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Clark A, Ferkh A, Vandenberg J, Elhindi J, Thomas L. Altered left atrial metrics in patients with cryptogenic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14175. [PMID: 38308431 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no defined cause for cryptogenic stroke/embolic stroke of undetermined source (CS-ESUS). As atrial fibrillation (AF) develops in a significant proportion of these patients, it has been suggested that left atrial (LA) myopathy may predispose to CS-ESUS. We investigated alterations in echocardiographic measures of LA size and function in patients with CS-ESUS. METHODS A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and SCOPUS were searched for articles published between 1 January 1990 and 10 February 2023. All observational studies of adult CS-ESUS patients with LA volume or function measurements performed by transthoracic echocardiogram were included. Individual random effects meta-analyses were performed on LA measurements in the CS-ESUS patients using subgroup analysis of comparator groups. RESULTS We included 29 articles with 3927 CS-ESUS patients. Analysis of weighted mean differences showed CS-ESUS patients had altered LA structure and function parameters, with a larger maximum indexed LA volume, reduced LA emptying fraction and/or LA reservoir strain, compared to healthy controls and noncardioembolic stroke patients. Conversely, CS-ESUS patients had a smaller left atrium with better function, compared to cardioembolic stroke patients and CS-ESUS patients who subsequently developed atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS LA volume and function are altered in CS-ESUS patients compared to healthy controls and other stroke aetiologies. An underlying atrial myopathy in a subset of CS-ESUS patients may be involved in both thrombogenesis and dysrhythmia (specifically AF). While LA functional assessment is not currently recommended following stroke, it may offer an opportunity for recurrent stroke risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Clark
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aaisha Ferkh
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jamie Vandenberg
- Mark Cowley Lidwill Research Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James Elhindi
- WSLHD Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Liza Thomas
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South West Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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Stefani LD, Trivedi SJ, Ferkh A, Emerson P, Marschner S, Gan G, Altman M, Thomas L. Left atrial mechanics evaluated by two-dimensional strain analysis: alterations in essential hypertension. J Hypertens 2024; 42:274-282. [PMID: 37937486 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a cardiovascular risk factor that predisposes to cardiac structural alterations namely increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, reduced LV compliance and diastolic dysfunction, with consequent left atrial (LA) dilation and functional impairment. In this article, we evaluated differences in left atrial structure and function using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with hypertension compared with controls. METHODS This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 208 hypertensive patients and 157 controls who underwent a comprehensive transthoracic echocardiogram. Patients with hypertension were stratified by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). RESULTS Non-LVH hypertension patients had lower left atrial reservoir strain (LAS RES ) (34.78 ± 29.78 vs. 29.78 ± 6.08; P = 0.022) and conduit strain (LAS CD ) (19.66 ± 7.29 vs. 14.23 ± 4.59; P = 0.014) vs. controls despite similar left atrial volumes (LAV) . Left atrial contractile strain (LAS CT ) was not significantly different between non-LVH hypertension patients and controls (15.12 ± 3.77 vs. 15.56 ± 3.79; P = 0.601). Left atrial mechanical dispersion was significantly higher in the LVH group compared with the non-LVH hypertension group (42.26 ± 13.01 vs. 50.06 ± 14.95; P = 0.009). In multivariate regression analysis, LVH correlated with left atrial mechanical dispersion ( P = 0.016). An age-hypertension interaction independently correlated with LAS CT ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Hypertension results in functional left atrial changes even before development of LV hypertrophy and structural left atrial changes with increased left atrial volume. We demonstrate both a likely hypertension-associated left atrial myopathy that prevents age-related compensatory increase in left atrial contractile function, and impact of LVH in hypertension on left atrial dyssynchrony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke D Stefani
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital
| | - Siddharth J Trivedi
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital
| | - Aaisha Ferkh
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital
| | - Peter Emerson
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital
| | - Simone Marschner
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead
| | - Gary Gan
- Cardiology Department, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney
| | - Mikhail Altman
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney
- Cardiology Department, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney
| | - Liza Thomas
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney
- Cardiology Department, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney
- Southwestern Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Ferkh A, Clark A, Thomas L. Left atrial phasic function: physiology, clinical assessment and prognostic value. Heart 2023; 109:1661-1669. [PMID: 36918267 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2022-321609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Left atrial (LA) phasic function provides significant insights into the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. LA function is described in three phases: reservoir (atrial filling, during systole), conduit (passive emptying, during early diastole) and contractile (active emptying, during late diastole). LA phasic function can be evaluated by different imaging modalities, and a variety of techniques including volumetric analysis, deformation (strain) and Doppler methods. LA phasic function (particularly LA reservoir strain) is more sensitive and provides earlier detection of LA dysfunction than alterations in LA volume. LA function parameters have also demonstrated significant diagnostic and prognostic value, particularly in heart failure, atrial fibrillation and stroke. However, there remain barriers to implementation of phasic function parameters in clinical practice and guidelines. This review outlines the physiology of LA phasic function, methods of assessment, and its diagnostic and prognostic utility in varying pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaisha Ferkh
- Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amy Clark
- Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Liza Thomas
- Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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Ferkh A, Pathan F, Kizana E, Elhindi J, Singh A, Singulane CC, Miyoshi T, Asch FM, Lang RM, Thomas L. Variations in indexation of left atrial volume across different races. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20334. [PMID: 37810843 PMCID: PMC10550615 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Left atrial volume (LAV) has prognostic value. Guidelines propose indexation to body surface area (BSA), however studies demonstrate this can overcorrect for body size. Limited studies investigate indexation across different ethnicities. We sought to evaluate the effect of ethnicity on indexation. Methods Using data from the World Alliance of Societies of Echocardiography (WASE) cohort, healthy subjects were classified by race as White, Black, Asian, or Other. Biplane LAV was indexed to traditional isometric measurements (BSA, height, weight, ideal body weight (IBW) and IBW derived BSA (IBSA)), as well as previously-derived allometric height exponents (2.7 and 1.72). Additionally, an allometric height exponent for our cohort was derived (linear regression of the logarithmic transformation of LAV = a(height)b) as 1.87. All indices were then assessed using Spearman correlation, with a good index retaining correlation of LAV/index to raw LAV (r∼1), while avoiding overcorrection by the index (r∼0). Results There were 1366 subjects (White: 524, Black: 149, Asian: 523, Other: 170; median age 44 years, 653 females (47.8%)). In the entire group, BSA, IBSA, height1.87 and height1.72 performed well with retaining correlation to raw LAV (r > 0.9 for all), and minimising overcorrection to body size (r < 0.1 for all). On race-specific analysis, BSA overcorrected for body size in the White population (r = 0.128). Height1.72 minimised overcorrection for body size in all populations (r ≤ 0.1 for all races). Conclusion Despite a cohort with normal BMI, there was still disparity in LAV indexation with BSA across races. Allometric height indexation, particularly using height1.72, is a possible solution, although further validation studies in BMI extremes are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaisha Ferkh
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Faraz Pathan
- Department of Cardiology, Nepean Hospital, Nepean, NSW, Australia
| | - Eddy Kizana
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James Elhindi
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Liza Thomas
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
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Stefani L, Brown P, Gerges M, Emerson P, Ferkh A, Kairaitis K, Gilroy N, Altman M, Thomas L. Echocardiographic Assessment in Patients Recovered from Acute COVID-19 Illness. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:349. [PMID: 37623362 PMCID: PMC10456092 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10080349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections have spread rapidly worldwide and posed an immense public health problem. COVID-19 infection can affect the cardiovascular system both acutely and in patients followed up some period after COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function by echocardiography in COVID-19 recovered patients (hospitalized and non-hospitalized). Forty-two patients who recovered from COVID-19 but had ongoing symptoms were included in this retrospective observational cross-sectional study. Patients were followed-up at a median time of 112 days from confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and a comprehensive echocardiogram was performed. COVID-19 patients were age- and sex-matched to healthy controls. Traditional TTE parameters and advanced echocardiographic parameters including two-dimensional LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV free wall strain (FWS) were measured. LV volumes and LV ejection fraction were similar in COVID-19 patients and controls; however, LV GLS was significantly worse in the COVID-19 group (p = 0.002). Similarly, RV volumes and traditional RV function parameters were similar, but RV FWS (p = 0.009) and RV global strain (p = 0.015) were reduced. Alterations in LV and RV strain were observed in both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. In the subset of COVID-19 patients without any co-morbidities (n = 30), LV GLS remained reduced compared to controls. According to multivariate analysis, COVID-19 infection was the only independent determinant of reduced LV GLS (p = 0.012), while COVID-19 infection, diastolic blood pressure, and RV fractional area change were determinants of RV FWS. In this observational study, prior COVID-19 infection demonstrated LV dysfunction in patients with persistent symptoms. Abnormal LV strain was evident in both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients, suggesting that these changes are independent of the severity of COVID-19 infection at presentation. The use of LV GLS in COVID-19 patients could have potential clinical utility to support the indication for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with possible COVID-19 related myocarditis. Future longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate its correlation with adverse cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Stefani
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead 2145, Australia; (L.S.)
