| 1. |
- Babu-Narayan, Sonya V, et al.
(författare)
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Dyssynchrony and electromechanical delay are associated with focal fibrosis in the systemic right ventricle - Insights from echocardiography.
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 220, s. 382-388
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Systemic right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and sudden cardiac death remain problematic late after Mustard operation for transposition of the great arteries. The exact mechanism for that relationship is likely to be multifactorial including myocardial fibrosis. Doppler echocardiography gives further insights into the role of fibrosis shown by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in late morbidity.METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-two consecutive patients, mean age 28±8years, were studied with 2D echocardiography, and also assessed by LGE CMR. The presence of LGE in 13/22 patients (59%) was related to delayed septal shortening and lengthening (P=0.002 &P=0.049), prolonged systemic RV isovolumic contraction time (P=0.024) and reduced systemic RV free wall and septal excursion (P=0.027 &P=0.005). The systemic RV total isovolumic time was prolonged but not related to extent of LGE. LGE extent was related to markers of electromechanical delay and dyssynchrony (delayed onset of RV free wall shortening and lengthening; r=0.73 &P=0.004 and r=0.62 &P=0.041, respectively, and QRS duration r=0.68, P<0.01) and was inversely related to systolic RV free wall shortening velocity (r=-0.59 &P=0.042). The presence of LGE was also related to lower exercise capacity, ≥mild tricuspid regurgitation and more arrhythmia (P=0.008, P=0.014 and P=0.040). RV free wall excursion and systolic tissue Doppler velocity were related to CMR derived RV ejection fraction (r=0.51, P=0.015, and r=0.77, P=<0.001, respectively).CONCLUSION: Post Mustard repair, myocardial fibrosis is related to dyssynchrony, RV long axis dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation. Echocardiographic measurements of systemic RV function can be confidently used in serial follow-up following Mustard operation.
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| 2. |
- Ahmeti, Artan, et al.
(författare)
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Quality of life questionnaire predicts poor exercise capacity only in HFpEF and not in HFrEF
- 2017
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Ingår i: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2261 .- 1471-2261. ; 17
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) is the most widely used measure of quality of life (QoL) in HF patients. This prospective study aimed to assess the relationship between QoL and exercise capacity in HF patients.Methods: The study subjects were 118 consecutive patients with chronic HF (62 +/- 10 years, 57 females, in NYHA I-III). Patients answered a MLHFQ questionnaire in the same day of complete clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic assessment. They also underwent a 5 min walk test (6-MWT), in the same day, which grouped them into; Group I: <= 300 m and Group II: > 300 m. In addition, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), divided them into: Group A, with preserved EF (HFpEF) and Group B with reduced EF (HFrEF).Results: The mean MLHFQ total scale score was 48 (+/- 17). The total scale, and the physical and emotional functional MLHFQ scores did not differ between HFpEF and HFpEF. Group I patients were older (p = 0.003), had higher NYHA functional class (p = 0.002), faster baseline heart rate (p = 0.006), higher prevalence of smoking (p = 0.015), higher global, physical and emotional MLHFQ scores (p < 0.001, for all), larger left atrial (LA) diameter (p = 0.001), shorter LV filling time (p = 0.027), higher E/e' ratio (0.02), shorter isovolumic relaxation time (p = 0.028), lower septal a' (p = 0.019) and s' (p = 0.023), compared to Group II. Independent predictors of 6-MWT distance for the group as a whole were increased MLHFQ total score (p = 0.005), older age (p = 0.035), and diabetes (p = 0.045), in HFpEF were total MLHFQ (p = 0.007) and diabetes (p = 0.045) but in HFrEF were only LA enlargement (p = 0.005) and age (p = 0.013. A total MLHFQ score of 48.5 had a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 63% (AUC on ROC analysis of 72%) for limited exercise performance in HF patients.Conclusions: Quality of life, assessment by MLHFQ, is the best correlate of exercise capacity measured by 6-MWT, particularly in HFpEF patients. Despite worse ejection fraction in HFrEF, signs of raised LA pressure independently determine exercise capacity in these patients.
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| 3. |
- Arvidsson, Sandra, et al.
(författare)
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Right ventricular involvement in transthyretin amyloidosis
- 2018
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Ingår i: Amyloid. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1350-6129 .- 1744-2818. ; 25:3, s. 160-166
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The extent of right ventricular (RV) involvement in transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is unknown.Objectives: This study sought to establish the degree of RV involvement in ATTR amyloidosis, and compare findings with RV involvement in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).Methods: Forty-two patients with ATTR amyloidosis and echocardiographic evidence of cardiac amyloidosis (cardiac ATTR), 19 ATTR patients with normal left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (non-cardiac ATTR), 25 patients with diagnosed HCM and 30 healthy controls were included in this study. Echocardiographic measurements for conventional parameters, as well as RV global and segmental strain, were recorded.Results: When comparing RV structure and function between cardiac ATTR amyloidosis and HCM patients, only segmental strain differed between the two groups. In cardiac ATTR amyloidosis, we found an RV apex-to-base strain gradient with highest deformation in the apex. This pattern was reversed in patients with HCM.Conclusions: RV involvement is common in cardiac ATTR patients. The present study also detected an RV apical sparing pattern in patients with ATTR cardiomyopathy, similar to what has previously been described for the left ventricle in these patients. This pattern was not seen in HCM patients. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical importance of these findings.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(författare)
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Comparison of drug-eluting balloon versus drug-eluting stent treatment of drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis : A meta-analysis of available evidence
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 218, s. 126-135
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: In-stent restenosis (ISR) remains an important concern despite the recent advances in the drug-eluting stent (DES) technology. The introduction of drug-eluting balloons (DEB) offers a good solution to such problem.OBJECTIVES: We performed a meta-analysis to assess the clinical efficiency and safety of DEB compared with DES in patients with DES-ISR.METHODS: A systematic search was conducted and all randomized and observational studies which compared DEB with DES in patients with DES-ISR were included. The primary outcome measure-major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)-as well as individual events as target lesion revascularization (TLR), stent thrombosis (ST), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac death (CD) and all-cause mortality, were analyzed.RESULTS: Three randomized and 4 observational studies were included with a total of 2052 patients. MACE (relative risk [RR]=1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 1.46, P=0.99), TLR (RR=1.15 [CI 0.79 to 1.68], P=0.44), ST (RR=0.37[0.10 to 1.34], P=0.13), MI (RR=0.97 [0.49 to 1.91], P=0.93) and CD (RR=0.73 [0.22 to 2.45], P=0.61) were not different between patients treated with DEB and with DES. However, all-cause mortality was lower in patients treated with DEB (RR=0.45 [0.23 to 0.87, P=0.019) and in particular when compared to only first generation DES (RR 0.33 [0.15-0.74], P=0.007). There was no statistical evidence for publication bias.CONCLUSIONS: The results of this meta-analysis showed that DEB and DES have similar efficacy and safety for the treatment of DES-ISR.
