Annulus paradoxus: transmitral flow velocity to mitral annular velocity ratio is inversely proportional to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in patients with constrictive pericarditis

Annulus Reversus Caused by Transmural Scar in a Patient With Myopericarditis

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Annulus reversus is thought to be specific to chronic constrictive pericarditis.

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Myocardial scarring of the LV wall may present with reduced longitudinal wall motion.

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Scar in the lateral wall may contribute to the finding of annulus reversus.

Echocardiographic Differentiation of Pericardial Constriction and Left Ventricular Restriction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Overlapping hemodynamics in constrictive pericarditis (CP) and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) often pose difficulties in establishing accurate diagnosis. Echocardiography is the first-line imaging modality used for this purpose, but no single echocardiographic parameter is sufficiently robust for distinguishing between the two conditions. The newer developments may improve the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography in this setting.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have validated multiparametric algorithms, based on conventional echocardiographic parameters, which enable high sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing between CP and RCM. In addition, myocardial deformation analysis using speckle-tracking echocardiography has revealed distinct pattern of abnormalities in the two conditions. CP is characterized by impaired left ventricular apical rotation with relatively preserved longitudinal strain, esp. of ventricular and atrial septum. In contrast, RCM results in global and marked impairment of left ventricular longitudinal strain with initially preserved circumferential mechanics. Combining multiple echocardiographic parameters into step-wise algorithms and incorporation of myocardial deformation analysis help improve the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography for distinguishing between CP and RCM. The use of machine-learning may allow easy integration of a wide range of echocardiographic and clinical parameters to permit accurate, automated diagnosis, with less dependence on the user expertise.

Multimodality Imaging of Constrictive Pericarditis: Pathophysiology and New Concepts

Purpose of Review

The unique pathophysiological changes of constrictive pericarditis (CP) can now be identified with better imaging modalities, thereby helping in its early diagnosis. Through this review, we outline the pathophysiology of CP and its translation into symptomology and various imaging findings which then are used for both diagnosis and guiding treatment options for CP.

Recent Findings

Multimodality imaging has provided us with the capability to recognize early stages of the disease and identify patients with a potential for reversibility and can be treated with medical management. Additionally, peri-procedural planning and prediction of post-operative complications has been made possible with the use of advanced imaging techniques.

Summary

Advanced imaging has the potential to play a greater role in identification of patients with reversible disease process and provide peri-procedural risk stratification, thereby improving outcomes for patients with CP.

Effusive-Constrictive Tuberculosis Pericarditis with Biventricular Systolic Dysfunction

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Tuberculosis is a rare etiology of effusive-constrictive pericarditis.

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It can present with systolic dysfunction, irrespective of myocardial involvement.

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Anti-TB and steroid therapy are reasonable treatment options.

Here's the rub: A case of constrictive pericarditis in an adult with cystic fibrosis

We present a rare coexistence of constrictive pericarditis in a patient with cystic fibrosis. Careful attention to cardiac friction rub auscultated on initial examination prompted echocardiography revealing constrictive pericarditis further confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging that allowed for dedicated treatment in addition to management of his concurrent respiratory infection.

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Only the third reported case of constrictive pericarditis in a patient with cystic fibrosis.

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Symptoms of severe cystic fibrosis and constrictive pericarditis are similar.

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Cardiac knocks or friction rubs should raise suspicion for a pericardial process.

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Annulus paradoxus and reversus are echo hallmarks for constrictive pericarditis.

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Management of constrictive pericarditis requires dedicated treatment and monitoring.

