Insights of tricuspid regurgitation mechanisms in patients with right ventricular apical pacing by three-dimensional echocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: Device lead-induced tricuspid regurgitation (LITR) mechanisms are well-defined by 3D transthoracic echocardiography (3D-TTE). There is a lack of data on the Latin-American population. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of several mechanisms and insights in patients with permanent right ventricular (RV) implanted devices by 3D-TTE examination. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 101 patients with permanent cardiac devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators. 3D-TTE was obtained on all patients in RV-focused apical views to perform a complete tricuspid valve (TV) evaluation: leaflets, subvalvular apparatus, precise lead location, and functional assessment to evaluate possible mechanisms of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). RESULTS: In a total of 101 patients, the leads did not interfere with TV function in 53 p. (59%), while LITR was observed in 38 (41%) patients. Adherent, impinging, entangled, and mixed lead-induced mechanisms were observed. Time in years since device implantation was significantly higher in patients with LITR. CONCLUSIONS: LITR was present in a high proportion of our population. LITR is the result of damage to the TV as well as its subvalvular apparatus due to the fibrotic and inflammatory response over time when leads are situated in unfavorable locations.

Usefulness of strain cardiac magnetic resonance for the exposure of mild left ventricular systolic abnormalities in pectus excavatum.

BACKGROUND: Systolic dysfunction in pectus excavatum (PEX) is usually very subtle and mainly focused on the right ventricle (RV), leading to normal or unremarkable cardiac imaging findings unless involving exercise stress. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated systolic function in PEX using longitudinal strain cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), a validated parameter for the assessment of the systolic deformation of subendocardial fibers. METHODS: This prospective registry comprised consecutive patients with PEX who were referred to CMR to define treatment strategies or to establish surgical candidacy. We also included a control group of 15 healthy volunteers without chest wall abnormalities. Using dedicated software, we evaluated the endocardial global longitudinal strain (GLS) of both ventricles and the endocardial global circumferential strain (GCS) of the left ventricle (LV). RESULTS: A total of 50 patients with PEX comprised the study population, with a mean age of 19.9 ± 8.0 years. The right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) of patients with PEX was significantly lower compared to the control group both at end-expiration (59.5 ± 6.8 vs. 64.7 ± 4.7%, p = 0.008) and end-inspiration (56.7 ± 7.2%, vs. 62.7 ± 4.4, p = 0.004); as well as the pulmonary stroke distance (12.6 ± 2.5, vs. 15.0 ± 2.0 cm, p = 0.001). The LV volumetric analysis revealed no differences between PEX and the control group (p > 0.05 for all) regardless of the respiratory cycle, with a mean expiratory LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of 61.4 ± 6.0%. In contrast, the GLS of the LV was significantly lower in PEX compared to controls (-21.2 ± 3.2 vs. -23.7 ± 3.0%, p = 0.010), whereas GCS was similar either at expiration (-28.5 ± 4.0%, vs. -29.5 ± 2.8, p = 0.38) or inspiration (-29.3 ± 4.1%, vs.-28.9 ± 2.3, p = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrated that longitudinal strain analysis might enable the detection of very subtle left ventricular systolic function abnormalities in patients with PEX, that are commonly overlooked using the conventional assessment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

[Different phenotypes of mitral regurgitation in patients with right apical ventricular pacing: an echocardiographic approach in a heterogeneity of clinical scenarios]. / Distintos fenotipos de insuficiencia mitral en pacientes con estimulación apical del ventrículo derecho: un abordaje ecocardiográfico en una heterogeneidad de escenarios clínicos.

The presence of mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with right ventricular apical pacing can be the result of multiple phenomena. On the one hand, this stimulation causes an asynchronous activation of the left ventricle (LV) and the papillary muscles, leading to a deterioration of the LV ejection fraction and causing an inadequate closure of the valve apparatus. However, there is a wide heterogeneity of ischemic and non-ischemic myocardial conditions that can coexist with mechanical alteration of the LV and the mitral valve leading to or worsening MR in these patients, which can make the etiological determination of valvular regurgitation difficult. Transthoracic echocardiography study allows comprehensive evaluation of mitral valve regurgitation and ventricular function parameters and mechanical asynchrony as a result of artificial pacing. The comprehensive study of these phenomena is relevant in clinical decision-making to define those patients who benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy to alleviate symptomatic MR.

