Evaluation of Diastolic Dysfunction Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarun Pandey ◽  
Kedar Jambhekar ◽  
◽  

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and diastolic heart failure (DHF) account for approximately 40–50% of all patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Diastolic dysfunction can be evaluated directly by invasive cardiac catheterisation techniques or non-invasively by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Due to its high spatial and temporal resolution, CMR is the accepted gold standard for evaluating ventricular systolic function. Using the cine-phase contrast technique, CMR can interrogate inflow through the mitral valve and pulmonary veins towards evaluation of diastolic dysfunction and has shown good correlation with TTE. Additionally, CMR can evaluate direct myocardial diastolic parameters that have no echo correlate, such as diastolic torsion rate. As CMR has the ability to characterise a range of diastolic impairments, it will likely become an important diagnostic test in the future, capable of comprehensive LV function evaluation. In this article, we focus on LV diastology, and review CMR methodology and parameters for the diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction.

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piercarlo Ballo ◽  
Irene Betti ◽  
Giuseppe Mangialavori ◽  
Leandro Chiodi ◽  
Gherardo Rapisardi ◽  
...  

Management of patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is still a major clinical problem, as only half of them or slightly more show complete recovery of left ventricular (LV) function despite conventional evidence-based treatment for heart failure. Recent observations suggested that bromocriptine might favor recovery of LV systolic function in patients with PPCM. However, no evidence exists regarding its effect on LV diastolic dysfunction, which is commonly observed in these patients. Tissue Doppler (TD) is an echocardiographic technique that provides unique information on LV diastolic performance. We report the case of a 37-year-old white woman with heart failure (NYHA class II), moderate LV systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction 35%), and severe LV diastolic dysfunction secondary to PPCM, who showed no improvement after 2 weeks of treatment with ramipril, bisoprolol, and furosemide. At 6-week followup after addition of bromocriptine, despite persistence of LV systolic dysfunction, normalization of LV diastolic function was shown by TD, together with improvement in functional status (NYHA I). At 18-month followup, the improvement in LV diastolic function was maintained, and normalization of systolic function was observed. This paper might support the clinical utility of bromocriptine in patients with PPCM by suggesting a potential benefit on LV diastolic dysfunction.


2009 ◽  
Vol 150 (45) ◽  
pp. 2060-2067 ◽  
Author(s):  
András Nagy ◽  
Zsuzsanna Cserép

Diabetes mellitus, a disease that has been reaching epidemic proportions, is an important risk factor to the development of cardiovascular complication. The left ventricular diastolic dysfunction represents the earliest pre-clinical manifestation of diabetic cardiomyopathy, preceding systolic dysfunction and being able to evolve to symptomatic heart failure. In early stages, these changes appear reversible with tight metabolic control, but as pathologic processes become organized, the changes are irreversible and contribute to an excess risk of heart failure among diabetic patients. Doppler echocardiography provides reliable data in the stages of diastolic function, as well as for systolic function. Combination of pulsed tissue Doppler study of mitral annulus with transmitral inflow may be clinically valuable for obtaining information about left ventricular filling pressure and unmasking Doppler inflow pseudonormal pattern, a hinge point for the progression toward advanced heart failure. Subsequently we give an overview about diabetes and its complications, their clinical relevance and the role of echocardiography in detection of diastolic heart failure in diabetes.


2013 ◽  
Vol 52 (190) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahad Aziz ◽  
Luqman-Arfath Thazhatauveetil-Kunhahamed ◽  
Chijioke Enweluzo ◽  
Misbah Zaeem

The concept of ‘‘diastolic’’ heart failure grew out of the observation that many patients who have the symptoms and signs of heart failure had an apparently normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. Thus it was assumed that since systolic function was ‘‘pre- served’’ the problem must lie in diastole, although it is not clear by whom or when this assumption was made. Diastolic heart failure is associated with a lower annual mortality rate of approximately 8% as compared to annual mortality of 19% in heart failure with systolic dysfunction, however, morbidity rate can be substantial. Thus, diastolic heart failure is an important clinical disorder mainly seen in the elderly patients with hypertensive heart disease. Early recognition and appropriate therapy of diastolic dysfunction is advisable to prevent further progression to diastolic heart failure and death. There is no specific therapy to improve LV diastolic function directly. Medical therapy of diastolic dysfunction is often empirical and lacks clear-cut pathophysiologic concepts. Nevertheless, there is growing evidence that calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, ACE-inhibitors and ARB as well as nitric oxide donors can be beneficial. Treatment of the underlying disease is currently the most important therapeutic approach.Keywords: diastolic heart failure; doppler echocardiography; treatment.


