Left atrial speckle tracking analysis in patients with mitral insufficiency and history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

The occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF), especially in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR), is related to the degree of left atrial (LA) myopathy, remodeling and fibrosis, that are responsible of LA electrical inhomogeneity and abnormal conduction velocities. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has recently enabled the quantification of longitudinal myocardial LA deformation dynamics. Our aim was to investigate by STE the effects of the occurrence of paroxysmal AF on LA myocardial deformation, in a population of patients with asymptomatic chronic MR. We compared two groups of a total of 197 patients with MR: 54 with history of paroxysmal AF and 143 with MR alone. Subgroups were created according to MR degree. Peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) was measured in all subjects. Values were obtained by averaging all segments (global PALS), measured in the 4-chamber and 2-chamber views. Compared to the mild MR group (46.1?±?4.9%), global PALS was lower in moderate MR group (22.1?±?5.8%) and further reduced in the severe MR group (13.9?±?4.2%; overall P?相似文献   

Pre-operative left atrial strain predicts post-operative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis

Post-operative atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common and serious complication in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR). Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has recently enabled the quantification of longitudinal myocardial left atrial (LA) deformation dynamics. Our aim was to investigate LA preoperative mechanical function in patients undergoing AVR for aortic stenosis using STE and determine predictors of post-operative AF. 76 patients with aortic stenosis in sinus rhythm, undergoing AVR, were prospectively enrolled. Conventional echocardiographic parameters, and peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) were measured in all subjects the day before surgery. PALS values were obtained by averaging all segments in the 4- and 2-chamber views (global PALS). All patients received biological valve prostheses and a standard postoperative care. Postoperative AF occurred in 15 patients (19.7 %). On univariate analysis among all clinical and echocardiographic variables, global PALS showed the highest diagnostic accuracy (HR 6.55 p < 0.0001; AUC of 0.89) with a cut-off value <16.9 %, having sensitivity and specificity of 86 and 91 %, respectively, in predicting postoperative AF. LA volume indexed and E/e’ ratio had lower diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.76 and 0.51, respectively). On multivariate analysis global PALS remains a significant predictor of postoperative AF (p < 0.0001). STE analysis of LA myocardial deformation is considered a promising tool for the evaluation of LA subclinical dysfunction in patients undergoing AVR, giving a potentially better risk stratification for the occurrence of postoperative AF.     

Left atrial volume computed by 3D rotational angiography best predicts atrial fibrillation recurrence after circumferential pulmonary vein isolation

Left atrium (LA) size is a well-studied predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Yet, there is still little agreement on the best imaging technique to size the LA, and on the most appropriate sizing parameter. Volumetric assessment of LA with three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA LA volume index) might be a valid alternative to the commonly used transthoracic echocardiography (TTE LA volume index). The aim of our study was to investigate whether LA volume by 3DRA at the time of PVI is able to predict the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence. We analysed 352 consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation referred for PVI to our Institution. In all patients, LA volume index (LAVI) was assessed by TTE and by 3DRA. Sinus rhythm was restored after PVI in 348 patients (99%). Average TTE-LAVI and 3DRA-LAVI were 37?±?12 and 83?±?18 ml/m2, respectively. At a median follow-up of 19 (12, 24) months, 27% of patients had AF recurrence after the first PVI. At the univariate analysis, persistent AF (p?<?0.01), use of anti-arrhythmic drugs (AAD) (p?<?0.05) and 3DRA-LAVI (p?<?0.01) were significantly associated with AF recurrence. In contrast, none of the echocardiographic parameters considered, including TTE-LAVI, was associated with AF recurrence (p?=?0.29). At the multivariate analysis, 3DRA-LAVI was the only independent predictor for AF recurrence (HR 1.01 [1.00–1.03], p?=?0.017). Left atrial volume measured with 3DRA is superior to TTE assessment and to AF history in predicting atrial fibrillation recurrence after PVI.     

