Myocardial strain analysis by 4D-speckle tracking echocardiography for prediction of coronary artery disease severity in patients with stable angina pectoris

Objective: We sought to evaluate the myocardial strain by four-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (4D-STE) in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) to determine the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) based on the Gensini score. Methods: The present study comprised of 150 patients with SAP. Patients with history of SAP, normal left ventricular ejection fraction, and without regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) were scheduled for elective coronary angiography. Based on Gensini score, there were two groups: non-critical stenosis group [Gensini score (0e19), n ¼ 117] and critical stenosis group [Gensini score 20, n ¼ 33]. Correlation between Gensini score and 4D-STE strain parameters were investigated. Results: Out of 150 patients, critical stenosis group had significantly depressed values of all 4D-STE strain parameters than non-critical stenosis group (p < 0.001), except global radial strain (GRS) parameter. Significant positive correlation was found between Gensini score and 4D global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS) with Spearman's correlation coefficient (r) as 0.626, 0.548, and 0.631, respectively (p < 0.001), whereas significant negative correlation was found between Gensini score and GRS (r ¼ 0.433, p < 0.001). A 4D GLS value of 17 had 84.9% sensitivity and 97.4% specificity, GAS 31 (90.9% sensitivity, 78.6% specificity), GCS 17 (69.7% sensitivity, 92.3% specificity), and GRS <47 (sensitivity 72.7%, specificity 76.1%) to detect critical CAD described by Gensini score 20. Conclusion: The 4D-STE can aid in the assessment of severe CAD stenosis with good sensitivity and specificity in the patients with SAP without RWMA on traditional echocardiography.

Subcostal right ventricular free wall strain in patients with pulmonary hypertension / Strain subcostal de la pared libre del ventriculo derecho en pacientes con hipertensión pulmonar

Abstract Right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS) is frequently used as a measure of right ventricular systolic function. Abnormal RV strain is associated with poor prognosis in patients with pulmonary hyper tension (PH); however, the measure is not always easy to obtain in patients with poor apical acoustic windows. Objective: This study aims to analyze the RVLS and determine if there is a difference when measured from the apical and subcostal views. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed 22 adult outpatients (≥ 18 years old), 81% female, mean age 49.9 ± 17.3 years, with a diagnosis of PH using right heart catheterization, followed from January 2016 to January 2020. Results: RVLS measured in the RV free wall from the apical views was -15% (-19% to -10%) and subcostal views -14.5% (-18% to -11%) were highly correlated (Person's r = 0.969, p < 0.0001). Segment by segment analysis did not show significant differences either: basal four-chamber vs. sub costal view was -16.5% (-21% to -11%) vs. -15.5% (-20% to -11%), p = 0.99, mid four-chamber view vs. subcotal view was -16.5% (-21% to -12%) vs. -16.5% (-20% to -11%), p = 0.87, apical four-chamber view vs. subcostal view was -12% (-18% to -8%) vs. -13.5% (-19% to -10%), p = 0.93. Conclusion: Subcostal RVLS free wall is a feasible and accurate alternative to conventional RVLS free wall from the apical view in patients with pulmonary hypertension and could be useful in patients with poor acoustic apical four-chamber windows.

Resumen El strain longitudinal del ventrículo derecho (SLVD) permite medir la función sistólica del ventrículo derecho (VD). La disminución del strain (deformación) del VD se asocia con mal pronóstico en pacientes con hipertensión pulmonar (HP), pero no siempre es fácil de obtener en pacientes con mala ventana acústica apical. Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar el SLVD y determinar si las vistas apical y subcostal son comparables. Métodos: En este estudio transversal, se incluyeron 22 pacientes adultos ambulatorios (≥18 años), 81% mujeres, edad promedio 49.9 ± 17.3 años, con diagnóstico de HP mediante cateterismo cardíaco derecho, seguidos desde enero de 2016 hasta enero de 2020. Se midió la deformación de la pared libre del ventrículo derecho desde las vistas de cuatro cámaras apical y cuatro cámaras subcostal. Resultados: El SLVD medido en la pared libre del VD desde la vista apical fue -15% (-19% a -10%) vs. -14.5% (-18% a -11%) cuando se midió desde la vista subcostal (p = 0,99). El análisis segmento por s egmento tampoco mostró diferencias significativas: el segmento basal apical vs. subcostal fue -16.5% (-21% a -11%) vs. -15.5% (-20% a -11%), p = 0.99, el segmento medio apical vs. la vista subcotal fue -16.5% (-21% a -12%) vs. a -16.5% (-20% a -11%), p = 0.87, el segmento apical vs. la vista subcostal fue -12% (-18% a -8%) frente a -13.5% (-19% a -10%), p = 0.93. Conclusión: En pacientes con HP, el SLVD obtenido en la pared libre subcostal es una alternativa útil en los casos con ventana acústica apical subóptima.

