Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function after Percutaneous Recanalization of Chronic Coronary Occlusions: The Role of Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Background: The recanalization of a chronic total coronary occlusion is the possible way to improve left ventricular (LV) function through the recovery of hibernating myocardium. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of 2D speckle tracking in evaluation of the left ventricular (LV) systolic function in chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients before and at 1 day as well as 3 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients and Methods: A prospective observational study included 40 patients diagnosed with coronary angiography to have a chronic total occlusion. Percutaneous coronary revascularization was performed according to standard practices with the femoral approach. Conventional 2D echocardiography was used to assess LV functions and wall motion abnormalities scoring index (WMAI). Using speckle-tracking echocardiography was to measure global longitudinal strain (GLS) and. Follow-up of patients was done at day 1 and 3 months later after PCI. Results: Forty patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 58.55 ± 7.98 years. GLS and WMAI difference at baseline and follow-up shows a positive correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) changes at baseline and follow-up (p Conclusion: The results of this study provide evidence to support the clinical use of 2D-STE to monitor the early changes of LV function. In patients undergoing CTO revascularization, change in GLS was more sensitive predictors for LV function improvement at 3-month follow-up.

Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis predicts all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in obese patients with negative exercise echocardiography

BACKGROUND Obesity is a major health problem due to its high prevalence. The relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease is unclear. Some studies agree that certain conditions associated with obesity, such as physical inactivity or cardiovascular risk factors, are responsible for cardiovascular risk excess among obese people. Carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaques(CP) have been associated with cardiovascular adverse events in healthy populations, and recent data suggest a higher prevalence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in obese and metabolically unhealthy patients. However, there are no studies correlating subclinical atherosclerosis and adverse events(AE) in obese subjects.AIM To determine the association between carotid disease and AE in obese patients with negative exercise echocardiography(EE).METHODS From January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010, 2000 consecutive patients with a suspicion of coronary artery disease were submitted for EE and carotid ultrasonography. Exclusion criteria included previous vascular disease, left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, positive EE, significant valvular heart disease and inferior to submaximal EE. An AE was defined as all-cause mortality,myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as CP presence according to Manheim and the American Society of Echocardiography Consensus.RESULTS Of the 652 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 226(34.7%) had body mass indexes ≥ 30 kg/m2, and 76 of them(33.6%) had CP. During a mean follow-up time of 8.2(2.1) years, 27 AE were found(11.9%). Mean event-free survival at 1, 5 and 10 years was 99.1%(0.6), 95.1%(1.4) and 86.5%(2.7), respectively. In univariate analysis, CP predicted AE [hazard ratio(HR) 2.52, 95% confidence interval(CI) 1.17-5.46; P = 0.019]. In multivariable analysis, the presence of CP remained a predictor of AE(HR 2.26, 95%CI 1.04-4.95, P = 0.041). Other predictors identified were glomerular filtration rate(HR 0.98, 95%CI 0.96-0.99; P= 0.023), peak metabolic equivalents(HR 0.83, 95%CI 0.70–0.99, P = 0.034) and moderate mitral regurgitation(HR 5.02, 95%CI 1.42–17.75, P = 0.012).CONCLUSION Subclinical atherosclerosis defined by CP predicts AE in obese patients with negative EE. These patients could benefit from aggressive prevention measures.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography for the assessment of atrial function

Echocardiography is the most common diagnostic method for assessing atrial function but the technique has some limitations. Traditionally, assessment of left atrial function has been performed by measuring volumes with 2D echocardiography. Additionally, it can be assessed with transmitral Doppler and pulmonary vein Doppler. Recently, an alternative method has been incorporated, namely, measurement of myocardial deformation with color tissue Doppler-derived strain. However, this method has several limitations, such as suboptimal reproducibility, angle-dependence, signal artifacts and the fact that it only measures regional strain and does not obtain information about the curved portion of the atrial roof. To overcome these limitations in the quantification of atrial function, the use of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) strain has been proposed. This technique is not derived from Doppler but rather from 2D echocardiography; it is angle-independent and allows one to measure global as well as regional atrial strain. In this editorial, we describe the physical and pathophysiological concepts of STE and underline the clinical usefulness of this new technique.

