Multimodality Imaging in a Patient With Double Aortic Arch Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: J Am Coll Cardiol Case Rep 2024;29:102224.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2024.102224.].

Left Atrium: A New Prognostic Marker and Therapeutic Target in Secondary Mitral Regurgitation?

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is one of the most common valvular abnormalities worldwide and can be subdivided into primary and secondary causes. Atrial MR consists of a novel type of secondary MR (SMR), most often observed in patients with AF and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The main pathophysiological mechanism of atrial MR is mitral valve annular dilatation. Recently published studies have highlighted the clinical significance of left atrium (LA) evaluation in the early diagnosis and prognosis of patients with primary MR. However, there are little data regarding the role of the LA in SMR. The present literature review aims to elucidate the use of the echocardiographic parameters regarding LA evaluation in the prognosis prediction and therapeutic strategy of patients with SMR.

Multimodality Imaging in a Patient With Double Aortic Arch Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Double aortic arch is a rare congenital malformation often identified as an incidental finding during routine imaging. In our case, we describe aortic hemodynamics of double aortic arch in a patient with severe aortic stenosis and the procedural process of transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Resting strain analysis to identify myocardial ischemia in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with higher incidence of cardiovascular death. Screening for coronary artery disease in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients is challenging. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the incremental value of resting deformation analysis in predicting positive results for myocardial ischemia during stress transthoracic echocardiography in patients with end-stage CKD. METHODS: Sixty-one patients (mean age: 62.3 ± 11.8, 65.7% men) with end-stage CKD were included in the study. Patients underwent a resting transthoracic echocardiogram and a dobutamine stress contrast echo (DSE) protocol. Positive results of DSE were defined as stress-induced left ventricular (LV) wall motion abnormalities. RESULTS: The study cohort had normal or mildly impaired systolic function: mean LV ejection fraction (EF) was 49.2% (±10.4) and mean LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) was 14.4% (±4.5). Half of our population had impaired left atrial (LA) strain: mean LA reservoir, conduit, and contractile reserve were 24.1% (±12.6), 10.6% (±5.9), and 13.6% (±9.2), respectively. DSE was positive for ischemia in 55.7%. A significant negative association with DSE results was found for LV EF, LV GLS and the conduit phase of LA strain. Both LV and LA dimensions showed positive correlation with presence of ischemia in DSE. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LV GLS was independently associated with DSE (p = 0.007), after controlling for covariates, with high diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSION: Resting LV deformation could predict positive results during DSE, thus may be useful to better identify renal patients who might benefit from coronary artery screening.

The Contemporary Role of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy.

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is characterized by elevated cardiac output at rest, an inability to further increase contractility under stress, and diastolic dysfunction. The diagnosis of CCM is crucial as it can lead to complications during liver transplantation. However, its recognition poses challenges with conventional echocardiography techniques. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), particularly global longitudinal strain (GLS), is a novel index that enhances the diagnostic efficacy of echocardiography for both ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. GLS proves more sensitive in identifying early systolic dysfunction and is also influenced by advanced diastolic dysfunction. Consequently, there is an expanding scope for GLS utilization in cirrhotic cases, with newly updated diagnostic criteria for CCM incorporating GLS. Specifically, systolic dysfunction is now defined as either a left ventricular ejection fraction below 50% or an absolute GLS below 18%. However, conflicting data on GLS alterations in liver cirrhosis patients persist, as many individuals with advanced disease and a poor prognosis exhibit a hyperdynamic state with preserved or increased GLS. Consequently, the presence of CCM, according to the updated criteria, does not exhibit a significant association-in the majority of studies-with the severity of liver disease and prognosis. Furthermore, information on other indices measured with STE, such as left atrial and right ventricular strain, is promising but currently limited. This review aims to offer a critical assessment of the existing evidence concerning the application of STE in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Novel Anti-Inflammatory Therapies in Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Evidence suggests that inflammation plays an important role in atherosclerosis and the consequent clinical presentation, including stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The most essential elements are cytokines, proteins with hormone-like properties that are produced by the immune cells, endothelial cells, platelets, fibroblasts, and some stromal cells. Interleukins (IL-1ß and IL-6), chemokines, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are the cytokines commonly associated with endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and atherosclerosis. These molecules can be targeted by commonly used therapeutic substances or selective molecules that exert targeted anti-inflammatory actions. The most significant anti-inflammatory therapies are aspirin, statins, colchicine, IL-1ß inhibitors, and IL-6 inhibitors, along with novel therapies such as TNF-α inhibitors and IL-1 receptor antagonists. Aspirin and statins are well-established therapies for atherosclerosis and CAD and their pleiotropic and anti-inflammatory actions contribute to their efficacy and favorable profile. Colchicine may also be considered in high-risk patients if recurrent ACS episodes occur when on optimal medical therapy according to the most recent guidelines. Recent randomized studies have also shown that therapies specifically targeting inflammatory interleukins and inflammation can reduce the risk for cardiovascular events, but these therapies are yet to be fully implemented in clinical practice. Preclinical research is also intense, targeting various inflammatory mediators that are believed to be implicated in CAD, namely repeated transfers of the soluble mutant of IFN-γ receptors, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors, IL-10 delivery by nanocarriers, chemokine modulatory treatments, and reacting oxygen species (ROS) targeting nanoparticles. Such approaches, although intriguing and promising, ought to be tested in clinical settings before safe conclusions can be drawn. Although the link between inflammation and atherosclerosis is significant, further studies are needed in order to elucidate this association and improve outcomes in patients with CAD.