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| 6. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(författare)
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Complete revascularization for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease : a meta-analysis of randomized trials
- 2018
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Ingår i: Coronary Artery Disease. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0954-6928 .- 1473-5830. ; 29:3, s. 204-215
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Despite the recent findings in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with limited sample sizes and the updates in clinical guidelines, the current available data for the complete revascularization (CR) in hemodynamically stable patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are still contradictory.Aim: The aim of this meta-analysis of the existing RCTs was to assess the efficacy of the CR versus revascularization of infarct-related artery (IRA) only during primary PCI in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease (MVD).Patients and methods: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases aiming to find RCTs for patients with STEMI and MVD which compared CR with IRA-only. Random effect risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for efficacy and safety outcomes.Results: Ten RCTs with 3291 patients were included. The median follow-up duration was 17.5 months. Major adverse cardiac events (RR=0.57; 0.43-0.76; P<0.0001), cardiac mortality (RR=0.52; 0.31-0.87; P=0.014), and repeat revascularization (RR=0.50; 0.30-0.84; P=0.009) were lower in CR compared with IRA-only strategies. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of all-cause mortality, recurrent nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, major bleeding events, and contrast-induced nephropathy.Conclusion: For patients with STEMI and MVD undergoing primary PCI, the current evidence suggests that the risk of major adverse cardiac events, repeat revascularization, and cardiac death is reduced by CR. However, the risk for all-cause mortality and PCI-related complications is not different from the isolated culprit lesion-only treatment. Although these findings support the cardiac mortality and safety benefit of CR in stable STEMI, further large trials are required to provide better guidance for optimum management of such patients.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(författare)
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The clinical dilemma of quantifying mechanical left ventricular dyssynchrony for cardiac resynchronization therapy : segmental or global?
- 2015
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Ingår i: Echocardiography. - : Wiley. - 0742-2822 .- 1540-8175. ; 32:1, s. 150-155
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Heart failure (HF) represents a serious clinical and public cause of mortality, morbidity, as well as healthcare expenditures. Guidelines for treatment of HF join in recommending multimedical regimen at targeted doses as the best medical strategy, despite that a significant percentage of patients remain symptomatic. Studies have shown that these patients might benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), particularly those presenting with broad QRS duration, >135 msec. Trials have already shown that CRT results in improved morbidity and survival of these patients particularly those in New York Heart Association class III-IV HF, but almost 30% do not show any symptomatic or survival benefit, hence are classified as nonresponders. Exhaustive efforts have been made in using noninvasive methods of assessing left ventricle (LV) dyssynchrony in predicting nonresponders to CRT, including Doppler echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and even single photon emission computed tomography analysis, but only with modest success. In this report, we aimed to review the available evidence for assessing markers of mechanical LV dyssynchrony by various echocardiographic modalities and their respective strength in predicting favorable response to CRT treatment, comparing global with segmental ones. While the accuracy of segmental markers of dyssynchrony in predicting satisfactory response to CRT remains controversial because of various technical limitations, global markers seem easier to measure, reproducible, and potentially accurate in reflecting overall cavity response and its clinical implications. More studies are needed to qualify this proposal.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Batalli, Arlind, et al.
(författare)
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Different determinants of exercise capacity in HFpEF compared to HFrEF
- 2017
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Ingår i: Cardiovascular Ultrasound. - : BioMed Central. - 1476-7120. ; 15:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Quality of life is as important as survival in heart failure (HF) patients. Controversies exist with regards to echocardiographic determinants of exercise capacity in HF, particularly in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this study was to prospectively examine echocardiographic parameters that correlate and predict functional exercise capacity assessed by 6 min walk test (6-MWT) in patients with HFpEF.METHODS: In 111 HF patients (mean age 63 ± 10 years, 47% female), an echo-Doppler study and a 6-MWT were performed in the same day. Patients were divided into two groups based on the 6-MWT distance (Group I: ≤ 300 m and Group II: >300 m).RESULTS: Group I were older (p = 0.008), had higher prevalence of diabetes (p = 0.027), higher baseline heart rate (p = 0.004), larger left atrium - LA (p = 0.001), longer LV filling time - FT (p = 0.019), shorter isovolumic relaxation time (p = 0.037), shorter pulmonary artery acceleration time - PA acceleration time (p = 0.006), lower left atrial lateral wall myocardial velocity (a') (p = 0.018) and lower septal systolic myocardial velocity (s') (p = 0.023), compared with Group II. Patients with HF and reduced EF (HFrEF) had lower hemoglobin (p = 0.007), higher baseline heart rate (p = 0.005), higher NT-ProBNP (p = 0.001), larger LA (p = 0.004), lower septal s', e', a' waves, and septal mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), shorter PA acceleration time (p < 0.001 for all), lower lateral MAPSE, higher E/A & E/e', and shorter LVFT (p = 0.001 for all), lower lateral e' (p = 0.009), s' (p = 0.006), right ventricular e' and LA emptying fraction (p = 0.012 for both), compared with HFpEF patients. In multivariate analysis, only LA diameter [2.676 (1.242-5.766), p = 0.012], and diabetes [0.274 (0.084-0.898), p = 0.033] independently predicted poor 6-MWT performance in the group as a whole. In HFrEF, age [1.073 (1.012-1.137), p = 0.018] and LA diameter [3.685 (1.348-10.071), p = 0.011], but in HFpEF, lateral s' [0.295 (0.099-0.882), p = 0.029], and hemoglobin level [0.497 (0.248-0.998), p = 0.049] independently predicted poor 6-MWT performance.CONCLUSIONS: In HF patients determinants of exercise capacity differ according to severity of overall LV systolic function, with left atrial enlargement in HFrEF and longitudinal systolic shortening in HFpEF as the the main determinants.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Boles, Usama, et al.
(författare)
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Cytokine Disturbances in Coronary Artery Ectasia Do Not Support Atherosclerosis Pathogenesis
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. - Basel, Switzerland : MDPI. - 1661-6596 .- 1422-0067. ; 19:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a rare disorder commonly associated with additional features of atherosclerosis. In the present study, we aimed to examine the systemic immune-inflammatory response that might associate CAE.METHODS: Plasma samples were obtained from 16 patients with coronary artery ectasia (mean age 64.9 ± 7.3 years, 6 female), 69 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and angiographic evidence for atherosclerosis (age 64.5 ± 8.7 years, 41 female), and 140 controls (mean age 58.6 ± 4.1 years, 40 female) with normal coronary arteries. Samples were analyzed at Umeå University Biochemistry Laboratory, Sweden, using the V-PLEX Pro-Inflammatory Panel 1 (human) Kit. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between patient groups and controls were determined using Mann-Whitney U-tests.RESULTS: The CAE patients had significantly higher plasma levels of INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 (p = 0.007, 0.01, 0.001, and 0.002, respectively), and lower levels of IL-2 and IL-4 (p < 0.001 for both) compared to CAD patients and controls. The plasma levels of IL-10, IL-12p, and IL-13 were not different between the three groups. None of these markers could differentiate between patients with pure (n = 6) and mixed with minimal atherosclerosis (n = 10) CAE.CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate an enhanced systemic pro-inflammatory response in CAE. The profile of this response indicates activation of macrophages through a pathway and trigger different from those of atherosclerosis immune inflammatory response.
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| 16. |
- Boles, Usama, et al.
(författare)
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Dysregulated fatty acid metabolism in coronary ectasia : An extended lipidomic analysis
- 2017
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 228, s. 303-308
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is not an uncommon clinical condition, which could be associated with adverse outcome. The exact pathophysiology of the disease is poorly understood and is commonly interpreted as a variant of atherosclerosis. In this study, we sought to undertake lipidomic profiling of a group of CAE patients in an attempt to achieve better understanding of its disturbed metabolism.METHODS: Untargeted lipid profiling and complementary modelling strategies were employed to compare serum samples from 16 patients with CAE (mean age 63.5±10.1years, 6 female) and 26 controls with normal smooth coronary arteries (mean age 59.2±6.6years and 7 female). Sample preparation, LC-MS analysis and metabolite identification were performed at the Swedish Metabolomics Centre, Umeå, Sweden.RESULTS: Phosphatidylcholine levels were significantly distorted in the CAE patients (p=0.001-0.04). Specifically, 16-carbon fatty acyl chain phosphatidylcholines (PC) were detected in lower levels. Similarly, 11 meioties of Sphyngomyelin (SM) species were detected at lower concentrations (p=0.000001-0.01) in the same group. However, only three metabolites were significantly higher in the pure CAE subgroup (6 patients) when compared with the 10 mixed CAE patients (two meioties of SM species and one of PC). Atherosclerosis risk factors were not different between groups.CONCLUSION: This is the first lipid profiling study reported in coronary artery ectasia. While the lower concentration and dysregulation of sphyngomyelin suggests an evidence for premature apoptosis, that of phosphatidylcholines suggests perturbed fatty acid elongation/desaturation, thus may be indicative of non-atherogenic process in CAE.
