Tissue Doppler imaging in systemic sclerosis: A 3-year longitudinal study

Objectives

To investigate by standard echocardiography and pulsed-tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) the course of systemic sclerosis (SSc) heart disease and its correlation with epidemiological, clinical, and serological features of the disease and drug treatment.

Methods

A total of 74 consecutive patients (69 females, between the ages of 19 and 71 years, and disease duration 1–43 years) and 71 controls underwent cardiac assessment at baseline and at 3-year follow-up.

Results

At baseline, compared to controls, patients showed post-Bonferroni correction, impaired left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) diastolic function (E_m/A_m 0.85 ± 0.4 vs 1.5 ± 0.7, p = 0.0003; E_t/A_t 0.9 ± 0.3 vs 1.3 ± 0.4, p = 0.0003), subtle LV and RV systolic dysfunction (S_m 13.7 ± 2.7 vs 15.4 ± 3.2 cm/s, p = 0.031; S_t < 11.5 cm/s in 16/74 patients vs 0 controls, p = 0.0031), and higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (sPAP) (26.1 ± 6.0 vs 24.1 ± 5.1, p = 0.040). At 3-year follow-up, SSc patients showed a further deterioration of biventricular diastolic and systolic function and a further sPAP increase. At multiple regression analysis of baseline data, E_m/A_m < 1 was detected in 55/74 patients vs 25/71 controls (p < 0.0001) and was associated with age (p = 0.030); E_t/A_t < 1 was detected in 16/74 patients vs 7/71 controls (p < 0.0001), was associated with NYHA class ≥ II (p = 0.033), late capillaroscopic pattern (p = 0.029), and a baseline cardiac Medsger severity score ≥ 1 (p = 0.029). TDI evidence of new abnormalities in RV and/or LV diastolic function was associated with a baseline cardiac Medsger severity score ≥ 1 (p = 0.01). Neither diastolic or systolic abnormalities nor sPAP changes correlated with treatment.

Conclusions

Our study confirms that SSc patients exhibit biventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction and increased sPAP and reveals further deterioration at 3-year follow-up.     

Impairment of Left Atrial Mechanics Is an Early Sign of Myocardial Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis

Background

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is common in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Less is known, however, about left atrial (LA) mechanics in this context. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between LV diastolic function and LA mechanics in SSc patients with the use of volumetric and 2-dimensional speckle tracking–derived strain techniques and to compare the results with those obtained in healthy subjects.

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.     

Effect of lifetime endurance training on left atrial mechanical function and on the risk of atrial fibrillation

Background

Left atrium (LA) dilation and P-wave duration are linked to the amount of endurance training and are risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of LA anatomical and electrical remodeling on its conduit and pump function measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).

Method

Amateur male runners > 30 years were recruited. Study participants (n = 95) were stratified in 3 groups according to lifetime training hours: low (< 1500 h, n = 33), intermediate (1500 to 4500 h, n = 32) and high training group (> 4500 h, n = 30).

Results

No differences were found, between the groups, in terms of age, blood pressure, and diastolic function. LA maximal volume (30 ± 5, 33 ± 5 vs. 37 ± 6 ml/m², p < 0.001), and conduit volume index (9 ± 3, 11 ± 3 vs. 12 ± 3 ml/m², p < 0.001) increased significantly from the low to the high training group, unlike the STE parameters: pump strain − 15.0 ± 2.8, − 14.7 ± 2.7 vs. − 14.9 ± 2.6%, p = 0.927; conduit strain 23.3 ± 3.9, 22.1 ± 5.3 vs. 23.7 ± 5.7%, p = 0.455. Independent predictors of LA strain conduit function were age, maximal early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus, heart rate and peak early diastolic filling velocity. The signal-averaged P-wave (135 ± 11, 139 ± 10 vs. 148 ± 14 ms, p < 0.001) increased from the low to the high training group. Four episodes of non-sustained AF were recorded in one runner of the high training group.

Conclusion

The LA anatomical and electrical remodeling does not have a negative impact on atrial mechanical function. Hence, a possible link between these risk factors for AF and its actual, rare occurrence in this athlete population, could not be uncovered in the present study.     

