Energy wavelet signal processed ECG and standard 12 lead ECG: Diagnosis of early diastolic dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is the result of impaired LV relaxation and identifies those at risk of developing heart failure. Echocardiography has been used as the gold standard to identify early LVDD. The signal processed electrocardiogram (hsECG) has demonstrated effectiveness to detect early LVDD. Whether or not the standard 12­lead electrocardiogram (ECG) can accurately predict early LVDD is not known. METHODS: A standard 12­lead ECG including signal processing (hsECG) was performed in 569 patients. Patients with atrial fibrillation, bundle branch block, pre-excitation, left ventricular hypertrophy or known cardiovascular disease were excluded, leaving 464 examinations for analysis. Early LVDD was diagnosed by established methods using echocardiography. Repolarization abnormalities (T wave discordance) in V1, V6, I and aVL and the hsECG were compared to the echocardiographic findings to establish diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: A total of 84 (18.1%) patients were diagnosed with early LVDD. A combination of a borderline or abnormal finding on the hsECG produced the best diagnostic model (sensitivity 84.5%, specificity 47.9%). The best performing ECG lead was V1 with a sensitivity of 38.1% and specificity of 92.1%. Regression analysis demonstrated increasing age and V1 to be predictive of LVDD. CONCLUSIONS: The hsECG displayed reasonable ability to detect early LVDD. Other than V1, repolarization abnormalities on the standard 12­lead ECG did not. While lead V1 showed promise in detecting LVDD, whether this or any other simple ECG variable can predict future LVDD would be of further interest.

Supporting Children and Families in Medical Settings: Insights from Child Life Specialists During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Medical settings can be frightening and stressful places for pediatric patients and their families. During the COVID-19 pandemic fear and anxiety associated with receiving medical care increased as medical facilities dramatically altered the way they functioned in attempts to stop the spread of the virus. Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLSs) are medical professionals who provide psychosocial support for pediatric patients and their families by helping them understand and cope with medical procedures and the medical environment. In this role, CCLSs are likely to have important insights into the experiences and needs of pediatric patients and their families during COVID-19. Using a mixed-methods design, 101 CCLSs completed an online survey and 15 participated in follow-up interviews examining their experiences with and observations of children and families in medical environments during the pandemic. Participants emphasized a need to maintain a focus on child- and family-centered care for the well-being of patients and their families. While recognizing the need to socially distance to limit the spread of COVID, participants expressed concern about restrictive policies that did not balance the physical and mental health needs of patients and families. Participants also discussed the important role of child life services during the pandemic and the unique and multifaceted contributions CCLSs made to support patients, families, other medical professionals, and communities. Recommendations for supporting children and families in medical environments moving forward are discussed in light of lessons learned during the pandemic.

Rate pressure product, age predicted maximum heart rate or heart rate reserve. Which one better predicts cardiovascular events following exercise stress echocardiography?

BACKGROUND: Age-predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR) has been demonstrated to be a poor predictor of future cardiovascular (CV) events and is yet to be validated as a termination point during exercise testing. In contrast, maximum rate pressure product (MRPP) is recognized as a strong predictor of CV outcome with superior CV event prediction over APMHR. Heart rate reserve (HRR) has been shown to be a powerful predictor of CV mortality during exercise testing, however thus far, this is not confirmed for non-fatal CV events. The aim of this study was to compare APMHR, MRPP and HRR as predictors of CV events following otherwise negative exercise treadmill testing. METHODS: After exclusions, 1080 patients being investigated for coronary artery disease performed an exercise stress echocardiogram (ESE) to volitional fatigue on a motorised treadmill. Blood pressure was measured manually, and ultrasound images performed as per current American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Rate pressure product and HRR were calculated throughout the test and maximum values were identified. Patients were followed for 5.3±2.6 mean years. RESULTS: From receiver operating characteristic analysis, cut points were established for APMHR (94.6%) (AUC 0.687), MRPP (25085) (AUC 0.729) and HRR% (95.9) (AUC 0.688). MRPP outperformed both APMHR and HRR% for the prediction of future CV events. Furthermore, on Cox proportional hazard analysis MRPP was the strongest uni- and multivariate predictor (p<0.0001) with APMHR and HRR% failing to reach any statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates the substantial prognostic power of MRPP over both APMHR and HRR% to predict CV events following an otherwise negative ESE for myocardial ischemia.