Left atrial deformation as a potent predictor for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with end-stage renal disease

It is widely known that various factors contribute to left atrial (LA) mechanical dysfunction in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the connection between atrial dysfunction and arrhythmic events such as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), in this group of patients, remains unclear. The purpose of our study was to evaluate prospectively the association between LA deformation indices and PAF in ESRD patients. 79 patients (41 men, mean age 57?±?17) with ESRD and preserved left ventricular systolic function comprised the study population. All patients underwent a baseline comprehensive echocardiography study and were followed for a mean period of 16?±?5 months. PAF episodes, first and the following events, were reported. LA longitudinal strain reflecting LA reservoir function and LA longitudinal strain rate reflecting LA pump function were specifically evaluated as LA deformation indices of interest, using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography. At the end of follow up period nine patients died. 15 of the rest 70 reported one or more episodes of PAF. LA indexed volumes were significantly higher in patients with PAF (32?±?26 vs. 21.5?±?9 ml/m², p?=?0.002), mean LA strain was significantly reduced (17?±?7 vs. 27?±?9%, p?<?0.001) as well as mean LA stain rate (??1.19?±?0.5 vs. ??1.95?±?0.5 1/s, p?<?0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that LA strain rate when adjusted with age together with PAF history remained the single most significant echocardiographic parameter for PAF prediction. Impaired LA strain and LA strain rate are associated with PAF in ESRD patients. LA strain rate might be a better independent predictor of PAF, compared to standard echocardiographic indices. Further prospective studies are needed to validate its relevance in routine clinical practice.     

Routine <Superscript>18</Superscript>F-FDG PET/CT does not detect inflammation in the left atrium in patients with atrial fibrillation

Increasing evidence supports a role of inflammation in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, direct evidence of persistent inflammatory activity in the atria of AF patients is scarce. In this study, we used 18-Fluor-Deoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) to determine atrial inflammation in patients with and without AF. Retrospectively, ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans were analyzed. 37 patients with a history of AF were compared to an age and sex matched control group with no history of AF. Standardized uptake values were obtained in the atrial walls, in the left ventricular wall, and in the right ventricular blood pool, respectively. Target to background ratios (TBR) were determined in the atrial and left ventricular walls and compared between the two groups. TBR values of the left atrial wall were slightly but not significantly higher in patients with AF (1.21?±?0.27) compared to those without AF (1.14?±?0.29; p?=?0.85). Likewise, a weak but not significant difference was observed in signal intensities in the right atrial wall between patients in the AF (1.14?±?0.45) and the control group (0.96?±?0.2; p?=?0.41). TBR values of the left ventricular myocardium did not differ between the groups; no significant correlation was found between the TBR in the left and right atrial wall and blood glucose levels. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT performed under routine conditions did not detect a significant difference in inflammatory activity in the left or right atrium between patients with and without AF. Contrary to previous reports, these results therefore do not clearly support a role for ongoing atrial inflammation in patients with AF. Prospective clinical studies using myocardial glucose uptake suppression strategies may be helpful to clarify these issues.     

Value of three-dimensional strain parameters for predicting left ventricular remodeling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction

This study was to evaluate the value of multi-directional strain parameters derived from three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for predicting left ventricular (LV) remodeling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared with that of two-dimensional (2D) global longitudinal strain (GLS). A total of 110 patients (mean age, 54?±?9 years) after STEMI treated with primary PCI were enrolled in our study. At baseline (within 24 h after PCI), standard 2D echocardiography, 2D STE and 3D STE were performed to acquire the conventional echocardiographic parameters and strain parameters. At 3-month follow-up, standard 2D echocardiography was repeated to all the patients to determine LV remodeling, which was defined as a 20% increase in LV end-diastolic volume. At 3-month follow-up, LV remodeling occurred in 26 patients (24%). Compared with patients without LV remodeling, patients with remodeling had significantly reduced 2D GLS (?12.5?±?3.2% vs ?15.0?±?3.1%, p?<?0.001), 3D GLS (?9.9?±?2.2% vs ?13.1?±?2.7%, p?<?0.001), 3D global area strain (GAS) (?20.3?±?3.9% vs ?23.3?±?4.8%, p?=?0.005) and 3D global radial strain (GRS) (29.0?±?7.4% vs 34.3?±?8.5%, p?=?0.007) at baseline, but there is no significant difference in 3D global circumferential strain (GCS) (?12.7?±?2.9% vs ?13.0?±?3.2%, p?=?0.822). Separated multivariate analysis shows that 2D GLS, 3D GLS, 3D GAS and 3D GRS all can be independent predictors of LV remodeling. However, receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of 3D GLS (0.82) for predicting LV remodeling was significantly higher than that of 2D GLS (0.72, p?=?0.034), 3D GAS (0.68, p?<?0.001) and 3D GRS (0.68, p?<?0.001). In patients after STEMI, 2D GLS, 3D GLS, 3D GAS and 3D GRS but not 3D GCS measured after primary PCI are independent predictors of LV remodeling and 3D GLS is the most powerful predictor among them.     

