Arterial Stiffness and Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Endurance Athletes

The present study investigated the relationship between arterial stiffness and left ventricular diastolic function in endurance-trained athletes. Sixteen young male endurance-trained athletes and nine sedentary of similar age men participated in this study. Resting measures in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity were obtained to assess arterial stiffness. Left ventricular diastolic function was assessed using 2-dimensional echocardiography. The athletes tended to have lower arterial stiffness than the controls (P=0.071). Transmitral A-waves in the athletes were significantly lower (P=0.018) than the controls, and left ventricular mass (P=0.034), transmitral E-wave/A-wave (P=0.005) and peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity at the septal site (P=0.005) in the athletes were significantly greater than the controls. A significant correlation was found between arterial stiffness and left ventricular diastolic function (E-wave: r=− 0.682, P=0.003, E-wave/A-wave: r=− 0.712, P=0.002, peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity at the septal site: r=− 0.557, P=0.025) in the athletes, whereas no correlation was found in controls. These results suggest that lower arterial stiffness is associated with higher left ventricular diastolic function in endurance-trained athletes.

Dynamics of Parameters of Transmitral Blood Flow and Markers of Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Aim To study possible correlations between echocardiography (EchoCG) indexes and markers of myocardial fibrosis, procollagen I C-terminal propeptide (PICP) and procollagen III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP) during one year following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Material and methods 120 patients with STEMI were evaluated. EchoCG was used to assess dimensions and volumes of heart chambers, left ventricular (LV) systolic function, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), and indexes of LV diastolic function (Em, early diastolic lateral mitral annular velocity; e’, peak early diastolic septal mitral annular velocity; E / e’, ratio of peak early diastolic transmitral inflow velocity and mitral annular velocity –, Е / А, ratio of peak early and late transmitral inflow velocities; DT, deceleration time of LV early diastolic filling). EchoCG indexes and serum concentrations of PICP and PIIINP were determined at 1 (point 1) and 12 (point 2) days of disease and one year after STEMI (point 3). The sample was divided into two groups: group 1 (n=86; 71.7 %) included patients with a LV ejection fraction (EF) ≥50 % and group 2 (n=34; 28.3 %) consisted of patients with LV EF ≤49 %.Results At one year, the number of patients with signs of diastolic dysfunction increased by 10% in group 1 whereas myocardial systolic dysfunction worsened in both groups. LV EF decreased in 15 (17.4%) patients of group 1 and in 4 (11.8%) patients of group 2. Concentrations of PIIINP were correlated with Em, E / e’, mPAP, PICP, e’, and LV EF.Conclusion Direct correlations between PIIINP concentrations and Em, E / e’, and mPAP were found in the group with LV EF ≥50 %. In the group with LV EF <50 %, correlations were observed between PICP concentrations, LV EF, and e’. Also, in this group, the increase in PIIINP was statistically more significant. These results indicate continuing formation of myocardial fibrosis in a year following MI, which may underlie progression of chronic heart failure.

Tissue doppler imaging for estimation of left ventricular filling pressure in patients with systolic and diastolic heart failure: a comparative simultaneous doppler catheterization study

Background: Noninvasive assessment of diastolic filling by Doppler echocardiography provides important information about left ventricular (LV) status in selected subsets of patients. This study was designed to assess whether the lateral mitral annular velocity as assessed by tissue Doppler imaging is associated with invasive measures of diastolic LV performance in patients with diastolic and systolic heart failure. Aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of lateral mitral annular E/E′ as an estimate of LV filling pressure with invasive LVEDP measurement in subjects with systolic or purely diastolic heart failure.Methods: Total 100 patients were studied, 50 patients with diastolic heart failure and 50 patients with systolic heart failure in patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiogram. Detailed 2D Echocardiography, Trans mitral Doppler and Tissue Doppler velocities of lateral mitral annulus was obtained. The ratio of peak mitral velocity (E) to lateral mitral annular velocity (E′) by TDI (E/E′) was calculated.Results: The ratio of E/E′ in diastolic group was 13.4±4.9 and in systolic group it was 13.7±5.2. The mean LVEDP in diastolic heart failure patients was 14.3±4.5 and 14.2±4.9 in systolic heart failure patients. The ratio of E/E′ showed a better correlation with LVEDP. E/E′ <8 accurately predicted normal LVEDP, and E/E′ >15 identified increased LVEDP ≥15mmHg.Conclusions: E/E′ is a reliable estimate of LV filling pressures in subjects with systolic and diastolic heart failure. In subjects with diastolic heart failure, E/E′ seems helpful to identify those with truly elevated LV filling pressures. In patients with diastolic heart failure and normal E/E′, a search for other causes of symptoms (pulmonary disease, obesity and so forth) may be warranted.

