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Bourke J, Tynan M, Stevenson H, Bremner L, Gonzalez-Fernandez O, McDiarmid AK. Arrhythmias and cardiac MRI associations in patients with established cardiac dystrophinopathy. Open Heart 2024; 11:e002590. [PMID: 38569668 PMCID: PMC10989184 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2023-002590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Some patients with cardiac dystrophinopathy die suddenly. Whether such deaths are preventable by specific antiarrhythmic management or simply indicate heart failure overwhelming medical therapies is uncertain. The aim of this prospective, cohort study was to describe the occurrence and nature of cardiac arrhythmias recorded during prolonged continuous ECG rhythm surveillance in patients with established cardiac dystrophinopathy and relate them to abnormalities on cardiac MRI. METHODS AND RESULTS A cohort of 10 patients (36.3 years; 3 female) with LVEF<40% due to Duchenne (3) or Becker muscular (4) dystrophy or Duchenne muscular dystrophy-gene carrying effects in females (3) were recruited, had cardiac MRI, ECG signal-averaging and ECG loop-recorder implants. All were on standard of care heart medications and none had prior history of arrhythmias.No deaths or brady arrhythmias occurred during median follow-up 30 months (range 13-35). Self-limiting episodes of asymptomatic tachyarrhythmia (range 1-29) were confirmed in 8 (80%) patients (ventricular only 2; ventricular and atrial 6). Higher ventricular arrhythmia burden correlated with extent of myocardial fibrosis (extracellular volume%, p=0.029; native T1, p=0.49; late gadolinium enhancement, p=0.49), but not with LVEF% (p=1.0) on MRI and atrial arrhythmias with left atrial dilatation. Features of VT episodes suggested various underlying arrhythmia mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS The overall prevalence of arrhythmias was low. Even in such a small sample size, higher arrhythmia counts occurred in those with larger scar burden and greater ventricular volume, suggesting key roles for myocardial stretch as well as disease progression in arrhythmogenesis. These features overlap with the stage of left ventricular dysfunction when heart failure also becomes overt. The findings of this pilot study should help inform the design of a definitive study of specific antiarrhythmic management in dystrophinopathy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN15622536.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Bourke
- Department of Cardiology, NUTH NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Margaret Tynan
- Department of Cardiology, NUTH NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hannah Stevenson
- Cardiology Research, NUTH NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Leslie Bremner
- Cardiology Research, NUTH NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Adam K McDiarmid
- Department of Cardiology, NUTH NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Girija MS, Menon D, Polavarapu K, Preethish-Kumar V, Vengalil S, Nashi S, Keertipriya M, Bardhan M, Thomas PT, Kiran VR, Nishadham V, Sadasivan A, Huddar A, Unnikrishnan GK, Inbaraj G, Krishnamurthy A, Kramer BW, Sathyaprabha TN, Nalini A. Qualitative and Quantitative Electrocardiogram Parameters in a Large Cohort of Children with Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy in Comparison with Age-Matched Healthy Subjects: A Study from South India. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2024; 27:53-57. [PMID: 38495238 PMCID: PMC10941898 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_989_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Electrocardiography (ECG) remains an excellent screening tool for cardiac assessment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but an accurate interpretation requires comparison with age-matched healthy controls. Objective We examined various ECG parameters in children with DMD, in comparison with age-matched controls. Methods Standard 12-lead ECG tracings of serial patients were screened for quality and selected. Controls were healthy, age-matched school-going children. Both quantitative and qualitative ECG parameters were analyzed. Results After screening, ECGs from 252 patients with DMD (8.32 ± 3.12 years, 2-21 years) and ECGs from 151 age-matched healthy controls (9.72 ± 2.23, 4-19 years) were included. A significantly higher heart rate, shorter R-R interval, and taller R wave in V1 were seen across all age group of DMD in comparison to controls, with the difference increasing with age. While QT prolongation was seen in all age groups of DMD, QTc prolongation was seen only at 10 years or more. Incomplete right bundle branch block (RBBB) and pathological Q waves in inferolateral leads were exclusive in DMD, with the latter declining with age. Evidence for left ventricular (LV) pathology, such as tall R in V5/V6, increase in SV1 + RV6 height, and QRS complex duration, were seen only in the age group of 10 years or more. Conclusion Stratification based on age and comparison with age-matched healthy subjects showed that several ECG parameters were influenced by age, and it also identified age-dependent evidence for LV pathology and QTc prolongation in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu S. Girija
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Deepak Menon
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Kiran Polavarapu
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Veeramani Preethish-Kumar