Area strain from 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography as an independent predictor of early symptoms or ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic severe mitral regurgitation with preserved ejection fraction

The indication for surgery in asymptomatic severe mitral regurgitation (SMR) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is controversial. We sought to study 3D myocardial mechanics in this population and test 3D-speckle tracking (3DST) parameters as possible predictors of events. 45 asymptomatic patients with SMR and LVEF >60?% and 20 control individuals without cardiac disease underwent 3DST echocardiography. MR group additionally underwent further clinical monitoring. Dyspnea, LVEF under 60?%, or admissions for heart failure were considered as events. When compared with control group, MR group showed lower percentage of global 3D strain, (35.4?±?9.1 vs. 43.9?±?10.6; p?=?0.003), lower radial strain, lower area change rate and higher end-diastolic volume. In a follow-up time of 23.2?±?14.5 months we found 15 events (33.3?%). When comparing the remaining patients with this new-onset HF group we found significant differences in longitudinal strain (?17.9?±?3.3 vs. ?15.8?±?2.1; p?=?0.036), area strain (AS) (?48.6?±?4.6 vs. ?43.7?±?6.2; p?=?0.006), circumferential strain (?35.8?±?4.7 vs. ?31.8?±?6.1; p?=?0.034), 3D LVEF (67.1?±?4.6 vs. 63.0?±?7.4; p?=?0.034) and E/E′ index (13.5?±?3.9 vs. 19.3?±?9.5; p?=?0.006). In multivariate Cox regression AS alone was the only independent predictor. A cutoff value of AS greater than ?41.6?% reached a hazard ratio of 4.41 (p?=?0.004) for prediction of events. In asymptomatic patients with SMR and preserved ejection fraction, 3DST derived AS is a promising tool for predicting the development of heart failure. This finding may be useful for guiding the selection of patients for early mitral valve repair/replacement surgery even if they are asymptomatic.     

Atrial longitudinal strain parameters predict left atrial reverse remodeling after mitral valve surgery: a speckle tracking echocardiography study

Volume overload in chronic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) causes left atrial (LA) remodeling. Volume overload generally diminishes after mitral valve surgery and LA size and shape are expected to recover. The recovery of LA functions named as reverse remodeling is said to be related with prognosis and mortality. A few clinical and echocardiographic parameters have been reported to be associated with LA reverse remodeling. In this study, we investigated the relationship between LA peak longitudinal strain (reservoir strain) assessed with 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) and LA reverse remodeling. 53 patients (24 females and 29 males, mean age: 45.7 ± 13.5 years) with severe MR and preserved left ventricular systolic function were included in the study. All patients had normal sinus rhythm. The etiology of MR was mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in 37 patients and rheumatic valvular disease in 16 patients. Mitral valve repair was performed in 30 patients while 23 underwent mitral valve replacement. Echocardiography was performed before the surgery and 6 months later. LA peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) was assessed with speckle tracking imaging. LA reverse remodeling was defined as a percent of decrease in LA volume index (LAVI). Left atrial volume index significantly decreased after surgery (58.2 ± 16.6 vs. 43.9 ± 17.2 ml/m², p ≤ 0.001). Mean LAVI reduction was 22.5 ± 27.2 %. There was no significant difference in LAVI reduction between mitral repair and replacement groups (22.1 ± 22.6 vs. 23.1 ± 32.8 %, p = 0.9). Although the decrease in LAVI was higher in MVP group than rheumatic group, it was not statistically significant (24.4 ± 26.8 vs. 18.2 ± 28.9 %, p = 0.4). Correlates of LAVI reduction were preoperative LAVI (r 0.28, p = 0.039), PALS (r 0.36, p = 0.001) and age (r ?0.36, p = 0.007). Furthermore, in multivariate linear regression analysis (entering models), preoperative LAVI, age and PALS were all significant predictors of LA reverse remodeling (p ≤ 0.001, p = 0.04, p = 0.001 respectively). Left atrial peak longitudinal strain measured by 2D STE, in conjunction with preoperative LAVI and age is a predictor of LA reverse remodeling in patients undergoing surgery for severe MR. We suggest that in this patient population, PALS may also be used as a preoperative prognostic marker.     

