Screening and identification of hub genes for ischemic cardiomyopathy and construction and validation of a clinical prognosis model using bioinformatics analysis.

Background: Myocardial ischemia and hypoxia may result in myocardial cell necrosis, scar formation, and hyperplasia. We aim to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), construct and identify a clinical prognosis model using bioinformatics methods, so as to screen potential biomarkers of ICM to provide a basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of ICM. Methods: Based on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, R language was used to screen DEGs in healthy myocardial (n=5) and ICM myocardial tissues (n=12). DEGs were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction (PPI). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to verify the target genes. Results: A total of 259 genes with significantly changed fold change (FC) values were obtained through conditional screening, including up-regulated genes and down-regulated genes. The first two hub genes [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Ras homologous gene family member A (RHOA)] with the largest degree value among the above up-regulated and down-regulated genes were selected and their expression values were combined in the gene chip to draw the ROC curve based on the pROC package of R language. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of IL-6 and RHOA were 0.956 and 0.995, respectively. The expression levels of Sqstm1, Nos2, IL-6, RHOA, and Zfp36 genes in the ICM group are lower than those in the blank control group and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). RHOA and Stat3 were identified as the key genes controlling the occurrence and development of ICM. Conclusions: ICM is closely related to the changes of extracellular matrix (ECM) and oxidoreductase activity. The IL-6 and RHOA are expected to become potential targets for ICM treatment.

Left bundle branch area pacing in heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression.

INTRODUCTION: Left bundle branch area pacing is an alternative to biventricular pacing. In this study, we aim to summarize the available evidence on the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of left bundle branch block area pacing (LBBAP). OBJECTIVES: The study summarizes the available evidence on the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of left bundle branch block area pacing (LBBAP). BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduced mortality and hospitalizations in heart failure (HF) patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% and concomitant LBBB. Recently LBBAP has been studied as a more physiological alternative to achieve CRT. METHOD: A search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were performed to identify studies examining the role of LBBAP for CRT in heart failure. Comprehensive meta-analysis version 4 was used for meta-regression to examine variables that contribute to data heterogeneity. RESULT: Eighteen studies, 17 observational and one randomized controlled trial (RCT) were examined. A total of 3906 HF patients who underwent CRT (2036 LBBAP vs. 1870 biventricular pacing [BVP]) were included. LBBAP was performed successfully in 90.4% of patients. Compared to baseline, LBBAP was associated with a reduction in QRS duration (MD: -47.23 ms 95% confidence interval [CI]: -53.45, -41.01), an increase in LVEF (MD: 15.22%, 95% CI: 13.5, 16.94), and a reduction in NYHA class (MD: -1.23, 95% CI: -1.41, -1.05). Compared to BVP, LBBAP was associated with a significant reduction in QRS duration (MD: -20.69 ms, 95% CI: -25.49, -15.88) and improvement in LVEF (MD: 4.78%, 95% CI: 3.30, 6.10). Furthermore, LBBAP was associated with a significant reduction in HF hospitalization (odds ratio [OR]: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.56) and all-cause mortality (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.86) compared to BVP. CONCLUSION: LBBAP was associated with improved ventricular electrical synchrony compared to BVP, as well as better echocardiographic and clinical outcomes.