Assessment of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Cases with Liver Cirrhosis

Background: Cirrhosis is a long-term inflammatory process of hepatic tissue condition that mainly affects people aged 50 to 60. This study aims to assess Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in cases with cirrhotic liver by conventional, tissue Doppler and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography to clarify the correlation between the severity of cirrhotic liver and LVDD. Methods: A prospective case-control research involved 100 adult cases with confirmed HCV and HBV. Cases were divided into 4 equal group: Group A: Child A cases, group B: Child B cases, group C: Child C cases and group D (Controls): healthy non-hepatic subjects of the same age and sex who have normal blood pressure, nonsmoking participants with no further concomitant problems. Results: Number of cases with LVDD had a statistical noticeable increase in Child A, B, and C (p =0.004, <0.001, and <0.001 respectively. LAVi had a statistical noticeable increase in Child C / B (p =0.013 and p =0.014). Conclusion: Left atrial volume index (LAVi) had a statistical noticeable increase in Child C / B in comparison to the controls but E m, E l were statistical noticeable lower in Child C / B. /E had a statistical noticeable increase in Child C group, LVSRe had a statistical noticeable decrease in Child C group but it was insignificantly different across Child A / B/ C and controls and across Child B / C and controls.

Quantitative evaluation of right atrial function in fetuses with moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the application value of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in measuring the global longitudinal peak strain of the right atrium (PRAGLS) in normal fetuses and evaluating PRAGLS in assessing right atrial function in fetuses with moderate and severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR).Methods:A total of 25 fetuses diagnosed with moderate and severe TR, who underwent fetal echocardiography at Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine between October 2020 and May 2022, were selected as the case group. Their gestational age ranged from 25.00(24.00, 30.00)weeks. Additionally, 100 normal singleton fetuses were chosen as the control group, with a gestational age of 25.83(23.00, 28.75)weeks. Standard basal or apical four-chamber clips were acquired and inputted into TOMTEC-ARENA offline cardiac analysis software for analysis. The fetal PRAGLS values of the two groups were obtained, as well as the routine obstetric ultrasound measurements and fetal echocardiographic parameters of both groups: fetal heart rate (FHR), biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), aortic annulus inner diameter (AO), pulmonary annulus inner diameter (PA), PA/AO ratio, right atrial end-systolic length (RAESL), right atrial end-systolic diameter (RAESD), right atrial end-systolic area (RAESA), right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). The peak TR velocity and pressure gradient were simultaneously measured in the case group.The differences in fetal PRAGLS and other parameters between the two groups were compared and analyzed. The correlation between fetal PRAGLS and gestational age (GA) and routine measurements was assessed for both groups. Intra- and inter-observer repeatability tests were conducted using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC).Results:A significant difference in PRAGLS was observed between the two groups ( t=11.55, P<0.01). The TAPSE difference between the two groups was also statistically significant ( Z=3.45, P=0.01). Notable differences were found in AO, PA, PA/AO, RAESL, RAESD, and RAESA between the two groups (all P<0.05), but no significant differences were identified in age, GA, FHR, BPD, FL, and RVEDD between the two groups (all P>0.05). PRAGLS in the control group exhibited a moderate negative correlation with GA ( r=-0.47, P<0.01) and were correlated with BPD, FL, AO, PA, RAESL, RAESD, RAESA, and RVEDD ( r=-0.50, -0.46, -0.39, -0.43, -0.45, -0.36, -0.43, -0.32, all P<0.05). No significant correlation was observed with maternal age, FHR, PA/AO, and TAPSE (all P>0.05). No significant correlation between PRAGLS and GA or other conventional parameters was found in the case group (all P>0.05). The inter-measurer and intra-measurer ICC of PRAGLS in the control group were 0.87 and 0.79, respectively, while the inter-measurer and intra-measurer ICC of PRAGLS in the case group were 0.94 and 0.97, respectively, demonstrating good consistency. Conclusions:2D-STE exhibits strong feasibility and reproducibility in assessing fetal atrial function.Fetuses with moderate and severe TR display decreased PRAGLS, suggesting impaired right atrial reservoir function. Right atrial strain introduces a novel method for evaluating fetal cardiac function.

