Human versus Artificial Intelligence-Based Echocardiographic Analysis as a Predictor of Outcomes: An Analysis from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography COVID Study.

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic echocardiography is the leading cardiac imaging modality for patients admitted with COVID-19, a condition of high short-term mortality. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that artificial intelligence (AI)-based analysis of echocardiographic images could predict mortality more accurately than conventional analysis by a human expert. METHODS: Patients admitted to 13 hospitals for acute COVID-19 who underwent transthoracic echocardiography were included. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular longitudinal strain (LVLS) were obtained manually by multiple expert readers and by automated AI software. The ability of the manual and AI analyses to predict all-cause mortality was compared. RESULTS: In total, 870 patients were enrolled. The mortality rate was 27.4% after a mean follow-up period of 230 ± 115 days. AI analysis had lower variability than manual analysis for both LVEF (P = .003) and LVLS (P = .005). AI-derived LVEF and LVLS were predictors of mortality in univariable and multivariable regression analysis (odds ratio, 0.974 [95% CI, 0.956-0.991; P = .003] for LVEF; odds ratio, 1.060 [95% CI, 1.019-1.105; P = .004] for LVLS), but LVEF and LVLS obtained by manual analysis were not. Direct comparison of the predictive value of AI versus manual measurements of LVEF and LVLS showed that AI was significantly better (P = .005 and P = .003, respectively). In addition, AI-derived LVEF and LVLS had more significant and stronger correlations to other objective biomarkers of acute disease than manual reads. CONCLUSIONS: AI-based analysis of LVEF and LVLS had similar feasibility as manual analysis, minimized variability, and consequently increased the statistical power to predict mortality. AI-based, but not manual, analyses were a significant predictor of in-hospital and follow-up mortality.

Ventricular Changes in Patients with Acute COVID-19 Infection: Follow-up of the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography (WASE-COVID) Study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 infection is known to cause a wide array of clinical chronic sequelae, but little is known regarding the long-term cardiac complications. We aim to report echocardiographic follow-up findings and describe the changes in left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function that occur following acute infection. METHODS: Patients enrolled in the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography-COVID study with acute COVID-19 infection were asked to return for a follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram. Overall, 198 returned at a mean of 129 days of follow-up, of which 153 had paired baseline and follow-up images that were analyzable, including LV volumes, ejection fraction (LVEF), and longitudinal strain (LVLS). Right-sided echocardiographic parameters included RV global longitudinal strain, RV free wall strain, and RV basal diameter. Paired echocardiographic parameters at baseline and follow-up were compared for the entire cohort and for subgroups based on the baseline LV and RV function. RESULTS: For the entire cohort, echocardiographic markers of LV and RV function at follow-up were not significantly different from baseline (all P > .05). Patients with hyperdynamic LVEF at baseline (>70%), had a significant reduction of LVEF at follow-up (74.3% ± 3.1% vs 64.4% ± 8.1%, P < .001), while patients with reduced LVEF at baseline (<50%) had a significant increase (42.5% ± 5.9% vs 49.3% ± 13.4%, P = .02), and those with normal LVEF had no change. Patients with normal LVLS (<-18%) at baseline had a significant reduction of LVLS at follow-up (-21.6% ± 2.6% vs -20.3% ± 4.0%, P = .006), while patients with impaired LVLS at baseline had a significant improvement at follow-up (-14.5% ± 2.9% vs -16.7% ± 5.2%, P < .001). Patients with abnormal RV global longitudinal strain (>-20%) at baseline had significant improvement at follow-up (-15.2% ± 3.4% vs -17.4% ± 4.9%, P = .004). Patients with abnormal RV basal diameter (>4.5 cm) at baseline had significant improvement at follow-up (4.9 ± 0.7 cm vs 4.6 ± 0.6 cm, P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there were no significant changes over time in the LV and RV function of patients recovering from COVID-19 infection. However, differences were observed according to baseline LV and RV function, which may reflect recovery from the acute myocardial injury occurring in the acutely ill. Left ventricular and RV function tends to improve in those with impaired baseline function, while it tends to decrease in those with hyperdynamic LV or normal RV function.

