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Whilst the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remains the primary echocardiographic measure widely utilised for risk stratification following myocardial infarction (MI), it has a number of well recognised limitations. The aim of this study was to compare the prognostic utility of a composite echocardiographic score (EchoScore) composed of prognostically validated measures of left-ventricular (LV) size, geometry and function, to the utility of LVEF alone, for predicting survival following MI.Retrospective data on 394 consecutive patients with a first-ever MI were included. Comprehensive echocardiography was performed within 24 hours of admission for all patients. EchoScore consisted of LVEF50%, left atrial volume index34 mL/mAt a median follow-up of 24 months there were 33 deaths. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, a high EchoScore (3) displayed significant association with all-cause mortality (log-rank χA composite echocardiographic score composed of prognostically validated measures of LV size, geometry, and function is superior to LVEF alone for predicting survival following MI.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • The authors report a novel approach for MV repair. • ULMV is rare in clinical practice. • Comprehensive multimodality cardiac imaging can delineate complex valvular pathology.

Background: Three-dimensional echocardiography (3D-Echo) performed by novice health care staff to measure left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) could allow cost-effective screening and monitoring for left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) prior to the development of heart failure. The aim of this study was to determine feasibility and accuracy of cardiac nurses (after completing focussed training) independently acquiring 3D-Echo images, and measuring LVEF using semi-automated software when compared to an echosonographer. Methods: One echosonographer and three cardiac nurses acquired 3D-Echo images on 73 patients (62 ± 16 years, 62% male) with good image quality, and subsequently measured LVEF using a semi-automated algorithm. Results: Overall feasibility was 89% with the three nurses successfully acquiring 3D-Echo images suitable for LVEF assessment in 65 of the 73 patients. High accuracy (r = 0.82; p < 0.0001) with minimal bias (+0.1, −10.6 to +10.8 limits of agreement; p = 0.91) was observed comparing the nurses to the echosonographer for measuring LVEF. Individual nurses demonstrated high feasibility (86%–92%), accuracy (r = 0.83–0.87; all p < 0.0001) and intra-observer reproducibility (r = 0.96–0.97; all p < 0.0001), with good inter-observer consistency in accuracy compared to the echosonographer (one-way analysis of variance p = 0.559). Conclusions: We have demonstrated that, following a focussed training protocol, it was feasible for cardiac nurses to acquire 3D-Echo images of sufficient image quality to allow measurement of LVEF using a semi-automated algorithm, with comparable accuracy and intra-observer variability to an expert echosonographer. This could potentially allow the broader application of echocardiography to screen for LVSD in high-risk cohorts.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cardiovascular genetic disorder. While our mechanistic understanding has been informed by elegant gene discovery studies that led to the term "disease of the sarcomere", more recent investigations have challenged the single-gene hypothesis. Multimodality imaging has allowed better phenotyping to facilitate early diagnosis, identify treatable phenocopies, and guide management. While HCM remains an important cause of sudden death, recent studies have reported a substantial cumulative burden of heart failure and atrial fibrillation in middle-aged and older individuals. Nonetheless, improvements in risk stratification have allowed early intervention to transition HCM from being a common cause of sudden death in the young to a treatable chronic disease.

The E/e' ratio has an established role in the assessment of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) in stable patients, but its accuracy in acute myocardial ischemia is less well established. The aim of this study was to validate the relation between the E/e' ratio and invasively measured LVFP in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). A total of 120 unselected patients with NSTEMI underwent cardiac catheterization with measurement of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP; elevated ≥15 mm Hg) and Doppler echocardiography with either simultaneous (n = 30) or same-day (n = 90) measurement of E/e'. Patients were aged 64.1 ± 11.8 years, 72% were male and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 48.0 ± 20.9%. Septal, lateral, and average E/e' ratios all showed a significant correlation with LVEDP (Pearson's r: 0.42, 0.43, 0.48, respectively [all p0.001]). Receiver operating characteristics curves showed an area under the curve of 0.72, 0.72, and 0.75 (all p0.001) for septal, lateral, and average E/e', respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV), and negative (NPV) predictive values for the guideline-recommended threshold of average E/e'14 for elevated LVEDP was 27%, 93%, 79%, and 44%, respectively. Utilizing lower E/e' boundaries of 6, 7, and 8 for lateral, average, and medial E/e', respectively, improved the NPV to ≥80% for each parameter. In conclusion, the E/e' ratio is a robust measure of LVFP during acute NSTEMI using upper and lower thresholds to achieve a high PPV and NPV, respectively, with the use of adjunctive guideline-recommend measures required in patients with nonconclusive E/e'.