Preliminary study of cardiac morphology and function in fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot using fetal heart quantification / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the fetal heart shape and function in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) by fetal heart quantitative analysis (fetal HQ).Methods:A total of 52 fetuses with TOF diagnosed by fetal echocardiography and 200 normal fetuses matched with their gestational weeks from March 2020 to March 2022 at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University were retrospectively evaluated. The basic parameters of fetal cardiac blood vessels in the two groups were measured by fetal HQ technology and conventional M-mode ultrasound technology: aortic valve diameter(AV), pulmonary artery valve diameter(PV), main pulmonary artery diameter (MPA) and Z-score. The overall morphometric measurements including end-diastolic length diameter, transverse diameter, area, and global spherical index (GSI) of the fetal heart in the 4-chamber view(4CV), area and length of the right and left ventricles and their ratios. Measurements of left and right ventricular function included ejection fraction (EF), fraction area change rate (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), left and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), and left and right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (ED), spherical index (SI), and fractional shortening rate (FS) of 24-segments. The differences of above parameters between TOF group and control group were compared. In addition, the relationships between the absolute value of left and right ventricular GLS of TOF fetus and PV/AV, PV Z-score and MPA Z-score were analyzed. The optimal critical values of GSI, left ventricular EF and left ventricular FAC of TOF fetus were determined by ROC curve, and their corresponding sensitivity and specificity were obtained.Results:Compared with control group, there were significant differences in 4CV end-diastolic length, area, GSI, left ventricular area, left ventricular length, left ventricular EF, left ventricular FAC and left ventricular GLS in TOF group (all P<0.05). There were significant differences in ED between left ventricular 15-24 segments and right ventricular 1-21 segments (all P<0.05). There were significant differences in SI between left ventricular 1-16 segments, 21-24 segments and all segments of right ventricle (all P<0.05). The differences in FS were statistically significant (all P<0.05) when comparing all segments of the left ventricle and 1-2 segments of the right ventricular, and the remaining parameters were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). The left ventricular GLS absolute value of TOF fetuses was positively correlated with PV/AV, PV Z-score and MPA Z-score( rs=0.338, 0.441 and 0.458, all P<0.05), the right ventricular GLS absolute value of TOF fetuses was positively correlated with PV AV, PV Z-score and MPA Z-score( rs=0.418, 0.368 and 0.338, all P<0.05). The optimal critical values of GSI, left ventricular EF, and left ventricular FAC in the diagnosis of fetal TOF were 1.19, 59.05%, and 44.4%, respectively. At this time, the sensitivities of diagnosis of TOF were 0.78, 0.75, and 0.80, respectively. The specificities were 0.88, 0.88 and 0.83, respectively. The areas under ROC curve were 0.89, 0.88 and 0.89, respectively. Conclusions:Fetal HQ technology can provide a simple and reliable quantitative evaluation of fetal heart shape and function, and provide certain theoretical parameters for the study of fetal heart shape and function.

Evaluation of right ventricular function using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography and analysis of the risk factors for right ventricular dysfunction in patients with silicosis / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the right ventricular function using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2-D STE) and analyze the associated risk factors of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with silicosis. Methods: All 104 patients with silicosis treated in the Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University from May 2021 to September 2022 were enrolled in this study in October 2022. The clinical information of patients such as general data, arterial blood gas analysis and pulmonary function test were collected. The right ventricular function of patients was evaluated by 2-D STE-derived right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) and conventional echocardiographic-derived parameters, including right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and doppler tissue imaging-derived tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S'), respectively. Based on their RVFWLS, the patients were divided into right ventricular dysfunction group and normal right ventricular function group. Risk factors for right ventricular dysfunction in patients with silicosis were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 104 silicosis patients were enrolled, with aneverage age (65.52±11.18) years old, among whom including 57 cases diagnosed with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ silicosis and 47 cases diagnosed with stage Ⅲ silicosis. 26 (25.00%) patients concurrent right ventricular dysfunction. The abnormal rates of RVFAC, TAPSE and S' in patients were 16.35% (17 cases), 21.15% (22 cases) and 6.73% (7 cases), respectively. The RVFAC and TAPSE in right ventricular dysfunction group were lower than those in normal right ventricular function group, and the incidence of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure ≥36 mmHg was higher than that in normal right ventricular function group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that arterial partial pressure of oxygen (OR=0.932, 95%CI: 0.885-0.981, P=0.007) was the protective factor, and the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) /forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio<70% (OR=5.484, 95%CI: 1.049-28.662, P=0.044) and stage Ⅲ silicosis (OR=6.343, 95%CI: 1.698-23.697, P=0.007) were the risk factors for silicosis patients concurrent right ventricular dysfunction. Conclusion: The incidence of right ventricular dysfunction is higher in patients with stage Ⅲ silicosis than that in patients with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ silicosis. Using 2-D STE can help the early detection of silicosis with right ventricular dysfunction. Hypoxemia, airflow limitation and the stage Ⅲ silicosis are the risk factors for silicosis patients concurrent right ventricular dysfunction.