Left heart longitudinal deformation analysis in mitral regurgitation

In mitral regurgitation (MR), left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) undergo remodeling even if the patient is asymptomatic. The aim of our study was to identify the best echo index that correlates with MR severity in asymptomatic patients affected by MR. We enrolled 150 MR patients (50: mild, 50: moderate, 50: severe), asymptomatic for exertional dyspnea and 50 healthy controls. MR was graded using Doppler quantitative method. All underwent standard and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (STE) with analysis of global peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), LV longitudinal strain (LS) and global atrio-ventricular strain (GAVS). LA dimensions showed significant differences between the groups while LV end-diastolic diameter did not significantly differ, although having a slight increase. PALS was slightly higher in patients with mild MR, while decreased in moderate and, mainly, in severe MR (controls 37.4?±?12.2%, mild MR 38.2?±?9%, moderate MR 29.1?±?9%, severe MR 19.8?±?10.6%, p?<?0.0001 by ANOVA); the same was found for GAVS (56.1?±?13%, 57.6?±?9.7%, 48.2?±?9% 39?±?9.4%, p?<?0.0001 by ANOVA). LV LS showed a tendency for gradual reduction in the three groups. In multivariate analysis, PALS and GAVS were far superior than GLS as predictors of MR groups. PALS emerged as an added value to the LA indexed volumes as predictor of MR severity. STE-derived PALS and GAVS emerged as promising tools to investigate heart longitudinal function in patients with chronic MR and no symptoms. PALS can represent a surplus in the prediction of severity of MR, in addition to the assessment of LA volumes.     

二维斑点追踪显像对风湿性心脏病重度二尖瓣狭窄合并房颤患者二尖瓣置换及房颤消融术前后左心房应变的研究

目的应用二维超声斑点追踪显像评价风湿性心脏病重度二尖瓣狭窄合并房颤患者二尖瓣置换及房颤消融术前后左心房心肌应变的变化。方法采集25例正常对照组和12例风湿性心脏病重度二尖瓣狭窄合并房颤患者术前、术后1个月、术后3个月的二维动态图像,应用QLab9.0软件测量左心房心肌应变值。结果 (1)与正常对照组相比,风湿性心脏病重度二尖瓣狭窄合并房颤患者左心房整体峰值纵向应变(PALS)减低(P<0.01);左心房整体纵向应变达峰时间(TPLS)延长(P<0.01)。(2)与术前相比,术后1个月PALS增加(P<0.05),整体TPLS缩短(P<0.05);术后3个月PALS增加更为显著(P<0.01),整体TPLS缩短亦更为显著(P<0.01)。结论二维超声斑点追踪显像能快速、准确地定量评价二尖瓣置换及房颤消融术前后左心房功能的变化。     

Validation of contrast-enhanced time-resolved magnetic resonance angiography in pre-ablation planning in patients with atrial fibrillation: comparison with traditional technique

