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Lima MR, Abecasis J, Santos RR, Maltês S, Lopes P, Ferreira A, Ribeiras R, Andrade MJ, Abecasis M, Gil V, Ramos S, Cardim N. Is myocardial fibrosis appropriately assessed by calibrated and 2D strain derived integrated backscatter? Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2023; 21:14. [PMID: 37568167 PMCID: PMC10422833 DOI: 10.1186/s12947-023-00311-x] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Increased collagen content of the myocardium modifies tissue reflectivity and integrated backscatter (IBS) indexes are suggested as markers of myocardial fibrosis (MF). We sought to assess the correlation between calibrated (c) IBS and bidimensional (2D) strain derived IBS with left ventricular (LV) MF in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS AND RESULTS We made a prospective observational cohort study including 157 patients with severe AS referred for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR), with complete preoperative transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) obtained from the anterior basal septum at the time of surgery. Two groups of 30 patients were specifically evaluated, with and without late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at CMR. IBS was obtained at QRS peak from both parasternal long axis (PLAX) and apical-three-chamber (AP3C) views and measured in decibels (dB). Whole-cardiac cycle IBS at basal anterior septum was obtained from 2D longitudinal strain. Correlation analysis of reflectivity indexes was performed with global and segmental (anterior basal septum) values of native T1 and extracellular volume (ECV), and EMB collagen volume fraction (CVF) (Masson´s Trichrome). IBS values were compared in both group of patients (LGE + vs. LGE -). 60 patients (74 [36-74] years, 45% male) with high gradient (mean gradient: 63 ± 20mmHg), normal flow (45 ± 10mL/m2) AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (60 ± 9%) were included. Basal septum cIBS was - 17.45 (-31.2-10.95) and - 9.17 ± 9.45dB from PLAX and A3C views, respectively. No significant correlations were found between IBS and both non-invasive CMR tissue characterization and CVF: median MF of 9.7(2.1-79.9)%. Acoustic indexes were not significantly different according to the presence of pre-operative LGE. CONCLUSION In this group of patients with classical severe AS, IBS reflectivity indexes are of no added value to discriminate the presence of MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Lima
- Cardiology Department, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - João Abecasis
- Cardiology Department, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
- Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Reis Santos
- Cardiology Department, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Maltês
- Cardiology Department, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Lopes
- Cardiology Department, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Ferreira
- Cardiology Department, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Regina Ribeiras
- Cardiology Department, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria João Andrade
- Cardiology Department, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Abecasis
- Cardiac Surgery Department, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Sância Ramos
- Pathology Anatomy Department, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
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Zhu L, Wang Y, Zhao S, Lu M. Detection of myocardial fibrosis: Where we stand. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:926378. [PMID: 36247487 PMCID: PMC9557071 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.926378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis, resulting from the disturbance of extracellular matrix homeostasis in response to different insults, is a common and important pathological remodeling process that is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including arrhythmia, heart failure, or even sudden cardiac death. Over the past decades, multiple non-invasive detection methods have been developed. Laboratory biomarkers can aid in both detection and risk stratification by reflecting cellular and even molecular changes in fibrotic processes, yet more evidence that validates their detection accuracy is still warranted. Different non-invasive imaging techniques have been demonstrated to not only detect myocardial fibrosis but also provide information on prognosis and management. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is considered as the gold standard imaging technique to non-invasively identify and quantify myocardial fibrosis with its natural ability for tissue characterization. This review summarizes the current understanding of the non-invasive detection methods of myocardial fibrosis, with the focus on different techniques and clinical applications of CMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yining Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shihua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Minjie Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Imaging (Cultivation), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Minjie Lu
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Fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: role of novel echo techniques and multi-modality imaging assessment. Heart Fail Rev 2021; 26:1297-1310. [PMID: 33990907 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-020-10058-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) represents one of the primary cardiomyopathies and may lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Among various histologic features of the disease examined, assessment of myocardial fibrosis may offer valuable information, since it may be considered the common nominator for all HCM connected complications. Late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) has emerged as the reference noninvasive method for visualizing and quantifying myocardial fibrosis in patients with HCM. T1 mapping, a promising new CMR technique, may provide an advantage over conventional LGE-CMR, by permitting a more valid quantification of diffuse fibrosis. On the other hand, echocardiography offers a significantly more portable, affordable, and easily accessible solution for the study of fibrosis. Various echocardiographic techniques ranging from integrated backscatter and contrast-enhanced ultrasound to two- (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) deformation and shear wave imaging may offer new insights into substrate characterization in HCM. The aim of this review is to describe thoroughly all different modalities that may be used in everyday clinical practice for HCM fibrosis evaluation (with special focus on echocardiographic techniques), to concisely present available evidence and to argue in favor of multi-modality imaging application. It is essential to understand that the role of various imaging modalities is not competitive but complementary, since the information provided by each one is necessary to illuminate the complex pathophysiologic pathways of HCM, offering a personalized approach and treatment in every patient.
