Prevalence of Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony in Patients with Congenital Atrioventricular Block and Long-Term Pacing: A Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Study

Evaluating the predictive efficacy of real-time 3D echocardiography in cardiac resynchronization therapy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to assess the predictive efficacy of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE) and QRS wave duration in determining the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and assessing left ventricular systolic function pre- and post-CRT device implantation.

METHOD

A total of 51 patients with heart failure undergoing CRT at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University between January 1, 2013, and October 31, 2020, were enrolled in this study. Traditional two-dimensional echocardiography and RT-3DE were performed pre and post-CRT, with QRS wave width data from electrocardiograms and additional clinical information collected. Patients were categorized into CRT responder (n = 36) and CRT non-responder (n = 15) groups based on their response to CRT device implantation. Comparative analyses were conducted on the general characteristics of both groups, as well as the predictive efficacy of RT-3DE and QRS wave width for CRT responsiveness and left ventricular systolic function. Data on the standard deviation (Tmsv16-SD, Tmsv12-SD, Tmsv6-SD) and maximum difference (Tmsv16-Dif, Tmsv12-Dif, Tmsv6-Dif) of left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) at segments 16, 12, and 6, as well as QRS wave width, were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The indicators Tmsv6-Dif, Tmsv12-Dif, Tmsv16-Dif, Tmsv6-SD, Tmsv12-SD, Tmsv16-SD, and QRS wave width exhibited significantly higher values in the CRT responder group when compared to the CRT non-responder group (P < 0.05). Among these, Tmsv16-SD demonstrated superior predictive performance for post-CRT response, with a sensitivity of 88.9%, specificity of 80.0%, and a diagnostic cut-off value of 6.19%. This predictive capability exceeded that of the conventional indicator, QRS wave width.

CONCLUSION

RT-3DE enables accurate prediction of post-CRT patient response and significantly facilitates quantitative assessment of CRT therapy efficacy.

Ventricular Functional Analysis in Congenital Complete Heart Block Using Speckle Tracking: Left Ventricular Epicardial Compared to Right Ventricular Septal Pacing

BACKGROUND

Chronic right ventricular (RV) apical pacing in patients with congenital complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB) is associated with left ventricle (LV) dyssynchrony and dysfunction. Hence, alternative pacing sites are advocated. The aim of this study was to compare LV function using STE in selected patients with LV epicardial pacing (LVEp) vs. RV transvenous pacing (RVSp).

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective study in patients with CCAVB who underwent permanent pacemaker implant at age ≤ 18 years. Age- and gender-matched patients with a normal heart anatomy and function served as the control group. LV function was comprehensively assessed by conventional 2D Echocardiography and speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE).

RESULTS

We included 24 patients in the pacemaker group [27.6% male, mean age of 17.1 at last follow-up, follow-up duration of 8.7 years, RVSp (n = 9; 62.5%)] compared to 48 matched healthy controls. Shortening fraction (SF) and ejection fraction (EF) were normal and similar between cases and controls. However, STE detected abnormal LV function in the pacemaker group compared to controls. The former demonstrated lower/abnormal, Peak Longitudinal Strain myocardial (PLS Myo) [- 12.0 ± 3.3 vs. - 18.1 ± 1.9, p < 0.001] and Peak Longitudinal Strain endocardial (PLS endo) [- 16.1 ± 4.1 vs. 1.7 ± 1.7, p < 0.001]. STE parameters of LV function were significantly more abnormal in LVEp vs. RVSp subgroup as demonstrated by lower values for PLS Myo (- 10.1 ± 3.2 vs. - 13.1 ± 2.9, p = 0.03) and PLS Endo (- 13.8 ± 4.4 vs. - 17.5 ± 3.3, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

STE was more sensitive in detecting subtle differences in LV function relative to standard conventional 2D echocardiography (SF and EF) in selected patients with CCAVB and a permanent pacemaker. Furthermore, STE demonstrated that transvenous RV septal pacing was associated with better LV systolic function preservation than LV epicardial pacing for comparable post-implant intervals.

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography for detection of cardiac sarcoidosis in the early stage: a cross-sectional single-centre study

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis with cardiac involvement has a relatively high morbidity and mortality, and early diagnose of cardiac sarcoidosis is a critical issue. Systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI) measured by three-dimensional echocardiography was used in our study for detection of subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with sarcoidosis and normal LV function on two-dimensional echocardiography.

