Isolated Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

BackgroundHIV-infected individuals are at increased risk for pulmonary hypertension and cardiomyopathy, portending a poor prognosis. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is associated with worse outcomes in these conditions, yet its prevalence is poorly defined in HIV. We sought to determine the prevalence of RV dysfunction in an outpatient HIV cohort.MethodsEchocardiograms were evaluated from 104 HIV-infected adults. Measurements included estimated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) and several measures of RV function, including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV longitudinal myocardial strain (RVLMS), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), and myocardial performance index (MPI).ResultsSixteen subjects (15%) had PASP >35 mm Hg, yet RV function did not differ significantly from those with normal estimated PASP. RV dysfunction defined by RVFAC <35% occurred in 11%. RVLMS had a median value of −27.3%, and individuals below the median had lower TAPSE but no differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), PASP, or other measures. Dyspnea was associated with the lowest quintile of RVLMS (≥−21.05%). There were 6 subjects with LVEF <50%, and these individuals had lower TAPSE but no differences in PASP or other RV functional measures.ConclusionsRV dysfunction was common as estimated PASP >35 mm Hg and LV dysfunction, but these findings did not cosegregate. RV dysfunction in HIV-infected individuals may be a separate entity from LV/global cardiomyopathy or pulmonary hypertension and deserves further study.     

Prevalence of, associations with, and prognostic value of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) among out-patients referred for the evaluation of heart failure

BackgroundPrevalence, predictors, and prognostic value of right ventricular (RV) function measured by the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) symptoms with a broad range of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are unknown.Methods and ResultsOf 1,547 patients, mean (±SD) age was 71 ± 11 years, 48% were women, median (interquartile range [IQR]) TAPSE was 18.5 (14.0–22.7) mm, mean LVEF was 47 ± 16%, 47% had LVEF ≤45% and 67% were diagnosed with CHF, defined as systolic (S-HF) if LVEF was ≤45% and as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) if LVEF was >45% and treated with a loop diuretic. During a median (IQR) follow-up of 63 (41–75) months, mortality was 34%. In multivariable analysis, increasing age, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), New York Heart Association functional class, right atrial volume index, and transtricuspid pressure gradient; lower TAPSE, diastolic blood pressure, and hemoglobin; and atrial fibrillation (AF) or COPD were associated with an adverse prognosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified a TAPSE of 15.9 mm as the best prognostic threshold (P = .0001); 47% of S-HF and 20% of HFPEF had a TAPSE of <15.9 mm. The main associations with a TAPSE <15.9 mm were higher NT-proBNP, presence of atrial fibrillation and presence of LV systolic dysfunction.ConclusionsIn patients with CHF, low values for TAPSE are common, especially in those with reduced LVEF. TAPSE, unlike LVEF, was an independent predictor of outcome.     

Determinants of exercise capacity in patients with heart failure without left ventricular hypertrophy

BackgroundDeterminants of exercise intolerance in a phenotype of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) with normal left ventricular (LV) structure have not been fully elucidated.MethodsCardiopulmonary exercise testing and exercise-stress echocardiography were performed in 44 HFpEF patients without LV hypertrophy. Exercise capacity was determined by peak oxygen consumption (peak VO₂). Doppler-derived cardiac output (CO), transmitral E velocity, systolic (LV-s′) and early diastolic mitral annular velocities (e′), systolic pulmonary artery (PA) pressure (SPAP), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and peak systolic right ventricular (RV) free wall velocity (RV-s′) were measured at rest and exercise. E/e′ and TAPSE/SPAP were used as an LV filling pressure parameter and RV-PA coupling, respectively.ResultsDuring exercise, CO, LV-s′, RV-s′, e′, and SPAP were significantly increased (p < 0.05 for all), whereas E/e′ remained unchanged and TAPSE/SPAP was significantly reduced (p < 0.001). SPAP was higher and TAPSE/SPAP was lower at peak exercise in patients showing lower-half peak VO₂. In univariable analyses, LV-s′ (R = 0.35, p = 0.022), SPAP (R = ?0.40, p = 0.008), RV-s′ (R = 0.47, p = 0.002), and TAPSE/SPAP (R = 0.42, p = 0.005) were significantly correlated with peak VO₂. In multivariable analyses, not only SPAP, but also TAPSE/SPAP independently determined peak VO₂ even after the adjustment for clinically relevant parameters.ConclusionsIn HFpEF patients without LV hypertrophy, altered RV-PA coupling by exercise could be associated with exercise intolerance, which might not be caused by elevated LV filling pressure.     

