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In 2018, the position paper 'Imaging the adult with congenital heart disease: a multimodality imaging approach' was published. The paper highlights, in the first part, the different imaging modalities applied in adult congenital heart disease patients. In the second part, these modalities are discussed more detailed for moderate to complex anatomical defects. Because of the length of the paper, simple lesions were not touched on. However, imaging modalities to use for simple shunt lesions are still poorly known. One is looking for structured recommendations on which they can rely when dealing with an (undiscovered) shunt lesion. This information is lacking for the initial diagnostic process, during repair and at follow-up. Therefore, this paper will focus on atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and persistent arterial duct. Pre-, intra-, and post-procedural imaging techniques will be systematically discussed. This position paper will offer algorithms that might help at a glance. The document is prepared for general cardiologists, trainees, medical students, imagers/technicians to select the most appropriate imaging modality and to detect the requested information for each specific lesion. It might serve as reference to which researchers could refer when setting up a (imaging) study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valvular regurgitation represents an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Imaging is pivotal in the evaluation of native valve regurgitation and echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for this purpose. The imaging assessment of valvular regurgitation should integrate quantification of the regurgitation, assessment of the valve anatomy and function, and the consequences of valvular disease on cardiac chambers. In clinical practice, the management of patients with valvular regurgitation largely relies on the results of imaging. It is crucial to provide standards that aim at establishing a baseline list of measurements to be performed when assessing native valve regurgitation. The present document aims to present clinical guidance for the multi-modality imaging assessment of native valvular regurgitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This consensus paper provides a framework for grading of severity of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging-based assessment of chamber size, function, and aortic measurements. This does not currently exist for CMR measures. Differences exist in the normal reference values between echocardiography and CMR along with differences in methods used to derive these. We feel that this document will significantly complement the current literature and provide a practical guide for clinicians in daily reporting and interpretation of CMR scans. This manuscript aims to complement a recent comprehensive review of CMR normal value publications to recommend cut-off values required for severity grading. Standardization of severity grading for clinically useful CMR parameters is encouraged to lead to clearer and easier communication with referring clinicians and may contribute to better patient care. To this end, the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) has formed this expert panel that has critically reviewed the literature and has come to a consensus on approaches to severity grading for commonly quantified CMR parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in the diagnosis and management of congenital heart disease have led to a marked improvement in the survival of adult with congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients. However, ACHD patients are a heterogeneous population, with a large spectrum of anatomic substrates even within specific lesions. In addition, the nature of previous surgery and other intervention is highly variable rendering each patient unique and residual anatomic and haemodynamic abnormalities are very common. As the ACHD population continues to age, acquired heart disease will also require cardiac imaging assessment. It is increasingly recognized in ACHD community that the diagnostic utility of a multimodality cardiovascular approach is greater than the sum of individual tests. In ACHD patients, diagnostic information can be obtained using a variety of diagnostic tools. The aims of this document are to describe the role of each diagnostic modality in the care of ACHD patients and to provide guidelines for a multimodality approach. The goal should be to provide the most appropriate and cost-effective diagnostic pathway for each individual ACHD patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcatheter therapies for the treatment of valve heart diseases have expanded dramatically over the last years. The new developments and improvements in devices and techniques, along with the increasing expertise of operators, have turned the catheter-based approaches for valvular disease into an established treatment option. Various imaging techniques are used during these procedures, but echocardiography plays an essential role during patient selection, intra-procedural monitoring, and post-procedure follow-up. The echocardiographic assessment of patients undergoing transcatheter interventions places demands on echocardiographers that differ from those of the routine evaluation of patients with valve disease, and there is a need for specific expertise for those working in the cath lab. In the context of the current rapid developments and growing use of transcatheter valve therapies, this document intends to update the previous recommendations and address new advancements in imaging, particularly for those involved in any stage of the treatment of patients with valvular heart diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although pericardial diseases are common in the daily clinical practice and can result in a significant morbidity and mortality, imaging of patients with suspected or known pericardial disorders remain challenging. Multimodality imaging is part of the management of pericardial diseases. Echo-cardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance are often used as complementary imaging modalities. The choice of one or multiple imaging modalities is driven by the clinical context or conditions of