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BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess in a prospective multicenter study the quality of echocardiographic exams performed by inexperienced users guided by a new artificial intelligence software and evaluate their suitability for diagnostic interpretation of basic cardiac pathology and quantitative analysis of cardiac chamber and function. METHODS: The software (UltraSight, Ltd) was embedded into a handheld imaging device (Lumify; Philips). Six nurses and 3 medical residents, who underwent minimal training, scanned 240 patients (61±16 years; 63% with cardiac pathology) in 10 standard views. All patients were also scanned by expert sonographers using the same device without artificial intelligence guidance. Studies were reviewed by 5 certified echocardiographers blinded to the imager's identity, who evaluated the ability to assess left and right ventricular size and function, pericardial effusion, valve morphology, and left atrial and inferior vena cava sizes. Finally, apical 4-chamber images of adequate quality, acquired by novices and sonographers in 100 patients, were analyzed to measure left ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, and global longitudinal strain by an expert reader using conventional methodology. Measurements were compared between novices' and experts' images. RESULTS: Of the 240 studies acquired by novices, 99.2%, 99.6%, 92.9%, and 100% had sufficient quality to assess left ventricular size and function, right ventricular size, and pericardial effusion, respectively. Valve morphology, right ventricular function, and left atrial and inferior vena cava size were visualized in 67% to 98% exams. Images obtained by novices and sonographers yielded concordant diagnostic interpretation in 83% to 96% studies. Quantitative analysis was feasible in 83% images acquired by novices and resulted in high correlations (r≥0.74) and small biases, compared with those obtained by sonographers. CONCLUSIONS: After minimal training with the real-time guidance software, novice users can acquire images of diagnostic quality approaching that of expert sonographers in most patients. This technology may increase adoption and improve accuracy of point-of-care cardiac ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to determine predictors and the additive prognostic role of moderate to severe (MS) ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) in myocardial infarction (MI). Four hundred twenty-two patients with previous MI underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV), sphericity index, wall motion score index (WMSI), and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Echocardiography was performed to assess MR. Thirty-eight had from moderate to severe MR (MS-MR group) and 384 did not (No MS-MR group). The S-MR group had higher LV volumes, sphericity index, WMSI, and LGE extent, and lower LVEF. At univariate logistic regression analysis, dilated volumes, SI >0.43, dyskinesia of inferolateral wall, papillary muscle (PM)-LGE, and LGE extent >16% were associated with MS-MR. At multivariate analysis, only SI (OR=5.7) and PM-LGE (OR=3) were independently associated with MS-MR. Considering only patients without LV dilatation, only dyskinesia in the inferolateral wall was a predictor of MS-MR (OR 34.8). Thirty cardiac events (cardiac death, appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator firing, and resuscitated cardiac arrest) occurred during a median follow-up of 1,276 days. After adjusting the prognostic variables at univariate analysis by age (>65 years) and selecting those that were significant (EDV > 95 ml/m2, ESV >53 ml/m2, EF <30%, WMSI >1.65, LGE >12%, S-MR), only WMSI >1.65 and MS-MR remained an independent predictor of cardiac events. Increased WMSI and PM-LGE in the overall population and inferolateral dyskinesia in patients without ESV dilatation are predictors of MS-MR; MS-MR and elevated WMSI have independent negative prognostic value. • Left ventricular (LV) dilatation and scar tissue in papillary muscle are associated with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) • Inferolateral dyskinesia is predictor of severe MR in the absence of LV dilatation • Severe MR and wall motion abnormalities are strong independent predictors of death Moderate/severe mitral regurgitation alone (A) and adjusted for wall motion score index (WMSI) >1.65 (B) are associated with a worse prognosis. Late gadolinium enhancement in papillary muscle (particularly posteromedial papillary muscle, red arrow in Panel C) is independently associated with moderate/severe mitral regurgitation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate short- and long-term outcome in a single prospective