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The LATE score (LATE : L eft A trial reservoir strain (LASr), T ricuspid regurgitation maximum velocity (TR Vmax), and E /e' average) is a novel framework for echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP). LATE = 0 indicates normal LVFP. LATE = 1 indicates resting LVFP is borderline elevated, and the patient may be at risk of pathological elevation of LVFP during exertion. LATE ≥2 indicates LVFP is severely elevated. The LATE score was derived from reported thresholds of LASr and conventional echocardiographic parameters for predicting LVFP. The LATE score was prospectively evaluated in a cross-sectional study of 63 patients undergoing transthoracic echocardiography immediately prior to cardiac catheterization with invasive assessment of LVFP. Accuracy of the LATE score was compared to 2016 ASE diastology algorithms. Mean patient age was 62.9 ± 13.6 years with 22% female. LATE = 0 in 29 patients, of which 24 (83%) had normal LVFP (mean LVFP 9 mmHg, SD ±3 mmHg). LATE = 1 in 23 patients, of which 11 (48%) had elevated LVFP (mean LVFP 12 mmHg, SD ± 4 mmHg). LATE was ≥2 in 11 patients, all of which had elevated LVFP (100%) (mean LVFP 16 mmHg, SD ±3 mmHg). The LATE score showed greater agreement with invasive assessment than the 2016 algorithms (LATE kappa = 0.73, 2016 kappa = 0.37). The LATE score is a simple and effective tool for evaluation of LVFP that is more accurate than the 2016 algorithms. The LATE score provides insight beyond binary classification of normal versus elevated LVFP. [Display omitted] • The LATE score is a tool for assessment of left ventricular filling pressure. • LATE score = 0 indicates left ventricular filling pressure is normal. • Late score = 1 indicates left ventricular filling pressure is borderline elevated. • LATE score = 2 indicates left ventricular filling pressure is severely elevated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma result in extracellular deposition of insoluble fibrillar protein in tissues and organs. Untreated median survival has been documented at 12 months. Cardiac infiltration decreases survival to five months. Chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) have been shown to improve survival when haematological remission is documented. This study aimed to assess if remission could result in cardiac structural improvement. Methods: 269 patients were treated with BMT for amyloidosis from 1997 to 2010. Cardiac amyloidosis was identified in 30 patients by echocardiographic criteria. Echocardiography was performed before and after BMT. Results: Thirteen of 30 patients with cardiac amyloidosis died during follow-up. No change in cardiac structure was seen in 11 patients. Average survival was 49 months from BMT for non-responders. Fifteen patients had cardiac normalisation (responders). The average time to normalisation was 25 months. Only two responders died. Average survival for responders was 71 months (p <0.0001 compared with non-responders). Normalisation of cardiac structure was highly predictive of survival (Fisher's exact test p =0.0025, relative risk 0.18). Conclusions: Cardiac amyloidosis patients with haematological remission after chemotherapy and BMT may subsequently normalise cardiac structure and function. Normalisation is highly predictive of survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This expert Position Statement is a description of the requirements for Accreditation for transcatheter mitral valve therapy (TMVT) in Australia. The requirements include the need for a multidisciplinary Heart Team review of individual cases, mandatory reporting of outcome data to a national TMVT Registry, and accreditation of individuals and institutions by the Conjoint Accreditation Committee, the assigned accreditation authority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Top End of Australia has a high proportion of Indigenous people with a high burden of chronic cardiac and pulmonary diseases likely to contribute to pulmonary hypertension (PH). The epidemiology of PH has not been previously studied in this region.Methods: Patients with PH were identified from the Northern Territory echocardiography database from January 2010 to December 2015 and followed to the end of 2019 or death. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as a tricuspid regurgitation velocity ≥2.75 m/s measured by Doppler echocardiography. The aetiology of PH, as categorised by published guidelines, was determined by reviewing electronic health records.Results: 1,764 patients were identified comprising 49% males and 45% Indigenous people. The prevalence of PH was 955 per 100,000 population (with corresponding prevalence of 1,587 for Indigenous people). Hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes and respiratory disease were present in 85%, 45%, 41% and 39%, respectively. Left heart disease was the leading cause for PH (58%), the majority suffering from valvular disease (predominantly rheumatic). Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), respiratory disease related PH, chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH) and unclear multifactorial PH represented 4%, 16%, 2% and 3%, respectively. Underlying causes were not identifiable in 17% of the patients. Only 31% of potentially eligible patients were on PAH-specific therapy. At census, there was 40% mortality, with major predictors being age, estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (ePASP) and Indigenous ethnicity.Conclusion: Pulmonary hypertension is prevalent in Northern Australia, with a high frequency of modifiable risk factors and other treatable conditions. Whether earlier diagnosis, interpretation and intervention improve outcomes merits further assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Historical data suggesting poor survival in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who do not undergo treatment are largely confined to patients with severe AS.Objectives: This study sought to determine the prognostic impact of all levels of native valvular AS.Methods: Severity of AS was characterized by convention and by statistical distribution in 122,809 male patients (mean age 61 ± 17 years) and 118,494 female patients (mean age 62 ± 19 years), with measured aortic valve (AV) mean gradient, peak velocity, and/or area. The relationship between AS severity and survival was then examined during median 1,208 days (interquartile range: 598 to 2,177 days) of follow-up. Patients with previous aortic valve intervention were excluded.Results: Overall, 16,129 (6.7%), 3,315 (1.4%), and 6,383 (2.6%) patients had mild, moderate, and severe AS, respectively. On an adjusted basis (vs. no AS; 5-year mortality 19%), patients with mild to severe AS had an increasing risk of long-term mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.44 to 2.09; p < 0.001 for all comparisons). The 5-year mortality was 56% and 67%, respectively, in those with moderate AS (mean gradient 20.0 to 39.0 mm Hg/peak velocity 3.0 to 3.9 m/s) and severe AS (≥40.0 mm Hg, ≥4.0 m/s, or AV area <1.0 cm2 in low-flow, low-gradient severe AS). A markedly increased risk of death from all causes (5-year mortality >50%) and cardiovascular disease was evident from a mean AV gradient >20.0 mm Hg (moderate AS) after adjusting for age, sex, left ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction, and aortic regurgitation.Conclusions: These data confirm that when left untreated, severe AS is associated with poor long-term survival. Moreover, they also suggest poor survival rates in patients with moderate AS. (National Echocardiographic Database of Australia [NEDA]; ACTRN12617001387314). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is increasing evidence that current thresholds for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (PHT) underestimate the prognostic impact of PHT.Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic impact of increasing pulmonary pressures within the National Echocardiography Database of Australia cohort (n = 313,492).Methods: The distribution of estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (eRVSP) was examined in 157,842 men and women. All had data linkage to long-term survival during median follow-up of 4.2 years (interquartile range: 2.2 to 7.5 years).Results: The cohort comprised 74,405 men and 83,437 women 65.6 ± 17.7 years of age. Overall, 17,955 (11.4%), 7,016 (4.4%), and 4,515 (2.9%) subjects had eRVSP levels indicative of mild (40 to 49 mm Hg), moderate (50 to 59 mm Hg), or severe (≥60 mm Hg) PHT, respectively, assuming a right atrial pressure of 5 mm Hg. These subjects were more likely to die during long-term follow up (for severe PHT, adjusted hazard ratio: 9.73; 95% confidence interval: 8.60 to 11.0; p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, and evidence of left heart disease, those subjects with eRVSP levels within the third (28.05 to 32.0 mm Hg; hazard ratio: 1.410; 95% confidence interval: 1.310 to 1.517) and fourth (32.05 to 38.83 mm Hg; hazard ratio: 1.979; 95% confidence interval: 1.853 to 2.114) quintiles had significantly higher mortality (p < 0.001) than those in the lowest quintile. Accordingly, a clear and consistent threshold of increased mortality (including 1- and 5-year actuarial mortality) around an eRVSP of 30.0 mm Hg was evident.Conclusions: In this large and unique cohort, the prognostic impact of clinically accepted levels of PHT was confirmed. Moreover, a distinctly lower threshold for increased risk for mortality (eRVSP >30.0 mm Hg) indicative of PHT was identified. (A Longitudinal Cohort Study of Echocardiograms From Public and Private Echocardiography Laboratories From Around Australia, Linked With the National Deaths Index; ACTRN12617001387314). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common, under diagnosed and associated with a high mortality. There are significant delays in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension leading to increased morbidity and delays in the initiation of treatment. Once PH is diagnosed, establishing the degree of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) enables clinicians to broadly divide the underlying pathology into pre-capillary or post-capillary causes, a crucial step in tailoring management. Pulmonary hypertension is most commonly due to left heart disease (PH-LHD) and echocardiography (echo) is the most widely accessible investigation in its diagnosis. Regardless of the underlying pathophysiology of LHD, the sequelae lead to pressure overload on the left heart and a reactive increase in pulmonary pressures. In this review article, we will discuss the prevalence of PH, examine the pathophysiology of PH-LHD, establish how echo can be used to identify patients with PH-LHD and discuss surrogate echo markers of PVR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Echocardiography is the commonest form of non-invasive cardiac imaging but due to its methodology, it is operator dependent. Numerous advances in technology have resulted in the development of interactive programs and simulators to teach trainees the skills to perform particular procedures, including transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography. Methods: Forty trainee sonographers assessed a computerised mannequin echocardiographic simulator and were taught how to obtain an apical two-chamber (A2C) view and image the superior vena cava (SVC). Forty-two attendees at a TOE simulator workshop assessed its utility and commented on perceived future use, using defined criteria. Results: One hundred percent and 88% of sonographers found the simulator useful in obtaining the SVC or A2C view respectively. All users found it easy to use and the majority found it helped with image acquisition and interpretation. Attendees of the TOE training day assessed the simulator with 100% finding it easy to use, as well as the augmented reality graphics benefiting image acquisition. Ninety percent felt that it was realistic. Conclusions: This study revealed that both trainee sonographers and TOE proceduralists found the simulation process was realistic, helped in image acquisition and improved assessment of spatial relationships. Echocardiographic simulators may play an important role in the future training of echocardiographic skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The "sparkled" echocardiographic appearance of amyloid has become less visually obvious in the era of harmonic imaging. Significantly dilated atria in the setting of a normal sized ventricle may be another easy visual marker for cardiac amyloidosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis of echocardiograms of patients with biopsy-proven cardiac amyloid compared with patients with hypertension was conducted. There were 36 patients in each group, and they were matched for left ventricular wall thickness, as well as age and sex. Results: Patients with cardiac amyloid had significantly larger atria than the group with hypertension (left atrial areas 29 cm(2) versus 19 cm(2), p<0.001, AUC 0.84, volumes 100 cm(3) versus 55 cm(3), p<0.001, AUC 0.915). A volume of 69 cm(3) produced a specificity and sensitivity of 85% for amyloidosis. Conclusions: Atrial dilatation can be used as a visual marker for cardiac amyloidosis. This may be a simple visual method to differentiate this infiltrative cardiomyopathy from left ventricular hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with high morbidity and mortality that can be ameliorated by surgical valve repair or replacement. Despite this, many patients with MR do not undergo surgery. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) may be an option for selected patients with severe MR.Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness and safety of TMVR in a cohort of patients with native valve MR who were at high risk for cardiac surgery.Methods: Patients underwent transcatheter, transapical delivery of a self-expanding mitral valve prosthesis and were examined in a prospective registry for short-term and 30-day outcomes.Results: Thirty patients (age 75.6 ± 9.2 years; 25 men) with grade 3 or 4 MR underwent TMVR. The MR etiology was secondary (n = 23), primary (n = 3), or mixed pathology (n = 4). The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality was 7.3 ± 5.7%. Successful device implantation was achieved in 28 patients (93.3%). There were no acute deaths, strokes, or myocardial infarctions. One patient died 13 days after TMVR from hospital-acquired pneumonia. Prosthetic leaflet thrombosis was detected in 1 patient at follow-up and resolved after increased oral anticoagulation with warfarin. At 30 days, transthoracic echocardiography showed mild (1+) central MR in 1 patient, and no residual MR in the remaining 26 patients with valves in situ. The left ventricular end-diastolic volume index decreased (90.1 ± 28.2 ml/m2 at baseline vs. 72.1 ± 19.3 ml/m2 at follow-up; p = 0.0012), as did the left ventricular end-systolic volume index (48.4 ± 19.7 ml/m2 vs. 43.1 ± 16.2 ml/m2; p = 0.18). Seventy-five percent of the patients reported mild or no symptoms at follow-up (New York Heart Association functional class I or II). Successful device implantation free of cardiovascular mortality, stroke, and device malfunction at 30 days was 86.6%.Conclusions: TMVR is an effective and safe therapy for selected patients with symptomatic native MR. Further evaluation of TMVR using prostheses specifically designed for the mitral valve is warranted. This intervention may help address an unmet need in patients at high risk for surgery. (Early Feasibility Study of the Tendyne Mitral Valve System [Global Feasibility Study]; NCT02321514). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest None.