Prognostic importance of mitral e' velocity in constrictive pericarditis

AIMS

Increased medial mitral annulus early diastolic velocity (e') plays an important role in the echocardiographic diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis (CP) and mitral e' velocity is also a marker of underlying myocardial disease. We assessed the prognostic implication of mitral e' for long-term mortality after pericardiectomy in patients with CP.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 104 surgically confirmed CP patients who underwent echocardiography and cardiac catheterization within 7 days between 2005 and 2013. Patients were classified as primary CP (n = 45) or mixed CP (n = 59) based on the clinical history of concomitant myocardial disease. On multivariable analysis, medial e' velocity and mean pulmonary artery pressure were independently associated with long-term mortality post-pericardiectomy. There were significant differences in survival rates among the groups divided by cut-off values of 9.0 cm/s and 29 mmHg for medial e' and mean pulmonary artery pressure, respectively (both P < 0.001). Ninety-two patients (88.5%) had elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) (≥15 mmHg); there was no significant correlation between medial E/e' and PAWP (r = 0.002, P = 0.998). However, despite the similar PAWP between primary CP and mixed CP groups (21.6 ± 5.4 vs. 21.2 ± 5.8, P = 0.774), all primary CP individuals with elevated PAWP had medial E/e' <15 as opposed to 34 patients (57.6%) in the mixed CP group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Increased mitral e' velocity is associated with better outcomes in patients with CP. A paradoxical distribution of the relationship between E/e' and PAWP is present in these patients but there is no direct inverse correlation between them.

A Narrative Review of the 2020 Guidelines for Use of Transesophageal Echocardiography to Assist with Surgical Decision- Making by the Cardiac Anesthesiologist in the Operating Room

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become an integral part in helping to diagnose, manage, and assess interventions in the cardiac operating room. Multiple guidelines have been created by the American Society of Echocardiography for performing a TEE examination for different cardiac pathologies. The operating room can provide unique challenges when performing a TEE examination, which include hemodynamic instability, time constraints, and use of general anesthesia. The Guideline for the use of TEE to assist in surgical decision- making in the operating room recently was published to provide a starting protocol for conducting a TEE examination for different cardiac surgeries and for using the information obtained to interpret and to communicate findings to the surgical team. This present narrative review focuses and expands upon the relevant portions for the cardiac anesthesiologist.

The Role of Echocardiography in the Cancer Patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the uses of echocardiography in patients with cancer and how it has expanded beyond the typical monitoring of systolic function during potentially cardiotoxic cancer therapeutics.

RECENT FINDINGS

In addition to myocardial strain imaging being a predictor of subsequent left ventricular dysfunction, it can be used for pattern recognition to help identify patients with cardiac amyloidosis or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Echocardiography is essential for diagnosis and planning of intervention for aortic stenosis in radiation-induced valvular disease, for which transcutaneous aortic valve replacement that gives many cancer patients that are not surgical candidates an option for treatment. The safety of transesophageal echocardiography has recently been demonstrated in patients with cancer with thrombocytopenia and depleted white blood cell counts who are at increased risk of endocarditis. Echocardiography is an essential tool for evaluating common conditions in cancer patients such as pericardial disease, radiation-induced heart disease, and intracardiac tumors-with specific uses of specialized echocardiography techniques such as deformation imaging, transesophageal echocardiography, and point-of-care ultrasound.

The Clinical Course of Tuberculous Pericarditis in Immunocompetent Hosts Based on Serial Echocardiography

Background and Objectives

In East Asia, tuberculous pericarditis still occurs in immunocompetent patients. We aimed to investigate clinical course of tuberculous pericarditis and the trends of echocardiographic parameters for constrictive pericarditis.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed medical records of patients with tuberculous pericarditis between January 2010 and January 2017 in Samsung Medical Center. Treatment consists of the standard 4-drug anti-tuberculosis regimen for 6 months with or without corticosteroids. We performed echocardiography at initial diagnosis, 1, 3 and 6 months later.

