Mitral Annular Tissue Velocity Predicts Survival in Patients With Primary Mitral Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Early diastolic mitral annular tissue (e') velocity is a commonly used marker of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic implications of e' velocity in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 1,536 consecutive patients aged <65 years with moderate or severe chronic primary MR diagnosed between 2009 and 2018. The primary and secondary outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively. According to the current guidelines, the cut-off value of e' velocity was defined as 7 cm/s. RESULTS: A total of 404 individuals were enrolled (median age, 51.0 years; 64.1% male; 47.8% severe MR). During a median 6.0-year follow-up, there were 40 all-cause mortality and 16 cardiovascular deaths. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between e' velocity and all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.770; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.634-0.935; p=0.008) and cardiovascular death (aHR, 0.690; 95% CI, 0.477-0.998; p=0.049). Abnormal e' velocity (≤7 cm/s) independently predicted all-cause death (aHR, 2.467; 95% CI, 1.170-5.200; p=0.018) and cardiovascular death (aHR, 5.021; 95% CI, 1.189-21.211; p=0.028), regardless of symptoms, LV dimension and ejection fraction. Subgroup analysis according to sex, MR severity, mitral valve replacement/repair, and symptoms, showed no significant interactions. Including e' velocity in the 10-year risk score improved reclassification for mortality (net reclassification improvement [NRI], 0.154; 95% CI, 0.308-0.910; p<0.001) and cardiovascular death (NRI, 1.018; 95% CI, 0.680-1.356; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients aged <65 years with primary MR, e' velocity served as an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular deaths.

Aortic Valve Calcification Density Measured by MDCT in the Assessment of Aortic Stenosis Severity.

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve calcification (AVC) indexation to the aortic annulus (AA) area measured by Doppler echocardiography (AVCdEcho) provides powerful prognostic information in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). However, the indexation by AA measured by multidetector computed tomography (AVCdCT) has never been evaluated. The aim of this study was to compare AVC, AVCdCT, and AVCdEcho with regard to hemodynamic correlations and clinical outcomes in patients with AS. METHODS: Data from 889 patients, mainly White, with calcific AS who underwent Doppler echocardiography and multidetector computed tomography within the same episode of care were retrospectively analyzed. AA was measured both by Doppler echocardiography and multidetector computed tomography. AVCdCT severity thresholds were established using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses in men and women separately. The primary end point was the occurrence of all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Correlations between gradient/velocity and AVCd were stronger (both P≤0.005) using AVCdCT (r=0.68, P<0.001 and r=0.66, P<0.001) than AVC (r=0.61, P<0.001 and r=0.60, P<0.001) or AVCdEcho (r=0.61, P<0.001 and r=0.59, P<0.001). AVCdCT thresholds for the identification of severe AS were 334 Agatston units (AU)/cm2 for women and 467 AU/cm2 for men. On a median follow-up of 6.62 (6.19-9.69) years, AVCdCT ratio was superior to AVC ratio and AVCdEcho ratio to predict all-cause mortality in multivariate analyses (hazard ratio [HR], 1.59 [95% CI, 1.26-2.00]; P<0.001 versus HR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.11-1.65]; P=0.003 versus HR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.11-1.46]; P<0.001; all likelihood test P≤0.004). AVCdCT ratio was superior to AVC ratio and AVCdEcho ratio to predict survival under medical treatment in multivariate analyses (HR, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.27-1.58]; P<0.001 compared with HR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.13-2.10]; P=0.007; HR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.03-1.57]; P=0.01; all likelihood test P<0.03). AVCdCT ratio predicts mortality in all subgroups of patients with AS. CONCLUSIONS: AVCdCT appears to be equivalent or superior to AVC and AVCdEcho to assess AS severity and predict all-cause mortality. Thus, it should be used to evaluate AS severity in patients with nonconclusive echocardiographic evaluations with or without low-flow status. AVCdCT thresholds of 300 AU/cm2 for women and 500 AU/cm2 for men seem to be appropriate to identify severe AS. Further studies are needed to validate these thresholds, especially in diverse populations.

Multimodal imaging in Ig G4- related aortitis: case report.