Transcatheter structural heart intervention (TSHI) has gained popularity over the past decade as a means of cardiac intervention in patients with prohibitive surgical risks. Following the exponential rise in cases and devices developed over the period, there has been increased focus on developing the role of "structural imagers" amongst cardiologists. This review, as part of a growing initiative to develop the field of interventional echocardiography, aims to highlight the role of echocardiography in myriad TSHIs available within Asia. We first discuss the various echocardiography-based imaging modalities, including 3-dimensional echocardiography, fusion imaging, and intracardiac echocardiography. We then highlight a selected list of structural interventions available in the region-a combination of established interventions alongside novel approaches-describing key anatomic and pathologic characteristics related to the relevant structural heart diseases, before delving into various aspects of echocardiography imaging for each TSHI., Competing Interests: The authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Background: Although increased left ventricular (LV) mass is associated with adverse outcomes, measured values vary widely depending on the specific technique used. Moreover, the impact of sex, age, and race on LV mass remains controversial, further limiting the clinical use of this parameter. Accordingly, the authors studied LV mass using a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional echocardiographic techniques in a large population of normal subjects encompassing a wide range of ages., Methods: Transthoracic echocardiograms obtained from 1,854 healthy adult subjects (52% men) enrolled in the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography (WASE) Normal Values Study, were divided into three age groups (young, 18-35 years; middle aged, 36-55 years; and old, >55 years). LV mass was obtained using five conventional techniques, including linear and two-dimensional methods, as well as direct three-dimensional measurement. All LV mass values were indexed to body surface area, and differences according to sex, age, and race were analyzed for each technique., Results: LV mass values differed significantly among the five techniques. Three-dimensional measurements were considerably smaller than those obtained using the other techniques and were closer to magnetic resonance imaging normal values reported in the literature. For all techniques, LV mass in men was significantly larger than in women, with and without body surface area indexing. These technique- and sex-related differences were larger than measurement variability. In women, age differences in LV mass were more pronounced and depicted significantly larger values in older age groups for all techniques, except three-dimensional echocardiography, which showed essentially no differences. LV mass was overall larger in black subjects than in white or Asian subjects., Conclusions: Significant differences in LV mass values exist across echocardiographic techniques, which are therefore not interchangeable. Sex-, race-, and age-related differences underscore the need for separate population specific normal values., (Copyright © 2022 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aims: Atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) is characterised by left atrial and consequent mitral annular dilatation causing mitral regurgitation. AFMR is likely to become more common with population ageing, alongside increases in atrial fibrillation and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; conditions causing atrial dilatation. Here, we aim to define the prevalence and characterise the patient and survival characteristics of AFMR in the National Echocardiographic Database of Australia (NEDA)., Methods and Results: 14 004 adults with moderate or severe FMR were identified from NEDA. AFMR or ventricular FMR (VFMR) was classified by LA size, LV size and LVEF. AFMR was found in 40% (n=5562) and VFMR in 60% (n=8442). Compared with VFMR, the AFMR subgroup were significantly older (mean age 78±11 years), with a higher proportion of females and of AF. Participants were followed up for a median of 65 months (IQR 36-116 months). After adjustment for age, sex, AF, and pulmonary hypertension, the prognosis for VFMR was significantly worse than for AFMR (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.47 to 1.68 for all-cause and 1.73, 95% CI 1.60 to 1.88, p<0.001 for both). After further adjustment for LVEF, mortality rates were similar in VFMR and AFMR patients (HR 0.93, p=NS), though advancing age and pulmonary hypertension remained independently associated with prognosis., Conclusions: AFMR is a common cause of significant functional MR that predominantly affects elderly female patients with AF. Advancing age and pulmonary hypertension independently associated with survival in FMR. Prognosis was better in AFMR compared with VFMR; however, this difference was accounted for by LV systolic impairment and not by MR severity., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Purpose: Two-dimensional (2D) strain analysis is a sensitive method for detecting myocardial dysfunction in acute cellular rejection (ACR) from post-transplant complications. This study aims to evaluate the utility of novel left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) strain parameters for prognostic risk stratification associated with ACR burden at 1-year post transplantation., Methods: 128 Heart transplant patients, assessed between 2012 and 2018, underwent transthoracic echocardiography and endomyocardial biopsy. 2D strain analysis was performed and history of rejection burden was assessed and grouped according to ACR burden at 1-year post transplantation. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 6-years follow up., Results: 21 patients met primary the endpoint. Multivariate analysis of 6-year all-cause mortality showed LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.21, CI = 1.06-1.49), LV early diastolic strain rate (LV ESr) (HR = 1.31, CI = 1.12-1.54), RV GLS (HR = 1.12, CI = 1.02-1.25) and RV ESr (HR = 1.26, CI = 1.12-1.47) were significant predictors of outcome. Univariate analysis also showed LV GLS, LV ESr, RV GLS and RV ESr were significant predictors of outcome. Optimal cut-off for predicting 6-year mortality for LV GLS by receive operator characteristic was 15.5% (sensitivity: 92%, specificity: 79%). Significant reductions (p < 0.05) in LV GLS, RV GLS and LV and RV ESr between rejection groups were seen., Conclusions: Non-invasive LV and RV strain parameters are predictors of mortality in post-transplant patient with ACR. LV GLS and LV ESr are superior to other strain and conventional echo parameters., (© 2022. Crown.)

Background: Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes during stress testing are a common and perplexing finding during non-ischemic stress echocardiography (niSE). Research has provided conflicting results regarding the implications., Methods: SE was performed after maximal Bruce protocol treadmill exercise., Results: 3020 consecutive patients, mean age 58 ± 12 years, 36% female, were followed-up for up to 9 years (mean 36 ± 21 months) post niSE. Time to first cardiac event (composite of heart failure admission, worsening New York Heart Association class, worsening ejection fraction, acute coronary syndrome, revascularization, angina or cardiovascular death) was analysed and adjusted using Cox proportional hazards regression. Prognostic significance was found with 1.5 mm of downsloping or horizontal ST depression. Adjusting for baseline differences, increased risk of composite major adverse cardiac events was shown with at least 1.5 mm of exercise induced ST depression (Hazard ratio [HR] of 2.47, 95% Confidence ratio [CI] 1.67-3.72, p < 0.0001). Patients achieving high level exercise capacity (≥13 metabolic equivalents or METs) with ST depression lower risk of cardiac events during follow-up., Conclusion: Patients with ST segment depression but non-ischemic stress imaging have a poorer prognosis compared to patients with niSE with normal stress ECGs. ST depression of 1.5 mm or more was established as a prognostically significance value. High exercise capacity was associated with an improved prognosis, and ECG changes in that setting can be regarded as false positives. All niSE have low risk of a cardiac event in the very short term (<12 months). Overall, ST depression during non-ischaemic stress imaging is not a benign finding., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Echocardiography remains the most widely used modality to assess left ventricular (LV) chamber size and function. Currently this assessment is most frequently performed using two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography. However, three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography has been shown to be more accurate and reproducible than 2D echocardiography. Current normative reference values for 3D LV analysis are based predominantly on data from North