the patient. The scope of the present document is to highlight the respective role of each technique according to the clinical context in the diagnosis and management of pericardial diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The prevalence, the aetiologies, and the clinical features of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in the context of concomitant degenerative mitral valve (MV) disease are poorly defined. This paper aims to assess the prevalence, determinants, and clinical consequences of TR in severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) Methods and results Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were collected among patients with severe DMR. A total of 884 patients were included in our study, 31% with ≥ moderate TR. Tricuspid valve prolapse (TVP) was the most common aetiology (487 patients, 55%), followed by atrial functional TR (AFTR, 172 patients, 19%) and ventricular functional TR (VFTR, 42 patients, 5%), while TR aetiology was classified as mixed in 183 (21%) patients. Patients with TVP were younger and had a better clinical presentation, few comorbidities, and less haemodynamically relevant TR. Patients with VFTR were characterized by older age, worse clinical presentation, and both highest comorbidity rate and prevalence of >mild TR. Patients with AFTR showed an intermediate profile of clinical presentation and comorbidities and the largest tricuspid annulus (TA) diameter. MV surgery was performed in 785 (88%) patients; 132 (15%) underwent simultaneous TV intervention, more often patients with AFTR (32%). TA dilatation [odds ratio (OR) 3.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.05–6.62, P < 0.001] and >mild TR (OR 9.30, 95% CI 5.10–16.95, P < 0.001) were independently associated with TV intervention. Conclusion In patients with severe DMR, TR presents with different aetiologies, clinical features, and echocardiographic phenotypes that require a comprehensive assessment at the time of DMR surgery to ensure the best management for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multimodality cardiovascular imaging journal, European Heart Journal--Cardiovascular Imaging, was launched in 2012. It has gained an impressive impact factor of 5.99 during its 5 first years and is now established as the most important cardiovascular imaging journal in Europe. The most important studies from the journal's forth and fifth years will be highlighted in two reports. Part I of the review will focus on studies about myocardial function and risk prediction, myocardial ischaemia, and emerging techniques in cardiovascular imaging, while Part II will focus on valvular heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and congenital heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome with an increasing prevalence and incidence worldwide that impacts patients' quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and cardiac resynchronization therapy are pillars of managing patients with HF and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Despite the advances in cardiac imaging, the assessment of patients needing cardiac implantable electronic devices relies essentially on the measure of left ventricular ejection fraction. However, multi-modality imaging can provide important information concerning the aetiology of heart failure, the extent and localization of myocardial scar, and the pathophysiological mechanisms of left ventricular conduction delay. This paper aims to highlight the main novelties and progress in the field of multi-modality imaging to identify patients who will benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy and/or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. We also want to underscore the boundaries that prevent the application of imaging-derived parameters to patients who will benefit from cardiac implantable electronic devices and orient the choice of the device. Finally, we aim at providing some reflections for future research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This joint position paper illustrates the role and the correct use of echocardiography, radionuclide imaging with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation and management of patients with known or suspected cardiac sarcoidosis. This position paper will aid in standardizing imaging for cardiac sarcoidosis and may facilitate clinical trials and pooling of multi-centre data on cardiac sarcoidosis. Proposed flow charts for the work up and management of cardiac sarcoidosis are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the dramatic coronavirus outbreak at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, on 11 March 2020, a pandemic was declared by the WHO. Most countries worldwide imposed a quarantine or lockdown to their citizens, in an attempt to prevent uncontrolled infection from spreading. Historically, quarantine is the 40-day period of forced isolation to prevent the spread of an infectious disease. In this educational paper, a historical overview from the sacred temples of ancient Greece-the cradle of medicine-to modern hospitals, along with the conceive of healthcare systems, is provided. A few foods for thought as to the conflict between ethics in medicine and shortage of personnel and financial resources in the coronavirus disease 2019 era are offered as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent EACVI recommendations described the importance of limiting cardiovascular imaging during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to reduce virus transmission, protect healthcare professionals from contamination, and reduce consumption of personal protective equipment. However, an elevated troponin remains a frequent request for cardiac imaging in COVID-19 patients, partly because it signifies cardiac injury due to a variety of causes and partly because it is known to convey a worse prognosis. The present paper aims to provide guidance to clinicians regarding the appropriateness of cardiac imaging in the context of troponin elevation and myocardial injury, how best to decipher the mechanism of myocardial injury, and how to guide patient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the first European appropriateness criteria for the use of cardiovascular imaging in heart failure, derived from voting of the European