scholarly journals Right atrial function is associated with RV diastolic stiffness: RA-RV interaction in pulmonary arterial hypertension

2021 ◽  
pp. 2101454
Author(s):  
Jeroen N. Wessels ◽  
Sophia A. Mouratoglou ◽  
Jessie van Wezenbeek ◽  
M. Louis Handoko ◽  
J. Tim Marcus ◽  
...  

BackgroundPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients have altered right atrial (RA) function and right ventricular (RV) diastolic stiffness. This study assessed the impact of RV diastolic stiffness on RA-RV interaction.MethodsLow or high end-diastolic elastance (Eed) PAH patients (n=94) were compared to controls (n=31). Treatment response was evaluated in n=62 patients. RV and RA longitudinal strain, RA emptying and RV filling were determined and diastole was divided in a passive and active phase. Vena cava backflow was calculated as RV active filling-RA active emptying; RA stroke work as RA active emptying*RV end-diastolic pressure.ResultsWith increased Eed, RA and RV passive strain were reduced while active strain was preserved. In comparison to controls, patients had lower RV passive filling, but higher RA active emptying and RA stroke work. RV active filling was lower in high Eed patients, resulting in higher vena cava backflow. Upon treatment, Eed reduced in half of high Eedpatients, which coincided with larger reductions in afterload, RV mass and vena cava backflow and greater improvements in RV active filling and stroke volume in comparison to patients in whom Eed remained high.ConclusionsIn PAH, RA function is associated with changes in RV function. Despite increased RA stroke work, severe RV diastolic stiffness is associated with reduced RV active filling and increased vena cava backflow. In 50% of high baseline Eed patients, diastolic stiffness remains high, despite treatment. Eed reduction coincided with a large reduction in afterload, increased RV active filling and decreased vena cava backflow.

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 1900625 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Tim Marcus ◽  
Berend E. Westerhof ◽  
Joanne A. Groeneveldt ◽  
Harm Jan Bogaard ◽  
Frances S. de Man ◽  
...  

Vena cava backflow is a well-recognised clinical hallmark of right ventricular failure in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Backflow may result from tricuspid regurgitation during right ventricular systole or from impaired right ventricular diastolic filling during atrial contraction. Our aim was to quantify the forward and backward flow in the vena cava and to establish the main cause in PAH.In 62 PAH patients, cardiac magnetic resonance measurements provided volumetric flows (mL·s−1) in the superior and inferior vena cava; time integration of flow gave volume. The “backward fraction” was defined as the ratio of the backward and forward volumes in the vena cava, expressed as a percentage. Time of maximum vena cava backflow was expressed as a percentage of the cardiac cycle. Right ventricular volumes and aortic stroke volume were determined. Right heart catheterisation gave right ventricular and right atrial pressures. Right ventricular end-diastolic stiffness was determined with the single-beat method.The median (interquartile range) backward fraction was 12% (3–24%) and it was >20% in 21 patients. Maximum backflow occurred at near 90% of the cardiac cycle, coinciding with atrial contraction. The backward fraction was associated with maximal right atrial pressure (Spearman's r=0.77), right ventricular end-diastolic stiffness (r=0.65) and right ventricular end-diastolic pressure (r=0.77), and was negatively associated with stroke volume (r= –0.61) (all p<0.001).Significant backward flow in the vena cava was observed in a large group of PAH patients and occurred mostly during atrial contraction as a consequence of impaired right ventricular filling due to right ventricular diastolic stiffness. The backward flow due to tricuspid regurgitation was of significance in only a small minority of patients.


Author(s):  
Jessie van Wezenbeek ◽  
Azar Kianzad ◽  
Arno van de Bovenkamp ◽  
Jeroen Wessels ◽  
Sophia A. Mouratoglou ◽  
...  

