New expectations for diastolic function assessment in transthoracic echocardiography based on a semi-automated computing of strain–volume loops

Abstract Aims Early diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) by determination of diastolic dysfunction is challenging. Strain–volume loop (SVL) is a new tool to analyse left ventricular function. We propose a new semi-automated method to calculate SVL area and explore the added value of this index for diastolic function assessment. Method and results Fifty patients (25 amyloidosis, 25 HFpEF) were included in the study and compared with 25 healthy control subjects. Left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved and similar between groups. Classical indices of diastolic function were pathological in HFpEF and amyloidosis groups with greater left atrial volume index, greater mitral average E/e’ ratio, faster tricuspid regurgitation (P < 0.0001 compared with controls). SVL analysis demonstrated a significant difference of the global area between groups, with the smaller area in amyloidosis group, the greater in controls and a mid-range value in HFpEF group (37 vs. 120 vs. 72 mL.%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Applying a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier, results show a mean area under the curve of 0.91 for the comparison between HFpEF and amyloidosis groups. Conclusion SVLs area is efficient to identify patients with a diastolic dysfunction. This new semi-automated tool is very promising for future development of automated diagnosis with machine-learning algorithms.

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New expectations for diastolic function assessment in TTE based on a semi-automated computing of strain-volume loops

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0047 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

A Hubert ◽

V Le Rolle ◽

E Galli ◽

A Bidaut ◽

A.I Hernandez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ejection Fraction ◽

Diastolic Dysfunction ◽

Diastolic Function ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Volume Index ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Automated Method ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Function Assessment

Abstract Background Early diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) by determination of diastolic dysfunction is challenging. Strain-volume loop (SVL) is a new tool to analyze left ventricular function. Purpose We propose a new semi-automated method to calculate SVL area and explore the added value of this index for diastolic function assessment. Methods 50 patients (25 amyloidosis, 25 HFpEF) were included in the study and compared with 25 healthy control subjects. All patients underwent standard echocardiography. SVL area were also assessed. Results Left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved and similar between groups. Classical indices of diastolic function were pathological in HFpEF and amyloidosis groups with greater left atrial volume index, greater mitral average E/e' ratio, faster tricuspid regurgitation (p<0.0001 compared with controls). SVL analysis demonstrated a significant difference of the global area between groups, with the smaller area in amyloidosis group, the greater in controls and a mid-range value in HFpEF group (37 vs 120 vs 72 ml.%, respectively, p<0.0001) (Table 1). Applying a Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) classifier, results show a mean area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89 for the comparison between HFpEF and amyloidosis groups (Figure 1). Conclusion Strain-volume loops area is efficient to identify patients with a diastolic dysfunction. This new semi-automated tool is very promising for future development of automated diagnosis with machine-learning algorithms. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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The effect of spironolactone on diastolic function in haemodialysis patients

The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1007/s10554-021-02176-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

T. Hauser ◽

◽

V. Dornberger ◽

U. Malzahn ◽

S. J. Grebe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ejection Fraction ◽

Diastolic Function ◽

Left Atrial Volume ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Volume Index ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Left Atrial Volume Index ◽

Maintenance Haemodialysis ◽

Significant Difference

AbstractHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is highly prevalent in patients on maintenance haemodialysis (HD) and lacks effective treatment. We investigated the effect of spironolactone on cardiac structure and function with a specific focus on diastolic function parameters. The MiREnDa trial examined the effect of 50 mg spironolactone once daily versus placebo on left ventricular mass index (LVMi) among 97 HD patients during 40 weeks of treatment. In this echocardiographic substudy, diastolic function was assessed using predefined structural and functional parameters including E/e’. Changes in the frequency of HFpEF were analysed using the comprehensive ‘HFA-PEFF score’. Complete echocardiographic assessment was available in 65 individuals (59.5 ± 13.0 years, 21.5% female) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF > 50%). At baseline, mean E/e’ was 15.2 ± 7.8 and 37 (56.9%) patients fulfilled the criteria of HFpEF according to the HFA-PEFF score. There was no significant difference in mean change of E/e’ between the spironolactone group and the placebo group (+ 0.93 ± 5.39 vs. + 1.52 ± 5.94, p = 0.68) or in mean change of left atrial volume index (LAVi) (1.9 ± 12.3 ml/m2 vs. 1.7 ± 14.1 ml/m2, p = 0.89). Furthermore, spironolactone had no significant effect on mean change in LVMi (+ 0.8 ± 14.2 g/m2 vs. + 2.7 ± 15.9 g/m2; p = 0.72) or NT-proBNP (p = 0.96). Treatment with spironolactone did not alter HFA-PEFF score class compared with placebo (p = 0.63). Treatment with 50 mg of spironolactone for 40 weeks had no significant effect on diastolic function parameters in HD patients.The trial has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01691053; first posted Sep. 24, 2012).