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Paula Brown
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Monica Gerges
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Peter Emerson
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead 2145, Australia; (L.S.)
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Aaisha Ferkh
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead 2145, Australia; (L.S.)
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Kristina Kairaitis
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead 2145, Australia; (L.S.)
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Nicole Gilroy
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead 2145, Australia; (L.S.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Mikhail Altman
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead 2145, Australia; (L.S.)
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Liza Thomas
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead 2145, Australia; (L.S.)
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, Australia
- Southwestern Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
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Ferkh A, Tjahjadi C, Stefani L, Geenty P, Byth K, De Silva K, Boyd AC, Richards D, Mollee P, Korczyk D, Taylor MS, Kwok F, Kizana E, Ng ACT, Thomas L. Cardiac "hypertrophy" phenotyping: differentiating aetiologies with increased left ventricular wall thickness on echocardiography. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1183485. [PMID: 37465456 PMCID: PMC10351962 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1183485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Differentiating phenotypes of cardiac "hypertrophy" characterised by increased wall thickness on echocardiography is essential for management and prognostication. Transthoracic echocardiography is the most commonly used screening test for this purpose. We sought to identify echocardiographic markers that distinguish infiltrative and storage disorders that present with increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, namely, cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD), from hypertensive heart disease (HHT). Methods Patients were retrospectively recruited from Westmead Hospital, Sydney, and Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane. LV structural, systolic, and diastolic function parameters, as well as global (LVGLS) and segmental longitudinal strains, were assessed. Previously reported echocardiographic parameters including relative apical sparing ratio (RAS), LV ejection fraction-to-strain ratio (EFSR), mass-to-strain ratio (MSR) and amyloidosis index (AMYLI) score (relative wall thickness × E/e') were evaluated. Results A total of 209 patients {120 CA [58 transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) and 62 light-chain (AL) amyloidosis], 31 AFD and 58 HHT patients; mean age 64.1 ± 13.7 years, 75% male} comprised the study cohort. Echocardiographic measurements differed across the three groups, The LV mass index was higher in both CA {median 126.6 [interquartile range (IQR) 106.4-157.9 g/m2]} and AFD [median 134 (IQR 108.8-152.2 g/m2)] vs. HHT [median 92.7 (IQR 79.6-102.3 g/m2), p < 0.05]. LVGLS was lowest in CA [median 12.29 (IQR 10.33-15.56%)] followed by AFD [median 16.92 (IQR 14.14-18.78%)] then HHT [median 18.56 (IQR 17.51-19.97%), p < 0.05]. Diastolic function measurements including average e' and E/e' were most impaired in CA and least impaired in AFD. Indexed left atrial volume was highest in CA. EFSR and MSR differentiated secondary (CA + AFD) from HHT [receiver operating curve-area under the curve (ROC-AUC) of 0.80 and 0.91, respectively]. RAS and AMYLI score differentiated CA from AFD (ROC-AUC of 0.79 and 0.80, respectively). A linear discriminant analysis with stepwise variable selection using linear combinations of LV mass index, average e', LVGLS and basal strain correctly classified 79% of all cases. Conclusion Simple echocardiographic parameters differentiate between different "hypertrophic" cardiac phenotypes. These have potential utility as a screening tool to guide further confirmatory testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaisha Ferkh
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherina Tjahjadi
- Cardiology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Luke Stefani
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Geenty
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Karen Byth
- WSLHD Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Kasun De Silva
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Anita C. Boyd
- Westmead Private Cardiology, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Peter Mollee
