AimsWe sought to evaluate the mechanism of angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan therapy and compare it with a valsartan-only control group in patients with heart... Show moreAimsWe sought to evaluate the mechanism of angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan therapy and compare it with a valsartan-only control group in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).Methods and resultsThe study was a phase IV, prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study in patients with New York Heart Association class II–III heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%. During a 6-week run-in period, all patients received valsartan therapy, which was up-titrated to the highest tolerated dose level (80 mg bid or 160 mg bid) and then randomized to either valsartan or sacubitril/valsartan. Myocardial oxygen consumption, energetic efficiency of cardiac work, cardiac and systemic haemodynamics were quantified using echocardiography and 11C-acetate positron emission tomography before and after 6 weeks of therapy (on stable dose) in 55 patients (ARNI group: n = 27, mean age 63 ± 10 years, LVEF 29.2 ± 10.4%; and valsartan-only control group: n = 28, mean age 64 ± 8 years, LVEF 29.0 ± 7.3%; all p = NS). The energetic efficiency of cardiac work remained unchanged in both treatment arms. However, both diastolic (−4.5 mmHg; p = 0.026) and systolic blood pressure (−9.8 mmHg; p = 0.0007), myocardial perfusion (−0.054 ml/g/min; p = 0.045), and left ventricular mechanical work (−296; p = 0.038) decreased significantly in the ARNI group compared to the control group. Although myocardial oxygen consumption decreased in the ARNI group (−5.4%) compared with the run-in period and remained unchanged in the control group (+0.5%), the between-treatment group difference was not significant (p = 0.088).ConclusionsWe found no differences in the energetic efficiency of cardiac work between ARNI and valsartan-only groups in HFrEF patients. However, ARNI appears to have haemodynamic and cardiac mechanical effects over valsartan in heart failure patients. 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
Delgado, V.; Marsan, N.; Waha, S. de; Bonaros, N.; Brida, M.; Burri, H.; ... ; ESC Sci Document Grp 2023
Adult patients with congenital heart disease and a systemic right ventricle are prone to develop late complications such as rhythm and conduction disorders and heart failure. This thesis aims to... Show moreAdult patients with congenital heart disease and a systemic right ventricle are prone to develop late complications such as rhythm and conduction disorders and heart failure. This thesis aims to clarify the pathophysiology of this condition and to explore diagnostic and treatment options. Chapter 2 describes asymmetry and heterogeneity in cardiac autonomic innervation. Chapters 3 and 4 describe ambulatory ECG-derived measures of cardiac autonomic function in patients with a systemic right ventricle, and show that these measures are related to outcomes such as supraventricular arrhythmias. In chapter 5, echocardiographic measures of systemic right ventricular function are compared with cardiac MRI. Chapter 6 describes the clinical course of patients long after atrial switch correction. Chapter 7 describes the first results of treatment of systemic right ventricular failure with sacubitril/valsartan: a.o. a small but significant improvement in systemic right ventricular function was seen. Chapter 8 describes the experience of the application of eHealth smart technology in the titration of sacubitril/valsartan in the same cohort. Chapter 9 reports the first two cases of implantation of a ventricular assist device in patients with systemic right ventricular failure. This thesis may form the base for ongoing research to improve outcome in this vulnerable group. Show less
Jervan, O.; Dhayyat, A.; Gleditsch, J.; Haukeland-Parker, S.; Tavoly, M.; Klok, F.A.; ... ; Steine, K. 2023
Background: Residual perfusion defects (RPD) after pulmonary embolism (PE) are common. Primary aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of RPD in a cohort diagnosed with PE 6–72 months... Show moreBackground: Residual perfusion defects (RPD) after pulmonary embolism (PE) are common. Primary aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of RPD in a cohort diagnosed with PE 6–72 months earlier, and to determine demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic variables associated with RPD. Methods: Patients aged 18–75 years with prior PE, confirmed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography 6–72 months earlier, were included. Participants (N = 286) completed a diagnostic work-up consisting of transthoracic echocardiography and ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy. Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic characteristics between participants with RPD and those without RPD were explored in univariate analyses using t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between selected variables and RPD. Results: RPD were detected in 72/286 patients (25.2 %, 95 % CI:20.5 %–30.5 %). Greater tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.10, 95 % CI:1.00–1.21, p = 0.048) at echocardiographic follow-up, greater thrombotic burden at diagnosis, as assessed by mean bilateral proximal extension of the clot (MBPEC) score 3–4 (aOR 2.08, 95 % CI:1.06–4.06, p = 0.032), and unprovoked PE (aOR 2.25, 95 % CI:1.13–4.48, p = 0.021) were independently associated with increased risk of RPD, whereas increased pulmonary artery acceleration time was associated with a lower risk of RPD (aOR 0.72, 95 % CI:0.62–0.83, p < 0.001, per 10 ms). Dyspnoea was not associated with RPD. Conclusion: RPD were common after PE. Reduced pulmonary artery acceleration time and greater TAPSE on echocardiography at follow-up, greater thrombotic burden at diagnosis, and unprovoked PE were associated with RPD. Show less
