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.

Mixoma auricular gigante como diagnóstico diferencial de disnea: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Giant atrial myxoma as differential diagnosis of dyspnea: a case report and literature review

Cardiac myxomas are the most common benign primary tumors and are most often located in the left atrium at the level of the interatrial septum, with the characteristic of being pedunculated and highly mobile, which is why they sometimes interfere with the functioning of the mitral valve, generating variable degrees of stenosis and mitral insufficiency. Diagnosis is by echocardiography and treatment is surgical resection. We present the case of a patient with a large atrial myxoma and severe double mitral lesion.

Renal angiomyolipoma with inferior vena cava and right atrial embolism: A case report and literature review / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) with renal vein, inferior vena cava (IVC), and right atrial embolism is a rare solid tumor, whose etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear. Moreover, it is often misdiagnosed. One patient with renal AML complicated with renal vein, IVC, and right atrial embolism was admitted to the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, who was a 35-year-old female, without any previous medical history, presented with right low back pain for more than 3 years. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed irregular lobulated fatty density mass in the right kidney, renal vein, IVC, and right atrium. The contrast-enhanced scan showed no enhancement of fat components at each phase and mild enhancement of solid components. Radical resection of the right kidney and removal of tumor thrombus were performed, and there was no recurrence 1 year after the operation. It is rare for renal AML to grow along the renal vein, IVC, and extend to the right atrium. Imaging examination is extremely important, and the CT findings of this case are characteristic, but the diagnosis eventually depends on pathological and immunohistochemical examinations.

Fast growth rate of a right atrial myxoma

ABSTRACT Primary cardiac tumors are rare, with an incidence between 0.0017 and 0.19%, and are asymptomatic in up to 72% of cases. Approximately 75% of tumors are benign, and nearly 50% of these are myxomas. Concerning location, 75% of myxomas are in the left atrium, 15 to 20% in the right atrium, and more rarely in the ventricles. The finding of cardiac myxomas usually implies immediate surgical excision to prevent embolic events and sudden cardiac death. Reports with documented growth rate are rare, and the actual growth rate remains a controversial issue. We report the rapid growth rate of a right atrial myxoma in an oligosymptomatic 69-year-old patient, with negative previous echocardiographic history in the last two years, who refused surgery upon diagnosis, enabling monitoring of myxoma growth.

Tumor renal con extensión al atrio derecho a través de la vena cava inferior: reporte de caso / Renal tumor with extension to the right atrium through the inferior vena cava: case report

Resumen El presente articulo describe un caso clínico de una paciente con un ''trombo tumoral''. Estos son tumores que se extienden desde el órgano afectado hasta el atrio derecho, por la vena cava inferior. Hasta el 10 % de los tumores descritos pueden alcanzar la vena cava inferior y el 1 % de estos llegan a atrio derecho. El carcinoma de células renales es el más frecuente en producir este cuadro. El objetivo del articulo es mostrar que es fundamental realizar un adecuado diagnóstico diferencial, ya que existen diferentes procesos tumorales que pueden causar un ''trombo tumoral'' y diferentes causas de masas en el atrio derecho. La clínica de los pacientes con este cuadro será por obstrucción de la vena cava. El diagnóstico se realiza con estudios de imágenes, ultrasonido (US), ecocardiograma, tomografía axial computarizada (TAC) y resonancia magnética. El manejo debe de ser quirúrgico, sin embargo, presenta pronóstico desfavorable, en algunos casos se puede resecar el tumor primario y extraer la masa que ha invadido la vena cava inferior.

Abstract: This article describes a clinical case of a patient with a 'tumoral thrombus''. These are tumors that extend from the affected organ to the right atrium, through the inferior vena cava. Up to 10% of the tumors described can reach the inferior vena cava and 1% of these reach the right atrium. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common to produce this condition. The objective of the article is to show that it is essential to carry out an adequate differential diagnosis since there are different tumor processes that can cause a ''tumoral thrombus'' and different causes of masses in the right atrium. The symptoms of patients with this condition will be caused by the obstruction of the vena cava. The diagnosis is made with imaging studies, ultrasound (US), echocardiography, computerized axial tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. The management must be surgical, however it has an unfavorable prognosis, in some cases the primary tumor can be resected and the mass that has invaded the inferior vena cava removed.

