scholarly journals Incremental benefits of echocardiographic indices over clinical parameters for screening cardiac amyloidosis in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Saito ◽  
Y Nakao ◽  
R Higaki ◽  
Y Yokomoto ◽  
A Ogimoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Cardiac Amyloidosis ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Clinical Parameters ◽  
Clinical Model

Abstract Background Cardiac amyloidosis (CA), characterized by amyloid protein deposition in the heart, is a treatable disease. Although left ventricular (LV) wall thickness is the most established imaging predictor for CA, several echocardiographic indices including deformation parameters also contribute to the screening of CA. However, it is unclear whether additive values of echocardiographic indices have greater benefit over the conventional clinical predictors for the screening of CA. Therefore, we sought to compare the incremental benefits of echocardiographic indices over the clinical parameters for the screening of CA and externally validate their incremental benefits. Methods We retrospectively studied 295 consecutive patients (median age, 67 years; male, 65%; mean LV wall thickness (MWT), 12 mm) with LV hypertrophy who underwent echocardiography as well as the detailed work-up for myocardium (Biopsy, technetium pyrophosphate scintigraphy (99mTc-PYP) or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging). CA was diagnosed through biopsy or 99mTc-PYP. The clinical model considers patients' age and the low-voltage in electrocardiography in reference to previous studies. Continuous echocardiographic variables were represented in binary through generally accepted external cutoff points. The incremental benefits of the echocardiography findings over the clinical model were assessed using with the help of both receiver-operated characteristic curve analysis and comparison of area under the curves. Furthermore, these incremental benefits were validated in the external validation sample (median age, 70 years; male, 69%; MWT, 12 mm). Results Among the enrolled patients, CA was observed in 18% of cases. Table presents the results of this study. Of the echocardiographic parameters, relative apical sparing pattern (RASP) was the greatest contributor for improvement of diagnostic accuracy of the clinical model. The next greatest contributor was LV wall thickness, followed by left atrial reservoir strain (LAS), E/e', left atrial volume index, ejection fraction strain ratio, and pericardial effusion, respectively. Similarly, RASP, LV wall thickness, global longitudinal strain, ejection fraction, LAS, and granular sparkling showed significant incremental benefit in the validation cohort. Only mean wall thickness, LV wall thickness, LAS, E/e' and RASP consistently improved the diagnostic accuracy of the clinical model. Conclusion During the screening process, adding LV wall thickness, LAS, and RASP to the clinical parameters may be useful for the accurate diagnosis of CA in patients with LV hypertrophy. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals 1038 Comparative assessment of phasic left atrial and regional left ventricular strain in patients with cardiac amyloidosis and LV hypertrophy

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A M Brand ◽  
G Baldenhofer ◽  
D Frumkin ◽  
A Huebscher ◽  
K Stangl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Cardiac Amyloidosis ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Al Amyloidosis

Abstract Background Echocardiographic hallmarks of cardiac amyloidosis (CA), such as increased wall thickness of the LV and sparkling appearance of the myocardium, are limited by a reduced diagnostic accuracy. Purpose We sought to evaluate the diagnostic value of phasic left atrial strain alterations and of regional global longitudinal systolic LV strain (LVGLS) reductions in patients with CA and with other forms of LV hypertrophy. Methods Standard apical 4-chamber views were stored for offline analysis (Vivid E9, GE, Vingmed, Horton) in 54 patients who underwent endomyocardial biopsy for unclear LV hypertrophy. We then analyzed LVGLS as well as LA reservoir, conduit, and contraction strain using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE; EchoPAC software, GE). To assess regional LVGLS, the average of apical strain values / (average of mid + basal LV strain values) was calculated (relative apical sparing; RELAPS). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and a multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to investigate the diagnostic value of the respective LA and LV deformation analysis. Results CA was bioptically confirmed in 34 patients (13 TTR, 1 AA, 20 AL amyloidosis). In 18 patients, myocardial biopsy revealed other forms of LV hypertrophy, such as hypertensive heart disease (n = 2), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 12), and inflammatory myocardial diseases (n = 4). Mean septal wall thickness (17.7 ± 2.9 mm and 17.9 ± 4.3 mm) and left atrial volume index (43.8 ± 12.2 and 44.1 ± 17.2) were not different between groups. RELAPS was significantly higher in patients with CA (1.37 ± 0.94 vs. 0.86 ± 0.29, p<.007). Phasic atrial mechanics were significantly worse in CA (LA reservoir, conduit, and contraction strain 10.0 ± 5.2%, -6.5 ± 3.5%, and -5.0 ± 4.1%, respectively, in CA; and 22.7 ± 7.8%, -13.9 ± 5.2%, and -13.0 ± 5.5%, in LVH, respectively; p<.001). With an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.91, and a sensitivity and specificity of 91.2 and 84.2% for a cut-off value of <15.8%, LA reservoir strain showed a higher diagnostic accuracy in discriminating CA from LVH than the parameter RELPAS (AUC 0.74, sensitivity and specificity 60% and 71% for a cut-off of >1.0; p<.05). LA conduit and contraction strain performed significantly better than RELAPS as well (AUC 0.87 for conduit, and AUC 0.86 for contraction function; p<.001 each). Of all echocardiographic parameters, LA reservoir strain remained significantly associated with CA in a multivariate regression model. Conclusions LA strain during all three phases of the atrial cycle was significantly reduced in patients with CA compared to other forms of LVH, and showed a markedly higher diagnostic accuracy than regional LV strain analysis, with LA reservoir strain showing highest discriminative value. The assessment of LA strain, as part of a comprehensive echocardiographic assessment, may be useful to rule-in the possible diagnosis of CA in patients with unclear LV hypertrophy.

