Left main coronary artery compression in precapillary pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive and invalidating condition despite available therapy. Addressing complications such as left main coronary artery compression (LMCo) due to the dilated pulmonary artery (PA) may improve symptoms and survival. Nevertheless, clear recommendations are lacking. The aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence, characteristics, predictive factors and impact of LMCo in a heterogenous precapillary PH population in a single referral center. Two hundred sixty-five adults with various etiologies of precapillary PH at catheterization were reviewed. Coronary angiography (CA) was performed for LMCo suspicion. Revascularization was performed in selected cases. Outcomes were assessed at a mean follow-up of 3.9 years. LMCo was suspected in 125 patients and confirmed in 39 (31.2%), of whom 21 (16.8%) had 50%-90% stenoses. Nine revascularizations were performed, with clinical improvement. The only periprocedural complication was a stent migration. LMCo was associated with PH etiology (p 0.003), occuring more frequently in congenital heart disease-associated PH (61.5% of all LMCo cases, 66.6% of LMCo ≥ 50%). Predictors of LMCo ≥50% were PA ≥ 37.5 mm (Sn 81%, Sp 74%) and PA-to-aorta ≥1.24 (Sn 81%, Sp 69%), with increased discrimination when considering RV end-diastolic area. LMCo ≥ 50% without revascularization presented clinical deterioration and worse survival (p 0.019). This analysis of a heterogeneous pre-capillary PH population provides LMCo prevalence estimation, predictive factors (PA size, PA-to-aorta, RV end-diastolic area and PH etiology) and long-term impact. While LMCo impact on survival is inconclusive, untreated LMCo ≥ 50% has worse prognosis. LMCo revascularization may be performed safely and with good outcomes.

Modern physiological approach to inappropriate ICD shocks due to atrial fibrillation with very fast ventricular response. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Fast-conducting atrial fibrillation misinterpreted as ventricular tachycardia is the leading cause for inappropriate shocks in patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD). These inappropriate shocks are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and cause great discomfort and stress. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy, permanent atrial fibrillation, and a single-chamber DF-1 ICD implanted for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death, who presented for multiple inappropriate internal shocks due to very fast-conducting atrial fibrillation, which was mislabeled as ventricular fibrillation by the ICD. Since the patient was under maximal atrioventricular nodal blocking medical therapy (beta-blockers and digitalis) and we didn`t find any reversible causes for the heart rate acceleration, we opted for rate control with atrioventricular node ablation. To counteract the risk of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy in this patient who would become totally pacemaker-dependent, we successfully performed left bundle branch area pacing. Because the patient`s ICD had a DF-1 connection and the battery had a long life remaining, we connected the physiological pacing lead to the IS-1 sense-pace port of the ICD. The 6-month follow-up showed an improvement in left ventricular function with no more inappropriate shocks. CONCLUSIONS: Left bundle branch area pacing and atrioventricular node ablation in patients with an implantable single-chamber DF-1 defibrillator and fast-conducting permanent atrial fibrillation is a cost-efficient and very effective method to prevent and treat inappropriate shocks, avoiding the use of an additional dual-chamber or CRT-D device.

