Infarct tissue characteristics of patients with versus without early revascularization for acute myocardial infarction: a contrast-enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging study

Histopathological studies have suggested that early revascularization for acute myocardial infarction (MI) limits the size, transmural extent, and homogeneity of myocardial necrosis. However, the long-term effect of early revascularization on infarct tissue characteristics is largely unknown. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with contrast enhancement (CE) allows non-invasive examination of infarct tissue characteristics and left ventricular (LV) dimensions and function in one examination. A total of 69 patients, referred for cardiac evaluation for various clinical reasons, were examined with CE-CMR >1?month (median 6, range 1?C213) post-acute MI. We compared patients with (n?=?33) versus without (n?=?36) successful early revascularization for acute MI. Cine-CMR measurements included the LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (ESV), LV ejection fraction (LVEF, %), and wall motion score index (WMSI). CE images were analyzed for core, peri, and total infarct size (%), and for the number of transmural segments. In our population, patients with successful early revascularization had better LVEFs (46?±?16 vs. 34?±?14%; P?<?0.01), superior WMSIs (0.53, range 0.00?C2.29 vs. 1.42, range 0.00?C2.59; P?<?0.01), and smaller ESVs (121?±?70 vs. 166?±?82; P?=?0.02). However, there was no difference in core (9?±?6 vs. 11?±?6%), peri (9?±?4 vs. 10?±?4%), and total infarct size (18?±?9 vs. 21?±?9%; P?>?0.05 for all comparisons); only transmural extent (P?=?0.07) and infarct age (P?=?0.06) tended to be larger in patients without early revascularization. CMR wall motion abnormalities are significantly better after revascularization; these differences are particularly marked later after infarction. The difference in scar size is more subtle and does not reach significance in this study.     

Reversal of cardiomyopathy in patients with congestive heart failure secondary to tachycardia

Objectives

Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a reversible cause of heart failure. Little is known of the characteristics of tachycardia associated with the development of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and the reversal of cardiomyopathy after cure of tachycardia. This study aimed to examine the reversal of cardiomyopathy in patients undergoing ablation with congestive heart failure secondary to tachycardia.

Methods

A total of 625 patients underwent radiofrequency ablation for tachycardiarrhymias between January 2009 and July 2011. Echocardiography analysis was performed to identify patients with depressed LV function, defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction <50 %. Patients with preexisting structural heart disease (n?=?10) were excluded. NT-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) assessment was performed before ablation in patients considered to have TCM (n?=?17). Repeated echocardiography study and NT-proBNP assessment were measured after a mean follow-up of 3 months. Levels of NT-proBNP before and after ablation were compared. Reversal of cardiomyopathy was also assessed.

Results

The incidence of TCM was 2.7 % (12 males; age, 35.8?±?17.1 years). Successful ablation was performed in 16 of 17 patients (94.1 %). There was a significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (36.7?±?7.5 vs. 59.4?±?9.7 %; P?<?0.001). The mean left ventricular end-diastolic diameter before treatment was 59.5?±?8.3 mm (range, 43 to 70), compared with 51.9?±?7.4 mm (range, 40 to 67) (P?=?0.009) after 3 months follow-up. The levels of NT-proBNP decreased after ablation procedure, from 4,092.6?±?3,916.6 to 478.9?±?881.9 pg/ml (P?<?0.001). After successful ablation, ventricular function normalized in 15 of 17 (88.2 %) patients at a mean of 3 months.

Conclusions

Restoration of LV function and reversal of LV remodeling can be achieved with successful elimination of tachycardia in the majority of patients. NT-proBNP level elevates in subjects with TCM and decreases sharply after ablation.     