We present the case of a 56-year-old patient with fever of unknown origin associated with chest and lumbar pain. Multimodality imaging revealed diffuse peri-aortitis in the thoracic aorta without involvement of the aortic valve, contributing substantially to the diagnosis of Ig G4-associated aortitis. Immunosuppressive therapy was started. Follow-up at five months with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed a reduction in the inflammatory process in the thoracic aorta.

Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 56 años, con cuadro febril de origen desconocido asociado a dolor torácico y lumbar. La imagen multimodal demostró periaortitis difusa en la aorta torácica sin afectación de la válvula aórtica, lo que contribuyó sustancialmente al diagnóstico de aortitis asociada a Ig4. Se inició tratamiento inmunosupresor. El seguimiento a los 5 meses, la resonancia magnética cardíaca mostró una reducción del proceso inflamatorio en la aorta torácica.

Critical Care Echocardiography-A Driven Approach to Undifferentiated Shock.

The clinical approach to undifferentiated shock in critically ill patients should be revised to use modern, point-of-care tools that are readily available. With the increasing availability of 2-dimensional ultrasonography and advanced Doppler capabilities, a quick, simplified, and integrated stepwise approach to shock using critical care echocardiography is proposed. Evidence supports the feasibility and usefulness of critical care echo-cardiography in enhancing diagnostic accuracy for shock, but there is a lack of systematic application of the technology in patients with undifferentiated shock. The proposed approach begins with the use of noninvasive ultrasonography with pulsed-wave Doppler capability to determine the flow state by measuring the velocity time integral of the left ventricular outflow tract. This narrative review explores the use left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral, velocity time integral variation, limited visceral organ Doppler, and lung ultrasonography as a systematic approach for patients with undifferentiated shock.

Relationship between arterial stiffness, left ventricular diastolic function, and renal function in chronic kidney disease.

AIM: In chronic kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction have prognostic significance as well. However, the relationship between diastolic dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and renal function has not been fully elucidated. METHODS: 79 IgA nephropathy patients (aged 46 ± 11 years) and 50 controls were investigated. Tissue Doppler imaging was used to measure early (Ea) and late (Aa) diastolic velocities. Arterial stiffness was measured by a photoplethysmographic (stiffness index (SI)) and an oscillometric method (aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao)). RESULTS: We compared the IgAN patients to a similar cardiovascular risk group with a preserved eGFR. A strong correlation was found between Ea/Aa and SI (p < 0.001), also with PWVao (p < 0.001), just in IgAN, and with eGFR (p < 0.001) in both groups. IgAN patients were divided into groups CKD1-2 vs. CKD3-5. In the CKD 3-5 group, the incidence of diastolic dysfunction increased significantly: 39% vs. 72% (p = 0.003). Left ventricle rigidity (LVR) was calculated, which showed a close correlation with SI (p = 0.009) and eGFR (p = 0.038). By linear regression analysis, the independent predictors of SI were age, E/A, and E/Ea; SI was the predictor of LVR; and E/A and hypertension were the predictors of eGFR. CONCLUSION: In chronic kidney disease, increased cardiac rigidity and vascular stiffness coexist with decreased renal function, which is directly connected to diastolic dysfunction and vascular stiffness. On the basis of comparing the CKD group to the control group, vascular alterations in very early CKD can be identified.

Tissue Doppler Echocardiography As A Predictor Of Early Subclinical Right Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction In Asthmatic Children.

Objectives: To assess the effect of asthma in children on systolic and diastolic functions of the heart, and to explore the relationship between the two. Method: The case-controlstudy was conducted at Kafrelsheikh University Hospital, Egypt, from September 2019 to May 2022, and comprised asthmatic children of either gender aged 5-15 years and healthy controls matched for age and gender. The participants were subjected to detailed history, complete examination, spirometry evaluation and conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Myocardial performance index was calculated and compared. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 120 subjects, 60(50%) were cases; 33(55%) boys and 27(45%) girls with mean age 9.4±2.9 years(range: 5-15 years). The remaining 60(50%)subjects were controls; 34(56.6%) boys and 26(43.3%) girls with mean age 9.7±2.9 years (range: 5-15 years). Left ventricular dimensions, estimated pulmonary artery pressure, and right ventricular dimensions showed no significant inter-group differences (p>0.05), but right ventricular end diastolic diameter was significantly higher in the cases than the controls (p=0.046). Tissue Doppler showed that lateral annular peak Ê, Â, isovolumetric relaxation time and myocardial performance index values were significantly different between the groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tissue Doppler echocardiography could detectsubtle right ventricular diastolic dysfunction in asthmatic children even with no clinical symptoms and normal findings on conventional echocardiography.