This thesis describes the additional value of advanced echocardiographic techniques in patients with primary cardiac disease, resulting in mitral regurgitation, and secondary cardiac disease caused... Show moreThis thesis describes the additional value of advanced echocardiographic techniques in patients with primary cardiac disease, resulting in mitral regurgitation, and secondary cardiac disease caused by a systemic disease. In this thesis we focussed on patients with mitral regurgitation, specifically primary MR and functional MR (FMR), and patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The general introduction provides a background of MR and cardiac involvement in SSc and how conventional 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography is currently used. The potential role of 2D speckle tracking echocardiography and 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography together with customized software to create 4-dimensional (4D) mitral valve models is introduced. This thesis aims to provide new insights in diagnosis, disease progression and risk stratification in patients with MR and patients with SSc with the implementation of advanced echocardiographic techniques. Show less
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.... 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
Heemelaar, J.C.; Heemelaar, S.; Hertel, S.N.; Jukema, J.W.; Sueters, M.; Louwerens, M.; Antoni, M.L. 2023
Background: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at increased risk of cardiomyopathy during pregnancy if they have prior cardiotoxic exposure. Currently, there is no consensus on the necessity,... Show moreBackground: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at increased risk of cardiomyopathy during pregnancy if they have prior cardiotoxic exposure. Currently, there is no consensus on the necessity, timing and modality of cardiac monitoring during and after pregnancy. Therefore, we examined cardiac function using contemporary echocardiographic parameters during pregnancy in CCS with cardiotoxic treatment exposure, and we observed obstetric outcomes in CCS, including in women without previous cardiotoxic treatment exposure. Method: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted among 39 women enrolled in our institution's cancer survivorship outpatient clinic. Information on potential cardiotoxic exposure in childhood, cancer diagnosis and outcomes of all pregnancies were collected through interviews and review of health records. Echocardiographic exams before and during pregnancy were retrospectively analyzed for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) if available. The primary outcomes were (i) left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) during pregnancy, defined as LVEF < 50% or a decline of >= 10% in LVEF below normal (< 54%), and (ii) symptomatic heart failure (HF). Rate of obstetric and fetal complications was compared to the general population through the national perinatal registry (PERINED). Results: All pregnancies (91) of 39 women were included in this study. The most common malignancy was leukemia (N = 17, 43.6%). In 22 patients, echocardiograms were retrospectively analyzed. LVEFbaseline was 55.4 +/- 1.2% and pre-existing subnormal LVEF was common (7/22, 31.8/%). The minimum value of LVEF during pregnancy was 3.8% lower than baseline (p = 0.002). LVD occurred in 9/22 (40.9%) patients and HF was not observed. When GLS was normal at baseline (< -18.0%; N = 12), none of the women developed LVD. Nine of out ten women with abnormal GLS at baseline developed LVD later in pregnancy. In our cohort, the obstetric outcomes seemed comparable with the general population unless patients underwent abdominal irradiation (N = 5), where high rates of preterm birth (only 5/18 born at term) and miscarriage (6/18 pregnancies) were observed. Conclusion: Our study suggests that women with prior cardiotoxic treatment have a low risk of LVD during pregnancy if GLS at baseline was normal. Pregnancy outcomes are similar to the healthy population except when patients underwent abdominal irradiation. Show less
BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) function plays a critical role in the pathophysiology and acute prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). We analyzed the temporal changes of RV function in the cohort... Show moreBackgroundRight ventricular (RV) function plays a critical role in the pathophysiology and acute prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). We analyzed the temporal changes of RV function in the cohort of a prospective multicentre study investigating if an early switch to oral anticoagulation in patients with intermediate-risk PE is effective and safe. MethodsEchocardiographic and laboratory examinations were performed at baseline (PE diagnosis), 6 days and 6 months. Echocardiographic parameters were classified into categories representing RV size, RV free wall/tricuspid annulus motion, RV pressure overload and right atrial (RA)/central venous pressure. ResultsRV dysfunction based on any abnormal echocardiographic parameter was present in 84% of patients at baseline. RV dilatation was the most frequently abnormal finding (40.6%), followed by increased RA/central venous pressure (34.6%), RV pressure overload (32.1%), and reduced RV free wall/tricuspid annulus motion (20.9%). As early as day 6, RV size remained normal or improved in 260 patients (64.7%), RV free wall/tricuspid annulus motion in 301 (74.9%), RV pressure overload in 297 (73.9%), and RA/central venous pressure in 254 (63.2%). At day 180, the frequencies slightly increased. The median NT-proBNP level decreased from 1448 pg/ml at baseline to 256.5 on day 6 and 127 on day 180. ConclusionIn the majority of patients with acute intermediate-risk PE switched early to a direct oral anticoagulant, echocardiographic parameters of RV function normalised within 6 days and remained normal throughout the first 6 months. Almost one in four patients, however, continued to have evidence of RV dysfunction over the long term. Show less
BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) function plays a critical role in the pathophysiology and acute prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). We analyzed the temporal changes of RV function in the cohort... Show moreBackgroundRight ventricular (RV) function plays a critical role in the pathophysiology and acute prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). We analyzed the temporal changes of RV function in the cohort of a prospective multicentre study investigating if an early switch to oral anticoagulation in patients with intermediate-risk PE is effective and safe. MethodsEchocardiographic and laboratory examinations were performed at baseline (PE diagnosis), 6 days and 6 months. Echocardiographic parameters were classified into categories representing RV size, RV free wall/tricuspid annulus motion, RV pressure overload and right atrial (RA)/central venous pressure. ResultsRV dysfunction based on any abnormal echocardiographic parameter was present in 84% of patients at baseline. RV dilatation was the most frequently abnormal finding (40.6%), followed by increased RA/central venous pressure (34.6%), RV pressure overload (32.1%), and reduced RV free wall/tricuspid annulus motion (20.9%). As early as day 6, RV size remained normal or improved in 260 patients (64.7%), RV free wall/tricuspid annulus motion in 301 (74.9%), RV pressure overload in 297 (73.9%), and RA/central venous pressure in 254 (63.2%). At day 180, the frequencies slightly increased. The median NT-proBNP level decreased from 1448 pg/ml at baseline to 256.5 on day 6 and 127 on day 180. ConclusionIn the majority of patients with acute intermediate-risk PE switched early to a direct oral anticoagulant, echocardiographic parameters of RV function normalised within 6 days and remained normal throughout the first 6 months. Almost one in four patients, however, continued to have evidence of RV dysfunction over the long term. Show less
Eynde, J. van den; Rammeloo, L.A.J.; Jongbloed, M.R.M.; Hazekamp, M.G.; Palen, R.L.F. van der 2022
Background: Coronary anomalies are present in one-third of all patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and have been associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes after the... Show moreBackground: Coronary anomalies are present in one-third of all patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and have been associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes after the arterial switch operation. Therefore, knowledge about coronary anatomy remains key. Case summary: A 5-day-old girl with prenatal diagnosis of Taussig-Bing anomaly (double outlet right ventricle with TGA and large subpulmonary ventricular septal defect) along with aortic arch hypoplasia and coarctation of the aorta underwent the arterial switch operation with closure of the ventricular septal defect and aortic arch repair. On preoperative echocardiography, the right (R) and left coronary artery (LCx) connected both to aortic sinus 1, suggesting 1RLCx coronary anatomy according to the Leiden Convention coronary coding system. However, intraoperative inspection led to a reclassification of the coronary anatomy: the right coronary artery and left anterior descending coronary artery connected to aortic sinus 1 (1RL) as had been observed on echocardiography, but-remarkably-the circumflex coronary artery (Cx) connected to the posterior sinus of the pulmonary trunk. As a consequence, cardioplegia was administered into both the aortic and pulmonary roots, and the circumflex coronary artery could stay in its native position without having to be transferred during the arterial switch operation. Discussion: Various disruptions during embryological development can lead to unusual coronary anatomy in TGA patients. While anomalous connection of a coronary artery to the pulmonary trunk remains exceedingly rare, care should be taken to identify this pattern when present as failure to do so may result in adverse outcomes. Show less
