无创左心室压力-应变环定量评价冠心病患者冠状动脉狭窄

目的 探讨无创左心室压力-应变环（LVPSL）对冠状动脉不同程度狭窄的冠心病（CAD）患者心肌做功的评价。 方法 回顾性选择2019年12月～2021年10月就诊于湖南中医药高等专科学校附属第一医院心血管内科临床诊断为疑似CAD且行冠状动脉造影检查的患者130例,所有患者均行常规超声心动图、二维斑点追踪（2D-STI）和LVPSL检查。根据冠状动脉造影结果将其分为冠状动脉无狭窄组（n=33）,冠状动脉有狭窄组（n=97）。依据冠状动脉Gensini评分将冠状动脉有狭窄组分为三个亚组,轻度狭窄组（Gensini评分<25,n=37）,中度狭窄组[Gensini评分（25～50）,n=32],重度狭窄组（Gensini评分>50,n=28）。采集常规超声心动参数的同时,取左心室心尖四腔心、三腔心、两腔心切面三个心动周期在二维斑点追踪（2D-STI）模式下获得左心室整体纵向应变（GLS）。输入实时血压,进入LVPSL模式,可获得左心室整体做功指数（GWI）、整体有效做功（GCW）、整体无效做功（GWW）和整体做功效率（GWE）参数。比较不同程度冠状动脉狭窄对心肌做功的影响。 结果 与冠状动脉无狭窄组相比,冠状动脉轻度狭窄组GLS的减低、GWI减低、GCW减低、GWE减低和GWW增加（均P<0.01）;冠状动脉中度狭组GLS减低、GWI减低、GCW减低、GWE减低和GWW增加（均P<0.01）;冠状动脉重度狭窄组GLS减低、GWI减低、GCW减低、GWE减低和GWW增加（均P<0.01）。与冠状动脉轻度狭窄相比,冠状动脉中度狭窄组GLS减低、GWI减低、GCW减低、GWE减低和GWW增加（均P<0.01）;冠状动脉重度狭组GLS减低、GWI减低、GCW减低、GWE减低和GWW增加（均P<0.01）;与冠状动脉中度狭窄相比,冠状动脉重度狭窄组GLS减低、GWI减低、GCW减低、GWE减低和GWW增加（均P<0.01）。冠状动脉狭窄组的Gensini评分与GLS的绝对值、GWI、GCW、GWE呈负相关（r=?0.554, ?0.661, ?0.619, ?0.829）,与GWW呈正相关（r=0.718）,其中与GWE的相关性最高。 结论 LVPSL技术测得的GWI、GCW、GWE和GWW可定量分析不同程度冠状动脉狭窄的CAD患者心肌做功情况,心肌做功参数GWE与Gensini评分的相关性最高。     

左室压力-应变环对冠心病患者心肌做功评价的初步研究

目的 应用左室压力-应变环（LVPSL）评价冠状动脉狭窄患者心肌做功的改变情况,探讨心肌做功参数在诊断冠心病中的临床价值。 方法 疑诊冠心病患者111例,根据冠脉造影结果分为两组:对照组（冠脉无狭窄或狭窄<50%）33例;冠心病组（至少一支冠脉狭窄≥50%）78例,将冠心病组分为有节段性室壁运动异常组26例,无节段性室壁运动异常组52例;分别采集心尖四腔、两腔、左室长轴切面动态图像,应用Echo PAC工作站获取左室整体纵向应变(GLS),进入心肌做功分析模式,得出LVPSL,最终获取长轴整体做功指数（GWI）、整体有效功（GCW）、整体无效功（GWW）、整体做功效率（GME）。 结果 与对照组相比,冠心病组GLS、GWI、GCW、GME均显著减低,GWW显著升高（均P<0.01）,冠心病有节段性室壁运动异常组GLS、GWW显著升高（P<0.01）,冠心病无节段性室壁运动异常组GWI、GCW、GME均显著减低（P<0.01）,GLS显著减低、GWW显著升高（P<0.01）。ROC曲线显示GWI、GCW、GWW、GME的曲线下面积分别为0.36、0.40、0.75、0.27;GWW截断值为70.5%,预测冠心病的灵敏度、特异度分别为67%、97%,约登指数0.64。 结论 LVPSL可量化分析冠心病患者心肌做功,其中GWW是反映冠心病患者心肌做功和心室功能改变的较敏感指标。     

