Echocardiography-derived hemodynamic forces (HDF) allow calculation of intraventricular pressure gradients from routine transthoracic echocardiographic images. The evolution of HDF after cardiac... Show moreEchocardiography-derived hemodynamic forces (HDF) allow calculation of intraventricular pressure gradients from routine transthoracic echocardiographic images. The evolution of HDF after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has not been investigated in large cohorts. The aim was to assess HDF in patients with heart failure implanted with CRT versus healthy controls. HDF were assessed before and 6 months after CRT. The following HDF parameters were calculated: (1) apical-basal strength, (2) lateral-septal strength, (3) the ratio of lateral-septal to apical-basal strength ratio, and (4) the force vector angle (1 and 2 representing the magnitude of HDF, 3 and 4 representing the orientation of HDF). In the propulsive phase of systole, the apical-basal impulse and the systolic force vector angle were measured. A total of 197 patients were included (age 64 ± 11 years, 62% male), with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, QRS duration ≥130 ms and left bundle branch block. The magnitude of HDF was significantly lower and the orientation was significantly worse in patients with heart failure versus healthy controls. Immediately after CRT implantation, the apical-basal impulse and systolic force vector angle were significantly increased. Six months after CRT, improvement of apical-basal strength, lateral-septal to apical-basal strength ratio and the force vector angle occurred. When CRT was deactivated at 6 months, the increase in the magnitude of apical-basal HDF remained unchanged while the systolic force vector angle worsened significantly. In conclusion, HDF in CRT recipients reflect the acute effect of CRT and the effect of left ventricular reverse remodeling on intraventricular pressure gradients. Whether HDF analysis provides incremental value over established echocardiographic parameters, remains to be determined. Show less
Background Cardiovascular involvement is one of the leading causes of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is reported to be higher in men as compared with women. However, the cause of this... Show moreBackground Cardiovascular involvement is one of the leading causes of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is reported to be higher in men as compared with women. However, the cause of this difference is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to assess sex differences in echocardiographic characteristics, including left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS), as a potential explanation of sex differences in outcomes.Methods A total of 746 patients with SSc from four centres, including 628 (84%, 54±13 years) women and 118 (16%, 55±15 years) men, were evaluated with standard and advanced echocardiographic examinations. The independent association of the echocardiographic parameters with the combined endpoint of cardiovascular events-hospitalisation/death was evaluated.Results Men and women with SSc showed significant differences in disease characteristics and cardiac function. After adjusting for the most important clinical characteristics, while LV ejection fraction and diastolic function were not significantly different anymore, men still presented with more impaired LV GLS as compared with women (−19% (IQR −20% to −17%) vs −21% (IQR: −22% to −19%), p<0.001). After a median follow-up of 48 months (IQR: 26–80), the combined endpoint occurred in 182 patients. Men with SSc experienced higher cumulative rates of cardiovascular events-hospitalisation/mortality (χ2=8.648; Log-rank=0.003), and sex differences were maintained after adjusting for clinical confounders, but neutralised when matching the groups for LV GLS.Conclusion In patients with SSc, male sex is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes even after adjusting for important clinical characteristics. LV GLS was more impaired in men as compared with women and potentially explains the sex difference in cardiovascular outcomes. Show less
Objective Severe secondary tricuspid regurgitation (STR) causes significant right atrial (RA) volume overload, resulting in structural and functional RA-remodelling. This study evaluated whether... Show moreObjective Severe secondary tricuspid regurgitation (STR) causes significant right atrial (RA) volume overload, resulting in structural and functional RA-remodelling. This study evaluated whether patients with severe STR and reduced RA function, as assessed by RA-reservoir-strain (RASr), show lower long-term prognosis. Methods Consecutive patients, from a single centre, with first diagnosis of severe STR and RASr measure available, were included. Extensive echocardiographic analysis comprised measures of cardiac chamber size and function, assessed also by two-dimensional speckletracking strain analysis. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality, analysed from inclusion until death or last follow-up. The association of RASr with the outcome was evaluated by Cox regression analysis and Akaike information criterion. Results A total of 586 patients with severe STR (age 68±13 years; 52% male) were included. Patients presented with mild right ventricular (RV) dilatation (enddiastolic area 13.8±6.5 cm2 /m2 ) and dysfunction (freewall strain 16.2±7.2%), and with moderate-to-severe RA dilatation (max area 15.0±5.3 cm2 /m2 ); the median value of RASr was 13%. In the overall population, 10-year overall survival was low (40%, 349 deaths), and was significantly lower in patients with lower RASr (defined by the median value): 36% (195 deaths) for RASr ≤13% compared with 45% (154 deaths) for RASr >13% (log-rank p=0.016). With a median follow-up of 6.6 years, RASr was independently associated with allcause mortality (HR per 5% RASr increase:0.928; 95% CI 0.864 to 0.996; p=0.038), providing additional value over relevant clinical and echocardiographic covariates (including RA size and RV function/size). Conclusions Patients with severe STR presented with significant RA remodelling, and lower RA function, as measured by RASr, was independently associated with all-cause mortality, potentially improving risk stratification in these patients Show less
Patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are complex patients who often have a high prevalence of co-morbidities and risk factors. In the present study, we... Show morePatients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are complex patients who often have a high prevalence of co-morbidities and risk factors. In the present study, we investigated the prognostic significance of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) along with important clinical and echocardiographic variables in patients with HFrEF. Patients who had a first echocardiographic diagnosis of LV systolic dysfunction, defined as LV ejection fraction ≤45%, were selected. The study population was subdivided into 2 groups based on a spline curve analysis derived optimal threshold value of LV GLS (≤10%). The primary end point was occurrence of worsening HF, whereas the composite of worsening HF and all-cause death was chosen for the secondary end point. A total of 1,873 patients (mean age 63 ± 12 years, 75% men) were analyzed. During a median follow-up of 60 months (interquartile range 27 to 60 months), 256 patients (14%) experienced worsening HF and the composite end point of worsening HF and all-cause mortality occurred in 573 patients (31%). The 5-year event-free survival rates for the primary and secondary end point were significantly lower in the LV GLS ≤10% group compared with the LV GLS >10% group. After adjustment for important clinical and echocardiographic variables, baseline LV GLS remained independently associated with a higher risk of worsening HF (hazard ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.90 to 0.99, p = 0.032) and the composite of worsening HF and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.90 to 0.97, p = 0.001). In conclusion, baseline LV GLS is associated with long-term prognosis in patients with HFrEF, independent of various clinical and echocardiographic predictors. Show less
Singh, G.K.; Fortuni, F.; Kuneman, J.H.; Vollema, E.M.; Kley, F. van der; Marsan, N.A.; ... ; Bax, J.J. 2023
Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) may show left ventricular (LV) apical longitudinal strain sparing. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) improves LV systolic function in patients... Show morePatients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) may show left ventricular (LV) apical longitudinal strain sparing. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) improves LV systolic function in patients with severe AS. However, the changes in regional longitudinal strain after TAVI have not been extensively evaluated. This study aimed to characterize the effect of the pressure overload relief after TAVI on LV apical longitudinal strain sparing. A total of 156 patients (mean age 80 +/- 7 years, 53% men) with severe AS who underwent computed tomography before and within 1 year after TAVI (mean time to follow-up 50 +/- 30 days) were included. LV global and segmental longitudinal strain were assessed using feature tracking computed tomography. LV apical longitudinal strain sparing was evaluated as the ratio between the apical and midbasal longitudinal strain and was defined as an LV apical to midbasal longitudinal strain ratio >1. LV apical longitudinal strain remained stable after TAVI (from 19.5 +/- 7.2% to 18.7 +/- 7.7%, p = 0.20), whereas LV mid-basal longitudinal strain showed a significant increase (from 12.9 +/- 4.2% to 14.2 +/- 4.0%, p =0.001). Before TAVI, 88% of the patients presented with LV apical strain ratio >1% and 19% presented with an LV apical strain ratio >2. After TAVI, these percentages significantly decreased to 77% and 5% (p = 0.009, p =0.001), respectively. In conclusion, LV apical sparing of strain is a relatively common finding in patients with severe AS who underwent TAVI and its prevalence decreases after the afterload relief after TAVI. (C) 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. Show less
Heinen, F.J.; Arregle, F.; Brink, F.S. van den; Marsan, N.A.; Bernts, L.; Houthuizen, P.; ... ; Tanis, W. 2023
