Analysis of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Induced Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGFR-TKI), an oral molecular targeted drug, reportedly causes serious adverse cardiovascular events such as hypertension and left ventricular failure. The association between VEGFR-TKI-induced hypertension and heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HFpEF) has been previously studied. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between hypertension onset and associated cardiac diastolic dysfunction due to VEGFR-TKI use. Patients who used VEGFR-TKIs (target drugs: sunitinib, axitinib, sorafenib, pazopanib, and cabozantinib) at the Department of Urology, Hokkaido Cancer Center were recruited between May 2009 and October 2021 and were divided into two groups based on whether their blood pressure was elevated during VEGFR-TKI use. The markers of left ventricular diastolic function (E/A, Dct (ms), mean E/e, septal e') and left ventricular systolic function (LVEF, LVDd, and LVDs) were evaluated. LVEF and mean E/e in the elevated blood pressure group (n = 41) showed significant changes before and after treatment. LVEF values (contractile function markers) in the TKI-HT (+) group significantly decreased from 70.7% ± 6.8% before treatment to 68.3% ± 7.8% after treatment (p = 0.03). Conversely, no significant difference was observed for any ventricular systolic function marker in the TKI-HT (−) group. E/e (diastolic function marker) in the TKI-HT (+) group significantly decreased from 11.9% ± 3.6% before treatment to 10.3% ± 3.0% after treatment (p = 0.02). However, no change was observed in any ventricular diastolic function marker in the TKI-HT (−) group. The results of this study suggest that cardiac function may be affected in patients using VEGFR-TKI. Furthermore, appropriate antihypertensive treatment and early monitoring with regular echocardiography, even in asymptomatic patients, may help prevent VEGFR-TKI-induced deterioration of systolic and diastolic function.

Heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction in older patients with chronic kidney disease: the China Hypertension Survey (2012‒2015)

Background Heart failure(HF)is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality for older chronic kidney disease(CKD)patients.However,the epidemiological data is scarce.We aimed to determine the prevalence of left ventricular(LV)dysfunction and HF,and to explore the risk factors for HF among those patients.Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of the China Hypertension Survey conducted between October 2012 and December 2015.A total of 5,808 participants aged≥65 years were included in the analysis.Self-reported history of HF and any other cardiovascular diseases was acquired.2-D and Doppler echocardiography were used to assess LV dysfunction.CKD was defined as either estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or urinary albumin to creatinine ratio(ACR)≥30 mg/g.Results Among CKD patients aged≥65 years,the weighted prevalence of HF,heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF),heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction(HFmrEF),and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)was 4.8%,2.5%,0.8%,and 1.7%,respectively.The weighted prevalence of HF was 5.0%in patients with eGFR<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2,and was 5.9%in patients with ACR≥30 mg/g.The prevalence of LV systolic dysfunction was 3.1%,and while it was 8.9%for moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction.Multivariate analysis showed that smoking was significantly associated with the risk of HF.Furthermore,age,smoking,and residents in rural areas were significantly associated with a risk of LV diastolic dysfunction.Conclusions The prevalence of HF and LV dysfunction was high in older patients with CKD,suggesting that particular strategies will be required.

Total Arterial Revascularisation in Left Ventricular Dysfunction

The feasibility and safety of total arterial coronary revascularization with 2 arterial conduits in patients with impaired left ventricular function was evaluated. Data were prospectively collected on all patients with multiple vessel disease and moderately or severely impaired left ventricular function, who underwent coronary surgery with the intention of total arterial revascularization with 2 conduits between March 1995 and August 2002. One hundred and seventy-nine patients were included in the study. Acute coronary insufficiency was present in 3 patients and 43 had unstable angina. Severe left ventricular impairment was present in 29 patients. There were 17 redo operations including 3 redo-redo procedures. Eighty-two percent of patients had a Y graft configuration from the left internal mammary artery （right internal mammary artery 40. 8 %, radial artery 33. 5 %, other 7.8 % ）. The perioperative mortality was 2. 2 %, myocardial infarction 1.7 % and stroke 0. 6 %. Total arterial revascularization in patients with ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction can be safely performed with 2 arterial conduits. The radial artery provides conduit length greater than the right internal mammary artery and allows full revascularization despite left ventricular dilatation.