Interventricular Septal Involvement Is Associated with More Impaired Ventricular Function and Mechanics in Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The interventricular septum has an important role in bi-ventricular performance. We hypothesized that septal involvement in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM-Mixed) adversely impacts ventricular structure and function when compared with isolated apical hypertrophy (ApHCM-Pure). METHODS: A total of 72 patients (ApHCM-Mixed = 36, ApHCM-Pure = 36) with serial 2D and speckle-tracking echocardiographic analyses were identified. Ventricular function and mechanics were characterized by left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), RV free wall strain, and LV myocardial work indices, and clinical events were adjudicated. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics were similar between groups (mean age, 66 ± 15 years; 49% female; LV ejection fraction, 68 ± 11%). The ApHCM-Mixed group had larger LV mass indexes (141 ± 39 vs. 111 ± 30 g/m2, p < 0.001), worse LV (-9.6 ± 3.1 vs. -14.4 ± 3.4%, p < 0.001) and RV GLS (-14.3 ± 6.7 vs. -19.2 ± 5.2%, p = 0.001), impaired RV free wall strain (-18.5 ± 7.4 vs. -22.4 ± 6.3%, p = 0.02), and lower LV myocardial work indices including global work index (938 ± 306 vs. 1272 ± 339 mmHg%, p < 0.001), when compared with the ApHCM-Pure group. At a mean follow-up of 3.9 years, these differences all persisted. Five deaths were observed, all occurring in the ApHCM-Mixed group (14% vs. 0, p = 0.05), and with four being cardiac-related. This subgroup had a mean LV ejection fraction of 63%, LV GLS of -8.7%, an LV global work index of 875 mmHg%, and RV free wall strain of -15.9%, indicating significant subclinical bi-ventricular dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: ApHCM-Mixed represents a distinct morphology in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with more impaired ventricular function and mechanics when compared with ApHCM-Pure.

A rare etiology of frequent ventricular ectopy: Embolic complication of a venous iliac stent to the right ventricle.

Peripheral venous stent migration is an exceedingly rare complication of endovascular stenting. In this clinical vignette, we present a case of a 74-year-old male with a history of endo-venous laser ablation therapy of the right greater saphenous vein complicated with an occlusion requiring a left iliac vein stent. The patient presented to the clinic months after the procedure with complaints of palpitations. Multimodality imaging revealed a stent that had become dislodged and was now located in the right ventricle, trapped within the tricuspid valve apparatus.

Assessment of left ventricular global longitudinal strain in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease.

Impaired left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and coronary artery disease (CAD) each confer adverse prognosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Despite their prevalence, data on GLS in co-existent HCM and CAD is lacking. Ninety-six patients with HCM and CAD were retrospectively identified between 2005 and 2021, and analyzed using 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography. Obstructive and non-obstructive CAD patients were compared, multivariate linear regression tested associations between clinical and echocardiographic variables with GLS, and Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve assessed the utility of GLS to predict all-cause mortality at follow-up. Mean age was 71 ± 12.2 years, 41% had obstructive HCM, 78% had obstructive CAD, and 75% had prior acute coronary syndrome. At 4.8-year follow-up, GLS decreased compared with baseline (- 12.5 ± 4.5 vs. - 14 ± 4.2%, p = 0.007), with basal segments experiencing the greatest impairment. GLS was lower in obstructive versus non-obstructive CAD patients at follow-up, although the magnitude was attenuated (baseline: - 13.2 vs. - 17.1%, p < 0.001; follow-up: - 12 vs. - 14.1%, p = 0.05). Interventricular septal thickness (ß = 0.54), apical HCM (ß = 0.48), and right ventricular systolic pressure (ß = 0.39) were associated with more impaired GLS (all p < 0.001), independent of obstructive CAD (ß = 0.09, p = 0.44). There were 9 follow-up deaths, with baseline GLS > - 13.5% being a good predictor of all-cause mortality (AUC 0.78, 95% CI 0.64-0.92, sensitivity 88%, specificity 57%, p = 0.01). Patients with HCM and CAD experience progressive GLS impairment over long-term follow-up, with GLS > - 13.5% appearing to be a threshold for predicting all-cause mortality. Apical HCM phenotype is independently associated with worse GLS.