Importance It is suggested that patients with Cutibacterium acnes endocarditis often present without fever or abnormal inflammatory markers. However, no study has yet confirmed this statement.Obje...Show moreImportance It is suggested that patients with Cutibacterium acnes endocarditis often present without fever or abnormal inflammatory markers. However, no study has yet confirmed this statement.Objective To assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with C acnes endocarditis.Design, Setting, and Participants A case series of 105 patients presenting to 7 hospitals in the Netherlands and France (4 university hospitals and 3 teaching hospitals) with definite endocarditis according to the modified Duke criteria between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2020, was performed. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were retrieved from medical records. Cases were identified by blood or valve and prosthesis cultures positive for C acnes, retrieved from the medical microbiology databases. Infected pacemaker or internal cardioverter defibrillator lead cases were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed in November 2022.Main Outcomes and Measures Main outcomes included symptoms at presentation, presence of prosthetic valve endocarditis, laboratory test results at presentation, time to positive results of blood cultures, 30-day and 1-year mortality rates, type of treatment (conservative or surgical), and endocarditis relapse rates.Results A total of 105 patients (mean [SD] age, 61.1 [13.9] years; 96 men [91.4%]; 93 patients [88.6%] with prosthetic valve endocarditis) were identified and included. Seventy patients (66.7%) did not experience fever prior to hospital admission, nor was it present at hospitalization. The median C-reactive protein level was 3.6 mg/dL (IQR, 1.2-7.5 mg/dL), and the median leukocyte count was 10.0 × 103/µL (IQR, 8.2-12.2 × 103/µL). The median time to positive blood culture results was 7 days (IQR, 6-9 days). Surgery or reoperation was indicated for 88 patients and performed for 80 patients. Not performing the indicated surgical procedure was associated with high mortality rates. Seventeen patients were treated conservatively, in accordance with the European Society of Cardiology guideline; these patients showed relatively high rates of endocarditis recurrence (5 of 17 [29.4%]).Conclusions and Relevance This case series suggests that C acnes endocarditis was seen predominantly among male patients with prosthetic heart valves. Diagnosing C acnes endocarditis is difficult due to its atypical presentation, with frequent absence of fever and inflammatory markers. The prolonged time to positivity of blood culture results further delays the diagnostic process. Not performing a surgical procedure when indicated seems to be associated with higher mortality rates. For prosthetic valve endocarditis with small vegetations, there should be a low threshold for surgery because this group seems prone to endocarditis recurrence. Show less
Nabeta, T.; Meucci, M.C.; Westenberg, J.J.M.; Reiber, J.H.C.; Knuuti, J.; Bijl, P. van der; ... ; Bax, J.J. 2023
Risk stratification of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) still depends mainly on the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). LV inward displacement (InD) is a novel parameter of LV... Show moreRisk stratification of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) still depends mainly on the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). LV inward displacement (InD) is a novel parameter of LV systolic function, derived from feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. We aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of InD in patients with IHD and prior myocardial infarction. A total of 111 patients (mean age 57 +/- 10, 86% male) with a history of myocardial infarction who underwent CMR were included. LV InD was quantified by measuring the displacement of endocardially tracked points towards the centreline of the LV during systole with feature tracking CMR. The endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization and arrhythmic events. During a median follow-up of 142 (IQR 107-159) months, 31 (27.9%) combined events occurred. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patients with LV InD below the study population median value (23.0%) had a significantly lower event-free survival (P < 0.001). LV InD remained independently associated with outcomes (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84-0.98, P = 0.010) on multivariate Cox regression analysis. InD also provided incremental prognostic value to LVEF, LV global radial strain and CMR scar burden. LV InD, measured with feature tracking CMR, was independently associated with outcomes in patients with IHD and prior myocardial infarction. LV InD also provided incremental prognostic value, in addition to LVEF and LV global radial strain. LV InD holds promise as a pragmatic imaging biomarker for post-infarct risk stratification. Show less
BackgroundSignificant (moderate or greater) mitral regurgitation (MR) could augment the hemodynamic effects of aortic valvular diseasein patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), imposing a... Show moreBackgroundSignificant (moderate or greater) mitral regurgitation (MR) could augment the hemodynamic effects of aortic valvular diseasein patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), imposing a greater hemodynamic burden on the left ventricle and atrium, possibly culminating in a faster onset of left ventricular dilation and/or symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and prognostic implications of significant MR in patients with BAV.MethodsIn this large, multicenter, international registry, a total of 2,932 patients (mean age, 48 ± 18 years; 71% men) with BAV were identified. All patients were evaluated for the presence of significant primary or secondary MR by transthoracic echocardiography and were followed up for the end points of all-cause mortality and event-free survival.ResultsOverall, 147 patients (5.0%) had significant primary (1.5%) or secondary (3.5%) MR. Significant MR was associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.80; 95% CI, 1.91-4.11; P < .001) and reduced event-free survival (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.58-2.46; P < .001) on univariable analysis. MR was not associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.85-2.07; P = .21) or event-free survival (adjusted HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.85-1.42; P = .49) after multivariable adjustment. However, sensitivity analyses demonstrated that significant MR not due to aortic valve disease retained an independent association with mortality (adjusted HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.04-3.15; P = .037). Subgroup analyses demonstrated an independent association between significant MR and all-cause mortality for individuals with significant aortic regurgitation (HR, 2.037; 95% CI, 1.025-4.049; P = .042), although this association was not observed for subgroups with significant aortic stenosis or without significant aortic valve dysfunction.ConclusionsSignificant MR is uncommon in patients with BAV. Following adjustment for important confounding variables, significant MR was not associated with adverse prognosis in this large study of patients with BAV, except for the patient subgroup with moderate to severe aortic regurgitation. In addition, significant MR not due to aortic valve disease demonstrated an independent association with all-cause mortality. Show less
Liem, S.I.E.; Ciaffi, J.; Leeuwen, N.M. van; Boonstra, M.; Ahmed, S.; Voorde, L.J.J. van de; ... ; Vries-Bouwstra, J. de 2023
Background: Since 2009, Dutch patients with a confirmed diagnosis/suspicion of systemic sclerosis (SSc) can be referred to the Leiden Combined Care in Systemic Sclerosis (CCISS) cohort. This study... Show moreBackground: Since 2009, Dutch patients with a confirmed diagnosis/suspicion of systemic sclerosis (SSc) can be referred to the Leiden Combined Care in Systemic Sclerosis (CCISS) cohort. This study evaluated whether early recognition of SSc has improved over time and whether disease characteristics and survival has changed over time. Methods: 643 SSc patients fulfilling American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology 2013 SSc criteria were included and categorised into three groups based on cohort-entry year: (1) 2010-2013 (n=229 (36%)), (2) 2014-2017 (n=207 (32%)) and (3) 2018-2021 (n=207 (32%)). Variables including disease duration, interstitial lung disease (ILD), digital ulcers (DU), diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), antitopoisomerase (ATA) and anticentromere (ACA) antibodies, and survival from disease onset were compared between cohort-entry groups, including analyses stratified for sex and autoantibodies. Results: Over time, duration between onset of disease symptoms and cohort entry decreased in males and females, but was always longer in females than in males.The proportion of patients presenting with DU decreased, especially in ACA+SSc patients. Almost no ACA+ patients presented with ILD, while in ATA+ patients this proportion was 25% in 2010-2013 and decreased to 19% in 2018-2021. A reduction in patients presenting with clinically meaningful ILD and dcSSc was observed.Overall 8-year survival for males was 59% (95% CI 40% to 73%) and for females 89% (95% CI 82% to 93%). Eight-year survival showed a trend for improvement over time, and was always worse in males. Conclusion: We observed a decrease in disease duration in Leiden CCISS cohort at cohort entry, possibly indicating more timely diagnosis of SSc. This could provide opportunities for early interventions. While symptom duration at presentation is longer in females, mortality is consistently higher in males, underlining the urge for sex-specific treatment and follow-up. Show less
Liem, S.I.E.; Ciaffi, J.; Leeuwen, N.M. van; Boonstra, M.; Ahmed, S.; Voorde, L.J.J. van de; ... ; Vries-Bouwstra, J. de 2023
Background Since 2009, Dutch patients with a confirmed diagnosis/suspicion of systemic sclerosis (SSc) can be referred to the Leiden Combined Care in Systemic Sclerosis (CCISS) cohort. This study... Show moreBackground Since 2009, Dutch patients with a confirmed diagnosis/suspicion of systemic sclerosis (SSc) can be referred to the Leiden Combined Care in Systemic Sclerosis (CCISS) cohort. This study evaluated whether early recognition of SSc has improved over time and whether disease characteristics and survival has changed over time.Methods 643 SSc patients fulfilling American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology 2013 SSc criteria were included and categorised into three groups based on cohort-entry year: (1) 2010–2013 (n=229 (36%)), (2) 2014–2017 (n=207 (32%)) and (3) 2018–2021 (n=207 (32%)). Variables including disease duration, interstitial lung disease (ILD), digital ulcers (DU), diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), antitopoisomerase (ATA) and anticentromere (ACA) antibodies, and survival from disease onset were compared between cohort-entry groups, including analyses stratified for sex and autoantibodies.Results Over time, duration between onset of disease symptoms and cohort entry decreased in males and females, but was always longer in females than in males.The proportion of patients presenting with DU decreased, especially in ACA+SSc patients. Almost no ACA+ patients presented with ILD, while in ATA+ patients this proportion was 25% in 2010–2013 and decreased to 19% in 2018–2021. A reduction in patients presenting with clinically meaningful ILD and dcSSc was observed.Overall 8-year survival for males was 59% (95% CI 40% to 73%) and for females 89% (95% CI 82% to 93%). Eight-year survival showed a trend for improvement over time, and was always worse in males.Conclusion We observed a decrease in disease duration in Leiden CCISS cohort at cohort entry, possibly indicating more timely diagnosis of SSc. This could provide opportunities for early interventions. While symptom duration at presentation is longer in females, mortality is consistently higher in males, underlining the urge for sex-specific treatment and follow-up. Show less
