Prognosis-based definition of left ventricular remodeling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Predictive value of HIF-1α for left ventricular remodeling following an anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) has an essential role in ventricular remodeling processes involving myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy, but the clinical significance of HIF-1α levels in the early period after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) for the prediction of left ventricular remodeling (LVR) has yet to be fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the predictive value of HIF-1α for LVR after STEMI based on the echocardiographic parameters.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, plasma samples were collected within 12 hours of onset from 183 patients with a first reperfused anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and HIF-1α levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). At baseline and 12 months after discharge, all patients underwent repeat echocardiography. The changes of echocardiography parameters from baseline to 12 months were used to reflect the changes of ventricular structure and function. An increase in end-diastolic volume of ≥20 % was defined as LVR.

RESULTS

The levels of HIF-1α were highly correlated with the changes of echocardiography parameters (ΔLVEF, ΔLVEDD, as well as ΔLVEDV). During the follow-up period, patients with higher HIF-1α concentrations had higher incidence of LVR, poorer ventricular function, and a lower MACE-free survival. Multivariate analysis showed the single-point HIF-1α was an independent predictor of LVR (odds ratio[OR]: 4.813; 95 % CI: 1.553 to 14.918; P = 0.006). The HIF-1α levels predicted LVR with an AUC of 0.7905 (95 % CI: 0.7067 to 0.8744; P < 0.0001). The combination of HIF-1α and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) yielded a favorable increase in AUC to 0.8121 (95 % CI: 0.7345 to 0.8896; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that serum HIF-1α levels can predict LVR after STEMI independently.

The Association Between Left Ventricular Global Function Index and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Linked to Systemic Inflammation in Acute Coronary Syndrome

We aimed to investigate the association between systemic inflammation and the left ventricular global function index (LVGFI) and evaluate the diagnostic performance of LVGFI for MACEs across the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) spectrum. A total of 1697 patients (794 with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] and 903 with non-STEMI [NSTEMI]) were evaluated. The LVGFI was calculated using echocardiography. Inflammatory status was assessed with C-reactive protein (CRP) and the systemic immune inflammation index (SII). MACEs were defined as non-fatal re-infarction, repeated revascularization of the target vessel, and all-cause mortality at a 3-year follow-up. While the STEMI group exhibited lower LVGFI values compared with the NSTEMI group (P < .001), it had a higher SII level (P < .001) and CRP level (P = .021). The association between higher LVGFI quartiles and lower levels of systemic inflammation was more pronounced in the STEMI group. The threshold value of LVGFI to predict MACEs was <21.8% (Sensitivity = 79.2%, Specificity = 68.7%) for STEMI, while it was <25.4% (Sensitivity = 77.4%, Specificity = 70.8%) for NSTEMI. Considering both the inflammatory status and ACS spectrum when evaluating LVGFI could provide a more comprehensive assessment of cardiac function and prognosis in ACS patients.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diagnostics and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) allows for analysis of cardiac function and myocardial tissue characterization. Increased left ventricular mass (LVM) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events; however, the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy and its prognostic value strongly depend on the LVM indexation method. Evaluation of the quantity and distribution of late gadolinium enhancement assists in clinical decisions on diagnosis, cardiovascular assessment, and interventions, including the placement of cardiac implantable electronic devices and the choice of an optimal procedural approach. Novel CMR techniques, such as T1 and T2 mapping, may be used for the longitudinal follow-up of myocardial fibrosis and myocardial edema or inflammation in different groups of patients, including patients with systemic sclerosis, myocarditis, cardiac sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, and both ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, among others. Moreover, CMR tagging and feature tracking techniques might improve cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with different etiologies of left ventricular dysfunction. This review summarizes the knowledge about the current role of CMR in diagnostics and cardiovascular risk assessment to enable more personalized approach in clinical decision making.

Risk factors for left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess potential risk factors for left ventricular remodeling (LVR) after acute myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science databases CNKI Scholar, VIP, and WanFang databases for all relevant epidemiological studies published up to August 1, 2023. Fixed-effects model or random-effects model was employed to pool the study-specific effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Fifteen studies with a total of 3,093,792 participants were included according to inclusion criteria. Major modifiable risk factors associated with LVR after MI were diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.053, 95% CI: 1.504-2.803), MI site (OR = 2.423, 95% CI: 1.584-3.708), cystatin C (OR = 6.204, 95% CI: 1.830-21.036), B-type natriuretic peptide (OR = 2.280, 95% CI: 1.466-3.546), as well as creatine kinase-myocardial band (OR = 1.013, 95% CI: 0.985-1.042).

CONCLUSION

The current study provides evidence indicating that diabetes, the site of MI, cystatin C, B-type natriuretic peptide, and creatine kinase-myocardial band are the primary risk factors for LVR after MI. Recognizing and addressing these modifiable risk factors is crucial for the development of effective preventive and treatment strategies.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Evaluation of LV Remodeling Post-Myocardial Infarction: Prognosis, Monitoring and Trial Endpoints

Adverse left ventricular remodeling (ALVR) and subsequent heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI) remain a major cause of patient morbidity and mortality worldwide. Overt inflammation has been identified as the common pathway underlying myocardial fibrosis and development of ALVR post-MI. With its ability to simultaneously provide information about cardiac structure, function, perfusion, and tissue characteristics, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is well poised to inform prognosis and guide early surveillance and therapeutics in high-risk cohorts. Further, established and evolving CMR-derived biomarkers may serve as clinical endpoints in prospective trials evaluating the efficacy of novel anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic therapies. This review provides an overview of post-MI ALVR and illustrates how CMR may help clinical adoption of novel therapies via mechanistic or prognostic imaging markers.

Recent advances in positron emission tomography for detecting early fibrosis after myocardial infarction

Cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction is one of the key factors affecting patient prognosis. Myocardial fibrosis is an important pathological link of adverse ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction, and early fibrosis is reversible. Timely detection and intervention can effectively prevent its progression to irreversible ventricular remodeling. Although imaging modalities such as CMR and echocardiography can identify fibrosis, their sensitivity and specificity are limited, and they cannot detect early fibrosis or its activity level. Positron emission tomography (PET) allows non-invasive visualization of cellular and subcellular processes and can monitor and quantify molecules and proteins in the fibrotic pathway. It is valuable in assessing the extent of early myocardial fibrosis progression, selecting appropriate treatments, evaluating response to therapy, and determining the prognosis. In this article, we present a brief overview of mechanisms underlying myocardial fibrosis following myocardial infarction and several routine imaging techniques currently available for assessing fibrosis. Then, we focus on the application of PET molecular imaging in detecting fibrosis after myocardial infarction.