Right ventricular myocardial performance index (Tei) in premature infants

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the right ventricular myocardial performance index) based on echocardiography in very low birth weight premature neonates, close to hospital discharge. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study that included premature neonates with birth weight <1,500 g and gestational age <37 weeks at the Intermediate Neonatal Unit of Bonsucesso Federal Hospital from July 2005 to July 2006. The infants underwent two-dimensional color Doppler echocardiography, being the right ventricular myocardial performance index evaluated close to hospital discharge. We compared the neonatal and echocardiographic variables in neonates with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. RESULTS: A total of 81 exams were analyzed. The mean birth (standard deviation) weight and gestational age were 1,140 (235) g and 30 (2.2) weeks, respectively. The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was 32%. The mean right ventricle myocardial performance index (standard deviation) of the sample was 0.13 (0.06). We found a significant difference in aortic diameter [non-bronchopulmonary dysplasia 0.79 (0.07) vs. bronchopulmonary dysplasia 0.87 (0.11) cm, p=0.003], left ventricle in diastole [non-bronchopulmonary dysplasia 1.4 (0.19) vs. bronchopulmonary dysplasia 1.59 (0.21) cm, p=0.0006], ventricular septal thickness [non-bronchopulmonary dysplasia 0.23 (0.03) vs. bronchopulmonary dysplasia 0.26 (0.05) cm, p=0.032], and "a" measurement [(= sum of the isovolumetric contraction time, ejection time, and isovolumetric relaxation time) when calculating the myocardial performance index (p=0.01)]. CONCLUSION: Higher "a" interval in neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia suggests right ventricle diastolic dysfunction. We conclude that the right ventricle myocardial performance index is an important indicator both of ventricular function and for serial follow-up testing of very low birth weight premature neonates, especially those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Índice de rendimiento biventricular del corazón fetal

Objetivo. Proponer un índice de rendimiento biventricular basado en los valores promedio de la duración del ciclo cardíaco de cada uno de los ventrículos, determinar la variable incluida en el estudio con la correlación estadística más significativa, establecer valores de referencia que permitan identificar el trabajo de cada ventrículo en función de dicha variable y obtener un índice de gasto biventricular equilibrado. Metodología. Estudio prospectivo y transversal en fetos de 168 gestantes, en embarazos entre las 16 y 38 semanas sin patologías materno-fetales. Se obtuvieron ondas de velocidad de flujo de ambas válvulas atrioventriculares y el tiempo total del ciclo sístole-diástole se calculó en milisegundos para cada válvula. Se calcularon promedios, desviación estándar y puntuación Z del tiempo sistólico-diastólico para cada ventrículo y el índice de rendimiento ventricular individual dividiendo el valor obtenido entre la frecuencia cardiaca fetal. Se obtuvo el valor promedio de ambos y este, al ser dividido por la frecuencia cardíaca, permitió obtener el índice de rendimiento biventricular para establecer la correlación entre este, la frecuencia cardiaca fetal y la edad de gestación. Resultados. Se halló valores de tiempo sistólico-diastólico en milisegundos para el ventrículo derecho de 420,8 (DE ±28,3) y para el ventrículo izquierdo de 418,8 (DE ±26,3), sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p=0,371). La correlación con la frecuencia cardíaca fetal resultó negativa para ambos ventrículos (-0,491 y -0,553; p<0,05). El tiempo promedio biventricular fue de 418,37 ms (± 20,59) y la correlación con la edad gestacional de 0,48 (p<0,05); la correlación con la frecuencia cardiaca fetal fue negativa, -0,50 (p<0,05). El índice de rendimiento biventricular mostró valores de 2,8 (extremos 2,4 (P5) y 3,4 (P95)). La correlación entre el índice de rendimiento biventricular y la frecuencia cardiaca fetal fue 0,78 (p<0,05), de menor grado (0,27) con la edad gestacional. Conclusiones. Se demostró que los tiempos sistólico-diastólicos de cada ventrículo no difirieron entre sí y se correlacionaron de manera negativa con la frecuencia cardiaca fetal. Se comprobó que es posible evaluar el ciclo cardíaco fetal de cada ventrículo mediante el índice de rendimiento ventricular, así como calificar con el índice de rendimiento biventricular el gasto cardíaco combinado como equilibrado.