Changes in myocardial work associated with pediatric kidney transplantation: A pilot study of short‐term postoperative effect

The study was mainly to evaluate the changes of left ventricular (LV) myocardial work (MW) in children with CKD stage 5 within 3 months after kidney transplantation (KTx). Forty‐three successful KTx recipients (mean age 10.6 years, 58% male) in childhood and 28 healthy children were enrolled. General clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters were collected. Cardiac structure, function, and LV MW were assessed by echocardiography before and after KTx. The results showed that significantly improvement was observed in LV global MW index (GWI), constructive MW (GCW), and wasted MW (GWW) (p < .01), but not in MW efficiency (GWE) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) (p > .05). Besides, blood pressure (BP), renal graft function, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and LV mass index (LVMi) had obviously improved after KTx (p < .05). Nevertheless, compared with healthy children, higher BP, LVMi, GWW, more deteriorated LV diastolic function and lower GWE were still observed in patients after KTx. The ratio of dialysis duration to CKD course were negatively correlated with the improvements of GWE (p = .004), GWI (p = .01), and GCW (p = .01). In conclusion, a portion of LV MW parameters were obviously improved in children received KTx. Thus, LV MW was superior to GLS in evaluating LV systolic function recovery in these patients. Those patients with insignificant MW improvement should be closely monitored, and adjusted the treatment strategies timely to avoid serious and irreversible myocardial injury after KTx.     

心肌做功技术对LVEF保留的AMI患者左心室整体收缩功能降低的诊断价值

目的探讨心肌做功技术对左心室射血分数(LVEF)保留的急性心肌梗死(AMI)患者左心室整体收缩功能降低的诊断价值。方法本研究为前瞻性病例-对照设计的诊断性试验。选取2019年5—10月在河南省人民医院确诊为AMI且LVEF>50%的患者为AMI(LVEF>50%)组,并选取同期健康体检者作为对照组。收集所有研究对象的年龄、性别等一般临床资料,采用二维超声采集其心尖二腔、三腔及四腔长轴切面连续3个心动周期动态图像,测量并比较两组间常规超声心动图指标及心肌做功各参数的差异。采用组内相关系数(ICC)评价观察者内及观察者间心肌做功各参数的重复性。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析左心室整体有用功(GCW)、整体无用功(GWW)、整体做功效率(GWE)、整体做功指数(GWI)对于LVEF保留的AMI患者左心室整体收缩功能降低的诊断价值。结果AMI(LVEF>50%)组30例,年龄(67.3±9.7)岁,女性14例(46.7%)。对照组30例,年龄(68.1±8.6)岁,女性12例(40.0%)。AMI(LVEF>50%)组左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、室间隔厚度(IVSD)、左心室舒张末期容积(LVEDV)、左心室收缩末期容积(LVESV)、二尖瓣口舒张早期峰值流速比二尖瓣后叶瓣环组织多普勒速度(E/e)、左心室质量(LVM)、左心室质量指数(LVMI)较对照组大,E、e较对照组低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,AMI(LVEF>50%)组GCW[(1145.9±440.1)mmHg%(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)比(1425.7±355.4)mmHg%]、GWE[(80.9±9.5)%比(87.3±5.5)%]、GWI[(1001.3±416.2)mmHg%比(1247.6±341.7)mmHg%]低,长轴整体应变(GLS)绝对值低[(8.5±3.4)%比(11.4±3.7)%],峰值应变离散度(PSD)高[(101.3±66.4)ms比(74.7±31.9)ms],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);AMI(LVEF>50%)组GWW高[(177.2±71.1)mmHg%比(155.7±64.6)mmHg%],但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。GCW、GWW、GWE、GWI在观察者内及观察者间的重复性良好(ICC均>0.75)。ROC曲线分析显示,GCW、GWW、GWE、GWI 4个参数曲线下面积分别为0.896、0.929、0.808、0.862,均可用于AMI(LVEF>50%)患者左心室收缩功能降低的诊断。结论心肌做功技术对于LVEF保留的AMI患者左心室整体收缩功能降低具有一定的诊断价值。     