Acute Effects of Withdrawal of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on Left and Right Ventricular Function,Dyssynchrony, and Contractile Function in Patients With New York Heart Association Functional Class I/II Heart Failure: MADIT-CRT

BackgroundCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves left ventricular (LV) function, size, mitral regurgitation, and clinical outcomes. Whether these improvements are due to the short-term effects of improvement in synchrony or contractile performance, or to long-term improvement in ventricular structure and function remains insufficiently elucidated.Methods and ResultsWe used echocardiographic data from 63 patients enrolled in the MADIT-CRT trial who, after 1 year of CRT therapy, underwent echocardiographic evaluation with CRT turned both on and off within minutes. LV volumes, LV ejection fraction, left atrial (LA) volumes, and right ventricular function were assessed at baseline and in the on and off modes within a 5-minute time-frame at 12 months. Speckle-tracking strain analysis was used to assess LV dyssynchrony and contractile function. Interruption of long-term CRT resulted in acute deterioration of LV and RV function and acute increase in LV and LA volumes, although not to baseline. Acute withdrawal was also associated with increased dyssynchrony (SD time to peak transverse strain 178 ± 68 ms vs 195 ± 62 ms; P = .16; and SD time to peak longitudinal strain 108 ± 46 ms vs 125 ± 55 ms; P = .046). However, there was no deterioration in contractile function (global longitudinal strain), which had improved with CRT (?9.8 ± 4.3% vs ?10.0 ± 3.7%; P = .93).ConclusionsDespite substantial LV reverse remodeling with CRT, interruption of long-term CRT after 12 months resulted in an acute worsening of LV size and function, LA volumes, and right ventricular function, with concomitant worsening of ventricular synchrony despite minimal change to the observed improvement in LV strain measures of contractile function. These findings suggest that the beneficial reverse remodeling associated with CRT may be mostly dependent on active pacing, although intrinsic improvements in contractile function may persist beyond termination of pacing.     

Improvement of left ventricular diastolic function and left atrial reverse remodeling after catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes

Aims

Catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVC) improves left ventricular (LV) systolic performance in certain patients; however, the effect on diastolic function and left atrial (LA) remodeling is unclear. We assessed the effects of catheter ablation of PVCs on parameters of LV diastolic function and LA remodeling.

Methods

Forty-seven patients (age 65?±?10 years, 46 men) who underwent catheter ablation for symptomatic PVCs were evaluated using two-dimensional echocardiography before and 6?±?2 months after ablation. The measured diastolic indices included mitral inflow parameters (E wave, A wave, E/A ratio, and deceleration time (DT)), mitral lateral annulus early diastolic velocity (Ea), and E/Ea ratio. The LA volume was measured using modified biplane Simpson's method. We also compared the changes in the left atrial volumes and left atrial volume index (LAVI) after PVC ablation.

Results

After catheter ablation of PVCs, the mean LV ejection fraction (EF) increased significantly (49.9?±?10.3 vs. 42.8?±?11.8, p?<?0.01). Significant improvement was also seen in A wave velocity (71.3?±?17.1 vs. 59.5?±?15.1 cm/s, p?=?0.039), E/A ratio (1.42?±?0.6 vs. 1.07?±?0.5 ml, p?=?0.034), Ea (8.9?±?3.9 vs. 6.8?±?2.9 cm/s, p?=?0.04), and E/Ea ratio (15.4?±?5.8 vs. 10.6?±?3.4, p?=?0.027), whereas mitral E and DT did not show significant change. LAVI decreased significantly after ablation (44.4?±?14.8 vs. 36.7?±?12.5, p?<?0.001). Significant improvement in LAVI was also seen in patients with normal baseline LVEF (p?=?0.04).

Conclusion

Catheter ablation of PVCs improved LV diastolic function and resulted in left atrial reverse remodeling.     

Negative Impact of Obesity on Ventricular Size and Function and Exercise Performance in Children and Adolescents With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot

