The Extent of Late Gadolinium Enhancement Can Predict Adverse Cardiac Outcomes in Patients with Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy with Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction: A Prospective Observational Study

ObjectiveThe clinical course of an individual patient with heart failure is unpredictable with left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) only. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived myocardial fibrosis extent and to determine the cutoff value for event-free survival in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) who had severely reduced LVEF.Materials and MethodsOur prospective cohort study included 78 NICM patients with significantly reduced LV systolic function (LVEF < 35%). CMR images were analyzed for the presence and extent of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as a composite of cardiac death, heart transplantation, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge for major arrhythmia, and hospitalization for congestive heart failure within 5 years after enrollment.ResultsA total of 80.8% (n = 63) of enrolled patients had LGE, with the median LVEF of 25.4% (19.8–32.4%). The extent of myocardial scarring was significantly higher in patients who experienced MACE than in those without any cardiac events (22.0 [5.5–46.1] %LV vs. 6.7 [0–17.1] %LV, respectively, p = 0.008). During follow-up, 51.4% of patients with LGE ≥ 12.0 %LV experienced MACE, along with 20.9% of those with LGE ≤ 12.0 %LV (log-rank p = 0.001). According to multivariate analysis, LGE extent more than 12.0 %LV was independently associated with MACE (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.71; 95% confidence interval, 2.54–17.74; p < 0.001).ConclusionIn NICM patients with significantly reduced LV systolic function, the extent of LGE is a strong predictor for long-term adverse cardiac outcomes. Event-free survival was well discriminated with an LGE cutoff value of 12.0 %LV in these patients.     

二尖瓣反流的二尖瓣环三维构型改变分析

目的:探讨二尖瓣环结构异常与二尖瓣反流程度的关系.方法:运用飞利浦IE33彩超仪采集41例二尖瓣反流患者的实时三维超声心动图二尖瓣环图像,根据二尖瓣反流程度分为轻度反流组(18例)与重度反流组(23例)两组;选取21例二尖瓣无反流的正常人作为对照组.结果:正常对照组与轻度反流组的二尖瓣环三维构型均呈马鞍形态,且在整个心动周期中保持马鞍形,而重度反流组的二尖瓣环在整个心动周期中,呈扁平圆形.结论:病理性二尖瓣反流除了二尖瓣叶病变以外,二尖瓣环的三维立体形态改变可能导致不同程度的二尖瓣反流.     

Semi-Quantitative Scoring of Late Gadolinium Enhancement of the Left Ventricle in Patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: Improving Interobserver Reliability and Agreement Using Consensus Guidance from the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging-Practical Tutorial (ASCI-PT) 2020

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of implementing the consensus statement from the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging-Practical Tutorial 2020 (ASCI-PT 2020) on the reliability of cardiac MR with late gadolinium enhancement (CMR-LGE) myocardial viability scoring between observers in the context of ischemic cardiomyopathy.Materials and MethodsA total of 17 cardiovascular imaging experts from five different countries evaluated CMR obtained in 26 patients (male:female, 23:3; median age [interquartile range], 55.5 years [50–61.8]) with ischemic cardiomyopathy. For LGE scoring, based on the 17 segments, the extent of LGE in each segment was graded using a five-point scoring system ranging from 0 to 4 before and after exposure according to the consensus statement. All scoring was performed via web-based review. Scores for slices, vascular territories, and total scores were obtained as the sum of the relevant segmental scores. Interobserver reliability for segment scores was assessed using Fleiss’ kappa, while the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for slice score, vascular territory score, and total score. Inter-observer agreement was assessed using the limits of agreement from the mean (LoA).ResultsInterobserver reliability (Fleiss’ kappa) in each segment ranged 0.242–0.662 before the consensus and increased to 0.301–0.774 after the consensus. The interobserver reliability (ICC) for each slice, each vascular territory, and total score increased after the consensus (slice, 0.728–0.805 and 0.849–0.884; vascular territory, 0.756–0.902 and 0.852–0.941; total score, 0.847 and 0.913, before and after implementing the consensus statement, respectively. Interobserver agreement in scoring also improved with the implementation of the consensus for all slices, vascular territories, and total score. The LoA for the total score narrowed from ± 10.36 points to ± 7.12 points.ConclusionThe interobserver reliability and agreement for CMR-LGE scoring for ischemic cardiomyopathy improved when following guidance from the ASCI-PT 2020 consensus statement.     

