scholarly journals Relationship between left atrial strain and left atrial bipolar voltage in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Takahashi ◽  
T Kitai ◽  
T Watanabe ◽  
T Fujita
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Pulmonary Veins ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Inferior Wall ◽  
Bipolar Voltage ◽  
Global Mean

Abstract Background Low-voltage zone (LVZ) in the left atrium (LA) seems to represent fibrosis. LA longitudinal strain assessed by speckle tracking method is known to correlate with the extent of fibrosis in patients with mitral valve disease. Purpose We sought to identify the relationship between LA longitudinal strain and LA bipolar voltage in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We tested the hypothesis that LA strain can predict LA bipolar voltage. Methods A total of 96 consecutive patients undergoing initial AF ablation were analyzed. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography including 2D speckle tracking measurement on the day before ablation during sinus rhythm (SR group, N=54) or during AF (AF group, N=42). LA longitudinal strain was measured at basal, mid, and roof level of septal, lateral, anterior, and inferior wall in apical 4- and 2-chamber view. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was defined as an average value of the 12 segments. LA voltage map was created using EnSite system, and global mean voltage was defined as a mean of bipolar voltage of the whole LA excluding pulmonary veins and left atrial appendage. LVZ was defined as less than 1.0 mV. Results There was a significantly positive correlation between GLS and global mean voltage (r=0.708, p<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that GLS and age were independent predictors of global mean voltage. There was a significant negative correlation between global mean voltage and LVZ areas. Conclusions There was a strong correlation between LA longitudinal strain and LA mean voltage. GLS can independently predict LA mean voltage, subsequently LVZ areas in patients with AF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Atrioventricular Longitudinal Mechanics Using Novel Speckle-Tracking Improved Risk Stratification Beyond Baseline Thyroid Hormone in Asymptomatic Subclinical Hypothyroidism

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Hung Huang ◽  
Kuo-Tzu Sung ◽  
Jen-Yuan Kuo ◽  
Ying-Ju Chen ◽  
Chun-Ta Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Risk Reclassification ◽  
Strain Peak

Background: Hypothyroidism is reportedly associated with increased cardiovascular risk and heart failure. We aimed to elucidate the mechanistic influence of atrio-ventricular deformations and their prognostic utilizations in asymptomatic subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Methods: We assessed speckle-tracking of deformations among 4173 population-based asymptomatic individuals classified as euthyroid (0.25< thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] ≤4.0 μIU/mL, n=3799) or having mild (4< TSH ≤10.0 μIU/mL, n=349) or marked (TSH >10 μIU/mL, n=25) SCH. We further related deformational indices to outcomes of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Results: Despite borderline differences in indexed left ventricular mass and left atrial volume ( P =0.054 and 0.051), those classified as mild and marked SCH presented with modest but significant reductions of global longitudinal strain, and showed elevated E/tissue Doppler imaging (TDI)-e′, markedly diminished peak atrial longitudinal strain and higher left atrial stiffness (all P <0.05) when compared with euthyroid subjects. A higher TSH level was independently associated with reduced TDI-s′/TDI-e′, worse global atrio-ventricular strains (global longitudinal strain/peak atrial longitudinal strain), elevated E/TDI-e′, and worsened left atrial strain rate components (all P <0.05). Over a median 5.6 years (interquartile range, 4.7–6.5 years) follow-up, myocardial deformations yielded independent risk prediction using Cox regression in models adjusted for baseline covariates, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, E/e′, and treatment effect. Incorporation of global atrio-ventricular strain (global longitudinal strain/peak atrial longitudinal strain) and strain rates further showed improved risk reclassification when added to the baseline TSH strata (classified as euthyroid and mild and marked SCH; all P <0.05). Cox regression models remained significant with improved risk reclassification beyond TSH-based strata by using slightly different deformational cutoffs after excluding marked SCH group. Conclusions: Hypothyroidism, even when asymptomatic, may widely influence subclinical atrio-ventricular mechanical functions that may lead to higher heart failure and atrial fibrillation risk. We proposed the potential usefulness and prognostic utilization of myocardial strains in such population.

