Apparent Acute Reversible Right Ventricular Pacing‐Induced Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Apparent Acute Reversible Right Ventricular Pacing‐Induced Left Ventricular Dysfunction . We report the case of a 70‐year‐old Caucasian male with a dual chamber (right atrium/right ventricle) pacemaker implanted for sinus node dysfunction and not pacemaker (PM) dependent who was found to have an apparent acute worsening of left ventricular (LV) function with right ventricular (RV) apical pacing caused by the mode switch to VVI pacing as battery depletion occurred. LV dysfunction resolved immediately with RV pacing turned off. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this phenomenon. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 224‐226, February 2013)     

Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Metabolic Syndrome: Results from an Italian Multicenter Study

Context:

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of interrelated common clinical disorders, including obesity, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, hypertension and dyslipidemia, associated with a greater risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease than any of its individual components. Although MS is associated with increased cardiovascular risk (CVR), its relationship with heart failure (HF) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is not fully understood.

Aims:

We sought to determine whether MS is associated to LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction in a sample of patients with MS and no symptoms for HF.

Subjects and Methods:

We enrolled 6422 consecutive asymptomatic patients admitted to echo-lab for a routine echocardiogram. We calculated LV systolic and diastolic function, by Simpson biplane method and validated Doppler parameters, respectively. MS was diagnosed if three or more CVR factors were found.

Results:

LV systolic function was evaluated in 6175 patients (96.2%). In the group of patients without MS (n = 5630), the prevalence of systolic dysfunction was 10.8% (n = 607) while in the group of patients with MS (n = 545) it was 12.5% (n = 87), (RR1.57; CI 95% 1.2-2.0; P < 0.001). Diastolic function was evaluated in 3936 patients (61.3%). In the group of patients without MS (n = 3566) the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction was 33.3% (n = 1187), while in patients with MS (n = 370) it was 45.7% (n = 169), (RR1.68; CI95% 1.3-2.0; P < 0.001). After adjustment for age and gender, MS proved to be an independent predictor of LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusions:

Our data show that asymptomatic LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction, is correlated with MS and demonstrate that echocardiography is a useful tool to detect patients at high risk for HF. Echocardiography in asymptomatic patients with MS may lead to a therapy initiation at early stages to prevent future cardiovascular events and HF.     

Left Ventricular Dysfunction, Pulmonary Hypertension, Obesity, and Sleep Apnea

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of central and obstructive sleep apnea in adult patients who have echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Subjects with left ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary artery systolic pressure >30 mm Hg) and no lung disease were evaluated for risk factors associated with pulmonary hypertension. Of eight eligible adults, six completed the study. Subjects were from suburban and inner city family practices. Spirometric assessment, pulse oximetry on room air, rheumatologic evaluation, polysomnography, and additional history were taken. All six subjects had sleep apnea (apnea-plus-hypopnea index, or AHI, 20): obstructive, central, or mixed. All were obese, and almost all the subjects had a restrictive pattern on spirometry, which is consistent with obesity. All had a pulmonary artery systolic blood pressure of 35 mm Hg or greater. None had daytime hypoxemia or collagen vascular disease, and none had ever used appetite suppressants. This study found a strong association between pulmonary hypertension and obstructive or central sleep apnea in obese patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). We propose that a pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 35 mm Hg or greater in ambulatory patients with CHF may signify an increased risk of sleep apnea.     

Left Ventricular Dysfunction Caused by IgG4-related Small Intramural Coronary Periarteritis

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder known to affect multiple organs. However, IgG4-RD rarely affects the myocardium. We herein report a case of left ventricular dysfunction due to cardiac involvement of IgG4-RD.     

Incidence,Predictors, and Outcomes of New-Onset Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Background

Adverse cardiovascular events after liver transplantation (LT) are relatively common and are a significant source of early mortality. Although new-onset systolic dysfunction after LT is a reported phenomenon, there is little data regarding its incidence, risk factors, and outcomes.