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a prevalent disorder for which no effective treatment yet exists. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right atrial (RA) and ventricular (RV) dysfunction are frequently observed. The question remains whether the PH with the associated RV/RA dysfunction in HFpEF are markers of disease severity. Methods: To obtain insight in the relative importance of pressure-overload and left-to-right interaction, we compared RA and RV function in 3 groups: 1. HFpEF (n=13); 2. HFpEF-PH (n=33), and; 3. pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) matched to pulmonary artery pressures of HFpEF-PH (PH limited to mPAP ≥30 and ≤50 mmHg) (n=47). Patients underwent right heart catheterization and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Results: The right ventricle in HFpEF-PH was less dilated and hypertrophied than in PAH. In addition, RV ejection fraction was more preserved (HFpEF-PH: 52±11 versus PAH: 36±12%). RV filling patterns differed: vena cava backflow during RA contraction was observed in PAH only. In HFpEF-PH, RA pressure was elevated throughout the cardiac cycle (HFpEF-PH: 10 [8–14] versus PAH: 7 [5–10] mm Hg), while RA volume was smaller, reflecting excessive RA stiffness (HFpEF-PH: 0.14 [0.10–0.17] versus PAH: 0.08 [0.06–0.11] mm Hg/mL). RA stiffness was associated with an increased eccentricity index (HFpEF-PH: 1.3±0.2 versus PAH: 1.2±0.1) and interatrial pressure gradient (9 [5 to 12] versus 2 [−2 to 5] mm Hg). Conclusions: RV/RA function was less compromised in HFpEF-PH than in PAH, despite similar pressure-overload. Increased RA pressure and stiffness in HFpEF-PH were explained by left atrial/RA-interaction. Therefore, our results indicate that increased RA pressure is not a sign of overt RV failure but rather a reflection of HFpEF-severity.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 551-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lianne M. Geerdink ◽  
Harald Bertram ◽  
Georg Hansmann

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex disease with a poor prognosis. Selexipag is a selective prostacyclin receptor agonist with vasodilatory, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic properties. However, no clinical data on its therapeutic use in children with PAH are currently available. Here, we report the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented in World Health Organization (WHO) functional class III and right ventricular (RV) failure with recurrent syncope, dizziness, and progressive fatigue for two years. Cardiac catheterization revealed severe precapillary PAH: mean right atrial pressure (RAP) = 10–13 mmHg, right ventricular end-diastolic pressure (RVEDP) = 13 mmHg, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) = 7 mmHg, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) = 81 mmHg, and mean aorta ascendens pressure = 89 mmHg. The pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRi) was 25.2 WU × m2. An oral combination therapy was started with a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (sildenafil 3 × 20 mg) and an endothelin-1 receptor antagonist (bosentan 2 × 62.5 mg). No significant clinical/hemodynamic improvement was seen after nine months of dual therapy, so that the patient was transferred to our institution. We agreed upon the off-label add-on use of oral selexipag. Within ten days, we up-titrated selexipag to a final (max. adult) dose of 1600 mcg twice daily. After six months, the patient had: (1) decrease in PVR index, pulmonary artery acceleration time, RAP, RVEDP, right atrial/RV size; (2) re-gain of vasoreactivity; and (3) improvement of cardiac index, 6-minute walking distance, functional class, body weight, and CAMPHOR score. Our encouraging results suggest the consideration of off-label use of oral selexipag in children with severe PAH, preferably in a protocol-driven prospective study.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 779
Author(s):  
Daria S. Kostyunina ◽  
Paul McLoughlin