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| 17. |
- Boles, Usama, 1974-
(författare)
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Insight into coronary artery ectasia
- 2019
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background:Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as a diffuse dilatation of the epicardial coronary arteries exceeding 1.5 folds the diameter of the normal adjacent arterial segment and/ or the remaining non-dilated part of the same artery. (1) The incidence of CAE has been variably reported between different nations and ranges between 1.4 -10 % (2-5). This wide range of variability is related to many factors including diverse definition of CAE, geographical distribution, association with other conditions (i.e. inflammatory, congenital or atherosclerosis) hence the existent uncertainty about disease burden and prevalence. (6) The main pathophysiology of CAE is initially understood to be part of atherosclerosis, (3) yet others reported the non-atherosclerotic nature of the disease. (2,7) The exact disease pathophysiology, prognosis and clinical outcome are not well studied; particularly the isolated, non-atherosclerotic, form of the disease has not been fully determined nor well identified. Methods:In paper 1, we examined the clinical presentation, prevalence and cardiovascular risk profile of the CAE patients in acute myocardial infarction (MI). We investigated the inflammatory response and short-term outcome in CAE patients of 3,321 acute consecutive MI patients who underwent primary PCI in two different centres in the UK (Royal Free Hospital, London and Norfolk, and Norwich University Hospital) between January 2009 and August 2012.In paper 2, we studied the personalised lipid profile and immune-inflammatory response in CAE patients from two different destinations (16 patients, mean age 64.9 ± 7.3 years, 6 female) Umea, Sweden and Letterkenny, Ireland. The lipidomic profile was compared with 26 control group (mean age 59.2 ± 6.6, 7 female) with normal coronary arteries.In paper 3, the plasma levels of 16 CAE (mean age 64.9 ± 7.3 years, 6 female) were compared with 69 age and gender matched (mean age 64.5 ± 8.7 years, 41 female) subjects with evidence of coronary artery disease and 140 controls with normal coronary arteries (mean age 58.6 ± 4.1 years, 81 female) in order to determine differences in inflammatory markers and cytokines, specific for CAE.In paper 4, we investigated long term follow up data of CAE patients without atherosclerotic burden. This represents follow up data of 66 patients with CAE, among 16,464 patients, who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography in Umea, Sweden and Letterkenny university Hospital, Ireland between 2003 and 2009. Of the 66 patients, long-term follow up (mean 11.3 ± 1.6 years) data was complete in 41 patients (age 66 ± 9 years), 12 Female. All hospital readmissions with Major Acute Cardiac Events (MACE) including mortality and morbidity and hospital readmissions for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were compared with gender matched 41 controls. No subject had >20% coronary stenosis in any coronary branch. Results:Paper 1: The prevalence of CAE with acute MI was 2.7%. Apart from diabetes mellitus (DM) that was significantly less common in the CAE group (p=0.02), the other conventional cardiovascular risk factors were similar between ectatic and non-ectatic coronary arteries. The RCA and LCx were predominantly involved in patients with CAE (p=0.001 and 0.0001, respectively). CRP was higher (p=0.006) in CAE, but both WCC, neutrophil and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (N/L ratio) was lower (p = 0.002, 0.002 and 0.032). The short-term follow-up of 2 years showed no relationship between the inflammatory markers and MACE [(8/28, 28.6%) CAE vs. (13/60, 21.7%) without CAE, (p = 0.42)].Paper 2: We identified 65 different metabolites between CAE group and controls, 27 of them were identifiable using metabolomics library software (15 were fully identified and 12 were identified through the size of the side chains). Sixteen species of phosphatidylcholines (PC); and 11 sphyngomyelins (SM) species had significantly lower intensities in patients with CAE.Paper 3: Systemic levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly higher in the CAE group compared to the CAD group (p = 0.006, 0.001, 0.001, 0.046 and 0.009, respectively) and the control group (p = 0.032, 0.002, 0.001, 0.049 and 0.007 in the same order), while the levels of IL-2 and IL-4 were lower (P < 0.001 for both) compared to the CAD and the control group. No differences were detected in the systemic levels of cytokines IL-10, IL-12P “subunits IL-12 and IL-23”, and IL-13 between the two patient groupsPaper 4: While CAE patients were slightly older, they had longer follow up period (p<0.001) than controls. The overall mortality in the CAE group was higher (p<0.001) and similarly was CV mortality (p<0.03) compared with controls. MACE was similar in both groups (p=0.18). More patients smoked (p<0.001) and have family history for CAD (p<0.02) than controls but these variables were not different between survivals (36 patients) and non-survivors (5 patients). Females had more MACE than males (p<0.03). Finally, all non-survivors and 12/36 survivors had smoked and had dyslipidemia. Conclusion:Coronary artery ectasia, despite of common association with atherosclerosis, had a lower disease prevalence and dysregulated lipid metabolic profile than atherosclerosis. The pro-systemic inflammatory response in CAE is also different from atherosclerosis with different Cytokines milieu. In the context of CAE with acute coronary syndrome with obstructive atherosclerotic CAD, the management options should follow the standard guidelines for revascularization. CAE may lead to exaggerated inflammatory response in acute settings but the short-term outcome is similar to non-ectatic obstructive CAD. However, long term follow up data showed higher mortalities and hospital readmissions, yet no difference in MACE.
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| 18. |
- Bytyçi, Ibadete, et al.
(författare)
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Compromised left atrial function and increased size predict raised cavity pressure : a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2019
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Ingår i: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1475-0961 .- 1475-097X. ; 39:5, s. 297-307
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: This meta-analysis assesses left atrial (LA) cavity and myocardial function measurements that predict pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP).Methods: PubMed-MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Central Registry were searched up to December 2018 for studies on the relationship of LA diameter, LA indexed volume (LAVI max, LAVI min), peak atrial longitudinal (PALS), peak atrial contraction (PACS) strain and total emptying fraction (LAEF) with PCWP. Eighteen studies with 1343 patients were included. sensitivity and specificity (with 95% CI) for evaluation of diagnostic accuracy and the best cut-off values for different LA indices in predicting raised PCWP were estimated using summary receiver operating characteristic analysis.Results: The pooled analysis showed association between PCWP and LA diameter: Cohen's d = 0 center dot 87, LAVI max: d = 0 center dot 92 and LAVI min: d = 1 center dot 0 (P<0 center dot 001 for all). A stronger correlation was found between PCWP and PALS: d = 1 center dot 26, and PACS: d = 1 center dot 62, total EF d = 1 center dot 22 (P<0 center dot 0001 for all). PALS <= 19% had a summary sensitivity of 80% (65-90) and summary specificity of 77% (52-92), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) 3 center dot 74, negative likelihood ratio (LR-) DOR > 15 center dot 1 whereas LAVI >= 34 ml m(-2) had summary sensitivity of 75% (55-89) and summary specificity 77% (57-90), with LR+ >3, LR- 0 center dot 32 and DOR >10 center dot 1.Conclusions: Compromised LA myocardial function and increased size predict raised cavity pressure. These results should assist in optimum follow-up of patients with fluctuating LA pressure.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
- Bytyci, Ibadete, et al.
