Cardiovascular Comorbidities Are the Main Predictors of Cardiac Reverse Remodeling following Kidney Transplantation

Background: End-stage renal disease is associated with cardiac remodeling, which is partly reversible after kidney transplantation (KT). We aimed to determine the association of cardiovascular comorbidities or kidney-related factors with cardiac reverse remodeling after KT. Methods: We performed echocardiography in 56 patients (aged 48 ± 15 years, mean ± SD) before and 24 months after undergoing their first KT. Echocardiograms were reviewed using a standardized process with blinding for the patient characteristics and evaluation timing. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between comorbidities and changes in cardiac structure and systolic/diastolic function. Results: Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and diastolic parameters did not change significantly, while left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from 63.9 to 69.6% (p = 0.046). Multivariable analysis revealed associations of histories of valvular heart disease with a smaller reduction in LVMI (β = –27.3, p = 0.04), of coronary artery disease or heart failure with a smaller increase in LVEF (β = 7.17, p = 0.02), and of diabetes mellitus with less improvement in E wave (β = –0.19, p = 0.05), e’ (β = 4.15, p = 0.046), and E/e’ (β = –5.00, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Cardiovascular comorbidities were associated with less improvement in cardiac structure and function following KT. Our findings suggest that patients with CV comorbidities may experience limited “favorable” reverse cardiac remodeling following KT.

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Association Between Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibition, Cardiovascular Biomarkers, and Cardiac Remodeling in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Circulation Heart Failure ◽

10.1161/circheartfailure.120.008410 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sean P. Murphy ◽

Margaret F. Prescott ◽

Alan S. Maisel ◽

Javed Butler ◽

Ileana L. Piña ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Cardiac Remodeling ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Volume Index ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Reverse Remodeling ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Longitudinal Changes ◽

Reduced Ejection Fraction

Background : Sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) treatment is associated with reverse cardiac remodeling and reductions in biomarkers reflecting ventricular wall stress and myocardial injury, such as N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and soluble suppressor of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2). How longitudinal changes in these biomarkers analyzed collectively are associated with cardiac remodeling in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) treated with S/V is uncertain. Methods : In a prospective study of S/V in patients with HFrEF, this pre-specified exploratory analysis included patients with serially collected biomarkers and echocardiographic measures of cardiac remodeling through 12 months of treatment. A multivariate Latent Growth Curve model assessed associations between simultaneous changes in biomarkers and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left atrial volume index (LAVi). Results : 715 out of 794 total study participants were included (mean age 65 years, 73% male). Mean baseline LVEF and LAVi were 29% and 40 ml/m 2 , respectively. Adjusted geometric mean baseline concentrations for biomarkers included NT-proBNP of 649 pg/ml, hs-cTnT of 15.9 ng/L and sST2 of 24.7 ng/ml. Following initiation of S/V, circulating concentrations of NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT and sST2 significantly decreased within 30 days and remained significantly different than baseline at all subsequent timepoints. From baseline to month 12, decreases in adjusted biomarker concentrations averaged -27.9% (95% CI: -35.1% to -20.7%; p<.001) for NT-proBNP; -6.7% (95% CI: -8.8% to -4.7%; p<.001) for hs-cTnT; and -1.6% (95% CI: -2.9% to -0.4%; p<.001) for sST2. NT-proBNP concentrations were predictive of later changes in hs-cTnT. The magnitude of reductions in NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT concentrations associated with improvements in LVEF and LAVi. There was no association between changes in sST2 and changes in other measures. Conclusions : Following initiation of S/V, NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT and sST2 concentrations decreased significantly. Longitudinal changes in NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT together associated with LA and LV reverse remodeling. Registration : URL: ClinicalTrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NCT02887183

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265 Incidence, determinants and prognostic relevance of HS-troponin and natriuretic peptides elevation at admission in hospitalized COVID-19 pneumonia patients

European Heart Journal Supplements ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/suaa198 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_N) ◽

pp. N65-N79

Author(s):

Luca Arcari ◽

Michelangelo Luciano ◽

Luca Cacciotti ◽

Maria Beatrice Musumeci ◽

Valerio Spuntarelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hospital Mortality ◽

Natriuretic Peptides ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Cardiac Biomarkers ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Good Ability ◽