Left ventricular strain and myocardial work in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) is recognized for its associated cardiovascular morbidity. Herein we describe left ventricular (LV) function and mechanics over long-term follow-up in ApHCM. Methods: A retrospective study of 98 consecutive ApHCM patients was performed (mean age: 64±15 years, 46% female) using 2D and speckle-tracking echocardiography. LV function and mechanics were characterized by global longitudinal strain (GLS), segmental strain, and myocardial work indices. Myocardial work was calculated by integrating longitudinal strain and blood pressure as estimated by the brachial artery cuff pressure, to generate an LV pressure-strain loop with adjusted ejection and isovolumetric periods. Composite complications were defined as all-cause mortality, sudden death, myocardial infarction, and/or stroke. Results: Mean LV ejection fraction measured 67%±11% and GLS was -11.7%±3.9%. Global work index (GWI) was 1,073±349 mmHg%, constructive work was 1,379±449 mmHg%, wasted work was 233±164 mmHg%, and work efficiency was 82%±8%. In 72 patients with follow-up echocardiography, at a median of 3.9 years there was progressive impairment in GLS (-11.9% vs. -10.7%; P=0.006), GWI (1,105 vs. 989 mmHg%; P=0.02), and global constructive work (1,432 vs. 1,312 mmHg%; P=0.03), without change in wasted work or work efficiency. Atrial fibrillation (ß=0.37; P<0.001), mitral annular e' velocity (ß=-0.32; P=0.001), and glomerular filtration rate (ß=-0.2; P=0.03) were independently associated with follow-up GLS; atrial fibrillation (ß=-0.27; P=0.01) and glomerular filtration rate (ß=0.23; P=0.04) were also associated with follow-up GWI. Global wasted work >186 mmHg% was predictive of composite complications (AUC =0.7, 95% CI: 0.53-0.82, sensitivity 93%, specificity 41%). Conclusions: ApHCM is associated with preserved LV ejection fraction but abnormal LV GLS and work indices, with progressive impairment. Important clinical and echocardiographic measures are independently predictive of long-term follow-up LV GLS, GWI and adverse events.

Right ventricular hypertrophy in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH+) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs in one third of patients, however, outcomes in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) have not been described. We hypothesized that RVH+ in ApHCM is associated with more ventricular remodeling and dysfunction, and increased adverse events when compared with those without RVH (RVH-). METHODS: Ninety-one ApHCM patients were retrospectively analyzed using 2D and speckle-tracking echocardiography (64 ± 16 years old, 43% female). RVH+ was defined as wall thickness >5 mm and was present in 23 (25%). Ventricular mechanics were characterized by global longitudinal strain (GLS), RV free wall strain, and myocardial work. RESULTS: New York Heart Association functional class > II, atrial fibrillation, and prior stroke were more prevalent in RVH+. Left ventricular (LV) size and ejection fraction were similar between groups, with greater septal (17 vs. 14 mm, p = .001) and apical (20 vs. 18 mm, p = .04) wall thickness in RVH+. When compared with RVH- patients, RVH+ had worse LV GLS (-8.6 vs. -12.8%), global work index (820 vs. 1172 mmHg%) (both p < .001), and work efficiency (76 vs. 83%, p = .001), as well as RV GLS (-14 vs. -17.5%) and free wall strain (-17.3 vs. -21.3%) (both p = .02). At 3-year follow-up RVH+ had greater incidence of heart failure hospitalization compared with RVH- (35 vs. 7%, p = .003). RVH+ was associated with RV GLS (ß = .2, p = .03), independent of clinical and echocardiographic variables. CONCLUSIONS: RVH+ patients with ApHCM have worse biventricular mechanics and myocardial work, and more heart failure hospitalization, as RVH- at mid-term follow-up.

Echocardiographic Features of Longevity: A Cross-Sectional Study of Centenarians.

BACKGROUND: Centenarians represent an under-studied population within cardiovascular medicine. This study aimed to describe the echocardiographic characteristics of a cohort of centenarians at a tertiary referral center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The institutional Echocardiography database was retrospectively reviewed and identified 100 consecutive centenarians referred for transthoracic echocardiography between January 2009 and December 2020. Cardiac chamber quantification, diastology, and valvular heart disease were assessed according to the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests compared data between males and females. RESULTS: The mean age was 101.5 ± 1.7 years, 78% were female, and the most common co-morbidities were hypertension (77%), coronary artery disease (46%), and congestive heart failure (42%). The mean left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction measured 56.9 ± 11.3% (females vs males, 58.4 ± 9.8 vs 51.6 ± 14.6%, p = 0.01). Males had larger LV end-diastolic (2.8 ± 0.6 vs 2.5 ± 0.5, p = 0.03) and end-systolic diameter (1.9 ± 0.6 vs 1.6 ± 0.4, p = 0.001) indices; a smaller relative wall thickness (0.54 ± 0.18 vs 0.69 ± 0.36, p = 0.06); and a lower E/e' ratio (13.3 [10.3-19.6] vs 17.3 [13.2-23], p = 0.05), when compared with females. The prevalence of severe valvular lesions was 13.5%, and similar between genders. However, in patients with aortic stenosis, the transaortic pressure gradients were significantly higher in females (mean gradient: 32.0 ± 17.7 vs 18.7 ± 9.2 mmHg, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The present study on centenarians affords a cross-sectional evaluation of cardiac structure and function in a growing population, and highlights important differences between male and female patients.

Systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a narrative review.

Background and Objective: The prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is estimated to be 1 in 200 to 500 individuals, with systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve (MV) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction present in 60% to 70%. In this narrative review, we aim to elucidate the pathophysiology of SAM-septal contact and LVOT obstruction in HCM by presenting a detailed review on the anatomy of the MV apparatus in HCM, examining the various existing theories pertaining to the SAM phenomenon as supported by cardiac imaging, and providing a critical assessment of management strategies for SAM in HCM. Methods: A literature review was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library, of all scientific articles published through December 2021. A focus was placed on descriptive studies, reports correlating echocardiographic findings with pathologic diagnosis, and outcomes studies. Key Content and Findings: The pathophysiology of SAM involves the complex interplay between HCM morphology, MV apparatus anatomic abnormalities, and labile hemodynamic derangements. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) vector flow mapping have identified drag forces, as opposed to the "Venturi effect", as the main hydraulic forces responsible for SAM. The degree of mitral regurgitation with SAM is variable, and its severity is correlated with degree of LVOT obstruction and outcomes. First line therapy for the amelioration of SAM and LVOT obstruction is medical therapy with beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers, and disopyramide, in conjunction with lifestyle modifications. In refractory cases septal reduction therapy is performed, which may be combined with a 'resect-plicate-release' procedure, anterior mitral leaflet extension, surgical edge-to-edge MV repair, anterior mitral leaflet retention plasty, or secondary chordal cutting. Conclusions: Recent scientific advances in the field of HCM have allowed for a maturation of our understanding of the SAM phenomenon. Cardiac imaging plays a critical role in its diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance, and in our ability to apply the appropriate therapeutic regimens. The increasing prevalence of HCM places an emphasis on continued basic and clinical research to further improve outcomes for this challenging population.

Cardiac geometry, function and mechanics in left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy with preserved ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) cardiomyopathy in adults has primarily been studied with a phenotypic expression of low ejection fraction (EF) and dilated cardiomyopathy; however, data on LVNC with preserved EF is scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate cardiac geometry and mechanics in LVNC patients with preserved EF. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with LVNC and a preserved EF between 2008 and 2019 was performed. LVNC was defined according to the presence of established transthoracic 2D echocardiographic (TTE) criteria as follows: (1) prominent LV trabeculations with deep recesses; (2) bi-layered myocardial appearance; and, (3) systolic non-compacted:compacted ratio≥ 2. Subjects were matched 1:1 to controls without LVNC referred for routine TTE. Geometric, functional and mechanics parameters were analyzed in the two cohorts using 2D and speckle-tracking TTE. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with LVNC and preserved EF were identified. Compared with controls, patients with LVNC had similar LV systolic function and chamber dimensions, but a larger mass and relative wall thickness, and more abnormal LV geometry (76% vs. 18%, p = 0.002), LA remodeling, and pulmonary hypertension. Global longitudinal strain was significantly decreased (-15.4 ± 3.2 vs. -18.9 ± 2.8%, p = < 0.01) and the prevalence of rigid body rotation was significantly increased (57% vs. 14%, p = 0.05) in the LVNC population. The peak twist values were comparable in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired LV geometry and longitudinal mechanics, as well as increased myocardial stiffness as expressed by rigid body rotation, characterize LVNC with preserved EF when compared with controls.

