Echocardiographic features of COVID-19 patients without significant baseline cardiovascular disease.

Objective. To assess the relationship between the severity of COVID-19 in patients without significant baseline cardiovascular pathology and various echocardiographic parameters of myocardial dysfunction. Material and methods. 46 patients with COVID-19 were included in our study: 33 patients of moderate severity and 13 - with severe disease. On days 1 and 9 upon admission, all patients underwent an echocardiographic study with standard assessment of the both ventricles function, as well as an assessment of their global longitudinal strain (GLS). Comparison of the studied parameters was carried out both between groups of patients and within each group in dynamics. Results. On day 1patients in the severe group had higher values of the systolic gradient on the tricuspid valve (22.0 [21.0;26.0] vs 30.0 [24.0;34.5] mm Hg, p = 0.02), systolic excursion of the plane of the tricuspid ring (2.3 [2.1;2.4] vs 2.0 [1.9;2.2] mm, p = 0.016), E/e' ratio (9.5 [7.7;8.9] vs 7.5 [6.8;9.3], p = 0.03). At day 9 among patients in the severe group, there was a decrease in end-diastolic (111.0 [100.0;120.0] vs 100.0 [89.0;105.0] ml, p = 0.03) and of end-systolic (35.5 [32.0;41, 2] vs 28.0 [25.0;31.8] ml, p < 0.01) volumes of the left ventricle. There was a decrease in GLS of the both ventricles compared to general accepted values. In dynamics, there was an increase in the GLS of the right ventricle in both groups, but it was more pronounced among severe group of patients (day 1 -18.5 [-15.2;-21.1] vs -20.2 [-15.8.1;-21.1] %, p = 0.03). The troponin levels were in the normal range. Conclusion. In COVID-19 patients without significant baseline cardiovascular pathology, there is a transient decrease in longitudinal strain of both ventricles, even in the absence of clinical and laboratory signs of acute myocardial injury.Copyright © Creative Cardiology 2021.

Acute or chronic? Failing left ventricle in a 34 year old

Submission content Introduction: An unusual case of a very young patient without previously known cardiac disease presenting with severe left ventricular failure, detected by a point of care echocardiogram. Main Body: A 34 year old previously well man was brought to hospital after seeing his general practitioner with one month of progressive shortness of breath on exertion. This began around the time the patient received his second covid-19 vaccination. He was sleeping in a chair as he was unable to lie flat. Abnormal observations led the GP to call an ambulance. In the emergency department, the patient required oxygen 5L/min to maintain SpO2 >94%, but he was not in respiratory distress at rest. Blood pressure was 92/53mmHg, mean 67mmHg. Point of care testing for COVID-19 was negative. He was alert, with warm peripheries. Lactate was 1.0mmol/L and he was producing more than 0.5ml/kg/hr of urine. There was no ankle swelling. ECG showed sinus tachycardia. He underwent CT pulmonary angiography which demonstrated no pulmonary embolus, but there was bilateral pulmonary edema. Troponin was 17ng/l, BNP was 2700pg/ml. Furosemide 40mg was given intravenously by the general medical team. Critical care outreach asked for an urgent intensivist review given the highly unusual diagnosis of pulmonary edema in a man of this age. An immediate FUSIC Heart scan identified a dilated left ventricle with end diastolic diameter 7cm and severe global systolic impairment. The right ventricle was not severely impaired, with TAPSE 18mm. There was no significant pericardial effusion. Multiple B lines and trace pulmonary effusions were identified at the lung bases. The patient was urgently discussed with the regional cardiac unit in case of further deterioration, basic images were shared via a cloud system. A potential diagnosis of vaccination-associated myocarditis was considered,1 but in view of the low troponin, the presentation was felt most likely to represent decompensated chronic dilated cardiomyopathy. The patient disclosed a family history of early cardiac death in males. Aggressive diuresis was commenced. The patient was admitted to a monitored bed given the potential risk of arrhythmia or further haemodynamic deterioration. Advice was given that in the event of worsening hypotension, fluids should not be administered but the cardiac centre should be contacted immediately. Formal echocardiography confirmed the POCUS findings, with ejection fraction <35%. He was initiated on ACE inhibitors and beta adrenergic blockade. His symptoms improved and he was able to return home and to work, and is currently undergoing further investigations to establish the etiology of his condition. Conclusion(s): Early echocardiography provided early evidence of a cardiac cause for the patient's presentation and highlighted the severity of the underlying pathology. This directed early aggressive diuresis and safety-netting by virtue of discussion with a tertiary cardiac centre whilst it was established whether this was an acute or decompensated chronic pathology. Ultrasound findings: PLAX, PSAX and A4Ch views demonstrating a severely dilated (7cm end diastolic diameter) left ventricle with global severe systolic impairment.

The application experience of focused ultrasound heart examination in patients with COVID-19 in Prone-position.