Changes in Right Ventricular–to–Pulmonary Artery Coupling After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair in Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

BackgroundPreprocedural right ventricular–to–pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling is a major predictor of outcome in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (M-TEER). However, clinical significance of changes in RV-PA coupling after M-TEER is unknown.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate changes in RV-PA coupling after M-TEER, their prognostic value, and predictors of improvement.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study, including patients undergoing successful M-TEER (residual mitral regurgitation ≤2+ at discharge) for SMR at 13 European centers and with complete echocardiographic data at baseline and short-term follow-up (30-180 days). RV-PA coupling was assessed with the use of echocardiography as the ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP). All-cause death was assessed at the longest available follow-up starting from the time of the echocardiographic reassessment.ResultsAmong 501 patients included, 331 (66%) improved their TAPSE/PASP after M-TEER (responders) at short-term follow-up (median: 89 days; IQR: 43-159 days), whereas 170 (34%) did not (nonresponders). Lack of previous cardiac surgery, low postprocedural mitral mean gradient, low baseline TAPSE, high baseline PASP, and baseline tricuspid regurgitation were independently associated with TAPSE/PASP improvement after M-TEER. Compared with nonresponders, responders had lower New York Heart Association functional class and less heart failure hospitalizations at short-term follow-up. Improvement in TAPSE/PASP was independently associated with reduced risk of mortality at long-term follow-up (584 days; IQR: 191-1,243 days) (HR: 0.65 [95% CI: 0.42-0.92]; P = 0.017).ConclusionsIn patients with SMR, improvement in TAPSE/PASP after successful M-TEER is predicted by baseline clinical and echocardiographic variables and postprocedural mitral gradient, and is associated with a better outcome.     

Right Ventricular and Pulmonary Vascular Function are Influenced by Age and Volume Expansion in Healthy Humans

Background

Patients with heart failure (HF) often show signs of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. The RV function of coupled with the pulmonary circulation (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE]/pulmonary arterial systolic pressure [PASP]) has been shown to divide HF patients into distinct prognostic strata, but less is known about which factors influence this prognostic marker, and whether those factors can be modified. We sought to obtain normative values and discern the individual effects of age, sex, and fluid overload on RV function.

Pulmonary Hypertension,Right Ventricular Function,and Clinical Outcome in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

BackgroundPulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction have been associated with adverse outcome in patients with chronic heart failure. However, data are lacking in the setting of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We sought to determine prognostic significance of PH in patients with ADHF and its interaction with RV function.MethodsWe studied 326 patients with ADHF. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and RV function were determined with the use of Doppler echocardiography, with PH defined as PASP >50 mm Hg. The primary end point was all-cause mortality during 1-year follow-up.ResultsPH was present in 139 patients (42.6%) and RV dysfunction in 83 (25.5%). The majority of patients (70%) with RV dysfunction had PH. Compared with patients with normal RV function and without PH, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for mortality was 2.41 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44–4.03; P = .001) in patients with both RV dysfunction and PH. Patients with normal RV function and PH had an intermediate risk (adjusted HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.11–2.86; P = .016). Notably, patients with RV dysfunction without PH were not at increased risk for 1-year mortality (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.43–2.41; P = .94). PH and RV function data resulted in a net reclassification improvement of 22.25% (95% CI 7.2%–37.8%; P = .004).ConclusionsPH and RV function provide incremental prognostic information in ADHF. The combination of PH and RV dysfunction is particularly ominous. Thus, the estimation of PASP may be warranted in the standard assessment of ADHF.     

Impact of Right Ventricle-Pulmonary Artery Coupling on Clinical Outcomes in the PARTNER 3 Trial

