Aortopathy and aortic valve surgery in patients with bicuspid aortic valve with and without raphe.

AIM: To evaluate the association between raphe in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients and valve dysfunction, aortopathy and aortic valve surgery in the REBECCA registry [REgistro della valvola aortica Bicuspide della Società Italiana di ECocardiografia e CArdiovascular Imaging (SIECVI)]. METHODS: Prevalence of aortic valve dysfunction and aortopathy was investigated in BAV patients with and without raphe. Aortic valve dysfunction (regurgitation or stenosis) was categorized as mild, moderate and severe. Aortopathy was defined as annulus ≥14 mm/m2; root ≥20 mm/m2; sinotubular junction ≥16 mm/m2; ascending aorta ≥17 mm/m2, and classified in Type A, isolated ascending aorta dilatation; Type B, aortic root and ascending aorta dilatation; and Type C, isolated aortic root dilatation. RESULTS: Overall, 695 patients with BAV were enrolled; 520 (74.8%) with raphe and 175 (25.2%) without raphe. BAV patients with raphe presented more frequently with moderate or severe aortic stenosis than BAV patients without raphe (183 [35.2%] vs 34 [19.4%], p < 0.001). A higher prevalence of aortopathy, particularly Type B, was observed in patients with vs without raphe. At multivariable analysis, raphe was a predictor of aortic valve surgery at three-year follow-up (odds ratio 2.19, 95% confidence interval 1.08-4.44, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BAV and raphe have a higher prevalence of significant aortic stenosis, aortopathy, especially Type B, and a higher risk of undergoing aortic valve surgery at three-year follow-up.

Imaging of Cardiac Masses: An Updated Overview.

Studying cardiac masses is one of the most challenging tasks for cardiac imagers. The aim of this review article is to focus on the modern imaging of cardiac masses proceeding through the most frequent ones. Cardiac benign masses such as myxoma, cardiac papillary fibroelastoma, rhabdomyoma, lipoma, and hemangioma are browsed considering the usefulness of most common cardiovascular imaging tools, such as ultrasound techniques, cardiac computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and in the diagnostic process. In the same way, the most frequent malignant cardiac masses, such as angiosarcoma and metastases, are highlighted. Then, the article browses through nontumoral masses such as cysts, mitral caseous degenerative formations, thrombi, and vegetations, highlighting the differential diagnosis between them. In addition, the article helps in recognizing anatomic normal variants that should not be misdiagnosed as pathological entities.

Effect of uric acid serum levels on carotid arterial stiffness and intima-media thickness: A high resolution Echo-Tracking Study.

Serum uric acid (UA) has been shown to be a predictor of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, and it may play a role in the pathogenesis of CV disease affecting vascular structure and function. However, there is limited evidence of its specific association with carotid artery stiffness and structure. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether UA is associated with early signs of atherosclerosis, namely local carotid arterial stiffness and intima-media thickening. We evaluated 698 consecutive asymptomatic patients, referred to the Cardiovascular Department for risk factors evaluation and treatment. All patients underwent carotid artery ultrasonography with measurement of common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and echo-tracking carotid artery stiffness index Beta. Patients with hyperuricemia (defined as serum uric acid ≥7 mg/dL in men and ≥6 mg/dL in women) had higher IMT (0.97±0.22 vs 0.91±0.18, p<0.001) and stiffness index Beta (8.3±3.2 vs 7.5±2.7, p=0.005). UA levels correlated with both IMT (r=0.225; p<0.001) and stiffness index Beta (r=0.154; p<0.001); the correlations were statistically significant in males and females. In a multivariate model which included age, arterial pressure, serum glucose and LDL-cholesterol, serum UA emerged as an independent explanatory variable of IMT and stiffness index Beta. Carotid IMT and local arterial stiffness are related to UA independently of established CV risk factors; UA may play a role in the early development of atherosclerosis.

Interactive role of diastolic dysfunction and ventricular remodeling in asymptomatic subjects at increased risk of heart failure.