Myocardial Involvement ◽

D Dimer

Abstract Aims myocardial involvement in the course of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia has been reported, though not fully characterized yet. Aim of the present study is to undertake a joint evaluation of hs-Troponin and natriuretic peptides (NP) in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods and results in this multicenter observational study, we analyzed data from n = 111 COVID-19 patients admitted to dedicated “COVID-19” medical units. Hs-Troponin was assessed in n = 103 patients and NP in n = 82 patients on admission; subgroups were identified according to values beyond reference range. increased hs-Troponin and NP were found in 38% and 56% of the cases respectively. As compared to those with normal cardiac biomarkers, these patients were older, had higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and more severe COVID-19 pneumonia by higher CRP and D-dimer and lower PaO2/FIO2. Two-dimensional echocardiography performed in a subset of patients (n = 24) showed significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with elevated NP only (p = 0.02), whereas right ventricular systolic function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion) was significantly reduced both in patients with high hs-Troponin and NP (p = 0.022 and p = 0.03 respectively). On multivariable analysis, independent associations were found of hs-Troponin with age, PaO2/FIO2 and D-dimer (B = 0.419, p = 0.001; B=-0.212, p = 0.013 and B = 0.179, p = 0.037 respectively), and of NP with age and previous CVD (B = 0.480, p < 0.001 and B = 0.253, p = 0.001 respectively). In patients with in-hospital mortality (n = 23, 21%) hs-Troponin and NP were both higher (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002 respectively), while increasing hs-troponin and NP were associated with worse in-hospital prognosis [OR 4.88 (95% CI 1.9-12.2), p = 0.001 (adjusted OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.2-8.5), p = 0.025) and OR 4.67 (95% CI 2-10.8), p < 0.001 (adjusted OR 2.89 (95% CI 1.1-7.9), p = 0.04) respectively]. Receiver operator characteristic curves showed good ability of hs-Troponin and NP in predicting in-hospital mortality (AUC = 0.869 p < 0.001 and AUC = 0.810, p < 0.001 respectively). Conclusion myocardial involvement at admission is common in COVID-19 pneumonia and associated to worse prognosis, suggesting a role for cardiac biomarkers assessment in COVID-19 risk stratification. Independent associations of hs-Troponin with markers of disease severity and of NP with underlying CVD might point towards existing different mechanisms leading to their elevation in this setting.

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Evaluation of Galectin-3 Plasma Concentration in Adolescents with Ventricular Arrhythmia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18052410 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 2410

Author(s):

Radosław Pietrzak ◽

Tomasz M. Książczyk ◽

Elżbieta Górska ◽

Łukasz A. Małek ◽

Bożena Werner

Keyword(s):

Plasma Concentration ◽

Ventricular Arrhythmia ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Holter Monitoring ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Galectin 3

Galectin-3 (G3) is a biomarker known as an inflammatory state exponent. The aim of this paper was to analyze the G3 in adolescents with ventricular arrhythmia (VES) in order to evaluate its impact on myocardial tissue preservation. The study group (SG) consisted of 25 VES adolescents. The control group (CG) was 21 healthy children. G3 was assessed in the SG and CG. In the SG electrocardiography, Holter monitoring, echocardiography and CMR were performed. The G3 in SG was 13.45 ± 11.4 ng/mL and in CG 7.2 ± 2.0 ng/mL, p < 0.001. Moderate positive correlation between the G3 and z-score of the left ventricular diameter (r = 0.47, p = 0.041) and moderate negative correlation between the G3 and the left ventricular ejection fraction in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR EF) (−0.49, p = 0.032) were found. According to the multiple linear regression analysis, CMR EF and VES were independent predictors for G3 elevation. Conclusion: Galectin-3 plasma concentration is elevated and correlates with the chosen left ventricular dysfunction parameters in adolescents suffering from ventricular arrhythmia. Further investigation is necessary to establish if elevated G3 is a useful biomarker for screening young individuals with ventricular arrhythmia who are at risk of structural cardiovascular pathology.