Coexistent mitral stenosis and left circumflex coronary artery to left atrial fistula in a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension

Abstract Coronary artery to left atrial fistula is rare in patients with mitral stenosis. We report an interesting case of a patient with concomitant mitral valve stenosis and coronary fistulae, originating from the left circumflex artery and drained into the left atrium with two terminal orifices.

Multidisciplinary approach to right ventricular myxoma

Abstract Right ventricular (RV) myxoma that obstructs the RV outflow tract is rare. Multimodality imaging is crucial due to the curved and triangular shape of the RV anatomy. Incomplete resection by the right atrial approach in cardiac myxomas may be prevented by preoperative imaging with echocardiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to provide detailed visualization. Right ventriculotomy may be an alternative approach to the isolated atrial approach to get complete resection of RV myxoma in suitable patients. The preferred surgical treatment is not well defined for ventricular myxomas and careful preoperative planning is essential. Surgical resection should be performed as soon as possible to avoid outflow tract obstruction, which might result in sudden death. The collaboration between cardiologist and heart surgeon and the effective use of imaging tools are essential for successful treatment. In this article, diagnosis and treatment and the heart team approach to RV myxoma are discussed with a demonstrative patient.

Cuando no todo es lo que parece_: masa extracardíaca en la aurícula izquierda: reporte de un caso en Uruguay / When not everything is what it seems_: extra-cardiac mass in the left atrium: a case report in Uruguay / Quando nem tudo é o que parece_: massa extracardíaca em átrio esquerdo: relato de um caso no Uruguai

La hernia hiatal es una entidad relativamente frecuente y puede ser un hallazgo incidental en un estudio ecocardiográfico. Describimos el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico de masa en la aurícula izquierda (AI) sin clara etiología, a quien se le realiza el diagnóstico de hernia hiatal por resonancia magnética cardíaca (RMC) y luego se demuestra mediante ecocardiografía de contraste el contenido gástrico de la masa tras la ingestión de una bebida carbonatada, lo que permite de forma rápida y sencilla aclarar el diagnóstico.

Hiatal hernia is a relatively common entity, and may be an incidental finding in an echocardiographic study. We describe the case of a patient with a diagnosis of a mass in the left atrium with no clear etiology, in whom the diagnosis of hiatal hernia is made by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and then demonstrated by contrast echocardiography the gastric content of the mass after the ingestion of a carbonated drink, which allows quickly and easily to clarify the diagnosis.

A hérnia de hiato é uma entidade relativamente comum, e pode ser um achado incidental em um estudo ecocardiográfico. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente com diagnóstico de massa em átrio esquerdo sem etiologia definida, em que o diagnóstico de hérnia de hiato é feito por ressonância magnética cardíaca e posteriormente demonstrado por ecocardiografia contrastada com uma bebida gaseificada, permitindo esclarecer de forma rápida e fácil o diagnóstico.

Função de reserva do átrio esquerdo na avaliação da função diastólica indeterminada / Left atrial reserve function in assessing indeterminate diastolic function

