Indexing Left Atrial Volumes: Alternative Indexing Methods Better Predict Outcomes in Overweight and Obese Populations

BackgroundLeft atrial volume (LAV) is often adjusted for body surface area (BSA). In overweight individuals this may result in underestimation of left atrial (LA) dilation. The authors investigated whether alternative indexing techniques better predict mortality and cardiovascular (CV) events.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different methods of indexing LAV in predicting mortality and CV events across a range of body sizes.MethodsLAV was adjusted for BSA, idealized BSA (iBSA), height, and height-squared (H²) in patients aged over 50 years who underwent outpatient echocardiography and longitudinal follow-up at our institution. LA dilation was categorized using published criteria. Mortality and CV events were assessed via medical records.ResultsLAVs were calculated in 17,454 individuals. In this study, 71.2% were overweight or obese. Indexing using iBSA, height, and H² resulted in reclassification of LA size in up to 28.4% (P < 0.001) compared with indexing using BSA. In severely obese individuals (body mass index [BMI] ≥40 kg/m²), LA dilation indexed for BSA no longer predicted mortality (P = 0.70). Other indexing methods remained predictive of mortality. Height, H², and iBSA all had greater performance, compared with BSA, for prediction of mortality and CV events in all overweight patients with H² showing the best overall performance (P < 0.001). Net reclassification index for mortality was significant for all alternative indexing techniques (P < 0.001) and patients whose LA was reclassified from normal to dilated had increased risk of mortality (P < 0.001) and CV events (P < 0.001) across all BMI categories.ConclusionsLA dilation based on standard indexing using BSA is nondiscriminatory for prediction of mortality in the severely obese. Indexing using height, H², or iBSA to diagnose LA dilation better predicts mortality in this population and has better overall predictive performance across all overweight and obese populations. Using BSA indexing may lead to underappreciation of LA dilation and underestimation of patients at increased risk.     

Alternative to Body Surface Area as a Solution to Correct Systematic Bias in Pediatric Echocardiography z Scores

BackgroundZ scores are the method of choice to report dimensions in pediatric echocardiography. Z scores based on body surface area (BSA) have been shown to cause systematic biases in overweight and obese children. Using aortic valve (AoV) diameters as a paradigm, the aims of this study were to assess the magnitude of z score underestimation in children with increased body mass index z score (BMI-z) and to determine if a predicting model with height and weight as independent predictors would minimise this bias.MethodsIn this multicentre, retrospective, cross-sectional study, 15,006 normal echocardiograms in healthy children 1-18 years old were analyzed. Residual associations with body size were assessed for previously published z score. BSA-based and alternate prediction models based on height and weight were developed and validated in separate training and validation samples.ResultsExisting BSA-based z scores incompletely adjusted for weight, BSA, and BMI-z and led to an underestimation of > 0.8 z score units in subjects with higher BMI-z compared with lean subjects. BSA-based models led to overestimation of predicted AoV diameters with increasing weight or BMI-z. Models using height and weight as independent predictors improved adjustment with body size, including in children with higher BMI-z.ConclusionsBSA-based models result in underestimation of z scores in patients with high BMI-z. Prediction models using height and weight as independent predictors minimise residual associations with body size and generate well fitted predicted values that could apply to all children, including those with low or high BMI-z.     

Evaluation of Biventricular Volume and Systolic Function in Children with Ventricular Septal Defect and Moderate to Severe Pulmonary Hypertension Using Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography

Background: Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE) could obtain ventricular volume and ejection fraction rapidly and non-invasively without relying on ventricular morphology. This study aims to use RT-3DE to evaluate the changes in biventricular volume and systolic function in children with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) before surgery. Methods: In this study 18 children with VSD and moderate to severe PH (VSD + PH Group) and 18 healthy children of the same age (Control Group) were recruited. Biventricular volume and systolic function were evaluated by RT-3DE. The measurements included: left and right ventricular volume indexed to body surface area (BSA), stroke volume (SV) indexed to BSA, and ejection fraction (EF). Results: The results showed left and right ventricular volume indexed to BSA and SV indexed to BSA were significantly increased in VSD + PH Group (VSD + PH Group vs. Control Group), LVEDV/BSA (ml/m² ): 48.67 ± 21.46 vs. 25.59 ± 6.96, RVEDV/BSA (ml/m² ): 55.98 ± 15.35 vs. 27.69 ± 4.37, LVSV/BSA (ml/m² ): 24.08 ± 9.30 vs. 15.14 ± 4.29, RVSV/BSA (ml/m² ): 26.02 ± 8.87 vs. 14.11 ± 2.89, (P < 0.05). While for EF in VSD + PH Group decreased (VSD + PH Group vs. Control Group), LVEF: 50.93 ± 7.50% vs. 59.38 ± 7.24%, RVEF: 45.84 ± 7.71% vs. 51.05 ± 6.90% (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In children with VSD and moderate to severe PH, increased biventricular volume and decreased systolic function were observed with RT-3DE, but biventricular systolic function remained within acceptable limits. The children in this study recovered well after surgery without serious perioperative complications, suggesting that biventricular systolic function may help facilitate the surgical decision-making process in children with VSD and moderate-tosevere PH.     

Negative Impact of Obesity on Ventricular Size and Function and Exercise Performance in Children and Adolescents With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot

BackgroundUp to 25% of children with congenital heart disease are obese, which may have negative physiologic consequences for patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF).MethodsPatients with rTOF who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and cardiopulmonary exercise testing from 2007 to 2018 were reviewed. Complex rTOF patients were excluded. Obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 95th percentile) were compared with normal-weight patients (BMI < 85th percentile). CMR data were indexed to actual body surface area (aBSA), height, and BSA assuming ideal body weight (iBSA).ResultsWe compared 32 obese patients matched with 64 normal-weight patients. Obese vs normal-weight patients had significantly lower right (RV; median 45% [interquartile range 42%-48%] vs 52% [47%-55%]; P < 0.0001) and left (LV; 52% [47%-56%] vs 56% [54%-60%]; P < 0.0001) ventricular ejection fractions (EFs). There were no statistically significant differences regarding aBSA-indexed volumes of the RV or LV at either end-diastole (EDV) or end-systole (ESV). However, when indexed to either height or iBSA, obese patients had significantly greater RVEDV and LVEDV, greater LV mass, and higher RV and LV stroke volumes. Obese patients had lower peak oxygen consumption and oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold. These results did not change after adjusting for degree of pulmonary regurgitation.ConclusionsObesity is associated with increased biventricular size, decreased biventricular EFs, and impaired exercise performance after rTOF. These data suggest a potential role for cardiac rehabilitation for weight management and to optimize fitness.     

Infundibular sparing versus transinfundibular approach to the repair of tetralogy of Fallot

Introduction: The right ventricular infundibular sparing approach (RVIS) to the repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) avoids a full-thickness ventricular incision, typically utilized in the transinfundibular (TI) method.
Methods: We performed a retrospective, age-matched cohort study of patients who underwent RVIS at Texas Children’s Hospital or TI at Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Nebraska and subsequently underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). We compared right ventricular end-diastolic and systolic volumes indexed to body surface area (RVEDVi and RVESVi) and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) as primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints were indexed left ventricular diastolic and systolic volume (LVEDVi and LVESVi), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right ventricular (RV) sinus ejection fraction (EF) and RV outflow tract EF (RVOT EF).
Results: Seventy-nine patients were included in the analysis; 40 underwent RVIS and 39 underwent TI repair. None of the patients in the TI repair group had an initial palliation with a systemic to pulmonary arterial shunt compared to seven (18%) in the RVIS group (P < .01). There was no appreciable difference in RVEDVi (122 ± 29 cc/ m² vs 130 ± 29 cc/m² , P = .59) or pulmonary regurgitant fraction (40 ± 13 vs 37 ± 18, P = .29) between the RVIS and TI groups. Compared to the TI group, the RVIS group had higher RVEF (54 ± 6% vs 44 ± 9%, P < .01), lower RVESV (57 ± 17 cc/m² vs 67 ± 25 cc/m² , P = .03), higher LVEF (61 ± 11% vs 54 ± 8%, P < .01), higher RVOT EF (47 ± 12% vs 41 ± 11%, P = .03), and higher RV sinus EF (56 ± 5% vs 49 ± 6%, P < .01).
Conclusions: In this selected cohort, patients who underwent RVIS repair for TOF had higher right and left ventricular ejection fraction compared to those who underwent TI repair.     