Aims Atrial functional tricuspid regurgitation (AFTR) has shown distinctive pathophysiological and anatomical differences compared with ventricular functional tricuspid regurgitation (VFTR) with... Show moreAims Atrial functional tricuspid regurgitation (AFTR) has shown distinctive pathophysiological and anatomical differences compared with ventricular functional tricuspid regurgitation (VFTR) with potential implications for interventions. However, little is known about the difference in long-term prognosis between these two FTR-aetiologies, which was investigated in the current study. Methods and results Patients with severe FTR were divided into two aetiologies, based on echocardiography: AFTR and VFTR. VFTR was further subdivided into (i) left-sided cardiac disease; (ii) pulmonary hypertension; and (iii) right ventricular dysfunction. Long-term mortality rates were compared and independent associates of all-cause mortality were investigated. A total of 1037 patients with severe FTR were included, of which 129 patients (23%) were classified as AFTR and compared with 425 patients (78%) classified as VFTR and in sinus rhythm. Of the 425 VFTR patients, 340 patients (61%) had left-sided cardiac disease, 37 patients (7%) had pulmonary hypertension, and 48 patients (9%) had right ventricular dysfunction. Cumulative 10-year survival rates were significantly better for patients with AFTR (78%) compared with VFTR (46%, log-rank P < 0.001). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, VFTR as well as all VFTR subtypes were independently associated with worse overall survival compared with AFTR (HR: 2.292, P < 0.001 for VFTR). Conclusion Patients with AFTR had significantly better survival as compared with patients with VFTR, as well as all VFTR subtypes, independently of other clinical and echocardiographic characteristics. Show less
IntroductionLeft ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is the main feature of cardiac involvement in Anderson-Fabry disease (FD), but the right ventricle (RV) is also frequently affected. Previous studies... Show moreIntroductionLeft ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is the main feature of cardiac involvement in Anderson-Fabry disease (FD), but the right ventricle (RV) is also frequently affected. Previous studies failed to demonstrate an independent association between conventional parameters of RV performance and outcomes in FD. Nevertheless, if RV free wall strain (RV-FWS), assessed by 2D speckle tracking analysis, may provide a better prognostication is currently unknown.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the association between RV-FWS and the occurrence of cardiovascular events in a cohort of 56 patients with FD. The study endpoint comprises cardiovascular mortality, severe heart failure symptoms, new-onset atrial fibrillation and major arrhythmias requiring device implantation.ResultsReduced RV-FWS, defined by values lower than 23%, was found in 25 (45%) patients. During a median follow-up of 47 months, 16 (29%) patients met the study endpoint. A ROC-curve analysis confirmed the threshold of reduced RV-FWS (<23%) as the best cut-off for predicting cardiovascular events, but with a lower power compared to left-sided parameters. On univariable Cox regression analysis, RV-FWS, expressed as continuous variable, was significantly associated with the study endpoint (HR: 0.795, 95% CI: 0.710–0.889, p < 0.001). However, RV-FWS did not retain a significant association with outcomes, after adjustment for LV global longitudinal strain or indexed left atrial volume (p = 0.340 and p = 0.289 respectively).ConclusionsRV-FWS was not independently associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular events in FD, confirming previous observations that prognosis is mainly driven by the severity of LV cardiomyopathy. Show less
BackgroundAutologous bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy and withdrawal of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) has been shown to improve systemic blood pressure control and left ve...Show moreBackgroundAutologous bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy and withdrawal of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) has been shown to improve systemic blood pressure control and left ventricular hypertrophy regression in kidney transplant recipients. In the current subanalysis, we aimed to evaluate the impact of this novel immunosuppressive regimen on the longitudinal changes of left atrial (LA) structure and function after kidney transplantation.MethodsKidney transplant recipients randomized to MSC therapy—infused at weeks 6 and 7 after transplantation, with complete discontinuation at week 8 of tacrolimus (MSC group)—or standard tacrolimus dose (control group) were evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography at weeks 4 and 24 after kidney transplantation. The changes in echocardiographic parameters were compared between the randomization arms using an analysis of covariance model adjusted for baseline variable.ResultsFifty-four participants (MSC therapy = 27; tacrolimus therapy = 27) were included. There was no significant interaction between the allocated