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Seena Vengalil
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Saraswati Nashi
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Madassu Keertipriya
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Mainak Bardhan
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Priya T. Thomas
- Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Valasani R. Kiran
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vikas Nishadham
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Arun Sadasivan
- Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Akshata Huddar
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Gopi K. Unnikrishnan
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ganagarajan Inbaraj
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Arjun Krishnamurthy
- Department of Computer Sciences, School of Engineering, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Boris W. Kramer
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Talakad N. Sathyaprabha
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Atchayaram Nalini
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Yamamoto T, Nambu Y, Bo R, Morichi S, Yanagiya M, Matsuo M, Awano H. Electrocardiographic R wave amplitude in V6 lead as a predictive marker of cardiac dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Cardiol 2023; 82:363-370. [PMID: 37481234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited muscular disease characterized by progressive and fatal muscle weakness. Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities, including abnormal R wave amplitudes are frequently observed in DMD. However, clinical implications of abnormal R wave amplitudes remain unclear. Hence, DMD patients were examined for changes in R wave amplitude over time using synthesized 18-lead ECG and the relationship between R wave amplitude and cardiac function. METHODS The results of 969 ECG examinations of 193 patients with DMD who underwent electrocardiography and echocardiography on the same day were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS A negative correlation was observed between R wave amplitude and age. Positive correlations between R wave amplitude and left ventricular ejection fraction were observed in leads V4, V5, V6, syn-V7, syn-V8, and syn-V9, with V6 showing the strongest correlation (r = 0.52). Mean R wave amplitude during cardiac dysfunction was lower than that observed with preserved cardiac function in leads V6 to syn-V9. Patients had preserved R wave amplitude up to three years before the onset of cardiac dysfunction, with a sharp decrease two years before cardiac dysfunction in leads V6 to syn-V9. CONCLUSIONS In DMD patients, the R wave amplitude decreases with age. The sharp decline in R amplitude two years before cardiac dysfunction indicates that electrophysiological damage to the myocardium of the left ventricle lateral to the posterior wall precedes the finding of cardiac dysfunction. The R amplitude in V6 of the standard 12-lead ECG is a convenient predictive marker of cardiac dysfunction, similar to that of the 18-lead ECG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoshinori Nambu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Bo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shotaro Morichi
- Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology, Nagahama, Japan
| | - Misato Yanagiya
- Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology, Nagahama, Japan
| | - Masafumi Matsuo
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Kobe Gakuin University, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Awano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Organization for Research Initiative and Promotion, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
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Tang L, Shao S, Wang C. Electrocardiographic features of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:320. [PMID: 35987773 PMCID: PMC9392256 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02473-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a clinically common X-linked recessive myopathy, which is caused by mutation of the gene encoding dystrophin on chromosome Xp21. The onset of heart injury in children with DMD is inconspicuous, and the prognosis is poor once it develops to the stage of heart failure. Cardiovascular complications remain an important cause of death in this patient population. At present, population and animal studies have suggested that Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes may be the initial manifestation of cardiac involvement in children with DMD. Relevant clinical studies have also confirmed that significant abnormal ECG changes already exist in DMD patients before cardiomegaly and/or LVEF decrease. With increases in age and decreases in cardiac function, the proportion of ECG abnormalities in DMD patients increase significantly. Some characteristic ECG changes, such as ST-segment changes, T wave inversion, Q wave at the inferolateral leads, LBBB and SDANN, have a certain correlation with the indexes of cardiac remodeling or impaired cardiac function in DMD patients, while VT and LBBB have demonstrated relatively good predictive value for the occurrence of long-term DCM and/or adverse cardiovascular events or even death in DMD patients. The present review discusses the electrocardiographic features in children with DMD.