Left Atrial Strain Assessed by Speckle Tracking Imaging Is Related to New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background

Left atrial (LA) dysfunction was recently proposed as an important factor in the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). LA strain analysis by 2-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking imaging is emerging as a new tool to evaluate LA function. We aimed to evaluate the correlation of LA dysfunction assessed by 2D speckle tracking imaging with the occurrence of POAF after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods

In this study, 53 patients (mean age 66 ± 9 years) undergoing elective isolated CABG were enrolled. Conventional transthoracic echocardiography and 2D speckle tracking strain analysis were performed before surgery. POAF was detected with continuous electrocardiography monitoring throughout hospitalization (mean duration 17 ± 10 days).

Results

POAF occurred in 13 of 53 patients (24%). Patients with POAF were significantly older than patients with normal sinus rhythm after surgery (71 ± 5 vs 64 ± 10 years, P = 0.026). Compared with patients with normal sinus rhythm, patients with POAF had a significantly larger LA volume index (32.6 ± 5.1 vs 27.3 ± 7.2 mL/m², P = 0.018), lower value of LA global strain (25.4 ± 10.4 vs 36.8 ± 7.6%, P = 0.001), and strain rate (1.2 ± 0.6 vs 1.6 ± 0.8 seconds, P = 0.024). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, only LA global strain (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.24; P = 0.040) was an independent predictor of POAF after CABG.

Conclusions

Preoperative LA global strain measured by 2D speckle tracking strain analysis is associated with the development of POAF after CABG.     

Short stature and ischemic stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: New insight into the old observation

Background

For decades, repeated epidemiologic observations have been made regarding the inverse relationship between stature and cardiovascular disease, including stroke. However, the concept has not been fully evaluated in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated whether patient’s height is associated with ischemic stroke in patients with nonvalvular AF and attempted to ascertain a potential mechanism.

Methods

All 558 AF patients were enrolled: 211 patients with ischemic stroke (144 men, 68 ± 10 years) and 347 no-stroke patients (275 men, 56 ± 11 years) as a control group. Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic parameters were compared between the two groups.

Results

(1) Stroke patients were shorter than those in the control group (164 ± 8, vs. 169 ± 8 cm, p < 0.001). However, body mass index failed to predict ischemic stroke; (2) Short stature (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91– 0.95, p < 0.001) along with left atrial (LA) anterior-posterior diameter and diastolic mitral inflow velocity (E) to diastolic mitral annuls velocity (E’) (E/E’) were independent predictor of stroke; (3) Height showed inverse correlation with E/E’ independently, even after adjusting for other variables, including age, sex, and body weight, and comorbidities β − 0.20, p = 0.003); (4) LA size showed no correlation with stature (R = − 0.06, p = 0.18), whereas left ventricular size increases according to height of patients.

Conclusions

Short stature is associated with occurrence of ischemic stroke and diastolic dysfunction in patients with AF and preserved systolic function. Height is a non-modifiable risk factor of stroke and might be more important than obesity in Asian AF patients, who are relatively thinner than western populations.     

Heart failure epicardial fat increases atrial arrhythmogenesis

Background

Obesity is an important risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). The effects of epicardial fat on atrial electrophysiology were not clear. This study was to evaluate whether HF may modulate the effects of epicardial fat on atrial electrophysiology.

Methods

Conventional microelectrodes recording was used to record the action potential in left (LA) and right (RA) atria of healthy (control) rabbits before and after application of epicardial fat from control or HF (ventricular pacing of 360–400 bpm for 4 weeks) rabbits. Adipokine profiles were checked in epicardial fat of control and HF rabbits.

Results

The LA 90% of AP duration was prolonged by control epicardial fat (from 77 ± 6 to 87 ± 7 ms, p < 0.05, n = 7), and by HF epicardial fat (from 78 ± 3 to 98 ± 4 ms, p < 0.001, n = 9). However, control or HF epicardial fat did not change the AP morphology in RA. HF epicardial fat increased the contractility in LA (61 ± 11 vs. 35 ± 6 mg, p = 0.001), but not in RA. Control fat did not change the LA or RA contractility. Moreover, control and HF epicardial fat induced early and delayed afterdepolarizations in LA and RA, but only HF epicardial fat provoked spontaneous activity and burst firing in LA (n = 3/9, 33.3% vs. n = 0/7, 0%, n = 0/9, 0%, p < 0.05). Compared to control fat, HF epicardial fat, had lower resistin, C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A, but similar interluekin-6, leptin, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, adiponectin and adipsin.