treatment and the changes of indexed maximal LA volume (LAVImax) over the study period. Conversely, between 4 and 24 weeks post-transplantation, an increase in indexed minimal LA volume (LAVImin) was observed in control subjects, while it remained unchanged in the MSC group, leading to a significant difference between groups (P = .021). Additionally, patients treated with MSC therapy showed a benefit in LA function, assessed by a significant interaction between changes in LA emptying fraction and LA reservoir strain and the randomization arm (P = .012 and P = .027, respectively).ConclusionsThe combination of MSC therapy and CNIs withdrawal prevents progressive LA dilation and dysfunction in the first 6 months after kidney transplantation. LAVImin and LA reservoir strain may be more sensitive markers of LA reverse remodeling, compared with LAVImax. Show less
BackgroundAdverse left atrial (LA) remodeling after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been associated with poor prognosis. Flow impairment in the dominant coronary atrial... Show moreBackgroundAdverse left atrial (LA) remodeling after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been associated with poor prognosis. Flow impairment in the dominant coronary atrial branch (CAB) may affect large areas of LA myocardium, potentially leading to adverse LA remodeling during follow-up. The aim of this study was to assess echocardiographic LA remodeling in patients with STEMI with impaired coronary flow in the dominant CAB.MethodsOf 897 patients with STEMI, 69 patients (mean age, 62 ± 11 years; 83% men) with impaired coronary flow in the dominant CAB (defined as Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade < 3) were retrospectively compared with an age- and sex-matched control group of 138 patients with normal dominant CAB coronary flow.ResultsPatients with dominant CAB-impaired flow had higher peak troponin T (3.9 μg/L [interquartile range, 2.2-8.2 μg/L] vs 3.2 μg/L [interquartile range, 1.5-5.6 μg/L], P = .009). No differences in left ventricular ejection fraction or mitral regurgitation were observed between groups at baseline or at follow-up. LA remodeling assessment included maximum LA volume, speckle-tracking echocardiography–derived LA strain, and total atrial conduction time assessed on Doppler tissue imaging at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Patients with dominant CAB-impaired flow presented larger LA maximal volumes (26.9 ± 10.9 vs 18.1 ± 7.1 mL/m2, P < .001) and longer total atrial conduction time (150 ± 23 vs 124 ± 22 msec, P < .001) at 6 months, remaining unchanged at 12 months. However, all LA strain parameters were significantly lower from baseline (reservoir, 20.3 ± 10.1% vs 27.1 ± 14.5% [P < .001]; conduit, 9.1 ± 5.6% vs 12.8 ± 8% [P < .001]; booster, 9.1 ± 5.6% vs 12.8 ± 8% [P < .001]), these differences being sustained at 6- and 12-month follow-up.ConclusionsAtrial ischemia resulting from impaired coronary flow in the dominant CAB in patients with STEMI is associated with LA adverse anatomic and functional remodeling. Reduced LA strain preceded LA anatomic remodeling in early phases after STEMI. Show less
Aims Indications for surgery in patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) are increasingly liberal in all clinical guidelines but the role of secondary outcome determinants (left atrial... Show moreAims Indications for surgery in patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) are increasingly liberal in all clinical guidelines but the role of secondary outcome determinants (left atrial volume index >= 60 mL/m(2), atrial fibrillation, pulmonary artery systolic pressure >= 50 mmHg and moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation) and their impact on post-operative outcome remain disputed. Whether these secondary outcome markers are just reflective of the DMR severity or intrinsically affect survival after DMR surgery is uncertain and may have critical importance in the management of patients with DMR. To address these gaps of knowledge the present study gathered a large cohort of patients with quantified DMR, accounted for the number of secondary outcome markers and examined their independent impact on survival after surgical correction of the DMR. Methods and results The Mitral Regurgitation International DAtabase-Quantitative registry includes patients with isolated DMR from centres across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Patient enrolment extended from January 2003 to January 2020. All patients undergoing mitral valve surgery within 1 year of registry enrolment were selected. A total of 2276 patients [65 (55-73) years, 32% male] across five centres met study eligibility criteria. Over a median follow-up of 5.6 (3.6 to 8.7) years, 278 patients (12.2%) died. In a comprehensive multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for age, EuroSCORE II, symptoms, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LV ESD) and DMR severity, the number of secondary outcome determinants was independently associated with post-operative all-cause mortality, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.56 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-2.20, P = 0.011], 1.78 (95% CI: 1.23-2.58, P = 0.002) and 2.58 (95% CI: 1.73-3.83, P < 0.0001) for patients with one, two, and three or four secondary outcome determinants, respectively. A model incorporating the number of secondary outcome determinants demonstrated a higher C-index and was significantly more concordant with post-operative mortality than models incorporating traditional Class I indications alone [the presence of symptoms (P = 0.0003), or LVEF <= 60% (P = 0.006), or LV ESD >= 40 mm (P = 0.014)], while there was no significant difference in concordance observed compared with a model that incorporated the number of Class I indications for surgery combined (P = 0.71). Conclusion In this large cohort of patients treated surgically for DMR, the presence and number of secondary outcome determinants was independently associated with post-surgical survival and demonstrated better outcome discrimination than traditional Class I indications for surgery. Randomised controlled trials are needed to determine if patients with severe DMR who demonstrate a cardiac phenotype with an increasing number of secondary outcome determinants would benefit from earlier surgery. Show less