Biomarkers and Echocardiography in the Postoperative Course of Pulmonary Resection Surgery

Background: The existence of different degrees of inflammatory reaction and right ventricular dysfunction after pulmonary resection is well known, though its detection and clinical relevance have not been sufficiently evaluated. The introduction of new biomarkers, particularly brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its prohormone (proBNP), together with dynamic imaging techniques such as echocardiography, could prove useful in assessing such response. The aim of this study is to describe the kinetic curve of these biomarkers during uncomplicated pulmonary resection surgery. Furthemore we have studied the right ventricular function by echocardiography in these patients Methods: Demographic data, antecedents and certain perioperative parameters, as well as plasma proBNP, troponin T and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, were recorded in 38 patients who underwent pneumonectomy (n= 13 ) and lobectomy (n=25), before and 24, 48 and 72 hours after the operation. A transthoracic echocardiogram was carried out preoperatively and 72 hours after surgery. Results: ProBNP showed a significant increase 24 hours after surgery, with a maximum peak after 72 hours (p<0.001). CRP likewise increased after 24 hours, with an inflammatory peak after 48 hours (p<0.001). The magnitude of the increase in proBNP and CRP was independent of the extent of resection (pneumonectomy versus lobectomy). Echocardiography showed a slight yet statistically significant decrease in right ventricular function (determined by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, TAPSE) in the pneumonectomy subgroup (p=0.01). Conclusion: The plasma proBNP elevation curve allows simple evaluation of the degree and time course of right ventricular dysfunction in the immediate postoperative period of uncomplicated pulmonary resection surgery. In stable patients, magnitude of proBNP elevation has no clinical repercussions, while slight echocardiographic changes are detectable only in pneumonectomized patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of abnormal proBNP elevations in predicting cardiorespiratory complications at patients bedside during the immediate postoperative period.

Evaluation of the Effect of Sigmoid-Shaped Interventricular Septum on Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients with Essential Hypertension by Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Objective: To evaluate left ventricular regional and global systolic function by measuring left ventricular longitudinal strain (LS) in hypertensive patients with sigmoid-shaped interventricular septum (SIS) by two-dimensional speckle tracking (2D-STE);in order to explore whether the sigmoid-shaped interventricular septum affects the left ventricular systolic function in patients with hypertension. Methods: Routine echocardiographic parameters were measured in 30 hypertensive patients with SIS (SIS group) and 30 hypertensive patients without SIS (non-SIS group). The left ventricular segments and global LS were measured by 2D-STE, and the two sets of parameters were compared. Results: The value of the thickness of the basal segment of the interventricular septum (IVSBT), the thickness of the middle segment of the interventricular septum (IVSMT) and the ratio of the basal segment of the ventricular septum to the middle segment of the interventricular septum (IVSBT/IVSMT) in SIS group was higher than that in non-SIS group. However, the value of left ventricular outflow tract diameter (LVOTD) in SIS group was lower than that in non-SIS group. There was a significant difference between the two groups (all P Conclusion: SIS affects left ventricular regional systolic function of patients with hypertension. 2D-STE can early evaluate left ventricular longitudinal systolic function in hypertensive patients with SIS.

Systematic Evaluation of Current Possibilities to Determine Left Ventricular Volumes by Echocardiography in Patients after Myocardial Infarction

