Impact of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation on Left Ventricular Filling Pressure and Left Atrial Remodeling

Background

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), and the estimation of elevated LV filling pressures by E/e'' ratio is related to worse outcomes in patients with AF. However, it is unknown if restoring sinus rhythm reverses this process.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of AF ablation on estimated LV filling pressure.

Methods

A total of 141 patients underwent radiofrequency (RF) ablation to treat drug-refractory AF. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed 30 days before and 12 months after ablation. LV functional parameters, left atrial volume index (LAVind), and transmitral pulsed and mitral annulus tissue Doppler (e'' and E/e'') were assessed. Paroxysmal AF was present in 18 patients, persistent AF was present in 102 patients, and long-standing persistent AF in 21 patients. Follow-up included electrocardiographic examination and 24-h Holter monitoring at 3, 6, and 12 months after ablation.

Results

One hundred seventeen patients (82.9%) were free of AF during the follow-up (average, 18 ± 5 months). LAVind reduced in the successful group (30.2 mL/m² ± 10.6 mL/m² to 22.6 mL/m² ± 1.1 mL/m², p < 0.001) compared to the non-successful group (37.7 mL/m² ± 14.3 mL/m² to 37.5 mL/m² ± 14.5 mL/m², p = ns). Improvement of LV filling pressure assessed by a reduction in the E/e'' ratio was observed only after successful ablation (11.5 ± 4.5 vs. 7.1 ± 3.7, p < 0.001) but not in patients with recurrent AF (12.7 ± 4.4 vs. 12 ± 3.3, p = ns). The success rate was lower in the long-standing persistent AF patient group (57% vs. 87%, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Successful AF ablation is associated with LA reverse remodeling and an improvement in LV filling pressure.     

Left Atrial Function in Patients with Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy

Background

Chagas disease is a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy, and information about left atrial (LA) function in this disease still lacks.

Objective

To assess the different LA functions (reservoir, conduit and pump functions) and their correlation with the echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions.

Methods

10 control subjects (CG), and patients with Chagas disease as follows: 26 with the indeterminate form (GI); 30 with ECG alterations (GII); and 19 with LV dysfunction (GIII). All patients underwent M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography, pulsed-wave Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging.

Results

Reservoir function (Total Emptying Fraction: TEF): (p <0.0001), lower in GIII as compared to CG (p = 0.003), GI (p <0.001) and GII (p <0.001). Conduit function (Passive Emptying Fraction: PEF): (p = 0.004), lower in GIII (GIII and CG, p = 0.06; GI and GII, p = 0.06; and GII and GIII, p = 0.07). Pump function (Active Emptying Fraction: AEF): (p = 0.0001), lower in GIII as compared to CG (p = 0.05), GI (p<0.0001) and GII (p = 0.002). There was a negative correlation of E/e’_average with the reservoir and pump functions (TEF and AEF), and a positive correlation of e’_average with s’ wave (both septal and lateral walls) and the reservoir, conduit and pump LA functions.

Conclusion

An impairment of LA functions in Chagas cardiomyopathy was observed.     

Left atrial volume in patients with HER2‐positive breast cancer: One step further to predict trastuzumab‐related cardiotoxicity

Background

Trastuzumab (TZ) therapy requires careful monitoring of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) because it can be potentially cardiotoxic. However, LVEF is an imperfect parameter and there is a need to find other variables to predict cardiac dysfunction early. Left atrium (LA) enlargement has proven to be a powerful predictor of adverse outcomes in several disease entities.

Hypothesis

Baseline LA volume enlargement might predict TZ‐related LV dysfunction.

Methods

HER2‐positive breast cancer patients receiving TZ and undergoing transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and at follow‐up every 3 months were retrospectively recruited. One‐hundred sixty‐two patients formed the study population.