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Validation of the 2016 ASE/EACVI Guideline for Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients With Unexplained Dyspnea and a Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Journal of the American Heart Association ◽

10.1161/jaha.121.021165 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Arno A. van de Bovenkamp ◽

Vidya Enait ◽

Frances S. de Man ◽

Frank T. P. Oosterveer ◽

Harm Jan Bogaard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Diastolic Dysfunction ◽

Diastolic Function ◽

Diagnostic Performance ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Background Echocardiography is considered the cornerstone of the diagnostic workup of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Thus far, validation of the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (ASE/EACVI) echo‐algorithm for evaluation of diastolic (dys)function in a patient suspected of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction has been limited. Methods and Results The diagnostic performance of the 2016 ASE/EACVI algorithm was assessed in 204 patients evaluated for unexplained dyspnea or pulmonary hypertension with echocardiogram and right heart catheterization. Invasively measured pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was used as the gold standard. In addition, the diagnostic performance of H 2 FPEF score and NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) were evaluated. There was a poor correlation between indexed left atrial volume, E/e′ (septal and average) or early mitral inflow (E), and PCWP ( r =0.25–0.30, P values all <0.01). No correlation was found in our cohort between e′ (septal or lateral) or tricuspid valve regurgitation and PCWP. The correlation between diastolic function grades of the ASE/EACVI algorithm and PCWP was poor ( r =0.17, P <0.05). The ASE/EACVI algorithm had a sensitivity and specificity of 35% and 87%, respectively; an accuracy of 67% and an area under the curve of 0.56. Moreover, in 30% of cases the algorithm was not applicable or indeterminate. H 2 FPEF score had a modest correlation with PCWP ( r =0.44, P <0.0001), and accuracy was 73%; NT‐proBNP correlated weakly with PCWP ( r =0.24, P <0.001), and accuracy was 57%. Conclusions The 2016 ASE/EACVI algorithm for the assessment of diastolic function has a limited diagnostic accuracy in patients evaluated for unexplained dyspnea and/or pulmonary hypertension, and especially sensitivity to detect diastolic dysfunction was low.

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Pericardial fat and its influence on cardiac diastolic function

10.21203/rs.3.rs-20600/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Vera de Wit-Verheggen ◽

Sibel Altintas ◽

Romy Spee ◽

Casper Mihl ◽

Sander van Kuijk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diastolic Dysfunction ◽

Diastolic Function ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Left Atrial Volume ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Volume Index ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Pericardial Fat ◽