Circulating extracellular vesicles as biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) ranks among the primary contributors to worldwide mortality. Hence, the importance of constant research on new circulating biomarkers for the improvement of early diagnosis and prognostication of different CVDs and the development and refinement of therapeutic measures is critical. Extracellular vesicles (EV) have a great potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers, as they represent their parent cell by enclosing cell-specific molecules, which can differ in quality and quantity based on cell state. Assuming that all cell types of the cardiovascular system are capable of releasing EV into circulation, an emerging body of evidence has investigated the potential role of serum- or plasma-derived EV in CVD. Comprehensive research has unveiled alterations in EV quantity and EV-bound cargo in the form of RNA, proteins and lipids in the context of common CVDs such as coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure or inflammatory heart diseases, highlighting their diagnostic and prognostic relevance. In numerous in vitro and in vivo models, EV also showed promising therapeutic potential. However, translation of EV studies to a preclinical or clinical setting has proven to be challenging. This review is intended to provide an overview of the most relevant studies in the field of serum or plasma-derived EV.

Novel cardiac extracellular matrix biomarkers in STEMI: Associations with ischemic injury and long-term mortality

BACKGROUND

We aimed to determine whether serum levels of proteins related to changes in cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) were associated with ischemic injury assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

The concentrations of six ECM-related proteins (periostin, osteopontin, syndecan-1, syndecan-4, bone morphogenetic protein 7, and growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15) were measured in serum samples from patients on Day 1 and Month 4 after STEMI (n = 239). Ischemic injury was assessed by myocardial salvage index, microvascular obstruction, infarct size, and left ventricular function measured by CMR conducted during the initial admission (median 2 days after admission) and after 4 months. All-cause mortality was recorded after a median follow-up time of 70 months.

RESULTS

Levels of periostin increased from Day 1 to Month 4 after hospitalization, while the levels of GDF-15, osteopontin, syndecan-1, and syndecan-4 declined. At both time points, high levels of syndecan-1 were associated with microvascular obstruction, large infarct size, and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, whereas high levels of syndecan-4 at Month 4 were associated with a higher myocardial salvage index and less dilatation of the left ventricle. Higher mortality rates were associated with periostin levels at both time points, low syndecan-4 levels at Month 4, or high GDF-15 levels at Month 4.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with STEMI, we found an association between serum levels of ECM biomarkers and ischemic injury and mortality. The results provide new insight into the role ECM components play in ischemic injury following STEMI and suggests a potential for these biomarkers in prognostication after STEMI.

Prognostic value of triglyceride-glucose index for left ventricular remodeling in nondiabetic ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients

Background: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a marker of insulin resistance and is associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Left ventricular remodeling (LVR) after myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with poor prognosis. Methods: This retrospective study included 293 STEMI patients. Echocardiography was performed before discharge and 3 months after MI. Results: Compared with the non-LVR group, TyG index value was found to be higher in the LVR group (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that higher maximal troponin I value, higher calculated TyG index value, higher N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide level and the presence of anterior MI were independently associated with the development of LVR. Conclusion: A high TyG index level may contribute to the prediction of LVR in nondiabetic STEMI patients undergoing successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Effect of six month's treatment with omega-3 acid ethyl esters on long-term outcomes after acute myocardial infarction: The OMEGA-REMODEL randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (O3-FA) have been shown to reduce inflammation and adverse cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the impact of O3-FA on long-term clinical outcomes remains uncertain.

AIMS

To investigate the impact of O3-FA on adverse cardiac events in long-term follow up post AMI in a pilot-study.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with AMI were randomized 1:1 to receive 6 months of O3-FA (4 g/daily) or placebo in the prospective, multicenter OMEGA-REMODEL trial. Primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) encompassing all-cause death, heart failure hospitalizations, recurrent acute coronary syndrome, and late coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

RESULTS

A total of 358 patients (62.8% male; 48.1 ± 16.1 years) were followed for a median of 6.6 (IQR: 5.0-9.1) years. Among those receiving O3-FA (n = 180), MACE occurred in 65 (36.1%) compared to 62 (34.8%) of 178 assigned to placebo. By intention-to-treat analysis, O3-FA treatment assignment did not reduce MACE (HR = 1.014; 95%CI = 0.716-1.436; p = 0.938), or its individual components. However, patients with a positive response to O3-FA treatment (n = 43), defined as an increase in the red blood cell omega-3 index (O3I) ≥5% after 6 months of treatment, had lower annualized MACE rates compared to those without (2.9% (95%CI = 1.2-5.1) vs 7.1% (95%CI = 5.7-8.9); p = 0.001). This treatment benefit persisted after adjustment for baseline characteristics (HRadjusted = 0.460; 95%CI = 0.218-0.970; p = 0.041).

CONCLUSION

In long-term follow-up of the OMEGA-REMODEL randomized trial, O3-FA did not reduce MACE after AMI by intention to treat principle, however, patients who achieved a ≥ 5% increase of O3I subsequent to treatment had favorable outcomes.

Four- to seven-year follow-up of pharmacological postconditioning with mangafodipir as an adjunct to primary PCI in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

INTRODUCTION

Adverse left ventricular remodelling (AR) develops over time in approximately 30% of patients with a history of coronary artery disease. AR manifests as a structural change in the left ventricle (LV) in terms of increased volumes and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Manganese dipyridoxyl diphosphate (mangafodipir) has demonstrated interesting cardioprotective features in acute myocardial ischaemia. Pharmacological postconditioning (PP) with mangafodipir as an adjunct to primary percutaneous coronary intervention may possibly reduce the development of AR over time in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this 4-7-year follow-up study is to investigate the potential benefits of PP with mangafodipir in STEMI patients.

METHOD

Thirteen out of the initial 20 patients that were included in the primary study of Karlsson et al. were followed up between April and June 2017. The study group underwent review of the hospital records, a clinical examination with ECG and blood sample analysis before cardiac magnetic resonance examination of the patient. LVEF, left ventricular diastolic volume, left ventricular end systolic volume, LV mass and myocardial strain in all directions were computed.

RESULTS

The PP group showed a decrease in LV volume, mass and higher LVEF at follow-up (p < 0.05) while the individual response of the placebo group showed features that are seen in AR. Although there was no difference in myocardial strain, measurement for the PP-group was higher in absolute terms.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacological postconditioning with mangafodipir in STEMI demonstrated cardioprotective features compared to the placebo group at follow-up. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Cardiac magnetic resonance shows increased adverse ventricular remodeling in younger patients after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

Young patients account for about half of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and display a unique risk profile compared with old patients. Whether these differences are related to disparities in ventricular remodeling remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate age-related differences in ventricular remodeling after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for STEMI.

METHODS

In this observational study, consecutive STEMI patients between October 2019 and March 2021 who underwent serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance at index admission (3 to 7 days) and 3 months after PPCI were enrolled. Adverse remodeling was defined as ≥ 10% enlargement in left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi), while reverse remodeling was defined as a decrease in left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVi) of more than 10%.