(författare)
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Left atrial strain increases in CRT responders : a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2018
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Ingår i: European Heart Journal. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 39, s. 422-422
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background and aim: Impaired left atrial (LA) strain is associated with myocardial fibrosis and carries poor prognosis, especially arrhythmia. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is associated with reserved LA remodeling and reduced arrhythmia. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the relationship between CRT and LA function improvement.Methods: We systematically searched PubMed-Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Central Registry, up to February 2018 in order to select clinical trials and observational studies, which assessed the predictive value of LA strain of CRT response. The left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) reduction ≥15 ml and/or LV ejection fraction (EF) increase ≥10% were the documented criteria for assessment of CRT response.Results: A total of 299 patients (181 responders and 118 non-responders to CRT) from 5 observational studies, with mean follow-up period of 6 months were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed no difference between baseline LA strain in the two groups with weighted mean difference (WMD) 1.07% [95% CI -2.37 to 4.51, P=0.54, Figure 1]. After the follow-up period, LA strain in the CRT responders significantly increased, WMD 27.7% [95% CI 23.1 to 32.6, P<0.001, Figure 2, a)], but not in the non-responders, WMD -34.5 [95% CI -38.4 to -30.6, p<0.001, Figure 2, b)].Conclusions: Improvement of LA strain in CRT responders reflects LA reserve remodeling. These results support the importance of LA function in patients treated by CRT for heart failure.
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| 22. |
- Cameli, Matteo, et al.
(författare)
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ACUTE HF score, a multiparametric prognostic tool for acute heart failure : A real-life study
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 296, s. 103-108
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Acute heart failure (AHF) is the first cause of hospitalization for over-65 individuals, associated with high mortality and readmission rate. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of a multiparametric score combining clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic indexes in AHF for clinical practice.Methods: 830 patients hospitalized for AHF were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were: active neoplasms; previous heart transplantation or left ventricular assist device implantation. Different variables were analyzed: etiology of AHF, clinical and biochemical data, lung congestion on chest-X ray, echocardiographic parameters and administered therapy. The endpoints were: all-cause mortality at 30 days, 6 months and 5 years and the duration of hospitalization.Results: 771 patients met eligibility criteria. Using the univariate and multivariate analysis the indexes with the best correlation with outcome were discretized and used to create the ACUTE HF score, computed as: 1.4*[serum creatinine>2 mg/dl] + 0.8*[ejection fraction<30] + 0.7*[age > 76] + 0.7*[prior hospitalization for AHF] + 0.9*[prior stroke/transient ischemic attack] + 0.5*[more than moderate mitral regurgitation] + 0.8*[use of non-invasive ventilation] and used to divide patients into 3 groups according to the risk of 6-months mortality. With the receiver operating curves and Kaplan-Meier analysis, this score proved to have a high predictive power for mortality at 30 days, 6 months and 5 years from hospitalization, and for event-free survival rates, providing a risk stratification capability superior to that of single variables.Conclusions: The ACUTE HF score could be a complete and useful tool for assessing prognosis of AHF patients. It could represent a step in the long standardization pathway of prognostic protocols for AHF.
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| 23. |
- Cameli, Matteo, et al.
(författare)
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The left atrium and the right ventricle : two supporting chambers to the failing left ventricle
- 2019
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Ingår i: Heart Failure Reviews. - : SPRINGER. - 1382-4147 .- 1573-7322. ; 24:5, s. 661-669
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Heart failure (HF) is mainly caused by left ventricular (LV) impairment of function, hence detailed assessment of its structure and function is a clinical priority. The frequent involvement of the left atrium (LA) and the right ventricle (RV) in the overall cardiac performance has recently gained significant interest with specific markers predicting exercise intolerance and prognosis being proposed. The LA and RV are not anatomically separated from the LV, while the LA controls the inlet the RV shares the interventricular septum with the LV. Likewise, the function of the two chambers is not entirely independent from that of the LV, with the LA enlarging to accommodate any rise in filling pressures, which could get transferred to the RV via the pulmonary circulation. In the absence of pulmonary disease, LA and RV function may become impaired in patients with moderate-severe LV disease and raised filling pressures. These changes can often occur irrespective of the severity of systolic dysfunction, thus highlighting the important need for critical assessment of the function of the two chambers. This review evaluates the pivotal role of the left atrium and right ventricle in the management of HF patients based on the available evidence.
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| 24. |
- Charisopoulou, Dafni, et al.
(författare)
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Abnormal ventricular repolarization in long QT syndrome carriers is related to short left ventricular filling time and attenuated stroke volume response during exercise
- 2018
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Ingår i: Echocardiography. - : Wiley. - 0742-2822 .- 1540-8175. ; 35:8, s. 1116-1123
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Long QT syndrome (LQTS) carriers are characterized by abnormal ventricular repolarization, prolonged systole, and mechanical dispersion. Prolonged left ventricular (LV) systole has been shown to result in disproportionate shortening of LV filling in other conditions. The aim of this study was to assess LV filling, diastolic function, and stroke volume (SV) response to dynamic exercise, in a group of LQTS carriers.METHODS: Forty-seven LQTS carriers (45 ± 15 years, 20 symptomatic) and 35 healthy individuals underwent bicycle stress echocardiogram. Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic measurements were obtained at rest, peak exercise, and 4 minutes into recovery.RESULTS: Long QT syndrome carriers and controls did not differ in age, gender, heart rate, QRS duration, or LV ejection fraction. At rest, LQTS carriers had longer QTc and shorter filling time (FT). At peak exercise, QTc increased and remained longer than controls at recovery. A negative correlation was found between QTc and FT (r = -.398, P = .001) with greater fall in FT in LQTS carriers than in controls at peak exercise (-23% ± 10 vs +2% ± 3, P < .0001). FT correlated with SV (r = +.27, P = .001), which increased more in controls than in LQTS carriers (+32% ± 4 vs +2% ± 1, P < .05). These differences were more pronounced in symptomatic LQTS carriers who had shorter FT and smaller SV at peak exercise and during recovery compared to asymptomatics (P < .05).CONCLUSIONS: Long QT syndrome carriers have longer QTc, but also shorter FT. These disturbances worsen at peak exercise (particularly in symptomatics) compromising LV filling and SV, hence a potential pathomechanism for adverse events.
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| 25. |
- Djekic, Demir, 1989-, et al.
(författare)
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Replication of LC-MS untargeted lipidomics results in patients with calcific coronary disease : an interlaboratory reproducibility study
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 222, s. 1042-1048
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Recently a lipidomics approach was able to identify perturbed fatty acyl chain (FAC) and sphingolipid moieties that could stratify patients according to the severity of coronary calcification, a form of subclinical atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, these findings have not yet been reproduced before generalising their application. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of lipidomics approaches by replicating previous lipidomic findings in groups of patients with calcific coronary artery disease (CCAD).METHODS: Patients were separated into the following groups based on their calcium score (CS); no calcification (CS: 0; n=26), mild calcification (CS: 1-250; n=27) and severe calcification (CS: >250; n=17). Two serum samples were collected from each patient and used for comparative analyses by 2 different laboratories, in different countries and time points using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry untargeted lipidomics methods.RESULTS: Six identical metabolites differentiated patients with severe coronary artery calcification from those with no calcification were found by both laboratories independently. Additionally, relative intensities from the two analyses demonstrated high correlation coefficients. Phosphatidylcholine moieties with 18-carbon FAC were identified in lower intensities and 20:4 FAC in higher intensities in the serum of diseased group. Moreover, 3 common sphingomyelins were detected.CONCLUSION: This is the first interlaboratory reproducibility study utilising lipidomics applications in general and specifically in patients with CCAD. Lipid profiling applications in patients with CCAD are very reproducible in highly specialised and experienced laboratories and could be applied in clinical practice in order to spare patients diagnostic radiation.