METHODS

Forty-four patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis (without clinically apparent cardiac involvement) and 44 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Two-dimensional echocardiographic parameters, also LV volumes and SDI measured by 3D echocardiography were analyzed in all participants.

RESULTS

While two-dimensional echocardiographic results of both study groups were similar; SDI_16 (SDI for 16 segments of LV) results were significantly higher in sarcoidosis group compared to healthy controls (6.99 ±5.02 vs 2.89 ± 1.32, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

SDI_16 was higher in patients with sarcoidosis compared to healthy controls probably due to patchy infiltration characteristic of the disease. This parameter could be used as a marker to identify patients with cardiac involvement of sarcoidosis in the early phase.

Outcomes in Congenital and Childhood Complete Atrioventricular Block: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The long-term outcomes of patients with congenital and childhood complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB/ CAVB) after pacemaker implantation are unclear.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of all the studies of CCAVB. A systematic search of PubMed and CENTRAL databases from 1^st January 1967 to 31^st January 2020 was performed. The quality of studies included was critically appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and outcome data were analyzed using the restricted maximum likelihood function.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine studies were eligible for analysis, with a total of 1553 patients. The all-cause-mortality was 5.7 % [95% CI: 2.5-9.9%], while PICM was seen in 3.8% [95% CI: 1.2-7.2]. Diagnosis at birth [effect size (ES)(95%CI): -2.23 (-0.36 to -0.10); p<0.001], presence of congenital heart disease ([ES(95%CI): -0.67 (0.41 to 0.93); p<0.001], younger age at pacemaker implantation ([ES(95%CI): -0.01 (-0.02 to -0.001); p=0.02], and duration of pacing [ES(95%CI): -0.03 (-0.05 to -0.003); p=0.03], were associated with an higher mortality on binominal logistic regression. None of the parameters were significant on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Pooled proportional mortality in patients with CCAVB and CAVB is 5.7% with an infrequent incidence of PICM (3.8%) in the paced patients with AVB suggesting that pacing in these patients is an effective management strategy with a low incidence of long-term side effects. Registry and randomized data can throw additional light regarding the natural history and appropriate management strategy in these patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Assessment of Myocardial Dysfunction by Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Combined With Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: We aimed to explore the value of combining real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE) and myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) in the left ventricle (LV) evaluating myocardial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Patients and Methods: A total of 58 T2DM patients and 32 healthy individuals were selected for this study. T2DM patients were further divided into T2DM without microvascular complications (n = 29) and T2DM with microvascular complications (n = 29) subgroups. All participants underwent RT-3DE and MCE. The standard deviation (SD) and the maximum time difference (Dif) of the time to the minimum systolic volume (Tmsv) of the left ventricle were measured by RT-3DE. MCE was performed to obtain the perfusion measurement of each segment of the ventricular wall, including acoustic intensity (A), flow velocity (β), and A·β.

Results: There were significant differences in all Tmsv indices except for Tmsv6-Dif among the three groups (all P < 0.05). After heart rate correction, all Tmsv indices of the T2DM with microvascular complications group were prolonged compared with the control group (all P < 0.05). The parameters of A, β, and A·β for overall segments showed a gradually decreasing trend in three groups, while the differences between the three groups were statistically significant (all P < 0.01). For segmental evaluation of MCE, the value of A, β, and A·β in all segments showed a decreasing trend and significantly differed among the three groups (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The RT-3DE and MCE can detect subclinical myocardial dysfunction and impaired myocardial microvascular perfusion. Left ventricular dyssynchrony occurred in T2DM patients with or without microvascular complications and was related to left ventricular dysfunction. Myocardial perfusion was reduced in T2DM patients, presenting as diffuse damage, which was aggravated by microvascular complications in other organs.

Effects of long-term right ventricular apex pacing on left ventricular dyssynchrony, morphology and systolic function

BACKGROUND

Right ventricular apex (RVA) is still the most common implanted site in the world. There are a large number of RVA pacing population who have been carrying dual-chamber permanent pacemaker (PPM) over decades. Comparison of left ventricular dyssynchrony, morphology and systolic function between RVA pacing population and healthy population is unknown.

METHOD

This case-control study enrolled 61 patients suffered from complete atrioventricular block (III°AVB) for replacement of dual-chamber PPM. Then, 61 healthy controls matched with PPM patients in gender, age, follow-up duration and complications were included. The lead impedance, pacing threshold and sensing were compared between at implantation and long-term follow-up. Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony, morphology and systolic function were compared between RVA pacing population (RVA group) and healthy population (healthy group) at implantation (baseline) and follow-up. And clarify the predictors of LV systolic function in RVA group at follow-up.