Early change in left atrial and left ventricular strain predicts sinus rhythm maintenance after cardioversion

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Kupczynska ◽  
D Miskowiec ◽  
B Michalski ◽  
L Szyda ◽  
K Wierzbowska-Drabik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Recurrence Risk ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Mechanical Function ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) impairs mechanical function of the heart, especially atria and restoration of sinus rhythm (SR) leads to improvement of mechanics. The predicting role of changes in strain parameters for AF recurrence is not established yet. Purpose To analyse changes in left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) mechanical function after conversion to SR and their prognostic values for AF recurrence during 24 months follow-up. Methods Prospective study involved 59 patients after successful electrical cardioversion (EC) because of nonvalvular AF (mean age 65±4 years, 47% female). Speckle tracking analysis (STE) was applied to calculate longitudinal strain of LV and LA before EC and within 24 hours after restoration of SR and additionally total left heart strain (TS) defined as a sum of absolute peak LV and LA strain. We calculated change in strain between AF and SR analyses expressed as delta (Δ). During follow-up we noticed AF recurrence in 42 (71%) patients, most of them (93%) during 1st year after EC. Median time of AF recurrence was 3 months. Results We noticed significant immediate post-EC improvement in peak LA longitudinal strain (PALS) and LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) (table). Unlike CHA2DS2-VASc score, strain parameters were predictors of AF recurrence. Every 1% increment in ΔLVGLS was related with 13% increase in AF recurrence risk (p=0.02) and every 1% increment in ΔPALS and ΔTS were related with 9% decrease in AF recurrence risk (p=0.007 and p=0.0014, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed ΔTS as a strongest predictor with 9% decrease in AF risk per every 1% increment. The criterion of ΔTS ≤7.5% allows to predict AF recurrence with 81% sensitivity and 63% specificity. Conclusions Speckle tracking measurements are able to detect early mechanical changes in LA even within 24 hours of SR and these absolute changes in LVGLS as well as PALS can predict AF recurrence, with optimal stratification by novel parameter - TS. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals P970 Significant differences in atrial structural and functional parameters leading to differing mechanisms of atrial fibrillation in athletes compared to non-athletes

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Trivedi ◽  
G Claessen ◽  
L Stefani ◽  
D Flannery ◽  
P Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Endurance Athletes ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
History Of ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Background/Introduction: There is an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in endurance athletes. We sought to evaluate the likely mechanistic basis for this phenomenon. Methods 36 endurance athletes in sinus rhythm, with a previous history of AF (ATH-AF) were compared to age and gender matched endurance athletes with no prior history of AF (ATH), non athletes with paroxysmal AF (NONATH-AF) and age and gender matched healthy controls (CONTROL). A detailed transthoracic echocardiogram was performed with all groups in sinus rhythm, with detailed left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) measurements, including strain analysis. Results All athletes had increased LA and LV size when compared with healthy controls (Table 1). Non athletes with paroxysmal AF had increased LA size when compared with controls. However, indexed LA/LV ratio was preserved in athletes and similar to healthy individuals, whilst AF patients had significantly increased LA/LV ratio. Athletes with AF had higher e’ velocity and lower E/e’, whereas e’ was reduced and E/e’ elevated in non-athlete AF patients. Athletes had impaired LA reservoir and contractile strain, and reduced LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) compared with healthy controls. Conclusions Compared to healthy controls, athletes have reduced LA and LV strain, with preserved LV diastolic function and LA/LV ratio. In contrast, altered diastolic function with differential increase in LA volume was observed in AF patients. The increased risk of AF in athletes is likely mediated by different mechanistic processes other than an atrial myopathy consequent to diastolic dysfunction as observed in non-athletes with AF. Table 1. LA and LV parameters Parameter ATH-AF ATH NONATH-AF CONTROL P value LVEDV indexed (ml/m2) 84 ± 12 79 ± 14 57 ± 10 51 ± 13 &lt;0.001 LVESV indexed (ml/m2) 35 ± 6 34 ± 7 25 ± 8 27 ± 33 0.02 LV ejection fraction (%) 58 ± 4 56 ± 4 56 ± 10 58 ± 8 0.586 LV global longitudinal strain (%) 19.2 ± 1.7 18.9 ± 2.1 21 ± 3.1 21.7 ± 2.9 &lt;0.001 e’ vel (cm/s) 10 ± 2 10 ± 3 8 ± 2 9 ± 2 0.007 E/e’ 5.7 ± 1.3 5.9 ± 1.8 9.1 ± 3.3 7.5 ± 1.5 &lt;0.001 LAV max indexed (ml/m2) 45 ± 11 43 ± 12 38 ± 11 27 ± 8 &lt;0.001 Indexed LAV/LVEDV ratio 0.5 ± 0.1 0.6 ± 0.2 0.7 ± 0.2 0.5 ± 0.1 &lt;0.001 LA reservoir strain (%) 27.2 ± 4.8 28.2 ± 3.7 27.9 ± 8.4 33.2 ± 7.0 &lt;0.001 LA conduit strain (%) 14.2 ± 4.5 14.4 ± 4.0 14.9 ± 5.5 16.6 ± 6.3 0.182 LA contractile strain (%) 13.0 ± 3.1 13.8 ± 3.6 13.0 ± 5.1 16.6 ± 3.1 &lt;0.001 LV = left ventricular, LAV = left atrial volume, LA = left atrial

