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Background: While right ventricular (RV) involvement is commonly observed in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), the utility of strain imaging to detect RV involvement is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) and cardiovascular events in patients with CS., Methods: We studied 51 patients with CS who were diagnosed between 2012 and 2020. All patients underwent comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation, and RVFWLS was assessed using 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs)., Results: During a median follow-up duration of 548 days, 11 patients exhibited MACEs. In the univariable Cox proportional hazards model, the baseline RVFWLS was associated with MACEs (hazard ratio: 1.29, p = 0.008). The addition of RVFWLS to the conventional echocardiographic parameters exhibited a significant incremental value associated with MACEs. Patients with reduced RVFWLS showed a higher prevalence of late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in RV wall (p = 0.02) and trends toward higher prevalence of fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in RV (p = 0.06). A serial echocardiographic evaluation revealed that patients with events showed a worsening in RVFWLS, while others showed a trend toward improvement., Conclusions: Impaired RVFWLS at baseline was associated with MACEs in patients with CS. RVFWLS could be an important surrogate of disease activity and prognosis by detecting active RV involvement in CS., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Elevated central venous pressure (CVP) in heart failure causes renal congestion, which deteriorates prognosis. Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2-i) improves kidney function and heart failure prognosis; however, it is unknown whether they affect renal congestion. This study investigated the effect of SGLT2-i on the kidney and left ventricle using model rats with hypertensive heart failure., Methods and results: Eight rats were fed a 0.3% low-salt diet (n=7), and 24 rats were fed an 8% high-salt diet, and they were divided into 3 groups of untreated (n=6), SGLT2-i (canagliflozin; n=6), and loop diuretic (furosemide; n=5) groups after 11 weeks of age. At 18 weeks of age, CVP and renal intramedullary pressure (RMP) were monitored directly by catheterization. We performed contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to evaluate intrarenal perfusion. In all high-salt fed groups, systolic blood pressure was elevated (P=0.287). The left ventricular ejection fraction did not differ among high-salt groups. Although CVP decreased in both the furosemide (P=0.032) and the canagliflozin groups (P=0.030), RMP reduction (P=0.003) and preserved renal medulla perfusion were only observed in the canagliflozin group (P=0.001). Histological analysis showed less cast formation in the intrarenal tubule (P=0.032), left ventricle fibrosis (P<0.001), and myocyte thickness (P<0.001) in the canagliflozin group than in the control group., Conclusions: These results suggest that SGLT2-i causes renal decongestion and prevents left ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction.

Background: Left-ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been reported to be a robust and sensitive marker of chemotherapy-induced cardiac damage. Image quality is paramount for accurate GLS measurements. In real-world cardio-oncology settings, the incidence of suboptimal echocardiography quality and its significance in clinical decision-making have not been well investigated. This prospective study examined the incidence and impact of suboptimal echocardiographic image quality on detecting subtle myocardial damage by chemotherapy., Methods: Seventy-seven consecutive patients with breast cancer (age, 52 ± 12 years, 76 women, 33 with left-sided breast cancer) were included in this study. Echocardiography was performed at 3-month intervals 1 year before and after chemotherapy initiation. We classified the image quality of each echocardiographic acquisition into three groups: optimal, suboptimal, or inadequate for speckle tracking., Results: Among the 376 examinations obtained during the cardiac monitoring, the image quality in 194 (52%) was optimal, suboptimal in 159 (42%), and inadequate in 23 (6%). The interobserver reproducibility was 0.91 in the optimal and 0.21 in the suboptimal group. In contrast, the optimal group showed progressive impairment in both GLS (p = 0.001) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (p < 0.001) during follow-up, and the suboptimal group showed a progressive decrease in LVEF (p = 0.006), but not in GLS (p = 0.13). Left-sided mammotomy and/or reconstruction surgery and high body mass index were significant determinants of suboptimal image quality., Conclusions: Even in cases of minor image quality impairment, the physician should assess GLS carefully to avoid errors in crucial clinical decision-making., (© 2022. Japanese Society of Echocardiography.)

Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared.

Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared.

Background: The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a therapeutic target for preventing cardioembolic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). A large LAA ostium limits percutaneous LAA closure. This study investigated the characteristics and factors associated with a large LAA ostium in Japanese patients with NVAF., Methods and results: In 1,102 NVAF patients, the maximum LAA diameter was measured using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). A large LAA ostium was defined by a maximum diameter of >30 mm. Forty-four participants underwent repeated TEEs, and changes in LAA size under lasting AF were assessed. A large LAA ostium was observed in 3.1% of all participants and 8.9% of patients with long-standing persistent AF (LSAF). The large LAA group had greater CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc (P=0.024) and HAS-BLED scores (P=0.046) and a higher prevalence of LAA thrombus (P=0.004) than did the normal LAA group. LSAF, moderate or severe mitral regurgitation, left atrial volume ≥42 mL/m 2 , E/E' ratio ≥9.5, and left ventricular mass ≥85 mg/m 2 were independently associated with a large LAA ostium (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.009, P=0.009, and P=0.032, respectively). In 44 patients with lasting AF, the LAA ostial diameter increased over time (P<0.001)., Conclusions: NVAF patients with a large LAA ostium may have a higher risk of stroke and bleeding. LSAF and factors leading to LA overload may be closely associated with LAA ostial dilatation and can promote it.

Background In the population with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), approximately one third lacks extracardiac involvement and is considered to have isolated CS. Recently, the Japanese Circulation Society updated the diagnostic criteria for CS, providing a methodology for diagnosing isolated CS. We aimed to assess the characteristics of isolated CS diagnosed using a multimodal imaging approach according to the updated Japanese Circulation Society guidelines. Methods and Results We retrospectively identified 161 consecutive patients who underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography for suspected CS between 2012 and 2019. According to the guidelines, patients were classified as having CS with extracardiac involvement, isolated CS, or no CS. We compared the characteristics of multimodality imaging and the prevalence of major adverse cardiovascular events. The Japanese Circulation Society criteria classified 28 patients (17%) as having CS with 4 (2%) with histological confirmation, 21 (13%) as isolated CS, and 112 (70%) as no CS. Compared with CS, isolated CS showed higher left ventricular volume and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction ( P <0.01 for all). During the median follow-up period of 522 days, 24 patients had major adverse cardiovascular events. Isolated CS (hazard ratio, 3.35; [95% CI, 1.08-10.39], P =0.036) was independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events after adjusting for reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and steroid. In the subgroup of 41 patients with serial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography evaluation, only updated CS criteria were associated with improvement in myocardial inflammation on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Conclusions Isolated CS detected using the updated Japanese Circulation Society guidelines was associated with poor event-free survival and should be managed with caution.

