ORCID Profile
0000-0002-9086-2565
Current Organisations
Cairo University
,
University of Tübingen
,
American University in Cairo
,
Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology
,
Royal Hobart Hospital
,
Nepean Hospital
,
University of Sydney - Sydney Medical School Nepean
,
University of Tasmania Menzies Institute for Medical Research
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Publisher: Japanese Circulation Society
Date: 2011
Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to investigate gender differences in age-related changes of left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) geometries and functions throughout the entire adult age range using the Japanese Normal Values for Echocardiographic Measurements Project (JAMP) study database. Seven hundred healthy volunteers (aged 20-79 years) underwent 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography. The subjects were stratified into 6 different age groups and then stratified by gender in each age group. LV diastolic function was assessed from pulsed wave Doppler measurements of mitral early (E) and late (A) inflow velocities and tissue Doppler measurements of mitral early (e') and late (a') annular velocities. LV volume decreased and LV mass increased with age to a similar extent in both men and women. Furthermore, for subjects 50 years. In addition, there was a significant interaction between age and gender that affected the differences in E, e' and E/e' among the groups (P<0.03, P<0.01, and P<0.03, respectively ANOVA). There were no gender differences in age-related changes in RV parameters. Gender differences were found in age-related changes in LV diastolic function in a healthy population. Gender differences should be considered for optimal diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease.
Publisher: Japanese Circulation Society
Date: 2012
Abstract: The recently developed real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) is a promising imaging method to quantify cardiac chamber volumes and their functions in clinical practice. However, normal reference values of RT3DE parameters have not been fully investigated in a large, healthy Japanese population. This study consisted of 410 healthy subjects aged from 20 to 69 years who had a RT3DE at one of the 23 collaborating institutions. All subjects had no history of cardiac disease and no risk factors. The mean values in men and women were as follows: 50 ± 12 ml/m(2) and 46 ± 9 ml/m(2) for left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume index, 19 ± 5 ml/m(2) and 17 ± 4 ml/m(2) for end-systolic volume index, 61 ± 4% and 63 ± 4% for ejection fraction, 64 ± 1 2 g/m(2) and 56 ± 11 g/m(2) for mass index, 23 ± 6 ml/m(2) and 24 ± 6 ml/m(2) for left atrial (LA) maximum volume index, 10 ± 3 ml/m(2) and 10 ± 3 ml/m(2) for minimum volume index, and 58 ± 6% and 58 ± 6% for percent volume change. LV sizes decreased with age, whereas LV mass index did not change. LA sizes slightly increased with age. This multicenter investigation determined normal reference values for LV and LA sizes, and their functional parameters on RT3DE in a large, healthy Japanese population. The results of the present study support the use of RT3DE for the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-10-2021
Abstract: Three‐dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography can identify subclinical diabetic cardiomyopathy without geometric assumption and loss of speckle from out‐of‐plane motions. There is, however, significant heterogeneity among the previous reports. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare 3D strain values between adults with asymptomatic, subclinical diabetes mellitus (ie, patients with diabetes mellitus without known clinical manifestations of cardiac disease) and healthy controls. After systematic review of 5 databases, 12 valid studies (544 patients with diabetes mellitus and 489 controls) were eligible for meta‐analysis. Pooled means and mean difference (MD) using a random‐effects model for 3D global longitudinal, circumferential, radial, and area strain were calculated. Patients with diabetes mellitus had an overall 2.31 percentage points lower 3D global longitudinal strain than healthy subjects (16.6%, 95% CI, 15.7–17.6 versus 19.0 95% CI, 18.2–19.7 MD, −2.31, 95% CI, −2.72 to −2.03). Similarly, 3D global circumferential strain (18.9% 95% CI, 17.5–20.3 versus 20.5 95% CI, 18.9–22.1 MD, −1.50 95% CI, −2.09 to −0.91) 3D global radial strain (44.6% 95% CI, 40.2–49.1 versus 48.2 95% CI, 44.7–51.8 MD, −3.47 95% CI, −4.98 to −1.97), and 3D global area strain (30.5% 95% CI, 29.2–31.8 versus 32.4 95% CI, 30.5–34.3 MD, −1.76 95% CI, −2.74 to −0.78) were also lower in patients with diabetes mellitus. Significant heterogeneity was noted between studies for all strain directions (inconsistency factor [I 2 ], 37%–78%). Meta‐regression in subgroup analysis of studies using the most popular vendor found higher prevalence of hypertension as a significant contributor to worse 3D global longitudinal strain. Higher hemoglobulin A 1c was the most significant contributor to worse 3D global circumferential strain in patients with diabetes mellitus. Three‐dimensional myocardial strain was reduced in all directions in asymptomatic diabetic patients. Hypertension and hemoglobin A 1c were associated with worse 3D global longitudinal strain and 3D global circumferential strain, respectively. URL: www.crd.york.ac.uk rospero unique identifier: CRD42020197825.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2021
Publisher: Japanese Circulation Society
Date: 2010
Abstract: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a novel bone-derived phosphate-regulating hormone, and serum FGF-23 levels are associated with mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, the pathophysiological role of FGF-23 in those patients remains unclear, so the association between serum FGF-23 levels and known cardiac biomarkers or echocardiographic measurements were investigated in long-term HD patients without cardiac symptoms. The 87 consecutive patients treated in a single HD center (51 males, 36 females mean age 64 years, mean HD duration 5.8 years) were included in this study. Comprehensive echocardiography was performed after HD. Blood s les were obtained before HD. Serum FGF-23 levels in dialysis patients were 1,171±553pg/ml. In univariate analysis, serum phosphate (r=0.443, P<0.001) and calcium levels (r=0.256, P=0.04), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (r=0.268, P=0.039) were significantly associated with FGF-23 levels. Neither the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) nor the cardiac troponin T level was correlated with FGF-23. In multivariate regression analysis, only LVMI (β=0.287, P=0.031, confidence interval (CI) 0.390-8.040) and phosphate levels (β=0.419, P=0.001, CI 57.12-207.7) and calcium levels (β=0.277, P=0.025, CI 24.95-360.1) remained significantly correlated with FGF-23. Beside BNP, FGF-23 was identified as a factor that is significantly associated with LVMI. FGF-23 could be a novel biomarker of left ventricular overload, which is closely associated with the increased risk of death in HD patients.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMJCARD.2015.09.041
Abstract: Right ventricular (RV) pacing has been linked with lead-induced tricuspid regurgitation (TR), left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, and dyssynchrony, but the effect of pacing on RV function is unclear. We sought to investigate the effect of pacing on RV synchrony, RV function, and TR, and their association with LV function. In this substudy of the PROTECT-PACE (Protection of left ventricular function during right ventricular pacing) study of the effects of RV pacing in patients with preserved ejection fraction, 145 patients (76 RV apex and 69 non-RV apex pacing) had measurable RV parameters. We assessed tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), time difference between peak TAPSE and peak mitral annular plane systolic excursion (TM-APSE-dif), global LV longitudinal strain, E/e', TR vena contracta, and TR peak gradient. Echocardiography was performed just after implantation and at 2 years. TR parameters significantly worsened after 2 years, but pacing site was not associated with changes in RV and TR parameters. No temporal change in TAPSE and TM-APSE-dif was observed overall, but worsening of TM-APSE-dif was associated with worsening TAPSE. Global longitudinal strain and E/e' both deteriorated over 2 years these changes were significantly associated. In a multivariate regression, worsening global longitudinal strain and worsening TM-APSE-dif were significantly associated with deterioration of TAPSE. Furthermore, increased E/e' and its deterioration were associated with worsening TR vena contracta and TR peak gradient, respectively. Decreased TAPSE was also associated with deterioration of TR vena contracta. In conclusion, RV pacing appears to worsen TR, an effect which might be caused by elevated LV filling pressure due to LV dysfunction. In this study, RV pacing did not affect RV function during 2-year follow-up, but such an effect might occur if RV dyssynchrony or LV dysfunction occurred after pacing. The effect of RV pacing site on RV and TR mechanics was minor.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JJCC.2011.01.012
Abstract: Syndecan-4 is a transmembrane heparan sulfate-carrying glycoprotein that mediates signal transduction pathways activated by growth factors and cell surface receptors, thereby modulating tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and focal adhesion. The aim of the present study was to determine the clinical use of serum syndecan-4 concentration for diagnosis of heart failure. Concentration of serum syndecan-4 and other biomarkers of heart failure was measured in 45 patients with heart failure and 21 healthy subjects. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function were recorded. Serum syndecan-4 concentration significantly increased in proportion to the decrease in ejection fraction (r=-0.599, p<0.001) and increase in the left ventricular (LV) mass index (r=0.315, p<0.05). Serum syndecan-4 concentration was significantly correlated with LV geometrical parameters (i.e. LV mass index, LV end-diastolic volume, and LV dimension), while B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was significantly correlated with pressure-related parameters [i.e. early transmitral flow velocity/early diastolic velocity of the mitral valve annulus (E/e'), right ventricular systolic pressure, and left atrial volume index]. Syndecan-4 concentration did not significantly correlate with plasma BNP, transforming growth factor-1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and tenascin-C concentrations. Serum syndecan-4 concentration could predict cardiac death and re-hospitalization due to heart failure (area under curve, 0.706, p<0.05). Serum syndecan-4 concentration shows promise as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for heart failure. Since syndecan-4 correlated with LV geometrical rather than hemodynamic parameters, serum syndecan-4 may represent a biomarker of LV remodeling in the failing heart.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2008
Abstract: Arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are important components of phospholipids and cell membranes. There has, however, been no clinical report on the direct effects of ARA and DHA on coronary circulation. To evaluate the effects of ARA and DHA on coronary circulation using the measurement of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE). A double-blind, placebo-matched study of 28 Japanese elderly in iduals (19 men, mean age 65 years) conducted to compare the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA ARA 240 mg/day, DHA 240 mg/day) and placebo on CFVR. Coronary flow velocity (CFV) of the left anterior descending coronary artery was measured at rest and during hyperaemia by TTDE to determine CFVR. There were no significant differences in CFV at rest or during hyperaemia in CFVR at baseline in the two groups (PUFA versus placebo 17 (7 SD) versus 16 (6), 62 (20) versus 59 (12), and 3.85 (1.04) versus 3.98 (0.83) cm/s, respectively). After three months' supplementation, CFV during hyperaemia was significantly higher in the PUFA than in the placebo group (73 (19) versus 64 (12) cm/s, p<0.01) although no significant difference was found between the two groups in CFV at rest (17 (7) versus 16 (4) cm/s). CFVR thus significantly increased after PUFA consumption (3.85 (1.04) versus 4.46 (0.95), p = 0.0023). Three months' supplementation of PUFA increased CFVR in Japanese elderly in iduals, which suggests beneficial effects of PUFA on the coronary microcirculation.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-2015
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCIMAGING.114.002942
