Cardiac imaging characteristics of patients with COPD: prognostic implications

Goedemans, L.

Although COPD was originally thought to merely affect the airways and lungs, the attention of research has been shifted towards the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease in patients with COPD. Up to one third of deaths in patients with COPD can be attributed to a cardiovascular cause. In particular, a strong association between COPD and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been emphasized and the need for adequate risk stratification in this population has been recognized. Identification of patients at risk of adverse events after AMI is frequently performed with cardiac imaging. Echocardiography permits early assessment of left- and right ventricular size and function, as surrogates of cardiac damage in the acute phase. Emerging advanced echocardiographic techniques such as speckle tracking strain imaging enable characterization of myocardial mechanics, which have been associated with prognosis. Assessment of left- and right ventricular longitudinal...Show moreAlthough COPD was originally thought to merely affect the airways and lungs, the attention of research has been shifted towards the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease in patients with COPD. Up to one third of deaths in patients with COPD can be attributed to a cardiovascular cause. In particular, a strong association between COPD and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been emphasized and the need for adequate risk stratification in this population has been recognized. Identification of patients at risk of adverse events after AMI is frequently performed with cardiac imaging. Echocardiography permits early assessment of left- and right ventricular size and function, as surrogates of cardiac damage in the acute phase. Emerging advanced echocardiographic techniques such as speckle tracking strain imaging enable characterization of myocardial mechanics, which have been associated with prognosis. Assessment of left- and right ventricular longitudinal strain in patient with COPD might provide better risk stratification as compared to conventional echocardiographic parameters. COPD is also a known risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Structural atrial remodeling, particularly of the right atrium, is suggested to be an important pathophysiologic substrate. Echocardiography may provide an additional tool in characterization of atrial structure and function, leading to targeted treatments.Show less

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Cardiac imaging characteristics of patients with COPD: prognostic implications

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