scholarly journals First-phase ejection fraction: association with remodelling and outcome in aortic valve stenosis

Open Heart ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e001543
Author(s):  
Rasmus Carter-Storch ◽  
Nils Sofus Borg Mortensen ◽  
Nicolaj Lyhne Christensen ◽  
Mulham Ali ◽  
Kristian Bach Laursen ◽  
...  

BackgroundFirst-phase ejection fraction (EF1), the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) until the time of peak transaortic velocity, is a novel marker of subclinical LV dysfunction able to predict adverse events in aortic stenosis (AS). This study investigated the association between end-systolic wall stress (ESWS) and EF1 in severe AS, as well as the prognostic value of EF1 in severe asymptomatic AS.MethodsTwo prospectively gathered cohorts of 94 asymptomatic patients and 108 symptomatic patients scheduled for aortic valve replacement (AVR), all with severe AS (aortic valve area <1 cm2) were stratified according to the median value of EF1 (33%). EF1 was defined as the EF at peak transaortic velocity. Asymptomatic patients were followed up for 3 years for the combined end-point of death, AVR or admission with heart failure.ResultsEF1 correlated with EF and was inversely associated with ESWS. In multivariate regression analysis, ESWS (p<0.001) and replacement fibrosis measured by MRI (p=0.02) were associated with EF1. Among asymptomatic patients, EF1 above the median was associated with the combined primary endpoint (HR=0.53 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.87)), while global longitudinal strain and EF were not. Among 42 patients with discordant AS (mean gradient <40 mm Hg), EF1 above median was associated with the primary endpoint (HR 0.28 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.61)).ConclusionEF1 is an afterload-dependent measure that is associated with events in patients with asymptomatic severe AS. The afterload dependency of EF1 may be useful in timing of risk stratification in patients with discordant AS.Trial registration numbersNCT02395107 and NCT02316587.

Open Heart ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e001021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmus Carter-Storch ◽  
Jacob Eifer Moller ◽  
Nicolaj Lyhne Christensen ◽  
Lars Melholt Rasmussen ◽  
Redi Pecini ◽  
...  

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.


Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Unger ◽  
Danièle Plein ◽  
Bernard Cosyns ◽  
Guy Van Camp ◽  
Olivier Xhaët ◽  
...  

Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is common in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis (AS). Whether its severity may decrease after AVR remains controversial. Previous studies were mainly retrospective and the degree of MR was assessed at best semi-quantitatively. This study sought to prospectively and quantitatively assess how AVR may affect MR severity. Methods: Patients with AS scheduled for isolated AVR and presenting holosystolic MR which was not considered for replacement or repair were included. Previous mitral valve surgery; severe aortic regurgitation and poor acoustic windows were excluded. Thirty-five patients (mean age 77±7 years) were studied before (median 1, range 1– 41 days) and after AVR (median 7, range 4 –19 days). All patients underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic examination; MR was assessed by Doppler echocardiography using color flow mapping of the regurgitant jet and the PISA method. No patient had prolapsed or flail mitral leaflet as mechanism of MR. Results: Preoperative maximal and mean transaortic pressure gradients and aortic valve area were 74±26 mmHg, 44±16 mmHg, and 0.57±0.18 cm 2 , respectively. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction increased from 49±16 % to 55±15 % after AVR (p<0.001). LV end-diastolic volume decreased from 91±32 ml to 77±30 ml (p<0.001).The ratio of MR jet to left atrial area decreased from 30±16% to 20±14% (p<0.001). MR effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) and regurgitant volume decreased from 10±5 mm 2 to 8±6 mm 2 (p=0.015) and from 19±10 ml to 11±9 ml (p<0.0001). The decrease in ERO and in regurgitant volume was similar in patients with preserved or depressed LV ejection fraction (≤45 %) (2±3 vs 3±6 mm 2 and 7±9 vs 8±7 ml; p=NS, respectively). Conclusions: AVR is associated with an early postoperative reduction of the quantified degree of MR. This mainly results from a decrease in regurgitant volume and only modestly from a reduction in ERO, emphasizing the contributing role of the decrease in driving pressure accross the mitral regurgitant orifice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Altes ◽  
Nicolas Thellier ◽  
Dan Rusinaru ◽  
Wassima Marsou ◽  
Yohann Bohbot ◽  
...  