The 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Echocardiography (ASE/EACVI) guidelines on the assessment of diastolic function sought to simplify the assessment of diastolic function by recommending a streamlined, stepped approach with a focus on four key variables. Haemodynamic validation using simultaneous cardiac catheterisation and echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function have shown robust prediction of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) using the streamlined 2016 algorithms, with favourable comparisons to the 2009 guidelines. Similarly, prognostic validation data demonstrates that the 2016 algorithms are easier to implement in clinical practice, have superior inter-observer reliability across a broad range of observer experience, and are better at predicting clinical outcomes. Furthermore, published data show improved classification of clinical heart failure patients. However, increased specificity of the updated 2016 guidelines results in a lower prevalence of diastolic dysfunction compared to the 2009 recommendations. Further refinement of guidelines for the identification and diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction is possible through incorporation of new diastolic parameters.

The inter-relationships between minimal and maximal left atrial volume index (LAVI), left ventricular filling pressures and survival have not been well studied. This study aimed to compare LAVImin with LAVImax with respect to (1) relative prognostic value, and (2) correlation with left ventricular end-diastolic pressures (LVEDP), in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). A retrospective study involving consecutive patients with a first-ever MI (n = 419) was undertaken. LAVIs were determined using Simpson's biplane method from 2D echocardiography performed the day after admission. LAVmin ≥ 18 mls/m2 and LAVImax ≥ 34 mls/m2 were considered enlarged. The primary end point was composite major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (death/MI/heart failure). Correlation between LVEDP and LAVI was assessed in 120 patients who underwent echocardiography and cardiac catheterization either simultaneously (n = 30) or same-day (n = 90). At a median follow-up of 24 months, there were 61 MACE events. On Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis incorporating significant clinical predictors and LVEF, whereas both LAVImin ≥ 18 mls/m2 (hazard ratio 3.15 [95% confidence interval 1.70 to 5.54], p

Oh et al. ([1][1]) recently proposed unifying the 2 algorithms currently recommended in the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (ASE/EACVI) guidelines for the assessment of diastolic dysfunction (DD) and left ventricular filling pressures (LVFPs

In the intravenous drug user (IVDU) population, infected right-sided valvular lesions are common, and this has been well described in the literature. The Eustachian valve (also known as the valve of the inferior vena cava) is another valve in close proximity to the tricuspid valve, which can, in rare cases, be the focus of infection. Eustachian valve endocarditis may be an under-recognised complication of Staphylococcus bacteraemia in IVDU population, often only identified by transesophageal imaging. We present a case of tricuspid valve endocarditis in an IVDU with secondary seeding on the Eustachian valve, and an accompanying literature review on this rare topic.

Background Guidelines recommend functional testing for myocardial ischaemia in the perioperative setting in patients with greater than one recognised cardiac risk factor and self-reported reduced exercise capacity. Aim To determine the clinical utility of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) for perioperative risk stratification in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. Methods Data on 79 consecutive patients undergoing DSE for perioperative risk stratification at a single centre were retrospectively reviewed to determine rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during the index hospitalisation and 30 days post-discharge. Echocardiography and outcome data were obtained through a folder audit and echolab database. Results Out of the 79 DSE performed for perioperative risk stratification, 11 (14%) were positive (DSE +ve) and 68 (86%) were negative (DSE -ve). Management in the DSE +ve group included medical optimisation without invasive intervention (n = 7(64%)), diagnostic coronary angiography (n = 3(27%)) and coronary artery bypass graft (n = 1(9%)). None of the patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention preoperatively. Perioperative MACE in the DSE +ve group was 36% compared to 4% in the DSE-ve group (P = 0.006). DSE +ve was a powerful predictor of perioperative inpatient MACE (OR 12.4, 95% CI 2.3-67, P = 0.003). The positive predictive value of DSE +ve status was 36%, whereas the negative predictive value of DSE-ve status for perioperative MACE was 96%. Conclusion DSE for perioperative risk stratification had a high clinical utility in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. In particular, a normal DSE had a high negative predictive value for perioperative MACE.