scholarly journals Comparison of Unipolar and Bipolar Voltage Mapping for Localization of Left Atrial Arrhythmogenic Substrate in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Nairn ◽  
Heiko Lehrmann ◽  
Björn Müller-Edenborn ◽  
Steffen Schuler ◽  
Thomas Arentz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
High Density ◽  
Border Zone ◽  
Electrode Spacing ◽  
Bipolar Voltage ◽  
Voltage Mapping ◽  
Arrhythmogenic Substrate ◽  
The Impact

Background: Presence of left atrial low voltage substrate in bipolar voltage mapping is associated with increased arrhythmia recurrences following pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Besides local myocardial fibrosis, bipolar voltage amplitudes may be influenced by inter-electrode spacing and bipole-to-wavefront-angle. It is unclear to what extent these impact low voltage areas (LVA) in the clinical setting. Alternatively, unipolar electrogram voltage is not affected by these factors but requires advanced filtering.Objectives: To assess the relationship between bipolar and unipolar voltage mapping in sinus rhythm (SR) and AF and identify if the electrogram recording mode affects the quantification and localization of LVA.Methods: Patients (n = 28, 66±7 years, 46% male, 82% persistent AF, 32% redo-procedures) underwent high-density (&gt;1,200 sites, 20 ± 10 sites/cm2, using a 20-pole 2-6-2 mm-spaced Lasso) voltage mapping in SR and AF. Bipolar LVA were defined using four different thresholds described in literature: &lt;0.5 and &lt;1 mV in SR, &lt;0.35 and &lt;0.5 mV in AF. The optimal unipolar voltage threshold resulting in the highest agreement in both unipolar and bipolar mapping modes was determined. The impact of the inter-electrode distance (2 vs. 6 mm) on the correlation was assessed. Regional analysis was performed using an 11-segment left atrial model.Results: Patients had relevant bipolar LVA (23 ± 23 cm2 at &lt;0.5 mV in SR and 42 ± 26 cm2 at &lt;0.5 mV in AF). 90 ± 5% (in SR) and 85 ± 5% (AF) of mapped sites were concordantly classified as high or low voltage in both mapping modes. Discordant mapping sites located to the border zone of LVA. Bipolar voltage mapping using 2 vs. 6 mm inter-electrode distances increased the portion of matched mapping points by 4%. The unipolar thresholds (y) which resulted in a high spatial concordance can be calculated from the bipolar threshold (x) using following linear equations: y = 1.06x + 0.26mV (r = 0.994) for SR and y = 1.22x + 0.12mV (r = 0.998) for AF.Conclusion: Bipolar and unipolar voltage maps are highly correlated, in SR and AF. While bipole orientation and inter-electrode spacing are theoretical confounders, their impact is unlikely to be of clinical importance for localization of LVA, when mapping is performed at high density with a 20-polar Lasso catheter.