America and Europe. The World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography study was designed to sample normal subjects from around the world to provide more universal global reference ranges. The aim of this study was to assess the worldwide feasibility of LV 3D echocardiography and report on size and functional measurements., Methods: A total of 2,262 healthy subjects were prospectively enrolled from 19 centers in 15 countries. Three-dimensional LV full-volume data sets were obtained and analyzed offline using vendor-neutral software. Measurements included LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and global circumferential strain. Results were categorized by age (18-40, 41-65, and >65 years), sex, and race., Results: A total of 1,589 subjects (feasibility 70%) had adequate LV data sets for analysis. Mean normal values for indexed end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and LVEF in men and women were 70 ± 15 and 65 ± 12 mL/m 2 , 28 ± 7 and 25 ± 6 mL/m 2 , and 60 ± 5% and 62 ± 5%, respectively. Men had larger LV volumes and lower LVEFs than women. GLS and global circumferential strain were higher in magnitude in women. In both sexes, LV volumes were lower and LVEF tended to be higher with increasing age, especially considering the differences between the youngest and oldest age groups. Although GLS was similar across age groups in men, in women, the youngest and middle-age cohorts revealed higher magnitudes of GLS compared with the oldest age group. Global circumferential strain was higher in magnitude at older age in both men and women. Finally, Asians had smaller chamber sizes and higher LVEFs and absolute strain values than both blacks and whites., Conclusions: Age, sex, and race should be considered when defining normal reference values for LV dimension and functional parameters obtained by 3D echocardiography., (Copyright © 2021 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Early detection of acute cellular rejection (ACR) by echocardiography shows potential clinical benefit as ACR remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. This retrospective, longitudinal study sought to investigate the use of novel left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) strain analysis to detect biopsy proven ACR. 46 heart transplant patients (Mean age 46 ± 16 years) with biopsy proven ACR were grouped according to biopsy results: 1R-ACR (n = 36) and 2R-ACR (n = 10). Serial two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography with strain analysis was performed. Echocardiographic parameters were serially measured: (1) rejection free period (0R-ACR); (2) pre-ACR period (pre-ACR); (3) during ACR (1R-ACR or 2R-ACR) and (4) post-ACR (Post-ACR). Significant reductions for LV Global Longitudinal Strain (LV GLS) and LV Early diastolic Strain rate (LV ESr) were observed between 0R-ACR and pre-ACR (LV GLS 0R-ACR: 17.3% vs Pre-2R ACR: 15.4%, p = 0.016; LV ESr 0R-ACR: 1.00/s vs Pre-2R ACR: 0.74/s, p = 0.007) with LV ESr demonstrating the highest sensitivity (92%) and specificity (81%) to predict ACR. LV ESr and the E/LV ESr ratio were significantly different (p = 0.0001; p = 0.016) during pre-1R ACR period vs 0R whereas LV GLS showed no significant differences for grade 1R-ACR. Diastolic mechanical dispersion showed significant increases in dispersion during ACR for the 1R-ACR group and early significant increases pre-2R ACR. Systolic and diastolic RV strain parameters showed a similar trend for both ACR groups. Systolic and diastolic strain parameters can detect myocardial dysfunction before biopsy confirmed 2R-ACR. Early diastolic strain rate parameters are most sensitive detecting subclinical myocardial dysfunction pre-ACR. Novel strain parameters are potentially useful clinical tool for prediction of early ACR in heart transplant., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background: Although the assessment of right ventricular (RV) diastolic function is feasible, it has garnered far less momentum for use compared with its left ventricular counterpart. The scarcity of data defining normative RV diastolic function and the fact that implications of RV diastolic dysfunction in different disease states on outcomes are less well known both hinder integration into routine clinical assessment. The aim of this study was to establish normal values of RV diastolic parameters stratified by sex, age, and race using data from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography study., Methods: A subset of 888 normal subjects from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography database were analyzed, including measurements of tricuspid valve (TV) inflow E- and A-wave velocities, E-wave deceleration time, and TV annular tissue Doppler e' and a' velocities. Additionally, right atrial (RA) maximal volume and RA peak reservoir strain were measured. Patients were grouped by age (<40, 41-65, and >65 years) and stratified by sex and race. Differences were analyzed using unpaired t tests., Results: Compared with men, women had significantly higher TV e' and E-wave and A-wave velocities, though differences were modest. Increasing age was associated with stepwise lower TV E wave, e' velocity, and TV E/A ratio and higher a' velocity and E/e' ratio. RA peak reservoir strain was also lower, and RA end-systolic volume trended toward being smaller for older age groups. Asian subjects demonstrated significantly higher a' velocities, lower E wave, the smallest RA end-systolic volumes, and the lowest RA peak strain values compared with white subjects of both sexes., Conclusions: This study provides normal values for parameters used in the assessment of RV diastolic function stratified by race, sex, and age. The results demonstrate significant differences in RV diastolic parameters between age groups, which manifest in both individual parameters and composite ratios of TV inflow and annular velocities. Although limited sex- and race-related differences were also noted, age appears to have the most significant impact on RV diastolic parameters. These findings may aid in refining current normative values., (Copyright © 2021 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Accurate measurements of the aortic annulus and root are important for guiding therapeutic decisions regarding the need for aortic surgery. Current echocardiographic guidelines for identification of aortic root dilatation are limited because current normative values were derived predominantly from white individuals in narrow age ranges, and based partially on M-mode measurements. Using data from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography study, the authors sought to establish normal ranges of aortic dimensions across sexes, races, and a wide range of ages., Methods: Adult individuals free of heart, lung, and kidney disease were prospectively enrolled from 15 countries, with even distributions among sexes and age groups: young (18-40 years), middle aged (41-65 years) and old (>65 years). Transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiograms of 1,585 subjects (mean age, 47 ± 17 years; 50.4% men; mean body surface area [BSA], 1.77 ± 0.22 m 2 ) were analyzed in a core laboratory following American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Measurements, indexed separately by BSA and by height, included the aortic annulus, sinuses of Valsalva, and sinotubular junction. Differences among age, sex, and racial groups were evaluated using unpaired two-tailed Student's t tests., Results: All aortic root dimensions were larger in men compared with women. After indexing to BSA, all measured dimensions were significantly larger in women, whereas men continued to show larger dimensions after indexing to height. Of note, the upper limits of normal for all aortic dimensions were lower across all age groups, compared with the guidelines. Aortic dimensions were larger in older age groups in both sexes, a trend that persisted regardless of BSA or height adjustment. Last, differences in aortic dimensions were also observed according to race: Asians had the smallest nonindexed aortic dimensions at all levels., Conclusions: There are significant differences in aortic dimensions according to sex, age, and race. Thus, current guideline-recommended normal ranges may need to be adjusted to account for these differences., (Copyright © 2021 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Left atrial (LA) evaluation includes volumetric and functional parameters with an abundance of diagnostic and prognostic implications. Solid normal reference ranges are compulsory for accurate interpretation in individual patients, but previous studies have yielded mixed conclusions regarding the effects of age, sex, and/or race. The present report from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography study focuses on two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) measures of LA structure and function, with subgroup analysis by age, sex, and race., Methods: Transthoracic 2D and 3D echocardiographic images were obtained in 1,765 healthy