A 42-year-old man presented with acute onset substernal chest pain. His only cardiac risk factor was mild, medicated dyslipidaemia and he was a lifelong non-smoker. He had a healthy body mass index and exercised regularly. There was no history of previous thromboembolic events or known haematological disease. On arrival to the emergency department, he was haemodynamically stable. Electrocardiogram initially showed sinus rhythm with biphasic anterior lead T wave inversion that resolved before angiogram (Box 1). Cardiac high sensitivity troponins were positive, peaking at 2479 ng/L (reference range, < 20 ng/L), while the remaining laboratory tests, including white cell count and inflammatory markers, were unremarkable. Telemetry throughout admission did not identify arrhythmia. Coronary angiography to investigate the source of the troponin leak showed normal coronary arteries (Box 2). Subsequent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed localised hypokinesia of mid-anteroseptum and apical cap with non-contiguous subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement in mid-septum and distal cap (Box 3), raising the possibility of embolic events. Transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated regional wall motion abnormalities with mid-anteroseptal and apical hypokinesis, with an early positive agitated saline bubble study and evidence of right-to-left shunt suspicious of patent foramen ovale (PFO). Subsequent transoesophageal echocardiogram confirmed moderate sized PFO with shunt present both at rest and after Valsalva manoeuvre. Ultrasound of the lower limbs showed superficial saphenous vein thromboembolism (unprovoked) but no deep vein thrombosis. Remaining investigations, including a thrombophilia screen, were unremarkable. After discussion with the patient, he was commenced on anticoagulation for 2 months until he underwent successful percutaneous PFO closure, at which point he was transitioned to antiplatelet therapy.

Objectives: The electrocardiograph (ECG) is an essential tool in initial management and risk stratification of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A six-point reporting criterion has been proposed to facilitate standardized clinical assessment of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected ACS. We set out to evaluate the efficacy of these criteria in identifying patients with major adverse cardiac events (MACE), Type 1 myocardial infarction (T1MI), Type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI), and 1-year mortality in a cohort of emergency patients with chest pain. Methods: This was an analysis of data from 2,349 patients who presented to the ED with chest pain between 2008 and 2013. Data were collected as part of two prospective trials. ECGs were recorded at presentation and categorized according to the six-point criteria by local cardiologists blinded to all clinical information. The primary outcome was 30-day MACE, including T1MI, T2MI, unstable angina pectoris, revascularization, and 30-day mortality. The outcome was adjudicated by cardiologists on the basis of all clinical information and test results. Likelihood ratios and odds ratios for 30-day MACE were reported for each ECG category. Results: Major adverse cardiac events were diagnosed in 264 (11.3%) patients. Increasing ischemic abnormalities in ECGs, as categorized by the standardized reporting criteria, were associated with increasing rates of MACE. Within 30 days, T1MI occurred in 148 (6.3%) patients and T2MI occurred in 59 (2.5%) patients. Risk for T1MI increased with higher classification of ECG abnormalities. T2MI rates were highest in patients with ECGs of nonspecific changes. Conclusions: The rates of MACE, T1MI, and 1-year death can be stratified according to standardized ECG criteria in patients presenting to the ED with chest pain. The ECG findings in patients with T2MI are variable, and the ECG is less helpful in defining risk in this group.

