Echocardiographic evolution of pulmonary artery pressure after acute pulmonary embolism. Results from IPER registry

Aims

The aim of the study is to describe the course of the echocardiographically measured pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PAsP) in a series of patients included in the Italian Pulmonary Embolism Registry (IPER).

Methods

Patients with confirmed PE received an echo-Doppler evaluation within 24 hours from hospital admission and after one year. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was considered “likely” , “possible” or “unlikely” with a right ventricular-right atrial (RV-RA) pressure gradient > 45 mm Hg, between 32 and 45 mm Hg and ≤ 31 mm Hg and no additional echocardiographic variables suggestive of PH, respectively.

Results

We studied 286 patients (169 females and 117 males, mean age 67 ± 15; mean follow-up 387 ± 45 days): 240 had a baseline tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and a RV-RA gradient of variable degree. PH was considered likely, unlikely and possible in 97, 93 and 50 patients respectively. At FU echocardiography, 6 patients (2.1%) had a likely PH and all of them were part of the group of 97 patients with a baseline likely PH; 24 patients (8.4%) had a possible PH, and 67% of them had an initial likely PH. No patients with a baseline unlikely PH or without TR developed a follow-up PH (both likely or possible). The probability to show a likely PH at FU echocardiography for patients with a baseline RV-RA gradient > 45 mm Hg was 6.2%, while the probability not to have a likely PH for patients with a baseline RV-RA gradient ≤ 45 mm Hg was 100%.

Conclusion

In our study population of patients with acute PE, we observed that those presenting with a baseline echocardiographic RV-RA pressure gradient ≤ 45 mm Hg were completely free from a likely PH after 1-year.     

Left atrial spindle cell sarcoma - Case report

Primary spindle cell sarcoma of the left atrium is an extremely rare tumour. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment since it responds poorly to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In spite of all the treatment, the prognosis remains poor due to inadvertent delay in diagnosis, few therapeutic options and propensity to metastasize. We present a 47-year-old male who underwent a surgical excision of a left atrial mass in February 2010. It was proved to be a high-grade spindle cell sarcoma on histopathology. He presented again in October 2010 with recurrence of the tumour for which he was re-operated. However, the tumour recurred again within one month, to which the patient succumbed.     

Atrial fibrillation in a tertiary care institute – A prospective study

ObjectiveAtrial fibrillation is the commonest sustained arrhythmia. In western countries the common causes of atrial fibrillation are hypertensive heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and coronary heart disease. Rheumatic heart disease being still common in India, we studied its contribution to atrial fibrillation.Material and methods137 consecutive patients of atrial fibrillation coming to our hospital were subjected to echocardiography to determine the cause.ResultsOut of 137 patients with atrial fibrillation, 76 were female (55.47%) and 61 were male (44.43%). Mean age was 51.24 ± 15.36 years. Commonest cause of AF was rheumatic heart disease found in 84 (61.31%) patients. Next common causes were hypertensive heart disease in 14 (10.2%) patients and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 14 (10.2%) patients. Mean left atrial size was 47.8 ± 12.25 mm.ConclusionIn our study of patients coming from a rural back ground of North India, more than 60% patients of AF are due to RHD. Hypertensive heart disease and COPD are the next common causes.     

Reference values of right atrial longitudinal strain imaging by two-dimensional speckle tracking

Background: The role of speckle tracking in the assessment of right atrial (RA) deformation dynamics has not been established yet. The reference ranges of RA longitudinal strain indices were measured by speckle tracking in a population of normal subjects. Methods: In 84 healthy individuals, peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), peak atrial contraction strain (PACS), and time to peak longitudinal strain (TPLS) were measured using a six‐segment model for the RA. Strain rate (SR) was also measured starting from the QRS‐wave onset, peak positive (x‐wave), first peak negative (y‐wave), and second negative peak (z‐wave). The time from the QRS onset was measured to each wave peak. Results: Adequate tracking quality was achieved in 64% of segments analyzed. Inter‐ and intraobserver variability coefficients of measurements ranged between 6% and 11%. Global PALS was 49 ± 13%, global TPLS was 363 ± 59 msec, x‐wave was 2.12 ± 0.58 sec^?1, y‐wave was ?1.91 ± 0.63 sec^?1, and z‐wave was ?2.18 ± 0.78 sec^?1. Conclusion: Speckle tracking is a feasible technique for the assessment of longitudinal myocardial RA deformation. Reference ranges of strain indices were reported. (Echocardiography 2012;29:147‐152)     