Erratum: Diastolic and Systolic Cardiac Dysfunction in Pectus Excavatum: Relationship to Exercise and Malformation Severity.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1148/ryct.2020200011.].

Diastolic and Systolic Cardiac Dysfunction in Pectus Excavatum: Relationship to Exercise and Malformation Severity.

PURPOSE: To explore stress echocardiographic findings among patients with pectus excavatum (PEX) and their relationship with malformation severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective registry involving consecutive patients with a diagnosis of isolated PEX referred to undergo chest CT and stress echocardiography to evaluate surgical candidacy and/or to define treatment strategies was developed. Malformation indexes were evaluated using chest CT. RESULTS: This study included 269 patients with PEX (19.7 years ± 7.8 [standard deviation]; 245 men) and 35 healthy volunteers (20.7 years ± 6.1; 21 men). Patients with PEX achieved a lower maximal workload (PEX group, 8.2 metabolic equivalents ± 1.7; control group, 11.8 metabolic equivalents ± 5.5; P < .0001). This study identified evidence of abnormal right ventricular diastolic function in 29% of patients with PEX and identified no evidence of this among those in the control group (P < .0001). Healthy controls showed a 37% increment in the tricuspid area during exercise, compared with 4% in patients with PEX (P = .002). Right ventricular systolic function was significantly lower in patients with PEX than in controls, both measured using tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (stress, 25.0 mm ± 5.5 vs 35.4 mm ± 3.7; P < .0001), and the tricuspid systolic wave was also smaller (stress, 16.9 cm/sec ± 4.5 vs 20.5 cm/sec ± 3.9; P < .0001). During stress, significant associations were detected between malformation indexes with right ventricular systolic and diastolic findings (P < .05 for all). CONCLUSION: This study identified evidence of diverse adverse functional and morphologic cardiac manifestations in PEX, involving signs of abnormal diastolic and systolic right ventricular function and compression of the atrioventricular groove, which worsened during stress and were related to malformation severity.© RSNA, 2020: An earlier incorrect version of this article appeared online. This article was corrected on October 19, 2020.

Impact of pectus excavatum on cardiac morphology and function according to the site of maximum compression: effect of physical exertion and respiratory cycle.

AIMS: Previous studies have demonstrated diverse cardiac manifestations in patients with pectus excavatum (PEX), although mostly addressing morphological or physiological impact as separate findings. Using multimodality imaging, we evaluated the impact of PEX on cardiac morphology and function according to the site of maximum compression, and the effect of exertion and breathing. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients underwent chest computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and stress echocardiography (echo) in order to establish surgical candidacy. We evaluated diastolic function and trans-tricuspid gradient during stress (echo); and systolic function and respiratory-related septal wall motion abnormalities (CMR). Patients were classified according to the site of cardiac compression as type 0 (without cardiac compression); type 1 (right ventricle); and type 2 [right ventricle and atrioventricular (AV) groove]. Fifty-nine patients underwent multimodality imaging, with a mean age of 19.5 ± 5.9 years. Compared with a sex and age matched control group, peak exercise capacity was lower in patients with PEX (8.4 ± 2.0 METs vs. 15.1 ± 4.6 METs, P < 0.0001). At stress, significant differences were found between groups regarding left ventricular E/A (P = 0.004) and e/a ratio (P = 0.005), right ventricular E/A ratio (P = 0.03), and trans-tricuspid gradient (P = 0.001). At CMR, only 9 (15%) patients with PEX had normal septal motion, whereas 17 (29%) had septal flattening during inspiration. Septal motion abnormalities were significantly related to the cardiac compression classification (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that patients with PEX, particularly those with compression affecting the right ventricle and AV groove, manifest diverse cardiac abnormalities that are mostly related to exertion, inspiration, and diastolic function.

Preoperative multimodality imaging of pectus excavatum: State of the art review and call for standardization.