Graphical abstract The investigators present a rare case of myofibrillar cardiomyopathy in an 18-year-old male patient in which echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and genetic testing played complementary roles. At the top, the parasternal long- and short-axis views of the heart document increased wall thickness and normal systolic function. Significant diastolic dysfunction was present. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (bottom) showed delayed enhancement in thickened segments and was not suggestive of cardiac amyloid or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Quadriceps muscle biopsy showed histopathology compatible with myofibrillar myopathy. Subsequent genetic testing confirmed a novel desmin gene mutation as the cause., Highlights • Restrictive cardiomyopathies pose a diagnostic challenge. • Echocardiography is the key initial investigation that allows assessment of cardiac morphology and function, but it also provides clues as to etiology. • Cardiac magnetic resonance and echocardiography have complementary roles in the diagnostic workup of cardiomyopathies. • Cardiac imaging in cardiomyopathies has two distinct roles: it allows assessment of cardiac morphology and function, and it provides clues about the etiology of cardiomyopathies.

Background Recent data suggests that the majority of cardiac deaths in patients with heart failure occur in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >35%. This study sought to determine the value of guideline based assessment of diastolic dysfunction in predicting all-cause mortality in patients with a first-ever myocardial infarction (MI) with an LVEF >35%. Methods A retrospective single centre study involving 383 patients with a first-ever MI (STEMI or NSTEMI) with LVEF >35% was performed. Clinical, angiographic and echocardiographic data were obtained from prospectively maintained institutional databases. Outcomes data were obtained from national death registry. Echocardiography was performed early post-admission for all patients. Significant diastolic dysfunction (DD) was defined was grade 2/3 diastolic dysfunction according to current American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines. Results At a median follow up of 2 years, there were 32 deaths. On Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis incorporating significant clinical variables (age, chronic kidney disease and extent of coronary artery disease), significant DD (HR 2.57, 95%CI 1.16–5.68, p = 0.020) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (HR 1.03, 1.04–1.07, p = 0.021) were the only independent echocardiographic predictors of all-cause mortality. Intermodel comparisons using model χ2 and Harrel's-C confirmed incremental value of DD. In the subgroup with LVEF 36–55% (n = 176), significant DD was the only independent echocardiographic predictor (HR 3.56, 95%CI 2.46–9.09, p = 0.006). Conclusions The presence of significant DD identifies patients with LVEF >35% following MI who are at a higher risk of all-cause mortality, and who may benefit from further risk stratification and treatment., Highlights • The majority of deaths in heart failure patients occur in patients with LVEF>35%. • Diastolic dysfunction identifies elevated risk of death in patients with LVEF>35%. • Diastolic dysfunction thus identifies patients for further risk stratification.

Background: The determinants of severe diastolic dysfunction (DD) following myocardial infarction (MI) are not well defined. This study sought to define the determinants of severe DD (restrictive mitral inflow pattern on Doppler echocardiography [RFP]) in patients with a first-ever MI, with particular emphasis on the impact of infarct size. Methods: Retrospective single-centre study including consecutive patients admitted to a tertiary referral centre with a first-ever non-ST-elevation-MI (NSTEMI) or ST-elevation-MI (STEMI) (n=477). Peak troponin-I (Peak-TnI) was used as the principal measure of infarct size, whilst left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and wall motion score index (WMSI) were regarded as surrogate measures. Echocardiography was performed within 24 hours of admission for all patients. RFP was defined as E/A ratio >2.0 or E/A ratio >1.5 and E-wave deceleration time

Introduction A 67-year-old male presented with progressive exertional dyspnoea, night sweats and 25 kg of weight loss over 2 years. He was febrile, 38.0°C, hypotensive and tachycardiac. Pulsus paradoxus was present. His electrocardiogram showed electrical alternans. He had previously had acute myeloid leukaemia treated with three cycles of chemotherapy. Results The patient was found to have a 3.6 cm pericardial effusion with features consistent with tamponade and three cardiac masses (largest 10 × 9 × 5 cm) and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. He had 825 mL of pericardial fluid drained from which cytology was consistent with extramedullary leukaemia. A bone marrow aspirate and trephine was normal. Conclusion The findings suggested extramedullary recurrence of leukaemia in the pericardium, without bone marrow involvement.