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New onset of atrial fibrillation in cardiogenic shock

European Heart Journal Acute Cardiovascular Care ◽

10.1093/ehjacc/zuab020.009 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

H Santos ◽

T Vieira ◽

J Fernandes ◽

AR Ferreira ◽

M Rios ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Cardiogenic Shock ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

The Impact ◽

New Onset

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction The development of cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with worse prognosis, and can produce several hemodynamic manifestations. Then, is not surprised the manifestation of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in these patients. Purpose Evaluate the impact of cardiovascular previous history, clinical signs and diagnosis procedures at admission as predictors of new-onset of AF in CS. Methods Single-centre retrospective study, engaging patients hospitalized for CS between 1/01/2014-30/10/2018. 222 patients with CS are included, 40 of them presented new onset of AF. Chi-square test, T-student test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare categorical and continuous variables. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of new-onset AF in CS patients. Results CS patients without AF had a mean age of 61.08 ± 13.77 years old, on the other hand new-onset of AF patients in the setting of CS had a mean age of 67.02 ± 14.21 years old (p = 0.016). Nevertheless, no differences between the two groups was detected regarding the sex cardiovascular history (namely arterial hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoker status, alcohol intake, previous acute coronary syndrome, history of angina, previous cardiomyopathy), neoplasia history, cardiac arrest during the CS, clinical signs at admission (like heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate), blood results (hemoglobin, leukocytes, troponin, creatinine, C-Reactive protein), left ventricular ejection fraction and the culprit lesion. New-onset of AF in CS patient had not impact in mortality rates. Multiple logistic regression reveals that only age was a predictor of new onset of AF in CS patients (odds ratio 1.032, confident interval 1.004-1.060, p = 0.024). Conclusions Age was the best predictor of new-onset AF in CS patients. The presence of this arrhythmia can have a hemodynamic impact, however, seems not influenced the final outcome.

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PUFA Supplementation and Heart Failure: Effects on Fibrosis and Cardiac Remodeling

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13092965 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 2965

Author(s):

Francesca Oppedisano ◽

Rocco Mollace ◽

Annamaria Tavernese ◽

Micaela Gliozzi ◽

Vincenzo Musolino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Cardiac Remodeling ◽

Dietary Supplementation ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Related Factor ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Pufa Supplementation ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Mitral Annulus Velocity

Heart failure (HF) characterized by cardiac remodeling is a condition in which inflammation and fibrosis play a key role. Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) seems to produce good results. In fact, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and different cardioprotective mechanisms. In particular, following their interaction with the nuclear factor erythropoietin 2 related factor 2 (NRF2), the free fatty acid receptor 4 (Ffar4) receptor, or the G-protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) fibroblast receptors, they inhibit cardiac fibrosis and protect the heart from HF onset. Furthermore, n-3 PUFAs increase the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), reduce global longitudinal deformation, E/e ratio (early ventricular filling and early mitral annulus velocity), soluble interleukin-1 receptor-like 1 (sST2) and high-sensitive C Reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, and increase flow-mediated dilation. Moreover, lower levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and serum norepinephrine (sNE) are reported and have a positive effect on cardiac hemodynamics. In addition, they reduce cardiac remodeling and inflammation by protecting patients from HF onset after myocardial infarction (MI). The positive effects of PUFA supplementation are associated with treatment duration and a daily dosage of 1–2 g. Therefore, both the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) define dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFAs as an effective therapy for reducing the risk of hospitalization and death in HF patients. In this review, we seek to highlight the most recent studies related to the effect of PUFA supplementation in HF. For that purpose, a PubMed literature survey was conducted with a focus on various in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials from 2015 to 2021.

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Incidence of Ventricular Arrhythmias and 1‐Year Predictors of Mortality in Patients Treated With Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Undergoing Generator Replacement

Journal of the American Heart Association ◽

10.1161/jaha.120.018090 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Demarchi ◽

Stefano Cornara ◽

Antonio Sanzo ◽

Simone Savastano ◽

Barbara Petracci ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽

Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽

Generator Replacement

Background When implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) battery is depleted most patients undergo generator replacement (GR) even in the absence of persistent ICD indication. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and the overall prognosis of patients with and without persistent ICD indication undergoing GR. Predictors of 1‐year mortality were also analyzed. Methods and Results Patients with structural heart disease implanted with primary prevention ICD undergoing GR were included. Patients were stratified based on the presence/absence of persistent ICD indication (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% at the time of GR and/or history of appropriate ICD therapies during the first generator's life). The study included 371 patients (82% male, 40% with ischemic heart disease). One third of patients (n=121) no longer met ICD indication at the time of GR. During a median follow‐up of 34 months after GR patients without persistent ICD indication showed a significantly lower incidence of appropriate ICD shocks (1.9% versus 16.2%, P <0.001) and ICD therapies. 1‐year mortality was also significantly lower in patients without persistent ICD indication (1% versus 8.3%, P =0.009). At multivariable analysis permanent atrial fibrillation, chronic advanced renal impairment, age >80, and persistent ICD indication were found to be significant predictors of 1‐year mortality. Conclusions Patients without persistent ICD indication at the time of GR show a low incidence of appropriate ICD therapies after GR. Persistent ICD indication, atrial fibrillation, advanced chronic renal disease, and age >80 are significant predictors of 1‐year mortality. Our findings enlighten the need of performing a comprehensive clinical reevaluation of ICD patients at the time of GR.