Results

Total 50 cases with tuberculous pericarditis in immunocompetent patients were enrolled. Echocardiographic finding at initial diagnosis divided into 3 groups: 1) pericardial effusion only (n=28, 56.0%), 2) effusive constrictive pericarditis (n=10, 20.0%) and 3) constrictive pericarditis (n=12, 24.0%). The proportion of patients with constrictive pericarditis decreased gradually over time. After 6 months, only 5 patients still had constrictive pericarditis. Out of the 28 patients who initially presented with effusion alone, only one patient developed constrictive pericarditis. Echocardiographic parameters representing constrictive pericarditis gradually disappeared over the follow up period. Ventricular interdependency improved significantly from 1 month follow-up, whereas septal bounce and pericardial thickening were still observed after 6 months without significant constrictive physiology.

Conclusions

Tuberculous pericarditis with pericardial effusion without constrictive physiology is unlikely to develop into constrictive pericarditis in immunocompetent hosts, if treated with optimal anti-tuberculous medication and steroid therapy. Even though there were hemodynamic feature of constrictive pericarditis, more than 80% of the patients were improved from constrictive pericarditis.

Radiation-Associated Cardiac Disease: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Management

Radiation-associated cardiac disease (RACD) results in complex clinical presentations, unique management issues, and increased morbidity and mortality. Patients typically present years or even decades after radiation exposure, with delayed-onset cardiac damage sustained from high cumulative doses. Multimodality imaging is crucial to determine the manifestations and severity of disease because symptoms are often nonspecific. Comprehensive screening using a coordinated approach may enable early detection. However, timing of intervention should be carefully considered in these patients because surgery is often complex and high-risk second surgeries should be minimized in the long-term. This review aims to provide treating physicians with a comprehensive and clinically focused overview of RACD, including clinical/imaging manifestations, multi-modality screening recommendations, and management options.

Primary and Secondary Diastolic Dysfunction in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Approximately 50% of patients with symptoms and signs of heart failure have a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% and are often simply referred to as 'heart failure with preserved EF', 'HFpEF'. Many of such patients have HF secondary to specific cardiac conditions (i.e., valvular or pericardial disease) in which the symptoms and signs occur despite the LVEF being preserved due to diastolic dysfunction secondary to the underlying disease (secondary HFpEF), differently from those HFpEF patients in which the impaired LV filling is due to a primary diastolic dysfunction (primary HFpEF). When primary HFpEF patients are properly diagnosed, they appear to have a milder form of HF with a lower cardiovascular mortality compared with HFrEF and secondary HFpEF population, but a risk of HF hospitalization that is significantly higher than patients with similar cardiovascular risk factors but without the diagnosis of HFpEF. We herein review the diagnostic approach to HFpEF and present a differential diagnosis of HFpEF in a primary and secondary form.

Imaging of the Pericardium: A Multimodality Cardiovascular Imaging Update

Pericardial diseases represent diverse conditions, ranging from painful inflammatory states, such as acute pericarditis, to life-threatening tamponade and chronic heart failure due to constrictive pericarditis. Multimodality cardiovascular imaging plays important roles in diagnosis and management of pericardial conditions. This review provides a clinical update on multimodality cardiovascular imaging of the pericardium, incorporating echocardiography, multidetector computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, focusing on guiding clinicians about when each cardiac imaging modality should be used in each relevant pericardial condition.

Constrictive Pericarditis as a Long-term Undetermined Etiology of Ascites and Edema

Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is defined as impedance to diastolic filling caused by a fibrotic pericardium. The diagnosis of CP is a clinical challenge and requires a high index of clinical suspicion. The signs and symptoms of CP include fatigue, edema, ascites, and liver dysfunction. These can be mistakenly diagnosed as primary liver disease. We present the case of a 69-year-old woman with a 7-year history of leg edema and a 2-year history of ascites who was initially diagnosed with cryptogenic liver cirrhosis and was finally diagnosed with CP.

New Cardiac Imaging Algorithms to Diagnose Constrictive Pericarditis Versus Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Echocardiography is the mainstay in the diagnostic evaluation of constrictive pericarditis (CP) and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), but no single echocardiographic parameter is sufficiently robust to accurately distinguish between the two conditions. The present review summarizes the recent advances in echocardiography that promise to improve its diagnostic performance for this purpose. The role of other imaging modalities such as cardiac computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and invasive hemodynamic assessment in the overall diagnostic approach is also discussed briefly.