RESULTS

After 112.44 ± 34.94 months of follow-up, comparing with parameters at implantation, atrial lead impedance decreased significantly (690 ± 2397 Ω vs 613 ± 2257 Ω， p = 0.048); atrial pacing threshold has a increased trend and P-wave amplitude has a decreased trend, but there was no statistical differences; while, RVA ventricular lead threshold increased significantly (0.50 ± 0.23 V vs 0.91 ± 0.47 V， p < 0.001), impedance (902 ± 397 Ω vs 680 ± 257 Ω，p < 0.001) and R-wave amplitude (11.71 ± 9.40mv vs 7.00 ± 6.91 mv， p < 0.001) decreased significantly. Compared with healthy group, long-term RVA pacing significantly increased ventricular dyssynchrony (mean QRS duration, 156.21 ± 29.80 ms vs 97.08 ± 15.70 ms， p < 0.001), left atrium diameter (LAD, 40.61 ± 6.15 mm vs 37.49 ± 4.80 mm，p = 0.002), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD, 49.15 ± 5.93 mm vs 46.41 ± 3.80 mm，p = 0.003), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVMI, 121.86 ± 41.52 g/m2 vs 98.41 ± 25.29 g/m2，p < 0.001), significantly deteriorated degree of tricuspid regurgitation (p < 0.001), and significantly decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, 61.38 ± 8.10% vs 64.64 ± 5.85%, p = 0.012), but after long-term RVA pacing, the mean LVEF was still more than 50%. Long-term RVA group LVEF was negatively correlated with preimplantation LVMI (B = -0.055，t = -2.244，p = 0.029), LVMI at follow-up (B = -0.081，t = -3.864，p = 0.000) and tricuspid regurgitation at follow-up (B = -3.797，t = -3.599，p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, although long-term RVA pacing has significantly effects on left ventricular dyssynchrony, morphology and systolic function in III°AVB patients, the mean LVEF is still >50%. High preimplantation LVMI can predict the decline of LVEF.

Factors associated with long-term cardiac dysfunction in neonatal lupus

OBJECTIVES

Cardiac manifestations of neonatal lupus (NL) have been associated with significant morbidity and mortality; however, there is minimal information on long-term outcomes of affected individuals. This study was initiated to evaluate the presence of and the risk factors associated with cardiac dysfunction in NL after birth in multiple age groups to improve counselling, to further understand pathogenesis and to provide potential preventative strategies.

METHODS

Echocardiogram reports were evaluated in 239 individuals with cardiac NL: 143 from age 0-1 year, 176 from age >1-17 years and 64 from age >17 years. Logistic regression analyses evaluated associations of cardiac dysfunction at each age group with demographic, fetal and postnatal factors, using imputation to address missing data.

RESULTS

Cardiac dysfunction was identified in 22.4% at age 0-1 year, 14.8% at age >1-17 years and 28.1% at age >17 years. Dysfunction in various age groups was significantly associated with male sex, black race, lower fetal heart rates, fetal extranodal cardiac disease and length of time paced. In 106 children with echocardiograms at ages 0-1 year and >1-17 years, 43.8% with dysfunction at age 0-1 year were also affected at age >1-17 years, while the others reverted to normal. Of children without dysfunction at age 0-1 year, 8.9% developed new dysfunction between ages >1 and 17 years. Among 34 with echocardiograms at ages >1-17 years and >17 years, 6.5% with normal function at age >1-17 years developed dysfunction in adulthood.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors in fetal life can influence cardiac morbidity into adulthood.Although limited by a small number of cases, cardiac dysfunction in the first year often normalises by later childhood. New-onset dysfunction, although rare, can occur de novo after the first year.

Associations Between Dietary Intake Before 6 Months of Age and Rapid Weight Gain Among HIV-exposed Uninfected Infants

INTRODUCTION

HIV-exposed, uninfected (HEU) infants are potentially at risk for cardiovascular disease due to in utero exposures. Feeding practices of the infant could compound this risk. Few studies have, however, evaluated dietary intake of HEU infants. We determined dietary factors associated with rapid weight gain (RWG) among HEU infants from birth to 6 months followed at the University of Miami HIV Screening Program.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional analysis, logistic regression was used to determine dietary factors associated with RWG defined as a >0.67 SD change in weight-for-age z score from birth to assessment (0.3-6 months). Other covariates included demographics, birth, maternal and gestational characteristics, and antiretroviral exposures.

