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Kadoglou NPE, Mouzarou A, Hadjigeorgiou N, Korakianitis I, Myrianthefs MM. Challenges in Echocardiography for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Non-Ischemic Hypertensive Heart Disease. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2708. [PMID: 38731238 PMCID: PMC11084735 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
It has been well established that arterial hypertension is considered as a predominant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Despite the link between arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, arterial hypertension may directly affect cardiac function, leading to heart failure, mostly with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). There are echocardiographic findings indicating hypertensive heart disease (HHD), defined as altered cardiac morphology (left ventricular concentric hypertrophy, left atrium dilatation) and function (systolic or diastolic dysfunction) in patients with persistent arterial hypertension irrespective of the cardiac pathologies to which it contributes, such as coronary artery disease and kidney function impairment. In addition to the classical echocardiographic parameters, novel indices, like speckle tracking of the left ventricle and left atrium, 3D volume evaluation, and myocardial work in echocardiography, may provide more accurate and reproducible diagnostic and prognostic data in patients with arterial hypertension. However, their use is still underappreciated. Early detection of and prompt therapy for HHD will greatly improve the prognosis. Hence, in the present review, we shed light on the role of echocardiography in the contemporary diagnostic and prognostic approaches to HHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos P. E. Kadoglou
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, 215/6 Old Road Lefkosias-Lemesou, Aglatzia, Nicosia CY 2029, Cyprus
| | - Angeliki Mouzarou
- Department of Cardiology, Pafos General Hospital, Paphos CY 8026, Cyprus
| | | | - Ioannis Korakianitis
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, 215/6 Old Road Lefkosias-Lemesou, Aglatzia, Nicosia CY 2029, Cyprus
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Theofilis P, Antonopoulos AS, Sagris M, Papanikolaou A, Oikonomou E, Tsioufis K, Tousoulis D. Silent Myocardial Ischemia: From Pathophysiology to Diagnosis and Treatment. Biomedicines 2024; 12:259. [PMID: 38397860 PMCID: PMC10886642 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Silent myocardial ischemia (SMI), characterized by a lack of overt symptoms despite an inadequate blood supply to the myocardium, remains a challenging entity in cardiovascular medicine. The pathogenesis involves intricate interactions of vascular, neurohormonal, and metabolic factors, contributing to perfusion deficits without the characteristic chest pain. Understanding these mechanisms is pivotal for recognizing diverse clinical presentations and designing targeted interventions. Diagnostic strategies for SMI have evolved from traditional electrocardiography to advanced imaging modalities, including stress echocardiography, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treating SMI is a matter of ongoing debate, as the available evidence on the role of invasive versus medical management is controversial. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge of silent myocardial ischemia, addressing its pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Theofilis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (M.S.); (A.P.); (K.T.)
| | - Alexios S. Antonopoulos
- 1st Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (M.S.); (A.P.); (K.T.)
| | - Marios Sagris
- 1st Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (M.S.); (A.P.); (K.T.)
| | - Aggelos Papanikolaou
- 1st Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (M.S.); (A.P.); (K.T.)
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital “Sotiria”, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (M.S.); (A.P.); (K.T.)
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (M.S.); (A.P.); (K.T.)