Left Atrial Volume Index

Abstract BackgroundPericardial fat (PF) has been suggested to directly act on cardiomyocytes, leading to diastolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PF volume is associated with diastolic function independently.Methods254 healthy adults (50-70 years, BMI 18-35 kg/m2, normal left ventricular ejection fraction) from the cardiology outpatient department were included in this study. All patients underwent a coronary computed tomographic angiography for the measurement of pericardial fat volume, as well as a transthoracic echocardiography for the assessment of diastolic function parameters. To assess the independent association of PF and diastolic function parameters multivariable linear regression analysis was performed. To maximize differences in PF volume, the group was divided in low (lowest quartile of both sexes) and high (highest quartile of both sexes) PF. Multivariable binary logistic analysis was used to study the associations within the groups between PF and diastolic function, adjusted for age, BMI and sex.ResultsSignificant associations for all four diastolic parameters with the PF volume were found after adjusting for BMI, age, and sex. In addition, subjects with high pericardial fat had a reduced left atrial volume index (p=0.02), lower E/e (p<0.01) and E/A (p=0.01), reduced e’ lateral (p<0.01), reduced e’ septal p=0.03), compared to subjects with low pericardial fat.ConclusionThese findings confirm that pericardial fat, even in healthy subjects with normal cardiac function, is associated with diastolic function. Our results suggest that the mechanical effects of PF may limit the distensibility of the heart and thereby directly contribute to diastolic dysfunction. Trial registration NCT01671930

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Pericardial fat and its influence on cardiac diastolic function

10.21203/rs.3.rs-20600/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Vera de Wit-Verheggen ◽

Sibel Altintas ◽

Romy Spee ◽

Casper Mihl ◽

Sander van Kuijk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diastolic Dysfunction ◽

Diastolic Function ◽

Healthy Subjects ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Volume Index ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Pericardial Fat ◽

Fat Volume

Abstract Background Pericardial fat (PF) has been suggested to directly act on cardiomyocytes, leading to diastolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a higher PF volume is associated with a lower diastolic function in healthy subjects.Methods 254 adults (40-70 years, BMI 18-35 kg/m2, normal left ventricular ejection fraction), with (a)typical chest pain (otherwise healthy) from the cardiology outpatient clinic were retrospectively included in this study. All patients underwent a coronary computed tomographic angiography for the measurement of pericardial fat volume, as well as a transthoracic echocardiography for the assessment of diastolic function parameters. To assess the independent association of PF and diastolic function parameters, multivariable linear regression analysis was performed. To maximize differences in PF volume, the group was divided in low (lowest quartile of both sexes) and high (highest quartile of both sexes) PF volume. Multivariable binary logistic analysis was used to study the associations within the groups between PF and diastolic function, adjusted for age, BMI, and sex.Results Significant associations for all four diastolic parameters with the PF volume were found after adjusting for BMI, age, and sex. In addition, subjects with high pericardial fat had a reduced left atrial volume index (p=0.02), lower E/e (p<0.01) and E/A (p=0.01), reduced e’ lateral (p<0.01), reduced e’ septal p=0.03), compared to subjects with low pericardial fat.Conclusion These findings confirm that pericardial fat volume, even in healthy subjects with normal cardiac function, is associated with diastolic function. Our results suggest that the mechanical effects of PF may limit the distensibility of the heart and thereby directly contribute to diastolic dysfunction.Trial registration NCT01671930

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THE LEFT VENTRICLE DIASTOLIC FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION UNDER THE USE OF DIFFERENT DRUG GROUPS

The Russian Archives of Internal Medicine ◽

10.20514/2226-6704-2019-9-4-290-295 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 290-295

Author(s):

A. V. Budnevskij ◽

E. S. Ovsjannikov ◽

L. E. Kulikova

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Diastolic Dysfunction ◽

Diastolic Function ◽

European Association ◽

Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Volume Index ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Target Values

The objective: To assess the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in patients with hypertension and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction under pharmacological correction (monotherapy) with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers and β-blockers. Materials and methods: 82 patients (58 women and 24 men) with stage 2 hypertension were examined. The diastolic function was assessed via echocardiography in accordance with the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines (2017). Echocardiography was performed before the onset of the treatment and 6 months after its onset. The treatment onset was considered to start after a 2-week period of elimination of previously used pharmacological substance and 2 weeks of assessing tolerability, dose and regimen adjustment. Results: For all selected drugs, target values of blood pressure were achieved, and no adverse effects were identified. The average values of the left atrial volume index before and after the treatment course did not show significant differences. In the majority of the examined patients, this parameter did not exceed the threshold value of 34 ml/m2 . Values exceeding the specified threshold were observed in Group 1 in 4 patients, in Group 2 in 3 patients and in Group 3 in 8 patients. According to the Tissue Doppler echocardiography results on the velocity of myocardial motion at the early diastolic filling, which was measured at the level of the lateral segments of mitral valve and the interventricular septum, positive, but unreliable changes were observed in the Groups of bisoprolol and valsartan, and no changes — in the Group of perindopril. According to the traditional criteria, diastolic dysfunction was observed in 80 % of patients, while according to the criteria of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (2017) — in 21 % of patients. Conclusion: The same efficacy of all three drugs is observed in terms of achieving target blood pressure values. The most pronounced effect on the morphometric parameters of the left atrium and intracardiac hemodynamics is shown in the Groups of bisoprolol and valsartan.