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy for quantification of left ventricular (LV) volumes and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) with current echocardiographic methods of planimetry for analysis of LV remodeling after myocardial infarction in daily clinical routine. Methods: 26 patients were investigated directly after interventional therapy at hospital pre-discharge and at 6 month follow-up. Standardized 2D transthoracic native and contrast echocardiography were performed in all patients. Due to methodological aspects the results of LV volumes and LVEF using native echocardiography were compared to the results of LV opacification (LVO) imaging for analysis in mono-, bi- and triplane data sets using the Simpson’s rule. In addition corresponding multidimensional data sets were analyzed. Results: The assessment of LV volumes and LVEF is more accurate with contrast echocardiography. The comparison of LV volumes and LVEF shows significant increases using contrast echocardiography (p < 0.001). Larger left ventricular end-diastolic volumes (LVEDV) are measured at follow up (p < 0.05). Significant differences (p < 0.001) are found for the determination of LVEDV and LVEF relating to apical mono-, bi-, tri- and multiplane data sets. Standard deviations of the triplane approach, however, are significantly lower than using other modalities. Conclusion: Depending on the localization of the myocardial infarction LV volumes and LVEF are less reliably evaluated using the mono- or biplane approach. According to standardization and simultaneous acquisition of all LV wall segments the triplane approach is currently the best approach to determine LV systolic function. In addition, contrast echocardiography is indicated to improve endocardial border delineation in patients using the triplane or multiplane approach. To our knowledge the present study is the first systematic evaluation of all current possibilities for determination of LV volumes and LVEF by native and contrast echocardiography.

Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy:A Focused Review on Optimal Patient Selection and Long-Term Follow-up Using Echocardiography

Despite widespread awareness and use of scientifi cally proven life-prolonging medical and device-based therapies over the last two decades,heart failure remains a leading cause of morbidity,mortality,and health care expenditure in the United States.Mechanical circulatory support with a continuous-fl ow left ventricular assist device(CF-LVAD),either as a bridge to heart transplantation or as destination therapy,is an increasingly used treatment modality for patients with advanced heart failure syndromes that worsen despite their receiving standard therapies.CF-LVAD support creates unique hemodynamic alterations that must be understood to provide appropriate care for these patients before and after implantation.Echocardiography is essential in the evaluation of patients who are being considered for or are mechanically supported by CF-LVADs.Here we provide a focused clinical review on the use of echocardiography in two main aspects of the evaluation of these patients:(a)optimal patient selection for CF-LVAD support and(b)followup assessment of optimal pump function.

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Identifies Impaired Longitudinal Strain as a Common Deficit in Various Cardiac Diseases

The use of speckle-tracking echocardiography(STE)is becoming an increasingly useful tool in the evaluation of myocardial disease.STE software can track the motion of the specular pattern created by the interference of ultrasound with the myofibers of the heart and provide a quantitative means to evaluate subtle changes in ventricular function that often occur before changes in ventricular ejection fraction are observed.STE is most often used to measure the change in shape(strain)of myocardial segments in the circumferential,radial,and longitudinal directions.In various diseases,including coronary artery disease,aortic stenosis,and mitral regurgitation,deficits in longitudinal strain appear to occur earlier than deficits in other measures of strain or in ejection fraction.Consideration of STE measures of left ventricular contraction has the potential to significantly affect clinical management and outcomes of ischemic and valvular heart disease given the ability to separate those with asymptomatic disease who may benefit from earlier interventions than current guidelines may suggest.

The Impact of Obesity on the Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Using Echocardiography

Global left ventricle chamber function in obese patients is assessed, most commonly, by means of the ejection fraction. The preferred noninvasive modality for evaluating regional wall motion and overall ventricular performance is usually color-flow Doppler transthoracic echocardiography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of left ventricular ejection fraction to body mass index (BMI) measure of obesity in obese patients by using echocardiography. A prospective cohort study was conducted in the period of July 2012 to September 2014 in the ultrasound department of the Sudan Heart Center in Khartoum-Sudan, among a group of 250 obese participants of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (67.2% males and 32.8% females) and their ages range from 22 to 86 years;mean age of 41 ± 1.2 years. Echocardiography studies were performed using MyLab 50 XVision-Esaote echocardiography machine equipped with 2.5 MHz phased array probe. Standard Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the results. The mean BMI was 28.6 ± 5.4 kg/m2. Significant relationship is found between left ventricle ejection fraction and BMI (P < 0.001). BMI is a useful statistical tool to track the body size trends in a multicentric population in Sudan. Left ventricular ejection fraction allows ventricular function to be assessed without the need for further body size adjustment.