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Moharram MA, Lamberts RR, Whalley G, Williams MJA, Coffey S. Myocardial tissue characterisation using echocardiographic deformation imaging. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2019; 17:27. [PMID: 31730467 PMCID: PMC6858720 DOI: 10.1186/s12947-019-0176-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial pathology results in significant morbidity and mortality, whether due to primary cardiomyopathic processes or secondary to other conditions such as ischemic heart disease. Cardiac imaging techniques characterise the underlying tissue directly, by assessing a signal from the tissue itself, or indirectly, by inferring tissue characteristics from global or regional function. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is currently the most investigated imaging modality for tissue characterisation, but, due to its accessibility, advanced echocardiography represents an attractive alternative. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a reproducible technique used to assess myocardial deformation at both segmental and global levels. Since distinct myocardial pathologies affect deformation differently, information about the underlying tissue can be inferred by STE. In this review, the current available studies correlating STE deformation parameters with underlying tissue characteristics in humans are examined, with separate emphasis on global and segmental analysis. The current knowledge is placed in the context of integrated backscatter and the future of echocardiographic based tissue characterisation is discussed. The use of these imaging techniques to more precisely phenotype myocardial pathology more precisely will allow the design of translational cardiac research studies and, potentially, tailored management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Moharram
- Department of Medicine - HeartOtago, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Box 56, Dunedin, PO, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Regis R Lamberts
- Department of Physiology - HeartOtago, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Gillian Whalley
- Department of Medicine - HeartOtago, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Box 56, Dunedin, PO, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Michael J A Williams
- Department of Medicine - HeartOtago, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Box 56, Dunedin, PO, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Sean Coffey
- Department of Medicine - HeartOtago, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Box 56, Dunedin, PO, 9054, New Zealand.
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Prior DL, Somaratne JB, Jenkins AJ, Yii M, Newcomb AE, Schalkwijk CG, Black MJ, Kelly DJ, Campbell DJ. Calibrated integrated backscatter and myocardial fibrosis in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Open Heart 2015; 2:e000278. [PMID: 26339497 PMCID: PMC4555070 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2015-000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The reported association between calibrated integrated backscatter (cIB) and myocardial fibrosis is based on study of patients with dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and extensive (mean 15–34%) fibrosis. Its association with lesser degrees of fibrosis is unknown. We examined the relationship between cIB and myocardial fibrosis in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods Myocardial histology was examined in left ventricular epicardial biopsies from 40 patients (29 men and 11 women) undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, who had preoperative echocardiography with cIB measurement. Results Total fibrosis (picrosirius red staining) varied from 0.7% to 4%, and in contrast to previous reports, cIB showed weak inverse associations with total fibrosis (r=−0.32, p=0.047) and interstitial fibrosis (r=−0.34, p=0.03). However, cIB was not significantly associated with other histological parameters, including immunostaining for collagens I and III, the advanced glycation end product (AGE) Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). When biomarkers were examined, cIB was weakly associated with log plasma levels of amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (r=0.34, p=0.03), creatinine (r=0.33, p=0.04) and glomerular filtration rate (r=−0.33, p=0.04), and was more strongly associated with log plasma levels of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) (r=0.44, p=0.01) and soluble RAGE (r=0.53, p=0.002). Conclusions Higher cIB was not a marker of increased myocardial fibrosis in patients with coronary artery disease, but was associated with higher plasma levels of sVEGFR-1 and soluble RAGE. The role of cIB as a non-invasive index of fibrosis in clinical studies of patients without extensive fibrosis is, therefore, questionable.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Prior
- Department of Cardiology , St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy , Australia ; Department of Medicine , University of Melbourne, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy , Australia ; St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research , Fitzroy , Australia
| | | | - Alicia J Jenkins
- Department of Medicine , University of Melbourne, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy , Australia
| | - Michael Yii
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery , St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy , Australia ; Department of Surgery , University of Melbourne, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy , Australia