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Kadoglou NPE, Papadopoulos CΗ, Khattab E, Velidakis N, Lambropoulos S. The diagnostic value of stress echocardiography with limited myocardial ischemia in high-risk patients. Hellenic J Cardiol 2024:S1109-9666(23)00233-6. [PMID: 38182003 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnostic value of limited myocardial ischemia in DSE is not well known. OBJECTIVES We investigated whether myocardial ischemia during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in 1 apical segment of any of the ventricular walls of the left ventricle relates to the anatomical and functional stenosis of the suppling coronary artery. METHODS Our observational, prospective study enrolled 212 patients, symptomatic or asymptomatic, with newly diagnosed limited myocardial ischemia on DSE. Almost 25% of them had already known CAD, while the rest were divided into low-risk and high-risk groups, integrating 1-2 and ≥3 classical cardiovascular risk factors, respectively. After DSE, all patients underwent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and were followed up for one year. In coronary arteries distributing ischemic area, the calculated stenosis ≥50% and FFR<0.8 were considered anatomically and functionally significant, respectively. In the latter cases, the patients underwent coronary revascularization. RESULTS Significant anatomical and functional stenosis of the supplying coronary artery was common among patients with already known CAD (62.5% and 44.5%, respectively) or those without CAD but a high-risk profile (60.2% and 25.6%, respectively). In logistic regression analysis, CAD revascularization was independently determined by an already known CAD, diabetes mellitus, and high-risk profile. During follow-up, 24 patients experienced ACS or new angina episodes, which were associated with diabetes and smoking in univariate analysis. CONCLUSION Limited myocardial ischemia may implicate significant anatomical and functional coronary stenosis among individuals with a history of CAD or those without known CAD but a high-risk profile. The prognostic value of our findings requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elina Khattab
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Velidakis N, Khattab E, Gkougkoudi E, Kadoglou NPE. Pulmonary Hypertension in Left Ventricular Valvular Diseases: A Comprehensive Review on Pathophysiology and Prognostic Value. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1793. [PMID: 37763197 PMCID: PMC10532440 DOI: 10.3390/life13091793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Left ventricular (LV) valvular diseases, make up one of the most common etiologies for pulmonary hypertension (PH), and it is not well understood how and at which degree it affects prognosis. The aim of the present study was a comprehensive review of the pathophysiologic mechanism of PH in patients with LV valvular diseases and the prognostic value of baseline and post-intervention PH in patients undergoing interventional treatment. The pathophysiology of PH in patients with LV valvular diseases involves gradual elevation of left ventricular filling pressure and left atrial pressure, which are passively transmitted to the pulmonary circulation and raise pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). A long-lasting exposure to elevated PASP progressively leads to initially functional and thereafter irreversible structural changes in the pulmonary vasculature, leading up to high pulmonary vascular resistance. Surgical treatment of severe LV valvular diseases is highly effective in patients without resting PH or those with exercise-induced PH (EIPH) before intervention. In the case of pre-operative PH, successful interventional therapy decreases PASP, but the post-operative cardiac and all-cause mortality remain higher compared to patients without pre-operative PH. Hence, it is of paramount importance to detect patients with severe LV valvulopathies before the development of PH, since they will get greater benefits from early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nikolaos P. E. Kadoglou
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Palaios Dromos Lefkosias Lemesou No. 215/62029 Aglantzia, P.O. Box 20537 1678, Nicosia 2024, Cyprus
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Lee C, Dow S, Shah K, Henkin S, Taub C. Complications of exercise and pharmacologic stress echocardiography. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1228613. [PMID: 37600036 PMCID: PMC10435903 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1228613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress echocardiography is a diagnostic cardiovascular exam that is commonly utilized for multiple indications, including but not limited to the assessment of obstructive coronary artery disease, valvular disease, obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and diastolic function. Stress echocardiography can be performed via both exercise and pharmacologic modalities. Exercise stress is performed with either treadmill or bicycle-based exercise. Pharmacologic stress is performed via either dobutamine or vasodilator-mediated (i.e., dipyridamole, adenosine) stress testing. Each of these modalities is associated with a low overall prevalence of major, life-threatening adverse outcomes, though adverse events are most common with dobutamine stress echocardiography. In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of infectious complications to both the patient and stress personnel cannot be negated; however, when certain precautions are taken, the risk of infectious complications appears minimal. In this article, we review each of the stress echocardiographic modalities, examine major potential adverse outcomes and contraindications, assess the risks of stress testing in the setting of a global pandemic, and examine the utilization and safety of stress testing in special patient populations (i.e., language barriers, pediatric patients, pregnancy).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cynthia Taub
- Heart and Vascular Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
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Khoche S, Ellis J, Poorsattar SP, Kothari P, Oliver A, Whyte A, Maus TM. The Year in Perioperative Echocardiography: Selected Highlights From 2022. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2023:S1053-0770(23)00260-4. [PMID: 37208207 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2023.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
THIS SPECIAL article is part of an annual series for the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia. The authors thank the editor-in-chief, Dr. Kaplan, and the Editorial Board for the opportunity to continue this series, which focuses on the past year's research highlights that pertain to perioperative echocardiography in relation to cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia. The major selected themes for 2022 include (1) updates on mitral valve assessments and interventions, (2) training and simulation updates, (3) outcomes and complications of transesophageal echocardiography, and (4) point-of-care cardiac ultrasound. The themes selected for this special article are just a sample of the advances in perioperative echocardiography during 2022. An appreciation and understanding of these highlights will help to ensure and improve the perioperative outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease undergoing cardiac surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapnil Khoche
- Department of Anesthesiology, UCSD Medical Center-Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, La Jolla, California
| | - Jon Ellis
- Department of Anesthesiology, UCSD Medical Center-Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, La Jolla, California
| | - Sophia P Poorsattar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Perin Kothari
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ashley Oliver
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alice Whyte
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Timothy M Maus
- Department of Anesthesiology, UCSD Medical Center-Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, La Jolla, California.