Conclusions

HF epicardial fat increases atrial arrhythmogenesis, which may contribute to the higher atrial arrhythmia in obesity.     

Diastolic ventricular interaction in patients after atrial switch for transposition of the great arteries: A speckle tracking echocardiographic study

Background

We tested the hypothesis that diastolic ventricular interaction occurs after atrial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and that subpulmonary LV diastolic function is influenced by septal geometry.

Methods

Twenty-nine patients (male 19) after atrial switch operation for TGA aged 20.8 ± 4.1 years and 27 healthy controls were studied. Two-dimensional longitudinal systolic strain, systolic (SRs), early diastolic (SRe), and late diastolic (SRa) strain rates of both ventricles were determined using speckle tracking echocardiography. Early diastolic trans-atrioventricular velocity (E) and myocardial early diastolic myocardial velocity (e) at the ventricular free wall-annular junction were measured. Geometry of the morphologic left ventricle was quantified by the diastolic eccentricity index (EI).

Results

In both systemic and subpulmonary ventricles, SRe and SRa were significantly lower and trans-atrioventricular E/e ratios higher in patients than controls (all p < 0.001). In patients, RV SRe correlated with left ventricular (LV) SRe (r = 0.49, p = 0.008), and RV SRa correlated with LV SRa (r = 0.46, p = 0.01). Significant leftward shifting of the septum in patients was reflected by the greater LV EI (p < 0.001). In patients, LV EI correlated with age- and sex-adjusted z score of LV end-diastolic volume. As a group, LV EI correlated negatively with LV SRe (r =−0.62, p < 0.001) and LV SRa (r = − 0.51, p < 0.001), and positively with mitral E/e ratio (r = 0.33, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Systemic RV diastolic dysfunction occurs after atrial switch operation and correlates with subpulmonary LV diastolic dysfunction. The observed diastolic ventricular interaction may potentially be mediated through alteration of septal geometry.     

Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Performance in Response to High Altitude and Development of Subclinical Pulmonary Edema in Healthy Climbers

Background

Data regarding the effect of high altitude on heart function are sparse and conflicting. We aimed to assess the right and left ventricular responses to altitude-induced hypoxia and the occurrence of subclinical pulmonary edema.

Methods

Echocardiography was performed according to protocol on 14 subjects participating in an expedition in Nepal, at 3 altitude levels: Montreal (30 m), Namche Bazaar (3450 m), and Chukkung (4730 m). Systematic lung ultrasound was performed to detect ultrasound lung comets.

Results

Pulmonary artery systolic pressure increased in all subjects between Montreal and Chukkung (mean 27.4 ± 5.4 mm Hg vs 39.3 ± 7.7 mm Hg; P < 0.001). Right ventricular (RV) myocardial performance index (MPI) increased significantly (0.32 ± 0.08 at 30 m vs 0.41 ± 0.10 at 4730 m; P = 0.046). A trend toward deteriorated RV free wall longitudinal strain was observed between Montreal and Chukkung (−25.9 [5.3%] vs −21.9 [6.4%]; P = 0.092). The left ventricular early diastolic inflow velocity/atrial mitral inflow velocity and early diastolic inflow velocity/mean of the maximal early diastolic mitral annulus tissue doppler velocities ratios remained unchanged. At 4730 m, ultrasound lung comets were seen in all subjects except 1. None had clinical criteria for high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). All altered parameters normalized after return to sea level.

Conclusion

Subclinical HAPE is frequent in healthy lowlander climbers. This is the first study to document a trend towards decreased RV free wall strain and MPI increment at high altitude. Whether rising RV MPI is a physiologic adaptive mechanism to hypoxia or a pathologic response identifying HAPE-susceptible subjects needs further study.     

The Relationship Among Atrium Electromechanical Interval,Insulin Resistance,and Metabolic Syndrome

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an important risk factor of atrial fibrillation. However, an understanding of the adverse effects of MS on left atrial (LA) functional assessment in terms of electromechanical interval, a convenient parameter that can reflect the process of LA remodelling, has been lacking. The goal of this study was to investigate the association between electromechanical interval and MS.