Speckle tracking echocardiography and ß-thalassemia major. A systematic review.

Heart disease is among the primary causes of morbidity and mortality in ß-thalassemia major (ß-TM). Conventional echocardiography has failed to identify myocardial dysfunction at an early stage among these patients, thus speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has been lately used. The objectives of this review were to 1) identify all published studies having evaluated myocardial strain among ß-TM patients, 2) gather their results, 3) compare their findings and 4) propose recommendations based on these data. Literature search was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS and Cohrane Library. Data regarding left ventricular global longitudinal (LV-GLS), circumferential (LV-GCS) and radial strain (LV-GRS), right ventricular longitudinal strain (RV-GLS), left and right atrial strain were extracted. Thirty-five studies (34 original articles and 1 meta-analysis) have met the inclusion criteria. LV-GLS has been reported being worse in patients compared to controls in 13 of 21 studies, LV-GCS in 7 of 11 studies, LV-GRS in 6 of 7 studies, RV-GLS in 2 of 3 studies and left atrial strain in all case-control studies. Myocardial iron overload (MIO) patient subgroups had worse LV-GLS in 6 of 15 studies, LV-GCS in 2 of 7 studies and LV-GRS in none of 7 studies. A small number of studies suggest left atrial strain correlation with electrical atrial ectopy and atrial fibrillation. It is suggested that STE should be applied supplementary to conventional echocardiography for early identification of myocardial dysfunction among ß-TM patients. Potential myocardial strain utilities could be screening for myocardial iron overload, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and atrial fibrillation.

Lipoprotein(a) as a Predictive Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Western societies, despite the significant advances that have improved primary and secondary prevention. Hence, several novel biomarkers have been identified as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets which could improve outcomes even when traditional risk factors are well-controlled. Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] has pro-atherogenic, pro-thrombotic, and pro-inflammatory properties, and its levels are relatively constant and genetically predetermined. Several epidemiological studies have associated high Lp(a) with increased risk for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) even when other CAD risk factors are included in the multivariate analysis. However, until recently, specific therapeutic options targeting Lp(a) were not associated, and thus, Lp(a) is currently used as a risk and treatment modifying biomarker with guidelines suggesting the intensified treatment of low-density lipoprotein in intermediate- to-high-risk patients with increased Lp(a) levels. Lately, specific treatment options targeting Lp(a) have become available and include antisense oligonucleotides and small-interfering RNA, which induce a robust reduction of Lp(a). Results of ongoing phase-3 trials will answer whether Lp(a) will become a biomarker specifically treated to reduce the burden of cardiovascular mortality. The scope of this review article is to present the current evidence regarding the use of Lp(a) as a biomarker, predictive of increased CAD risk, and to discuss the future perspectives on pharmaceutical reduction of Lp(a) as a therapeutic target in high-risk patients.

HFA-PEFF score as an independent predictor of 2-year mortality in liver cirrhosis patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardiovascular complications of liver cirrhosis include high cardiac output heart failure with reduced afterload and diastolic dysfunction. Heart Failure Association Pre-test assessment, Echocardiography and natriuretic peptide, Functional testing, Final etiology (HFA-PEFF) (values 0-6) is a diagnostic tool for heart failure. It is a cluster of echocardiographic and biochemical parameters. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess if HFA-PEFF score is associated with the severity of liver disease and to determine its prognostic significance in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: Patients with cirrhosis without an acute event were enrolled. A comprehensive echocardiography study was conducted, brain natriuretic peptide and N-terminal-pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide levels were measured and HFA-PEFF score was calculated. All patients were prospectively followed up after enrollment. The study end-point was defined as the composite of all-cause death. RESULTS: Seventy-two consecutive patients [median age 59 years (inter-quartile range: 52-65), 72.2% males, Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) 12.9 (8.5-16.3)] were included. The 52.8% had a high HFA-PEFF score (5 or 6) and the 47.2% intermediate/low score (0-4). HFA-PEFF score was correlated with MELD score (rho = 0.566, P < 0.001), but not with age, SBP and heart rate. The median follow-up was 24.2 (9.5-38.8) months. The 1- and 2-year cumulative mortality was higher in patients with high HFA-PEFF compared to those with intermediate/low (log-rank P < 0.001 for both). The predicted 2-year probability of survival in high vs intermediate/low HFA-PEFF was found to be a prognostic factor of death even when adjusted for age, gender and MELD score [hazard ratio = 3.539 (1.134-11.046), P = 0.029]. CONCLUSION: HFA-PEFF score is high among patients with liver cirrhosis, especially those with advanced liver disease. HFA-PEFF score is associated with survival even when adjusting for cirrhosis severity.