2016 ◽  
Vol 310 (10) ◽  
pp. H1313-H1320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liguo Chi ◽  
Luiz Belardinelli ◽  
Aliya Zeng ◽  
Ryoko Hirakawa ◽  
Sridharan Rajamani ◽  
...  

Late Na+ current ( INaL) is enhanced in myocytes of animals with chronic heart failure and patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. To define the role of INaL in diastolic heart failure, the effects of GS-458967 (GS-967), a potent INaL inhibitor on mechanical and electrical abnormalities, were determined in an animal model of diastolic dysfunction. Dahl salt-sensitive (DSS) rats fed a high-salt (HS) diet for 8 wk, compared with a normal salt (NS) diet, had increased left ventricular (LV) mass (1,257 ± 96 vs. 891 ± 34 mg) and diastolic dysfunction [isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT): 26.8 ± 0.5 vs. 18.9 ± 0.2 ms; early transmitral flow velocity/early mitral annulus velocity (E/E') ratio: 25.5 ± 1.9 vs. 14.9 ± 0.9]. INaL in LV myocytes from HS rats was significantly increased to 0.41 ± 0.02 from 0.14 ± 0.02 pA/pF in NS rats. The action potential duration (APD) was prolonged to 136 ± 12 from 68 ± 9 ms in NS rats. QTc intervals were longer in HS vs. NS rats (267 ± 8 vs. 212 ± 2 ms). Acute and chronic treatment with GS-967 decreased the enhanced INaL to 0.24 ± 0.01 and 0.17 ± 0.02 pA/pF, respectively, vs. 0.41 ± 0.02 pA/pF in the HS group. Chronic treatment with GS-967 dose-dependently reduced LV mass, the increases in E/E' ratio, and the prolongation of IVRT by 27, 27, and 20%, respectively, at the 1.0 mg·kg−1·day−1 dose without affecting blood pressure or LV systolic function. The prolonged APDs in myocytes and QTc of HS rats were significantly reduced with GS-967 treatment. These results indicate that INaL is a significant contributor to the LV diastolic dysfunction, hypertrophy, and repolarization abnormalities and thus, inhibition of this current is a promising therapeutic target for diastolic heart failure.


Author(s):  
Rainer Hoffmann ◽  
Paolo Colonna

Analysis of left ventricular (LV) systolic function is the most frequent indication to perform echocardiography and an integral part of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) or radionuclide studies. Visual estimation of LV function may be supplemented by quantitative analysis of 2D images to obtain parameters of global or regional function. Administration of contrast agents to improve identification of myocardium–blood interface has been demonstrated to improve the reproducibility of 2D-echocardiography-based analysis of LV function and should be applied in cases of insufficient endocardial border definition (more than two LV segments not adequately visualized). 2D-echocardiography-based analysis of LV volumes results in underestimation of end-systolic and end-diastolic LV volumes compared to CMR. 3D-echocardiography results in significantly less volume underestimation and higher accuracy in the analysis of ejection fraction. Analysis of regional wall motion is mainly based on subjective visual assessment, which is limited by significant inter-observer variability. Doppler tissue imaging and speckle tracking echocardiography have become validated methods for quantitative analysis of regional LV function. Similarly, tagging, strain-encoded cardiac magnetic resonance (SENC) and feature tracking are modalities to quantify regional LV function based on CMR. Echocardiography should be used as a primary technique to assess systolic LV function as it is the cheapest, widely available and can be applied without the use of ionizing radiation or nephrotoxic contrast material. CMR has become the clinical gold standard for quantification of LV function and may be applied if other information achievable best by CMR is required. Similarly, nuclear techniques should be applied to assess LV function only if simultaneous assessment of myocardial perfusion is requested.


Author(s):  
Fabian Strodka ◽  
Jana Logoteta ◽  
Roman Schuwerk ◽  
Mona Salehi Ravesh ◽  
Dominik Daniel Gabbert ◽  
...  