Objectives: To propose a biventricular performance index based on the average values of the duration of the cardiac cycle of each of the ventricles, to determine the variable included in the study with the most significant statistical correlation, to establish reference values that allow the work of each ventricle to be identified according to this variable, and to obtain a balanced biventricular output index. Methodology: Prospective and cross-sectional study in fetuses of 168 pregnant women, in pregnancies between 16 and 38 weeks without maternal-fetal pathologies. Flow velocity waves were obtained from both atrioventricular valves and the total systole-diastole cycle time was calculated in milliseconds for each valve. Averages, standard deviation, and Z-score were calculated of the systolic-diastolic time for each ventricle and the individual ventricular performance index (VPI) were calculated by dividing the value obtained by the fetal heart rate (FHR). The average value of both was obtained and this, when divided by the heart rate, made it possible to obtain the biventricular performance index (BPI) to establish the correlation between this, the fetal heart rate and gestational age. Results: Systolic-diastolic time values in milliseconds for the right ventricle were 420.8 (SD ±28.3) and for the left ventricle 418.8 (SD ±26.3), with no statistically significant differences (p<0.371). The correlation with the FHR was negative for both ventricles: (-0.491 and -0.553; p<0.05). The mean biventricular time was 418.37 ms (±20.59) and the correlation with gestational age was 0.48 (p<0.05); the correlation with FHR was negative, -0.50 (p<0.05).The BPI showed values of 2.8 (extremes 2.4 (P5) and 3.4 (P95)). The correlation between BPI and FHR was 0.78 (p<0.05) and of lesser degree with gestational age (0.27; p<0.05). Conclusions: It was demonstrated that the systolic-diastolic times of each ventricle did not differ from each other and were negatively correlated with fetal heart rate. It was shown that it is possible to evaluate the fetal cardiac cycle of each ventricle by means of the ventricular performance index as well as to qualify with the biventricular performance index the combined cardiac output as balanced.

Kat-ARC accelerated 4D flow CMR: clinical validation for transvalvular flow and peak velocity assessment.

BACKGROUND: To validate the k-adaptive-t autocalibrating reconstruction for Cartesian sampling (kat-ARC), an exclusive sparse reconstruction technique for four-dimensional (4D) flow cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) using conservation of mass principle applied to transvalvular flow. METHODS: This observational retrospective study (2020/21-075) was approved by the local ethics committee at the University of East Anglia. Consent was waived. Thirty-five patients who had a clinical CMR scan were included. CMR protocol included cine and 4D flow using Kat-ARC acceleration factor 6. No respiratory navigation was applied. For validation, the agreement between mitral net flow (MNF) and the aortic net flow (ANF) was investigated. Additionally, we checked the agreement between peak aortic valve velocity derived by 4D flow and that derived by continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography in 20 patients. RESULTS: The median age of our patient population was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR] 54-73), and 18/35 (51%) were male. Seventeen (49%) patients had mitral regurgitation, and seven (20%) patients had aortic regurgitation. Mean acquisition time was 8 ± 4 min. MNF and ANF were comparable: 60 mL (51-78) versus 63 mL (57-77), p = 0.310). There was an association between MNF and ANF (rho = 0.58, p < 0.001). Peak aortic valve velocity by Doppler and 4D flow were comparable (1.40 m/s, [1.30-1.75] versus 1.46 m/s [1.25-2.11], p = 0.602) and also correlated with each other (rho = 0.77, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Kat-ARC accelerated 4D flow CMR quantified transvalvular flow in accordance with the conservation of mass principle and is primed for clinical translation.

Mitral Regurgitation and Serum N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Children: A Modification of Adult Criteria.