P1768 The value of global longitudinal strain in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-associated cirrhosis

Introduction Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with metabolic syndrome is a common cause of cirrhosis and has been associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. In patients with liver cirrhosis systolic or diastolic dysfunction can be observed and is independent of the cirrhosis etiology. Only few studies using newer echocardiography indices such as Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) have been published in cirrhotic patients. Purpose To evaluate GLS in patients with NASH cirrhosis when compared to other etiologies. Methods A total of consecutive 36 cirrhotic patients aged 18-70 were included in our study. Standard speckle-tracking software was used for offline analysis of standard apical views and GLS was calculated. Stroke Volume Index (SVI) was calculated with the Simpson method and a standard 2D, Doppler and Tissue Doppler examination was performed in all patients. Results Median age of the study population was 58 (IQR 50-64) years, 78% were male and 17% had ascites. Cirrhosis was considered decompensated in 21 (58%) of patients. The 28%, 42% and 19% had NASH-associated, alcoholic and viral etiology of cirrhosis, respectively. Median ejection fraction (EF) was 60% (IQR: 57%; 65%) and GLS was -21.1% (-19.7%; -23.1%) in the total population. Absolute value of GLS was lower in patients with NASH cirrhosis compared to other etiologies (p = 0.009) (figure 1). EF, SVI, left atrial volume index (LAVI), E/e’ ratio and mitral annular velocity (e’) did not differ significantly between those with NASH associated cirrhosis and the rest. GLS values were significantly correlated with EF (r=-0.588, p = 0.002), SVI (r=-0.469, p = 0.016) and BNP levels (r=-0.571, p = 0.007), but not with age, left ventricular end diastolic volume, left atrial volume index, E/e’, mitral annular velocity and blood pressure. According to a multivariable linear regression model, NASH etiology [B = 2.1 (0.6; 3.7), p = 0.008)] and EF (per 10% increase) [B=-1.7 (-3.3; -0.2), p = 0.03)] were the only independent factors associated with GLS values in cirrhotic patients. Conclusions GLS values are within normal limits in cirrhotic patients but seem to be affected in patients with NASH associated cirrhosis. Further studies are needed to assess the prognostic implications of this finding. Abstract P1768 Figure 1

P204 Recovery of left atrial function after restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with impaired mechanical function of the atria. The restoration of sinus rhythm (SR) leads to improvement of mechanics, however the onset of those changes is not established yet. Purpose To analyse changes in left atrial (LA) mechanical function after conversion to SR. Methods Forty patients (mean age 65 ± 12 years, 63% male) with nonvalvular AF underwent successful electrical cardioversion. Transthoracic echocardiography with speckle tracking analysis (STE) of LA was performed in AF and within 24 hours after cardioversion, in SR. We analysed standard parameters of left ventricle (LV) and LA. By the use of STE we assessed peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), time to PALS indexed to RR interval (TT-PALS/RR) and intra-atrial asynchrony. Results Heart rate during echocardiography was higher before cardioversion - median (IQR) 90 beats per minute (80-110) vs 61 (56-72); p &lt; 0.0001. The mean LV ejection fraction in our study group was 48 ± 11%. We noticed significant improvement in LA STE measurements and in early diastolic (E’) mitral annular velocity. There were no significant changes in systolic (S’) mitral annular velocity and in the ratio of transmitral Doppler early filling velocity to E’ (E/E’). Detailed results are present in the table. Conclusions Speckle tracking measurements are able to detect early mechanical changes in LA even within 24 hours of SR. Atrial fibrillation Sinus rhythm p S" (cm/s) 6 (5-6.5) 6 (5-6.6) NS E" (cm/s) 10 (7.5-13) 9.5 (6.8-10.5) 0.0008 E/E" 8.2 (6.3-12.3) 9.3 (7.5-13) NS PALS (%) 9.9 ± 4.6 14.5 ± 6 &lt;0.0001 TTP-PALS/RR (%) 51 (44-58) 42 (38-45) 0.0001 LA asynchrony 15 (11-19) 9 (8-14) 0.0007

Assessing the Validity of Echocardiographic Criteria for Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension

<b><i>Background:</i></b> In patients with pulmonary hypertension (PHT), the assessment of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function by echocardiography may not be reliable. PHT can affect Doppler parameters of LV diastolic function such as mitral inflow velocities and mitral annular velocities. The current guidelines for the assessment of LV diastolic function do not recommend specific adjustments for patients with PHT. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We analyzed 36 patients from the PHT clinic that had an echocardiogram and right heart catheterization performed within 6 months of each other. Early mitral inflow velocity (E), lateral mitral annular velocity (lateral e’), septal mitral annular velocity (septal e’), tricuspid free wall annular velocity (RV e’) were measured and compared to the invasively measured intracardiac pressures including pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), mean pulmonary artery pressure, and right ventricular end-diastolic pressure. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Among patients with PHT, the specificity of the septal e’ for LV diastolic dysfunction was 0.19, and the positive predictive value was 0.13 (lower than the lateral e’ or E/average e’). By receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) of lateral and septal e’ was just 0.64 (<i>p</i> = 0.9) and 0.53 (<i>p</i> = 0.6), respectively, while the AUC of average E/e’ was 0.94 (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). The septal e’ was paradoxically lower at 6.5 ± 1.9 cm/s for normal PCWP compared to 6.9 ± 1.7 cm/s for elevated PCWP (<i>p</i> = 0.04). 81 versus 40% (<i>p</i> = 0.017) of patients with normal versus elevated PCWP had an abnormal septal e’ &#x3c;7 cm/s. By linear regression, there was no correlation between the Doppler parameters of LV diastolic function and the PCWP. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our study suggests E/average e’ may be the only reliable tissue Doppler parameter of LV diastolic dysfunction in patients with PHT, and that septal e’ is paradoxically decreased in patients with PHT and normal left-sided filling pressures.

P2549The cardiovascular predictors of clinical outcomes in patients after ischemic stroke of undetermined etiology

Purpose The study aimed to identify echocardiographic, hemodynamic and biochemical predictors of unfavourable prognosis after ischemic strokes of undetermined etiology (ESUS) in patients (pts) at age <65. Methods Out of 520 ischemic stroke pts we selected 64 pts diagnosed with ESUS [mean age 54 (SD: 47–58) years, 42% males] and additional 36 without stroke but with similar risk profile, which were treated as a reference group [age 53 (SD: 47–58) years, 61% males]. All pts underwent echocardiography, non-invasive assessment of hemodynamic parameters using SphygmoCor tonometer (Atcor Med., Australia), HDL subfraction distribution using Lipoprint (Quantimetrix) as well as measurements of selected biomarkers. Follow-up was 12 months. Results At 12-month follow-up 9% of patients had died, and recurrent ischemic stroke also occurred in 9% of patients - only in the ESUS group (Figure). Patients who died had significantly lower levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol (included HDL-8 and -9 subfractions) and higher level of triglicerides (p=0.01, p=0.01, and p=0.02; respectively), lower level of adiponectin (p=0.01), lower value of mean early diastolic (E') mitral annular velocity (p=0.04) and lower diastolic blood pressure (p=0.04). The atrial fibrillation (AF) occurred in 10% of pts during the 12 months (log-rang, p=0.254) (Figure). The log-rank test showed that ESUS group had a significantly poorer outcome of AF in the first 2 months after hospitalization compared to reference group (11% vs 5%, p=0.041). Based on a Kaplan-Meier analysis, the outcome of re-hospitalizationin the 1st year was 28% (18/64) in the ESUS group and 17% (6/36); log-rank, p=0.058. In the multivariate analysis mean early diastolic (E') mitral annular velocity (odds ratio [OR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6–0.94; p=0.01) was significantly associated with CV hospitalizations assessed at 12-month follow-up. The only independent predictor of AF occurrence in the 12-month follow-up was lower value of Tissue Doppler-derived right ventricular systolic excursion velocity S' (OR 0.65, 95% Cl 0.45–0.93; p=0.01). The only independent predictor of recurrent stroke was the ratio of peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral flow to peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion as determined by pulsed wave Doppler (E/E') (OR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.6–0.94; p=0.01). E/E' ratio was also independently associated with composite endpoint consisting of death, hospitalization and recurrent stroke (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.1–3.2, p=0.01). Kaplan-Meier Analysis - survival and AF Conclusions The indices of diastolic dysfunction are significantly associated with unfavourable prognosis after ESUS. There is a robust role for outpatient cardiac monitoring especially during first 2 months after ESUS to detect potential AF. Acknowledgement/Funding The study was financed by research grants no. 502-03/5-139-02/502-54-229-18 of the Medical University of Lodz