scholarly journals Strain by speckle tracking echocardiography correlates with electroanatomic scar location and burden in ischaemic cardiomyopathy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siddharth J Trivedi ◽  
Timothy Campbell ◽  
Luke D Stefani ◽  
Liza Thomas ◽  
Saurabh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Strain Analysis ◽  
Myocardial Contraction ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
High Density ◽  
Ischaemic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Multilayer Strain

Abstract Aims Ventricular tachycardia (VT) in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) originates from scar, identified as low-voltage areas with invasive high-density electroanatomic mapping (EAM). Abnormal myocardial deformation on speckle tracking strain echocardiography can non-invasively identify scar. We examined if regional and global longitudinal strain (GLS) can localize and quantify low-voltage scar identified with high-density EAM. Methods and results We recruited 60 patients, 40 ICM patients undergoing VT ablation and 20 patients undergoing ablation for other arrhythmias as controls. All patients underwent an echocardiogram prior to high-density left ventricular (LV) EAM. Endocardial bipolar and unipolar scar location and percentage were correlated with regional and multilayer GLS. Controls had normal GLS and normal bipolar and unipolar voltages. There was a strong correlation between endocardial and mid-myocardial longitudinal strain and endocardial bipolar scar percentage for all 17 LV segments (r = 0.76–0.87, P &lt; 0.001) in ICM patients. Additionally, indices of myocardial contraction heterogeneity, myocardial dispersion (MD), and delta contraction duration (DCD) correlated with bipolar scar percentage. Endocardial and mid-myocardial GLS correlated with total LV bipolar scar percentage (r = 0.83; 0.82, P &lt; 0.001 respectively), whereas epicardial GLS correlated with epicardial bipolar scar percentage (r = 0.78, P &lt; 0.001). Endocardial GLS −9.3% or worse had 93% sensitivity and 82% specificity for predicting endocardial bipolar scar &gt;46% of LV surface area. Conclusions Multilayer strain analysis demonstrated good linear correlations with low-voltage scar by invasive EAM. Validation studies are needed to establish the utility of strain as a non-invasive tool for quantifying scar location and burden, thereby facilitating mapping and ablation of VT.

scholarly journals Utility of Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography For Predicting Atrial Fibrillation Following Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qinggele Gao ◽  
Peng Liu ◽  
Tingting Lv ◽  
Ying Yang ◽  
Ping Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Strain Rate ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Cryptogenic Stroke ◽  
Atrial Remodeling

Abstract Purpose: Undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the main sources of cryptogenic stroke. And strain indices measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography are associated with atrial remodeling supposed to be the substrate of AF. Therefore, there is a strong need for evaluating the utility of speckle-tracking echocardiography to predict the likelihood of AF in patients with cryptogenic stroke.Methods: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Database were searched for studies. The random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled results, and summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) analysis was performed to show the overall predictive value.Results: There were 1483 patients with cryptogenic stroke from 8 studies. Meta-analysis showed that strain indices including global longitudinal strain (GLS) (mean difference [SMD]: -0.22, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: -0.40 to -0.04) , left atrial reservoir strain (εR), (SMD: -0.87, 95% CI: -1.26 to -0.48, conduit strain (εCD) (SMD: -0.56, 95% CI: -0.81 to -0.30), contractile strain (εCT) (SMD: -1.00, 95% CI: -1.39 to -0.61), and left atrial reservoir strain rate (SRe) (SMD: -0.54, 95% CI: -0.80 to -0.28) measured at the period of cryptogenic stroke was significantly decreased in patients with AF occurrence compared to without. SROC analysis suggested an acceptable predictive efficiency of εR for AF occurrence (AUC = 0.799).Conclusion: For patients after cryptogenic stroke, GLS, εR, εCD, εCT and SRe were significantly decreased in AF occurrence compared with non-occurrence. But there was no value in left atrial reservoir strain rate (SRs) and contractile strain rate (SRa) for predicting AF.