Results

Baseline LAVI was dilated in 14 patients (8.6%). Mean follow‐up was 14 ± 4 months. Cardiotoxicity occurred in 24 patients (14.8%). LAVI was an independent predictor of TZ‐induced LV dysfunction in a clinical model, after adjustment for age and hypertension (odds ratio per 5‐mL/m² LAVI increase: 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.03‐1.82, P = 0.03); and in a hemodynamic model, including ventricular sizes and systolic blood pressure level (odds ratio per 5‐mL/m² LAVI increase: 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.01‐1.81, P = 0.04). The predicted probability of developing cardiotoxicity increased progressively, in parallel with LAVI values.

Conclusions

Baseline LA dilatation emerges as a condition associated with the development of cardiotoxicity in HER2‐positive breast cancer patients treated with TZ.     

快速性房性心律失常患者红细胞分布宽度与左心房内径的关系

目的探讨快速性房性心律失常患者红细胞分布宽度(RDW)与左心房内径(LAD)的关系。方法选择2013年10月至2014年8月在我院行动态心电图检查证实为快速性房性心律失常患者,搜集RDW、心脏彩超等临床资料,回顾性研究RDW与LAD的关系。结果根据RDW值由低到高三等分组,组间比较RDW、LAD存在显著性差异(P0.05),随RDW值增高左心室舒张期末内径和LAD增高。Pearson相关分析显示,RDW水平与房性心律失常Kleiger分级(r=0.280,P=0.000)、LAD(r=0.297,P=0.000)呈正相关;以快速性房性心律失常(Kleiger分级1~3级=0,Kleiger分级4~6级=1)为因变量进行二分类Logistic多元回归分析显示,RDW(OR=1.215)、LAD(OR=1.024)是快速性房性心律失常的危险因素。结论快速性房性心律失常患者RDW与LAD具有相关性,两者均为快速性房性心律失常的危险因素。     

Systems Biology Applied to Heart Failure With Normal Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) is currently the most prevalent clinical phenotype of heart failure. However, the treatments available have shown no reduction in mortality so far. Advances in the omics sciences and techniques of high data processing used in molecular biology have enabled the development of an integrating approach to HFNEF based on systems biology.This study aimed at presenting a systems-biology-based HFNEF model using the bottom-up and top-down approaches.A literature search was conducted for studies published between 1991 and 2013 regarding HFNEF pathophysiology, its biomarkers and systems biology. A conceptual model was developed using bottom-up and top-down approaches of systems biology.The use of systems-biology approaches for HFNEF, a complex clinical syndrome, can be useful to better understand its pathophysiology and to discover new therapeutic targets.     

Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Mortality in Adult Patients with Eisenmenger Syndrome

Objectives. To identify risk factors associated with mortality in adult patients with Eisenmenger syndrome and to assess the effect of left ventricular dysfunction on mortality in these patients. Methods and Results. One hundred twenty‐two adult patients with Eisenmenger syndrome were retrospectively evaluated for signs and symptoms of heart failure, and underwent electrocardiography and laboratory investigations. Available echocardiograms were analyzed and left ventricular function was assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively. There were 47 deaths at 37.8 ± 12.0 years of age. On univariate analysis clinical signs and symptoms of heart failure, right ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiography, wide QRS (QRS duration >130 milliseconds), and left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <50%) on echocardiography were associated with mortality. On multivariate analysis, signs and symptoms of heart failure, right ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiography, and LVEF <50% remained strong predictors of death. Conclusions. Signs and symptoms of heart failure predict mortality in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome. Furthermore, patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF <50%) have higher mortality. A combination of signs and symptoms of heart failure, right ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiography, and left ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography provides the most powerful predictor of death in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome.     

Atrial Fibrillation in Decompensated Heart Failure: Associated Factors and In-Hospital Outcome

Background

Studies on atrial fibrillation (AF) in decompensated heart failure (DHF) are scarce in Brazil.