Feasibility of Conduction System Pacing in Patients with Baseline Bundle Branch Block-A Single-Center Mid-Term Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: The primary prerequisite for a successful conduction system pacing (CSP) procedure is the integrity of the conduction system, which may be impaired if a baseline bundle branch block (BBB) is present. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and mid-term performance of permanent CSP in patients with baseline BBB and to compare the results between left bundle branch block (LBBB) and right bundle branch block (RBBB) patterns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 101 patients with typical BBB and an attempt at CSP were retrospectively reviewed. Procedural characteristics, pacing, sensing parameters, and complications at baseline and after a mid-term follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: The global procedural success for CSP was 93%. His bundle pacing (HBP) had a significantly lower success rate than left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) (50.5% vs. 86%). The paced QRS duration was significantly narrower with HBP. The pacing and sensing thresholds were significantly better with LBBAP. Procedural complications occurred only in the LBBAP group (two acute perforations in the LV cavity and one acute chest pain during lead fixation) without long-term sequelae. The HBP and the LBBAP procedural success rates were higher in the RBBB versus the LBBB group (62.5% vs. 44.9% and 100% vs. 81.5%, respectively). Baseline QRS duration, atrial volumes, and right ventricular diameters were significantly associated with HBP procedural failure. The follow-up pacing and sensing thresholds were similar to the baseline values for all pacing methods and BBB morphology. Only one device-related complication leading to pacing interruption was recorded. CONCLUSION: In patients with bundle branch blocks, CSP is a feasible procedure associated with a high success rate, stable pacing and sensing parameters, and low complication rates over a mid-term follow-up.

Optimal Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy with Conduction System Pacing Guided by Electro-Anatomical Mapping: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Biventricular pacing has been the gold standard for cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with left bundle branch block and severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction for decades. However, in the past few years, this role has been challenged by the promising results of conduction system pacing in these patients, which has proven non-inferior and, at times, superior to biventricular pacing regarding left ventricular function outcomes. One of the most important limitations of both procedures is the long fluoroscopy times. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 60-year-old patient with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and left bundle branch block in whom conduction system pacing was chosen as the first option for resynchronization therapy. A 3D electro-anatomical mapping system was used to guide the lead to the His bundle region, where correction was observed at high amplitudes, and afterward to the optimal septal penetration site. After reaching the left endocardium, left bundle branch pacing achieved a narrow, paced QRS complex with low fluoroscopy exposure. The three-month follow-up showed a significant improvement in clinical status and left ventricular function. CONCLUSION: Since conduction system pacing requires a great deal of precision, targeting specific, narrow structures inside the heart, 3D mapping is a valuable tool that increases the chances of success, especially in patients with complex anatomies, such as those with indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Right ventricle to pulmonary artery coupling after transcatheter aortic valve implantation-Determinant factors and prognostic impact.

Introduction: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension (PH) have been previously associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), but little is known about the effect of right ventricle (RV) to pulmonary artery (PA) coupling. Our study aimed to evaluate the determinant factors and the prognostic value of RV-PA coupling in patients undergoing TAVI. Methods: One hundred sixty consecutive patients with severe AS were prospectively enrolled, between September 2018 and May 2020. They underwent a comprehensive echocardiogram before and 30 days after TAVI, including speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for myocardial deformation analysis of the left ventricle (LV), left atrium (LA), and RV function. Complete data on myocardial deformation was available in 132 patients (76.6 ± 7.5 years, 52.5% men) who formed the final study population. The ratio of RV free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FWLS) to PA systolic pressure (PASP) was used as an estimate of RV-PA coupling. Patients were analyzed according to baseline RV-FWLS/PASP cut-off point, determined through time-dependent ROC curve analysis, as follows: normal RV-PA coupling group (RV-FWLS/PASP ≥0.63, n = 65) and impaired RV-PA coupling group (RV-FWLS/PASP < 0.63, n = 67). Results: A significant improvement of RV-PA coupling was observed early after TAVI (0.75 ± 0.3 vs. 0.64 ± 0.3 before TAVI, p < 0.001), mainly due to PASP decrease (p < 0.001). LA global longitudinal strain (LA-GLS) is an independent predictor of RV-PA coupling impairment before and after TAVI (OR = 0.837, p < 0.001, OR = 0.848, p < 0.001, respectively), while RV diameter is an independent predictor of persistent RV-PA coupling impairment after TAVI (OR = 1.174, p = 0.002). Impaired RV-PA coupling was associated with a worse survival rate (66.3% vs. 94.9%, p-value < 0.001) and emerged as an independent predictor of mortality (HR = 5.97, CI = 1.44-24.8, p = 0.014) and of the composite endpoint of death and rehospitalization (HR = 4.14, CI = 1.37-12.5, p = 0.012). Conclusion: Our results confirm that relief of aortic valve obstruction has beneficial effects on the baseline RV-PA coupling, and they occur early after TAVI. Despite significant improvement in LV, LA, and RV function after TAVI, RV-PA coupling remains impaired in some patients, it is mainly related to persistent pulmonary hypertension and is associated with adverse outcomes.