Mitral regurgitation can result from congenital heart disease, rheumatic valve disease, or other congenital malformations of the mitral valve. Faulty valves require surgical repair or replacement. However, echocardiographic and biochemical parameters that inform surgical decision-making for adults may not be appropriate for children. To investigate whether adult parameters can be used in children, we correlated echocardiographic parameters with serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in children with chronic mitral regurgitation. Our sample comprised 45 patients and 38 healthy children. M-mode measurements, left atrial and left ventricular volumes, and Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiograms were collected. We graded mitral regurgitation according to European Association of Echocardiography recommendations and indexed effective regurgitant area, vena contracta, and regurgitant volume to body surface area. Patients were grouped by regurgitation severity (mild vs moderate or severe) and left ventricular end-systolic dimension (normal vs enlarged). The NT-proBNP level was higher in patients than in controls (P=0.003), higher in patients with moderate or severe regurgitation (P=0.02), and higher in patients with an enlarged left ventricle (P=0.003). Serum NT-proBNP levels correlated with effective regurgitant area (r=0.47; P=0.002), vena contracta width (r=0.46; P=0.003), regurgitant volume (r=0.32; P=0.04), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (r=0.58; P <0.001), and left atrial diameter (r=0.62; P <0.001). An NT-proBNP value of 66 pg/mL differentiated the mild regurgitation group from the moderate or severe regurgitation group. Our results correlating NT-proBNP and echocardiographic parameters indexed to body surface area indicate that these adult criteria can be used in children to grade mitral regurgitation and inform surgical decision-making.

Correlation analysis between phonographic cardiac function and uterine artery resistance index in pregnant women with hypertension of different conditions during pregnancy / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To analyze the correlation between phonographic cardiac function and uterine artery resistance index (RI) in pregnant women with hypertension of different conditions during pregnancy by color Doppler ultrasonically.Methods:A total of 100 pregnant women with gestational hypertension admitted to Lishui People′s Hospital from January 2020 to February 2021 were selected and divided into gestational hypertension group (40 cases), mild pre-eclampsia group (30 cases) and severe pre-eclampsia group (30 cases) according to the severity of their disease. Another 30 normal pregnant women who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. The left ventricular function parameters isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV), left atrial volume index (LAVI) and uterine arter RI in 4 groups were quantitatively analyzed by ultrasound during 28 to 38 weeks of gestation. The correlation between cardiac ultrasound parameters and of pregnant women RI were analyzed.Results:As the severity of the disease, the levels of IVRT, LVEDV, LVESV, LAVI were gradually rised, and the level of LVEF was gradually decreased, there were significant differences among the 4 groups ( P<0.05). The uterine arter RI in the control group, gestational hypertension group, mild pre-eclampsia group and severe pre-eclampsia group was 0.42 ± 0.04, 0.50 ± 0.05, 0.54 ± 0.11, 0.58 ± 0.06, there was significant difference ( F = 34.11, P<0.001), and as the severity of the disease , the level of uterine arter RI was gradually rised, there were significant differences among the 4 groups ( P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that IVRT had certain correlation with RI in the 4 groups ( r = 0.331, 0.450, 0.531, 0.582; P<0.05). In mild and severe pre-eclampsia group, there were a certain correlation between LVEDV, LVESV and RI (in mild pre-eclampsia group: r = 0.360 and 0.411, P<0.05; in severe pre-eclampsia group: r = 0.383 and 0.451, P<0.05). Conclusions:The left heart function of pregnant women with different conditions evaluated by ultrasound showed a downward trend, and the uterine artery RI increased gradually in pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia, and RI was closely related to the cardiac ultrasound parameter IVRT.