Objectives

To determine AF prevalence, its types and associated factors in patients hospitalized due to DHF; to assess their thromboembolic risk profile and anticoagulation rate; and to assess the impact of AF on in-hospital mortality and hospital length of stay.

Methods

Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study of incident cases including 659 consecutive hospitalizations due to DHF, from 01/01/2006 to 12/31/2011. The thromboembolic risk was assessed by using CHADSVASc score. On univariate analysis, the chi-square, Student t and Mann Whitney tests were used. On multivariate analysis, logistic regression was used.

Results

The prevalence of AF was 40%, and the permanent type predominated (73.5%). On multivariate model, AF associated with advanced age (p < 0.0001), non-ischemic etiology (p = 0.02), right ventricular dysfunction (p = 0.03), lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.02), higher ejection fraction (EF) (p < 0.0001) and enlarged left atrium (LA) (p < 0.0001). The median CHADSVASc score was 4, and 90% of the cases had it ≥ 2. The anticoagulation rate was 52.8% on admission and 66.8% on discharge, being lower for higher scores. The group with AF had higher in-hospital mortality (11.0% versus 8.1%, p = 0.21) and longer hospital length of stay (20.5 ± 16 versus 16.3 ± 12, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Atrial fibrillation is frequent in DHF, the most prevalent type being permanent AF. Atrial fibrillation is associated with more advanced age, non-ischemic etiology, right ventricular dysfunction, lower SBP, higher EF and enlarged LA. Despite the high thromboembolic risk profile, anticoagulation is underutilized. The presence of AF is associated with longer hospital length of stay and high mortality.     

血小板-淋巴细胞比率预测非ST段抬高型急性心肌梗死患者左心室收缩功能障碍的准确性

目的探讨血小板-淋巴细胞比率(PLR)预测非ST段抬高型急性心肌梗死(NSTEMI)患者左心室收缩功能障碍(LVSD)的准确性。方法选取2013年1月至2014年1月期间我院收治的NSTEMI患者98例作为观察组,另选取30例ST段抬高型急性心肌梗死患者(STEMI组)和30例同龄同期健康查体者作为对照,统计三组入选次日血小板和淋巴细胞计数并计算PLR。观察组入选时均无LVSD且均每3个月随访1次,共随访1年,随访时采用心脏超声检查射血分数(EF)和左心室舒张期末容积(LVEDV),并根据检测结果将观察组分为LVSD组(EF≤50%,n=63)和非LVSD组(EF50%,n=35)。比较LVSD组和非LVSD组PLR,采用Pearson相关性分析法分析PLR与NSTEMI患者LVSD发生率的关系,并采用ROC曲线分析PLR预测NSTEMI患者LVSD的准确性。结果观察组PLR与STEMI组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。与健康对照组比较,观察组血小板计数升高,淋巴细胞计数降低,观察组PLR明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。LVSD组PLR最低值为66.86,最高值为744.68,平均PLR为169.78±44.96;非LVSD组PLR最低值为22.68,最高值为324.55,平均PLR为100.47±32.67,两组PLR最低值、最高值及平均值比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。Pearson相关性分析结果显示,PLR与NSTEMI患者LVSD发生率呈显著正相关(r=0.876,P0.01)。阈值为474.58时PLR预测NSTEMI患者LVSD的ROC曲线下面积、敏感度、特异度和准确性均较高,PLR预测NSTEMI患者LVSD的价值良好。结论 PLR在NSTEMI患者中明显升高且与LVSD发生率相关,PLR预测NSTEMI患者LVSD的价值良好,且阈值为474.58时预测效果最优,因此对于出现PLR明显升高的NSTEMI患者需警惕其LVSD的发生并尽早进行干预以改善患者预后。     