cohort of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) patients, trying to early identify those with better prognosis and to assess the prevalence of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery over time. Methods: Forty-nine patients prospectively enrolled underwent to assessment of demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic characteristics, and later were followed to identify the outcomes during a mean follow-up (FU) of 93 months. At the end of the FU phase, a subgroup of patients underwent to a clinical and echocardiographic re-evaluation. As major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were considered: Intra and extra-hospital death, re-hospitalizations for acute heart failure or atrial fibrillation (AF) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and TTS recurrence; minor events were considered minor symptoms of heart failure and angina not requiring hospitalization. Results: The prevalence of re-hospitalizations (MACE) over time was: 41% (n = 12) for HF; 6.8% (n = 2) for AMI; 3.4% (n = 1) for TTS relapse and 20% (n = 6) for AF. Minor events were the symptoms of chest pain and dyspnea not requiring hospitalization in 6 (20.7%) and 12 (34.4%) patients, respectively. LVEF at the time of admission was predictor for MACE. Stratifying patients on the LVEF admission median value (40%). Patients with LVEF <40% at admission had a significantly lower survival free from adverse cardiac events compared to patients with LVEF ≥40%. Twenty-seven (93%) patients underwent to a clinical reassessment with electrocardiogram and echocardiographic examination. LVEF value showed a statistically significant increase (P = 0.004) at the end of FU. Conclusions: At admission, "high-risk" patients (LVEF <40%) can be easily detected, allowing an appropriate pharmacological and/or mechanical support strategy and a more "careful" FU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial work is an emerging tool in echocardiography that incorporates left ventricular afterload into global longitudinal strain analysis. Myocardial work correlates with myocardial oxygen consumption, and work efficiency can also be assessed. Myocardial work has been evaluated in a variety of clinical conditions to assess the added value of myocardial work compared to left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain. This review showcases the current use of myocardial work in adult echocardiography and its possible role in cardiac pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a slit or tunnel-like communication in the atrial septum occurring in approximately 25% of the population. A wide number of pathological conditions have been linked to its presence, most notably, cryptogenic stroke (CS) and migraine. However, in the setting of a neurological event, it is not often clear whether the PFO is pathogenically related to the index event or an incidental finding. Therefore, a detailed analysis of several clues is needed for understanding PFO's clinical significance, with a frequent case-by-case decision about destination therapy. Indeed, the controversy about PFO's pathogenicity prompted a paradigm shift of research interest from medical therapy with antiplatelets or anticoagulants to percutaneous transcatheter closure, in secondary prevention. Observational data and meta-analysis of observational studies had previously suggested that PFO closure with a device was a safe procedure with a low recurrence rate of stroke. To date, however, recent randomized controlled trials have not shown the superiority of PFO closure over medical therapy. Thus, the optimal strategy for secondary prevention of paradoxical embolism in patients with a PFO remains unclear. Moreover, the latest guidelines for the prevention on stroke restricted indications for PFO closure to patients with deep vein thrombosis and high-risk of its recurrence. Given these recent data, in the present review, we critically discuss current treatment options, pointing out the role of a comprehensive patient evaluation in overcoming PFO closure restrictions and planning the best management for each patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of left atrial (LA) mechanics and stiffness over global left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (GLS) for risk stratification in severe aortic stenosis (AS). Methods From a cohort of 89 prospective asymptomatic patients with severe AS and normal LV ejection fraction, 82 (32 men, mean age 73 ± 10 years) truly asymptomatic patients, scheduled after a negative exercise echocardiogram, were enrolled. Forty age- and gender-matched prospective, asymptomatic subjects served as controls. Predefined end points were the occurrence of symptoms (dyspnea, angina, syncope), and death during follow-up. Results At study entry, patients had: impaired LV GLS ( p = 0.001), reduced LA reservoir ( p < 0.001), high LA stiffness ( p < 0.001), and increased valvulo-arterial impedance ( p < 0.001) compared to controls. During follow-up [16 ± 14.9 months (ranging from 1 month to 4.2 years)], 53 patients (64.6%) reached one of the endpoints. Patients with events showed lower LV GLS ( p > 0.001), lower LA reservoir ( p < 0.001), and greater LA stiffness ( p < 0.001) than those asymptomatic. On univariate Cox regression analysis, LV GLS ( p < 0.001), LA reservoir ( p < 0.001), and LA stiffness ( p = 0.004) were strong predictors of adverse events. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that event-free survival was significantly higher in patients with a LV GLS ≥16.8% [ p < 0.001; area under the curve (AUC) = 0.922; sensitivity = 86%, specificity = 80%], a LA reservoir ≥19.8% ( p = 0.001; AUC = 0.860, sensitivity = 71%, specificity = 84%), and a LA stiffness <0.78 ( p < 0.001; AUC 0.819, sensitivity 70%, specificity 89%). On multivariate analysis, only LV GLS remained significantly associated with patients’ prognosis (hazard ratio = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.11–2.01, p = 0.008). Conclusions In asymptomatic patients with severe AS, an efficient cardiovascular system is based on an effective atrial-ventricular interplay. LA function assessment is useful for early identification of risk in these patients. LV GLS however was confirmed to be the best predictor of patients’ outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recently, a new MOGE(S) (Morphofunctional, Organ involvement, Genetics, Etiology of details of the genetic disease or underlying cause, and functional Status) genotype to phenotype nosology system for classification of cardiomyopathies was proposed, but its clinical use has not been described. Objectives This study presents the comprehensive geno-phenotypic evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients by employing the newly proposed World Heart Federation classification of cardiomyopathies – the MOGE(S) classification. Methods From January 2011 to March 2014, 254 patients were evaluated (190 probands and 64 family members). Of those, 181 were HCM phenotype-positive probands, and 54.7% were male patients. Mean maximal left ventricular thickness was 2.2 ± 0.6 cm, with >2.5 cm thickness seen in 21.5% of patients. Obstructive HCM was present in 66.3% of patients, with an average peak gradient of 57.1 ± 47.2. Detailed clinical, imaging, and follow-up data were analyzed. Gene testing was performed in 129 patients (67.9%), and they were categorized into gene-positive (M H O H G AD E G+ ) and gene-negative (M H O H G AD E G− ) groups based on the MOGE(S) classification. Results M H O H G AD E G+ patients were younger at time of diagnosis, more likely to be female, more likely to have ventricular tachycardia and a family history of HCM or sudden death, had lower peak gradients, and were more likely to have sudden death risk factors. Conclusions In addition to employing genotype-to-phenotype nosology to describe HCM, we propose a modification to the current MOGE(S) classification for HCM based on the presence or absence of obstruction and location of hypertrophy within the morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first part of this review, we reminded that patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a slit or tunnel-like passage in the interatrial septum occurring in approximately 25% of the population and that a number of conditions have been linked to its presence, the most important being cryptogenic stroke (CS) and migraine. We have also shown how, in the setting of neurological events, it is not often clear whether the PFO is pathogenically-related to the index event or an incidental finding, and therefore we thought to provide some useful key points for understanding PFO clinical significance in a case by case evaluation. The controversy about PFO pathogenicity has consequently prompted a paradigm shift of research interest from medical therapy with antiplatelets or anticoagulants to percutaneous transcatheter closure, in secondary prevention. Observational data and meta-analysis of observational studies previously suggested that PFO closure with a device was a safe procedure with a low recurrence rate of stroke, as compared to medical therapy. However, so far, published randomized controlled trials (CLOSURE I®, RESPECT ®and PC Trial ®) have not shown the superiority of PFO closure over medical therapy. Thus, the optimal strategy for secondary prevention of paradoxical embolism in patients with a PFO remains unclear. Moreover, the latest guidelines for the prevention on stroke restricted indications