Project description:BackgroundElevated central venous pressure (CVP) is deemed as a sign of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. We aimed to characterize the echocardiographic features of RV in septic patients with elevated CVP, and quantify associations between RV function parameters and 30-day mortality.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a cohort of septic patients with CVP ≥ 8 mmHg in a tertiary hospital intensive care unit. General characteristics and echocardiographic parameters including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) as well as prognostic data were collected. Associations between RV function parameters and 30-day mortality were assessed using Cox regression models.ResultsEchocardiography was performed in 244 septic patients with CVP ≥ 8 mmHg. Echocardiographic findings revealed that various types of abnormal RV function can occur individually or collectively. Prevalence of RV systolic dysfunction was 46%, prevalence of RV enlargement was 34%, and prevalence of PVR increase was 14%. In addition, we collected haemodynamic consequences and found that prevalence of systemic venous congestion was 16%, prevalence of RV-pulmonary artery decoupling was 34%, and prevalence of low cardiac index (CI) was 23%. The 30-day mortality of the enrolled population was 24.2%. In a Cox regression analysis, TAPSE (HR:0.542, 95% CI:0.302-0.972, p = 0.040) and PVR (HR:1.384, 95% CI:1.007-1.903, p = 0.045) were independently associated with 30-day mortality.ConclusionsEchocardiographic findings demonstrated a high prevalence of RV-related abnormalities (RV enlargement, RV systolic dysfunction and PVR increase) in septic patients with elevated CVP. Among those echocardiographic parameters, TAPSE and PVR were independently associated with 30-day mortality in these patients.
Project description:BackgroundCardiac amyloidosis is an important cause for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. It is often under diagnosed due to the fact that clinicians do not always recognize the specific diagnostic findings associated with this disease, also leading to the wrong diagnosis. When left untreated further irreversible organ dysfunction occurs, with high morbidity and mortality rates.Case summaryA 71-year-old patient presented with progressive exertional dyspnoea and angina pectoris at the outpatient clinic. Medical history noted a percutaneous coronary intervention of the right coronary artery due to stable angina pectoris. The electrocardiogram showed low voltage in the limb leads and pseudo-infarct pattern in the precordial leads. Echocardiographic findings included left and right ventricular hypertrophy, decreased left ventricular systolic function, restrictive diastolic function, and 'relative' apical sparing of the left ventricle. This led to the suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis, which was confirmed with a positive bone scintigraphy using 99mTechnecium-DPD and the absence of monoclonal proteins. Treatment with Tafamidis was initiated.DiscussionElectrocardiographic findings suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis are low voltage in the limb leads and/or a pseudo-infarct pattern in the precordial leads. Important echocardiographic findings are left and right ventricular hypertrophy, restrictive diastolic function, 'relative' apical sparing of the left ventricle and impaired left atrial strain. The next step in confirming the diagnosis is 99mTechnecium PYP/DPD/HMDP bone scintigraphy and testing for monoclonal proteins. The diagnosis ATTR amyloidosis is confirmed by the combination of positive bone scintigraphy (Perugini Grade 2 or 3) and the absence of monoclonal proteins, without the necessity of performing an endomyocardial biopsy.
Project description:BackgroundThe perinatal transition's impact on systemic right ventricle (SRV) cardiac hemodynamics is not fully understood. Standard clinical image analysis tools fall short of capturing comprehensive diastolic and systolic measures of these hemodynamics.ObjectivesCompare standard and novel hemodynamic echocardiogram (echo) parameters to quantify perinatal changes in SRV and healthy controls.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of 10 SRV patients with echocardiograms at 33-weeks gestation and at day of birth and 12 age-matched controls. We used in-house developed analysis algorithms to quantify ventricular biomechanics from four-chamber B-mode and color Doppler scans. Cardiac morphology, hemodynamics, tissue motion, deformation, and flow parameters were measured.ResultsTissue motion, deformation, and index measurements did not reliably capture biomechanical changes. Stroke volume and cardiac output were nearly twice as large for the SRV compared to the control RV and left ventricle (LV) due to RV enlargement. The enlarged RV exhibited disordered flow with higher energy loss (EL) compared to prenatal control LV and postnatal control RV and LV. Furthermore, the enlarged RV demonstrated elevated vortex strength (VS) and kinetic energy (KE) compared to both the control RV and LV, prenatally and postnatally. The SRV showed reduced relaxation with increased early filling velocity (E) compared prenatally to the LV and postnatally to the control RV and LV. Furthermore, increased recovery pressure (ΔP) was observed between the SRV and control RV and LV, prenatally and postnatally.ConclusionsThe novel hydrodynamic parameters more reliably capture the SRV alterations than traditional parameters.