Cardiac Multimodality Imaging Assessment of Dystrophic Myocardial Calcification in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patient With Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Dystrophic myocardial calcification represents the sequelae of local tissue damage and cellular necrosis. We present the case of a 72-year-old man who presented with exertional chest pain. He had a medical history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and chronic dilated cardiomyopathy with severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and wall motion abnormalities at the inferior and lateral LV walls. A cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examination from 16 years ago showed a subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) distribution consistent with prior myocardial infarction (MI). Recently, a pharmacological stress myocardial perfusion imaging by CMR had been positive for myocardial ischemia in the left descending coronary artery (LAD) territory. A cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) showed non-significant LAD obstruction <50% consistent with microvascular ischemia and the presence of dystrophic myocardial calcification as an unusual progression of a prior MI. Conservative approach and optimal medical therapy were employed in our patient, and there was no symptom progression during the two-month follow-up period.

Echocardiographic Correlates of In-Hospital Death in Patients with Acute COVID-19 Infection: The World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography (WASE-COVID) Study.

BACKGROUND: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 virus, which has led to the global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is known to adversely affect the cardiovascular system through multiple mechanisms. In this international, multicenter study conducted by the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography, we aim to determine the clinical and echocardiographic phenotype of acute cardiac disease in COVID-19 patients, to explore phenotypic differences in different geographic regions across the world, and to identify parameters associated with in-hospital mortality. METHODS: We studied 870 patients with acute COVID-19 infection from 13 medical centers in four world regions (Asia, Europe, United States, Latin America) who had undergone transthoracic echocardiograms. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, including patient outcomes. Anonymized echocardiograms were analyzed with automated, machine learning-derived algorithms to calculate left ventricular (LV) volumes, ejection fraction, and LV longitudinal strain (LS). Right-sided echocardiographic parameters that were measured included right ventricular (RV) LS, RV free-wall strain (FWS), and RV basal diameter. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Significant regional differences were noted in terms of patient comorbidities, severity of illness, clinical biomarkers, and LV and RV echocardiographic metrics. Overall in-hospital mortality was 21.6%. Parameters associated with mortality in a multivariate analysis were age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12 [1.05, 1.22], P = .003), previous lung disease (OR = 7.32 [1.56, 42.2], P = .015), LVLS (OR = 1.18 [1.05, 1.36], P = .012), lactic dehydrogenase (OR = 6.17 [1.74, 28.7], P = .009), and RVFWS (OR = 1.14 [1.04, 1.26], P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular dysfunction is noted in approximately 20% and RV dysfunction in approximately 30% of patients with acute COVID-19 illness and portend a poor prognosis. Age at presentation, previous lung disease, lactic dehydrogenase, LVLS, and RVFWS were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. Regional differences in cardiac phenotype highlight the significant differences in patient acuity as well as echocardiographic utilization in different parts of the world.

Detection of Pulmonary Shunts by Transcranial Doppler in Hospitalized Non-mechanically Ventilated Coronavirus Disease-19 Patients.

In severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), hypoxemia mechanisms differ from those observed in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Hypoxemia and respiratory failure in COVID- 19 are attributed to pulmonary angiopathy, increasing physiological pulmonary shunting1-3.

Estudio transversal de función auricular izquierda mediante speckle tracking en cirrosis hepática / Left Atrial Function by Speckle Tracking in Liver Cirrhosis. A Cross-sectional Study

RESUMEN Introducción: La miocardiopatía del cirrótico es la disfunción sistólica y/o diastólica del ventrículo izquierdo en reposo o estrés, en ausencia de otras condiciones cardiovasculares que lo explique, y que empeora el pronóstico post trasplante u otros procedimientos quirúrgicos hepáticos. Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar la función auricular izquierda con speckle tracking en pacientes cirróticos. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron 99 pacientes consecutivos con cirrosis hepática de diferente etiología. A todos pacientes se les realizó estudio ecocardiográfico en reposo con medición de la función ventricular y auricular isquierda con técnicas tradicionales, mediciones tridimensionales y speckle tracking. Resultados: La mediana de edad fue de 50.9 años y 40% de los pacientes fueron hombres. No se observaron alteraciones de la función sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo. El 27% de los pacientes presentó disfunción diastólica y dilatación de la aurícula izquierda, está última con incremento significativo según el estadío Child y se observaron alteraciones de la función de bomba de la aurícula izquierda en el 29% de los casos. Conclusión: Los pacientes cirróticos presentan disfunción diastólica ventricular izquierda y alteraciones de la función sistólica de la aurícula izquierda medida por speckle tracking.