individuals (901 men, 864 women) evenly distributed among age subgroups: 18 to 40 years (n = 745), 41 to 65 years (n = 618), and >65 years (n = 402); the racial distribution was 38.4% white, 39.9% Asian, and 9.7% black. Images were analyzed using dedicated LA analysis software to measure LA volumes and phasic function from 3D volume and 2D strain curves., Results: Three-dimensional maximum and minimum LA volumes adjusted for body surface area were nearly identical for men and women, but women demonstrated higher 3D total and passive emptying fractions (EFs). Two-dimensional reservoir strain was similar for both sexes. Age was associated with an incremental rise in LA volumes alongside characteristic shifts in functional indices. Total 2D EF and reservoir and conduit strain varied inversely with age, counteracted by higher booster strain, with a greater magnitude of effect in women. Active 3D EF was significantly higher, while total and passive EFs decreased with age. Interracial differences were noted in LA volumes, without substantial differences in functional indices., Conclusion: Although similar normal values for LA volumes and strain can be applied to both sexes, meaningful differences in LA size occur with aging. Indices of function also shift with age, with a compensatory rise in booster function, which may serve to counteract observed lower total and passive EFs. Defining age-associated normal values may help differentiate age-associated "healthy" LA aging from pathologic processes., (Copyright © 2021 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: We aimed to address the paucity of information describing the treatable burden of disease associated with severe aortic stenosis (AS) within Australia's ageing population., Methods: A contemporary model of the population prevalence of symptomatic, severe AS and treatment pathways in Europe and North America was applied to the 2019 Australian population aged ≥ 55 years (7 million people) on an age-specific basis. Applying Australian-specific data, these estimates were used to further calculate the total number of associated deaths and incident cases of severe AS per annum., Results: Based on an overall point prevalence of 1.48 % among those aged ≥ 55 years, we estimate that a minimum of 97,000 Australians are living with severe AS. With a 2-fold increased risk of mortality without undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR), more than half of these individuals (∼56,000) will die within 5-years. From a clinical management perspective, among those with concurrent symptoms (68.3 %, 66,500 [95 % CI 59,000-74,000] cases) more than half (58.4 %, 38,800 [95 % CI 35,700 - 42,000] cases) would be potentially considered for surgical AVR (SAVR) - comprising 2,400, 5,400 and 31,000 cases assessed as high-, medium- or low peri-operative mortality risk, respectively. A further 17,000/27,700 (41.6 % [95 % CI 11,600 - 22,600]) of such individuals would be potentially considered to a transthoracic AVR (TAVR). During the subsequent 5-year period (2020-2024), each year, we estimate an additional 9,300 Australians aged ≥ 60 years will subsequently develop severe AS (6,300 of whom will experience concurrent symptoms). Of these symptomatic cases, an estimated 3,700 and 1,600 cases/annum, will be potentially suitable for SAVR and TAVR, respectively., Conclusions: These data suggest there is likely to be a substantive burden of individuals living with severe AS in Australia. Many of these cases may not have been diagnosed and/or received appropriate treatment (based on the evidence-based application of SAVR and TAVR) to reduce their high-risk of subsequent mortality., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Sensitivity and specificity of ESE to determine hemodynamically significant coronary artery disease (CAD) is limited by subjective qualitative interpretation resulting in false-positive results. The objective of this study was to determine whether resting myocardial work estimated from non-invasive left ventricular pressure-strain loops can help improve the interpretation of exercise stress echocardiography (ESE). Resting global myocardial work was performed on 288 patients referred for clinically indicated ESE with no resting regional wall motion abnormalities and normal ejection fraction (≥ 55%). Coronary angiography was used to validate the presence of significant CAD in those with a positive ESE. Resting global myocardial work index (GWI) was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in patients with true-positive (1544 ± 354 mmHg%) compared to negative (1819 ± 317 mmHg%) and false-positive (1857 ± 344 mmHg%) ESE. A GWI of ≤ 1391 mmHg (AUC 0.73; sensitivity 94%; specificity 73%) predicted true-positive ESE. Predictors of a true-positive ESE were (1) lower myocardial work efficiency (odds ratio 0.731, 95% CI 0.58-0.92, p = 0.007), (2) lower GWI (odds ratio 0.997, 95% CI 0.996-0.999, p = 0.006) (3) male gender (odds ratio 5.47, 95% CI 1.84-16.31, p = 0.002) and (4) E/e' ratio (odds ratio 1.15, CI 1.01-1.31, p = 0.032). Myocardial work is a potentially valuable quantitative parameter that provides incremental value over qualitative ESE interpretation and improves appropriate patient selection for coronary angiography., (© 2021. Crown.)

Purpose: Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) has proven mortality benefits for heart failure patients with moderate to severe systolic left ventricular dysfunction and evidence of a left bundle branch block. Determining responders to this therapy can be difficult due to the presence of myocardial fibrosis and scar. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) is a robust and sensitive measure of myocardial function and fibrosis that has significant prognostic value for a plethora of cardiac pathologies. Our aim was to perform a systematic review of the value of LV GLS for predicting outcomes in patients undergoing CRT., Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol for reporting on systematic reviews and meta-analyses. An electronic search of all English, adult publications in EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews was undertaken., Results: The search yielded, 9 studies that included 3,981 patients with symptomatic heart failure, undergoing CRT implantation with LV GLS utilised as a predictor of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, rehospitalisation, LVAD implantation/ heart transplantation or left ventricular reverse remodelling. Significant heterogeneity was observed in study outcome measures, included populations, LV-GLS cut-offs and follow-up definitions, resulting in the inability to reliably conduct a meta-analyses. Overall, pre-CRT LV GLS was found to be a predictor of outcome post CRT insertion., Conclusions: In conclusion, all studies implied that incrementally abnormal baseline LV GLS pre-CRT implantation was associated with a long term poorer outcome., Competing Interests: The authors report no relationships that could be construed as a conflict of interest., (© 2021 The Authors.)

Aims: To examine the characteristics/prognostic impact of diastolic dysfunction (DD) according to 2016 American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and European Society of Cardiovascular Imaging (ESCVI) guidelines, and individual parameters of DD., Methods and Results: Data were derived from a large multicentre mortality-linked echocardiographic registry comprising 436 360 adults with ≥1 diastolic function measurement linked to 100 597 deaths during 2.2 million person-years follow-up. ASE/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) algorithms could be applied in 392 009 (89.8%) cases; comprising 11.4% of cases with 'reduced' left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF < 50%) and 88.6% with 'preserved' LVEF (≥50%). Diastolic function was indeterminate in 21.5% and 62.2% of 'preserved' and 'reduced' LVEF cases, respectively. Among preserved LVEF cases, the risk of adjusted 5-year cardiovascular-related mortality was elevated in both DD [odds ratio (OR) 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-1.42; P < 0.001] and indeterminate status cases (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.18; P < 0.001) vs. no DD. Among impaired LVEF cases, the equivalent risk of cardiovascular-related mortality was 1.51 (95% CI 1.15-1.98, P < 0.001) for increased filling pressure vs. 1.25 (95% CI 0.96-1.64, P = 0.06) for indeterminate status. Mitral E velocity, septal e' velocity, E:e' ratio, and LAVi all correlated with mortality. On adjusted basis, pivot-points of increased risk for cardiovascular-related mortality occurred at 90 cm/s for E wave velocity, 9 cm/s for septal e' velocity, an E:e' ratio of 9, and an LAVi of 32 mL/m2., Conclusion: ASE/EACVI-classified DD is correlated with increased mortality. However, many cases remain 'indeterminate'. Importantly, when analysed individually, mitral E velocity, septal e' velocity, E:e' ratio, and LAVi revealed clear pivot-points of increased risk of cardiovascular-related mortality., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.)