Safety and Efficacy of Scientist Led Exercise Stress Testing for Arrhythmia Provocation and Chronotropic Competence.

For many years, non physician led exercise stress testing performed for the investigation of coronary artery disease has been endorsed by many cardiovascular (CV) societies and associations around the world. The safety guidelines don't currently include the performing of these tests for arrhythmia provocation or chronotropic assessment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of non physician led EST performed for suspected arrhythmias, chronotropic competence, long QT, and accessory pathway conduction (APC) assessment. A total of 486 patients performed an exercise stress test for either of the above suspected conditions and were followed for 1.8 years ± 1.5 years. Tests were performed by a trained cardiac scientist with all reports over-read by a consultant Cardiologist. There were no significant adverse events (myocardial infarction, arrhythmia causing hemodynamic compromise or syncope) at time of testing. A total of 12.1% of patients required further follow up consisting of either a cardiac pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, radiofrequency ablation, Direct-Current cardioversion or a change in medications. Interobserver agreement between the Cardiologist and cardiac scientist was 98.4% indicating excellent agreement. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that cardiac scientists can safely perform non physician led EST for the investigation of suspected arrhythmias, chronotropic competence, long QT, and APC assessment with a diagnostic interpretation equivalent to that of a consultant Cardiologist.

Three-dimensional echocardiographic acquisition and validity of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction.

Transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is now used in daily clinical practice. Advancements in technology have improved image acquisition with higher frame rates and increased resolution. Different 3DE acquisition techniques can be used depending upon the structure of interest and if volumetric analysis is required. Measurements of left ventricular (LV) volumes are the most common use of 3DE clinically but are highly dependent upon image quality. Three-dimensional LV function analysis has been made easier with the development of automated software, which has been found to be highly reproducible. However, further research is needed to develop normal reference range values of LV function for both 3D TTE and TEE.

Comparison of heart rate reserve, age predicted maximum heart rate and rate pressure product as predictors of future cardiovascular events following a negative dobutamine stress echocardiogram.

Background: Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a commonly used diagnostic stress test for the assessment of various cardiac pathologies on patients unable to perform exercise. Unlike exercise, there is no reliable subjective termination end-point such as fatigue to rely on. Consequently, DSE's are often concluded at a predetermined age predicted maximal heart rate (APMHR) such as 85%. The aim of this study was to assess if APMHR, heart rate reserve (HRR) and the maximum rate pressure product (MRPP) are valid measures of future cardiovascular (CV) events in otherwise negative DSEs.Methods: Following exclusions, receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses were performed on 652 patients using CV events during the follow-up period (4.2 ± 1.8 years) as the outcome variable.Results: ROC analyses failed to produce a statistically valid model for MRPP (p = .227, area under curve (AUC)=0.55) with a sensitivity and specificity of 21.1% and 91.9%, respectively at the optimal cut point (14948 MRPP). To the contrary, APMHR produced a sensitivity and specificity of 74.7% and 60.9%, respectively (p < .0001, AUC = 0.715). HRR however, with a sensitivity and specificity of 67.4% and 68.2% (p < .0001, AUC = 0.718) was the only predictor of CV events following Cox analysis (p < .0001).Conclusions: This study demonstrates MRPP as a poor measure of CV event prediction during DSE. While an APMHR of 89.3% demonstrated a statistically valid model, HRR was the only predictor of CV events in otherwise negative DSEs.

Scientist-led Exercise Testing Is Safe With Diagnostic Interpretation Equivalent to a Cardiologist.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of nonphysician-led exercise stress testing (EST) has increased over the last 30 years, with endorsement by many cardiovascular societies around the world. The comparable safety of nonphysician-led EST to physician-led studies has been demonstrated, with some studies also showing agreement in diagnostic preliminary interpretations. OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to firstly confirm the safety of nonphysician-led EST in a large cohort and secondly compare the interobserver agreement and diagnostic accuracy of cardiac scientist and junior medical officer (JMO)-led EST reports to cardiology consultant overreads. METHODS: All ESTs performed between 1/7/2010 and 30/6/2013 were included in the study for JMO led tests (n = 1332). ESTs performed for the investigation of coronary artery disease between 1/7/2013 and 30/6/2016 were included for scientist-led testing (n = 1904). RESULTS: There was one adverse event, an ST segment myocardial infarction during the recovery phase of a JMO-led EST. Interobserver agreement was superior between the cardiologist and the scientist compared with the cardiologist and the JMO (P < 0.0001). Sensitivity for JMO-led tests differed from the cardiologist overread (86.96% vs. 96.77%, P = 0.03). There were no other significant differences between the cardiologist overread and the JMO- or scientist-led interpretation. CONCLUSIONS: Scientist-led EST is safe in intermediate risk patients and their preliminary reports are equally diagnostic as cardiologist overreads. While JMO-led ESTs are just as safe, the preliminary reports differ significantly from cardiologist overread particularly with respect to sensitivity.