Aim of the study. To study the experience of using focused transthoracic echocardiography in patients with COVID-19 in prone position (fEchoPr) in intensive care units (ICU). Materials and methods. The retrospective observational study included 53 patients (period from 15 April to 31 December 2020). Inclusion criteria: confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, availability of fEchoPr data, outcome certainty (discharge/death). We analyzed electronic medical records. The fEchoPr was performed in patients in the prone position with a bolster under the left side of the chest and left arm raised ('swimmer's position'). We assessed the systolic function of the right ventricle (RV) (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)), RV size, RV/LV ratio, systolic function of the left ventricle (LV) (left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral. (LVOT VTI)), and pulmonary hypertension (PH) (tricuspid regurgitation peak gradient (PGTR). Depending on the results, the patients were divided into 2 groups: informative (+fEchoPr) and non-informative (-fEchoPr) examinations. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in the groups (+fEcho n = 35 vs -fEcho n = 18) by age (65.6 +/- 15.3 vs 60.2 +/- 15.8, p > 0.05), by gender (male: 23 (65.7%) vs 14 (77.8%), p > 0.05), by body mass index (31.3 +/- 5.3 kg/m2 vs 29.5 +/- 5.4 kg/m2, p > 0.05), by mechanical ventilation support (24 (68.6%) vs 17 (94.4%), p = 0.074), by NEWS scale indicators (6.9 +/- 3.7 vs 8.5 +/- 3.5 points), by mortality (82.8% vs 94.4%, p > 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a moderate inverse relationship between being on mechanical ventilation and the informative value of the study (Spearman's r = -0.30 at p = 0.033). In the +fEchoPr group, the correct measurement of TAPSE and RV/LV was carried out in 100%: a decrease in RV systolic function was recorded in 5 patients (14%), expansion of the RV in 13 patients (37%). Signs of PH were detected in 11 patients (31%), PGTR could not be measured in 10 patients (28%). LV systolic dysfunction was detected in 7 patients (20%). No pathology was detected in 16 patients (46%). One patient was diagnosed with infective endocarditis of native mitral valve, which was later confirmed by autopsy. Conclusion. In 66% of cases, fEchoPr examinations were informative, especially in terms of assessing the state of the right heart. fEchoPr examination is an affordable, valid and reproducible method to assess and monitor the state of the heart in ICU patients.Copyright © 2021 VIDAR Publishing House. All Rights Reserved.

Echocardiographic phenotype in severe aortic valve stenosis with and without cardiac amyloidosis: The AMY-TAVI trial

Background: Longitudinal Strain (LS) pattern in cardiac amyloidosis (CA) typically spares the apex of the heart, which is a sensitive and specific finding that can be used to distinguish CA from other causes of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. RELAPS >1 suggests with high specificity CA, and shows a bright red in the apical segments of the polar map. Purpose(s): To identify differential echocardiographic characteristics of aortic stenosis (AS) with concomitant TTR-CA (AS-CA) compared to AS alone. Method(s): Patients with severe symptomatic AS undergoing TAVI were prospectively and consecutively included between Jan-19 and Dec-20. Pre-procedure, a complete echocardiogram was performed that included deformation parameters using Speckle-Tracking. Strain derived Indices accepted for CA screening were calculated: RELAPS: Relative apical LS (average apical LS/average basal+mid LS);SAB: (apical-septal/basal-septal LS);EFSR: (LVEF/GLS). After TAVI, a 99Tc-DPD scintigraphy and a proteinogram were performed to screen for CA. Result(s): 324 patients were included. The mean age was 81 yo, 52% women. 39 (12%) patients presented cardiac uptake on scintigraphy: 14 (4.3%) grade 1;13 (4%) grade 2, and 11 (3.4%) grade 3. Strain analysis could be performed in 243 patients due to acoustic window and covid19 pandemic restrictions. Echocardiographic characteristics between AS alone and those with grade 1 (AS-DTD1) and grade 2/3 (AS-CA) are shown in Table 1. Compared with AS alone, patients with AS-CA had significantly lower transvalvular gradients, although similar AVA, and low flow-low gradient (LF-LG) AS was more prevalent. AS-CA exhibited slightly worse cardiac remodeling (LV mass ind: 202 g/m2 vs 176 g/m2, p=0.032), and worse diastolic dysfunction, but without significant differences in thickness, diameters or volumes, with similar relative wall thickness (RWT: 0.53 vs. 0.51 mm, p=0.52). LVEF was similar, however myocardial contraction fraction (MCF= stroke volume/myocardial volume) and MAPSE were worse in AS-CA. GLS, RELAPS, SAB and EFSR were not different, but RELAPS >1 pattern was more prevalent in AS-CA (74% vs 44%, p=0,006) (Figure 1). Mass/strain ratio (RMS) was similar. There were no differences in size and fractional emptying of left atrium, or atrial septum thickness. Right ventricle (RV) size was similar, as well as conventional function parameters (TAPSE and S'). However, RV LS was worse in AS-CA. Pericardial effusion was more prevalent in AS-CA (25% vs 7.4%, p=0.013). In the multivariate analysis, predictors of AS-CA were: Age (OR: 1,2, p=0,02), BG (OR: 0,2, p=0,01), E/A (OR: 4,7, p=0,02), LV Mass index (OR: 1,02, p=0,04) and RELAPS >1 (OR: 0,12, p=0,01). Conclusion(s): Dual pathology of AS-AC is common in older patients referred for TAVI. Although it is more prevalent in patients with AS-CA, RELAPS>1 pattern can be present in almost 50% of patients with severe AS alone, which reduces its value as screening tool for CA in this clinical setting respect to others. (Table Presented).

Echocardiographic phenotype and prognostic value of relative apical sparing of longitudinal strain pattern in severe aortic stenosis with and without cardiac amyloidosis. The AMYTAVI study