RECENT FINDINGS

A recent study has demonstrated improved diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography with integration of multiple conventional echocardiographic parameters in to a step-wise algorithm. Concurrently, the studies using speckle-tracking echocardiography have revealed distinct and disparate patterns of myocardial mechanical abnormalities in CP and RCM with their ability to distinguish between the two conditions. The incorporation of machine-learning algorithms into echocardiography workflow permits easy integration of the wealth of the diagnostic data available and promises to further enhance the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography. New imaging algorithms are continuously being evolved to permit accurate distinction between CP and RCM. Further research is needed to validate the accuracy of these newer algorithms and to define their place in the overall diagnostic approach for this purpose.

Transient Constrictive Pericarditis: Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies

Transient constrictive pericarditis is increasingly recognized as a distinct sub-type of constrictive pericarditis. The underlying pathophysiology typically relates to impaired pericardial distensibility, associated with acute or sub-acute inflammation, rather than the fibrosis or calcification often seen in chronic pericardial constriction. Accordingly, patients may present clinically with concomitant features of pericarditis and constrictive physiology. Non-invasive multimodality imaging is advocated for diagnosis of transient constrictive pericarditis. Echocardiography remains the mainstay for initial evaluation of the dynamic features of constriction. However, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can provide complimentary functional information, with the addition of dedicated sequences to assess for active pericardial edema and inflammation. Although transient pericardial constriction can spontaneously resolve, institution of anti-inflammatory therapy may hasten resolution or even prevent progression to chronic pericardial constriction. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents remain the initial treatment of choice, with subsequent consideration of colchicine, steroids, and other immune-modulating agents in more refractory cases.

New Parameter Derived from Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography for the Estimation of Left Ventricular Filling Pressure in Nondilated Hearts

BACKGROUND

E/e' is clinically useful for the noninvasive assessment of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure. However, its use in some conditions is controversial, and angle dependence of the Doppler measurement and preload dependence of mitral e' in nondilated hearts represent major problems. The ratio of early filling rate derived from the time derivative of LV volume to early diastolic strain rate (FRe/SRe), similar to E/e', by three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography has the potential to address such limitations. This study investigated whether FRe/SRe could estimate acute changes in LV filling pressure using the models of volume overload and myocardial ischemia in the nondilated heart.

METHODS

In 25 dogs, hemodynamic conditions were varied by acute volume overload and coronary occlusion. FRe and SRe were obtained from the same beat and automatically analyzed by the 3D speckle-tracking method, and global SRe was measured from longitudinal (L-SRe), circumferential (C-SRe), and area strain rate (A-SRe). E/e' was measured by two-dimensional echocardiography. LV pressure was derived from a micromanometer catheter and recorded simultaneously with the acquisition of the 3D images.

RESULTS

Mitral e' and L-SRe varied by changes in preload, whereas C-SRe and A-SRe did not. C-SRe and A-SRe were more strongly correlated with the time constant of LV relaxation than mitral e' and L-SRe. FRe/C-SRe and FRe/A-SRe had relatively high correlations with LV preatrial contraction (pre-A) pressure and end-diastolic pressure, but E/e' and FRe/L-SRe did not. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that FRe/C-SRe and FRe/A-SRe had larger areas under the curve for the estimation of increased LV filling pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel parameter FRe/SRe has potential as a surrogate marker of LV filling pressure. Especially in nondilated hearts, FRe/C-SRe and FRe/A-SRe may be useful to more accurately predict LV filling pressure than E/e', although their applicability in dilated hearts requires further investigation.

Systematic review of non-invasive cardiovascular imaging in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis

Background

Diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis (CP) can be challenging. It can be nearly impossible to distinguish CP from other causes of right heart failure. Although various imaging modalities help in the diagnosis, no test is definitive. Several reviews have addressed the role of various imaging techniques in the diagnosis of CP but a systematic review has not yet been published.