Comparison of Heart Rate Blood Pressure Product Versus Age-Predicted Maximum Heart Rate as Predictors of Cardiovascular Events During Exercise Stress Echocardiography.

Exercise stress echocardiograms (ESEs) are a functional cardiovascular (CV) test typically used for the investigation of coronary artery disease. ESEs are often terminated at a predetermined age-predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR) to facilitate timely acquisition of ultrasound images at peak exercise. Although an APMHR of 85% is often used, this has not been validated as a suitable termination end point. Heart rate blood pressure product (HRBPP) as an established measure of myocardial work may provide a more reliable assessment of cardiac workload. The aim of this study was to assess maximal HRBPP (MHRBPP) and APMHR as markers of cardiac workload during ESE, using CV events at mean follow-up as the outcome variable. After exclusions, 712 patients being investigated for ischemic heart disease, performed an ESE to volitional fatigue using the standard Bruce protocol. Patient demographics and test data were collected and patients followed for 4.4 ± 2.1 years. Cut-points for MHRBPP (25,060; area under curve 0.77) and APMHR (93.8% and 97.9%; area under curve 0.71; p = 0.12 for difference) were established from receiver operating characteristic analysis. Those achieving an APMHR >85% but MHRBPP <25,060 had significantly more CV events than achieving an MHRBPP >25,060 regardless of APMHR (p <0.05). In conclusion, the current study demonstrates the superior prognostic power of MHRBPP over APMHR alone for the prediction of future CV events in patients performing an otherwise negative ESE for the detection of myocardial ischemia.

Handrail support produces a higher rate pressure product in apparently healthy non-treadmill users during maximal exercise testing.

OBJECTIVE: Exercise treadmill testing (ETT) is a well-established procedure for the diagnosis, prognosis and functional assessment of patients with suspected cardiovascular disease. The use of handrail support during ETT is often discouraged as this has been demonstrated to overestimate functional capacity. It is unknown if this increase in functional capacity translates to an increase in cardiac workload. The aim of this study was to investigate if the use of handrail support during maximal ETT produces an increase in cardiac workload when compared to no handrail support. APPROACH: Fifty-two consenting volunteers performed two maximal ETTs, one with handrail support and the other without, approximately one week apart. Participants were identified as either experienced treadmill users (treadmill use ⩾ once per fortnight) (n = 24) or inexperienced users (n = 28). Cardiac workload was quantified using rate pressure product (RPP) (systolic blood pressure (SBP) × heart rate (HR)) Main results: The average age of participants was 38.4 ± 11.4 years (44% male). Overall exercise duration was significantly prolonged by 44.4% with handrail support (with support 15:01 ± 2:54 min; without support 10:24 ± 2:09 min). Overall HR, SBP and maximum RPP were not significantly different between conditions. For the 28 inexperienced treadmill users maximum RPP was significantly higher during handrail support (7.5% increase) (with support 34 417 ± 4906; without support 31 821 ± 4565). SIGNIFICANCE: Handrail support overestimates functional capacity, however produces greater maximal RPP in inexperienced treadmill users. If accurate aerobic data is required during ETT, or subjects performing ETT are experienced treadmill users, handrail support should be discouraged. Non-treadmill users or subjects fearful of falling may benefit from handrail support, particularly when maximal cardiac workload is desired.

Is downstream cardiac testing required in patients with reduced functional capacity and otherwise negative exercise stress test? A single center observational study.