心肌做功技术对LVEF保留的AMI患者左心室整体收缩功能降低的诊断价值

目的探讨心肌做功技术对左心室射血分数(LVEF)保留的急性心肌梗死(AMI)患者左心室整体收缩功能降低的诊断价值。方法本研究为前瞻性病例-对照设计的诊断性试验。选取2019年5—10月在河南省人民医院确诊为AMI且LVEF>50%的患者为AMI(LVEF>50%)组,并选取同期健康体检者作为对照组。收集所有研究对象的年龄、性别等一般临床资料,采用二维超声采集其心尖二腔、三腔及四腔长轴切面连续3个心动周期动态图像,测量并比较两组间常规超声心动图指标及心肌做功各参数的差异。采用组内相关系数(ICC)评价观察者内及观察者间心肌做功各参数的重复性。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析左心室整体有用功(GCW)、整体无用功(GWW)、整体做功效率(GWE)、整体做功指数(GWI)对于LVEF保留的AMI患者左心室整体收缩功能降低的诊断价值。结果AMI(LVEF>50%)组30例,年龄(67.3±9.7)岁,女性14例(46.7%)。对照组30例,年龄(68.1±8.6)岁,女性12例(40.0%)。AMI(LVEF>50%)组左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、室间隔厚度(IVSD)、左心室舒张末期容积(LVEDV)、左心室收缩末期容积(LVESV)、二尖瓣口舒张早期峰值流速比二尖瓣后叶瓣环组织多普勒速度(E/e)、左心室质量(LVM)、左心室质量指数(LVMI)较对照组大,E、e较对照组低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,AMI(LVEF>50%)组GCW[(1145.9±440.1)mmHg%(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)比(1425.7±355.4)mmHg%]、GWE[(80.9±9.5)%比(87.3±5.5)%]、GWI[(1001.3±416.2)mmHg%比(1247.6±341.7)mmHg%]低,长轴整体应变(GLS)绝对值低[(8.5±3.4)%比(11.4±3.7)%],峰值应变离散度(PSD)高[(101.3±66.4)ms比(74.7±31.9)ms],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);AMI(LVEF>50%)组GWW高[(177.2±71.1)mmHg%比(155.7±64.6)mmHg%],但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。GCW、GWW、GWE、GWI在观察者内及观察者间的重复性良好(ICC均>0.75)。ROC曲线分析显示,GCW、GWW、GWE、GWI 4个参数曲线下面积分别为0.896、0.929、0.808、0.862,均可用于AMI(LVEF>50%)患者左心室收缩功能降低的诊断。结论心肌做功技术对于LVEF保留的AMI患者左心室整体收缩功能降低具有一定的诊断价值。     