Bolus timing is critical to optimal magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) acquisitions but can be challenging in some patients. Our purpose was to evaluate whether contrast-enhanced time-resolved magnetic resonance angiography (TR-MRA), a dynamic multiphase sequence that does not rely on bolus timing, is a viable alternative method to conventional 3D fast-long angle shot contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA). Coronal subtracted conventional CE-MRA images in 50 consecutive patients presenting for pre-atrial fibrillation ablation pulmonary venous (PV) mapping were compared with 50 TR-MRA images performed in 50 subsequent patients. The TR-MRA protocol was modified to optimize spatial resolution with slightly reduced temporal resolution (6.1 s scan time). Three experienced readers evaluated each scan’s image quality and relative left atrial (LA) opacification based on a 4-point scale and diagnostic PV visualization in a binary fashion. Additionally, LA signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and PV dimensions were measured for both techniques. TR-MRA had significantly higher overall image quality (3.10?±?0.69 vs. 2.42?±?0.69, p?<?0.0001), and LA opacification scores (3.33?±?0.70 vs. 2.15?±?1.13, p?<?0.0001) compared to CE-MRA. The proportion of diagnostically visualized pulmonary veins was 137/150 (91%) in the CE-MRA group vs. 147/150 (98%) with TR-MRA (p?=?0.010). Both SNR and CNR were higher with TR-MRA vs. CE-MRA (277.9?±?48.9 vs. 106.8?±?41, p?=?0.002 and 100.3?±?41.7 vs. 70.7?±?48.0, p?=?0.002, respectively). Inter-reader variance of individual PV measurements for each of the MR techniques ranged between 0.62 and 1.47 mm and the ICC for vein measurements was higher with TR-MRA (range: 0.62–0.81) compared to CE-MRA (range: 0.47–0.64). TR-MRA, modified to maximize spatial resolution, offers an alternative method for performing high quality MRA examinations in patients with AF. TR-MRA offers greater overall image quality, PV visualization, and similarly reproducible PV measurements compared to traditional CE-MRA, without the challenges of proper bolus timing.     

Assessment of left atrial function using speckle tracking echocardiography in ankylosing spondylitis: a case-control study

The aim of this study is to assess the left atrium (LA) deformation parameters by using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and to evaluate the relationship between these parameters and AS clinical indexes. 30 patients with AS (22 males, 8 females) and 30 healthy individuals (19 males, 11 females) were enrolled in this study. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed to both groups. Besides the conventional echocardiographic parameters, the LA strain parameters; including systolic-reservoir (LA S-S), early diastolic-conduit (LA S-E), late diastolic-contraction (LA S-A) were measured. No significant difference was found between two groups in terms of conventional echocardiographic parameters except mean deceleration time (DT). Mean DT was prolonged in the AS patients compare with the control group (173.5?±?22.5 vs. 155.3?±?36.7, p?=?0.025). In the AS patients, LA S-S (48.3?±?9.4 vs. 56.9?±?10.1, p?=?0.001), LA S-E (26.4?±?6.4 vs. 31.6?±?7.3, p?=?0.005) and LA S-A (21.9?±?4.7 vs. 25.4?±?5.7, p?=?0.013) values were statistically lower than the control group. Also a negative correlation was observed between the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) and LA S-S (r?=???0.509, p?=?0.004), LA S-E (r?=???0.501, p?=?0.005). Our study demonstrated that 2D-STE is a useful method to determine the left atrial involvement in AS patients without the clinical evident of cardiovascular disease.     

The effect of different treatment strategies on left ventricular myocardial deformation parameters in patients with chronic renal failure

