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Fumagalli C, Zocchi C, Ciabatti M, Milazzo A, Cappelli F, Fumagalli S, Pieroni M, Olivotto I. From Atrial Fibrillation Management to Atrial Myopathy Assessment: The Evolving Concept of Left Atrium Disease in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Can J Cardiol 2024; 40:876-886. [PMID: 38286174 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2024.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most prevalent genetically inherited cardiovascular disorder in adults and a significant cause of heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Historically, atrial fibrillation (AF) has been considered as a critical aspect in HCM patients as it is considered to be a marker of disease progression, escalates the frequency of heart failure hospitalisations, increases the risk of thromboembolic events, and worsens quality of life and outcome. Increasing evidence suggests that AF is the result of a subtle long-standing process that starts early in the history of HCM. The process of left atrial dilation accompanied by morphologic and functional remodelling is the quintessential prerequisite for the onset of AF. This review aims to describe the current understanding of AF pathophysiology in HCM, emphasising the role of left atrial myopathy in its development. In addition, we discuss risk factors and management strategies specific to AF in the context of HCM, providing insights into the complexities and challenges of treating this specific patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Fumagalli
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy.
| | - Chiara Zocchi
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Cardiovascular Department, San Donato Hospital, Arezzo, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Milazzo
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Cappelli
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Fumagalli
- Geriatric Intensive Care Unit and Geriatric Arrhythmia Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Iacopo Olivotto
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Meyer Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Florence, Italy
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O’Neill T, Kang P, Hagendorff A, Tayal B. The Clinical Applications of Left Atrial Strain: A Comprehensive Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:693. [PMID: 38792875 PMCID: PMC11123486 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Left atrial (LA) strain imaging, which measures the deformation of the LA using speckle-tracing echocardiography (STE), has emerged recently as an exciting tool to help provide diagnostic and prognostic information for patients with a broad range of cardiovascular (CV) pathologies. Perhaps due to the LA's relatively thin-walled architecture compared with the more muscular structure of the left ventricle (LV), functional changes in the left atrium often precede changes in the LV, making LA strain (LAS) an earlier marker for underlying pathology than many conventional echocardiographic parameters. LAS imaging is typically divided into three phases according to the stage of the cardiac cycle: reservoir strain, which is characterized by LA filling during systole; conduit strain, which describes LA deformation during passive LV filling; and booster strain, which provides information on the LA atrium during LA systole in late ventricular diastole. While additional large-population studies are still needed to further solidify the role of LAS in routine clinical practice, this review will discuss the current evidence of its use in different pathologies and explore the possibilities of its applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas O’Neill
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Puneet Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Andreas Hagendorff
- Department of Cardiology, Leipzig University Hospital, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Bhupendar Tayal
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Lv J, Wang R, Yang J, You L, Yang C, Zhang Y, Liu Q, Yin L, Liu JT, Xie RQ. Left atrial appendage closure in conjunction with radiofrequency ablation: Effects on left atrial functioning in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Open Med (Wars) 2024; 19:20240951. [PMID: 38623457 PMCID: PMC11017190 DOI: 10.1515/med-2024-0951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective In the present study, we investigated the impact of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) following catheter ablation (CA) on the left atrial structure and functioning of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods Patients with paroxysmal AF were enrolled in this single-center prospective cohort study between April 2015 and July 2021; 353 patients received CA alone, while 93 patients received CA in combination with Watchman LAAC. We used age, gender, CHA2DS2-VASc, and HAS-BLED scores as well as other demographic variables to perform propensity score matching. Patients with paroxysmal AF were randomly assigned to the CA combined with Watchman LAAC group (combined treatment group) and the simple CA group, with 89 patients in each group. The left atrial structure, reserve, ventricular diastole, and pump functions and their changes in patients were assessed using routine Doppler echocardiography and 2D speckle tracking echocardiography over the course of a 1-year follow-up. Results At 1-week follow-up, the reserve, ventricular diastole, and pump functions of the left atrium (LA) increased in both groups; these functions were gradually restored at the 1- to 3-month follow-up; they were close to or returned to their pre-operative levels at the 3-month follow-up; and no significant differences were found compared with the pre-operative levels at the 12-month follow-up. In the first 3 months, the reserve (Ƹ, SRs) and pump functions (SRa) in the combined treatment group decreased significantly when compared with the simple CA group, and the differences were statistically significant. Conclusion Patients with paroxysmal AF may experience a short term, partial effect of LAAC on LA reserve and pump functions, which are gradually restored and the effect disappears by 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lv
- Division of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, China
- Division of Cardiology, Xingtai People’s Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei, 054000, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Division of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Division of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, China
| | - Ling You
- Division of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Division of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Division of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, China
| | - Lei Yin
- Division of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, China
| | - Jin-ting Liu
- Division of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, China
| | - Rui-qin Xie
- Division of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, China
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Inciardi RM, Lupi L, Benussi S. Left atrial strain importance in atrial fibrillation screening process. Ann Cardiothorac Surg 2024; 13:173-175. [PMID: 38590992 PMCID: PMC10998962 DOI: 10.21037/acs-2023-afm-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo M. Inciardi
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Lupi
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Benussi