Background: The US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief's (PEPFAR) first implemented pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention through the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-Free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) partnership in 2016. PrEP is a critical intervention to achieve the main objective of DREAMS, reducing new HIV infections among 15-14 year old adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in 15 high HIV burdened countries., Methods: We describe uptake of PrEP among AGYW in PEPFAR. Most PrEP programs screened persons who tested HIV-negative for eligibility and offered PrEP as part of combination prevention with follow-up, including repeat HIV testing and counseling, at 3-month intervals. Platforms providing comprehensive services for AGYW were also leveraged. We examined two PEPFAR monitoring indicators, using the FY20Q4 Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting (MER) indicator dataset to assess progress in PrEP uptake, and descriptive narratives to understand successes and challenges from fiscal year 2017 to 2020. To assess coverage, we calculated the PrEP to Need ratio (PnR) using a published methodology., Results: From FY2017 to FY2020, 576570 total clients initiated PrEP and the number of PEPFAR countries offering PrEP doubled from 12 to 24. Of 360073 (62% of total) initiations among women, 52% were among AGYW with steady increases from year to year. Among all AGYW, 20-24-year-old women represented a significantly higher proportion of PrEP initiators than adolescents (15-19years) (64 versus 36%, P  < 0.05). Of all 186985 PrEP initiations among AGYW, 99% were in DREAMS countries. Barriers, such as low demand and adherence, were addressed through outreach efforts, including mobile sites, use of technology to educate and support AGYW, media campaigns, and engaging peers in program implementation. We saw a 2.5-fold increase in PrEP uptake among AGYW from 2018 to 2019; by 2020, all DREAMS countries were implementing PrEP. However, PrEP coverage among AGYW in DREAMS countries remains low (PnR range: 0-4.1); only two have a PnR greater than 1 where there were more PrEP users than new HIV diagnoses., Conclusion: PrEP uptake among AGYW has grown since 2016; however, challenges remain. Tools to improve adherence are needed to improve PrEP persistence among AGYW. National policies to facilitate greater PrEP uptake among adolescents would be beneficial. A greater need for PrEP in DREAMS countries is evident and if realized, will contribute to epidemic control., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

The DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-Free, Mentored, and Safe) Partnership, a public-private partnership launched by the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), represents the largest investment in comprehensive HIV prevention for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) ever made in a single global initiative. This paper describes the evolution of programming over time using the triangulation of multiple data sources to develop and refine an impactful program, as well as to improve efficacy and resource investment. Methods of analysis used to evolve this programming include reviews of literature on behavioral, biomedical and structural interventions, and HIV vulnerability; PEPFAR program data; external implementation science and impact studies;observations from site visits; in-depth reviews of program materials; and inputs from AGYW and other stakeholders. Key program improvements made in response to this real-time data use are described, including the rationale for programmatic changes and the evidence base for continual program refinements. This review emphasizes the importance and process of implementing the most effective combination of structural and biomedical HIV prevention programming, based on the best available science, while also adapting to local context in a way that does not compromise effectiveness or violate core implementation principles. Data from research and evaluation are critical to move the HIV prevention field toward more impactful and efficient programming responsive to the lived realities of AGYW. A central tenant to using these data sources effectively is the inclusion of AGYW in decision-making throughout the planning and implementation of programming., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Background: Parameters of cardiac function related to the development of pulmonary edema (PE) in acute heart failure (AHF), including right ventricular (RV) function and a mismatch of interventricular function, are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that a relatively preserved RV function compared with left ventricular function may be associated with the development of PE by using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE)., Methods: Hospitalized patients with AHF at 11 institutions were enrolled. PE was defined as lung congestion on chest X-ray with hypoxemia. Patients with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg on admission were defined to have hypertensive AHF. Echocardiographic analyses, including 2DSTE, were performed prior to discharge. The index of mismatch between RV and left ventricular systolic function was assessed by interventricular longitudinal strain difference (IVLSD) which was defined as RV free wall longitudinal strain and left ventricular global longitudinal strain., Results: Of 610 patients with AHF, 422 (69.2%) had PE. In patients with PE, IVLSD (p = 0.007) and RV fractional area change ratio (p<0.001) was significantly higher than those in patients without PE. In patients with non-hypertensive AHF, RV fractional area change ratio, age, ischemic etiology, and serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were independent predictors of PE. In patients with hypertensive AHF, IVLSD, age, and serum BNP levels were independent predictors of PE., Conclusions: Preserved RV function might be one of the underlying mechanisms of the development of PE in AHF. Furthermore, interventricular functional mismatch might be related to the development of PE in hypertensive AHF., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related myositis with myocarditis is a rare but potentially fatal immune-related adverse event. However, its clinical features, response to immunosuppressive treatment, and prognosis remain poorly understood. Here, we describe the clinical course of patients with ICI-related myositis overlapping with myocarditis treated at our institution and a systematic review focusing on the response to immunosuppressive therapy. Methods: We identified patients who developed ICI-induced myositis with myocarditis and were treated at our hospital using a retrospective chart review of electronic medical records. For the systematic review, studies reporting ICI-induced myositis with myocarditis were identified using the Cochrane Library and PubMed databases. Results: Of the 625 patients treated with ICIs, four developed myositis with concurrent myocarditis. All the patients received immunosuppressive therapy. We assessed the activity of myocarditis and myositis based on temporal changes in troponin and creatine kinase (CK) levels. In all patients, peak troponin values appeared later than the peak CK values (median, 17 days). The median time from the start of ICI therapy to the peak of troponin and CK levels was 42.5 and 28 days, respectively. In all patients, CK levels decreased rapidly and steadily after the initiation of immunosuppressants. However, troponin levels were unstable and increased. In all patients, CK levels normalized within one month (range, 12-27 days), but troponin levels took several months to normalize (range, 84-161 days). Fourteen cases of ICI-related myositis with myocarditis were included in the systematic review. Of the 14 cases, 12 (86%) had their CK level decreased after the initial steroid treatment, but the troponin level increased and was higher than that before the start of treatment. In addition, the peak troponin values appeared later than the peak CK values (a median of 6.5 days). Eight (89%) of 9 long-term follow-up patients had troponin levels above the normal range even after CK normalization. Conclusion: In most cases of ICI-related myositis with myocarditis, troponin levels increased after the initial steroid treatment despite decreased CK levels, and exceeded pre-steroid levels. In addition, troponin remained elevated for several months after CK normalized., Competing Interests: KT has received honoraria from Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Ono Pharmaceutical, Merck BioPharma, Bayer, and grants from Otsuka, Daiichi, Sankyo, and Takeda. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Nakagomi, Tajiri, Shimada, Li, Inoue, Murakata, Murata, Sakai, Sato and Ieda.)

Historically, a right bundle branch block has been considered a benign finding in asymptomatic individuals. However, this conclusion is based on a few old studies with small sample sizes. We examined the association between a complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB) and subsequent cardiovascular mortality in the general population in Japan. In this large community-based cohort study, data of 90,022 individuals (mean age, 58.5 ± 10.2 years; 66.2% women) who participated in annual community-based health check-ups were assessed. Subjects were followed up from 1993 to the end of 2016. Cox proportional hazards' models and log-rank tests were used for the data analysis. CRBBB was documented in 1,344 participants (1.5%). Among all included participants, CRBBB was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality after adjustment for all potential confounders (hazard ratio [HR] 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.38). The increased risk of cardiovascular mortality was particularly evident in women aged < 65 years (HR 2.00; 95% CI 1.34-2.98) and men aged ≥ 65 years (HR 1.28; 95% CI 1.06-1.55). CRBBB is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in women aged < 65 years and men aged ≥ 65 years. Clinicians should be aware of the presence of CRBBB in young women and elderly men, even if they exhibit no symptoms., (© 2021. Springer Japan KK, part of Springer Nature.)

Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures The authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a useful tool for assessing low-gradient significant aortic stenosis (AS) and contractile reserve (CR), but its prognostic utility has become controversial in recent studies. We evaluated the impact of DSE on aortic valve physiological, structural, and left ventricular parameters in low-gradient AS. Consecutive patients undergoing DSE for low-gradient AS evaluation from September 2010 to July 2016 were retrospectively studied, and DSE findings were divided into four groups: with and without severe AS and/or CR. Relationships between left ventricular chamber quantification, CR, aortic valve Doppler during DSE, and calcium score [by computerized tomography (CT)] were analyzed. There were 258 DSE studies performed on 243 patients, mean age 77.6 ± 10.8 yr and 183 (70.1%) were males. With increasing dobutamine dose, apart from systolic blood pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction, flow, cardiac power output, and longitudinal strain magnitude, along with aortic valve area and mean aortic gradient were all significantly increased ( P < 0.05). Flow and mean gradient increased in both the presence and absence of CR, whereas stroke volume and aortic valve area increased mainly in those with CR only. The aortic valve area increased in both patients with low and high calcium scores; however, the baseline area was lower in those with a higher calcium score. During DSE, aortic valve area increases with increase in aortic valve gradient. Higher calcium score is associated with lower baseline aortic valve area, but the aortic valve area still increases with dobutamine even in presence of a high calcium score. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that even in most severe aortic stenosis, there is some residual valve pliability. This suggests that a complete loss of pliability is not compatible with survival.

Background: Left atrial (LA) global strain has been studied as an early marker of LA dysfunction, followed by LA dilatation. Recently, a novel dedicated software for LA 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (LA-3DSTE) has allowed us to assess anatomy-based six-segmental LA deformation. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of LA-3DSTE software in measuring LA volume and to reveal the characteristics of regional LA reservoir strain., Methods: Fifty patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who underwent computed tomography (CT) and 3D-STE were enrolled. The LA volumes obtained by 3D-STE and CT were compared, and regional LA strain was analyzed. Six LA segments (anterior, septal, inferior, lateral, roof, and posterior) were determined on the basis of LA anatomy., Results: In 50 patients (mean age, 64 years; 62% male), the 3D-STE-derived LA volume index (LAVI) showed good correlation with the CT-derived index, (r = 0.78, p < 0.001) with an underestimate bias of 10.5 ± 11.0 ml/m 2 (p < 0.001). The lateral LA strain was negatively correlated with LAVI and emptying fraction, while the anterior and septal strains were not. In the 1st quantile LA volume group, the segmental LA strain was heterogeneous, that is, the lateral and inferior strains were greater than the anterior strain. While in the 3rd quantile LA volume group, the lateral and inferior strains were decreased, and there was no regional difference., Conclusion: LA volume obtained by 3D-STE and CT showed a good correlation. LA segmental analysis by 3D-STE enables early identification of how LA dysfunction affects lateral and inferior LA strains, consistent with anatomical features., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Brain or B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an objective marker to diagnose the presence of heart failure (HF) and assess its severity. However, the determinants of serum BNP level in elderly patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have not been well investigated., Methods: We prospectively studied 106 AS patients who underwent TAVI. Cardiac catheterization, transesophageal echocardiography, and blood collection for plasma BNP level measurements were performed simultaneously just before the TAVI procedures., Results: Ninety-nine patients (83.9±5.0 years, 33% male) were studied. The natural logarithm of BNP (lnBNP) level was 5.4±0.9 pg/mL. Significant correlations with lnBNP level were observed in: 1) the history of syncope, prior HF medication, and New York Heart Association class III or IV (R=0.255, p=0.011) (R=0.210, p=0.037) (R=0.402, p<0.001), 2) albumin and hemoglobin level (R=-0.289, p=0.004) (R=0.263, p=0.009), 3) Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) (R=-0.338, p<0.001) (R=0.447, p<0.001), 4) LV end-diastolic volume index (EDVI), LV mass index, and left atrial volume index (R=0.280, p=0.005) (R=0.366, p<0.001) (R=0.337, p<0.001), 5) the catheter-measured pressure gradient across the aortic valve (AVPG) (R=0.365, p<0.001). Note that LV wall stress was not significantly correlated with lnBNP level. LVGLS, AVPG, hemoglobin level, and LVEDVI were independently correlated with ln BNP level (R=0.652, LVGLS; β=0.395, p<0.006, AVPG; β=0.291, p=0.001, hemoglobin level; β=-0.216, p=0.011, and LVEDVI; β=0.203, p=0.016, respectively)., Conclusions: In severe AS patients candidate for TAVI, multiple factors, including the severities of AS and HF conditions and subclinical LV dysfunction determined by LVGLS affects plasma BNP level., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Data regarding a direct comparison of soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2), pentraxin 3 (PTX3), galectin-3 (Gal-3), and high-sensitivity troponin T of cardiovascular outcome in patients with heart failure (HF) are lacking., Methods and Results: A total of 616 hospitalized patients with HF were evaluated prospectively. Biomarker data were obtained in the stable predischarge condition. sST2 levels were associated with age, sex, body mass index, inferior vena cava diameter, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), PTX3, C-reactive protein, and Gal-3 levels. During follow-up, 174 (28.4%) primary composite end points occurred, including 58 cardiovascular deaths and 116 HF rehospitalizations. sST2 predicted the end point after adjustment for 13 clinical variables (hazard ratio 1.422; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.064 to 1.895, P = .018). The association between sST2 and the end point was no longer statistically significant after adjustment for BNP (P = .227), except in the subgroup of patients with preserved ejection fraction (hazard ratio 1.925, 95% CI 1.102-3.378, P = .021). Gal-3 and high-sensitivity troponin T predicted the risk for the end point after adjustment for age and sex, but were not significant after adjustment for clinical variables. The prognostic value of PTX3 was not observed (age and sex adjusted, P = .066)., Conclusions: This study did not show significant additional value of biomarkers to BNP for risk stratification, except sST2 in patients with preserved ejection fraction., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a targeted drug used for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Erlotinib is considered relatively safe and generally well-tolerated, with rarely reported cardiac side effects. Herein, we report a case of cardiomyopathy that developed during erlotinib treatment for NSCLC. Two months after erlotinib initiation, our 70 year-old female patient complained of progressive dyspnea, and a diagnostic endomyocardial biopsy confirmed non-specific cardiomyopathy, indicating erlotinib-induced cardiomyopathy. We believed that continued administration of erlotinib would exacerbate her heart failure, while treatment of the heart failure with intensive monitoring would allow the administration of erlotinib to be continued. This case report highlights the potential cardiotoxic effects of erlotinib and suggests the need for close clinical and echocardiographic follow-up of patients receiving erlotinib.