Diastolic dysfunction (DD) and left ventricular remodeling (LVR) characterize patients at risk for heart failure (HF). To assess the prognostic impact of different diastolic function algorithms and a complex LVR classification (CRC) in asymptomatic subjects with preserved ejection fraction (EF) at risk for HF. We analyzed 1923 asymptomatic patients (male 43%; age 57, 33-76 years) with at least one cardiovascular risk factor and preserved (> 50%) EF. We used three algorithms for LV diastolic function assessment (Paulus et al. in Eur Heart J 28(20):2539-2550, 2007; Nagueh et al. in J Am Soc Echocardiogr 22(2):107-133, 2009, Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 17(12):1321-1360, 2016), and two algorithms for LVR (classic and CRC). We considered a composite end-point: cardiac death and hospitalization for HF. The highest presence of DD was diagnosed by Nagueh 2009 (211, 11%), while the prevalence according to Nagueh 2016 (63 patients, 3.2%) turned out to be the lowest (p < 0.001 vs the other algorithms). According to CRC, 780 (48.6%) patients had normal or physiologic hypertrophy, 298 (15.5%) concentric remodeling, 85 (4.4%) eccentric remodeling, 294 (15.3%) concentric hypertrophy, 39 (2%) mixed hypertrophy, 80 (4.1%) dilated hypertrophy, 73 (3.7%) eccentric hypertrophy and 294 (15.3%) were unclassifiable. After 39-month follow-up (261 events, 13.6%), Cox-regression (adjusted for age, gender, history of stable ischemic heart disease, classic remodeling classification) identified CRC (p = 0.01) and Nagueh 2016 (p < 0.001) as independent predictors of end-point. The coexistence of an adverse LVR by CRC and DD by Nagueh 2016 was associated with the worst prognosis. A concurrent structural (CRC) and functional (Nagueh Op. Cit) analysis improves prognostic stratification in asymptomatic subjects at risk for HF with preserved EF.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve Registry of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (REgistro della valvola aortica bicuspide della società italiana di ECocardiografia e CArdiovascular imaging): Rationale and Study Design.

BACKGROUND: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart disease, affecting 0.5%-2% of the general population. It is associated not only with notable valvular risk (aortic stenosis and/or regurgitation, endocarditis) but also with aortopathy with a wide spectrum of unpredictable clinical presentations, including aneurysmal dilation of the aortic root and/or ascending thoracic aorta, isthmic coarctation, aortic dissection, or wall rupture. METHODS: The REgistro della Valvola Aortica Bicuspide della Società Italiana di ECocardiografia e CArdiovascular Imaging is a retrospective (from January 1, 2010)/prospective, multicenter, observational registry, expected to enroll 3000 patients with definitive diagnosis of BAV made by transthoracic and/or transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, or at surgery. Inclusion criteria were definitive diagnosis of BAV. Patients will be enrolled regardless of the presence and severity of aortic valve dysfunction or aortic vessel disease and the coexistence of other congenital cardiovascular malformations. Exclusion criteria were uncertain BAV diagnosis, impossibility of obtaining informed consent, inability to carry out the follow-up. Anamnestic, demographic, clinical, and instrumental data collected both at first evaluation and during follow-up will be integrated into dedicated software. The aim is to derive a data set of unselected BAV patients with the main purpose of assessing the current clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of BAV. CONCLUSIONS: A multicenter registry covering a large population of BAV patients could have a profound impact on the understanding of the natural history of this disease and could influence its management.

Prognostic Value of a Tissue Doppler Index of Systodiastolic Function in Patients with Asymptomatic Heart Failure.