单纯收缩期高血压患者血浆B型钠尿肽水平与左心室肥厚、舒张功能变化的关系

目的观察非高血压病者和单纯收缩期高血压病(ISH)伴或不伴左心室肥厚(LVH)者血浆B型钠尿肽(BNP)水平,及血管紧张素受体阻滞剂(ARB)治疗前后BNP、左心室肥厚及舒张功能变化情况,探讨BNP变化与左心室肥厚、舒张功能改变的关系。方法筛选非高血压病者(正常对照组)33例,ISH患者38例,ISH+LVH患者42例,予高血压病患者口服缬沙坦片80~120 mg/d,治疗前后采用超声心动图测定左心室质量指数(LVMI),E/A比值;放射免疫分析法测定血浆BNP水平。结果高血病各组血浆BNP水平明显高于正常对照组(P0.01或P0.05);与ISH组相比,ISH+LVH组LVMI增高(P0.05),而E/A值降低(P0.01);经ARB治疗后,血浆BNP水平在高血压病各组中均表现降低(P0.05或P0.01),LVMI值在ISH+LVH组表现为下降(P0.01),而E/A值表现为增高(P0.01);治疗前,血浆BNP水平与LVMI呈显著正相关(r2=0.61,P0.01),与E/A值呈显著负相关(r2=0.26,P0.01)。结论血浆BNP水平可作为判断ISH左心室肥厚、舒张功能改善的敏感指标。     

高血压患者动态动脉硬化指数与左心室舒张功能的相关性

目的探讨高血压患者动态动脉硬化指数(AASI)与左心室舒张功能的相关性。方法选择安徽医科大学合肥第三临床学院心内科住院,且初次诊断为原发性高血压患者143例,按是否存在左心室舒张功能不全分为两组,并选择血压正常的患者为对照组(60例)。所有患者入院后在服药前均检测血尿酸、空腹血糖、总胆固醇等水平。心脏多普勒超声评价左心室舒张功能。并采用常规24 h动态血压监测数据计算高血压病患者AASI。分析比较三组间患者AASI与左心室舒张功能的相关性。结果三组患者性别、年龄、体质指数、空腹血糖、总胆固醇及高密度脂蛋白比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);左心室舒张功能不全组患者AASI、血尿酸、同型半胱氨酸、高敏C反应蛋白及低密度脂蛋白水平等明显高于左心室舒张功能正常组(P0.05)。Logistic多因素回归分析表明,AASI是高血压患者左心室舒张功能的影响因素。Pearson相关性分析显示AASI与E/A呈明显负相关(r=-0.697,P0.05),AASI与E/Ea呈明显正相关(r=0.614,P0.05)。结论 AASI可能是原发性高血压患者出现左心室舒张功能不全的一个标志。     

Methodological Gaps in Left Atrial Function Assessment by 2D Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

The assessment of left atrial (LA) function is used in various cardiovascular diseases. LA plays a complementary role in cardiac performance by modulating left ventricular (LV) function. Transthoracic two-dimensional (2D) phasic volumes and Doppler echocardiography can measure LA function non-invasively. However, evaluation of LA deformation derived from 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a new feasible and promising approach for assessment of LA mechanics. These parameters are able to detect subclinical LA dysfunction in different pathological condition. Normal ranges for LA deformation and cut-off values to diagnose LA dysfunction with different diseases have been reported, but data are still conflicting, probably because of some methodological and technical issues. This review highlights the importance of an unique standardized technique to assess the LA phasic functions by STE, and discusses recent studies on the most important clinical applications of this technique.     