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Solheim TÅ, Fornander F, Raja AA, Møgelvang R, Poulsen NS, Dunø M, Bundgaard H, Vissing J. Cardiac Involvement in Women With Pathogenic Dystrophin Gene Variants. Front Neurol 2021; 12:707838. [PMID: 34385974 PMCID: PMC8353322 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.707838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To determine the frequency and extent of cardiac involvement in female carriers of pathogenic variants in DMD, 53 women were examined through an observational, cross-sectional study. Methods: Genetically verified female carriers of pathogenic DMD variants were examined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement, echocardiography, 24-h Holter monitoring, ECG, and blood concentrations of skeletal and cardiac muscle biomarkers. Results: Fifty-three female carriers of pathogenic DMD variants (mean age 49.6 years, 33 associated with DMD, and 20 with BMD) were included in the study. Sixty-two percent had cardiac dysfunction on echocardiography. On CMR, 49% had myocardial fibrosis, 35% had dilated left ventricles, and 10% had left ventricular hypertrophy. ECGs were abnormal in 72%, and abnormal Holter monitoring was found in 43%. Age did not correlate with myocardial fibrosis or cardiac dysfunction. Myocardial fibrosis was more frequent in carriers of pathogenic variants associated with DMD vs. BMD (61 vs. 28%, p = 0.02). Conclusion: This study shows that cardiac involvement, affecting both structure and function of the heart, is found in over 2/3 of women with a pathogenic DMD variant. The study supports early cardiac screening, including ECG, Holter, and cardiac imaging, in this group of carriers, so that symptoms related to pathogenic variants in DMD can be recognized, and relevant treatment can be initiated. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess morbidity and mortality related to single, pathogenic DMD variants in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuva Å Solheim
- Department of Neurology, Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Freja Fornander
- Department of Neurology, Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna A Raja
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Møgelvang
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nanna S Poulsen
- Department of Neurology, Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Dunø
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henning Bundgaard
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Vissing
- Department of Neurology, Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Nikhanj A, Yogasundaram H, Kimber S, Siddiqi ZA, Oudit GY. Clinical utility of 12-lead electrocardiogram in evaluating heart disease in patients with muscular dystrophy: Assessment of left ventricular hypertrophy, conduction disease, and cardiomyopathy. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2021; 26:e12876. [PMID: 34250701 PMCID: PMC8588368 DOI: 10.1111/anec.12876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality in patients with muscular dystrophy (MD), and cardiac assessment by standard imaging modalities is challenging due to the prominence of physical limitations. Methods In this prospective cohort study of 169 MD patients and 34 negative control patients, we demonstrate the clinical utility of a 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) as an effective modality for the assessment of cardiac status in patients with MD. We assessed the utility of conventional criteria for electrocardiogram‐indicated left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG‐LVH) as well as ECG morphologies. Results Cornell voltage, Cornell voltage‐duration, Sokolow–Lyon voltage, and Romhilt‐Estes point score criteria demonstrated low sensitivity and minimal positive predictive value for ECG‐LVH when compared with cardiac imaging. Patients with LBBB had a high probability of a cardiomyopathy (relative risk [RR], 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.14–3.53; p < .001), and patients with QRS fragmentation (fQRS) had a high probability of a cardiomyopathy (RR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.20–2.59; p = .004), requiring cardiac medication and device intervention. We found that an R/S ratio >1 in V1 and V2 is highly specific (specificity, 0.89; negative predictive value [NPV], 0.89 and specificity, 0.82; NPV, 0.89, respectively) for patients with dystrophinopathies compared with other types of MD. Conclusion The identification of LBBB and fQRS was linked to cardiomyopathy in patients with MD, while ECG‐LVH was of limited utility. Importantly, these findings can be applied to effectively screen a broad cohort of MD patients for structural heart disease and prompt further evaluation and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Nikhanj
- Division of Cardiology.,Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute
| | | | - Shane Kimber
- Division of Cardiology.,Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute
| | - Zaeem A Siddiqi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Gavin Y Oudit
- Division of Cardiology.,Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute
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Fayssoil A, Abasse S, Silverston K. Cardiac Involvement Classification and Therapeutic Management in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2018; 4:17-23. [PMID: 28269790 PMCID: PMC5345647 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-160194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited myogenic disorder due to mutations in the dystrophin gene on chromosome Xp21.1. The clinical picture included peripheral muscle weakness, cardiomyopathy and chronic respiratory insufficiency. In this paper, the authors review cardiac involvement in patients with DMD, propose a cardiac impairment classification and discuss therapeutic management options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Fayssoil
- APHP, Raymond Poincare Hospital, University of Versailles, Garches, France.,Myology Institute, Pitié Salpetrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Soumeth Abasse
- Pediatric Center, Mayotte Hospital Center, Mayotte, Island
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