Effects of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation on cardiac function in premature infants using Tei index combined with correction of QT dispersion and B-type natriuretic peptide: a prospective study / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To assess the effects of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation on premature infants' cardiac function using Tei index combined with corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) and B- type natriuretic peptide (BNP).Methods:This prospective study involved premature infants from 28 to 32 weeks of gestational age diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and treated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Xuzhou Central Hospital from December 2017 to December 2020. According to the mean airway pressure (MAP) during noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, the patients were divided into the low-pressure group (≤6 cmH 2O, 1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa), medium-pressure group (>6-<9 cmH 2O), and high-pressure group (≥9 cmH 2O). The right ventricular Tei index, QTcd, and blood BNP were monitored during the first 2 h of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and 12 h after continuous ventilation with stable MAP. Chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, paired t-test, and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient were adopted for statistical analysis. Results:Totally 178 premature infants were enrolled, including 75 in the low-pressure, 62 in the medium-pressure, and 41 in the high-pressure group. After continuous ventilation with stable MAP for 12 h, the right ventricle Tei index and QTcd in the high-pressure group were higher than those in the medium- and low-pressure group [Tei index: (0.38±0.05) vs (0.33±0.04) and (0.33±0.04), F=29.18; QTcd: (27.6±4.2) vs (22.8±4.4) and (22.2±4.2) ms, F=23.26, all P<0.001], and the comparison between the medium- and the low-pressure group did not differ significantly. No significant difference was observed in blood BNP levels among the three groups ( F=1.33, P=0.267). The right ventricle Tei index and QTcd increased in the high-pressure group after continuous ventilation with stable MAP for 12 h as compared with those within the first 2 h of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation [Tei index: (0.38±0.05) vs (0.34±0.04), t=－6.61; QTcd: (27.6±4.2) vs (23.4±4.4) ms, t=－5.06, all P<0.001]. However, the figures did not change significantly in the medium- or the low-pressure group (all P>0.05). There were no significant changes in blood BNP in the three groups (all P>0.05). The right ventricle Tei index and QTcd were moderately positively correlated with MAP ( r=0.56 and 0.50, both P<0.001). Conclusions:For the premature infants with RDS, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation has no significant effect on the cardiac function when MAP is less than 9 cmH 2O, but would have a certain effect on the right ventricular function when used at higher pressure (MAP≥9 cmH 2O) and for longer time (>12 h).

Use of Intracardiac Echocardiography to Evaluate Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Function in a Man With Obesity.

Aortic insufficiency with recirculation can be difficult to diagnose echocardiographically in patients who have continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography can underestimate its severity; moreover, transesophageal echocardiography necessitates general anesthesia. We report the case of a 58-year-old man with obesity and end-stage nonischemic cardiomyopathy who, after 3 months of support with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device, underwent intracardiac echocardiography to evaluate complications potentially associated with the device. The findings ruled out aortic insufficiency, preventing an unnecessary valvular intervention.

Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography for Detecting Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

Myocardial ischemia and left ventricular dysfunction have been documented in young adults with familial hypercholesterolemia. We investigated whether speckle-tracking echocardiography can be used to detect subclinically impaired global and regional myocardial function in patients with this lipid disorder. This single-center study included 47 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and 37 healthy control subjects who underwent transthoracic Doppler echocardiography and speckle-tracking echocardiography from January 2003 through December 2016. Conventional echocardiographic and strain parameters in the 2 groups were analyzed and compared. Left ventricular dimensions were significantly larger at end-diastole (P=0.02) and end-systole (P=0.013), left ventricular walls were significantly thicker (P <0.0001), and the early transmitral/early diastolic mitral annular velocity ratio was significantly higher (P=0.006) in the patient group than in the control group. In the patient group, global longitudinal and circumferential strain values were significantly lower (P <0.0001) and global radial strain values significantly higher (P=0.006); all segmental longitudinal strain (P <0.04) and most segmental circumferential strain values (P ≤0.01) were significantly lower; and some segmental radial strains, especially at the apex, were significantly higher (P ≤0.04). However, average longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strains in the different segments of the 3 main coronary artery territories were significantly lower in the patient group (P <0.01). Global longitudinal strain (r=0.561; P=0.001) and global circumferential strain (r=0.565; P <0.0001) were inversely correlated with low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels. We conclude that speckle-tracking echocardiography can be used to detect subclinical global and regional systolic abnormalities in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Prevalence and clinical significance of fetal tricuspid regurgitation during the third trimester of pregnancy / Prevalência e significado clínico da regurgitação tricúspide em fetos no terceiro trimestre da gestação