左室压力-应变环评价不同剂量蒽环类药物对乳腺癌患者左室心肌的做功

目的 探讨采用无创性左室压力-应变环（left ventricular pressure-strain loops,LVPSL）技术评价乳腺癌患者在不同剂量蒽环类药物作用时左室心肌做功的变化情况。 方法 选取拟接受蒽环类药物化疗的新发乳腺癌术后患者36例,健康对照者30例,分别采集并存储左室心尖四腔、三腔、二腔至少（3~5）个心动周期,使用工作站脱机分析图像,获得数据包括左室舒张末期内径(LVDd)、左室收缩末期内径(LVds)、左室射血分数（LVEF）、左室收缩末期容积(LVESV)、左室舒张末期容积(LVEDV)、整体做功指数 (GWI)、整体有用功 (GCW )、 整体无用功(GWW)、整体做功效率(GWE)。 结果 在蒽环类药物累计剂量达240 mg/m2及360 mg/m2时,GLS及GWI较化疗前明显减低,GWW较化疗前升高,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;随蒽环类药物累计剂量的增加,GLS及GWI呈逐渐减低趋势,GWW呈逐渐升高趋势;相关分析发现:GLS与蒽环类药物剂量累计剂量显著相关（r = 0.653）,GWI及GWW与蒽环类药物累计剂量低度相关（r = ?0.485,r = 0.308）（P<0.05）。 结论 LVPSL的整体做功指数和整体无用功可评价乳腺癌患者蒽环类药物治疗所致的轻微的左心室心肌功能障碍,且有蒽环类药物剂量依赖性。     

Impact of repaired aortic coarctation in left ventricular myocardial work

AimsMyocardial strain analysis enables more precise assessment of cardiac performance but is relatively load dependent. New tools have been developed with afterload adjustment. Our objective was to assess myocardial work (MW) in patients with repaired aortic coarctation (rACo).MethodsProspective study of consecutive patients with rACo who underwent a routine transthoracic echocardiogram in 2018 and 2019 at our center. Patients with significant aortic valve disease, pacemaker, or other congenital heart diseases (except for mild bicuspid aortic valve disease) were excluded. Global longitudinal strain with two dimensional speckle tracking analysis and MW were obtained (GWI:Global Work Index; GCW: Global Constructive Work; GWW: Global Wasted Work; GWE: Global Work Efficiency). Blood pressure was measured in the patient's right arm.ResultsWe included 42 patients in the analysis, mean age of 37±10 years, 38% males. In this group, 52% had hypertension and 64% had a concomitant bicuspid aortic valve. In comparison to previously published reference values, patients with rACo had significantly lower GWI (1807 vs. 1896 mmHg%) and GCW (2173 vs. 2232 mmHg%) (p<0.001), particularly in males. Systolic blood pressure is an independent predictor for GWI (β=0.432) and for GCW (β=0.534) and GLS an independent predictor of all MW parameters (β>0.594). Neither age nor gender were independent predictors.ConclusionsIn patients with rACo, there are some signs of left ventricular dysfunction with a reduction in GCW and GWI and with preserved GWE, despite normal ejection fraction and strain.     

左心室心肌做功预测心脏再同步化治疗的效果

目的 利用二维斑点追踪成像(2D-STI)技术新参数左心室心肌做功预测心脏再同步化治疗(CRT)的效果.方法 选取2017年12月至2019年10月在苏北人民医院接受CRT治疗的75例心力衰竭患者为研究对象,于CRT术前及术后6个月测量常规超声心动图参数以及利用2D-STI技术分析整体心肌做功参数.将术后左心室收缩末期...     

Dynamics of Left Ventricular Myocardial Work in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Heart Failure

BackgroundThe left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the most commonly used measure describing pumping efficiency, but it is heavily dependent on loading conditions and therefore not well-suited to study pathophysiologic changes. The novel concept of echocardiography-derived myocardial work (MyW) overcomes this disadvantage as it is based on LV pressure–strain loops. We tracked the in-hospital changes of indices of MyW in patients admitted for acute heart failure (AHF) in relation to their recompensation status and explored the prognostic utility of MyW indicesMethods and ResultsWe studied 126 patients admitted for AHF (mean 73 ± 12 years, 37% female, 40% with a reduced LVEF [<40%]), providing pairs of echocardiograms obtained both on hospital admission and prior to discharge. The following MyW indices were derived: global constructive and wasted work (GCW, GWW), global work index (GWI), and global work efficiency. In patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction with decreasing N-terminal prohormone B-natriuretic peptide levels during hospitalization, the GCW and GWI improved significantly, whereas the GWW remained unchanged. In patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction, the GCW and GWI were unchanged; however, in patients with no decrease or eventual increase in N-terminal prohormone B-natriuretic peptide, we observed an increase in GWW. In all patients with AHF, higher values of GWW were associated with a higher risk of death or rehospitalization within 6 months after discharge (per 10-point increment hazard ratio 1.035, 95% confidence interval 1.005–1.065).ConclusionsOur results suggest differential myocardial responses to decompensation and recompensation, depending on the HF phenotype in patients presenting with AHF. The GWW predicted the 6-month prognosis in these patients, regardless of LVEF. Future studies in larger cohorts need to confirm our results and identify determinants of short-term and longer term changes in MyW.     