Introduction: It is estimated that 15% of patients with AS have concomitant cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (LS) pattern with relative apical sparing (RELAPS>1), shown as bright red in the apical segments on the polar map, has been strongly associated with CA. Its presence and its significance in AS is yet to be determined. Purpose(s): To determine the prevalence of the RELAPS>1 pattern in patients with severe AS with and without concomitant CA, and to analyze the echocardiographic phenotype associated with this strain pattern and its prognostic value. Method(s): Patients with severe symptomatic AS undergoing TAVI were prospectively and consecutively included between Jan-19 and Dec-20. Pre-procedure, a complete echocardiogram was performed that included deformation parameters using Speckle-Tracking. Strain derived Indices accepted for CA screening were calculated: RELAPS: Relative apical LS (average apical LS/average basal+mid LS);SAB: (apical-septal/basal-septal LS);EFSR: (LVEF/GLS). After TAVI, a 99Tc-PYP scintigraphy and a proteinogram were performed to screen for CA. Result(s): 324 patients were included. The mean age was 81 yo, 52% women. Strain analysis could be performed in 243 patients due to acoustic window and covid19 pandemic restrictions. Among those, 111 (46%) presented relative apical sparing (RELAPS>1). There were no differences in clinical characteristics between patients with RELAPS <1 and >1: Similar age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and funcional class, renal function or NT-proBNP. Among patients with RELAPS>1 there was more frecuently CA with uptake grade 2 and 3 on scintigraphy (15% vs. 4.5%, P=0.006) (Figure 1). RELAPS>1 group showed greater LV hypertrophic remodeling: Thicker myocardial wall with smaller ventricular cavity, especially concentric hypertrophy;LVEF and GLS was similar, however, MAPSE and myocardial contraction fraction (MCF) were worse in RELAPS >1 group, and EFSR was significantly higher (4.2 vs 3.9, p=0.002). RELAPS >1 group had smaller aortic valve area (AVA: 0.6 vs 0.7 cm2, p=0.045), but similar transvalvular gradients due to lower stroke volume. It had larger atria and less left atrial (LA) fractional emptying, as well as higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF: 41% vs 27%, p=0.03). Right ventricle (RV) size were similar, however, RV function was worse in RELAPS >1 group (TAPSE: 19 vs 21 mm, p=0.003;free Wall LS: -24 vs -27%, p=0.008). There was no difference in all-cause mortality at 1 year of follow-up between groups (6.4% vs. 6.3%, p=1). Figure 2 represents the morphological characteristics according to the LS phenotype. Conclusion(s): In severe AS, RELAPS >1 is present in almost half of the patients. It is associated with worse cardiac remodeling, as well as higher prevalence of AF. However, it wasn't associated with higher mortality at 1 year. 1 in 7 patients with AS and RELAPS >1 have concomitant ATTR CA grade 2/3.

Evaluation of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in symptomatic post COVID-19 patients

Background: The COVID-19 disease is known for its severe respiratory complications, however it was found to have some cardiovascular complication in post COVID-19 patients. The heart rate variability (HRV) is a non invasive, objective and reliable method for assessment of autonomic dysfunction in those recovered patients. Purpose(s): We aimed to evaluate the cardiac autonomic function by using valid HRV indices in subjects who recovered from mild to moderate acute COVID-19 but still symptomatic. Method(s): The study Group composed of 50 subjects with confirmed history of mild to moderate post COVID 19. All subjects underwent routine 2D echocardiography assessment in addition to 2D speckle tracking and 24 hours Holter monitoring for HRV analysis. Result(s): The mean age of the study population was 42+/-18 years, symptoms were reported as follows 27 (54%) had Dyspnea, 17 (34%) had palpitations, 7 (14%) had dizziness. Time domain parameters SDNN, SDANN and rMSSD were diminished with mean SDNN value being markedly impaired in 12 (24%) patient, while frequency domain parameters as assessed by LF/HF ratio with mean of 1.837 with 8% of patients being impaired. SDNN was significantly reduced in elderly patients (p=0.001), smokers (p=0.019) and hypertensive (p=0.016) and those complaining mainly of palpitation (p=0.006). SDNN was significantly reduced in patient with impaired LV diastolic function (p=0.009), in patients with reduced MAPSE (p=0.047), reduced TAPSE (p=0.00) and impaired Global longitudinal strain (0.000). Conclusion(s): Patients with post COVID-19 syndrome have abnormalities in the HRV which indicates some degree of dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system and consequently impaired parasympathetic function in this population, however this have been also correlating with subtle impairment of the left ventricular systolic function.We believe that this preliminary research can serve a starting point for future research in this direction.

Factors of persistent limited exercise tolerance in patients after COVID-19 with normal left ventricular ejection fraction

Background: Exercise intolerance de novo is one of the most common reported symptoms in patients (pts) recovering from COVID-19. Purpose(s): The present study determines etiological and pathophysiological factors influencing the mechanism of exercise intolerance in the COVID-19 survivors. Therefore, the factors affecting percent predicted oxygen uptake at peak exercise VO2 (%VO2pred) in pts after COVID-19 with normal left ventricular ejection fraction were assessed. Methods and Results: The 120 consecutive patients from the Department of Cardiology recovering from COVID-19 at three to six months after confirmed diagnosis were included. The clinical examinations, laboratory test results, echocardiography using Vivid E95 - GE Healthcare, non-invasive body mass analysis using Body Composition Analyzer (Tanita Pro), and spiroergometry using The MetaSoft Studio application were analysed. The subjects were divided into the two following groups: Study i.e. pts with worse oxygen uptake (%VO2pred <80%;N=47) and control including these cases with %VO2pred >=80% (N=73) - Table 1. Pts with %VO2pred <80% presented significantly lower global peak systolic strain (GLPS) [p=0.03], tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) [p=0.002] and late diastolic filling velocity (A) [p=0.004] compared to controls - Figure 1. The male gender (p=0.007) and the percent of total body water content (TBW %) (p=0.02) were significantly higher in study in comparison to the control group. The results of multiple logistic regression model independently associated with %VO2pred were as follows: A (OR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.17-0.95;p=0.03) and gender (OR 2.52, 95% CI: 1.07-5.91;p=0.03). Conclusion(s): Males have over twice risk of persistent limited exercise tolerance after COVID-19 infection than females. The lower late diastolic filling velocity, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, worse global peak systolic strain, and hydration status are connected with limited exercise tolerance after COVID-19 in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction.