scholarly journals Left Atrial Strain to Predict Stroke in Patients With Acute Heart Failure and Sinus Rhythm

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae‐Hyeong Park ◽  
In‐Chang Hwang ◽  
Jin Joo Park ◽  
Jun‐Bean Park ◽  
Goo‐Yeong Cho
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Increased Risk

Background Stroke is a major comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF), especially in those with decreased left atrial (LA) function, and thus, identifying patients highly at risk of stroke can prevent its occurrence. We evaluated the predictive value of global longitudinal strain of LA (LAGLS) in patients with acute HF and sinus rhythm. Methods and Results In this retrospective study, 2461 patients (53.3% men, 69.7±14.4 years old) with sinus rhythm and LAGLS among 4312 consecutive patients with acute HF from 3 tertiary hospitals were included. HF phenotypes were defined as HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF) (left ventricular EF ≤40%), HF with midrange EF (40% <left ventricular EF <50%), and HF with preserved ejection fraction (left ventricular EF ≥50%). Primary outcome was new‐onset stroke. The mean left ventricular EF was 39.4%±15.6%. Moreover, 1388 (57.5%), 342 (14.2%), and 682 (28.3%) were classified with HF with reduced EF, HF with midrange EF, and HF with preserved EF, retrospectively. LAGLS was 17.2%±10.4%. During the follow‐up duration (mean: 30.3±25.4 months), 100 patients experienced stroke. Patients with stroke had higher LA diameter ( P =0.031) and lower LAGLS ( P =0.010) than those without stroke. In the univariate analysis, age, diabetes mellitus, LA diameter, LA volume index, and LAGLS were significant risk factors for stroke. In the multivariate analysis, each 1% decrease in LAGLS was associated with a 3.8% increased risk for stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 1.038; 95% CI, 1.013–1.065; P =0.003). When applying a LAGLS cutoff point of 14.5%, patients with LAGLS <14.5% had approximately twice the risk for stroke after adjusting other significant variables (HR, 1.940; 95% CI, 1.269–2.965; P =0.002). Conclusions In patients with acute HF and sinus rhythm, decreased LAGLS (<14.5%) was associated with an increased risk for stroke, with an annual incidence of 2.38%.

P2458Restricted left atrial motion as a result of atrial stiffening in patients with cardiac amyloidosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Higashi ◽  
K Inoue ◽  
M Saito ◽  
M Kinoshita ◽  
J Aono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Cardiac Amyloidosis ◽  
Validation Cohort ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Stiffness Index ◽  
Derivation Cohort ◽  
Independent Validation ◽  
Lv Ejection Fraction