BACKGROUND: Exercise stress testing (EST) in patients with poor functional capacity measured by time on treadmill is typically deemed inconclusive and usually leads to further downstream testing. The aim of this study was firstly to evaluate the maximum rate pressure product (MRPP) during initial EST to assessthe need for follow-up testing; and secondly to investigate if MRPP is better than age predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR) for diagnostic outcome based on follow up cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with inconclusive EST due to poor functional capacity. METHODS: From a total of 2761 tests performed, 236 tests were considered inconclusive due to poor functional capacity which were available for analysis. From receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, a cut-off value for MRPP of 25000 was chosen using CV events as the outcome measure (sensitivity 97%, specificity 45%). Cases were then categorised into those with an MRPP > 25000 and < 25000. RESULTS: Regardless of treadmill time, any patient attaining an MRPP > 25000 had no abnormal downstream testing or CV events at 2 years follow-up. On ROC analysis MRPP outperformed APMHR for sensitivity and specificity (area under curve 0.76 vs. 0.59, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that regardless of functional capacity, individuals whose EST is terminated at maximal fatigue, with no electrocardiogram evidence or symptoms of myocardial ischemia and yields an MRPP > 25000, do not require further downstream testing. Furthermore, this group of patients, while not immune to future CV events, have significantly better outcomes than those not attaining a MRPP > 25000.

Two Models to Conduct Nonphysician-led Exercise Stress Testing in Low to Intermediate Risk Patients.

BACKGROUND: Exercise stress testing (EST) is a noninvasive procedure that aids the diagnosis and prognosis of a range of cardiac pathologies. Reduced access is recognized as a limiting factor in enabling early access to treatment or safe and appropriate discharge. Increased accessibility can be achieved by utilizing nonphysician health practitioners to supervise tests. To implement nonphysician-led EST in clinical environments, there is a need for the development and administration of feasible and effective models. OBJECTIVE: Via inpatient and outpatient referral, this article aims to present 2 standardized models of care for patients requiring EST for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of numerous pathologies. METHOD: An inpatient and outpatient model was implemented at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and Logan Hospital in Queensland, Australia between July 2013 and December 2015. Tests were performed by 2 cardiac scientists employed by each hospital. All tests were immediately reported by a cardiology advanced trainee registrar or consultant cardiologist. RESULTS: A total of 2095 tests were performed via the 2 models. Overall, 73 had a positive result (3.5%), 120 equivocal (5.7%), 129 inconclusive/submaximal (6.2%), and 1773 negative (85.2%). After further testing, 38 of the patients with positive and equivocal results were diagnosed with flow-limiting coronary artery disease. The remaining patients were resolved as negative through further diagnostic testing or lost to follow up. CONCLUSIONS: After implementation of the 2 models, patient flow was improved for earlier discharge, reduced waiting times, or timely identification of possible cardiac pathologies, thereby optimizing patient care.

Association of Exercise Intolerance in Type 2 Diabetes With Skeletal Muscle Blood Flow Reserve.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate the association of exercise intolerance in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with skeletal muscle capillary blood flow (CBF) reserve. BACKGROUND: Exercise intolerance in T2DM strongly predicts adverse prognosis, but associations with muscle blood flow independent of cardiac dysfunction are undefined. METHODS: In 134 T2DM patients without cardiovascular disease, left ventricular function and contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the quadriceps (for CBF; i.e., product of capillary blood volume and velocity) were assessed at rest and immediately following treadmill exercise for peak oxygen uptake (Vo2peak). Left ventricular systolic and diastolic functional reserve indexes were derived from changes in systolic and early diastolic color tissue Doppler velocities. Cardiac index reserve and its constituents (stroke volume and chronotropic indexes) and left ventricular filling pressure (ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow and annular velocities) were also measured. RESULTS: Vo2peak correlated with muscle CBF reserve (ß = 0.16, p = 0.005) independent of cardiac index reserve and clinical covariates. This was explained by higher muscle capillary blood velocity reserve (ß = 0.18, p = 0.002), rather than blood volume reserve (p > 0.10) in patients with higher Vo2peak. A concurrent association of Vo2peak with cardiac index reserve (ß = 0.20, p < 0.001) appeared to reflect chronotropic index (ß = 0.15, p = 0.012) rather than stroke volume index reserve (p > 0.10), although the systolic functional reserve index was also identified as an independent correlate (ß = 0.16, p = 0.028). No associations of Vo2peak with diastolic functional reserve were identified (p > 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Vo2peak is associated with muscle CBF reserve in T2DM, independent of parallel associations with cardiac functional reserve. This is consistent with a multifactorial basis for exercise intolerance in T2DM.

A six-month exercise intervention in subclinical diabetic heart disease: effects on exercise capacity, autonomic and myocardial function.