Objective

Our intention was to study the ability of various non-invasive imaging modalities to diagnose CP in patients with surgically confirmed disease and to apply our findings to develop a clinically useful diagnostic algorithm.

Methods

A PubMed (NLM) search was performed with MeSH term “constrictive pericarditis”. Original articles that investigated the ability of various cardiovascular imaging modalities to noninvasively diagnose surgically confirmed CP were included in our review. Investigations that included any cases without surgical confirmation were excluded.

Results

The PubMed search yielded 3001 results with MeSH term “constrictive pericarditis” (January 8, 2016). We identified (40) studies on CP that matched our inclusion criteria. We summarized our results sorted by individual non-invasive CV imaging modalities – echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Under each imaging modality, we grouped our discussion based on different parameters useful in CP diagnosis.

Conclusions

In conclusion, contemporary diagnosis of CP is based on clinical features and echocardiography. Cardiac MRI is recommended in patients where echocardiography is not diagnostic. Both cardiac MRI and CT can guide surgical planning but we prefer MRI as it provides both structural and functional information.

Echocardiographic parameters in clinical responders to surgical pericardiectomy - A single center experience with chronic constrictive pericarditis

BACKGROUND

Chronic constrictive pericarditis (CCP) is the end result of chronic inflammation of the pericardium. Developing countries continue to face a significant burden of CCP secondary to tuberculous pericarditis. Surgical pericardiectomy offers potential cure. However, there is paucity of echocardiography data in post-pericardiectomy patients vis-a-vis their clinical status. We studied the changes in multiple echocardiographic parameters in these patients before and after pericardiectomy.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients (14 men, 9 women) who underwent pericardiectomy for CCP in the last 5 years (from January 2009 to December 2014) were subjected to detailed clinical and echocardiographic evaluation during the study period (between June 2013 and December 2014). Patients with residual symptoms of NYHA class II and below were considered as 'responders'. The data thus obtained were compared to the pre-operative parameters.

RESULTS

After pericardiectomy, the incidence of vena caval congestion decreased from 100% to 15% (p<0.001). There was significant reduction in the mean left atrial size from 39.33±10.52mm to 34.45±10.08mm (p<0.001) and also the ratio of left atrium to aortic annulus from 1.93 to 1.69 (p<0.001) among 'responders' to pericardiectomy. Septal bounce was observed to persist in 5 (25%) patients after pericardiectomy. There was significant respiratory variation of 39.23±15.11% in the mitral E velocity before pericardiectomy. After pericardiectomy, this variation reduced to 14.43±7.76% (p<0.001). There was also significant reduction in the respiratory variation in tricuspid E velocities from 31.33±18.81% to 17.35±16.26% (p<0.001). After pericardiectomy, the mean ratio of mitral annular velocities, medial e': lateral e', reduced from 1.08 to 0.87 (p<0.03). The phenomenon of 'annulus reversus' was found to persist in 6 'responders', thereby reflecting a 50% reduction in its incidence after pericardiectomy (p<0.001). The ratio of mitral E to medial e' (E/e') increased from 4.21±1.35 before pericardiectomy to 6.91±2.62 after pericardiectomy (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Among clinical responders to surgical pericardiectomy, echocardiographic assessment revealed a significant reduction in vena caval congestion, LA size, ratio of LA to aortic annulus, septal bounce, respiratory variation in mitral and tricuspid E velocities, mitral annular medial e' and the phenomenon of annulus reversus. Also, there was a significant rise in minimum tricuspid and mitral E velocities and the E/e' ratio.

