scholarly journals Impact of left ventricular fibrosis and longitudinal systolic strain on outcomes in low gradient aortic stenosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Fukui ◽  
M S Annabi ◽  
V E E Rosa ◽  
H B Ribeiro ◽  
F Tarasoutchi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The clinical utility of comprehensive cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for the assessment of myocardial structure and function remains unknown in patients with low gradient (LG) aortic stenosis (AS). Purpose This study sought to compare CMR characteristics of myocardial structure and function according to different flow / gradient patterns of AS: classical low flow LG (LFLG); paradoxical LFLG; normal flow LG; and high gradient, and to evaluate their impact on the outcomes of these patients. Methods International multicentric prospective study included 147 patients with LG moderate to severe AS and 18 patients with high gradient severe AS who underwent comprehensive CMR evaluation of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), extracellular volume fraction (ECV), and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Results Patients with classical LFLG (n=90) had more LV adverse remodeling and impaired longitudinal function including higher ECV, and higher LGE and volume, and worst LVGLS, compared to other patterns of AS. Over a median follow-up of 2-years, 43 deaths and 48 composite outcomes of death or heart failure hospitalization occurred in LG AS patients. As LVGLS or ECV worsened, risks of adverse events also increased (per tertile of LVGLS: HR [95% CI] for mortality, 1.50 [1.02–2.20]; p=0.04; HR [95% CI] for composite outcome, 1.45 [1.01–2.09]; p<0.05) (per tertile of ECV: HR [95% CI] for mortality, 1.63 [1.07–2.49]; p=0.02; HR [95% CI] for composite outcome, 1.54 [1.02–2.33]; p=0.04). LGE presence was also associated with higher mortality (HR [95% CI], 2.27 [1.01–5.11]; p<0.05) and risk of the composite outcome (HR [95% CI], 3.00 [1.16–7.73]; p=0.02). The risk of all-cause death and of the composite outcome increased in proportion to the number of impaired components (i.e. LVGLS, ECV and LGE) (Figure) with and without adjustment for age, true severe AS, classical LFLG, and aortic valve replacement as a time-varying covariate. Conclusions In this international multicentric study of LG AS, comprehensive CMR assessment of myocardial structure and function provides independent prognostic value that is cumulative and incremental to clinical and echocardiographic characteristics. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Cardiology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vito Mannacio ◽  
Elia Guadagno ◽  
Luigi Mannacio ◽  
Mariarosaria Cervasio ◽  
Anita Antignano ◽  
...  