Lack of Association between Obesity and Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that obesity is one of the risk factors for congestive heart failure (CHF). By analyzing a large database, we investigated any association between body mass index (BMI) and left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 24,265 echocardiograms performed between 1984 and 1998. Fractional shortening (FS) and BMI were available for 13,382 subjects in this cohort which were used for data analysis. FS was stratified into four groups: (1) FS > 25%, (2) FS 17.5–25%, (3) FS 10–17.5%, and (4) FS < 10%. Furthermore, we also used final diagnosis that was coded by the reading cardiologist as mild, moderate, and severe LV dysfunction separately for data analysis. BMI was divided into four groups: BMI < 18.5 kg/m² (underweight), 18.5–24.9 kg/m² (normal), 25–30 kg/m² (overweight), and >30 kg/m² (obese). Results: There was no association between different BMI categories and LV systolic function. The prevalence of mild, moderate, or severely decreased LV function (based on FS or subjective interpretation of reading cardiologists) was equally distributed between the groups. Obese patients (BMI > 30%) had normal FS of >25 in 16.9%, mildly decreased FS in 18%, moderately decreased FS in 18.4%, and severely decreased FS in 20.1% P = ns. Conclusion: Our study is consistent with previous trials suggesting that obesity is not related to systolic LV dysfunction. The underlying mechanism for the occurrence of congestive heart failure in obese patients needs further investigation.     

Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Diabetes

Patients with diabetes mellitus have a greater morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease than patients without diabetes. Concomitant hypertension and diabetes are associated with even greater risk of coronary disease, atherosclerotic and peripheral vascular disease, and congestive heart failure. In addition, an independent left ventricular dysfunction (diabetic cardiomyopathy) exists in patients with diabetes that may manifest itself initially as abnormalities in diastolic function but ultimately in systolic function. Firm evidence for this outcome exists experimentally, and reversal of systolic and diastolic abnormalities has been noted experimentally. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) indicated that intensive glycemic control ameliorates microvascular complication of neuropathy, proteinuria, and retinopathy. Little evidence exists for macrovascular complications or for left ventricular dysfunction. Preliminary results of a canine study of glycemic control and left ventricular function are presented. Clinical correlates of this study and its results are meager. Determination of the role that glycemic control plays with regard to left ventricular systolic function and congestive heart failure awaits carefully controlled and designed clinical trials.     

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Diastolic Performance Using Automated Border Detection

Acoustic quantification (AQ) is a noninvasive technique which provides online left ventricular (LV) area/volume waveforms. The filling portion of the AQ waveform can be used to assess LV diastolic properties. Analysis of signal-averaged AQ curves enhances the waveforms and allows reliable, quantitative, and automated analysis. From signal-averaged AQ LV waveforms, the phases of diastole can be easily detected and several parameters of diastolic performance calculated. Analysis of signal-averaged LV waveforms is complementary to that of LV AQ analysis. AQ has been used to identify diastolic dysfunction in patients with LV hypertrophy and systemic hypertension. Normal values of these parameters are age dependent and reference values will soon be available.     

Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients with Impaired Left Ventricular Function: The Role of Propafenone

The combined occurrence of left ventricular dysfunction and -ventricular tachyarrhythmias portends a high annual mortality. Anti arrhythmic drugs can ameliorate ventricular arrhythmia and may reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. We administered propafenone to 15 patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias and left ventricular ejection fractions 40%. Propafenone significantly reduced isolated ventricular premature depolarizations, couplets, and ventricular tachycardia on ambulatory monitoring. Propafenone eliminated all exercise provocable ventricular tachycardia. Propafenone additionally abolished ventricular tachycardia inducible by programmed stimulation in 4 of 7 patients. In 8 patients studied before and during therapy, there was no significant change in left ventricular ejection fraction as determined by nuclear ventriculography. Propafenone was discontinued in 4 patients due to side effects. Seven patients receiving continuing propafenone therapy remain alive with only one patient suffering arrhythmia recurrence. Propafenone is an effective drug for the management of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and may be used for patients with impaired left ventricular function.     