Outcomes of cardiac surgery in senior aged patients with ventricular dysfunction:analysis of a large national database

OBJECTIVE In patients undergoing cardiac surgery,reduced preoperative ejection fraction(EF)and senior age are associated with a worse outcome.As most outcome data available for these patients are mainly from Western surgical populations involving specific surgery types,our aim is to evaluate the real-world characteristics and perioperative outcomes of surgery in senior-aged heart failure patients with reduced EF across a broad range cardiac surgeries.METHODS Data were obtained from the China Heart Failure Surgery Registry(China-HFSR)database,a nationwide multicenter registry study in China's Mainland.Multiple variable regression analysis was performed in patients over 75 years old to identify risk factors associated with mortality.RESULTS From 2012 to 2017,578 senior-aged(>75 years)patients were enrolled in China HFSR,21.1%of whom were female.Isolated coronary bypass grafting(CABG)were performed in 71.6%of patients,10.1%of patients underwent isolated valve surgery and 8.7%received CABG combined with valve surgery.In-hospital mortality was 10.6%,and the major complication rate was 17.3%.Multivariate analysis identified diabetes mellitus(odds ratio(OR)=1.985),increased creatinine(OR=1.007),New York Heart Association(NYHA)Class III(OR=1.408),NYHA class IV(OR=1.955),cardiogenic shock(OR,6.271),and preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump insertion(OR=3.426)as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.CONCLUSIONS In senior-aged patients,preoperative evaluation should be carefully performed,and strict management of reversible factors needs more attention.Senior-aged patients commonly have a more severe disease status combined with more frequent comorbidities,which may lead to a high risk in mortality.

Preoperative Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients with Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Background: The intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) is the most used ventricular mechanical assist device. In recent years, the preoperative use in patients with severe ventricular dysfunction presents itself as a great benefic strategy to the postoperative recovery. This paper aim is to evaluate the IABP post-operative benefit in patients with severe ventricular dysfunction. Methods: From January 2011 to March 2016, 125 patients underwent a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass and preoperative IABP in Teaching Hospital of the ABC Medical School and Hospital Estadual Mario Covas. The inclusion criteria were the presence of severe ischemic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than or equal to 40%, estimated by Doppler echocardiography using the Simpson method. The preoperative LVEF was 30.25% ± 8.53% and the diastolic diameter of the left ventricle (LVDD) 67.75 ± 16.37 mm. IABP was installed approximately 15 hours before the surgery. Results: The patients required the IABP for 2.4 ± 1.58 days, and vasoactive drugs, 4.8 ± 2.12 days. We performed 3.2 ± 1.9 grafts per patient and the total length of stay was 07 ± 5.52 days. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 67 ± 10.95 minutes and anoxia time, 46.4 ± 10.06 minutes. Twelve patients (9.6%) had pneumonia and four (3.2%), atrial fibrillation. We observed a LVDD reduction to 63 ± 16.26 (p = 0.068) and LVEF enhancement to 36.50 ± 16.86 (p = 0.144). The data were analyzed statistically according to the Wilcoxon test. There were no deaths. Conclusion: The initial experience of the authors with the preoperative IABP in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction suggests great benefit in post-operative recovery with im-provement of LVEF and reduction of LVDD.

Application of three-dimensional speckle tracking technique in measuring left ventricular myocardial function in patients with diabetes

BACKGROUND Diabetic cardiomyopathy is considered as a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus(DM).Therefore,early detection of left ventricular systolic function(LVSF)damage in DM is essential.AIM To explore the use of the three-dimensional speckle tracking technique(3D-STI)for measuring LVSF in DM patients via meta-analysis.METHODS The electronic databases were retrieved from the initial accessible time to 29 April 2023.The current study involved 9 studies,including 970 subjects.We carried out this meta-analysis to estimate myocardial function in DM compared with controls according to myocardial strain attained by 3D-STI.RESULTS Night articles including 970 subjects were included.No significant difference was detected in the left ventricular ejection fraction between the control and the diabetic group(P>0.05),while differences in global longitudinal strain,global circumferential strain,global radial strain,and global area strain were markedly different between the controls and DM patients(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION The 3D-STI could be applied to accurately measure early LVSF damage in patients with DM.