Aims: Heart failure in constrictive pericarditis (CP) is attributed to impaired biventricular diastolic filling. However, diseases that cause CP due to myocardial infiltration and fibrosis can also impair biventricular systolic function (sf) and contribute to heart failure. This study of patients with CP examined biventricular sf and the effect of myocardial infiltration by pericardial diseases and the resulting fibrosis on ventricular sf., Methods and Results: Histopathologic examinations of right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) myocardia and pericardia were performed on three autopsied hearts of patients with pericardial diseases. Additionally, in 40 adults with clinical heart failure and 40 healthy adults (controls), sf of both ventricles was examined by echocardiography, including strain measurements, and biventricular diastolic filling and pulmonary artery pressures were assessed by cardiac catheterization. Cardiac histopathology indicated thickening of the pericardium with fibrosis, disease infiltrating the myocardium, greater infiltration of the RV than the LV, and an association of pericardial thickness with myocardial infiltrations. Functional analysis indicated that RVsf was impaired on all echo indices, including strain measurement, but LVsf was preserved., Conclusions: Diseases causing CP are not restricted to the pericardium but also infiltrate the biventricular myocardium and affect the thin-walled RV more than the thick-walled LV, resulting in depressed RVsf. The present results help explain clinical heart failure in the presence of restricted diastolic filling in CP. Depression of RVsf due to progression of fibrosis in the RV myocardium may increase the risk of delayed pericardiectomy., (© 2021 The Authors. ESC Heart Failure published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Society of Cardiology.)

Background: Baseline conduction abnormalities are known risk factors for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We sought to determine the impact of baseline right bundle branch block (RBBB), left bundle branch block (LBBB), left anterior hemiblock (LAHB), first-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) and atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) on TAVR outcomes., Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR with SAPIEN-3 (S3) were included. We excluded patients with prior PPM, nontransfemoral access or valve-in-valve., Results: Among 886 patients, baseline RBBB was seen in 15.9%, LBBB in 6.3%, LAHB in 6.2%, first-degree AVB in 26.3% and AF in 37.5%. The rate of 30-day PPM was 10.1%. Baseline RBBB (OR 4.005; 95% CI 2.386-6.723; p < .001) and first-degree AVB (OR 1.847; 95% CI 1.133-3.009; p = .014) were independent predictors of 30 day PPM. LAHB also resulted in higher PPM rates but only in unadjusted analysis (21.8% vs. 9.4%; p = .003). Baseline LBBB and AF were associated with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at both baseline and 1 year after TAVR. However, Δ LVEF over time were noted to be similar with baseline LBBB (1.8% vs. 1.4%; p = .809) and AF (1.1% vs. 1.7%; p = .458). Moreover, baseline AF was also associated with higher stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) at 1 year (4.4% vs. 1.8%; p = .019), 1-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (19.5% vs. 13.3%; p = .012) and 2 year mortality (23.5% vs. 15.2%; p = .016). None of the other baseline conduction defects affected long-term mortality or MACCE., Conclusion: In our S3 TAVR population, baseline RBBB and first-degree AVB predicted higher PPM risk. Prior LBBB and AF were associated with lower LVEF at both baseline and 1 year. Lastly, preexisting AF was associated with higher rates of mortality, stroke/TIA, and MACCE., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: Patients with constrictive pericarditis (CP) with active inflammation may show resolution with anti-inflammatory therapy. We aimed to investigate the impact of anti-inflammatory medications on constrictive pathophysiology using echocardiography in patients with CP., Methods: We identified 35 patients with CP who were treated with anti-inflammatory medications (colchicine, prednisone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) after diagnosis of CP (mean age 58±13; 80% male). Clinical resolution of CP (transient CP) was defined as improvement in New York Heart Association class during follow-up. We assessed constrictive pathophysiology using regional myocardial mechanics by the ratio of peak early diastolic tissue velocity (e') at the lateral and septal mitral annulus by tissue Doppler imaging (lateral/septal e') or the ratio of the left ventricular lateral and septal wall longitudinal strain (LS lateral /LS septal ) by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Longitudinal data were analysed using a mixed effects model., Results: During a median follow-up of 323 days, 20 patients had transient CP, whereas 15 patients had persistent CP. Transient CP had higher baseline erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) (p=0.003) compared with persistent CP. There were no significant differences in LS lateral /LS septal and lateral/septal e'. During follow-up, only transient CP showed improvement in lateral/septal e' (p<0.001) and LS lateral /LS septal (p=0.003), and recovery of inflammatory markers was similar between the two groups. In the logistic model, higher baseline ESR and greater improvement in lateral/septal e' and LS lateral /LS septal were associated with clinical resolution of CP using anti-inflammatory therapy., Conclusions: Improvement of constrictive physiology detected by lateral/septal e' and LS lateral /LS septal was associated with resolution of clinical symptoms after anti-inflammatory treatment. Serial monitoring of these markers could be used to identify transient CP., Competing Interests: Competing interests: ALK: research grant and scientific advisory board for Kiniksa; scientific advisory board for Sobi and Pfizer. PCC: scientific advisory board for Kiniksa., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: It remains unclear whether intrarenal venous flow (IRVF) patterns in patients with heart failure (HF) could change over the clinical course, and whether the changes could have a clinical impact. Thus, this study aimed to clarify these characteristics as well as to identify the relation between changes in the IRVF pattern and renal impairment progression., Methods and Results: Patients with HF with repetitive IRVF evaluations were enrolled. Doppler waveforms of IRVF were classified into the following 3 flow patterns: continuous, biphasic discontinuous, and monophasic discontinuous. Primary end points included death from cardiovascular diseases and unplanned hospitalization for HF. Finally, 108 patients with adequate images were enrolled. The IRVF in 35 patients (32.4%) shifted to another pattern at the follow-up examinations. The median brain natriuretic peptide level in the continuous flow pattern at follow-up was significantly decreased (183 to 60 pg/mL, P < .001), whereas that of the discontinuous flow pattern at follow-up was increased (from 339 to 366 pg/mL, P = .042) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate was decreased (from 55 to 50 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , P = .013). A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model analysis revealed that the discontinuous pattern at follow-up (P < .001) and brain natriuretic peptide (P = .021) were significantly associated with the end points, independent of age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and serum sodium level., Conclusions: The IRVF pattern could be changed depending on the status of congestion. Persistent or worsened renal congestion, represented by discontinuous flow patterns, during the clinical courses indicated a poor prognosis accompanied by renal impairment in patients with HF., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) implantations may cause lead-induced tricuspid regurgitation (LITR). Although patients with CIED have the risk of functional non-lead induced TR (Non-LITR). This study aimed to compare of clinical outcome between LITR and Non-LITR. The mechanism of TR was determined by 3-dimensional echocardiography. The primary end point was heart failure (HF) hospitalizations after CIED implantation. In patients with HF events, subsequent clinical outcomes after HF hospitalization were compared between no TR, LITR, and Non-LITR groups. In eligible 373 patients, 67 patients had HF hospitalization, of whom worsened TR was observed in 49 patients. In the remaining 307 patients, worsened TR was observed in only 10 patients (3.3%). Of the 49 patients with worsened TR, 18 patients (37%) had LITR. In 67 patients with HF hospitalization, 25 patients (37%) met rehospitalization. All severe LITR persisted after HF events. Meanwhile, severe Non-LITR improved to moderate or mild level. Cox proportional hazard model analyses revealed LITR was the independent risk factor of rehospitalization. Both LITR and Non-LITR were common at HF events after CIED implantations. However, LITR persisted and might contribute to a worse prognosis. In patients with TR after CIED implantations, 3-dimensional echocardiography should be performed to diagnose the LITR accurately, which may contribute to improving the clinical outcome., Competing Interests: Declaration of Interests The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relations that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this study., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