Methods

In all, 337 patients (91 with MS) with mean age of 51.9 ± 9.0 years were enrolled. Metabolic syndrome was defined by National Cholesterol Education Program–Adult Treatment Panel III score. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance method. The electromechanical interval, defined as the time from initiation of P wave deflection to peak of mitral inflow Doppler A wave (PA-PDI), was measured.

Results

Patients with MS had significantly longer PA-PDI intervals compared with those of patients without MS (131.0 ± 12.4 milliseconds vs 123.2 ± 14.0 milliseconds, P < 0.001). Longer PA-PDI intervals were observed in subjects with higher metabolic scores (P < 0.05). In patients with small LA size, PA-PDI intervals, but not LA dimensions, were significantly different between groups with and without MS (P < 0.05). Additionally, PA-PDI interval was positively correlated with insulin resistance (r = 0.267, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

PA-PDI intervals were longer in patients with MS compared with those of patients without MS and tracked with insulin resistance. PA-PDI may be a useful clinical parameter to represent the degree of atrial remodelling in subjects with metabolic derangements.     

Dysautonomia and its underlying mechanisms in the hypermobility type of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome

Objectives

Many non-musculoskeletal complaints in EDS-HT may be related to dysautonomia. This study therefore aims to investigate whether dysautonomia is present and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

A total of 39 females with EDS-HT and 35 age-matched controls underwent autonomic function testing. Resting autonomic tone was assessed using heart rate variability (frequency domain) and baroreflex sensitivity analysis (cross correlation). Autonomic reactivity was assessed using the Autonomic Reflex Screen test battery. Factors suspected to contribute to dysautonomia, e.g., neuropathy, medication use, decreased physical activity, depression, pain-induced sympathetic arousal, and connective tissue laxity, were quantified using validated questionnaires, the Beighton score, and measurement of skin extensibility.

Results

The EDS-HT group showed autonomic deregulation with increased sympathetic activity at rest and reduced sympathetic reactivity to stimuli. Increased resting activity was indicated by a higher LF/HF ratio compared to controls (1.7 ± 1.23 vs 0.9 ± 0.75, p = 0.002); decreased reactivity by a greater BP fall during valsalva (−19 ± 12 vs −8 ± 10, p < 0.001), and a smaller initial diastolic BP increase during tilt (7% vs 14%, p = 0.032). Orthostatic intolerance was significantly more prevalent in EDS-HT than controls (74% vs 34%) and was most frequently expressed as postural orthostatic tachycardia. Lowered QSART responses suggest that sympathetic neurogenic dysfunction is common in patients (p < 0.013), which may explain the dysautonomia in EDS-HT. Further, connective tissue laxity and vasoactive medication use were identified as important factors in aggravating dysautonomia (p < 0.035).

Conclusion

Dysautonomia consisting of cardiovascular and sudomotor dysfunction is present in EDS-HT. Neuropathy, connective tissue laxity, and vasoactive medication probably play a role in its development.     

Increase in pulmonary arterial pressure after atrial fibrillation ablation: incidence and associated findings

Purpose

The stiff left atrial (LA) syndrome is defined as pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to reduced LA compliance and has recently been shown to be one cause of PH after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We aimed to determine the incidence of an increase in pulmonary arterial (PA) pressure post-ablation and examine the clinical and echocardiographic associations.

Methods

Patients who underwent AF ablation between 1999 and 2011 were included if they had both an echocardiogram pre-ablation and 3 months post-ablation. Patients were then separated into two groups with the increased PA pressure group defined as patients with >10 mmHg increase in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) post-ablation and a post-ablation RVSP >35 mmHg.

Results

Of the 499 patients meeting the study criteria, 41 (8.2 %) had an increase in RVSP >10 mmHg and RVSP >35 mmHg post-ablation. On echocardiogram, the two groups had similar E/A and E/e’ ratios pre-ablation. However, post-ablation, the increased PA pressure group had higher E/A (2.12 vs. 1.49, p?<?0.01) and E/e’ (14.7 vs. 11.2, p?<?0.01) ratios. LA expansion index values were lower in the increased PA pressure group pre-ablation (51 vs. 92 %, p?<?0.01), but not significantly different post-ablation (82 vs. 88 %, p?=?0.44).

Conclusions

Around 8 % of patients develop an increase in estimated PA pressure after AF ablation. Echocardiographic parameters suggest that patients who develop increased PA pressure are developing (or unmasking) left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.     