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Myocardial Work Indices for Identification of Cancer Therapy–Related Cardiotoxicity

BackgroundEchocardiographic global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a useful measure for detection of cancer treatment–related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) but is influenced by blood pressure changes. This limitation may be overcome by assessment of myocardial work (MW), which incorporates blood pressure into the calculation.ObjectivesThis work aims to determine whether myocardial work indices (MWIs) can help diagnose or prognosticate CTRCD.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 136 women undergoing anthracycline and trastuzumab treatment for HER2+ breast cancer, underwent serial echocardiograms and cardiac magnetic resonance pre- and post-anthracycline and every 3 months during trastuzumab. GLS, global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work, and global work efficiency were measured. CTRCD was defined with cardiac magnetic resonance. Generalized estimating equations quantified the association between changes in GLS and MWIs and CTRCD at the current (diagnosis) and subsequent visit (prognosis). Regression tree analysis was used to explore the combined use of GLS and MW for the diagnostic/prognostic assessment of CTRCD.ResultsBaseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 63.2 ± 4.0%. Thirty-seven (27.2%) patients developed CTRCD. An absolute change in GLS (standardized odds ratio [sOR]: 1.97 [95% CI: 1.07-3.66]; P = 0.031) and GWI (sOR: 1.73 [95% CI: 1.04-2.85]; P = 0.033) were associated with concurrent CTRCD. An absolute change in GLS (sOR: 1.79 [95% CI: 1.22-2.62]; P = 0.003), GWI (sOR: 1.67 [95% CI: 1.20-2.32]; P = 0.003), and GCW (sOR: 1.65 [95% CI: 1.17-2.34]; P = 0.005) were associated with subsequent CTRCD. Change in GWI and GCW demonstrated incremental value over GLS and clinical factors for the diagnosis of concurrent CTRCD. In a small group with a GLS change <3.3% (absolute), and a >21 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure, worsening of GWI identified patients with higher probability of concurrent CTRCD (24.0% vs 5.2%). MWIs did not improve identification of subsequent CTRCD beyond knowledge of GLS change.ConclusionsGLS can be used to diagnose and prognosticate cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) defined CTRCD, with additional value from MWIs in selected cases. (Evaluation of Myocardial Changes During Breast Adenocarcinoma Therapy to Detect Cardiotoxicity Earlier With MRI [EMBRACE-MRI]; NCT02306538)     

Assessment of left ventricular myocardial work done by noninvasive pressure–strain loop technique in patients with essential hypertension

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of the noninvasive pressure–strain loop (PSL) technique for assessing left ventricular myocardial work done in patients with essential hypertension.MethodsProspectively, 60 patients with hypertension visiting the hospital from August 2020 to July 2021 were collected and divided into the mild hypertension group (SBP 140–159 mmHg, 35 cases) and the moderate‐to‐severe hypertension group (SBP ≥160 mmHg, 25 cases). Another 40 cases of healthy adults were collected as the control group. The differences in the global long‐axis strain (GLS) and peak strain dispersion (PSD) of the left ventricle, global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE) were compared among the three groups. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the PSD, GWI, GCW, and GWW. The myocardial work index (MWI) and MWI percentages in the apical, middle, and basal segments of the heart were also compared among the groups.Results(1) The PSD, GWI, GCW, and GWW were significantly different among the groups (Χ ² = 57.605, 79.203, 76.973, and 17.429, respectively, p < .05), while the GLS and GWE were not (Χ ² = 1.559 and 5.849, respectively, p > .05). (2) The GWI had the highest specificity (97.5%) and the GCW the highest sensitivity (95%) in predicting hypertension. The percentage of apical MWI gradually increased (F = 11.230, p < .05) and the percentage of basal MWI gradually decreased (F = 10.665, p < .05) from the control group to the mild hypertension group to the moderate‐to‐severe hypertension group; there was no significant difference in the percentage of mid‐MWI (F = 0.593, p > .05).ConclusionsThe noninvasive PSL technique could be used to assess myocardial work done in patients with essential hypertension.     

