Abstract Background Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and moderate aortic stenosis (AS) are more frequent with advancing age and often coexist. Afterload reduction is the mainstay of ...pharmacological treatment of heart failure (HF). Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is only formally indicated for symptomatic severe AS. Objectives This study sought to determine the clinical outcome of patients with concomitant moderate AS and LV systolic dysfunction. Methods Echocardiographic and clinical data of patients with moderate AS and LV systolic dysfunction between 2010 and 2015 from 4 large academic institutions were retrospectively analyzed. Moderate AS was defined as aortic valve area between 1.0 and 1.5 cm2 and LV systolic dysfunction defined as LV ejection fraction <50%. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, AVR, and HF hospitalization. Results A total of 305 patients (mean age 73 ± 11 years; 75% male) were included. The majority were symptomatic at the time of index echocardiogram (New York Heart Association NYHA functional class II: 42%; NYHA functional class III: 28%; and NYHA functional class IV: 4%). Ischemic heart disease was present in 72% of patients. At 4-year follow-up, the primary composite endpoint occurred in 61%. The main predictors for the primary endpoint were male sex (p = 0.022), NYHA functional class III or IV (p < 0.001), and peak aortic jet velocity (p < 0.001). The rate of the composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization was 48%, rate of all-cause death was 36%, and rate of HF hospitalization was 27%. AVR occurred in 24% of patients. Conclusions Patients with concomitant moderate AS and LV systolic dysfunction are at high risk for clinical events. Further studies are needed to determine if earlier AVR in these patients might improve clinical outcome.
Objectives This study sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA) to detect or rule out significant coronary artery disease (CAD). ...Background CTCA is emerging as a noninvasive technique to detect coronary atherosclerosis. Methods We conducted a prospective, multicenter, multivendor study involving 360 symptomatic patients with acute and stable anginal syndromes who were between 50 and 70 years of age and were referred for diagnostic conventional coronary angiography (CCA) from September 2004 through June 2006. All patients underwent a nonenhanced calcium scan and a CTCA, which was compared with CCA. No patients or segments were excluded because of impaired image quality attributable to either coronary motion or calcifications. Patient-, vessel-, and segment-based sensitivities and specificities were calculated to detect or rule out significant CAD, defined as ≥50% lumen diameter reduction. Results The prevalence among patients of having at least 1 significant stenosis was 68%. In a patient-based analysis, the sensitivity for detecting patients with significant CAD was 99% (95% confidence interval CI: 98% to 100%), specificity was 64% (95% CI: 55% to 73%), positive predictive value was 86% (95% CI: 82% to 90%), and negative predictive value was 97% (95% CI: 94% to 100%). In a segment-based analysis, the sensitivity was 88% (95% CI: 85% to 91%), specificity was 90% (95% CI: 89% to 92%), positive predictive value was 47% (95% CI: 44% to 51%), and negative predictive value was 99% (95% CI: 98% to 99%). Conclusions Among patients in whom a decision had already been made to obtain CCA, 64-slice CTCA was reliable for ruling out significant CAD in patients with stable and unstable anginal syndromes. A positive 64-slice CTCA scan often overestimates the severity of atherosclerotic obstructions and requires further testing to guide patient management.
Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess left atrial (LA) strain during long-term follow-up after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and to find predictors for LA reverse remodeling. ...Background The association between LA reverse remodeling and improvement in LA strain after catheter ablation has not been investigated thus far. Methods In 148 patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, LA volumes and LA strain were assessed with echocardiography at baseline and after a mean of 13.2 ± 6.7 months of follow-up. The study population was divided according to LA reverse remodeling at follow-up: responders were defined as patients who exhibited 15% or more reduction in maximum LA volume at long-term follow-up. Left atrial systolic (LAs) strain was assessed with tissue Doppler imaging. Results At follow-up, 93 patients (63%) were classified as responders, whereas 55 patients (37%) were nonresponders. At baseline, LAs strain was significantly higher in the responders as compared with the nonresponders (19 ± 8% vs. 14 ± 6%; p = 0.001). Among the responders, a significant increase in LAs strain was noted from baseline to follow-up (from 19 ± 8% to 22 ± 9%; p < 0.05), whereas no change was noted among the nonresponders. LAs strain at baseline was an independent predictor of LA reverse remodeling (odds ratio: 1.813; 95% confidence interval: 1.102 to 2.982; p = 0.019). Conclusions In the present study, 63% of the patients exhibited LA reverse remodeling after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, with a concomitant improvement in LA strain. LA strain at baseline was an independent predictor of LA reverse remodeling.
Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare myocardial triglyceride content and function between patients with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and healthy subjects within the ...same range of age and body mass index (BMI), and to study the associations between myocardial triglyceride content and function. Background T2DM is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Increasing evidence is emerging that lipid oversupply to cardiomyocytes plays a role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy, by causing lipotoxic injury and myocardial steatosis. Methods Myocardial triglyceride content and myocardial function were measured in 38 T2DM patients and 28 healthy volunteers in the same range of age and BMI by proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and MR imaging, respectively. Myocardial triglyceride content was calculated as a percentage relative to the signal of myocardial water. Results Myocardial triglyceride content was significantly higher in T2DM patients compared with healthy volunteers (0.96 ± 0.07% vs. 0.65 ± 0.05%, p < 0.05). Systolic function did not significantly differ between both groups. Indexes of diastolic function, including the ratio of maximal left ventricular early peak filling rate and the maximal left ventricular atrial peak filling rate (E/A) and E peak deceleration, were significantly impaired in T2DM compared with those in healthy subjects (1.08 ± 0.04 ml/s2 × 10−3 vs. 1.24 ± 0.06 ml/s2 × 10−3 and 3.6 ± 0.2 ml/s2 × 10−3 vs. 4.4 ± 0.3 ml/s2 × 10−3 , respectively, p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis indicated that myocardial triglyceride content was associated with E/A and E peak deceleration, independently of diabetic state, age, BMI, heart rate, visceral fat, and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions Myocardial triglyceride content is increased in uncomplicated T2DM and is associated with impaired left ventricular diastolic function, independently of age, BMI, heart rate, visceral fat, and diastolic blood pressure.
Location of aortic valve calcium (AVC) can be better visualized on contrast-enhanced multidetector row computed tomography. The present evaluation examined whether AVC severity and its location could ...influence paravalvular aortic regurgitation (AR) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. A total of 79 patients (age 80 ± 7 years, 49% men) with preprocedural multidetector row computed tomography were included. Volumetric AVC quantification and its location were assessed. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed to assess the presence and site of AR after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to evaluate the usefulness of AVC in determining paravalvular AR at a specific site. Postprocedural AR of grade 1 or more was observed in 63 patients. In most patients (n = 56, 71%), AR was of paravalvular origin. Calcium at the aortic wall of each valve cusp had the largest area under the curve (0.93, p <0.001) in predicting paravalvular AR at the aortic wall site compared to calcium at the valvular edge or body (area under the curve 0.58 and 0.67, respectively). Calcium at the valvular commissure was better than calcium at the valvular edge (area under the curve 0.94 vs 0.71) in predicting paravavular AR originating from the corresponding commissure. In conclusion, contrast-enhanced multidetector row computed tomography can be performed to quantify AVC. Both AVC severity and its exact location are important in determining paravalvular AR after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
Objectives This study was designed to determine whether multislice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography has incremental prognostic value over single-photon emission computed tomography ...myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Background Although MSCT is used for the detection of CAD in addition to MPI, its incremental prognostic value is unclear. Methods In 541 patients (59% male, age 59 ± 11 years) referred for further cardiac evaluation, both MSCT and MPI were performed. The following events were recorded: all-cause death, nonfatal infarction, and unstable angina requiring revascularization. Results In the 517 (96%) patients with an interpretable MSCT, significant CAD (MSCT ≥50% stenosis) was detected in 158 (31%) patients, and abnormal perfusion (summed stress score SSS: ≥4) was observed in 168 (33%) patients. During follow-up (median 672 days; 25th, 75th percentile: 420, 896), an event occurred in 23 (5.2%) patients. After correction for baseline characteristics in a multivariate model, MSCT emerged as an independent predictor of events with an incremental prognostic value to MPI. The annualized hard event rate (all-cause mortality and nonfatal infarction) in patients with none or mild CAD (MSCT <50% stenosis) was 1.8% versus 4.8% in patients with significant CAD (MSCT ≥50% stenosis). A normal MPI (SSS <4) and abnormal MPI (SSS ≥4) were associated with an annualized hard event rate of 1.1% and 3.8%, respectively. Both MSCT and MPI were synergistic, and combined use resulted in significantly improved prediction (log-rank test p value <0.005). Conclusions MSCT is an independent predictor of events and provides incremental prognostic value to MPI. Combined anatomical and functional assessment may allow improved risk stratification.
Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of sequential hybrid imaging strategy in which positron emission tomography (PET) perfusion imaging is performed ...selectively in patients with suspected obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). Background Coronary CTA is an accurate diagnostic test for excluding obstructive CAD. However, the positive predictive value is suboptimal. Methods We investigated 864 consecutive symptomatic patients with intermediate probability of CAD who adhered to the sequential imaging approach. PET myocardial perfusion imaging using15 O-labeled water during adenosine stress was performed when suspected obstructive stenosis was present on coronary CTA. The major adverse events (AEs) including all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and unstable angina pectoris (UAP) were recorded. Results During a median follow-up of 3.6 years, 16 deaths, 10 MIs, and 5 UAPs occurred. Obstructive CAD was excluded by coronary CTA in 462 (53%) patients who had significantly lower annual AE rate than did patients with suspected obstructive stenosis on coronary CTA (0.4% vs. 1.5%; p = 0.003). The latter underwent PET study, on which 195 (49%) had normal and 207 had abnormal perfusion. The annual rate of AEs was 5 times higher in those with abnormal perfusion than with normal perfusion (2.5% vs. 0.5%; p = 0.004). Patients with normal perfusion had AE rate comparable to patients without obstructive CAD on coronary CTA (p = 0.77). Conclusions In patients with suspected CAD obstructive disease can be excluded in 53% of patients by coronary CTA, and these patients have good outcome. About one-half (49%) of the remaining patients have normal perfusion and event rate comparable to patients without obstructive CAD on coronary CTA while patients with ischemia have clearly worse outcome. Sequential approach utilizing anatomical imaging by coronary CTA followed by selective functional perfusion imaging is a feasible strategy to diagnose and risk-stratify patients with suspected CAD.