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| 26. |
- Hagström, Linn, et al.
(författare)
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Impact of age and sex on normal left heart structure and function
- 2017
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Ingår i: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1475-0961 .- 1475-097X. ; 37:6, s. 759-766
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Accurate age- and sex-related normal reference values of ventricular structure and function are important to determine the level of dysfunction in patients. The aim of this study therefore was to document normal age range sex-related measurements of LV structural and functional measurements to serve such purpose.METHODS: We evaluated left ventricular structure and function in 293 healthy subjects between 20 and 90 years with equally distributed gender. Doppler echocardiography was used including measure of both systolic and diastolic functions.RESULTS: Due to systolic LV function, only long axis function correlated with age (r = 0·55, P<0·01) and the correlation was stronger in females. Concerning diastolic function, there was a strong age correlation in all parameters used (r = 0·40-0·74, P<0·001). Due to LV structural changes over age, females showed a larger reduction in end-diastolic volumes, but no or trivial difference in wall thickness after the age of 60 years.CONCLUSION: Age is associated with significant normal changes in left ventricular structure and function, which should be considered when deciding on normality. These changes are related to systemic arterial changes as well as body stature, thus reflecting overall body ageing process. Furthermore, normal cardiac ageing in females might partly explain the higher prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection in females.
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| 27. |
- Henein, Michael Y., et al.
(författare)
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Can Doppler echocardiography estimate raised pulmonary capillary wedge pressure provoked by passive leg lifting in suspected heart failure?
- 2019
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Ingår i: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1475-0961 .- 1475-097X. ; 39:2, s. 128-134
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIMS: Non-invasive estimation of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) during stress is important for explaining exertional symptoms in patients with heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to evaluate ability of Doppler echocardiographic measures of elevated LVFP with passive leg lifting (PLL) in patients with suspected HF.METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with clinical signs of HF who underwent simultaneous Doppler echocardiography and right heart catheterization (RHC) at rest and during PLL were consecutively investigated. Seventeen patients had normal PCWP (≤15 mmHg) at rest and during PLL and 12 with normal PCWP at rest but >15 mmHg with PLL. Conventional echo and 2D strain were used to assess early diastolic blood flow velocity (E), LV strain rate during early diastole (LVSRe), left atrial SR during atrial contraction (LASRa) and myocardial tissue Doppler velocities to assess lateral e' and further calculate E/e' and E/LVSRe and their relationship with PCWP, at rest and during PLL.RESULTS: Resting LAVI (β = 0·45, P = 0·009) and LASRa (β = -0·51, P = 0·004) were independently related to PCWP during PLL. Also, LASRa (β = -0·77, P<0·001), E/e' (β = 0·40, P = 0·04) and E/LVSRe (β = 0·47, P = 0·021) during PLL correlated with PCWP during PLL. Multiple regression analysis identified E/LVSRe (β = 0·46, P = 0·001) and LASRa (β = -0·58, P = 0·002) during PLL as being independently associated with PCWP during PLL.CONCLUSION: Left atrial volume and myocardial contraction (LASRa) at rest both predict unstable LV filling pressures measured as raised PCWP when provoked by PLL. Furthermore, LASRa at PLL seems to have the strongest association to PCWP during PLL.
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| 28. |
- Henein, Michael Y., et al.
(författare)
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Coronary calcification compromises myocardial perfusion irrespective of luminal stenosis
- 2017
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Ingår i: IJC Heart & Vasculature. - : ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD. - 2352-9067. ; 14, s. 41-45
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between coronary artery calcification (CAC) assessed by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and myocardial perfusion assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in a group of symptomatic patients. Method: Retrospective analysis of 120 patients (age 65.1 +/- 8.9 years, 88 males) who presented with atypical chest pain to Bethanien Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany, between 2007 and 2010 and who underwent CAC scoring using MDCT, CMR, and conventional coronary angiography. Patients were divided into those with high-grade (HG) stenosis (n = 67, age 65.1 +/- 9.4 years) and those with no-HG stenosis (n = 53, age 65.1 +/- 8.6 years). Results: There were more males with HG stenosis (82.1% vs. 62.3%, p = 0.015), in whom the percentage and number of abnormal perfusion segments were higher at rest (37.3% vs. 17%, p = 0.014) but not different with stress (p = 0.83) from those with no-HG stenosis. Thirty-four patients had myocardial perfusion abnormalities at rest and 26 patients developed perfusion defects with stress. Stress-induced myocardial perfusion defects were 22.4% sensitive and 79.2% specific for detecting HG stenosis. The CAC score was lower in patients with no-HG stenosis compared to those with HG stenosis (p < 0.0001). On the ROC curve, a CAC score of 293 had a sensitivity of 71.6% and specificity of 83% in predicting HG stenosis [(AUC 0.80 (p < 0.0001)]. A CAC score of 293 or the presence of at least 1 segment myocardial perfusion abnormality was 74.6% sensitive and 71.7% specific in detecting HG stenosis, the respective values for the 2 abnormalities combined being 19.4% and 90.6%. The severity of CAC correlated with the extent of myocardial perfusion in the patient group as a whole with stress (r = 0.22, p = 0.015), particularly in those with no-HG stenosis (r = 0.31, p = 0.022). A CAC score of 293 was 31.6% sensitive and 87.3% specific in detecting myocardial perfusion abnormalities. Conclusion: In a group of patients with exertional angina, coronary calcification is more accurate in detecting high-grade luminal stenosis than myocardial perfusion defects. In addition, in patients with no stenosis, the incremental relationship between coronary calcium score and the extent of myocardial perfusion suggests coronary wall hardening as an additional mechanism for stress-induced angina other than luminal narrowing. These preliminary findings might have a clinical impact on management strategies of these patients other than conventional therapy.
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| 29. |
- Henein, Michael Y., et al.
(författare)
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Left atrial function
- 2019
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Ingår i: The Anatolian Journal of Cardiology. - : Turkish Society of Cardiology. - 2149-2263. ; 22:2, s. 52-53
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)
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| 30. |
- Henein, Michael Y, et al.
(författare)
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Left atrial function in volume versus pressure overloaded left atrium
- 2015
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Ingår i: The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging. - : Springer. - 1569-5794 .- 1875-8312 .- 1573-0743. ; 31:5, s. 959-965
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Left atrial (LA) pressure and volume overload both result in cavity enlargement and complications. LA volume has been shown to predict such complications, but it does not reflect myocardial function, which can be accurately assessed using myocardial deformation measurements. We hypothesized that volume overloaded LA have maintained myocardial function compared to pressure overloaded ones. We tested this hypothesis in 44 patient (mean age 62 ± 12 years) with LA volume overload (LAVOL) due to severe mitral regurgitation (MR) with no indirect signs of elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressures based on Doppler measured isovolumic relaxation time >60 ms. We compared them with 24 (mean age 64 ± 12 years) patient with LA pressure overload (LAPOL) who proved to have PCWP >15 mmHg on right heart catheterization. Twenty-seven healthy controls (mean age 57 ± 10 years) constituted a control group. Patients with LAVOL had larger LA volumes, higher LV ejection fraction, global LV strain (LVGLS) and transmitral and pulmonary veins flow velocities (p < 0.05) and better LA atrial strain rate (LASR) function compared to LAPOL (p < 0.001). In LAVOL, the LASR during atrial contraction (LASRa) was lower than in controls (p < 0.05) indicating LA mechanical disturbances. LVGLS correlated with peak atrial longitudinal systolic strain in the whole group (r = -0.65, p < 0.001) and less so with LASRa (r = -0.43, p < 0.001) Conclusion: Irrespective of a smaller LA volume, LAVOL had less negative effect on LA myocardial function than LAPOL. Thus, monitoring atrial myocardial contraction might be useful in following patients with significant MR.