Fundamento: A elevação das pressões de enchimento secundária à disfunção diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo ocupa papel central na fisiopatologia da insuficiência cardíaca. Mesmo assim, as diretrizes internacionais falham em detectar a disfunção diastólica em uma parte dos casos. Objetivo: Avaliar a função de reserva do átrio esquerdo, estimada pelo strain longitudinal de pico do átrio esquerdo, nos casos de função diastólica indeterminada. Método: Estudo observacional com indivíduos em ritmo sinusal e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo preservada, submetidos ao ecocardiograma e divididos em três grupos conforme a análise conjunta da relação E/e´ e do volume de átrio esquerdo indexado: Grupo 1, se pressões de enchimento normais; Grupo 2, se pressões de enchimento elevadas e Grupo 3, se pressões de enchimento indeterminadas. Speckle tracking bidimensional foi empregado para medir o strain longitudinal de pico do átrio esquerdo. Análise de variância, teste t Student e curva receptor-operador (ROC) foram empregados na análise estatística. Resultado: Foram incluídos 58 pacientes, com 61 ± 14 anos, sendo 57% mulheres, com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo de 62 ± 7%. Os Grupos 2 e 3 tiveram strain longitudinal de pico do átrio esquerdo menor que o Grupo 1 (20 ± 5% versus 22 ± 6% versus 30 ± 8%, respectivamente, p=0,004), mas não diferiram entre si (p=0,93). O strain longitudinal de pico do átrio esquerdo foi preditor de pressões de enchimento elevadas (p=0,026, área sob a curva=0,80), obtendo-se sensibilidade de 60% e especificidade de 80% com valor de corte ≤ 20%. Conclusão: A função de reserva do átrio esquerdo dos indivíduos com função diastólica indeterminada é similar à dos indivíduos com disfunção diastólica avançada, conferindo ao strain longitudinal de pico do átrio esquerdo o potencial de auxiliar na reclassificação da função diastólica indeterminada.(AU)

Background: Elevation of left ventricular filling pressures secondary to diastolic dysfunction plays a central role in the pathophysiology of heart failure. However, international guidelines still fail to diagnose diastolic dysfunction in some cases. Objective: To evaluate left atrial reservoir function in indeterminate diastolic function Method: Observational study with individuals in sinus rhythm and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, submitted to echocardiogram and divided into three groups according to the combined analysis of E/e´ ratio and indexed left atrium volume: Group 1, if normal left ventricular filling pressures; Group 2, if increased left ventricular filling pressures and Group 3, if indeterminate left ventricular filling pressures. Twodimensional speckle tracking was used to measure peak left atrial strain (LAS). Analysis of variance, Student's t test and receiver-operator curve (ROC) were used in the statistical analysis. Results: We included 58 patients who had 61 ± 14 years old, 57% of whom were women, and had average left ventricular ejection fraction 62 ± 7%. Groups 2 and 3 had lower LAS than Group 1 (20 ± 5% versus 22 ± 6% versus 30 ± 8%, respectively, p = 0.004), but did not differ between them (p = 0.93). LAS was a good predictor of elevated left ventricular filling pressures (p = 0.026; area under the curve = 0.80), obtaining sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 80% with a cut-off value ≤ 20%. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the left atrial reservoir function of individuals with indeterminate diastolic function is similar to that of individuals with advanced diastolic dysfunction, rendering LAS the potential to support the reclassification of indeterminate diastolic function.(AU)

Giant left atrium associated with massive thrombus formation 14 years after orthotopic heart transplantation

Abstract We report the case of a 60-year-old patient who underwent orthotopic heart transplant 14 years earlier. Routine echocardiography showed giant masses in the left atrium. There were no symptoms or thromboembolic events in the past. Magnetic resonance imaging study revealed very enlarged left atrium (8.7 × 10.6 cm) occupied by irregular smooth mass (7 × 5 × 6.1 cm) with a stalk that was attached to the posterior left atrial wall in the area of graft suture lines. Intraoperative examination revealed a massive thrombus (12 × 10 cm) that filled almost the entire left atrial area.