Transthoracic echocardiography assists appropriate pulmonary artery catheter placement: An observational study

AIM: To investigate the utility of transthoracic echocardiography in confirming appropriate pulmonary artery catheter(PAC) placement. METHODS: Three commonly used transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) views were used to confirm PAC position in 103 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery- the parasternal short axis right ventricular inflow-outflow view; the subcostal short axis right ventricular inflow-outflow view; and the parasternal short axis ascending aortic view. All PACs were inserted by the managing anesthesiologist under pressure waveform guidance alone, who was blinded to all sonographic information. A sonographer blinded to all pressure waveform information confirmed visualisation of an "empty" PA before PAC insertion, and visualisation of the PAC balloon in the main PA(MPA) or right PA(RPA) after attempts at placement were complete. Agreement, sensitivity and specificity of TTE in confirming appropriate PAC placement was compared against pressure waveformguidance as the "gold standard". The successful view used was compared against patients' anthropomorphic indices, presence of lung hyperinflation, and insertion of PAC during positive pressure ventilation. Agreement between TTE and pressure waveform guidance was analysed using Cohen's Kappa statistic. The relative proportion of total RPA seen by subcostal vs parasternal TTE views was also compared with a further 20 patients' computed tomography(CT) pulmonary angiograms(CTPA), to determine efficacy in detection of distal RPA PAC placement. RESULTS: Appropriate positioning of the PAC balloon, and its to-and-fro movement consistent with a nonwedged state, within the MPA or RPA was confirmed by TTE in 98 of the 103 patients [sensitivity 95%(95%CI: 89%-98%)], and absence of the PAC balloon before insertion correctly established in 100 patients [specificity 97%(92%-99%)]. This was in very good agreement with pressure waveform guidance [Cohen's Kappa 0.92,(0.87-0.98)]. The subcostal view was the best view to visualise the PAC tip when it was placed in the right pulmonary artery(OR 70, P < 0.0001), was more successful in patients with COAD(OR 9.5, P = 0.001), and visualized 61%(vs 44% by parasternal views, P < 0.001) of mean RPA lengths compared with CTPA; however the parasternal views were more successful in patients with higher body mass indexs(OR 0.78 for success with subcostal views, P < 0.001). There was a trend towards insertion during intermittent positive pressure ventilation favoring visualisation by subcostal views(OR 3.9, P = 0.08). The subcostal view visualized a greater length of the RPA than parasternal views(3.9 cm vs 2.9 cm, P < 0.0001). PACs were more often placed in the MPA than RPA(80 vs 18 patients). Three patient's pulmonary arteries were not visible by any TTE view; in a further 2 patients, despite preinsertion visualisation of their pulmonary arteries, the PAC balloon was not visible by any view with TTE where correct placement by pressure waveform was unequivocal.

Management of chronic heart failure:Role of home echocardiography in monitoring care programs

AIM:To identify a possible role of home echocardiography for monitoring chronic heart failure(CHF)patients.METHODS:We prospectively investigated 118 patients hospitalized during the last year for CHF who could not easily reach the pertaining District Healthcare Center.The patients were followed up with 2 home management programs:one including clinical and electrocardiographic evaluations and also periodic home echocardiographic examinations(group A),the other including clinical and electrocardiographic evaluations only(group B).RESULTS:At the end of the 18-mo follow-up no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups as regards the primary endpoint:rehospitalization occurred in 4 patients of the group A and in 6 patients of the group B;major cardiovascular events occurred in 2 and in 3 patients,respectively.No significant differences were observed with respect to the secondary endpoints:one vascular event appeared in both the groups,3 cardiovascular deaths occurred in group A and 2 in group B.No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups as regards the composite endpoint of death plus hospitalization.CONCLUSION:Home echocardiography for monitoring of CHF patients does not improve the cardiovascular endpoints.In our CHF patients,a low incidence of vascular events was observed.