The Hidden Value of Assessing Right Ventricular Performance with Exercise in Hypertensive Patients with Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction

Background: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction could develop during exercise in patients with both hypertension and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and may contribute to the patient symptoms. The objective is to assess RV function, both at rest and during exercise in patients with hypertension and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Methods: We included 30 patients with hypertension and resting LV diastolic dysfunction. The systolic function of the right ventricle was assessed by TAPSE (Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion) and S, while E/A ratio, annular lateral E’, E/E’ and E’/A’ were used to measure diastolic function. The global function of the right ventricle was assessed by measuring the right indexed myocardial performance. The dimensions and pulmonary pressures were also measured. Results: The following parameters of RV systolic function were increased significantly with exercise: TAPSE (P = 0.0054), S’ (P = 0.0045). Moreover, the following diastolic parameters of the RV increased significantly with exercise: E/E’ (P = 0.05), A’ (P = 0.04). The global RV function showed also a significant increase (P = 0.0011). The three RV dimensions as well as the pulmonary artery pressures also increased during exercise (P = 0.000004, 0.001, and 0.00000064 respectively). In addition, the presence of resting LV grade II DD predicted significantly higher pulmonary pressures during exercise (P = 0.006). The advanced resting grade of LVDD predicted significantly the presence of advanced grade of RVDD with exercise (P = 0.037). Conclusions: Some patients who have both hypertension and LV diastolic dysfunction showed structural and functional changes of the right ventricle at rest. However, all patients had RV functional changes during exercise.

Optimal Timing of Surgical Revascularization for Myocardial Infarction and Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Background： The optimal timing of surgical revascularization for patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction （STEMI） and impaired left ventricular function is not well established. This study aimed to examine the timing of surgical revascularization after STEMI in patients with ischemic heart disease and left ventricular dysfunction （LVD） by comparing early and late results. Methods： From January 2003 to December 2013, there were 2276 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） in our institution. Two hundred and sixty-four （223 male, 41 females） patients with a history of STEMI and LVD were divided into early revascularization （ER, 〈3 weeks）, mid-term revascularization （MR, 3 weeks to 3 months）, and late revascularization （LR, 〉3 months） groups according to the time interval from STEMI to CABG. Mortality and complication rates were compared among the groups by Fisher＇s exact test. Cox regression analyses were performed to examine the effect of the time interval of surgery on long-term survival. Results： No significant differences in 30-day mortality, long-term survival, freedom from all-cause death, and rehospitalization for heart failure existed among the groups （P 〉 0.05）. More patients in the ER group （12.90%） had low cardiac output syndrome than those in the MR （2.89%） and LR （3.05%） groups （P = 0.035）. The mean follow-up times were 46.72 ± 30.65, 48.70 ± 32.74, and 43.75 ± 32.43 months, respectively （P = 0.716）. Cox regression analyses showed a severe preoperative condition （odds ratio = 7.13, 95% confidence interval 2.05-24.74, P = 0.002） rather than the time interval of CABG （P 〉 0.05） after myocardial infarction was a risk factor of long-term survival. Conclusions： Surgical revascularization for patients with STEMI and LVD can be performed at different times after STEMI with comparable operative mortality and long-term survival. However, ER （〈3 weeks） has a higher incidence of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome. A severe preoperative condition rather than the time interval of CABG after STEMI is a risk factor of long-term survival.

