Myocardial Extracellular Volume Expansion And The Risk Of Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation After Pulmonary Vein Isolation.

This study tested whether myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) is increased in patients with hypertension and atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing pulmonary vein isolation and whether there is an association between ECV and post-procedural recurrence of AF. Hypertension is associated with myocardial fibrosis, an increase in ECV, and AF. Data linking these findings are limited. T1 measurements pre-contrast and post-contrast in a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) study provide a method for quantification of ECV. Consecutive patients with hypertension and recurrent AF referred for pulmonary vein isolation underwent a contrast CMR study with measurement of ECV and were followed up prospectively for a median of 18 months. The endpoint of interest was late recurrence of AF. Patients had elevated left ventricular (LV) volumes, LV mass, left atrial volumes, and increased ECV (patients with AF, 0.34 ± 0.03; healthy control patients, 0.29 ± 0.03; p < 0.001). There were positive associations between ECV and left atrial volume (r = 0.46, p < 0.01) and LV mass and a negative association between ECV and diastolic function (early mitral annular relaxation [E'], r = -0.55, p < 0.001). In the best overall multivariable model, ECV was the strongest predictor of the primary outcome of recurrent AF (hazard ratio: 1.29; 95% confidence interval: 1.15 to 1.44; p < 0.0001) and the secondary composite outcome of recurrent AF, heart failure admission, and death (hazard ratio: 1.35; 95% confidence interval: 1.21 to 1.51; p < 0.0001). Each 10% increase in ECV was associated with a 29% increased risk of recurrent AF. In patients with AF and hypertension, expansion of ECV is associated with diastolic function and left atrial remodeling and is a strong independent predictor of recurrent AF post-pulmonary vein isolation.

Left Atrial Volume Index and Prediction of Events in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Solar Registry

Background: According to some international studies, patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and increased left atrial volume index (LAVI) have worse long-term prognosis. However, national Brazilian studies confirming this prediction are still lacking. Objective: To evaluate LAVI as a predictor of major cardiovascular events (MCE) in patients with ACS during a 365-day follow-up. Methods: Prospective cohort of 171 patients diagnosed with ACS whose LAVI was calculated within 48 hours after hospital admission. According to LAVI, two groups were categorized: normal LAVI (≤ 32 mL/m2) and increased LAVI (> 32 mL/m2). Both groups were compared regarding clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, in- and out-of-hospital outcomes, and occurrence of ECM in up to 365 days. Results: Increased LAVI was observed in 78 patients (45%), and was associated with older age, higher body mass index, hypertension, history of myocardial infarction and previous angioplasty, and lower creatinine clearance and ejection fraction. During hospitalization, acute pulmonary edema was more frequent in patients with increased LAVI (14.1% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.024). After discharge, the occurrence of combined outcome for MCE was higher (p = 0.001) in the group with increased LAVI (26%) as compared to the normal LAVI group (7%) [RR (95% CI) = 3.46 (1.54-7.73) vs. 0.80 (0.69-0.92)]. After Cox regression, increased LAVI increased the probability of MCE (HR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.28-7.40, p = 0.012). Conclusion: Increased LAVI is an important predictor of MCE in a one-year follow-up.

Semi-automatic segmentation of fetal cardiac cavities: progress towards an automated fetal echocardiogram

OBJECTIVE: To develop a novel application of a tool for semi-automatic volume segmentation and adapt it for analysis of fetal cardiac cavities and vessels from heart volume datasets. METHODS: We studied retrospectively virtual cardiac volume cycles obtained with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) from six fetuses with postnatally confirmed diagnoses: four with normal hearts between 19 and 29 completed gestational weeks, one with d-transposition of the great arteries and one with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The volumes were analyzed offline using a commercially available segmentation algorithm designed for ovarian folliculometry. Using this software, individual 'cavities' in a static volume are selected and assigned individual colors in cross-sections and in 3D-rendered views, and their dimensions (diameters and volumes) can be calculated. RESULTS: Individual segments of fetal cardiac cavities could be separated, adjacent segments merged and the resulting electronic casts studied in their spatial context. Volume measurements could also be performed. Exemplary images and interactive videoclips showing the segmented digital casts were generated. CONCLUSION: The approach presented here is an important step towards an automated fetal volume echocardiogram. It has the potential both to help in obtaining a correct structural diagnosis, and to generate exemplary visual displays of cardiac anatomy in normal and structurally abnormal cases for consultation and teaching.