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition characterised by an abnormal elevation of pulmonary artery pressure caused by an increased pulmonary vascular resistance, frequently leading to right ventricular failure and reduced survival. Marked sexual dimorphism is observed in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, a form of pulmonary hypertension with a particularly severe clinical course. The incidence in females is 2–4 times greater than in males, although the disease is less severe in females. We review the contribution of the sex chromosomes to this sex dimorphism highlighting the impact of proteins, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs encoded on the X and Y chromosomes. These genes are centrally involved in the cellular pathways that cause increased pulmonary vascular resistance including the production of reactive oxygen species, altered metabolism, apoptosis, inflammation, vasoconstriction and vascular remodelling. The interaction with genetic mutations on autosomal genes that cause heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension such as bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMPR2) are examined. The mechanisms that can lead to differences in the expression of genes located on the X chromosomes between females and males are also reviewed. A better understanding of the mechanisms of sex dimorphism in this disease will contribute to the development of more effective therapies for both women and men.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Scagliola ◽  
I Rota ◽  
M Cheli ◽  
C Brunelli ◽  
M Balbi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Experimental evidence points towards a hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the pathobiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), raising the hypothesis that blockade of neurohormonal axis may have favorable effects in this context. Purpose To assess the use and prognostic impact of neurohormonal inhibitors (NEUi) in a single centre cohort of subjects with PAH. Methods We analysed retrospectively collected data from our register of right heart catheterizations (RHC) performed consecutively from January 1st 2005 until October 31st 2018. We selected patients with PAH and complete information about demographics, biochemical data and drug therapy at the time of RHC. Patients on beta-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) at the time of RHC were classified as NEUi users. Comparisons between NEUi recipients and non-recipients were drawn by chi-square or t-test, as appropriate. Death from any cause was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Complete data were available for 57 PAH patients. Mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, diastolic pressure gradient, pulmonary vascular resistance and cardiac index were 45.0±14.9 mmHg, 10.9±3.5 mmHg, 16.0±10.2 mmHg, 8.8±5.1 Wood units and 2.5±0.8 l/min/m2 respectively. Twenty-seven subjects (47.4%) were taking at least one NEUi when RHC was performed: 12 (21.1%) were on beta-blocker, 15 (26.3%) on ACEi/ARB and 6 (10.5%) on MRA. NEUi users were significantly older (67.6±11.9 vs. 58.3±15.2 years, p=0.039), had a higher body mass index (25.9±4.4 vs. 23.6±3.5, p=0.029), more frequently systemic arterial hypertension (74.1% vs. 40.0%, p=0.020), smoking habit (51.9% vs. 20.0%, p=0.025) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (58.7±22.7 vs. 73.7±24.7 ml/min/1.73 m2, p=0.022) than non-users. Moreover, 5 NEUi users (18.5%), but no NEUi non-users, had a history of coronary artery disease. Hemodynamic parameters were similar in NEUi recipients and non-recipients (p=NS). Seven patients (25.9%) died in the NEUi users group vs. 17 (56.7%) in the non-users one (p=0.038). Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed that subjects not taking NEUi were more likely to die over the course of follow-up (Log-Rank p=0.020) (Figure 1). Conclusions Our data identify a subset of atypical PAH patients, with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension and a comorbidity profile for left heart disease (LHD), in whom NEUi have shown to improve survival. A prognostic benefit of NEUi, due to their effects on cardiovascular comorbidities in this kind of patients, has been speculated. Future prospective studies are needed to identify the most appropriate treatment strategies for atypical forms of PAH, with subtle and probably covert LHD. Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier survival curves Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Currie ◽  
Evan Davies ◽  
Amélie Beaudet ◽  
Larissa Stassek ◽  
Leah Kleinman