Constrictive pericarditis--a curable diastolic heart failure

Constrictive pericarditis can result from a stiff pericardium that prevents satisfactory diastolic filling. The distinction between constrictive pericarditis and other causes of heart failure, such as restrictive cardiomyopathy, is important because pericardiectomy can cure constrictive pericarditis. Diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis is based on characteristic haemodynamic and anatomical features determined using echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, cardiac MRI, and CT. The Mayo Clinic echocardiography and cardiac catheterization haemodynamic diagnostic criteria for constrictive pericarditis are based on the unique features of ventricular interdependence and dissociation of intrathoracic and intracardiac pressures seen when the pericardium is constricted. A complete pericardiectomy can restore satisfactory diastolic filling by removing the constrictive pericardium in patients with constrictive pericarditis. However, if inflammation of the pericardium is the predominant constrictive mechanism, anti-inflammatory therapy might alleviate this transient condition without a need for surgery. Early diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis is, therefore, of paramount clinical importance. An improved understanding of how constrictive pericarditis develops after an initiating event is critical to prevent this diastolic heart failure. In this Review, we discuss the aetiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis, with a specific emphasis on how to differentiate this disease from conditions with similar clinical presentations.

Global endocardial area change rate for the assessment of left ventricular relaxation and filling pressure: using 3-dimensional speckle-tracking study

Early diastolic mitral inflow and annulus velocities ratio (E/e') is the parameter used to estimate left ventricular (LV) filling pressure, but their use for patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF) (<50 %) is controversial. LV endocardial area change rate with 3-dimensional (3-D) speckle-tracking can be used to evaluate the entire LV diastolic function, we tested the hypothesis that the early diastolic area change rate (E-ACR) represents LV relaxation, and E and E-ACR ratio (E/E-ACR) can accurately predict LV filling pressure in patients with reduced and preserved EF (≥50 %). We studied 125 patients with EF of 40 ± 17 %. E-ACR of all patients was measured using the global area change rate, and LV relaxation time constant (τ, n = 53) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP, n = 125) were measured by cardiac catheterization. E-ACR significantly correlated with τ (r = -0.60, p < 0.001). In the retrospective group (n = 101), E/E-ACR correlated with PCWP for patients with reduced EF as well as those with preserved EF (n = 79 and 22, r = 0.62 and 0.81, both p < 0.001). In overall patients, E/E-ACR ≥94 cm was a better predictor of elevated mean PCWP (>12 mmHg) (sensitivity: 69 %, specificity: 87 %, areas under the curves = 0.82; p < 0.001) and was a more accurate predictor than E/e' (p = 0.001) for the retrospective group. For the validation group (n = 24), E/E-ACR ≥94 cm was similarly predictive for elevated mean PCWP (sensitivity: 60 %, specificity: 100 %, positive predictive value: 100 %, negative predictive value: 78 %). In conclusions, global E-ACR by 3-D speckle-tracking proved to be dependent on LV relaxation. Moreover, E/E-ACR was found to be a powerful predictor of LV filling pressure regardless of EF.

Relationship between pulse pressure variation and echocardiographic indices of left ventricular filling pressure in critically ill patients

BACKGROUND

Pulse pressure variation (PPV) is a dynamic index of fluid responsiveness. This parameter helps clinicians in improving haemodynamic status while avoiding potential fluid overload. Echocardiographic indices, such as E/E' ratio and left atrial (LA) strain by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), are used to estimate left ventricular (LV) filling pressures. This study aimed at exploring the relationship between PPV and echocardiographic indices of LV filling pressures in critically ill patients.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients (mean age of 50.9 ± 21.6, male/female = 15/7) admitted to intensive care unit, and requiring mechanical ventilation and invasive arterial pressure monitoring, were studied. In all patients, two independent operators assessed simultaneously PPV, using a pulse contour method, mean E/E' ratio and peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) by means of STE. PALS values were obtained by averaging LA segments measured in the 4-chamber and 2-chamber views (global PALS).

RESULTS

A significant negative correlation was found between mean E/E' ratio and PPV (R(2) = -0.76; P<0.001). A positive correlation between global PALS and PPV was found (R(2) = 0.80, P<0.001). Mean global PALS of 26.2% demonstrated excellent accuracy (Area Under Roc Curve = 0.86, P<0.001), and good sensitivity (92%) and specificity (86%) in predicting a PPV >15%.