Reshaping the remodelled left ventricle: a new concept.

OBJECTIVE: Based on the law of Laplace, transventricular tension members were designed to diminish wall stress by changing the left ventricle (LV) globular shape to a bilobular one, thus reducing the ventricular wall radius of curvature. This concept was tested in a model of congestive heart failure. METHODS: Seven calves were used for the study (74.3+/-4.2 kg). Treatment efficacy was assessed with sonomicrometric wall motion analysis coupled with intraventricular pressure measurement. Preload increase was applied stepwise with tension members in released and tightened position. RESULTS: Tightening of the tension members improved systolic function for CVP>10 mmHg (dP/dt: 828+/-122 vs. 895+/-112 mmHg/s, P=0.019, for baseline and 20% stress level reduction respectively; wall thickening: 11.6+/-1.5 vs. 13.3+/-1.7%, P<0.001) and diastolic function (LV end-diastolic pressure: 15.9+/-4.8 vs. 13.6+/-2.7 mmHg, P<0.001, for CVP>10 mmHg; peak rate of wall thinning: -12.2+/-2.2 vs. -14+/-2.3 cm(2)/s, P<0.001 and logistic time constant of isovolumic relaxation: 48.4 +/-10.9 vs. 39.8+/-9.6ms, P<0.001, for CVP>5 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: This less aggressive LV reduction method significantly improves contractility and relaxation parameters in this model of congestive heart failure.

Régulations homéostatiques cardiovasculaires suite à une transfusion par échange avec du sang hyperagrégeant chez le rat

Dans le but de vérifier l’impact d’un changement soudain dans l’agrégation érythrocytaire sur certains paramètres cardiovasculaires, une transfusion par échange sanguin du tiers du volume a été effectuée avec du sang hyperagrégeant chez le rat de souche Brown Norway. La pression caudale, le volume cardiaque systolique, la fraction d’éjection, le débit cardiaque, le rythme cardiaque et la résistance périphérique à l’écoulement sanguin ont été observés non-intrusivement sur 19 jours suite à la transfusion. Les rats ont été sacrifiés plus d’un mois suivant la transfusion et une étude ex vivo de la réponse à deux agents dilatateurs (l’acétylcholine et le nitroprussiate de sodium) a été menée sur les artérioles mésentériques. Des variations des paramètres cardiovasculaires, soit le débit, le volume systolique et la résistance périphérique, ont été remarquées dans les trois premiers jours posttransfusion. Une résistance du muscle vasculaire lisse au monoxyde d’azote a été notée chez les rats transfusés au sang hyperagrégeant alors qu’aucune dysfonction endothéliale n’était apparente en réponse à l’acétylcholine.

Resonancia magnética cardiaca: medidas lineales y volumétricas en adultos sanos

Introducción: La gran mayoría de las medidas de normalidad utilizadas para la interpretación de resonancia cardiaca son extrapoladas de las medidas de ecocardiografía. Los limitados registros de medidas de normalidad se encuentran ajustados en poblaciones extranjeras, no hay registros en latinoamericanos. Objetivo: Determinar las dimensiones cardiacas utilizando resonancia magnética en una población de personas sin antecedente médicos con repercusión cardiaca para lograr una muestra de valores que permitan ajustar las medidas de normalidad utilizadas por nuestro servicio. Materiales y métodos: se analizaron 45 sujetos sanos con edad comprendida entre los 21 y 45 años, las adquisiciones se realizaron utilizando un equipo de RM de 1,5 teslas, el análisis de las imágenes se realizó mediante el programa Cardiac Volume Vx. Se evaluaron múltiples parámetros morfofuncionales a través de análisis estadístico por medio del sistema SPSS versión 23. Resultados: Mediciones obtenidas de ventrículo izquierdo principales fueron volumen diastólico en mujeres de 62 ml +/- 7.1 y en hombres de 65 ml +/- 11.2 y fracción de eyección de 60 % +/- 5 en mujeres y de 62 % +/- 9 en hombres. En ventrículo derecho el volumen diastólico final se encontró 81.8 ml +/- 14.6 en mujeres y 100 ml +/- 24.8 en hombres y fracción de eyección de 53 % +/- 17 en mujeres y de 45 % +/- 12 en hombres. Volumen de fin de diástole de 50 +/- 12.7 ml en mujeres y de 49 ml +/- 19 ml en hombres y fracción de eyección de aurícula izquierda de 55 % +/- 0.08 en mujeres y de 50 % +/- 0.07 en hombres. Volumen de fin de diástole de 44.1 ml +/- 18.5 en mujeres y de 49.2 ml +/- 22.9 en hombres y fracción de eyección de aurícula derecha de 50 % +/- 11 en mujeres y de 45 % +/- 8 en hombres. Se obtuvieron otras medidas lineales y volumétricas adicionales de cavidades cardiacas y de grandes vasos supracardiacos. Conclusiones: se describen los valores de referencia de los parámetros morfofuncionales de las cavidades cardiacas y de vasos supracardiacos. El sexo fue tenido en cuenta como covariable relacionada con la modificación de los parámetros evaluados. Se sugieren variaciones en las medidas de cavidades cardiacas para la población estudiada relacionada con aclimatación crónica a la altitud de la ciudad de Bogotá.