Correlation between left atrial strain and left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive patients / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Early detection of asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction is essential to prevent the development of heart failure in hypertensive patients. Current studies suggest that left atrial strain contributes to the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function, but there are fewer studies on the correlation between left atrial strain and diastolic function in hypertensive patients. In this study, we applied a two-dimensional speckle tracking technique to evaluate the changes in left atrial strain in hypertensive patients, and to investigate the relationship between left atrial strain and left ventricular diastolic function.@*METHODS@#A total of 82 hypertensive patients who were visited the Department of Cardiology at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from July 2021 to January 2022, were enrolled for this study, and 59 healthy subjects served as a control group. According to the number of left ventricular diastolic function indexes recommended by the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography Diastolic Function Guidelines (mitral annular e´ velocity: Septal e´<7 cm/s, lateral e´<10 cm/s, E/e´ ratio>14, left atrial volume index>34 mL/m2, peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity>2.8 m/s), the hypertensive patients were divided into 3 groups: Group Ⅰ (0 index, n=36 ), Group Ⅱ (1 index, n=39), and Group Ⅲ (2 indexes, n=7). Two-dimensional speckle tracking technique was used to measure left atrial reservoir strain (LASr), conduit strain, and contraction strain, and to analyze the correlation between left atrial strain and left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive patients.@*RESULTS@#The LASr, left atrial conduit strain (LAScd), and LASr/(E/septal e´) of the hypertension group were lower than those of the control group, and E/LASr was higher than that of the control group. There was no significant difference in left atrium volume index between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Compared with Group Ⅰ, LASr, LAScd, and LASr/(E/septal e´) were decreased in Group Ⅱ and Group Ⅲ, LASr/(E/septal e´) was also decreased in Group Ⅲ compared with Group Ⅱ (all P<0.05). Compared with Group Ⅰ, E/LASr was increased in Group Ⅲ. LASr was positively correlated with septal e´, lateral e´, E, and E/A, and negatively correlated with E/septal e´.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The changes of left atrial function in patients with early hypertension are earlier than those of left atrial structure. Left atrial strain and its combination with conventional ultrasonographic indices [LASr/(E/septal e´)] of diastolic function are potentially useful in assessing left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive patients.

Aportes del ecocardiograma y las técnicas de deformación miocárdica en la amiloidosis cardíaca: bases de la técnica y hallazgos de utilidad diagnóstica / Contributions of echocardiography and myocardial deformation techniques in cardiac amyloidosis: basis of the technique and diagnostically useful findings / Contribuições da ecocardiografia e das técnicas de deformação miocárdica na amiloidose cardíaca: base da técnica e resultados diagnosticamente úteis

La amiloidosis cardíaca es una miocardiopatía restrictiva infiltrativa secundaria al depósito extracelular de amiloide. Las diferentes técnicas de imagen cardíaca permiten la evaluación de forma no invasiva. El ecocardiograma juega un rol central en la evaluación diagnóstica, pronóstica y ayuda a guiar el tratamiento. El objetivo de este artículo de revisión es describir las diferentes herramientas que nos brinda la ecocardiografía, poniendo énfasis en el strain por speckle tracking y describir su rol en el diagnóstico de esta patología.

Cardiac amyloidosis is an infiltrative restrictive cardiomyopathy secondary to extracellular amyloid deposition. Different cardiac imaging techniques allow noninvasive evaluation. Echocardiography plays a central role in diagnostic and prognostic evaluation and helps to guide treatment. The aim of this review is to describe the different tools provided by echocardiography, with emphasis on speckle tracking strain and to describe its role in the diagnosis of this pathology.

A amiloidose cardíaca é uma cardiomiopatia restritiva infiltrativa secundária ao depósito de amiloide extracelular. Diferentes técnicas de imagem cardíaca permitem fazer uma análise não invasiva. A ecocardiografia desempenha um papel central no diagnóstico e na avaliação prognóstica e ajuda a orientar o tratamento. O objetivo deste artigo de revisão é descrever as diferentes ferramentas proporcionadas pela ecocardiografia, com ênfase no strain por speckle tracking, e descrever o seu papel no diagnóstico desta patologia.

Tissue tracking of segmental strain as a predictor of provoked dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction

Background: Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) is commonly observed in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Some patients develop LVOTO provoked by physical exertion, and hence termed dynamic LVOTO (DLVOTO). However, its precise prevalence and mechanism are still unclear. Aim: Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) seems to be helpful for the detection of early LV structural abnormalities. This study aimed to examine the possible role of segmental as well as global longitudinal strain in identifying DLVOTO non-HCM patients as detected by dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). Methods and results: Two hundred and fifty patients without structural heart disease had undergone conventional transthoracic echocardiography, 2D STE, and DSE. All patients with non-ischemic evidence were divided into two groups according to the DSE results; DLVOTO (þ) and DLVOTO (). Among 250 patients, 50 patients (36%) had shown DLVOTO after DSE (15 males, 35 females; mean age 55±7years). They were compared with 90 non -LVOTO obstruction patients (43 males, 47 females; mean age 57±6years). Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of provoked DLVOTO during DSE were resting basal septal longitudinal strain BS-LS average (p < 0.001), resting LA reservoir strain (p < 0.001), and systolic LVOT diameter (p ¼ 0.03). Resting BS-LS average with cut-off - 17.5% was recognized as a critical indicator of DLVOTO, with sensitivity 78%, and specificity 95% (better than systolic LVOT diameter of sensitivity 76%, and specificity 15% and resting LA reservoir strain which showed poor AUC at ROC curve 0.007). Conclusion: We demonstrate that provoked LVOTO during DSE in non HCM symptomatic patients is directly correlated to resting regional LS, where the increased BS-LS of 17.5% was a key determinant of LVOT gradient provocation. Assessment of baseline BS-LS average might be a bedside simple tool for detection of patients with DLVOTO not able to do DSE.

Speckle Tracking in Acute Non-St Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes Patients as a Factor of Risk Stratification

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) early diagnosis remains a clinical problem in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), especially in the regional wall motion abnormalities’ absence on presentation by Echo. This study assessed the relationship between ECG changes and speckle Tracking in subjects with acute NSTE-ACS. Methods: This prospective trial was performed on 100 subjects with NSTE-ACS. All subjects were subjected to laboratory tests [complete blood picture, renal function test, liver test profile, lipid profile, RBS and cardiac biomarkers (cardiac troponin, creatinine kinase and CK-MB)], 12 lead ECG, Echocardiography (TTE, speckle tracking), Image analysis and coronary angiography. Results: regarding IVRT, TDI e`, TDI a`, a considerable difference between the two groups were found. DBP was considerably lower in STD group in comparison with TWI group (P value= 0.047). IVRT, TDI a` and GLS were considerably higher in STD group in comparison with TWI group (P value= 0.024, 0.031, 0.003 respectively). Conclusions: Speckle tracking could be used as part of standard echo for the examination of individuals suffering from NSTE-ACS.

Effect of Intra Cardiac Shunts on Left Ventricular Systolic Function: A Speckle Tracking Study

Background: The left ventricular (LV) chamber size and its systolic function is the most common and quickest assessment made by echocardiography, either in the intra operative or intensive care setting, being the pressure generator for the blood supply to the body .Congenital cardiac defects come in two main types: atrial and ventricular septal defects (ASD/VSD). Regression or spontaneous closure may be the natural course of minor septal defects. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of speckle tracking echocardiography in estimation of left ventricular systolic function in congenital shunt lesions (ASD, VSD and PDA). Subjects and Methods: This study was done in Tanta University Hospital including 270 patients. The patients were divided into four groups: ASD patients, VSD patients, PDA patients and control subjects. Results: It showed statistically significant difference between ASD, PDA and control group. The difference between the PDA group and the control group was statistically significant. There was a statistically significant difference between the ASD group and the control group in terms of EF percent, FS percent, and ESV ROC curve for Validity of GLS to predict LV systolic dysfunction in PDA Group. Sensitivity was 68 and sensitivity was 80. Conclusion: It was determined that Speckle-tracking echocardiography offers an additional non-invasive method for evaluating patients' left ventricular function. With congenital shunt lesions.

Papel de la ecocardiografía speckle-tracking (rastreo de marcas) y la resonancia magnética cardíaca-feature tracking en la circulación de Fontan. Diferencias entre los ventrículos derecho e izquierdo / Speckle-tracking echocardiography and MCR-feature tracking in Fontan circulation. Differences between right and left ventricles

Resumen Introducción: En los pacientes con DCPT, la disfunción ventricular es inevitable, y más temprana en VU derechos. La deformación miocárdica por STE y RMC-FT parece promisoria. Objetivo: Analizar la función ventricular mediante STE y RMC-FT en pacientes con DCPT, en comparación con RMC convencional según la morfología del VU y la posible implicación en su diagnóstico temprano. Método: Se recogieron medidas del strain longitudinal y circunferencial por STE y RMC-FT, volúmenes ventriculares y FE por RMC en 64 pacientes con DCPT. Resultados: La morfología ventricular no se relacionó con disfunción por RMC. Los VU derechos tuvieron valores por STE y RMC-FT disminuidos respecto de los VU izquierdos, con FE similares. Existe correlación entre STE y RMC-FT, no equivalentes, con buena factibilidad y reproducibilidad. Conclusiones: La RMC-FT y el STE son técnicas útiles en el diagnóstico temprano y la vigilancia de la función ventricular en VU derechos con FE preservada.