RESULTS

A total of 123 patients were included and grouped into young (< 60 years, n = 71) and old (≥ 60 years, n = 52) patients. Despite generally similar baseline structural and infarct characteristics, LVESVi significantly decreased only in old patients during follow-up (p = 0.034). The incidence of adverse remodeling was higher (49.3% vs 30.8%, p = 0.039), while the incidence of reverse remodeling was lower (31.0% vs 53.8%, p = 0.011) in young compared with old patients. Younger age (< 60 years) was associated with a significantly higher risk of adverse remodeling (adjusted OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.41-8.74, p = 0.007) and lower incidence of reverse remodeling (adjusted OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.18-0.97, p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

In STEMI patients undergoing PPCI, young patients are at a higher risk of adverse remodeling and less probably develop reverse remodeling than old patients. Equal or more attention should be paid to young patients with STEMI compared with their older counterparts.

KEY POINTS

• In STEMI patients undergoing PPCI, young patients displayed unfavorable remodeling compared with old patients. • Young patients are at a higher risk of adverse remodeling and less probably develop reverse remodeling than old patients. • Equal or more attention should be paid to young patients compared with their older counterparts.

Ivabradine in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Elevated resting heart rate (HR) predicts poor outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. Ivabradine has been recommended as a second-line anti-anginal agent in chronic coronary syndrome, while there are no clear indications for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

RESULTS

We systematically searched PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Clinical Trials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials with search terms Ivabradine and Acute myocardial infarction. There are two study outcomes from this study: therapeutic and safety effects. Therapeutic effects include the efficacy of Ivabradine on HR, all-cause mortality, heart failure incidence, left ventricular function and remodeling. Safety effects include troponin levels and ischemic events (recurrent angina pectoris). A total of 6 RCTs was included and showed that Ivabradine was associated with greater resting HR reduction [MD - 5.40; 95%CI - 8.60, - 2.20], improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction [MD 2.98; 95%CI 0.44, 5.51], and left ventricular end systolic volume [MD - 3.81; 95%CI - 6.88, - 0.75]. However, Ivabradine had no impact on all-cause mortality [OR 0.76; 95%CI 0.35, 1.67], heart failure incidence [OR 0.61; 95%CI 0.21, 1.80], and recurrent angina pectoris [OR 0.71; 95%CI 0.50, 1.00].

CONCLUSIONS

Ivabradine is safe and effective for resting HR reduction in patients with STEMI; however, it has no significant influence on mortality. These results suggest that an elevated HR is only a marker of risk but not a modifiable determinant of outcomes in patients who have suffered an acute myocardial infarction.

Prognostic role of the left ventricular global function index in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events in acute coronary syndrome patients

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of the left ventricular (LV) global function index (LVGFI) in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome after long-term follow-up. Methods: This retrospective study included 718 patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 781 patients with non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The LVGFI was calculated on echocardiography with the following formula: (LV stroke volume/[LV cavity volume + LV myocardial volume]) × 100. Results: Mean LVGFI was higher in the NSTEMI group than in the STEMI group. Decreased LVGFI levels were independent predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events in both the STEMI and the NSTEMI group. Conclusion: Echocardiographic LVGFI may be a useful prognostic screening tool for acute coronary syndrome cohorts.

Machine learning-based prediction of infarct size in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A multi-center study

BACKGROUND

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is the gold standard for measuring infarct size (IS). However, this method is expensive and requires a specially trained technologist to administer. We therefore sought to quantify the IS using machine learning (ML) based analysis on clinical features, which is a convenient and cost-effective alternative to CMR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 315 STEMI patients with CMR examined one week after morbidity in final analysis. After feature selection by XGBoost on fifty-six clinical features, we used five ML algorithms (random forest (RF), light gradient boosting decision machine, deep forest, deep neural network, and stacking) to predict IS with 26 (selected by XGBoost with information gain greater than average level of 56 features) and the top 10 features, during which 5-fold cross-validation were used to train and optimize models. We then evaluated the value of actual and ML-IS for the prediction of adverse remodeling. Our finding indicates that MLs outperform the linear regression in predicting IS. Specifically, the RF with five predictors identified by the exhaustive method performed better than linear regression (LR) with 10 indicators (R² of RF: 0.8; LR: 0). The finding also shows that both actual and ML-IS were independently associated with adverse remodeling. ML-IS ≥ 21% was associated with a twofold increase in the risk of LV remodeling (P < 0.01) compared with patients with reference IS (1st tertile).

CONCLUSION

ML-based methods can predict IS with widely available clinical features, which provide a proof-of-concept tool to quantitatively assess acute phase IS.

A comprehensive and longitudinal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study of the impact of coronary ischemia duration on myocardial damage in a highly translatable animal model

OBJECTIVES

We performed a comprehensive assessment of the effect of myocardial ischemia duration on cardiac structural and functional parameters by serial cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and characterized the evolving scar.

BACKGROUND

CMR follow-up on the cardiac impact of time of ischemia in a closed-chest animal model of myocardial infarction with human resemblance is missing.

METHODS

Pigs underwent MI induction by occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery for 30, 60, 90 or 120 min and then revascularized. Serial CMR was performed on day 3 and day 42 post-MI. CMR measurements were also run in a sham-operated group. Cellular and molecular changes were investigated.

RESULTS

On day 3, cardiac damage and function were similar in sham and pigs subjected to 30 min of ischemia. Cardiac damage (oedema and necrosis) significantly increased from 60 min onwards. Microvascular obstruction was extensively seen in animals with ≥90 min of ischemia and correlated with cardiac damage. A drop in global systolic function and wall motion of the jeopardized segments was seen in pigs subjected to ≥60 min of ischemia. On day 42, scar size and cardiac dysfunction followed the same pattern in the animals subjected to ≥60 min of ischemia. Adverse left ventricular remodelling (worsening of both LV volumes) was only present in animals subjected to 120 min of ischemia. Cardiac fibrosis, myocyte hypertrophy and vessel rarefaction were similar in the infarcted myocardium of pigs subjected to ≥60 min of ischemia. No changes were observed in the remote myocardium.

CONCLUSION

Sixty-minute LAD coronary occlusion already induces cardiac structural and functional alterations with longer ischemic time (120 min) causing adverse LV remodelling.

Left Ventricular Adverse Remodeling in Ischemic Heart Disease: Emerging Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers

Post-ischemic left ventricular (LV) remodeling is a biologically complex process involving myocardial structure, LV shape, and function, beginning early after myocardial infarction (MI) and lasting until 1 year. Adverse remodeling is a post-MI maladaptive process that has been associated with long-term poor clinical outcomes. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) is the best tool to define adverse remodeling because of its ability to accurately measure LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and their variation over time and to characterize the underlying myocardial changes. Therefore, CMR is the gold standard method to assess in vivo myocardial infarction extension and to detect the presence of microvascular obstruction and intramyocardial hemorrhage, both associated with adverse remodeling. In recent times, new CMR quantitative biomarkers emerged as predictive of post-ischemic adverse remodeling, such as T1 mapping, myocardial strain, and 4D flow. Additionally, CMR T1 mapping imaging may depict infarcted tissue and assess diffuse myocardial fibrosis by using surrogate markers such as extracellular volume fraction, which may predict functional recovery or risk stratification of remodeling. Finally, there is emerging evidence supporting the utility of intracavitary blood flow kinetic energy and hemodynamic features assessed by the 4D flow CMR technique as early predictors of remodeling.