BackgroundUp to 25% of children with congenital heart disease are obese, which may have negative physiologic consequences for patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF).MethodsPatients with rTOF who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and cardiopulmonary exercise testing from 2007 to 2018 were reviewed. Complex rTOF patients were excluded. Obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 95th percentile) were compared with normal-weight patients (BMI < 85th percentile). CMR data were indexed to actual body surface area (aBSA), height, and BSA assuming ideal body weight (iBSA).ResultsWe compared 32 obese patients matched with 64 normal-weight patients. Obese vs normal-weight patients had significantly lower right (RV; median 45% [interquartile range 42%-48%] vs 52% [47%-55%]; P < 0.0001) and left (LV; 52% [47%-56%] vs 56% [54%-60%]; P < 0.0001) ventricular ejection fractions (EFs). There were no statistically significant differences regarding aBSA-indexed volumes of the RV or LV at either end-diastole (EDV) or end-systole (ESV). However, when indexed to either height or iBSA, obese patients had significantly greater RVEDV and LVEDV, greater LV mass, and higher RV and LV stroke volumes. Obese patients had lower peak oxygen consumption and oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold. These results did not change after adjusting for degree of pulmonary regurgitation.ConclusionsObesity is associated with increased biventricular size, decreased biventricular EFs, and impaired exercise performance after rTOF. These data suggest a potential role for cardiac rehabilitation for weight management and to optimize fitness.     

Integrated cardiac and vascular assessment in Takayasu arteritis by cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Objective

This study was undertaken to evaluate the value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the assessment of patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA).

Methods

Sixteen patients with TA and 2 populations comprising 110 normal volunteers were prospectively recruited. All patients with TA underwent a CMR protocol including measurement of carotid artery wall volume, assessment of left ventricular (LV) volumes and function, and late gadolinium enhancement for the detection of myocardial scarring.

Results

Carotid artery wall volume, total vessel volume, and the wall:outer wall ratio were elevated in TA patients compared with controls (wall volume 1,045 mm³ in TA patients versus 640 mm³ in controls, P < 0.001; total vessel volume 2,268 mm³ in TA patients versus 2,037 mm³ in controls, P < 0.05; wall:outer wall ratio 48% in TA patients versus 32% in controls, P < 0.001). The lumen volume was reduced in TA (1,224 mm³ versus 1,398 mm³ in controls, P < 0.05). In TA, LV function was more dynamic, with reduced end‐systolic volume (mean ± 95% confidence interval ejection fraction 74 ± 3% versus 67 ± 1% in controls, P < 0.001; LV end‐systolic volume 19 ± 4 ml/m² versus 25 ± 1 ml/m² in controls, P < 0.001). Myocardial late gadolinium enhancement was present in 4 (27%) of 15 patients, indicating previously unrecognized myocardial damage.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that an integrated method of cardiovascular assessment by CMR in TA not only provides good delineation of vessel wall thickening, but has also demonstrated dynamic ventricular function, myocardial scarring, and silent myocardial infarction. CMR has benefits compared with other approaches for the assessment and followup of patients with TA, and has potential to identify patients most at risk of complications, allowing early preventative therapy.

     

Effects of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair With MitraClip on Left Ventricular and Atrial Hemodynamic Load and Myocardial Wall Stress

Aims

To evaluate the effects of MitraClip on left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) myocardial wall stress as assessed with the use of N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and strain imaging.

Comparison of subclinical left and right ventricular systolic dysfunction in non-dipper and dipper hypertensives: impact of isovolumic acceleration

Objectives: To evaluate subclinical left ventricular and right ventricular systolic impairment in dipper and non-dipper hypertensives by using isovolumic acceleration.

Methods: About 45 normotensive healthy volunteers (20 men, mean age 43?±?9 years), 45 dipper (27 men, mean age 45?±?9 years) and 45 non-dipper (25 men, 47?±?7 years) hypertensives were enrolled. Isovolumic acceleration was measured by dividing the peak myocardial isovolumic contraction velocity by isovolumic acceleration time.

Results: Non-dippers indicated lower left ventricular (2.2?±?0.4?m/s² versus 2.8?±?1.0?m/s², p?2 versus 3.5?±?1.0?m/s², p?=?0.012) compared with dippers. Left ventricular mass index (p?=?0.001), interventricular septal thickness (p?=?0.002) and myocardial performance index (p?p?=?0.002), mass index (p?=?0.001) and right ventricular myocardial performance index (p?Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that non-dipper hypertensives have increased left and right ventricular subclinical systolic dysfunction compared with dippers. Isovolumic acceleration is the only echocardiographic parameter in predicting this subtle impairment.     