BackgroundPhysiologic right ventricle–pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling may be impaired in patients with aortic stenosis (AS).ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the incidence and prognostic significance of impaired RV-PA coupling in low-risk patients with symptomatic severe AS undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement or surgical aortic valve replacement.MethodsRV-PA coupling was measured by transthoracic echocardiography as the ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) in patients in the PARTNER (Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valve) 3 trial. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality, stroke, and rehospitalization at the 2-year follow-up.ResultsAmong 570 low-risk patients included in the analysis, RV-PA uncoupling was defined by a TAPSE/PASP ratio ≤ 0.55 mm/mm Hg. At baseline, 222 of 570 (38.9%) patients had RV-PA uncoupling. At 2 years, patients with baseline RV-PA uncoupling had an increased incidence of the primary endpoint (19.1% vs 9.9%, P = 0.002), all-cause mortality (5.9% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001), cardiovascular mortality (4.1% vs 0.6%, P = 0.003), and rehospitalization (13.5% vs 7.3%, P = 0.018). On multivariable analysis, baseline RV-PA uncoupling remained an independent predictor of the primary endpoint at 2 years (HR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.04-3.57; P = 0.038).ConclusionsIn patients with symptomatic severe AS at low surgical risk undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement or surgical aortic valve replacement, baseline RV-PA uncoupling defined by TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.55 mm Hg was associated with adverse clinical outcomes at 2 years, including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and rehospitalization.     

Assessment of Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Arterial Coupling in Chronic Pulmonary Regurgitation

BackgroundWe hypothesized that noninvasively measured right ventricular (RV) to pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) coupling would be abnormal in chronic pulmonary regurgitation (PR) even in the setting of normal RV ejection fraction, and that RV-PA coupling indices would have a better correlation with peak oxygen consumption (VO₂) compared with RV systolic indices alone.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 129 adults (repaired tetralogy of Fallot [TOF] n = 84 and valvular pulmonic stenosis [VPS] with previous intervention n = 45) with ≥ moderate native PR and RV ejection fraction > 50%. The 84 TOF patients were propensity matched with 84 patients with normal echocardiogram (control); age 28 ± 7 years and male sex n = 39 (46%). RV-PA coupling was measured according to fractional area change (FAC)/RV systolic pressure (RVSP) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/RVSP.ResultsRV systolic function indices were similar between TOF and control groups (FAC 43 ± 6% vs 41 ± 5% [P = 0.164] and TAPSE 22 ± 5 mm vs 24 ± 6 mm [P = 0.263]). However, RV-PA coupling was lower in the TOF group (FAC/RVSP 1.10 ± 0.29 vs 1.48 ± 0.22 [P < 0.001]; TAPSE/RVSP 0.51 ± 0.15 vs 0.78 ± 0.11 [P < 0.001]) because of higher RV afterload (RVSP 42 ± 3 mm Hg vs 31 ± 3 mm Hg [P = 0.012]). FAC/RVSP (r = 0.61; P < 0.001) and TAPSE/RVSP (r = 0.69; P < 0.001) correlated with peak VO₂ especially in the patients with impaired exercise capacity whereas FAC and TAPSE were independent of peak VO₂. Similar comparisons between VPS and control groups showed no difference in TAPSE and FAC between groups, but lower FAC/RVSP and TAPSE/RVSP in the VPS group.ConclusionsThere is abnormal RV-PA coupling in chronic PR, and noninvasively measured RV-PA coupling might potentially be prognostic because of its correlation with exercise capacity.     

Value of the Paced QRS Duration

BackgroundThe value for paced QRS duration (pQRSd) to detect left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in right ventricular apex (RVA)–paced patients has not been evaluated.Methods and ResultsA total of 272 RVA-paced patients, including 99 with LV systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and 173 without LVSD, were enrolled in this study. The pQRSd, echocardiographic variables, and plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were measured. Relationships between pQRSd and echocardiographic variables, NT-proBNP levels, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification were analyzed. pQRSd was correlated with LV end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions (β = 1.59 and 1.54, respectively; all P < .001), NT-proBNP levels (β = 12.98, P < .001) and LV ejection fraction (β = –109.25, P < .001). There was a stepwise increase in pQRSd with increasing NYHA Class (all P < .001). The pQRSd cutoff value of 200 ms, derived from the receiver operator characteristic curve, had sensitivity of 71.72% and specificity of 86.71% to detect LVSD. pQRSd ≥ 240 ms gave a positive predictive value of 100%, whereas <180 ms excluded >97.3% of patients with LVSD.ConclusionsIn RVA-paced patients, pQRSd is correlated with left ventricular structures and function and pQRSd of 200 ms is a satisfactory cutoff value in terms of sensitivity and specificity for detecting LVSD.     