To determine the influence of right bundle branch block (RBBB) on right ventricular (RV) size and function, we investigated the association between complete RBBB (CRBBB) and RV volume, function, and dyssynchrony by three-dimensional echocardiography. In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, 103 consecutive patients with adequate three-dimensional echocardiographic images were divided into the CRBBB, middle-range QRS, and narrow QRS group. RV volumetric and functional data were compared between the three groups. Among the 103 patients (44.8 ± 18.7 years, 50 men), the CRBBB group comprised 26 (25%) patients and the middle-range QRS group comprised 48 (47%). The CRBBB group showed a significant contraction delay in the RV inlet free wall and outflow tract; larger RV end-diastolic and systolic volume index (RV-EDVI, RV-ESVI); and lower RV systolic function. On dividing the CRBBB patients into two (with or without mechanical dyssynchrony), those with RV dyssynchrony showed larger RV-EDVI (121 ± 45 vs. 85 ± 25 mL/m 2 , P = 0.019) and RV-ESVI (93 ± 42 vs. 56 ± 20 mL/m 2 , P = 0.009) and smaller RV ejection fraction (24 ± 11 and 34 ± 11%, P = 0.026) than those without RV dyssynchrony. RV dyssynchrony in CRBBB patients might have an adverse effect on RV volume and function. Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography could provide additional and beneficial data during assessment of RV dyssynchrony.

Aims: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) has prognostic significance in heart failure (HF). We aimed to assess the impact of LVDD grade stratified by the updated 2016 echocardiographic algorithm (DD2016) on post-discharge outcomes in patients admitted for acute HF and compare with the previous 2009 algorithm (DD2009)., Methods and Results: The study included 481 patients hospitalized for acute decompensated HF. Comprehensive echocardiography and LVDD evaluation were performed just before hospital discharge. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death and readmission for HF. The concordance between DD2016 and DD2009 was moderate (κ = 0.44, P < 0.001); the reclassification rate was 39%. During the follow-up (median: 15 months), 127 (26%) patients experienced the primary endpoint. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, Grade III in DD2016 showed a lower event-free survival rate than Grades I and II (log rank, P < 0.001 and P = 0.048, respectively) and was independently associated with a higher incidence of the primary endpoint than Grade I [hazard ratio 1.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-3.04; P = 0.009]. Grade II or III in DD2016, reflecting elevation of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure, added an incremental predictive value of the primary endpoint to clinical variables irrespective of LV ejection fraction. DD2016 was comparable to DD2009 in predicting the endpoint (net reclassification improvement = 11%; 95% CI -7% to 30%, P = 0.23)., Conclusion: Despite simplification of the algorithm for LVDD evaluation, the prognostic value of DD2016 for post-discharge cardiovascular events in HF patients was maintained and not compromised in comparison with DD2009., (Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author(s) 2019. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Constrictive Pericarditis (CP) is a curable and reversible form of severe diastolic heart failure. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of published echocardiographic Mayo Clinic Criteria in differentiating 107 patients with surgically proven CP from 30 patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy due to cardiac Amyloidosis. Five principal echocardiographic and Doppler variables were remeasured on preoperative transthoracic echocardiogram namely (1) respiration-related ventricular septal shift; (2) respiratory variation in mitral inflow E pulsed Doppler velocity; 3) tissue Doppler medial mitral annular e' velocity; (4) ratio of medial mitral annular e' to lateral mitral annular e' velocity; and 5) hepatic vein (HV) pulsed Doppler diastolic flow reversal ratio. Etiology of CP included viral/idiopathic or autoimmune (75%), postcardiac surgery (13%) and postradiation (7%). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that (1) respiration related ventricular septal shift, (2) percentage change in Mitral E velocity, (3) medial e' velocity ≥9 cm/sec, (4) medial e'/lateral e' ratio ≥0.91, (5) HV diastolic reversal ratio ≥0.79 were associated with the diagnosis of CP. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that medial e' velocity ≥9 cm/s was independently associated with the diagnosis of CP. Respiration related ventricular septal shift had the highest sensitivity, whereas medial e' velocity ≥9 cm/s has the highest specificity to diagnose CP (Areas under curves 0.99, p 0.001). Combining respiration related ventricular septal shift with medial e' velocity ≥9 cm/s gave a desirable sensitivity (80%) and specificity (92%). Adding reversal ratio to this combination further increased the specificity (97%) but dropped the sensitivity (70%) to diagnose CP., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cardiomyopathies with increased left ventricular wall thickness such as cardiac amyloidosis, septal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and apical HCM exhibit characteristic regional longitudinal strain (LS) patterns. However, between-vendor agreement of segmental and regional LS has not been tested in these diseases. We sought to assess LS values among vendors in specific cardiomyopathies that exhibit regional strain variation: cardiac amyloidosis, septal HCM, and apical HCM., Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of 69 patients (18 amyloidosis, 30 septal HCM, 6 apical HCM, and 15 controls) who underwent clinically indicated outpatient echocardiography at the Cleveland Clinic. Peak systolic segmental, regional (basal, mid, and apical), and global LS were evaluated using GE (EchoPAC), Siemens (Velocity Vector Imaging), and Phillips (QLab) systems in the same imaging session. Between-vendor, differences were analyzed using correlation coefficients, Bland Altman plots, and a mixed model., Results: Global LS was highly correlated among the 3 software packages and most abnormal in patients with amyloidosis (P<0.001). Regional LS analysis demonstrated that QLab software tended to produce more negative LS values, driven by differences in apical strains. EchoPAC had the greatest ability to discriminate patients with amyloidosis using regional strain values (area under the curve, 0.932) as compared with Velocity Vector Imaging and QLab (P<0.001)., Conclusions: Global and regional variations in LS exist between-vendors in patients with cardiomyopathies with increased left ventricular wall thickness (amyloidosis, septal HCM, and apical HCM). It is important to be aware of these differences for diagnosis, prognosis, and serial examinations in these conditions.