Objective: We aimed to support the structural and functional distinction between aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR). Methods: Biopsy specimens taken from 70 selected patients (35 with AS and 35 with AR) undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) were analyzed for their cardiomyocyte dimensions and structure, interstitial fibrosis and contractile function. To determine normal values of contractile function, 10 donor hearts were analyzed. Results: Cardiomyocyte diameter was higher in AS than in AR (22.7 ± 2.2 vs. 13.2 ± 0.7 µm, p < 0.001). Length was higher in AR (121.2 ± 9.4 vs. 95.6 ± 3.7 µm, p < 0.001). Collagen volume fraction was increased in both AS and AR, but was lower in the AS specimens (7.7 ± 2.3 vs. 8.9 ± 2.3, p = 0.01). Myofibril density was reduced in AR (38 ± 4 vs. 48 ± 5%, p < 0.001). Cardiomyocyte diameter and length were closely linked to the relative left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (R2 = 0.85, p < 0.001 and R2 = 0.68, p = 0.003). The cardiomyocytes of AS patients had higher Fpassive (6.6 ± 0.3 vs. 4.6 ± 0.2 kN/m2, p < 0.001), but their total force was comparable. Fpassive was also significantly higher in AS patients with restrictive rather than pseudo-normal LV filling (7.3 ± 0.5 vs. 6.7 ± 0.6, p = 0.004). In AS patients, but not in AR patients, Fpassive showed a significant association with the cardiomyocyte diameter (R2 = 0.88, p < 0.001 vs. R2 = 0.31, p = 0.6). Conclusions: LV myocardial structure and function differ in AS and AR, allowing for compensative adjustment of the diastolic/systolic properties of the myocardium.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Sa Mendes ◽  
J Abecasis ◽  
A Ferreira ◽  
R Ribeiras ◽  
C Saraiva ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Progressive myocardial fibrosis takes part in left ventricular (LV) remodeling in aortic stenosis (AS) and drives the transition from hypertrophy to heart failure. Replacement fibrosis may be characterized by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Aim To assess the prevalence and association between LGE and indexes of LV function in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Methods We prospectively studied 53 consecutive patients (age: 71±8 years [min. 51–max. 84], 54.7% men) with severe symptomatic AS, referred for surgical aortic valve replacement with no previous history of ischemic cardiomyopathy. Aortic valve mean gradient was 54.6 mmHg [IQR 46.6–63.2] and aortic valve area 0.74cm2 [IQR 0.61–0.89]; all patients with high gradient, 4 with low-flow. CMR with tissue characterization (T1 mapping, LGE and extracellular volume by ECV quantification – using 5SD from remote myocardium as signal intensity cut-off), was performed before surgery. AS severity indexes, LV mass, systolic and diastolic LV function indexes including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and torsion were compared in both groups of patients, with and without LGE. Results Mid-wall LGE was present in 36 patients (67.9%) with a median fraction of 6.0% [IQR 4.9–12.7%] of LV mass. Native T1 value and ECV were within normal ranges (median values: 1047ms [IQR 1028–1084]; 22% [IQR 18–25], respectively). Median CMR LV ejection fraction and mass were 64.5% [IQR 51.3–70.8%] (11 patients with reduced EF) and 76.5g/m2 [IQR 57.4–94.8g/m2], respectively. Median GLS was −13.9% [IQR −11.4 to −17.0%] and torsion was 24.2° [IQR 19.8–32.5°]. Patients with LGE had significantly higher LV mass (87.1g/m2 vs 63.3 g/m2, p=0.001), worse GLS (−14.4% vs −16.9%, p=0.041) and higher NT-proBNP values (1333.7ng/mL vs 559.9ng/mL, p=0.004) (Figure). Conclusions Non-ischemic LGE is common in this group of patients with severe symptomatic high gradient aortic stenosis. As it is more prevalent in patients with more pronounced LVH, lower longitudinal deformation and higher NT-proBNP values, it probably represents a more advanced stage of the disease. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Rettl ◽  
F Duca ◽  
C Binder ◽  
C Capelle ◽  
S Aschauer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CA) is caused by deposition of amyloid fibrils in the myocardium. The deposition occurs when transthyretin (TTR) becomes unstable and misfolds. Tafamidis is a kinetic stabilizer of TTR that prevents tetramer dissociation and amyloidogenesis by TTR. Methods Eighteen patients with diagnosis of ATTR-CA (hATTR or wtATTR) from our national amyloidosis registry were treated with 20 mg of tafamidis for a period of six months. In our explorative analysis we aimed to evaluate the effects of tafamdis by changes from baseline of the serum NT-proBNP concentration, 6-minute walking distance, as well as cardiac structure and function. Results The exploratory analysis showed a decrease in serum NT-proBNP concentration in tafamidis treated patients, compared to increase in untreated patients (median difference, −481.0 pg/mL). Tafamidis improved the walking distance during the 6-minute walk test at month six, compared to baseline (mean, 31.25 m). Echocardiographic findings revealed an improvement of the global longitudinal strain (mean, 0.77%), a decrease in left atrial size (mean, −1.65 mm) and a decrease in left ventricular size (mean, −4.13 mm) in tafamidis treated patients compared to untreated patients. Due to insufficient power the results did not differ significantly between tafamidis treated patients and untreated patients. Change from baseline Tafamidis No treatment Treatment Difference p-value Cardiac Biomarkers n=18 n=15   NT-proBNP, ng/L Baseline, median 2740.0 2835.0 CFB to 6 months, median −207.0 274.0 −481.0 0.329 Functional Status n=8 n=7   6MWT, m Baseline, mean 441.00 420.50 CFB to 6 months, mean 31.25 −16.50 +47.75 0.373 Echocardiogram n=17 n=15   LA, mm Baseline, mean 63.41 61.33 CFB to 6 months, mean −1.65 0.60 −2.25   LV, mm Baseline, mean 44.13 41.80 CFB to 6 months, mean −4.13 0.33 −4.46 0.075   LV wall thickness, mm Baseline, mean 22.06 18.47 CFB to 6 months, mean 0.68 −0.60 +1.28 0.055   Longitudinal strain, % Baseline, mean −10.66 −12.42 CFB to 6 months, mean 0.77 −1.03 +1.80 0.652 MRI n=7 n=6   ECV, % Baseline, mean 52.26 44.22 CFB to 6 months, mean 0.81 3.70 − 2.89 0.493   LV mass, g Baseline, mean 187.71 170.33 CFB to 6 months, mean 24.29 19,67 +4.62 0.612 Conclusion Treatment with tafamidis for a period of six months in patients with ATTR-CA leads to positive effects on NT-proBNP level, 6-minute walking distance, as well as cardiac structure and function compared to untreated patients.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Se Jin Choi ◽  
Yura Ahn ◽  
Hyun Jung Koo ◽  
Dae-Hee Kim ◽  
Soyeon Lim ◽  
...  