Abstract: Better prediction of cardiac pacing patients at risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) would enable more effective prophylaxis. We sought whether left atrial (LA) electromechanical conduction time (EMT) and myocardial mechanics were associated with incident AF in patients undergoing dual chamber pacemaker implantation, independent of left atrial volume (LAV). Clinical data were obtained prospectively in 146 enrollees (73±10 years) undergoing dual chamber pacemaker implantation in the Protect-Pace study. Echocardiograms and 2-dimensional strain analysis were obtained post implantation and at 2 years. Complete ascertainment of AF during follow-up was identified from interrogation of permanent pacemakers. Cox regression was used to identify correlates of AF. Incident AF (n=29, 20%) was associated with higher systolic blood pressure ( P =0.01), lower left ventricular ejection fraction ( P =0.03), lower LA strain at atrial contraction (LASac P .001), higher LAV ( P .003), and longer septal electromechanical conduction time ( P .01). The associations of LAV and LASac with incident AF were independent of age, sex, systolic blood pressure, and left ventricular size and function. However, the combination of the 3 strongest predictors showed LASac ( P =0.02) and systolic blood pressure ( P =0.01) were independently associated with incident AF, but LAV was not ( P =0.07). Using the optimal cut points from receiver operator characteristic curves (62 mL for LAV and 8.6% for LASac), we demonstrated that a significantly greater rate of AF was associated with both lower LASac at higher LAV and with lower LASac at lower LAV. The risk of AF in patients receiving dual chamber pacing is independently associated with LA size and function, not left ventricular structural and functional characteristics or right ventricular lead location. URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00461734.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.DIABRES.2015.01.011
Abstract: Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of mortality and disability in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study sought to improve the assessment of HF risk in patients with T2DM-a step that would be critical for effective HF screening. A systematic literature search was performed on electronic databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE, using MeSH terms 'heart failure', 'risk factor', 'T2DM', 'cardiac dysfunction', 'stage B heart failure', 'incident heart failure', 'risk assessment', 'risk impact', 'risk score', 'predictor', 'prediction' and related free text terms. The search was limited to human studies in full-length publications in English language journal from 1946 to 2014. Univariable and multivariable relative risk (RR) and hazard ratio (HR) were obtained from each study. Twenty-one studies (n=1111,569, including 507,637 subjects with T2DM) were included in this analysis with a follow-up ranging from 1 to 12 years. Associations between incident HF and risk variables described in ≥3 studies were reported. This association was greatest for insulin use (HR 2.48 1.24-4.99), HbA1c 7.0-8.0% (2.41 1.62-3.59), 5 years increase in age (1.47 1.25-1.73), fasting glucose (1.28 1.10-1.51 per standard deviation) and HbA1c (1.18 1.14-1.23 each 1% increase). After adjustment for confounders, there were strong associations with coronary artery disease (1.77 1.31, 2.39), HbA1c ≥ 10% (1.66 1.45-1.89), insulin use (1.43 1.14-1.79), HbA1c 9.0-10.0% (1.31 1.14-1.50), fasting glucose (1.27 1.10-1.47 per standard deviation) and 5 years increase in age (1.26 1.13-1.40). Among patients with T2DM, five common clinical variables are associated with significantly increased risk of incident HF.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.ULTRASMEDBIO.2012.11.021
Abstract: Strain imaging quantifies myocardial deformation in both overt and subclinical myocardial diseases. Strain values have been shown to vary between vendors. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this variation reflects differences of image characteristics or analysis software. We enrolled 45 patients (age 54 ± 14 years, 26 males) who underwent two echocardiograms on the same day with two different commercially available ultrasound systems. Three apical views were analyzed by two vendor-specific and two digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM)-based software packages. The results were compared in two ways comparison of global longitudinal strain (GLS) by nine different combinations of ultrasound systems and strain software, and comparison of strains by wall, view and global levels. Comparison of GLS between two vendor-specific software packages yielded poor correlation (ρ = 0.35). The use of the same software on the images from different vendors was concordant (ρ = 0.74 and 0.64 bias = 0.0 and -0.5). There were no significant differences in correlation coefficients among the comparisons with DICOM-based software. There was no significant difference in correlation coefficients among three views (4CV vs. 3CV, p = 0.44 4CV vs. 2CV, p = 0.47). Comparison of walls showed the septum to have the best correlation (ρ = 0.73), and the posterior wall (ρ = 0.31 p = 0.005 vs. septum) had the worst. Use of the same software to measure strain in images from different vendors minimizes the variation of GLS. Post-processing is the most important determinant in inter-vendor variation, with differences in acquisition having a small effect. These findings should be examined and confirmed with other combinations of ultrasound machines and deformation software.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 14-12-2020
DOI: 10.1136/HEARTJNL-2020-318256
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) longitudinal strain (LS) predicts cardiac events in aortic stenosis (AS). However, it requires manual editing, which affects its accuracy and reliability. We investigated whether left ventricular (LV), left atrial (LA) and right ventricular (RV) LSs using fully automated 2D strain software provide useful prognostic information in asymptomatic AS. We performed LS analyses in 340 asymptomatic patients with AS using novel, fully automated 2D strain analytical software (AutoStrain, Philips) to obtain LV global LS (LVGLS), LALS, RV free wall LS and RVLS. The primary end point was a composite of cardiac events, including cardiac death, heart failure hospitalisation, myocardial infarction or ventricular tachyarrhythmia. During a median of 24 months follow-up, 46 patients reached a primary end point. 62 patients had aortic valve surgery. All four LSs were significantly associated with the primary end point using univariate analysis (HR 0.821 to 0.951, p .05). Multivariate analysis revealed that LVGLS (HR 0.873 to 0.888, p .05) remained significantly associated with cardiac events, even after adjusting haemodynamic measures of AS severity and LV ejection fraction. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed median values of both LVGLS (cut-off: 15.1%) and LALS (cut-off: 22.3%) provide a significant difference in cardiac event rate (3-year event-free rate LVGLS: 89% vs 76%, p=0.002 LALS: 89% vs 76%, p=0.001). Classification and regression-tree analysis, including four LSs, clinical characteristics and traditional echocardiographic parameters, selected LVGLS and E/ε’ for stratifying a high-risk group of patients with cardiac events. Fully automated 2D LS analysis, especially LVGLS provides useful prognostic information in asymptomatic AS.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMJCARD.2014.03.022
Abstract: The ratio of early transmitral flow velocity (E) to mitral annular velocity (E') is considered a predictor of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). In a previous small study, the paradoxical relation between PCWP and E/E' ratio has been described in patients with constrictive pericarditis (CP). We sought to test this paradoxical relation in a larger cohort. We retrospectively identified 49 patients with surgically confirmed CP (40 men mean age 61 ± 10 years) who underwent right-sided cardiac catheterization with PCWP measurement, preceded by an echocardiographic study. Of these, 48 patients underwent either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to measure pericardial thickness on the lateral side of the left ventricular wall. Mean interval time between echocardiogram and right-sided cardiac catheterization was 1.5 ± 3.8 days. There were no significant correlations between mean, medial, or lateral E/E' and PCWP (r = -0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.43 to -0.12 r = -0.17, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.12 and r = -0.12, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.17, respectively). Similarly, there was no correlation between mean E/E' and brain natriuretic peptide (Spearman r = -0.17, p = NS). Patients with increased pericardial thickness (defined as >4 mm) had both lower lateral peak systolic annular velocity (S') and lower lateral S' integral (7.8 ± 2.4 vs 9.6 ± 2.4, p = 0.02 and 13.2 ± 4.2 vs 15.9 ± 4.7, p = 0.04, respectively). In patients with CP, there were no correlations between septal, lateral, or mean E/E' and PCWP. In conclusion, E/E' is not predictive of filling pressures in patients with CP, and perhaps the "annulus paradoxus" phenomenon should be revisited. The relation between the mitral annular velocity and thickness of the parietal pericardium may affect this phenomenon.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2015.01.021
Abstract: Although two-dimensional (2D) strain is widely used to assess left ventricular mechanics, the strain values derived from vendor-specific 2D speckle-tracking software are different even for the same subjects and are therefore not interchangeable. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that vendor-independent software would produce lower intervendor variability between 2D strain measurements and overcome this limitation. Two sets of three apical images were acquired using two of three types of ultrasound machines (GE, Philips, and Toshiba) in 81 healthy volunteers (GE vs Philips in 26 subjects, Philips vs Toshiba in 31 subjects, and GE vs Toshiba in 24 subjects). Two-dimensional global longitudinal strain (GLS) was measured using vendor-specific software and two vendor-independent software packages (TomTec and Epsilon) in each set of apical images, and GLS values were directly compared with one another. The upgrades of vendor-specific software yielded different values of GLS compared with the previous versions of the software. The correlations between the GLS values determined using vendor-specific software exhibited a wide range of r values (r = 0.23, r = 0.42, and r = 0.72), with significant bias, with the exception of one comparison. The vendor-independent software provided modest degrees of correlation (TomTec: r = 0.65, r = 0.65, and r = 0.77 Epsilon: r = 0.65, r = 0.74, and r = 0.77), with limits of agreement (range, ±3% to ±4.5%) that were not negligible. Although the vendor-independent 2D strain software provided moderate correlations between the GLS values of the ultrasound images obtained from the same subjects using different vendors, relatively large limits of agreement remain a relevant problem. These results suggest that the same ultrasound machine and the same 2D speckle-tracking software should be used for longitudinal analysis of strain values in the same subjects and for cross-sectional studies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 05-2021
Abstract: We investigated the effects of exposure to very low levels of particulate matter & .5 µm (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on coronary calcium score (CCS) in asymptomatic adults who are free of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study included 606 asymptomatic adults (49% men, aged 56±7 years) recruited from communities in three states of Australia during 2017–2018. CCS was measured using coronary computed tomography scan at recruitment. Annual PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations were estimated on the year before recruitment using statistical exposure models and assigned to each participant’s residential address. Medical history, physical measurements, biochemistry, and sociodemographic and socioeconomic status were also recorded. Median concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2 were 6.9 µg/m3 [interquartile range (IQR) 6.0–7.7)] and 3.1 ppb [IQR 2.2–4.5], respectively. Of the 606 participants, 16% had high CCS (≥100) and 4% had very high CCS (≥400). Exposure to higher PM2.5 (per µg/m3) was significantly associated with greater odds of having high CCS (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02–1.43) and very high CCS (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.05–2.29). Similar associations were observed for NO2 and high CCS (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.27) and very high CCS (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.07–1.51). These findings were robust to adjustment for sociodemographic factors, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, renal function, education, and socio-economic status. Ambient air pollution even at low concentration was associated with degree of coronary artery calcification among asymptomatic low cardiovascular risk adults, independent of other risk factors. These findings suggest that air pollution is one of the residual risk factors of CAD.