Background: Anthracyclines and radiotherapy involving the heart region are cardiotoxic, but the potential car-diotoxicity of vincristine remains unknown. We assessed cardiac function in vincristine... Show moreBackground: Anthracyclines and radiotherapy involving the heart region are cardiotoxic, but the potential car-diotoxicity of vincristine remains unknown. We assessed cardiac function in vincristine-treated >5-year child-hood cancer survivors (CCS). Methods and results: We cross-sectionally compared echocardiograms of 101 vincristine-treated CCS (median age 35 years [range: 17-53], median vincristine dose 63 mg/m2) from the national Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, LATER cohort, to 101 age-and sex-matched controls. CCS treated with anthracyclines, radiotherapy involving the heart region, cyclophosphamide or ifosfamide were excluded. Twelve CCS (14%) versus four controls (4%; p 0.034) had a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; men <52%, women <54%). Mean LVEF was 58.4% versus 59.7% (p 0.050). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was abnormal in nineteen (24%) CCS versus eight controls (9%; p 0.011). Mean GLS was 19.0% versus 20.1% (p 0.001). No >= grade 2 diastolic dysfunction was detected. In multivariable logistic regression analysis CCS had higher risk of abnormal GLS (OR 3.55, p 0.012), but not abnormal LVEF (OR 3.07, p 0.065), than controls. Blood pressure and smoking history contributed to variation in LVEF, whereas obesity and diastolic blood pressure contributed to variation in GLS. Cumulative vincristine dose was not associated with either abnormal LVEF or abnormal GLS in multivariable models corrected for age and sex (OR per 50 mg/m2: 0.88, p 0.85 and 1.14, p 0.82, respectively). Conclusions: Vincristine-treated long-term CCS showed an abnormal GLS more frequently than controls. Their risk for future clinical cardiac events and the role of risk factor modification should be further elucidated. Show less
With the rising global health burden of aortic valve diseas and growing awareness of the consequences of severe AS, more patients are expected to be referred for aortic valve replacement.... Show moreWith the rising global health burden of aortic valve diseas and growing awareness of the consequences of severe AS, more patients are expected to be referred for aortic valve replacement. Multimodality imaging remains of paramount importance for proper patient selection, determining optimal timing of intervention and in the evaluation of therapy. For risk stratification and defining optimal timing of intervention, conventional and advanced echocardiography and computed tomography are crucial. Conventional echocardiography can be used to assess extra-aortic valvular cardiac damage in patients with severe AS. On top of conventional echocardiography, advanced echocardiography can provide additional insights. Left ventricular GLS by speckle tracking echocardiography has been suggested as a more sensitive marker of LV systolic dysfunction. LV GLS may be of help to define more optimal timing of intervention in asymptomatic patients with severe AS. Also, LV GLS may be of incremental value on top of conventional echocardiographic parameters for the assessment of cardiac injury. For the evaluation of prothesis function and durability after aortic valve implantation and detection of possible (late) complications, echocardiography is the mainstay imaging modality. Also, both conventional and advanced echocardiography can provide additional information on the effects of therapy on LV function and remodelling. Show less
Background: Recent data showed poor long-term survival in patients with moderate AS. Although sex differences in left ventricular (LV) remodeling and outcome are well described in severe AS, it has... Show moreBackground: Recent data showed poor long-term survival in patients with moderate AS. Although sex differences in left ventricular (LV) remodeling and outcome are well described in severe AS, it has not been evaluated in moderate AS. Methods: In this retrospective, multicenter study, patients with a first diagnosis of moderate AS diagnosed between 2001 and 2019 were identified. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were recorded at baseline and compared between men and women. Patients were followed up for the primary endpoint of all-cause mortality with censoring at the time of aortic valve replacement. Results: A total of 1895 patients with moderate AS (age 73 +/- 10 years, 52% male) were included. Women showed more concentric hypertrophy and had more pronounced LV diastolic dysfunction than men. During a median follow-up of 34 (13-60) months, 682 (36%) deaths occurred. Men showed significantly higher mortality rates at 3 -and 5-year follow-up (30% and 48%, respectively) than women (26% and 39%, respectively) (p = 0.011). On multivariable analysis, male sex remained independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio 1.209; 95% CI: 1.024-1.428; p = 0.025). LV remodeling (according to LV mass index) was associated with worse outcomes (hazard ratio 1.003; CI: 1.001-1.005; p = 0.006), but no association was observed between the interaction of LV mass index and sex with outcomes. Conclusions: LV remodeling patterns are different between men and women having moderate AS. Male sex is associated with worse outcomes in patients with medically treated moderate AS. Further studies investigating the management of moderate AS in a sex-specific manner are needed. Show less
Meucci, M.C.; Fortuni, F.; Galloo, X.; Bootsma, M.; Crea, F.; Bax, J.J.; ... ; Delgado, V. 2022