Osteoprotegerin Is Associated With Subclinical Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Diabetic Hypertensive Patients: A Speckle Tracking Study

BackgroundRecently, the role of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the pathogenesis of heart failure through different mechanisms has received much attention. Subclinical changes in left ventricular (LV) function can be identified using quantification of myocardial strain, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a superior predictor of outcomes than ejection fraction. We hypothesized that increased OPG levels could predict subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in treated diabetic hypertensive patients with preserved LV ejection fraction.MethodsThe study was composed of 86 diabetic hypertensive and 30 nondiabetic hypertensive patients. All patients underwent echocardiography and venous blood samples were taken for determination of OPG. The relation between OPG levels and LV GLS was investigated using 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.ResultsDiabetic hypertensive patients had higher diastolic peak early/early diastolic tissue velocity and lower systolic tissue velocity, GLS, GLS rate systolic, and GLS rate early diastolic than nondiabetic hypertensive patients (P = 0.009, P = 0.049, P < 0.001, P = 0.004, and P < 0.001, respectively). Diabetic hypertensive patients were divided into 2 groups according to median GLS value (> 18.5 and ≤ 18.5). The patients with GLS ≤ 18.5 had higher diastolic blood pressure (mm Hg; P = 0.048), OPG (pmol/L; P < 0.001), and hemoglobin A1c (%; P = 0.042) values than those with GLS > 18.5. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, OPG was found to be an independent predictor of impaired GLS (P = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that OPG values of > 6.45 (pmol/L) identified the patients with GLS ≤ 18.5.ConclusionsPlasma OPG values could predict subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in diabetic hypertensive patients.     

Do Nondipping Pattern and Metabolic Syndrome Impact Left Ventricular Geometry and Global Function in Hypertensive Patients?

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of nondipping arterial blood pressure pattern and the metabolic syndrome (MS), as well as their interaction, on left ventricular (LV) structural and function remodeling. The study included 352 never-treated hypertensive patients with and without MS. Nondipping pattern and MS, separately, as well as their interaction, significantly impacted LV structure, LV geometry pattern, systolic, diastolic and global function in hypertensive patients. Abdominal obesity was the only MS criterion which was simultaneously associated with LV hypertrophy, LV diastolic dysfunction and, LV global dysfunction.     

Afterload Hypersensitivity in Patients With Left Bundle Branch Block

ObjectivesThis study sought to investigate the hypothesis that patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) are hypersensitive to elevated afterload.BackgroundEpidemiological data suggest that LBBB can provoke heart failure in patients with hypertension.MethodsIn 11 asymptomatic patients with isolated LBBB and 11 age-matched control subjects, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured by echocardiography. Systolic arterial pressure was increased by combining pneumatic extremity constrictors and handgrip exercise. To obtain more insight into mechanisms of afterload response, 8 anesthetized dogs with left ventricular (LV) micromanometer and dimension crystals were studied during acutely induced LBBB and aortic constriction. Regional myocardial work was assessed by LV pressure-dimension analysis.ResultsConsistent with normal afterload dependency, elevation of systolic arterial pressure by 38 ± 12 mm Hg moderately reduced LVEF from 60 ± 4% to 54 ± 6% (p < 0.01) in control subjects. In LBBB patients, however, a similar blood pressure increase caused substantially larger reduction in LVEF (p < 0.01), from 56 ± 6% to 42 ± 7% (p < 0.01). There were similar findings for GLS. In the dog model, aortic constriction abolished septal shortening (p < 0.02), and septal work decreased to negative values (p < 0.01). Therefore, during elevated systolic pressure, the septum made no contribution to global LV work, as indicated by net negative work, and instead absorbed energy from work done by the LV lateral wall.ConclusionsModerate elevation of arterial pressure caused marked reductions in LVEF and GLS in patients with LBBB. This reflects a cardiodepressive effect of elevated afterload in the dyssynchronous ventricle and was attributed to loss of septal function.     