Modeling left atrial volume,shape, and contraction patterns in normal subjects by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Background

Left atrial three-dimensional shape and contraction patterns are not well described. We quantified the LA using three-dimensional cardiac MRI (CMR) in a group of normal subjects.

Methods

Three-dimensional vectors were used to quantitate atrial shape and contraction using a geometric model as a three-dimensional prolate ellipsoid. Atrial area and length at end-systole and end-diastole were made in the horizontal long axis (HLA) and vertical long axis (VLA) planes. Biplane area–length products and the orthogonal LA long axis vector comprised 3 orthogonal vector lengths composed of axis measures for shape and volume calculations at end-diastole and end-systole. Vector fractional shortening in 3 dimensions was calculated for each 3-space orthogonal vector. Echocardiograms were used for comparison.

Results

The normal LA is an oblate ellipsoid with significantly longer HLA short axis than the vertical VLA short axis (p < 0.001). LA contraction in the long axis dimension is smaller than both HLA and VLA short axis dimensional changes (p < 0.001). Linear correlations between LAEDV vs. LASV and LAESV vs. LAEF were highly significant.

Conclusions

This dimensional analysis quantitates normal left atrial shape for the first time, modeled as a prolate 3-D ellipsoid. LA contractile functions and derives mostly from contraction in the HLA and VLA short axis directions. Though LA end-diastolic volume is considered the marker of left atrial health or disease, this notion should be reconsidered in view of LA static and functional modeling in 3 dimensions.     

Distinct prognostic impacts of both atrial volumes on outcomes after radiofrequency ablation of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Three-dimensional imaging study using multidetector computed tomography

Background

Left atrial (LA) enlargement is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). However, impact of right atrial (RA) size on outcomes after RFA is unclear.

Methods

Patients who underwent RFA of AF (n = 242, 197 men, 57 ± 11 years) were enrolled (159 paroxysmal [PaAF] and 83 persistent [PeAF]). Three-dimensional RA and LA volumes were measured before RFA with multidetector computed tomography and indexed to body surface area (RAVI and LAVI).

Results

After a 3-month blanking period, 66 patients (27%) failed to maintain sinus rhythm during follow-up (556 ± 322 days). Despite similar clinical characteristics, LAVI was larger (77 ± 21 vs. 91 ± 27 ml/m², P < 0.001) and RAVI showed a trend to be greater (85 ± 26 vs. 92 ± 25 ml/m², P = 0.06) in patients with future recurrence than without recurrence. Additionally, patients with larger RA or LA experienced recurrences more frequently and earlier during follow-up (log rank, P < 0.05 for all). In Cox regression analysis, LAVI was independently associated with outcomes (10 ml/m² increase; HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09–1.36, P < 0.001), whereas RAVI was not. In subgroup analysis, 25 PaAF patients (16%) experienced recurrence and both atrial volumes failed to predict the outcome independently, despite borderline significance of RAVI (10 ml/m² increase; HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.00–1.48, P = 0.05). Meanwhile, 41 patients (49%) in PeAF group experienced AF recurrence and LAVI was an independent prognosticator (10 ml/m² increase; HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03–1.36).

Conclusions

RA size might affect the outcome after RFA in PaAF patients. LA enlargement, rather than RA size, influence outcomes after RFA, especially in PeAF.     

Incremental prognostic value of coronary computed tomographic angiography over coronary artery calcium score for risk prediction of major adverse cardiac events in asymptomatic diabetic individuals

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis by coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is useful for identification of symptomatic diabetic individuals at heightened risk for death. Whether CCTA-detected CAD enables improved risk assessment of asymptomatic diabetic individuals beyond clinical risk factors and coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) remains unexplored.

Methods

From a prospective 12-center international registry of 27,125 individuals undergoing CCTA, we identified 400 asymptomatic diabetic individuals without known CAD. Coronary stenosis by CCTA was graded as 0%, 1–49%, 50–69%, and ≥70%. CAD was judged on a per-patient, per-vessel and per-segment basis as maximal stenosis severity, number of vessels with ≥50% stenosis, and coronary segments weighted for stenosis severity (segment stenosis score), respectively. We assessed major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) – inclusive of mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and late target vessel revascularization ≥90 days (REV) – and evaluated the incremental utility of CCTA for risk prediction, discrimination and reclassification.