Right ventricular myocardial dysfunction in patients (pts) after severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Aim: To study the systolic function (SF) and diastolic function (DF) of the heart and to assess subclinical myocardial right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in pts after severe COVID-19. We examined 23 males aged 46-70 years (mean age - 58.8 +/- 12.6 yrs) discharged after COVID-19 (50-75% of the parenchymal damage) with exertional dyspnea. We performed transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with assessment of RV global longitudinal strain (RV-GLS) and right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVLS) using speckle tracking echocardiography. Result(s): The SF of the RV assessed by the excursion of the tricuspid valve ring (TAPSE) was preserved (2.1 +/- 0.6 cm) in all pts under study after severe COVID-19. The left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was also preserved (62.1 +/- 4.7%) in all pts. TTE revealed normal ventricular and atrial dimensions: LV end-diastolic volume index (62.5 +/- 8.4 ml/m2) and RV end-diastolic diameter (2.7 +/- 0.6 cm), left atrial (LA) volume index (26.7 +/- 3.1 ml/m2) and right atrial (RA) volume index (20.2 +/- 4.5 ml/m2). LV DD was also detected: Grade I in 17 (74%) pts, and Grade II in 6 (16%) pts. Moderate pulmonary hypertension (PH) was present in all pts (time of acceleration of systolic flow in the pulmonary artery (AcT - 85.0 +/- 7.9 msec) as a consequence of significant pulmonary parenchymal involvement. We found reduced RV-GLS (-17.4 +/- 2.7%) and free wall RVLS (-18.9 +/- 3.1%) in 23 (100%) pts. Conclusion(s): Preserved LV and RV SF with Grade 1 and Grade 2 LV DD and moderate PH were established in pts after severe COVID-19. RV wall motion abnormalities with reduced RV-GLS and free wall RVLS were found, indicating the presence of subclinical RV myocardial dysfunction.

NEW ONSET HYPERTENSION AND EARLY CHANGES IN LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN POST COVID -19 CONDITION

Background: Post COVID19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS Cov2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of COVID19 with symptoms that last for up to at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction, but also arterial hypertension (AH) and generally have an impact on everyday function. Aim: COVID 19 pneumonia initiates new onset AH and aggravates the structural and functional myocardium remodeling in the long term after hospitalization. Methods: The study population /initially questioned 1500 patients for symptoms after acute COVID 19 pneumonia / included 220 patients without history of any disease, mean age of 45 ± 12 years, male 145 (43 ± 10 years) female 75 (52 ± 14 years). The global longitudinal strain (GLS) was extracted for left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle(RV) and AMBP analysis, mean arterial pressure (MAP)and heart rate HR were performed at baseline /30-40 days after acute infection/ 3rd and 12th months follow up. CMR was performed at 3rd (3mFU) and 12th months (12mFU) also to confirm our resulst. Results: From initial population /1500 pts/ self-reported symptoms at 12mFU are 1265 (84.6 %) and 235 /15.4 %) are symptom free at 12mFU. At 3mFU HR and MAP increased significantly / from 75 ± 6 beats /min to 88 ± 12 beats/ min, 109 ± 15 mmHg to 118 ± 19mmHg. Sys BP increased slightly at 3mFU /128 ± 14, p = 0.6/ and continue at 12mFU / 129 ± 12, p = 0.7/. Diastolic BP increased significantly at 12mFU /86 ± 12.3 to 91 ± 10.0, p > 0.01/ and AH presence at 3mFU in 143 (65%)up to 161(73%) at 12mFU. Symptoms of heart failure with preserved EF were found at 3mFU in 91 pts (41%) and in 99 pts (45%) at 12mFU. Echocardiography showed predominantly decrease of the load on the right heart at 3mFU and 12mFU (RV FAC % p < 0.019, TAPSE p < 0.05, RVOT VTI p < 0.01). LV function showd increased EDD, ESD, EDV, ESV, and decreased EF and GLS at 3mFU and slightly improvement at 12mFU. Despite normal EF, GLS / 18.5 %, p < 0.01) and segmental LS in all apical and mid anteroseptal, inferoseptal and basal anteroseptal and inferoseptal levels (16% to 18%, p < 0.01) and RV (22.3% to 24%) at 12mFU shown diminished and still preserved values. Conclusion: New onset AH is one of major symptoms after COVID 19 and remains at 12mFU. Despite of satisfactory improvement of conventional parameters for LV and RV function, GLS indicate worsening of the LV systolic function.

Atypical Clinical Presentations of Pulmonary Thromboembolism to the Emergency Department: High Index of Suspicion and Application of Diagnostic Approach

Aim and background: Acute pulmonary thromboembolism is the most serious clinical presentation of venous thrombo-embolism with fatal pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) being a common cause of sudden death. In yesteryears of practicing clinical medicine, PTE was the most common cause of unexplained sudden deaths in hospitalized patients. However, our understanding of the disease has improved with time and the growth of clinical scores, laboratory evidence, and radiographic scans. In few of the patients, the diagnosis is still missed and these are the nightmarish cases for the emergency physician. Especially after the second wave of the COVID pandemic, many patients presented to the emergency department (ED) even without any risk factors for pulmonary thromboembolism. Diagnosing patients without risk factors for PTE is quite challenging and suspicion of PTE should be kept in the differential diagnosis if patients are presenting with uncommon clinical history and examination. Objective: To decrease the incidence of missed diagnosis of PTE in ED. Materials and methods: The study was conducted using ED records of patients who had a confirmed diagnosis of PTE on CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) between March and September 2021. COVID-19 infection was ruled out at the time of presentation to ED using a rapid antigen test and subsequently with RT PCR within the next 24 hours. The presenting complaints, past history of COVID-19 infection and COVID vaccination, WELLS score, ECG, CXR, ABG, D dimers, bedside echocardiography, and results of CTPA were collected and tabulated. The symptoms were divided into 2 groups-typical and atypical. Group I with typical symptoms studied patients who presented with acute onset of dyspnea, chest pain, and cough without expectoration. Group II with atypical symptoms included patients who presented with hemoptysis, wheeze, cerebrovascular accident, syncope, arrhythmias, and acute onset of delirium. The null hypothesis was that atypical symptoms of PTE make the diagnosis difficult (late) and have a poorer prognosis. Results: The comparative analysis with descriptive statistics will be presented at the conference. In Group II patients, three parameters were clinically significant enough to early diagnosis of PTE. These were sinus tachycardia on ECG, raised D dimers, and a low TAPSE on echocardiography. TAPSE or tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion with a cutoff <1.7 cm was found to be highly specific in our study. Conclusion: Acute pulmonary embolism can be a complex interplay between several different symptoms and between different organs that can lead to a potentially life-threatening cardiovascular condition that may be difficult to diagnose. The differential diagnosis of PTE should be kept in mind if a patient presents with rare clinical findings. Detailed physical examination, Wells-scoring, D dimers, and point of care ultrasonography (POCUS) examination are very crucial in diagnosing the patient. Working in this approach will decrease the incidence of missed diagnoses.

BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF SODIUM-GLUCOSE CO-TRANSPORTER-2 INHIBITORS ON RIGHT VENTRICULAR SYSTOLIC FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A PILOT, OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Objective: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors is a new class of antidiabetics, conferring a significant cardiovascular risk reduction. However, underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Right ventricular (RV) function is adversely affected early in the course of diabetes. Herein we sought to determine the effect of long-term use of SGLT-2 inhibitors on RV function. Design and method: In this pilot, observational study, we enrolled 20 patients with T2DM and stable antidiabetic and antihypertensive treatment over the last 6 months. Patients were planned to undergo a thorough echocardiographic assessment of RV function twice, before and 6 months after initiation of a SGLT-2 inhibitor. We set as primary efficacy outcome the change in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). Results: Mean age of participants was 62.8 ± 7.9 years, with a mean T2DM duration of 8.7 ± 6.1 years. Thirteen subjects were administered dapagliflozin, while the rest 7 were prescribed empagliflozin. Due to special regulations imposed in the context of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, mean treatment duration and follow-up period was 9.35 ± 3.4 months. SGLT-2 inhibitors led to a significant increase in TAPSE from 2.01 ± 0.23 to 2.12 ± 0.15 cm (p = 0.022). The result was significant for dapagliflozin (p = 0.015), while administration of empagliflozin resulted in a non-significant increase in TAPSE (p = 0.28). However, no significant difference between the two SGLT-2 inhibitors was shown (p = 0.7). Change in TAPSE was significant in subjects with prior history of cardiovascular disease (p = 0.024), while it was non-significant for subjects without previous cardiovascular disease (p = 0.26). Other parameters of RV function or RV dimensions were unchanged. Conclusions: This is the first study to assess the effect of long-term treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors on RV function in subjects with T2DM, demonstrating a significant increase in TAPSE.

THE ROLE OF PULMONARYACT IN THE PATIENT WITH SARS-COV-2 INFECTION

Already from the first data in China it emerged that patients with cardiovascular comorbidities had an increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection and a more unfavourable clinical course. From March to May 2020, 85 patients affected by COVID-19 were enrolled, hospitalized at the Hospital of Reggio Calabria. All patients underwent anamnesis, clinical evaluation, chest CT, ECG and measurement of markers of cardiovascular damage (Troponin I, CK-MB, LDH, D-dimer, BNP) and of inflammation (PCR, IL-6, and PCT). Thirty-one patients underwent echocardiography. In particular, we evaluated parietal dimensions and thicknesses, biventricular function and transvalvular tricuspid and pulmonary flows and correlated the data obtained with ECG, radiological, clinical, and biohumoral parameters. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of cardiovascular involvement in COVID- 19, investigating the effect of cardiovascular risk factors, levels of cardiovascular damage markers and newly emerging ECG and echocardiographic changes on a composite primary endpoint, consisting of the combination of death and the need for intensive care (ICU). The enrolled patients were divided into two subpopulations: those with better prognosis and those with poorer prognosis (ICU/exitus). We analysed the reciprocal correlation of each of the parameters and searched for the presence of echocardiographic signs of repercussion on the right sections of the pulmonary pathology. All markers of cardiovascular damage had significantly higher values in the most critically ill patients and similar behaviour had indices of inflammation. Patients with poorer prognosis had significantly lower lung AcT values, which correlated with higher D-dimer levels and more complicated hospital stays. There were no statistically significant differences between PAPs, right ventricular size, TAPSE and pulmonary trunk diameter in the two subpopulations. Larger right ventricular diameters were associated with more dilated lung trunks and higher IL-6 levels. The most interesting data of our study is the behaviour of pulmonary AcT: lower values of AcT were associated with higher levels of D-dimer, expression of a greater pulmonary microthrombotic burden, and a poorer prognosis, in the presence of PAPs normal. The dynamic analysis of this parameter, which is easy to calculate in the patient's bed, can play a crucial role in the instrumental follow-up of patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Pulse rate in long COVID: what does it signify

Background: The multisystem involvement of covid-19 lingers in post-covid phase. The significance of baseline resting pulse rate was looked for in long-covid relating to symptoms in acute phase, 2-chair test response, and echocardiography. Methods: Serial long-covid patients attending out-patient department were included. They were evaluated on demographic (age, height, weight, and BMI), characteristics, symptom score in acute phase (symptom severity in 0 to 5 scale X duration of symptoms), variables (pulse-rate and SpO2 changes) related to 2 chair test and resting Doppler echocardiography (LV ejection fraction, TSAPSE, left and right ventricular free wall GLS, and LV filling pressure. Two groups with pulse rate below or above 90/minute were compared. Results: The mean duration of acute illness for both the group is computed to be (118.44±95.95 vs. 152.77±102.25, p- value= 0.42) respectively. The baseline pulse rate were significantly different between those above (n=12) and below 90 (n=23) per minute (101±5.83 vs.72.85±8.14;p<0.0001);so is the post-exercise maximum pulse rate (p<0.004). Subjects with lower pulse rate had better height (p=0.05), weight (p=0.06), and higher anosmia (p=0.005) but lower total symptoms score (26.4±51.02 vs.29.66±66.12;p=0.008). The spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV1, FWV1/FVC) were better (although not significant) in those with lower pulse rate. The echocardiographic parameters as LVEF, TAPSE, LVFP were similar;the free wall GLS of both RV and LV were reduced in both the groups but that of RV (and LV were affected more in lower and higher pulse rate group respectively. Conclusion: Baseline pulse-rate in post covid subjects is likely related to neuro-inflammatory symptoms (anosmia) and poor LVGLS suggesting LV myocardial dysfunction.