RESULTS

A total of 86 full-term HEU infants with a mean age of 3.4 months (SD 1.8 months) were included in this analysis. Fifty-five percent of mothers were obese. Overall, 39.5% of infants exhibited RWG. A significant association between consumption of infant cereal and RWG (odds ratio, 3.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-12.10) was found after adjusting for birth weight, current age, and energy intake. Those infants who consumed the highest tertile of protein were less likely to gain weight rapidly after adjusting for the same covariates (odds ratio, 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall differences in weight gain during early infancy are at least partly explained by means of infant feeding in young HEU infants in the United States. Dietary counseling for families of HEU should reinforce current feeding practice recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Late Outcome and Predictors of Adverse Events Related to the Implantation of a Permanent Pacemaker in Patients with Isolated Congenital Atrioventricular Block

Isolated congenital atrioventricular block (ICAVB) is a rare, and pacemaker implantation is the only effective treatment. We sought to identify the predictive factors of adverse events related to pacemaker implantation in ICAVB. This is a cohort study of patients diagnosed with ICAVB who underwent pacemaker implantation from 1980 to 2014 in a single center. During the studied period, a total of 647 patients underwent implantation of their first permanent cardiac pacemaker before 30 years of age. Of these, only 62 (9.5 %) were diagnosed with ICAVB. This condition was diagnosed in utero in 15 (24.2 %) cases, 5 (8.1 %) in the neonatal period, 32 (51.6 %) during childhood, and 10 (16.1 %) during adolescence and young adulthood. The presence of autoantibodies (anti-Ro/SSA) was observed in 41 % of mothers who underwent serological evaluation. Age at the time of the initial pacemaker implant was 9.8 ± 9 years. During a mean follow-up time of 15 years, 1 (1.7 %) death occurred due to infectious endocarditis. Complications related to pacemaker implant were reported in 24 patients (38.7 %). The number of complications was significantly higher in the group with an epimyocardial implantation site (HR 6; CI 2.45-14.95). Ventricular dysfunction occurred in 6 (11.7 %) patients; however, we were not able to identify any predictors of it. Our results showed a low mortality rate after permanent therapy. However, these patients exhibited high morbidity related to the pacemaker system, and the epimyocardial implant site was an independent predictor of complications. Predictors of left ventricular dysfunction were not found in the present study.

Evaluation and management of bradycardia in neonates and children

Heart rate is commonly used in pediatric early warning scores. Age-related changes in the anatomy and physiology of infants and children produce normal ranges for electrocardiogram features that differ from adults and vary with age. Bradycardia is defined as a heart rate below the lowest normal value for age. Pediatric bradycardia most commonly manifests as sinus bradycardia, junctional bradycardia, or atrioventricular block. As a result of several different etiologies, it may occur in an entirely structurally normal heart or in association with concomitant congenital heart disease. Genetic variants in multiple genes have been described to date in the pathogenesis of inherited sinus node dysfunction or progressive cardiac conduction disorders. Management and eventual prognosis of bradycardia in the young are entirely dependent upon the underlying cause. Reasons to intervene for bradycardia are the association of related symptoms and/or the downstream risk of heart failure or pause-dependent tachyarrhythmia. The simplest aspect of severe bradycardia management is reflected in the Pediatric and Advanced Life Support (PALS) guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis and appropriate management are critical in many cases in order to prevent sudden death, and this review critically assesses our current practice for evaluation and management of bradycardia in neonates and children.

WHAT IS KNOWN

Bradycardia is defined as a heart rate below the lowest normal value for age. Age related changes in the anatomy and physiology of infants and children produce normal ranges for electrocardiogram features that differ from adults and vary with age. Pediatric bradycardia most commonly manifests as sinus bradycardia, junctional bradycardia, or atrioventricular block.

WHAT IS NEW

Management and eventual prognosis of bradycardia in the young are entirely dependent upon the underlying cause. Bradycardia may occur in a structurally normal heart or in association with congenital heart disease. Genetic variants in multiple genes have been described. Reasons to intervene for bradycardia are the association of related symptoms and/or the downstream risk of heart failure or pause-dependent tachyarrhythmia. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are critical in order to prevent sudden death.