T1 Mapping in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance-A Marker of Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Introduction: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In our study, we aimed to find subclinical changes in myocardial tissue after HSCT with the help of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) tissue imaging techniques. Methods: The data of 44 patients undergoing autologous and allogeneic HSCT in the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics from October 2021 to February 2023 were analyzed. Bioethics approval for the prospective study was obtained (No BE-2-96). CMR was performed two times: before enrolling for the HSCT procedure (before starting mobilization chemotherapy for autologous HSCT and before starting the conditioning regimen for allogeneic HSCT) and 12 ± 1 months after HSCT. LV end-diastolic volume, LV end-systolic volume, LV mass and values indexed to body surface area (BSA), and LV ejection fraction were calculated. T1 and T2 mapping values were measured. Results: There was a statistically significant change in T1 mapping values. Before HSCT, mean T1 mapping was 1226.13 ± 39.74 ms, and after HSCT, it was 1248.70 ± 41.07 ms (p = 0.01). The other parameters did not differ significantly. Conclusions: Increases in T1 mapping values following HSCT can show the progress of diffuse myocardial fibrosis and may reflect subclinical injury. T2 mapping values remain the same and do not show edema and active inflammation processes at 12 months after HSCT.

Early Impact of Mobilization Process on Cardiac Function and Size in Patients Undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Background: The hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) process is known to cause cardiac toxicity of different grades. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the impact of mobilization procedure of hematopoietic stem cells for autologous HSCT process for left and right ventricle sizes and functions. Material and Methods: The data of 47 patients undergoing autologous HSCT were analyzed. All patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell mobilization with chemotherapy and filgrastim at 10 µg/kg/d. Echocardiography was performed two times: before enrolling in the transplantation process and after mobilization before the conditioning regimen for transplantation. Changes in left and right ventricle (RV) diameter and systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle and systolic function of the RV were measured. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in the change of right ventricular function (S')-it slightly decreased. Mean S' before mobilization was 13.93 ± 2.85 cm/s, and after mobilization it was 12.19 ± 2.64 cm/s (p = 0.003). No statistically significant change in left ventricular diameter and systolic and diastolic function and RV diameter was observed. Conclusions: The mobilization procedure in patients undergoing autologous HSCT is associated with reduced RV systolic function. S' could be used as a reliable tool to evaluate early cardiotoxicity in HSCT patients and guide further follow-up.

Left atrial strain rate: marker of hemodynamically significant coronary artery stenosis?

Aim: To assess the diagnostic value of left atrial deformation parameters during dobutamine stress echocardiography to predict significant coronary artery stenosis in patients with moderate pretest probability of coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials & methods: Rest and stress echocardiography were performed on 61 patients with a moderate and high probability of CAD. Based on presence of CAD patients were divided into pathological and nonpathological groups. Results: Early diastolic strain rate (LAe SR) was significantly lower among the pathological group at high dobutamine doses. LAe SR was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic curve and threshold prognostic value was set of -2.05 (sensitivity 78%, specificity 50%, area under the curve 0.638; p = 0.026). Conclusion: Measuring LAe SR has predictive value and might be a helpful parameter in assessing ischemia.

The association of left ventricular histologically verified myocardial fibrosis with pulmonary hypertension in severe aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between histologically verified left ventricular (LV) myocardial fibrosis (MF) and its bio- and functional markers with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in severe aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS: About 34 patients with isolated severe AS underwent 2D echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, and plasma NT-proBNP evaluation before aortic valve replacement (AVR). LV measurements were analyzed by CMR and LV strain using feature tracking software (Medis Suite QStrain 2.0). Myocardial biopsy sampled at the time of AVR was assessed by a histomorphometric analysis. PH was defined as pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ⩾ 45 mm Hg. RESULTS: Patients with severe AS and PH (mean PASP 53 ± 3.7 mm Hg) had higher extent of diffuse MF versus patients without PH (12 (10.4-12.7)% vs 6.6 (4.6-8.2)% (p = 0.00)). The extent of diffuse MF correlated with LV dilatation (r = 0.7, p = 0.02), indices of LV dysfunction (lower ejection fraction (r = -0.6, p < 0.001), global longitudinal (r = -0.5, p = 0.02) and circumferential strain (r = -0.5, p = 0.05), elevated NT-proBNP (r = 0.5, p = 0.005) and elevated PASP (r = 0.6, p < 0.001)). Histological MF > 10% (AUC 94.9%), LV global longitudinal strain > -15.5% (AUC 86.3%), and NT-proBNP > 2090 ng/l (AUC 85.1%) were independent predictors of PH in severe AS. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of diffuse myocardial fibrosis in combination with reduced longitudinal left ventricular strain and increased plasma levels of NT-proBNP relates to pulmonary hypertension in severe aortic stenosis.