Association of the plasma aldosterone concentration,left atrial deformation and ambulatory blood pressure in never-treated early hypertensive patients

Left atrial (LA) strain is known to exhibit an early progressive reduction in hypertensive patients with diastolic dysfunction. However, an association of the renin-angiotensin-*aldosterone system (RAAS) with LA deformation has not been found in these patients. We aimed to investigate the association of plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) with LA and left ventricle (LV) deformation in never-treated early hypertensive patients. This cross-sectional study included 101 never-treated subjects who were registered in a working group at The Catholic University of Korea. The patients were divided into a hypertension group (n = 71), which was defined as having a systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥130 mm Hg and/or a diastolic BP ≥80 mm Hg based on ABPM, and a control group (n = 30). Enrolled patients underwent conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography, ABPM, and measurement of pulse wave velocity, PAC, and plasma renin activity. Compared with the control group, the hypertension group had significantly increased PAC, global longitudinal strain (GLS), atrial reservoir strain, atrial pump strain, and atrial systolic strain rate. LA pump strain was independently associated with nighttime systolic BP. PAC was correlated with GLS but not LA deformation in hypertensive patients without clinically apparent target organ damage. The raised LV pressure secondary to the nocturnal systemic pressure overload might be more strongly associated with LA deformation than with the RAAS.     

Echocardiographic evaluation of the effect of dapagliflozin on epicardial adipose tissue and left ventricular systolic function in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and aimsEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is associated with cardiovascular disease, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2I) have been reported to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events. This study was designed to investigate the effect of an SGLT-2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin) on EAT and left ventricular (LV) systolic function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients during a 6-month follow-up.MethodsTwenty-seven T2DM patients who received dapagliflozin for the first time were enrolled in this study to measure EAT thickness and evaluate LV function before and after 6 months of SGLT-2 administration. The thickness of EAT was measured as the echo-free space between the free wall of the right ventricle and the visceral layer of the pericardium at end-systole by echocardiography. LV systolic function was evaluated by LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) obtained through two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) technology.ResultsAfter a 6-month follow-up, twenty-five patients completed this study. The values of EAT thickness, HbA_1c, body weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were significantly reduced, while the LV GLS value was significantly increased. Moreover, the increase in LV GLS was independently associated with the reduction in EAT thickness, HbA_1c, weight, and SBP (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsDapagliflozin can reduce EAT thickness and improve LV systolic function in T2DM patients. 2D-STE can be used for the early evaluation of the beneficial effect of dapagliflozin on LV systolic function. The improvement in LV systolic function is independently associated with a reduction in EAT thickness.     

The Relationship Between Aortic Stiffness and Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony in Hypertensive Patients with Preserved Left Ventricular Systolic Function

Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony is often seen in patients with hypertension, even without heart failure. Arterial stiffness is well accepted as an important factor of increasing blood pressure and influencing ventricular function. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between aortic stiffness and LV dyssynchrony in hypertensive patients with preserved LV systolic function. Eighty hypertensive patients with preserved LV systolic function (LV ejection fraction > 50%) and 30 controls were studied. The LV systolic and diastolic dyssynchrony indices were determined as the standard deviation of the time interval from onset of the QRS complex to peak myocardial systolic velocity (Ts-SD) and to early diastolic velocity (Te-SD) and the maximal differences in Ts (Ts-Max) and Te (Te-Max) in 12 LV segments. Aortic stiffness index was calculated from aortic diameters in the systolic and diastolic phases, as measured by echocardiography and blood pressure. No relationship was observed between LV systolic and diastolic dyssynchrony indices (r = 0.057, P = .61). In simple regression, aortic stiffness parameter was related to left ventricular mass index (LVMI), E/A ratio, and LV diastolic dyssynchrony index. But using multiple linear regression, Te-Max remained as a single variable related to aortic strain and aortic stiffness index (r = ?0.271, P = .008 and r = 0.269, P = .008). LVMI was related to aortic distensibility using multiple linear regression (r = ?0.239, P = .02). Aortic stiffness index was related to LV diastolic dyssynchrony index and LVMI. These findings suggest that LV diastolic dyssynchronous changes may be caused by increased LV mass and arterial stiffness.     

