Pulmonary venous systolic flow fraction in patients with mitral regurgitation: transoesophageal echocardiography findings in relation to haemodynamic and angiographic evaluation

Summary. In patients with mitral regurgitation (MR), pulmonary venous systolic flow fraction (PVSF_fr) recorded using pulsed Doppler transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was compared with PVSF_fr in normal subjects, to angiographic grading and to haemodynamic parameters. PVSfr was calculated as the systolic flow velocity integral divided by total inflow integral. PVSfr is negative when systolic flow is reversed. Forty patients with MR were studied. PVSF_fr<0 was 100% sensitive for angiographic severe MR (specificity 83%). In 35 patents heart rate differed by 10 bpm or less between TEE and cath, either at rest or during stress. PVSF_fr was correlated with angiographic grade (r=-0.69, P<0.0001), with mean PCW (r=-0.61, P<0.0001), with the v-wave (r=-0.72, P<0.0001), with systolic blood pressure (r=0.48, P<0.005) and with left atrial diameter (r= -0.52, P<0.005). Stepwise forward multiple linear regression analysis revealed the v-wave, angiographic grading and systolic blood pressure to be independent predictors of PVSF_fr. PVSF_fr differed in normal subjects, patients with 0–2+ and patients with 3–4+ regurgitation. PVSF_fr is a valuable index in assessing mitral regurgitation. This index may be less dependent on equipment and operator than colour flow imaging.     

Left atrial appendage functions in patients with severe rheumatic mitral regurgitation

Aim The left atrial appendage (LAA) function was evaluated in patients with severe rheumatic mitral regurgitation, having sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation, by standard and tissue Doppler echocardiographic examinations. Methods and results Sixty patients with rheumatic severe mitral regurgitation were enrolled. The patients (14 females and 6 males) having sinus rhythm were selected as group I and 20 patients (15 females and 5 males) with atrial fibrillation formed group II. 20 healthy subjects (15 female and 5 males) served as the control group (group III). In order to determine the LAA functions, LAA peak filling flow velocity (LAAPFV), LAA peak emptying flow velocity (LAAPEV) and percentage of LAA area change (LAAAC %) were measured. In the TDI records of the subjects with sinus rhythm, the first positive wave identical to the LAA late emptying wave (LEW) following the P-wave was accepted as LAA late systolic wave (LSW), and the second negative wave identical to the LAA late filling flow was accepted as late diastolic wave (LDW). In patients with atrial fibrillation, the positive wave was accepted as LAA late systolic wave (LSW), and the second negative wave identical to the LAA late filling flow was accepted as late diastolic wave (LDW). LAA outflow and inflow velocities were lower in the group having atrial fibrillation (P < 0.002, and P < 0.007, respectively). LAAAC% was also reduced in group II (P < 0.0001). The pulsed Doppler LSW and LDW velocities, measured with TDI method were found to be quite reduced in patients with AF (P: 0.002 and P: 0.001, respectively). The study parameters were statistically similar in patients with normal sinus rhythm and controls. Conclusion In this study, we found that the LAA functions are impaired in patients with severe mitral regurgitation, having AF, whereas preserved in patients with normal sinus rhythm, compared to controls.     

Assessment of left ventricular diastolic function from mitral annulus motion,a comparison with pulsed Doppler measurements in patients with heart failure

Summary. Mitral and pulmonary venous flow velocity recordings are often used for the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function. These curves are, however, also influenced by other factors. To investigate whether mitral annulus motion carries additional information in this context, mitral annulus motion was compared to Doppler registrations of mitral and pulmonary flow velocities in 38 patients with heart failure (NYHA II—III) after myocardial infarction. Patients with an increased atrial contribution to mitral annulus motion (> 57%, n= 12) had a higher mitral late-to-early flow velocity ratio (A/E) and pulmonary systolic to diastolic filling ratio (<0–01). Patients with atrial displacement above average for the group (? 5.1 mm, n= 19) had a higher mitral AVE ratio and pulmonary systolic to diastolic filling ratio than patients with a lower than average atrial component (P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between a/T ratio and A/E ratio (r= 0.61, P < 0.001) and between pulmonary flow and transmitral flow (= 0.76, P < 0.001). We conclude that an increased atrial displacement of the mitral annulus is a frequent finding in patients with signs of left ventricular relaxation abnormality. There is a significant correlation between a/T ratio and A/E ratio but the information contained in the two indices are not identical.     