Left ventricular remodeling after mitral valve repair and papillary muscle approximation.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve repair with papillary muscle approximation (MVr-PMA) for severe secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) decreases MR recurrence compared with MVr alone. This study assessed the effects of MVr-PMA on left ventricular (LV) remodeling and shape, systolic function and strain mechanics. METHODS: Forty-eight patients who underwent MVr-PMA for severe secondary MR and had follow-up echocardiograms available for review were identified. Student's t-test, linear regression modeling, and receiver-operating characteristic curves were used in the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 14.9 months. MVr-PMA was associated with significant LV reverse remodeling with a smaller LV end-diastolic diameter, Systolic Sphericity Index, and interpapillary muscle distance at follow-up. Nine patients (18.8%) experienced moderate recurrent MR. When compared to recurrent MR patients at follow-up, those with durable MVr-PMA had a greater LV ejection fraction (32.8 vs. 22.0%, P=0.03), a smaller end-diastolic diameter (59.6 vs. 67.3 mm, P=0.03), Systolic Sphericity Index (0.35 vs. 0.47, P=0.03), and end-systolic interpapillary muscle distance (16.3 vs. 21.1 mm, P=0.03). A durable MVr-PMA also resulted in stable global longitudinal strain when compared with pre-operative values, while the recurrent MR group experienced a further decline (no recurrent MR: -8.4 vs. -7.5%; recurrent MR: -8.2 vs. -5.4%; P<0.05). A pre-operative LV end-diastolic diameter ≥ 64 mm was a discriminative predictor of MR recurrence (sensitivity=100%, specificity=51%, AUC=0.756, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A durable MVr-PMA confers improved LV geometry and function, and stable LV mechanics. The extent of baseline LV remodeling identifies patients at risk for recurrent MR.

A systematic review and pooled analysis of septal myectomy and edge-to-edge mitral valve repair in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction and systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve (MV) occurs in 70% of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. In individuals undergoing septal myectomy, concomitant MV surgery is considered for SAM with residual LVOT obstruction or mitral regurgitation (MR); however, the optimal approach remains debated. A literature search was performed in Pubmed, EMBASE, Ovid, and the Cochrane library of published articles through June 2021 reporting on combined septal myectomy and edge-to-edge MV repair for obstructive HCM. Continuous variables were weighted and compared using a student's t-test, and categorical variables using a chi-square test with Yates correction. Six studies with 158 total patients were included. The mean follow-up was 2.8 ± 2.7 years. Compared with pre-operative values, there were significant reductions in the LV ejection fraction (69 ± 10 vs 59 ± 8%), peak LVOT gradient (82 ± 34 vs 16 ± 13 mmHg), prevalence of moderate or greater MR (84 vs 5 %), and presence of SAM (96% vs 0) (p < 0.001 for all). There was no change in LV internal diastolic diameter (4.2 ± 1.3 vs 4.4 ± 1.5 cm, p = 0.32). There were 2 (1%) operative mortalities. At follow-up, the survival rate was 97%, there were 3 (2%) re-operative MV replacements, 4 (3%) patients remained in New York Heart Association functional class III/IV, and 8 (6%) required permanent pacemaker implantation. In conclusion, combined septal myectomy and edge-to-edge MV repair is a safe and effective treatment strategy in carefully selected patients requiring surgical HCM management.

Echocardiographic and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing septal myectomy plus anterior mitral leaflet extension for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Septal myectomy is indicated in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and intractable symptoms. Concomitant mitral valve (MV) surgery is performed for abnormalities contributing to systolic anterior motion (SAM), or for SAM-mediated mitral regurgitation (MR) with or without left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. One MV repair technique is anterior mitral leaflet extension (AMLE) utilizing bovine pericardium, stiffening the leaflet and enhancing coaptation posteriorly. Fifteen HCM patients who underwent combined myectomy-AMLE for LVOT obstruction or moderate-to-severe MR between 2009 and 2020 were analyzed using detailed echocardiography. The mean age was 56.6 years and 67% were female. The average peak systolic LVOT gradient and MR grade measured 73.4 mmHg and 2.3, respectively. Indications for myectomy-AMLE were LVOT obstruction and moderate-to-severe MR in 67%, MR only in 20%, and LVOT obstruction only in 13%. There was no mortality observed, and median follow-up was 1.2 years. Two patients had follow-up grade 1 mitral SAM, one of whom also had mild LVOT obstruction. No recurrent MR was observed in 93%, and mild MR in 7%. Compared with preoperative measures, there was a decrease in follow-up LV ejection fraction (68.2 vs 56.3%, p = 0.02) and maximal septal wall thickness (25.5 vs 21.3 mm, p < 0.001), and an increase in the end-diastolic diameter (21.9 vs 24.8 mm/m2, p = 0.04). There was no change in global longitudinal strain (-12.1 vs -11.6%, p = 0.73) and peak LV twist (7.4 vs 7.3°, p = 0.97). In conclusion, myectomy-AMLE is a viable treatment option for carefully selected symptomatic HCM patients with LVOT obstruction or moderate-to-severe MR.