INTRODUCTION: Doppler echocardiography with early diastolic transmitral velocity (E)/early mitral annular diastolic velocity (E') ratio has been proposed as the best predictor for evaluating left ventricle (LV) filling pressure. A dimensionless index E/(E' × S') ratio (S' = systolic mitral annulus velocity) resulted in readily, reproducible, and reliable predictor of LV filling pressure. We assessed the prognostic impact of E/E' × S') in patients with asymptomatic heart failure (HF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We calculated E/(E' × S') in 337 patients (179 male, 53%; age 54.7 ± 13.7 years) using the average of septal and lateral mitral annular velocities. We considered a composite endpoint as follows: all-cause death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and HF exacerbation. RESULTS: Baseline ejection fraction resulted 60.2 ± 11.8%; E/E' × S') was 1.45 ± 0.8, with S' 7.4 ± 2.4 cm/s and E/E' 9.5 ± 5.4. After a 22-month median follow-up, there were 42 events: 5 deaths (12%), 3 acute myocardial infarctions (7%), 1 stroke (2%), and 33 HF hospitalizations (79%). In patients reaching the composite endpoint, E/(E' × S') resulted 2.07 ± 1.1 versus 1.3 ± 0.7 in event-free population (P < 0.001). In a Cox-regression analysis, adjusted for confounding clinical factors and conventional echo parameters, E/(E' × S') (P < 0.001), age (P < 0.001), and male gender (P = 0.03) resulted independent predictors of the composite endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: E/(E' × S') was an independent predictor for the future cardiac events in asymptomatic HF.

Incremental prognostic value of a complex left ventricular remodeling classification in asymptomatic for heart failure hypertensive patients.

We evaluated the prognostic impact of a complex remodeling classification (CRC) in asymptomatic patients with arterial hypertension (AH). We retrospectively included 749 hypertensive patients (female 325, 43.4% age 62 ± 11.3 years) in Stages A and B of heart failure. CRC was evaluated including indexed left ventricular mass, end-diastolic volume, and relative wall thickness. After 45-month follow-up, we considered a composite endpoint: total mortality, myocardial infarction, myocardial revascularization, cerebrovascular events, and acute pulmonary edema. Blood pressure was controlled in 265 patients (35.4%), 317 (42.3%) were in Grade 1 of AH, 123 (16.4%) in Grade 2, and 44 (5.9%) in Grade 3. Considering CRC, 292 patients (38%) presented normal/physiological hypertrophy, 102 (13.6%) concentric remodeling, 29 (3.9%) eccentric remodeling, 157 (21%) concentric hypertrophy, 11 (1.5%) mixed hypertrophy, 52 (6.9%) dilated hypertrophy, and 36 (4.8%) eccentric hypertrophy. We observed a total of 73 events (9.7%). Kaplan-Meier method demonstrated a significant different survival in CRC-derived classes (P < .001). Cox regression demonstrated CRC as independent predictor (P = .01), after adjusting for age, gender, diabetes mellitus, grade of hypertension, antihypertensive therapy, stable ischemic heart disease, obesity, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and classic remodeling classification. In asymptomatic patients with AH, CRC is an independent predictor of poor outcome.

Classification and Prognostic Evaluation of Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients With Asymptomatic Heart Failure.

Patients with asymptomatic heart failure (HF; stage A and B) are characterized by maladaptive left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Classic 4-group classification of remodeling considers only LV mass index and relative wall thickness as variables. Complex remodeling classification (CRC) includes also LV end-diastolic volume index. Main aim was to assess the prognostic impact of CRC in stage A and B HF. A total of 1,750 asymptomatic subjects underwent echocardiographic examination as a screening evaluation in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. LV dysfunction, both systolic (ejection fraction) and diastolic (transmitral flow velocity pattern), was evaluated, together with LV remodeling. We considered a composite end point: all-cause death, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularizations, cerebrovascular events, and acute pulmonary edema. CRC was suitable for 1,729 patients (men 53.6%; age 58.3 ± 13 years). Two hundred thirty-eight patients presented systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <50%) and 483 diastolic dysfunction. According to the CRC, 891 patients were normals or presented with physiologic hypertrophy, 273 concentric remodeling, 47 eccentric remodeling, 350 concentric hypertrophy, 29 mixed hypertrophy, 86 dilated hypertrophy, and 53 eccentric hypertrophy. Age and gender distribution was noticed (p <0.001). After a median follow-up of 21 months, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed different survival distribution (p <0.001) of the CRC patterns. In multivariate Cox regression (adjusted for age, gender, history of stable ischemic heart disease, classic remodeling classification, systolic, and diastolic dysfunction), CRC was independent predictor of primary end point (p = 0.044, hazard ratio 1.101, 95% CI 1.003 to 1.21), confirmed in a logistic regression (p <0.03). In conclusion, CRC could help physicians in prognostic stratification of patients in stage A and B HF.