术前评估成人房间隔缺损合并器质性二尖瓣关闭不全

目的 探讨成人房间隔缺损（ASD）合并器质性二尖瓣关闭不全（MR）的特异性超声心动图表现。方法 收集372例接受ASD心内修复术的成人患者,根据是否同时或分期行二尖瓣成形术或置换术分为两组,即病例组（n=45）和对照组（n=327）。应用多因素回归法筛选ASD合并器质性MR的术前危险因素。结果 病例组患者左心室舒张末期内径（LVEDD）、左心房内径（LAD）、肺动脉内径（PAD）和二尖瓣瓣环内径明显大于对照组（P均<0.05）;二尖瓣和三尖瓣的舒张早期峰速（Em、Et）均明显高于对照组（P均<0.05）;二尖瓣环和三尖瓣环侧壁处的舒张晚期峰速（Am''、At''）、三尖瓣侧壁瓣环处收缩期运动峰速（St''）明显小于对照组（P均<0.05）;肺动脉收缩压（PASP）明显高于对照组（P=0.004）,三尖瓣反流程度也明显大于对照组（P=0.002）。其中二尖瓣瓣环扩张、LVEDD增大、St''偏低和PAD明显扩张,是成人ASD合并器质性MR的独立危险因素。结论 二尖瓣瓣环内径明显扩大和LVEDD增大是ASD患者左心室前负荷增加的特异性超声心动图表现。     

Increased serum oxidative stress in patients with severe mitral regurgitation: A new finding and potential mechanism for atrial enlargement

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the serum oxidative stress in patients with severe mitral regurgitation.Design and methodsThis study analyzed serum oxidative stress index in patients with severe mitral regurgitation [persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) or sinus rhythm], paroxysmal lone AF patients and healthy subjects.ResultsThe serum oxidative stress index was significantly higher in the mitral regurgitation AF group and sinus group than in the lone AF group and healthy subjects (p < 0.0001). Left atrial size was significantly larger in the mitral regurgitation AF group and sinus group than in the lone AF group and healthy subjects (p < 0.0001). The oxidative stress index significantly and positively correlated with left atrial size in the overall study population (r = 0.439, p = 0.0008).ConclusionsThis study provides new evidence of increased oxidative stress in human severe mitral regurgitation, probably contributing to atrial enlargement.     

组织二尖瓣环位移评价冠状动脉慢血流患者左心房功能

目的 探讨组织二尖瓣环位移（TMAD）评价冠状动脉慢血流（CSF）患者左心房功能的应用价值。方法 44例CSF患者（CSF组）和42例无CSF患者（对照组）行常规超声心动图检查，采用Simpson法计算左心房射血分数（LAEF）、被动射血分数（LAPEF）和主动射血分数（LAAEF），采用TMAD检测二尖瓣环左心房充盈期位移、被动排空期位移及心房收缩期位移（TMAD_D、TMAD_P及TMAD_S）。结果 与对照组比较，CSF组LAEF和LAAEF降低，且TMAD_D和TAMD_S均降低（P均<0.01）。CSF组TMAD_D和TAMD_S均与冠状动脉平均血流帧数（TFC）呈负相关（r=-0.31，-0.36，P均<0.01）。结论 CSF患者左心房储器及泵功能降低，且冠状动脉血流速度越慢，功能降低越显著。TMAD可快速准确评价左心房功能，为临床治疗及预后评估提供重要依据。     

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery: mid-term results after surgical correction

Objectives Children with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) are at risk for myocardial infarction and death. This retrospective study shows the mid-term follow-up after the use of aortic implantation and alternative methods to achieve coronary transfer. Methods Since 1990 seven consecutive children underwent primary repair of ALCAPA. Age at operation ranged from 2 to 71 months (median 11 months). Operative techniques included ligation (n = 1), intrapulmonary tunnel (n = 1), and aortic implantation (n = 5). One patient with severe mitral valve incompetence underwent additional mitral valve replacement. A 4-month-old patient was successfully treated after the operation with a left heart assist device. Results One death in the series occurred at 2 weeks after intrapulmonary tunneling. The mid-term results were evaluated in the six survivors with a follow-up mean of 98 months (ranged 58–168). In all surviving patients with two-vessel coronary blood supply, left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular ejection fraction returned to near normal values 2–12 months postoperatively. The mitral valve incompetence decreased in all patients with a native mitral valve. One patient with coronary ligation showed severe mitral valve regurgitation and received additional mitral valve replacement concomitantly. Six years after primary valve replacement of a 21 mm SJM (Saint Jude Medical) a change of the mechanical valve to a 27 mm valve was necessary because of development of severe stenosis due to growth. Conclusions It is always preferable to establish an antegrade flow of oxygenated blood through the coronary arteries and to create a two-coronary artery system. Mitral valve annuloplasty or replacement may be necessary for patients with severe mitral valve incompetence.     