Global Research Trends on Ventricular Remodeling: A Bibliometric Analysis From 2012 to 2022

Ventricular remodeling is the progressive pathologic change of the original substance and morphology of the ventricle caused by various injuries and has attracted increasing attention in the past decade. This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of articles on ventricular remodeling published in the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2012 to 2022 to understand the current research state in the field of ventricular remodeling and provide insights for clinicians and researchers. As a result, a total of 1710 articles on ventricular remodeling were included. Annual publications have been gradually increasing and have remained at a high level over the past 10 years. The United States of America contributed the most publications, followed by China. Circulation was the most mainstream and authoritative journal focusing on ventricular remodeling. Research hotspot analysis suggested that myocardial infarction was the primary risk factor for ventricular remodeling, and emerging risk factor studies have focused on pulmonary hypertension, aortic stenosis, and diabetes. The mechanisms in the pathogenesis of ventricular remodeling were mainly closely associated with inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and myocardial fibrosis. Intensive investigation of the interactions between different mechanisms might be a future research direction. In terms of treatment, cardiac resynchronization therapy was a hot topic of research. These findings can help researchers grasp the research status of ventricular remodeling and determine future research directions.

Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome on Ventricular Remodeling after Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is common in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Whether OSA impacts on the ventricular remodeling post-AMI remains unclear. We compared cardiac ventricular remodeling in patients assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging at baseline and six months after AMI based on the presence and severity of OSA. Methods: This prospective study included 47 patients with moderate to severe AMI. They all underwent CMR at inclusion and at six months after an AMI, and a polysomnography was performed three weeks after AMI. Left and right ventricular remodeling parameters were compared between patients based on the AHI, AHI in REM and NREM sleep, oxygen desaturation index, and daytime sleepiness. Results: Of the 47 patients, 49% had moderate or severe OSA with an AHI ≥ 15/h. No differences were observed between these patients and those with an AHI < 15/h for left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes at six months. No association was found for left and right ventricular remodeling parameters at six months or for the difference between baseline and six months with polysomnographic parameters of OSA severity, nor with daytime sleepiness. Conclusions: Although with a limited sample size, our proof-of-concept study does not report an association between OSA and ventricular remodeling in patients with AMI. These results highlight the complexity of the relationships between OSA and post-AMI morbi-mortality.

Incidence, Predictive Factors and Long-Term Clinical Impact of Left Ventricular Remodeling According to the Completeness of Revascularization in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease

In this study, we identified several factors related to left ventricular remodeling (LVR) and examined the impact of LVR on the prognosis of patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction and multivessel disease treated with complete (CR) or incomplete (IR) revascularization. LVR was defined as an LV end-diastolic diameter >55 mm. A total of 262 patients without LVR at presentation were followed up with echocardiography between 1 month and 1 year. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death (AD), MI, and heart failure (HF), referred to as a major adverse cardiovascular endpoint (MACE). Then, each variable was analyzed as a secondary outcome. Follow-up echocardiography identified 26 patients (9.9%) with LVR. LVR was associated with an initial LV ejection fraction <50%, Killip 3 disease at presentation, and a peak troponin I level >70 mg/dL. Survival analysis showed an association between LVR and adverse outcomes only in the IR group, in which the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was increased for the MACE (HR = 3.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19−8.71, p = 0.002) and HF (HR = 21.37, 95% CI = 4.47−102.09, p< 0.001), but not for the CR group. In STEMI with MVD, LVR within the first year after percutaneous coronary intervention was associated with worse outcomes in the IR but not the CR group.

The role of temporal changes of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the development of adverse cardiac remodeling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Introduction

Increasing evidence supports the view that pro-inflammatory cytokines play a role in fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI). It has been suggested that interleukin (IL)-12p40, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, can induce interferon γ (IFN-γ) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). However, the role of IL-12p40 in adverse cardiac remodeling (AR) after ST-elevation MI (STEMI) is unclear.

Aim

To examine the role of temporal changes of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the development of post-STEMI AR.

Material and methods

A total of 43 patients with STEMI for the first time ever were prospectively analyzed. In cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 6 months after STEMI, a decrease of left ventricular end-diastolic volume by ≥ 12% was defined as reverse cardiac remodeling (RR), and a 12% increase was defined as AR. Cytokine concentrations were measured on the first day (baseline) and 2 weeks after STEMI.

Results

Mean IL-12p40 (59.1 ±14.5 vs. 46.7 ±9.1 pq/ml, p = 0.001), median IFN-γ (20.4 vs. 16.2 pq/ml, p = 0.048) and median MMP-2 (33866 vs. 20691 pq/ml, p = 0.011) baseline concentrations were higher in AR than RR. In patients with AR, IL-12p40 level was lower at 2 weeks than baseline (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the baseline concentrations of IL-12p40, IFN-γ, MMP-2, C-reactive protein and infarct size (p < 0.05). Increased IL-12p40 and MMP-2 baseline levels were independently associated with AR (OR = 1.14, p = 0.010; OR = 1.08, p = 0.035).

Conclusions

In the initial phase of MI, greater release of pro-inflammatory cytokines was associated with increased MMP-2 levels. Elevated expression of IL-12 and MMP-2 had an independent association with AR. This may be related to the excessive inflammatory response in the initial phase of MI.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Features Associated with the Risk of Cardiac Arrest in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: Cardiac arrest (CA) is the most severe complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Besides the location and severity of coronary occlusion, different factors may have significant role in the pathogenesis of AMI-related cardiac arrest (CA), but their contribution is still under investigation. The aim of the study was to investigate the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) features of myocardial injury associated with a higher risk of CA accompanying an AMI.

Methods: In total, 918 myocardial segments from 54 post-AMI patients undergoing CMR imaging with delayed gadolinium enhancement were enrolled in the study, of which 18.54% presented CA during the acute phase of AMI. In all patients, infarct mass, the proportion of high transmurality extent, and scar mass at different myocardial segments were calculated using QMap software (Medis BV).