Débito cardíaco e fração de ejeção fetal por meio do spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC): comparação entre fetos masculinos e femininos

OBJETIVO: Comparar do débito cardíaco (DC) e a fração de ejeção (FE) do coração de fetos masculinos e femininos obtidos por meio da ultrassonografia tridimensional, utilizando o spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC). MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo de corte transversal com 216 fetos normais, entre 20 a 34 semanas de gestação, sendo 108 masculinos e 108 femininos. Os volumes ventriculares no final da sístole e diástole foram obtidos por meio do STIC, sendo as avaliações volumétricas realizadas pelo virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) com rotação de 30º. Para o cálculo do DC utilizou-se a fórmula: DC= volume sistólico/frequência cardíaca fetal, enquanto que para a FE utilizou-se a fórmula: FE= volume sistólico/volume diastólico final. O DC (combinado, feminino e masculino) e a FE (masculina e feminina) foram comparadas utilizando-se o teste t não pareado e ANCOVA. Foram criados gráficos de dispersão com os percentis 5, 50 e 95. RESULTADOS: A média do DC combinado, DC direito, DC esquerdo, FE direita e FE esquerda, para feminino e masculino, foram 240,07 mL/min; 122,67 mL/min; 123,40 mL/min; 72,84%; 67,22%; 270,56 mL/min; 139,22 mL/min; 131,34 mL/min; 70,73% e 64,76%, respectivamente; sem diferença estatística (P> 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: O DC e a FE fetal obtidos por meio da ultrassonografia tridimensional (STIC) não apresentaram diferença significativa em relação ao gênero.

Low coronary perfusion pressure is associated with endocardial fibrosis in a rat model of volume overload cardiac hypertrophy

Left ventricular hypertrophy following volume overload is regarded as an example of cardiac remodeling without increased fibrosis accumulation. However, infarction is associated with increased fibrosis within the noninfarcted, hypertrophied myocardium, particularly in the subendocardial regions. It is conceivable to suppose that, as also occurs postinfarction, low coronary driving pressure may also interfere with accumulation of myocardial fibrosis following aortocaval fistula. PURPOSE: To investigate the role of acute hemodynamic changes in subsequent deposition of cardiac fibrosis in response to aortocaval fistula. METHOD: Aortocaval fistula were created in 4 groups of Wistar rats that were followed over 4 and 8 weeks: aortocaval fistula 4 and aortocaval fistula 8 (10 rats each) and their respective controls (sham-operated controls - Sh), Sh4 and Sh8 (8 rats each). Hemodynamic measurements were performed 1 week after surgery. Hypertrophy and fibrosis were quantified by myocyte diameter and collagen volume fraction at the end of follow up. RESULT: Compared with Sh4 and Sh8, pulse pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and +dP/dt were higher in aortocaval fistula 4 and aortocaval fistula 8, but -dP/dt was similar. Coronary driving pressure (mm Hg), used as an estimate of perfusion pressure, was lower in aortocaval fistula 8 (52.6 ± 4.1) than in Sh8 (100.8 ± 1.3), but comparable between aortocaval fistula 4 (50.0 ± 8.9) and Sh4 (84.8 ± 2.3). Myocyte diameter was greater in aortocaval fistula 8, whereas interstitial and subendocardial fibrosis were greater in aortocaval fistula 4 and aortocaval fistula 8. Coronary driving pressure correlated inversely and independently with subendocardial fibrosis (r² = .86, P <.001), whereas left ventricular systolic pressure (r² = 0.73, P = .004) and end-diastolic pressure (r² = 0.55, P = 012) correlated positively and independently with interstitial fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Coronary driving pressure falls and ventricular pressures increase early after aortocaval fistula and are associated with subsequent myocardial fibrosis deposition.