scholarly journals Assessment of left ventricular contractility in acute inferior wall myocardial infarction by speckle tracking echocardiography

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 169-175
Author(s):  
E.G. Akramova ◽  
◽  
Е.V. Vlasova ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Inferior Wall ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Aim: to assess the results of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in patients of working age with acute inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI) in the early period after coronary stenting. Patients and Methods: STE was performed using EPIQ-7 Ultrasound Machine (Philips, USA) in 55 patients with acute inferior wall MI one week after percutaneous coronary intervention and 29 healthy individuals of working age. Patients with acute inferior wall MI were divided into two subgroups, i.e., with (n=45) or without (n=10) areas of local contractile impairment (dyskinesia, akinesia, hypokinesia). Results: the most common cause of MI was the occlusion of the right coronary artery (82.4% in subgroup 1 and 60% in subgroup 2) in multivascular involvement (84.4% and 90%. respectively). In patients with local contractile impairment, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was reported in 28.9%, global longitudinal strain in 86.7%, and global circular strain in 76.7%. Meanwhile, in patients without local contractile impairment, left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) was within normal ranges, global longitudinal strain was reported in 100% and global circumferential strain in 70%. The presence and severity of local dysfunction did not affect the reduction in segmental strain (median varied from -9% to -15%). In inferior wall MI, the abnormal regional longitudinal strain of 6 LV segments (basal and mid inferoseptal, inferior, and inferolateral) was reported in both hypokinesia and normokinesia. Conclusions: ultrasound evaluation of systolic LV function using STE is characterized by greater diagnostic value compared to the measurement of EF only and objectifies the efficacy of surgery. Quantitative assessment of the recovery of both global and local systolic contractility is another advantage of STE allowing for personalized treatment. KEYWORDS: inferior wall myocardial infarction, echocardiography, speckle tracking technology, percutaneous coronary intervention, ejection fraction. FOR CITATION: Akramova E.G., Vlasova Е.V. Assessment of left ventricular contractility in acute inferior wall myocardial infarction by speckle tracking echocardiography. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2021;5(4):169–175 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2021-5-4-169-175.

scholarly journals Correlations between left ventricular and left atrial function assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with treated well-controlled arterial hypertension

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beata Uziebło-Życzkowska ◽  
Paweł Krzesiński
Keyword(s):  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Diastolic Function ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Lv Diastolic Function

Abstract BackgroundEven in patients with well-controlled arterial hypertension (AH) and without significant comorbidities left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) strain abnormalities may sometimes be found in speckle-tracking echocardiography. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between LA strain and LV diastolic and systolic function in a group of patients with treated, well-controlled AH.Methods LA contractile, conduit, and reservoir function, together with echocardiographic signs of LV diastolic function and LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS), were assessed in 101 patients with treated, well-controlled AH who met the standard criteria of normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and normal LV diastolic function.ResultA relevant percentage of study participants presented lower than reference LV and LA strain values. Moreover, there were statistically significant differences in LA longitudinal strain (LAS) values (LAS during reservoir phase—LASr (p<0.001) and LAS during conduit phase—LAScd (p = 0.008)) between patients with high and lower LV GLS, confirmed by significant correlations between LASr, LAScd, and GLS. In the correlations analysis between LAS values and LV diastolic function parameters, statistical significance was obtained for the following: LASct (contraction) vs. e’avg, LASct vs. E/A, LASct vs. A, LAScd vs. e’avg, LAScd vs. E/A, and LAScd vs. A. Conclusions LV and LA strain abnormalities occurred within a significant percentage of patients with treated, well-controlledAH. Impaired LA strain is associated with lower LV strain and reduced LV diastolic function parameters, reflecting both the passive and active properties of the LA.

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