Floating thrombus of the ascending aorta after treatment of ureteral carcinoma: A case report.

An asymptomatic 59-year-old female patient presented with a large floating mass, presumably a thrombus, in the distal ascending aorta. It developed during chemotherapy following nephrectomy for ureteral carcinoma. Due to embolic risks, surgery was indicated. Epiaortic echography revealed embolic risks upon aortic cross-clamping. Aortotomy was performed during brief circulatory arrest under mild hypothermia, followed by safe aortic cross-clamping under direct vision and aortic thrombectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful. Malignancy- and chemotherapy-induced hypercoagulation probably favored thrombus formation. In conclusion, epiaortic echography and short circulatory arrest under tepid hypothermia help to avoid embolic events during ascending aorta thrombectomy.

Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Predictors of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have an increased prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to the general population, and left atrium (LA) remodeling is strongly correlated with the risk of AF. This prospective, monocentric study aimed to assess the role of LA electrocardiographic and echocardiographic (structural and functional) parameters in predicting the risk for incident AF in patients with HCM. Methods and Results: The study population consisted of 126 HCM patients in sinus rhythm (52.6 ± 16.2 years, 54 men), 118 of them without documented AF. During a median follow-up of 56 (7-124) months, 39 (30.9%) developed a new episode of AF. Multivariable analysis showed that LA booster pump function (assessed by ASr, HR = 4.24, CI = 1.84-9.75, and p = 0.038) and electrical dispersion (assessed by P wave dispersion - Pd, HR = 1.044, CI = 1.029-1.058, and p = 0.001), and not structural parameters (LA diameter, LA volume) were independent predictors of incident AF. Seventy-two patients had a LA diameter < 45 mm, and 16 of them (22.2%) had an AF episode during follow-up. In this subgroup, only Pd emerged as an independent predictor for incident AF (HR = 1.105, CI = 1.059-1.154, and p = 0.002), with good accuracy (AUC = 0.89). Conclusion: Left atrium booster pump function (ASr) and electrical dispersion (Pd) are related to the risk of incident AF in HCM patients. These parameters can provide further stratification of the risk for AF in this setting, including in patients considered at lower risk for AF based on the conventional assessment of LA size.

Ten Tumors in the Heart: Papillary Fibroelastoma With Triple Valve Involvement.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) is a benign tumor of endocardial origin, most frequently solitary, which commonly affects the aortic valve. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman with 10 separate tumors that developed on the mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary cusps; atrioventricular valve chordae; and left ventricular endocardium. Surgical treatment included valve-sparing resection of the pulmonary cusp tumors and bioprosthetic replacement of the mitral and tricuspid valves, which exhibited extensive tumor invasion. The postoperative course was unremarkable. The high number of CPFs and triple-valve tumor involvement are both exceptional. CPF should be considered whenever multiple cardiac masses are discovered.