Left ventricle longitudinal strain alterations in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic pediatric patients with recent SARS-CoV-2 infection

Introduction: Evidence suggests that, compared with adult patients, clinical manifestations of children's COVID-19 may be less severe. However, multiple reports have raised concern about the so called pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) which resembles other inflammatory conditions (i.e. Kawasaki disease, toxic shock). Patients affected by PIMS-TS showed cardiac involvement with myocardial injury, reduced left ventricle systolic function and coronary artery abnormalities, and in some cases, need for inotropes/ vasopressors and extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Little is known regarding cardiac involvement in pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and none or only mild symptoms of disease. Methods: We analyzed 52 pediatric patients (29males, 56%) with diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection based on either PCR analysis of nasopharingeal swab (NPS), or serological finding of IgG on blood sample and asymptomatic (23%) or only mildly symptomatic (77%) for COVID-19. Patients underwent transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) after a median time of 3.6 months from diagnosis and negative NPS for SARS-CoV-2. Offline analysis with GE EchoPAC software to measure global longitudinal strain (GLS) of the LV using 2D speckle tracking imaging. Therefore, we compared the results with an age-matched group of 32 controls (18males, 56%). Results: Cases and controls were similar regarding age and gender. LV biplane EF was significantly lower in the cases group, although still in the normal range (62.4±4.1% vs. 65.2±5.5%, p=0.012). TAPSE and LV-GLS were comparable between the two groups. GLS analysis showed significant strain reduction of the LV midwall segments and of the basal anterior, posterior and septal inferior segments among cases compared to controls. On the other hand, apical segments showed higher deformation in cases compared to controls. Furthermore, in the case group there were 14 subjects (27%) with a strain below 16% (mean value minus 2.5 SD) in at least 2 segments. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection may affect LV deformation in asymptomatic or only mildly symptomatic children, showing a peculiar pattern with lower longitudinal strain in all mid-wall segments of LV compared to control subjects. The clinical significance of this findings is unclear and follow-up is needed to verify the reversibility of this alterations.

Right ventricular strain in in COVID-19 patients: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND: Assessment of right ventricular systolic function using strain imaging analysis from two-dimensional echocardiography has been identified to have powerful predictive value. Utilization of right ventricular strain may provide additional information in the management of COVID-19 patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine and analyze the right ventricular systolic function using longitudinal strain imaging among COVID-19 patients. METHOD: This is a prospective cohort study of the right ventricular function using speckle tracking echocardiography among COVID-19 patients. The study included two dimensional (2D) echocardiographic studies among 137 adult patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from September to November 2020. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare more than two groups with numerical data. Pearson Correlation was utilized to determine correlation between numerical variables. RESULTS: The results showed a total of 35 patients (25.54%) to have abnormal right ventricular free wall strain. The results showed that there was a significant direct correlation between right ventricular free wall strain and the echocardiographic parameters of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (r = 0.277;p = 0.001), S' (r = 0.166;p = 0.050), right ventricular fractional area change (r = 0.298;p < 0.0001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r = 0.176;p = 0.040). There was a significant inverse correlation noted between right ventricular free wall strain and the echocardiographic parameters of the tricuspid regurgitation (r=-0.284;p = 0.001), pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (r=-0.209;p = 0.014) and left atrial size (r=-0.209;p = 0.014). There was a significant difference in the right ventricular free wall strain according to the severity of COVID-19 infection (p = 0.032). Moreover, a significant difference was also noted between right ventricular free wall strain and mortality (p = 0.0001). The mean right ventricular free wall strain of patients who died was significantly lower than those who were discharged with a mean of 18.92% and 23.59% respectively. CONCLUSION: Right ventricular free wall strain using speckle tracking echocardiography, can be used for risk stratification for patients with COVID-19. It also showed that it is has significant correlation with the severity of the disease and mortality. These findings together with other conventional echocardiographic parameters, may provide clinicians additional information in the management of these patients.

Right ventriculoarterial coupling as a predictor of mortality in patients with COVID-19

Introduction: Myocardial damage has been widely described in patients with COVID-19. Right ventriculoarterial coupling (RVAC) is a marker of subclinical myocardial damage. The association with mortality in COVID-19 patients has been recently investigated. Objectives: To determine if there is a difference in patients with abnormal vs normal RVAC, in clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic variables. Analyze if there is an association between the presence of abnormal RVAC and one-year mortality. Investigate the cutoff value of the RVAC to predict mortality. Methods.: A single-center, prospective, analytical study. Patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were included. Patients who were on mechanical ventilation during the study, a history of ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were excluded. The patients were included during the period from May to August 2020, the 1-year follow-up was carried out through the electronic medical record and telephone calls. The echocardiograms were performed with the Phillips IE-33, the strain determination was obtained with the Qlab 13.0 software. The quantitative variables were compared with the Student's T test or the U Mann-Whitney test, according to the normality of the variables;qualitative variables were contrasted with the x2 test. One-year survival was determined with the Kaplan-Meier curves, and the association with one-year mortality was investigated with Cox regression. The cut-off value for predicting mortality was determined with ROC curves. The RVAC was determined with the right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain / pulmonary systolic artery pressure ratio. Abnormal right ventriculoarterial coupling was determined with a value less than 0.8. Results: 81 patients were included, of whom 45 had an abnormal RVAC. Patients with abnormal RVAC had higher mortality and a higher requirement for mechanical ventilation;they had higher levels of biomarkers. Among the echocardiographic variables, they had lower the right ventricular fractional area change, the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, the left ventricular longitudinal strain, the left atrial reservoir strain, the right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain, the RVAC;while they also presented higher the pulmonary systolic artery pressure and the tricuspid regurgitation velocity. The one-year survival of patients with abnormal RVAC was 53% vs 91%, the association with 1-year mortality was HR: 7.0 (CI95 2.1-23;p = 0.0001). The cutoff value of the RVAC to predict mortality was <0.48 (Sensitivity 71%, Specificity 90%, AUC: 0.836;p = <0.0001). Conclusion: The patients with COVID-19 and an abnormal RVAC had a higher requirement for mechanical ventilation and mortality;presented higher levels of biomarkers. Half of the patients with abnormal RVAC died, presenting an association to predict mortality. The cut-off value of <0.48 was the best associated with mortality.

