Assessment of left ventricular systolic function is necessary during trastuzumab-based chemotherapy because of potential cardiotoxicity. Deformation indices have been proposed as an adjunct to ...clinical risk factors and ejection fraction (EF), but the optimal parameter and optimal cutoffs are undefined. The aim of this study was to determine the best means of early detection of subsequent reduction of EF in patients with breast cancer treated with trastuzumab.
Eighty-one consecutive women (mean age, 50 ± 11 years) receiving trastuzumab were prospectively studied, 37 of whom received concurrent anthracyclines. Conventional echocardiographic indices (mitral annular systolic s' and diastolic e' velocities) and myocardial deformation indices (global longitudinal peak systolic strain GLS, global longitudinal peak systolic strain rate GLSR-S, and global longitudinal early diastolic strain rate GLSR-E) were measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Cardiotoxicity was defined as a >10% decline as a percentage of baseline EF in 12 months.
In the 24 patients (30%) who later developed cardiotoxicity, myocardial deformation indices decreased at 6 months (GLS, P < .001; GLSR-S, P = .009; GLSR-E, P = .002 vs baseline), but e' was unchanged. The strongest predictor of cardiotoxicity was ΔGLS (area under the curve, 0.84); an 11% reduction (95% confidence interval, 8.3%-14.6%) was the optimal cutoff, with sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 94%. In sequential models, the clinical model (χ(2) = 10.2) was improved by GLSR-S (χ(2) = 14.7, P = .03) and even more so by GLSR-E (χ(2) = 18.0, P = .005) or GLS (χ(2) = 21.3, P = .0008). Discrimination improvement by adding GLS was confirmed by an integrated discrimination improvement of 18.6% (95% confidence interval, 8.6%-28.6%; P = .0003). A net 29% of the patients without events were reclassified into lower risk categories, and a net 48% of the patients with events were reclassified into higher risk categories, resulting in a total continuous net reclassification improvement (>0) of 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.33-1.22; P = .036).
GLS is an independent early predictor of later reductions in EF, incremental to usual predictors in patients at risk for trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity.
Abstract Objectives This study sought to show the degree to which experience and training affect the precision and validity of global longitudinal strain (GLS) measurement and to evaluate the ...variability of strain measurement after feedback. Background The application of GLS for the detection of subclinical dysfunction has been recommended in an expert consensus document and is being used with increasing frequency. The role of experience in the precision and validity of GLS measurement is unknown, as is the efficacy of training. Methods Fifty-eight readers, divided into 4 groups on the basis of their experience with GLS, calculated GLS from speckle strain analysis of 9 cases with various degrees of image quality. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), mean difference, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV) were compared against the measurements of a reference group that had experience with >1,000 cases of strain measurement. Individualized feedback was distributed, and repeat measurements were performed by 40 readers. Comparisons with the baseline variation provided information about whether feedback was effective. Results The ICC for GLS was significantly greater than that for ejection fraction regardless of image quality. Experience with strain measurement affected the concordance in strain values among the readers; the group with the highest level of experience showed significantly better ICC than those with no experience, although the ICC of the inexperienced readers was still very good (0.996 vs. 0.975, p = 0.0002). As experience increased, the mean difference, SD, and CV became significantly smaller. The CV of segmental strain analysis showed significant improvement after training, regardless of experience. Conclusions The favorable interobserver agreement of GLS makes it more attractive than ejection fraction for follow-up of left ventricular function by multiple observers. Although experience is important, the precision of GLS was high for all groups. Training appears to be of most value for the assessment of segmental strain.
Background An updated 2016 echocardiographic algorithm for diagnosing left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (DD) was recently proposed. We aimed to assess the reliability of the 2016 ...echocardiographic LVDD grading algorithm in predicting elevated LV filling pressure and clinical outcomes compared to the 2009 version. Methods We retrospectively identified 460 consecutive patients without atrial fibrillation or significant mitral valve disease who underwent transthoracic echocardiography within 24 hours of elective heart catheterization. LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and the time constant of isovolumic pressure decay (Tau) were determined. The association between DD grading by 2009 LVDD Recommendations and 2016 Recommendations with hemodynamic parameters and all-cause mortality were compared. Results The 2009 LVDD Recommendations classified 55 patients (12%) as having normal, 132 (29%) as grade 1, 156 (34%) as grade 2, and 117 (25%) as grade 3 DD. Based on 2016 Recommendations, 177 patients (38%) were normal, 50 (11%) were indeterminate, 124 (27%) patients were grade 1, 75 (16%) were grade 2, 26 (6%) were grade 3 DD, and 8 (2%) were cannot determine. The 2016 Recommendations had superior discriminatory accuracy in predicting LVEDP ( P < .001) but were not superior in predicting Tau. During median follow-up of 416 days (interquartile range: 5 to 2004 days), 54 patients (12%) died. Significant DD by 2016 Recommendations was associated with higher risk of mortality ( P = .039, subdistribution HR1.85 95% CI, 1.03-3.33) in multivariable competing risk regression. Conclusions The grading algorithm proposed by the 2016 LV diastolic dysfunction Recommendations detects elevated LVEDP and poor prognosis better than the 2009 Recommendations.
Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a robust and sensitive marker of left-ventricular systolic function, reflecting longitudinal shortening of the ventricle. A growing body of evidence indicates its ...superiority in identifying subclinical, early alterations in cardiac function compared to traditional markers, such as ejection fraction. Therefore, there is a growing demand to assess GLS in clinical settings, but limited availability on how to obtain GLS accurately and appropriately in the current literature. This review summarizes key aspects of GLS measurement, including image acquisition, post-processing, and training/experience needed to facilitate the clinical implication with standardization.
Progress in cancer therapy has led to improved prognosis of patients with cancer and thus to a continuous rise of cancer survivors. However, it has simultaneously increased cardiovascular morbidity ...and mortality rates due to direct and/or indirect side effects of anticancer treatment. Similar to the rapid rise of patients with adult congenital disease, the number of patients suffering or at risk of cardiotoxicity has been steeply increasing and getting an emerging issue. Among the many facets of chemotherapy-induced cardiovascular toxicity, this review attempts to summarize echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac function after cancer chemotherapy by reviewing the definition, risk factors, brief history, limitation of left ventricular ejection fraction and myocardial strain imaging, as well as the limitations of this technique.
Strain imaging quantifies myocardial deformation in both overt and subclinical myocardial diseases. Strain values have been shown to vary between vendors. The aim of this study was to investigate ...whether this variation reflects differences of image characteristics or analysis software. We enrolled 45 patients (age 54 ± 14 years, 26 males) who underwent two echocardiograms on the same day with two different commercially available ultrasound systems. Three apical views were analyzed by two vendor-specific and two digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM)-based software packages. The results were compared in two ways; comparison of global longitudinal strain (GLS) by nine different combinations of ultrasound systems and strain software, and comparison of strains by wall, view and global levels. Comparison of GLS between two vendor-specific software packages yielded poor correlation (ρ = 0.35). The use of the same software on the images from different vendors was concordant (ρ = 0.74 and 0.64; bias = 0.0 and -0.5). There were no significant differences in correlation coefficients among the comparisons with DICOM-based software. There was no significant difference in correlation coefficients among three views (4CV vs. 3CV, p = 0.44; 4CV vs. 2CV, p = 0.47). Comparison of walls showed the septum to have the best correlation (ρ = 0.73), and the posterior wall (ρ = 0.31; p = 0.005 vs. septum) had the worst. Use of the same software to measure strain in images from different vendors minimizes the variation of GLS. Post-processing is the most important determinant in inter-vendor variation, with differences in acquisition having a small effect. These findings should be examined and confirmed with other combinations of ultrasound machines and deformation software.
Left atrial (LA) strain imaging enables the quantitative assessment of LA function. The clinical relevance of these measurements is dependent on the provision of information incremental to the left ...ventricular (LV) evaluation. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that LA pump function but not reservoir function is independent of measurement of LV mechanics.
Echocardiography was undertaken in a community-based study of 576 participants ≥65 years of age with one or more risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity). Strain analysis was conducted using a dedicated software package, using R-R gating. LV function was classified as normal in the presence of global longitudinal strain (GLS) (≤-18%) or global circumferential strain (GCS) (≤-22%). The associations between GLS or GCS and LA reservoir, conduit, and pump strain were assessed using univariate and multivariate linear regression.
Patients (mean age 71 ± 5 years, 54% women) with reduced GLS had higher blood pressure and rates of diabetes and obesity (P < .05). LA reservoir strain and conduit strain were lower in the group with impaired GLS (38.2 ± 7.3% vs 39.9 ± 6.4% P = .004 and 18.7 ± 5.7% vs 20.5 ± 5.1% P < .001, respectively), but there was no difference in LA pump strain (19.5 ± 5.5% vs 19.3 ± 4.6%, P = .72). GLS was independently associated with LA reservoir and conduit strain (P < .05) but not independently associated with LA pump strain (P = .91). Reduced GCS was associated with a larger body mass index, male sex, and diabetes (P < .05). There were no differences in LA reservoir, conduit, and pump strain in patients with normal and abnormal GCS (P > .05).