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COVID-19-associated myocarditis: single center experience of pathogenetic treatment

Ukrainian Journal of Cardiology ◽

10.31928/1608-635x-2021.3.919 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 9-19

Author(s):

V. M. Kovalenko ◽

E. G. Nesukay ◽

N. S. Titova ◽

S. V. Cherniuk ◽

R. M. Kirichenko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Left Ventricle ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Ventricular Ejection ◽

Glucocorticoid Therapy ◽

Volume Index ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction

The aim – to evaluate the effectiveness of glucocorticoid therapy in patients with myocarditis with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction that developed after COVID-19 infection.Materials and methods. The results of glucocorticoid therapy in 32 patients aged (35.2±2.3) years with acute myocarditis after COVID-19 infection and left ventricular ejection fraction < 40 % are presented. All patients were prescribed a 3-month course of methylprednisolone at a daily dose of 0.25 mg/kg, followed by a gradual dose reduction of 1 mg per week until complete withdrawal 6 months after the start of treatment.Results and discussion. The analysis of the results of the examinations was performed in the 1st month from the onset of myocarditis to the appointment of glucocorticoids and after 6 months of observation. Six months later, the end-diastolic volume index decreased by 18.5 %, the left ventricular ejection fraction increased by 23.8 %, and the longitudinal global systolic straine increased by 39.8 %. On cardiac MRI, the number of left ventricular segments affected by inflammatory changes decreased from 6.22±0.77 to 2.89±0.45 segments, and the number of segments with fibrotic changes did not change significantly. After 6 months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and cardiospecific antibodies.Conclusions. The use of a 6-month course of glucocorticoid therapy in patients with myocarditis that developed after COVID-19 infection improved the contractility of the left ventricle against the background of a significant reduction in inflammatory lesions of the left ventricle and reduced concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and cardiospecific antibodies.

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Changes in Mitral Annular Ascent with Worsening Echocardiographic Parameters of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function

Scientifica ◽

10.1155/2016/6303815 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Paula M. Hernández Burgos ◽

Angel López-Candales

Keyword(s):

Ejection Fraction ◽

Diastolic Function ◽

Electromechanical Coupling ◽

Left Ventricular Diastolic Function ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Clinical Indication ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Stage 1 ◽

Lv Diastolic Function

Background. While the mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) has been suggested as a surrogate measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction, less is known about the relative value of mitral annular ascent (MAa).Methods. Our database was queried for complete transthoracic echocardiograms performed for any clinical indication. Baseline echocardiographic measurements were compared to determine any correlation between MAa and traditional Echo-Doppler echocardiographic measures to characterize left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD).Results. Patients with normal LV diastolic function were younger (41±13years) than patients with LVDD (stage 1:61±13years; stage 2:57±14years; and stage 3:66±17years;p=0.156). LV ejection fraction decreased in patients with stage 2 LVDD (63±17%) and was further reduced in patients with stage 3 LVDD (28±21;p=0.003).Discussion. While a vigorous MAa excursion was seen in patients with stage 1 LVDD, MAa significantly decreased in stage 2 and stage 3 LVDD patients. Our results highlight the importance of atrioventricular coupling, as MAa motion seems to reflect changes in left atrial pressure. Additional studies are now required to better examine atrioventricular interactions and electromechanical coupling that might improve our assessment of LV diastolic function.

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