Carotid arterial stiffness is increased and related to left ventricular function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: To assess the carotid mechanical properties in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the relation between arterial stiffness and left ventricular function in this setting. METHODS AND RESULTS: We have prospectively enrolled 71 patients (52 ± 16 years, 34 men) with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, divided into two groups depending on the presence (46 patients) or absence (25 patients) of cardiovascular risk factors associated with increased arterial stiffness. Twenty-five normal subjects similar by age and gender with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients without risk factors formed the control group. A comprehensive echocardiography was performed in all subjects. Carotid arterial stiffness index (ß index), pressure-strain elastic modulus, arterial compliance, and pulse wave velocity were also obtained using an echo-tracking system. ß index, pulse wave velocity, and pressure-strain elastic modulus were significantly higher in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients without risk factors compared to controls. After linear regression analysis, the increase in carotid ß index was independently correlated with the presence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy [beta = 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-3.02; P < 0.001]. In the entire hypertrophic cardiomyopathy population arterial stiffness parameters correlated with age, gender, hypertension degree, presence of hypercholesterolaemia, and the E/e' ratio. In multivariable analysis, ß index (beta = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.32-1.25; P = 0.001), global left ventricular longitudinal strain, and the presence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction were independently correlated with the E/e' ratio. CONCLUSION: In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy arterial stiffness is increased independently of age or presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Carotid artery stiffness is independently related to left ventricular filling pressure, increased arterial stiffness representing a possible marker of a more severe phenotype.

Left Atrial Dysfunction as an Independent Correlate of Heart Failure Symptoms in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding the contribution of left atrial (LA) dysfunction to the occurrence of heart failure in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between LA deformation and symptomatic status in this clinical setting. METHODS: A total of 361 consecutive patients with severe AS (aortic valve area [AVA] index ≤ 0.6 cm2/m2) referred to the echocardiography laboratory were prospectively screened. Two hundred forty-eight patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (≥50%), in sinus rhythm, and with no more than mild aortic or mitral regurgitation (202 symptomatic and 46 asymptomatic) were enrolled. Asymptomatic status was confirmed by exercise echocardiography or electrocardiography, as clinically indicated. All patients underwent comprehensive echocardiography, including speckle-tracking analysis of LV and LA deformation. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding age and cardiovascular risk factors. LV ejection fraction and geometric parameters were similar between groups despite higher indexed AVA in asymptomatic patients. In symptomatic patients, brain natriuretic peptide values, average E/e' ratio, and LA size were higher, whereas LV global longitudinal strain and peak LA longitudinal strain and strain rate parameters were lower compared with asymptomatic patients. AVA and peak systolic LA longitudinal strain rate were the only independent correlates of heart failure symptoms (P = .04 and P = .01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LA systolic strain rate, in addition to AVA, emerged as an independent correlate of the presence of heart failure in patients with severe AS and preserved LV ejection fraction. The echocardiographic evaluation of LA function by speckle-tracking may become useful for risk stratification in patients with asymptomatic AS, but larger prospective studies are needed.

Left atrial dysfunction as a determinant of pulmonary hypertension in patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

In patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), the presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been linked to a poor prognosis. We aimed to assess the main determinants of PH in patients with severe AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We prospectively enrolled 108 consecutive patients with isolated severe AS (indexed aortic valve area <0.6 cm2/m2) and LVEF >50%, in sinus rhythm. Left atrial (LA) function was assessed using longitudinal deformation parameters (by speckle tracking echocardiography). PH (defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure >40 mmHg) was present in 20 patients. Patients with severe AS and PH were older (p = 0.05), had higher BNP values (p = 0.05) and a greater degree of LV diastolic dysfunction: higher E/e' and E/A ratios and lower EDT values (p < 0.03 for all) compared to patients without PH. There were no differences between groups regarding AS severity and LV systolic function parameters. Patients with PH had a more impaired LA function: lower septal and lateral late diastolic peak velocity a' (p < 0.001 and p = 0.04 respectively) and lower LA peak longitudinal strain and strain rate parameters (p ≤ 0.005 for all). In multivariable analysis, LA late diastolic longitudinal strain rate was the only independent correlate of PH in our patients (p = 0.04). Patients with isolated severe AS, preserved LVEF and PH had larger LA volumes, a more impaired LA function, and higher LV filling pressures compared to those without PH. LA booster pump function, reflected by late diastolic longitudinal strain rate, emerged as an independent correlate of PH in these patients.

Sex Differences in Phenotypes of Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Aortopathy: Insights From a Large Multicenter, International Registry.