Echocardiographic assessment of hypertensive patients with or without hyperhomocysteinemia

The study was designed to assess left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function in hypertensive patients with or without Hhcy. The study participants consisted of 40 hypertensive patients with Hhcy, 40 hypertensive patients without Hhcy and 40 age-matched healthy control participants. Cardiac functions were determined using echocardiography and the Tei index was calculated for analysis. LAVI (left atrial volume index), IVST (interventricular septum thickness in diastole), PVST (posterior ventricular septum thickness in diastole), LVMI (left ventricular mass index), E/A (peak early and late diastolic transmitral filling flow velocities ratio), DT (deceleration time of the E wave), IRT (isovolumic relaxation time), and the Tei index were different in the hypertensive patient groups (hypertension with Hhcy and hypertension without Hhcy) compared with the controls. The Tei index was significantly higher in the hypertensive groups compared with the controls (0.62?±?0.05, 0.51?±?0.04, and 0.40?±?0.04, respectively, p?2), E/A (0.73?±?0.22 versus 0.92?±?0.14), DT (93.1?±?6.9 versus 84.3?±?8.1?ms), IRT (93.1?±?6.9 versus 84.3?±?8.1?ms) and the Tei index. Significant correlations were observed between serum homocysteine levels and LV diastolic function parameters (LAVI: r?=?0.39, E/A: r?=??0.32, DT: r?=?0.47, IRT: r?=?0.51, p?相似文献   

Left atrial reverse remodeling and prevention of progression of atrial fibrillation with atrial resynchronization device therapy utilizing dual-site right atrial pacing in patients with atrial fibrillation refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs or catheter ablation

Introduction

Dual-site right atrial pacing (DAP) produces electrical atrial resynchronization but its long-term effect on the atrial mechanical function in patients with refractory atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been studied.

Methods

Drug-refractory paroxysmal (PAF) and persistent AF (PRAF) patients previously implanted with a dual-site right atrial pacemaker (DAP) with minimal ventricular pacing modes (AAIR or DDDR mode with long AV delay) were studied. Echocardiographic structural (left atrial diameter [LAD] and left ventricular [LV] end diastolic diameter [EDD], end systolic diameter [ESD]) and functional (ejection fraction [EF]) parameters were serially assessed prior to, after medium-term (n?=?39) and long-term (n?=?34) exposure to DAP.

Results

During medium-term follow-up (n?=?4.5 months), there was improvement in left atrial function. Mean peak A wave flow velocity increased with DAP as compared to baseline (75?±?19 vs. 63?±?23 cm/s, p?=?0.003). The long-term impact of DAP was studied with baseline findings being compared with last follow-up data with a mean interval of 37?±?25 (range 7–145) months. Mean LAD declined from 45?±?5 mm at baseline to 42?±?7 mm (p?=?0.003). Mean LVEF was unchanged from 52?±?9 % at baseline and 54?±?6 % at last follow-up (p?=?0.3). There was no significant change in LV dimensions with mean LVEDD being 51?±?6 mm at baseline and 53?±?5 mm at last follow-up (p?=?0.3). Mean LVESD also remained unchanged from 35?±?6 mm at baseline to 33?±?6 mm at last follow-up (p?=?0.47). During long-term follow-up, 30 patients (89 %) remained in sinus or atrial paced rhythm as assessed by device diagnostics at 3 years.

Conclusions

DAP can achieve long-term atrial reverse remodeling and preserve LV systolic function. DAP when added to antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) and/or catheter ablation (ABL) maintains long-term rhythm control and prevents AF progression in elderly refractory AF patients. Reverse remodeling with DAP may contribute to long-term rhythm control.     