The aim of this study was to compare left ventricular (LV) functions by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in various stages and under different renal replacement treatments in order to evaluate possible differences between them. This prospective study included 150 patients with CKD. Renal transplantation patients with glomerular filtration rate greater than 60 ml/min/1.73 m², patients receiving hemodialysis three times a week, and patients in the predialysis stage with glomerular filtration rate less than 30 ml/dk/1.73 m² were assigned into Group 1 (n?=?50), Group 2 (n?=?50), and Group 3 (n?=?50), respectively. LV longitudinal, circumferential, and radial myocardial deformation parameters (strain, strain rate [SR], rotation, twist) were evaluated by STE. Peak systolic longitudinal strain was higher in the transplantation group than the hemodialysis group (??19.93?±?3.50 vs???17.47?±?3.28%, p?<?0.017). Peak systolic circumferential strain was lower in the hemodialysis group (??20.97?±?4.90%) than Groups 1 and 3 (??25.87?±?4.20 and ??24.74?±?4.55%, respectively, p?<?0.001). Peak systolic radial SR was higher in the transplantation group than the hemodialysis group (1.84?±?0.52 vs 1.55?±?0.52 s^?1, respectively, p?<?0.017). Other longitudinal and circumferential deformation parameters together with peak early diastolic radial SR and twist were also significantly different between the groups. Strain, SR, and twist values were mostly lower in the hemodialysis patients, but generally higher in the transplantation patients. LV functions evaluated by STE are better in the renal transplantation patients than the hemodialysis patients and than those in the predialysis stage. This may indicate beneficial effects of renal transplantation on cardiac functions.     

Echocardiographic assessment of regional right ventricular systolic function using two-dimensional strain echocardiography and evaluation of the predictive ability of longitudinal 2D-strain imaging for pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis patients

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a generalized connective tissue disorder, and SSc patients are at risk of developing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The aims of this study are to evaluate the right ventricular regional systolic function using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D STE) and to determine the predictive ability of peak longitudinal systolic strain (PLSS) at the RV lateral wall for PAH in SSc patients. 80 SSc patients (mean age 51?±?12 years) were included in the study. Echocardiography and 2D STE were performed at baseline and after 12 months. RHC was performed only in SSc patients with clinical indications. PLSS at the apical segment of the RV free wall was significantly impaired in PAH patients compared with non-PH patients (–14.6?±?5.9 vs. ??22.2?±?7.5%, p?=?0.034). PLSS at the basal, mid, and apical segments of the RV free wall was lower in both groups at follow-up compared to baseline, but the drop in strain values was statistically significant only in the non-PH group (p?<?0.05). Right atrial area (OR 1.758; p?=?0.023), peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (OR 24.23; p?=?0.011) and PLSS at the apical segment of the RV lateral wall (OR 2.47; p?=?0.005) were independent predictors of PAH. A cut-off value of ??14.48% PLSS at the apical segment of the RV lateral wall resulted in 100% specificity for predicting PAH in SSc patients. RV pressure overload affects RV systolic function as manifested by impaired RV longitudinal deformation. Evaluating RV regional systolic function with 2D STE could be useful as an additional echocardiographic parameter for screening PAH in SSc patients.     

Radiotherapy-induced global and regional differences in early-stage left-sided versus right-sided breast cancer patients: speckle tracking echocardiography study

Radiotherapy (RT) to the thoracic region increases late cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The impact of breast cancer laterality on cardiac function is largely unknown. The aim of this prospective study was to compare RT-induced changes in left-sided and right-sided breast cancer patients using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Sixty eligible patients with left-sided breast cancer and 20 with right-sided breast cancer without chemotherapy were evaluated prospectively before and early after RT. A comprehensive echocardiographic examination included three dimensional measurements and STE of the left ventricle (LV). The global longitudinal strain (GLS) was reduced from ?18.3?±?3.1 to ?17.2?±?3.3% (p?=?0.003) after RT in patients with left-sided breast cancer. Similarly, regional analysis showed a reduction in the apical strain from ?18.7?±?5.3 to ?16.7?±?4.9% (p?=?0.002) and an increase in basal values from ?21.6?±?5.0 to ?23.3?±?4.9% (p?=?0.024). Patients with right-sided breast cancer showed deterioration in basal anterior strain segments from ?26.3?±?7.6 to ?18.8?±?8.9% (p?<?0.001) and in pulsed tissue Doppler by 0.825 [0.365, 1.710] cm/s (p?<?0.001). In multivariable analysis, the use of aromatase inhibitor (β?=??2.002, p?=?0.001) and decreased LV diastolic volume (β?=??0.070, p?=?0.025) were independently associated with the decrease in GLS. RT caused no changes in conventional LV systolic measurements. RT induced regional changes corresponded to the RT fields. Patients with left-sided breast cancer experienced apical impact and global decline, whereas patients with right-sided breast cancer showed basal changes. The regional differences in cardiac impact warrant different methods in screening and in the follow-up of patients with left-sided versus right-sided breast cancer.     