National Imaging Societies representatives. The paper describes the development process and discusses the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American College of Cardiology collaborated with the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American Heart Association, American Society of Echocardiography, European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Heart Valve Society, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons to develop and evaluate Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for the treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). This is the first AUC to address the topic of AS and its treatment options, including surgical aortic valve replacement and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. A number of common patient scenarios experienced in daily practice were developed along with assumptions and definitions for those scenarios, which were all created using guidelines, clinical trial data and expert opinion in the field of AS. The '2014 AHA/ACC guideline for the management of patients with valvular heart disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines' [1] and its 2017 focused update paper [2] were used as the primary guiding references in developing these indications. The Writing Group identified 95 clinical scenarios based on patient symptoms and clinical presentation, and up to 6 potential treatment options for those patients. A separate, independent Rating Panel was asked to score each indication from 1 to 9, with 1-3 categorized as 'Rarely Appropriate', 4-6 as 'May Be Appropriate' and 7-9 as 'Appropriate'. After considering factors such as symptom status, left ventricular function, surgical risk, and the presence of concomitant coronary or other valve disease, the Rating Panel determined that either surgical aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve replacement is appropriate in most patients with symptomatic AS at intermediate or high surgical risk; however, situations commonly arise in clinical practice in which the indications for surgical aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve replacement are less clear, including situations in which one form of valve replacement would appear reasonable when the other is less so, as do other circumstances in which neither intervention is the suitable treatment option. The purpose of this AUC is to provide guidance to clinicians in the care of patients with severe AS by identifying the reasonable treatment and intervention options available based on the myriad clinical scenarios with which patients present. This AUC document also serves as an educational and quality improvement tool to identify patterns of care and reduce the number of rarely appropriate interventions in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Annuloplasty ring dehiscence (ARD) after surgical mitral valve repair is a rare complication, which causes recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) and is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with a prohibitive risk of repeat surgery. However, a patient developed severe MR, when challenging transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) after surgical ring dehiscence, it should be considering the relative efficacy and safety. Case summary An 89-year-old man underwent mitral valve repair with an annuloplasty ring for moderate atrial functional MR (AFMR). Post-operative transthoracic echocardiography on Day 7 suggested a dislodged mitral annuloplasty ring and recurrent moderate AFMR. However, the MR developed severely, which led to two hospitalizations for congestive heart failure in the past year. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) was performed carefully to ensure that the TEER clip did not interfere with the dislodged annuloplasty ring. Consequently, only the therapeutic target on the medial side of the A2–P2 region was approached posteriorly behind the peri-ring space, without gripper interference. Discussion Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair using the G4-MitraClip® system is feasible and safe in patients with recurrent severe AFMR after surgical mitral valve repair concomitant with ARD. Meticulous simulation with pre-operative TOE is one of the crucial steps for successful outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HARPOON mitral valve (MV) repair system has been shown to safely and effectively treat a degenerative MV prolapse with transventricular implantation of artificial cords on a beating heart. The low profile system is introduced and precisely steered under 3D TEE guidance towards the previously selected target on a prolapsing MV segment. It allows puncture and deployment of a knot on the leaflet. The procedure is repeated until desired number of knots are implanted and the cords are optimally tensioned to restore coaptation. The cords are then tied down on the epicardium over a felt pledget. State of the art echocardiographic imaging is a crucial part of the procedure. It starts from patients screening, pre-procedural analysis and planning, access selection, navigation, deployment, optimal cordal tensioning, and final MV assessment and is continued during the follow-up assessment. This article illustrates the specific echocardiographic aspects of the HARPOON procedure including 2D and advanced 3D TEE techniques. The echocardiographic protocol was developed based on initial experience in 60 procedures. Detailed training of the echocardiographer and surgical team, is mandatory to achieve excellent results of this procedure, being now introduced in the clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multi-modality cardiovascular imaging journal, European Heart Journal--Cardiovascular Imaging, was created in 2012. It has gained an impressive impact factor of 5.99 during its first 5 years and is now the most important imaging journal in Europe. The most important studies from the journal's fourth and fifth years will be highlighted in two reports. Part I of the review will focus on studies in myocardial function, myocardial ischaemia, and emerging techniques in cardiovascular imaging and Part II will focus on valvular heart diseases, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and congenital heart diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Association for Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) has outlined the rationale for setting appropriate use criteria (AUC) in cardiovascular (CV) imaging. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the most common imaging modality in CV disease and is a central tool in diagnosis, follow-up, management planning and intervention. The purpose of AUC is to inform referrers, both to avoid under-use, which may result in incomplete or incorrect diagnosis and treatment, and also over-use, which may delay correct diagnosis, lead to 'treatment cascade', and wastes resources. The first step in defining AUC for TTE in the adult has been for a panel of experts in echocardiography to review the evidence, guidelines, recommendations, and position papers from the European Society of Cardiology, EACVI and other specialist societies, and current state-of-the-art clinical practice. The attached document summarizes this work, which will be used to under-pin the development of AUC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Heart Journal—Cardiovascular Imaging was launched in 2012 and has during these years become one of the leading multimodality cardiovascular imaging journal. The journal is now established as one of the top cardiovascular journals and is the most important cardiovascular imaging journal in Europe. The most important studies published in our Journal from 2020 will be highlighted in two reports. Part II will focus on valvular heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and congenital heart disease. While Part I of the review has focused on studies about myocardial function and risk prediction, myocardial ischaemia, and emerging techniques in cardiovascular imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Imaging was launched in 2012 and has during these 9 years become one of the leading multimodality cardiovascular imaging journals. The journal is currently ranked as number 20 among all cardiovascular journals. Our journal is well established as one of the top cardiovascular journals and is the most important cardiovascular imaging journal in Europe. The most important studies published in our Journal in 2020 will be highlighted in two reports. Part I of the review will focus on studies about myocardial function and risk prediction, myocardial ischaemia, and emerging techniques in cardiovascular imaging, while Part II will focus on valvular heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and congenital heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Multiple myxomas are rare and often associated with Carney syndrome. We present a giant left atrial myxoma that passes through a patent foramen ovale (PFO), mimicking biatrial myxoma. Case summary A 46-year-old female was admitted to the hospital with a cardiac neoplasm without symptoms. The physical examination did not reveal any abnormalities in the skin and endocrine system. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large, hypoechoic mass attached to the atrial septum, occupying both the left and right atria. This mass appeared as a bilateral atrial mass on echocardiography. Contrast-enhanced echocardiography revealed a slight enhancement in the mass. The patient was scheduled for surgery without any contraindications. During the operation, a large jelly-like mass originating from the left atrial side of the fossa ovale was found, extending to the right atrium through a PFO. The entire mass was successfully removed, and the atrial septum was repaired. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac myxoma. At the 3-month follow-up, no cardiac abnormalities were observed. Discussion Multiple myxomas have been reported in certain cases of Carney syndrome. A single left atrial myxoma that passes through an atrial septal defect or a PFO can sometimes be misdiagnosed as a bilateral atrial myxoma. Echocardiography plays a crucial role in providing diagnostic information by accurately identifying the location of the myxoma pedicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Heart Journal--Cardiovascular Imaging, created in 2012, has become a reference for publishing multimodality cardiovascular imaging scientific and review papers. The impressive 2014 impact factor of 4.105 confirms the important position of our journal. In this part, we summarize the most important studies from the journal's third year, with specific emphasis on cardiomyopathies, congenital heart diseases, valvular heart diseases, and heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Albeit often asymptomatic, heart involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) represents a negative prognostic factor, accounting for nearly one-fourth of all deaths. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is accurate in detecting heart involvement in patients with SSc and no overt cardiac disease and allows early detection and longitudinal monitoring, but its association with clinical endpoints has not been tested so far. The primary outcome was the association between left and right GLS and mortality for all causes. The secondary outcome was the association between left and right GLS and hospitalizations. Methods and results: A prospective longitudinal study enrolling all consecutive patients with SSc without structural heart disease or previous cardiovascular event.A total of 164 patients were enrolled, of whom 19 (11.5%) died during follow-up and 48 (29.3%) were hospitalized. Both left (LV) and right ventricle (RV) GLS at enrolment were independently associated with an increased risk of death for all causes and hospitalizations. Patients with biventricular GLS impairment, respectively, had a 4.2-, 4.9-, and 13.9-fold increased risk of death when compared with patients with only LV, only RV, or no impairment (P < 0.001). The incidence of hospitalization in patients with biventricular GLS impairment was nearly four times higher when compared with patients with only LV or only RV impairment, and nine times higher when compared with normal biventricular GLS (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Biventricular GLS is associated with an increased risk of death and hospitalization in patients with SSc during a median of 3-year follow-up, acting as a reliable and accurate prognostic tool in everyday practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of