Aims: We investigated long-term mortality associated with changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in a large, real-world patient cohort., Methods and Results: A total of 117 275 adults (63 ± 16 years, 46% women) had LVEF quantified by the same method ≥6 months apart. This included 17 343 cases (66 ± 15 years, 48% women) being initially investigated for heart failure (HF). During 3.3 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.7-6.0] years from first to last echocardiogram, median change in LVEF was -1 (IQR -8 to +5) units from a baseline of 62% (IQR 54-69%). During subsequent 7.6 (IQR 4.3-10.1) years of follow-up, 11 397 (9.7%) and 34 101 (29.1%) cases died from cardiovascular disease and all causes, respectively. Actual 5-year, all-cause mortality increased from 12% to 29% among those with the smallest to the largest decrease in LVEF (from <5 units to >30 units); the adjusted risk of cardiovascular-related mortality increased two- to eightfold beyond a >10-unit decline in LVEF (vs. minimal change; P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Among those initially investigated for HF (32% with initial LVEF <50%), the adjusted hazard ratio for cardiovascular-related mortality ranged from 0.35 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28-0.49] to 4.21 (95% CI 3.30-5.22) for a >30-unit increase to >30-unit decline in LVEF (vs. minimal change; P < 0.001 for both comparisons). A distinctive, bi-directional plateau of improved vs. worsening mortality was evident around a final LVEF of 50% to 55%., Conclusions: These data, derived from a large, heterogeneous cohort of adults being followed up with echocardiography, suggest that modest LVEF changes (particularly around an LVEF of 50-55%) may be of clinical significance., (© 2021 European Society of Cardiology.)

Aims: We investigated the sex-based risk of mortality across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in a large cohort of patients in Australia., Methods and Results: Quantified levels of LVEF from 237 046 women (48.1%) and 256 109 men undergoing first-time, routine echocardiography (2000-2019) were linked to 119 232 deaths (median 5.6 years of follow-up). Overall, 17.6% of men vs. 8.3% of women had an LVEF <50%. An LVEF <40% was associated with the highest crude cardiovascular-related and all-cause mortality at 5 years (∼20-30% and ∼ 40-50%, respectively). Thereafter, actual cardiovascular-related and all-cause mortality at 5 years in both sexes steeply improved to a nadir LVEF of 65.0-69.9% (reference group). Below this LVEF level, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for cardiovascular-related mortality for a LVEF of 55.0-59.9% was 1.36 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-1.59; P < 0.001] in women and 1.21 (95% CI 1.05-1.39; P = 0.008) in men. In women, an LVEF of 60.0-64.9% was also associated with a HR 1.33 (95% CI 1.16-1.52; P < 0.001) for cardiovascular-related mortality. These associations were most striking in women and men aged <65 years and were replicated in those with suspected heart failure (32 403 cases aged 65.2 ± 16.1 years, 57.0% women). For pre-existing heart failure (33 738 cases aged 67.6 ± 16.9 years, 46.5% women), the specific threshold of increased mortality was at and below 50.0-54.9%., Conclusions: Among patients investigated for suspected or established cardiovascular disease, we found clinically relevant sex-based differences in the distribution and mortality associated with an LVEF <65.0-69.9%. Specifically, they suggest a greater risk of mortality at higher LVEF levels among women., (© 2020 European Society of Cardiology.)

Echocardiographic diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) can be difficult to differentiate from increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness from hypertensive heart disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate left atrial (LA) function and deformation using strain and strain rate (SR) imaging in cardiac amyloidosis. We reviewed 44 cases of CA confirmed by tissue biopsy or a combination of clinical and cardiac imaging data. Cases were classified according two subgroups: amyloid light chain (AL) or amyloid transthyretin (ATTR). These subjects underwent 2D-Speckle tracking echocardiographic derived (STE) LA strain analysis. These were compared to 25 hypertensive (HT) patients with increased LV wall thickness. The three phases of LA function were evaluated using strain and strain rate parameters. Despite a similar increase in LV wall thickness, all LA strain parameters were significantly reduced in the AL cohort compared to the HT cohort (reservoir strain/LAs: 11.0 vs. 24.8%, p < 0.05). The ATTR cohort had significantly thicker LV walls and higher atrial fibrillation burden compared to AL and HT patients but similar reduction in LA strain values compared to AL group. A reservoir strain (S-LAs) cut off value of 20% was 86.4% sensitive and 88.6% specific for detecting CA compared to HT heart disease in this cohort. LA strain parameters were able to identify LA dysfunction in all types of CA. LA function in CA is significantly worse compared with hypertensive patients despite similar increase in LV wall thickness. In combination with other clinical and imaging features, LA strain may provide incremental value in differentiating cardiac amyloidosis from increased wall thickness secondary to hypertension.

Acute cellular rejection (ACR) remains a significant contributor to increased morbidity and mortality in heart transplant recipients. Early detection of ACR by non-invasive imaging is of potential clinical benefit. This study sought to investigate the use of non-invasive early global diastolic strain rate (GDSRe) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) in the detection of biopsy proven ACR. We retrospectively analysed 31 heart transplant patients (Mean age 52 ± 14 years) with biopsy proven ACR who underwent serial transthoracic echocardiographic examination and 2D strain analysis. Traditional echocardiographic systolic and diastolic parameters and novel systolic and diastolic strain imaging were measured during (1) early rejection free period (0R); (2) pre-rejection period (pre-1R); and (3) grade 1R acute cellular rejection (1R-ACR). GDSRe was significantly reduced (p = 0.0001) during the pre-rejection period (pre-1R) (0.74/s) when compared with 0R (0.97/s). GLS was only significantly reduced during 1R-ACR (17.7%), p = 0.001 but could not detect pre-1R (19.9%). Global diastolic strain rate at isovolumic relaxation showed no significant differences between any of the rejection periods. Traditional systolic and diastolic indices showed no significant differences. In conclusion, early global diastolic strain rate is the most sensitive parameter to detect subclinical myocardial dysfunction during early periods of pre-1R prior to biopsy confirmed 1R-ACR. GDSRe is a potential new tool for non-invasive screening of early post-transplant cardiac allograft rejection.

Background: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) plays a fundamental role in the management of patients supported with extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In light of fluctuating clinical states, serial monitoring of cardiac function is required. Formal quantification of ventricular parameters and myocardial mechanics offer benefit over qualitative assessment. The aim of this research was to compare unenhanced (UE) versus contrast-enhanced (CE) quantification of myocardial function and mechanics during ECMO in a validated ovine model., Methods: Twenty-four sheep were commenced on peripheral veno-venous ECMO. Acute smoke-induced lung injury was induced in 21 sheep (3 controls). CE-TTE with Definity using Cadence Pulse Sequencing was performed. Two readers performed image analysis with TomTec Arena. End diastolic area (EDA, cm2), end systolic area (ESA, cm2), fractional area change (FAC, %), endocardial global circumferential strain (EGCS, %), myocardial global circumferential strain (MGCS, %), endocardial rotation (ER, degrees) and global radial strain (GRD, %) were evaluated for UE-TTE and CE-TTE., Results: Full data sets are available in 22 sheep (92%). Mean CE EDA and ESA were significantly larger than in unenhanced images. Mean FAC was almost identical between the two techniques. There was no significant difference between UE and CE EGCS, MGCS and ER. There was significant difference in GRS between imaging techniques. Unenhanced inter-observer variability was from 0.48-0.70 but significantly improved to 0.71-0.89 for contrast imaging in all echocardiographic parameters., Conclusion: Semi-automated methods of myocardial function and mechanics using CE-TTE during ECMO was feasible and similar to UE-TTE for all parameters except ventricular areas and global radial strain. Addition of contrast significantly decreased inter-observer variability of all measurements.