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
- Henein, Michael Y., et al.
(författare)
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Reduced left atrial myocardial deformation irrespective of cavity size : a potential cause for atrial arrhythmia in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis
- 2018
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Ingår i: Amyloid. - : TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. - 1350-6129 .- 1744-2818. ; 25:1, s. 46-53
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a myocardial disease and commonly under-diagnosed condition. In CA patients, atrial fibrillation might occur in the absence of left atrial (LA) enlargement.Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess LA size and function, and its relationship with atrial arrhythmia in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR).Methods: Forty-six patients with confirmed ATTR amyloidosis on abdominal biopsy were studied. Assessment with 2D echocardiography and 2D strain showed 31 patients had increased LV wall thickness (LVWT) (septal thickness >12mm), and 15 had normal LVWT. In addition to conventional measurements, LV and LA global longitudinal strain (GLS%) and strain rate (SR) were obtained. Western blot analysis was done to assess fibril type. ATTR patients with increased LVWT were compared with 23 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and 31 healthy controls. ATTR amyloidosis patients also underwent 24hour Holter monitoring to determine the presence of atrial arrhythmia.Results: Atrial deformation during atrial systole was reduced in ATTR amyloidosis patients with increased LVWT independent of LA size and in contrast to HCM. Twenty of the ATTR amyloidosis patients (54%) had ECG evidence of significant atrial arrhythmic events. LA strain rate, during atrial systole, was the only independent predictor of atrial arrhythmia (=3.28, p=.012).Conclusion: In ATTR cardiomyopathy with increased LVWT, LA myocardial function is abnormal, irrespective of atrial cavity size. Reduced LA myocardial SR during atrial systole, irrespective of cavity volume, E/e and LV deformation, is also a strong predictor for atrial arrhythmic events.
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| 33. |
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| 34. |
- Henein, Michael Y, et al.
(författare)
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Right and left heart dysfunction predict mortality in pulmonary hypertension
- 2017
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Ingår i: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 1475-0961 .- 1475-097X. ; 37:1, s. 45-51
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In pulmonary hypertension (PH), the right heart dysfunction is a strong predictor of adverse clinical outcome, while the role of the left heart is not fully determined. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of mortality in precapillary PH including measures of both right and left heart function. We studied 34 patients (mean age 64 ± 13, range 31-82 years, 24 females) with precapillary PH, all of whom underwent detailed Doppler echocardiographic examination of the right and left heart function using conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography. Patients were followed up for up to 8 years (mean 4·2 ± 1·9 years). At follow-up, 16 patients survived. Left ventricular (LV) filling time (P = 0·007), pulmonary artery acceleration time (P = 0·009), right atrial pressure (RAP) (P<0·001) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity (P = 0·007) were worse in the deceased group. RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) (P = 0·001), RAP (P≤0·001), LV filling time (P<0·001) and TR severity (P<0·001) were the most accurate predictors, having the largest AUC (>0·65) and carried the highest risk for mortality (P<0·001 for all). The strongest predictors of mortality in precapillary PH indirectly reflect both left and right heart dysfunction including atrial structure and function disturbances. While an interaction pattern is observed, it needs to be confirmed in a larger cohort.
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| 35. |
- Ibrahimi, Pranvera, et al.
(författare)
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Common carotid intima-media features determine distal disease phenotype and vulnerability in asymptomatic patients
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 196, s. 22-28
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: There is a growing awareness of the importance of carotid plaque features evaluation in stroke prediction. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and recently its echogenicity were used for stroke prediction, although their clinical relevance was not well determined. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between common carotid artery (CCA) ultrasound markers of atherosclerosis and distal, bifurcation and internal carotid artery (ICA), plaque features. Methods: We analyzed 137 carotid arteries in 87 asymptomatic patients with known carotid disease (mean age 69 +/- 6 year, 34.5% females). Intima media thickness (IMT) and its gray scale median (IM-GSM) were measured at the CCA. Plaque textural features including gray scale median (GSM), juxtaluminal black area (JBA-mm(2)) without a visible cap, and plaque coarseness, at bifurcation and ICA were also determined. CCA measurements were correlated with those of the distal plaques. Results: An increased IMT in CCA correlated with plaque irregularities in the bifurcation and ICA (r = 0.53, p < 0.001), while IM-GSM was closely related to plaque echogenicity (GSM) (r = 0.76, p < 0.001), and other textural plaque features. Both, IMT and IM-GSM correlated weakly with stenosis severity (r = 0.27, p = 0.001 and r = -0.18, p = 0.026) respectively. Conclusion: In asymptomatic patients, measurements of CCA reflect distal, bifurcation and ICA disease, with IMT reflecting plaque irregularities and IM-GSM as markers of textural plaque abnormalities. Integrating measurements of both IMT and IM-GSM in a model could be used as a better marker of disease vulnerability over and above each measure individually.
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
- Ibrahimi, Pranvera, et al.
(författare)
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Ultrasound assessment of carotid plaque echogenicity response to statin therapy : a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-6596 .- 1422-0067. ; 16:5, s. 10734-10747
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in a systematic review and meta-analysis model the effect of statin therapy on carotid plaque echogenicity assessed by ultrasound.METHODS: We have systematically searched electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Center Register) up to April, 2015, for studies evaluating the effect of statins on plaque echogenicity. Two researchers independently determined the eligibility of studies evaluating the effect of statin therapy on carotid plaque echogenicity that used ultrasound and grey scale median (GSM) or integrated back scatter (IBS).RESULTS: Nine out of 580 identified studies including 566 patients' carotid artery data were meta-analyzed for a mean follow up of 7.2 months. A consistent increase in the echogenicity of carotid artery plaques, after statin therapy, was reported. Pooled weighted mean difference % (WMD) on plaque echogenicity after statin therapy was 29% (95% CI 22%-36%), p < 0.001, I2 = 92.1%. In a meta-regression analysis using % mean changes of LDL, HDL and hsCRP as moderators, it was shown that the effects of statins on plaque echogenicity were related to changes in hsCRP, but not to LDL and HDL changes from the baseline. The effect of statins on the plaque was progressive; it showed significance after the first month of treatment, and the echogenicity continued to increase in the following six and 12 months.CONCLUSIONS: Statin therapy is associated with a favorable increase of carotid plaque echogenicity. This effect seems to be dependent on the period of treatment and hsCRP change from the baseline, independent of changes in LDL and HDL.
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
- Jashari, Fisnik, et al.