Background Risk stratification of patients with low-gradient (LG) severe aortic stenosis (AS) despite preserved left ventricular ejection fraction remains challenging. We sought to evaluate the relationship between the dimensionless index (DI)—the ratio of the left ventricular outflow tract time-velocity integral to that of the aortic valve jet—and mortality in these patients. Methods Seven hundred fifty-five patients with LG severe AS (defined by aortic valve area ≤1 cm 2 or aortic valve area indexed to body surface area ≤0.6 cm 2 /m 2 and mean aortic pressure gradient <40 mm Hg) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% were studied. Flow status was defined according to stroke volume index <35 mL/m 2 (low flow, LF) or ≥35 mL/m 2 (normal flow, NF). Results After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, history of hypertension, history of atrial fibrillation, AS-related symptoms, left ventricular ejection fraction, indexed left ventricular ventricular mass, aortic valve area, and aortic valve replacement as a time-dependent covariate, patients with LG-LF and DI<0.25 exhibited a considerable increased risk of death compared with patients with LG-NF and DI≥0.25 (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.41 [95% CI, 1.61–3.62]; P <0.001), LG-NF and DI<0.25 (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.84 [95% CI, 1.24–2.73]; P =0.003), and LG-LF and D≥0.25 (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.27 [95% CI, 1.42–3.63]; P <0.001). In contrast, patients with LG-LF and DI≥0.25, LG-NF and DI<0.25, and LG-NF and DI≥0.25 had similar outcome. DI<0.25 showed incremental prognostic value in patients with LG-LF severe AS but not in patients with LG-NF severe AS. Conclusions Among patients with LG severe AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, decreased DI<0.25 is a reliable parameter in patients with LF to identify a subgroup of patients at higher risk of death who may derive benefit from aortic valve replacement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Buffle ◽  
A Papadis ◽  
C Seiler ◽  
S F De Marchi

Abstract Background Dobutamine has been proposed for the assessment of low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (LFLGAS). However, in 1/3 of patients, no increase in stroke volume index can be achieved by Dobutamine, thus hampering its diagnostic value. This study evaluated the manoeuvre of cardiac preload augmentation by passive leg rise (PLR) alone or on top of Dobutamine to increase stroke volume index (SVI) in patients with LFLGAS, particularly in paradoxical LFLGAS. Methods We examined 50 patients with LFLGAS. Patients were assigned to the paradoxical LFLGAS (Paradox) group if left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was ≥50% (n=29) and to the LFLGAS with low ejection fraction (LEF) group if LVEF was &lt;50% (n=21). A modified Dobutamine stress echocardiography was performed in all patients with the following 4 steps: Rest, PLR alone, maximal Dobutamine infusion rate alone (Dmax) and Dobutamine plus PLR (Dmax + PLR). Three SVI measurement methods were used: first the left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT VTI) method, second the 2D Simpson's method, and third the 3D method. The corresponding aortic valve area (AVA) was obtained by the continuity equation. The increase of those values compared to measurements at rest was calculated and compared between the 3 stress steps. Results In the paradoxical LFLGAS group, delta SVI with Dmax assessed by both Simpson's (depicted in the figures) and 3D method was lowest compared to PLR and Dmax + PLR. PLR alone yielded an equally high delta SVI as Dmax + PLR in Simpson's and 3D, and was at least as high as Dmax across all methods. Dobutamine alone yielded the lowest delta transaortic aortic valve VTI. The highest delta aortic valve area resulted for Dmax + PLR. In the LEF group, the three stress steps yielded an equally high delta SVI with Simpson's method. Dmax never yielded a higher delta SVI than PLR alone. The yielded delta SVI was the highest for Dmax + PLR for both LVOT VTI and 3d method, although the difference was overall not as strong as in the Paradox group. Conclusions In patients with paradoxical LFLGAS, Dobutamine alone is inadequate for testing the potential of aortic valve opening augmentation. Instead, PLR alone or the addition of PLR plus Dobutamine should be used for that purpose. In low LVEF, adding PLR to Dobutamine also seems useful although its diagnostic added value is less evident than in the Paradox group. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Gottfried und Julia Bangerter-Rhyner-Foundation Paradox group Low ejection fraction group


Author(s):  
Anastasia Vamvakidou ◽  
Mohamed-Salah Annabi ◽  
Phillipe Pibarot ◽  
Edyta Plonska-Gosciniak ◽  
Ana G. Almeida ◽  
...  