heart failure (HF); however, little is known regarding the risk stratification for incident HF in AF patients, especially with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods and results: The Fushimi AF Registry is a community-based prospective survey of AF patients. From the registry, 3002 non-valvular AF patients with preserved LVEF and with the data of antero-posterior left atrial diameter (LAD) at enrolment were investigated. Patients were stratified by LAD (<40, 40-44, 45-49, and ≥50 mm) with backgrounds and HF hospitalization incidences compared between groups. Of 3002 patients [mean age, 73.5 ± 10.7 years; women, 1226 (41%); paroxysmal AF, 1579 (53%); and mean CHA2DS2-VASc score, 3.3 ± 1.7], the mean LAD was 43 ± 8 mm. Patients with larger LAD were older and less often paroxysmal AF, with a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (all P < 0.001). Heart failure hospitalization occurred in 412 patients during the median follow-up period of 6.0 years. Larger LAD was independently associated with a higher HF hospitalization risk [LAD ≥ 50 mm: hazard ratio (HR), 2.36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.75-3.18; LAD 45-49 mm: HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.37-2.46; and LAD 40-44 mm: HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.01-1.78, compared with LAD < 40 mm) after adjustment by age, sex, AF type, and CHA2DS2-VASc score. These results were also consistent across major subgroups, showing no significant interaction. Conclusion: Left atrial diameter is significantly associated with the risk of incident HF in AF patients with preserved LVEF, suggesting the utility of LAD regarding HF risk stratification for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standards for echocardiographic laboratories were proposed by the European Association of Echocardiography (now the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging) 7 years ago, to raise standards of practice and improve the quality of care. Criteria and requirements were published at that time for transthoracic, transoesophageal, and stress echocardiography. This paper reassesses and updates the quality standards to take account of experience and the technical developments of modern echocardiographic practice. It also discusses quality control, the incentives for laboratories to apply for accreditation, the re-accreditation criteria, and the current status and future prospects of the laboratory accreditation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The annual meeting of the European Association of Echocardiography (EuroEcho-Imaging) was held in Istanbul, Turkey. In the present paper, we present a summary of the ‘Highlights’ session. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

OBJECTIVES The use of artificial chordae techniques has increased the number of mitral valve lesions which are amenable to repair. Artificial chordae can be adapted for a wide range of mitral valve pathologies including restricting the motion of overly mobile ‘floppy’ Barlow disease leaflets, replacing diseased chordae and improving coaptation in degenerative disease. There is continuing concern about the long-term performance of artificial chordae, which become endothelialized over time and may exhibit complications during the early or late follow-up period. METHODS To address these issues, we reviewed the literature and extracted 17 papers reporting outcomes following artificial chordae replacement. We discuss the evidence of the effect of artificial chordae on mortality, morbidity and valve performance as measured by echocardiography and complications related to the chordae. We discuss in detail studies comparing artificial chordae with more widely used quadrangular resection techniques. RESULTS In general, outcomes with respect to mortality, morbidity, rates of reoperation, long-term function and complications of artificial chordae implantation are excellent in a range of pathological settings and in both children and adults. These results are comparable with classical Carpentier techniques and there is some evidence that chordal replacement techniques can in some respects improve the risk–benefit ratio for outcomes compared with the classical Carpentier techniques. CONCLUSIONS A number of problems remain in the use of artificial chordae, especially the proper determination of their length. Techniques that solve these issues may enhance patient outcomes further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND African Americans have higher rates of nocturnal hypertension and less nocturnal blood pressure (BP) dipping compared with whites. Although nocturnal hypertension is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, its clinical significance among those with normal daytime BP is unclear. This paper reports the prevalence and correlates of isolated nocturnal hypertension (INH) in a population-based cohort of African Americans enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS). METHODS The study sample included 425 untreated, normotensive and hypertensive JHS participants who underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), echocardiography, and 24-hour urine collection. Multiple logistic regression and 1-way analysis of variance models were used to test the hypothesis that those with INH have worse target organ damage reflected by greater left ventricular (LV) mass and proteinuria compared with normotensive participants. RESULTS Based on 24-hour ABP profiles, 19.1% of participants had INH. In age and sex-adjusted models, participants with INH had greater LV mass compared with those who were normotensive (P = 0.02), as well as about 3 times the odds of LV hypertrophy and proteinuria (Ps < 0.10). However, multivariable adjustment reduced the magnitude and statistical significance of each of these differences. CONCLUSIONS INH was associated with increased LV mass compared with normo tension in a population-based cohort of African Americans enrolled in the JHS. There were trends toward a greater likelihood of LV hyper trophy and proteinuria among participants with INH vs. those who were normotensive. The clinical significance of the noted target organ damage should be explored in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is characterized by structurally normal leaflets and is due to