Association between epicardial adipose tissue and left ventricular function in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Assessment using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography

Background and aimsEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is the visceral fat between the myocardium and the visceral pericardium. Dysfunctional EAT can cause cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between EAT and left ventricular function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE).MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 116 T2DM patients who were divided into two groups according to their left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS): 53 with GLS <18% and 63 with GLS ≥18%. The thickness of EAT was measured as the echo-free space between the free wall of the right ventricle and the visceral layer of pericardium at end-systole. LV systolic function was evaluated by GLS measured by 2D-STE. LV diastolic function was defined as the ratio of the early diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E) to average mitral annular velocity ($\overline{e}$).ResultsCompared with patients with GLS ≥18% group, the age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), glycosylated hemoglobinA1c (HbA1c), E/$\overline{e}$, and thickness of EAT were higher in patients with GLS <18% group (all P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the thickness of EAT was independently associated with left ventricular GLS and E/$\overline{e}$.ConclusionsThickened EAT is associated with impaired left ventricular function in T2DM patients. To investigate the association between EAT and left ventricular function can help us gain a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of impaired cardiac function in T2DM patients.     

2型糖尿病对左室功能的影响

目的:探讨2型糖尿病(DM)对心脏左室功能的影响。方法:选取行冠状动脉造影及左室造影中冠状动脉造影阴性患者193例作为研究对象,按是否患2型DM分为DM组(93例)和对照组(100例)。对比2组左室造影所测左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室舒张末容积指数(LVEDVI)、左室舒张末压(LVEDP)及心脏彩超测得心脏各参数间的差异,并进行统计学分析。结果:2组间LVEF、LVEDVI、左室直径、右房直径、右室直径差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),而DM组LVEDP高于对照组[(9.4±2.6)∶(7.9±2.0)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133kPa)],P<0.01;DM组左房直径较对照组增大[(37.1±6.3)∶(34.6±0.6)mm],P<0.01;E/A比值较对照组降低(1.0±0.3∶1.1±0.3),P<0.05。结论:2型DM可降低患者的左室舒张功能。     

Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac function in asymptomatic type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetic patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We do not have a definite data regarding the echocardiographic findings in asymptomatic type 2 diabetics in our population. The present study conducted an echocardiographic evaluation of asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients of Kottayam district in central part of Kerala state. Hundred totally asymptomatic known type 2 diabetic patients were included in the study. Trans-thoracic echocardiography was performed in these patients and parameters were compared with age and sex matched controls. Diabetic patients were divided into three groups depending on the age, and duration of diabetes mellitus and each group was compared for E/A ratio(early diastolic flow velocity / late diastolic flow velocity), EDT(deceleration time), IVRT(Isovolumic relaxation time), EF(ejection fraction),LVmass(Left ventricular mass).The same parameters were also compared depending on the modes of therapy. Mean EDT (Early deceleration time), IVRT(Isovolumic relaxation time) , LV Mass (Left ventricular mass) ,IV septal thickness and left atrial diameter were significantly increased in the diabetic as compared with the control group. The mean E/A ratio was significantly lower in diabetic than control. There was no significant difference in ejection fraction ,LVIDD (left ventricular internal diastolic diameter), LVIDS( left ventricular internal systolic diameter) between diabetics and controls. There was a progressive increase in EDT and IVRT as the age and duration of diabetes increased. No significant difference was noted with mode of control of diabetes. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is much more common than previously reported in subjects with well controlled asymptomatic type 2 diabetes and clinically undetectable heart disease.     

应用斑点追踪成像技术评价2型糖尿病患者的左心室收缩功能

目的探讨采用斑点追踪成像技术(STI)评价糖尿病患者左室收缩功能的临床价值。方法选择2型糖尿病患者60例及健康对照组60例,采集二维动态图像,测量各节段室壁心内、外膜层收缩期峰值应变并计算左室心内、外膜层心肌整体的应变值。结果病例组各节段平均纵向应变(LS)峰值及左室整体LS峰值均显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。病例组各节段平均经向应变(RS)峰值及左室整体RS峰值均显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。病例组各节段平均圆周应变(CS)峰值及左室整体CS峰值均高于对照组,但无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论斑点追踪成像技术能早期发现糖尿病患者左室收缩功能异常,为临床评价糖尿病患者心肌病变提供新方法。     

Relation between epicardial adipose tissue and left ventricular mass

Visceral adiposity is a cardiovascular risk factor of growing interest. This study sought to evaluate the hypothesis of a relation between epicardial adipose tissue, the visceral adipose tissue deposited around the heart, and left ventricular morphology in healthy subjects with a wide range of adiposity. We found for the first time that an increase in epicardial fat is significantly related to an increase in left ventricular mass.     