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Khattab E, Velidakis N, Gkougkoudi E, Kadoglou NP. Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension: A Valid Entity or Another Factor of Confusion? LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:life13010128. [PMID: 36676077 PMCID: PMC9860538 DOI: 10.3390/life13010128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension EIPH has been defined as an increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) during exercise in otherwise normal values at rest. EIPH reflects heart and/or lung dysfunction and may precede the development of manifest pulmonary hypertension (PH) in a proportion of patients. It is also associated with decreased life expectancy in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or left ventricle (LV) valvular diseases. Diastolic dysfunction exacerbated during exercise relates to increased LV filling pressure and left atrial pressure (LAP). In this context backward, transmitted pressure alone or accompanied with backward blood flow promotes EIPH. The gold standard of EIPH assessment remains the right heart catheterization during exercise, which is an accurate but invasive method. Alternatively, non-invasive diagnostic modalities include exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Both diagnostic tests are performed under gradually increasing physical stress using treadmill and ergo-cycling protocols. Escalating workload during the exercise is analogous to the physiological response to real exercise. The results of the latter techniques show good correlation with invasive measurements, but they suffer from lack of validation and cut-off value determination. Although it is not officially recommended, there are accumulated data supporting the importance of EIPH diagnosis in the assessment of other mild/subclinical or probably fatal diseases in patients with latent PH or heart failure or LV valvular disease, respectively. Nevertheless, larger, prospective studies are required to ensure its role in clinical practice.
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Left Ventricular Myocardial and Cavity Velocity Disturbances Are Powerful Predictors of Significant Coronary Artery Stenosis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206185. [PMID: 36294506 PMCID: PMC9605655 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a well-established noninvasive investigation for significant coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of cardiac Doppler parameters in predicting CAD. Methods: We prospectively studied 103 consecutive patients with suspected CAD based on typical symptoms; 59 proved to have CAD, and 44 patients proved to have no-CAD (n = 44). All patients underwent a complete stress Doppler echocardiographic examination. Total isovolumic time (T-IVT) as a marker of cavity dyssynchrony and wall motion score index (WMSI) were also calculated. Results: At peak dobutamine stress, the compromised LV longitudinal excursion (MAPSE), systolic septal and lateral velocities (s’), and diastolic indices were more pronounced in the CAD patients compared with those without CAD, but LV dimension did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). The WMSI was higher and t-IVT more prolonged in patients with CAD (p < 0.01 for both). Similarly, the changes were more pronounced in patients with significant CAD compared with insignificant CAD. On multivariate model, Δ mean s’, OR 2.016 (1.610 to 3.190; p < 0.001), Δ E velocity OR 2.502 (1.179 to 1.108; p < 0.001), Δ t-IVT 2.206 (1.180 to 2.780; p < 0.001) and Δ WMSI OR 1.911 (1.401 to 3.001; p = 0.001) were the most powerful independent predictors of the presence of CAD, particularly when significant (>75%). Δ mean s’ < 5.0 was 85% sensitive, 89% specific with AUC 0.92. Respective values for Δ E velocity <6.0 cm/s were 82%, 90% and 0.91; for Δ t-IVT > 4.5, 78%, 77% and 0.81 and for Δ FT ≥ 150 ms, 76%, 78% and 0.84 in predicating significant CAD. WMSI ≥ 0.7 was 75% sensitive, 77% specific with AUC of 0.81 in predicting significant CAD. The accuracy of DSE was higher in significant CAD compared to insignificant CAD (80% vs. 74%; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Compromised LV longitudinal systolic function, lower delta E wave, prolonged t-IVT, and increased WMSI were the most powerful independent predictors of the presence and significance of CAD. These finding strengthen the role of comprehensive DSE analysis in diagnosing ischemic disturbances secondary to significant CAD.