Is the use of cardiopulmonary bypass for isolated coronary artery bypass an independent predictor of mortality and morbidity in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction？

Background Patients presenting with severe left ventricular dysfunction （SLVD） undergoing conventional coronary artery bypass grafting （CCABG） are at an increased risk of perioperative mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors responsible for mortality and morbidity among patients with SLVD by comparing CCABG and oft-pump coronary artery bypass surgery （OPCAB）. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 186 consecutive patients with SLVD who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG）, including 102 by CCABG and 84 by OPCAB. Registry database, medical notes, and charts were studied for preoperative and postoperative data of the patients. Different variables and risk factors （preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative） were evaluated and compared. The morbidity and mortality outcomes were compared in the two groups. The follow-up results and quality of life were assessed after surgery. Results The two groups had similar percentage of patients with preoperative high-risk profiles and no significant differences were found between groups in baseline variables such as age or comorbidities. There was a significant difference in the number of grafts used between the two groups. CCABG patients received （3.6±0.5） grafts per patient, while OPCAB patients had （2.7±0.6） grafts （P 〈0.05）. Completeness of revascularization was also significantly different between the two groups （CCABG 91.1% vs OPCAB 73.8%, P 〈0.05）. The hospital mortality was similar in the two groups （4.8% in OPCAB vs 5.9% in CCABG）. The risk-adjusted mortality, according to the calculated propensity score, did not reach statistical significance in the two groups. In this study, OPCAB seemed to have a beneficial effect on reducing reoperation for bleeding, blood transfusion requirement, and the length of stay at ICU. But the incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction was more common in the off-pump group （P 〈0.05）. The degree of improvement in angina and quality of life did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions Using cardiopulmonary bypass is not an independent predictor of mortality and morbidity in patients with SLVD. Isolated CABG can be safely performed in SLVD patients with acceptable postoperative morbidity and mortality in addition to encouraging home discharge rates and higher quality of life. Therefore, CCABG remains a viable option in selected patients with SLVD.

Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction and Silent Myocardial Ischemia amongst Asymptomatic Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Two Referral Hospitals in Cameroon

Background: Cardiovascular events, the leading cause of death among diabetic patients, are usually under-diagnosed due to subclinical presentation. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from March-2019 to September-2020, in two reference hospitals in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction (LVDD) and Silent Myocardial Infarction (SMI) and potentially associated factors. Results: Out of 95 participants (mean age ± SD: 43 ± 7 years;M/F sex-ratio 1.6), 22 (23.1%;95% CI: 15.8% - 32.6%) had LVDD and fewer (n = 13, 13.6%;95% CI: 8.2% - 22.0%) had SMI, p = 0.86. Though not statistically significant, patients with ≥5 years diabetes duration, as well as patients with HbA1C ≥ 7.5% had two-fold increased risk of LVDD (p = 0.22 and p = 0.15 respectively). LVDD was significantly higher in patients with SMI (29% vs 6.3%, p Conclusion: The significant presence of asymptomatic cardiovascular manifestations in this population entails mandatory preventive screening, especially, in patients with long standing diabetes and poor glycemic control, to allow timely detection and management.

Venopulmonary ECMO Improved Hypoxemia and Supported the Right Ventricle in a Patient with Decompensated Eisenmenger Syndrome

Mechanical circulatory and/or respiratory assistance with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become a standard of care for patients with circulatory (venoarterial) and/or respiratory (venovenous) failure refractory to standard therapies. Adult patients with congenital heart disease are an increasingly recognized and growing population and include various groups, such as undiagnosed cases in childhood and palliated and/or corrected cases, which require subsequent care because of residual lesions, cardiac arrest/insufficiency, and arrhythmias, among other conditions. In addition, these patients are prone to developing pathologies that are typical of adulthood with a generally increased risk of morbidity and mortality because of their low reserves and organic damage associated with the underlying heart disease, which makes them candidates for ECMO. These patients represent an additional challenge in this therapy because malformations and the presence of a shunt can generally affect the usual cannulation methods and hemodynamic and oximetry monitoring. Thus, the configuration decision must be made on a case-by-case basis. Here, we present a cannulation method, venopulmonary artery ECMO, which provides hemodynamic and respiratory support, and may be ideal for patients with shunts and/or right ventricular dysfunction. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this configuration in patients with congenital heart diseases.