OBJECTIVE: Autonomic dysfunction may contribute to the etiology and exercise intolerance of subclinical diabetic heart disease. This study sought the efficacy of exercise training for improvement of peak oxygen uptake (VO2(peak)) and cardiac autonomic function in type 2 diabetic patients with non-ischemic subclinical left-ventricular (LV) dysfunction. MATERIALS/METHODS: Forty-nine type 2 diabetic patients with early diastolic tissue Doppler velocity >1 standard deviation below the age-based mean entered an exercise intervention (n=24) or usual care (n=25) for 6-months (controlled, pre-/post- design). Co-primary endpoints were treadmill VO2(peak) and 5-min heart-rate variability (by the coefficient of variation of normal RR intervals [CVNN]). Autonomic function was additionally assessed by resting heart-rate (for sympathovagal balance estimation), baroreflex sensitivity, cardiac reflexes, and exercise/recovery heart-rate profiles. Echocardiography was performed for LV function (systolic/diastolic tissue velocities, myocardial deformation) and myocardial fibrosis (calibrated integrated backscatter). RESULTS: VO2(peak) increased by 11% during the exercise intervention (p=0.001 vs. -1% in controls), but CVNN did not change (p=0.23). Reduction of resting heart-rate in the intervention group (p<0.05) was associated with an improvement in the secondary endpoint of heart-rate variability total spectral power (p<0.05). However, baroreflex sensitivity, cardiac reflexes, and exercise/recovery heart-rate profiles showed no significant benefit. No effects on LV function were observed despite favorable reduction of calibrated integrated backscatter in the intervention group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The exercise intolerance of subclinical diabetic heart disease was amenable to improvement by exercise training. Despite a reduction in resting heart-rate and potential attenuation of myocardial fibrosis, no other cardiac autonomic or LV functional adaptations were detected.

Biomarker and imaging responses to spironolactone in subclinical diabetic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is frequent in asymptomatic subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We sought the response of functional and fibrosis markers to therapy in a trial of aldosterone antagonism for treatment of DCM. METHODS: Biochemical, anthropometric, and echocardiographic data were measured in 225 subjects with T2DM. Myocardial function was evaluated with standard echocardiography and myocardial deformation; ischaemia was excluded by exercise echocardiography. Calibrated integrated backscatter and post-contrast T1 mapping from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were used to assess myocardial structure. Amino-terminal propeptides of pro-collagen type I (PINP) and III (PIIINP), the carboxy-terminal propeptide of pro-collagen type I (PICP) and transforming growth factor beta-1 were measured from peripheral blood or urine to assess myocardial collagen turnover. RESULTS: Diastolic dysfunction was identified in 81 individuals, of whom 49 (25 male, age 60 ± 10 years) were randomized to spironolactone 25 mg/day or placebo therapy for 6 months. Groups were well-matched at baseline. Spironolactone therapy was associated with improvements in diastolic filling profile (Δpeak E wave velocity -4 ± 15 vs. 9 ± 10 ms, P = 0.001; ΔE/A ratio -0.1 ± 0.3 vs. 0.2 ± 0.2, P < 0.001) and cIB values (-21.2 ± 4.5 dB vs. -18.0 ± 5.2 dB, P = 0.026; ΔcIB -5.1 ± 6.8 vs. -1.3 ± 5.2, P = 0.030). ΔcIB was independently associated with spironolactone therapy (ß = 0.320, P = 0.026) but not Δblood pressure. With intervention, pro-collagen biomarkers (ΔPINP P = 0.92, ΔPICP P = 0.25, ΔPIIINP P = 0.52, and ΔTGF-ß1 P = 0.71) and T1 values (P = 0.54) remained similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Spironolactone-induced changes in myocardial structure and diastolic properties in DCM are small, and are unassociated with changes in collagen biomarkers or T1 values.