The role of left atrial enlargement and age in the prediction of recurrence in embolic strokes of undetermined source / El papel del crecimiento auricular izquierdo y la edad como predictores de recurrencia en infarto cerebral embólicos de origen indeterminado

Abstract Objectives: Left atrial disease is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and can be used to predict atrial fibrillation (AF). We examine whether left atrial enlargement (LAE) could predict stroke recurrence in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Materials and methods: Sixty-four patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ESUS were followed for a median of 22 months. Clinical data and echocardiogram findings were recorded. The echocardiogram interpretation was performed centrally and blindly. The Brown ESUS – AF score was used to categorize patients into high (human resource planning [HRP]: score > 2) and low-risk patients (non-HRP score 0-1). Stroke recurrence was the primary outcome. Results: The median age was 62 years (range: 22-85 years); and 33 (51.6%) were men. The median initial NIHSS score was three points (range: 0-27). Twelve (18.8%) patients were categorized as HRP. We found a significant tendency toward recurrence among HRP versus non-HRP patients. Three (25%) HRP versus 2 (3.8%) non-HRP experienced recurrence (OR: 8.3 95% CI 1.2-57; p=0.042); this association was related to severe atrial dilatation (OR: 14.5 95% CI 0.78-277, p = 0.02) and age > 75 years (OR: 12.7 95% CI 1.7-92.2, p = 0.03). We found no differences in recurrence in a univariate analysis. Conclusions: Patients with severe LAE who are 75 years old or older have a significant tendency to experience stroke recurrence.

Resumen Objetivos: La patología atrial izquierda es factor de riesgo independiente para infarto cerebral y puede utilizarse para predecir fibrilación auricular. Examinamos si el crecimiento aurícular izquierdo puede predecir recurrencia en pacientes con infarto embolico de origen indeterminado (ESUS). Materiales y métodos: Sesenta y cuatro pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de ESUS fueron seguidos por una mediana de seguimiento de 22 meses. Registramos los datos clínicos y ecocardiográficos. La interpretación ecocardiográfica fue centralizada y cegada. La escala de Brown ESUS – AF fue utilizada para categorizar a los pacientes en riesgo alto (HRP puntaje > 2) y bajo riesgo (no-HRP: puntaje 0-1). El descenlace primario fue recurrencia de infarto cerebral. Resultados: Mediana de edad fue de 62 años (rango: 22-85 años); 33 (51.6%) fueron hombres. La mediana inicial de la escala de NIHSS fue de 3 putnos (rango de 0 a 27). 12 (18.8%) pacientes fueron de alto riesgo (HRP) y 52 (81.3%) de bajo riesgo (non- HRP). El grupo HRP mostró tendencia significatica hacia mayor recurrencia. Tres (25%) HRP versus 2 (3.8%) no-HRP experimentaron recurrencia (OR: 8.3 IC 95% 1.2-57; p = 0.042); esta asociación se relacionó con dilatación auricular severa (OR: 14.5 IC 95% 0.78-277, p = 0.02) y edad > 75 años (OR: 12.7 IC 95% 1.7-92.2, p = 0.03). En el análisis multivarioado, no encontramos significativas. Conclusiones: El crecimiento auricular izquierdo severo y la edad mayor de 75 años mostraron tendencia significativa a recurrencia de infarto cerebral.

A modified beagle model of inducible atrial fibrillation using a right atrium pacemaker

Abstract Objective: To modify the chronic atrial fibrillation of atrial tachycardia pacing in beagles with a homemade pacemaker placed outside the body and to evaluate connective tissue growth factor and fibrosis of atrial tissue in our modified atrial tachycardia pacing beagle model. Methods: Twelve adult beagles of either sex were randomly divided into an atrial tachycardia pacing group and a control group (n=6 in each group). We performed the temporary pacemaker implantation at the right atrial appendage and put the pacemaker into the pocket of dog clothing in the atrial tachycardia pacing group. After eight weeks of atrial tachycardia pacing, the electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Masson's staining of the right atrial appendages were performed along with the immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis of connective tissue growth factor, collagen I, and collagen III. Results: In the atrial tachycardia pacing group, atrial fibrillation was induced in five beagles (83.3%); the left atrium enlarged significantly; more canines had mitral regurgitation; and the Masson's staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot results demonstrated more obvious fibrosis of the left atrium. Conclusion: The modified beagle model of atrial fibrillation using a right atrium pacemaker outside the body was effective, increased connective tissue growth factor and collagen I messenger ribonucleic acid overexpression, and induced atrial fibrosis.