Value of myocardial deformation parameters for detecting significant coronary artery disease.

Introduction: The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of global and regional myocardial deformation parameters derived from two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography to detect functionally significant coronary artery stenosis. Methods: Dobutamine stress echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance myocardial perfusion imaging (CMR-MPI) were performed on 145 patients with a moderate and high probability of coronary artery disease (CAD) and LVEF≥55%. Significant CAD was defined as>50% stenosis of the left main stem,>70% stenosis in a major coronary vessel, or in the presence of intermediate stenosis (50-69%) validated as hemodynamically significant by CMRMPI. Patients were divided in two groups: non-pathological (48.3%) vs pathological (51.7%), according to CAG and CMR-MPI results. Afterwards, off-line speckle-tracking analysis was performed to analyse myocardial deformation parameters. Results: There were no differences in myocardial deformation parameters at rest between groups, except global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global radial strain (GRS) were significantly lower in the CAD (+) group: -21.3±2.2 vs.-16.3±2.3 (P<0.001) and 39.7±23.2 vs. 24.5±15.8 (P<0.001). GLS and regional longitudinal strain rate (SR) had the highest diagnostic value at high dobutamine dose with AUC of 0.902 and 0.878, respectively. At early recovery, GLS was also found to be the best myocardial deformation parameter with a sensitivity of 78%, specificity 67%, AUC 0.824. Conclusion: Global and regional myocardial deformation parameters are highly sensitive and specific in detecting functionally significant CAD. The combination of deformation parameters and WMA provides an incremental diagnostic value for patients with a moderate and high probability of CAD, especially the combination with regional longitudinal SR.

Outcomes of culture-negative vs. culture-positive infective endocarditis: the ESC-EORP EURO-ENDO registry.

AIM: Fatality of infective endocarditis (IE) is high worldwide, and its diagnosis remains a challenge. The objective of the present study was to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with culture-positive (CPIE) vs. culture-negative IE (CNIE). METHODS AND RESULTS: This was an ancillary analysis of the ESC-EORP EURO-ENDO registry. Overall, 3113 patients who were diagnosed with IE during the study period were included in the present study. Of these, 2590 (83.2%) had CPIE, whereas 523 (16.8%) had CNIE. As many as 1488 (48.1%) patients underwent cardiac surgery during the index hospitalization, 1259 (48.8%) with CPIE and 229 (44.5%) with CNIE. The CNIE was a predictor of 1-year mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.56], whereas surgery was significantly associated with survival (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.41-0.58). The 1-year mortality was significantly higher in CNIE than CPIE patients in the medical subgroup, but it was not significantly different in CNIE vs. CPIE patients who underwent surgery. CONCLUSION: The present analysis of the EURO-ENDO registry confirms a higher long-term mortality in patients with CNIE compared with patients with CPIE. This difference was present in patients receiving medical therapy alone and not in those who underwent surgery, with surgery being associated with reduced mortality. Additional efforts are required both to improve the aetiological diagnosis of IE and identify CNIE cases early before progressive disease potentially contraindicates surgery.