Echocardiographic and Doppler evaluation of left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic function in black and white hypertensive patients

Echocardiography including Doppler examination has been used to assess left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic function in 24 patients: 12 black Negro patients and 12 white patients who were matched with respect to age, heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Significant left ventricular hypertrophy was present with normal systolic function but impaired diastolic function with a decrease in peak E velocity, an increase in peak A velocity and reversal of the E/A ratio. In the combined groups LV mass and LVPW correlated with systolic blood pressure (P less than 0.05). In the blacks systolic and diastolic blood pressure correlated with LV mass and LVPW thickness (P less than 0.05). Septal thickness correlated only with systolic blood pressure (P less than 0.01). In contrast the indices of diastolic function did not correlate with blood pressure or with left ventricular hypertrophy. No morphological differences in the left ventricle have been shown between the two groups but both had significant left ventricular hypertrophy. Whilst diastolic function is abnormal, this appeared to be independent of either blood pressure or degree of left ventricular hypertrophy. A neurohumeral mechanism has not been discounted.     

Insulin effects on the left ventricle in older hypertensive subjects.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects of hyperinsulinemia on left ventricular (LV) structure and function in older hypertensive subjects METHODS: Thirty-seven hypertensive subjects (17 men/20 women) aged 50 to 80, were studied. LV mass were evaluated echocardiographically according to the Penn convention. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed after overnight fasting, and both blood glucose and insulin concentrations were assayed at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes. Comparison between groups was performed by analysis of variance. A P value of .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: When the hypertensive patients were divided into two groups according to the median value of 2-hour post-loading plasma insulin, there was no difference in blood pressure levels between the groups. However, hyperinsulinemic hypertensive subjects had an increased LV mass (P < .05), mean wall thickness, and interventricular septum thickness (P < .05 for both parameters) and had better systolic function-ejection and shortening fractions (P < .0001 for both indices). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperinsulinemia may be associated with increased left ventricular mass and with a better systolic performance in older hypertensive subjects.     

Correlates of diastolic filling abnormalities in hypertension: a Doppler echocardiographic study

Hypertension and aging are both associated with changes of left ventricular (LV) diastolic filling and increased LV mass. To determine whether diastolic filling abnormalities are present in hypertension independent of aging and significant hypertrophy, we studied 19 hypertensive patients following a period of 4 weeks when they were not receiving therapy and 18 normotensive subjects matched for sex, age, and LV mass. All subjects had normal systolic function and ejection fraction as assessed by radionuclide angiography. We measured peak velocity of early filling (E), late filling (A), and their ratio (E/A) by Doppler echocardiography. Filling indices were abnormal in hypertensive patients, but none of the filling indices were significantly correlated with LV mass. E was inversely related to age (r = -0.62; p less than 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.45; p less than 0.05) in normotensive individuals, but these correlations were not significant in hypertensive patients. E was not significantly correlated to LV mass or wall thickness. In contrast, A was influenced by septal wall thickness and blood pressure in both groups. E/A correlated inversely with age in both normal individuals (r = -0.74) and hypertensive patients (r = -0.51). These findings indicate that diastolic filling abnormalities in hypertension are not solely caused by either LV hypertrophy or by aging and therefore must be in part related to the hemodynamic load or altered myocardial or chamber properties.