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Cardiac Surgery Unit, Cardio-Thoracic Department, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Yildirim Y, Yildirim S, Petersen J, Alassar Y, Sarwari H, Sinning C, Blankenberg S, Reichenspurner H, Pecha S. Left atrial strain predicts the rhythm outcome in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing left atrial cryoablation during minimally invasive mitral valve repair. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1373310. [PMID: 38601047 PMCID: PMC11004374 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1373310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have lower left atrial (LA) strain, which is a predictor for LA function. Here, we evaluated the prognostic value of LA strain to predict the rhythm outcome in patients with persistent AF undergoing LA cryoablation concomitant to minimally invasive mitral valve repair. Methods Between 01/2016 and 12/2020, 72 patients with persistent AF underwent LA cryoablation during minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. All patients received a complete LA lesion set and left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with a clip. All patients received preoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with LA and left ventricular strain measurements. Preoperative LA and LV strain analysis was correlated with postoperative rhythm outcome. Results The mean age of the patients was 66.9 ± 7.2 years, of whom 42 (58%) were male patients. No major ablation-related complications occurred in any of the patients. Successful LAA closure was confirmed by intraoperative echocardiography in all patients. The 1-year survival rate was 97%. Freedom from AF at 12 months was 72% and 68% off antiarrhythmic drugs. Preoperative LA strain values were statistically significantly higher in patients with freedom from AF at 12 months of follow-up (12.7% ± 6.9% vs. 4.9% ± 4.1%, p = 0.006). Preoperative LV strain value was not associated with postoperative rhythm outcome. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, LA strain (p < 0.001) and AF duration (p = 0.017) were predictors for freedom from AF at 12 months of follow-up. Conclusions In our study, LA strain analysis predicted the rhythm outcome in patients with persistent AF undergoing concomitant surgical AF ablation. In the future, LA strain might be a useful tool to guide decision-making on ablation strategies in patients with persistent AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Yildirim
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sevenai Yildirim
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Petersen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yousuf Alassar
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harun Sarwari
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Sinning
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Blankenberg
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Reichenspurner
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simon Pecha
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
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Hirose K, Nakanishi K, Daimon M, Iwama K, Yoshida Y, Mukai Y, Yamamoto Y, Nakao T, Oshima T, Matsubara T, Shimizu Y, Oguri G, Kojima T, Hasumi E, Fujiu K, Morita H, Komuro I. Association of Atrial Fibrillation Progression With Left Atrial Functional Reserve and Its Reversibility. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e032215. [PMID: 38156556 PMCID: PMC10863802 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.032215] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) progression is closely related to heart failure occurrence, and catheter ablation carries a beneficial effect for heart failure prevention. Recently, particular attention has been given to left atrial (LA) function and functional reserve in the pathogenesis linking AF and heart failure, although its significance and reversibility is not well studied. METHODS AND RESULTS We prospectively investigated 164 patients with AF with normal left ventricular systolic function and free from heart failure who underwent first catheter ablation and pre-/postprocedural echocardiography. Conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography were performed at rest and during passive leg lifting to assess LA size, LA reservoir strain (LARS), and functional reserve calculated as passive leg lifting-LARS - rest-LARS. Patients were categorized into 3 AF subtypes: paroxysmal AF (N=95), persistent AF (PeAF; N=50), and long-standing persistent AF (LS-PeAF; N=19). The PeAF and LS-PeAF groups had larger LA size and reduced LARS compared with the paroxysmal AF group (all P<0.05). LA functional reserve was significantly impaired in the LS-PeAF group (P=0.003). In multivariable analysis, LS-PeAF and advanced age were significantly associated with impaired LA functional reserve. Among 149 patients with sinus rhythm 1 to 2 days after catheter ablation, LARS was significantly improved in both PeAF and LS-PeAF groups but was still lower than that in the paroxysmal AF group. Sinus rhythm restoration also led to amelioration of LA functional reserve in patients with LS-PeAF. CONCLUSIONS AF progression was related to impaired LARS and LA functional reserve, and restoration of sinus rhythm might contribute to early LA reverse remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Koki Nakanishi
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | - Masao Daimon
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | - Kentaro Iwama
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | - Yuriko Yoshida
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | - Yasuhiro Mukai
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | - Yuko Yamamoto
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | - Tomoko Nakao
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | - Tsukasa Oshima
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | | | - Yu Shimizu
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | - Gaku Oguri
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | - Toshiya Kojima
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | - Eriko Hasumi
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | - Katsuhito Fujiu
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | - Hiroyuki Morita
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
| | - Issei Komuro
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of TokyoJapan
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Chung H, Choi EY. Multimodality Imaging in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Atrial Fibrillation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3049. [PMID: 37835790 PMCID: PMC10572439 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13193049] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ventricular hypertrophy is associated with diastolic dysfunction, resulting in increased left atrial (LA) pressure, enlargement, fibrosis, and decreased LA function. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by myocyte disarray, myocardial fibrosis, and hypertrophy. Notably, a thickened and noncompliant LV results in the impairment of diastolic function. These conditions promote LA remodeling and enlargement, which contribute to developing and maintaining atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is an atrial arrhythmia that occurs frequently in HCM, and evaluating the morphology and physiology of the atrium and ventricle is important for treatment and prognosis determination in HCM patients with AF. In addition, it provides a clue that can predict the possibility of new AF, even in patients not previously diagnosed with AF. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), which can overcome the limitations of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), has been widely used traditionally and even enables tissue characterization; moreover, it has emerged as an essential imaging modality for patients with HCM. Here, we review the role of multimodal imaging in patients with HCM and AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyemoon Chung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Eui-Young Choi
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea
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