原发性高血压患者是否伴有心房颤动左心重塑对比

探讨伴发心房颤动 (简称房颤 )的高血压患者左室肥厚性重塑 ,左室、左房几何形状重塑与未发生房颤的高血压病患者之间的异同。顺序门诊或住院的原发性高血压患者 ,排除对心脏几何结构有影响的疾病及其他原因导致的房颤。将患者分为两组 :原发性高血压无房颤组 (EH组 )和原发性高血压伴房颤组 (EHAF组 )。行超声心动图检测左室舒张末期长径、心尖四腔横径、左房横径和左房面积、左室室间隔厚度 (IVST)、左室后壁厚度 (PWT)、左室舒张末期内径 (EDD)、左房前后径和左房长径。计算 :IVST/PWT比值、左室横 /长径比值、左房平均横 /长径比、左房室平均横径比和左房室长径比。同时测量身高和体重 ,计算体重指数和左室质量指数 (LVMI)。结果 :EH组入选患者 4 4 6例 ,EHAF组 78例 ,EHAF组比EH组年龄大 (P <0 .0 1)。EHAF组IVST、LVMI明显大于EH组(P <0 .0 5和 0 .0 1) ,EHAF组左室心尖四腔横径大于EH组 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,左室长径和EDD两组间无明显差异 ,E HAF组左室横 /长径比值大于EH组 (P <0 .0 5 )。EHAF组左房各内径和面积均明显大于EH组 (P <0 .0 1) ,左房平均横 /长径比EHAF组小于EH组 (P <0 .0 1)。左房室平均横径比及左房室长径比EHAF组均明显大于EH组(P <0 .0 1)。结论 :高血压伴房颤者左室肥厚性重塑严?     

原发性高血压患者血浆网膜素1水平与左心室肥厚的关系

目的　探讨原发性高血压患者血浆网膜素1水平与左心室肥厚（LVH）的关系。方法　随机选取原发性高血压患者55例,分为高血压无LVH组30例,高血压伴LVH组25例,并随机选取32例健康体检者作为对照组。检测对照组和高血压患者血浆网膜素1、一氧化氮（NO）水平。对上述87例研究对象行心脏彩色超声检查,计算左心室质量指数（LVMI）。结果　高血压患者血浆网膜素1、NO水平比对照组明显降低（P<0.05）,且高血压伴LVH组血浆网膜素1、NO水平低于高血压无LVH组（P<0.05）。Pearson相关分析显示网膜素1与NO水平呈显著正相关（r＝0.565,P<0.01）,与收缩压、舒张压、平均动脉压、脉压、LVMI呈显著负相关（r分别为－0.713、－0.699、－0.788、－0.311、－0.675,P<0.05或P<0.01）。多元线性逐步回归分析显示网膜素1与收缩压呈独立相关（b_网膜素1＝－2.140,P<0.05）,与舒张压也呈独立相关（b_网膜素1＝－1.382,P<0.05）;网膜素1、高血压病程分别与LVMI呈独立相关（b_网膜素1＝－5.980,P<0.05;b_{高血压病程}＝0.103,P<0.05）。结论　原发性高血压患者血浆网膜素1水平显著降低,网膜素1与NO呈显著正相关,与LVMI呈显著负相关。网膜素1可能是原发性高血压患者左心室肥厚的一个独立预测指标。     

Mechanical Dyssynchrony is Similar in Different Patterns of Left Bundle-Branch Block

Background

Left bundle-branch block (LBBB) and the presence of systolic dysfunction are the major indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Mechanical ventricular dyssynchrony on echocardiography can help identify patients responsive to CRT. Left bundle-branch block can have different morphologic patterns.

Objective

To compare the prevalence of mechanical dyssynchrony in different patterns of LBBB in patients with left systolic dysfunction.

Methods

This study assessed 48 patients with ejection fraction (EF) < 40% and LBBB consecutively referred for dyssynchrony analysis. Conventional echocardiography and mechanical dyssynchrony analysis were performed, interventricular and intraventricular, with ten known methods, using M mode, Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging, isolated or combined. The LBBB morphology was categorized according to left electrical axis deviation in the frontal plane and QRS duration > 150 ms.

Results

The patients'' mean age was 60 ± 11 years, 24 were males, and mean EF was 29% ± 7%. Thirty-two had QRS > 150 ms, and 22, an electrical axis between −30° and +90°. Interventricular dyssynchrony was identified in 73% of the patients, while intraventricular dyssynchrony, in 37%-98%. Patients with QRS > 150 ms had larger left atrium and ventricle, and lower EF (p < 0.05). Left electrical axis deviation associated with worse diastolic function and greater atrial diameter. Interventricular and intraventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (ten methods) was similar in the different LBBB patterns (p = ns).