for PFO closure to patients with deep vein thrombosis and high-risk of its recurrence. Given these recent data, in the second part of the present review, we aim to discuss today treatment options in patients with PFO and CS, providing an updating on patients' management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a remnant of fetal circulation commonly found in healthy population. However, a large number of clinical conditions have been linked to PFO, the most important being ischemic strokes of undetermined cause (cryptogenic strokes) and migraine, especially migraine with aura. Coexistent atrial septal aneurysm, size of PFO, degree of the shunt, shunt at rest, pelvic deep vein thrombosis, and prothrombotic states (G20210A prothrombin gene mutation, Factor V Leiden mutation, MTHFR: C677T, basal homocystine, recent surgery, trauma, or use of contraceptives) could enhance stroke risk in subjects with PFO. Owing to the complexity of this issue, for any individual presenting with a PFO, particularly in the setting of cryptogenic stroke, it is not clear whether the PFO is pathogenically related to the neurological event or an incidental finding. Thus, a heart-brain team, which individually plans the best strategy, in accordance with neuroimaging findings and anatomical characteristics of PFO, is strongly recommended. In the first part of this review, we discuss the embryologic and anatomic features of PFO, the diagnostic techniques for its identification and evaluation, and the relationship between PFO and neurological syndromes. A special attention is made to provide some key points, useful in a daily clinical practice, which summarize how better we understand PFO clinical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We prospectively evaluated long-term clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with isolated left ventricular noncompaction (ILVNC) and heart failure from a sub-Saharan African population. Methods and Results Patients in this single-center study were followed at a tertiary care institution. Clinical follow-up was performed with the use of protocol-driven echocardiographic screening for ventricular thrombus every 4 months. Warfarin was maintained or initiated only if thrombus was detected with the use of echocardiography. Fifty-five patients were followed for 16.7 ± 5.9 (range 12–33) months. All individuals had left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction <50% (mean 29.6 ± 11.8%). Of the 55 patients, 7 (12.7%) died, and sudden cardiac death was the cause in 5 (71.4%). There were no differences in baseline clinical, echocardiographic, or electrocardiographic characteristics between survivors and nonsurvivors. Recurrent heart failure developed in 12 patients (21.8%); 1 patient developed a ventricular arrhythmia. No thromboembolic or major bleeding complications occurred in the 16 patients on warfarin; 1 episode of thromboembolism occurred in the 39 patients not on warfarin. Mean survival probability at 33 months was 0.64. Conclusions Sudden cardiac death was the most common cause of death in patients with ILVNC and heart failure. Recurrent heart failure occurred in 21.8% of patients. Development of LV thrombus and cardioembolism is uncommon in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely recognized that an effective cardiovascular system is based upon both a good ventricular-vascular interplay and a good ventricular-atrial interaction in all the phases of cardiac cycle. Moreover, left atrial dysfunction has been identified to be contributory in several common cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease; for instance, a good anatomical and functional assessment of this cardiac chamber is mandatory. For this purpose a multimodality imaging approach – including two-dimensional and three-dimensional echocardiography, speckle tracking technique, cardiac computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) – is the most suitable one to achieve the best functional and anatomical evaluation of this cardiac chamber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which documented the clinical and echocardiographic features of patients with isolated left ventricular noncompaction (ILVNC). It defines ILVNC as a cardiomyopathy caused by intrauterine failure of the myocardium to compact. It cites several major clinical aspects of ILVNC, including heart failure, thromboembolism and malignant ventricular arrhythmias.