Background: Recent American Society of Echocardiography and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines for the assessment of diastolic dysfunction (DD) recommend a simplified approach with four key variables incorporated into a novel diagnostic algorithm. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of significant DD assessed using the algorithm recommended in the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines (DD2016) in comparison with the prognostic value of significant DD assessed using the 2009 guidelines (DD2009) as well as the individual parameters incorporated in the 2016 algorithm.Methods: Retrospective data on 419 consecutive patients with first ever myocardial infarction were included. Doppler echocardiography was performed within 24 hours of admission in all patients. Significant DD was defined as grade 2 or 3 DD. The primary outcome measure was composite major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), comprising death, myocardial infarction, and heart failure.Results: At a median follow-up of 24 months, there were 61 MACEs. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, DD2016 showed a better association with MACEs than DD2009 (log-rank chi(2) = 21.01 [P < .001] vs 13.13 [P = .001]). On Cox proportional-hazards multivariate analysis incorporating significant clinical predictors and left ventricular ejection fraction, DD2016 (hazard ratio, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.25-3.98; P = .007) was the strongest independent predictor of MACEs, whereas DD2009 (hazard ratio, 1.63; 95% CI, 0.95-2.80; P = .074) was not a significant predictor. Of the four key diastolic parameters, only left atrial volume index was independently associated with MACEs (hazard ratio, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.02-3.14; P = .041) when included in a Cox proportional-hazards multivariate model incorporating significant clinical predictors and left ventricular ejection fraction, although the association was weaker than DD2016. Intermodel comparisons with model chi(2) and Harrell's C statistic were satisfactory for DD2016.Conclusions: Significant DD assessed using the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines is a robust independent predictor of clinical outcomes following myocardial infarction and compares favorably with DD2009 as well as the individual parameters incorporated in the novel 2016 algorithm.

A 24-year-old female with a diagnosis of primary carnitine deficiency, a rare inherited metabolic disorder predominantly described in the paediatric literature that causes cardiomyopathy, presented for evaluation after three months of nonadherence with prescribed carnitine therapy. Initial echocardiography demonstrated severe left ventricular dilation (104 ml/m2) (normal 2) with moderate systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction 40%) and severe right ventricular dilation with mild systolic dysfunction. Carnitine replacement was commenced, and a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed five days later demonstrated dramatic improvement in biventricular function with normalization of left and right ventricular systolic function. To our knowledge, this is only the second case describing the rapid reversal of cardiomyopathy in an adult patient with this rare condition.

Aims and Objectives We aimed to determine the feasibility of training cardiac nurses to evaluate left ventricular function utilising a semi-automated, workstation-based protocol on three dimensional echocardiography images. Background Assessment of left ventricular function by nurses is an attractive concept. Recent developments in three dimensional echocardiography coupled with border detection assistance have reduced inter- and intra-observer variability and analysis time. This could allow abbreviated training of nurses to assess cardiac function. Design A comparative, diagnostic accuracy study evaluating left ventricular ejection fraction assessment utilising a semi-automated, workstation-based protocol performed by echocardiography-naive nurses on previously acquired three dimensional echocardiography images. Methods Nine cardiac nurses underwent two brief lectures about cardiac anatomy, physiology and three dimensional left ventricular ejection fraction assessment, before a hands-on demonstration in 20 cases. We then selected 50 cases from our three dimensional echocardiography library based on optimal image quality with a broad range of left ventricular ejection fractions, which was quantified by two experienced sonographers and the average used as the comparator for the nurses. Nurses independently measured three dimensional left ventricular ejection fraction using the Auto lvq package with semi-automated border detection. Results The left ventricular ejection fraction range was 25–72% (70% with a left ventricular ejection fraction 2 weeks later) retest. Conclusions It is feasible to train nurses to measure left ventricular ejection fraction utilising a semi-automated, workstation-based protocol on previously acquired three dimensional echocardiography images. Further study is needed to determine the feasibility of training nurses to acquire three dimensional echocardiography images on real-world patients to measure left ventricular ejection fraction. Relevance to clinical practice Nurse-performed evaluation of left ventricular function could facilitate the broader application of echocardiography to allow cost-effective screening and monitoring for left ventricular dysfunction in high-risk populations.