Abstract Introduction: In patients with TCPC, the development of ventricular dysfunction is inevitable and is more precocious in SRVs. Myocardial deformation by STE and CMR-FT is promising. Objective: To analize ventricular function in patients with TCPC using STE and CMR-FT compared with conventional cMRI, depending on SV morphology, to determine their role in early diagnosis of ventricular dysfunction. Method: Sixty-four patients with TCPC were included. Longitudinal and circumferential strain by STE and CMR-FT and ventricular volume and EF were obtained. Results: Dysfunction analyzed by cMRI showed no association with ventricular morphology. SRVs had lower values in STE and CMR-FT compared with SLVs, with similar EF. While not equivalent, correlation was observed between the STE and the CMR-FT values, demonstrating good feasibility and reproducibility. Conclusion: The strain data in CMR-FT and STE could be useful for diagnosis and monitoring of ventricular function and as markers of early SRV dysfunction with preserved EF.

Speckle Tracking as Predictor of Coronary Artery Disease in Diabetic Female with Acute Chest Pain

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the most common reason of mortality and morbidity all-over the world and is the major complication of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and the consequences of its diagnosis are as severe as a diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Females are more likely to develop atypical symptoms of coronary CAD than males later in life. Imaging of deformation by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) has developed as a highly effective method for quantification of the function of myocardium. This research aimed to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosis using speckle tracking for prediction of the existence or absence of severe CAD in diabetic female with acute chest pain by using two-dimensional echocardiography. Methods: This study is a cohort prospective research which was carried out at the department of cardiology, Tanta University Hospitals and National Heart Institute from the duration of October 2019 to September 2020 on 60 diabetic female patients above 18 years old with acute chest pain may be prolonged for > 20 minutes or transient, changes in ECG in the form of depression of ST segment and/or inversion of T wave (ECG may be normal) and cardiac biomarkers (troponin and CKMB) may be elevated or normal. Results: 2D speckle tracking was good predictor for multi-vessels disease with 95% total accuracy, then for single vessels disease with 85% total accuracy and finally for double vessel disease stenosis with 80% accuracy as shown in table. Among Non-STEMI group, 2D speckle tracking was good predictor for multi-vessels disease with 95% total accuracy, then for single vessels disease with 80% total accuracy and finally for double vessel disease stenosis with 75% accuracy as shown in table. Conclusions: We found that speckle tracking is effective in predicting presence of CAD in diabetic female patients had acute chest pain and in prediction of affected vessels depending on the distribution of affected segments in longitudinal strain by GLS. In addition, it can be used as non-invasive test for patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Left ventricular function assessment after aortic and renal intervention in Takayasu arteritis by speckle tracking echocardiography: A pilot study

Background: Overt left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and congestive heart failure are known entities in Takayasu arteritis (TA). Subclinical LV dysfunction may develop in these patients despite normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Moreover, effect of treatment of aortic or renal artery narrowing in such patients is unknown. Methods: This study included 15 angiographically confirmed TA patients undergoing aortic and/or renal intervention. A comprehensive clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic (2-dimensional, speckle tracking and tissue doppler imaging) evaluation were done at baseline, 72 h, and six months post intervention. Results: Six patients (40%) had reduced LVEF (<50%) at baseline while rest 9 (60%) patients had reduced global longitudinal strain (GLS) but normal EF. Diastolic filling pattern was abnormal in all the patients. In patients with baseline reduced EF, mean EF improved from 24.62 ± 12.14% to 45.6 ± 9.45% (p ¼ 0.001), E/ e’ ratio decreased from 15.15 ± 3.19 to 10.8 ± 2.56 (p ¼ 0.005) and median NT pro BNP decreased from 1673 pg/ml (970e2401 pg/ml) to 80 pg/ml (40e354 pg/ml) (p ¼ 0.001) at 6 months after interventional procedure. In patients with baseline normal EF, median NT pro BNP decreased from 512 pg/ml (80 e898.5 pg/ml) to 34 pg/ml (29e70.8 pg/ml) (p < 0.01), mean GLS improved from 8.80 ± 0.77% to 16.3 ± 0.78% (p < 0.001) and mean E/e’ decreased from 12.93 ± 2.63 to 7.8 ± 2.73 (p ¼ 0.005) at 6 months follow up. Conclusion: LV dysfunction is common in patients with TA and obstructive lesions in aorta or renal arteries. GLS can be used to assess subclinical systolic dysfunction in these patients. Timely intervention can improve LV dysfunction and can even reverse the subclinical changes

Left atrial function by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with severe rheumatic mitral stenosis and pulmonary hypertension

We studied left atrial (LA) function in severe rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) patients using twodimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Eighty patients with isolated severe MS in sinus rhythm and 40 controls underwent comprehensive echocardiography including STE derived LA strain [reservoir strain (LASr), conduit strain (LAScd) and contractile strain (LASct)]. The mean MVA was 0.93 ± 0.21 cm2 . The mean values of LASr (14.73 ± 8.59%), LAScd (±7.61 ± 4.47%) and LASct (±7.16 ± 5.15%) in patients were significantly lower (p < 0.001) vs. controls 44.11 ± 10.44%, ±32.45 ± 7.63%, -11.85 ± 6.77% respectively and showed decreasing trend with increasing MS severity and higher NYHA class. In conclusion, LA dysfunction is prevalent in severe MS irrespective of NYHA functional class.