Backgrounds: This study aimed to investigate the association between left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with hypertrophic... Show moreBackgrounds: This study aimed to investigate the association between left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Methods: A total of 373 patients with HCM and no history of AF were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiog-raphy. LACI was defined by the ratio of left atrial (LA) end-diastolic volume divided by left ventricular (LV) end -diastolic volume. The cut-off value for LACI (& GE;40%) to identify LA-LV uncoupling was chosen based on the risk excess of new-onset AF described with a spline curve analysis. Results: The median LACI was 37.5% (IQR: 24.4-56.7) and LA-LV uncoupling (LACI >= 40%) was observed in 171 (45.8%) patients. During a median follow-up of 11 (IQR 7-15) years, 118 (31.6%) subjects developed new-onset AF. The cumulative event-free survival at 10 years was 53% for patients with LA-LV uncoupling versus 94% for patients without LA-LV uncoupling (p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analyses performed separately for each LA parameter showed an independent association between new-onset AF and LACI (hazard ratio [HR], 1.021; 95% CI, 1.017-1.026), LA maximum volume indexed (HR, 1.028; 95% CI, 1.017-1.039), LA minimum volume indexed (HR, 1.047; 95% CI, 1.037-1.060) and LA emptying fraction (HR, 0.967; 95% CI, 0.959-0.977, all p < 0.001). The inclusion of LACI in the multivariate model provided a larger improvement in the risk stratification for new-onset AF, as compared to conventional LA parameters. Conclusion: In patients with HCM, LACI was more predictive of the occurrence of new-onset AF than conventional LA parameters. Show less
Tricuspid regurgitation is a disorder in which the tricuspid valve does not close properly, causing backward flow of blood. It is a heterogeneous disease which can be classified based on the... Show moreTricuspid regurgitation is a disorder in which the tricuspid valve does not close properly, causing backward flow of blood. It is a heterogeneous disease which can be classified based on the underlying mechanism. The large majority of tricuspid regurgitation is secondary to conditions that cause tricuspid annulus dilation or leaflet tethering due to right ventricular or right atrial dilation. Part I focusses on the relationship between secondary tricuspid regurgitation and the right ventricle. Right ventricular dysfunction was demonstrated to be an important prognostic parameter in patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation. A new staging system, incorporating right ventricular dysfunction and symptoms of right heart failure, may be valuable for risk stratification in patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation. Patients who received tricuspid valve annuloplasty during left-sided valve surgery developed less right ventricular dilation and had less severe tricuspid regurgitation at long-term follow-up.Part II focusses on tricuspid regurgitation in specific patient populations: men and women, patients with atrial fibrillation and patients with obesity. An etiology-specific approach to detection and management of significant tricuspid regurgitation may be the most effective way to improve prognosis in all patients. Treatment of patients with tricuspid regurgitation remains challenging, but is developing rapidly with ongoing research. Show less
Objective To investigate the prognostic impact of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction in patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS) and preserved LV systolic function. Methods Patients... Show moreObjective To investigate the prognostic impact of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction in patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS) and preserved LV systolic function. Methods Patients with a first diagnosis of moderate AS (aortic valve area >1.0 and <= 1.5 cm(2)) and preserved LV systolic function (LV ejection fraction >= 50%) were identified. LV diastolic function was evaluated using echocardiographic criteria according to the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines. Clinical outcomes were defined as all-cause mortality and a composite of all-cause mortality and aortic valve replacement (AVR). Results Of 1247 patients (age 74 +/- 10 years, 47% men), 535 (43%) had LV diastolic dysfunction at baseline. Patients with LV diastolic dysfunction showed significantly higher mortality rates at 1-year, 3-year and 5-year follow-up (13%, 30% and 41%, respectively) when compared with patients with normal LV diastolic function (6%, 17% and 29%, respectively) (p<0.001). On multivariable analysis, LV diastolic dysfunction was independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.368; 95% CI 1.085 to 1.725; p=0.008) and the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and AVR (HR 1.241; 95% CI 1.035 to 1.488; p=0.020). Conclusions LV diastolic dysfunction is independently associated with all-cause mortality and the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and AVR in patients with moderate AS and preserved LV systolic function. Assessment of LV diastolic function therefore contributes significantly to the risk stratification of patients with moderate AS. Future clinical trials are needed to investigate whether patients with moderate AS and LV diastolic dysfunction may benefit from earlier valve intervention. Show less