Micro-RNA-21 (biomarker) and global longitudinal strain (functional marker) in detection of myocardial fibrotic burden in severe aortic valve stenosis: a pilot study.

AIMS: Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a deleterious consequence of aortic valve stenosis (AVS). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a novel left ventricular (LV) functional parameter potentially useful to non-invasively estimate MF. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small ribonucleic acids (RNA) modulating genes function, mainly through RNA degradation. miRNA-21 is a biomarker associated with MF in pressure overload. The aim of the present study was to find an integrated algorithm for detection of MF using a combined approach with both bio- and functional markers. METHODS: Thirty-six patients (75.2 ± 8 y.o.; 63 % Female) with severe AVS and preserved LV ejection fraction (EF), candidate to surgical aortic valve replacement (sAVR) were enrolled. Clinical, bio-humoral evaluation (including plasmatic miRNA-21 collected using specific tubes, PAXgene, for stabilization of peripheral RNA) and a complete echocardiographic study, including GLS and septal strain, were performed before sAVR. Twenty-eight of those patients underwent sAVR and, in 23 of them, an inter-ventricular septum biopsy was performed. Tissues were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin for histological evaluation and with histochemical Masson trichrome for collagen fibers. The different components were calculated and expressed as micrometers(2). To evaluate tissue miRNA components, sections 2-µm thick were cut using a microtome blade for each slide. Regression analysis was performed to test association between dependent variable and various predictors included in the model. RESULTS: Despite a preserved EF (66 ± 11 %), patients presented altered myocardial deformation parameters (GLS -14,02 ± 3.8 %; septal longitudinal strain, SSL -9.63 ± 2.9 %; septal longitudinal strain rate, SL-Sr -0.58 ± 0.17 1/s; Septal Longitudinal early-diastolic strain rate, SL-SrE 0.62 ± 0.32 1/s). The extent of MF showed an inverse association with both GLS and septal longitudinal deformation indices (GLS: R(2) = 0.30; p = 0.02; SSL: R(2) = 0.36; p = 0.01; SL-Sr: R(2) = 0.39; p < 0.001; SL-SrE: R(2) = 0.35; p = 0.001). miRNA-21 was mainly expressed in fibrous tissue (p < 0.0001). A significant association between MF and plasmatic miRNA-21, alone and weighted for measures of structural (LVMi R(2) = 0.50; p = 0.0005) and functional (SSL R(2) = 0.35; p = 0.006) remodeling, was found. CONCLUSIONS: In AVS, MF is associated with alterations of regional and global strain. Plasmatic miRNA-21 is directly related to MF and associated with LV structural and functional impairment.