Background: In contemporary patients with suspected significant mitral stenosis (MS) undergoing rest and treadmill stress echocardiography, we assessed characteristics and factors associated with longer-term survival., Methods: We studied 515 consecutive patients (asymptomatic/atypical symptoms, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 58±2%; 43% male) with suspected at least moderate MS ([1] native mitral valve [MV]: resting mean MV gradient ≥5 mm Hg or area ≤1.5 cm 2 and [2] prosthetic valve: resting mean MV gradient ≥5 mm Hg or effective orifice area ≤2 cm) who underwent rest and treadmill stress echocardiography between 1/2003 and 12/2013. MS was categorized as rheumatic (n=170, 33%), postsurgical (prior mitral repair/replacement, n=245, 48%), and primary nonrheumatic (n=100, 19%). Primary outcome was all-cause mortality., Results: Mean resting MV gradient and right ventricular systolic pressure were 8.5±3 and 39±13 mm Hg. Patients achieved 95±29% age-sex predicted metabolic equivalents; peak-stress MV gradient and right ventricular systolic pressure were 17±7 and 61±14 mm Hg, respectively. At 54 days (median), 224 (44%) underwent invasive mitral procedure. At 6±4 years, 76 (15%) died. On survival analysis, primary nonrheumatic MS (hazard ratio [HR], 4.92), higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (HR, 1.92), lower % age-sex predicted metabolic equivalents (HR, 1.22), and higher peak-stress right ventricular systolic pressure (HR, 1.35), was associated with higher mortality, while invasive mitral procedures were associated with improved survival (HR, 0.67; all P<0.01)., Conclusions: In asymptomatic patients (or with atypical symptoms) with significant MS undergoing treadmill stress echocardiography, higher mortality was associated with primary nonrheumatic MS, lower % age-sex predicted metabolic equivalents, and higher peak-stress right ventricular systolic pressure, while invasive MV procedures were associated with survival.

Objectives: In this individual participant data meta-analysis on left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), our objective was to: 1) describe its distribution; 2) identify the most predictive cutoff values; and 3) assess its impact on mortality in asymptomatic patients with significant aortic stenosis (AS) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)., Background: The evidence supporting the prognostic role of LVGLS in asymptomatic patients with AS has been obtained from several relatively small studies., Methods: A literature search was performed for studies published between 2005 and 2017 without language restriction according to the following criteria: "aortic stenosis" AND "longitudinal strain." The corresponding authors of selected studies were contacted and invited to share their data that we computerized in a specific database. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality., Results: Among the 10 studies included, 1,067 asymptomatic patients with significant AS and LVEF >50% were analyzed. The median of LVGLS was 16.2% (from 5.6% to 30.1%). There were 91 deaths reported during follow-up with median of 1.8 (0.9 to 2.8) years, resulting in a pooled crude mortality rate of 8.5%. The LVGLS performed well in the prediction of death (area under the curve: 0.68). The best cutoff value identified was LVGLS of 14.7% (sensitivity, 60%; specificity, 70%). Using random effects model, the risk of death for patients with LVGLS <14.7% is multiplied by >2.5 (hazard ratio: 2.62; 95% confidence interval: 1.66 to 4.13; p < 0.0001), without significant heterogeneity between studies (I 2  = 18.3%; p = 0.275). The relationship between LVGLS and mortality remained significant in patients with LVEF ≥60% (p = 0.001)., Conclusions: This individual participant data meta-analysis demonstrates that in asymptomatic patients with significant AS and normal LVEF, impaired LVGLS is associated with reduced survival. These data emphasize the potential usefulness of LVGLS for risk stratification and management of these patients., (Copyright © 2018 American College of Cardiology Foundation. All rights reserved.)

Background: Coronary lesions with low fractional flow reserve (FFR) that are treated medically are associated with higher revascularization rates. High wall shear stress (WSS) has been linked with increased plaque vulnerability., Objectives: This study investigated the prognostic value of WSS measured in the proximal segments of lesions (WSS prox ) to predict myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and hemodynamically significant lesions. The authors hypothesized that in patients with low FFR and stable CAD, higher WSS prox would predict MI., Methods: Among 441 patients in the FAME II (Fractional Flow Reserve Versus Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation II) trial with FFR ≤0.80 who were randomized to medical therapy alone, 34 (8%) had subsequent MI within 3 years. Patients with vessel-related MI and adequate angiograms for 3-dimensional reconstruction (n = 29) were propensity matched to a control group with no MI (n = 29) by using demographic and clinical variables. Coronary lesions were divided into proximal, middle, and distal, along with 5-mm upstream and downstream segments. WSS was calculated for each segment., Results: Median age was 62 years, and 46 (79%) were male. In the marginal Cox model, whereas lower FFR showed a trend (hazard ratio: 0.084; p = 0.064), higher WSS prox (hazard ratio: 1.234; p = 0.002, C-index = 0.65) predicted MI. Adding WSS prox to FFR resulted in a significant increase in global chi-square for predicting MI (p = 0.045), a net reclassification improvement of 0.69 (p = 0.005), and an integrated discrimination index of 0.11 (p = 0.010)., Conclusions: In patients with stable CAD and hemodynamically significant lesions, higher WSS in the proximal segments of atherosclerotic lesions is predictive of MI and has incremental prognostic value over FFR., (Copyright © 2018 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although 2-dimensional strain analyses based on speckle tracking echocardiography have been used to detect myocardial deformation, the prognostic impact of 2-dimensional strain is unclear in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF). We investigated whether left ventricular and right ventricular (RV) strain parameters assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography provide incremental prognostic information in hospitalized patients because of acute decompensated HF., Methods and Results: Six hundred eighteen patients (age, 72±13 years; 38% women; ejection fraction, 46±16%) hospitalized for acute decompensated HF underwent clinical and echocardiographic evaluation just before discharge. We performed strain analyses of left ventricular global longitudinal strain and left ventricular global circumferential strain. We also analyzed RV longitudinal strain only from the free wall (RV-fwLS) and from all segments of the RV global longitudinal strain wall by using Tomtec software. The primary composite end point was cardiovascular death and readmission for HF. There were 34.8% cardiac events during a median follow-up of 427 days. In multivariate Cox models, among echocardiographic parameters, only impaired RV-fwLS (≥-13.1%; hazard ratio, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.12-2.04; P=0.01) was independently associated with cardiac events. Adding RV-fwLS to clinical risk evaluation (age, New York Heart Association class III/IV, blood urea nitrogen, and brain natriuretic peptide) markedly improved prognostic utility and consequently increased net reclassification improvement by 0.30 ( P=0.01)., Conclusions: RV-fwLS is an independent predictor of cardiac events in acute decompensated HF and provides greater prognostic power than standard echocardiographic parameters.

Background: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) scores are used to screen patients for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The STS scores were also used to risk stratify patients in major TAVR trials. This study evaluates the reclassification of predicted risk of mortality by the currently available online STS score calculator compared with the 2008 STS risk model in patients undergoing TAVR., Methods and Results: All patients who underwent TAVR from 2006 to 2016 were included in the study. The STS scores for all included patients were calculated by applying the 2008 STS risk model and again using the current STS online calculator. Among 1209 patients who underwent TAVR, 30-day mortality was 27 (2.2%). The overall predicted risk of mortality estimated by using the current online STS risk calculator was significantly lower than the 2008 STS risk model (6.3±4.4 vs 7.3±4.9; P<0.001). A total of 235 (19%) patients were reclassified into a lower risk category per the current STS risk model. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0-1.9; P=0.03), chronic heart failure (odds ratio, 6.0; 95% CI, 3.8-10.1; P<0.001), and New York Heart Association class IV heart failure (odds ratio, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3-4.4; P=0.007) were more likely to be reclassified into a lower risk category per the current STS risk model., Conclusions: The current STS calculation method produces significantly lower predicted risk of mortality than the 2008 calculator, more pronounced in patients with certain comorbid conditions. These results should be considered while evaluating data from prior studies of TAVR.