Echocardiographic predictors of exercise induced pulmonary hypertension in patients with asymptomatic moderate to severe mitral regurgitation and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: The significant role of mitral regurgitation (MR) in development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been proved in previous studies. Experts suggest systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP) ⩾60 mmHg during exercise as a significant threshold of negative prognostic value in patients with MR. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of SPAP and to ascertain the determinants of exercise induced pulmonary hypertension (EIPH) in patients with asymptomatic primary MR. METHODS: We performed a prospective study that included 50 patients with asymptomatic primary moderate to severe MR with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF ⩾60%) at rest. They were divided into two groups according to the presence (PH group; n = 13) or absence (non-PH group; n = 37) of EIPH. Rest and stress (bicycle ergometry) echocardiography and speckle-tracking offline analysis were performed. RESULTS: An increment of SPAP from rest to peak stress was higher in PH group (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that MR effective regurgitation orifice area (EROA; p = 0.008) and regurgitant volume (RVol; p = 0.006) contributed significantly to SPAP at rest. Higher increment of MR EROA during stress and worse parameters of LV diastolic function at rest (E, A, E/e') correlated significantly with higher SPAP during peak stress and they had a major role in predicting EIPH according to univariate logistic regression analysis. In ROC analysis SPAP >33.1 mmHg at rest could predict EIPH with 84.6% sensitivity and 87.1% specificity (95%CI 0.849-1.000; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Parameters of MR severity (EROA and RVol) were significant determinants of SPAP at rest, while the increment of MR EROA during stress and parameters of resting LV diastolic function were the best predictors of significant EIPH.

Global and regional right ventricular mechanics in repaired tetralogy of Fallot with chronic severe pulmonary regurgitation: a three-dimensional echocardiography study.

BACKGROUND: Data about the right ventricular (RV) mechanics adaptation to volume overload in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rToF) are limited. Accordingly, we sought to assess the mechanics of the functional remodeling occurring in the RV of rToF with severe pulmonary regurgitation. METHODS: We used three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTE) to obtain RV data sets from 33 rToF patients and 30 age- and sex- matched controls. A 3D mesh model of the RV was generated, and RV global and regional longitudinal (LS) and circumferential (CS) strain components, and the relative contribution of longitudinal (LEF), radial (REF) and anteroposterior (AEF) wall motion to global RV ejection fraction (RVEF) were computed using the ReVISION method. RESULTS: Corresponding to decreased global RVEF (45 ± 6% vs 55 ± 5%, p < 0.0001), rToF patients demonstrated lower absolute values of LEF (17 ± 4 vs 28 ± 4), REF (20 ± 5 vs 25 ± 4) and AEF (17 ± 5 vs 21 ± 4) than controls (p < 0.01). However, only the relative contribution of LEF to global RVEF (0.39 ± 0.09 vs 0.52 ± 0.05, p < 0.0001) was significantly decreased in rToF, whereas the contribution of REF (0.45 ± 0.08 vs 0.46 ± 0.04, p > 0.05) and AEF (0.38 ± 0.09 vs 0.39 ± 0.04, p > 0.05) to global RVEF was similar to controls. Accordingly, rToF patients showed lower 3D RV global LS (-16.94 ± 2.9 vs -23.22 ± 2.9, p < 0.0001) and CS (-19.79 ± 3.3 vs -22.81 ± 3.5, p < 0.01) than controls. However, looking at the regional RV deformation, the 3D CS was lower in rToF than in controls only in the basal RV free-wall segment (p < 0.01). 3D RV LS was reduced in all RV free-wall segments in rToF (p < 0.0001), but similar to controls in the septum (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 3DTE allows a quantitative evaluation of the mechanics of global RVEF. In rToF with chronic volume overload, the relative contribution of the longitudinal shortening to global RVEF is affected more than either the radial or the anteroposterior components.

Atrial and Ventricular Structural and Functional Alterations in Obese Children.