Reduction of Left Ventricular Dilation Beyond the First Year After Anterior Myocardial Infarction

BackgroundReduction of left ventricular (LV) dilation (RD) beyond the first year after ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unknown. We investigated its potential occurrence in comparison with stationary (SD) and progressive (PD) dilation.Methods and ResultsPerfusion gated SPECT features at 1 and 3 years were evaluated in 168 3-year survivors of a first anterior STEMI. Comparisons were made among patients with RD (≥15% reduction of LV end-systolic volume [LVESV]), SD (<15% reduction or increase), and PD (≥15% increase). There were 35 patients with RD (21%), 84 with SD (50%), and 49 with PD (29%). At 1 year, ejection fraction, wall motion and perfusion scores, and LV volumes were similar. In RD patients, the fall in LVESV, nearly 22%, was apparent in those with frank (>51 mL; P < .001) or little/moderate LV dilation at 1 year (LVESV ≤51 mL; P = .002) and was associated with increased ejection fraction (P values .008 and .009, respectively). In the 3 groups, however, LVESV changes were unrelated to 1-year LV volumes, ejection fraction, or contractility score.ConclusionsAt 3 years following anterior STEMI there is reduction of LV dilation in about 21% of patients associated with increases in ejection fraction in those with or without clearly dilated ventricles at 1year. These findings add to the complexity of LV remodeling and possibly suggest very late changes in infarct size.     

Relationship Between Focal and Diffuse Fibrosis Assessed by CMR and Clinical Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

ObjectivesThis study sought to assess the presence and extent of focal and diffuse fibrosis in heart failure in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) compared to asymptomatic control subjects, and the relationship of fibrosis to clinical outcome.BackgroundMyocardial fibrosis has been implicated in the pathophysiology of HFpEF.MethodsIn this prospective, observational study, 140 subjects of similar age and sex (HFpEF: n = 96; control subjects: n = 44; 73 ± 8 years of age; 49% males) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Late gadolinium-enhanced (LGE) imaging and T1 mapping to calculate myocardial extracellular volume indexed to body surface area (iECV) were used to assess fibrosis.ResultsPatients with HFpEF had more concentric remodeling and worse diastolic function. Focal fibrosis was more frequent in HFpEF subjects (overall: n = 49; infarction: n = 17; nonischemic cases: n = 36; mixed patterns: n = 4) than in control subjects (overall: n = 3). Diffuse fibrosis was also greater in HFpEF subjects than control subjects (iECV: 13.7 ± 4.4 ml/m² versus 10.9 ± 2.8 ml/m²; p < 0.0001). During median follow-up (1,429 days), there were 42 composite events (14 deaths; 28 heart failure hospitalizations) in cases of HFpEF. Myocardial infarction revealed on LGE imaging was a predictor of outcomes on univariate analysis only. With multivariate analysis, iECV (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.689; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.141 to 2.501; p = 0.009) was an independent predictor of outcome along with mitral peak velocity of early filling (E)-to-early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E′) (E/E′) ratio (HR: 1.716; 95% CI: 1.191 to 2.472; p = 0.004) and prior HF hospitalization (HR: 2.537; 95% CI: 1.090 to 5.902; p = 0.031). iECV was also significantly associated with ventricular/left atrial remodeling and renal dysfunction: right ventricular end-diastolic volume indexed (r = 0.456; p < 0.0001), left ventricular mass/volume (r = 0.348; p = 0.001), maximal left atrial volume indexed (r = 0. 269; p = 0.009), and creatinine (r = 0.271; p = 0.009).ConclusionsBoth focal and diffuse myocardial fibrosis are more prevalent in HFpEF subjects than in control subjects of similar age and sex. iECV significantly correlates with indices of ventricular/left atrial remodeling and renal dysfunction and is an independent predictor of adverse outcome in HFpEF. (Developing Imaging And plasMa biOmarkers iN Describing Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction [DIAMONDHFpEF]; NCT03050593)     