Abstract Background Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare form of pulmonary hypertension caused by blood clots and scar tissue in the blood vessels of the lungs. Health-related quality of life is often significantly impaired in patients with CTEPH. However, a better understanding of how CTEPH symptoms affect patients’ lives is needed to optimally assess the impact of the disease and treatment. Objectives This qualitative study aimed to better understand the symptoms of CTEPH and how they affect patients’ lives, as well as to determine the appropriateness of the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension – Symptoms and Impact (PAH-SYMPACT™) questionnaire for use in this patient population. Methods Adults diagnosed with CTEPH, recruited from two clinical sites in the US, participated in one-to-one qualitative telephone interviews. They described their experience of CTEPH symptoms and the impact these symptoms have on their lives. They also provided feedback on the comprehensibility and relevance of the PAH-SYMPACT™‘s instructions, items, and response options. Results Participants (N = 12) had a mean age of 62.5 years. Two thirds were female and most (83%) had undergone pulmonary endarterectomy and/or balloon pulmonary angioplasty. The most frequently endorsed symptoms were shortness of breath (endorsed by all 12 participants), fatigue (11 participants), and lightheadedness (10 participants). All participants identified shortness of breath as an “extremely important” symptom, and seven participants rated fatigue as “extremely important.” The most frequent impacts of CTEPH were on ability to walk quickly (endorsed by all 12 participants), ability to walk up inclines or stairs (11 participants), and ability to carry things (11 participants). The PAH-SYMPACT™ items were relevant to most participants and reflected their experience of CTEPH. All participants indicated that no important CTEPH symptoms were missing from the PAH-SYMPACT™. Overall, the instructions, items, and response options of the PAH-SYMPACT™ were clear and easy to understand. Conclusions The symptoms and impacts experienced by patients with CTEPH align with items included in the PAH-SYMPACT™. The PAH-SYMPACT™ appears to be fit for purpose for assessing disease status in patients with CTEPH.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raluca Jumatate ◽  
Annika Ingvarsson ◽  
Gustav Jan Smith ◽  
Anders Roijer ◽  
Ellen Ostenfeld ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In adult patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), right ventricular (RV) failure may worsen rapidly, resulting in a poor prognosis. In this population, non-invasive assessment of RV function is challenging. RV stroke work index (RVSWI) measured by right heart catheterization (RHC) represents a promising index for RV function. The aim of the present study was to comprehensively evaluate non-invasive measures to calculate RVSWI derived by echocardiography (RVSWIECHO) using RHC (RVSWIRHC) as a reference in adult PAH patients. Methods Retrospectively, 54 consecutive treatment naïve patients with PAH (65 ± 13 years, 36 women) were analyzed. Echocardiography and RHC were performed within a median of 1 day [IQR 0–1 days]. RVSWIRHC was calculated as: (mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP)—mean right atrial pressure (mRAP)) x stroke volume index (SVI)RHC. Four methods for RVSWIECHO were evaluated: RVSWIECHO-1 = Tricuspid regurgitant maximum pressure gradient (TRmaxPG) x SVIECHO, RVSWIECHO-2 = (TRmaxPG-mRAPECHO) x SVIECHO, RVSWIECHO-3 = TR mean gradient (TRmeanPG) x SVIECHO and RVSWIECHO-4 = (TRmeanPG–mRAPECHO) x SVIECHO. Estimation of mRAPECHO was derived from inferior vena cava diameter. Results RVSWIRHC was 1132 ± 352 mmHg*mL*m−2. In comparison with RVSWIRHC in absolute values, RVSWIECHO-1 and RVSWIECHO-2 was significantly higher (p < 0.001), whereas RVSWIECHO-4 was lower (p < 0.001). No difference was shown for RVSWIECHO-3 (p = 0.304). The strongest correlation, with RVSWIRHC, was demonstrated for RVSWIECHO-2 (r = 0.78, p < 0.001) and RVSWIECHO-1 ( r = 0.75, p < 0.001). RVSWIECHO-3 and RVSWIECHO-4 had moderate correlation (r = 0.66 and r = 0.69, p < 0.001 for all). A good agreement (ICC) was demonstrated for RVSWIECHO-3 (ICC = 0.80, 95% CI 0.64–0.88, p < 0.001), a moderate for RVSWIECHO-4 (ICC = 0.73, 95% CI 0.27–0.87, p < 0.001) and RVSWIECHO-2 (ICC = 0.55, 95% CI − 0.21–0.83, p < 0.001). A poor ICC was demonstrated for RVSWIECHO-1 (ICC = 0.45, 95% CI − 0.18–0.77, p < 0.001). Agreement of absolute values for RVSWIECHO-1 was − 772 ± 385 (− 50 ± 20%) mmHg*mL*m−2, RVSWIECHO-2 − 600 ± 339 (-41 ± 20%) mmHg*mL*m−2, RVSWIECHO-3 42 ± 286 (5 ± 25%) mmHg*mL*m−2 and for RVSWIECHO-4 214 ± 273 (23 ± 27%) mmHg*mL*m−2. Conclusion The correlation with RVSWIRHC was moderate to strong for all echocardiographic measures, whereas only RVSWIECHO-3 displayed high concordance of absolute values. The results, however, suggest that RVSWIECHO-1 or RVSWIECHO-3 could be the preferable echocardiographic methods. Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical utility of such measures in relation to treatment response, risk stratification and prognosis in patients with PAH.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 204589402198996
Author(s):  
Kothandam Sivakumar ◽  
Gopalavilasam R. Rohitraj ◽  
Monica Rajendran ◽  
Nithya Thivianathan