Results: Compared to patients without CA, those with CA had a significantly higher infarct size (p = 0.03) and a higher degree of transmurality (29.28% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.01). The risk of CA during the acute phase was significantly higher in patients in whom the location of myocardial injury was at the level of latero-apical, antero-lateral, and basal anterior segments. Group 1 presented a larger infarct size at the level of the latero-apical (33.9 ± 30.6 g vs. 13.6 ± 17.3 g, p = 0.02), anterolateral (26.5 ± 29.0 g vs. 8.9 ± 12.8 g, p = 0.02), and anterobasal segment (20.1 ± 21.5 g vs. 7.8 ± 14.7 g, p = 0.02).

Conclusions: CMR imaging identified infarct mass, high transmurality degree, and large myocardial injury as features associated with an increased risk of CA in the acute phase of AMI, especially at the level of anterolateral segments.

A head-to-head comparison of myocardial strain by fast-strain encoding and feature tracking imaging in acute myocardial infarction

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of heart failure. Left ventricular adverse remodeling is common post-MI. Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between reduced myocardial strain and the development of adverse remodeling. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with fast-strain encoding (fast-SENC) or feature tracking (FT) enables rapid assessment of myocardial deformation. The aim of this study was to establish a head-to-head comparison of fast-SENC and FT in post-ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, with clinical 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2DEcho) as a reference.

Methods

Thirty patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI were investigated. All participants underwent CMR examination with late gadolinium enhancement, cine-loop steady-state free precession, and fast-SENC imaging using a 1.5T scanner as well as a 2DEcho. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), segmental longitudinal strain (SLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and segmental circumferential strain (SCS) were assessed along with the MI scar extent.

Results

The GCS measurements from fast-SENC and FT were nearly identical: the mean difference was 0.01 (2.5)% (95% CI - 0.92 to 0.95). For GLS, fast-SENC values were higher than FT, with a mean difference of 1.8 (1.4)% (95% CI 1.31-2.35). Tests of significance for GLS did not show any differences between the MR methods and 2DEcho. Average strain in the infarct-related artery (IRA) segments compared to the remote myocardium was significantly lower for the left anterior descending artery and right coronary artery culprits but not for the left circumflex artery culprits. Fast-SENC displayed a higher area under the curve for detecting infarcted segments than FT for both SCS and SLS.

Conclusion

GLS and GCS did not significantly differ between fast-SENC and FT. Both showed acceptable agreement with 2DEcho for longitudinal strain. Segments perfused by the IRA showed significantly reduced strain values compared to the remote myocardium. Fast-SENC presented a higher sensitivity and specificity for detecting infarcted segments than FT.

Left Ventricular Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction: From Physiopathology to Treatment

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide, with an incidence relatively high in developed countries and rapidly growing in developing countries. The most common cause of MI is the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque with subsequent thrombotic occlusion in the coronary circulation. This causes cardiomyocyte death and myocardial necrosis, with subsequent inflammation and fibrosis. Current therapies aim to restore coronary flow by thrombus dissolution with pharmaceutical treatment and/or intravascular stent implantation and to counteract neurohormonal activation. Despite these therapies, the injury caused by myocardial ischemia leads to left ventricular remodeling; this process involves changes in cardiac geometry, dimension and function and eventually progression to heart failure (HF). This review describes the pathophysiological mechanism that leads to cardiac remodeling and the therapeutic strategies with a role in slowing the progression of remodeling and improving cardiac structure and function.

Efficacy of comprehensive remote ischemic conditioning in elderly patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is used to protect against myocardial injury. However, there is no adequate evidence for comprehensive RIC in elderly patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study aimed to test whether comprehensive RIC, started pre-primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and repeated daily on 1-30 days post-PPCI, can improve myocardial salvage index (SI), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score (KCCQ-CSS) and 6-min walk test distance (6MWD) in elderly patients with acute STEMI during 12 months follow-up.

METHODS

328 consenting elderly patients were randomized to receive standard PPCI plus comprehensive RIC (the treatment group) or standard PPCI (the control group). SI at 5-7 days after PPCI, LVEF, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI), KCCQ-CSS, 6MWD and adverse events rates were measured and assessed.

RESULTS

SI was significantly higher in the treatment group [interquartile range (IQR): 0.38-0.66, P = 0.037]. There were no significant differences in major adverse events at 12 months. Although the differences of LVEDVI, LVESVI and LVEF between the treatment group and the control group did not reach statistical significance at 6 months and 12 months, LVEF tended to be higher, LVEDVI tended to be lower in the treatment group. The KCCQ-CSS was significantly higher in the treatment group at 1 month (IQR: 46.5-87, P = 0.001) and 12 months (IQR: 55-93, P = 0.008). There was significant difference in 6MWD between the treatment group and the control group (IQR: 258-360 vs. IQR: 250-345, P = 0.002) at 1 month and (IQR: 360-445 vs. IQR: 345-432, P = 0.035) at 12 months. A modest correlation was found between SI and LVEF (r = 0.452, P < 0.01), KCCQ-CSS ( r = 0.440, P < 0.01) and 6MWD ( r = 0.384, P < 0.01) respectively at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The comprehensive RIC can improve SI, KCCQ-CSS and 6MWD. It may be an adjunctive therapy to PPCI in elderly patients with STEMI.

Cell-Based HIF1α Gene Therapy Reduces Myocardial Scar and Enhances Angiopoietic Proteome, Transcriptomic and miRNA Expression in Experimental Chronic Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Recent preclinical investigations and clinical trials with stem cells mostly studied bone-marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs), which so far failed to meet clinically significant functional study endpoints. BM-MNCs containing small proportions of stem cells provide little regenerative potential, while mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promise effective therapy via paracrine impact. Genetic engineering for rationally enhancing paracrine effects of implanted stem cells is an attractive option for further development of therapeutic cardiac repair strategies. Non-viral, efficient transfection methods promise improved clinical translation, longevity and a high level of gene delivery. Hypoxia-induced factor 1α is responsible for pro-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic and anti-remodeling mechanisms. Here we aimed to apply a cellular gene therapy model in chronic ischemic heart failure in pigs. A non-viral circular minicircle DNA vector (MiCi) was used for in vitro transfection of porcine MSCs (pMSC) with HIF1α (pMSC-MiCi-HIF-1α). pMSCs-MiCi-HIF-1α were injected endomyocardially into the border zone of an anterior myocardial infarction one month post-reperfused-infarct. Cell injection was guided via 3D-guided NOGA electro-magnetic catheter delivery system. pMSC-MiCi-HIF-1α delivery improved cardiac output and reduced myocardial scar size. Abundances of pro-angiogenic proteins were analyzed 12, 24 h and 1 month after the delivery of the regenerative substances. In a protein array, the significantly increased angiogenesis proteins were Activin A, Angiopoietin, Artemin, Endothelin-1, MCP-1; and remodeling factors ADAMTS1, FGFs, TGFb1, MMPs, and Serpins. In a qPCR analysis, increased levels of angiopeptin, CXCL12, HIF-1α and miR-132 were found 24 h after cell-based gene delivery, compared to those in untreated animals with infarction and in control animals. Expression of angiopeptin increased already 12 h after treatment, and miR-1 expression was reduced at that time point. In total, pMSC overexpressing HIF-1α showed beneficial effects for treatment of ischemic injury, mediated by stimulation of angiogenesis.