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 26-05-2023
Abstract: Photosynthesis and evapotranspiration in Amazonian forests are major contributors to the global carbon and water cycles. However, their diurnal patterns and responses to atmospheric warming and drying at regional scale remain unclear, hindering the understanding of global carbon and water cycles. Here, we used proxies of photosynthesis and evapotranspiration from the International Space Station to reveal a strong depression of dry season afternoon photosynthesis (by 6.7 ± 2.4%) and evapotranspiration (by 6.1 ± 3.1%). Photosynthesis positively responds to vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in the morning, but negatively in the afternoon. Furthermore, we projected that the regionally depressed afternoon photosynthesis will be compensated by their increases in the morning in future dry seasons. These results shed new light on the complex interplay of climate with carbon and water fluxes in Amazonian forests and provide evidence on the emerging environmental constraints of primary productivity that may improve the robustness of future projections.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCMG.2015.09.027
Abstract: This study sought to investigate the associations of left ventricular (LV) strain and its serial change with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in hypertensive heart disease, independent of and incremental to clinical and LV geometric parameters. In patients with hypertensive heart disease, MACE are associated with abnormal LV morphology, but their association with subclinical LV dysfunction is unclear. We retrospectively studied 388 asymptomatic nonischemic patients with hypertension who had abnormal LV geometry at a baseline echocardiogram between 2005 and 2014. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was measured using speckle tracking. Patients were followed for MACE (death and admission because of heart failure, myocardial infarction, and strokes) over median of 4 years. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association of parameters with MACE. MACE (n = 72 19%) were associated with higher prevalence of concentric hypertrophy and impaired GLS (both, p 70, atrial fibrillation, concentric hypertrophy, and baseline GLS >-16% from the derivation cohort (C statistic, 0.71), and a separate validation cohort showed it to have good discrimination for MACE (C statistic, 0.71). GLS and its deterioration are associated with MACE in asymptomatic hypertensive heart disease. A risk score incorporating strain was useful for predicting risk of MACE.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-06-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JDIACOMP.2015.12.014
Abstract: Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction has been associated with impaired exercise capacity in type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this community-based study of 274 asymptomatic T2DM patients (71±4 years, 55% men) with preserved ejection fraction, a comprehensive resting echocardiogram was performed to gather sensitive systolic and diastolic function parameters (including speckle tracking echocardiography), and a standard six-minute walk test was performed. Tertiles of increasing waist circumference were associated with worsening walk distance. In this community-based study, we found an association of waist circumference with impaired exercise capacity, independent of age, gender, diabetes duration, insulin and angiotensin blockade, LV mass, systolic and diastolic function.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2015.05.011
Abstract: Pericardiectomy is an effective intervention for constrictive pericarditis. Speckle-tracking echocardiography can provide quantitative information not only about longitudinal strain (LS) but about longitudinal displacement (LD) and septal-to-lateral rotational displacement (SLRD). The aim of this study was to investigate whether pericardiectomy improves myocardial mechanics using speckle-tracking analysis. Eighty-three patients with constrictive pericarditis who underwent echocardiography were retrospectively assessed (mean age, 58 ± 12 years 72 men 50 idiopathic, 20 postoperative, four viral, three radiation, and six others) and compared with 20 healthy volunteers. LD and SLRD were measured from the apical four-chamber view and global LS from three apical views. LD was less in the constrictive pericarditis group compared with control subjects (P < .001). Only lateral LS was significantly less than that of control subjects (P < .001), but septal LS was similar (P = .48). In pre- and post-pericardial surgery comparisons (n = 27), values of septal and lateral LD were almost identical (mean, 13.6 ± 4.7 vs 13.3 ± 5.4 mm P = .70) before pericardiectomy, but septal LD decreased (mean, 9.3 ± 3.5 mm P < .001) and lateral LD increased (mean, 16.8 ± 4.7 mm P = .0106) after the surgery, even though the difference in LS between the septal and lateral walls decreased (from 5.6 ± 5.3% to 2.5 ± 4.2%, P = .008). Systolic whole-heart swinging motion significantly increased to a counterclockwise direction after surgery (mean SLRD, -0.8 ± 3.3° vs 2.1 ± 3.0° P = .001). Although the change in SLRD after pericardiectomy was not different between patients with decreases and increases in New York Heart Association class, SLRD change was significantly greater in patients who received fewer diuretics after surgery (mean, 4.00 ± 0.91 vs 0.27 ± 1.47 P = .027). After surgical removal of the pericardium, LD of the septal and lateral walls became significantly different, and counterclockwise SLRD increased, reflecting loss of pericardial support.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2017.08.005
Abstract: Gravity affects every aspect of cardiac performance. When gravitational gradients are at their greatest on Earth (i.e., during upright posture), orthostatic intolerance may ensue and is a common clinical problem that appears to be exacerbated by the adaptation to spaceflight. We sought to elucidate the alterations in cardiac performance during preload reduction with progressive upright tilt that are relevant both for space exploration and the upright posture, particularly the preload dependence of various parameters of cardiovascular performance. This was a prospective observational study with tilt-induced hydrostatic stress. Echocardiographic images were recorded at four different tilt angles in 13 astronauts, to mimic varying degrees of gravitational stress: 0° (supine, simulating microgravity of space), 22° head-up tilt (0.38 G, simulating Martian gravity), 41° (0.66 G, simulating approximate G load of a planetary lander), and 80° (1 G, effectively full Earth gravity). These images were then analyzed offline to assess the effects of preload reduction on anatomical and functional parameters. Although three-dimensional end-diastolic, end-systolic, and stroke volumes were significantly reduced during tilting, ejection fractions showed no significant change. Mitral annular e' and a' velocities were reduced with increasing gravitational load (P < .001 and P = .001), although s' was not altered. Global longitudinal strain (GLS from -19.8% ± 2.2% to -14.7% ± 1.5%) and global circumferential strain (GCS from -29.2% ± 2.5% to -26.0% ± 1.8%) were reduced significantly with increasing gravitational stress (both P < .001), while the change in strain rates were less certain: GLSR (P = .049) GCSR (P = .55). End-systolic elastance was not consistently changed (P = .53), while markers of cardiac afterload rose significantly (effective arterial elastance, P < .001 systemic vascular resistance, P < .001). Preload modification with gravitational loading alters most hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters including e' velocity, GLS, and GCS. However, end-systolic elastance and strain rate appear to be more load-independent measures to examine alterations in the cardiovascular function during postural and preload changes, including microgravity.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2010.04.003
Abstract: Cholesterol crystal embolism (CCE) is a rare but important complication of endovascular procedures or anticoagulation therapy. An 84-year-old man was referred to the Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. After successful emergency coronary angioplasty, his serum creatinine level increased continuously. A subsequent skin biopsy confirmed that the patient had CCE. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) clearly demonstrated the mobile mass protruding from the complex atheroma. Three-dimensional TEE provides more precise and attractive volumetric images of the atherosclerotic plaque than two-dimensional TEE. In addition, the findings of this case revealed contrast media-induced nephropathy and CCE as possible causes of renal dysfunction after endovascular procedures.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMJCARD.2005.01.065
Abstract: To evaluate whether left ventricular (LV) mass assessed by a new real-time, 3-dimensional echocardiographic (RT-3DE) system corresponds to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with LV hypertrophy, RT-3DE and 2-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) were performed to calculate LV mass in 21 patients (mean age 54 +/- 15 years) who underwent MRI for the evaluation of LV hypertrophy. In 20 of 21 patients, adequate 3-dimensional data for LV mass analysis were obtained, and regression analysis showed that LV mass by RT-3DE correlated with that determined by MRI (r = 0.95, y = 28.9 + 0.85x) better than with that determined by 2DE (r = 0.70, y = 43.6 + 0.81x). RT-3DE allows the accurate measurement of LV mass in patients with hypertrophied hearts.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2009.01.020
Abstract: Mycotic aneurysms are well-documented complications of infective endocarditis and occur frequently in the intracranial arteries. However, mycotic aneurysms of the coronary arteries are very rare, and there are few reports of the management of these lesions. The authors report the case of a 72-year-old woman with coagulase-negative staphylococcal endocarditis involving a perforated aortic valve, a perforated mitral valve aneurysm, and a large mycotic coronary artery aneurysm. After antimicrobial therapy, the patient underwent open-heart surgery with mitral and aortic valve replacement, coronary artery bypass, and resection of the mycotic coronary aneurysm. The authors present detailed serial echocardiograms of the mycotic coronary artery aneurysm, which was subsequently confirmed intraoperatively and pathologically.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 16-03-2021
Abstract: Anthracyclines are a key chemotherapeutic agent used against hematological and solid organ malignancies. However, their benefits in cancer survival are limited by cumulative, dose‐related cardiotoxicity. The impact of anthracyclines on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), in the era of modern chemotherapy regimens, remains unclear. Three databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS) were systematically searched for randomized trials evaluating cardioprotective agents against placebo, in preventing cardiotoxicity. Echocardiography or magnetic resonance measured LVEF pre‐ and post‐anthracycline‐based chemotherapy was abstracted from placebo trial arms. The key terms included “anthracycline,” “cardiotoxicity” and “randomized.” A doxorubicin equivalent anthracycline dose metric was calculated to compare different anthracyclines. A random‐effects model was used to pool mean difference in LVEF after anthracycline. Meta‐regressions were calculated to identify variation sources. We included 660 patients from 19 trials. The weighted mean baseline LVEF across studies was 62.6%, and follow‐up LVEF assessment was performed at 6 months. The pooled mean decline in LVEF among placebo arms was 5.4% (95% CI, 3.5%–7.3%) with a doxorubicin equivalent anthracycline dose of 385 mg/m 2 . Meta‐regression analysis showed no significant difference in LVEF against doxorubicin equivalent anthracycline dose as continuous ( P =0.29) or against published cut‐offs for cardiotoxicity (250 mg/m 2 , P =0.21 360 mg/m 2 , P =0.40 and 400 mg/m 2 , P =0.66). The differences in mean LVEF were not associated with sex, adjunct chemotherapy, or cancer type. The magnitude of LVEF impairment post‐anthracycline therapy appears less than previously described with modern dosing regimens. This may improve the accuracy of power calculation for future clinical trials assessing the role of cardioprotective therapy.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 16-04-2016
DOI: 10.1093/AJH/HPW039
Abstract: Central blood pressure (CBP) independently predicts cardiovascular risk, but calibration methods may affect accuracy of central systolic blood pressure (CSBP). Standard central systolic blood pressure (Stan-CSBP) from peripheral waveforms is usually derived with calibration using brachial SBP and diastolic BP (DBP). However, calibration using oscillometric mean arterial pressure (MAP) and DBP (MAP-CSBP) is purported to provide more accurate representation of true invasive CSBP. This study sought to determine which derived CSBP could more accurately discriminate cardiac structural abnormalities. A total of 349 community-based patients with risk factors (71±5years, 161 males) had CSBP measured by brachial oscillometry (Mobil-O-Graph, IEM GmbH, Stolberg, Germany) using 2 calibration methods: MAP-CSBP and Stan-CSBP. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and left atrial dilatation (LAD) were measured based on standard guidelines. MAP-CSBP was higher than Stan-CSBP (149±20 vs. 128±15mm Hg, P < 0.0001). Although they were modestly correlated (rho = 0.74, P < 0.001), the Bland-Altman plot demonstrated a large bias (21mm Hg) and limits of agreement (24mm Hg). In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, MAP-CSBP significantly better discriminated LVH compared with Stan-CSBP (area under the curve (AUC) 0.66 vs. 0.59, P = 0.0063) and brachial SBP (0.62, P = 0.027). Continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) (P < 0.001) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) (P < 0.001) corroborated superior discrimination of LVH by MAP-CSBP. Similarly, MAP-CSBP better distinguished LAD than Stan-CSBP (AUC 0.63 vs. 0.56, P = 0.005) and conventional brachial SBP (0.58, P = 0.006), whereas Stan-CSBP provided no better discrimination than conventional brachial BP (P = 0.09). CSBP is calibration dependent and when oscillometric MAP and DBP are used, the derived CSBP is a better discriminator for cardiac structural abnormalities.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AHJ.2013.06.003