Noninvasive Assessment of Cardiac Index with Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Replacement: A Comparison between Determinations at the Mitral Valve and the Ascending Aorta

Methods: Sixteen patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists status (ASA) II-III, age ≤ 70 yr, male or female, preoperatively NYHA II-III and EF ≥ 45%, scheduled for mitral valve replacement (MVR) were studied. Complete intravenous general anesthesia was used for induction and anesthesia maintenance. After anesthesia induction we put the TEE probe into the esophagus. The cardiac index was determined at three periods following MVR: T1 30 minutes later following cessation of bypass, T2 60 minutes after cessation of bypass, T3 90 minutes after cessation of bypass. Statistical analysis was made with the Bland and Altman method. Results: Ninety-six measurements were compared. The cardiac index values at the level of prosthesis mitral valve (CIMV) ranged from 1.3 to 5.5 L·min-1·m-2 (mean 2.6 ± 0.9). The Values of cardiac index at aortic valve (CIAA) ranged from 2.7 to8.8 L·min-1·m-2 (mean 4.9 ± 1.7). Bias was -2.3 L·min-1·m-2 and limits of agreement -5.6 to 1.0 L·min-1·m-2. Conclusion: During mitral valve replacement, doubtful correlations were observed between values of cardiac index at the mitral valve and the ascending aorta using TEE.

Myocardial perfusion echocardiography and coronary microvascular dysfunction

Our understanding of coronary syndromes has evolved in the last two decades out of the obstructive atherosclerosis of epicardial coronary arteries paradigm to include anatomo-functional abnormalities of coronary microcirculation. No current diagnostic technique allows direct visualization of coronary microcirculation,but functional assessments of this circulation are possible. This represents a challenge in cardiology. Myocardial contrast echocardiography(MCE) was a breakthrough in echocardiography several years ago that claimed the capability to detect myocardial perfusion abnormalities and quantify coronary blood flow. Research demonstrated that the integration of quantitative MCE and fractional flow reserve improved the definition of ischemic burden and the relative contribution of collaterals in non-critical coronary stenosis. MCE identified no-reflow and low-flow within and around myocardial infarction,respectively,and predicted the potential functional recovery of stunned myocardium using appropriate interventions. MCE exhibited diagnostic performances that were comparable to positron emission tomography in microvascular reserve and microvascular dysfunction in angina patients. Overall,MCE improved echocardiographic evaluations of ischemic heart disease in daily clinical practice,but the approval of regulatory authorities is lacking.

The Value of Speckle Tracking Strain Imaging at Recovery Period of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

Background: Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a well-established method for detecting myocardial ischemia. The classic echocardiographic findings of ischemia are new or worsening abnormalities of radial wall thickening. However, interpretation of these findings is subjective and dependent on experience. Speckle tracking strain imaging (STI) has been introduced as a novel method to overcome these limitations. Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the value of speckle tracking imaging (STI) by estimating the mean global longitudinal systolic (GLS) and the mean global circumferential systolic (GCS) strain imaging at recovery period of dobutamine stress echocardiography for prediction of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with chest discomfort. Methods: Fifty three patients presented for evaluation of chest discomfort underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography and coronary angiography at Cardiology Department,Menoufia University Hospital. The mean global left ventricular longitudinal systolic strain (GLS) at apical views—3 chambers, 4 chambers & 2 chambers apical views and global left ventricular circumferential systolic strain (GCS) at short axis view at level of papillary muscle were measured at rest and during recovery period of dobutamine stress echocardiography using automated functional imaging (AFI). Coronary angiography was done for all patients. Significant coronary artery lesion was defined as having a ≥ 70% diameter stenosis on coronary angiography. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of significant coronary artery lesion into CAD positive (+ve) group vs. CAD negative (-ve) group. Results: In both groups,there were no statistically significant differences in the clinical characteristics and baseline conventional transthoracic echocardiography. GLS and GSC at recovery were lower in the CAD (+ve) group than in the CAD (-ve) group (-16.69% ± 1.10% vs -19.05% ± 1.41% p ). GLS and GCS during recovery period of DSE were valuable for prediction of CAD when cutoff at recovery is less than -17.95% (sensitivity of 84% & specificity of 84%) for GLS and less than -20.2% (sensitivity of 76% & specificity of 84%) for GCS. Also, we observed that the GLS and GCS percentile decreased from baseline to recovery period of DSE by about -9.95% ± 4.82% and -7.72% ± 3.90% respectively. Conclusion: Speckle tracking Imaging GLS and GCS at recovery period of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography is feasible and offers an objective technique for prediction of significant coronary artery disease with increasing the accuracy of DSE in patient with chest discomfort.