Abstract Aortic valve calcium scoring by cardiac computed tomographic (CT) has been recommended as an alternative to classify the AS severity, but it is unclear that whether CT findings can predict and have prognostic implication in low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (LF-LG AS), which has fewer benefit from surgery among the AS subtypes. In this study, we examined the clinical and cardiac CT findings of LF-LG AS patients and evaluated factors affecting outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). This study included 511 (66.9±8.8 years, 55% men) consecutive patients with severe AS who underwent surgical AVR. Aortic valve area (AVA) was obtained by echocardiography (AVAecho) and by CT (AVACT) using each modalities measurement of the left ventricular outflow tract. Patients with AS were classified as 1) high-gradient severe (n=438), 2) classic LF-LG (n=18), and 3) paradoxical LF-LG (n=55) based on echocardiography. Classic LF-LG AS patients had higher end-systolic and end-diastolic volume indices, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, larger AVAecho and AVACT, and larger aortic annulus compared to high-gradient severe AS (P<0.05, for all). In classic LF-LG AS group, 27.8% of patients presented AVACT≥1.2 cm2. After multivariable adjustment, old age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04, P=0.049), high B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (HR, 1.005; P<0.001), preoperative atrial fibrillation (HR, 2.75; P=0.003), classic LF-LG AS (HR, 5.53, P=0.004), and small aortic annulus (HR, 0.57; P=0.002) were independently associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). The classic LF-LG AS group presented larger AVACT and aortic annulus than those in high-gradient severe AS group and one third of them had AVACT ≥1.2 cm2. Old age, high BNP, atrial fibrillation, classic LF-LG AS, and small aortic annulus were associated with MACCE in severe AS patients after surgical AVR.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guozhu Shao ◽  
Yukun Cao ◽  
Yue Cui ◽  
Xiaoyu Han ◽  
Jia Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study is to dynamically monitor the myocardial structure and function changes in diabetic mini-pigs by 1.5T cardiac magnetic resonance. Methods: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) T1 mapping was performed in three male streptozotocin-induced diabetic mini-pigs. T1-mapping and ECV-mapping were acquired at basal, mid and apical segments. CMR feature-tracking (CMR-FT) is used to quantify left ventricle global longitudinal (LVGLS), circumferential (LVGCS) and radial strain(LVGRS). Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) was evaluated using a commercially available software.Results: Left ventricular mass (LVM), myocardial T1 value and extracellular volume (ECV) value increased gradually after 3, 4.5 and 6 months of modeling, while LVGLS decreased gradually after 3 months of modeling(Modeling 3M VS 1.5M:LVM,34.0 ± 1.9 VS 26.4 ± 1.3,P=0.027;T1,1012.3 ± 9.6 VS 1002.2 ± 11.4, P=0.014; ECV,24.3 ± 1.6 VS 22.4 ± 1.6,P=0.014;GLS:-20.8 ± 1.3 VS -23.0 ± 1.6,P=0.014;Modeling 4.5M VS 3M:LVM,37.5 ± 1.3 VS 34.0 ± 1.9,P=0.005;T1, 1017.8 ± 9.5 VS 1012.3 ± 9.6, P<0.001;ECV,26.2 ± 1.5 VS 24.3 ± 1.6,P=0.037;GLS:-19.4 ± 1.4 VS -20.8 ± 1.3,P=0.016;Modeling 6M VS 4.5M:LVM,42.9 ± 1.6 ± 1.9 VS 37.5 ± 1.3,P=0.008;T1,1026.6 ± 10.2 VS 1017.8 ± 9.5, P=0.003;ECV,28.6 ± 1.8 VS 26.2 ± 1.5,P=0.016;GLS:-17.9 ± 1.1 VS -19.4 ± 1.4,P=0.019). EAT did not increase significantly until the sixth month (Modeling 6M VS 4.5M, EAT: 24.1 ± 3.1 VS 20.2 ± 2.4, P= 0.043).Conclusion: The progressive impairments in LV structure and myocardial deformation occurs in diabetic mini-pigs. T1 mapping and CMR-FT technology are promising to monitor abnormal changes of diabetic myocardium in early stage of diabetic cardiomyopathy.


Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (10) ◽  
pp. 711
Author(s):  
Birute Gumauskiene ◽  
Lina Padervinskiene ◽  
Jolanta Justina Vaskelyte ◽  
Audrone Vaitiekiene ◽  
Tomas Lapinskas ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: The influence of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) derived left ventricular (LV) parameters on the prognosis of patients with aortic stenosis (AS) was analyzed in several studies. However, the data on the relations between the LV parameters and the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in severe AS is lacking. Our objectives were to evaluate the CMR-derived changes of the LV size, morphology, and function in patients with isolated severe AS and PH, and to investigate the prognostic impact of these parameters on elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP). Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with isolated severe AS (aortic valve area ≤1 cm2) underwent a 2D-echocardiography (2D echo) and CMR before aortic valve replacement. Indices of the LV mass and volumes and ejection fraction were analyzed by CMR. The LV global longitudinal (LV LGS) and circumferential strain (LV CS) were calculated using CMR feature tracking (CMR-FT) software (Medis Suite QStrain 2.0, Medis Medical Imaging Systems B.V., Leiden, The Netherlands). The LV fibrosis expansion was assessed using a late gadolinium enhancement sequence. PH was defined as having an estimated sPAP of ≥45 mm Hg. The statistical analysis as performed using SPSS version 23.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) Results: 30 patients with severe AS were included in the study, 23% with severe isolated AS had PH (mean sPAP 55 ± 6.6 mm Hg). More severe LV anatomical and functional abnormalities were observed in patients with PH when compared with patients without PH—a higher LV end-diastolic volume index (EDVi) (140 [120.0–160.0] vs. 90.0 mL/m² [82.5–103.0], p = 0.04), larger LV fibrosis area (7.8 [5.6–8.0] vs. 1.3% [1.2–1.5], p = 0.005), as well as lower LV global longitudinal strain (GLS; −14.0 [−14.9–(−8.9)] vs. −21.1% [−23.4–(−17.8)], p = 0.004). By receiver–operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, LV EDVi > 107.7 mL/m² (Area Under the Curve (AUC) 95.7%), LV GLS < −15.5% (AUC 86.3%), and LV fibrosis area >5% (AUC 89.3) were found to be robust predictors of PH in severe AS patients. Conclusions: In patients with severe aortic stenosis, a larger end-diastolic LV volume, impaired LV global longitudinal strain, and larger LV fibrosis extent can predict the development of pulmonary hypertension.


Heart ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Buggey ◽  
Leo Yun ◽  
Chung-Lieh Hung ◽  
Cissy Kityo ◽  
Grace Mirembe ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between pericardial fat (PCF) and cardiac structure and function among HIV-infected patients in the sub-Saharan African country of Uganda. People living with HIV (PLHIV) have altered fat distribution and an elevated risk for heart failure. Whether altered quantity and radiodensity of fat surrounding the heart relates to cardiac dysfunction in this population is unknown.MethodsOne hundred HIV-positive Ugandans on antiretroviral therapy were compared with 100 age and sex-matched HIV-negative Ugandans; all were >45 years old with >1 cardiovascular disease risk factor. Subjects underwent ECG-gated non-contrast cardiac CT and transthoracic echocardiography with speckle tracking strain imaging. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to explore the association of PCF with echocardiographic outcomes.ResultsMedian age was 55% and 62% were female. Compared with uninfected controls, PLHIV had lower body mass index (27 vs 30, p=0.02) and less diabetes (26% vs 45%, p=0.005). Median left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was 67%. In models adjusted for traditional risk factors, HIV was associated with 10.3 g/m2 higher LV mass index (LVMI) (95% CI 3.22 to 17.4; p=0.005), 0.87% worse LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) (95% CI −1.66 to −0.07; p=0.03) and higher odds of diastolic dysfunction (OR 1.96; 95% CI 0.95 to 4.06; p=0.07). In adjusted models, PCF volume was significantly associated with increased LVMI and worse LV GLS, while PCF radiodensity was associated with worse LV GLS (all p<0.05).ConclusionsIn Uganda, HIV infection, PCF volume and density are associated with abnormal cardiac structure and function.


2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 30A-38A ◽  
Author(s):  
AO Conrady ◽  
IO Kiselev ◽  
NI Usachev ◽  
AN Krutikov ◽  
OI Yakovleva ◽  
...  

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of treatment with the angiotensin II receptor blocker telmisartan for 24 weeks on myocardial structure and function in patients with essential hypertension, and the relationship between this effect and the structural polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene. Thirty-five patients with essential hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) without other associated morbidity were included in an open-label, non-comparative study. The patients were treated with telmisartan 40-80 mg once daily. In the final analysis, there were 29 patients who received the full course of treatment and were evaluated echocardiographically before and after treatment by the same blinded investigator, and myocardial structure and function were analysed. The myocardial mass of the left ventricle was determined in M-mode. Assessment of diastolic function of transmitral blood flow was performed using pulsed Doppler echocardiography. All patients were genotyped for insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene. Telmisartan produced a significant reduction in left ventricular mass index from 140.4 ± 48.6 to 128.7 ± 40.6 g/m2 that was accompanied by an improvement in characteristics of diastolic function. The decrease in LVH was more significant in the ID genotype group than in the II and DD groups. Thus, prolonged treatment with telmisartan is accompanied by an improvement in myocardial structure, expressed as a reduction in left ventricular mass and function that is more marked in patients with ID genotype of the ACE gene.


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