Background and objectives: Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in the world. Obesity in children is defined as a body mass index (BMI) equal to or above the 95th percentile for age and sex. The aim of this study was to determine early changes in cardiac structure and function in obese children by comparing them with their nonobese peers, using echocardiography methods. Materials and methods: The study enrolled 35 obese and 37 age-matched nonobese children. Standardized 2-dimensional (2D), pulsed wave tissue Doppler, and 2D speckle tracking echocardiography were performed. The z-score BMI and lipid metabolism were assessed in all children. Results: Obese children (aged 13.51 ± 2.15 years; 20 boys; BMI z-score of 0.88 ± 0.63) were characterized by enlarged ventricular and atrial volumes, a thicker left ventricular posterior wall, and increased left ventricular mass. Decreased LV and RV systolic and diastolic function was found in obese children. Atrial peak negative (contraction) strain (-2.05% ± 2.17% vs. -4.87% ± 2.97%, p < 0.001), LV and RV global longitudinal strain (-13.3% ± 2.88% vs. -16.87% ± 3.39%; -12.51% ± 10.09% vs. -21.51% ± 7.42%, p < 0.001), and LV global circumferential strain (-17.0 ± 2.7% vs. -19.5 ± 2.9%, p < 0.001) were reduced in obese children. LV torsion (17.94° ± 2.07° vs. 12.45° ± 3.94°, p < 0.001) and normalized torsion (2.49 ± 0.4°/cm vs. 1.86 ± 0.61°/cm, p = 0.001) were greater in obese than nonobese children. A significant inverse correlation was found between LV and RV global longitudinal strain and BMI (r = -0.526, p < 0.01; r = -0.434, p < 0.01) and total cholesterol (r = -0.417, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that the BMI z-score was independently related to LV and RV global longitudinal strain as well as LV circumferential and radial strain. Conclusion: 2D speckle tracking echocardiography is beneficial in the early detection of regional LV systolic and diastolic dysfunctions, with preserved ejection fraction as well as additional RV and atrial involvement, in obese children. Obesity may negatively influence atrial and ventricular function, as measured by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography. Obese children, though they are apparently healthy, may have subclinical myocardial dysfunction.

Regional shape, global function and mechanics in right ventricular volume and pressure overload conditions: a three-dimensional echocardiography study.

Our aim was to assess the regional right ventricular (RV) shape changes in pressure and volume overload conditions and their relations with RV function and mechanics. The end-diastolic and end-systolic RV endocardial surfaces were analyzed with three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in 33 patients with RV volume overload (rToF), 31 patients with RV pressure overload (PH), and 60 controls. The mean curvature of the RV inflow (RVIT) and outflow (RVOT) tracts, RV apex and body (both divided into free wall (FW) and septum) were measured. Zero curvature defined a flat surface, whereas positive or negative curvature indicated convexity or concavity, respectively. The longitudinal and radial RV wall motions were also obtained. rToF and PH patients had flatter FW (body and apex) and RVIT, more convex interventricular septum (body and apex) and RVOT than controls. rToF demonstrated a less bulging interventricular septum at end-systole than PH patients, resulting in a more convex shape of the RVFW (r = - 0.701, p < 0.0001), and worse RV longitudinal contraction (r = - 0.397, p = 0.02). PH patients showed flatter RVFW apex at end-systole compared to rToF (p < 0.01). In both groups, a flatter RVFW apex was associated with worse radial RV contraction (r = 0.362 in rToF, r = 0.482 in PH at end-diastole, and r = 0.555 in rToF, r = 0.379 in PH at end-systole, respectively). In PH group, the impairment of radial contraction was also related to flatter RVIT (r = 0.407) and more convex RVOT (r = - 0.525) at end-systole (p < 0.05). In conclusion, different loading conditions are associated to specific RV curvature changes, that are related to longitudinal and radial RV dysfunction.

Multicentric Atrial Strain COmparison between Two Different Modalities: MASCOT HIT Study.

Two methods are currently available for left atrial (LA) strain measurement by speckle tracking echocardiography, with two different reference timings for starting the analysis: QRS (QRS-LASr) and P wave (P-LASr). The aim of MASCOT HIT study was to define which of the two was more reproducible, more feasible, and less time consuming. In 26 expert centers, LA strain was analyzed by two different echocardiographers (young vs senior) in a blinded fashion. The study population included: healthy subjects, patients with arterial hypertension or aortic stenosis (LA pressure overload, group 2) and patients with mitral regurgitation or heart failure (LA volume-pressure overload, group 3). Difference between the inter-correlation coefficient (ICC) by the two echocardiographers using the two techniques, feasibility and analysis time of both methods were analyzed. A total of 938 subjects were included: 309 controls, 333 patients in group 2, and 296 patients in group 3. The ICC was comparable between QRS-LASr (0.93) and P-LASr (0.90). The young echocardiographers calculated QRS-LASr in 90% of cases, the expert ones in 95%. The feasibility of P-LASr was 85% by young echocardiographers and 88% by senior ones. QRS-LASr young median time was 110 s (interquartile range, IR, 78-149) vs senior 110 s (IR 78-155); for P-LASr, 120 s (IR 80-165) and 120 s (IR 90-161), respectively. LA strain was feasible in the majority of patients with similar reproducibility for both methods. QRS complex guaranteed a slightly higher feasibility and a lower time wasting compared to the use of P wave as the reference.