Effects of sevoflurane on left ventricular function by speckletracking echocardiography in coronary bypass patients: A randomized trial

The present study aimed to dynamically observe the segmental and global myocardial movements of the left ventricle during coronary artery bypass grafting by transesophageal speckle-tracking echocardiography,and to assess the effect of sevoflurane on cardiac function.Sixty-four patients scheduled for the off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were randomly divided into a sevoflurane-based anesthesia(AS)group and a propofolbased total intravenous anesthesia(AA)group.The AS group demonstrated a higher absolute value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain than that of the AA group at both T1(after harvesting all grafts and before coronary anastomosis)and T_(2)(30 min after completing all coronary anastomoses)(P<0.05).Moreover,strain improvement in the segment with the highest preoperative strain was significantly reduced in the AS group,compared with the AA group at both T1 and T_(2)(P<0.01).The flow of the left internal mammary artery-left anterior descending artery graft was superior,and the postoperative concentration of troponin T decreased rapidly in the AS group,compared with the AA group(P<0.05).Compared with total intravenous anesthesia,sevoflurane resulted in a significantly higher global longitudinal strain,stroke volume,and cardiac output.Sevoflurane also led to an amelioration in the condition of the arterial graft.Furthermore,sevoflurane significantly reduced strain improvement in the segmental myocardium with a high preoperative strain value.The findings need to be replicated in larger studies.

Speckle tracking echocardiography:A new approach to myocardial function

Echocardiography is the most common diagnostic method for assessing cardiac function but some limitations affect this technique.Until now,visual assessment of wall motion and thickening has allowed only a subjective evaluation of myocardial function and requires long-term training.Recently,new echocardiographic techniques have been introduced to evaluate myocardial mechanics.Tissue Doppler imaging(TDI)technique is limited by angle-dependency such that only deformation along the ultrasound beam can be derived from velocities,while myocardium deforms simultaneously in three dimensions.Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)is a more recent technique that provides a global approach to left ventricular myocardial mechanics,giving information about the three spatial dimensions of cardiac deformation.In this editorial,we describe the physical and pathophysiological concepts of STE,discussing the differences compared to TDI and underlining the pitfalls of this new technique.

Comprehensive Left Ventricular Mechanics Analysis by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in COVID-19

Background: Cardiac involvement and the consequences of inflammation induced by SARS-CoV2 infection could have catastrophic long-term consequences. Left ventricular mechanics could identify a specific pattern of myocardial fiber damage in patients infected with COVID-19. To our knowledge there are no publications referring to the global description of ventricular mechanics in patients with COVID-19. Objective: To describe left ventricular mechanics in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included 40 hospitalized patients with confirmed diagnostic of COVID-19, from April 11, 2020, to September 6, 2020. Demographic and laboratory data, clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were collected, as well as events during hospitalization. Left ventricular deformation was analyzed and reported. Results: Subclinical dysfunction was observed in 82.5% (left ventricular longitudinal strain [LVGLS] -17.05% and global circumferential strain [GCS] -18.6%) of the patients, likewise, the mean twist and apical rotation were preserved, and even increased as part of the compensating mechanism to maintain the ejection fraction. Conclusion: In patients hospitalized with COVID-19, despite having a normal left ventricular ejection fraction, subclinical myocardial damage was found, manifested by a decrease in Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) and Global Circumferential Strain (GCS). This behavior is similar to that of cardiomyopathies in the early stage of the disease, and given the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the disease, its long-term consequences should be monitored and evaluated.