BACKGROUND: This large multicenter, international bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) registry aimed to define the sex differences in prevalence, valve morphology, dysfunction (aortic stenosis/regurgitation), aortopathy, and complications (endocarditis and aortic dissection). METHODS AND RESULTS: Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic data at first presentation of 1992 patients with BAV (71.5% men) were retrospectively analyzed. BAV morphology and valve function were assessed; aortopathy configuration was defined as isolated dilatation of the sinus of Valsalva or sinotubular junction, isolated dilatation of the ascending aorta distal to the sinotubular junction, or diffuse dilatation of the aortic root and ascending aorta. New cases of endocarditis and aortic dissection were recorded. There were no significant sex differences regarding BAV morphology and frequency of normal valve function. When presenting with moderate/severe aortic valve dysfunction, men had more frequent aortic regurgitation than women (33.8% versus 22.2%, P<0.001), whereas women were more likely to have aortic stenosis (34.5% versus 44.1%, P<0.001). Men had more frequently isolated dilatation of the sinus of Valsalva or sinotubular junction (14.2% versus 6.7%, P<0.001) and diffuse dilatation of the aortic root and ascending aorta (16.2% versus 7.3%, P<0.001) than women. Endocarditis (4.5% versus 2.5%, P=0.037) and aortic dissections (0.5% versus 0%, P<0.001) occurred more frequently in men. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is a male predominance among patients with BAV, men with BAV had more frequently moderate/severe aortic regurgitation at first presentation compared with women, whereas women presented more often with moderate/severe aortic stenosis compared with men. Furthermore, men had more frequent aortopathy than women.

Prognostic Implications of Raphe in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Anatomy.

Importance: Little is known about the association between bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) morphologic findings and the degree of valvular dysfunction, presence of aortopathy, and complications, including aortic valve surgery, aortic dissection, and all-cause mortality. Objective: To investigate the association between BAV morphologic findings (raphe vs nonraphe) and the degree of valve dysfunction, presence of aortopathy, and prognosis (including need for aortic valve surgery, aortic dissection, and all-cause mortality). Design, Setting, and Participants: In this large international multicenter registry of patients with BAV treated at tertiary referral centers, 2118 patients with BAV were evaluated. Patients referred for echocardiography from June 1, 1991, through November 31, 2015, were included in the study. Exposures: Clinical and echocardiographic data were analyzed retrospectively. The morphologic BAV findings were categorized according to the Sievers and Schmidtke classification. Aortic valve function was divided into normal, regurgitation, or stenosis. Patterns of BAV aortopathy included the following: type 1, dilation of the ascending aorta and aortic root; type 2, isolated dilation of the ascending aorta; and type 3, isolated dilation of the sinus of Valsalva and/or sinotubular junction. Main Outcomes and Measures: Association between the presence and location of raphe and the risk of significant (moderate and severe) aortic valve dysfunction and aortic dilation and/or dissection. Results: Of the 2118 patients (mean [SD] age, 47 [18] years; 1525 [72.0%] male), 1881 (88.8%) had BAV with fusion raphe, whereas 237 (11.2%) had BAV without raphe. Bicuspid aortic valves with raphe had a significantly higher prevalence of valve dysfunction, with a significantly higher frequency of aortic regurgitation (622 [33.1%] vs 57 [24.1%], P < .001) and aortic stenosis (728 [38.7%] vs 51 [21.5%], P < .001). Furthermore, aortic valve replacement event rates were significantly higher among patients with BAV with raphe (364 [19.9%] at 1 year, 393 [21.4%] at 2 years, and 447 [24.4%] at 5 years) vs patients without raphe (30 [14.0%] at 1 year, 32 [15.0%] at 2 years, and 40 [18.0%] at 5 years) (P = .02). In addition, the all-cause mortality event rates were significantly higher among patients with BAV with raphe (77 [5.1%] at 1 year, 87 [6.2%] at 2 years, and 110 [9.5%] at 5 years) vs patients without raphe (2 [1.8%] at 1 year, 3 [3.0%] at 2 years, and 5 [4.4%] at 5 years) (P = .03). However, on multivariable analysis, the presence of raphe was not significantly associated with all-cause mortality. Conclusions and Relevance: In this large multicenter, international BAV registry, the presence of raphe was associated with a higher prevalence of significant aortic stenosis and regurgitation. The presence of raphe was also associated with increased rates of aortic valve and aortic surgery. Although patients with BAV and raphe had higher mortality rates than patients without, the presence of a raphe was not independently associated with increased all-cause mortality.