Galloo, X.; Meucci, M.C.; Stassen, J.; Dietz, M.F.; Prihadi, E.A.; Bijl, P. van der; ... ; Delgado, V. 2023
Background: Changes in right ventricular (RV) dimensions and function after tricuspid valve (TV) surgery and their association with long-term outcomes remain largely unexplored. The current study... Show moreBackground: Changes in right ventricular (RV) dimensions and function after tricuspid valve (TV) surgery and their association with long-term outcomes remain largely unexplored. The current study evaluated RV reverse remodeling, based on changes in RV dimensions and function, after TV surgery for significant (moderate or severe) tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and their association with outcome. Methods: A total of 121 patients (mean age 63 +/- 12 years, 47% males) with significant TR treated with TV surgery were included in this analysis. The population was stratified by tertiles of percentage reduction of RV end-systolic area (RVESA) and absolute change of RV fractional area change (RVFAC). Five-year mortality rates were compared across the tertiles of RV remodeling and independent associates of mortality were investigated. Results: Tertile 3 consisted of patients presenting with a reduction in RVESA >= 17.2% and an improvement in RVFAC >= 2.3% after TV surgery. Cumulative survival rates were significantly better in patients within tertile 3 of RVESA reduction: 90% vs. 49% for tertile 1 and 69% for tertile 2 (log-rank p = 0.002) and within tertile 3 of RVFAC improvement: 87% vs. 57% for tertile 1 and 65% for tertile 2 (log-rank p = 0.02). Tertiles 3 of RVESA reduction and RVFAC improvement were both independently associated with better survival after TV surgery compared to tertiles 1 (hazard ratio: 0.221 [95% CI: 0.074-0.658] and 0.327 [95% CI: 0.118-0.907], respectively). Conclusions: The extent of RV reverse remodeling, based on reduction in RVESA and improvement in RVFAC, was associated with better survival at 5-year follow-up of TV surgery for significant TR. Show less
Hemodynamic force (HDF) analysis represents a novel approach to quantify intraventricular pressure gradients, responsible for blood flow. A new mathematical model allows the derivation of HDF... Show moreHemodynamic force (HDF) analysis represents a novel approach to quantify intraventricular pressure gradients, responsible for blood flow. A new mathematical model allows the derivation of HDF parameters from routine transthoracic echocardiography, making this tool more accessible for clinical use. HDF analysis is considered the fluid dynamics correlate of deformation imaging and may be even more sensitive to detect mechanical abnormalities. This has the potential to add incremental clinical value, allowing earlier detection of pathology or immediate evaluation of response to treatment. In this article, the theoretical background and physiological patterns of HDF in the left ventricle are provided. In pathological situations, the HDF pattern might alter, which is illustrated with a case of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with typical left bundle branch block. Show less
Khidir, S.J.H.; Boonstra, M.; Bergstra, S.A.; Boerrigter, G.W.M.; Voog-van der Harst, E.M.; Ninaber, M.K.; ... ; Vries-Bouwstra, J.K. de 2022
Objective: Decreased maximal mouth opening is a common and disabling manifestation in systemic sclerosis patients. We aimed to study the course of maximal mouth opening, determinants of smaller... Show moreObjective: Decreased maximal mouth opening is a common and disabling manifestation in systemic sclerosis patients. We aimed to study the course of maximal mouth opening, determinants of smaller maximal mouth opening over time and the burden of smaller maximal mouth opening on mouth handicap. Methods: Consecutive systemic sclerosis patients participating in the prospective Leiden Combined Care in systemic sclerosis cohort were included. Annual clinical assessment included maximal mouth opening measurement and mouth handicap evaluation (Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis scale). Presence of microstomia (maximal mouth opening < 30 mm) was studied. Maximal mouth opening over time was assessed on group level and for all patients individually. Baseline characteristics were analysed for their association with smaller maximal mouth opening over time (linear mixed-effects models). Furthermore, cross-sectional association between maximal mouth opening with Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis scale was assessed (linear regression analysis). Results: A total of 382 systemic sclerosis patients were studied with median follow-up time of 2.0 years (interquartile range = 0.0-3.0). At baseline, mean maximal mouth opening was 42.2 +/- 8.0 mm and 