Assessment of diaphragmatic dysfunction by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the application value of two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI) in evaluating diaphragm function, and to compare the ability of 2D-STI and conventional diaphragm ultrasonography in diagnosing diaphragmatic dysfunction and evaluating disease severity in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).Methods:A total of 58 AECOPD patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University from January to October 2021 were retrospectively enrolled as AECOPD group, and 34 healthy subjects were recruited as control group during the same period. Repeatability test of diaphragmatic 2D-STI was performed. According to modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scores system and COPD Assessment Test (CAT), mMRC 0-1 and CAT<10 was classified as group A, mMRC≥2 and CAT≥10 was classified as group B. The baseline characteristics, conventional diaphragm ultrasonography parameters(thickening fraction and excursion) and 2D-STI parameters (longitudinal and radial strains) were compared between the AECOPD group and the control group, and the Spearman correlation between parameters of AECOPD group and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was analyzed. The differences of these parameters between group A and B were also compared. The ROC curve of conventional diaphragm ultrasonography parameters and 2D-STI parameters was plotted to differentiate group A from group B, and the diagnostic efficacy was evaluated.Results:Great intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was found for all diaphragmatic 2D-STI parameters, with ICCs above 0.80 for all measurements. The control group and the AECOPD group did not differ in age, sex and body mass index( P>0.05), whereas there were significant differences in smoking history, lung function, bilateral thickening fraction, excursion, longitudinal and radial strains( P<0.05). Compared with control group, patients in group A had a significant increase in diaphragm thickness ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in that between group B and control group ( P>0.05). The bilateral longitudinal strains, radial strains and thickening fraction of diaphragm were linearly correlated with FEV1 (right side rs=0.828, 0.794, 0.843, respectively; all P<0.001; left side rs=0.757, 0.704, 0.752, respectively; all P<0.001 ), while the correlation between excursion and FEV1 was not significant(right side rs=0.247, left side rs=0.253; all P>0.05). There were significant differences in bilateral longitudinal strains, radial strains and thickening fraction between group A and group B(all P<0.05), whereas there was no significant difference in excursion between the two groups ( P>0.05). ROC analysis showed bilateral longitudinal and radial strains had higher accuracy in distinguishing group A from group B than thickening fraction and excursion(right side AUCs 0.90, 0.84, 0.78 and 0.62, respectively; left side AUCs 0.85, 0.83, 0.77 and 0.62, respectively). Conclusions:2D-STI is a real-time noninvasive technique for diaphragm function assessment, which has high clinical value. Compared with conventional ultrasonography, 2D-STI shows more accuracy and effectiveness in diagnosing diaphragmatic dysfunction and evaluating disease severity of patients with AECOPD.

Effect of preoperative pulmonary hypertension on right ventricular function of cardiac allograft assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of preoperative pulmonary hypertension (PH) on right ventricular function in patients with heart transplantation(HTx) one year after surgery.Methods:A total of 120 patients who underwent HTx in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2017 to January 2020 were retrospectively recruited.According to the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) obtained by preoperative right heart catheterization, the research subjects were divided into the pulmonary hypertension group (PH group, n=81) and without pulmonary hypertension group (NPH group, n=39). Conventional echocardiographic indices of right ventricular function such as right ventricular area change (RV-FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S′), and two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI) strain parameters including right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RV-GLS), right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FWLS) were obtained to assess the right ventricular function of grafted hearts. The echocardiographic parameters one year after the operation of the two groups were analyzed to compare the differences in right ventricular function and their correlation with preoperative mPAP. Results:The grafted heart RV-GLS and RV-FWLS were significantly decreased in the PH group (all P<0.01), while RV-FAC, TAPSE, and S′ were similar between the two groups (all P>0.05). RV-FWLS and RV-GLS correlated with preoperative hemodynamic parameter mPAP( rs=-0.46, -0.54; all P<0.05)while RV-FAC, TAPSE, and S′ were not significantly correlated with mPAP (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Preoperative PH correlates with right ventricular function in HTx patients 1 year after the operation. The absolute values of RV-FWLS and RV-GLS in HTx patients with preoperative PH decrease 1 year after the operation. 2D-STI is more sensitive than conventional echocardiography to monitor the changes in right ventricular function in HTx patients after the operation.