阵发性心房颤动患者心房及肺静脉不应期离散度的变化

目的探讨阵发性房颤患者房颤相关组织的电生理特性改变情况。方法选取阵发性房颤患者10例(房颤组)和无房颤病史的左侧旁路有显性预激波患者15例(对照组)。将大头电极分别放置在两组患者左上肺静脉、左下肺静脉、右上肺静脉、右下肺静脉开口及左心房顶壁、前壁、后壁、高位右心房,分别测定各部位有效不应期(EPR)。结果①房颤组心房及肺静脉EPR离散度指数(DI)为0.117±0.028,对照组为0.074±0.029,两组比较,P<0.05。②房颤组左心房ERP为(234.00±28.72)ms,肺静脉ERP为(230.75±32.69)ms;对照组左心房ERP为(248.00±25.99)ms,肺静脉ERP为(244.33±26.78)ms,两组比较,P均<0.05。结论阵发性房颤患者DI明显增大,左心房、肺静脉ERP显著缩短。     

心房颤动肺静脉前庭和左房内连续碎裂电位的电生理特点

目的探讨阵发性和持续性心房颤动(简称房颤)患者肺静脉前庭(PVO)和左房(LA)内连续碎裂电位(CFEAs)的电生理特点。方法入选24例药物治疗无效的房颤患者,依房颤节律分为阵发性房颤(PAF)组与持续性房颤(PeAF)组,每组各12例,根据距离肺静脉口远近,将肺静脉分成距肺静脉5～10 mm(Ⅰ区)与10～20 mm(Ⅱ区)两区。在房颤时,应用EnSite NavX标测系统高密度标测PVO和LA,比较两组平均CFE值(碎裂间期)≤70ms的CFAEs的电生理特点。结果①PeAF组LA内径大于PAF组(P<0.05),PAF组LA后壁CFAES分布比例最低,顶部最高,PeAF组前后壁最低,左心耳最高;PAF组PVO较LA高(P<0.05),PeAF组PVO和LA无差异。②两组间总PVO区域连续CFAEs比例无差异,PeAF组LA明显高于PAF组(P<0.05),PAF左下PVO连续CFAEs分布比例高于PeAF(P=0.02),另三支PVO无明显差别。除顶部PAF组连续CFAEs分布高于PeAF组(P=0.02)外,PeAF组下壁、左心耳及二尖瓣环均显著高于PAF组(P均<0.001)。③PAF组各支Ⅰ区连续CFAEs分布高于Ⅱ区(P<0.05),PeAF组左下PVOⅠ区高于Ⅱ区(P<0.05),右上PVOⅡ区高于Ⅰ区(P<0.05),另两支PVO无差异。④PAF组PVO平均CFE明显低于LA(P<0.0001),PeAF组两区域及两组间PVO则无差异;PeAF组LA平均CFE值较低,连续CFAEs数量较多,房颤周长较短。结论 LA电解剖重构在房颤维持中起重要作用,PeAF LA内连续CFAEs分布较PAF广泛,碎裂程度更高,房颤周长较短。PVO绝大多数连续CFAEs位于5～10 mm区域。     

Left atrial deformation imaging with ultrasound based two-dimensional speckle-tracking predicts the rate of recurrence of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation after successful ablation procedures

Predict AF. Objective: Since predictors of recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablation procedures are poorly defined, this prospective study was conducted to assess the value of left atrial (LA) deformation imaging with two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking (2D‐ST) to predict AF recurrences after successful ablation procedures. Methods and results: One hundred and three consecutive patients (age 58.1 ± 16.6 years, 72.8% male) with AF (76 paroxysmal, 27 persistent) and 30 matched controls underwent transthoracic echocardiography and 2D‐ST‐LA‐deformation analysis with assessment of LA‐radial and LA‐longitudinal strain (Sr, Sl), and velocities derived from the apical 4‐ and 2‐chamber views (4CV, 2CV). AF recurrence was assessed during 6 months of follow‐up. For determination of AF‐related LA changes, AF patients were compared to controls and patients with AF recurrences after ablation procedures (n = 30, 29.1%) were compared with patients who maintained sinus rhythm (n = 73, 70.9%). Atrial deformation capabilities were significantly reduced (P < 0.0005) in patients with AF (4CVSl 17.8 ± 13.5%; 4CVSr 22.3 ± 14.9%; 4CV‐velocities 2.53 ± 0.97 seconds) when compared with controls (4CVSl 31.3 ± 12.4%; 4CVSr 30.3 ± 9.1%; 4CV‐velocities 3.48 ± 1.01 cm/s). Independent predictors for AF recurrence after ablation procedures were 2CV‐LA‐global‐strain (Sr, P = 0.03; Sl, P = 0.003), 4CV‐LA‐gobal‐strain (Sr, P = 0.03; Sl, P = 0.02), and regional LA‐septal wall‐Sl (P = 0.008). LA‐global‐strain parameters were superior to regional LA function analysis for the prediction of AF recurrences, with cutoff values (cov), hazard ratios (HR), positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were: 4CVSl cov, 10.79% (HR 27.8, P < 0.0005; PPV 78.8%, NPV 93.9%), 4CVSr cov, ?16.65% (HR 24.8, P < 0.0005; PPV 69.4%, NPV 96.6%), 2CVSl cov, 12.31% (HR 22.7, P < 0.0005; PPV 75.8%, NPV 95.3%), and 2CVSr cov, ?14.9% (HR 12.9, P < 0.0005; PPV 64.3%, NPV 93.2%). Conclusion: Compared with controls, AF itself seems to decrease LA deformation capabilities. The assessment of global LA strain with 2D‐ST identifies patients with high risk for AF recurrence after ablation procedures. This imaging technique may help to improve therapeutic guiding for patients with AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23 p. 247‐255, March 2012.)     