Abstract Objectives: the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of fetal tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) during the third trimester of low-risk pregnancies and to assess its clinical significance on neonates. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study including 330 singleton fetuses referred for routine fetal echocardiography during 3rd trimester in a fetal medicine center in Recife, Brazil. The presence and degree of tricuspid regurgitation were analyzed. Whenever TR was identified on fetal echocardiography, postnatal data, including the results of postnatal echocardiography were reviewed. Results: the prevalence of tricuspid regurgitation was 10.0% (n=33) in the study population. Regarding regurgitation degree, 90.9% (n=30) presented mild regurgitation and none presented important TR. Postnatal data was obtained from 21 neonates. Twenty of them were discharged without any complications, and one presented respiratory distress due to prematurity. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 66.7% (n=14) of the neonates and it was normal in 92.9% (n=13) of them. One neonate, 7.1%, persisted with tricuspid regurgitation, but had no other findings. Conclusions: tricuspid regurgitation in fetuses with normal cardiac anatomy during the 3rd trimester is a common condition in low-risk pregnancies, and is not associated with cardiac abnormalities or need for neonatal intervention.

Resumo Objetivos: determinar a prevalência da regurgitação tricúspide (RT) em fetos no terceiro trimestre de gestações de baixo risco e investigar sua repercussão clínica nos recémnascidos. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal incluindo 330 fetos encaminhados para realização de ecocardiograma fetal de rotina no terceiro trimestre da gestação num centro de medicina fetal em Recife, Brasil. A presença e o grau de insuficiência tricúspide foram estudados. Quando RT estava presente ao ecocardiograma fetal dados pós-natais, incluindo ecocardiograma, também foram analisados. Resultados: a prevalência de RT foi de 10,0% na população estudada, sendo que 90,9% (n=30) dos casos foram classificados como RT leve, e nenhum caso de RT importante foi identificado. Foram obtidos dados pós-natais de 21 recém-nascidos. Destes, 20 receberam alta hospitalar sem nenhuma complicação, enquanto 1 apresentou desconforto respiratório associado à prematuridade. Ecocardiograma transtorácico foi realizado em 66.7% (n=14) dos recém-nascidos avaliados, e foi normal em 92.9% (n=13) deles. Apenas 1 recém-nascido, 7.1%, persistiu com RT mas sem outros achados significativos. Conclusões: a RT em fetos com anatomia cardíaca normal é comum no terceiro trimestre de gestações de baixo risco e não parece associar-se a anomalias cardíacas ou necessidade de intervenção no período neonatal.

Spectral Doppler, tissue Doppler, and speckle-tracking echocardiography for the evaluation of fetal cardiac function: an update.

The functional assessment of the fetal heart has been incorporated into cardiac ultrasound screening as a routine procedure, encompassing fetuses with and without structural heart diseases. It has long been known that various cardiac and extracardiac conditions, such as fetal growth restriction, fetal tumors, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, fetal anemia, diaphragmatic hernia, arteriovenous fistula with high cardiac output, and congenital heart diseases (valvular regurgitation and primary myocardial disease), can alter hemodynamic status and fetal cardiac function. Several ultrasound and Doppler echocardiographic parameters of fetal cardiovascular disease have been shown to correlate with perinatal mortality. However, it is still difficult to identify the signs of fetal heart failure and to determine their relationship with prognosis. The aim of this study was to review the main two-dimensional Doppler ultrasound parameters that can be used in the evaluation of fetal cardiac function, with a focus on how to perform that evaluation and on its clinical applicability.

A avaliação funcional do coração fetal foi incorporada ao rastreamento ultrassonográfico como procedimento de rotina, englobando fetos com e sem cardiopatias estruturais. Sabe-se, tradicionalmente, que várias condições cardíacas e extracardíacas podem alterar o estado hemodinâmico e a função cardíaca fetal, como restrição do crescimento fetal, tumores fetais, síndrome de transfusão feto-fetal, anemia fetal, hérnia diafragmática congênita, fístula arteriovenosa com alto débito cardíaco e cardiopatias congênitas (insuficiência valvar, doença primária do miocárdio). Vários parâmetros ecocardiográficos da doença cardiovascular fetal obtidos por ultrassonografia e Doppler têm sido correlacionados com a mortalidade perinatal. No entanto, ainda é difícil determinar a presença de sinais de insuficiência cardíaca fetal e sua relação com o prognóstico. Este estudo teve como objetivo revisar os principais parâmetros bidimensionais da ultrassonografia Doppler que podem ser utilizados na avaliação da função cardíaca fetal, com foco em como realizar essa avaliação e sua aplicabilidade clínica.