A systematic review on the use of ultrasound enhancing agents with transesophageal echocardiography to assess the left atrial appendage prior to cardioversion.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the left atrium and atrial appendage (LAA) for thrombus by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) may be suboptimal due to difficult imaging windows and ultrasound artifacts. The present study analyzed the benefit of using ultrasound enhancing agents (UEAs) with TEE to improve diagnostic accuracy and image quality. METHODS: A systematic review of studies published through December 2020 was performed, and included investigations comparing the number of cases deemed indeterminate for visualization of LAA thrombi on TEE pre- versus post-UEAs prior to cardioversion for atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF). Study results were pooled where the number of indeterminate cases by conventional TEE were re-classified as thrombus present, indeterminate, or thrombus excluded following administration of UEAs. RESULTS: Three studies with a total of 399 patients were identified. Of these, 83 (26%) participants met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the study population from the three studies was 66 ± 12 years, 29% were female, and prevalence of congestive heart failure or neurologic events was 22% and 5%, respectively. Use of UEAs with TEE re-classified 66% (55/83) of cases initially deemed to be indeterminate for LAA thrombus on conventional TEE. Thrombus was present in 13% (11/83) and excluded in 53% (44/83) of cases; 34% (28/83) of cases remained indeterminate on TEE post-UEAs. There were no complications reported with the administration of UEAs. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive use of UEAs with TEE can facilitate the diagnosis or exclusion of LAA thrombus, and improve the procedural confidence and cost-efficiency of cardioversion for AF.

Deep Learning Algorithm for Automated Cardiac Murmur Detection via a Digital Stethoscope Platform.

Background Clinicians vary markedly in their ability to detect murmurs during cardiac auscultation and identify the underlying pathological features. Deep learning approaches have shown promise in medicine by transforming collected data into clinically significant information. The objective of this research is to assess the performance of a deep learning algorithm to detect murmurs and clinically significant valvular heart disease using recordings from a commercial digital stethoscope platform. Methods and Results Using >34 hours of previously acquired and annotated heart sound recordings, we trained a deep neural network to detect murmurs. To test the algorithm, we enrolled 962 patients in a clinical study and collected recordings at the 4 primary auscultation locations. Ground truth was established using patient echocardiograms and annotations by 3 expert cardiologists. Algorithm performance for detecting murmurs has sensitivity and specificity of 76.3% and 91.4%, respectively. By omitting softer murmurs, those with grade 1 intensity, sensitivity increased to 90.0%. Application of the algorithm at the appropriate anatomic auscultation location detected moderate-to-severe or greater aortic stenosis, with sensitivity of 93.2% and specificity of 86.0%, and moderate-to-severe or greater mitral regurgitation, with sensitivity of 66.2% and specificity of 94.6%. Conclusions The deep learning algorithm's ability to detect murmurs and clinically significant aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation is comparable to expert cardiologists based on the annotated subset of our database. The findings suggest that such algorithms would have utility as front-line clinical support tools to aid clinicians in screening for cardiac murmurs caused by valvular heart disease. Registration URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NCT03458806.