Project description:AimsLeft bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is a recent technique aiming at preservation of physiological ventricular electrical activation. Our goal was to assess mechanical synchrony parameters in relation to electrocardiographic features during LBBAP performed in routine practice.Methods and resultsFrom June 2020 to August 2021, all patients of our institution with permanent pacemaker implantation indication were eligible for LBBAP. A 'qR' pattern in V1 and a delay from pacing spike to the peak of the R-wave in V6 < 80 ms defined a successful LBBAP. Electrocardiogram and echocardiography were performed during spontaneous rhythm and LBBAP: left ventricular mechanical synchrony (LVMS) parameters using 2D Speckle tracking and interventricular mechanical delay (IVMD) were collected. LBBAP was attempted with success in 134/163 patients (82.2%). During LBBAP, the mean QRS width was 104 ± 12 ms. In patients with left bundle branch block (n = 47), LBBAP provided a significant decrease of QRS width from 139 ± 16 to 105 ± 12 ms (P < 0.001) with reduction of LVMS (53 ± 21 vs. 90 ± 46 ms, P = 0.009), and IVMD (14 ± 13 vs. 49 ± 18 ms, P < 0.001). In patients with right bundle branch block (n = 38), LBBAP led to a significant decrease of QRS width from 134 ± 14 to 106 ± 13 ms (P < 0.001) with no effect on LVMS and a reduction of IVMD (17 ± 14 vs. 50 ± 16 ms, P < 0.001).ConclusionLBBAP in routine practice preserved intra-ventricular mechanical synchrony in patients with narrow and RBBB QRS and improved asynchrony parameters in patients with LBBB.
Project description:A 12-year-old spayed female miniature Poodle presented for coughing, respiratory distress, and anorexia. After thoracentesis for pleural effusion, radiography revealed an enlarged cardiac silhouette with a bulge in the area of the body of the right atrium. Echocardiography revealed an anechoic chamber-like cavity lateral to the right atrium that communicated with the right atrium through a 13 mm defect in the right atrial free wall. Contrast echocardiography and color flow Doppler were used to prove that the cavity communicated with the right atrium. The cavity was diagnosed as a giant right atrial diverticulum.
Project description:BackgroundRight ventricular mass indexed to body surface area (RVMI) decreases and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) increases rapidly and substantially during early infancy. The relationship between these sizeable mass transformations and simultaneous electrocardiographic changes have not been previously delineated.MethodsNormal term infants (#45 initially enrolled) were prospectively evaluated at 2 days and at 2-week, 2-month, and 4-month clinic visits. Ventricular masses were estimated with 2D echocardiographic methods. QRS voltages were measured in leads V1, V6, I and aVF.ResultsMean QRS axis shifted from 135 (95%CI 124, 146) to 65 degrees (95%CI 49, 81) and correlated with both RVMI decrease and LVMI increase (R = 0.46⁎ vs. 0.25†, respectively. *p < 0.01, †p < 0.05). As RVMI decreased from mean 28.1 (95%CI 27.1, 29.1) to 23.3 g/m2 (95%CI 21.4, 25.2) so did V1R and V6S voltages. RVMI changes correlated with V1R, V6S, and V1R + V6S voltages (R = 0.29*, 0.23† and 0.35*, respectively. *p < 0.01, †p < 0.05) but not with V1R/S ratio. As LVMI increased from 44.6 (95%CI 42.9, 46.3) to 55.4 g/m2 (95%CI 52.3, 58.5) V6R and V6Q increased but V1S voltage did not. LVMI changes correlated with V6R, V6R-S, and V6(Q + R)-S voltages (R = 0.31*, 0.34*, and 0.38* respectively. *p < 0.01) but not with V1S or V6R/S (R = 0.01 and 0.18 respectively, p = NS).ConclusionsDuring early infancy the RVMI decrease correlates best with the QRS axis shift and V1R + V6S voltage, and the LVMI increase correlates best with V6R-S and V6(Q + R)-S voltages.
Project description:Background Heart size and function in children with single right ventricle (RV) anomalies may be influenced by shunt type at the Norwood procedure. We sought to identify shunt-related differences during early childhood after staged surgical palliations using echocardiography. Methods We compared echocardiographic indices of RV, neoaortic, and tricuspid valve size and function at 14 months, pre-Fontan, and 6 years in 241 subjects randomized to a Norwood procedure using either the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt or RV-to-pulmonary-artery shunt. Results At 6 years, the shunt groups did not differ significantly in any measure except for increased indexed neoaortic area in the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt. RV ejection fraction improved between pre-Fontan and 6 years in the RV-to-pulmonary artery shunt group but was stable in the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt group. For the entire cohort, RV diastolic and systolic size and functional indices were improved at 6 years compared with earlier measurements, and indexed tricuspid and neoaortic annular area decreased from 14 months to 6 years. The prevalence of ≥moderate tricuspid and neoaortic regurgitation was uncommon and did not vary by group or time period. Diminished RV ejection fraction at the 14-month study was predictive of late death/transplant; the hazard of late death/transplant when RV ejection fraction was <40% was tripled (hazard ratio, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.41-7.17). Conclusions By 6 years after staged palliation, shunt type has not impacted RV size and function, and RV and valvar size and function show beneficial remodeling. Poor RV systolic function at 14 months predicts worse late survival independent of the initial shunt type. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00115934.