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease: a rare cause of pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis. Case presentation and review of the literature .

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Because of the similar clinical picture of dyspnea on exertion and signs of right heart failure, PVOD is difficult to distinguish from idiopathic PAH. However, the distinction is mandatory because PVOD has a worse prognosis and, more importantly, the administration of PAH specific therapy (vasodilators) can precipitate severe acute pulmonary oedema. We present a challenging case of PAH in a patient with systemic sclerosis in whom a marked decrease in functional capacity after the initiation of bosentan therapy led to the diagnosis of PVOD. Management of PVOD patients is challenging and referral for lung transplantation should be done at the moment of diagnosis.

Right ventricular remodeling, its correlates, and its clinical impact in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Structural right ventricular (RV) abnormalities are present in a substantial proportion of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but the trigger for RV hypertrophy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between RV and left ventricular (LV) remodeling and the impact of biventricular involvement on clinical status in this setting. METHODS: Ninety-nine patients with HCM and 30 normal subjects with a similar age and gender distribution were prospectively enrolled. Comprehensive echocardiography was performed in all, including the assessment of LV and RV function by tissue Doppler and speckle-tracking echocardiography. Measurement of RV free wall thickness (RVWT) was performed at end-diastole, in a zoomed subcostal view, focusing on the RV midwall. RESULTS: Patients with HCM had increased RVWT (6.4 ± 1.9 vs 3.6 ± 0.8 mm, P < .001) and lower values of RV global longitudinal strain (-19.4 ± 4.4% vs -23.8 ± 2.7%, P < .001) compared with control subjects. RVWT was independently related to LV mass and LV global longitudinal strain. Increased RVWT was correlated with New York Heart Association class (r = 0.20, P = .04) and calculated sudden cardiac death risk score (r = 0.52, P < .001) and was independently related to the presence of ventricular arrhythmias (odds ratio, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.28-3.19; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HCM, the presence of RV hypertrophy was associated with increased LV mass and reduced LV longitudinal strain, correlated with increased calculated sudden cardiac death risk score, and independently related to the presence of ventricular arrhythmias. These data suggest more severe disease in patients with biventricular HCM.

The left ventricle in aortic stenosis--imaging assessment and clinical implications.

Aortic stenosis has an increasing prevalence in the context of aging population. In these patients non-invasive imaging allows not only the grading of valve stenosis severity, but also the assessment of left ventricular function. These two goals play a key role in clinical decision-making. Although left ventricular ejection fraction is currently the only left ventricular function parameter that guides intervention, current imaging techniques are able to detect early changes in LV structure and function even in asymptomatic patients with significant aortic stenosis and preserved ejection fraction. Moreover, new imaging parameters emerged as predictors of disease progression in patients with aortic stenosis. Although proper standardization and confirmatory data from large prospective studies are needed, these novel parameters have the potential of becoming useful tools in guiding intervention in asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis and stratify risk in symptomatic patients undergoing aortic valve replacement.This review focuses on the mechanisms of transition from compensatory left ventricular hypertrophy to left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure in aortic stenosis and the role of non-invasive imaging assessment of the left ventricular geometry and function in these patients.

Left ventricular shape and mass impact torsional dynamics in asymptomatic patients with chronic aortic regurgitation and normal left ventricular ejection fraction.

Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) is associated with a unique pattern of left ventricular (LV) volume and pressure overload, leading to LV remodelling. LV torsional motion, a key component of LV performance, can be altered in this setting. We aimed to assess the impact of LV remodelling on LV torsional dynamics parameters using speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) in asymptomatic AR patients. We prospectively enrolled 60 patients with chronic AR and LVEF > 50% and 55 healthy controls. LV rotation, twisting and untwisting were assessed using STE. Patients with AR had higher LV diameters, volumes and mass, a more spherical LV shape than controls, but similar LVEF. In AR patients we found reduced peak LV apical rotation and decreased (2.1 ± 0.8 vs 2.9 ± 0.9°/cm, p < 0.001) and delayed (time to peak LV twist: 0.94 ± 0.12 vs 0.99 ± 0.09, p = 0.004) peak LV torsion. Also, peak LV untwisting velocity was decreased (-123.5 ± 41.5 vs -152.3 ± 55.0°/s, p = 0.002) due to lower peak LV apical diastolic rotation rate. LV shape influenced LV torsional dynamics, a more spherical LV displaying reduced peak LV apical rotation and diastolic rotation rate and decreased LV twist. A more hypertrophied LV had a lower peak LV torsion, peak LV apical diastolic rotation rate and peak LV untwisting velocity. LV apical rotation and torsion are decreased and LV twist is delayed in patients with chronic AR and normal LVEF, detecting early subclinical LV dysfunction before LVEF declines. Also, LV untwisting is reduced in these patients. LV remodelling impairs LV torsional dynamics parameters in this setting.

Impact of associated significant aortic regurgitation on left ventricular remodeling and hemodynamic impairment in severe aortic valve stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: The left ventricular (LV) response to combined pressure and volume overload [aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR)] versus pressure overload (isolated AS)has not been systematically studied. We aimed to assess LV remodeling, functional and hemodynamic consequences inpatients with mixed aortic valve disease versus patients with isolated AS. METHODS: We enrolled 181 patients (67 ± 9 years,109 men) with severe AS (aortic valve area indexed to body surface area <0.6 cm 2 /m 2 ) who underwent preoperative cardiac catheterization and a complete echocardiogram. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were measured. RESULTS: One hundred and ten patients (group A)had isolated severe AS (AR 0­1) and 71 patients (group B)had mixed aortic valve disease (severe AS plus AR 2­3). Patients in group B were younger and in a higher New York Heart Association class (p < 0.01). Severity of AS was similar in both groups. Patients in group B had a higher indexed LV mass, a lower LV ejection fraction, and higher PCWP, LVED Pand PAP (all p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe AS and significant AR are more symptomatic than patients with isolated severe AS. The increased burden due to the combined lesion induces pronounced LV remodeling and more severe hemodynamic consequences.

Left atrial dysfunction as a correlate of heart failure symptoms in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) represents a generalized myopathic process affecting both ventricular and atrial myocardium. We aimed to assess left atrial (LA) function by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography and its relation with left ventricular (LV) function and clinical status in patients with HCM. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 37 consecutive patients with HCM and 37 normal subjects with similar age and gender distribution. Longitudinal LV strain (ε) and LA ε and strain rate (Sr) parameters (systolic, early diastolic, and late diastolic during atrial contraction) were assessed. RESULTS: Peak LAε and LA Sr parameters were significantly lower in patients compared with controls (P ≤ .001 for all). In patients, all LA function parameters correlated with LVε (P < .003 for all). Indexed LA volume, LA function parameters, and mitral regurgitation degree were the main correlates of New York Heart Association class; late diastolic strain rate during atrial contraction was the only independent predictor of symptomatic status. CONCLUSION: In patients with HCM, LA function is significantly reduced and related to LV dysfunction. Moreover, LA booster pump function emerged as an independent correlate of heart failure symptoms in this setting.