Severe secondary MR is known to be associated with a worse prognosis, whilst the effect of reducing MR on prognosis has still been unclear. The question remains what influences the prognosis of... Show moreSevere secondary MR is known to be associated with a worse prognosis, whilst the effect of reducing MR on prognosis has still been unclear. The question remains what influences the prognosis of these patients: is it the LV or the valve (i.e. the MR)? Characterization and risk-stratification of patients with secondary MR therefore remains challenging. Until recently the decision to intervene for secondary MR was based also on the LVEF. However, LVEF is subject to many limitations. Advanced echocardiography, such as speckle tracking echocardiography, from which LVGLS could be derived has shown to be of much more diagnostic and prognostic value in various valvular heart disease and is currently being implemented more in valvular heart disease guidelines. This supports the fact that LVGLS can detect LV dysfunction in an earlier stage and therefore guide physicians to refer patients for intervention before it is too late. Also the mitral valve geometry has an important role in the technical feasibility of intervention, but also could elaborate on which specific transcatheter intervention is more appropriate according to their targets (i.e. leaflets, annulus or sub apparatus). Additionally, multimodality imaging remains key in characterization and quantification of secondary MR and may help further risk-stratification. Show less
Women with severe aortic stenosis (AS) have better long-term prognosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) compared to men. Whether this is caused by sex-related differences in... Show moreWomen with severe aortic stenosis (AS) have better long-term prognosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) compared to men. Whether this is caused by sex-related differences in left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling after TAVI is unknown. Patients with severe AS who underwent transfemoral TAVI between 2007 and 2018 were selected. LV dimensions, volumes, and ejection fraction (LVEF) were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography before TAVI and at 6 and 12 months follow-up after TAVI. LV reverse remodeling was defined as the percentual LV mass index (LVMi) reduction compared to baseline. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. A total of 459 patients (80 +/- 8 years; 52% male) were included. At 6 and 12 months follow-up, both sexes showed significant reductions in LV volumes and LVMi accompanied by improvement in LVEF, without significant differences between the sexes over time. During a median follow-up of 2.8 [IQR 1.9-4.3] years, 181 (39%) patients died. Women showed better outcomes compared to men (log-rank p = 0.024). In addition, male sex was independently associated with all-cause mortality in multivariable Cox regression (HR 1.423, 95% CI 1.039-1.951, p = 0.028). No association was observed between the interaction of percentual LVMi reduction and sex with outcomes (p = 0.64). Men and women with severe AS had similar improvement in LVEF, and similar reductions in LV volumes and LVMi at 6 and 12 months after TAVI. Women showed better survival after TAVI as compared to men. The superior outcomes noted in women after TAVI are not associated with sex differences in LV reverse remodeling.[GRAPHICS]. Show less
In hospitalized COVID-19 patients, myocardial injury and echocardiographic abnormalities have been described. The present study investigates cardiac function in COVID-19 patients 6 weeks post... Show moreIn hospitalized COVID-19 patients, myocardial injury and echocardiographic abnormalities have been described. The present study investigates cardiac function in COVID-19 patients 6 weeks post-discharge and evaluates its relation to New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. Furthermore cardiac function post-discharge between the first and second wave COVID-19 patients was compared. We evaluated 146 patients at the outpatient clinic of the Leiden University Medical Centre. NYHA class of II or higher was reported by 53% of patients. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess cardiac function. Overall, in 27% of patients reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was observed and in 29% of patients LV global longitudinal strain was impaired (> - 16%). However no differences were observed in these parameters reflecting LV function between the first and second wave patients. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction as assessed by tricuspid annular systolic planar excursion (< 17 mm) was present in 14% of patients, this was also not different between the first and second wave patients (15% vs. 12%; p = 0.63); similar results were found for RV fraction area change and RV strain. Reduced LV and RV function were not associated with NYHA class. In COVID-19 patients at 6 weeks post-discharge, mild abnormalities in cardiac function were found. However these were not related to NYHA class and there was no difference in cardiac function between the first and second wave patients. Long term symptoms post-COVID might therefore not be explained by mildly abnormal cardiac function. Show less
