a novel signaling pathway in cardiomyocytes that leads to BAG3 upregulation on exposure to epi through an ERK-dependent upregulation of miR-371a-5p. In conclusion, the presence of a g2252c polymorphism in the BAG3 3′-UTR determines loss of miR-371a-5p binding and results in an altered response to epi, potentially representing a new molecular mechanism that contributes to TTC pathogenesis.

Noise-assisted charge pump in elastically deformable molecular junctions

We study a charge pump realized with an elastically deformable quantum dot whose center of mass follows a nonlinear stochastic dynamics. The interplay of noise, nonlinear effects, dissipation and interaction with an external time-dependent driving on the pumped charge is fully analyzed. The results show that the quantum pumping mechanism not only is not destroyed by the force fluctuations, but it becomes stronger when the forcing signal frequency is tuned close to the resonance of the vibrational mode. The robustness of the quantum pump with temperature is also investigated and an exponential decay of the pumped charge is found when the coupling to the vibrational mode is present. Implications of our results for nanoelectromechanical systems are also discussed.

Cooper pairs spintronics in triplet spin valves

We study a spin valve with a triplet superconductor spacer intercalated between two ferromagnets with noncollinear magnetizations. We show that the magnetoresistance of the triplet spin valve depends on the relative orientations of the d vector, characterizing the superconducting order parameter, and the magnetization directions of the ferromagnetic layers. For devices characterized by a long superconductor, the effects of a polarized current sustained by Cooper pairs only are observed. In this regime, a supermagnetoresistance effect emerges, and the chiral symmetry of the order parameter of the superconducting spacer is easily recognized. Our findings open new perspectives in designing spintronics devices based on the cooperation of ferromagnetic and triplet correlations.