(författare)
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Atherosclerotic Calcification Detection : A Comparative Study of Carotid Ultrasound and Cone Beam CT
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. - : MDPI. - 1661-6596 .- 1422-0067. ; 16:8, s. 19978-19988
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND AIM: Arterial calcification is often detected on ultrasound examination but its diagnostic accuracy is not well validated. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of carotid ultrasound B mode findings in detecting atherosclerotic calcification quantified by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).METHODS: We analyzed 94 carotid arteries, from 88 patients (mean age 70 ± 7 years, 33% females), who underwent pre-endarterectomy ultrasound examination. Plaques with high echogenic nodules and posterior shadowing were considered calcified. After surgery, the excised plaques were examined using CBCT, from which the calcification volume (mm3) was calculated. In cases with multiple calcifications the largest calcification nodule volume was used to represent the plaque. Carotid artery calcification by the two imaging techniques was compared using conventional correlations.RESULTS: Carotid ultrasound was highly accurate in detecting the presence of calcification; with a sensitivity of 88.2%. Based on the quartile ranges of calcification volumes measured by CBCT we have divided plaque calcification into four groups: <8; 8-35; 36-70 and >70 mm3. Calcification volumes ≥8 were accurately detectable by ultrasound with a sensitivity of 96%. Of the 21 plaques with <8 mm3 calcification volume; only 13 were detected by ultrasound; resulting in a sensitivity of 62%. There was no difference in the volume of calcification between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.CONCLUSION: Carotid ultrasound is highly accurate in detecting the presence of calcified atherosclerotic lesions of volume ≥8 mm3; but less accurate in detecting smaller volume calcified plaques. Further development of ultrasound techniques should allow better detection of early arterial calcification.
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| 40. |
- Jashari, Fisnik, et al.
(författare)
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Carotid IM-GSM is better than IMT for identifying patients with multiple arterial disease
- 2018
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 1401-7431 .- 1651-2006. ; 52:2, s. 93-99
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. Atherosclerosis is a systemic inflammatory disease that can affect more than one arterial bed simultaneously. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between ultrasound markers of atherosclerosis and multiple arterial disease. Design. We have included 87 currently asymptomatic carotid disease patients (mean age 69 +/- 6 year, 34% females) in this study. Intima media thickness (IMT) and intima media-grey scale median (IM-GSM) were measured in the common carotid artery (CCA), and correlated with previous and/or current atherosclerotic vascular disease in the coronary, carotid and lower extremities. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) asymptomatic, (2) previous symptoms in one arterial territory and (3) previous symptoms in multiple arterial territories. Results. Patients with previous disease in the coronary arteries had higher IMT (p=.034) and lower IM-GSM (p<.001), and those with prior stroke had lower IM-GSM (p=.007). Neither IMT nor IM-GSM was different between patients with and without previous lower extremity vascular disease. IM-GSM was significantly different between groups, it decreased significantly with increasing number of arterial territories affected (37.7 +/- 15.4 vs. 29.3 +/- 16.4 vs. 20.7 +/- 12.9) p<.001, for asymptomatic, symptoms in one and in multiple arterial systems, respectively. Conventional IMT was not significantly different between groups p=.49. Conclusion. Carotid IMT was higher and IM-GSM lower in patients with symptomatic nearby arterial territories but not in those with peripheral disease. In contrast to conventional IMT, IM-GSM can differentiate between numbers of arterial territories affected by atherosclerosis, suggesting that it is a better surrogate for monitoring multiple arterial territory disease.
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| 41. |
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| 42. |
- Jashari, Fisnik, et al.
(författare)
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Carotid plaque echogenicity predicts cerebrovascular symptoms : a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2016
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Ingår i: European Journal of Neurology. - : Wiley. - 1351-5101 .- 1468-1331. ; 23:7, s. 1241-1247
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and purpose: Many reports have shown an association between hypoechoic (echolucent) carotid atherosclerotic plaques and unstable features. In this meta-analysis our aim was to determine the role of carotid plaque echogenicity in predicting future cerebrovascular (CV) symptoms.Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Center Register) up to September 2015 were systematically searched. Studies with ultrasound-based characterization of carotid artery plaque echogenicity and its association with focal neurological symptoms of vascular origin were eligible for analysis. In the meta-analysis, heterogeneity was measured usingI2 statistics and publication bias was evaluated using the Begg–Mazumdar test. In addition several comparisons between subgroups were performed.Results: Of 1387 identified reports, eight studies with asymptomatic patients and three studies with symptomatic patients were meta-analyzed. Pooled analysis showed an association between echolucent carotid plaques and future CV events in asymptomatic patients [relative risk 2.72 (95% confidence interval 1.86–3.96)] and recurrent symptoms in symptomatic patients [relative risk 2.97 (95% confidence interval 1.85–4.78)]. The association was preserved for all stenosis degrees in asymptomatic patients, whilst patients with echolucent plaques and severe stenosis were at higher risk of future events. Also, computer-assisted methods for assessment of carotid plaque echogenicity and studies analyzing ultrasound data collected after the year 2000 showed better prediction.Conclusions: In asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, analysis of carotid plaque echogenicity could identify those at high risk of CV events.
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| 43. |
- Jashari, Haki, et al.
(författare)
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Coarctation repair normalizes left ventricular function and aorto-septal angle in neonates
- 2017
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Ingår i: Congenital Heart Disease. - : Computers, Materials and Continua (Tech Science Press). - 1747-079X .- 1747-0803. ; 12:2, s. 218-225
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and aims: Patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) have increased left ventricular (LV) afterload that has been shown to impact the LV and ascending aortic function. We aimed to examine the effect of coarctation on LV function and aorto-septal angle (AoSA) before and after surgical repair.Methods: We retrospectively studied 21 patients with surgically repaired CoA at a median age of 9 (2-53) days at three time points: (1) just before intervention, (2) at short-term follow-up, and (3) at medium-term follow-up after intervention. AoSA was measured from the parasternal long axisview, at three time points during the cardiac cycle: (1) end diastole, (2) beginning of systole, and (3) at peak ejection in the descending aorta. In addition to conventional LV structure and function, global longitudinal strain, and strain rate were measured using STE technique and Tomtec soft-ware. Three groups of age matched healthy children served as controls at each time point.Results: AoSA was significantly wider before intervention, in particular at peak ejection in the descending aorta (1448 6 6.48 vs. 1368 6 4.18; P < .0001), and correlated with CoA pressure gradi-ent. After intervention, AoSA normalized and significantly correlated with the increase of LV cavity function and overall LV deformation parameters.Conclusions: AoSA is abnormally wide in neonates with CoA and is associated with severity ofobstruction, LV dysfunction and compromised LV global deformation.
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| 44. |
- Jashari, Haki, et al.
(författare)
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Left ventricular response to pressure afterload in children : aortic stenosis and coarctation A systematic review of the current evidence
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 178, s. 203-209
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Congenital aortic stenosis (CAS) and Coarctation of Aorta (CoA) represent two forms of pressure afterload that affect the left ventricle (LV), hence require regular echocardiographic monitoring. Subclinical dysfunction of the LV exists even in asymptomatic patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), implying low sensitivity of EF in predicting optimum time for intervention. In this article we review patterns of LV myocardial deformation before and after correction of CAS and CoA in infants, children and adolescents, showing their important role in monitoring the course of LV dysfunction. A systematic search using PubMed was performed and suitable studies are presented on a narrative form. Normal EF and/or fractional shortening (FS), with subclinical myocardial dysfunction are reported in all studies before intervention. The short-term results, after intervention, were related to the type of procedure, with no improvement or further deterioration related to surgery but immediate improvement after balloon intervention. Long term follow-up showed further improvement but still subnormal function. Thus correction of CAS and CoA before irreversible LV dysfunction is vital, and requires longitudinal studies in order to identify the most accurate parameter for function prognostication. Until then, conventional echocardiographic parameters together with myocardial velocities and deformation parameters should continue to provide follow-up reproducible measures of ventricular function.
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| 45. |
- Jashari, Haki, et al.