Abstract: Appropriate use criteria (AUC) for stress single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are only one step in appropriate use of imaging. Other steps include pretest clinical risk evaluation and optimal management responses. We sought to understand the link between AUC, risk evaluation, management, and outcome. We used AUC to classify 1,199 consecutive patients (63.8 ± 12.5 years, 56% male) undergoing SPECT as inappropriate, uncertain, and appropriate. Framingham score for asymptomatic patients and Bethesda angina score for symptomatic patients were used to classify patients into high (≥5%/y), intermediate, and low (≤1%/y) risk. Subsequent patient management was defined as appropriate or inappropriate based on the concordance between management decisions and the SPECT result. Patients were followed up for a median of 4.8 years, and cause of death was obtained from the social security death registry. Overall, 62% of SPECTs were appropriate, 18% inappropriate, and 20% uncertain (only 5 were unclassified). Of 324 low-risk studies, 108 (33%) were inappropriate, compared with 94 (15%) of 621 intermediate-risk and 1 (1%) of 160 high-risk studies (P < .001). There were 79 events, with outcomes of inappropriate patients better than uncertain and appropriate patients. Management was appropriate in 986 (89%), and appropriateness of patient management was unrelated to AUC (P = .65). Pretest clinical risk evaluation may be helpful in appropriateness assessment because very few high-risk patients are inappropriate, but almost half of low-risk patients are inappropriate or uncertain. Appropriate patient management is independent of appropriateness of testing.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCMG.2013.08.002
Abstract: The hypothesis of this study was that minimal left atrial volume index (LAVImin) by 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is the best predictor of future cardiovascular events. Although maximal left atrial volume index (LAVImax) by 2-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) is a robust index for predicting prognosis, the prognostic value of LAVImin and the superiority of measurements by 3DE over 2DE have not been determined in a large group of patients. In protocol 1, we assessed age and sex dependency of LAVIs using 2DE and 3DE in 124 normal subjects and determined their cutoff values (mean + 2 SD). In protocol 2, 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) LAVImax/LAVImin were measured in 556 patients with high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. After excluding patients with atrial fibrillation, mitral valve disease, and age <18 years, 439 subjects were followed to record major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Patients were ided into 2 groups by the cutoff criteria of LAVI in each method. In protocol 1, there was no significant age and sex dependency for each 2D and 3D LAVI. In protocol 2, during a mean of 2.5 years of follow-up, MACE developed in 88 patients, including 32 cardiac deaths. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses showed that all 4 LAVI cutoff criteria had significant predictive power of MACE. After variables were adjusted for clinical variables and left ventricular ejection fraction, all 4 methods were still independently and significantly associated with MACE, but 3D-derived LAVImin had the highest risk ratio. 3D LAVImin also had an incremental prognostic value over 3D LAVImax. LAVIs by both 2DE and 3DE are powerful predictors of future cardiac events. 3D LAVImin tended to have a stronger and additive prognostic value than 3D LAVImax.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2016.03.002
Abstract: Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is well validated and has important applications in contemporary clinical practice. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the accuracy of resting peak GLS in the diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). A systematic literature search was performed through July 2015 using four databases. Data were extracted independently by two authors and correlated before analyses. Using a random-effect model, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and summary area under the curve for GLS were estimated with their respective 95% CIs. Screening of 1,669 articles yielded 10 studies with 1,385 patients appropriate for inclusion in the analysis. The mean age and left ventricular ejection fraction were 59.9 years and 61.1%. On the whole, 54.9% and 20.9% of the patients had hypertension and diabetes, respectively. Overall, abnormal GLS detected moderate to severe CAD with a pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio of 74.4%, 72.1%, 2.9, and 0.35 respectively. The area under the curve and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.81 and 8.5. The mean values of GLS for those with and without CAD were -16.5% (95% CI, -15.8% to -17.3%) and -19.7% (95% CI, -18.8% to -20.7%), respectively. Subgroup analyses for patients with severe CAD and normal left ventricular ejection fractions yielded similar results. Current evidence supports the use of GLS in the detection of moderate to severe obstructive CAD in symptomatic patients. GLS may complement existing diagnostic algorithms and act as an early adjunctive marker of cardiac ischemia.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMJCARD.2016.10.043
Abstract: Identifying patients at risk is now important as there are demonstrable ways to alter disease progression which could potentially prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) and its complications. We sought whether impaired functional capacity was associated with risk of AF, independent of myocardial dysfunction. In this community-based study, asymptomatic participants aged ≥65 years were recruited if they had ≥1 risk factor (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity). Participants underwent baseline echocardiography (including measurement of myocardial mechanics) and six-minute walk test. The CHARGE-AF score was used to calculate 5-year risk of developing AF. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess for independent risk factors for AF. A total of 607 patients (age 71 ± 5 years, men 47%) were studied at baseline and followed for at least 6 months. Patients in the higher AF risk groups were older and had increased rates of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease (p <0.05). Greater AF risk was associated with lower exercise capacity, independent of lower mean global longitudinal strain, global circumferential strain, greater mean E/e' ratio, indexed left atrial volume and LV mass. Multivariate linear regression confirmed association of LV and functional capacity parameters with AF risk. Although functional capacity is impaired in AF, this association precedes the onset of AF. In conclusion, poor functional status is associated with AF risk, independent of LV function.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 20-12-2019
DOI: 10.1136/ARCHDISCHILD-2019-317528
Abstract: To evaluate whether vascular health in young children was associated with exposure to a 6-week episode of coal mine fire smoke or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in a retrospective cohort study. Three years after a coal mine fire in Victoria, Australia, we investigated the vascular health of children either in utero (n=75) or aged years (postnatal exposure, n=96) at the time of the fire. The outcomes were the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV). The mean and peak daily particulate matter .5 µm in diameter (PM 2.5 ) exposures were estimated based on their daily locations throughout the fire period. Multivariable linear regression models were used to test for associations between the fire-related PM 2.5 and outcomes adjusted for relevant covariates including ETS. In the postnatal-exposure group, each 10 µg/m³ increase in mean PM 2.5 level was independently positively associated with PWV (β=0.116, p=0.028). When these two groups were combined, there was an association between mean PM 2.5 and increased PWV in those children who had ETS exposure (β=0.148, p=0.033) or whose mothers smoked (β=0.151, p=0.011), but not in those not exposed to ETS or maternal smoking. Three years after a coal mine fire, infants aged up to 2 years at the time of exposure have increases in vascular stiffness. Although no adverse effects were observed in the in uterus exposure group, further follow-up study is needed to elucidate the long-term effects of coal mine fire smoke exposure.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.CARDFAIL.2015.02.002
Abstract: Selecting heart failure (HF) patients for intensive management to reduce readmissions requires effective targeting. However, available prediction scores are only modestly effective. We sought to develop a prediction score for 30-day all-cause rehospitalization or death in HF with the use of nonclinical and clinical data. This statewide data linkage included all patients who survived their 1st HF admission (with either reduced or preserved ejection fraction) to a Tasmanian public hospital during 2009-2012. Nonclinical data (n = 1,537 49.5% men, median age 80 y) included administrative, socioeconomic, and geomapping data. Clinical data before discharge were available from 977 patients. Prediction models were developed and internally and externally validated. Within 30 days of discharge, 390 patients (25.4%) died or were rehospitalized. The nonclinical model (length of hospital stay, age, living alone, discharge during winter, remoteness index, comorbidities, and sex) had fair discrimination (C-statistic 0.66 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63-0.69]). Clinical data (blood urea nitrogen, New York Heart Association functional class, albumin, heart rate, respiratory rate, diuretic use, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use, arrhythmia, and troponin) provided better discrimination (C-statistic 0.72 [95% CI 0.68-0.76]). Combining both data sources best predicted 30-day rehospitalization or death (C-statistic 0.76 [95% CI 0.72-0.80]). Clinical data are stronger predictors than nonclinical data, but combining both best predicts 30-day rehospitalization or death among HF patients.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-11-2020
DOI: 10.1007/S10554-019-01717-3
Abstract: T1 mapping by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) allows detection of abnormal myocardium. A number of myocardial abnormalities affects the signal captured in T1 mapping. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of native T1 and extracellular volume (ECV) in subjects with and without cardiac disease (1) to determine the normal ranges of T1 values and ECV by sequences as well as parameters influencing them, and (2) to summarize the differences in T1 values and ECV of the diseases relative to the normal ranges. Three databases (EMBASE, SCOPUS, and MEDLINE) were systematically searched for native T1 time and ECV. Only human studies with a s le size of ≥ 20 subjects were included. A random effect model was used to pool data. The 69 selected articles included 1954 healthy subjects and 3186 with disease. T1 of normal healthy was different among MOLLI variants: in 1.5T sequences, ShMOLLI had the shortest (944 ms [95% confidence interval 925, 963]), followed by MOLLI 3(3)3(3)5 flip-angle 50°, 967 [959, 975] and flip-angle 35°, 969 [951, 988]. 3T had longer T1 than 1.5T by approximately 100-200 ms. ECV of the normal healthy was consistent among the studies (ranging from 25 to 27%), irrespective of subjects' factors, sequences, vendors, and contrast type. Many diseases demonstrated longer native T1 than normal subjects, but T1 was shorter in Fabry disease and iron overload. In contrast, all disease states showed either normal or increased ECV. Diagnostic accuracy of native T1 time was minimally affected by the difference in the sequences. ECV is less influenced by methodology than T1 time among normal subjects. Different myocardial diseases are associated with shorter or longer T1 times, whereas ECV is consistently increased independent of the underlying pathophysiology.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 20-09-2013
DOI: 10.1093/EHJCI/JET159
Abstract: The variability of ejection fraction (EF) poses a problem in the assessment of left ventricular (LV) function in patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy. We sought to use global longitudinal strain (GLS) to compare LV responses to various cardiotoxic chemotherapy regimens and to examine the response to cardioprotection with beta-blockers (BB) in patients showing subclinical myocardial damage. We studied 159 patients (49 ± 14 year, 127 women) receiving anthracycline (group A, n = 53, 46 ± 17 year), trastuzumab (group T, n = 61, 53 ± 12 year), or trastuzumab after anthracyclines (group AT, n = 45, 46 ± 9 year). LV indices [ejection fraction (EF), mitral annular systolic velocity, and GLS] were measured at baseline and follow-up (7 ± 7 months). Patients who decreased GLS by ≥11% were followed for another 6 months initiation of BB was at the discretion of the clinician. Anthracycline dose was similar between group A and group AT (213 ± 118 vs. 216 ± 47 mg/m(2), P = 0.85). Although ΔEF was similar among the groups, attenuation of GLS was the greatest in group AT (group A, 0.7 ± 2.8% shortening T, 1.1 ± 2.7% and AT, 2.0 ± 2.3% P = 0.003, after adjustment). Of 52 patients who decreased GLS by ≥-11%, 24 were treated with BB and 28 were not. GLS improved in BB groups (from -17.6 ± 2.3 to -19.8 ± 2.6%, P < 0.001) but not in non-BB groups (from -18.0 ± 2.0 to -19.0 ± 3.0%, P = 0.08). Effects of BB were similar with all regimens. GLS is an effective parameter for identifying systolic dysfunction (which appears worst with combined anthracycline and trastuzumab therapy) and responds to cardioprotection in patients administered beta-blockers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.AHJ.2016.05.018