the deformation of the valvulo-ventricular complex. While mild FTR is frequent and usually benign, patients with severe FTR may develop progressive ventricular dysfunction and incur increased mortality. Therefore, FTR should not be ignored, should be appropriately diagnosed and quantified by Doppler echocardiography, and should be evaluated for corrective surgical procedures. At present, referral for surgical correction of FTR is often delayed until patients develop intractable heart failure. However, this strategy frequently translates in poor clinical outcome characterized by notable operative mortality and reduced long-term survival. Appropriate patient selection and proper timing for tricuspid valve (TV) repair or replacement are crucial for optimal outcome, but objective criteria for clinical decison-making remain poorly defined. In the present paper, we review the anatomy of the normal TV, the pathophysiology of FTR, the assessment of its severity and functional significance, and propose an algorithm for selecting patients for surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

BACKGROUND Left atrial enlargement (LAE) is a marker of hypertensive heart disease associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We reviewed recent literature about the prevalence of LAE, as assessed by echocardiography, to update our information about the clinical relevance of this cardiac phenotype in human hypertension. METHODS We performed a search of MEDLINE using the key words “left atrial enlargement,” “left atrial dilatation,” “left atrial size,” “hypertension,” “echocardiography,” and “atrial fibrillation” to identify relevant papers. We considered full articles published in English from January 1, 2000 to July 1, 2012 reporting studies involving adult individuals. RESULTS We analyzed a total of 15 studies, including 10,141 untreated and treated subjects. LAE was defined according to 11 different criteria (4 studies applied two or three criteria), and its prevalence consistently varied among studies, from 16.0–83.0%, with a prevalence in the pooled population of 32%. A gender-based analysis of 9 studies (8,588 patients) showed the prevalence of LAE as being similar in women and men (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.83–1.83; P = 0.30). Data provided by 10 studies (n = 9,354 patients) showed the prevalence of left-ventricular hypertrophy as being significantly higher in patients with LAE (68.2%) than in their counterparts without LAE (41.8%) (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 2.68–3.29; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our analysis shows that LAE is present in a relevant fraction of the hypertensive population. Because LAE is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events, the accurate detection of this phenotype may improve the evaluation of risk in hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The annual meeting of the European Association of Echocardiography (Euroecho and other Imaging Modalities) was held in Athens, Greece. In the present paper, we present a summary of the ‘Highlights’ session. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Atrial fibrillation is a common, clinically significant arrhythmic disorder that results in increased risk of morbidity and mortality in affected patients. Atrial fibrillation is more prevalent among men compared with women and the risk for developing atrial fibrillation increases with advancing age. Ischaemic stroke is the most common clinical manifestation of embolic events from atrial fibrillation. While anticoagulation treatment is the preferred treatment, unfortunately, many patients have contraindications for anticoagulation treatment making this option unavailable to them. Previous data have shown that most thrombi that form in association with non-valvular atrial fibrillation occur in the left atrial appendage (LAA). It has been suggested that isolating the LAA from the body of the left atrium might reduce the risk of embolic events and that LAA obliteration may be a treatment option for patients with atrial fibrillation who are not candidates for anticoagulation treatment. Several procedures have been developed for isolation of the LAA, including surgical procedures as well as catheter-based ones. In this paper, we will review the currently available techniques, emphasizing the catheter-based ones. We will examine the increasing role of real-time three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography for appropriate screening and patient selection for these procedures, intra-procedural guidance, and follow-up care. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The annual meeting of the European Association of Echocardiography (EuroEcho and other Imaging Modalities) was held in Budapest, Hungary. In the present paper, we present a summary of the ‘Highlights’ session. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging was launched in 2012 as a multimodality cardiovascular imaging journal. It has gained an impressive impact factor during its first 5 years and is now established as one of the top cardiovascular journals and has become the most important cardiovascular imaging journal in Europe. The most important studies from 2018 will be highlighted in two reports. Part I of the review has focused on studies about myocardial function and risk prediction, myocardial ischaemia, and emerging techniques in cardiovascular imaging, while Part II will focus on cardiomyopathies, congenital heart diseases, valvular heart diseases, and heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Evidence-based medicine should provide clear and unbiased information to clinicians. We conducted an analysis on published randomized trials evaluating the effects of antihypertensive therapy on left ventricular (LV) morphology assessed by echocardiography to investigate (i) the consistency of criteria used for definition of LV hypertrophy (LVH) and (ii) the consistency of the way LVH regression and blood pressure (BP) control were reported. METHODS Studies identified by a PubMed search were eligible for inclusion in the analysis, if they fulfilled the following criteria: (i) publication in a peer-reviewed journal within the last 12 years; (ii) double blind, randomized, controlled, parallel-group design; (iii) numerosity of at least 50 adult hypertensive subjects; (iv) follow-up duration of at least 6 months; (v) comparison between single-drugs or association regimens; (vi) LV mass (LVM) or wall thickness measured by echocardiography. RESULTS Thirty-nine trials, including 9,162 hypertensive subjects of both genders in 78 active treatment arms or in 6 placebo arms were identified. Definition of LVH was provided by 34 studies (87.1%) according to 19 different criteria. All trials evaluated LVH regression as the absolute or relative changes of continuous variables such as LVM index (LVMI) or LV wall thickness. Data concerning prevalence rates of LVM normalization were reported in 12 studies (30.7%). The percentage of patients reaching BP target (<140/90 mm Hg) was reported in 11 studies (28.2%). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that (i) definition of hypertensive LVH phenotype is extremely variable, and (ii) no precise information on LVH regression rates or changes in LV geometrical patterns, as well as on target BP, is provided by the majority of papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The management of asymptomatic severe mitral regurgitation is showing an increasing trend towards early surgery. However, in situations where either the valve or the patient is not optimal for surgery, watchful waiting remains a reasonable policy. In this situation, the longstanding challenge of assessing left ventricular function in the setting of severe mitral regurgitation has been simplified by a number of investigations, including stress echocardiography and myocardial imaging. This paper reviews the evidence base for each of these techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim: One limitation for a wider use of the proximal isovelocity surface area method (PISA) for the evaluation of the mitral valve area (MVA) in patients with mitral stenosis (MS) is the requirement of an angle correction factor (angle α between the mitral leaflets) which cannot be obtained using the machine''s built-in software and requires a manual measurement. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if the use of a fixed angle could provide an acceptable MVA estimation. Methods and results: In 48 patients (53±14years, 75% female and 32% atrial fibrillation), MVA was prospectively measured by planimetry (MVA2D) and PISA (PISAmes). The angle α was manually measured on paper prints using a protractor. MVA2D was 1.38±0.56cm2 [0.5–2.40]. PISAmes (α =104±13° inter-quartiles 90–115) was 1.34±0.64cm2 [0.31–2.95] and did not differ from and correlated well with MVA2D (P =0.25; r =0.93, P <0.0001). MVA estimated using the PISA method and a fixed angle value from 90 to 110 (MVA α =90 to MVA α =110) progressively increased from 1.20±0.66 to 1.48±0.81cm2. Only MVA α =100 (1.34±0.74cm2) did not differ from and correlated well with both MVA2D and PISAmes (both P >0.35 and r >0.90, P <0.0001). Conclusion: The angle formed by the mitral leaflet only slightly changes in between patients and use of a fixed angle value of 100° provides an accurate estimation of the MVA by the PISA method in patients with MS. This simplification would facilitate and extend the use of the PISA as an additional method for the assessment of MS severity in routine practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article describes the case of life-threatening Takayasu arteritis in a 22-year-old woman from India. Topics discussed include the medical history of the patient such as one-month history of fever, weight loss, left arm claudication, central chest pain and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea, complication posed by inflammatory myocarditis to the patient, and use of prednisolone and cyclophosphamide in treating life-threatening disease in Takayasu arteritis.

Abstract: The inexorable growth in the performance of cardiac imaging studies has led to a significant reduction in reimbursement for these services, which are already being reimbursed at levels that are quite similar to their cost. This paper seeks to apply the principles of analysis of cost-effectiveness to echocardiography. Opportunities are summarized for reducing cost and maximizing effectiveness, and different approaches to defining cost-effectiveness are examined for valvular, myocardial and ischemic indications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims To assess the additional prognostic significance of echocardiographic parameters of subpulmonary left ventricular (LV) size and function in patients with a systemic right ventricle (SRV). Methods and results All adults with an SRV who underwent transthoracic echocardiography in 2010–18 at a large tertiary centre were identified. Biventricular size and function were assessed at the most recent examination. The study endpoint was all-cause mortality or heart/heart–lung transplantation. We included 180 patients, with 100 (55.6%) males, with a mean age of 42.4 ± 12.3 years, of whom 103 (57.2%) had undergone Mustard/Senning operations and 77 (42.8%) had congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries. Over 4.9 (3.8–5.7) years, 28 (15.6%) patients died and 4 (2.2%) underwent heart or heart–lung transplantation. Univariable predictors of the study endpoint included age, New York Heart Association functional Class III or IV, history of atrial arrhythmias, presence of a pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillator, high B-type natriuretic peptide, and echocardiographic markers of SRV and subpulmonary LV size and function. On multivariable Cox analysis of echocardiographic variables, indexed LV end-systolic diameter [ESDi; hazard ratio (HR) 2.77 (95% confidence interval, CI) 1.35–5.68, P = 0.01], LV fractional area change [FAC; HR 0.7 (95% CI 0.57–0.85), P = 0.002), SRV basal diameter [HR 1.66 (95% CI 1.21–2.29), P = 0.005], and SRV FAC [HR 0.65 (95% CI 0.49–0.87), P = 0.008] remained predictive of mortality or transplantation. On receiver-operating characteristic analysis, subpulmonary LV parameters performed better than SRV markers in predicting adverse events. Conclusion SRV basal diameter, SRV FAC, LV ESDi, and LV FAC are significantly and independently associated with mortality and transplantation in adults with an SRV. Accurate echocardiographic assessment of both SRV and subpulmonary LV is, therefore, essential to inform risk stratification and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is often performed before catheter ablation or cardioversion to rule out the presence of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAT) in patients on chronic oral anticoagulation (OAC), despite associated discomfort. A machine learning model [LAT-artificial intelligence (AI)] was developed to predict the presence of LAT based on clinical and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) features. Methods and results Data from a 13-site prospective registry of patients who underwent TOE before cardioversion or catheter ablation were used. LAT-AI was trained to predict LAT using data from 12 sites (n = 2827) and tested externally in patients on chronic OAC from two sites (n = 1284). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of LAT-AI were compared with that of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and CHA2DS2-VASc score. A decision threshold allowing for a 99% negative predictive value was defined in the development cohort. A protocol where TOE in patients on chronic OAC is performed depending on the LAT-AI score was validated in the external cohort. In the external testing cohort, LAT was found in 5.5% of patients. LAT-AI achieved an AUC of 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82–0.89], outperforming LVEF (0.81, 95% CI 0.76–0.86, P <.0001) and CHA2DS2-VASc score (0.69, 95% CI: 0.63–0.7, P <.0001) in the entire external cohort. Based on the proposed protocol, 40% of patients on chronic OAC from the external cohort would safely avoid TOE. Conclusion LAT-AI allows accurate prediction of LAT. A LAT-AI-based protocol could be used to guide the decision to perform TOE despite chronic OAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims A risk calculator for individualized prediction of first-time sustained ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) patients has recently been developed and validated (www.ARVCrisk.com). This study aimed to investigate whether regional functional abnormalities, measured by echocardiographic deformation imaging, can provide additional prognostic value. Methods and results From two referral centres, 150 consecutive patients with a definite ARVC diagnosis, no prior sustained VA, and an echocardiogram suitable for deformation analysis were included (aged 41 ± 17 years, 50% female). During a median follow-up of 6.3 (interquartile range 3.1–9.8) years, 37 (25%) experienced a first-time sustained VA. All tested left and right ventricular (LV and RV) deformation parameters were univariate predictors for first-time VA. While LV function did not add predictive value in multivariate analysis, two RV deformation parameters did; RV free wall longitudinal strain and regional RV deformation patterns remained independent predictors after adjusting for the calculator-predicted risk [hazard ratio 1.07 (95% CI 1.02–1.11); P = 0.004 and 4.45 (95% CI 1.07–18.57); P = 0.040, respectively] and improved its discriminative value (from C -statistic 0.78 to 0.82 in both; Akaike information criterion change > 2). Importantly, all patients who experienced VA within 5 years from the echocardiographic assessment had abnormal regional RV deformation patterns at baseline. Conclusions This study showed that regional functional abnormalities measured by echocardiographic deformation imaging can further refine personalized arrhythmic risk prediction when added to the ARVC risk calculator. The excellent negative predictive value of normal RV deformation could support clinicians considering the timing of implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation in patients with intermediate arrhythmic risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) strain imaging has been a major advancement in myocardial function quantification. We aimed to explore current worldwide clinical application of STE. Methods and results Access, feasibility, access, and clinical implementation of STE were investigated with a worldwide open-access online survey of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging. Participants (429 respondents and 77 countries) from tertiary centres (46%), private clinics, or public hospitals (54%) using different vendors for data acquisition and analysis were represented. Despite almost universal access (98%) to STE, only 39% of the participants performed and reported STE results frequently (>50%). Incomplete training and time constraints were the main reasons for not using STE more regularly. STE was mainly used to assess the LV (99%) and less frequently the right ventricular (57%) and the left atrial (46%) function. Cardiotoxicity (88%) and cardiac amyloidosis (87%) were the most frequent reasons for the clinical use of LV STE. Left atrial STE was used most frequently for the diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction and right ventricular STE for the assessment of right ventricle (RV) function in pulmonary hypertension (51%). Frequency of STE use, adherence to optimal techniques, and clinical appropriateness of STE differed according to training experience and across vendors. Key suggestions outlined by respondents to increase the clinical use of STE included improved reproducibility (48%) and standardization of strain values across vendors (42%). Conclusion Although STE is now readily available, it is underutilized in the majority of centres. Structured training, improved reproducibility, and inter-vendor standardization may increase its uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac magnetic resonance offers multiple facets in the diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of patients with myocardial diseases. Particularly, its feature to precisely monitor disease activity lends itself to quantify response to novel therapeutics. This review critically appraises the value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers as surrogate endpoints for prospective clinical trials. The primary focus is to comprehensively outline the value of established cardiac magnetic resonance parameters in myocardial diseases. These include heart failure, cardiac amyloidosis, iron overload cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardio-oncology, and inflammatory cardiomyopathies like myocarditis and sarcoidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]