Optimal sized balloon atrial septostomy improves hemodynamics in advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension. Occlutech Atrial Flow Regulator is designed to provide an atrial septal fenestration diameter titrated according to the age and right atrial pressures. This observational study analyzed symptoms, exercise distance, oxygen saturations, hemodynamics and echocardiographic parameters after Atrial Flow Regulator implantation in patients with syncope or right-heart failure. Patients with high-risk predictors of mortality during septostomy were scrutinized. Thirty-nine patients (9 children) with syncope (34/39) or right-heart failure (27/39) underwent Atrial Flow Regulator implantation without procedural complications. Six-minute walk distance increased from 310 ± 158.2 to 376.4 ± 182.6 m, none developed syncope. Oxygen saturations reduced from 96.4 ± 6.4% to 92 ± 4.9% at rest and further to 80.3 ± 5.9% on exercise. Right atrial pressures reduced from 9.4 ± 5 (2–27) mmHg to 6.9 ± 2.6 (1–12) mmHg, while cardiac index increased from 2.4 ± 0.8 (0.98–4.3) to 3 ± 1 (1.1–5.3) L/min/m2 and systemic oxygen transport increased from 546.1 ± 157.9 (256.2–910.5) to 637.2 ± 191.1 (301.3–1020.2) ml/min. Echocardiographic improvement included significant reduction of pericardial effusion and inferior caval congestion at a median follow-up of 37 months. Overall survival improved except two early and one late deaths in high-risk patients. Five of seven patients with advanced disease and key hemodynamic predictors of mortality survived. Acute hemodynamic benefits in pulmonary arterial hypertension after Atrial Flow Regulator were improved cardiac output, systemic oxygen transport, and reduced right atrial pressures. Improvement of symptoms especially syncope, exercise duration, and right ventricular systolic function as well as device patency were sustained on mid-term follow-up. Implantation was safe in all including young children without procedural complications. Mortality was noted only in patients who had high-risk predictors and patients at advanced stage of the disease.


2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 832-842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmy Manders ◽  
Silvia Rain ◽  
Harm-Jan Bogaard ◽  
M. Louis Handoko ◽  
Ger J.M. Stienen ◽  
...  

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal lung disease characterised by progressive remodelling of the small pulmonary vessels. The daily-life activities of patients with PAH are severely limited by exertional fatigue and dyspnoea. Typically, these symptoms have been explained by right heart failure. However, an increasing number of studies reveal that the impact of the PAH reaches further than the pulmonary circulation. Striated muscles other than the right ventricle are affected in PAH, such as the left ventricle, the diaphragm and peripheral skeletal muscles. Alterations in these striated muscles are associated with exercise intolerance and reduced quality of life. In this Back to Basics article on striated muscle function in PAH, we provide insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms causing muscle dysfunction in PAH and discuss potential new therapeutic strategies to restore muscle dysfunction.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan Liu ◽  
Ying Xing ◽  
Chen Wang

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a vascular disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of PAH remains controversial, but the only currently available therapies for PAH are pharmacological pulmonary artery vasodilation, decreasing right ventricular (RV) afterload, and relieving symptoms. By now, there is no therapy being able to minimize vascular remodeling processes and thus to reverse or delay the natural history of the disease. It has been generally thought that reduction of RV preload was detrimental, which deteriorated the systemic hemodynamics. In the present study, however, we repetitively and briefly occluded (RBO) both superior vena cava and inferior vena cava by ligation (occlusion for less than 5 seconds then re-open for 30 seconds and repeated 5 cycles as one sequence, 1 sequence every 6 hours) to intermittently restrict RV preload, for continuous 24 hours, total 5 sequences, in the Sugen 5416 (VEGF receptor blocker) and hypoxia induced PAH rat models and we found this strategy was beneficial for lowering pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR).


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