| | - Andrew E Newcomb
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery , St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy , Australia ; Department of Surgery , University of Melbourne, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy , Australia
| | - Casper G Schalkwijk
- Department of Internal Medicine , University of Maastricht , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - Mary J Black
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology , Monash University , Clayton , Australia
| | - Darren J Kelly
- Department of Medicine , University of Melbourne, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy , Australia
| | - Duncan J Campbell
- Department of Medicine , University of Melbourne, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy , Australia ; St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research , Fitzroy , Australia
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Hiremath P, Bauer M, Cheng HW, Unno K, Liao R, Cheng S. Ultrasonic assessment of myocardial microstructure. J Vis Exp 2014:e50850. [PMID: 24458028 DOI: 10.3791/50850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Echocardiography is a widely accessible imaging modality that is commonly used to noninvasively characterize and quantify changes in cardiac structure and function. Ultrasonic assessments of cardiac tissue can include analyses of backscatter signal intensity within a given region of interest. Previously established techniques have relied predominantly on the integrated or mean value of backscatter signal intensities, which may be susceptible to variability from aliased data from low frame rates and time delays for algorithms based on cyclic variation. Herein, we describe an ultrasound-based imaging algorithm that extends from previous methods, can be applied to a single image frame and accounts for the full distribution of signal intensity values derived from a given myocardial sample. When applied to representative mouse and human imaging data, the algorithm distinguishes between subjects with and without exposure to chronic afterload resistance. The algorithm offers an enhanced surrogate measure of myocardial microstructure and can be performed using open-access image analysis software.
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Liu S, Ma C, Ren W, Yang J, Zhang Y, Li S, Cheng Y. Left Atrial Systolic and Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Constrictive Pericarditis: A Study Using Speckle Tracking and Conventional Echocardiography. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68718. [PMID: 23825701 PMCID: PMC3689000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Left atrial (LA) function plays an important role in the maintenance of cardiac output, however, in patients with constrictive pericarditis (CP), whether pericardial restriction and adhesion can lead to LA dysfunction, and the characteristics of LA function remain unclear. The aim of the study is to compare the left atrial (LA) function of patients with CP to that of healthy study participants using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and conventional echocardiography. Methods and Results Thirty patients with CP and 30 healthy volunteers (controls) were enrolled in the study. The underlying cause of CP was viral pericarditis in 24 (80%) patients and unknown in 6 (20%) patients. The LA maximum volume (Vmax), LA minimal volume (Vmin), and LA volume before atrial contraction (Vpre-a) were measured using biplane modified Simpson’s method. The LA expansion index (LA reservoir function) was determined as follows: ([LAVmax - LAVmin]/LAVmin) ×100. The passive emptying index (LA conduit function) was calculated as follows: ([LAVmax - LAVpre-a]/LAVmax) ×100, and the active emptying index (booster pump function) was calculated as follows: ([LAVpre-a - LAVmin]/LAVpre-a) ×100. All the patients underwent two-dimensional STE. The LA global systolic strain (S), systolic strain rate (SrS), early diastolic strain rate (SrE) and late diastolic strain rate (SrA) were measured. The LA expansion index, passive emptying index, the active emptying index and the LA global S, SrS, SrE, SrA were found to be significantly lower in patients with CP than in the control participants (P <0.001). LA function was correlated with the early diastolic velocity of the lateral mitral annulus (P <0.05). Conclusions Although left ventricular systolic function was preserved in patients with CP, the LA reservoir, conduit, and booster functions were impaired. Pericardial restriction and impairment of the LA myocardium may play an important role in the reduction of LA function in patients with CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Cardiovascular Function, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Ma
- Department of Cardiovascular Function, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weidong Ren
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Function, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Function, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sha Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Function, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanbin Cheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Function, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