7% suffered from microstomia. Annual decrease of > 5.0 mm in maximal mouth opening during follow-up occurred in 63 patients and was accompanied by increase in disease severity. Disease characteristics at baseline independently predictive for smaller maximal mouth opening over time were: more extended skin subtype; peripheral vasculopathy; pulmonary, renal and gastrointestinal involvement. Smaller maximal mouth opening was significantly associated with more reported mouth handicap. Conclusion: The course of maximal mouth opening is stable in a majority of systemic sclerosis patients. Still, maximal mouth opening over time was smaller in patients with more severe organ involvement. Although microstomia was infrequent, a smaller maximal mouth opening was significantly associated with more mouth handicap, indicating the importance to address maximal mouth opening in routine care of systemic sclerosis patients. Show less
Khidir, S.J.H.; Boonstra, M.; Bergstra, S.A.; Boerrigter, G.W.M.; Voog-van der Harst, E.M.; Ninaber, M.K.; ... ; Vries-Bouwstra, J.K. de 2022
Objective:Decreased maximal mouth opening is a common and disabling manifestation in systemic sclerosis patients. We aimed to study the course of maximal mouth opening, determinants of smaller... Show moreObjective:Decreased maximal mouth opening is a common and disabling manifestation in systemic sclerosis patients. We aimed to study the course of maximal mouth opening, determinants of smaller maximal mouth opening over time and the burden of smaller maximal mouth opening on mouth handicap.Methods:Consecutive systemic sclerosis patients participating in the prospective Leiden Combined Care in systemic sclerosis cohort were included. Annual clinical assessment included maximal mouth opening measurement and mouth handicap evaluation (Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis scale). Presence of microstomia (maximal mouth opening < 30 mm) was studied. Maximal mouth opening over time was assessed on group level and for all patients individually. Baseline characteristics were analysed for their association with smaller maximal mouth opening over time (linear mixed-effects models). Furthermore, cross-sectional association between maximal mouth opening with Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis scale was assessed (linear regression analysis).Results:A total of 382 systemic sclerosis patients were studied with median follow-up time of 2.0 years (interquartile range = 0.0–3.0). At baseline, mean maximal mouth opening was 42.2 ± 8.0 mm and 7% suffered from microstomia. Annual decrease of > 5.0 mm in maximal mouth opening during follow-up occurred in 63 patients and was accompanied by increase in disease severity. Disease characteristics at baseline independently predictive for smaller maximal mouth opening over time were: more extended skin subtype; peripheral vasculopathy; pulmonary, renal and gastrointestinal involvement. Smaller maximal mouth opening was significantly associated with more reported mouth handicap.Conclusion:The course of maximal mouth opening is stable in a majority of systemic sclerosis patients. Still, maximal mouth opening over time was smaller in patients with more severe organ involvement. Although microstomia was infrequent, a smaller maximal mouth opening was significantly associated with more mouth handicap, indicating the importance to address maximal mouth opening in routine care of systemic sclerosis patients. Show less
Objective: Posterior mitral valve leaflet prolapse repair can be performed by leaflet resection or chordal replacement techniques. The impact of these techniques on left ventricular function... Show moreObjective: Posterior mitral valve leaflet prolapse repair can be performed by leaflet resection or chordal replacement techniques. The impact of these techniques on left ventricular function remains a topic of debate, considering the presumed better preservation of mitral-ventricular continuity when leaflet resection is avoided. We explored the effect of different posterior mitral valve leaflet repair techniques on postoperative left ventricular function. Methods: In total, 125 patients were included and divided into 2 groups: leaflet resection (n=82) and isolated chordal replacement (n=43). Standard and advanced echocardiographic assessments were performed preoperatively, directly postoperatively, and at late follow-up. In addition, left ventricular global longitudinal strain was measured and corrected for left ventricular end-diastolic volume to adjust for the significant changes in left ventricular volumes. Results: At baseline, no significant intergroup difference in left ventricular function was observed measured with the corrected left ventricular global longitudinal strain (resect: 1.76% +/- 0.58%/10 mL vs respect: 1.70% +/- 0.57%/10 mL, P=.560). Postoperatively, corrected left ventricular global longitudinal strain worsened in both groups but improved significantly during late follow-up, returning to preoperative values (resect: 1.39% +/- 0.49% to 1.71% +/- 0.56%/10 mL, P<.001 and respect: 1.30% +/- 0.45% to 1.70% +/- 0.54%/10 mL, P<.001). Mixed model analysis showed no significant effect on the corrected left ventricular global longitudinal strain when comparing the 2 different surgical repair techniques over time (P=.943). Conclusions: Our study showed that both leaflet resection and chordal replacement repair techniques are effective at preserving postoperative left ventricular function in patients with posterior mitral valve leaflet prolapse and significant regurgitation. Show less