Misdiagnosis of unroofed coronary sinus syndrome as an ostium primum atrial septal defect by echocardiography:A case report

BACKGROUND Unroofed coronary sinus syndrome(UCSS)is a rare congenital heart disease,which has variable morphologic features and is strongly associated with persistent left superior vena cava(PLSVC).However,it is often difficult to visualize the left-to-right shunt pathway through the CS by transthoracic echocardiography(TTE).CASE SUMMARY A 37-year-old female was admitted to the hepatological surgery department of a hospital with complaint of subxiphoid pain that had started 1 wk prior.Physical examination revealed a grade 3/6 systolic murmur at the left margin of the sternum,between the 2nd and 3rd intercostal cartilage.The patient underwent echocardiography and was diagnosed with ostium primum atrial septal defect(ASD);thus,she was subsequently transferred to the cardiovascular surgery department.A second TTE evaluation before surgery showed type IV UCSS with secundum ASD.Right-heart contrast echocardiography(RHCE)showed that the right atrium and right ventricle were immediately filled with microbubbles,but no microbubble was observed in the CS.Meanwhile,negative filling was observed at the right atrium orifice of the CS and right atrium side of the secundum atrial septal.RHCE identified UCSS combined with secundum ASD but without PLSVC in this patient.CONCLUSION This rare case of UCSS highlights the value of TTE combined with RHCE in confirming UCSS with ASD or PLSVC.

Assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction: comparison of two dimensional echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and 64-row multi-detector computed tomography

Objectives To compare left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) determined from 64-row multi-detector computed tomography (64-row MDCT) with those determined from two dimensional echocardiography (2D echo) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Methods Thirty-two patients with coronary artery disease underwent trans-thoracic 2D echo, CMR and contrast-enhanced 64-row MDCT for assessment of LVEF within 48 hours of each other. 64-row MDCT LVEF was derived using the Syngo Circulation software; CMR LVEF was by Area Length Ejection Fraction (ALEF) and Simpson method and 2D echo LVEF by Simpson method.Results The LVEF was 49.13 ± 15.91% by 2D echo, 50.72 ± 16.55% (ALEF method) and 47.65 ± 16.58%(Simpson method) by CMR and 50.00 ± 15.93% by 64-row MDCT. LVEF measurements by 64-row MDCT correlated well with LVEF measured with CMR using either the ALEF method (Pearson correlation r = 0.94, P ＜0.01) or Simpson method (r = 0.92, P＜0.01). It also correlated well with LVEF measured using 2D echo (r = 0.80, P ＜ 0.01). Conclusion LVEF measurements by 64-row MDCT correlated well with LVEF measured by CMR and 2D echo. The correlation between 64-row MDCT and CMR was better than the correlation between 2D echo with CMR. Standard data set from a 64-row MDCT coronary study can be reliably used to calculate the LVEF.

Assessment of left atrial appendage function by transesophageal echocardiography in patients two weeks after acute coronary syndromes

Background For many years in ischemic heart disease, ventricles rather than atria received attention so not much is known about left atrial function in left ventricular ischemia. Objective Our study aimed to evaluate left atrial appendage (LAA) function by means of biplane transesophageal echocardiography in patients ten days after acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods The study was performed on 16 adult patients (65.9±9.9 years old) in whom transesophageal echocardiography was done 10 days after ACS. The following left atrial appendage (LAA) planimetric parameters were analyzed: LAA transversal dimension, LAA longitudinal dimension,LAA maximal area, and LAA minimal area. LAA ejection fraction was calculated and analyzed. The following LAA Doppler parameters were analyzed: the peak LAA emptying and the peak LAA filling velocities. The control group consisted of 14 patients (43±14.6 years old) without cardiovascular diseases. Results Both LAA longitudinal dimension and LAA transversal dimension were significantly higher in patients with ACS than in control patients. The same was observed for LAA maximal area. Also LAA ejection fraction was higher in patients with ACS . LAA minimal area did not differ in the patients in either group. LAA peak emptying flow (LAAE) and LAA peak filling flow (LAAF) were significantly higher in patients of the study group than of the control group. Conclusion Our study shows that two weeks after acute coronary syndrome LAA as a reservoir as well as a pump works at a higher level than it does in the control group. (J Geriatr Cardiol 2005; 2(4):198-201)