左心室心肌做功效能评价冠状动脉慢血流患者左心室收缩及舒张功能

目的 采用二维斑点追踪技术（STE）检测冠状动脉慢血流（CSF）患者左心室心肌收缩及舒张做功效能（MSP/MDP）。方法 收集经冠状动脉造影诊断为CSF患者50例（CSF组）和一般临床情况与之匹配的无CSF患者45例（对照组）,采用STE检测左心室收缩期峰值整体纵向、径向和圆周应变及舒张早期应变率,计算左心室MSP和MDP,比较2组各参数的差异。结果 CSF组左心室收缩期峰值整体纵向、径向和圆周应变及舒张早期应变率、MSP和MDP均较对照组减低（P均< 0.05）。CSF组冠状动脉平均血流帧数（TFC）与MDP呈负相关（r=-0.23,P=0.04）;冠状动脉受累支数与MDP呈负相关（r=-0.31,P=0.03）。不同冠状动脉受累支数与对照组左心室MDP整体比较差异有统计学意义（P均< 0.05）,且受累2支、3支者MDP较对照组减低（P均<0.05）。结论 CSF患者左心室收缩及舒张功能均减低,且平均TFC越大,冠状动脉受累支数越多,左心室舒张功能减低越明显。利用左心室心肌做功效能可全面评价左心室收缩及舒张功能。     

Factors associated with the development of atrial fibrillation in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS). A total of 146 consecutive patients with rheumatic MS were screened. They were accepted to be in AF group and sinus rhythm group according to their rhythm in the baseline ECG. After screening, 38 patients were excluded due to hyperthyroidism (n = 13), chronic obstructive pulmary disease (n = 22), malignancy (n = 2) and romatoid arthritis (n = 1). Therefore, remaining 108 patients, 74 of whom in sinus rhythm (MS-SR) and 34 of whom in AF (MS-AF) constituted study population. Fourty age- and gender-matched patients constituted control group. Factors associated with development of AF in multivariable analysis included High sensitivity C reactive protein (P = 0.005; odds ratio, 3.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.44–8.22), N-terminal of brain natriuretic peptide precursor (P < 0.0001; odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.06) and left atrial diameter (P < 0.0001; odds ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–2.14). Present study suggests that High sensitivity C reactive protein, N-terminal of brain natriuretic peptide precursor and left atrial diameter are associated with development AF in patients with MS.     

二维斑点追踪成像技术评价左心室不同部位心肌梗死患者右心室心肌功能

目的 探讨二维斑点追踪成像技术（STI）评价左心室不同部位心肌梗死对右心室心肌功能的影响。方法 收集诊断为急性心肌梗死（AMI）并接受经皮冠状动脉支架植入术的52例患者（AMI组）,结合心电图、室壁运动评分指数（WMSI）及冠状动脉造影结果,分为下后壁心肌梗死亚组（A组,n=26）和非下后壁心肌梗死亚组（B组,n=26）。另选取26名健康志愿者作为对照组。对3组行超声心动图检查,采用STI技术进行评价,比较左、右心室心肌功能。结果 与对照组比较,B组右心室纵向峰值应变（RV-LS）、右心室面积变化率（RVFAC）、左心室纵向峰值应变（LV-LS）、室间隔纵向峰值应变（Sep-LS）、左心室射血分数（LVEF）减小（P均<0.05）,WMSI增大（P<0.05）;与A组比较,B组RV-LS、RVFAC、LV-LS、Sep-LS减小（P均<0.05）,二尖瓣舒张早期血流速度与二尖瓣瓣环舒张早期运动速度的比值增大（P<0.05）。RV-LS与LV-LS、Sep-LS和LVEF均呈正相关（r=0.48、0.55、0.39,P均<0.05）。结论 非下后壁心肌梗死患者右心室心肌收缩功能减低,且右心室心肌收缩功能主要受室间隔心肌收缩功能的影响。     