PURPOSE: Image acquisition protocols and reports in patients with pectus excavatum (PEX) differ significantly from routine examinations, and no imaging modality can enable a comprehensive assessment of PEX severity and cardiac impact within a single examination. We therefore attempt to establish recommendations about preoperative imaging in patients with PEX. METHOD: Chest computed tomography (CT), stress echocardiography (Echo), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) allow the evaluation of specific information regarding structural and functional characteristics of vital importance to assess surgical candidacy and define surgical strategies. We sought to provide a multidisciplinary state of the art document involving thoracic surgeons, radiologists, and cardiologists; to establish recommendations about the variables to be included in the reports of the imaging examinations performed in patients with PEX. RESULTS: We provide recommendations for preoperative image acquisition and analysis, aimed at the assessment of the severity of the chest wall deformity (CT); the site of maximum cardiac compression, extent of increased interventricular dependence, and presence of pericardial effusion (CMR); and the effect of PEX on the functional capacity and exercise-related systolic and/or diastolic function, and tricuspid annulus compression (Echo). CONCLUSIONS: This multidisciplinary state of the art document involving thoracic surgeons, radiologists, and cardiologists provides recommendations about preoperative imaging for patients with PEX.

A Rare Cause of Dyspnea: Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma in the Left Atrium.

Primary cardiac tumors are a rare entity. The presence of a mass in the left atrium suggests myxoma as a first differential diagnosis. Here we present a rare case of a woman with exertional dyspnea with a large tumor in the left atrium. The patient was extensively studied with echocardiography, cardiac MRI, coronary angiography and computed tomography. Extracardiac neoplastic involvement was ruled out. The patient underwent surgery, the mass was removed, and the final diagnosis was an undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma.

Eco tridimensional en la evaluación de la enfermedad degenerativa de la válvula mitral / Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Characterization of Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease

Introducción: La insuficiencia mitral de causa degenerativa es una enfermedad de alta prevalencia que, de hecho, constituye la causa más común de necesidad de cirugía sobre la válvula mitral y su resultado está en íntima relación con el tipo de procedimiento que se realice. El ecocardiograma transesofágico tridimensional (3D) permite determinar la complejidad y la extensión del proceso degenerativo y, de este modo, optimizar la estrategia terapéutica. Objetivos: Evaluar las características y las dimensiones del aparato valvular mitral en la insuficiencia mitral degenerativa grave con el propósito de reconocer pacientes con diferente complejidad y extensión de la enfermedad mediante ecocardiograma transesofágico 3D y, asimismo, compararlas con una población sin cardiopatía. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron prospectivamente 25 pacientes con insuficiencia mitral grave degenerativa y 26 pacientes sin enfermedad cardiovascular, a los que se estudió con ecocardiograma transesofágico en 2D y 3D. Con la mejor secuencia 3D se construyó un modelo tridimensional valvular del que se obtuvieron mediciones de las valvas y el anillo (indexadas por la superficie corporal). La población con insuficiencia mitral se dividió en dos grupos: grupo A, compuesto por 17 pacientes con prolapso de un solo segmento y grupo B, conformado por 8 pacientes con más de un segmento con prolapso. Ambas poblaciones se compararon entre sí. Posteriormente se compararon la morfología y las dimensiones del anillo mitral de los pacientes con insuficiencia mitral versus la población sin cardiopatía. Los datos se presentan como mediana con rango intercuartil. En la comparación de los grupos se empleó la prueba de Wilcoxon. Se consideró significativa una p < 0,05 a dos colas. Resultados: El 76% de los pacientes con insuficiencia mitral eran hombres. La edad promedio fue de 60,6 (53-73,2) años. Los pacientes del grupo B presentaron diámetro diastólico del ventrículo izquierdo y anillo mitral con área, circunferencia y diámetro intercomisural significativamente más grandes. El área de la valva anterior y el volumen del prolapso fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo B. Cuando se compararon todos los pacientes con insuficiencia mitral con los pacientes sin cardiopatía, no se observaron diferencias en la morfología del anillo valvular mitral. Conclusiones: En pacientes con insuficiencia mitral grave degenerativa, el ecocardiograma transesofágico 3D permite poner en evidencia diferencias notables entre poblaciones con desigual extensión del compromiso valvular. Los datos así obtenidos podrían tener valor agregado a la hora de decidir la conducta terapéutica.