Results

Mean age was 60.4 ± 9.9 years; 65.0% were male. At a mean follow-up 2.4 ± 1.1 years, 33 MACE occurred (13 deaths, 8 MI, 12 REV) [8.25%; annualized rate 3.4%]. By univariate analysis, per-patient maximal stenosis [hazards ratio (HR) 2.24 per stenosis grade, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.61–3.10, p < 0.001], increasing numbers of obstructive vessels (HR 2.30 per vessel, 95% CI 1.75–3.03, p < 0.001) and segment stenosis score (HR 1.14 per segment, 95% CI 1.09–1.19, p < 0.001) were associated with increased MACE. After adjustment for CAD risk factors and CACS, maximal stenosis (HR 1.80 per grade, 95% CI 1.18–2.75, p = 0.006), number of obstructive vessels (HR 1.85 per vessel, 95% CI 1.29–2.65, p < 0.001) and segment stenosis score (HR 1.11 per segment, 95% CI 1.05–1.18, p < 0.001) were associated with increased risk of MACE. Beyond age, gender and CACS (C-index 0.64), CCTA improved discrimination by maximal stenosis, number of obstructive vessels and segment stenosis score (C-index 0.77, 0.77 and 0.78, respectively). Similarly, CCTA findings improved risk reclassification by per-patient maximal stenosis [integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index 0.03, p = 0.03] and number of obstructive vessels (IDI index 0.06, p = 0.002), and by trend for segment stenosis score (IDI 0.03, p = 0.06).

Conclusion

For asymptomatic diabetic individuals, CCTA measures of CAD severity confer incremental risk prediction, discrimination and reclassification on a per-patient, per-vessel and per-segment basis.     

Serum Uric Acid and Risk of Left Atrial Thrombus in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Background

Serum uric acid (SUA) is a simple and independent marker of morbidity and mortality in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. In this study we aimed to investigate SUA and the risk of left atrial (LA) thrombus in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

In this retrospective study, 1359 consecutive patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography before catheter ablation of AF were enrolled. Sixty-one of the 1359 patients (4.5%) had LA thrombus.

Results

SUA levels in patients with LA thrombus were significantly greater (413.5 ± 98.8 μmol/L vs 366.7 ± 94.3 μmol/L; P < 0.001). Hyperuricemia was defined as SUA ≥ 359.8 μmol/L in women and ≥ 445.6 μmol/L in men determined according to receiver operating characteristic curve. The incidence of LA thrombus was significantly greater in patients with hyperuricemia than in those with a normal SUA level in women (12.1% vs 1.9%; P < 0.001) and in men (8.5% vs 2.8%; P < 0.001). Hyperuricemia had a negative predictive value of 98.1% in women and 97.1% in men for identifying LA thrombus. Hyperuricemia was associated with significantly greater risk of LA thrombus among Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Age ≥ 75 Years, Diabetes Mellitus, Stroke, Vascular Disease, Age 65 to 74 Years, Sex Category (CHA₂DS₂-VASc) score = 0, 1, and ≥ 2 groups with odds ratios of 7.19, 4.05, and 3.25, respectively. In multivariable analysis, SUA was an independent risk factor of LA thrombus (odds ratio, 1.004; 95% confidence interval, 1.000-1.008; P = 0.028).

Conclusions

Hyperuricemia was a modest risk factor for LA thrombus, which might refine stratification of LA thrombus in patients with nonvalvular AF.     

Erectile dysfunction of sclerodermic patients correlates with digital vascular damage

Background

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with systemic sclerosis (SSc) can be considered a manifestation of endothelium damage. Aim of the study is to investigate ED in SSc patients by color Doppler ultrasound examination and to correlate it with disease severity and digital vascular damage.

Methods

In 20 males SSc patients blood flow velocity in the cavernous artery was determined with Duplex ultrasonography. Naifold videocapillaroscopy, Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and Medsger Disease Severity Scale (DSS) were performed. Arteriogenic ED was defined by the presence of a reduced peak systolic velocity (PSVs), while diastolic velocity (EDV) and the resistive index (RI) were estimated to evaluate venocclusive dysfunction. SSc patients are classified by capillaroscopic pattern and vascular domain of DSS into two groups: low vascular damage (early or active capillaroscopic pattern and score of vascular domain of DSS ≤ 2) and high vascular damage (late capillaroscopic pattern and score of vascular domain of DSS ≥ 3).