Different Substrates of Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia in Post-infarction Patients With and Without Left Ventricular Dilatation

BackgroundWe investigated the relationship between nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) and left ventricular (LV) dilatation, function, remodeling, and scar tissue extent in patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI).Methods and ResultsEighty-two patients (ages 64 ± 10 years) with first previous MI were referred for 24-hour electrocardiogram recording and cine and delayed enhancement (DE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). LV volumes, ejection fraction, systolic wall thickening, sphericity index, and core and peri-infarctual areas of scar tissue by CMR were evaluated. LV dilatation was observed in 39 patients. Episodes of NSVT were recorded in 32 patients: 23 with LV dilatation and 9 without. In the entire population, NSVT was related to ejection fraction, LV volumes, LV mass, and sphericity index; end-systolic volume (P = .001) resulted in the only independent predictor at multivariate analysis. In patients without LV dilatation, the occurrence of NSVT was only positively related with percentage of contracting segments with DE (P = .008). Conversely, in patients with LV dilatation, increase in LV mass (P = .020) and end-systolic volume (P = .038) were independent predictors of NSVT.ConclusionsNecrotic and viable myocardium coexistence within the same wall segments predicted occurrence of NSVT in patients without LV dilatation, whereas LV mass and end-systolic volume were predictors of NSVT in those with LV dilatation.     

Left ventricular remodelling and cardiac chamber sizes in long-term,normoalbuminuric type 1 diabetes patients with and without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy

Aims

Type 1 diabetes is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is an important CV risk factor. The study aimed to explore associations between CAN and altered cardiac chamber sizes in persons with type 1 diabetes.

Left ventricular reverse remodeling and function by strain analysis in aortic stenosis: A CMR analysis of the EPICHEART study

Introduction and objectivesIn severe aortic stenosis (AS), the impact of aortic valve replacement (AVR) on left ventricular (LV) systolic function assessed by strain and measured by echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has been controversial. We aimed to investigate LV systolic myocardial function changes six months after AVR using global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS) and radial (GRS) strain derived from CMR imaging.MethodsWe included 39 severe AS patients (69.3±7.8 years; 61.5% male) with preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF) who were recruited as part of the EPICHEART study and underwent successful AVR (aortic valvular area: 0.8 cm² (IQR: 0.2) pre- to 1.8 cm² (IQR:0.5) post-AVR). Structural and functional parameters were assessed at baseline and six months after AVR, including LV GRS, GCS and GLS analysis by CMR, using cine short-axial and two-, three-, and four-chamber long-axial view. Comparison between baseline and postoperative LV remodeling was performed using Student t-test and Wilcoxon test.ResultsAt six-month follow-up, LV mass, end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, stroke volume, cardiac output, lateral E/e’, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, right ventricular (RV) S wave velocity, GLS [-15.6% (IQR: 4.39) to -13.7% (IQR: 4.62)] and GCS [-17.8±3.58% to -16.1±2.94%] reduced significantly, while LVEF and GRS remained unchanged and lateral e’ velocity increased.ConclusionsDespite favorable reverse LV structural and diastolic functional remodeling six months following AVR, GLS and GCS assessed by CMR reduced compared to baseline, LVEF remained unchanged. The clinical utility and timing of assessment of postoperative strain changes as a marker of systolic function progression needs further research.     

Serial Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Strain Measurements to Identify Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer: Comparison With Echocardiography

ObjectivesThis study sought to compare the prognostic value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and 2-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) derived left ventricular (LV) strain, volumes, and ejection fraction for cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) in women with early stage breast cancer.BackgroundThere are limited comparative data on the association of CMR and 2DE derived strain, volumes, and LVEF with CTRCD.MethodsA total of 125 prospectively recruited women with HER2+ early stage breast cancer receiving sequential anthracycline/trastuzumab underwent 5 serial CMR and 6 of 2DE studies before and during treatment. CMR LV volumes, left ventricular ejection fraction tagged-CMR, and feature-tracking (FT) derived global systolic longitudinal (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) and 2DE-based LV volumes, function, GLS, and GCS were measured. CTRCD was defined by the cardiac review and evaluation committee criteria.ResultsTwenty-eight percent of patients developed CTRCD by CMR and 22% by 2DE. A 15% relative reduction in 2DE-GLS increased the CTRCD odds by 133% at subsequent follow-up, compared with 47%/50% by tagged-CMR GLS/GCS and 87% by FT-GCS. CMR and 2DE-LVEF and indexed left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESVi) were also associated with subsequent CTRCD. The prognostic threshold change in CMR-left ventricular ejection fraction and FT strain for subsequent CTRCD was similar to the known minimum-detectable difference for these measures, whereas for tagged-CMR strain it was lower than the minimum-detectable difference; for 2DE, only the prognostic threshold for GLS was greater than the minimum-detectable difference. Of all strain methods, 2DE-GLS provided the highest increase in discriminatory value over baseline clinical risk factors for subsequent CTRCD. The combination of 2DE-left ventricular ejection fraction or LVESVi and strain provided greater increase in the area under the curve for subsequent CTRCD over clinical risk factors than CMR left ventricular ejection fraction or LVESVi and strain (18% to 22% vs. 9% to 14%).ConclusionsIn women with HER2+ early stage breast cancer, changes in CMR and 2DE strain, left ventricular ejection fraction, and LVESVi were prognostic for subsequent CTRCD. When LVEF can be measured precisely by CMR, FT strain may function as an additional confirmatory prognostic measure, but with 2DE, GLS is the optimal prognostic measure. (Evaluation of Myocardial Changes During BReast Adenocarcinoma Therapy to Detect Cardiotoxicity Earlier With MRI [EMBRACE-MRI]; NCT02306538)     