二尖瓣腱索断裂295例超声与手术结果的比较研究

目的通过观察大样本二尖瓣腱索断裂(MCTR)的超声心动图和手术特点,探讨MCTR疾病分布特点、经胸超声心动图(TTE)特征,并明确其在指导手术中的价值。资料与方法收集5年以来在北京阜外心血管病医院住院的295例MCTR患者病例资料,记录所有患者心电图、经胸超声心动图、手术结果,将结果进行比较分析。结果 295例MCTR患者中,前叶腱索断裂100例,后叶腱索断裂182例,前后叶腱索均断裂13例;腱索完全断裂26例,部分断裂269例;进行换瓣手术110例,修补手术132例。本组MCTR的主要超声特点为二尖瓣叶脱垂、出现连枷样或挥鞭样改变、二尖瓣中～重度反流、心脏扩大、轻中度肺动脉高压。根据手术结果判断,TTE对MCTR的诊断符合率为96.7;判断前后叶脱垂和腱索断裂的诊断符合率为92.5,准确判断为完全和部分腱索断裂的诊断符合率为89.3。TTE的主要误诊原因是在判断腱索摆动与断裂腱索、二级腱索断裂部位仍有缺陷和缺少经验。经过统计学分析,MCTR是进行换瓣还是修补手术,与附着瓣叶的部位有关(P<0.05),而腱索是否部分或完全断裂与手术方式的选择无关(P>0.05)。结论经胸超声心动图能够准确地诊断大部分MCTR,并且能够协助外科医生进行初步分型和选择手术方式。     

Effect of Papillary Muscles and Trabeculae on Left Ventricular Measurement Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of papillary muscles and trabeculae on left ventricular (LV) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) analysis using three methods of cavity delineation (classic or modified inclusion methods, and the exclusion method) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).ResultsMethod A showed larger end-diastole and end-systole volumes (largest percentage differences of 25% and 68%, respectively, p < 0.05), compared with method C. The ejection fraction was 55.7 ± 6.9% for method A, 68.6 ± 8.4% for B, and 71.7 ± 7.0% for C (p < 0.001). Mean mass was also significantly different: 164.6 ± 47.4 g for A, 176.5 ± 50.5 g for B, and 199.6 ± 53.2 g for C (p < 0.001). LV-SV error was largest with method B (p < 0.001). No difference in interobserver agreement was observed (p > 0.05).ConclusionIn HCM patients, LV measurements are strikingly different dependent on whether papillary muscles and trabeculae are included or excluded. Therefore, a consistent method of LV cavity delineation may be crucial during longitudinal follow-up to avoid misinterpretation and erroneous clinical decision-making.     

Dynamic computed tomographic assessment of the mitral annulus in patients with and without mitral prolapse