- Haematology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Dariusz Korczyk
- Cardiology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark S. Taylor
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Fiona Kwok
- Haematology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Eddy Kizana
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Heart Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Arnold C. T. Ng
- Cardiology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Liza Thomas
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- South-West Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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Danaila V, Vaheisvaran P, Ferkh A, Emerson P, Stefani L, Duggins A, Evans A, Chong J, Denniss A, Kizana E, Thomas L. Demographics and Cardiovascular Risk Profile of Ischaemic Stroke in Western Sydney. Heart Lung Circ 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2022.06.494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Ferkh A, Tjahjadi C, Geenty P, Stefani L, Boyd A, Richards D, Mollee P, Korczyk D, Taylor M, Kwok F, Kizana E, Ng A, Thomas L. Echocardiographic Deep Phenotyping of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathies: Amyloid, Anderson-Fabry and Hypertensive Heart Disease. Heart Lung Circ 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Stefani L, Boyd A, Ferkh A, Zada M, Devine K, Trivedi S, Tchan M, Thomas L. Basal Segmental Strain as a Marker of Cardiac Involvement in Anderson-Fabry Disease. Heart Lung Circ 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2022.06.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Klimis H, Ferkh A, Brown P, Zecchin R, Altman M, Thomas L. Determinants of Exercise Capacity Following ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:jcdd8110140. [PMID: 34821693 PMCID: PMC8624145 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8110140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and reduced exercise capacity are associated with worse prognosis following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, evidence is lacking on the determinants of exercise capacity following STEMI. We sought to determine the impact of systolic and diastolic dysfunction on exercise capacity and outcomes following first-ever STEMI. METHODS In a retrospective analysis of 139 consecutive STEMI patients who had a transthoracic echocardiogram following STEMI and completed exercise treadmill testing, the primary outcome was to identify clinical and echocardiographic determinants of exercise capacity, and the secondary outcome was to identify determinants of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). RESULTS Mean number of metabolic equivalents (METs > 8) was used as a cut-off. Age, female sex, anterior infarction, abnormal diastolic function, minimum left atrial indexed volume (LAVImin) ≥ 18 mL/m2, average e', and E/e' were associated with METs ≤ 8, but not left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). On multivariate analysis, LAVImin (OR 4.3, 95%CI 1.3-14.2; p = 0.017), anterior infarction (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.2-5.9; p = 0.022), and abnormal diastolic function (OR 3.73, 95%CI 1.7-8.4; p = 0.001) were independent predictors of METs ≤ 8. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, METs ≤ 8 (p = 0.01) and abnormal diastolic function (p = 0.04) were associated with MACEs (median follow-up 2.3 years). METs ≤ 8 was an independent predictor of MACEs (HR 3.4, 95%CI 1.2-9.8; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Following first-ever STEMI, increased LAVImin, anterior infarction, and abnormal diastolic function were independent predictors of reduced exercise capacity. Furthermore, reduced exercise capacity was an independent predictor of MACEs. These results highlight important prognostic and therapeutic implications related to abnormal diastolic function in STEMI patients that are distinct from those with LV systolic impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Klimis
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (H.K.); (A.F.); (M.A.)
- Department of Cardiology Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (P.B.); (R.Z.)
| | - Aaisha Ferkh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (H.K.); (A.F.); (M.A.)
- Department of Cardiology Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (P.B.); (R.Z.)
| | - Paula Brown
- Department of Cardiology Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (P.B.); (R.Z.)
| | - Robert Zecchin
- Department of Cardiology Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (P.B.); (R.Z.)
| | - Mikhail Altman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (H.K.); (A.F.); (M.A.)