Relation of inflammatory status to major adverse cardiac events and reverse remodeling in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy

BackgroundInflammatory markers are involved in heart failure (HF) pathophysiology. However, the link between these markers and reverse remodeling as well as major adverse cardiac events (HF death, sudden death, and unplanned cardiac rehospitalizations) in patients who undergo cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has not been evaluated.Methods and ResultsWe recorded major adverse cardiac events of 140 patients (on optimized medical therapy, left ventricular ejection fraction 29.9 ± 9.6%, New York Heart Association Class III-IV, with intraventricular dyssynchrony) who underwent CRT (enrolled since April 2004). Moreover, we evaluated before and after 6 months of CRT: interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, New York Heart Association class, quality of life (score on Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire), 6-minute walking test, left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (nonindexed and indexed by body surface area), and left ventricular ejection fraction. Adverse cardiac events were observed in 40 patients (28.6%): 22 deaths and 18 cardiac unplanned rehospitalizations. Only patients without adverse events during follow-up showed a significant reduction of inflammatory markers and left ventricular volumes (reverse remodeling), despite a significant improvement of clinical status observed in both groups of patients.ConclusionsThe reduction of inflammatory status seems to be linked to reverse remodeling as well as to a better clinical prognosis in patients with HF who underwent CRT.     

Impairment of flow-mediated dilation correlates with aortic dilation in patients with Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by genetic abnormality of microfibrillar connective tissue proteins. Endothelial dysfunction is thought to cause aortic dilation in subjects with a bicuspid aortic valve; however, the role of endothelial dysfunction and endothelial damaging factors has not been elucidated in Marfan syndrome. Flow-mediated dilation, a noninvasive measurement of endothelial function, was evaluated in 39 patients with Marfan syndrome. Aortic diameter was measured at the aortic annulus, aortic root at the sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and ascending aorta by echocardiography, and adjusted for body surface area (BSA). The mean value of flow-mediated dilation was 6.5 ± 2.4 %. Flow-mediated dilation had a negative correlation with the diameter of the ascending thoracic aorta (AscAd)/BSA (R = ?0.39, p = 0.020) and multivariate analysis revealed that flow-mediated dilation was an independent factor predicting AscAd/BSA, whereas other segments of the aorta had no association. Furthermore, Brinkman index had a somewhat greater influence on flow-mediated dilation (R = ?0.42, p = 0.008). Although subjects who smoked tended to have a larger AscAd compared with non-smokers (AscA/BSA: 17.3 ± 1.8 versus 15.2 ± 3.0 mm/m², p = 0.013), there was no significant change in flow-mediated dilation, suggesting that smoking might affect aortic dilation via an independent pathway. Common atherogenic risks, such as impairment of flow-mediated dilation and smoking status, affected aortic dilation in subjects with Marfan syndrome.     

Use of BMI as the marker of adiposity in a metabolic syndrome severity score: Derivation and validation in predicting long-term disease outcomes

BackgroundEstimates of adiposity in evaluating the metabolic syndrome (MetS) have traditionally utilized measures of waist circumference (WC), whereas body mass index (BMI) is more commonly used clinically. Our objective was to determine if a MetS severity Z-score employing BMI as its measure of adiposity (MetS-Z-BMI) would perform similarly to a WC-based score (MetS-Z-WC) in predicting future disease.MethodsTo formulate the MetS-Z-BMI, we performed confirmatory factor analysis on a sex- and race/ethnicity-specific basis on MetS-related data for 6870 adult participants of the National Health and Nutrition Survey 1999–2010. We then validated this score and compared it to MetS-Z-WC in assessing correlations with future coronary heart disease (CHD) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using Cox proportional hazard analysis of 13,094 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study and Jackson Heart Study.ResultsLoading factors, which represent the relative contribution of each component to the latent MetS factor, were lower for BMI than for WC in formulating the two respective scores (MetS-Z-BMI and MetS-Z-WC). Nevertheless, MetS-Z-BMI and MetS-Z-WC exhibited similar hazard ratios (HR) toward future disease. For each one standard-deviation-unit increase in MetS-Z-BMI, HR for CHD was 1.76 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.65, 1.88) and HR for T2DM was 3.39 (CI 3.16, 3.63) (both p < 0.0001). There were no meaningful differences between the MetS-Z-WC and MetS-Z-BMI scores in their associations with future CHD and T2DM.ConclusionsA MetS severity Z-score utilizing BMI as its measure of adiposity operated similarly to a WC-based score in predicting future CHD and T2DM, suggesting overall similarity in MetS-based risk as estimated by both measures of adiposity. This indicates potential clinical usefulness of MetS-Z-BMI in assessing and following MetS-related risk over time.     