(författare)
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Normal ranges of left ventricular strain in children : a meta-analysis
- 2015
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Ingår i: Cardiovascular Ultrasound. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-7120. ; 13
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims: The definition of normal values of two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography derived left ventricular (LV) deformation parameters, is of critical importance for the routine application of this modality in children. The objectives of this study were to perform a meta-analysis of normal ranges for longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain/strain rate values and to identify confounders that may contribute to differences in reported measures. Methods and Results: A systematic search was conducted. Studies describing normal healthy subjects and observational studies that used control groups as a comparison were included. Data were combined using a random-effect model. Effects of demographic, clinical and equipment variables were assessed through meta-regression. The search identified 1,192 subjects form 28 articles. Longitudinal strain (LS) normal mean values varied from -12.9 to -26.5 (mean, -20.5; 95 % CI, -20.0 to -21.0). Normal mean values of circumferential strain (CS) varied from -10.5 to -27.0 (mean, -22.06; 95 % CI, -21.5 to -22.5). Radial strain (RS) normal mean values varied from 24.9 to 62.1 (mean, 45.4; 95 % CI, 43.0 to 47.8). Meta-regression showed LV end diastolic diameter as a significant determinant of variation for LS. Longitudinal systolic strain rate (LSRs) was significantly determined by the age and RS by the type of vendor used. Conclusion: Variations among different normal ranges were dependent on the vendor used, LV end-diastolic diameter and age. Vendor-independent software for analyzing myocardial deformation in children, using images from different vendors would be the ideal solution for strain measurements or else using the same system for patient's follow up.
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| 46. |
- Jashari, Haki, et al.
(författare)
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Persistent reduced myocardial deformation in neonates after CoA repair
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 221, s. 886-891
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a safe procedure in children, however the condition is known for its potential recurrence and other related complications. The available evidence shows abnormal intrinsic properties of the aorta in CoA, thus suggesting additional effect, even after CoA repair, on left ventricular (LV) function. Accordingly, we sought to obtain a better understanding of LV myocardial mechanics in very early-corrected CoA using two-dimensional STE.METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively studied 21 patients with corrected CoA at a median age of 9 (2-53) days at three time points: 1) just before intervention, 2) at short-term follow-up and 3) at medium-term follow-up after intervention and compared them with normal values. Speckle tracking analysis was conducted via vendor independent software, Tomtec. After intervention, LV function significantly improved (from -12.8±3.9 to -16.7±1.7; p<0.001), however normal values were not reached even at medium term follow-up (-18.3±1.7 vs. -20±1.6; p=0.002). Medium term longitudinal strain correlated with pre intervention EF (r=0.58, p=0.006). Moreover, medium term subnormal values were more frequently associated with bicuspid aortic valve (33.3% vs. 66.6%; p<0.05).CONCLUSION: LV myocardial function in neonates with CoA can be feasibly evaluated and followed up by speckle tracking echocardiography. LV subendocardial dysfunction however, remains in early infancy coarctation long after repair. Long-term follow-up through adulthood using myocardial deformation measurements should shed light on the natural history and consequences of this anomaly.
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| 47. |
- Karaye, Kamilu M., et al.
(författare)
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Electrocardiographic predictors of peripartum cardiomyopathy
- 2016
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Ingår i: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa. - 1995-1892. ; 27:2, s. 66-70
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To identify potential electrocardiographic predictors of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Methods: This was a case-control study carried out in three hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. Logistic regression models and a risk score were developed to determine electrocardiographic predictors of PPCM.Results: A total of 54 PPCM and 77 controls were consecutively recruited after satisfying the inclusion criteria. After controlling for confounding variables, a rise in heart rate of one beat/minute increased the risk of PPCM by 6.4% (p = 0.001), while the presence of ST-T-wave changes increased the odds of PPCM 12.06-fold (p < 0.001), In the patients, QRS duration modestly correlated (r = 0.4; p < 0.003) with left ventricular dimensions and end-systolic volume index, and was responsible for 19.9% of the variability of the latter (R-2 = 0.199; p = 0.003), A risk score of >= 2, developed by scoring I for each of the three ECG disturbances (tachycardia, ST-T-wave abnormalities and QRS duration), had a sensitivity of 85.2%, specificity of 64.9%, negative predictive value of 86.2% and area under the curve of 83.8% (p < 0.0001) for potentially predicting PPCM.Conclusion: In postpartum women, using the risk score could help to streamline the diagnosis of PPCM with significant accuracy, prior to confirmatory investigations.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
- Karaye, Kamilu M, et al.
(författare)
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One Year Survival in Nigerians with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
- 2016
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Ingår i: Heart Views. - 1995-705X. ; 17:2, s. 55-61
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is common in North-Western Nigeria. This study aimed to describe the 1-year survival and left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) in a group of patients with PPCM from three referral hospitals in Kano, Nigeria.METHODS: PPCM was defined according to recommendations of the Heart Failure (HF) Association of the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on PPCM. LVRR was defined as absolute increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by ≥10.0% and decrease in left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimension indexed to body surface area ≤33.0 mm/m(2), while recovered LV systolic function as LVEF ≥55%, at 12 months follow-up.RESULTS: A total of 54 newly diagnosed PPCM patients with mean age of 26.6 ± 6.7 years, presented with classical features of predominantly left-sided HF and 33 of them qualified for follow-up. Of the 17 survivors at 12 months, 8 patients (47.1%) satisfied the criteria for LVRR, of whom 5 (29.4%) had recovered LV systolic function (LVEF ≥55%), but LVRR was not predicted by any variable in the regression models. The prevalence of normal LV diastolic function increased from 11.1% at baseline to 35.3% at 12 months (P = 0.02). At 1-year follow-up, 41.4% of patients had died (two-thirds of them within the first 6 months), but mortality was not predicted by any variable including LVRR.CONCLUSIONS: In Kano, PPCM patients had modest LVRR but high mortality at 1-year. Further studies should be carried out to identify reasons for the high mortality and how to curb it.
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| 50. |
- Karaye, Kamilu M, et al.
(författare)
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Prevalence and predictors of right ventricular diastolic dysfunction in peripartum cardiomyopathy
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Echocardiography. - : Springer. - 1349-0222 .- 1880-344X. ; 15:3, s. 135-140
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of right ventricular diastolic dysfunction (RVDD) and its potential predictors in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) patients.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Nigeria. RVDD was defined and graded using Doppler filling and myocardial tissue Doppler velocities obtained at tricuspid annular level.RESULTS: Forty-three subjects with PPCM and mean age of 26.6 ± 7.0 years were recruited over 6 months. RVDD was found in 30 (69.8 %) subjects, of whom 16 (53.3 %) had grade I, 12 (40.0 %) had grade II and 2 (6.7 %) had grade III severity. RV systolic dysfunction (RVSD), defined as RV fractional area change <35 %, was found in 88.4 %, while combined RVSD and RVDD was found in 58.1 % of patients. Subjects with RVDD had significantly higher tricuspid E/e' ratio (5.1 ± 2.8 versus 3.5 ± 1.0, p = 0.012) and prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (76.7 versus 46.2 %; p < 0.05), and lower serum selenium concentration (55.6 ± 12.1 versus 72.5 ± 12.0 µg/L, p = 0.001) than those with preserved RV diastolic function. Regression analyses showed serum selenium [odds ratio (OR) = 1.14; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.0-1.3; p = 0.049] and combined RVSD and pulmonary hypertension (OR = 79.2; CI = 3.9-1593.7; p = 0.004) as the only predictors of RVDD, and serum selenium <70 µg/L increased the odds of RVDD by 6.67-fold (CI = 1.18-37.78; p = 0.032).CONCLUSIONS: Both RVDD and RVSD were common in PPCM patients. Selenium deficiency and combined RVSD and pulmonary hypertension seemed to be the only determinants of RVDD in this small cohort, a finding that needs verification in a larger sample of patients.
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