Preoperative Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Organic Mitral Regurgitation

Aims: To assess the right ventricular (RV) function in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR); to find a relation between preoperative and postoperative parameters. Methods: RV function was echocardiographically assessed by determining the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and the peak systolic velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (Sa) in 45 patients with severe organic MR (53.3% men, age 58 ± 10 years). Mean NYHA class was 2.6 ± 0.4, LVEF was 55.3 ± 12%, RV end‐diastolic diameter was 28.7 ± 4.7, left ventricular end‐systolic diameter (LVESD) was 44.6 ± 12.6 mm, and LV end‐diastolic volume (Simpson) was 160.6 ± 50.3 ml. All patients underwent mitral valve replacement with posterior chordal sparing. Results: Mean preoperative TAPSE and Sa were 19.4 ± 4.3 mm and 10.3 ± 3 cm/sec, respectively. RV dysfunction, defined as TAPSE < 22 mm, had 66.6% of the patients, and Sa < 11 cm/sec was found in 62.2% of the patients preoperatively. Preoperative TAPSE and Sa were significantly correlated (P < 0.00001, r = 0.61). Both TAPSE and Sa were correlated with the RV end‐diastolic diameter (P < 0.01), LVESD (P < 0.05) left ventricular dp/dt (P < 0.05), and LVEF (P < 0.0001). Postoperative LVEF was 50% (P < 0.001), Sa 5.3 ± 2 cm/sec (P < 0.001), and TAPSE 8.7 ± 3.2mm (P < 0.001). Twenty‐one patients (46.6%) reached the study end point of decrease of LVEF by more than 10%. Univariate predictors were age (P = 0.04), male gender (P = 0.01), TAPSE (P = 0.007), and Sa (P = 0.009), while a trend was found for regurgitation fraction (P = 0.058) and LV end‐diastolic volume index (P = 0.09). By multivariate analysis, TAPSE (P = 0.01) and Sa (P = 0.01) were predictive for the study end point. Conclusion: The assessment of the RV function by echocardiography is a simple tool that provides prognostic information in patients with MR. (Echocardiography 2010;27:282‐285)     

Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Tetralogy of Fallot: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BackgroundAlthough there are robust data about the pathophysiology and prognostic implications of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with acquired heart disease, similar prognostic data about LV systolic dysfunction are sparse in the tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) population. The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of all studies that assessed the relationship between LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and cardiovascular adverse events (CAEs) defined as death, aborted sudden death, or sustained ventricular tachycardia.MethodsWe used random-effects models to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsOf the 1,809 citations, 7 studies with 2,854 patients (age 28 ± 4 years) were included. During 5.6 ± 3.4 years' follow-up, there were 82 deaths, 17 aborted sudden cardiac deaths, and 56 sustained ventricular tachycardia events. Overall, CAEs occurred in 5.1% (144 patients). As a continuous variable, LVEF was a predictor of CAE (HR 1.29, 95% CI, 1.09-1.53, P = 0.001) per 5% decrease in LVEF. Similarly, LVEF < 40% was also a predictor of CAE (HR 3.22, 95% CI, 2.16-4.80, P < 0.001).ConclusionsLV systolic dysfunction was an independent predictor of CAE, and we observed a 30% increase in the risk of CAE for every 5% decrease in LVEF, and a 3-fold increase in the risk of CAE in patients with LVEF <40% compared with other patients. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating LV systolic function in clinical risk stratification of patients with TOF and the need to explore new treatment options to address this problem.     

Right ventricular systolic echocardiographic parameters in chronic systolic heart failure and prognosis

BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) dysfunction is associated with poor prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). Several RV echocardiographic parameters have been proposed as sensitive markers to detect patients at risk.ObjectiveThe aim is to compare the predictive value of several RV systolic echocardiographic parameters for adverse outcome in patients with chronic systolic HF.MethodsWe assessed 117 patients with chronic systolic HF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% for the following: (i) RV fractional area change (RVFAC), (ii) tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), (iii) integral of the systolic wave (ISW_tdi), and (iv) peak systolic velocity (Sa_tdi). ISW_tdi and Sa_tdi were measured using tissue Doppler imaging at the tricuspid annulus. The primary endpoint was death, urgent transplantation, or acute HF episode requiring hospital admission. The follow-up extended for one year.ResultsFifty-two patients reached the primary endpoint. The cut-off thresholds for RVFAC, TAPSE, Sa_tdi, and ISW_tdi defined using receiver-operating characteristic curves were 30%, 15.5 mm, 10.0 cm/s, and 2.4 cm, respectively. The area under the curve and the 95% confidence interval for RVFAC, TAPSE, Sa_tdi, and ISW_tdi were 0.71(0.65–0.85), 0.66(0.55–0.76), 0.85(0.70–0.96), and 0.75(0.64–0.86), respectively. NYHA > 2, and Sa_tdi were found to be independent predictors of adverse outcome.ConclusionSa_tdi is an independent predictor of adverse outcome in HF at a threshold value of 10.0 cm/s and appears to be superior to other RV systolic echocardiographic parameters.     