Prevalence and Prognostic Impact of Metabolic Syndrome in Asymptomatic (Stage A and B Heart Failure) Patients.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) has an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Its relationship with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) and prognosis has not been completely clarified. OBJECTIVES: To determine, in asymptomatic patients (Stage A, B heart failure, HF), whether MS is associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and its predictive role for cardiovascular events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 1920 nonconsecutive patients without symptoms of HF, with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, undergoing echocardiographic evaluation as preventive screening. We subdivided the study population according to the presence (Group 1) or absence (Group 2) of MS. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, coronary artery revascularization, stroke, and acute pulmonary edema. Secondary endpoints were hospitalization for HF and HF progression. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of MS was 13.4% (n = 262, Group 1). In Group 2 (n = 1658), the prevalence of LVSD was 12.2%, while the prevalence of LVSD was 21.8% in Group 1 (relative risk [RR] 2.01; 95% confidence interval 1.4-2.8; P < 0.001). Adjusting for age and gender, MS resulted an independent predictor of LVSD (P < 0.001). After a median follow-up of 22 months, Group 1 patients had a significantly higher incidence of primary events (P < 0.001), including cardiac death (P = 0.04), and secondary events (P < 0.001). Both primary and secondary endpoints were more frequent in patients with LVSD (P < 0.001). In multivariate survival analysis, MS (but not its specific components) and LVSD were independently associated both with primary and secondary events (P ≤ 0.003). Incremental chi-square analysis showed the presence of combined LVD added to MS, and age raised significantly the predictive value of the model for the primary endpoint (Incremental chi-square = 8.6). CONCLUSIONS: In stage A and B HF subjects, the coexistence of MS with functional or structural cardiac abnormalities, detected by echocardiography, showed a significant incremental value in predicting clinical cardiovascular events.

Non-invasive one-point carotid wave intensity in a large group of healthy subjects: A ventricular-arterial coupling parameter.

The analysis of wave intensity (WI) evaluates the working condition of the heart interacting with the arterial system. WI in normal subjects has two peaks, the first (W 1) reflects left ventricle (LV) contractile performance, the second (W 2) is related to the ability of the LV to actively stop aortic blood flow. The aim of the study was to investigate the reference values of W 1 and W 2 in a group of apparently healthy subjects through a radiofrequency-based system. 680 subjects (388 men mean age 43.0 ± 17.4 years, range 16-92; 292 women mean age 44.8 ± 17.7 years, range 16-86) were enrolled and underwent physical examination, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) measurements and comprehensive transthoracic echocardiogram was performed. Measurement of local WI was obtained at the level of the left common carotid artery before the bifurcation, using a high definition echo-tracking system. W 1 was (12.37 ± 6.89) × 10(3) and (9.76 ± 4.8) × 10(3) mmHg m/s(3), p < 0.0001; W 2 was (3.21 ± 1.81) × 10(3) and (2.98 ± 1.69) × 10(3) mmHg m/s(3), p = ns in men and women, respectively. The cohort was divided into 5 age groups (ages 16-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; >60) and stratified by gender. After adjustment for height, systolic BP and HR, W 1 decreased with age (p < 0.0001 in men and p = 0.026 in women for trend) while no relation was found for W 2. Multivariable regression analysis using age, gender, height, systolic BP, HR, ejection fraction and stroke volume indexed by body surface are predicted W 1 and age, systolic BP, HR and E/A as a measure of diastolic function, predicted W 2. Inter and intra-observer variability and feasibility of WI analysis were satisfactory. We reported the values and their clinical correlations of the two peaks (W 1 and W 2) of WI, a non-invasive hemodynamic index for assessing ventricular-arterial coupling in a large group of apparently healthy subjects.

Usefulness of atrial function for risk stratification in asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis.

AIM: We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of left atrial (LA) mechanics and stiffness over global left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (GLS) for risk stratification in severe aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS: From a cohort of 89 prospective asymptomatic patients with severe AS and normal LV ejection fraction, 82 (32 men, mean age 73±10 years) truly asymptomatic patients, scheduled after a negative exercise echocardiogram, were enrolled. Forty age- and gender-matched prospective, asymptomatic subjects served as controls. Predefined end points were the occurrence of symptoms (dyspnea, angina, syncope), and death during follow-up. RESULTS: At study entry, patients had: impaired LV GLS (p=0.001), reduced LA reservoir (p<0.001), high LA stiffness (p<0.001), and increased valvulo-arterial impedance (p<0.001) compared to controls. During follow-up [16±14.9 months (ranging from 1 month to 4.2 years)], 53 patients (64.6%) reached one of the endpoints. Patients with events showed lower LV GLS (p>0.001), lower LA reservoir (p<0.001), and greater LA stiffness (p<0.001) than those asymptomatic. On univariate Cox regression analysis, LV GLS (p<0.001), LA reservoir (p<0.001), and LA stiffness (p=0.004) were strong predictors of adverse events. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that event-free survival was significantly higher in patients with a LV GLS ≥16.8% [p<0.001; area under the curve (AUC)=0.922; sensitivity=86%, specificity=80%], a LA reservoir ≥19.8% (p=0.001; AUC=0.860, sensitivity=71%, specificity=84%), and a LA stiffness <0.78 (p<0.001; AUC 0.819, sensitivity 70%, specificity 89%). On multivariate analysis, only LV GLS remained significantly associated with patients' prognosis (hazard ratio=1.49, 95% CI=1.11-2.01, p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic patients with severe AS, an efficient cardiovascular system is based on an effective atrial-ventricular interplay. LA function assessment is useful for early identification of risk in these patients. LV GLS however was confirmed to be the best predictor of patients' outcome.