Relationship between model for end-stage liver disease score and left ventricular function in patients with end-stage liver disease

BACKGROUND:Decreased cardiac contractility has been observed in cirrhosis,suggesting a latent cardiomyopathy in these patients.This study was designed to evaluate left ventricular structure and function in patients with end-stage liver disease by the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD) scoring system. METHODS:We recruited 82 patients(72 male,10 female; mean age 50.3±8.9 years)with end-stage liver disease who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation between January 2002 and May 2008.Seventy-eight patients had cirrhosis and 4 had primary liver cancer.Patients were categorized into three groups on the basis of MELD score:≤9(27 patients, 33%);10-19(40,49%);and≥20(15,18%).The relationship between MELD score and cardiac structure and function was determined.Preoperative assessments of blood biochemistry, blood coagulation,serum virology,echocardiography and electrocardiography were performed. RESULTS:MELD score was positively correlated with enlarged left atrial diameter,increased interventricular septum thickness(IVST),increased aortic flow,corrected QT interval (QTc)extension and cardiac output(P=0.033,0.002,0.000, 0.000 and 0.009,respectively).International normalized ratio also had a correlation with the above parameters and enlarged left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(P=0.043,0.010,0.000, 0.001,0.016 and 0.008,respectively).Serum creatinine was positively correlated with IVST(r=0.257,P=0.020),but negatively correlated with early maximal ventricular filling velocity/late diastolic or atrial velocity ratio(r=-0.300, P=0.006).A difference of QTc>440 ms among the three groups was statistically significant(χ2=9.791,P=0.007).CONCLUSIONS:Abnormalities in cardiac structure and function are common in patients with end-stage liver disease. MELD score is a practically useful approach for the assessment of cardiac function in such patients.

A Case Report of Right Pneumonectomy with a Focus on the Right Ventricular Function and Hemodynamic Management

Background: In patients undergoing pneumonectomy, intraoperative pulmonary and cardiac complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Protective lung ventilation strategies may decrease the overall lung injury. Right, ventricular dysfunction may occur during the surgery and after the pneumonectomy, in the early postoperative period, with reduced RV ejection fraction and increased RV end-diastolic volume index, caused by increased RV afterload. Case report: We describe the case of a 28-year-old non-smoker female who underwent to a right pneumonectomy. The patient presented intraoperative hemodynamic instability and signs of RV dysfunction, requiring vasoactive amines and nitric oxide. Discussion: This article is intended to provide an overview of the anesthetic management for pneumonectomy including the hemodynamic management and considerations of the causes and management of right ventricular dysfunction.

Effect of aortic valve replacement on ventricular recovery and functional class in patients with reduced left ventricular function

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) or regurgitation (AR) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Patients and methods: Retrospective analysis identified 75 consecutive patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) assessed by echocardiography < 40% who underwent AVR for AS (n = 40) or AR (n = 35) between 1994 and 2011. Exclusion criteria were previous myocardial infarction or concomitant valvular disorders other than aortic disease. Follow-up evaluated the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, LVEF and survival rate. Results: Mean ages were respectively 56.5 ± 9.3 and 47.9 ± 11.7 years in AS and AR groups, p = 0.001. Before surgery, 88% and 75% of patients were in NYHA III-IV respectively in AS and AR. In the AS group, the mean LVEF and aortic valve area (AVA) were respectively 32.2% ± 8% and 0.65 ± 0.15 cm2. AR group had a mean LVEF of 33.8 ± 6.7% and a mean LV systolic diameter of 62 ± 8.8 mm. All patients underwent AVR under cardiopulmonary bypass. There were 5 operative deaths (12.5%) in AS group and 6 (17.6%) in AR group, p = 0.57. LVEF increased to 49% ± 14.7% and 51.2% ± 10.9% in the AS and AR groups after echocardiography control. The survival rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were respectively 94.4%, 87% and 80% in AS group and 95.2%, 93% and 89% in AR group. Conclusion: Despite higher perioperative mortality in patients with aortic valve disease (AS or AR) and LV dysfunction, long-term outcome is excellent. We, therefore, conclude that AVR can be performed and it should not be denied to patients on the basis of low EF alone.