左心室压力-应变环评估冠心病患者冠状动脉病变程度

目的 观察左心室压力-应变环（LV-PSL）评估冠心病患者冠状动脉病变程度的价值。方法 按照Gensini评分将154例冠心病患者分为轻度组（n=51）、中度组（n=53）和重度组（n=50）,以50名健康志愿者作为对照组。采用LV-PSL观察并比较各组左心室整体纵向应变（GLS）及心肌做功（MW）参数,包括整体有用功（GCW）、整体无用功（GWW）、整体做功指数（GWI）及整体做功效率（GWE）,分析其评估冠状动脉病变程度的效能。结果 组间GLS及MW参数差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.05）。轻度组GWW高于、而GWE低于对照组（P均<0.05）;中度组GWW高于轻度组和对照组（P均<0.05）,GLS、GWI、GCW及GWE均低于轻度组和对照组（P均<0.05）;重度组GWW高于,而GLS、GWI、GCW及GWE均低于其余3组（P均<0.05）。GWE评估冠状动脉中、重度病变的曲线下面积均大于GWI、GCW及GWW （Z=0.73、0.74、0.88,P均<0.001）;以94.50%为GWE最佳截断值,其特异度为87.00%,敏感度为83.00%。Gensini评分与GWW呈中度正相关（r=0.69,P<0.01）,与GWI、GCW呈低度负相关（r=－0.42、－0.43,P均<0.01）,而与GWE呈中度负相关（r=－0.79,P<0.01）。结论 LV-PSL对评估冠心病患者冠状动脉病变程度具有一定价值,以左心室GWE诊断效能最佳。     

Mitral annular velocity by Doppler tissue imaging for the evaluation of atrial stunning after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

Objective Atrial and/or appendage stunning (AS) usually occur after successful cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF). Several parameters except mitral annular velocity were previously evaluated to determine AS. We investigated whether mitral annular velocity was useful for determining of AS. Methods This study consisted of 52 consecutive patients with AF <3 months who converted to the sinus rhythm. Mitral inflow and annular velocities were measured before and after cardioversion. Left atrial appendage (LAA) size and flow were assessed. The average velocity of septal and lateral segments of mitral annulus was considered as the final annular velocity. Thrombus and/or spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) were also investigated. Results Of 52 patients, 29 (56%) had AS but 23 did not. There was no significant difference in age, gender, and cardioversion type between two groups. Hypertension was more prevalent in patients without AS compared to those with AS (P = 0.02). Mitral annular systolic and E-wave velocities were comparable in both groups (P > 0.05). Mitral annular A-wave velocity (3.1 ± 2.9 vs. 7.1 ± 2.2 cm/s, P < 0.001), and its velocity-time integral (0.27 ± 0.22 vs. 0.74 ± 0.19 cm, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in patients with AS compared with those without AS. The annular A-wave velocity ≤3.3 cm/s predicted AS with a sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 76%. It was correlated with mitral inflow A velocity (r = 0.85, P < 0.001), LAA emptying velocity (r = 0.41, P = 0.003) and presence of SEC (r = −0.52, P < 0.001). Conclusion After cardioversion of AF, mitral annular A-wave velocity may be a new marker to determine AS.     

New quantitative three-dimensional echocardiographic indices of mitral valve stenosis