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Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the temporal evolution of left ventricular (LV) mechanics in relation to clinical variables and genetic expression profiles implicated in cardiac allograft function. Background: Considerable uncertainty exists regarding the range and determinants of variability in LV systolic performance in transplanted hearts (TXH). Methods: Fifty-one patients (mean age 53 ± 12 years; 37 men) underwent serial assessment of echocardiograms, cardiac catheterization, gene expression profiles, and endomyocardial biopsy data within 2 weeks and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after transplantation. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking data were compared between patients with TXH and 37 controls (including 12 post–coronary artery bypass patients). Post-transplantation mortality and hospitalizations were recorded with a median follow-up period of 944 days. Results: Global longitudinal strain (LS) and radial strain remained attenuated in patients with TXH at all time points (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005), independent of clinical rejection episodes. Failure to improve global LS at 3 months (≥1 SD) was associated with higher incidence of death and cardiac events (hazard ratio: 5.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.96 to 17.91; p = 0.049). Multivariate analysis revealed gene expression score as the only independent predictor of global LS (R2 = 0.53, p = 0.005), with SEMA7A gene expression having the highest correlation with global LS (r = −0.84, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Speckle tracking–derived LV strains are helpful in estimating the burden of LV dysfunction in patients with TXH that evolves independent of biopsy-detected cellular rejection. Failure to improve global LS at 3 months after transplantation is associated with a higher incidence of death and cardiac events. Serial changes in LV mechanics correlate with peripheral blood gene expression profiles and may affect the clinical assessment of long-term prognosis in patients with TXH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: We explored the incremental value of quantification of tissue Doppler (TD) velocity during the brief isovolumic contraction (IVC) phase of the cardiac cycle for the prediction of exercise performance in patients referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Background: Experimental studies have shown that rapid left ventricular (LV) shape change during IVC is essential for optimal onset of LV ejection. However, the incremental value of measuring IVC velocities in clinical settings remains unclear. Methods: A total of 82 subjects (age 53 ± 14 years, 56 men) were studied with echocardiography and CPET. Reduced LV ejection fraction (EF) (EF <50%) was present in 38 (46%) subjects. Pulsed-wave annular TD velocities were averaged from the LV lateral and septal annulus during isovolumic contraction (IVCa), ejection, isovolumic relaxation, and early and late diastole (Aa) and compared with peak oxygen consumption (VO2) and percentage of the predicted peak VO2 (% predicted peak VO2) obtained from CPET. Results: Patients with reduced EF had lower IVCa (6.3 vs. 4.5 cm/s, p = 0.04), ejection (7.7 vs. 5.5 cm/s, p < 0.001), and Aa velocities (7.9 vs. 6.6 cm/s, p = 0.04). Similarly, % predicted peak VO2 was lower in patients with reduced EF (52.9% vs. 73.1%, p < 0.001) and correlated with the variations in IVCa (r = 0.7, p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis of 2-dimensional and Doppler variables in the presence of reduced LV EF revealed only IVCa and Aa as independent predictors of % predicted peak VO2 (r2 = 0.612, p = 0.02 for IVCa and p = 0.009 for Aa). The overall performance of IVCa in the prediction of exercise capacity was good (area under the curve = 0.86, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Assessment of TD-derived IVC and atrial stretch velocities provide independent prediction of exercise capacity in patients with reduced LV EF. Assessment of LV pre-ejectional stretch and shortening mechanics at rest may be useful for determining the myocardial functional reserve of patients with reduced EF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Left ventricular (LV) twist or torsion represents the mean longitudinal gradient of the net difference in clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the LV apex and base, as viewed from LV apex. Twist during ejection predominantly deforms the subendocardial fiber matrix, resulting in storage of potential energy. Subsequent recoil of twist deformation is associated with the release of restoring forces, which contributes to LV diastolic relaxation and early diastolic filling. Noninvasive techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography are useful for understanding LV twist dynamics in clinical settings, and data regarding their relative merits and pitfalls are rapidly accumulating. This review is a focused update on the current and evolving