Effects of nitroprusside-induced reduction of elevated preload and afterload on global and regional ventricular function in acute myocardial infarction

To evaluate the effects of nitroprusside infusion on left and right ventricular ejection fractions and left ventricular regional wall motion, radionuclide ventriculography with simultaneous hemodynamic assessment was performed before and during nitroprusside infusion in 20 patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by left ventricular failure and/or systemic arterial hypertension. Nitroprusside produced significant reductions in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (21 ± 6 to 13 ± 5 mm Hg; ?38%; p < 0.001), mean arterial pressure (107 ± 19 to 90 ± 13 mm Hg; ?15.9%; p < 0.001), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (84 ± 28 to 75 ± 23 ml/m²; ?10.7%; p < 0.001), and right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (77 ± 30 to 67 ± 27 ml/m²; ?13.0% p < 0.007), and significant increases in left ventricular ejection fraction (0.32 ± 0.12 to 0.37 ± 0.13; +15.6%; p < 0.0001), right ventricular ejection fraction (0.37 ± 0.11 to 0.45 ± 0.14; +21.6%; p < 0.001), and stroke volume index (25 ± 7 to 27 ± 7 ml/beat m²; +8.0%; p < 0.03). These beneficial changes in global ventricular performance were accompanied by no change in the regional contractile function of 90% of the abnormally contracting infarct-related left ventricular segments and improved regional wall motion of 34% of noninfarcted but abnormally contracting left ventricular segments. We conclude that nitroprusside-induced reduction of elevated preload and afterload in acute myocardial infarction results in salutary effects on global ventricular function and improved regional function of noninfarcted left ventricular segments but with less prominent effects on regional function of infarcted segments.     

The role of pacing-induced dyssynchrony in left ventricular remodeling associated with long-term right ventricular pacing for atrioventricular block

AimsPatients with atrioventricular (AV) block can develop left ventricular (LV) dysfunction with long-term right ventricular pacing (RVP). We investigated the role of RVP-induced LV dyssynchrony in this adverse remodeling.Methods and ResultsNineteen patients with normal LV function undergoing pacemaker implantation for AV block were included. Right ventricular pacing leads were positioned at the apex. Two-dimensional and tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed before and immediately after implantation and at the end of follow-up. The maximal delay between peak velocities of opposing basal LV walls was measured using tissue Doppler echocardiography, as an index of LV dyssynchrony. With the initiation of RVP, LV dyssynchrony increased in some patients and decreased in others, as compared with intrinsic rhythm. The RVP-induced change in dyssynchrony inversely correlated with baseline dyssynchrony (r = ?0.686, P = .010). After 28 ± 3.6 months, LV end-systolic volume (ESV) increased, and ejection fraction decreased (from 34 ± 12 to 40 ± 20 mL, P = .010 and from 65% ± 6% to 56% ± 11%, P < .001, respectively). The change in LV ESV was greater in patients with 60% or greater cumulative RVP (9.9 vs 0.08 mL, P = .027). Within this frequently paced group, the RVP-induced change in dyssynchrony correlated with the increase in LV ESV (r = 0.727, P = .026). Patients who had a 15% or greater increase in LV ESV had greater RVP-induced change in dyssynchrony (28.4 vs ?7.8 milliseconds, P = .037).ConclusionSome patients with AV block experience an increase in LV dyssynchrony with RVP. Increased LV dyssynchrony predicts adverse LV remodeling during long-term follow-up.     