Results

In all SSc patients a reduction of SHIM is present (mean 13.5 ± 6.3). Patients with less vascular damage have a significantly (p < 0.001) higher score of SHIM than patients with greater vascular damage (19.2 ± 2.4 vs 7.9 ± 2.7). No significant difference (p > 0.5) between the two groups of vascular damage was found in PSVs. Venocclusive dysfunction was present only (p < 0.001) in the group with high vascular damage.

Conclusion

We can assert that there is a relationship between SSc vascular digital damage and ED.     

Tissue Doppler imaging in patients with moderate to severe aortic valve stenosis: clinical usefulness and diagnostic accuracy

Background

Mitral annular velocities derived from tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) provide information about left ventricular (LV) long-axis function and allow for the assessment of LV filling pressures in selected subsets of patients. It was the aim of this study to assess the usefulness of TDI in patients with moderate to severe aortic valve stenosis (AS).

Methods

Twenty-three patients with moderate to severe AS (mean aortic valve area 0.8 ± 0.4 cm²), in whom coronary artery disease had been ruled out, and 36 asymptomatic age-matched control subjects underwent assessment of ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and mitral inflow (E, A, E/A ratio). TDI velocities (S', E', A') were derived from the septal mitral annulus. In patients with AS, LV pressure before atrial contraction (LV pre-A pressure), LV end-diastolic pressure, and cardiac index were measured during cardiac catheterization.

Results

In patients with AS, systolic (S') and early diastolic mitral annular velocities (E') were significantly reduced in comparison to control subjects (systolic, 5.5 ± 1.2 vs 8.3 ± 1.3 cm/s; early diastolic, 5.6 ± 1.6 vs 10.2 ± 3.0 cm/s, P < .001 for both comparisons), but ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and cardiac index were normal. In patients with AS, LV pre-A pressures (14 ± 4 mm Hg) and end-diastolic pressures were high (19 ± 7 mm Hg). In such patients, the mitral E/E' ratio was significantly related to LV pre-A pressure (r = 0.75, P < .001) and to LV end-diastolic pressure (r = 0.78, P < .001). In patients with AS, an E/E' ratio ≥13 identified an LV end-diastolic pressure >15 mm Hg, with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 88%.

Conclusions

In patients with moderate to severe AS, TDI allows for a reliable, noninvasive estimation of filling pressures. In such patients, systolic long-axis function is impaired even in the presence of normal ejection fraction and cardiac index. Thus, TDI integrates information about systolic and diastolic performance and may be a useful addition in the echocardiographic workup and care of patients with AS.     

Impact of gluten-free diet on cardiovascular risk factors. A retrospective analysis in a large cohort of coeliac patients

Background

Concerns have been raised on whether a gluten-free diet affects the cardiovascular risk profile of coeliac patients.

Aims

To assess changes of multiple cardiovascular risk factors in coeliac patients evaluated before and during a gluten-free diet.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the effects of 1–5 years of gluten-free diet on indicators of cardiovascular risk and on distribution in cardiovascular risk categories in 715 coeliac patients.

Results

Compared to baseline, significant increases were found in body mass index (21.4 ± 3.4 vs. 22.5 ± 3.5; p < 0.0001), total cholesterol (171.2 ± 37.4 mg/dL vs. 181.4 ± 35.1 mg/dL; p < 0.0001), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (16.5 ± 14.9 vs. 19.5 ± 19.2 U/L; p < 0.0001). Significant reductions were found in serum triglycerides (87.9 ± 49.5 vs. 80.2 ± 42.8 mg/dL; p < 0.0001) and homocysteine (16.9 ± 9.6 vs. 13.3 ± 8.0 μmol/L; p = 0.018) during gluten-free diet. The proportion of patients included in an arbitrarily defined category of “lowest cardiovascular risk profile” decreased from 58% at baseline to 47% during gluten-free diet.

Conclusions

A gluten-free diet significantly affects cardiovascular risk factors in coeliac patients, but changes do not consistently point towards worse or better risk profiles, thus suggesting that the diet is unlikely to be atherogenic.