applications of LV twist mechanics in clinical cardiology. First, the theoretical framework for understanding the physiological sequence of LV twist during a cardiac cycle is presented. Second, variations in LV twist encountered in different experimental and clinical situations are discussed. Finally, the review presents an algorithm for routine application of LV twist in clinical differentiation of patterns of LV dysfunction encountered in day-to-day practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Patients with hypertension exhibit impaired energetic coupling between the ventricle and the arterial system, leading to reduced cardiac mechanic efficiency and exercise capacity. We tested whether blood pressure normalization with current antihypertensive therapy can improve arterioventricular coupling. Eighteen hypertensive patients without other cardiovascular disease were examined before and after antihypertensive therapy. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed. Central aortic pressure waveforms, including end-systolic pressure, were derived from radial artery applanation tonometry. Afterload was increased with isometric handgrip exercise. Central aortic end-systolic pressure and ventricular volumes at rest and handgrip were used to calculate ventricular elastance, effective arterial elastance, arterioventricular coupling (effective arterial elastance/ventricular elastance), and mechanical efficiency. After 142+/-67 days, systolic blood pressure decreased from 150.9+/-14.6 to 119.8+/-9.2 mm Hg (P<0.00001), diastolic blood pressure from 85.9+/-14.8 to 68.8+/-8.4 mm Hg (P=0.00002), and cardiac output from 5.8+/-1.7 to 4.9+/-1.8 L/min (P=0.03). Resting left ventricular end-systolic volume, ejection fraction, and septal thickness did not change. Ventricular elastance increased from 1.7+/-1.0 to 3.2+/-1.4 mm Hg/mL (P=0.00002), whereas effective arterial elastance decreased from 1.4+/-0.5 to 1.2+/-0.4 mm Hg/mL (P=0.02). Effective arterial elastance/ventricular elastance decreased in all patients, from 1.1+/-0.8 to 0.4+/-0.2 (P=0.0002). Efficiency improved at rest (72.9+/-5.8% versus 83.5+/-5.7%; P<0.00001) and during handgrip (63.5+/-7.8% versus 78.9+/-7.1%; P<0.00001). In hypertensive patients, optimal brachial and central blood pressure reduction shifts arterioventricular coupling from cardiac output maximization to ventricular mechanical efficiency optimization. This occurs before significant changes in ventricular geometry and may be responsible for early clinical improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the longitudinal, circumferential, and radial mechanics of the left ventricle (LV) in patients with constrictive pericarditis (CP) and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). Background: Diastolic dysfunction in CP is related to epicardial tethering and pericardial constraint, whereas in RCM it is predominantly characterized by subendocardial dysfunction. Assessment of variations in longitudinal and circumferential deformation of LV might be useful to distinguish these 2 conditions. Methods: Longitudinal, radial, and circumferential mechanics of the LV were quantified by 2-dimensional speckle tracking of B-mode cardiac ultrasound images in 26 patients with CP, 19 patients with RCM, and 21 control subjects. Results: In comparison with control subjects, patients with CP had significantly reduced circumferential strain (base; −16 ± 6% vs. −9 ± 6%; p < 0.016), torsion (3 ± 1°/cm vs. 1 ± 1°/cm; p < 0.016), and early diastolic apical untwisting velocities (E r ; 116 ± 62°/s vs. −36 ± 50°/s; p < 0.016), whereas longitudinal strains, displacement, and early diastolic velocities at the LV base (E m ) were similar to control subjects. In contrast, patients with RCM showed significantly reduced longitudinal displacement (base; 14.7 ± 2.5 cm vs. 9.8 ± 2.8 cm; p < 0.016) and E m (−8.7 ± 1.3 cm/s vs. −4.4 ± 1.1 cm/s; p < 0.016), whereas circumferential strain and E r were similar to those of control subjects. For differentiation of CP from RCM, the area under the curve was significantly higher for E m in comparison with E r (0.97 vs. 0.76, respectively; p = 0.01). After pericardiectomy, there was a significant decrease in longitudinal early diastolic LV basal myocardial velocities (7.4 cm/s vs. 6.8 cm/s; p = 0.023). Circumferential strain, torsion, and E r , however, remained unchanged. Conclusions: Deformation of the LV is constrained in the circumferential direction in CP and in the longitudinal direction in RCM. Subsequent early diastolic recoil of LV is also attenuated in each of the 2 directions, respectively, uniquely differentiating the abnormal diastolic restoration mechanics of the LV seen in CP and RCM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]