Myocardial Revascularization as a Therapeutic Strategy in the Patient with Advanced Ventricular Dysfunction

The number of patients with severe ventricular dysfunction from coronary artery disease is constantly increasing. Although the medical management of these patients with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and -blockers has favorable impact on the morbidity and mortality the overall prognosis is still poor. Historically many of these patients have been referred for transplantation. In the past few years there has been an increasing amount of information about the utility of surgical revascularization in patients with low ejection fraction. Careful patient selection and optimal perioperative management is of critical importance for good outcome. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can be performed relatively safely despite the advanced level of left ventricular dysfunction. Quality of life is improved by CABG with elimination of angina and enhanced functional capacity. Improvement in the ejection fraction and increased survival after the operation has been objectively demonstrated. However patients with advanced right ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, redo bypass and ungraftable coronaries should be considered for heart transplantation. In this review we describe our experience and focus on pertinent issues in patient selection, perioperative management and long term outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting.     

原发性高血压患者左心室功能障碍与血清脑利钠肽水平的研究

目的　探讨原发性高血压 (EH)患者左心室功能障碍 (LVD)与血清脑利钠肽 (BNP)水平的关系。方法用酶联免疫吸附法 (ELISA)方法检测 65例EH患者的血清BNP 3 2浓度 ,分为 4组 ,第 1组 :左心室功能正常且无左心室肥厚 (LVH) 18例 ;第 2组 :左心室功能正常但有LVH 16例 ;第 3组 :有LVD但无LVH 15例 ;第 4组 :即有LVH也有LVD 16例 ;并与健康成人3 0例作为正常对照组。结果　 (1) 1～ 4组、对照组的BNP水平分别为 (112 .8± 3 6 5)ng/L、(114 8± 41 2 )ng/L、(82 5 6±3 16 8)ng/L、(83 9 6± 3 4 2 4)ng/L和 (10 9 3± 3 7 6)ng/L。 3组和 4组的BNP水平分别显著高于 1组、2组与对照组 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 0 1) ;1组和 2组与对照组、1组与 2组、3组与 4组比较差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5)。 (2 )LVD患者中BNP水平在心功能不同分级之间有显著差异 ,与NYHA分级呈正相关 (r=0 73 5,P <0 0 1)。 (3 )血清BNP水平与EH患者年龄、性别、收缩压、舒张压、脉压、左室重量指数之间无明显相关。结论　高血压病合并左心室功能障碍的病人血清BNP水平显著升高而且与心功能分级呈正相关 ,而与左心室肥厚无关     

参麦养心片对心力衰竭患者血浆BNP及心功能、室性心律失常的影响

目的观察参麦养心片对心力衰竭(CHF)患者血浆脑利钠肽(BNP)及心功能、室性心律失常的影响。方法 83例CHF患者按随机数表法分为治疗组(43例)和对照组(40例)。两组均予以西医强心、利尿、扩血管、抗心律失常治疗。治疗组在常规治疗基础上加用参麦养心片4片,每日3次,连续2周为1个疗程。两组均于治疗前后测定BNP浓度,并观察心功能、室性心律失常的情况。结果两组临床疗效分别为88.4%与75.0%,治疗组优于对照组。两组治疗后血BNP浓度较治疗前下降,心功能较治疗前改善;治疗组治疗后BNP下降及心功能、室性心律失常改善明显优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论参麦养心片能有效降低CHF患者的BNP浓度,改善心功能、室性心律失常。     

New Echocardiographic Techniques in the Evaluation of Left Ventricular Mechanics in Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction

The new echocardiographic techniques for the study of physiopathological intramyocardial phenomena include video densitometry (VD), integrated backscatter (IBS), and color Doppler myocardial imaging (CDMI). Being more independent from cardiac load and from rotational and translational heart motion, these new sensible, noninvasive techniques such as CDMI and IBS show a real incremental value in comparison with conventional echocardiography and allow to detect subtle functional and textural abnormalities of intramural myocardium, partially undetectable by conventional two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography. Subclinical thyroid dysfunction (STD), both in its hypo- and hyperthyroidism form, has a relatively high prevalence in general population (9–15% with a lower percentage of adult males), hence it could be very useful to study more deeply heart involvement in these physiopathological conditions and understand the complex relationship between thyroid and heart. The use of these new ultrasonic techniques in subclinical hypothyroidism helps to detect the early simultaneous involvement of both cardiac cycle phases, which causes a decrease of intramyocardial contractility and an impairment of both active and passive phases of diastole. In subclinical hyperthyroidism, these new ultrasonic techniques permitted to discover more complex and different early cardiac abnormalities of both systolic and diastolic phases.