AbstractVentricular dysfunction is a well-known complication in single ventricle patients in Fontan circulation. As studies exclusively examining patients with a single left ventricle (SLV) are sparse, we assessed left ventricular (LV) function in SLV patients by using 2D-cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking (2D-CMR-FT) and 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). 54 SLV patients (11.4, 3.1–38.1 years) and 35 age-matched controls (12.3, 6.3–25.8 years) were included. LV global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain (GLS, GCS, GRS) and strain rate (GLSR, GCSR, GRSR) were measured using 2D-CMR-FT. LV volumes, ejection fraction (LVEF) and mass were determined from short axis images. 2D-STE was applied in patients to measure peak systolic GLS and GLSR. In a subgroup analysis, we compared double inlet left ventricle (DILV) with tricuspid atresia (TA) patients. The population consisted of 19 DILV patients, 24 TA patients and 11 patients with diverse diagnoses. 52 patients were in NYHA class I and 2 patients were in class II. Most SLV patients had a normal systolic function but median LVEF in patients was lower compared to controls (55.6% vs. 61.2%, p = 0.0001). 2D-CMR-FT demonstrated reduced GLS, GCS and GCSR values in patients compared to controls. LVEF correlated with GS values in patients (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between GLS values from 2D-CMR-FT and 2D-STE in the patient group. LVEF, LV volumes, GS and GSR (from 2D-CMR-FT) were not significantly different between DILV and TA patients. Although most SLV patients had a preserved EF derived by CMR, our results suggest that, LV deformation and function may behave differently in SLV patients compared to healthy subjects.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Holzknecht ◽  
M Reindl ◽  
C Tiller ◽  
I Lechner ◽  
T Hornung ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the parameter of choice for left ventricular (LV) function assessment and risk stratification of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI); however, its prognostic value is limited. Other measures of LV function such as global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) might provide additional prognostic information post-STEMI. However, comprehensive investigations comparing these parameters in terms of prediction of hard clinical events following STEMI are lacking so far. Purpose We aimed to investigate the comparative prognostic value of LVEF, MAPSE and GLS by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in the acute stage post-STEMI for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Methods This observational study included 407 consecutive acute STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Comprehensive CMR investigations were performed 3 [interquartile range (IQR): 2–4] days after PCI to determine LVEF, GLS and MAPSE as well as myocardial infarct characteristics. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of MACE defined as composite of death, re-infarction and congestive heart failure. Results During a follow-up of 21 [IQR: 12–50] months, 40 (10%) patients experienced MACE. LVEF (p=0.005), MAPSE (p=0.001) and GLS (p&lt;0.001) were significantly related to MACE. GLS showed the highest prognostic value with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71 (95% CI 0.63–0.79; p&lt;0.001) compared to MAPSE (AUC: 0.67, 95% CI 0.58–0.75; p=0.001) and LVEF (AUC: 0.64, 95% CI 0.54–0.73; p=0.005). After multivariable analysis, GLS emerged as sole independent predictor of MACE (HR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.11–1.35; p&lt;0.001). Of note, GLS remained associated with MACE (p&lt;0.001) even after adjustment for infarct size and microvascular obstruction. Conclusion CMR-derived GLS emerged as strong and independent predictor of MACE after acute STEMI with additive prognostic validity to LVEF and parameters of myocardial damage. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2013 ◽  
Vol 115 (10) ◽  
pp. 1572-1580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vigdis Hillestad ◽  
Frank Kramer ◽  
Stefan Golz ◽  
Andreas Knorr ◽  
Kristin B. Andersson ◽  
...  