Right Ventricle Mechanics and Function during Stress in Patients with Asymptomatic Primary Moderate to Severe Mitral Regurgitation and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

Background and objectives. Mitral regurgitation (MR) is usually dynamic and increasing with exertion. Stress may provoke symptoms, cause the progression of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and unmask subclinical changes of the left and right ventricle function. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes of right ventricle (RV) functional parameters during stress and to find out determinants of RV function in patients with MR. Materials and methods. We performed a prospective study that included patients with asymptomatic primary moderate to severe MR and preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) at rest (≥60%). Conventional 2D echocardiography at rest and during stress (bicycle ergometry) and offline speckle tracking analysis were performed. Results. 80 patients were included as MR (50) and control (30) groups. Conventional functional and myocardial deformation parameters of RV were similar in both groups at all stages of exercise (p > 0.05). The grade of MR (p = 0.004) and higher LV global longitudinal strain (p = 0.037) contributed significantly to the changes of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) from rest to peak stress. Changes of MR ERA from the rest to peak stress were related to RV free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS) and four chambers longitudinal stain (4CLS) at rest (p = 0.011; r = -0.459 and p = 0.001; r = -0.572, respectively). Significant correlations between LV EF, stroke volume, cardiac output and RV fractional area change, S', TAPSE, FWLS, 4CLS were obtained. However, systolic pulmonary artery pressure and RV functional, deformation parameters were not related (p > 0.05). Conclusions. Functional parameters of LV during exercise and severity of MR were significant determinants of RV function while PH has no correlation with it in patients with primary asymptomatic moderate to severe MR.

Long-term outcomes and predictors of recurrent aortic regurgitation after aortic valve-sparing and reconstructive cusp surgery: a single centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve sparing surgery (AVS), in combination with aortic cusp repair (ACR), still raises many questions about the increased surgical complexity and applicability for patients with pure aortic valve regurgitation (AR). The aim of this study was to investigate our long-term outcomes and predictors of recurrent AR (> 2+) after AVS and reconstructive cusp surgery. METHODS: We reviewed data of 81 patients who underwent AVS (a reimplantation technique) with concomitant ACR for AR and or dilatation of the aortic root at our institution during the period from April 2004 to October 2016. On preoperative echocardiography, the majority of the patients, 70 (86.4%) presented with severe AR grade (> 3+) and 28 (34.5%) of the patients had the bicuspid phenotype. Time to event analysis (long-term survival, freedom from reoperation, and recurrence of AR > 2+) was performed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression risk analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of recurrent AR (> 2+). The mean follow-up was 5.3 ± 3.3 years and 100% complete. RESULTS: The in-hospital (30-day) mortality rate after elective surgery was 1.2%. The overall actuarial survival rates were 92.9 ± 3.1% and 90.4 ± 3.9% at five and 10 years, respectively. Actuarial freedom from recurrent AR (> 2+) was 83.7 ± 4.5% within the cohort at five and 10 years. The cumulative freedom from all causes of cardiac reoperation was 94.2 ± 2.8% within the cohort at 10 years. Neither bleeding nor thromboembolic or permanent neurologic events were reported during follow-up. By multivariate analysis, independent predictors of reccurent AR (> 2+) were an effective height lower than 9 mm (p= 0.02) and intraoperative residual mild AR (p= 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: AVS with ACR, combined in a systematic fashion, is a safe and reproducible option with low risk of long-term valve related events and normal life expectancy for patients with pure aortic regurgitation. The competent aortic valve and effective height, not lower than 9 mm intraoperatively, are mandatory to achieve long-lasting AV competency.