Catheter-based intervention for symptomatic patient with severe mitral regurgitation and very poor left ventricular systolic function-Safe but no room for complacency

Many patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction have concomitant mitral regurgitation(MR). Their symptoms and prognosis worsen with increasing severity of MR. Percutaneous Mitra Clip&#174; can be used safely to reduce the severity of MR even in patients with advanced heart failure and is associated with improved symptoms, quality of life and exercise tolerance. However, a few patients with very poor left ventricular systolic function may experience significant haemodynamic disturbance in the peri-procedural period. We present three such patients, highlighting some of the potential problems encountered and discuss their possible pathophysiological mechanisms and safety measures.

Value of clinical applications of differential pressure and relative pressure imaging in the left ventricle

Regional pressure differences between sites within the left ventricular cavity have long been identified,and the potential clinical value of diastolic and systolic intraventricular pressure differences(IVPDs)is of increasing interest.This study concluded that the IVPD plays an important role in ventricular filling and emptying and is a reliable indicator of ventricular relaxation,elastic recoil,diastolic pumping,and effective left ventricular filling.Relative pressure imaging,as a novel and potentially clinically applicable measure of left IVPDs,enables early and more comprehensive identification of the temporal and spatial characteristics of IVPD.In the future,as research related to relative pressure imaging continues,this measurement method has the possibility to become more refined and serve as an additional clinical aid that can replace the gold standard cardiac catheterization technique for the diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction.

Astragalus Membranaceus Improving Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Hypertensive Women with Metabolic Syndrome： A Prospective, Open-Labeled, Randomized Controlled Trial

Background： Postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome （MetS） have increased cardiovascular morbidity and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction （LVDD）. The various protective effects ofastragalus membranaceus （AM） have been described in previous studies. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different doses of AM on diastolic function in postmenopausal hypertensive women with MetS. Methods： This was a prospective, randomized controlled study. The postmenopausal hypertensive patients with MetS were enrolled from Lanzhou University Second Hospital from March 2014 to April 2015. Patients were divided into three groups： control group （received conventional medical treatment）, AM Group 1 （received AM capsules at 5 g/d additionally）, and AM Group 2 （received AM capsules at 10 g/d additionally）. Echocardiographic and clinical characteristics were evaluated before and 12 months after treatment. Quantitative data were analyzed using unpaired t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results： A total of 154 patients were subjected to final analysis. In the AM Group 2, significant improvements were noted in diastolic function 12 months after treatment than those of the control group, including the early diastolic mitral annular velocity （E＇; 0.065±0.007 m/s vs. 0.061 ± 0.008 m/s, P = 0.014）, the ratio of the early diastolic mitral peak flow velocity to the late diastolic mitral peak flow velocity （E/A; 0.81± 0.05 vs. 0.80± 0.06, P = 0.012）, the ratio of E＇ to the late diastolic mitral annular velocity （EVA＇; 0.56 ± 0.12 vs. 0.51 ± 0.13, P 0.048）, and the ratio of the early diastolic mitral peak flow velocity （E） to E＇ （E/E＇; 10.70 ± 1.30 vs. 11.37 ± 1.73, P = 0.031）. After treatment, E/E＇ （ 10.70 ± 1.30 vs. 11.24± 1.56, P = 0.021 ）, deceleration time （DT; 261.49 ± 44.41 ms vs. 268.74 ±53.87 ms P = 0.046）, and EVA＇ （0.56 ± 0.12 vs. 0.52 ±0.13, P = 0.019） values improved more significantly than those of AM Group 2 before treatment. Besides, waist circumference was positively correlated with E＇ （r = 0.472, P = 0.003） and E＇/N （r = 0.321 ; P- 0.047）. In addition, the waist-to-hip ratio was a significant predictor ofDT （r = 0.276; P = 0.041）, E＇ （r= 0.590; P 〈 0.001 ）, E/E＇ （r = 0.454; P=0.004）, and EVA＇ （r= 0.377; P = 0.018）. Conclusions： Conventional medical plus AM therapy improved diastolic function. Moreover, WC and WH R might be risk ihctors tbr LVDD.