Background: A high proportion of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have evidence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)., Objectives: This study sought to assess the incremental prognostic utility of LGE in patients with HCM., Methods: We studied 1,423 consecutive low-/intermediate-risk patients with HCM (age ≥18 years) with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (mean age 66 ± 14 years, 60% men) who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (including dimensions and LV outflow tract gradients) and CMR (including LGE as a % of LV mass) at our center between January 2008 and December 2015. The primary composite endpoint was sudden cardiac death (SCD) and appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge. The percent 5-year SCD risk score was calculated., Results: The mean 5-year SCD risk score was 2.3 ± 2.0. Mean maximal LV outflow tract gradient (TTE) was 70 ± 55 mm Hg (median 74 mm Hg [interquartile range (IQR): 10 to 67 mm Hg]); indexed LV mass and LGE (both on CMR) were 91 ± 10 g/m 2 and 8.4 ± 12% (IQR: 0% to 19%); 50% had LGE on CMR. Of these, 458 were nonobstructive and 965 were obstructive (of which 686 were underwent myectomy). At 4.7 ± 2.0 years of follow-up, 60 (4%) met the composite endpoint. On quadratic spline analysis, LGE ≥15% was associated with increased risk of composite events. In the obstructive subgroup, on competing risk regression analysis, ≥15% LGE (subhazard ratio: 3.04 [95% confidence interval: 1.48 to 6.10]) was associated with a higher rate and myectomy (subhazard ratio: 0.44 [95% confidence interval: 0.20 to 0.76]) was associated with a lower rate of composite endpoints (both p < 0.01). Similarly, sequential addition of LGE ≥15% and myectomy to % 5-year SCD risk score improved the log likelihood ratios from -227.85 to -219.14 (chi-square 17) and to -215.14 (chi-square 8; both p < 0.01). Association of %LGE with composite events was similar even in myectomy and nonobstructive subgroups., Conclusions: In low-/intermediate-risk adult patients with HCM (obstructive, myectomy, and nonobstructive subgroups) with preserved systolic function, %LGE was significantly associated with a higher rate of composite endpoint, providing incremental prognostic utility., (Copyright © 2018 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We sought to study the incremental prognostic impact of baseline valvuloarterial impedance (Zva) and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) in patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) treated with surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). We included 961 consecutive patients (68 ± 13 years; 63% men) with severe aortic stenosis (indexed aortic valve area <0.6 cm 2 ) and LVEF >50% who underwent surgical AVR at our institution between January 2007 and December 2008. The analysis is based on derivation (n = 637) and validation (n = 324) subgroups. Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score was calculated. Zva (systolic arterial pressure + mean aortic valve gradient)/left ventricular stroke volume index and LV-GLS (measured offline using Velocity Vector Imaging; Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, California) were calculated. The primary outcome was death. Median Zva and LV-GLS were 4.5 mm Hg × ml -1  × m 2 and -14.5%, respectively. AVR was performed at a median of 34 days from initial evaluation (isolated AVR in 46%, bioprosthetic AVR in 93%). At 7.5 ± 3 years, 320 patients died (33%; 30 days/in-hospital death in 0.5%). In the derivation subgroup, on multivariate Cox survival analysis, higher STS score (hazard ratio [HR] 1.06), higher Zva (HR 1.13), and worse LV-GLS (HR 1.07) were independently associated with long-term survival (all p <0.01). When Zva and LV-GLS were sequentially added to STS score, the c-statistic improved from 0.63 [0.55 to 0.77] to 0.70 [0.60 to 0.81] and 0.78 [0.69 to 0.83], respectively, all p <0.001). Findings were confirmed in the validation subgroup. In conclusion, in patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved LVEF treated with surgical AVR, baseline Zva and LV-GLS provide improved risk stratification with synergistic prognostic value., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Controlling nutritional status (CONUT) uses 2 biochemical parameters (serum albumin and cholesterol level), and 1 immune parameter (total lymphocyte count) to assess nutritional status. This study examined if CONUT could predict the short-term prognosis of heart failure (HF) patients.A total of 482 (57.5%) HF patients from the Ibaraki Cardiovascular Assessment Study-HF (n = 838) were enrolled (298 men, 71.7 ± 13.6 years). Blood samples were collected at admission, and nutritional status was assessed using CONUT. CONUT scores were defined as follows: 0-1, normal; 2-4, light; 5-8, moderate; and 9-12, severe degree of undernutrition. Accordingly, 352 (73%) patients had light-to-severe nutritional disturbances. The logarithmically transformed plasma brain natriuretic peptide (log BNP) concentration was significantly higher in the moderate-severe nutritional disturbance group (2.92 ± 0.42) compared to the normal group (2.72 ± 0.45, P < 0.01). CONUT scores were significantly higher in the in-hospital death patients [4 (3-8), n = 14] compared with patients who were discharged following symptom alleviation [3 (1-5), n = 446, P < 0.05]. With the exception of transferred HF patients (n = 22), logistic regression analysis that incorporated the CONUT score and the log BNP, showed that a higher CONUT score (P = 0.019) and higher log BNP (P = 0.009) were predictors of in-hospital death, and the median duration of hospital stay was 20 days.Our results demonstrate the usefulness of CONUT scores as predictors of short-term prognosis in hospitalized HF patients.

Introduction: Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is an emerging treatment option for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who cannot tolerate oral anticoagulation. The Watchman device (Boston Scientific Corporation, Natick, MA, USA) is deployed at the ostium of the LAA, and an appropriately sized device is critical for successful occlusion. However, standardized imaging protocols for device sizing have not been established., Objectives: We investigated the clinical utility of a standardized imaging protocol, with pre-procedural multi-detector cardiac computed tomography (MDCT), and intra-procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), for Watchman device sizing., Methods: Patients who underwent Watchman device implantation between 2010 and 2016 at our center, and who had pre-procedural MDCT and intra-procedural TEE were included. MDCT measurements (CTmax, CTmin, CTmean), and TEE measurement (TEEmax) of the LAA ostium were determined for each case, and correlated with the final size of the Watchman device implanted. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were collected., Results: The study included 80 patients (mean age: 75 ± 9.6 years; male: 68%; mean CHA2DS2-VASc score: 4.5 ± 1.4). CTmax of the LAA ostium correlated strongly with the final deployed Watchman device size (Spearman's rho: 0.81, p < 0.001), while TEEmax of the LAA ostium showed only moderate correlation with the final deployed Watchman device size (Spearman's rho: 0.61, p < 0.001). Implantation success rate was 100%. At a mean duration of follow-up of 197 days, there were no device-related complications (device embolization, cardiac perforation and pericardial tamponade). At follow-up, the vast majority of patients (76 patients; 95%) had either no or trivial (≤3 mm) residual peri-device leak on TEE., Conclusions: A standardized imaging protocol for assessment of Watchman device implantation incorporating pre-procedural MDCT and intra-procedural TEE, was associated with excellent procedural outcomes at a mean duration of follow-up of 197 days., (Copyright © 2018 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The objective of the study was to clarify whether controlling nutritional status (CONUT) is useful for predicting the long-term prognosis of patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF). A total of 482 (57.5%) HF patients from the Ibaraki Cardiovascular Assessment Study-HF (N = 838) were enrolled (298 men, 71.7 ± 13.6 years). At admission, blood samples were collected and nutritional status assessed using CONUT. CONUT scores were defined as follows: 0-1, normal; 2-4, light; 5-8, moderate; and 9-12, severe undernutrition. Accordingly, 352 (73%) patients had light-to-severe nutritional disturbances. In the follow-up period [median 541.5 (range 354-786) days], 109 deaths were observed. A Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that all-cause deaths occurred more frequently in HF patients with nutritional disturbances [n = 93 (26.4%)] than in those with normal nutrition [n = 16 (12.3%); log-rank p < 0.001]. The Cox proportional hazard analyses revealed that a per point increase in the CONUT score was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio 1.142; 95% confidence interval, 1.044-1.249) after controlling simultaneously for age, sex, previous history of HF hospitalization, log brain natriuretic peptide, and use of therapeutic agents at admission (tolvaptan and aldosterone antagonists). This study suggests that nutritional screening using CONUT scores is helpful in predicting the long-term prognosis of patients hospitalized with HF in a multicenter registry setting.