Regional left ventricular (LV) myocardial functional changes in early diabetic cardiomyopathy have not been well documented. LV multidirectional strain and strain rate analyses by 2-dimensional ...speckle tracking were used to detect subtle myocardial dysfunction in 47 asymptomatic, male patients (age 57 ± 6 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results were compared to those from 53 male controls matched by age, body mass index, and body surface area. No differences were found in the LV end-diastolic volume index (40.7 ± 8.9 vs 44.1 ± 7.8 ml/m2 , p = NS), end-systolic volume index (16.0 ± 4.8 vs 17.8 ± 4.3 ml/m2 , p = NS), ejection fraction (61.0 ± 5.5% vs 59.8 ± 5.3%, p = NS). The transmitral E/A (0.95 ± 0.21 vs 1.12 ± 0.32, p = 0.007) and pulmonary S/D (1.45 ± 0.28 vs 1.25 ± 0.27, p = 0.001) ratios were more impaired in the patients with diabetes mellitus. Importantly, the diabetic patients had impaired longitudinal, but preserved circumferential and radial systolic and diastolic, function. Diabetes mellitus was an independent predictor for longitudinal strain, systolic strain rate and early diastolic strain rate on multiple linear regression analysis (all p <0.001). In conclusion, the LV longitudinal systolic and diastolic function were impaired, but the circumferential and radial functions were preserved in patients with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether 123-iodine metaiodobenzylguanidine (123-I MIBG) imaging predicts ventricular arrhythmias causing appropriate implantable ...cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy (primary end point) and the composite of appropriate ICD therapy or cardiac death (secondary end point). Background Although cardiac sympathetic denervation is associated with ventricular arrhythmias, limited data are available on the predictive value of sympathetic nerve imaging with 123-I MIBG on the occurrence of arrhythmias. Methods Before ICD implantation, patients underwent 123-I MIBG and myocardial perfusion imaging. Early and late 123-I MIBG (planar and single-photon emission computed tomography SPECT) imaging was performed to assess cardiac innervation (heart-to-mediastinum ratio, cardiac washout rate, and 123-I MIBG SPECT defect score). Stress-rest myocardial perfusion imaging was performed to assess myocardial infarction and perfusion abnormalities (perfusion defect scores). During follow-up, appropriate ICD therapy and cardiac death were documented. Results One-hundred sixteen heart failure patients referred for ICD therapy were enrolled. During a mean follow-up of 23 ± 15 months, appropriate ICD therapy (primary end point) was documented in 24 (21%) patients and appropriate ICD therapy or cardiac death (secondary end point) in 32 (28%) patients. Late 123-I MIBG SPECT defect score was an independent predictor for both end points. Patients with a large late 123-I MIBG SPECT defect (summed score >26) showed significantly more appropriate ICD therapy (52% vs. 5%, p < 0.01) and appropriate ICD therapy or cardiac death (57% vs. 10%, p < 0.01) than patients with a small defect (summed score ≤26) at 3-year follow-up. Conclusions Cardiac sympathetic denervation predicts ventricular arrhythmias causing appropriate ICD therapy as well as the composite of appropriate ICD therapy or cardiac death.
Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between hepatic triglyceride content and both myocardial function and metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). ...Background Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in T2DM. Central obesity and hepatic steatosis, both hallmark abnormalities in T2DM, have been related to increased risk of heart disease. Methods Sixty-one T2DM patients underwent myocardial perfusion and substrate metabolism measurements by positron emission tomography, using 15 Owater, 11 Cpalmitate, and 18 F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose. In addition, whole-body insulin sensitivity (M/I) was determined. Myocardial left ventricular function and high-energy phosphate metabolism were measured using magnetic resonance imaging and 31 P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively. Hepatic triglyceride content was measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Patients were divided according to hepatic triglyceride content (T2DM-low ≤5.56% vs. T2DM-high >5.56%). Results In addition to decreased M/I (p = 0.002), T2DM-high patients had reduced myocardial perfusion (p = 0.001), glucose uptake (p = 0.005), and phosphocreatine/adenosine triphosphate (PCr/ATP) ratio (p = 0.003), compared with T2DM-low patients, whereas cardiac fatty acid metabolism and left ventricular function were not different. Hepatic triglyceride content correlated inversely with M/I (Pearson's r = −0.620, p < 0.001), myocardial glucose uptake (r = −0.413, p = 0.001), and PCr/ATP (r = −0.442, p = 0.027). Insulin sensitivity correlated positively with myocardial glucose uptake (r = 0.528, p < 0.001) and borderline with myocardial PCr/ATP (r = 0.367, p = 0.072), whereas a positive association was found between cardiac glucose uptake and PCr/ATP (r = 0.481, p = 0.015). Conclusions High liver triglyceride content in T2DM was associated with decreased myocardial perfusion, glucose uptake, and high-energy phosphate metabolism in conjunction with impaired M/I. The long-term clinical implications of hepatic steatosis with respect to cardiac metabolism and function in the course of T2DM require further study.
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