- Department of Cardiology Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (P.B.); (R.Z.)
| | - Liza Thomas
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (H.K.); (A.F.); (M.A.)
- Department of Cardiology Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (P.B.); (R.Z.)
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Thomas L, Geenty P, Ferkh A, Taylor MS, Kwok F. The Authors Reply. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 14:1878-1879. [PMID: 34503692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Stefani LD, Trivedi SJ, Ferkh A, Altman M, Thomas L. Changes in left atrial phasic strain and mechanical dispersion: Effects of age and gender. Echocardiography 2021; 38:417-426. [PMID: 33594734 DOI: 10.1111/echo.14997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Left atrial (LA) function by two-dimensional (2D) strain is an emerging tool with increasing clinical utility. Age and gender are key modulators of strain parameters; however, the specific time course for LA structural and functional changes is not clearly defined. METHODS A total of 147 healthy individuals (20-69 years) underwent transthoracic echocardiography; subjects were evaluated by age (decade) and gender. LA and left ventricular (LV) volumetric and strain measurements were performed. RESULTS Left atrial reservoir (ƐR) and conduit strain (ƐCD) with negatively correlated with age (r =-.36; r = -.56; P < .001, respectively) being significantly lower by the 6th and 5th decades, respectively. Contractile strain (ƐCT) positively correlated with age (r = .36; P < .001), being significantly higher by the 6th decade. ƐR and ƐCD were higher in young females (20-34 years) compared to young males (P = .033 and P < .001, respectively). ƐCT was significantly higher in middle-aged adult males (35-50yrs; P = .010), though seen later in females (≥51 years; P = .005). Standard deviation of time to positive strain (SD-TPS) significantly higher by the 5th decade and correlated with age in both males (r = .44; P <.001) and females (r = .40; P = .001). CONCLUSION We demonstrate that ƐR and ƐCD are lower with age, with differing rates between males and females. As a compensatory mechanism for decline in ƐCD, ƐCT is higher, more notably in males; comparatively, females display a more prominent decline in ƐR and ƐCD with age. Alteration in electromechanical properties occurred in both genders with SD-TPS becoming higher with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke D Stefani
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Siddharth J Trivedi
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aaisha Ferkh
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mikhail Altman
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Liza Thomas
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,South Western Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Ferkh A, Stefani L, Trivedi SJ, Brown P, Byth K, Pathan F, Thomas L. Inter-vendor comparison of left atrial strain using layer specific strain analysis. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 37:1279-1288. [PMID: 33389361 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-020-02114-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Left atrial strain (LAS) on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is increasingly recognised to have clinical utility in cardiovascular disease. Differences in LAS measurements between vendors remains a barrier for clinical use. We sought to compare LAS between two commonly used software platforms; the layer-specific endocardial and mid-myocardial measurements of LAS on General Electric (GE) Echopac were compared to TomTec strain. LAS was measured in 88 individuals with no previous cardiac history and 40 paroxysmal AF (PAF) patients, in sinus rhythm at TTE. Conventionally, LAS measured using GE Echopac is mid-myocardial strain (GE-mid); additionally, endocardial (GE-endo) LAS was evaluated. Both LAS measurements by GE were compared to TomTec-Arena (v2.30.02) measurements. Reservoir (ƐR), contractile (ƐCT) and conduit (ƐCD) phasic strain were evaluated. Both GE-mid and GE-endo LAS correlated well with TomTec LAS. On Bland-Altman analysis, GE-mid LAS measurements were systematically lower than TomTec LAS (ƐR: mean difference (MD) - 6.08%, limits of agreement (LOA) - 12%, 0%, ƐCT: MD - 0.8%, LOA - 7%, 5%, ƐCD: MD - 5.2% LOA - 12%, 1%). GE-endo LAS demonstrated no systematic difference from TomTec LAS, but had wider limits of agreement (ƐR: MD 0.41%, LOA - 7%, 8%, ƐCT: MD 0.50%, LOA - 6%, 7%, ƐCD: MD - 0.08%, LOA - 7%, 7%). ƐR had the best reproducibility. Mid-myocardial LAS, routinely evaluated by GE Echopac software, systematically underestimates LAS compared to TomTec. Using GE endocardial LAS eliminated this bias, but introduced greater variation between measurements. Serial measurements of LAS should therefore be performed on the same vendor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaisha Ferkh
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia.,Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Luke Stefani
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia.,Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Siddharth J Trivedi
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia.,Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Paula Brown