Adverse effects of permanent atrial fibrillation on heart failure in patients with preserved left ventricular function and chronic right apical pacing for complete heart block

Background

The impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) on heart failure (HF) was evaluated in patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) function and long-term right ventricular (RV) pacing for complete heart block.

Methods

Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory parameters of HF were assessed in 35 patients with established AF who had undergone ablation of the atrioventricular node and pacemaker implantation (Group A) and 31 patients who received dual-chamber pacing for spontaneous complete heart block (Group B).

Results

During a follow-up period of 12.7?±?7.5?years, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class increased from 1.3?±?0.5 to 2.1?±?0.6 (p?p?p?p?=?0,21) in Group B. At the end of follow-up, markers of LV function were moderately depressed in Group A compared with those in Group B: NYHA class 2.1?±?0.6 versus 1.6?±?0.7, p?=?0.001; LVEF 53.0?±?8.2 versus 56.9?±?7.0?%, p?p?p?10?%, increasing NYHA class ≥1, and NT-proBNP levels >1,000?pg/ml.

Conclusions

Permanent AF was associated with adverse effects on LV function and symptoms of HF in patients with long-term RV pacing for complete heart block, and appears to play an important role in the development of HF in this specific patient cohort.     

风湿性心脏病二尖瓣狭窄患者血浆肾素血管紧张素醛固酮系统的变化与左心房重构的关系

目的 研究风湿性心脏病(风心病)二尖瓣狭窄(MS)患者血浆肾素血管紧张素醛固酮系统的变化,并探讨其与左心房重构的关系.方法 MS组患者55例,按有无心房颤动分为2组:窦性心律组(SR组)25例,心房颤动组(AF组)30例.正常对照组(NC组)17例.应用放射免疫方法(RIA)测定清晨空腹卧位循环血浆肾素活性(PRA)、血管紧张素Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)、醛固酮(Ald)水平.结果 AF组左心房内径与SR组、NC组相比显著增大,分别增大16.9%[(57.71±8.07)mm和(48.48±5.05)mm,P＜0.01)]与87.8%[(57.71±8.07)mm与(30.18±2.86)mm,P＜0.01],且SR组与NC组相比左心房内径亦明显增大,增大60.6%[(48.48±5.05)mm与(30.18±2.86)mm,P＜0.01)].AF、SR组患者循环PRA、AngⅡ、Ald浓度与NC组相比均显著增高(P＜0.01),AF组与SR组相比循环PRA、AngⅡ、Ald浓度亦均明显增高(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).应用Pearson相关分析显示MS患者左心房内径大小与循环PRA、AngⅡ、Ald浓度呈正相关系(r分别为0.277、0.485、0.431,P值分别为＜0.05,＜0.01,＜0.01).经多元线性逐步回归分析表明:循环AngⅡ和Ald与左心房内径呈直线相关(Bate值分别为0.362、0.261,P＜0.01、P＜0.05).结论 MS患者存在循环肾素血管紧张素醛固酮系统(RAAS)的激活,循环AngⅡ和Ald可能与左心房重构有关.     

CT based 3D printing is superior to transesophageal echocardiography for pre-procedure planning in left atrial appendage device closure