The estimation of aortic valve area (AVA) by Doppler echocardiography-derived left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV) remains controversial. We hypothesized that AVA estimated from directly measured LVSV by 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) on the continuity equation might be more accurate in classifying aortic stenosis (AS) severity. We retrospectively enrolled 265 patients with moderate-to-severe AS with preserved ejection fraction. Indexed AVA (iAVA) was calculated using LVSV derived by 2D Doppler (iAVADop), Simpson's method (iAVASimp), and 3DE (iAVA3D). During a median follow-up period of 397 days (interquartile range 197 to 706 days), 135 patients experienced the composite end point (cardiac death 9%, aortic valve replacement 24%, and cardiovascular event 27%). Estimated iAVA3D and iAVASimp were significantly smaller than iAVADop and moderately correlated with peak aortic jet velocity. Upper septal hypertrophy was a major cause of discrepancy between iAVADop and iAVA3D methods. Based on the optimal cut-off point of iAVA for predicting peak aortic jet velocity >4.0 m/s, 141 patients (53%) were classified as severe AS and 124 patients (47%) as moderate AS by iAVADop. Indexed AVA3D classified 118 patients (45%) as severe and 147 patients (55%) as moderate AS. Of the 124 patients with moderate AS by iAVADop, 22 patients (18%) were reclassified as severe AS by iAVA3D and showed poor prognosis (hazard ratio 2.7, 95% CI 1.4 to 5.0; p = 0.001). In conclusion, 3DE might be superior in classifying patients with AS compared with Doppler method, particularly in patients with upper septal hypertrophy., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may improve left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction as well as systolic dysfunction. Diastolic dysfunction is a key for prognosis in patients with heart failure; therefore, we aimed to clarify the impact of CRT on diastolic function and prognosis., Methods: In 67 patients who underwent CRT, LV diastolic function was assessed by pulsed Doppler transmitral flow pattern at baseline and 1 week after CRT, and classified into restrictive filling pattern (RFP) and non-RFP groups. Volume responders were defined by reduction of LV end-systolic volume >15% at 6 months after CRT. The clinical endpoint comprised death from any cause or unplanned hospitalization for a major cardiovascular event (MACE)., Results: During the follow-up period (479 ± 252 days), 26 patients (38.8%) had reached the endpoint of MACE. In Cox proportional hazard analyses, RFP at 1 week after CRT was associated with the endpoints independently of age and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV at baseline. Thirty (44.8%) patients were identified as volume responders, who had better prognosis than non-responders. Patients were classified into 4 groups based on their filling pattern at 1 week after CRT and volume responses. The worst prognosis was observed in the RFP and non-responder group, and the best was observed in the non-RFP and responder group. For the remaining 2 groups with intermediate prognosis, the RFP and responder group showed poorer prognosis compared to the non-RFP and non-responder group., Conclusions: Persistent RFP after CRT may be a strong prognostic predictor, which should be treated with more intensive therapy to improve the prognosis of patients following CRT.

Introduction: Recent research suggests that gay and bisexual men experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at rates comparable to heterosexual women. However, current screening tools used to identify persons experiencing IPV were largely created for use with heterosexual women. Given the high prevalence of IPV among gay and bisexual men in the United States, the lack of IPV screening tools that reflect the lived realities of gay and bisexual men is problematic.This paper describes the development of a short-form IPV screening tool intended to be used with gay and bisexual men., Methods: A novel definition of IPV, informed by formative Focus Group Discussions, was derived from a quantitative survey of approximately 1,100 venue-recruited gay and bisexual men. From this new definition, a draft IPV screening tool was created. After expert review (n=13) and cognitive interviews with gay and bisexual men (n=47), a screening tool of six questions was finalized.A national, online-recruited sample (n=822) was used to compare rates of IPV identified by the novel tool and current standard tools., Results: The six-item, short-form tool created through the six-stage research process captured a significantly higher prevalence of recent experience of IPV compared to a current and commonly used screening tool (30.7% versus 7.5%, p<0.05). The novel short-form tool described additional domains of IPV not currently found in screening tools, including monitoring behaviors, controlling behaviors, and HIV-related IPV. The screener takes less than five minutes to complete and is 6th grade reading level., Conclusion: Gay and bisexual men experiencing IPV must first be identified before services can reach them. Given emergent literature that demonstrates the high prevalence of IPV among gay and bisexual men and the known adverse health sequela of experiencing IPV, this novel screening tool may allow for the quick identification of men experiencing IPV and the opportunity for referrals for the synergistic management of IPV. Future work should focus on implementing this tool in primary or acute care settings in order to determine its acceptability and its feasibility of use more broadly.

Introduction: Despite a recent focus on intimate partner violence (IPV) among men who have sex with men (MSM), the male-male couple is largely absent from the IPV literature. Specifically, research on dyadic factors shaping IPV in male-male couples is lacking., Methods: We took a subsample of 403 gay/bisexual men with main partners from a 2011 survey of approximately 1,000 gay and bisexual men from Atlanta. Logistic regression models of recent (<12 month) experience and perpetration of physical and sexual IPV examined dyadic factors, including racial differences, age differences, and social network characteristics of couples as key covariates shaping the reporting of IPV., Results: Findings indicate that men were more likely to report perpetration of physical violence if they were a different race to their main partner, whereas main partner age was associated with decreased reporting of physical violence. Having social networks that contained more gay friends was associated with significant reductions in the reporting of IPV, whereas having social networks comprised of sex partners or closeted gay friends was associated with increased reporting of IPV victimization and perpetration., Conclusion: The results point to several unique factors shaping the reporting of IPV within male-male couples and highlight the need for intervention efforts and prevention programs that focus on male couples, a group largely absent from both research and prevention efforts.