Incremental Value of Pocket-Sized Echocardiography in Addition to Physical Examination during Inpatient Cardiology Evaluation: A Multicenter Italian Study (SIEC).

BACKGROUND: We prospectively assessed the incremental value of a pocket-sized echocardiography (PSE) device during cardiology consultations, in addition to physical examination, ECG reading, and chest x-ray. METHODS: A total of 443 consecutive patients (53% men), referred for bedside consultations, underwent physical examination, ECG, and CXR, followed by PSE examination. The physician completed a detailed questionnaire (clinical and echocardiographic data, scanning time, abnormal results). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was generated to test the predictive discrimination value of the different methods. The incremental value of PSE examination compared to clinical visit alone or combined with ECG results was expressed as a global chi-square value. RESULTS: The PSE examination did not influence the definitive diagnosis in only 23.5% of cases, while 25.3% of the diagnoses were confirmed and verified by PSE. The clinical diagnosis was enriched by PSE in 21.9% of cases, and the diagnosis was changed in 26.2%. The area under curve (AUC) of physical examination + ECG results (sensitivity: 80%; specificity: 67%) was significantly higher than physical examination alone (sensitivity: 75%; specificity: 62%) (P < 0.0002), and the AUC of PSE results (sensitivity: 88%; specificity: 86%) was significantly higher than physical examination + ECG results (P < 0.0001). The PSE results, combined with clinical and ECG results, had a significant incremental diagnostic value during cardiology consultation when compared to the clinical visit alone or with ECG results (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: PSE had an incremental diagnostic value during bedside cardiology consultation, increasing the number of appropriate diagnoses and reducing the routine use of echocardiography.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: An Italian Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D is a vitamin deficiency that has been increasing in developed countries; it was also suggested as an emerging risk factor for developing of atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction. The primary source of vitamin D is its cutaneous synthesis under exposure to sunlight. It has been suggested that 30 min of sun exposure twice weekly leads to sufficient vitamin D synthesis. The residents of Trieste (Italy) are well-known for their high exposure to sunlight in all seasons. We aimed to investigate the vitamin D status in subjects with acute myocardial infarction living in this area. METHODS: Vitamin D status was identified in 478 subjects diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction. RESULTS: The median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was 14.5 [7.8 - 22.7] ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were present in 324 (68 %) and 107 (22 %) subjects, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was less frequent among subjects enrolled in the period from July to the end of September (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis vitamin D deficiency was predicted by older age (p = 0.02), female gender (p = 0.002), higher body mass index (p = 0.05), autumn/winter sampling (p < 0.001), increased parathyroid hormone (p = 0.03) and alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: We observed very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among subjects with myocardial infarction in all seasons of enrollment. However, it was lower in the summer when sun exposure is higher. The exposure to sunlight may be a cost-saving therapeutic strategy for the management of vitamin D deficiency.