The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue thickness and presence of left atrial thrombus in mitral stenosis patients

Abstract Objective: To examine the relationship between the left atrial (LA) thrombus presence and the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness. Methods: Three hundred and twelve consecutive rheumatic mitral valve stenosis (RMVS) patients with mitral valve area (MVA) < 2 cm2 were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into two groups, those with and those without LA thrombus. Routine biochemical analysis and electrocardiographic examinations were carried out. EAT was measured using transthoracic echocardiography. Results: LA thrombus was determined in 84 (26.9%) RMVS patients. In echocardiographic examinations, higher mean gradient and LA diameter as well as lower MVA were found in the group with LA thrombus (P<0.001). In this group, higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and EAT values were also determined (P<0.001). There was significant correlation between EAT and MVA, CRP, LA appendage peak flow velocity, LA anteroposterior diameter, and mean gradient (P<0.001). Higher EAT values were identified as independently associated with the presence of LA thrombus (odds ratio 59.5; 95% confidence interval 12.1-290.10; P<0.001). Conclusion: Transthoracic echocardiography, routinely used in patients with RMVS, can measure EAT to determine patients who are under risk for thrombus.

Primary biatrial cardiac Rhabdomyosarcoma

Abstract Primary malignant neoplasms of the heart are rare. Cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma is the second most common primary sarcoma. We report a rare case of a 49-year-old woman with a huge biatrial cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma treated by performing surgical resection followed by salvage chemotherapy for local recurrence. Cardiac sarcoma that occupy both atria are extremely rare. Although the prognosis of cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma is dismal, surgical resection should be recommended as a first line therapy to clarify the diagnosis and to relieve symptoms associated with the tumor.

Left atrial function and volume by magnetic resonance in patients with hereditary amyloidosis

ABSTRACT Background Left atrial (LA) enlargement is a reliable predictor of adverse cardiovascular events, and reduced atrial function is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with amyloidosis. The objective of this study was to characterize the LA function in Mexican patients with a confirmed diagnosis of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (amyloid transthyretin [ATTR]) Methods All consecutive patients with diagnosis of hereditary ATTR who underwent a cardiac magnetic resonance study in the period from March 2016 to June 2017 were included in the study; the volumes and function of the left atrium were evaluated Results Patients were divided into two groups, one with and one without cardiac amyloidosis. Statistically significant differences were observed between both groups in terms of indexed maximal LA volume, 26 mL versus 35.9mL, p = 0.03; indexed minimal LA volume, 10.7 mL versus 13.6mL, p = 0.03; and indexed LA pre-contraction volume, 17 mL versus 22.4mL, p = 0.03. No statistically significant differences were observed between both groups when comparing neither different ejection volumes nor the different ejection fractions Conclusions Patients with hereditary ATTR with cardiac involvement have remodeling of the left atrium, with increased atrial volumes, without diminishing its function.

Rapidly progressive malignant fibrous histiocytoma of right atrium: a rare case report

Abstract We are going to present a case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma in the right atrium, which is a very rare entity. The patient had a right atrial mass, which prolapsed through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle, causing functional tricuspid valve stenosis. The tumor was completely resected and the patient had an uneventful postoperative period. Histopathological examination reported malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The patient presented to the emergency department five weeks after discharge with dyspnea and palpitation. Echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed recurrent right atrial tumor mass. His clinical status has worsened, with syncope and acute renal failure. On the repeated echocardiography, suspected tumor recurrence was observed in left atrium, which probably caused systemic embolization. Considering the aggressive nature of the tumor and systemic involvement, our Heart Council decided to provide palliative treatment by nonsurgical management. His status deteriorated for the next few days and the patient succumbed to a cardiac arrest on the 4th day.