Conclusion

In the two different electrocardiographic patterns of LBBB analyzed, no difference regarding the presence of mechanical dyssynchrony was observed.     

维持性血液透析患者颈动脉硬化与左心室肥厚的关系

目的 研究维持性血液透析患者颈动脉硬化程度与左心室肥厚的关系.方法 收集36例维持性血液透析患者的一般临床资料及透析前的C反应蛋白等生物化学指标,应用彩色多普勒超声仪检测双侧颈总动脉、颈动脉分叉处及颈内动脉斑块、颈动脉内膜中膜厚度等,并用超声心动图测定左心室功能及肥厚指标,并计算左心室质量指数.结果 36例患者中有24例颈动脉斑块阳性,阳性率为67%.颈动脉斑块阳性组患者年龄、透析时间和C反应蛋白明显高于斑块阴性组(P<0.05),血浆白蛋白明显低于斑块阴性组(P<0.05).斑块阳性组颈动脉内膜中膜厚度以及反映左心室肥厚的指标如舒张期末室间隔厚度、左心室质量指数显著高于斑块阴性组.结论 维持性血液透析患者颈动脉硬化与左心室肥厚关系密切,动脉硬化的治疗有可能预防和逆转维持性血液透析患者的左心室肥厚.     

Effects of PDE type 5 inhibitors on Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Resistant Hypertension

Resistant hypertension (RHTN) is a multifactorial disease characterized by bloodpressure (BP) levels above goal (140/90 mmHg) in spite of the concurrent use of threeor more antihypertensive drugs of different classes. Moreover, it is well known thatRHTN subjects have high prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD),which leads to increased risk of heart failure progression. This review gathers datafrom studies evaluating the effects of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors(administration of acute sildenafil and short-term tadalafil) on diastolic function,biochemical and hemodynamic parameters in patients with RHTN. Acute study withsildenafil treatment found that inhibition of PDE-5 improved hemodynamic parametersand diastolic relaxation. In addition, short-term study with the use of tadalafildemonstrated improvement of LVDD, cGMP and BNP-32 levels, regardless of BP reduction.No endothelial function changes were observed in the studies. The findings of acuteand short-term studies revealed potential therapeutic effects of IPDE-5 drugs on LVDDin RHTN patients.     

Diastolic Function in Paced Children with Cardiac Defects: Septum vs Apex

In children with structural congenital heart disease (CHD), the effects of chronic ventricular pacing on diastolic function are not well known. On the other hand, the beneficial effect of septal pacing over apical pacing is still controversial.The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different right ventricular (RV) pacing site on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in children with cardiac defects.Twenty-nine pediatric patients with complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) and CHD undergoing permanent pacing were prospectively studied. Pacing sites were RV apex (n = 16) and RV septum (n = 13). Echocardiographic assessment was performed before pacemaker implantation and after it, during a mean follow‑up of 4.9 years.Compared to RV septum, transmitral E-wave was significantly affected in RV apical pacing (95.38 ± 9.19 vs 83 ± 18.75, p = 0.038). Likewise, parameters at the lateral annular tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) were significantly affected in children paced at the RV apex. The E´ wave correlated inversely with TDI lateral myocardial performance index (Tei index) (R²= 0.9849, p ≤ 0.001). RV apex pacing (Odds ratio, 0.648; confidence interval, 0.067-0.652; p = 0.003) and TDI lateral Tei index (Odds ratio, 31.21; confidence interval, 54.6-177.4; p = 0.025) predicted significantly decreased LV diastolic function.Of the two sites studied, RV septum prevents pacing-induced reduction of LV diastolic function.