Study of left ventricular systolic dysfunction,left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension in CKD 3b-5ND patients—A single centre cross-sectional study

IntroductionCardiovascular diseases are associated with increased morbidity and mortality among CKD (chronic kidney disease) population. Recent studies have found increasing prevalence of PH (pulmonary hypertension) in CKD population. Present study was done to determine prevalence and predictors of LV (left ventricular) systolic dysfunction, LVDD (left ventricular diastolic dysfunction) and PH in CKD 3b-5ND (non-dialysis) patients.MethodsA cross sectional observational study was done from Jan/2020 to April/2021. CKD 3b-5ND patients aged ≥15 yrs were included. Transthoracic 2D (2 dimensional) echocardiography was done in all patients. PH was defined as if PASP (pulmonary artery systolic pressure) value above 35 mm Hg, LV systolic dysfunction was defined as LVEF (left ventricular ejection fraction) ≤ 50% and LVDD as E/e′ ratio >14 respectively. Multivariate logistic regression model was done to determine the predictors.ResultsA total of 378 patients were included in the study with 103 in stage 3b, 175 in stage 4 and 100 patients in stage 5ND. Prevalence of PH was 12.2%, LV systolic dysfunction was 15.6% and LVDD was 43.65%. Predictors of PH were duration of CKD, haemoglobin, serum 25-OH vitamin D, serum iPTH (intact parathyroid hormone) and serum albumin. Predictors of LVDD were duration of CKD and presence of arterial hypertension. Predictors of LV systolic dysfunction were eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), duration of CKD, serum albumin and urine protein.ConclusionIn our study of 378 CKD 3b-5ND patients prevalence of PH was 12.2%, LV systolic dysfunction was 15.6% and LVDD was 43.65%.     

Cardiac correlates of exercise induced pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) may develop pulmonary hypertension at rest and during exercise. The cardiac correlates of pulmonary hypertension have been ascertained in the resting state, but seldom during exercise in these patients. AIMS: We sought to determine the cardiac correlates of exercise induced pulmonary hypertension in patients with LVSD by monitoring the estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) by continuous Doppler echocardiography during semirecumbent bicycle exercise. METHODS: Eighty-five patients (mean age 57 +/- 13 years, 75% male) with CHF due to LVSD (LV ejection fraction [EF] <45%, mean LVEF 26 +/- 8%) were studied. RESULTS: Mitral effective regurgitant orifice area and E-wave were independent predictors of resting PASP. Resting PASP and exercise induced changes in PASP were unrelated (r =-0.08, P = 0.45). Decrease in LV end-systolic volume, increase in left atrial (LA) area, resting LV asynchrony, and decreased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were independent predictors of exercise PASP. CONCLUSIONS: Resting LV asynchrony, impaired LV contractile reserve, and increase in LA dilatation correlate with the severity of exercise induced pulmonary hypertension in patients with CHF due to LVSD, while right ventricular systolic dysfunction is inversely related to the severity of exercise induced pulmonary hypertension.     

Myocardial recovery after percutaneous coronary intervention in coronary artery disease patients with impaired systolic function- predictive utility of global longitudinal strain

ObjectiveCoronary revascularization is associated with better outcomes in coronary artery disease patients. We aim to investigate the prevalence, and factors associated with left ventricular (LV) improvement following successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of patients with impaired systolic function with specific reference to the value of baseline GLS.MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed the records of coronary artery disease patients with impaired systolic function who were admitted and treated with PCI.ResultOut of 420 consecutive acute coronary syndrome patients with an impaired systolic function who were admitted and treated with PCI during the period from January 2021 to December 2021, 147 patients (35%) showed no improvement in the Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) post PCI and 273 patients (65%) showed improvement of the LVEF post PCI in their follow up echocardiogram. Larger myocardial injury dilated LV dimension at the acute phase showed a strong impact on further improving LV systolic function. Baseline GLS showed a higher statistical difference between the Non-improving LVEF and improving LVEF groups. Moreover, the early GLS and further LV systolic function improvement were strongly correlated (P < 0.001) with higher sensitivity and specificity. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated that GLS values greater than 9% are a predictor of significant LVEF improvement in the follow-up stage.ConclusionSizable proportion of patients with impaired systolic function following successful PCI show further LV systolic recovery. We demonstrated that the baseline GLS values of more than 9% are an accurate predictor of significant LVEF improvement.     