Abstract Background Left atrial (LA) involvement of abnormal amyloid fibrils could induce LA dysfunction and stiffening in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Thus, the assessments of LA function and stiffness might be a potential approach to diagnose CA phenotype among patients with hypertrophied hearts. Purpose We sought to determine whether LA reservoir strain with speckle tracking echocardiography could be used a marker of LA stiffness in a derivation cohort. Furthermore, we tested to our hypothesis that LA reservoir strain could differentiate CA patients from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in an independent validation cohort. Methods In the derivation cohort, echocardiography was performed simultaneously with measurements of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) in 50 patients with suspected or established heart failure and relatively preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (56±10%). LA maximum and minimum volume index, and reservoir strain were measured from apical four-chamber view. LA stiffness index was computed as a pressure rise from x-trough to v-wave divided by an increase from minimum to maximum indexed LA volume (Figure A). In an independent validation group, we studied a total of 33 biopsy-proved CA patients and 127 HCM patients (LV ejection fraction: 57±11% vs. 66±10%, P<0.01) in sinus rhythm on the date of comprehensive echocardiographic study. Among them, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) could be evaluated in 17 CA patients and 98 HCM patients. Furthermore, right heart catheterization was performed with 12 CA patients and 12 HCM patients in the CMR group. Results The derivation cohort study found that there was a significant curvilinear correlation of LA reservoir strain to LA stiffness index (Figure B). In the validation cohort, LA reservoir strain was reduced in patients with CA compared with HCM in all participants (11.6±5.6% vs. 18.5±6.9%, P<0.01), although there was no significant difference of LA maximal volume index between 2 groups (37±16 ml/m2 vs. 37±12 ml/m2, p=0.89). In the CMR group, the late gadolinium enhancement was observed in the LA wall in 16 patients with CA (94.1%) as shown in Figure C. In contrast, the LA enhancement revealed only in 1 patient with HCM (1.0%). Among patients with invasive measures, LA stiffness index [median (interquartile range)] was higher in patients with CA than that in patients with HCM [1.1 (0.4–2.8) vs. 0.2 (0.1–0.6), P=0.01]. Conclusions LA reservoir function was fairly limited in patients with CA compared with HCM. Restricted LA motion might be related to atrial amyloid deposits or fibrosis, which potentially provokes atrial chamber stiffening.

Abstract 4205: Left Atrial Volume Index and Left Ventricular Geometry Independently Predict Mortality in 47,865 Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dharmendrakumar A Patel ◽  
Carl J Lavie ◽  
Richard V Milani ◽  
Hector O Ventura
Keyword(s):  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Volume ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Mortality Prediction ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Left Ventricular Geometry ◽  
Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽  
Atrial Volume ◽  
Left Atrial Volume Index

Background: LV geometry predicts CV events but it is unknown whether left atrial volume index (LAVi) predicts mortality independent of LV geometry in patients with preserved LVEF. Methods: We evaluated 47,865 patients with preserved EF to determine the impact of LAVi and LV geometry on mortality during an average follow-up of 1.7±1.0 years. Results: Deceased patients (n=3,653) had significantly higher LAVi (35.3 ± 15.9 vs. 29.1 ± 11.9, p<0.0001) and abnormal LV geometry (60% vs. 41%, p<0.0001) than survivors (n=44,212). LAVi was an independent predictor of mortality in all four LV geometry groups [Hazard ratio: N= 1.007 (1.002–1.011), p=0.002; concentric remodeling= 1.008 (1.001–1.012), p<0.0001; eccentric hypertrophy= 1.012 (1.006 –1.018), p<0.0001; concentric hypertrophy=1.017 (1.012–1.022), p<0.0001; Figure ]. Comparison of models with and without LAVi for mortality prediction was significant suggesting increased mortality prediction by addition of LAVi to other independent predictors (Table ). Conclusion: LAVi is higher and LV geometric abnormalities are more prevalent in deceased patients with preserved systolic function and are independently associated with increased mortality. LAVi predicts mortality independent of LV geometry and has synergistic influence on all cause mortality prediction in large cohort of patients with preserved ejection fraction.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism as an Independent Determinant of Left Atrial Dysfunction in the General Population

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koki Nakanishi ◽  
Masao Daimon ◽  
Yuriko Yoshida ◽  
Naoko Sawada ◽  
Kazutoshi Hirose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Left Heart ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Purpose Although subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common clinical entity and carries independent risk for incident heart failure (HF), its possible association with subclinical cardiac dysfunction is unclear. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and left atrial (LA) phasic strain can unmask subclinical left heart abnormalities and are excellent predictors for HF. This study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of SCH and subclinical left heart dysfunction in a sample of the general population without overt cardiac disease. Methods We examined 1078 participants who voluntarily underwent extensive cardiovascular health check-ups, including laboratory tests and 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess LVGLS and LA reservoir, conduit, and pump strain. SCH was defined as an elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level with normal concentration of free thyroxine. Results Mean age was 62 ± 12 years, and 56% were men. Seventy-eight (7.2%) participants exhibited SCH. Individuals with SCH had significantly reduced LA reservoir (37.1 ± 6.6% vs 39.1 ± 6.6%; P = 0.011) and conduit strain (17.3 ± 6.3% vs 19.3 ± 6.6%; P = 0.012) compared with those with euthyroidism, whereas there was no significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction, LA volume index, LVGLS, and LA pump strain between the 2 groups. In multivariable analyses, SCH remained associated with impaired LA reservoir strain, independent of age, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and pertinent laboratory and echocardiographic parameters. including LVGLS (standardized β −0.054; P = 0.032). Conclusions In an unselected community-based cohort, individuals with SCH had significantly impaired LA phasic function. This association may be involved in the higher incidence of HF in subjects with SCH.