Abstract: End-stage renal disease is a major clinical and public health problem, and cardiovascular disease accounts for half of the mortality in hemodialysis patients. An existing mortality risk score (AROii score) or N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level have modest predictive power, but there is room for improvement. There are emerging cardiac biomarkers (soluble isoforms of ST2 [sST2], galectin-3 [Gal-3]), and uremic toxicity (indoxyl sulfate). We sought to determine whether these biomarkers predict cardiovascular outcomes in hemodialysis patients and have incremental prognostic value over the clinical score and NT-proBNP level. A total of 423 hemodialysis patients were prospectively followed up for primary (all-cause death) and secondary end points (a composite of all-cause death or cerebrocardiovascular events). During a mean follow-up of 2.1 ± 0.4 years, there were 48 all-cause deaths and 78 composite outcomes. Soluble isoforms of ST2, Gal-3, and NT-proBNP were associated with all-cause deaths but indoxyl sulfate was not in both log-rank test and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Both sST2 and Gal-3 had independent and incremental prognostic value for both outcomes over the AROii score and NT-proBNP. Although adding sST2 did not reclassify over the model-based AROii score and NT-proBNP for all-cause death, further addition of Gal-3 did. Subgroup analyses of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction measurement (n = 301) corroborated these results, where the 2 biomarkers remained independent and incremental for both all-cause death and composite outcome after adjusting for the risk score and the ejection fraction. Both sST2 and Gal-3 had independent and incremental prognostic values over NT-proBNP and an established risk score in patients with hemodialysis. Assessment of sST2 and Gal-3 further enhances risk stratification.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JACC.2013.01.043
Abstract: This study sought to compare the survival of asymptomatic patients with previous revascularization and ischemia, who subsequently underwent repeat revascularization or medical therapy (MT). Coronary artery disease is progressive and recurring thus, stress myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) is widely used to identify ischemia in patients with previous revascularization. Of 6,750 patients with previous revascularization undergoing MPS between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2007, we identified 769 patients (age 67.7 ± 9.5 years 85% men) who had ischemia and were asymptomatic. A propensity score was developed to express the associations of revascularization. Patients were followed up over a median of 5.7 years (interquartile range: 4.7 to 6.4 years) for all-cause death. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify the association of revascularization with all-cause death, with and without adjustment for the propensity score. The model was repeated in propensity-matched groups undergoing MT versus revascularization. Among 769 patients, 115 (15%) underwent revascularization a median of 13 days (interquartile range: 6 to 31 days) after MPS. There were 142 deaths mortality with MT and revascularization were 18.3% and 19.1% (p = 0.84). In a Cox proportional hazards model (chi-square test = 89.4) adjusting for baseline characteristics, type of previous revascularization, MPS data, and propensity scores, only age and hypercholesterolemia but not revascularization were associated with mortality. This result was confirmed in a propensity-matched group. Asymptomatic patients with previous revascularization and inducible ischemia on MPS realize no survival benefit from repeat revascularization. In this group of post-revascularization patients, an ischemia-based treatment strategy did not alter mortality.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 28-12-2015
DOI: 10.1093/EHJCI/JEV333
Abstract: Left atrial (LA) function helps to preserve cardiac output and to control pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in the setting of left ventricular (LV) impairment, but little is known about the contribution of the LA function to ventricular arrhythmia. We sought whether LA booster pump function was associated with arrhythmias in patients undergoing primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation for non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICM), independent of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mechanical dispersion (MD). We identified 124 NICM patients (56 ± 13, 67 male) who underwent echocardiography pre-ICD implantation for primary prevention. The main outcome measure was appropriate ICD therapy (anti-tachycardia pacing or shock). The mitral A-wave was used as an LA functional marker. MD was defined as standard deviation of time to peak strain of each segment. Over a median follow-up of 3.8 ± 2.2 years, 36 patients had appropriate ICD therapy, including 23 shocks. Patients with appropriate ICD therapy had lower A-wave velocity (P < 0.001), larger LA volume (P < 0.001), and impaired circumferential MD (P = 0.006), but similar ejection fraction (EF) (P = 0.40) and GLS (P = 0.11). In sequential Cox proportional hazards models, A-wave, E/A ratio, and GLS were significantly associated with outcomes, independent of age, sex, and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator or left bundle branch block. In nested Cox models, mitral A-wave had a prognostic value incremental to models with LV systolic (EF and GLS) and diastolic functional parameters (E/A, E/e', and LA volume) and MD. LA booster pump function was an independent and incremental predictor of arrhythmias in NICM over GLS and MD, and may aid better risk stratification in this population.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2014.03.010
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate whether left atrial (LA) strain has incremental value over the CHA2DS2-VASc score for stratifying the risk for embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and whether LA strain predicts poststroke mortality. Consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF with acute embolism (82 patients) or without (204 controls) were prospectively enrolled. Global peak LA longitudinal strain during ventricular systole (LAS) was assessed during AF rhythm. Global LAS was compared between the groups in the first cross-sectional study. Then, the 82 patients with acute embolism were prospectively followed during the second prospective cohort study. Global LAS was lower in patients with acute embolism than in controls (P < .001). Global LAS < 15.4% differentiated patients with acute embolism from controls, with an area under the curve of 0.83 (P < .0001). In multivariate analysis, global LAS was independently associated with acute embolism (odds ratio, 0.74 95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.82 P < .001) and had an incremental value over the CHA2DS2-VASc score (P < .0001). Furthermore, 26 patients with acute embolisms died during a median follow-up period of 425 days. Global LAS independently predicted mortality after embolism. In this observational study, LA strain provided incremental diagnostic information over that provided by the CHA2DS2-VASc score, suggesting that LA strain analysis could improve the current risk stratification of embolism in patients with AF. LA strain can also predict poststroke mortality.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-03-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S10396-014-0530-3
Abstract: Vortex formation in the left ventricle (LV) can be visualized by novel vector flow mapping (VFM) based on color Doppler and speckle tracking data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a vortex during the ejection period using VFM. Color Doppler images were obtained to produce VFM images in 80 subjects (20 normal, 29 with dilated cardiomyopathy, and 31 with old myocardial infarction). The duration of the LV vortex was measured and expressed as the ratio to the ejection time (VTRe). The VTRe showed significant correlations with EDV (ρ = 0.672, p < 0.001), ESV (ρ = 0.772, p < 0.001), EF (ρ = -0.783, p < 0.001), left atrium diameter (LAd) (ρ = 0.302, p = 0.007), stroke volume (ρ = -0.600, p < 0.001), e' (ρ = -0.389, p < 0.001), a' (ρ = -0.314, p = 0.005), s' (ρ = -0.512, p < 0.001), and E/e' (ρ = 0.330, p = 0.003). The diastolic parameters (e', a', E/e', LAd) were not correlated when they were adjusted by EF. In the normal LV, a vortex existed for only a limited time during the early ejection period. In contrast, the lower the EF was, the longer the vortex remained during systole. Evaluation of vortices by VFM may noninvasively provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of impaired cardiac function.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JACC.2014.11.057
Abstract: Appropriate use criteria (AUC) for cardiac imaging have been available for almost 10 years. The extent to which there has been a reported improvement in appropriate use is undefined. This study systematically reviewed published evidence to identify whether the promulgation of AUC has led to an improvement in the proportion of appropriate cardiac imaging requests. Electronic databases were systematically searched for English-language papers related to AUC and cardiovascular imaging. We found 59 reports involving 103,567 tests that were published from 2000 to 2012. The rate of appropriate testing over time was analyzed in a meta-regression. New AUC were associated with apparent improvements in appropriateness for transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (80% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75 to 0.84] vs. 85% [95% CI: 0.81 to 0.89]), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) (89% [95% CI: 0.81 to 0.94] vs. 95% [95% CI: 0.93 to 0.96]) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) (37% [95% CI: 0.21 to 0.55] vs. 55% [95% CI: 0.44 to 0.65]) but not stress echocardiography (53% [95% CI: 0.45 to 0.61] vs. 52% [95% CI: 0.42 to 0.61]) or single-photon emission computed tomography (72% [95% CI: 0.66 to 0.77] vs. 68% [95% CI: 0.60 to 0.74]). Although there were no correlations between the proportion of appropriate TTEs and published year (p = 0.36) for 2007 AUC, there was a positive correlation between proportion of appropriateness and the year of publication (p = 0.01) for 2011 AUC. There was a significant decrease in the proportion of appropriateness over time using the 2007 TEE AUC (p = 0.03) and 2006 CT AUC (p = 0.02). There were no meaningful associations between appropriateness and publication year for stress echocardiography, CTA, or single-photon emission computed tomography. Rates of reported appropriate use in imaging show improvements for TTE and CTA but not for stress imaging and TEE. The observed reductions in imaging studies are not matched by reported rates of appropriate use.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2013
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCIMAGING.112.000026
Abstract: Studies of echocardiographic predictors of response after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) have largely involved single parameters. We hypothesized that combining parameters would be more robust and sought to develop a multiparametric echocardiographic score for predicting CRT response. Global longitudinal strain of left ventricle was added to standard echocardiographic measurements in 334 consecutive patients (224 men mean, 65±12 years) who underwent baseline echocardiography before CRT and underwent follow-up echocardiograms at 1 year. Regression analysis was performed to create an echocardiographic score for prediction of LV reverse remodeling (defined as ≥15% reduction in the LV end-systolic volume). Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify the association of the score with death, transplantation or LV assist device implantation, and heart failure hospitalization during 57±22 months of follow-up. LV reverse remodeling (n=161 48%) was associated with pre-CRT LV end-diastolic dimension index .1 cm/m 2 , global longitudinal strain of left ventricle –7%, left atrial area cm 2 , right ventricular end-diastolic area index .0 cm 2 /m 2 , right atrial area cm 2 , and right ventricular fractional area change ≥35%. Combination of these into an echocardiographic score allowed prediction of LV reverse remodeling with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 79%. During follow-up, there were 134 deaths, 18 heart transplantations/LV assist device implantations, and 93 heart failure admissions. The score was associated with heart failure admission, heart transplantation/LV assist device, or death (hazard ratio, 0.97 95% confidence interval, 0.95–0.98 P .001) and all-cause death (hazard ratio, 0.97 95% confidence interval, 0.96–0.98 P .001), independent of age, sex, ischemic cause, and initial functional class. A multiparametric echocardiographic score is helpful in selecting patients likely to undergo reverse remodeling after CRT and predicts clinical outcomes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.AHJ.2015.02.003