Anxiety disorders are associated with increased plasma adrenomedullin level and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with hypertension

Objective: To investigate the association between anxiety disorders and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with essential hypertension.

Methods: Left ventricular structure and function were assessed with echocardiography in 56 patients with essential hypertension and anxiety disorder (study group) and in 56 patients with hypertension only (control group). Serum adrenomedullin levels were also measured in these patients.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the left ventricular ejection fraction between the study and the control group (54.21?±?88.81% versus 56.01?±?7.85%, p?>?0.05). The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in study group was higher than in control group (137.05?±?9.42 versus 123.57?±?7.01?g/m², p?=?0.001). The plasma levels of adrenomedullin in study group was higher than in control group (25.97?±?5.48 versus 18.32?±?6.97?ng/L, p?=?0.001). Levels of plasma adrenomedullin were positively correlated with LVMI in the study (r?=?0.734, p?r?=?0.592, p?Conclusion: Anxiety disorders are associated with elevated plasma adrenomedullin levels and increased left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with essential hypertension. The clinical significance of these changes requires further investigation.     

Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves left ventricular remodeling and function compared with right ventricular pacing in patients with atrioventricular block

Right ventricular pacing (RVP) exerts a detrimental effect on left ventricular (LV) remodeling. In patients with atrioventricular block (AVB) that require ventricular pacing, the effect of biventricular pacing (BiVP) versus RVP on LV remodeling and function has not been comprehensively assessed in a meta-analysis. Electric databases MEDLINE and Cochrane Library were retrieved for randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing RVP and BiVP in patients with AVB. Data on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV volumes were analyzed, stratified by different time points. Eleven RCTs were included in the final analysis. There was a significant reduction of LV end-systolic volume in BiVP compared with RVP, at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months follow-up (P?<?0.05 for all). BiVP was associated with a decreased LV end-diastolic volume in comparison to RVP at 3, 6, and 12 months. Compared with RVP, BiVP had a higher LVEF at all follow-up visits, with mean difference of 5.91, 3.29, 3.9, 6.66, and 8.69% at 3, 6, 12, 24, and beyond 24 months follow-up, respectively. The results were not significantly changed in sensitivity analysis after removal of studies with mean baseline LVEF <?50% or excluding studies with ablation-induced AVB. In patients with AVB and bradycardia that require ventricular pacing, BiVP is superior to RVP in improving LV remodeling and function.     

Left ventricular reconstruction brings benefit for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy

BackgroundOptimal treatment strategies for some patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy can be unclear. We compared the outcome for patients treated with revascularization only or with additional ventricular reconstruction.Methods and ResultsWe compared 74 consecutive patients with an ejection fraction <35% and a left end-systolic volume index >80 mL/m². All patients underwent revasularization but some received only revascularization (group 1) and some were randomized into a group that received additional ventricular reconstruction (group 2). Preoperative and postoperative ejection fraction, end-systolic volume, mitral regurgitation, mortality, heart failure (HF) symptoms, and recurrence were compared between groups. There was 1 postoperative death in group 2 (P =. 58). Preoperative ejection fraction between the groups was similar (P =. 19) but it differed significantly postoperatively (P < .001). HF class (New York Heart Association) decreased more in group 2 (group 2, 2.3 ± 0.4 versus group 1, 1.4 ± 0.4; P < .001). Incidence of HF recurrence and rehospitalization was significantly less in group 2 (P = .028). The postoperative development of higher-grade mitral regurgitation was greater in group 1 (147 ± 32 mL/m² versus 119 ± 25 mL/m², P = .024).ConclusionThe outcome at midterm of coronary artery surgery alone in patients with a preoperative large left ventricle was inferior compared with the outcome achieved with additional ventricular restoration.