Role of electrocardiography and echocardiography in prevention and predicting outcome of subjects at increased risk of heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ALVD) is relatively common in both community and high-risk populations. Early pharmacological intervention can improve clinical outcomes in subjects with this condition. OBJECTIVES: This multicentre study consists on electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examination of stage A and B heart failure (HF) asymptomatic subjects with one or more cardiovascular risk factors, to assess the prognostic value of cardiovascular risk factors per se, clinical history, and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters in prediction of progression of HF and/or in development of cardiovascular primary or secondary events. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 2142 asymptomatic subjects (mean age 63 years, 1162 males) performed an electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examination. Electrocardiogram (ECG) pathological signs according to Minnesota code and left ventricular dysfunction both systolic and diastolic by echocardiography were evaluated. There were 2002 subjects who were followed up for 26 ± 11 months, observing their primary and secondary end points. RESULTS: At follow up, the study population presented 111 primary end points (5.2%) and 441 secondary end points (20.6%). ECG criteria of LV hypertrophy and signs of ischaemia or previous myocardial infarction (p < 0.0001) were highly significantly related to primary end points. Both ECG and echocardiography (systolic function) are able at Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival curves to predict primary end points (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Presence or absence of left ventricular systolic and /or diastolic dysfunction has an incremental value in comparison to cardiovascular risk factors, clinical history, and ECG findings to predict both the evolution towards a more severe HF stage (stage C) and also the occurrence of cardiovascular events.

How arterial stiffness may affect coronary blood flow: a challenging pathophysiological link.

AIMS: A relationship between arterial stiffening and coronary flow abnormalities, although not fully elucidated, has been observed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among carotid stiffness, measured using echo-tracking, and Doppler parameters of coronary blood flow, sampled at the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. METHODS: We studied 88 consecutive patients (49 men, mean age 51.2 ±â€Š16.2 years) with cardiovascular risk factors but without history of cardiovascular diseases. Each patient underwent echocardiographic evaluation for measurement of the diastolic velocity time integral (DVTI) and calculation of the diastolic velocity time integral coronary index (DVTICI), the ratio between DVTI and total velocity time integral of LAD artery flow × 100, and carotid ultrasound for measurement of carotid intima media thickness (IMT) and stiffness parameters such as ß index and elastic modulus (Ep). RESULTS: DVTICI was significantly greater in men than in women (median 82, interquartile range 78-86 vs. median 80, interquartile range 73-83, respectively; P < 0.016). After correlating DVTICI with other variables, a significant inverse relation was obtained with ß index (Rho = -0.449, P < 0.001), Ep (Rho = -0.478, P < 0.001), age (Rho = -0.52, P < 0.001), left ventricular mass index (Rho = -0.543, P < 0.001), E/E' (Rho = -0.411, P < 0.001), pulse pressure (Rho = -0.417, P < 0.001) and IMT (Rho = -0.480, P < 0.001). With linear multiple regression analysis, only ß index (P < 0.001), Ep (P < 0.001), male sex (P < 0.001) and left ventricular mass index (P = 0.008) were independently associated with reduction of DVTICI. CONCLUSION: Increased arterial stiffness, directly affecting coronary perfusion, is associated with reduced diastolic coronary flow. Echo-tracking for feasible measurement of carotid artery stiffness parameters may be valuable in more accurate cardiovascular risk stratification.

Impact of metabolic syndrome traits on cardiovascular function: should the Adult Treatment Panel III definition be further stratified?