Background We studied the value of quantitative three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in the evaluation of mitral valve stenosis using the measurement of the mitral valve area (MVA) with two new indices: the doming volume and mitral valve volume. Methods and results A total of 45 consecutive patients with mitral valve stenosis were studied. MVA was measured using Doppler with the pressure half-time (PHT) method. Following a diagnostic multiplane transesophageal (TEE) examination, data for 3DE were acquired with a rotational mode of acquisition. MVA was assessed by anyplane echocardiography (APE) and from surface rendered images. Moreover, the doming volume, i.e., the volume subtended by the anterior and posterior mitral valve and annular cut plane was measured by APE. Comparing PHT-derived with 3DE-derived MVA’s, using both APE and surface rendered images, only moderate correlations were observed: PHT-derived MVA versus APE-derived MVA: r = 0.74, P < 0.0001; PHT-derived area versus 3DE-surface rendered MVA: r = 0.70, P < 0.0001. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a relation of atrial fibrillation to the doming volume (P = 0.04), but not to PHT-derived MVA (P = 0.28), APE-derived area (P = 0.33) and mitral valve volume (P = 0.08). Comparison of patients with MVA < 1 cm² and MVA > 1 cm² revealed significant difference in mitral valve volume: mean mitral valve volume in critical stenosis was 3.7 ml versus 1.4 ml in non-critical stenosis (P = 0.04). Conclusions Only moderate correlations between 3DE and Doppler-derived MVA’s were observed. Measurement of the doming volume allows quantification of the 3DE geometry of the mitral apparatus. Patients with conical or funnel-like geometry are more likely to have sinus rhythm, whereas, patients with flat geometry are likely to have atrial fibrillation. Mitral valve volume can be used for the evaluation of mitral stenosis severity. These new 3DE indices might be used for selection of patients for balloon valvuloplasty.     

Expression of platelet‐bound stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart disease

Summary. Aims: Blood cell infiltration and inflammation are involved in atrial remodelling during atrial fibrillation (AF) although the exact mechanisms of inflammatory cell recruitment remain poorly understood. Platelet‐bound stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) is increased in cases of ischemic myocardium and regulates recruitment of CXCR4⁺ cells on the vascular wall. Whether platelet‐bound SDF‐1 expression is differentially influenced by non‐valvular paroxysmal or permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been reported so far. Methods and results: A total of 1291 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary angiography were recruited. Among the patients with SAP, platelet‐bound‐SDF‐1 is increased in patients with paroxysmal AF compared with SR or to persistent/permanent AF (P < 0.05 for both). Platelet‐bound SDF‐1 correlated with plasma SDF‐1 (r = 0.488, P = 0.013) in patients with AF and ACS, which was more pronounced among patients with persistent AF (r = 0.842, P = 0.009). Plasma SDF‐1 was increased in persistent/permanent AF compared with SR. Patients with ACS presented with enhanced platelet‐bound‐SDF‐1 compared with SAP. Interestingly, among patients with ACS, patients with paroxysmal or persistent/permanent AF presented with an impaired platelet‐bound SDF‐1 expression compared with patients with SR. Conclusions: Differential expression of platelet‐bound and plasma SDF‐1 was observed in patients with AF compared with SR which may be involved in progenitor cell mobilization and inflammatory cell recruitment in patients with AF and ischemic heart disease. Further in vivo studies are required to elucidate the role of SDF‐1 in atrial remodeling and the atrial fibrillation course.     

Atrioventricular plane displacement correlates closely to circulatory dimensions but not to ejection fraction in normal young subjects

Aims Mitral atrioventricular plane displacement (AVPD) provides information about left ventricular systolic function. M‐mode of systolic annulus amplitude or tissue Doppler imaging of systolic annulus velocity are the current methods of evaluating AVPD. A correlation to ejection fraction (EF) has been demonstrated in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction. Our aim was (i) to investigate the mitral AVPD of normal subjects with different physical work capacities and (ii) to further evaluate AVPD as an index of left ventricular systolic function. Methods and results Twenty‐eight healthy men mean age 28 years (20–39) were included: endurance trained (ET) (n=10), strength trained (ST) (n=9) and untrained (UT) (n=9). The systolic AVPD was recorded at four sites, septal, lateral, anterior and posterior, using M‐mode. Left ventricular volumes were calculated according to Simpson’s rule. Systolic AVPD was higher in endurance trained, 16·9 ± 1·5 mm, as compared with both strength trained, 13 ± 1·6 (P<0·001) and untrained, 14 ± 1·6 (P<0·001). Left ventricular systolic AVPD correlated strongly with end‐diastolic volume (r=0·82), stroke volume (r=0·80) and maximal oxygen consumption per body weight (r=0·72). The correlation between AVPD and EF was poor (r=0·22). Conclusion In the subjects studied, with a range of normal cardiac dimensions, AVPD correlated to stroke volume, end‐diastolic volume and maximal oxygen consumption per body weight, but not to EF. On theoretical grounds, it also seems reasonable that a dimension like AVPD is related to other cardiac dimensions and volumes, rather than to a fraction, like EF. AVPD is one parameter that is useful for evaluation of left ventricular systolic function but is not interchangeable with other measurements such as EF.     