Frequency, determinants and outcome of pulmonary hypertension in patients with aortic valve stenosis

IntroductionThe frequency, causes and prognostic implications of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) are not well defined. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of PHT [pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) > 50 mm Hg] in patients with severe AS, identify the factors associated with PHT and assess the relationship between PHT and clinical outcome.MethodsPatients with severe AS (aortic valve area ≤ 1.0 cm²) and an echocardiographic estimate of PASP were identified by using the institutional echocardiography laboratory database. Patients with atrial fibrillation, mitral valve stenosis or a mitral prosthesis were excluded from analysis. The associations between clinical and echocardiographic parameters and PHT and the relationship between PHT and outcome were examined.ResultsDuring the study period, 216 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria (age: 75 ± 11 years; 43% men), and PHT was present in 64 patients (29.6%). By multivariate analysis, reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function (LV ejection fraction ≤ 45% and lower stroke volume) and impaired LV diastolic function (mitral inflow E/A ratio ≥ 1.5 and greater left atrium size) were independent predictors of PHT. Mortality was higher among patients with PHT managed medically (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–3.30; P = 0.011), whereas patients with PHT who underwent aortic valve replacement had an excellent outcome.ConclusionsPHT is common in patients with AS and is related to the severity of LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. PHT is associated with poorer outcome in medically treated patients.     

Additional Prognostic Value of 2D Right Ventricular Speckle-Tracking Strain for Prediction of Survival in Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Comparative Study With Cardiac Magnetic Resonance

ObjectivesThis study sought to compare the prognostic value of 2-dimensional (2D) right ventricular (RV) speckle tracking (STE) against cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) RV ejection fraction (EF) and feature tracking (FT) and conventional echocardiographic parameters on overall and cardiovascular (CV) survival in patients with heart failure with reduced EF (HFrEF).BackgroundPrior works showed that RV systolic function predicts prognosis in HFrEF. 2D RVSTE had recently been proposed as new echocardiographic method to evaluate RV dysfunction.MethodsA total of 266 patients with HFrEF (mean LVEF 23 ± 7%, 60 ± 14 years of age; 29% women) underwent RV function assessment using CMR and 2D echocardiography and were followed for a primary endpoint of overall death and secondary endpoint of CV death.ResultsAverage CMR-RVEF was 42 ± 15%, average STE RV global longitudinal strain (STE-RVGLS) was −18.0 ± 4.9%, and average CMR-FT-RVGLS was −11.8 ± 4.3%. After a median follow-up of 4.7 years, 102 patients died, 84 of a CV cause. RVEF, FT-RVGLS, tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), and STE-RVGLS were significant univariate predictors of overall and cardiac death. In multivariate Cox regression, age, ischemic etiology, diabetes, New York Heart Association functional class III to IV, and beta-blocker treatment were independent clinical predictors of overall mortality. CMR-RVEF (chi-square to enter = 3.9; p < 0.05), FT-RVGLS (chi-square to enter 3.7; p = 0.05), FAC (chi-square to enter 6.2; p = 0.02), and TAPSE (chi-square to enter = 4.1; p = 0.04) provided additional prognostic value over these baseline parameters, but the additional predictive value of STE-RVGLS (chi-square to enter = 10.8; p < 0.001) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the other tests. Additional hazard ratio to predict overall mortality was 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6 to 3.9) for STE-RVGLS <−19%, 2.15 (95% CI: 1.34 to 3.43) for TAPSE >15 mm, 1.6 (95% CI: 1.02 to 2.49) for FAC >39%, 1.93 (95% CI: 1.25 to 2.99) for RVEF >41%, and 1.87 (95% CI: 1.10 to 3.19) for CMR-FT-RVGLS <−15%.Conclusions2D RVGLS provides strong additional prognostic value to predict overall and CV mortality in HFrEF, with higher predictive value than CMR-RVEF, CMR-FT-RVGLS, TAPSE, or FAC. This supports use of STE-RVGLS to identify higher-risk HFrEF patients.     