The prognostic value of speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with end stage renal disease on dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular death especially as the disease progresses and patients are on long-term dialysis treatment. Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and cardiac deformation measured by speckle tracking echocardiography seem to play an important prognostic role in several different specific populations. OBJECTIVE: Τhe prognostic value of strain analysis measurements, including the novel diastolic parameters such as left atrial (LA) strain, in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis (stage 5 CKD). METHODS: 67 patients (mean age 62.3 ± 11.8, 65.7% men) with stage 5 CKD (45 on hemodialysis and 22 on peritoneal dialysis) were enrolled in the study protocol. The mean duration of dialysis was 102.48 ± 84.98 months. Mean follow-up lasted seven years. RESULTS: Most of the study population had normal or mildly impaired systolic function with a mean LV ejection fraction of 49.17% (± 10.41) while 70% of patients had impaired LV global longitudinal strain, mean 14.35% (± 4.49). Regarding LA strain parameters the mean LA reservoir, LA conduit, and LA contractile reserve were 24.11% (± 12.61), 10.56% (± 5.88), and 13.60% (± 9.15) respectively. Thus 50% of the population had impaired LA strain. Logistic regression analysis showed that of the various echocardiographic parameters LV ejection fraction, LV global longitudinal strain, and the conduit phase of LA strain were significantly associated with total prognosis (p = 0.009, p = 0.007, p = 0.05). The conduit element of LA strain was the strongest predictor among them, when adjusted for age (OR = 0.77 p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is an important prognostic factor in patients with advanced CKD on long-term dialysis, without known CAD. The novel echocardiographic parameters such as LA strain could add valuable information to the overall cardiac evaluation of this specific population.

Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 in Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in western societies. Therefore the identification of novel biomarkers to be used as diagnostic or therapeutic targets is of significant scientific interest. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is one such protein shown to be involved in endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation and atherogenesis. Several epidemiological studies have associated high Lp-PLA2 activity with an increased risk for CAD even when other CAD risk factors or inflammation markers were included in the multivariate analysis. These findings were strengthened by the results of relevant meta-analyses. However, randomized trials failed to establish Lp-PLA2 as a therapeutic target. Specifically, pharmaceutical inhibition of Lp-PLA2 when compared to the placebo failed to demonstrate a significant association with improved prognosis of patients with stable CAD or after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This review focuses on the available data that have investigated the potential role of Lp- PLA2 as a biomarker for CAD.

Left atrial deformation indices in ß-thalassemia major patients.

The presence of atrial cardiomyopathy in ß-thalassemia major (ß-TM) patients complicates their clinical condition. The diagnosis is challenging even with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Novel echocardiographic techniques are applied to increase the diagnostic yield. Fifty-six ß-TM patients and thirty age and sex-matched controls were included in the present cross-sectional study. Heart rate, PR duration, and P axis were measured by electrocardiography, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), ratio between early mitral inflow velocity and mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/e'), left atrial volume index (LAVI), left atrial strain at reservoir (LASr), conduit (LAScd) and contraction (LASct) phases respectively, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) by echocardiography, and T2* calculation in patient group by CMR. PR duration, LVEF, LAVI, E/e', GLS, and left atrial deformation parameters differed between patients and controls (p <0.05). In patient group, left atrial strain was correlated with PR duration, LAVI, E/e', GLS, and T2* (p <0.05). T2* was correlated only with left atrial deformation indices (p <0.05). Patients with a history of atrial fibrillation were older, had lower heart rate, prolonged PR, increased E/e' and LAVI, and impaired left atrial strain (p <0.05). LASct differed relative to the presence of atrial fibrillation and myocardial iron overload. Atrial strain could be of clinical use in the early detection of atrial cardiomyopathy. An impaired LASct could identify ß-TM patients with undetected episodes of atrial fibrillation. Finally, left atrial strain may be helpful in myocardial iron load estimation.

Fluid and Salt Balance and the Role of Nutrition in Heart Failure.