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Yiu KH, Atsma DE, Delgado V, Ng ACT, Witkowski TG, Ewe SH, Auger D, Holman ER, van Mil AM, Breuning MH, Tse HF, Bax JJ, Schalij MJ, Marsan NA. Myocardial structural alteration and systolic dysfunction in preclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutation carriers. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36115. [PMID: 22574137 PMCID: PMC3344846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the presence of myocardial structural alterations and subtle myocardial dysfunction during familial screening in asymptomatic mutation carriers without hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) phenotype. METHODS AND FINDINGS Sixteen HCM families with pathogenic mutation were studied and 46 patients with phenotype expression (Mut+/Phen+) and 47 patients without phenotype expression (Mut+/Phen-) were observed. Twenty-five control subjects, matched with the Mut+/Phen- group, were recruited for comparison. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate conventional parameters, myocardial structural alteration by calibrated integrated backscatter (cIBS) and global and segmental longitudinal strain by speckle tracking analysis. All 3 groups had similar left ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction. Basal anteroseptal cIBS was the highest in Mut+/Phen+ patients (-14.0±4.6 dB, p<0.01) and was higher in Mut+/Phen- patients as compared to controls (-17.0±2.3 vs. -22.6±2.9 dB, p<0.01) suggesting significant myocardial structural alterations. Global and basal anteroseptal longitudinal strains (-8.4±4.0%, p<0.01) were the most impaired in Mut+/Phen+ patients as compared to the other 2 groups. Although global longitudinal strain was similar between Mut+/Phen- group and controls, basal anteroseptal strain was lower in Mut+/Phen- patients (-14.1±3.8%, p<0.01) as compared to controls (-19.9±2.9%, p<0.01), suggesting a subclinical segmental systolic dysfunction. A combination of >-19.0 dB basal anteroseptal cIBS or >-18.0% basal anteroseptal longitudinal strain had a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 72% in differentiating Mut+/Phen- group from controls. CONCLUSION The use of cIBS and segmental longitudinal strain can differentiate HCM Mut+/Phen- patients from controls with important clinical implications for the family screening and follow-up of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Hang Yiu
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- The Interuniversity Cardiology Institute of the Netherlands, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Douwe E. Atsma
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Victoria Delgado
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arnold C. T. Ng
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tomasz G. Witkowski
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - See Hooi Ewe
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique Auger
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eduard R. Holman
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke M. van Mil
- Department of Human and Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn H. Breuning
- Department of Human and Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hung Fat Tse
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jeroen J. Bax
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martin J. Schalij
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nina Ajmone Marsan
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- The Interuniversity Cardiology Institute of the Netherlands, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Maron BJ, Lindberg J, Haas TS, Kitner C, Schum K, Lesser JR, Maron MS. "Speckled" ventricular septum in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy revisited after 30 years. Am J Cardiol 2011; 107:1862-3. [PMID: 21482415 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2011.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We found a highly inconsistent relation between the granular and reflective ultrasound ("speckling") pattern frequently observed in the ventricular septum of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and evidence of myocardial fibrosis by contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Therefore, this distinctive echocardiographic appearance of the myocardium does not accurately characterize left ventricular scarring and is most likely explained as an extraneous ultrasound signal pattern. In conclusion, myocardial fibrosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is most reliably identified using contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry J Maron
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
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Kawasaki T, Yamano M, Kuribayashi T, Kaimoto S, Miki S, Kamitani T, Matsubara H, Sugihara H. Three-layer ultrasonic tissue characterization of the ventricular septum is predictive of prognosis in patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010; 12:90-7. [DOI: 10.1093/ejechocard/jeq108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Minczykowski A, Zaremba-Drobnik D, Pietrzak I, Czekalski S, Wysocki H. Effect of preload reduction on sonographic myocardial integrated backscatter. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2008; 36:157-165. [PMID: 18088055 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.20435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sonographic myocardial tissue characterization with integrated backscatter (IBS) is affected by both structural and functional properties of the myocardium. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of preload reduction by hemodialysis (HD) on IBS measurements. METHODS Fifty-two patients on maintenance HD underwent echocardiography before and after a routine HD session. Measurements included the variation of IBS during the cardiac cycle (CV-IBS) and calibrated IBS (cal-IBS). RESULTS After HD, there were significant reductions in left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions and left atrial diameter. There was a reduction in stroke volume and LV ejection fraction consistent with a reduction in preload. Furthermore, CV-IBS was significantly lower after HD (7.9 +/- 2.2 versus 6.9 +/- 1.8 dB, 7.0 +/- 2.1 versus 6.2 +/- 1.9 dB, and 9.0 +/- 2.6 versus 8.1 +/- 2.0 dB [p < 0.01], respectively, in the left anterior, lateral, and inferior wall of the ventricle). Cal-IBS remained unchanged after dialysis compared with baseline. CV-IBS and ultrafiltration volume were significantly correlated. CONCLUSION HD leads to a decrease in CV-IBS that appears to be preload-dependent. This finding is in concordance with diminished left ventricular performance during HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Minczykowski