Análisis de las características de la válvula mitral en ecocardiograma tridimensional / Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Analysis of Mitral Valve Characteristics

Introducción El ecocardiograma transesofágico en tres dimensiones (ETE 3D) es una herramienta especialmente útil en el estudio de la patología de la válvula mitral. En la bibliografía existe poca información, ninguna de nuestro país, acerca de los valores normales a partir de los cuales se pueda definir la enfermedad. Objetivo Definir los valores normales de las medidas del anillo y de las valvas de la válvula mitral a través del estudio de una población sin cardiopatía utilizando el ETE 3D. Material y métodos Se incluyeron prospectivamente 26 pacientes sin patología cardiovascular que fueron estudiados con ETE en dos y tres dimensiones. Con el mejor volumen 3D adquirido se construyó un modelo tridimensional de la válvula mitral del que se obtuvieron las medidas de las valvas y del anillo (indexadas por superficie corporal). Los datos se presentan como mediana con rango intercuartil. Resultados La edad fue de 64,5 años (39,1-69,7), el 46% eran hombres. Las medidas del anillo mitral fueron: diámetro intercomisural 18,7 mm (16,5-19,9), diámetro anteroposterior 16,4 mm (15,1-17,8), altura 4,4 mm (3,6-5,4), circunferencia en un plano 55,1 mm (52,2-60), circunferencia en 3D 57,8 mm (55,5-64,1), área en un plano 433,9 mm² (405,3-489) y área en 3D 457,8 mm² (431,2-515,8). Las medidas de las valvas fueron: longitud de la valva anterior 13,4 mm (12,4-14), área de la valva anterior 328,6 mm² (297-359,8), longitud de la valva posterior 7,8 mm (7,1-8,3) y área de la valva posterior 242 mm² (214,3-265,5). Se evaluó la reproducibilidad de las mediciones del anillo mitral en 3D y se observó muy buena concordancia tanto intraobservador como interobservador. Conclusiones Los resultados muestran los valores de referencia de las valvas y del anillo de la válvula mitral en una población sin cardiopatía estudiada con ETE 3D. Sientan las bases para futuros estudios que, asociando mediciones similares en todo el rango de gravedad de la patología mitral, permitan definir prospectivamente la sensibilidad y la especificidad del estudio para enfermedad mitral.(AU)

Introduction Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) is a useful tool, particularly for the evaluation of mitral valve disease. There are few reports in the literature, none of our country, about the normal values in order to define the disease. Objective The aim of this study was to define the normal values of the mitral valve annulus and leaflets in a population without heart disease using 3D TEE. Methods Twenty-six patients without heart disease were prospectively included and underwent two-dimensional and 3D TEE. The best 3D volume acquired was used to construct a three dimensional model of the mitral valve to measure the mitral valve leaflets and annulus (indexed for body surface area). Data are presented as median with interquartile range. Results Age was 64.5 years (39.1-69.7) and 46% were men. Mitral annulus measurements were: intercommissural diameter 18.7 mm (16.5-19.9), anteroposterior diameter 16.4 mm (15.1-17.8), height 4.4 mm (3.6-5.4), circumference in projection plane 55.1 mm (52.2-60), 3D circumference 57.8 mm (55.5-64.1), area in projection plane 433.9 mm² (405.3-489) and 3D area 457.8 mm² (431.2-515.8). The leaflets measurements were: anterior leaflet length 13.4 mm (12.4-14), anterior leaflet area 328.6 mm² (297-359.8), posterior leaflet length 7.8 mm (7.1-8.3) and posterior leaflet area 242 mm² (214.3-265.5). The reproducibility of mitral annulus measurements in 3D was evaluated and showed good intraobserver and interobserver agreement. Conclusions Results show reference values of the mitral valve leaflets and annulus estimated by 3D TEE in a population without heart disease. These data lay the foundations for future studies which, by associating similar measurements across all the ranges of severity of mitral valve disease, may prospectively define the sensitivity and specificity of the method for mitral valve assessment.(AU)

Análisis de las características de la válvula mitral en ecocardiograma tridimensional / Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Analysis of Mitral Valve Characteristics