Project description:Myocardial noncompaction (NC) is a disorder of the embryonic endomyocardial morphogenesis frequently associated with congenital cardiac abnormalities. NC predominantly affects the left ventricle (LV). Right ventricle (RV) NC may occur in association with LV involvement or in isolation. A 47-year-old woman was admitted for atrial septal defect closure. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed hypertrabeculation of the RV apex, consisting of multiple deep recesses with the entrance of blood flow in color Doppler imaging, suggestive of isolated RV hypertrabeculation/NC. The RV and right atrium (RA) were enlarged, and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure was slightly increased. Our patient's associated abnormalities were atrial septal defect (superior sinus venosus type), anomalous connection of the right upper pulmonary vein to the junction of the superior vena cava and the RA, and large patent foramen ovale. Association between atrial septal defect and partial anomalous pulmonary vein connection and isolated hypertrabeculated/noncompacted RV should be considered by cardiologists.
Project description:AimsCommercially available integrated software for echocardiographic measurement of stroke work (SW) is increasingly used for the right ventricle, despite a lack of validation. We sought to assess the validity of this method [echo-based myocardial work (MW) module] vs. gold-standard invasive right ventricular (RV) pressure-volume (PV) loops.Methods and resultsFrom the prospectively recruiting EXERTION study (NCT04663217), we included 42 patients [34 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and 8 patients with absence of cardiopulmonary disease] with RV echocardiography and invasive PV catheterization. Echocardiographic SW was assessed as RV global work index (RVGWI) generated via the integrated pressure-strain MW software. Invasive SW was calculated as the area bounded by the PV loop. An additional parameter derived from the MW module, RV global wasted work (RVGWW), was correlated with PV loop measures. RVGWI significantly correlated with invasive PV loop-derived RV SW in the overall cohort [rho = 0.546 (P < 0.001)] and the PAH/CTEPH subgroup [rho = 0.568 (P < 0.001)]. Overall, RVGWW correlated with invasive measures of arterial elastance (Ea), the ratio of end-systolic elastance (Ees)/Ea, and end-diastolic elastance (Eed) significantly.ConclusionsIntegrated echo measurement of pressure-strain loop-derived SW correlates with PV loop-based assessment of RV SW. Wasted work correlates with invasive measures of load-independent RV function. Given the methodological and anatomical challenges of RV work assessment, evolution of this approach by incorporating more elaborated echo analysis data and an RV reference curve might improve its reliability to mirror invasively assessed RV SW.
Project description:AimsIn peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), electrocardiography (ECG) and its relationship to echocardiography have not yet been investigated in large multi-centre and multi-ethnic studies. We aimed to identify ECG abnormalities associated with PPCM, including regional and ethnic differences, and their correlation with echocardiographic features.Methods and resultsWe studied 411 patients from the EURObservational PPCM registry. Baseline demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic data were collected. ECGs were analysed for rate, rhythm, QRS width and morphology, and QTc interval. The median age was 31 [interquartile range (IQR) 26-35] years. The ECG was abnormal in > 95% of PPCM patients. Sinus tachycardia (heart rate > 100 b.p.m.) was common (51%), but atrial fibrillation was rare (2.27%). Median QRS width was 82 ms [IQR 80-97]. Left bundle branch block (LBBB) was reported in 9.30%. Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH), as per ECG criteria, was more prevalent amongst Africans (59.62%) and Asians (23.17%) than Caucasians (7.63%, P < 0.001) but did not correlate with LVH on echocardiography. Median LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) was 60 mm [IQR 55-65] and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) 32.5% [IQR 25-39], with no significant regional or ethnic differences. Sinus tachycardia was associated with an LVEF < 35% (OR 1.85 [95% CI 1.20-2.85], P = 0.006). ECG features that predicted an LVEDD > 55 mm included a QRS complex > 120 ms (OR 11.32 [95% CI 1.52-84.84], P = 0.018), LBBB (OR 4.35 [95% CI 1.30-14.53], P = 0.017), and LVH (OR 2.03 [95% CI 1.13-3.64], P = 0.017).ConclusionsPPCM patients often have ECG abnormalities. Sinus tachycardia predicted poor systolic function, whereas wide QRS, LBBB, and LVH were associated with LV dilatation.