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The Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility of Contemporary Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Suspected Acute Myocarditis

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics12010156 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 156

Author(s):

Jakub Lagan ◽

Christien Fortune ◽

David Hutchings ◽

Joshua Bradley ◽

Josephine H. Naish ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Volume Fraction ◽

Acute Myocarditis ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Parametric Mapping ◽

The Impact

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is used to investigate suspected acute myocarditis, however most supporting data is retrospective and few studies have included parametric mapping. We aimed to investigate the utility of contemporary multiparametric CMR in a large prospective cohort of patients with suspected acute myocarditis, the impact of real-world variations in practice, the relationship between clinical characteristics and CMR findings and factors predicting outcome. 540 consecutive patients we recruited. The 113 patients diagnosed with myocarditis on CMR performed within 40 days of presentation were followed-up for 674 (504–915) days. 39 patients underwent follow-up CMR at 189 (166–209) days. CMR provided a positive diagnosis in 72% of patients, including myocarditis (40%) and myocardial infarction (11%). In multivariable analysis, male sex and shorter presentation-to-scan interval were associated with a diagnosis of myocarditis. Presentation with heart failure (HF) was associated with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), higher LGE burden and higher extracellular volume fraction. Lower baseline LVEF predicted follow-up LV dysfunction. Multiparametric CMR has a high diagnostic yield in suspected acute myocarditis. CMR should be performed early and include parametric mapping. Patients presenting with HF and reduced LVEF require closer follow-up while those with normal CMR may not require it.

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Clinical Phenotypes and Prognosis of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Caused by Truncating Variants in the TTN Gene

Circulation Heart Failure ◽

10.1161/circheartfailure.119.006832 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

Author(s):

Mohammed Majid Akhtar ◽

Massimiliano Lorenzini ◽

Marcos Cicerchia ◽

Juan Pablo Ochoa ◽

Thomas Morris Hey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Ventricular Ejection ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Reverse Remodeling ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

End Point ◽

Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling ◽

Malignant Ventricular Arrhythmia

Background: Truncating variants in the TTN gene (TTNtv) are the commonest cause of heritable dilated cardiomyopathy. This study aimed to study the phenotypes and outcomes of TTNtv carriers. Methods: Five hundred thirty-seven individuals (61% men; 317 probands) with TTNtv were recruited in 14 centers (372 [69%] with baseline left ventricular systolic dysfunction [LVSD]). Baseline and longitudinal clinical data were obtained. The primary end point was a composite of malignant ventricular arrhythmia and end-stage heart failure. The secondary end point was left ventricular reverse remodeling (left ventricular ejection fraction increase by ≥10% or normalization to ≥50%). Results: Median follow-up was 49 (18–105) months. Men developed LVSD more frequently and earlier than women (45±14 versus 49±16 years, respectively; P =0.04). By final evaluation, 31%, 45%, and 56% had atrial fibrillation, frequent ventricular ectopy, and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, respectively. Seventy-six (14.2%) individuals reached the primary end point (52 [68%] end-stage heart failure events, 24 [32%] malignant ventricular arrhythmia events). Malignant ventricular arrhythmia end points most commonly occurred in patients with severe LVSD. Male sex (hazard ratio, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.04–3.44]; P =0.04) and left ventricular ejection fraction (per 10% decrement from left ventricular ejection fraction, 50%; hazard ratio, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.30–2.04]; P <0.001) were independent predictors of the primary end point. Two hundred seven of 300 (69%) patients with LVSD had evidence of left ventricular reverse remodeling. In a subgroup of 29 of 74 (39%) patients with initial left ventricular reverse remodeling, there was a subsequent left ventricular ejection fraction decrement. TTNtv location was not associated with statistically significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics, left ventricular reverse remodeling, or outcomes on multivariable analysis ( P =0.07). Conclusions: TTNtv is characterized by frequent arrhythmia, but malignant ventricular arrhythmias are most commonly associated with severe LVSD. Male sex and LVSD are independent predictors of outcomes. Mutation location does not impact clinical phenotype or outcomes.