P1486Semi-automated volume-strain loops: a new tool in TTE to assess diastolic dysfunction

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Hubert ◽  
V Le Rolle ◽  
E Galli ◽  
A Hernandez ◽  
E Donal
Keyword(s):  
Left Atrial ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Atrial Volume ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Atrial Volume ◽  
Volume Strain ◽  
Left Atrial Volume Index ◽  
Loop Area ◽  
Lv Volume

Abstract Aim This work aims to evaluate a novel semi-automatic tool for the assessment of volume-strain loops by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The proposed method was evaluated on a typical model of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction: the cardiac amyloidosis. Method 18 patients with proved cardiac amyloidosis were compared to 19 controls, from a local database. All TTE were performed using Vivid E9 or E95 ultrasound system. The complete method includes several steps: 1) extraction of LV strain full traces from apical 4 and 2 cavities views, 2) estimation of LV volume from these two traces by spline interpolations, 3) resampling of LV strain curves, determined for the same cardiac beat, (in apical 4-, 2- and 3- cavities views) as a function of pre-defined percentage increments of LV-volume and 4) calculation of the LV volume-strain loop area. (Figure 1, panel B) Results (Table 1): LVEF was similar between both groups whereas global longitudinal strain was significantly lower in amyloidosis group (−14.4 vs −20.5%; p<0.001). Amyloidosis group had a worse diastolic function with a greater left atrial volume index (51 vs 22ml/m2), a faster tricuspid regurgitation (2.7 vs 2.0 m/s), a greater E/e' ratio (17.3 vs 5.9) with a p<0.001 for all these indices. Simultaneously, the global area of volume-strain loop was significantly lower in amyloidosis group (36.5 vs 120.0%.mL). This area was better correlated with mean e' with r=0.734 (p<0.001) than all other indices (Figure 1, panel A). Table 1 Amyloidosis (N=18) Controls (N=19) p Global strain-volume loop area (%.mL) 36.5±21.3 120.0±54.2 <0.001 Global longitudinal strain (%) −14.4±3.8 −20.5±1.8 <0.001 Left ventricular ejection fraction (%) 62±7 65±5 0.08 Left atrial volume index (ml/m2) 51±22 22±5 <0.001 E/A 1.72±0.97 2.07±0.45 0.17 Mean e' 5.5±1.3 14.4±2.8 <0.001 Mean E/e' 17.3±5.4 5.9±1.4 <0.001 Tricuspid regurgitation velocity (m/s) 2.7±3.8 2.0±0.3 <0.001 Figure 1 Conclusion LV volume-strain loop area appears a very promising new tool to assess semi-automatically diastolic function. Future applications will concern the integration of LV volume-strain loop area as novel feature in machine-learning approach.

481Right ventricular longitudinal strain predicts symptoms in patients with chronic primary mitral regurgitation

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A L Chilingaryan ◽  
L G Tunyan ◽  
K G Adamyan
Keyword(s):  
Mitral Regurgitation ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Lv Ejection Fraction ◽  
Primary Mitral Regurgitation

Abstract Mitral regurgitation (MR) leads to subclinical changes that often cannot be detected by low sensitive conventional parameters and early predictors of deterioration could suggest a better timing for intervention. Methods We follow up 175 asymptomatic patients 56±13 years (79 female) with severe primary MR in sinus rhythm and without diabetes mellitus and renal disease for 2 years. Global longitudinal strain (LS) of left ventricle (LVGLS), right ventricular (RV) free wall LS (RVLS), and left atrial (LA) peak reservoir LS as average of two basal segments in 4 chamber view were measured by speckle tracking along with indexes of LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, LV ejection fraction (EF), left atrial end-systolic volume index (LAVi) every 6 months. Normal reference values of LS were obtained from age and sex matched 40 healthy controls. Results Patients with MR had higher LV ejection fraction (EF), LVGLS, LALS and lower values of RVLS compared with controls (EF 67.4±5% vs 59.3±4%, p<0.05; LVGLS –25.2±2.3% vs –21.2±1.9%, p<0.03; LALS 46.2±5.1% vs 42.4±3.7%, p<0.04; RVLS –23.4±5.1% vs –27.3±2.8%, p<0.03). 53 (30%) patients developed symptoms at exercise during follow up. Symptomatic patients at baseline had higher values of RVLS compared with patients who remained asymptomatic during follow up without significant differences in EF, LVGLS, LALS (RVLS –21.4±2.6% vs –25.8±3.2%, p<0.02; EF 66.8±2.4% vs 68.1±3.1%, p>0.05; LVGLS –24.8±2.1% vs –25.3±2.3%, p>0.05; LALS 45.7±4.1% vs 46.5±4.4%, p>0.05). RVLS correlated with LAVi (r=0.53, p<0.01) and LALS (r=0.57, p<0.01). Regression analysis defined RVLS as an independent predictor of symptoms development (OR=3.2; 95% CI=1.37–7.63; p<0.01). Conclusion RV longitudinal strain predicts symptoms in patients with chronic primary mitral regurgitation.