In human heart failure (HF), reduced cardiac function has, at least partly, been ascribed to altered calcium homeostasis in cardiomyocytes. The effects of the calcium sensitizer levosimendan on diastolic dysfunction caused by reduced removal of calcium from cytosol in early diastole are not well known. In this study, we investigated the effect of long-term levosimendan treatment in a murine model of HF where the sarco(endo)plasmatic reticulum ATPase ( Serca) gene is specifically disrupted in the cardiomyocytes, leading to reduced removal of cytosolic calcium. After induction of Serca2 gene disruption, these mice develop marked diastolic dysfunction as well as impaired contractility. SERCA2 knockout (SERCA2KO) mice were treated with levosimendan or vehicle from the time of KO induction. At the 7-wk end point, cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and pressure measurements. Vehicle-treated SERCA2KO mice showed significantly diminished left-ventricular (LV) contractility, as shown by decreased ejection fraction, stroke volume, and cardiac output. LV pressure measurements revealed a marked increase in the time constant (τ) of isovolumetric pressure decay, showing impaired relaxation. Levosimendan treatment significantly improved all three systolic parameters. Moreover, a significant reduction in τ toward normalization indicated improved relaxation. Gene-expression analysis, however, revealed an increase in genes related to production of the ECM in animals treated with levosimendan. In conclusion, long-term levosimendan treatment improves both contractility and relaxation in a heart-failure model with marked diastolic dysfunction due to reduced calcium transients. However, altered gene expression related to fibrosis was observed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Despina Toader ◽  
Alina Paraschiv ◽  
Petrișor Tudorașcu ◽  
Diana Tudorașcu ◽  
Constantin Bataiosu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Left ventricular noncompaction is a rare cardiomyopathy characterized by a thin, compacted epicardial layer and a noncompacted endocardial layer, with trabeculations and recesses that communicate with the left ventricular cavity. In the advanced stage of the disease, the classical triad of heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia, and systemic embolization is common. Segments involved are the apex and mid inferior and lateral walls. The right ventricular apex may be affected as well. Case presentation A 29-year-old Caucasian male was hospitalized with dyspnea and fatigue at minimal exertion during the last months before admission. He also described a history of edema of the legs and abdominal pain in the last weeks. Physical examination revealed dyspnea, pulmonary rales, cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. Electrocardiography showed sinus rhythm with nonspecific repolarization changes. Twenty-four-hour Holter monitoring identified ventricular tachycardia episodes with right bundle branch block morphology. Transthoracic echocardiography at admission revealed dilated left ventricle with trabeculations located predominantly at the apex but also in the apical and mid portion of lateral and inferior wall; end-systolic ratio of noncompacted to compacted layers > 2; moderate mitral regurgitation; and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Between apical trabeculations, multiple thrombi were found. The right ventricle had normal morphology and function. Speckle-tracking echocardiography also revealed systolic left ventricle dysfunction and solid body rotation. Abdominal echocardiography showed hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Abdominal computed tomography was suggestive for hepatic and renal infarctions. Laboratory tests revealed high levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and liver enzymes. Cardiac magnetic resonance evaluation at 1 month after discharge confirmed the diagnosis. The patient received anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, and heart failure treatment. After 2 months, before device implantation, he presented clinical improvement, and echocardiographic evaluation did not detect thrombi in the left ventricle. Coronary angiography was within normal range. A cardioverter defibrillator was implanted for prevention of sudden cardiac death. Conclusions Left ventricular noncompaction is rare cardiomyopathy, but it should always be considered as a possible diagnosis in a patient hospitalized with heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, and systemic embolic events. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance are essential imaging tools for diagnosis and follow-up.


Circulation ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 133 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullahi O Oseni ◽  
Waqas T Qureshi ◽  
Mohammed F Almahmoud ◽  
Alain Bertoni ◽  
David A Bluemke ◽  
...  

Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an established risk factor for heart failure (HF). However, it is unknown whether LVH detected by electrocardiogram (ECG-LVH) is equivalent to LVH ascertained by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI-LVH) in terms of prediction of incident HF using risk prediction models like the Framingham Heart Failure Risk Score (FHFRS). Methods: This analysis included 4745 (mean age 61+10 years, 53.5% women, 61.7% non-whites) from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis who were free of cardiovascular disease at the time of enrollment. ECG-LVH was defined using Cornell’s criteria while MRI-LVH was derived from left ventricular (LV) mass measured by cardiac MRI. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to examine the association between ECG-LVH and MRI-LVH with incident HF. Harrell’s concordance C-index was used to estimate the predictive ability of the FHFRS when either ECG-LVH or MRI-LVH were included as one of its components. The added predictive ability of ECG-LVH and MRI-LVH were investigated using integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index and relative IDI. Results: ECG-LVH was present in 291(6.1%) while MRI-LVH was present in 499 (10.5%) of the participants. Over a median follow up of 10.4 years, 140 participants developed HF. Both ECG-LVH [HR (95% CI): 2.25(1.38-3.69)] and MRI-LVH [HR (95% CI): 3.80(1.56-5.63)] were associated with an increased risk of HF in multivariable adjusted models (Table 1). The ability of FHFRS to predict HF was improved with MRI-LVH (C-index 0.871, 95% CI: 0.842-0.899) when compared with ECG-LVH (C-index 0.860, 95% CI: 0.833-0.888) (p < 0.0001). To assess the potential clinical utility of using LVH-MRI instead of ECG-LVH, we calculated several measures of reclassification (Table 1), which were consistent with the statistically significantly improved C-statistic with MRI-LVH. Conclusion: Both ECG-LVH and MRI-LVH are predictive of HF when used in the FHFRS. Substituting MRI-LVH for ECG-LVH improves the predictive ability of the FHFRS.


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