Abstract: Although cardiovascular events in hemodialysis (HD) patients are the most frequent on the day after a long (2 days) interdialytic interval (IDT), it has been uncertain whether accumulation or elimination of large extracellular fluid volume, electrolyte, and/or uremic substances is the culprit for this. We sought to test our hypothesis that the long IDT alters echocardiographic parameters at rest and during exercise in stable maintenance HD patients compared with other IDTs. We performed a cross-sectional comparison using 1-way repeated analysis of variance or Friedman test of echocardiograms at 3 different IDTs, just after HD, after short IDT (1 day), and after long IDT, among 80 stable Japanese outpatients (age 61 ± 9 years, 60 males) on thrice weekly maintenance. End-systolic elastance (Ees), arterial elastance (Ea), and pressure-volume area (PVA) were estimated using a noninvasive single-beat technique. Ventricular-arterial coupling was assessed by Ea/Ees ratio. Measurements were repeated after 2-minute handgrip stress to evaluate cardiac reserve. Resting left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and stroke volume index were significantly larger after a 1-day IDT compared with just after HD and even more after a 2-day IDT. Although Ees, Ea, and Ea/Ees ratio at rest remained similar between short and long intervals, stroke work (SW) and PVA were higher after the long interval. During handgrip stress, a significant increase in Ea without corresponding rise in Ees was observed only after long IDT, resulting in decreased stroke volume index, SW, and SW/PVA efficiency. In a selective Japanese outpatient population on maintenance HD, there were no differences in resting cardiovascular function measured by echocardiography at 3 different IDTs. However, exercise-induced afterload mismatch assessed by the changes in Ea, SV, SW, and SW/PVA efficiency was most pronounced in in iduals after the long IDT compared with other IDTs. Our findings report potential pathophysiologic echocardiographic parameters that attempt to explain why cardiovascular events are highest on the day after the long IDT compared to other IDTs in dialysis patients.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2013.02.008
Abstract: Assessment of left ventricular systolic function is necessary during trastuzumab-based chemotherapy because of potential cardiotoxicity. Deformation indices have been proposed as an adjunct to clinical risk factors and ejection fraction (EF), but the optimal parameter and optimal cutoffs are undefined. The aim of this study was to determine the best means of early detection of subsequent reduction of EF in patients with breast cancer treated with trastuzumab. Eighty-one consecutive women (mean age, 50 ± 11 years) receiving trastuzumab were prospectively studied, 37 of whom received concurrent anthracyclines. Conventional echocardiographic indices (mitral annular systolic [s'] and diastolic [e'] velocities) and myocardial deformation indices (global longitudinal peak systolic strain [GLS], global longitudinal peak systolic strain rate [GLSR-S], and global longitudinal early diastolic strain rate [GLSR-E]) were measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Cardiotoxicity was defined as a >10% decline as a percentage of baseline EF in 12 months. In the 24 patients (30%) who later developed cardiotoxicity, myocardial deformation indices decreased at 6 months (GLS, P 0) of 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.33-1.22 P = .036). GLS is an independent early predictor of later reductions in EF, incremental to usual predictors in patients at risk for trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.15682
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-12-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1540-8175.2011.01586.X
Abstract: To assess the effects of frame and volume rate on the concordance between two-dimensional speckle tracking strain (2DS) and three-dimensional speckle tracking strain (3DS), and between 2DS and triplane imaging of speckle tracking (Tri-P). Global longitudinal strains (GLSs) derived from 2DS, 3DS, and Tri-P were compared among 142 prospectively recruited patients who underwent evaluation of subclinical left ventricle (LV) function. Feasibility to obtain GLS of 3DS was significantly higher than that of Tri-P (76% vs. 47%, P 20 per second. Likewise, there was a better correlation between 2DS and 3DS when the difference between 2D frame rate and 3D volume rate was ≤40 per second, compared to when it was >40 per second. These associations differed from segment to segment and the apical segments had the highest correlation and the basal the lowest. The feasibility of each means of strain calculation showed important differences, with 2DS being the most attainable. Strain values were not interchangeable among 2DS, Tri-P, and 3DS. Importantly, poor correlations seemed to be driven by differences in acquisition rate. Currently, 2DS offers the most robust measurement of subclinical myocardial dysfunction.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-02-2011
DOI: 10.1007/S12574-011-0082-0
Abstract: Strain echocardiography has enabled quantification of regional myocardial systolic function objectively and is less influenced by tethering effects and cardiac translational artifact than Doppler tissue imaging. Although strain echocardiography has been applied for the detection of inducible ischemia during dobutamine stress, it has not been fully applied to exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) because of technical difficulties. Prolonged myocardial systolic dysfunction after exercise-induced ischemia has been shown previously. Thus, we designed this study to evaluate whether the myocardial strain analysis can detect myocardial ischemia by the assessment of prolonged regional left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in ESE. We performed ESE with myocardial strain imaging system in 20 consecutive patients who had exercise Tl-201 single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Myocardial strain curves were obtained at six segments in mid LV walls from the apical approach before and 5 min after ESE. We measured the duration from the R wave in the electrocardiogram to the timing of peak systolic strain corrected by the square root of the RR interval (TPSc). We finally calculated the differences of TPSc (ΔTPSc) before ESE and 5 min after ESE. The results were compared with SPECT as a reference standard. A receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that a ΔTPSc cutoff value of 70 ms had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 84% for the detection of myocardial ischemia. Prolonged regional LV systolic dysfunction assessed by ESE with strain analysis was useful for the detection of myocardial ischemia.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 04-04-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1016/J.HLC.2022.08.011
Abstract: Air pollution is associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality. Most studies have focussed on urban or traffic-related pollution, and less is known about the impacts from bushfire smoke on cardiovascular autonomic function, although it is associated with increased sudden cardiac death and mortality. We sought to investigate its instantaneous and short-term impacts on heart rate variability (HRV). Twenty-four (24)-hour Holter electrocardiography (ECG) was repeated twice (during bushfire [Phase 1] and then clean air [Phase 2]) in 32 participants from two Australian towns (Warburton and Traralgon, Victoria) surrounding planned burning areas. This was compared with 10 control participants in another town (Maffra, Victoria) with two clean air assessments during the same periods. The primary HRV parameters assessed were those assessing overall HRV (Standard Deviation of Normal-to-Normal intervals [SDNN]), long-term HRV (Standard Deviation of the Average of Normal Sinus-to-Normal Sinus intervals for each 5-minutes [SDANN]), low frequency [LF]) and short-term HRV (Root Mean Square of Successive Differences between N-N intervals [RMSSD], High Frequency [HF], LF:HF ratio). Average concentrations of particulate matter <2.5 μm in diameter (PM Mean PM Exposure to the bushfire smoke was independently associated with reduced overall and long-term HRV. Our findings suggest that imbalance in cardiac autonomic function is a key mechanism of adverse cardiovascular effects of bushfire smoke.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2016.09.007
Abstract: Recent advances in the assessment of myocardial function have facilitated the direct measurement of atrial function using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Currently, normal reference ranges for atrial function using speckle-tracking echocardiography are based on a few initial studies, with variations among modestly sized (n = 100-350) studies. The authors searched the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for the key terms "left atrial/atrial/atrium" and "strain/function/deformation/stiffness" and "speckle tracking/Velocity Vector Imaging/edge tracking." Studies of global left atrial function using speckle-tracking were selected if they involved >30 normal or healthy participants without any cardiac risk factors. Normal ranges for reservoir strain, conduit strain, and contractile strain were computed using a random-effects model. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis was performed to explore between-study heterogeneity. Forty studies (2,542 healthy subjects) satisfied the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed a normal reference range for reservoir strain of 39% (95% CI, 38%-41%, from 40 articles), for conduit strain of 23% (95% CI, 21%-25%, from 14 articles), and for contractile strain of 17% (95% CI, 16%-19%, from 18 articles). Meta-regression identified heart rate (P = .02) and body surface area (P = .003) as contributors to this heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses revealed heterogeneity due to s le size (n > 100 vs N < 100, P = .02). The normal reference ranges for the three components of left atrial function are demonstrated. The between-study heterogeneity is explained partly by heart rate, body surface area, and s le size.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1016/J.HLC.2022.08.010
Abstract: Over the past decades, particulate matter (PM), especially fine PM <2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM Cardiovascular cases were identified through the Gunma Prefectural Ambulance Activity Database in Japan in 2015 (1,512 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest [OHCA] and 1,002 heart failures from 53,006 ambulance cases). Air quality data from the nearest station was for day of the arrest (lag0) and 1-2 days before the arrest (lag1, lag2) and the moving average across days 0-1 (lag0-1). Conditional logistic regression was used for unadjusted and adjusted analysis for temperature and humidity. Independent associations of OHCA were daily concentrations of SO Short-term exposure to SO
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMJCARD.2015.11.048
Abstract: This investigation sought to quantify the risk factors for short-term readmission in patients with heart failure (HF). Electronic databases were systematically searched for studies reporting relative risk, odds ratio, and hazard ratio for the combined primary outcome of all-cause hospital readmission or all-cause mortality ≤90 days from discharge of patients with HF. Clinical characteristics, study design, type and incidence of outcome, univariable effect sizes for each risk factor, and their associated 95% confidence intervals were extracted. Each univariable effect size was pooled and computed in a separate meta-analysis using random-effects models weighted by inverse variance. The frequency of significance of each risk factor in multivariable models was also assessed to confirm their independence. Sixty-nine studies (2,038,524 patients) were included and 144 factors were reported, including 32 reported more than twice. The significant associations of the combined primary outcome were chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, atherosclerotic vascular disease (peripheral, coronary, and cerebrovascular), diabetes, anemia, lower systolic blood pressure, previous admission, multidisciplinary treatment, and use of beta-blockade and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition or angiotensin receptor blockade. In multivariable analyses, most of these variables remained independently associated with the combined primary outcome. However, age, male gender, black race, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, atrial fibrillation, cancer, and uses of diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, and digoxin were not significant. In conclusion, noncardiovascular co-morbidities, poor physical condition, history of admission, and failure to use evidence-based medication are more strongly associated with 90-day readmission or death than standard risks in patients with HF.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJCARD.2016.07.074
Abstract: Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent in heart failure (HF), and may be associated with short-term readmission. This study investigated the role of cognition, incremental to other clinical and non-clinical factors, independent of depression and anxiety, in predicting 30-day readmission or death in HF. This study followed 565 patients from an Australia-wide HF longitudinal study. Cognitive function (MoCA score) together with standard clinical and non-clinical factors, mental health and 2D echocardiograms were collected before hospital discharge. The study outcomes were death and readmission within 30days of discharge. Logistic regression, Harrell's C-statistic, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and net reclassification index were used for analysis. Among 565 patients, 255 (45%) had at least mild cognitive impairment (MoCA≤22). Death (n=43, 8%) and readmission (n=122, 21%) within 30days of discharge were more likely to occur among patients with mild cognitive impairment (OR=2.00, p=0.001). MoCA score was also negatively associated with 30-day readmission or death (OR=0.91, p<0.001) independent of other risk factors. Adding MoCA score to an existing prediction model of 30-day readmission significantly improved discrimination (C-statistic=0.715 vs. 0.617, IDI estimate 0.077, p<0.001). From prediction models developed from our study, adding MoCA score (C-statistic=0.83) provided incremental value to that of standard clinical and non-clinical factors (C-statistic=0.76) and echocardiogram parameters (C-statistic=0.81) in predicting 30-day readmission or death. Reclassification analysis suggests that addition of MoCA score improved classification for a net of 12% of patients with 30-day readmission or death and of 6% of patients without (p=0.002). Mild cognitive impairment predicts short-term outcomes in HF, independent of clinical and non-clinical factors.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMJCARD.2016.03.045