scholarly journals End-systolic wall stress in aortic stenosis: comparing symptomatic and asymptomatic patients

Open Heart ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e001021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmus Carter-Storch ◽  
Jacob Eifer Moller ◽  
Nicolaj Lyhne Christensen ◽  
Lars Melholt Rasmussen ◽  
Redi Pecini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Wall Stress ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Aortic Valve Area ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Systolic Wall Stress

AimsIn aortic stenosis (AS), there is poor association between symptoms and conventional markers of AS severity or left ventricular (LV) systolic function. This may reflect that symptoms arise from LV diastolic dysfunction or that aortic valve area (AVA) and transvalvular gradient do not reflect afterload. We aimed to study the impact of afterload (end-systolic wall stress [ESWS]) on the presence of symptoms in AS and to test whether symptoms are related to increased ESWS or LV remodelling.Methods and resultsIn a prospective study, ESWS was estimated by measuring LV wall thickness from MRI and estimated LV end systolic pressure from echocardiographic mean gradient and systolic blood pressure in 78 patients with severe AS scheduled for aortic valve replacement and 91 patients with asymptomatic severe AS. Symptomatic patients had lower indexed AVA (0.40±0.11 vs 0.45±0.09 cm2/m2, p=0.009). They had undergone more extensive remodelling (MRI LV mass index [LVMi]: 85±24 vs 69±17 g/m2, p<0.0001), had higher tricuspid regurgitant gradient (24±8 mm Hg vs 19 ± 7 mm Hg, p=0.0001) and poorer global longitudinal strain (−15.6±3.8 vs −19.9±3.2%, p<0.0001). ESWS was higher among symptomatic patients (96±51 vs 76±25 kdynes/cm2, p=0.003). Multivariate logistic regression identified echocardiographic relative wall thickness, tricuspid gradient, mitral deceleration time, early diastolic strain rate, MRI LVMi, MRI LV end-diastolic volume index and ESWS as independently associated with being symptomatic.ConclusionESWS can be estimated from multimodality imaging combining MRI and echocardiography. It is correlated with LV remodelling and neurohormonal activation and is independently associated with symptomatic status in AS.

2140Association of arterial stiffness with left atrial structure and phasic function: a community-based cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Yoshida ◽  
K Nakanishi ◽  
M Daimon ◽  
J Ishiwata ◽  
N Sawada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Community Based

Abstract Background Increased arterial stiffness is recognized as an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation, although the pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is emerging as an important tool to assess arterial stiffness noninvasively which is derived from the concept of stiffness β index and is less dependent on blood pressure at the time of measurement than pulse wave velocity. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association of arterial stiffness with left atrial (LA) volume and phasic function in a community-based cohort. Methods We included 1,156 participants without overt cardiovascular disease who underwent extensive cardiovascular examination. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by CAVI. Speckle-tracking echocardiography was employed to evaluate LA phasic function including reservoir, conduit and pump strain as well as left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS). Results CAVI was negatively correlated with reservoir and conduit strain (r=−0.37 and −0.45, both p<0.001; Figure), whereas weakly, but positively correlated with LA volume index and pump strain (r=0.12 and 0.09, both p<0.01). In multivariable analysis, CAVI was significantly associated with reservoir and conduit strain independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, pertinent laboratory parameters and LV morphology and function including LVGLS (standardized β=−0.22 and −0.26, respectively, both p<0.001), whereas there was no independent association with LA volume index and pump strain. In the categorical analysis, the abnormal CAVI (≥9.0) carried the significant risk of impaired reservoir (<31.4%) and conduit (<12.4%) strain (adjusted odds ratio = 2.63 and 3.71 vs. normal CAVI, both p<0.01) in a fully-adjusted model including laboratory and echocardiographic parameters. Figure 1 Conclusion Arterial stiffness was independently associated with LA reservoir and conduit function, even in the absence of overt cardiovascular disease. This association may explain the higher incidence of atrial fibrillation in individuals with increased arterial stiffness.

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