Background: Low rest transaortic flow rate (FR) has been shown previously to predict mortality in low-gradient aortic stenosis. However limited prognostic data exists on stress FR during low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography. We aimed to assess the value of stress FR for the detection of aortic valve stenosis (AS) severity and the prediction of mortality. Methods: This is a multicenter cohort study of patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and low-gradient aortic stenosis (aortic valve area <1 cm 2 and mean gradient <40 mm Hg) who underwent low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography to identify the AS severity and presence of flow reserve. The outcome assessed was all-cause mortality. Results: Of the 287 patients (mean age, 75±10 years; males, 71%; left ventricular ejection fraction, 31±10%) over a mean follow-up of 24±30 months there were 127 (44.3%) deaths and 147 (51.2%) patients underwent aortic valve intervention. Higher stress FR was independently associated with reduced risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.94–0.99]; P =0.01) after adjusting for age, chronic kidney disease, heart failure symptoms, aortic valve intervention, and rest left ventricular ejection fraction. The minimum cutoff for prediction of mortality was stress FR 210 mL/s. Following adjustment to the same important clinical and echocardiographic parameters, among the three criteria of AS severity during stress, ie, the guideline definition of aortic valve area <1cm 2 and aortic valve mean gradient ≥40 mm Hg, or aortic valve mean gradient ≥40 mm Hg, or the novel definition of aortic valve area <1 cm 2 at stress FR ≥210 mL/s, only the latter was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 1.72 [95% CI, 1.05–2.82]; P =0.03). Furthermore aortic valve area <1cm 2 at stress FR ≥210 mL/s was the only severe aortic stenosis criterion that was associated with improved outcome following aortic valve intervention ( P <0.001). Guideline-defined stroke volume flow reserve did not predict mortality. Conclusions: Stress FR during low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography was useful for the detection of both AS severity and flow reserve and was associated with improved prediction of outcome following aortic valve intervention.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia Marques-Alves ◽  
Ana Vera Marinho ◽  
Rogério Teixeira ◽  
Rui Baptista ◽  
Graça Castro ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There is limited information regarding left atrial (LA) mechanics in aortic valve stenosis (AS). We assessed LA mechanics in AS through speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) according to severity and prognosis. Methods We included 102 patients diagnosed with severe AS (sAS) and 80 patients with moderate AS (mAS), all with preserved ejection fraction and no coronary artery disease. LA mechanics and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) were assessed by STE. The cohort was followed-up for a median of 30 (IQR 12.6–50) months, and outcomes were determined (combined outcome of HF, death, and aortic valve replacement). Results In our sample set, values of LV-GLS (− 18.5% vs − 17.1, p = 0.025), E/e’ ratio (15.8 vs 18.4, p = 0.03), and global LA mechanics (LA ɛsys, 23% vs 13.8%, p < 0.001) were worse for sAS compared to those for mAS. However, LA ɛsys (AUC 0.85, 95% CI 0.78–0.90, p < 0.001), ɛe (AUC 0.83, 95% CI 0.75–0.88, p < 0.001), and ɛa (AUC 0.80, 95% CI 0.70–0.84, p < 0.001) were the best discriminators of sAS, with sensitivities higher than 85%. LA ɛsys showed a stronger correlation with both aortic valve area (r2 = 0.6, p < 0.001) and mean LV/aortic gradient (r2 = 0.55, p < 0.001) than LV-GLS (r2 = 0.3 and r2 = 0.25, p = 0.01). Either LV-GLS or LA ɛsys, but not the E/e’ ratio, TAPSE, or RV/RA gradient, were a significant predictors of the combined outcome. Conclusions LA global strain was the best discriminator of severity, surpassing E/e’ ratio and LV-GLS, and a significant predictor of prognosis in AS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (27) ◽  
pp. 2405-2411
Author(s):  
Syed Waleem Pasha ◽  
Narasimha D. Pai ◽  
Padmanabha Kamath ◽  
Ramanatha L. Kamath ◽  
Francis N.P. Monteiro