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Plasma Kynurenine Predicts Severity and Complications of Heart Failure and Associates with Established Biochemical and Clinical Markers of Disease

Kidney & Blood Pressure Research ◽

10.1159/000501483 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 44 (4) ◽

pp. 765-776 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Thomas Bernd Dschietzig ◽

Karl-Heinz Kellner ◽

Katrin Sasse ◽

Felix Boschann ◽

Robert Klüsener ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Nyha Class ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

The Body ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Clinical Markers ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Background: Kynurenine, a metabolite of the L-tryptophan pathway, plays a pivotal role in neuro-inflammation, cancer immunology, and cardiovascular inflammation, and has been shown to predict cardiovascular events. Objectives: It was our objective to increase the body of data regarding the value of kynurenine as a biomarker in chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: We investigated the predictive value of plasma kynurenine in a CHF cohort (CHF, n = 114); in a second cohort of defibrillator carriers with CHF (AICD, n = 156), we determined clinical and biochemical determinants of the marker which was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Results: In the CHF cohort, both kynurenine and NT-proBNP increased with NYHA class. Univariate binary logistic regression showed kynurenine to predict death within a 6-month follow-up (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.03–2.00, p = 0.033) whereas NT-proBNP did not contribute significantly. Kynurenine, like NT-proBNP, was able to discriminate at a 30% threshold of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; AUC-ROC, both 0.74). Kynurenine correlated inversely with LVEF (ϱ = –0.394), glomerular filtration fraction (GFR; ϱ = –0.615), and peak VO2 (ϱ = –0.626). Moreover, there was a strong correlation of kynurenine with NT-proBNP (ϱ = 0.615). In the AICD cohort, multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated highly significant associations of kynurenine with GFR, hsCRP, and tryptophan, as well as a significant impact of age. Conclusions: This work speaks in favor of kynurenine being a new and valuable biomarker of CHF, with particular attention placed on its ability to predict mortality and reflect exercise capacity.

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Intraventricular flow patterns during right ventricular apical pacing

Open Heart ◽

10.1136/openhrt-2019-001057 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. e001057 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Francesco Bianco ◽

Vincenzo Cicchitti ◽

Valentina Bucciarelli ◽

Alvin Chandra ◽

Enrico Di Girolamo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ejection Fraction ◽

Sinus Rhythm ◽

Right Ventricular ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Strain Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Right Ventricular Apical Pacing

ObjectivesTo assess differences in blood flow momentum (BFM) and kinetic energy (KE) dissipation in a model of cardiac dyssynchrony induced by electrical right ventricular apical (RVA) stimulation compared with spontaneous sinus rhythm.MethodsWe cross-sectionally enrolled 12 consecutive patients (mean age 74±8 years, 60% male, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 58%±6 %), within 48 hours from pacemaker (PMK) implantation. Inclusion criteria were: age>18 years, no PMK-dependency, sinus rhythm with a spontaneous narrow QRS at the ECG, preserved ejection fraction (>50%) and a low percentage of PMK-stimulation (<20%). All the participants underwent a complete echocardiographic evaluation, including left ventricular strain analysis and particle image velocimetry.ResultsCompared with sinus rhythm, BFM shifted from 27±3.3 to 34±7.6° (p=0.016), while RVA-pacing was characterised by a 35% of increment in KE dissipation, during diastole (p=0.043) and 32% during systole (p=0.016). In the same conditions, left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) significantly decreased from 17±3.3 to 11%±2.8% (p=0.004) during RVA-stimulation. At the multivariable analysis, BFM and diastolic KE dissipation were significantly associated with LV GLS deterioration (Beta Coeff.=0.54, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.00, p=0.034 and Beta Coeff.=0.29, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.57, p=0.049, respectively).ConclusionsIn RVA-stimulation, BFM impairment and KE dissipation were found to be significantly associated with LV GLS deterioration, when controlling for potential confounders. Such changes may favour the onset of cardiac remodelling and sustain heart failure.

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