The Role of False Tendons in Left Ventricular Remodeling and Secondary Mitral Regurgitation After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular false tendons (LVFT) are common structures visualized on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The present study tested the hypothesis that LVFT, via a possible 'constraint' mechanism, attenuate left ventricular (LV) remodeling and secondary mitral regurgitation after acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: Seventy-one patients admitted to the Coronary Care Unit following an ST-elevation (n = 63) or non-ST-elevation (n = 8) myocardial infarction were analyzed; 29 (41%) had LVFT, and 42 (59%) did not (no-LVFT). All had a TTE and at least 1 follow-up study after revascularization. The χ² analysis, Student's t-test, and Mann Whitney U test were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: The mean age (64 vs. 66 years), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (41% vs. 39%), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd) index (23 mm/m² for both), and prevalence of ≥ moderate secondary/functional mitral regurgitation (MR) (17% vs. 14%) were similar between the LVFT and no-LVFT groups. At 1-year follow-up, there was no significant difference in chamber remodeling amongst the LVFT versus no-LVFT group when assessed by: 1) ≥ 10% decrease in the relative LVEF (24% vs. 26%; p = 0.83); 2) ≥ 10% increase in the LVEDd index (41% vs. 38%, p = 0.98); and, 3) ≥ 10% increase in the LV mass index (48% vs. 41%, p = 0.68). There was no difference in the prevalence of ≥ moderate secondary/functional MR (17% vs. 12%, p = 0.77). Outcomes remained similar when stratifying by LVFT morphology or ischemic territory. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with mild to moderate LV dysfunction and normal chamber size, LVFT do not affect the development of LV remodeling or secondary/functional MR post-myocardial infarction.

Unicuspid aortic valve: Case series and review.

A unicuspid aortic valve is a very rare valvular lesion. Its physical manifestations vary and are associated with other cardiovascular abnormalities such as aortic stenosis/insufficiency and aortopathy. Echocardiography remains the modality of choice, with computerized tomography or cardiac magnetic resonance used as adjunctive imaging. Herein, we present a case series of three patients with unicuspid aortic valves treated at our institution, with a focus on 2D and 3D echocardiographic imaging.

Left ventricle and mitral valve reverse remodeling in response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in nonischemic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves left heart geometry and function in nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICMP). We aimed to detail the effects of CRT on left ventricular (LV) and mitral valve (MV) remodeling using 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. METHODS: Forty-five consecutive patients with NICMP who underwent CRT implantation between 2009 and 2012, and had pre-CRT and follow-up echocardiograms available, were included. Paired t test, linear and logistic regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used for statistical assessment. RESULTS: The mean age and QRS duration were 60 years and 157 ms, respectively, and 13 (28.9%) were female. At a mean follow-up of 3 years, there were 22 (48.9%) "CRT responders" (≥15% reduction in LV end-systolic volume index [LVESVi]). Significant improvements were observed in LV ejection fraction (26.3% vs 34.3%) and LVESVi (87.7 vs 71.1 mL/m2 ), as well as mitral regurgitation vena contracta width, MV tenting height and area, and end-systolic interpapillary muscle distance. Five-year actuarial survival was 87.5%. Multivariate regression analyses revealed the pre-CRT LVESVi (ß = 0.52), and MV coaptation length (ß = -0.34) and septolateral annular diameter (ß = 0.25) as good correlates of follow-up LVESVi. Variables associated with CRT response were pre-CRT MV coaptation length (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.0-3.1) and posterior leaflet tethering angle (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.0-1.14), irrespective of baseline QRS morphology and duration (all P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves LV and MV geometry and function in half of patients with NICMP, which is paralleled by decreased mitral regurgitation severity. The extent of pre-CRT LV remodeling and MV tethering are associated with CRT response.

Structural heart disease: the year in valvular and complex coronary intervention trials.

The need for treatment strategies targeting complex structural heart and obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease (CAD) is rapidly growing. The demographics in referral centers has shifted to an older population with greater co-morbidities and higher risk. Indeed, nearly one quarter of patients in tertiary-care settings have moderate or severe valvular heart disease, and despite a decrease in overall CAD burden in the United States over the past two decades the prevalence of myocardial infarction remains high. The 2019 societal scientific sessions included novel research and landmark presentations on less invasive valvular and safer complex coronary interventions in the aforementioned populations, in hopes of improving patient outcomes and expanding treatment indications. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), percutaneous mitral and tricuspid valve therapy, and complex coronary interventions, were the focus of important clinical trials and registry data. Herein, we provide a select and concise review of the most pivotal studies presented.