CONCLUSION

In a group of mechanically ventilated patients PPV, derived from pulse contour analysis, and echocardiographic preload parameters were well correlated. Global PALS by STE provided better estimation of PPV than mean E/E' ratio. PALS seems a potential alternative to PPV in assessing fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients.

Relation between echocardiographically estimated and invasively measured filling pressures in constrictive pericarditis

The ratio of early transmitral flow velocity (E) to mitral annular velocity (E') is considered a predictor of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). In a previous small study, the paradoxical relation between PCWP and E/E' ratio has been described in patients with constrictive pericarditis (CP). We sought to test this paradoxical relation in a larger cohort. We retrospectively identified 49 patients with surgically confirmed CP (40 men; mean age 61 ± 10 years) who underwent right-sided cardiac catheterization with PCWP measurement, preceded by an echocardiographic study. Of these, 48 patients underwent either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to measure pericardial thickness on the lateral side of the left ventricular wall. Mean interval time between echocardiogram and right-sided cardiac catheterization was 1.5 ± 3.8 days. There were no significant correlations between mean, medial, or lateral E/E' and PCWP (r = -0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.43 to -0.12; r = -0.17, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.12; and r = -0.12, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.17, respectively). Similarly, there was no correlation between mean E/E' and brain natriuretic peptide (Spearman r = -0.17, p = NS). Patients with increased pericardial thickness (defined as >4 mm) had both lower lateral peak systolic annular velocity (S') and lower lateral S' integral (7.8 ± 2.4 vs 9.6 ± 2.4, p = 0.02 and 13.2 ± 4.2 vs 15.9 ± 4.7, p = 0.04, respectively). In patients with CP, there were no correlations between septal, lateral, or mean E/E' and PCWP. In conclusion, E/E' is not predictive of filling pressures in patients with CP, and perhaps the "annulus paradoxus" phenomenon should be revisited. The relation between the mitral annular velocity and thickness of the parietal pericardium may affect this phenomenon.

Left Atrial Systolic and Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Constrictive Pericarditis: A Study Using Speckle Tracking and Conventional Echocardiography

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.

Changes in left atrial mechanics following pericardiectomy for pericardial constriction

BACKGROUND

Although impaired left ventricular (LV) filling in constrictive pericarditis (CP) is attributable to external constraints by a tethered pericardium, impaired left atrial (LA) function can further impair LV filling. Previous studies focused on the impact of a tethered pericardium on LV diastolic behavior, but its impact on LA function has been largely overlooked. The objectives of this study were to evaluate LA mechanics in CP and to assess the impact of pericardiectomy on LA mechanics.

METHODS

A total of 52 patients with CP (mean age, 57 ± 12 years) and 19 control subjects were studied retrospectively. All patients with CP underwent echocardiography before (median, 12 days; interquartile range, 5-34 days) and after pericardiectomy (median, 20 days; interquartile range, 5-64 days). Global LA longitudinal strain (ε) was calculated, which included peak negative ε (εnegative), peak positive ε (εpositive), and the sum of those values, total LA ε (εtotal), using speckle-tracking echocardiography with Velocity Vector Imaging. The regional difference of LA ε between the septal and lateral walls was assessed before and after the procedure.

RESULTS

Patients with CP showed depressed global LA εnegative, LA εtotal, and LA εpositive compared with controls. LA contractile (global LA εnegative) and reservoir functions (global LA εtotal) showed significant increases after pericardiectomy. Regional analysis revealed that the improvement in LA function after surgery was more apparent in lateral segments, while the regional function of septal walls was depressed after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CP have impaired LA mechanics, presumably because of the constrictive tethering process involving the left atrium. Speckle-tracking echocardiography showed consistent results of changes in LA mechanics with conventional echocardiographic parameters early after the procedure. Regional ε analysis aided in recognition of the impact of constrictive tethering and pericardiectomy on LA function.