Improvement in the quality of the cardiac vein images by optimizing the scan protocol of multidetector-row computed tomography

The present study aimed at optimizing the scan protocol for multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) to adequately visualize coronary veins. Circulation time (Cir.T) was defined as the time period from the injection of contrast media into the coronary artery to the pervasion of the contrast media into the coronary sinus as observed by coronary angiography. We investigated the relation between the Cir.T and echocardiographic parameters in 64 patients. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVDs) were correlated with the Cir.T (r = 0.58, P < 0.0001, and r = 0.60, P < 0.0001 respectively). In addition, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was negatively correlated with the Cir.T (r = 0.48, P < 0.0001). The average Cir. T was longer in patients with LVEF < 35% (8.0 s vs 6.7 s; P < 0.05) or LVDd > 55 mm (7.9 s vs 6.2 s; P < 0.05) than in the other patients. The quality of the MDCT images of the coronary veins obtained at different scan timings (coronary artery phase and 10 s or 15 s after the coronary artery phase) were graded and classified into four categories (0 = worst, 3 = best) in 25 patients with LVEF < 35%. The delays of 10 and 15 s after the coronary artery phase significantly improved the mean image quality (P < 0.05). The Cir.T was prolonged in patients with low LVEF and LV dilation. An appropriate delay improved the quality of the MDCT images of the coronary veins in patients with LV dysfunction.     

Right Ventricular Longitudinal Strain Predicts Survival in Patients With Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation

BackgroundFunctional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a frequent finding in echocardiography. Despite general consent that right ventricular (RV) dysfunction impacts outcome of patients with TR, it is still unknown which echocardiographic parameters most accurately reflect prognosis. In this study we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of RV dysfunction and its prognostic value in patients with TR.MethodsData from 1089 consecutive patients were analysed. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change, and right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RV strain) were used to define RV dysfunction. Patients were followed for 2-year all-cause mortality. For prediction of survival, reclassification and C statistics of RV functional parameters using TR grade as reference model were performed.ResultsAmong the patients studied, 13.9% showed no TR, 61.2% had mild TR, 19.6% had moderate TR, and 5.3% had severe TR. The TR grade was associated with increased mortality (log rank, P < 0.001). Impaired RV strain and TAPSE were independent predictors for mortality (RV: hazard ratio [HR], 1.130; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.099-1.160; P < 0.001; TAPSE: HR, 1.131; 95% CI, 1.085-1.175; P < 0.001). Both RV strain and TAPSE improved the reference model for survival prediction (RV: integrated discrimination improvement [IDI], 0.184; 95% CI, 0.146-0.221; P < 0.001; TAPSE: IDI, 0.057; 95% CI, 0.037-0.077; P < 0.001).ConclusionsEchocardiographic evaluation of RV function appears to useful for patients with TR. Assessment of RV strain provides additional value for prediction of 2-year mortality.     

Native and Paced QRS Duration in Right Ventricular Apex Paced Patients

BackgroundThe value between paced QRS duration (pQRSd) and native QRS duration (nQRSd) in paced population has not been compared. The relation between nQRSd and pQRSd remains undefined now.Methods and ResultsA total of 310 right ventricular apex (RVA) paced patients were enrolled. The correlation coefficients between nQRSd and pQRSd to left ventricular (LV) dimensions and ejection fraction (LVEF) were calculated and then compared. The association between pQRSd and nQRSd was examined. pQRSd was better correlated with LVDD, LVDS, and LVEF than nQRSd in all patients or patients with no intraventricular conduction block (NIVCB, n = 136) or complete right bundle-branch block (CRBB, n = 86) (all P < .01). pQRSd was positively correlated with nQRSd in NIVCB, CRBB, and complete left bundle-branch block (CLBB, n = 45) patients (r = 0.408, 0.465, and 0.766, respectively; all P < .001). However, pQRSd was not different between NIVCB, CRBB, and CLBB patients (P > .05) after adjusting for LVEF and LV dimensions.ConclusionspQRSd is superior to nQRSd in terms of reflecting LV structures and function in RVA-paced patients. Bundle branch block (BBB) has no significant effect on pQRSd and thus further studies are needed to clarify whether BBB is an independent risk factor for the development of heart failure after RVA pacing.