Aortic root dilation and aortic elastic properties in children after repair of tetralogy of Fallot

Analyses of aortic specimens obtained from patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) revealed elastic fiber fragmentation. This study sought to determine the prevalence of aortic root dilation and aortic regurgitation (AR) in children after TOF repair and tested the hypothesis that aortic elastic properties are altered and related to aortic root dilation in these patients. Aortic dimensions, adjusted for body surface area and expressed as z scores, and AR were assessed echocardiographically in 67 children 8.3 +/- 5.6 years after TOF repair. The aortic elastic properties were compared with those in 50 age-matched controls. The prevalence of aortic dilation (z score >2) was 88%, 87%, 61%, and 63% at the annulus, sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, and ascending aorta, respectively. The z scores of the annulus (r = 0.41, p <0.001) and sinus (r = 0.33, p <0.01) were correlated with body surface area. Multivariate analysis identified the duration of follow-up after surgery as the only significant determinant of z scores of the annulus (beta = 0.41, p = 0.001) and sinus (beta = 0.33, p = 0.009). AR was present in 12% of patients who tended to have larger z scores at all aortic levels. Compared with controls, patients had significantly increased aortic stiffness (p <0.001) and reduced strain (p <0.001) and distensibility (p = 0.002). Aortic stiffness was correlated positively, whereas aortic strain and distensibility were correlated negatively, with the aortic root z scores at all levels. In conclusion, this study shows a high prevalence of aortic root dilation in children after the repair of TOF. Aortic stiffening occurred in these patients and may play a role in progressive aortic root dilation.     

Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Right Ventricular Volumes and Ejection Fraction Reference Values in Children: A North American Multicentre Study

BackgroundThree-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) evaluation of right ventricular (RV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) is increasingly used for clinical serial assessments and management in children. This study aims to generate sex-specific reference values and z-score equations for RV volumetric parameters, independent of age and body size indices, derived from multiple populations across North America.MethodsWe prospectively recruited 455 healthy children (ages 0 to 18 years) from 5 centres. 3DE of the RV were acquired using various vendors with analyses performed offline using vendor-independent software. 3DE datasets with all walls of the RV endocardium visible were included. We reported data on RV EF, and generated z scores for end-systolic volumes (ESV), end-diastolic volumes (EDV) and stroke volume (SV). Differences between the sexes were explored.ResultsOf 455 3DE datasets, 312 (68%) met imaging criteria for analysis. Median age was 10.1 years (interquartile ratio [IQR]: 5.6, 14.0) with 17% being younger than 3 years of age. The mean and standard deviation for RV EDV, ESV, and SV for male and female patients were reported. We provided a downloadable z-score calculator with height and weight as independent variables to facilitate clinical utility. Although statistically significant differences between male and female RVEF was present (female 52.9 ± 3.9% vs male 51.6 ± 3.5%, P = 0.006), after adjusting for age, height, and weight, the magnitude of difference was clinically insignificant.ConclusionsSex-specific reference values for pediatric RV volumes and EF, and z-score equations were derived from children 3DE datasets across 5 centres in North America.     

Correlation of cardiorespiratory fitness with risk factors for cardiovascular disease in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

The objective of this study was to correlate CRF with cardiovascular risk factors in T1DM children.MethodsFifty children and adolescents aged between 9 and 17 years with no diabetes complications and a mean diabetes duration of 4.6 years were selected. Antropometric, sexual maturation and blood pressure data were evaluated. CRF level was assessed with a 20-m shuttle run test. Laboratory tests were performed to verify fasting lipids and glycated hemoglobin. Statistical analyses were made with Pearson partial correlation, t test, and one-way ANOVA, with p ≤ 0.05.ResultsAfter adjustment for body adiposity and sexual maturity, inverse correlations among CRF and TC, TG, TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, non-HDL-C, and SBP were statistically significant. Variables differing by sex included weight Z score, BMI Z score, skinfold thickness, percentage of body fat, and DBP. Boys had higher CRF compared to girls. CRF and TC differed significantly by sexual maturation status.ConclusionAn inverse and significant relationship between CRF and most lipid profile's components and SBP in poor controlled T1DM children and adolescents was found, independently of body adiposity.     