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia.,Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Karen Byth
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.,NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Faraz Pathan
- Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney ,University of Sydney, Nepean Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cardiology Department, Nepean Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Liza Thomas
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia. .,Western Sydney Local Health District - Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia. .,South Western Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Sydney, Australia. .,Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Corner Hawkesbury and Darcy Road, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
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Stefani L, Gan G, Trivedi S, Ferkh A, Altman M, Thomas L. LA Strain Mechanics are Altered in Hypertensive Patients vs Healthy Individuals. Heart Lung Circ 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2021.06.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Ferkh A, Stefani L, Trivedi S, Brown P, Altman M, Thomas L. Comparison of 2-Dimensional Single Plane, Biplane and Triplane With 3-Dimensional Left Atrial Strain. Heart Lung Circ 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2021.06.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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16
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Ferkh A, O'Keefe E, Zada M, Brown P, Duggins A, Thiagalingam A, Altman M, Byth K, Kizana E, Denniss AR, Thomas L. Demographic and clinical profile of cardioembolic stroke patients in Western Sydney. Intern Med J 2020; 50:726-732. [DOI: 10.1111/imj.14416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aaisha Ferkh
- University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Department of CardiologyWestmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Emily O'Keefe
- Department of CardiologyWestmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Matthew Zada
- Department of CardiologyWestmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Paula Brown
- Department of CardiologyWestmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Andrew Duggins
- Department of NeurologyWestmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Aravinda Thiagalingam
- University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Department of CardiologyWestmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Mikhail Altman
- Department of CardiologyWestmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Karen Byth
- University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Eddy Kizana
- University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Department of CardiologyWestmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Westmead Institute of Medical Research Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Alan R. Denniss
- University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Department of CardiologyWestmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Liza Thomas
- University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Department of CardiologyWestmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
- South Western Clinical SchoolUniversity of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Ferkh A, Stefani L, Trivedi S, O'Keefe E, Duggins A, Evans A, Robert Denniss A, Kizana E, Thomas L. 366 Left Atrial Mechanical Dispersion in Patients With Embolic Stroke: A Marker of Underlying Atrial Dysfunction. Heart Lung Circ 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2020.09.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ferkh A, Stefani L, Trivedi S, Brown P, Pathan F, Thomas L. P1504 Inter-vendor comparison of left atrial 2-dimensional strain using multilayer analysis. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jez319.928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Left atrial strain (LAS) is increasingly being accepted as a marker of left atrial function. Different vendors utilise different techniques of measuring LAS in echocardiography.
AIMS
To determine the difference between multilayer endocardial and mid-myocardial measurements of LA strain on General Electric (GE) Echopac compared to the TOMTEC system which tracks endocardial strain.
METHODS
Peak reservoir left atrial strain (LAS) was measured on 50 healthy controls using the two different echocardiographic software packages. GE Echopac (v201) 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography technique (LV package) was used to measuremid-myocardial (GE-mid) and endocardial (GE-endo) LAS. This was compared to LAS measurement using TOMTEC (v4.6) which uses an endocardial tracking technique. LAS was measured in 4ch and 2ch views and average biplane strain measurement was obtained.
RESULTS
The mean of GE-mid LAS was 36.3 ± 6.3%, GE-endo LAS was higher with a mean of 44.1 ± 8.0%, while TOMTEC LAS was 42.1 ± 6.3 %. GE-mid and GE-endo LAS correlated well with TOMTEC LAS (r = 0.9, p < 0.001 for both). On Bland-Altman Analysis, GE-mid LAS measurements were systematically lower than TOMTEC LAS (mean difference -5.77), whereas GE-endo LAS had no systematic bias (mean difference 1.99).