Acute cor pulmonale in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome:A comprehensive review

Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)-related acute cor pulmonale(ACP)is found in 8%-50%of all patients with ARDS,and is associated with adverse hemodynamic and survival outcomes.ARDS-related ACP is an echocardiographic diagnosis marked by combined right ventricular dilatation and septal dyskinesia,which connote simultaneous diastolic(volume)and systolic(pressure)overload respectively.Risk factors include pneumonia,hypercapnia,hypoxemia,high airway pressures and concomitant pulmonary disease.Current evidence suggests that ARDS-related ACP is amenable to multimodal treatments including ventilator adjustment(aiming for arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide<60 mmHg,plateau pressure<27 cmH2O,driving pressure<17 cmH2O),prone positioning,fluid balance optimization and pharmacotherapy.Further research is required to elucidate the optimal frequency and duration of routine bedside echocardiography screening for ARDS-related ACP,to more clearly delineate the diagnostic role of transthoracic echocardiography relative to transesophageal echocardiography,and to validate current and novel therapies.

Relationship between Coronary Artery Tortuosity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Patients without Obstructed Coronaries

Objective This study aimed to analyze the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF)and the increasing severity of coronary artery tortuosity(CAT)in patients with non-stenosed coronaries.Methods A total of 396 patients who underwent coronary angiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing(CPET)between August 2020 and July 2021 were included in this single-center retrospective study after excluding patients with significant coronary artery disease(≥50%stenosis).Patients were divided into two groups:no or mild coronary artery tortuosity(N/M-CAT)and moderate to severe coronary artery tortuosity(M/S-CAT)and laboratory electrocardiographic,echocardiographic,and CPET parameters were compared between two groups.Results M/S-CAT was found in 46.9%of the study participants,with 66.7%being women.M/S-CAT was significantly associated with advanced age(P=0.014)and females(P=0.001).Diastolic dysfunction parameters,E velocity(P=0.011),and E/A ratio(P=0.004)also revealed significant differences between the M/S-CAT group and N/M-CAT group.VO2@peak(1.22±0.39 vs.1.07±0.39,P<0.01)and VO2@AT(0.77±0.22 vs.0.71±0.21,P=0.017)were significantly lower in the M/S-CAT group than in the N/M-CAT group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified females(OR=0.448;95%CI,0.296–0.676;P=0.000)and E/A ratio(OR=0.307;95%CI,0.139–0.680;P=0.004)to be independent risk factors of M/S-CAT and showed no association of CPET parameters to M/S-CAT.Conclusion The results indicate that increasing severity of CAT is strongly associated with female gender and E/A ratio and is not directly correlated with decreasing CRF.Further research with a larger patient population and a longer follow-up time is required to fully comprehend the impact of CAT on CRF.

Is there a window of opportunity to optimize trastuzumab cardiac monitoring?

BACKGROUND It remains unclear whether the current arbitrary screening recommendations of trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity provides an adequate balance between preventing heart damage and curtailing a curative treatment.AIM To determine the incidence rate and consequences of trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity as adjuvant treatment in a real-world scenario.METHODS We present a retrospective analysis of cardiac function measured by echocardiogram at baseline and every 3 mo during trastuzumab treatment.Cardiotoxicity was defined as a drop in left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)≥10%from baseline and/or any drop<50%.RESULTS Between January 2011 and December 2014,407 patients were selected.Most(93.6%)were treated with an anthracycline followed by a taxane-based regimen and trastuzumab for 12 mo.Forty patients(9.8%)had cardiotoxicity.None of them were symptomatic,and 28(72.5%)completely recovered LVEF.Cardiotoxicity happened early as shown by LVEF measured on echocardiogram 2 to 4 as compared to 5 to 7(odds ratio=2.47,95%confidence interval:1.09,5.63,P=0.024).There were 54 deaths(13.3%)during the 70-mo follow-up period;1(0.2%)was attributed to late cardiotoxicity(4 years after treatment).The absence of symptomatic cardiotoxicity during trastuzumab treatment and moreover the early occurrence on the treatment period may translate into a strategy to evaluate less frequently.CONCLUSION We observed a 10%rate of asymptomatic cardiotoxicity,which mirrors the results from the large adjuvant trials.Despite being transient,an LVEF drop led to frequent treatment delays and interruptions.It remains unclear whether LVEF decline is predictive of late cardiotoxicity,and treatment efficacy is compromised.