Background: The blood pressure response to exercise has been described as a significant increase in systolic BP (sBP) with a smaller change in diastolic BP (dBP). This has been documented in small numbers, in healthy young men or in ethnic populations. This study examines these changes in low to intermediate risk of myocardial ischaemia in men and women over a wide age range., Methods: Consecutive patients having stress echocardiography were analysed. Ischaemic tests were excluded. Manual BP was estimated before and during standard Bruce protocol treadmill testing. Patient age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and resting and peak exercise BP were recorded., Results: 3,200 patients (mean age 58±12years) were included with 1,123 (35%) females, and 2,077 males, age range 18 to 93 years. Systolic BP increased from 125±17mmHg to 176±23mmHg. The change in sBP (ΔsBP) was 51mmHg (95% CI 51,52). The ΔdBP was 1mmHg (95% CI 1, 1), from 77 to 78mmHg, p<0.001). The upper limit of normal peak exercise sBP (determined by the 90th percentile) was 210mmHg in males and 200mmHg in females. The upper limit of normal ΔsBP was 80mmHg in males and 70mmHg in females. The lower limit of normal ΔsBP was 30mmHg in males and 20mmHg in females., Conclusions: In this large cohort, sBP increased significantly with exercise. Males had on average higher values than females. Similar changes were seen with the ΔsBP. The upper limit of normal for peak exercise sBP and ΔsBP are reported by age and gender., (Copyright © 2018 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). All rights reserved.)

Background: Exercise stress testing is a well validated cardiovascular investigation. Accuracy for treadmill stress electrocardiograph (ECG) testing has been documented at 60%. False positive stress ECGs (exercise ECG changes with non-obstructive disease on anatomical testing) are common, especially in women, limiting the effectiveness of the test. This study investigates the incidence and predictors of false positive stress ECG findings, referenced against stress echocardiography (SE) as a standard., Methods: Stress echocardiography was performed using the Bruce treadmill protocol. False positive stress ECG tests were defined as greater than 1mm of ST depression on ECG during exertion, without pain, with a normal SE. Potential causes for false positive tests were recorded before the test., Results: Three thousand (3,000) consecutive negative stress echocardiograms (1,036 females, 34.5%) were analysed (age 59+/-14 years. False positive (F+) stress ECGs were documented in 565/3,000 tests (18.8%). F+ stress ECGs were equally prevalent in females (194/1,036, 18.7%) and males (371/1,964, 18.9%, p=0.85 for the difference). Potential causes (hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, known coronary disease, arrhythmia, diabetes mellitus, valvular heart disease) were recorded in 36/194 (18.6%) of the female F+ ECG tests and 249/371 (68.2%) of the male F+ ECG tests (p<0.0001 for the difference)., Conclusions: These data suggest that F+ stress ECG tests are frequent and equally common in women and men. However, most F+ stress ECGs in men can be predicted before the test, while most in women cannot. Being female may be a risk factor in itself. These data reinforce the value of stress imaging, particularly in women., (Copyright © 2018 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). All rights reserved.)

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an effective therapeutic option for severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis (AS) with intermediate or high surgical risk. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of TAVI on left ventricular (LV) mechanics using multilayer global longitudinal strain (GLS) by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography. A total of 119 patients (mean age 83 ± 7.0 years, male 54%) with severe symptomatic AS and normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF) underwent echocardiography at baseline and 1 month after TAVI. Global longitudinal strain was measured from the endocardial layer (GLSendo), mid-ventricular layer (GLSmyo), epicardial layer (GLSepi) and full thickness of myocardium (GLSwhole). There was significant improvement in all 3 layers of GLS after TAVI compared with baseline, but there was no significant change in LVEF. The relative % increment in GLS in each layer strain were 11.2 ± 23.4% (GLSendo), 13.4 ± 33.0% (GLSmyo) and 18.0 ± 46.6% (GLSepi) with significant difference between GLSendo and GLSepi (p < 0.05). In conclusion, multilayer GLS is more sensitive than conventional LVEF to detect early improvement in LV systolic function after TAVI in patients with severe AS. There is a disproportional improvement in different layers with least improvement in the endocardium. Multilayer strain analysis may provide new insights into understanding mechanics of AS., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Left atrial (LA) strain is an emerging technique with potential applications including arrhythmia prediction in atrial fibrillation and early identification of atrial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate reproducibility of LA strain and strain rate (SR) using multi-vendor analysis software between novice and expert. For LA strain to be a reliable tool, the technique must be reproducible by observers with variable experience. Use of multi-vendor analysis software allows serial strain assessment when echocardiographic images are acquired using different vendors. Fifty subjects underwent 2D-Speckle tracking echocardiographic (STE) derived LA strain and SR analysis measured from apical four and two-chamber views. Three strain parameters of LA function were assessed: reservoir (S-LAs, SR-LAs), contractile (S-LAa, SR-LAa) and conduit (S-LAs-S-LAa, SR-LAe). Strain analyses were performed by 2 independent, blinded novice and expert observers using multi-vendor analysis software. Intraobserver and interobserver analyses were performed using intra class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. LA strain and SR measured by novice observer demonstrated excellent intraobserver reproducibility (ICC for all strain and SR values > 0.88). There was good interobserver agreement of LA strain values between novice and expert (S-LAs:ICC 0.81, S-LAe:ICC 0.82, S-LAa:ICC 0.74). SR values also demonstrated good interobserver agreement (SR-LAs:ICC 0.83, SR-LAe:ICC 0.79, SR-LAa:ICC 0.86). Of all parameters, SR-LAa had the best interobserver and intraobserver agreement (ICC 0.86, 0.96). Global LA strain and SR values were highly reproducible by novice strain reader using multi-vendor analysis software. Interobserver reproducibility between novice and experts were good and acceptable within limits of agreement.