CONCLUSIONS
Mid-myocardial peak reservoir left atrial strain, which is routinely measured using GE Echopac software, systematically underestimates LAS as compared to TOMTEC LAS or GE endocardial LAS. This suggests that serial follow up of LAS measurements for patients should be performed on the same software.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ferkh
- University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - L Stefani
- University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - S Trivedi
- University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - P Brown
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - F Pathan
- University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - L Thomas
- University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Ferkh A, Brown P, O'Keefe E, Zada M, Duggins A, Thiagalingam A, Altman M, Boyd A, Byth K, Kizana E, Denniss AR, Thomas L. Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of cardioembolic stroke. Eur J Neurol 2019; 26:1310-1317. [PMID: 31062440 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ischaemic stroke frequently has a cardioembolic (CE) source. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with CE stroke were evaluated. METHODS In all, 93 consecutive ischaemic stroke patients who underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram were retrospectively analysed; strokes were classified by TOAST (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) criteria. Echocardiographic parameters related to CE stroke, including left atrial volumes and function, were compared to 73 healthy controls. RESULTS Of 93 patients (mean age 66.1 years, 56% male), nine (10%) had large artery atherosclerosis, 38 (41%) CE stroke, two (2%) small vessel disease, two (2%) other and 42 (45%) undetermined aetiology. Left atrial (LA) maximum volumes (LAVImax ) and minimum volumes (LAVImin ) were larger in the CE group than the non-CE group (45 vs. 32 ml/m2 , 32 vs. 13 ml/m2 , respectively, P < 0.001), whilst LA function indices including LA emptying fraction and LA function index (LAFI) were lower in the CE group (34% vs. 55%, and 0.12 vs. 0.35, respectively, P < 0.001). Adjusting for clinical characteristics, LAFI ≤0.3 was an independent predictor of CE stroke (adjusted odds ratio 5.3, P = 0.001). Additionally, LAVImax and LAVImin were larger (61 vs. 44 and 32 vs. 24 ml/m2 respectively, P < 0.01) and LAFI significantly lower (0.34 vs. 0.52, P < 0.001) in the undetermined aetiology group versus healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS Left atrial enlargement with reduced LA function was associated with CE stroke and LAFI was the best independent predictor. LA parameters were also altered in the undetermined aetiology group, suggesting an underlying LA myopathy in this subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ferkh
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P Brown
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - E O'Keefe
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M Zada
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Duggins
- Neurology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Thiagalingam
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M Altman
- Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Boyd
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - K Byth
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - E Kizana
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A R Denniss
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - L Thomas
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Cardiology Department, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,South Western Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Ferkh A, Trivedi S, Stefani L, Brown P, Pathan F, Thomas L. Multivendor Analysis of Left Atrial Strain using Multilayer Analysis. Heart Lung Circ 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2019.06.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Kazi S, Geenty P, Selvakumar D, Klimis H, Ferkh A, Chong J, Thomas L. Right Ventricular Strain in the STEMI Population. Heart Lung Circ 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2019.06.319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Abstract
The left atrium has an important role in modulating left ventricular filling and is an important biomarker of cardiovascular disease and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. While previously left atrial (LA) size was utilised, the role of LA function as a biomarker is increasingly being evaluated, both independently and also in combination with LA size. Strain analysis has been utilised for evaluation of LA function and can be measured throughout the cardiac cycle, thereby enabling the evaluation of LA reservoir, conduit and contractile function. Strain evaluates myocardial deformation while strain rate examines the rate of change in strain. This review will focus on the various types of strain analysis for evaluation of LA function, alterations in LA strain in physiological and pathologic states that alter LA function and finally evaluate its utility as a prognostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary C H Gan
- Department of Cardiology, Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Anita Boyd
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Private Cardiology, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Liza Thomas
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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Klimis H, Altman M, Ferkh A, Brown P, Zecchin R, Denniss R, Thomas L. Determinants of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Following ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Heart Lung Circ 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2017.06.490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Ferkh A, Brown P, Thiagalingam A, Duggins A, Denniss AR, Kizana E, Thomas L. Clinical and Demographic Risk Factors of Ischaemic Stroke in Patients Referred for Transthoracic Echocardiogram. Heart Lung Circ 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2017.06.476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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