The Pathophysiological Link between Right Atrial Remodeling and Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Study

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Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection and the Nature of Associated Sinus Venosus Defect

Background: Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) is frequently associated with atrial septal defect (ASD), especially sinus venosus defect (SVD). Although Waggstaffe described the pathology of SVDs in 1868, the exact anatomic features and the nature of SVD remains controversial. SVDs with no posterior atrial rim were observed in recent years. However, no studies suggested that absence of the residual posterior atrial septal tissue might be the key feature of SVD. The aims of this study were to investigate if absence of posterior rim of atrial septum played a crucial role in patients with SVD. Methods: From January 2011 to December 2019, 256 children with PAPVC combined ASD and 878 children with isolated ASD who underwent corrective cardiac surgery were consecutively enrolled. Comprehensive review of preoperative transthoracic echocardiography, computed-tomography images and surgical findings were performed by experienced pediatric cardiologists. The subtypes of PAPVC, locations and types of ASD, and presence of posterior atrial rim of associated ASD were investigated. Results: PAPVC was right-sided in 244 children, left-sided in 6 children, and bilateral in 6 children. In PAPVC cases, ASD without posterior atrial rim existed in 226 SVD cases. ASD without posterior atrial septum only existed in cases with one or more right pulmonary veins returning to right atrium (RA) or to RA-superior vena cava junction. In cases with isolated ASD, there were 3 SVD, and the other 875 cases were secundum ASD. Conclusions: ASD without posterior atrial rims was associated with one or more right pulmonary veins returning to RA or RA-superior venous cava (SVC) junction. For SVD, the key feature is that the defect is in the posterior of the interatrial septum with no posterior septal rim, rather than adjacent to the SVC or to the inferior vena cava.     

NFATc4和IL-6与非瓣膜性心房颤动的相关性研究

目的：探究活化T细胞核因子4(NFATc4)、炎症细胞因子白介素6（IL-6）水平与房颤的关系及其对房颤的诊断价值,同时分析房颤发病的危险因素。方法：选取2019年06月至2019年12月就诊于蚌埠医学院第一附属医院心内科诊断非瓣膜性心房颤动患者80例作为研究对象,其中阵发性房颤患者40例,持续性房颤患者40例。随机选取同期我院体检健康者（窦性心律）38例作为对照组。收集患者临床资料,采用超声心动图测量受试者左房内径值（LAD）、左室射血分数（LVEF）等值。并于次日清晨抽取受试者空腹状态下静脉血约5ml,采用酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）检测血清NFATc4、IL-6水平,记录受试者血常规、生化常规中的尿酸值（SUA）、中性粒细胞和淋巴细胞比值（NLR）。比较各组间指标的差异,探究NFATc4、IL-6、SUA、NLR与房颤之间的关系,采用二元logistic回归分析房颤发病的影响因素,采用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析血清NFATc4、IL-6、SUA、NLR水平对房颤发病的预测价值。结果：(1).阵发性房颤组和持续性房颤组中血清NFATc4、IL-6、SUA、NLR值及LAD明显高于对照组,且在阵发性房颤组和持续性房颤组间亦有统计学差异（P<0.05）;(2).房颤患者外周血中NFATc4、IL-6、SUA、NLR表达水平与LAD存在正相关性(r=0.481、0.637、0.331、0.336,P<0.05)。(3).采用二元logistic回归分析NFATc4、IL-6、SUA、NLR是房颤发病的危险因素(P<0.05)。(4). 用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线发现血清NFATc4、IL-6、SUA、NLR值对房颤发病的具有预测价值（曲线下的面积分别是0.797、0.894、0.701、0.708）。结论：NFATc4、IL-6、SUA、NLR表达水平与房颤的持续时间有关,是房颤发病的危险因素,对房颤发生具有预测价值。