Abstract: A process to identify and target a selected population at risk of heart failure (HF) could facilitate screening and prevention. We sought to develop an effective screening process from clinical characteristics, functional capacity, and electrocardiogram (ECG). Asymptomatic subjects ≥65 years, with ≥1 HF risks were recruited from the community. Subjects with valvular disease, ejection fraction 9.5%) and 6 MW (<501 m) as cutoffs to define low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups. Abnormal ECG further ided the intermediate group into high and low risks. The 134 subjects identified as high risk by a combined clinical and electrocardiographic strategy showed more echocardiographic features of cardiac dysfunction including LV mass, mitral e', mitral E/e', and longitudinal strain (p <0.01). New HF was significantly more frequent than in the remaining patients (20% vs 10%, p = 0.003 hazard ratio 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.21 to 3.57, p = 0.008). Thus, initial clinical risk and electrocardiographic assessment facilitate effective HF screening by identifying a high-risk group.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 07-2023
DOI: 10.1136/OPENHRT-2023-002344
Abstract: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the magnitude of the changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) relaxometry techniques soon after the completion of anthracycline therapy. Anthracyclines are associated with myocardial functional and morphological changes. LVEF is currently used to identify the functional changes. Anthracyclines can also cause myocardial inflammation and oedema. This can be assessed using CMR relaxometry techniques T1 and T2 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction. Three databases were systematically searched for studies evaluating CMR relaxometry parameter at baseline and 1±1 months after anthracycline completion (the last search date 17 March 2023). CMR parameters pre and post anthracycline-based chemotherapy were abstracted. A random effects model was used to pool mean difference (MD) in LVEF and ECV. Standardised mean difference (SMD) was also calculated for T1 and T2 mapping due to the variations in techniques, normal ranges and for the comparison among the parameters. A total of 296 patients were included from 10 studies. 84% were female with a mean age of 54.9 years. Statistically significant alterations were observed in LVEF (MD −3.38% (95% CI −5.13%, −1.62%)) and ECV (1.92% (1.30%, 2.53%)). The pooled SMDs were also significant in LVEF, T1, T2 and ECV with −0.61 (–0.91, –0.30), 0.53 (0.16, 0.90), 0.59 (0.22, 0.96) and 0.74 (0.41, 1.06), respectively. Our meta-analysis demonstrated small but significant alterations in CMR relaxometry parameters soon after anthracycline therapy, where ECV was superior to LVEF and T1 or T2 mapping. However, these short-term MDs were below the minimal detectable differences. CRD42020196296.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2017.03.014
Abstract: Left atrial (LA) strain imaging enables the quantitative assessment of LA function. The clinical relevance of these measurements is dependent on the provision of information incremental to the left ventricular (LV) evaluation. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that LA pump function but not reservoir function is independent of measurement of LV mechanics. Echocardiography was undertaken in a community-based study of 576 participants ≥65 years of age with one or more risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity). Strain analysis was conducted using a dedicated software package, using R-R gating. LV function was classified as normal in the presence of global longitudinal strain (GLS) (≤-18%) or global circumferential strain (GCS) (≤-22%). The associations between GLS or GCS and LA reservoir, conduit, and pump strain were assessed using univariate and multivariate linear regression. Patients (mean age 71 ± 5 years, 54% women) with reduced GLS had higher blood pressure and rates of diabetes and obesity (P < .05). LA reservoir strain and conduit strain were lower in the group with impaired GLS (38.2 ± 7.3% vs 39.9 ± 6.4% [P = .004] and 18.7 ± 5.7% vs 20.5 ± 5.1% [P < .001], respectively), but there was no difference in LA pump strain (19.5 ± 5.5% vs 19.3 ± 4.6%, P = .72). GLS was independently associated with LA reservoir and conduit strain (P < .05) but not independently associated with LA pump strain (P = .91). Reduced GCS was associated with a larger body mass index, male sex, and diabetes (P .05). The application of LA strain is specific to the component measured. LA pump strain is independent of LV mechanics.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2016.12.014
Abstract: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a predictor of adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients. LVEF is, however, an integral parameter determined by contractility, loading condition, and coupling. We sought to determine whether these components would better predict adverse outcomes and have incremental prognostic value over a validated clinical score and EF. Two hundred thirty-four hemodialysis patients were prospectively followed up for primary composite endpoint: all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and hospitalization due to worsening heart failure (HF). Load-independent contractility (end-systolic elastance [Ees] and preload recruitable stroke work [PRSW]) and arterial afterload (arterial elastance [Ea]) were noninvasively estimated. Ventricular-arterial coupling was assessed using the Ea/Ees ratio. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mitral E-wave over annular velocity E' ratio (E/E') were also measured. During a median follow-up of 776 days, 30 patients developed the primary endpoint. Ees, PRSW, GLS, S', Ea/Ees, E/E', and EF were independently associated with the outcome after adjusting for the clinical score and prior HF hospitalization, whereas end-diastolic volume index or arterial afterload parameters were not. The nested Cox models indicated that Ea/Ees had independent and incremental predictive value over the model based on the score and either EF or E/E'. Furthermore, Ea/Ees continued to have predictive value after adjusting for GLS. The classification and regression analysis stratified event rates ranging from 4.2% to 68.8%. LV contractility and Ea/Ees were independently associated with adverse outcome in hemodialysis patients. Ea/Ees had an incremental prognostic value over the clinical score and EF.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 13-07-2019
DOI: 10.1093/EHJCI/JEZ186
Publisher: AME Publishing Company
Date: 08-2016
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 31-07-2015
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCIMAGING.121.013495
Abstract: Cardiac power output is a measure of cardiac performance, and its prognostic significance has been shown in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction. Patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction may have altered cardiac performance, but the prognostic relevance of cardiac power output is unknown. This study sought to determine the association between cardiac power output and clinical outcomes in HF with preserved ejection fraction and to compare its prognostic effect to other measures of cardiac performance including ventricular-arterial coupling and mechanical efficiency. Cardiac power output normalized to left ventricular mass was assessed by echocardiography in 408 patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction. Load-independent contractility (end-systolic elastance), arterial elastance, its coupling (arterial elastance/end-systolic elastance), left ventricular global longitudinal strain, and mechanical efficiency (stroke work ressure-volume area) were also estimated noninvasively. The primary end point was a composite of cardiovascular mortality or HF hospitalization. The primary composite outcome occurred in 84 patients during a median follow-up of 19.4 months. There was a dose-dependent association between cardiac power output and the composite outcomes, in which patients with the lowest tertile of cardiac power output had -fold risk than those with the highest tertile (hazard ratio, 3.04 [95% CI, 1.66–5.57] P =0.0003). In a multivariable model, lower cardiac power output was independently associated with adverse outcomes (hazard ratio, 0.70 per 1 SD [95% CI, 0.49–0.97] P =0.03). In contrast, left ventricular size, end-systolic elastance, arterial elastance, arterial elastance/end-systolic elastance ratio, and left ventricular mechanical efficiency were not associated with outcomes. Cardiac power output provided an incremental prognostic effect over the model based on clinical (age, gender, diastolic blood pressure, and atrial fibrillation) and echocardiographic markers (left atrial size, pulmonary pressures, global longitudinal strain, and the ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity P =0.03). In patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction, cardiac power output was independently and incrementally associated with adverse outcomes whereas other markers of cardiac performance were not.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2014.12.009
Abstract: Disagreement of strain measurements among different vendors has provided an obstacle to the clinical use of strain. A joint standardization task force between professional societies and industry was initiated to reduce intervendor variability of strain. Although feedback from this process has been used in software upgrades, little is known about the effects of efforts to improve conformity. The aim of this study was to assess whether intervendor agreement for global longitudinal strain (GLS) has improved after standardization initiatives. Eighty-two subjects (mean age, 52 ± 21 years 55% men) prospectively underwent two sequential examinations using two most common ultrasound systems (Vivid E9 and iE33). GLS was calculated using proprietary software (EchoPAC-PC BT12 [E12] and BT13 [E13] vs QLAB version 8.0 [Q8], QLAB version 9.0 [Q9], and QLAB version 10.0 [Q10]). Agreements in GLS were evaluated with Bland-Altman plots. Coefficients of variation (CVs) were compared using the Friedman test and compared with CVs of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction (LVEF). Median GLS using E12 was -19.2% (interquartile range [IQR], -15.2% to -23.2%), compared with -19.3% (IQR, -14.9% to -23.7%) for E13, -15.7% (IQR, -11.4% to -20%) for Q8, -19% (IQR, -15.7% to -22.3%) for Q9, and -18.7% (IQR, -15.7% to -21.7%) for Q10. The CVs of prestandardization GLS (12 ± 8% [E12/Q8] and 14 ± 8 [E13/Q8]) were significantly larger than that of LVEF (5 ± 5) (P < .001). Since standardization, the CVs of GLS have shown improvement (6 ± 4 [E12/Q9], 7 ± 4 [E12/Q10], 6 ± 4 [E13/Q9], and 7 ± 4 [E13/Q10]) and are similar to those of LVEF. Subsequent to the joint standardization task force, there has been improvement in between-vendor concordance in GLS between two leading ultrasound manufactures, the variability of which is now analogous to that of LVEF. The removal of concerns about measurement variability should allow wider use of GLS.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-07-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S12574-017-0344-6
Abstract: Progress in cancer therapy has led to improved prognosis of patients with cancer and thus to a continuous rise of cancer survivors. However, it has simultaneously increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates due to direct and/or indirect side effects of anticancer treatment. Similar to the rapid rise of patients with adult congenital disease, the number of patients suffering or at risk of cardiotoxicity has been steeply increasing and getting an emerging issue. Among the many facets of chemotherapy-induced cardiovascular toxicity, this review attempts to summarize echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac function after cancer chemotherapy by reviewing the definition, risk factors, brief history, limitation of left ventricular ejection fraction and myocardial strain imaging, as well as the limitations of this technique.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMJCARD.2012.11.028
Abstract: Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is a possible link between abnormal metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between attenuated heart rate recovery (HRR) and these manifestations of myocardial dysfunction in T2DM. Nine hundred fourteen consecutive patients with T2DM (mean age 56 ± 11 years, 508 men) without diabetes mellitus complications, with negative results on stress echocardiography, were enrolled. Patients with known cardiac disease were excluded. Demographics, clinical assessment, co-morbidities, and insulin use were collected prospectively. The association of HRR with new-onset HF and AF was sought using a Cox proportional-hazards model. There were 47 events (22 HF and 25 AF) during a median follow-up period of 7.8 years. Events were associated with age, exercise capacity, HRR, and left atrial volume index but not with baseline glycosylated hemoglobin, left ventricular mass index, or standard markers of diastolic function. In sequential Cox models for the combined outcomes, the model based on clinical data (age and gender overall chi-square = 5.5) was not significantly improved by left atrial volume index (chi-square = 8.6, p = 0.10) or maximum METs (chi-square = 8.7, p = 0.07) but was significantly improved by adding HRR (chi-square = 19.7, p = 0.004). In addition, HRR provided significant incremental prognostic value regarding the composite end point (net reclassification improvement 19.2%, p = 0.04 integrated discrimination improvement 1.58%, p = 0.004). In conclusion, the association of HRR with subsequent HF and AF, independent of and incremental to left atrial volume index and other markers of abnormal cardiac structure and function, indicates a role for autonomic neuropathy as the link between metabolic and cardiac risk in patients with T2DM.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 09-02-2015