Association of outcome with left ventricular parameters measured by two-dimensional and three-dimensional echocardiography in patients at high cardiovascular risk.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) measured by two-dimensional echocardiographic (2DE) imaging is an important correlate of survival. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic (3DE) imaging has addressed some of the limitations of 2DE imaging. The aim of this study was to determine whether 3DE imaging is more predictive of outcomes than 2DE imaging. METHODS: A total of 529 patients undergoing LV assessment with 2DE and 3DE imaging in 2003 and 2004 at a tertiary referral cardiac center were studied. Patients had a high frequency of cardiovascular risk factors. Images were gathered over four cardiac cycles using a matrix-array transducer, with measurements performed offline. Follow-up (all-cause mortality or cardiac hospitalization) was obtained over 6.6 ± 3.4 years in 455 of 486 patients with images suitable for measurement (94%). RESULTS: There were 194 events (43%), including 75 deaths (16.4%). Larger LV volumes and lower EF were associated with worse outcomes independent of age, heart failure, or end-stage renal disease. In stepwise Cox regression analyses, the associations of cardiac hospitalization and survival with clinical variables (age, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure) were augmented by 3DE EF and end-systolic volume more than by 2DE parameters. The incremental model χ(2) value with 3DE EF was 14.67 (P < .001), compared with 9.72 (P = .002) for 2DE EF. Similarly, in Cox regression analyses of mortality, the effects of clinical variables (age, advanced renal disease, and heart failure) were augmented more by 3DE EF (incremental χ(2) = 14.04, P < .0001) than 2DE EF (incremental χ(2) = 5.13, P = .024). CONCLUSIONS: In this outcome study, 3DE EF and volumes showed stronger associations with outcomes than those derived from 2DE imaging.

Impact of spironolactone on vascular, myocardial, and functional parameters in untreated patients with a hypertensive response to exercise.

BACKGROUND: Although a hypertensive response to exercise (HRE) is associated with cardiac risk and masked hypertension (MHT), its mechanisms and appropriate treatment remain unclear. We investigated spironolactone as a treatment for abnormal vascular and myocardial stiffness in HRE. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 115 patients (54 ± 9 years, 57% men) with an HRE (≥210/105 mm Hg in men; ≥190/105 mm Hg in women) but no prior history of hypertension or myocardial ischemia, MHT prevalence was 40%. Patients were randomized to spironolactone 25mg daily (n = 58) or placebo (n = 57) and underwent evaluation at baseline and 3 months with exercise echocardiography, VO2max, pulse wave velocity (PWV), exercise and central blood pressure (BP), and 24-hour ambulatory BP. Changes in left ventricular mass index (LVMI), Doppler-derived E/em ratio (LV filling pressure), and myocardial strain were assessed. RESULTS: Baseline 24-hour systolic BP (SBP) was 133 ± 10 mm Hg and peak-exercise SBP was 219 ± 16 mm Hg. Peak systolic strain (0.3 ± 3.6% vs. -0.1 ± 3.2, P = 0.56), E/em (-1.1 ± 2.3 vs. -0.6 ± 1.7, P = 0.30), VO(2max) (0.4 ± 4.9 vs. -0.9 ± 4.1 ml/kg/min, P = 0.15), and adjusted PWV did not significantly change with treatment, despite reduction in exercise SBP, 24-hour SBP, and LVMI. The change in exercise E/em was of borderline significance (-0.3 ± 2.4 vs. 0.8 ± 2.8, P = 0.06) and became significant after adjustment for baseline differences (P = 0.01). Patients with higher LVMI significantly increased VO(2max) (1.1 ± 5.6 vs. -2.4 ± 4.4 ml/kg/min, P < 0.05) and reduced exercise E/e(m) (-0.7 ± 2.7 vs. 1.9 ± 2.8, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In HRE patients without previous hypertension, short-term spironolactone reduced exercise BP, 24-hour ambulatory BP, LVMI, and E/e(m) but did not significantly alter exercise capacity or myocardial strain.

Real-time 3D echocardiographic quantification of left atrial volume: multicenter study for validation with CMR.