Content Validation of the Operational Definitions of the Nursing Diagnoses of Activity Intolerance, Excess Fluid Volume, and Decreased Cardiac Output in Patients With Heart Failure

Objectives To consensually validate the operational definitions of the nursing diagnoses activity intolerance, excessive fluid volume, and decreased cardiac output in patients with decompensated heart failure. Method Consensual validation was performed in two stages: analogy by similarity of defining characteristics, and development of operational definitions and validation with experts. Results A total of 38 defining characteristics were found. Operational definitions were developed and content-validated. One hundred percent of agreement was achieved among the seven experts after five rounds. Ascites was added in the nursing diagnosis excessive fluid volume. Conclusion The consensual validation improves interpretation of human response, grounding the selection of nursing interventions and contributing to improved nursing outcomes. Implications for Practice Support the assessment of patients with decompensated heart failure. Objetivos Realizar a validacAo consensual das definicoes operacionais dos diagnosticos de enfermagem Intolerancia a atividade, Volume de liquidos excessivo e Debito cardiaco diminuido em pacientes com insuficiencia cardiaca descompensada. Metodo ValidacAo consensual em duas etapas: Analogia de semelhanca das caracteristicas definidoras e desenvolvimento de definicoes operacionais e validacAo com expertst. Resultados Foram encontradas 38 caracteristicas definidoras para os diagnosticos de enfermagem. Suas definicoes operacionais foram desenvolvidas e seu conteudo validado. Os resultados mostram que houve 100% de concordancia entre os sete experts apos cinco rodada. As definicoes operacionais foram classificadas com base no nivel de concordanica. Ascite foi acrescentada ao diagnostico Volume de liquidos excessivo. ConclusAo A validacAo consensual melhora a interpretacAo das respostas humanas, embasando a selecAo de intervencoes de enfermagem e contribuindo para melhorar os resultados. Implicacoes Para A Pratica Apoio a avaliacAo dos pacientes com insuficiencia cardiaca descompensada.

Plasma volume expansion does not increase maximal cardiac output or VO2 max in lowlanders acclimatized to altitude

[EN] With altitude acclimatization, blood hemoglobin concentration increases while plasma volume (PV) and maximal cardiac output (Qmax) decrease. This investigation aimed to determine whether reduction of Qmax at altitude is due to low circulating blood volume (BV). Eight Danish lowlanders (3 females, 5 males: age 24.0 +/- 0.6 yr; mean +/- SE) performed submaximal and maximal exercise on a cycle ergometer after 9 wk at 5,260 m altitude (Mt. Chacaltaya, Bolivia). This was done first with BV resulting from acclimatization (BV = 5.40 +/- 0.39 liters) and again 2-4 days later, 1 h after PV expansion with 1 liter of 6% dextran 70 (BV = 6.32 +/- 0.34 liters). PV expansion had no effect on Qmax, maximal O2 consumption (VO2), and exercise capacity. Despite maximal systemic O2 transport being reduced 19% due to hemodilution after PV expansion, whole body VO2 was maintained by greater systemic O2 extraction (P < 0.05). Leg blood flow was elevated (P < 0.05) in hypervolemic conditions, which compensated for hemodilution resulting in similar leg O2 delivery and leg VO2 during exercise regardless of PV. Pulmonary ventilation, gas exchange, and acid-base balance were essentially unaffected by PV expansion. Sea level Qmax and exercise capacity were restored with hyperoxia at altitude independently of BV. Low BV is not a primary cause for reduction of Qmax at altitude when acclimatized. Furthermore, hemodilution caused by PV expansion at altitude is compensated for by increased systemic O2 extraction with similar peak muscular O2 delivery, such that maximal exercise capacity is unaffected.

Combined cardiac and lung volume reduction surgery

Coronary artery disease is prevalent in patients who have severe emphysema and who are being considered for lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS). Significant valvular heart diseases may also coexist in these patients. Few thoracic surgeons have performed LVRS in patients who have severe cardiac diseases. Conversely, few cardiac surgeons have been willing to undertake major cardiac surgery in patients who have severe emphysema. This report reviews the evidence regarding combined cardiac surgery and LVRS to determine the optimal management strategy for patients who have severe emphysema and who are suitable for LVRS, but who also have coexisting significant cardiac diseases that are operable.