The application of LA strain is specific to the component measured. LA pump strain is independent of LV mechanics.
Afterload is an important determinant of left ventricular (LV) and atrial (LA) function, including myocardial strain. Central blood pressure (CBP) is the major component of cardiac afterload and ...independently associated with cardiovascular risk. However, the optimal means of calibrating CBP is unclear—standard CBP assessment uses systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from brachial waveforms, but calibration with mean pressure (MAP) and DBP purports to be more accurate. Therefore, we sought to determine which CBP is best associated with LA and LV strain. CBP was measured using both standard and MAP based calibration methods in 546 participants (age 70.7 ± 4.7 years, 45% male) with risk factors for heart failure. Echocardiography was performed in all patients and strain analysis conducted to assess LA/LV function. The associations of CBP with LA and LV strain were assessed using linear regression. MAP-derived CSBP (150 ± 20 mmHg) was higher than standard CSBP (128 ± 15 mmHg) and brachial SBP (140 ± 17 mmHg, p < 0.001), whereas DBPs were similar (84 ± 10, 83 ± 10, and 82 ± 10 mmHg). MAP-derived CSBP was not independently associated with LV strain (p > 0.05), however was independently associated with LA reservoir strain (p < 0.05). Brachial and central DBP were more strongly associated with LA reservoir/conduit and LV strain than brachial and central SBP. LA pump strain was not independently associated with any SBP or DBP parameter (p > 0.05). MAP-derived CBP was more accurate in identifying patients with abnormal LA and LV strain than brachial SBP and standard CBP calibration. In conclusion, CBP calibrated using MAP and DBP may be more accurate in identifying patients with abnormal LA and LV function than standard brachial calibration methods.
Anthracycline therapy (ANT) is associated with cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction. Coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) has shown prognostic utility in non-cancer cohorts, but no data have ...been obtained in a cardio-oncology setting. We investigated the acute effect of ANT on CFVR in breast cancer patients. A total of 12 female breast cancer patients undergoing ANT had pre- and post-ANT CFVR assessment. A significant decline in CFVR occurred (baseline: 2.66 ± 0.41 vs post-ANT: 2.47 ± 0.37, P = 0.016). This prospective study is the first to identify ANT-related coronary physiology changes in humans. Further studies are required to determine their clinical significance.
Le traitement par l’anthracycline est associé à une dysfonction cardiaque liée au traitement anticancéreux. La réserve de débit coronaire a démontré son utilité pronostique dans les cohortes sans cancer, mais aucune donnée n’a été obtenue dans un contexte de cardio-oncologie. Nous avons étudié l’effet aigu de l’anthracycline sur la réserve de débit coronaire chez des patientes atteintes d’un cancer du sein. La réserve de débit coronaire a été évaluée avant et après le traitement par l’anthracycline chez un total de 12 femmes atteintes d’un cancer du sein. Un déclin important de la réserve de débit coronaire est survenu (valeur initiale de 2,66 ± 0,41 par rapport à 2,47 ± 0,37 après le traitement par l’anthracycline, p = 0,016). Cette étude prospective est la première à déceler des changements dans la physiologie coronarienne liés à l’anthracycline chez les humains. D’autres études sont nécessaires pour en déterminer la portée clinique.
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In independent studies, abnormal global longitudinal strain (GLS) and myocardial inflammation or scar detected by 18F-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) are associated with poor ...prognosis among patients with high likelihood for cardiac sarcoidosis. However, commonly used imaging modalities have not been evaluated in the same population. Our goals were to examine the relation between GLS and FDG-PET, and to evaluate the incremental prognostic value of these imaging techniques for predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients suspected to have cardiac sarcoidosis. We identified patients with systemic sarcoidosis who underwent an echocardiogram and FDG-PET within 60 days. Regional strain (average of base, mid, and apical segmental strains from each of 6 wall regions) was calculated and compared with regional FDG-PET findings. The associations among GLS, FDG-PET findings, and MACE (defined as death, ventricular tachycardia, heart failure hospitalization, or transplantation) were evaluated using a Cox model. Of 84 patients, 51 had abnormal FDG-PET. GLS was impaired in patients with abnormal versus normal FDG-PET (−14.2 ± 4.7% vs −17.9 ± 3.5%, p <0.01). After adjusting for clinical risk factors, both GLS and the number of segments with abnormal perfusion and metabolism on FDG-PET were associated with adverse cardiac events (p <0.01 for both). In conclusion, GLS and regional LS are impaired in patients with abnormal perfusion and metabolism detected using FDG-PET. Additionally, both GLS and abnormal FDG-PET have incremental prognostic value for predicting MACE in patients with systemic sarcoidosis.
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