ObjectivesTo obtain 3D CT measurements of mitral annulus throughout cardiac cycle using prototype mitral modeling software, assess interobserver agreement, and compare among patients with mitral prolapse (MP) and control group.BackgroundPre-procedural imaging is critical for planning of transcatheter mitral valve (MV) replacement. However, there is limited data regarding reliable CT-based measurements to accurately characterize the dynamic geometry of the mitral annulus in patients with MV disease.MethodsPatients with MP and control subjects without any MV disease who underwent ECG-gated cardiac CT were retrospectively identified. Multiphasic CT data was loaded into a prototype mitral modeling software. Multiple anatomical parameters in 3D space were recorded throughout the cardiac cycle (0–95%): annular circumference, planar-surface-area (PSA), anterior-posterior (A-P) distance, and anterolateral-posteromedial (AL-PM) distance. Comparisons were made among the two groups, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Interobserver agreement was assessed on ten patients using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) among 4 experienced readers.ResultsA total of 100 subjects were included: 50 with MP and 50 control. Annular dimensions were significantly higher in the MP group than control group, with circumference (144 ± 11 vs. 117±8 mm), PSA (1533 ± 247 vs. 1005 ± 142 mm²), A-P distance (38 ± 4 vs. 32±2 mm), and AL-PM distance (47 ± 4 vs. 39±3 mm) (all p < 0.001). Substantial size changes were observed throughout the cardiac cycle, but with maximal and minimal sizes at different cardiac phases for the two groups. The interobserver agreement was excellent (ICC≥0.75) for annular circumference, PSA, A-P- and AL-PM distance.ConclusionA significant variation in the mitral annular measures between different cardiac phases and two groups was observed with excellent interobserver agreement.     

Free-Breathing Motion-Corrected Single-Shot Phase-Sensitive Inversion Recovery Late-Gadolinium-Enhancement Imaging: A Prospective Study of Image Quality in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

ObjectiveMotion-corrected averaging with a single-shot technique was introduced for faster acquisition of late-gadolinium-enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging while free-breathing. We aimed to evaluate the image quality (IQ) of free-breathing motion-corrected single-shot LGE (moco-ss-LGE) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).Materials and MethodsBetween April and December 2019, 30 patients (23 men; median age, 48.5; interquartile range [IQR], 36.5–61.3) with HCM were prospectively enrolled. Breath-held single-shot LGE (bh-ss-LGE) and free-breathing moco-ss-LGE images were acquired in random order on a 3T MR system. Semi-quantitative IQ scores, contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs), and quantitative size of myocardial scar were assessed on pairs of bh-ss-LGE and moco-ss-LGE. The mean ± standard deviation of the parameters was obtained. The results were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.ResultsThe moco-ss-LGE images had better IQ scores than the bh-ss-LGE images (4.55 ± 0.55 vs. 3.68 ± 0.45, p < 0.001). The CNR of the scar to the remote myocardium (34.46 ± 11.85 vs. 26.13 ± 10.04, p < 0.001), scar to left ventricle (LV) cavity (13.09 ± 7.95 vs. 9.84 ± 6.65, p = 0.030), and LV cavity to remote myocardium (33.12 ± 15.53 vs. 22.69 ± 11.27, p < 0.001) were consistently greater for moco-ss-LGE images than for bh-ss-LGE images. Measurements of scar size did not differ significantly between LGE pairs using the following three different quantification methods: 1) full width at half-maximum method; 23.84 ± 12.88% vs. 24.05 ± 12.81% (p = 0.820), 2) 6-standard deviation method, 15.14 ± 10.78% vs. 15.99 ± 10.99% (p = 0.186), and 3) 3-standard deviation method; 36.51 ± 17.60% vs. 37.50 ± 17.90% (p = 0.785).ConclusionMotion-corrected averaging may allow for superior IQ and CNRs with free-breathing in single-shot LGE imaging, with a herald of free-breathing moco-ss-LGE as the scar imaging technique of choice for clinical practice.     

冠心病患者发生二尖瓣脱垂样改变超声心动图特点分析

目的 探讨冠心病患者发生二尖瓣脱垂样改变的超声心动图特点,并分析其对治疗策略的影响.方法 选取北部战区总医院收治的同时行冠状动脉旁路移植与二尖瓣手术的171例患者为研究对象.根据冠状动脉病变严重程度将其分为A组(病变支数≥3支,n=98)与B组(病变支数1～2支,n=73).另选取我院同期收治的二尖瓣脱垂无冠心病行二尖...     