- Department of Cardiology-Intensive Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
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Losi MA, Betocchi S, Chinali M, Barbati G, D'Alessandro G, Cacace A, Lombardi R, Contaldi C, de Simone G, Chiariello M. Myocardial Texture in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2007; 20:1253-9. [PMID: 17628417 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2007.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conceived to assess associations between integrated backscatter signal at end diastole (IBS) and diastolic properties in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS In 46 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, septal IBS was calculated by both applying an appropriate regression correction (IBSc) and by relating it to pericardial reflectivity (IBSp). Difference in duration between transmitral forward and pulmonary venous backward velocities (A-Ar) was measured as an estimate of passive diastolic filling. In all, 38 patients underwent ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring for 48 hours. RESULTS IBS inversely correlated to both A-Ar (IBSc, r = -.522, P < .001; IBSp, r = -.302, P = .041) and mitral peak velocity at atrial contraction (IBSc, r = -.464, P = .002; IBSp, r = -.413, P = .004). Moreover, IBS was greater in patients with sustained or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (IBSc, 28.5 +/- 3.8 vs 25.4 +/- 3.8 dB, P = .034). CONCLUSIONS Septal IBS correlates with Doppler parameters of left ventricular chamber stiffness in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Increased IBS is associated with presence of ventricular arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Angela Losi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, Federico II University School of Medicine, Naples, Italy
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Minczykowski A, Gryczynska M, Ziemnicka K, Sowinski J, Wysocki H. The influence of growth hormone therapy on ultrasound myocardial tissue characterization in patients with childhood onset GH deficiency. Int J Cardiol 2005; 101:257-63. [PMID: 15882673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2004.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2003] [Revised: 01/15/2004] [Accepted: 03/03/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In growth hormone deficiency (GHD), a reduction in left ventricular mass (LV-mass) and impairment of systolic function has been shown. In this study, we investigated the effects of 12 months of GH replacement therapy on cardiac structure and functional indices measured by echocardiographic techniques in adult patients with childhood onset GH deficiency. METHODS Sixteen patients (age 42.3+/-13.1 years, 10 males) were investigated before and after 12 months of GH treatment at a dose of 0.02 IU/kg/day (7 microg/kg/day). Echocardiography was performed including the ultrasound myocardial tissue characterization technique. We measured two parameters of the ultrasonic tissue characterization with integrated backscatter: the magnitude of the cardiac-cycle-dependent variation in integrated backscatter signals (CV-IBS) and the mean value of integrated backscatter signals calibrated by the pericardium (cal-IBS). RESULTS Left ventricular diameter and wall thickness did not change after GH treatment, although systolic increase in interventricular septum thickness (IVS%) and systolic increase in posterior wall thickness (PWT%) increased significantly (IVS% 52.2+/-31.9% vs. 67.3+/-30.4% and PWT% 48.7+/-20.2% vs. 58.0+/-17.7%, p<0.01 and p<0.01, respectively). Ejection fraction increased from 56.2+/-7.2% to 63.2+/-6.1% (p<0.01). LV-mass index did not change after GH treatment (78.4+/-22.1 vs. 81.9+/-21.1 g/m(2)). CV-IBS increased significantly after GH treatment (p<0.05), in both the interventricular septum and the left ventricular posterior wall (4.7+/-1.5 vs. 5.8+/-1.9 dB for the interventricular septum, 4.9+/-1.8 vs. 6.5+/-2.4 dB for the left ventricular posterior wall, p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively). Cal-IBS also increased significantly after GH treatment (-23.5+/-4.1 vs.-21.8+/-4.2 dB for the interventricular septum, -23.0+/-4.4 vs. -21.8+/-4.3 dB for the left ventricular posterior wall, p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION Twelve months GH treatment in adults with childhood onset GHD resulted in improvement of cardiac contractile performance. Observed changes in cal-IBS and CV-IBS suggest that GH treatment in this patient group can lead to a further somatic maturation of the heart, probably not accomplished previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Minczykowski
- Department of Cardiology-Intensive Therapy, University School of Medical Sciences in Poznan, Przybyszewskiego 49, Poznan 60-355, Poland.