ABSTRACT Background: Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is the systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle at rest or stress, in the absence of other cardiovascular conditions, and worsens the prognosis after transplant or other liver surgical procedures. Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize left atrial function with speckle tracking in cirrhotic patients. Methods: Ninety-nine consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis of different etiology were included in the study. All patients underwent rest echocardiographic evaluation with measurement of left ventricular and atrial function using traditional techniques, three-dimensional measurements and speckle tracking. Results: Median age was 50.9 years and 40% were men. No alterations of left ventricular systolic function were observed. Twenty-seven percent of patients had diastolic dysfunction and dilatation of the left atrium, the latter with a significant increase according to the Child stage and left atrial pump function was altered in 29% of cases. Conclusion: Cirrhotic patients present left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and alterations of left atrial systolic function measured by speckle tracking.

Abnormal Cardiovascular Findings in Acute Pancreatitis: Are They Associated with Disease Severity?

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP), a disease that commonly requires in-hospital treatment, has been associated with a high incidence of abnormal cardiovascular findings (ACFs). We conducted a prospective study to explore the association of these findings with severity of the disease. METHODS: Adult patients with AP diagnosis were prospectively enrolled in an observational study during an 8-month period in a tertiary care center. AP and its severity were defined according to the Revised Atlanta Classification of AP. Subjects were submitted to electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and serologic testing during the acute period and a 3-month follow-up. The incidence of ACF was compared between two groups: (1) Mild and (2) moderate/severe cases. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (mean age 48 ± 17 years) with AP were enrolled; 15 (55%) had mild and 12 (45%) had moderate/severe AP. During the acute episode, 67% had increased pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels; 52% had abnormal electrocardiographic findings; 48% had abnormal echocardiographic findings; and 18% had increased troponin I levels. There was no significant difference in the incidence of ACF between mild and moderate/severe groups. Nineteen patients (70%) had repeated follow-up testing, and most of the initial ACF did not persist. CONCLUSION: ACFs occur in an important proportion of patients during AP episodes. Future research should continue to focus in the association of ACFs and the severity of the disease.

[Cardiac myxomas and the Carney complex]. / Mixomas cardiacos y complejo de Carney.

The study involved 63 patients with an echocardiographic, surgical and histopathologic diagnosis of cardiac myxoma who were seen over a period of 20 years. Tumor recurrence or relapse was documented in five of these patients (7.9%), 3 of whom had a confirmed diagnosis of Carney complex, while one other patient had a probable diagnosis. Genetic studies demonstrated abnormalities in the PRKAR1A gene on chromosome 17 in 2 patients and their immediate family. In 11 of the 58 patients who did not experience relapse of the myxoma, genetic studies failed to show any abnormality. In conclusion, the possible presence of the Carney complex should be investigated in patients with multiple myxomas or with a cardiac myxoma whose location is atypical.

Mixomas cardiacos y complejo de Carney / Cardiac myxomas and the Carney complex

Se estudió a 63 pacientes con diagnóstico ecocardiográfico, quirúrgico e histopatológico de mixoma cardiaco durante un período de 20 años. Se documentó recidiva o recurrencia del tumor en 5 (7,9%) de ellos; en 3 de éstos se estableció el diagnóstico de complejo de Carney, y en 1 quedó como probable. El estudio genético mostró alteraciones en el gen PRKAR1A del cromosoma 17 en 2 pacientes y sus familiares directos. En 11 de los 58 pacientes con mixomas no recidivantes, el estudio genético no mostró alteraciones. Se concluye que se debe investigar la presencia del complejo de Carney en los pacientes con mixoma cardiaco único de localización atípica o con mixomas múltiples (AU)

The study involved 63 patients with an echocardiographic, surgical, and histopathologic diagnosis of cardiac myxoma who were seen over a period of 20 years. Tumor recurrence or relapse was documented in five of these patients (7.9%), 3 of whom had a confirmed diagnosis of Carney complex, while one other patient had a probable diagnosis. Genetic studies demonstrated abnormalities in the PRKAR1A gene on chromosome 17 in 2 patients and their immediate family. In 11 of the 58 patients who did not experience relapse of the myxoma, genetic studies failed to show any abnormality. In conclusion, the possible presence of the Carney complex should be investigated in patients with multiple myxomas or with a cardiac myxoma whose location is atypical (AU)