DOI: 10.1136/HEARTJNL-2014-306990
Abstract: Recent work has shown no difference in change of LVEF between RV apical (RVA) pacing and non-RVA pacing in patients with normal LV function. We hypothesised that a more sensitive marker (global longitudinal strain, GLS) could identify a detrimental effect of RVA and that assessment of deformation could identify whether dyssynchrony, contraction inefficiency and regional LV impairment were responsible for functional changes. In this substudy of Protect-PACE (The Protection of Left Ventricular Function During Right Ventricular Pacing. Does Right Ventricular High-septal Pacing Improve Outcome Compared With Right Ventricular Apical Pacing?), a randomised controlled trial of RVA and non-RVA pacing in pacemaker-dependent patients with preserved EF, 145 patients (76 with RVA) with echocardiograms of sufficient quality underwent measurement of LV longitudinal strain (GLS) from speckle tracking just after implantation and at 2 years. LV dyssynchrony, discoordination and regional apical longitudinal strain were also measured. Pacing was associated with reduced GLS after 2 years, although 2-year GLS was lower in RVA (-13.9 ± 4.1 vs -15.5 ± 4.6, p = 0.02). RVA was an independent correlate of ΔGLS, although there was a minor difference in ΔGLS between the RVA and non-RVA groups (-1.8 ± 3.6 vs -0.8 ± 3.4%, p= 0.07), reflecting impairment of GLS at baseline in RVA. Apical strain was significantly lower in RVA than those in non-RVA at baseline and 2 years (both p < 0.01). Dyssynchrony and discoordination parameters at 2 years also showed significant deterioration in RVA. Apical strain, dyssynchrony and discoordination parameters at 2 years were significantly associated with ΔGLS. Inefficient dyssynchronous contraction and the decrease in apical strain appear to be associated with global LV impairment in RVA. PROTECT-PACE ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00461734.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCMG.2013.04.006
Abstract: The purposes of this study were to examine left atrial (LA) functional reserve in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and to determine whether LA strain has an incremental diagnostic value over clinical and conventional echocardiographic parameters. Patients with HFpEF have multiple cardiovascular reserve abnormalities. Although the LA is dysfunctional in HFpEF, the diagnostic value of LA strain remains unknown. The LA at rest and during passive leg lifts was echocardiographically assessed in 40 patients with HFpEF and in 46 patients with hypertension without HF (HT controls). Global peak atrial longitudinal strain during ventricular systole (global LAS) and booster strain during atrial contraction (global LAB) were assessed using speckle tracking. Patients with HFpEF had an enlarged LA and reduced LA emptying fraction compared with HT controls at rest, while LA stroke volume (SV) was similar between the groups. During leg lifts, increases in LA reservoir and contractile function (i.e., global LAS and LAB) were blunted in HFpEF patients compared with HT controls, resulting in impaired LASV responses. Global LAS and LAB during leg lifts accurately differentiated HFpEF from HT controls (areas under the curve: 0.95 and 0.92, respectively). Resting global LAS had a significant incremental diagnostic value over clinical (age and sex) and conventional echocardiographic parameters (E/E' ratio, left ventricular mass index, and maximum LA volume index) (global chi-square: 49.6 vs. 30.8 p < 0.0001). The diagnostic value was further improved by adding global LAS during leg lifts (global chi-square: 72.2 vs. 49.6 p < 0.0001). An enlarged LA compensates for LA dysfunction and maintains LASV at rest in patients with HFpEF. However, depressed LA reserve affects LA performance during leg lifts. Evaluation of LA function, including LA strain using leg lifts, might provide incremental diagnostic value for HFpEF.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2015.02.007
Abstract: Heart failure (HF) readmissions are a common and serious problem of heterogeneous etiology. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction has not been found to be a consistent risk marker. However, LV strain has been shown to predict outcomes in other settings, so the aim of this study was to determine the association of LV strain with 30-day HF readmission, independent of and incremental to clinical and basic echocardiographic parameters. A total of 468 patients who underwent echocardiography at the time of the first admission for HF from July 2009 to June 2012 were retrospectively studied. Clinical parameters were comprehensively assessed, and standard echocardiographic parameters and two strain parameters (global longitudinal strain [GLS] and global circumferential strain) were measured using speckle-tracking. Patients were followed for all-cause 30-day hospital readmission or death after discharge, and the associations of parameters with outcome were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. Readmission within 30 days (n = 92 patients [20%]) was associated with greater impairment of LV GLS (-8.6% [interquartile range, -10.9% to -5.9%] vs -11.1% [interquartile range, -14.6% to -7.7%], P < .01). The association of GLS with readmission (hazard ratio, 1.13 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.19 P 50%. GLS is associated with HF readmission, independent of and incremental to clinical and basic echocardiographic parameters.
Publisher: Korean Society of Echocardiography
Date: 2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-11-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S10396-021-01160-9
Abstract: Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a robust and sensitive marker of left-ventricular systolic function, reflecting longitudinal shortening of the ventricle. A growing body of evidence indicates its superiority in identifying subclinical, early alterations in cardiac function compared to traditional markers, such as ejection fraction. Therefore, there is a growing demand to assess GLS in clinical settings, but limited availability on how to obtain GLS accurately and appropriately in the current literature. This review summarizes key aspects of GLS measurement, including image acquisition, post-processing, and training/experience needed to facilitate the clinical implication with standardization.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-03-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S00246-019-02088-1
Abstract: In adults, noninvasive assessments of vascular function have been established. However, little is known about the applicability and reference values of these techniques among children < 6 years old and none ≤ 2. We aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting noninvasive vascular assessments in 2-year-old children and the normal range of results in this age group. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and abdominal aorta IMT (aaIMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), arterial diameter change, stiffness index (β), and distensibility were assessed in 2-year-old children. IMT was assessed using an automatic contour detection. The proportion of successful measurements was 72% (42/58) with cIMT 64%, aaIMT 67%, and PWV 43%. Average far wall cIMT was 0.51 mm and 0.40 for aaIMT. Mean PWV was 4.15 m/s, with relatively wider range in stiffness index and distensibility. Common carotid arteries had a higher mean distensibility of 4.58%/10 mmHg compared with 2.98%/10 mmHg for the abdominal aorta. The number of data points automatically detected at far wall cIMT was higher than that in aaIMT (left cIMT: 244 ± 13 and right: 240 ± 23 vs. abdominal 185 ± 63, p < 0.001). Better and more consistent quality was achieved for cIMT than aaIMT measurements. PWV measurement was only feasible in cooperative children with efficient distractions. Noninvasive methods for early detection of cardiovascular risks were feasible in at least two-thirds of 2-year-old children. Given the greater feasibility and image quality, cIMT is a preferable option for assessing vascular health in young children.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2018.10.016
Abstract: The pressure recovery-adjusted aortic valve area (AVA), called the energy loss coefficient (ELCo), is theoretically a more accurate parameter for evaluating aortic stenosis (AS) severity. The aim of this study was to compare the prognostic value of ELCo with that of conventional AVA. Indexed AVA (iAVA) was measured using Doppler echocardiography in 301 asymptomatic Japanese patients with AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fractions. Sinotubular junction diameter was also measured, and the indexed ELCo (iELCo) was calculated. Patients were followed for major cardiac events, including cardiac death, ventricular fibrillation, myocardial infarction, heart failure requiring admission, and aortic valve replacement. The mean sinotubular junction diameter was 2.5 ± 0.3 cm, and >90% of patients had sinotubular junction diameters < 3 cm. There was a quadratic correlation between iAVA and iELCo (r = 0.97, P < .001). During a median of 17.4 months of follow-up, 90 patients had major cardiac events. Statistical analysis failed to show any superiority of iELCo over iAVA for predicting major cardiac events. However, iELCo stratified high-risk patients for cardiac outcome in a subset of patients whose AS grades were classified as severe using iAVA and in those whose AS severity was inconsistent (iAVA < 0.6 cm The calculation of iELCo may not be always required, even in patients with asymptomatic AS with small aortic roots. However, this index should be calculated in patients whose AS grading assessed by iAVA is severe and in those in whom AS severity criteria are inconsistent.
Publisher: Japanese Circulation Society
Date: 2008
Abstract: Normal values for echocardiographic measurements and the relationship between these parameters and age in a large Japanese population are still unknown. A total of 700 healthy Japanese aged 20-79 years underwent 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography at collaborating institutions. The respective mean values obtained in men and women were as follows: septal wall thickness, 0.9+/-0.1 and 0.8+/-0.1 cm posterior wall thickness, 0.9+/-0.1 and 0.8+/-0.1 cm left ventricular (LV) diastolic diameter, 4.8+/-0.4 and 4.4+/-0.3 cm LV systolic diameter, 3.0+/-0.4 and 2.8+/-0.3 cm LV diastolic volume, 93+/-20 and 74+/-17 ml LV systolic volume, 33+/-20 and 25+/-7 ml LV ejection fraction, 64+/-5 and 66+/-5% maximum left atrial (LA) volume, 42+/-14 and 38+/-12 ml. Aortic root diameter, LV wall thickness, and LV mass slightly increased with age, whereas indexed LA volume did not vary with age. Diastolic parameters assessed by mitral inflow and mitral annular velocities declined with age, as previously reported. Normal values of echocardiographic measurements in a large Japanese population are reported for the first time several systolic and diastolic parameters varied with age. These results provide important reference values that should be useful in routine clinical practice as well as in clinical trials.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECHO.2015.07.028
Abstract: Left atrial (LA) remodeling and dysfunction reflect chronic exposure to elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressures. The aim of this longitudinal cohort study was to define the effect of reducing LV filling pressures on reverse remodeling of LA volume (LAV) and function. This retrospective cohort included 195 patients (52% men mean age, 64 ± 14 years) in sinus rhythm with LA dilatation and sequential echocardiograms (median interval, 1 year interquartile range, 0.5-2.0 years). One hundred seventy-four patients underwent medical therapy (82 with reduced E/e' ratios), and 21 underwent surgery for valvular heart disease. Biplane LAV (normal value, ≤ 68 mL for men, ≤ 62 mL for women), LA strain (ε) (normal value, >32%) and LV filling pressures (assessed as E/e' ratio normal value, <13) were measured. Although LAV at baseline and follow-up were 88 ± 27 and 81 ± 24 mL, LA ε and E/e' ratio remained stable at 26 ± 11% and 14 ± 7, respectively. Changes in E/e' ratio were associated with changes in LAV (r = 0.37, P < .001) and LA ε (r = -0.51 P < .001). Although reduced E/e' ratio or improved LA ε at follow-up occurred in about 50% of the patients, only 26% (51 of 195) had normalized LAV. Compared with surgery, successful reduction of E/e' with medical therapy was less effective in reducing LAV (P < .001) but produced similar improvement in LA ε. Having normal or improved E/e' ratio at follow-up was not associated with normalization of LAV (relative risk, 1.29 [P = .326] and 1.22 [P = .421], respectively) but was associated with normalized LA ε (relative risk, 2.04 [P = .011] and 1.86 [P = .017], respectively) independently of LAV. Reduction in LV filling pressures reduces but rarely normalizes LAV. The strong association of reduced LV filling pressure with improved LA function indicated by LA longitudinal ε supports the increasing interest of LA ε measurement.
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 15-08-2023
DOI: 10.1242/DEV.201627
Abstract: Teleost fish of the genus Danio are excellent models to study the genetic and cellular bases of pigment pattern variation in vertebrates. The two sister species Danio rerio and Danio aesculapii show ergent patterns of horizontal stripes and vertical bars that are partly caused by the ergence of the potassium channel gene kcnj13. Here, we show that kcnj13 is required only in melanophores for interactions with xanthophores and iridophores, which cause location-specific pigment cell shapes and thereby influence colour pattern and contrast in D. rerio. Cis-regulatory rather than protein coding changes underlie kcnj13 ergence between the two Danio species. Our results suggest that homotypic and heterotypic interactions between the pigment cells and their shapes erged between species by quantitative changes in kcnj13 expression during pigment pattern ersification.
Location: Australia
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: Australia
No related grants have been discovered for Kazuaki Negishi.