BACKGROUND Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common, single, native valvular heart disease in adult population. The purpose of this study was to detect abnormalities in global longitudinal strain (GLS) and strain rate using 2D - STI in patients with severe AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The effect of aortic valve replacement (AVR) on changes in strain parameters 30 days after surgery was also analysed. METHODS A total number of 60 patients aged more than 18 years with aortic valve disease scheduled for surgical aortic valve replacement admitted in Department of Cardiology, KMC hospital Mangalore, were included over a period of 18 months from January 2017 to June 2018. RESULTS A total of 60 patients with severe AS, defined by an aortic valve area of < 1 cm², mean transaortic pressure gradient ( P) of > 40 mmHg and maximum aortic velocity (Vmax) of > 4 m/sec were studied. Mean age of the study population was 63.5 years. 60 % of the population were males and 40 % being females. Most common risk factor present in the study population was diabetes mellitus (DM). 83% of the patients in the study population had at least one symptom. Most common symptom with which the patients presented was exertional dyspnoea. All patients had normal left ventricle (LV) cavity dimensions and LVEF prior to surgery with diastolic dysfunction being present in all patients. The LV ejection fraction is not significantly altered. The aortic valve area calculated by continuity equation has significantly increased post AVR with a significant reduction in transaortic peak and means pressure gradients. Mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) improved from -15.1 % to - 16.9 % (P < 0.001) and longitudinal strain rate improved from -0.8 to -0.9/s (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Global longitudinal strain and strain rate can be adequately measured by 2D speckle-tracking imaging and can be used to detect subtle changes of myocardial function in patients with severe AS with preserved LVEF. KEYWORDS Aortic Stenosis, Exertional Dyspnoea, Global Longitudinal Strain, Transaortic Pressure Gradient, Ventricular Hypertrophy


Perfusion ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 026765912199599
Author(s):  
Peggy M Kostakou ◽  
Elsie S Tryfou ◽  
Vassilios S Kostopoulos ◽  
Lambros I Markos ◽  
Dimitrios S Damaskos ◽  
...  

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the correlation between severe aortic stenosis (sAS) and impairment of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) in particular segments, using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with sAS and normal ejection fraction of left ventricle (LVEF). Methods: The study included 53 consecutive patients with asymptomatic sAS and preserved LVEF. The regional longitudinal systolic LV wall strain was evaluated at the area opposite of the aorta as the median strain value of the basal, middle, and apical segments of the lateral and posterior walls and was compared to the average strain value of the interventricular septum (IVS) at the same views. Results: LVGLS was decreased and was not statistically different between three- and four-chamber views (−12.5 ± 3.6 vs −11.4 ± 5.5%, p = 0.2). The average strain values of the lateral and posterior walls were statistically reduced compared to the average value of the IVS (lateral vs IVS: −7.8 ± 3.7 vs −10 ± 5.3%, p = 0.005, posterior vs IVS: −7.7 ± 4.2 vs −10.3 ± 3.8%, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between lateral and posterior walls (−7.8 ± 3.7 vs −7.7 ± 4.2%, p = 0.9). Conclusions: The strain of lateral and posterior walls of left ventricle, which lay just opposite to the aortic valve seem to be more reduced compared to other walls in patients with sAS and preserved LVEF possibly due to their anatomical position. This impairment seems to be the reason of the overall LVGLS reduction. Regional strain could be used as an extra tool for the estimation of the severity of AS as well as for prognostic information in asymptomatic patients.


Heart ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 106 (13) ◽  
pp. 962-969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreea Calin ◽  
Anca D Mateescu ◽  
Andreea C Popescu ◽  
Rong Bing ◽  
Marc R Dweck ◽  
...  

This review focuses on the available data regarding the utility of advanced left ventricular (LV) imaging in aortic stenosis (AS) and its potential impact for optimising the timing of aortic valve replacement. Ejection fraction is currently the only LV parameter recommended to guide intervention in AS. The cut-off value of 50%, recommended for decision-making in asymptomatic patients with AS, is currently under debate. Several imaging parameters have emerged as predictors of disease progression and clinical outcomes in this setting. Global longitudinal LV strain by speckle tracking echocardiography is useful for risk stratification of asymptomatic patients with severe AS and preserved LV ejection fraction. Its prognostic value was demonstrated in these patients, but further work is required to define the best thresholds to aid the decision-making process. The assessment of myocardial fibrosis is the most studied application of cardiac magnetic resonance in AS. The detection of replacement fibrosis by late gadolinium enhancement offers incremental prognostic information in these patients. Clinical implementation of this technique to optimise the timing of aortic valve intervention in asymptomatic patients is currently tested in a randomised trial. The use of T1 mapping techniques can provide an assessment of interstitial myocardial fibrosis and represents an expanding field of interest. However, convincing data in patients with AS is still lacking. All these imaging parameters have substantial potential to influence the management decision in patients with AS in the future, but data from randomised clinical trials are awaited to define their utility in daily practice.


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