Left Ventricular Morphology and Function as a Determinant of Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis: Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

Background and Objectives: The influence of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) derived left ventricular (LV) parameters on the prognosis of patients with aortic stenosis (AS) was analyzed in several studies. However, the data on the relations between the LV parameters and the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in severe AS is lacking. Our objectives were to evaluate the CMR-derived changes of the LV size, morphology, and function in patients with isolated severe AS and PH, and to investigate the prognostic impact of these parameters on elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP). Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with isolated severe AS (aortic valve area ≤1 cm2) underwent a 2D-echocardiography (2D echo) and CMR before aortic valve replacement. Indices of the LV mass and volumes and ejection fraction were analyzed by CMR. The LV global longitudinal (LV LGS) and circumferential strain (LV CS) were calculated using CMR feature tracking (CMR-FT) software (Medis Suite QStrain 2.0, Medis Medical Imaging Systems B.V., Leiden, The Netherlands). The LV fibrosis expansion was assessed using a late gadolinium enhancement sequence. PH was defined as having an estimated sPAP of ≥45 mm Hg. The statistical analysis as performed using SPSS version 23.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) Results: 30 patients with severe AS were included in the study, 23% with severe isolated AS had PH (mean sPAP 55 ± 6.6 mm Hg). More severe LV anatomical and functional abnormalities were observed in patients with PH when compared with patients without PH-a higher LV end-diastolic volume index (EDVi) (140 [120.0-160.0] vs. 90.0 mL/m² [82.5-103.0], p = 0.04), larger LV fibrosis area (7.8 [5.6-8.0] vs. 1.3% [1.2-1.5], p = 0.005), as well as lower LV global longitudinal strain (GLS; -14.0 [-14.9-(-8.9)] vs. -21.1% [-23.4-(-17.8)], p = 0.004). By receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, LV EDVi > 107.7 mL/m² (Area Under the Curve (AUC) 95.7%), LV GLS < -15.5% (AUC 86.3%), and LV fibrosis area >5% (AUC 89.3) were found to be robust predictors of PH in severe AS patients. Conclusions: In patients with severe aortic stenosis, a larger end-diastolic LV volume, impaired LV global longitudinal strain, and larger LV fibrosis extent can predict the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Clinical presentation, aetiology and outcome of infective endocarditis. Results of the ESC-EORP EURO-ENDO (European infective endocarditis) registry: a prospective cohort study.

AIMS: The EURO-ENDO registry aimed to study the management and outcomes of patients with infective endocarditis (IE). METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospective cohort of 3116 adult patients (2470 from Europe, 646 from non-ESC countries), admitted to 156 hospitals in 40 countries between January 2016 and March 2018 with a diagnosis of IE based on ESC 2015 diagnostic criteria. Clinical, biological, microbiological, and imaging [echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) scan, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT)] data were collected. Infective endocarditis was native (NVE) in 1764 (56.6%) patients, prosthetic (PVIE) in 939 (30.1%), and device-related (CDRIE) in 308 (9.9%). Infective endocarditis was community-acquired in 2046 (65.66%) patients. Microorganisms involved were staphylococci in 1085 (44.1%) patients, oral streptococci in 304 (12.3%), enterococci in 390 (15.8%), and Streptococcus gallolyticus in 162 (6.6%). 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography was performed in 518 (16.6%) patients and presented with cardiac uptake (major criterion) in 222 (42.9%) patients, with a better sensitivity in PVIE (66.8%) than in NVE (28.0%) and CDRIE (16.3%). Embolic events occurred in 20.6% of patients, and were significantly associated with tricuspid or pulmonary IE, presence of a vegetation and Staphylococcus aureus IE. According to ESC guidelines, cardiac surgery was indicated in 2160 (69.3%) patients, but finally performed in only 1596 (73.9%) of them. In-hospital death occurred in 532 (17.1%) patients and was more frequent in PVIE. Independent predictors of mortality were Charlson index, creatinine > 2 mg/dL, congestive heart failure, vegetation length > 10 mm, cerebral complications, abscess, and failure to undertake surgery when indicated. CONCLUSION: Infective endocarditis is still a life-threatening disease with frequent lethal outcome despite profound changes in its clinical, microbiological, imaging, and therapeutic profiles.