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Muscogiuri G, Guglielmo M, Serra A, Gatti M, Volpato V, Schoepf UJ, Saba L, Cau R, Faletti R, McGill LJ, De Cecco CN, Pontone G, Dell’Aversana S, Sironi S. Multimodality Imaging in Ischemic Chronic Cardiomyopathy. J Imaging 2022; 8:jimaging8020035. [PMID: 35200737 PMCID: PMC8877428 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging8020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic chronic cardiomyopathy (ICC) is still one of the most common cardiac diseases leading to the development of myocardial ischemia, infarction, or heart failure. The application of several imaging modalities can provide information regarding coronary anatomy, coronary artery disease, myocardial ischemia and tissue characterization. In particular, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) can provide information regarding coronary plaque stenosis, its composition, and the possible evaluation of myocardial ischemia using fractional flow reserve CT or CT perfusion. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can be used to evaluate cardiac function as well as the presence of ischemia. In addition, CMR can be used to characterize the myocardial tissue of hibernated or infarcted myocardium. Echocardiography is the most widely used technique to achieve information regarding function and myocardial wall motion abnormalities during myocardial ischemia. Nuclear medicine can be used to evaluate perfusion in both qualitative and quantitative assessment. In this review we aim to provide an overview regarding the different noninvasive imaging techniques for the evaluation of ICC, providing information ranging from the anatomical assessment of coronary artery arteries to the assessment of ischemic myocardium and myocardial infarction. In particular this review is going to show the different noninvasive approaches based on the specific clinical history of patients with ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Muscogiuri
- Department of Radiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, University Milano Bicocca, 20149 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-329-404-9840
| | - Marco Guglielmo
- Department of Cardiology, Division of Heart and Lungs, Utrecht University, Utrecht University Medical Center, 3584 Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Alessandra Serra
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari-Polo di Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (L.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Marco Gatti
- Radiology Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (M.G.); (R.F.)
| | - Valentina Volpato
- Department of Cardiac, Neurological and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, University Milano Bicocca, 20149 Milan, Italy;
| | - Uwe Joseph Schoepf
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, MUSC Ashley River Tower, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (U.J.S.); (L.J.M.)
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari-Polo di Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (L.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Riccardo Cau
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari-Polo di Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (L.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Riccardo Faletti
- Radiology Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (M.G.); (R.F.)
| | - Liam J. McGill
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, MUSC Ashley River Tower, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (U.J.S.); (L.J.M.)
| | - Carlo Nicola De Cecco
- Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | | | - Serena Dell’Aversana
- Department of Radiology, Ospedale S. Maria Delle Grazie—ASL Napoli 2 Nord, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | - Sandro Sironi
- School of Medicine and Post Graduate School of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Radiology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
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Kadoglou NPE, Papadopoulos CH, Krommydas A. The prognostic value of exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension in asymptomatic patients with primary mitral regurgitation. J Cardiol 2021; 79:306-310. [PMID: 34674917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2021.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined whether the early development of exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (EIPH) and right ventricular dysfunction during exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) may predict clinical deterioration in so-called "asymptomatic" patients with primary, at least moderate mitral regurgitation (MR). METHODS 79 consecutive patients underwent a symptom-limited, graded ESE protocol on semi-supine bicycle at the beginning of the study. During the test, we assessed symptom development, test duration, and the following echocardiographic parameters: MR severity, maximum velocity of the tricuspid regurgitation jet (TR Vmax), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), and tricuspid annulus systolic excursion (TAPSE). All patients were then followed-up for at least 12 months for clinical end-points (heart failure-related symptoms requiring pharmaceutical therapy, heart failure hospitalization, and/or mitral valve surgery in case of refractory symptoms). RESULTS After 16 ± 4 months of follow-up, 75 patients completed the study; 26 of them achieved any clinical end-point and were classified as 'high-risk', while the rest (49 patients) were assigned to the 'low-risk' group. High-risk group showed significantly higher exercise-induced TR Vmax and PASP levels at maximum workload of ESE than low-risk counterparts (p<0.001). Based on receiver operating characteristic analysis, the early (within the first two stages of ESE or up to 50 W) steep rise of calculated PASP ≥51 mmHg (TR Vmax ≥3.4 m/s) had a 92.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity to predict clinical deterioration within the following year. That cut-off value seemed superior predictor than peak value of PASP at the end of ESE. TAPSE levels during ESE did not add prognostic value in our sample. CONCLUSION This is the first study demonstrating that the early development of EIPH has prognostic value in asymptomatic patients with primary at least moderate MR and may become a new valid determinant of mitral valve surgery. Additional larger prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos P E Kadoglou
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, 215/6 Old road Lefkosias-Lemesou, CY, Aglantzia, Nicosia 2029, Cyprus.
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