Clinical impact of mitral calcium volume in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BackgroundMitral annular calcification (MAC) has been associated with mitral valve (MV) disease and cardiovascular events in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to investigate the incidence and impact of mitral calcium volume (MCV) quantified by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) on MV function and clinical outcomes after TAVI.MethodsConsecutive patients with exploitable echocardiography and MDCT performed during TAVI screening were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. Mitral calcium was assessed visually and measured using a semi-automatic tool developed for the aortic valve in an off-label fashion.ResultsMCV >0 mm³ was found in 65% of the 875 included patients. Patients with calcification were older (82 ± 6 versus 81 ± 7; P = 0.002) and had high prevalence of renal dysfunction (69% versus 61%; P = 0.017) and mitral stenosis (25% versus 4%, P < 0.001). MCV correlated well with visual MAC severity (r = 0.94; P < 0.001), but showed a greater predictive value for mitral stenosis (AUC = 0.804 vs. 0.780, P = 0.012) , while it was not a predictor of mitral regurgitation (AUC = 0.514). Correlations were found between MCV and echocardiographic parameters including MV area, mean transmitral gradient, and pressure half-time (P < 0.001 for all). MCV did not impact on cardiovascular mortality or new permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVI.ConclusionsCalcification of the mitral apparatus is common in TAVI candidates and results in mitral stenosis in 25% of the patients. Increasing MCV predicts mitral stenosis, but had no impact on clinical outcomes following TAVI.Clinical trial registrationNCT01368250.     

Heart rate variability in soccer players with mitral valve prolapse or benign arrhythmia

Abstract Numerous studies have reported increased cardiac vagal activity in well endurance-trained athletes. However, no clear data exist regarding the cardiac autonomic activity in athletes with common cardiovascular findings, such as mild mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and transient benign arrhythmias. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the cardiac autonomic outflow by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis between soccer players with mild MVP and rhythm disorders and other athletes with transient benign arrhythmias but without any structural cardiac disease. Twenty Greek male soccer players with mild MVP (group A, aged 20.2±4.5 years), 20 players with benign cardiac rhythm and conduction disorders without structural cardiac disease (group B, aged 21.0±3.6 years) and 20 healthy age-matched sedentary men (group C) were examined. All subjects underwent clinical evaluation, resting electrocardiogram for QTc calculation, echocardiography and 24-h ambulatory Holter recordings for HRV analysis. The mean 24-h heart rate, the HRV index and the mean 24-h R-R interval were significantly increased in all athletes compared to controls (p<0.05). Moreover, group A presented significantly decreased HRV index compared to group B by 18.2% (p<0.05). Resting QTc was prolonged only in group B compared to groups A and C by 9.5% and 11.2%, respectively (p<0.05), whereas no significant difference was found between groups A and C. It is concluded that athletes with MVP present limited exercise-induced cardiac vagal predominance compared to those with benign arrhythmias and without any structural cardiac disease.     

loop或loop in loop技术腱索重建加二尖瓣成形环置入术治疗二尖瓣关闭不全

目的探讨loop或loop in loop技术腱索重建和二尖瓣成形环置入术治疗二尖瓣关闭不全的治疗效果。方法回顾性分析自2015年9月至2016年1月青岛大学附属医院心外科收治的8例二尖瓣关闭不全患者。其中,男性7例,女性1例;年龄(58.15±4.2)岁,SBE前叶腱索断裂导致关闭不全1例,心脏占位累及前叶腱索断裂导致关闭不全1例,单纯腱索断裂导致关闭不全4例,腱索延长导致关闭不全2例。术前超声心动图(TEE)显示:根据Carpentier标准,前叶脱垂5例,后叶脱垂1例,前叶合并后叶脱垂2例。二尖瓣重度关闭不全5例,中到重度关闭不全2例,中度关闭不全1例。术前射血分数(EF)平均(58.83%±2.9%),左心室舒张末直径(LVDD)平均(52.9±1.5)mm,左心房直径(LAD)平均(50.6±1.7)mm。所有患者均经胸正中切口,平均体外循环时间(123±11.7)min,平均主动脉阻断时间(106±9.5)min。4例患者置入Duran成形环,4例患者置入Edwards PhysioⅡ成形环,7例患者同时行三尖瓣成形术,1例患者同时行三尖瓣置换术。同时行冠状动脉搭桥术1例,主动脉瓣置换术1例。结果术后无患者死亡,无恶性心律失常及其他严重并发症。术后复查TEE显示,微量反流6例,未见反流2例。术后EF平均(58.13%±2.9%),未见明显改变。LVDD平均(46.7±1.5)mm,LAD平均(42.9±1.1)mm,均较术前明显改善。随访1~3个月,均为微量反流。结论 loop或loop in loop技术腱索重建和二尖瓣成形环置入术治疗二尖瓣脱垂近、中期效果确切。loop技术虽然可以比较容易锚定瓣叶的脱垂区域,但是一旦长度不合适,很难拆除,相比而言,loop in loop技术可以在术中非常容易地调整人工腱索的长度。因此,loop in loop技术比loop技术更加值得推广。     