Long term left ventricular impairment after SARS-COV2 infection

Introduction: The impact of acute infection by SARS-COV2 on the cardiovascular system has been previously reported in the literature, with a higher propensity in patients with more serious pattern of disease and pro-inflammatory status. Nevertheless, the long-term burden and sequels of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system is still unknown. Purpose: To evaluate the long-term impact of COVID-19 on left ventricular function in patients with severe clinical presentation requiring intensive care hospitalization. Methods: This was a single-center observational, prospective study which included patients requiring admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to COVID-19 infection from January to November 2020. All discharged patients were contacted to perform a clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluation and those who accepted were included on the protocol. Baseline and clinical characteristics were collected from clinical reports. For the global longitudinal strain (GLS) analysis all patients with significant wall motion abnormalities and valvular cardiopathy were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed with Mann-Whitney and a safety cut-off was established with ROC curve analysis. Results: A total of 43 patients were included (mean age 64 ± 12, 67.4% males). During SARS-COV2 infection 49% presented with severe ARDS and 51% with moderate, 35% required invasive mechanical ventilation, 14% noninvasive mechanical ventilation and 52% with high nasal flow cannula. On the follow-up analysis, fatigue was the most reported in symptom (52% patients) and the majority did not present other signs or symptoms suggestive of heart failure, with the mean NT-proBNP of 49 ± 389 pg/dL. The standard ECG and echocardiogram did not show significant changes with a mean LVEF of 58 ± 7.8 and mean TAPSE of 21 ± 4. The strain analysis showed low value of GLS (mean GLS of -17.14 ± 2.36) for a reference cut-off of -18%, suggesting subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in this subset of patients with preserved ejection fraction. Maximum CPR values during ICU did not correlate either with the extent of disease evolvement in CT (p= NS) or ARDS severity (p= NS). Nevertheless, maximum CPR correlated significantly with GLS reduction (R = 0.44, p = 0.019). A CPR value higher than iger30mg/ dL had 100% specificity for GLS reduction and a cut-off of 14gm/dL reported a sensitivity of 65% and specificity pf 75% for reduction in GLS. Conclusion: In our study, we reported subclinical impairment in left ventricular function detected with global longitudinal strain after serious infection with SARS-COV2. The detected myocardial dysfunction was related with higher inflammatory as expressed by CPR values. Longterm monitoring of these patients should be undertaken in order to timely detect late complications.

Subclinical myocardial dysfunction identified with speckle tracking echocardiography in young adults patients recovered from asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic SARSCoV- 2 infection

Background: Myocardial strain assessed with speckle tracking echocardiography is a sensitive marker of cardiac dysfunction, with longterm prognostic value in many cardiac conditions. Both left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) and right ventricular longitudinal strain (RV-LS) were affected by severe SARS-CoV 2 infection but little is known about cardiac involvement in patients with asymptomatic/ mild disease that did not require hospitalization. Aim: To assess if subclinical myocardial dysfunction could be identified using LV-GLS and RV-LS in patients with previous asymptomatic/ mild SARS-CoV 2 infection. Methods: 40 young adults patients (70% males, mean age 24.4 ± 8.4 years), who had a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and were asymptomatic or only mildly symptomatic, without previous known comorbidities/cardiovascular risk factors, were retrospectively included. Patients underwent standard transthoracic echocardiogram and speckle tracking echocardiographic study at least 3 months after diagnosis. A total of 44 age, sex, and body surface area comparable healthy subjects were used as control group. Results: LV-GLS was within normal limits but significantly lower in the cases group compared to controls (-22.7 ± 1.6% vs. -25.7 ± 2.3%;p < 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction (63.3 ± 4.1% vs 63.9 ± 4.6%;p = 0.5), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (24.3 ± 3.7 vs. 23.7 ± 3.3;p = 0.5) and RV-LS (-23.2 ± 3 vs. -23.6 ± 2.7;p = 0.6) were comparable between the two groups. Moreover, in the infection group, there were 25 subjects (30.1% vs 9.6% in the control group, p < 0.001) with a regional peak systolic strain of the left ventricle below -16% in at least two segments. At multivariable logistic regression corrected for age, gender and body surface area, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was an independent predictor of reduced LV-GLS values (p < 0.001). Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection may affect left ventricular deformation in 30% of young adults patients despite an asymptomatic or only mildly symptomatic acute illness. Speckle tracking echocardiography could help in early identification of patients with subclinical cardiac involvement. Since long-term complications of COVID-19 are not yet known, myocardial deformation imaging could be important for risk stratification, treatment and planning of long-term follow-up.