AIMS: The aims of the study were to evaluate whether a further classification of metabolic syndrome according to the number of traits (based on the Adult Treatment Panel III definition) could better explain the impact on cardiovascular remodeling and function, and to assess the role of single metabolic syndrome components in this regard. METHODS: We studied by echocardiography and carotid ultrasound 435 asymptomatic patients with metabolic syndrome. Patients with coronary artery disease or more than mild valvular heart disease were excluded. Carotid stiffness index (ß) was measured using a high-resolution echo-tracking system. Patients with metabolic syndrome were divided into two groups: metabolic syndrome with three traits (Gr.1) and metabolic syndrome with four or five traits (Gr. 2). RESULTS: Patients in Gr. 2 had higher left ventricular mass index (P < 0.001), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (P = 0.029), left atrial volume index (P = 0.002), E/e' ratio (P = 0.002), intima-media thickness (P = 0.031), and prevalence of plaques (P = 0.01) than patients in Gr. 1. Left ventricular ejection fraction was similar in both groups. The mean carotid ß index tended to be higher in Gr. 2. Considering metabolic syndrome traits separately, in an age-corrected multivariate analysis, abdominal obesity was found to have the strongest association with cardiac structure and carotid artery atherosclerosis and stiffness. CONCLUSION: An increasing number of metabolic syndrome traits had a significantly worse impact on cardiac remodeling and function and carotid artery atherosclerosis. Abdominal obesity showed the strongest association with cardiac structure, carotid artery stiffness, and intima-media thickness. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether a new classification of metabolic syndrome using the number of traits could add prognostic information.

Cardiac structure and function and insulin resistance in morbidly obese patients: does superobesity play an additional role?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of superobesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥50, on cardiac structure and function. METHODS: Using echocardiography, we studied 198 asymptomatic patients (mean age 48 ± 13 years, 29.3% were men) with a BMI ≥40. Insulin resistance was measured using the Homeostasis Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Patients were divided into 2 groups: morbidly obese (BMI ≥40 and <50; n = 160) and superobese (BMI ≥50; n = 38). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, gender, hypertension and diabetes between groups. Superobese patients had higher LV mass (66.0 ± 14.7 vs. 59.9 ± 11.9 g/m(2.7), p = 0.007), left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic (33.8 ± 7.7 vs. 31.5 ± 7.1 ml/m(2.7), p = 0.041) and end-systolic (12.2 ± 3.6 vs. 10.9 ± 2.8 ml/m(2.7), p = 0.016) volumes, left atrial volume (13.8 ± 4.5 vs. 12.2 ± 3.9 ml/m(2.7), p = 0.029), peak velocity of transmitral flow in early diastole/early diastolic peak myocardial velocity ratio (9.1 ± 2.6 vs. 8.2 ± 2.2, p = 0.03) and HOMA-IR (9.7 ± 7.3 vs. 7.3 ± 6.5, p = 0.047). LV ejection fraction was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Superobesity is associated with insulin resistance and a worse impact on cardiac remodeling and LV diastolic function than morbid obesity. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether such further classification of morbid obesity could stratify the cardiovascular risk in these patients more accurately.

Comparison of sequentially measured Aloka echo-tracking one-point pulse wave velocity with SphygmoCor carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity.

OBJECTIVES: Recently, echo-tracking-derived measures of arterial stiffness have been introduced in clinical practice for the assessment of one-point pulse wave velocity. The purpose of this study was to find a relation between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and one-point carotid pulse wave velocity, and to find a value of one-point carotid pulse wave velocity that predicts carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity higher than 12 m/s. METHODS: A total of 160 consecutive subjects (112 male/48 female, mean age = 51.5 ± 14.1 years; 96 healthy, 44 hypertensives, 13 with aortic valve disease, and 7 with left ventricular dysfunction) were studied. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was measured with the SphygmoCor system and one-point carotid pulse wave velocity with high-definition echo-tracking system (ProSound Alpha10; Aloka, Tokyo, Japan). RESULTS: Both carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and one-point carotid pulse wave velocity correlated significantly with each other (r = 0.539, p < 0.001) and with age (one-point carotid pulse wave velocity r = 0.618, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity r = 0.617, p < 0.0001 for both). Median value of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (7.2 m/s, 95% confidence interval = 6.2-8.9) was systematically higher than that of one-point carotid pulse wave velocity (5.8 m/s, 95% confidence interval = 5-6.6). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.85, identifying the cutoff for one-point pulse wave velocity of 6.65 m/s as the best predictor of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity more than 12 m/s (sensitivity = 0.818, specificity = 0.819). CONCLUSIONS: One-point carotid pulse wave velocity correlates with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and the cutoff of 6.65 m/s was the best predictor of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity over 12 m/s.