Evaluation of cardiac function and systolic dyssynchrony of fetuses exposed to maternal anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the cardiac function and systolic dyssynchrony of fetuses exposed to maternal autoimmune antibodies (anti-SSA/Ro60, anti-SSA/Ro52 and anti-SSB/La) by using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI).Methods:A total of 52 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy in the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University from July 2018 to November 2020 were selected. Eighteen fetuses of mothers with autoimmune antibodies were enrolled as autoimmune disease (AD) group and 34 fetuses of healthy mothers without antibodies were included as control group. Maternal baseline characteristics, fetoplacental Doppler parameters, and conventional echocardiographic data of two groups were prospectively collected. The systolic global and regional longitudinal strain of left and right ventricles (LV and RV) and the time to peak strain of regional myocardium were measured using 2D-STI. The differences in time to peak strain between the LV free wall and RV free wall (two-chamber dyssynchrony, 2C-DYS) and between the septum and LV free wall (one-chamber dyssynchrony, 1C-DYS) were also calculated.Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in conventional systolic and diastolic functional parameters for the LV and RV(all P>0.05). The myocardial deformation parameters and 2C-DYS obtained by 2D-STI showed no statistical differences between two groups(all P>0.05). However, 1C-DYS was significantly more prolonged in the AD group than control group[28.50(13.50, 39.25)ms vs 19.50(8.00, 29.25)ms, P=0.042]. Conclusions:LV systolic mechanical dyssynchrony in fetuses of mothers with autoimmune antibodies suggests in-utero subclinical damage of the cardiac conduction system.

Comparison of left ventricular function in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus prenatal and postpartum by two-dimentional speckle tracking echocardiography / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of routine echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in evaluating the left ventricular function of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) prenatal and postpartum.Methods:Twenty-two patients with clinically confirmed GDM in Xiamen Zhongshan Hospital from October 2019 to December 2020 were chosed as the case group, and 22 healthy pregnant women were chosed as the control group. Routine echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography were performed in the third trimester and about 3 months postpartum. Routine echocardiographic parameters and longitudinal strain (LS), circumfirential strain (CS) were obtained. The correlation between global longitudinal strain(GLS) and other cardiac function parameters was analyzed. The relationship between clinical parameters of pregnant women and GLS was analyzed by multiple linear regression.Results:In comparison with the control group, the interventricular septal diameter at disatole, left ventricular posterior wall diameter at diastole, Tei index were increased, e′ was decreased in GDM group(all P<0.05); the GLS, each layer LS of GDM group were lower than the control group(all P<0.05), the GLS, each layer LS and torsion parameters were improved at 3 months postpartum(all P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between GLS and Tei( r=-0.224, P=0.036). GLS and HbA 1c was linearly correlated with the regression equation: GLS=-27.458+ 1.534×HbA 1c( R2=0.115). Conclusions:The left heart function of pregnant women with GDM in the third trimester are significantly impaired, but the cardiac function recovers to a certain extent about 3 months after delivery. Two-dimentional speckle-tracking echocardiography is a more accurate and sensitive technique to evaluate the early damage of cardiac function in pregnant women with GDM.

Role of three-dimensional speckle tracking imaging in predicting the prognosis of light-chain cardiac amyloidosis with normal left ventricular ejection fraction / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the left ventricular myocardial strain in patients with light chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA) with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by three-dimensional speckle tracking imaging(3D-STI), and to explore the clinical value of 3D-STI in predicting the prognosis of AL-CA patients with normal LVEF.Methods:A total of 80 patients with AL-CA and LVEF≥50% were retrospectively analyzed in the Xijing Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University from October 2014 to May 2020.According to whether the patients had endpoint events, they were divided into endpoint event group and non-endpoint event group. The clinical data, conventional echocardiographic parameters, 3D-STI related parameters and follow-up results were collected. Cox regression proportional hazards model was used to analyze the survival status of AL-CA patients with univariate and multivariate regression analyses, in order to find the relevant indicators of conventional echocardiography and 3D-STI to predict adverse events.Results:All patients were followed up for 20(7.3, 40.8) months. At the end of follow-up, 25 patients had all-cause deaths. Compared with the non-endpoint group, the endpoint event group had significantly increased left ventricular end diastolic maximum wall thickness (MLVWT), peak early diastolic flow velocity/peak early diastolic velocity at mitral annulus(E/e′) (all P<0.05), and decreased LVEF, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and basal segment longitudinal strain (LS) (all P<0.05). Multivariate cox regression analysis after adjusting for age and gender showed that basal segment LS ( HR=0.812, 95% CI=0.675-0.976, P=0.026) was an independent predictor of end-point events in patients with AL-CA. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that AL-CA patients with basal segment LS≤13.07% were more likely to have endpoint events. Conclusions:Basal segment LS can be used as a predictor of endpoint events in patients with AL-CA.