The main challenges in heart failure (HF) treatment are to manage patients with refractory acute decompensated HF and to stabilize the clinical status of a patient with chronic heart failure. Beyond the use of medications targeted in the inhibition of the neurohormonal system, the balance of salt and fluid plays an important role in the maintenance of clinical compensation in respect of renal function. In the case of heart failure, a debate of opinion exists on salt restriction. Restricted dietary sodium might lead to worse outcomes in heart failure patients due to the activation of the neurohormonal system and malnutrition. On the contrary, positive sodium balance is the primary driver of water retention and, ultimately, volume overload in acute HF. Some recent studies reported associations of decreased salt consumption with higher readmission rates and increased mortality. Thus, the usefulness of salt restriction in heart failure management remains debated. The use of individualized nutritional support, compared with standard hospital food, was effective in reducing these risks, particularly in the group of patients at high nutritional risk.

Transthoracic ultrasound; seeking the heart in a patient with a large left-sided cirrhotic hydrothorax.

A case of a patient with liver cirrhosis and a large left-sided pleural effusion displacing the heart rightward is presented and the best views to acquire images enabling evaluation of the cardiac function are highlighted. Understanding the modified intrathoracic anatomy in patients with pleural effusions enables quick and focused assessment and can shorten evaluation time while preserving high image quality.

The Fundamental Role of Stress Echo in Evaluating Coronary Artery Disease in Specific Patient Populations.

Stress echocardiography (SE) was initially used for assessing patients with known or suspected coronary heart disease by detecting and evaluating myocardial ischemia and viability. The implementation of SE has gradually been extended to several cardiovascular diseases beyond coronary artery disease, and SE protocols have been modified and adapted for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) or other cardiovascular diseases in specific patient populations. This review attempts to summarize current data concerning SE implementation and clinical value in these specific and diverse populations: patients with an intramural course of a coronary artery, known as a myocardial bridge, chronic severe or end-stage hepatic disease, chronic severe or end-stage kidney disease, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, patients scheduled for solid-organ transplantation and other intermediate and high-risk surgery and, finally, patients treated with anticancer drugs or radiotherapy.

Eosinophilic Myocarditis in a Patient With Strongyloides stercoralis Infection.

A 40-year-old woman with a pulmonary embolism, central nervous system infarcts, and eosinophilia was referred for evaluation. Findings on echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance were consistent with eosinophilic myocarditis with left ventricular involvement. Further examination led to the diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis infection, and treatment with ivermectin and rivaroxaban resulted in clinical, laboratory, and cardiac imaging improvement. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Stroke and presence of patent foramen ovale in sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited monogenic hemoglobinopathy characterized by formation of sickle erythrocytes under conditions of deoxygenation. Sickle erythrocytes can lead to thrombus formation and vaso-occlusive episodes that may result in hemolytic anemia, pain crisis and multiple organ damage. Moreover, SCD is characterized by endothelial damage, increased inflammatory response, platelet activation and aggravation, and activation of both the intrinsic and the extrinsic coagulation pathways. Cerebrovascular events constitute an important clinical complication of SCD. Children with SCD have a 300-fold higher risk of acute stroke and by the age of 45 about 25% of patients have suffered an overt stoke. Management and prevention of stroke in patients with SCD is not well defined. Moreover, the presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) increases the risk of the occurrence of an embolic cerebrovascular event. The role of PFO closure and antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy has not been well investigated. Moreover, during COVID-19 pandemic and taking into account the increased rates of thrombotic events and the difficulties in blood transfusion, management of SCD patients is even more challenging and difficult, since data are scarce regarding stroke occurrence and management in this specific population in the COVID-19 era. This review focuses on pathophysiology of stroke in patients with SCD and possible treatment strategies in the presence of PFO.

The Effect of Dobutamine Stress Testing on Vortex Formation Time in Patients Evaluated for Ischemia.

Vortex formation time (VFT) is a dimensionless index used to quantify duration of vortex ring formation during diastole. We sought to investigate the effect of pharmaceutical stress on VFT in patients evaluated for ischemia. For this purpose, a standard dobutamine stress echo (DSE) protocol was performed in 50 consecutive patients, and VFT was calculated at rest and at peak. VFT was calculated from echocardiography measurements using a previously developed mathematical equation. VFTi was calculated as the percentage of change of VFTpeak, compared with VFTrest. Mean VFTrest was 2.46 (0.73) and mean VFTpeak 1.67 (0.57) with mean VFTi - 30.0% (19.8). In 14 (28%) patients, an ischemic response (DSE+) was documented. VFTi was significantly lower in DSE+ patients a finding which remained significant in the multivariate analysis after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, history of coronary artery disease, and relative increase of heart rate during stress. Graphical Abstract.