Introducción El ecocardiograma transesofágico en tres dimensiones (ETE 3D) es una herramienta especialmente útil en el estudio de la patología de la válvula mitral. En la bibliografía existe poca información, ninguna de nuestro país, acerca de los valores normales a partir de los cuales se pueda definir la enfermedad. Objetivo Definir los valores normales de las medidas del anillo y de las valvas de la válvula mitral a través del estudio de una población sin cardiopatía utilizando el ETE 3D. Material y métodos Se incluyeron prospectivamente 26 pacientes sin patología cardiovascular que fueron estudiados con ETE en dos y tres dimensiones. Con el mejor volumen 3D adquirido se construyó un modelo tridimensional de la válvula mitral del que se obtuvieron las medidas de las valvas y del anillo (indexadas por superficie corporal). Los datos se presentan como mediana con rango intercuartil. Resultados La edad fue de 64,5 años (39,1-69,7), el 46% eran hombres. Las medidas del anillo mitral fueron: diámetro intercomisural 18,7 mm (16,5-19,9), diámetro anteroposterior 16,4 mm (15,1-17,8), altura 4,4 mm (3,6-5,4), circunferencia en un plano 55,1 mm (52,2-60), circunferencia en 3D 57,8 mm (55,5-64,1), área en un plano 433,9 mm² (405,3-489) y área en 3D 457,8 mm² (431,2-515,8). Las medidas de las valvas fueron: longitud de la valva anterior 13,4 mm (12,4-14), área de la valva anterior 328,6 mm² (297-359,8), longitud de la valva posterior 7,8 mm (7,1-8,3) y área de la valva posterior 242 mm² (214,3-265,5). Se evaluó la reproducibilidad de las mediciones del anillo mitral en 3D y se observó muy buena concordancia tanto intraobservador como interobservador. Conclusiones Los resultados muestran los valores de referencia de las valvas y del anillo de la válvula mitral en una población sin cardiopatía estudiada con ETE 3D. Sientan las bases para futuros estudios que, asociando mediciones similares en todo el rango de gravedad de la patología mitral, permitan definir prospectivamente la sensibilidad y la especificidad del estudio para enfermedad mitral.

Introduction Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) is a useful tool, particularly for the evaluation of mitral valve disease. There are few reports in the literature, none of our country, about the normal values in order to define the disease. Objective The aim of this study was to define the normal values of the mitral valve annulus and leaflets in a population without heart disease using 3D TEE. Methods Twenty-six patients without heart disease were prospectively included and underwent two-dimensional and 3D TEE. The best 3D volume acquired was used to construct a three dimensional model of the mitral valve to measure the mitral valve leaflets and annulus (indexed for body surface area). Data are presented as median with interquartile range. Results Age was 64.5 years (39.1-69.7) and 46% were men. Mitral annulus measurements were: intercommissural diameter 18.7 mm (16.5-19.9), anteroposterior diameter 16.4 mm (15.1-17.8), height 4.4 mm (3.6-5.4), circumference in projection plane 55.1 mm (52.2-60), 3D circumference 57.8 mm (55.5-64.1), area in projection plane 433.9 mm² (405.3-489) and 3D area 457.8 mm² (431.2-515.8). The leaflets measurements were: anterior leaflet length 13.4 mm (12.4-14), anterior leaflet area 328.6 mm² (297-359.8), posterior leaflet length 7.8 mm (7.1-8.3) and posterior leaflet area 242 mm² (214.3-265.5). The reproducibility of mitral annulus measurements in 3D was evaluated and showed good intraobserver and interobserver agreement. Conclusions Results show reference values of the mitral valve leaflets and annulus estimated by 3D TEE in a population without heart disease. These data lay the foundations for future studies which, by associating similar measurements across all the ranges of severity of mitral valve disease, may prospectively define the sensitivity and specificity of the method for mitral valve assessment.

Twin pregnancy experimental model for transvaginal ultrasound-guided twin reduction in mares.

Multiple pregnancies are still an important cause of noninfectious abortion, stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and significant delays in reproductive performance in mares. Despite new management techniques, reduction in multiple pregnancies is an ongoing preoccupation and challenge for the equine veterinarian. The aim of the present study was to establish a twin pregnancy experimental model in the mare to study the effectiveness of a transvaginal ultrasound-guided embryonic vesicle injection. Mares in heat were inseminated and then received an embryo at day 7 of the estrous cycle. At days 14 and 30, 53.5% (n = 23) and 23% (n = 10) of the mares, respectively, were carrying twins. Twin pregnancies were reduced at day 30 by transvaginal ultrasound-guided puncture of the embryonic vesicle (control, n = 5) or by transvaginal ultrasound-guided injection (TVUEVI) of 25 mg of amikacin into the embryonic vesicle (n = 5). The TVUEVI treatment had a 40% success rate and no significant variations in progesterone and prostaglandin metabolite were observed. Even though the technique does not seem very effective, the experimental model could be useful for clinical research in embryo reduction and early embryonic loss.

Clinical diagnosis of uterine didelphia in Ayrshire heifer.

A 24-month-old Ayrshire heifer was referred because of infertility. A clinical diagnosis of uterus didelphys was established after a complete genital examination before the animal was culled from the herd.