儿童肥厚型心肌病磁共振延迟强化特征分析

目的分析肥厚型心肌病（HCM）患儿心脏受累心肌MRI对比剂延迟强化发生率及其与预后的相关性。方法收集2006年1月至2012年1月我院收治的HCM患儿71例,所有患儿均接受心脏MRI检查,并行对比剂增强心肌显像。根据左心室心肌是否存在延迟强化,将患儿分为延迟强化组和非延迟强化组,并进一步分析受累心肌对比剂延迟强化的范围及程度等。应用Kaplan-Meier生存曲线分析两组患儿的预后差别,两组临床数据间的统计分析采用t检验。结果71例HCM患儿中,9例（12.7%）患儿左心室为对称性肥厚,其中2例患儿进展至终末期。52例（73%）患儿出现心肌延迟强化,其延迟强化组患儿左心室质量高于非延迟强化组患儿[（112.7±57.9）g/m2 vs.（70.3±37.4）g/m2],两组间差异有统计学意义（t=2.71,P=0.025）;但两组左室室壁厚度[（19.4±6.3）mm/m2 vs.（18.1±7.9）mm/m2]比较,差异无统计学意义（t=0.69,P=0.513）。HCM患儿随访（2.4±1.6）年显示,心肌延迟强化与不良心血管事件的发生密切相关（χ2=4.77,P=0.029）。结论HCM患儿中,其心肌延迟强化发生率与成人患者接近,并且心肌延迟强化具有判断患儿预后的临床价值。     

Prognostic Implication of Right Ventricle Parameters Measured on Preoperative Cardiac MRI in Patients with Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation

ObjectiveTo investigate the prognostic value of preoperative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for long-term major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in patients undergoing tricuspid valve (TV) surgery for functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR).Materials and MethodsThe preoperative cardiac MR images, New York Heart Association functional class, comorbidities, and clinical events of 78 patients (median [interquartile range], 59 [51–66.3] years, 28.2% male) who underwent TV surgery for functional TR were comprehensively reviewed. Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to assess the associations of clinical and imaging parameters with MACCEs and all-cause mortality.ResultsFor the median follow-up duration of 5.4 years (interquartile range, 1.2–6.6), MACCEs and all-cause mortality were 51.3% and 23.1%, respectively. The right ventricular (RV) end-systolic volume index (ESVI) and the systolic RV mass index (RVMI) were higher in patients with MACCEs than those without them (77 vs. 68 mL/m², p = 0.048; 23.5 vs. 18.0%, p = 0.011, respectively). A high RV ESVI was associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] per value of 10 higher ESVI = 1.10, p = 0.03). A high RVMI was also associated with all-cause mortality (HR per increase of 5 mL/m² RVMI = 1.75, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age and sex, only RVMI remained a significant predictor of MACCEs and all-cause mortality (p < 0.05 for both). After adjusting for multiple clinical variables, RVMI remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality (p = 0.005).ConclusionRVMI measured on preoperative cardiac MRI was an independent predictor of long-term outcomes in patients who underwent TV surgery for functional TR.