Accuracy of three-dimensional systolic dyssynchrony and sphericity indexes for identifying early left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: Left ventricle (LV) geometry and dyssynchrony are associated with LV remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of this prospective study was to assess the diagnostic value of new three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) parameters [sphericity (SI) and systolic dyssynchrony indexes (SDI)] for the prediction of LV remodeling after AMI and to compare them with two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) parameters. METHODS: 2DE and 3DE were performed in 75 patients with AMI within 3 days from the onset of MI and 6 months later. LV remodeling was defined as a ≥15% increase in the LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) at follow-up. 3D SI was calculated by dividing EDV by the volume of a sphere whose diameter was derived from the major end-diastolic LV long axis. SDI was considered as a standard deviation of the time from cardiac cycle onset to minimum systolic volume in 16 LV segments. RESULTS: LV remodeling was identified in 34 (45%) patients using the 2DE method and in 22 (29%) patients using the 3DE method. Evaluated 3DE parameters, such as EDV [area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) 0.742, sensitivity 71%, specificity 79%], end-systolic volume (AUC 0.729, sensitivity 69%, specificity 78%), SDI (AUC 0.777, sensitivity 73%, specificity 77%), and SI, had significant prognostic value for LV remodeling. According to the AUC, the highest predictive value had 3D SI (AUC 0.957, sensitivity 90%, specificity 91%). CONCLUSION: 3DE parameters, especially 3D SI and SDI, play important roles in the prediction of LV remodeling after AMI and can be used in clinical practice.

Early and long-term results of aortic valve sparing aortic root reimplantation surgery for bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate early and long-term clinical outcomes following aortic valve sparing aortic root reimplantation surgery in patients with leaking bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves. METHODS: The study consisted of 92 consecutive adult patients (tricuspid aortic valve group = 63 and bicuspid aortic valve group = 29) who underwent aortic valve sparing aortic root reimplantation surgery with or without aortic cusp repair for dilatation of the aortic root and/or aortic valve regurgitation at our institution from April 2004 to October 2016. Clinical outcomes were investigated using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests between groups. RESULTS: The follow-up was 100% complete with a mean time of 5.3 ± 3.3 years. The 30-day in-hospital mortality was 3.1% in tricuspid aortic valve group and 3.4% in bicuspid aortic valve group patients. The overall survival rates at 10 years did not differ between bicuspid aortic valve and tricuspid aortic valve patient groups (96.6 ± 3.3% vs. 90.3 ± 4.2%, p = 0.3). Freedom from recurrent aortic valve regurgitation (>2+) at 10 years was 90.5 ± 4.1% in tricuspid aortic valve group and 75.7 ± 8.7% in bicuspid aortic valve group (p = 0.06). Freedom from aortic valve reoperation at 10 years was 100% in tricuspid aortic valve group and 83.9 ± 7.4% in bicuspid aortic valve group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Aortic valve sparing aortic root reimplantation surgery is a safe and efficient technique, providing acceptable long-term survival with low rates of valve-related complications in both tricuspid aortic valve and bicuspid aortic valve patient groups. However, aortic valve reoperation rates at 10 years follow-up were higher in bicuspid aortic valve group patients compared to tricuspid aortic valve group patients.

Changes in right ventricular longitudinal function: primary mitral and concomitant tricuspid valve repair.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of concomitant tricuspid valve (TV) repair on the right ventricular (RV) function postoperatively and within the 6 months following degenerative mitral valve (MV) repair. METHODS: The prospective study included 37 patients (mean age 57.32 ± 2.13 years) with severe MV regurgitation due to primary MV prolapse. Nineteen underwent successful MV repair (TV(-) group). Additional TV repair due to moderate-to-severe TV regurgitation was performed in 18 (TV(+) group). Two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking and tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed for all patients before surgery and 7 days and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Preoperative dimensions and indices of RV longitudinal function did not differ between the groups (right ventricle end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD) was 33.53 ± 0.94 mm vs. 34.67 ± 1.72 mm, tricuspid annular systolic motion (S') was 15.06 ± 0.85 cm/s vs. 16.0 ± 1.27 cm/s, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was 24.02 ± 1.06 mm vs. 22.4 ± 1.36 mm, respectively; p>0.05). RVEDD decreased significantly and did not change within the follow-up in the TV(-) group. In the TV(+) group, RVEDD decreased early after surgery and more markedly six months later in comparison to the TV(-) group. Indices of RV systolic longitudinal function decreased early after surgery and had a tendency to increase after six months in both groups. Regional longitudinal strains of the lateral RV wall decreased early after surgery and improved within the six months in the TV(-) group and did not change significantly in the TV(+) group. CONCLUSIONS: Additional TV repair in degenerative MV repair more markedly reduces RV dimensions and does not have a negative impact on RV systolic function in comparison to an isolated MV repair although these conclusions are of limited value due to the lack of a control group.