定量组织速度成像测量二尖瓣环运动速度

目的　应用定量组织速度成像测量二尖瓣环运动速度评价扩张型心肌病患者左室舒张功能。方法　定量组织速度成像测量 14例正常人和 14例扩张型心肌病患者二尖瓣环 6个节段 (后间隔和侧壁、前间隔和后壁、前壁和下壁 )舒张早期峰值速度Ve、左房收缩期峰值速度Va ,计算Ve Va ;多普勒超声心动图测量二尖瓣口血流快速充盈速度E峰、左房收缩充盈速度A峰 ,计算E A值。结果　正常人和扩张型心肌病患者两组间E A无显著统计学差异 ,而扩张型心肌病组二尖瓣环平均Ve Va、平均Ve较正常组显著减低 (Ve Va :0 .89± 0 .11vs 1.76± 0 .76,P =0 .0 0 1;Ve :-4 .79± 2 .2 2vs -8.42± 2 .2 7,P<0 .0 0 0 1) ;正常组中二尖瓣环平均Ve Va与E A显著相关 (r =0 .63 ,P =0 .0 0 8) ,而扩张型心肌病组二尖瓣环平均Ve Va与E A无显著相关。结论　扩张型心肌病患者二尖瓣口血流频谱表现为假性正常化 ,定量组织速度成像测量二尖瓣环运动速度可准确评价其左室舒张功能。     

The relationship between tissue Doppler imaging and seric NTproBNP levels in sinus rhythm patients: a prospective study

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) correlates with left ventricular (LV) filling pressure. The ratio between early diastolic transmitral velocity and early mitral annular diastolic velocity (E/Ea) reflects LV filling pressure in a variety of cardiac diseases. However this relationship was not validated in some categories of patients. Our aim was to evaluate the correlation between tissue Doppler velocities of the mitral annulus and NTproBNP levels in sinus rhythm patients. Methods Echocardiography was performed in 111 consecutive patients simultaneously with NTproBNP measurement. E/Ea and E/(Ea × Sa) were calculated (Sa is the maximal systolic velocity of mitral annulus); the average of the velocities of septal and lateral mitral annulus was used. Results Simple regression analysis demonstrated a significant linear correlation between E/(Ea × Sa) and NTproBNP (r = 0.71, P < 0.0001), superior to E/Ea correlation (r = 0.58, P < 0.0001). Significant but weaker correlations were found between NTproBNP and Sa, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, Ea, mitral E/A (early/late diastolic transmitral velocity), E wave, mitral E deceleration time and LV ejection fraction (LVEF). The optimal E/(Ea × Sa) cut-off for prediction of NTproBNP levels > 900 pg/ml was 1.5 (sensitivity = 81%, specificity = 70%). Among analyzed parameters, E/(Ea × Sa) was best correlated with NTproBNP levels in patients with LVEF ≥ 50% (r = 0.80, P < 0.0001), with depressed LVEF (<50%) (r = 0.66, P < 0.0001), with regional wall motion abnormalities (r = 0.75, P < 0.0001), and with E/Ea 8 to 15 (r = 0.58, P < 0.0001). Conclusions E/(Ea × Sa) strongly correlates with NTproBNP, regardless of LVEF, and can be a simple and accurate echocardiographic index in patients in sinus rhythm, particularly in those with regional wall motion abnormalities or intermediate E/Ea.     

Incremental predictive value of pre-procedural N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide for short-term recurrence in atrial fibrillation ablation