Echocardiographic study of left ventricular function in type 1 diabetes mellitus: hypersensitivity of beta-adrenergic stimulation

Systolic left ventricular function was investigated by echocardiography in 23 young, type 1 diabetics and 11 control subjects. A stimulation by isoproterenol was performed in order to study beta-adrenergic cardiac responsiveness. M-mode recordings were digitized and analyzed by computer. Systolic parameters such as left ventricular fractional shortening and mean velocity of circumferential shortening were not different, but maximal velocity of shortening was increased both at rest (P less than 0.01) and with isoproterenol (P less than 0.05) in the diabetics. An abnormal systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve was found during administration of isoproterenol in 65% of the diabetics and in only one control. These findings are suggestive of a hyperkinetic state, associated with a poor metabolic control (high value of HbA1), together with adrenergic hypersensitivity in type 1 diabetes mellitus.     

Effect of liraglutide on epicardial adipose tissue thickness with echocardiography in patients with obese type 2 diabetes mellitus

International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries - Liraglutide, an analogue of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has shown...     

肥胖对2型糖尿病患者左室结构和功能的影响

目的 联合应用常规超声心动图和三维斑点追踪成像分析2型糖尿病（T2DM）无肥胖或合并肥胖患者的左室结构和功能,探讨可能影响这些患者左室整体应变的危险因素。 方法 95例T2DM患者,根据是否合并肥胖分为T2DM无肥胖组（n=45,BMI<25 kg/m2）;T2DM合并肥胖组（n=50,BMI≥25 kg/m2）。选取30例年龄与性别相匹配的健康志愿者作为对照组。所有入组者进行常规超声心动图和三维斑点追踪成像检查。 结果 在左室二维几何构型方面,与对照组比较,T2DM组的左室重构更为普遍（P<0.05）,T2DM合并肥胖组的左室肥厚最多见（P<0.05）。在左室舒张功能方面,T2DM无肥胖组e’明显减低（P<0.05）,E/e’明显增大（P<0.05）;T2DM合并肥胖组的e’明显减低（P<0.05）,左房容积指数与E/e’明显增大（P<0.05）。在左室收缩功能方面,与对照组比较,T2DM无肥胖组整体纵向应变（GLS）明显减低（P<0.05）;T2DM合并肥胖组的GLS、整体圆周应变（GCS）、整体面积应变（GAS）、整体径向应变（GRS）均低于其他两组（均P<0.05）。多元回归分析显示,糖化血红蛋白（HbA1c）与体质量指数（BMI）是左室各个方向整体应变的影响因素;相对室壁厚度（RWT）与左室质量指数（LVMI）对部分方向的整体应变有负向影响。 结论 肥胖可能会加重T2DM患者的左室重构和功能障碍,联合应用常规超声心动图和三维斑点追踪成像可以检测出亚临床左室异常。     

心外膜脂肪体积与冠状动脉粥样硬化及左心室舒张功能的相关性研究

目的:通过双源64排CT对心外膜脂肪(EAT)进行三维立体重建,并测量其体积,探讨与冠心病发生、病变程度、斑块类型及早期心功能变化的关系。方法:临床疑诊冠心病(CAD)患者131例为研究对象,男性93例,女性38例,平均年龄(56±10)岁,收集所有病例一般临床资料,静脉取血行血脂、血常规及肝肾功能检查。超声心动图明确左心功能情况。所有患者均行冠状动脉64排双源CT血管成像检查,评价冠状动脉内斑块类型及稳定性,应用Vitrea FX(Vital Images)工作站的cardiac fat软件对EAT进行三维重建并测量其体积;根据冠状动脉造影结果确诊冠心病,并评价冠状动脉病变血管支数、病变部位及管腔狭窄程度。结果:冠心病组(n=63)EAT体积明显大于非冠心病组(n=68,P=0.003);冠状动脉3支病变者EAT体积,较1支及2支病变者明显增多(P<0.05);冠状动脉单纯低密度斑块者EAT体积较无斑块和单纯钙化者明显增大(P<0.001)。Pearson相关分析显示:EAT体积与腰围成正相关(r=0.475,P<0.001),与BMI成正相关(r=0.386,P<0.001)。Logistic回归分析显示EAT体积是冠心病的独立危险因素(OR=1.018,95%CI 1.004～1.033,P=0.011)。2组中左心室舒张功能减低者EAT体积均明显增加(P<0.05),EAT体积与左心室舒张末期内径明显正相关(r=0.331,P<0.001),与室间隔厚度正相关(r=0.195,P=0.031)。结论:EAT含量的增多与冠心病的发生、冠状动脉病变支数及易损斑块的形成密切相关,参与了左心室舒张功能的损伤过程,可能是冠心病新的危险因素,将可能是评价心血管疾病风险增加的新的无创指标,及潜在的治疗靶点。     

Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function in patients with early type I diabetes

M-mode, resting echocardiographic examination has been performed under 2-D control in 19 patients (mean age-26 years) with controlled, type 1 diabetes lasting up to 2 years (D group). The control group (C) consisted of 20 healthy men (average age-25 yrs). Greater cardiac index has been stated in D group (p less than 0.05). Left ventricular systolic function parameters such as: ejection fraction, percentage of fractional shortening and a mean rate of circumferential shortening indicate greater contractility in D patients. Left ventricular mass also has been significantly greater (p less than 0.04) and the total peripheral resistance significantly lowered (p less than 0.05) in the D group. Stated alterations in left ventricular function and structure are probably due to adaptation for increased peripheral flow.     

应用超声心动图评价2型糖尿病患者的左室功能

目的:利用超声心动图对2型糖尿病患者左室功能进行检测分析,旨在早期发现糖尿病患者的心功能改变。方法:入选糖尿病患者42例(糖尿病组),健康体检者30例(健康对照组);采用M型超声心动图测量左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室短轴缩短率(LVFS);利用脉冲多普勒超声心动图测量二尖瓣口及右上肺静脉血流参数,包括左室舒张早期E峰速度峰值(E)、舒张晚期A峰速度峰值(A)、计算E/A比值、心房收缩期肺静脉逆向流速峰值(ap)。结果:与健康对照组比较,糖尿病患者组舒张功能指标E/A[(1.12±0.14)比(0.95±0.56)]明显降低(P<0.05),ap[(23.54±2.91)cm/s比(31.73±9.97)cm/s]明显升高(P<0.001)。结论:糖尿病患者首先出现左室舒张功能下降,表现为E/A比值降低,肺静脉逆向流速峰值升高,对糖尿病患者应尽早进行心功能检查,以便早期发现心功能不全,早期治疗。     

Effect of epicardial adipose tissue on diastolic functions and left atrial dimension in untreated hypertensive patients with normal systolic function

BackgroundAdipose tissue is the source of many adipokines affecting the cardiovascular system either locally or systemically. Although hypertension is one of the most important factors in diastolic dysfunction (DD), the exact cause of this relationship is unknown. There is no specific study in the current literature regarding the association of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) with left ventricular DD in patients with essential hypertension.MethodsThe present study was cross-sectional and observational, including 127 patients with untreated hypertension who underwent a complete transthoracic echocardiographic examination as well as measurements of EAT and diastolic parameters.ResultsEAT was significantly correlated with left atrial dimension, DD parameters, and left ventricular (LV) mass as well as age and blood pressure measurements. EAT was also correlated with Framingham risk score (p < 0.001). Age and EAT were significantly increased in patients with high grades of DD compared to those with low values (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Linear regression analyses revealed EAT as an independent predictor of all DD parameters. The area under the curve values of EAT were similar to age and higher than those of LV mass and mean BP for both the presence of DD and grade two DD.ConclusionBased on our findings, increased EAT may be associated with diastolic dysfunction and left atrial dilatation due to local or systemic effects in untreated hypertensive patients. This relationship is independent of and stronger than abdominal obesity, implicating the clinical importance of measuring EAT thickness.     

Echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular diastolic and systolic function in Saudi patients with sickle cell disease

Background and objectivesSickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic, inherited haemoglobin disorder, associated with recurrent vaso-occlusive and haemolytic crises and chronic tissue ischemia which may adversely affect any organ system. Our objectives were to evaluate the left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions in Saudi patients with SCD originally from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.Design and settingProspective hospital based echocardiography study on adolescent and adult patients with SCD.MethodsForty-five patients with SCD were recruited for echocardiographic study while 45 patients, matched for age and sex, served as controls. Left and right ventricular dimensions and LV wall thicknesses, LV mass index (LVMI) and LV contractility variables were obtained. Left atrial dimension and volume and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) were also estimated. We also evaluated parameters of LV diastolic function, including early and late mitral flow velocities (E and A wave respectively), E/A ratio, deceleration time (MVDT), A wave duration (MVA D), LV isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), and tissue Doppler velocities, such as lateral annular e‘ wave, a‘ wave, e‘/a‘ ratio and E/e‘ ratio.ResultsThere were increases in the LV dimensions, LV volumes, stroke volume, and LVMI of the SCD patients. The preload was increased (LV diastolic volume) and afterload was decreased (low diastolic blood pressure). The LVEF was equivalent, though there was evidence of LV diastolic dysfunction in 24%, and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 40% of the SCD patients. The mean left atrial volume (LAV) was also increased in the SCD patients.ConclusionLV diastolic dysfunction (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) and PH may complicate cases of the Arab-Indian haplotype of SCD.     

Alterations of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in pregnant women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, major cardiovascular changes occur. The aim of the following study was to investigate the course of hemodynamic parameters under the increased volume load during pregnancy and delivery in women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. METHODS: We examined 51 pregnant diabetic and 51 healthy pregnant women. The control group consisted of 51 healthy non-pregnant women. In all women, left ventricular mass and fractional shortening were calculated. To evaluate left ventricular diastolic function, mitral inflow and pulmonary venous flow profiles were analyzed. RESULTS: During pregnancy left ventricular mass increased, fractional shortening decreased and diastolic dysfunction was found. While the healthy pregnant women developed signs of disturbed relaxation during pregnancy, pregnant diabetic women showed signs of a disturbed relaxation already at the beginning of gestation. A total of 29 pregnant diabetic women developed a restrictive filling pattern already at the 24th week of gestation. The remaining 22 diabetics had a comparable restrictive filling pattern only during vaginal delivery. In 10 of the 29 pregnant diabetic women dangerous complications were documented, while there were no complications in the healthy pregnant women and the other 22 diabetic pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy women pregnancy results in a reversible physiologic left ventricular hypertrophy, a disturbed relaxation pattern and a temporary decrease of left ventricular systolic function. In contrast, pregnant diabetic women demonstrated a delayed relaxation at the beginning of pregnancy and developed a restrictive filling pattern. The early development of a restrictive filling pattern may predispose to complications during delivery in pregnant diabetic women.     

Heart failure and diabetes: left ventricular systolic function

AIM: Heart failure is the main cause of mortality and morbidity in general population, annual mortality rate is 20%, in spite of pharmacological treatments or other therapies. Cardio-vascular events and diabetes tight correlation is well known, while it is less evaluated diabetes and heart failure correlation is less studied, heart failure as left ventricular systolic function impairment. Cardiovascular disease rate is decreasing, systolic heart failure rate is raising. Our study goal is to evaluate which role diabetes plays in determining systolic heart failure, diagnosed by echocardiographical examination. METHODS: Four hundred and fifty consecutive patients, systolic heart failure prone, diagnosed by left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40%, were included. Exclusion criteria were rheumatic or congenital valve diseases. Mean age was 78.3 years (53-93 years), 286 were women and 164 men. Statistical analysis were performed by parametric t-Student test and not parametric chi2 test. High significant difference was assessed for P<0.05. RESULTS: Seventy six (16.9%) patients were diabetes prone (D), 374 (83.1%) were diabetes free, so not diabetic (ND). Forty three men were D (56.5%), 131 ND (35%). Diabetic mean age was 74.7 years (52-88), not diabetic was 79.3 (53-93). Six D (7.8%) and 21 ND patients (5.6%) were hypercholesterolemia prone. Eight D (10.5%) and 18 ND (10.1%) patients were smokers. Twenty eight D (36.8%) and 107 ND patients (28.6%) were hypertensive. Thirty three D (43.4%) and 88 ND (26.4%) patients were coronary artery disease prone, 3 of 33 (3.9%) D and 28 of 88 (7.4%) ND ischemic patients were myocardial infarction prone. Twenty one D (27.6%) and 106 ND (28.3%) patients were atrial fibrillation prone. There were not statistical significant difference among D and ND patients for following variables: sex, smoke, total cholesterolemia, hypertension and atrial fibrillation. We found an high significant difference for mean age (P<0.005) and coronary artery disease prone patients (P<0.007), but not for myocardial infarction prone subjects (P<0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes, not depending by other common cardiovascular risk factors, causes systolic heart failure, in prone patients, on an younger age, and in the same time an higher coronary artery disease rate, but not an higher myocardial infarction rate, because the coronary artery disease is often a microvascular one, and it leads to heart failure rather than myocardial necrosis.     