Impact of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction and Biomarkers on Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis.

Background: Severe aortic stenosis (AS) complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with poor outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). There is still scarce information about predictors of secondary PH in this group of patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of biomarkers together with conventional Doppler echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular diastolic function on elevated pulmonary systolic pressure (PSP) in severe AS patients before surgical AVR. Methods: Sixty patients with severe isolated AS (aortic valve area <1 cm²) underwent echocardiography, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) measurements before AVR. PSP, left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF), parameters of LV diastolic function (E/E' ratio, mitral valve deceleration time (MV DT) and left atrial (LA) volume) were evaluated. PH was defined as an estimated PSP ≥ 45 mmHg. Results: Of the 60 patients, 21.7% with severe isolated AS had PH with PSP ≥ 45 mmHg (58.5 ± 11.2 mmHg). LV EF did not differ between groups and was not related to an elevated PSP (50 ± 8 vs. 49 ± 8%, p = 0.58). Parameters of LV diastolic dysfunction (E/E' ratio > 14 (OR 6.00; 95% CI, 1.41⁻25.48; p = 0.009), MV DT ≤ 177.5 ms (OR 9.31; 95% CI, 2.06⁻41.14; p = 0.001), LA volume > 100 mL (OR 9.70; 95% CI, 1.92⁻49.03; p = 0.002)) and biomarkers (NT-proBNP > 4060 ng/L (OR 12.54; 95% CI, 2.80⁻55.99; p < 0.001) and GDF-15 > 3393 pg/mL (OR 18.33; 95% CI, 2.39⁻140.39; p = 0.001)) were significantly associated with elevated PSP in severe AS. Conclusions: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and elevated biomarkers levels could predict the development of pulmonary hypertension in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Elevation of biomarkers paired with worsening of LV diastolic dysfunction could help to stratify patients for earlier surgical treatment before the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography for evaluation of dilative ascending aorta biomechanics.

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography is one of the most feasible, noninvasive methods for assessing the aortic diameter and biomechanical changes. We studied possible interfaces between noninvasive biomechanical and speckle-tracking (ST) echocardiographic data from dilated aortas. METHODS: Altogether, 44 patients with dilative pathology of ascending aorta (DPAA) were compared with subjects without ascending aortic dilation (diameter <40 mm). DPAA patients formed two groups based on diameter size: group 1, ≤45 mm diameter; group 2, >45 mm. Conventional and 2D-ST echocardiography were performed to evaluate peak longitudinal strain (LS), longitudinal (LD) and transverse (TD) displacement, and longitudinal velocity (VL). Aortic strain, distensibility, elastic modulus, stiffness index ß of Valsalva sinuses and ascending aorta were also evaluated. SPSS version 20 was used for all analyses. RESULTS: All linear diameters of the ascending aorta were increased in group 2 (>45 mm diameter) (p < 0.05). LD of the anterior aortic wall (p < 0.05) and TD of both aortic walls (p < 0.001) were least in group 2. VL of the posterior and anterior walls diminished in group 2 (p = 0.01). Aortic strain and distensibility were least (p = 0.028 and p = 0.001, respectively) and elastic modulus and stiffness index ß values were greatest in group 2, although without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Ascending aortas of both DPAA groups had reduced elasticity and increased stiffness. The greatest changes in biomechanical parameters occurred in ascending aortas >45 mm. Longitudinal ascending aortic wall motion was mostly impaired in patients with aortas >45 mm (i.e., anterior aortic wall LD, VL of the posterior and anterior walls. TD of the posterior and anterior aortic walls was significantly lower in >45 mm aortic diameter patients. TD of 5.2 mm could predict aortic dilation >45 mm (area under the curve 0.76, p < 0.001, confidence interval 0.65-0.87; sensitivity 87%; specificity 63%). Greater aortic dilation is associated with reduced aortic stiffness parameters and increased elastic modulus and stiffness index ß. Lower LD and LS were associated with less aortic strain and distensibility. There were no significant differences in 2D-ST echocardiographic or stiffness parameters between patients with tricuspid or bicuspid aortic valves.