Association of plasma interleukin-6 with infarct size, reperfusion injury, and adverse remodelling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction

AIMS

Little is known about the clinical relevance of interleukin (IL)-6 in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study examined the possible associations of plasma IL-6 concentrations with infarct size (IS), reperfusion injury and adverse left ventricular remodelling (LVR), in STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We prospectively included 170 consecutive STEMI patients (median age 57 years, 14% women) treated with primary PCI between 2017 and 2019. Blood samples for biomarker analyses including IL-6 were collected on Day 2. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), IS, and reperfusion injury [microvascular obstruction (MVO) and intramyocardial haemorrhage (IMH)] were determined using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging on Day 4. Left ventricular remodelling was defined as ≥10% increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume from baseline to 4 months CMR follow-up. Patients with IL-6 concentrations ≥median (17 ng/L) showed a significantly lower LVEF (43% vs. 52%, P < 0.001), larger IS (22% vs. 13%, P < 0.001), larger MVO (1.9% vs. 0.0%, P < 0.001), and more frequent IMH (52% vs. 18%, P < 0.001). Left ventricular remodelling was more common in patients with IL-6 ≥ median (24% vs. 9%, P = 0.005). In both linear and binary multivariable regression analyses, IL-6 remained independently associated with lower LVEF [odds ratio (OR): 0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02-0.42, P = 0.002], larger IS (OR: 5.29, 95% CI 1.52-18.40, P = 0.009), larger MVO (OR: 5.20, 95% CI 1.30-20.85, P = 0.020), with presence of IMH (OR: 3.73, 95% CI 1.27-10.99, P = 0.017), and adverse LVR (OR: 2.72, 95% 1.06-6.98, P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

High concentrations of circulating plasma IL-6 on Day 2 after STEMI were independently associated with worse myocardial function, larger infarct extent, more severe reperfusion injury, and a higher likelihood for LVR, suggesting IL-6 as a useful biomarker of more serious outcome and potential therapeutic target.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04113356;NCT04113356.

Association of changes in the infarct and remote zone myocardial tissue with cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction: a T1 and T2 mapping study

Tissue structure in the infarct and remote zone myocardium post-acute myocardial infarction (MI) may offer prognostic information concerning left ventricular remodeling. We aimed to identify or establish a relationship between adverse remodeling (AR) and changes (Δ) in T1, T2 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) in post MI periods. Fifty-four MI patients underwent 3 Tesla CMR performed 2 weeks (acute phase) and 6 months post-MI. We measured T1 mapping with MOLLI sequences and T2 mapping with TrueFISP sequences. Hematocrit was quantified in scanning time. ECV was performed post-gadolinium enhancement. AR was defined as an increase of ≥ 10% in left ventricular end-diastolic volume in 6 months. In the acute phase post-MI, high T2 relaxation times of the infarct and remote zone myocardium were associated with AR (OR 1.15, p = 0.023 and OR 1.54, p = 0.002, respectively). There was a decrease in T2 relaxation times of the remote zone myocardium at 6 months in patients with AR (42.0 ± 4.0 vs. 39.0 ± 3.5 ms, p < 0.001), while insignificant difference was found in patients without AR. Increased ΔECV (%) and decreased remote ΔT2 values were associated with AR (OR 1.04, p = 0.043 and OR 0.77, p = 0.007, respectively). The diagnostic performance analysis in predicting AR showed that acute-phase remote T2 was similar to that of remote ΔT2 (p = 0.875) but was superior to that of ΔECV (%) (ΔAUC: 0.19 ± 0.09, p = 0.038). In both acute phase and change of 6 months post-MI, the T2 relaxation times in remote myocardium are independently associated with AR, and this suggests higher inflammation in the remote myocardium in the AR group than the other group, even though no significant pathophysiological difference was observed in the healing of the infarct zone between both groups.

Evaluation of the relationship between anti-inflammatory cytokines and adverse cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction

Aim    To clarify the role of interleukin (IL) - 10 and members of its subfamily (IL-19 and IL-26) in cardiac remodeling during the post-myocardial infarction (MI) period.Material and methods    A total of 45 patients with ST-segment elevation MI were enrolled. Serum cytokine concentrations were measured at the first day and 14 days post-MI. Left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling (RR) was defined as the reduction of LV end-diastolic volume or LV end-systolic volume by ≥ 12 % in cardiac magnetic resonance images at 6‑mo follow-up. A 12 % increase was defined as adverse remodeling (AR).Results    The post-MI first-day median IL-10 (9.7 pg / ml vs. 17.6 pg / ml, p&lt;0.001), median IL-19 (28.7 pg / ml vs. 36.9 pg / ml, p&lt;0.001), and median IL-26 (47.8 pg / ml vs. 90.7 pg / ml, p&lt;0.001) were lower in the RR group compared to the AR group. There was a significant decrease in the concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the AR group from the first to the 14 days post-MI. However, no significant change was observed in the RR group. Regression analysis revealed that a low IL-10 concentration on the post-MI first day was related to RR (OR=0.76, p=0.035). A 1 % increase in change of IL-10 concentration increased the probability of RR by 1.07 times.Conclusion    The concentrations of cytokines were higher in the AR group, but this elevation was not sustained and significantly decreased for the 14 days post-MI. In the RR group, the concentrations of cytokines did not change and stable for the 14 days post-MI. As a reflection of this findings, stable IL-10 concentration may play a role the improvement of cardiac functions.

Elevated serum FGF21 predicts the major adverse cardiovascular events in STEMI patients after emergency percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Although there have been several studies related to serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels and acute myocardial infarction, the value of serum FGF21 levels in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients after emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been previously investigated.

Methods

A total of 348 STEMI patients who underwent emergency PCI were enrolled from January 2016 to December 2018. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), with a median follow-up of 24 months. Eighty patients with stable angina (SA) who underwent selective PCI served as the control group. Serum FGF21 levels were measured by ELISA.

Results

Serum FGF21 levels were significantly higher in the STEMI group than in the SA group (225.03 ± 37.98 vs. 135.51 ±  34.48, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that serum FGF21 levels were correlated with NT-proBNP (P < 0.001). According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of FGF21 and NT-proBNP were 0.812 and 0.865, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed that STEMI patients with lower FGF21 levels had an increased MACE-free survival rate. Cox analysis revealed that high FGF21 levels (HR: 2.011, 95% CI: [1.160–3.489]) proved to be a powerful tool in predicting the risk of MACEs among STEMI patients after emergency PCI.

Conclusion

Elevated FGF21 levels on admission have been shown to be a powerful predictor of MACEs for STEMI patients after emergency PCI.