Accurate assessment of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is important for pre-procedure planning when utilizing device closure for stroke reduction. Sizing is traditionally done with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) but this is not always precise. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of the LAA may be more accurate. 24 patients underwent Watchman device (WD) implantation (71?±?11 years, 42% female). All had complete 2-dimensional TEE. Fourteen also had cardiac computed tomography (CCT) with 3D printing to produce a latex model of the LAA for pre-procedure planning. Device implantation was unsuccessful in 2 cases (one with and one without a 3D model). The model correlated perfectly with implanted device size (R²?=?1; p?<?0.001), while TEE-predicted size showed inferior correlation (R²?=?0.34; 95% CI 0.23–0.98, p?=?0.03). Fisher’s exact test showed the model better predicted final WD size than TEE (100 vs. 60%, p?=?0.02). Use of the model was associated with reduced procedure time (70?±?20 vs. 107?±?53 min, p?=?0.03), anesthesia time (134?±?31 vs. 182?±?61 min, p?=?0.03), and fluoroscopy time (11?±?4 vs. 20?±?13 min, p?=?0.02). Absence of peri-device leak was also more likely when the model was used (92 vs. 56%, p?=?0.04). There were trends towards reduced trans-septal puncture to catheter removal time (50?±?20 vs. 73?±?36 min, p?=?0.07), number of device deployments (1.3?±?0.5 vs. 2.0?±?1.2, p?=?0.08), and number of devices used (1.3?±?0.5 vs. 1.9?±?0.9, p?=?0.07). Patient specific models of the LAA improve precision in closure device sizing. Use of the printed model allowed rapid and intuitive location of the best landing zone for the device.     

Relationship between left atrial appendage emptying and left atrial function using cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with atrial fibrillation: comparison with transesophageal echocardiography

To compare cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) quantifications of left atrium (LA) function and left atrial appendage (LAA) emptying depending on the presence of LA spontaneous echogenic contrast (LA-SEC) on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A total of 48 patients with AF underwent sequential CMR examination and TEE in preparation for catheter ablation. The CMR protocol included cine and velocity encoding (VENC) sequences for evaluation of both LA function and LAA emptying. The peak blood velocity of LAA just before left ventricle systole was defined as the LAA emptying velocity (LAA-EV). Depending on the presence of LA-SEC on TEE, patients were divided into two groups, the SEC group (n?=?15) and the non-SEC group (n?=?33). Mean LAA-EV was significantly greater in the non-SEC group than in the SEC group (54.5?±?24.8 ml/s vs. 26.0?±?22.6 ml/s, P?<?0.01). LAA-EV had a significant positive relationship (P?<?0.05) with LAA backflow velocity, as assessed using TEE. Use of an optimal LAA-EV cutoff value of 35 ml/s to predict LA-SEC yielded a sensitivity of 80.0?%, a specificity of 75.7?%, and positive and negative predictive values of 58.8 and 83.9?%, respectively. Using VENC-CMR, LAA-EV is associated with LA function and can be useful for predicting LA-SEC in patients with AF.     

Cardiac function in patients with polymyositis or dermatomyositis: a three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography study

Cardiac event is a major cause of death in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). The most frequent IIMs are polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM). The purpose of this study was to analyze cardiac involvement by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3D STE) in patients with PM or DM, and to identify the relationship of cardiac injury with clinical characteristics and disease-specific parameters. 60 PM/DM patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and 30 matched healthy controls were assessed by conventional echocardiography, 3D STE with biventricular strain analysis and electrocardiogram. Compared to controls, patients with PM/DM had significantly diminished left ventricular global longitudinal systolic strain and right ventricular longitudinal systolic strain (LVGLS, ? 20.3?±?2.5 vs. ? 23.4?±?1.7%; RVLS, ? 19.4?±?4.2 vs ? 24.8?±?2.0%; both P?<?0.001), and longer QTc intervals(421.0?±?38.4 vs 400.6?±?14.5 ms, P?=?0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that Myositis Damage Index (MDI) was independently associated with LVGLS (R²?=?0.44, P?=?0.002) and RVLS (R²?=?0.56, P?<?0.001) in PM/DM patients with established disease course more than 1 year. In multivariate analysis of pooled data for all the PM/DM patients, when MDI was excluded due to missing observations, disease duration correlated with worse LVGLS (R²?=?0.24, P?=?0.002), while concomitant interstitial lung disease correlated with worse RVLS (R²?=?0.30, P?<?0.001). Disease activity scores (Myositis Intention to Treat Activities Index) had a weak positive correlation with QTc intervals (r_sp = 0.31, P?=?0.02). Our results suggest that cardiac injury in PM/DM is a long-term process and its severity depends on patients’ heterogeneous clinical features and systemic disease burden.