Echocardiographic indices of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in 647 individuals with preserved left ventricular systolic function

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the occurrence of isolated diastolic dysfunction (DD) in the general population is limited. AIMS: This population study was performed to assess the frequency and distribution pattern of echocardiographic indices of left ventricular (LV) DD in an elderly population aged 50-89 years in which LV systolic function is preserved. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population (n=764) recruited from the background population answered a heart failure questionnaire and underwent echocardiography. Excluding subjects with a LV ejection fraction <50% or atrial fibrillation, diastolic function was evaluated in 647 subjects. The frequency of impaired relaxation according to earlier guidelines was 0.5%, vs. 2.5% using age- and gender-specific normal values of 'E/A-ratio' and 'deceleration time'. In a subpopulation of 167 participants, 6.6% had 'pseudonormalisation'. No difference was found in the frequency of dyspnea in subjects with impaired relaxation or 'pseudonormalisation' compared to subjects with normal filling pattern. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of LV impaired relaxation was highly dependent on the choice of normal (cut-off) values for Doppler indices. Furthermore, our findings suggest that either isolated DD is often asymptomatic, or that Doppler flow derived parameters as a diagnostic method for assessing DD have a low specificity when used as a screening tool in the general population.     

Combined circumferential and longitudinal left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without myocardial ischemia

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE:

Left ventricular (LV) circumferential or longitudinal shortening may be impaired in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). In the present study, patients with type 2 DM without myocardial ischemia and combined impairment of circumferential and longitudinal (C+L) shortening were studied to assess the prevalence and factors associated with this condition.

METHODS:

Data from 386 patients with type 2 DM enrolled in the SHORTening of midWall and longitudinAl left Ventricular fibers in diabEtes study were analyzed. One hundred twenty healthy subjects were used to define C+L dysfunction. Stress-corrected midwall shortening and mitral annular peak systolic velocity were considered as indexes of C+L shortening and classified as low if <89% and <8.5 cm/s, respectively (10th percentiles of controls).

RESULTS:

Combined C+L dysfunction was detected in 66 patients (17%). The variables associated with this condition were lower glomerular filtration rate (OR 0.98 [95% CI 0.96 to 0.99], greater LV mass (OR 1.05 [95% CI 1.02 to 1.08]), high pulmonary artery wedge pressure (OR 1.23 [95% CI 1.04 to 1.44]) and mitral annular calcifications (OR 3.35 [95% CI 1.71 to 6.55]). Considering the entire population, the relationship between stress-corrected midwall shortening and peak systolic velocity was poor (r=0.20), and the model was linear. The relationship was considerably closer and nonlinear in patients with combined C+L dysfunction (r=0.61; P<0.001), having the best fit by cubic function.

CONCLUSIONS:

Combined C+L dysfunction was present in one-sixth of patients with type 2 DM without myocardial ischemia. This condition was associated with reduced renal function, worse hemodynamic status and structural LV abnormalities, and may be considered a preclinical risk factor for heart failure.     

Echocardiographic features of impaired ventricular function in diabetes mellitus.

In order to study left ventricular diastolic function in diabetes mellitus, simultaneous echo- and phonocardiograms were recorded in 142 diabetics (free from heart disease), 20 normal subjects, and 16 patients with coronary artery disease. The resultant traces were digitised, and left ventricular relaxation and the rate and duration of cavity dimension increase and wall thinning were determined. Diastolic variables of left ventricular function were normal in 12 young diabetics with no complications. Significantly delayed mitral valve opening relative to minimum dimension and aortic valve closure was found in all other groups of diabetics. Forty-four diabetics with severe microvascular complications had significantly reduced peak rate and prolonged duration of wall thinning and dimension increase. The abnormalities were unlike those found in subjects with coronary artery disease. The extent of microvascular complications was significantly correlated to most variables of diastolic function. This relation was maintained in 31 diabetics with significant cavity dimension increase during isovolumic relaxation (incoordinate relaxation). In 42 juvenile onset patients there was good correlation between the duration of diabetes and most variables of diastolic function. These studies show that the primary cardiac abnormality in diabetic micro-angiography is a prolonged duration and reduced rate of posterior wall thinning with impaired left ventricular dimension increase, reflecting abnormal myocardial properties.