The expression of myeloperoxidase in thrombi is associated with reduced heme oxygenase-1 induction and worse left ventricular remodeling in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) secreted by neutrophils is the enzyme that kills bacteria and other pathogens. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is usually caused by thrombosis in response to vulnerable plaque rupture. Circulating MPO was found to be associated with increased mortality in AMI patients. However, the relationship between MPO in thrombi and the prognosis of AMI patients remains unknown.

Hypothesis

MPO expression in thrombi is associated with the prognosis of patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after AMI.

Methods

This study included 41 consecutive patients with acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction, who successfully underwent primary PCI, during which we collected thrombi remaining in the culprit artery using aspiration catheters. These thrombus samples were fixed, and immunohistochemical staining against MPO and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) was conducted. Enrolled patients were divided into two groups based on the induction of thrombotic MPO, which was quantified using Image J software.

Methods

We observed that increased MPO was associated with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and worse LV remodeling in AMI patients. Instead, patients with decreased thrombotic MPO induction had a considerable improvement in LVEF 1 month after discharge (54.4 ± 2.0% vs. 61.1 ± 2.3%, p < 0.01). In the MPO group, a reduction in the thrombotic HO‐1 level contributed to the development of adverse LV remodeling. Logistic regression showed that MPO was a considerable risk factor for adverse LV remodeling (adjusted OR 3.70, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

MPO expression in thrombi is associated with reduced LVEF and deteriorated LV remodeling in AMI patients, which may be due to HO‐1 suppression in thrombi.

Myocardial extracellular volume fraction radiomics analysis for differentiation of reversible versus irreversible myocardial damage and prediction of left ventricular adverse remodeling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

Our study sought to explore the prognostic value of radiomic TA (texture analysis) on quantitative ECV (extracellular volume) fraction mapping to differentiate between reversible and irreversible myocardial damage and to predict left ventricular adverse remodeling in patients with reperfused STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction).

METHODS

This observational prospective cohort study identified 70 patients (62 ± 9 years, 62 men [85.70%]) with STEMI for TA who consecutively performed native and contrast T1 mapping. Texture features were extracted from each stack of ECV mapping based on ROI (region of interest) analysis.

RESULTS

After texture feature selection and dimension reduction, five selected texture features were found to be statistically significant for differentiating the extent of myocardial injury. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis for the differentiation of unsalvageable infarction and salvageable myocardium demonstrated a significantly higher AUC (area under the curve) (0.91 [95% CI, 0.86-0.96], p < 0.0001) for horizontal fraction than other texture features (p < 0.05). LVAR (left ventricular adverse remodeling) was predicted by those selected features. The differences in qualitative and quantitative baseline parameters and horizontal fractions were significant between the patients with and without LVAR. LGE (late gadolinium enhancement) and horizontal fraction features of infarcted myocardium in acute STEMI were the only two parameters selected in forming the optimal overall multivariable model for LVAR at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiomic analysis of ECV could discriminate reversible from irreversible myocardial injury after STEMI. LGE as well as radiomics TA (texture analysis) of ECV may provide an alternative to predict LVAR and functional recovery.

KEY POINTS

• ECV quantification was able to differentiate between infarcted myocardium and non-infarcted myocardium. • Radiomics analysis of ECV could discriminate reversible from irreversible myocardial injury. • Radiomics TA analysis shows a promising similarity with LGE findings which could aid the prognosis of myocardial infarction patients.

Redefining Adverse and Reverse Left Ventricular Remodeling by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Following ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Their Implications on Long-Term Prognosis

BACKGROUND

Cut off values for change in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) by cardiovascular magnetic resonance following ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction have recently been proposed and 4 patterns of LV remodeling were described. We aimed to assess their long-term prognostic significance.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of unselected patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction with paired acute and 6-month cardiovascular magnetic resonance, with the 5-year composite end point of all-cause death and hospitalization for heart failure was included. The prognosis of the following groups (group 1: reverse LV remodeling [≥12% decrease in LVESV]; group 2: no LV remodeling [changes in LVEDV and LVESV <12%]; group 3: adverse LV remodeling with compensation [≥12% increase in LVEDV only]; and group 4: adverse LV remodeling [≥12% increase in both LVESV and LVEDV]) was compared.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty-five patients were included with a median follow-up was 5.8 years. The composite end point occurred in 9.5% in group 1, 12.3% in group 2, 7.1% in group 3, and 24.2% in group 4. Group 4 had significantly higher cumulative event rates of the composite end point (log-rank test, P=0.03) with the other 3 groups showing similar cumulative event rates (log-rank test, P=0.51). Cox proportional hazard for group 2 (hazard ratio, 1.3 [95% CI, 0.6-3.1], P=0.53) and group 3 (hazard ratio, 0.6 [95% CI, 0.2-2.3], P=0.49) were not significantly different but was significantly higher in group 4 (hazard ratio, 3.0 [95% CI, 1.2-7.1], P=0.015) when compared with group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction developing adverse LV remodeling at 6 months, defined as ≥12% increase in both LVESV and LVEDV by cardiovascular magnetic resonance, was associated with worse long-term clinical outcomes than those with adverse LV remodeling with compensation, reverse LV remodeling, and no LV remodeling, with the latter 3 groups having similar outcomes in a cohort of stable reperfused patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02072850.

Circulating miR-1 as a potential predictor of left ventricular remodeling following acute ST-segment myocardial infarction using cardiac magnetic resonance

BACKGROUND

The identification of patients with a high likelihood of left ventricular (LV) remodeling with a high-risk prognosis has critical implications for risk stratification after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between circulating miR-1 and 6-month post-infarct LV remodeling based on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

METHODS

A total of 80 patients with a first STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who underwent CMR imaging 1 week and 6 months after STEMI were evaluated. The percentage changes of LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), LV end-systolic volume index (LVESV) at 1 week and 6 months after PCI (%ΔLVEF, %ΔLVEDV and %ΔLVESV) were calculated. miR-1 was measured using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technologies in plasma samples that were collected at admission. The study group was divided into two groups based on a 10% cutoff value for the percentage of change in the LV end-diastolic volume (%ΔLVEDV): remodeling at high risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) (%ΔLVEDV ≥10%, termed the LV remodeling group) and remodeling at lower risk of MACEs (%ΔLVEDV <10%, termed the non-LV remodeling group). The associations of miR-1 expression with the %ΔLVEDV, percentage change in the LV end-systolic volume (%ΔLVESV), and percentage change in the LV ejection fraction at follow-up were estimated.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (27.5%) showed adverse LV remodeling, and 58 patients (72.5%) did not show adverse LV remodeling at the 6-month follow-up of CMR. The mean LVEF, LVEDV index, and LVESV index values at 1 week were 50.6%±8.2%, 74.6±12.8 mL/m2, and 37.2±10.2 mL/m2, respectively. Mean LVEF at follow-up (53.5%±10.6%) was increased compared with baseline (P<0.001). There were significant decreases in LVEDV index and LVESV index values at follow-up (72.0±14.9 mL/m2 and 33.7±11.0 mL/m2, respectively; P=0.009 and P<0.001, respectively). The expression of miR-1 at admission was positively correlated with the %ΔLVEDV (r=0.611, P<0.001) and %ΔLVESV (r=0.268, P=0.016). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that miR-1 expression predicted LV remodeling with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.56-0.78). Compared with the clinical factors of peak creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) and peak troponin T level, peak logNT-proBNP showed the highest predictive power, with an AUC value of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.64-0.84). A model including the clinical, CMR, and miR-1 factors showed greater predictive power (P=0.034) than a model including only clinical and CMR factors, with AUCs of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.80-0.95) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.71-0.89), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating miR-1 at admission is an independent predictor of LV remodeling 6 months after STEMI. miR-1 showed incremental value in predicting LV remodeling compared with the clinical and CMR measurements.