The objective of this work was to assess the predictive value of pre-procedural N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Seventy-three consecutive patients with AF (paroxysmal n = 49, persistent n = 24) and preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function (LV ejection fraction > 45%) were prospectively enrolled in this study. All of the enrolled patients underwent catheter ablation after a measurement of their plasma NT-proBNP levels, and an echocardiographic examination with assessment of their LV diastolic function and left atrial(LA) volume. Patients with AF recurrence at 3 months had more persistent AF (P = 0.001), a higher LA volume index (P = 0.002), lesser decelerating times (DT) of mitral inflow (P = 0.014), and higher NT-proBNP levels (P < 0.001), when compared with patients with sinus rhythm restoration. The baseline log NT-proBNP correlated significantly with age (r = 0.26, P = 0.025), LA volume index (r = 0.41, P = 0.001), E/E’ (r = 0.34, P = 0.007), DT (r = −0.34, P = 0.007), and E (r = 0.25, P = 0.04). The log NT-proBNP (HR 7.76, 95% CI 2.95–20.39, P < 0.001) was an independent predictor of AF recurrence. The measurement of NT-proBNP added incremental predictive value to standard indexes of LA size or diastolic function, including LA volume index and DT (P = 0.02). This study suggests the clinical utility of the level of NT-proBNP as an integrating marker of various risk factors, and as an incremental predictive marker for AF catheter ablation. Dr. Hwang and Dr. Son contributed equally to this work.     

Factors Predisposing to the Development of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is in most patients (approximately 70%) associated with organic heart disease including valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart disease, mostly atrial septal defect in adults. In many chronic conditions, determining whether AF is the result or is unrelated to the underlying heart disease, remains unclear. The list of possible etiologies also include cardiac amyloidosis, hemochromatosis and endomyocardial fibrosis. Other heart diseases, such as mitral valve prolapse (without mitral regurgitation), calcifications of the mitral annulus, atrial myxoma, pheochomocytoma, and idiopathic dilated right atrium may present with AF. Atrial fibrillation may occur in the absence of detectable organic heart disease, the so-called “lone AF”, in about 30% of cases. The term “idiopathic AF” implies the absence of any detectable etiology including hyperthyroidism, chronic obstructive lung disease, overt sinus node dysfunction, and overt or concealed preexcitation (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome), only to mention a few of other uncommon causes of AF. The autonomous nervous system may contribute to the occurrence of AF in some patients. AF occurs commonly. In patients with valvular heart disease, AF is common, particularly when the mitral valve is involved. The occurrence of AF is unrelated to the severity of mitral stenosis or mitral regurgitation but is more common in patients with enlarged left atrium and congestive heart failure. In patients with coronary artery disease, AF occurs predominantly in older patients, males, and patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Important predictive factors of AF include hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and diabetes. The risk of the development of AF, in an individual patient, is often difficult to assess. Increasing age, presence of valvular heart disease, and congestive heart failure increase the risk of atrial fibrillation.     

β-Adrenoceptor density in patients with left-sided valvular regurgitation

Summary— Aortic regurgitation differs from mitral regurgitation in that it is a result of combined volume and pressure overload, while the latter represents an almost pure volume overload. In this study, we tested the possibility that these two forms of left ventricular volume overload exert different effects on β-adrenoceptor density. Lymphocyte (n = 33) and myocardial (n = 22) β-adrenoceptor densities were evaluated by [¹²⁵I]-iodocyanopindolol binding in volume-overloaded patients with left heart valvular disease, compared with 31 healthy donor blood and 15 donor heart controls, made available as a result of failing to get matching recipient. The total lymphocyte (LC) β-adrenoceptor density decreased from 43.4 ± 5.5 fmol mg^?1 protein in controls to 9.2 ± 2.7 fmol (P < 0.001) in heart valvular patients. In the myocardial controls, the left ventricular (LV)-receptor density was 126.7 ± 19.5 fmol; right ventricular (RV), 123.1 ± 14.6 fmol; left atrial (LA), 81.6 ± 10.5 fmol; and right atrial (RA), 108.1 ± 14.5 fmol mg^?1 protein. Compared to this group, the total LV-receptor density of the patients decreased by 63%, RV by 54%, LA by 31% and RA by 34%. The decrease in receptor density exhibited a positive correlation with increasing ejection fractions in both the left (r = 0.38) and right (r = 0.44) ventricles, indicating that the former was dependent on the extent of the disease. These changes were accompanied by a 44% increase in plasma epinephrine, 13% in norepinephrine and a 27% decrease in dopamine levels. Based on the predominant left ventricular volume overload classified as aortic regurgitation (AVR), mitral regurgitation (MVR) and mixed aortic and mitral regurgitation (MOL), the attenuation in myocardial-receptor densities showed the following trend: MOL > MVR > AVR. The results show a global reduction in myocardial and LC β-adrenoceptor density, which depends on the origin and the gravity of the LV volume overload.