OBJECTIVES: We studied in a multicenter setting the accuracy and reproducibility of 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE)-derived measurements of left atrial volume (LAV) using new, dedicated volumetric software, side by side with 2-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging as a reference. BACKGROUND: Increased LAV is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Although LAV measurements are routinely performed using 2DE, this methodology is limited because it is view dependent and relies on geometric assumptions regarding left atrial shape. Real-time 3DE is free of these limitations and accordingly is an attractive alternative for the evaluation of LAV. However, few studies have validated 3DE-derived LAV measurements against an accepted independent reference standard, such as CMR imaging. METHODS: We studied 92 patients with a wide range of LAV who underwent CMR (1.5-T) and echocardiographic imaging on the same day. Images were analyzed to obtain maximal and minimal LAV: CMR images using standard commercial tools, 2DE images using a biplane area-length technique, and 3DE images using Tomtec LA Function software. Intertechnique comparisons included linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses. Reproducibility of all 3 techniques was assessed by calculating the percentage of absolute differences in blinded repeated measurements. Kappa statistics were used to compare 2DE and 3DE classification of normal/enlarged against the CMR reference. RESULTS: 3DE-derived LAV values showed higher correlation with CMR than 2DE measurements (r = 0.93 vs. r = 0.74 for maximal LAV; r = 0.88 vs. r = 0.82 for minimal LAV). Although 2DE underestimated maximal LAV by 31 ± 25 ml and minimal LAV by 16 ± 32 ml, 3DE resulted in a minimal bias of -1 ± 14 ml for maximal LAV and 0 ± 21 ml for minimal LAV. Interobserver and intraobserver variability of 2DE and 3DE measurements of maximal LAV were similar (7% to 12%) and approximately 2 times higher than CMR (4% to 5%). 3DE classified enlarged atria more accurately than 2DE (kappa: 0.88 vs. 0.71). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with CMR reference, 3DE-derived LAV measurements are more accurate than 2DE-based analysis, resulting in fewer patients with undetected atrial enlargement.

Body lift perforator flap breast reconstruction: a review of 100 flaps in 25 cases.

BACKGROUND: Advances in autologous breast reconstruction continue to mount and have been fueled most substantially with refinement of perforator flap techniques. METHODS: For patients with a desire for autogenous breast reconstruction and insufficient abdominal fat for conventional abdominal flaps, secondary options such as gluteal perforator flaps or latissimus flaps are usually considered. Patients who also have insufficient soft tissue in the gluteal donor site and preference to avoid an implant, present a vexing problem. The authors describe an option that allows for incorporation of four independent perforator flaps for bilateral breast reconstruction when individual donor sites are too thin to provide necessary volume. The authors present their experience with this technique in 25 patients with 100 individual flaps over 5 years. RESULTS: The body lift perforator flap technique, using a layered deep inferior epigastric perforator/gluteal perforator flap combination for each breast, was performed in this patient set with high success rates and quality aesthetic outcomes over several years. Patient satisfaction was high among the studied population. CONCLUSIONS: The body lift perforator flap breast reconstruction technique can be a reliable, safe, but technically demanding solution for patients seeking autogenous breast reconstruction with otherwise inadequate individual fatty donor sites. This sophisticated procedure overcomes a limitation of autogenous breast reconstruction for these patients that otherwise results in a breast with poor projection and overall volume insufficiency. The harvest of truncal fat with a circumferential body lift design gives the potential added benefit of improved body contour as a complement to this powerful breast reconstructive technique. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Augmentation index immediately after maximal exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have exaggerated brachial and central (ascending aortic) blood pressure (BP) during exercise, which is associated with adverse outcomes. Central systolic loading, represented by the augmentation index (AIx), may contribute to exaggerated exercise central BP. This study sought to compare the central AIx response to peak exercise in T2DM and control patients and to identify mechanisms of altered exercise central AIx. METHODS: Central BP and AIx were quantified by radial tonometry at rest and immediately after peak treadmill exercise in 106 patients with T2DM and 106 nondiabetic controls, pair-matched by age, gender, peak exercise brachial BP, and postexercise HR corresponding to tonometry acquisition. Cardiac volumes (by echocardiography) were assessed in a subgroup (22 T2DM and 22 controls) to derive rest and postexercise arterial-ventricular coupling parameters, including cardiac index (stroke volume index × HR), peripheral vascular resistance index (cardiac index / mean BP), and effective arterial elastance index (end-systolic pressure / stroke volume index). Reserve parameters (exercise--rest) were also defined. RESULTS: Patients with T2DM had lower postexercise central AIx (-1% ± 13% vs 3% ± 14%, P = 0.038) and greater central AIx reserve (-24% ± 13% vs -20% ± 11%, P = 0.002) compared with controls, despite raised postexercise peripheral vascular resistance index (P = 0.013) and effective arterial elastance index (P = 0.011); these parameters independently predicted higher central AIx at rest (P < 0.01) but not after exercise. Moreover, T2DM was independently associated with lower postexercise central AIx (ß = -0.21, P = 0.006). Cardiac index reserve, which was blunted in T2DM (P = 0.004), represented the only independent correlate of central AIx reserve (r = 0.39, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with T2DM have significantly (and paradoxically) lower postexercise central AIx and greater central AIx reserve, which may be explained by an impaired cardiac functional reserve.