Sex Differences in the Long-term Prognosis of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

BackgroundDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a specific phenotype of heart failure. Sex differences in the long-term prognosis of patients with DCM are unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term prognostic role of gender in a large cohort of patients with DCM.MethodsA total of 1113 patients with DCM were prospectively enrolled. To investigate the impact of sex, a propensity score–matching analysis was performed on a sample of 586 patients. Univariable and multivariable Cox models and competing-risk analyses were estimated on both cohorts for the following outcome measures: (1) all-cause mortality/heart transplantation (HTx)/ventricular assist device (VAD); (2) cardiovascular mortality/HTx/VAD; and (3) sudden cardiac death or malignant ventricular arrhythmias.ResultsWomen were older than men (50 ± 15 years vs 47 ± 15 years, respectively, P = 0.004) and more frequently had moderate to severe left ventricular dilation (P < 0.001) and left bundle branch block (P = 0.019). At multivariable analyses, male sex was independently associated with all considered outcome measures in the total cohort. At propensity score–matching analysis, over a median follow-up of 126 months (interquartile range, 62-201), 96 men (33%) vs 66 women (22%) experienced all-cause mortality/HTx/VAD (P = 0.03), 95 men (32%) vs 57 women (20%) experienced cardiovascular mortality/HTx/VAD (P = 0.025), and 46 men (16%) vs 28 women (10%) experienced sudden cardiac death/malignant ventricular arrhythmias (P = 0.07).ConclusionThe long-term outcomes of women affected by DCM are more favourable than those of men, and sex emerged as an important independent factor, particularly for cardiovascular outcomes.     

L’hypertrophie ventriculaire gauche chez le sujet noir Africain hypertendu : résultats d’une enquête transversale,réalisée en milieu semi-rural au Sénégal

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy according to electrocardiographic and echocardiographic criteria among hypertensive patients living in semi-rural Senegalese area.Patients and methodsAccording to the World Health Organization STEPSwise approach, we conducted, in November 2012, a cross-sectional and exhaustive study in the population aged at least 35 years old and living for at least six months in the semi-rural area of Guéoul. We researched electrocardiographic and echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive subjects. Data were analyzed with SPSS 18.0 software version. The significance level was agreed for a value of P < 0.05.ResultsWe examined 1411 subjects aged on average of 48.5 ± 12.7 years. In total, 654 subjects were hypertensive and screening of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was effective in 515 of them. According to Sokolow-Lyon index, 86 subjects (16.7%) presented electrocardiographic LVH, more frequently in men (P = 0.002). According to Cornell index and Cornell product, LVH was founded respectively in 66 (12.8%) and 52 subjects (10.1%), more frequently in female (P = 0.0001; P = 0.004). It was more common in grade 3 of hypertension however criteria. In echocardiography, prevalence of LVH was 2.2% (13 cases) according to the left ventricular mass, 9.3% (48 cases) according to the left ventricular mass indexed to body surface area and 8.2% (42 cases) according to the left ventricular mass indexed to height^2.7. LVH was significantly correlated with the electrocardiographic LVH according to Sokolow-Lyon index (P < 0.0001) and the grade 3 of hypertension (P = 0.003).ConclusionAlthough rare in hypertensive Senegalese living in semi-rural area, left ventricular hypertrophy is correlated with severity of grade of hypertension. Screening by electrocardiogram will allow better follow-up of these hypertensive subjects.     