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Limongelli G, Pacileo G, Cerrato F, Verrengia M, Di Simone A, Severino S, Sarubbi B, Calabrò R. Myocardial ultrasound tissue characterization in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: noninvasive evidence of electrical and textural substrate for ventricular arrhythmias. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2003; 16:803-7. [PMID: 12878988 DOI: 10.1067/s0894-7317(03)00213-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) pathologic studies seem to suggest a correlation between morphologic findings and arrhythmias, it has never been confirmed in the clinical setting. OBJECTIVE We sought to noninvasively assess the electrical and textural properties of the myocardium and to define their potential relationship in patients with HCM. METHODS We studied 48 patients: 22 with HCM (mean age: 22 +/- 5.1 years) and 26 age- and body surface area-matched healthy patients. They underwent a standard echocardiographic examination to assess left ventricular size and thickness. In addition, by integrated backscatter analysis, we assessed textural properties of left ventricular myocardium with calibrated averaged intensity (IB) and to assess functional properties of the myocardium with cyclic variation, both at the interventricular septum (IVS) and posterior wall. Finally, we studied ventricular late potentials (VLPs) by signal-averaged electrocardiography and performed a 24-hour electrocardiography Holter monitoring to respectively define electrical instability and ventricular arrhythmias. RESULTS Compared with control patients, patients with HCM had, both at IVS and posterior wall, increased IB (-28.8 +/- 10 vs -35 +/- 4 dB [P =.007] and -29 +/- 8 vs -33 +/- 5 dB [P <.035], respectively) and decreased cyclic variation (6.8 +/- 2.7 vs 10.3 +/- 2.3 dB [P <.001] and 8.2 +/- 2.9 vs 11.4 +/- 2.1 dB [P <.001], respectively). In all, 5 patients with HCM had positivity of VLPs, and 4 of them showed nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT) on the Holter monitoring. Compared with patients who had HCM without VLPs and nsVT, patients with positivity of VLPs and nsVT showed higher IB both at IVS (-15.8 +/- 8.4 vs -32.6 +/- 5.9 dB [P <.001] and -16.6 +/- 9.5 vs -31.5 +/- 7.5 dB [P =.002], respectively) and at posterior wall (-19.08 +/- 8.42 vs -32.5 +/- 4.2 dB [P <.001] and -22.4 +/- 4.6 vs -31 +/- 7.5 [P =.04], respectively). A multivariate analysis showed IB at IVS (P =.042; odds ratio = 1.19) and positivity of VLPs (P =.026; odds ratio = 3.67) as independent predictors of nsVT. CONCLUSION Patients with HCM showed abnormal morphologic and electrical properties of the myocardium. The correlation between VLPs and IB at IVS and their relationship with nsVT suggests a link between textural and electrical nonhomogeneity of myocardial fibers, a potential substrate of nsVT in patients with HCM.
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Chinali M, Romano C, Rocco A, Galderisi M, Betocchi S, De Simone G. Depth variation bias and interaction with gain setting in ultrasonic tissue characterization by integrated backscatter analysis. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2003; 16:54-60. [PMID: 12514635 DOI: 10.1067/mje.2003.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Integrated backscatter signal (IBS) has been proposed as a tool to measure cardiac fibrosis. To overcome problems associated with machine settings and attenuation of the chest wall, IBS has been expressed in relation to posterior pericardium, as a variation across cardiac cycle, or both. Depth of the reflecting structure has never been considered as a source of variability. Accordingly, we studied the effect of structure depth on IBS and examined its interaction with gain setting. Backscatter signals were recorded from plastic phantoms containing identical structures set at increasing depth and in 1 healthy volunteer using silicone spacers to modify depth, on a wide range of gain settings. In the phantom, IBS signal linearly decreased with increasing depth and nonlinearly increased with increasing gain (all r(2) > 0.97). In the healthy volunteer, results from septum were very similar to the phantom experiment. Values of septal IBS were adjusted using multiple regression coefficients for gain and depth from the phantom experiment and resulted in a near-complete offset of effect of depth and gain on septal IBS (P = not significant for both gain and depth). These assumptions were also used to compare IBS analysis between hypertensive patients and patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Thus, depth and its relation with gain should be taken into account and might be almost fully predicted. Using appropriate regression modeling may allow analysis in optimal imaging conditions, tolerating between-patient comparisons even in limited diastolic frames.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Chinali
- Echocardiography Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Federico II University Hospital, School of Medicine, Naples, Italy
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