Characteristics and potential hemodynamic benefits of proning on the right ventricle in intensive care patients with SARS-CoV-2 ARDS

Introduction: One of the key challenges in treating COVID-19 ARDS patients is hemodynamic monitoring. Therapies proven to be effective in ARDS, such as protective ventilation, fluid restriction or high PEEP tend to alter right ventricular (RV) function and indicate a closer in-bed management, which is particularly difficult in prone position (PP) patients. Transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) enables a direct window for hemodynamic monitoring of RV performance. Objective: To assess characteristics and potential hemodynamic benefits of proning on the RV in ICU patients with SARS-CoV-2 ARDS, using echocardiography. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study of SARS-CoV-2 ARDS in 11 patients hospitalized in a 12 bed ICU in Farhat Hached University hospital in December 2020. All patients were deeply sedated and curarized during the study. After a stabilization period (MAP ≥ 65mmHg), TTE was performed first in the supine position before putting the patient on PP. Same measures were repeated during a second scan 4 to 8 hours after PP setting. Norepinephrine infusion levels were not changed between the two scans. The average duration of a scan was 20 ± 10 minutes depending mostly on echogenicity. Several frequencies and harmonics were tested and we selected the ones that provided the best image quality. PP ventilation (PPV) was performed continuously for 12 hours using the 'swimmer position' that enabled affordable TTE views. A quantitative study of the RV was performed using RV focused 4C view. A special view dedicated to the IVC was studied. Parameters measured were RV basal end diastolic diameter, S' peak wave in TDI, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC) and maximal trans tricuspid velocity (MTTV). Post hoc analysis was performed by two readers (one intensivist and one cardiologist). All parameters are expressed as a mean of two measurements. Results: Twenty-four TTEs were performed in 11 patients respectively 40 ± 15mn before and 5.8 ± 1.1hrs after the PP setting. Patients were 71.0 ± 9.4yrs aged, 5(45%) obese, 7(63%) had diabetes mellitus, 4(36%) hypertension, 1(9%) coronary artery disease. All (100%) were on sinus rhythm. 7(63.6%) presented moderate ARDS and 3(27.3%) severe ARDS. None of the patients developed RV failure prior to the examination. The PPV achieved a non-statistically significant improvement in RV function as assessed by the increase of S', TAPSE, a decrease in RV basal diameter and an increase in FAC. A statistically significant decrease in MTTV (mean 3.20 ± 0.49 m/s before PP vs mean 2.47 ± 0.77m/s (p = 0.01)) was objectified. Conclusions: PPV improves hemodynamic parameters of the RV. TEE 4C view is sufficient in the assessment of RV function in PP. SPAP monitoring could be the key parameter to quickly and reliably assess RV response to PPV.

Right heart function in patients with viral pneumonia of varying severity caused by SARS-n-COV-2

Purpose: the purpose of this study was to estimate condition of right heart in patients with COVID-19 and viral pneumonia. Material and methods: 87 patients were included (age 53 ± 13, 58% male) with established diagnosis of COVID-19 via PCR and viral pneumonia on CT scans. Patient's clinical condition was assessed by SHOCS-COVID and NEWS scales. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on 12 ± 4.6 day from the first symptoms of disease. Levels of high-sense Troponin I and NT-proBNP were measured in blood samples. Results: Patients were divided into 3 groups according to pattern of viral pneumonia severity on CT scans. Group I with CT 1 grade (involvement of the pulmonary parenchyma 0-25%) - 11(12.6%) patients;mid age- 48.9 ± 17 years;NEWS score - 1.4 ± 0.9;SHOCS-COVID score - 7.5 ± 3.7. Group II with CT 2 grade (involvement of the pulmonary parenchyma 25-50%). 48 (55.2%) patients;mid age- 51.6 ± 13.1 years;NEWS score - 2 ± 1;SHOCS-COVID score - 9 ± 2.1. Group III with CT 3 grade (involvement of the pulmonary parenchyma 50%-75%). 28 (32.2%) patients;mid age- 57.1 ± 10.3 years;NEWS score - 3.2 ± 1.5;SHOCS-COVID score - 12.4 ± 2. Groups didn't differ in age (p-value >0.05). Highest NEWS and SHOCS-COVID scores were observed in group III (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.01, accordingly). All patients had preserved LV ejection fraction (62 ± 4.2%). Range of right heart echocardiography parameters was higher in patients with more severe grade of viral pneumonia: - pulmonary artery systolic pressure in group I - 26,3 ± 4 mmHg, in II - 28.7 ± 4 mmHg, in III - 29.1 ± 13.2 mmHg (pI-III= 0.002), r = 0.4, p < 0.0001;- myocardial systolic velocity (s') of free tricuspid annulus site by TDI in group I-11 ± 0.5 cm/s, in II-13 ± 2 cm/s, in III -14 ± 2 cm/s (pI-III= 0.02), r = 0.4. p < 0.0001;- GLS of right ventricle (RV) in group I -18.6 ± 3%, in II - 21.6 ± 3.9%, in III - 21 ± 3.9% (pI-III = 0.038), r = 0.4, p = 0.005;- RV mid diameter in apical position in group I- 27 ± 2.8 mm, in II - 31 ± 5.1 mm, in III - 29 ± 4.2 mm (pI-III = 0.03), r = 0.3, p = 0.002. TAPSE and right heart areas didn't differ between groups (p > 0.05). Levels of high-sense Troponin I were under 0.2 ng/ml in all groups (p > 0.05). NT-proBNP level were elevated only in group III - 172 [97,7;330] ng/l (pI-III = 0,03) and correlated with SHOCS-COVID scores (r = 0.4, p = 0.04), CT grade (r = 0.3, p = 0.01) and RV Tei index from pulse-wave Doppler (r = 0.3, p = 0.02). Conclusion: perhaps, RV hyperfunction is compensatory reaction in response to increased afterload of right heart in patients with severe viral pneumonia caused by SARS-n-COV-2. Increased level of NT-proBNP indirectly confirms presence of myocardial stress in patients with severe viral pneumonia caused by SARS-n-COV-2.