Global longitudinal strain by feature tracking for optimized prediction of adverse remodeling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The role of left ventricular (LV) myocardial strain by cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) for the prediction of adverse remodeling following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), as well as its prognostic validity compared to LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and CMR infarct severity parameters, is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the independent and incremental value of LV strain by CMR-FT for the prediction of adverse LV remodeling post-STEMI.

METHODS

STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled in this prospective observational study. CMR core laboratory analysis was performed to assess LVEF, infarct pathology and LV myocardial strain. The primary endpoint was adverse remodeling, defined as ≥ 20% increase in LV end-diastolic volume from baseline to 4 months.

RESULTS

From the 232 patients included, 38 (16.4%) reached the primary endpoint. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global radial strain, and global circumferential strain were all predictive of adverse remodeling (p < 0.01 for all), but only GLS was an independent predictor of adverse remodeling (odds ratio: 1.36[1.03-1.78]; p = 0.028) after adjustment for strain parameters, LVEF and CMR markers of infarct severity. A GLS > - 14% was associated with a fourfold increase in the risk for LV remodeling (odds ratio: 4.16[1.56-11.13]; p = 0.005). Addition of GLS to a baseline model comprising LVEF, infarct size and microvascular obstruction resulted in net reclassification improvement of 0.26 ([0.13-0.38]; p < 0.001) and integrated discrimination improvement of 0.02 ([0.01-0.03]; p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

In STEMI survivors, determination of GLS using CMR-FT provides important prognostic information for the development of adverse remodeling that is incremental to LVEF and CMR markers of infarct severity.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04113356.

Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance to Improve Risk Prediction Following Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging allows comprehensive assessment of myocardial function and tissue characterization in a single examination after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Markers of myocardial infarct severity determined by CMR imaging, especially infarct size and microvascular obstruction, strongly predict recurrent cardiovascular events and mortality. The prognostic information provided by a comprehensive CMR analysis is incremental to conventional risk factors including left ventricular ejection fraction. As such, CMR parameters of myocardial tissue damage are increasingly recognized for optimized risk stratification to further ameliorate the burden of recurrent cardiovascular events in this population. In this review, we provide an overview of the current impact of CMR imaging on optimized risk assessment soon after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Baseline LV ejection fraction by cardiac magnetic resonance and 2D echocardiography after ST-elevation myocardial infarction - influence of infarct location and prognostic impact

Objectives

The comparability of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measurements by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and 2D echocardiography (2DE) early after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, LVEF measured by CMR and 2DE (Simpson’s method) were compared in 221 patients after STEMI treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention. 2DE image quality was systematically assessed and studies reported by an accredited examiner. Intermodality agreement was assessed by the Bland–Altman method. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction or hospitalisation for heart failure. Patients were followed up for a median of 40.9 months (IQR 28.1–56).

Results

After non-anterior STEMI, LVEF measurements by 2DE (single and biplane) were consistently underestimated in comparison to CMR (CMR 55.7 ± 9.5% vs. 2DE-4CV 49 ± 8.2% (p = 0.06), 2DE-2CV 52 ± 8% (p < 0.001), 2DE-biplane 53.5 ± 7.1% (p = 0.01)). After anterior STEMI, there was no significant difference in LVEF measurements by 2DE and CMR with acceptable limits of agreement (CMR 49 ± 11% vs. 2DE-4CV 49 ± 8.2% (p = 0.8), 2DE-2CV 49 ± 9.2% (p = 0.9), 2DE-biplane 49.6 ± 8% (p = 0.5)). In total, 15% of patients experienced a MACE during follow-up. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, reduced LVEF (< 52%) as assessed by either 2DE or CMR was predictive of MACE (2DE HR = 2.57 (95% CI 1.1–6.2), p = 0.036; CMR HR = 2.51 (95% CI 1.1–5.7), p = 0.028).

Conclusions

At baseline after non-anterior STEMI, 2D echocardiography significantly underestimated LVEF in comparison to CMR, whereas after anterior infarction, measurements were within acceptable limits of agreement. Both imaging modalities offered similar prognostic values when a reduced LVEF < 52% was applied.

Key Points

• After non-anterior STEMI, 2D-echocardiography significantly underestimated LVEF compared with cardiac MRI

• An ejection fraction of < 52% in the acute post-infarct period by both 2D echocardiography and CMR offered similar prognostic values

Mitral annular plane systolic excursion by cardiac MR is an easy tool for optimized prognosis assessment in ST-elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the comparative prognostic value of mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) versus left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

METHODS

CMR was performed in 255 STEMI patients within 2 days (interquartile range (IQR) 2-4 days) after infarction. CMR included MAPSE measurement on CINE 4-chamber view. Patients were followed for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)-death, non-fatal myocardial re-infarction, stroke, and new congestive heart failure.

RESULTS

Patients with MACE (n = 35, 14%, median follow-up 3 years [IQR 1-4 years]) showed significantly lower MAPSE (8 mm [7-8.8] vs. 9.6 mm [8.1-11.5], p < 0.001). The association between decreased MAPSE (< 9 mm, optimal cut-off value by c-statistics) remained significant after adjustment for independent clinical and CMR predictors of MACE. The AUC of MAPSE for the prediction of MACE was 0.74 (CI 95% 0.65-0.82), significantly higher than that of LVEF (0.61 [CI 95% 0.50-0.71]; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced long-axis function assessed with MAPSE measurement using CINE CMR independently predicts long-term prognosis following STEMI. Moreover, MAPSE provided significantly higher prognostic implication in comparison with conventional LVEF measurement.

KEY POINTS

• MAPSE determined by CMR independently predicts long-term prognosis following STEMI. • MACE-free survival is significantly higher in patients with MAPSE ≥ 9 mm than < 9 mm. • MAPSE provides significantly higher prognostic implication than conventional LVEF.