Aims: Non-invasive left ventricular (LV) pressure-strain loop (PSL) provides a novel method of quantifying myocardial work (MW) with potential advantages over conventional global longitudinal strain (GLS) by incorporating measurements of myocardial deformation and LV pressure. We investigated different patterns of LV PSL and global MW index (GWI) in patients with hypertension (HTN) and dilated cardiomyopathy (CMP)., Methods and Results: Seventy-four patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and strain analysis before coronary angiography. Patients were divided into three groups: control, HTN, and CMP. GWI was calculated as the area of the LV PSL as a product of strain × systolic blood pressure. MW efficiency (GWE) is derived from the percentage ratio of constructive work (GCW) to sum of constructive work (GCW) and wasted work (GWW). Influences of HTN and LV function on its relationship with MW were evaluated. GLS and LV ejection fraction were preserved in the HTN group with no difference from controls. GWI was significantly higher in moderate to severe HTN patients (P = 0.004) as a compensatory mechanism to preserve LV contractility and function against an increase in afterload. GWE was preserved in HTN patients due to the proportional increase in GCW and GWW. GLS, GWI, and GWE were significantly reduced in CMP (P < 0.05), with a trend in rightward shift and reduction in the LV PSL., Conclusion: GWI is a potential new technique that allows better understanding of the relationship between LV remodelling and increased wall stress under different loading conditions.

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography operators (TEEOP) provide critical imaging support for percutaneous structural cardiac intervention procedures. They stand close to the patient and the associated scattered radiation., Objectives: This study sought to investigate TEEOP radiation dose during percutaneous structural cardiac intervention., Methods: Key personnel (TEEOP, anesthetist, primary operator [OP1], and secondary operator) wore instantly downloadable personal dosimeters during procedures requiring TEE support. TEEOP effective dose (E) and E per unit Kerma area product (E/KAP) were calculated. E/KAP was compared with C-arm projections. Additional shielding for TEEOP was implemented, and doses were measured for a further 50 procedures. Multivariate linear regression was performed to investigate independent predictors of radiation dose reduction., Results: In the initial 98 procedures, median TEEOP E was 2.62 μSv (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.95 to 4.76 μSv), similar to OP1 E: 1.91 μSv (IQR: 0.48 to 3.81 μSv) (p = 0.101), but significantly higher than secondary operator E: 0.48 μSv (IQR: 0.00 to 1.91 μSv) (p < 0.001) and anesthetist E: 0.48 μSv (IQR: 0.00 to 1.43 μSv) (p < 0.001). Procedures using predominantly right anterior oblique (RAO) and steep RAO projections were associated with high TEEOP E/KAP (p = 0.041). In a further 50 procedures, with additional TEEOP shielding, TEEOP E was reduced by 82% (2.62 μSv [IQR: 0.95 to 4.76] to 0.48 μSv [IQR: 0.00 to 1.43 μSv] [p < 0.001]). Multivariate regression demonstrated shielding, procedure type, and KAP as independent predictors of TEEOP dose., Conclusion: TEE operators are exposed to a radiation dose that is at least as high as that of OP1 during percutaneous cardiac intervention. Doses were higher with procedures using predominantly RAO projections. Radiation doses can be significantly reduced with the use of an additional ceiling-suspended lead shield., (Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The application of left ventricular (LV) global strain by speckle-tracking is becoming more widespread, with the potential for incorporation into routine clinical echocardiography in selected patients. There are no guidelines or recommendations for the training requirements to achieve competency. The aim of this study was to determine the learning curve for global strain analysis and determine the number of studies that are required for independent reporting., Methods: Three groups of novice observers (cardiology fellows, cardiac sonographers, medical students) received the same standardized training module prior to undertaking retrospective global strain analysis on 100 patients over a period of 3 months. To assess the effect of learning, quartiles of 25 patients were read successively by each blinded observer, and the results were compared to expert for correlation., Results: Global longitudinal strain (GLS) had uniform learning curves and was the easiest to learn, requiring a minimum of 50 patients to achieve expert competency (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9) in all three groups over a period of 3 months. Prior background knowledge in echocardiography is an influential factor affecting the learning for interobserver reproducibility and time efficiency. Short-axis strain analysis using global circumferential stain and global radial strain did not yield a comprehensive learning curve, and expert level was not achieved by the end of the study., Conclusions: There is a significant learning curve associated with LV strain analysis. We recommend a minimum of 50 studies for training to achieve competency in GLS analysis., (Copyright © 2017 American Society of Echocardiography. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to investigate the utility of transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) Doppler-derived parameters in detection of mitral prosthetic dysfunction and to define optimal cut-off values for identification of such dysfunction by valve type. In total, 971 TTE studies (647 mechanical prostheses; 324 bioprostheses) were compared with transesophageal echocardiography for evaluation of mitral prosthesis function. Among all prostheses, mitral valve prosthesis (MVP) ratio (ratio of time velocity integral of MVP to that of left ventricular outflow tract; odds ratio [OR] 10.34, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 6.43 to 16.61, p<0.001), E velocity (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.61 to 6.47, p<0.001), and mean gradient (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.25, p=0.02) provided good discrimination of clinically normal and clinically abnormal prostheses. Optimal cut-off values by receiver operating characteristic analysis for differentiating clinically normal and abnormal prostheses varied by prosthesis type. Combining MVP ratio and E velocity improved specificity (92%) and positive predictive value (65%) compared with either parameter alone, with minimal decline in negative predictive value (92%). Pressure halftime (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.00, p=0.04) did not differentiate between clinically normal and clinically abnormal prostheses but was useful in discriminating obstructed from normal and regurgitant prostheses. In conclusion, cut-off values for TTE-derived Doppler parameters of MVP function were specific to prosthesis type and carried high sensitivity and specificity for identifying prosthetic valve dysfunction. MVP ratio was the best predictor of prosthetic dysfunction and, combined with E velocity, provided a useful parameter for determining likelihood of dysfunction and need for further assessment., (Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Accurate evaluation of the tricuspid regurgitant (TR) spectral Doppler signal is important during transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) evaluation for pulmonary hypertension (PHT). Contrast enhancement improves Doppler backscatter. However, its incremental benefit with contemporary scanners is less well established. The aim of this study was to assess whether the TR spectral Doppler signal using contemporary scanners was improved using a second generation contrast agent, Definity® (CE), compared to unenhanced TTE (UE)., Methods: Analysis of patients who underwent UE then CE TR interrogation was performed. TR signal was evaluated by an experienced reader and graded 1 (clear-high level of confidence of interpretation and complete spectral Doppler envelope), 2 (suboptimal with medium-low level of confidence of interpretation and incomplete envelope), 3 (poor-absent and no measurable spectral Doppler signal). Maximal TR velocity (TRV) was defined as peak velocity that could be clearly identified. An inexperienced sonographer read 30 randomly selected studies., Results: 176 TTE were performed in 173 patients (mean age 57 ± 14.8 years). Wilcoxon signed rank test demonstrated significant improvement (p < 0.0001) in TR spectral Doppler signal quality with CE TTE. Mean score CE TTE vs. TTE = 2.32 ± 0.85 vs. 2.56 ± 0.75 respectively (p < 0.0001). Mean maximal TRV CE TTE vs. UE TTE = 2.61 ± 0.44 m/s vs. 2.54 ± 0.49 m/s respectively (p < 0.0001). The inexperienced reader had a greater improvement in scoring CE TTE signals vs. UE TTE (p < 0.0001)., Conclusion: In the era of contemporary scanners, CE improved the ability to detect and measure TRV, except in those with clear unenhanced TR spectral Doppler signals or greater than mild tricuspid regurgitation.