Normal Pediatric Values of the Subcostal Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (S-TAPSE) and Its Value in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension

BackgroundThe clinical value of determination of right ventricular (RV) function in adults using echocardiographic determination of the subcostal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (S-TAPSE) has previously been reported. We aim to provide representative, normal reference values for S-TAPSE in the pediatric age group. Moreover, validation of abnormal S-TAPSE values in children with impaired RV function, such as pulmonary hypertension (PH), is intended.MethodsWe propose a prospective echocardiographic study in 658 healthy children and in 27 children with PH (age: 1 day to 18 years; BSA 0.2-2.0 m²). We correlated the effects of body surface area (BSA) on S-TAPSE values of our healthy subjects and children with PH. S-TAPSE values were compared with apically derived TAPSE values.ResultsS-TAPSE values ranged from a mean of 0.65 ± 0.16 cm in healthy neonates to 1.79 ± 0.33 cm in 18-year-old healthy adolescents. S-TAPSE values increased with increasing age (P = 0.841, P < 0.001), body weight (P = 0.852, P < 0.001), body length (P = 0.846, P < 0.001), and BSA (P = 0.851, P < 0.001) in a nonlinear way in our healthy patients group. No difference in healthy male and female patients could be observed. In our 27 patients with PH (age range: 0.6 to 15.7 years) the median BSA specific S-TAPSE z-score ranged from –3.24 to 1.10, depending on restraint of RV function.ConclusionThe provided S-TAPSE normal reference values and z-scores may assist to identify children with impaired RV function. Abnormal S-TAPSE values will help to identify impaired RV function in pediatric patients with PH.     

Characterizing Functional Lung Heterogeneity in COPD Using Reference Equations for CT Scan-Measured Lobar Volumes

BackgroundCT scanning is increasingly used to characterize COPD. Although it is possible to obtain CT scan-measured lung lobe volumes, normal ranges remain unknown. Using COPDGene data, we developed reference equations for lobar volumes at maximal inflation (total lung capacity [TLC]) and relaxed exhalation (approximating functional residual capacity [FRC]).MethodsLinear regression was used to develop race-specific (non-Hispanic white [NHW], African American) reference equations for lobar volumes. Covariates included height and sex. Models were developed in a derivation cohort of 469 subjects with normal pulmonary function and validated in 546 similar subjects. These cohorts were combined to produce final prediction equations, which were applied to 2,191 subjects with old GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) stage II to IV COPD.ResultsIn the derivation cohort, women had smaller lobar volumes than men. Height positively correlated with lobar volumes. Adjusting for height, NHWs had larger total lung and lobar volumes at TLC than African Americans; at FRC, NHWs only had larger lower lobes. Age and weight had no effect on lobar volumes at TLC but had small effects at FRC. In subjects with COPD at TLC, upper lobes exceeded 100% of predicted values in GOLD II disease; lower lobes were only inflated to this degree in subjects with GOLD IV disease. At FRC, gas trapping was severe irrespective of disease severity and appeared uniform across the lobes.ConclusionsReference equations for lobar volumes may be useful in assessing regional lung dysfunction and how it changes in response to pharmacologic therapies and surgical or endoscopic lung volume reduction.     

Body surface area may explain sex differences in findings from the oral glucose tolerance test among subjects with normal glucose tolerance

Background and aimsCurrent guidelines on prediabetes and diabetes (T2D) recommend to regularly perform an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on subjects at risk of T2D. However, it is not known why women tend to have relatively higher 2-h post-load plasma (2hPG) glucose concentrations during OGTT than men. The aim of the present study is to investigate if there are sex differences in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2hPG concentrations in relation to body size in apparently healthy non-diabetic subjects with normal glucose tolerance. We hypothesized that sex differences in glucose tolerance are physiological and related to different body surface area (BSA) in men and women.Methods and resultsA 2-h 75 g OGTT was performed on 2010 subjects aged 45–70 years. Their BSA was calculated using the Mosteller formula. Men and women were separately divided into five BSA levels. Within the normal 2hPG range, women had higher mean 2hPG concentrations during the OGTT than men in all BSA levels estimated by sex-standardized BSA (p for linearity < 0.001). BSA adjusted for age, waist circumference, leisure-time physical activity, and smoking, showed an inverse association with 2hPG concentration in both sexes. Mean FPG concentrations were higher in men than in women.ConclusionsBody size has a negative inverse association with 2hPG concentration in an OGTT even within a physiological plasma glucose range. This may cause underestimation of glucose disorders in individuals with larger BSA and overestimation in individuals with smaller BSA when using an OGTT.     

Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch After Aortic Valve Replacement in the PARTNER 2 Trial and Registry

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare incidence and impact of measured prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM_M) versus predicted PPM (PPM_P) after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).BackgroundTAVR studies have used measured effective orifice area indexed (EOAi) to body surface area (BSA) to define PPM, but most SAVR series have used predicted EOAi. This difference may contribute to discrepancies in incidence and outcomes of PPM between series.MethodsThe study analyzed SAVR patients from the PARTNER (Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves) 2A trial and TAVR patients from the PARTNER 2 SAPIEN 3 Intermediate Risk registry. PPM was classified as moderate if EOAi ≤0.85 cm²/m² (≤0.70 if obese: body mass index ≥30 kg/m²) and severe if EOAi ≤0.65 cm²/m² (≤0.55 if obese). PPM_M was determined by the core lab–measured EOAi on 30-day echocardiogram. PPM_P was determined by 2 methods: 1) using normal EOA reference values previously reported for each valve model and size (PPM_P1; n = 929 SAVR, 1,069 TAVR) indexed to BSA; and 2) using normal reference EOA predicted from aortic annulus size measured by computed tomography (PPM_P2; n = 864 TAVR only) indexed to BSA. Primary endpoint was the composite of 5-year all-cause death and rehospitalization.ResultsThe incidence of moderate and severe PPM_P was much lower than PPM_M in both SAVR (PPM_P1: 28.4% and 1.2% vs. PPM_M: 31.0% and 23.6%) and TAVR (PPM_P1: 21.0% and 0.1% and PPM_P2: 17.0% and 0% vs. PPM_M: 27.9% and 5.7%). The incidence of severe PPM_M and severe PPM_P1 was lower in TAVR versus SAVR (P < 0.001). The presence of PPM by any method was associated with higher transprosthetic gradient. Severe PPM_P1 was independently associated with events in SAVR after adjustment for sex and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (hazard ratio: 3.18;95% CI: 1.69-5.96; P < 0.001), whereas no association was observed between PPM by any method and outcomes in TAVR.ConclusionsEOAi measured by echocardiography results in a higher incidence of PPM following SAVR or TAVR than PPM based on predicted EOAi. Severe PPM_P is rare (<1.5%), but is associated with increased all-cause death and rehospitalization after SAVR, whereas it is absent following TAVR.     

Comparison of stroke work between repaired tetralogy of Fallot and normal right ventricular physiologies

Adult patients who underwent tetralogy of Fallot repair surgery (rTOF) confront life-threatening ailments due to right ventricular (RV) myocardial dysfunction. Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) needs to be performed to restore the deteriorating RV function. Determination of correct timing to perform PVR in an rTOF patient remains subjective, due to the unavailability of quantifiable clinical diagnostic parameters. The objective of this study is to evaluate the possibility of using RV body surface area (BSA)-indexed stroke work (SW_I) to quantify RV inefficiency in TOF patients. We hypothesized that RV SW_I required to push blood to the lungs in rTOF patients is significantly higher than that of normal subjects. Seven patients with rTOF pathophysiology and eight controls with normal RV physiology were registered for this study. Right ventricular volume and pressure were measured using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and catheterization, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed to quantify the difference in SW_I between the RV of the rTOF and control groups. Right ventricular SW_I in rTOF patients (0.176 ± 0.055 J/m²) was significantly higher by 93.4% (P = 0.0026) than that of controls (0.091 ± 0.030 J/m²). Further, rTOF patients were found to have significantly higher (P < 0.05) BSA normalized RV end-systolic volume, end-systolic pressure, and regurgitation fraction than control subjects. Ejection fraction and peak ejection rate of rTOF patients were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of controls. Patients with rTOF pathophysiology had significantly higher RV SW_I compared with subjects with normal RV physiology. Therefore, RV SW_I may be useful to quantify RV inefficiency in rTOF patients along with currently used clinical end points such as RV volume, pressure, regurgitation fraction, and ejection fraction.