We sought the correlation between duration of myocardial ischemia and severe left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (restrictive filling pattern [RFP]) in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Duration of ischemia determines infarct size and survival after STEMI. However, the impact of duration of ischemia on LV diastolic function has not been previously studied. Ninety-five consecutive patients with first-ever STEMI underwent transthoracic echocardiography 3 days after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). RFP was defined as a mitral inflow E/A ratio2.0 and/or E-wave deceleration time140 ms. Composite major adverse cardiovascular events (death, reinfarction, heart failure, revascularization) were determined at 12 months. Twenty patients (21%) had RFP on day 3. Symptom-to-reperfusion time in the RFP group was 413 ± 287 versus 252 ± 138 minutes in the non-RFP group (p = 0.014). Peak troponin T levels were higher in the RFP group (12.2 ± 8.4 vs 5.7 ± 3.6 ng/ml, p = 0.002). Logistic regression identified symptom-to-reperfusion time (hazard ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.03, p = 0.010) and infarct size by peak troponin T levels (hazard ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.14 to 2.10, p = 0.005) as independent predictors of RFP. Major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 10 patients (50%) in the RFP group and 6 patients (8%) in the non-RFP group. On multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, RFP was an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events at 12 months (hazard ratio 5.43, 95% confidence interval 1.52 to 19.39, p = 0.001). In conclusion, delayed reperfusion after STEMI was associated with severe LV diastolic dysfunction, which in turn independently predicted adverse long-term outcomes. LV diastolic dysfunction represents a significant pathophysiologic link among duration of myocardial ischemia, infarct size, and outcomes.

Background— The estimation of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure from the ratio of transmitral and annular velocities (E/e′) after exercise echocardiography may identify diastolic dysfunction in patients who complain of exertional dyspnea. This study sought to determine the relative contributions of exercise E/e′ and ischemia to outcomes in patients referred for exercise echocardiography. Methods and Results— Rest and exercise E/e′ were obtained in 522 patients referred for exercise echocardiography, who were followed for cardiovascular death and hospitalization over a median of 13.2 months. Exercise E/e′ >2 SD from normal was used to denote raised LV filling pressure with stress (n=75), and ischemia (n=250) was identified by inducible wall motion abnormalities. There were 65 cardiovascular hospitalizations during the follow-up period. Survival analysis showed patients without ischemia and with normal exercise E/e′ to have a better prognosis than those with ischemia, with or without raised exercise E/e′ ( P =0.003) and the outcomes of patients with isolated raised exercise E/e′ and isolated ischemia to be similar. Exercise E/e′ was most valuable in patients with normal resting E/e′; those with elevation with exercise had a worse outcome than those with normal exercise E/e′ ( P =0.014). Exercise capacity (hazard ratio, 0.893; P =0.008), exercise wall motion score index (hazard ratio, 1.507; P 14.5 (hazard ratio, 2.988; P =0.002) were independent predictors of outcome. The addition of exercise E/e′ to exercise capacity and wall motion score index resulted in an increment in model power to predict adverse outcome ( P =0.006). Conclusions— Exercise E/e′ is associated with cardiovascular hospitalization, independent of and incremental to inducible ischemia.

Background: There is a paucity of data on outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) caused by left main stem (LMS) thrombosis. Objectives: We sought to determine (i) the clinical features, (ii) correlates of early mortality, and (iii) long-term outcomes in contemporary patients undergoing primary PCI for unprotected LMS thrombosis. Methods: From 1,115 consecutive primary PCI cases at two tertiary referral centers between January 2004 and September 2007, 28 cases (2.5%) with unprotected LMS culprit lesions were identified. Data were obtained from review of institutional databases, folder audit, telephone survey of patients, and independent review of angiograms. Results: The mean age of patients was 68 ± 14 years. Males comprised 76%, and 21% had diabetes. Significant morbidity was noted at presentation: shock in 18 (62%), pulmonary oedema in 15 (52%), and cardiac arrest in 10 (35%) patients, respectively. Lesion location was ostial in 7 (25%), body in 8 (29%), and distal in 13 (46%) patients, respectively. Angiographic success was achieved in 24 patients (83%). Stents were deployed in 27 patients (96%); drug-eluting stents in 11 patients (39%). No patient required in-hospital CABG. Cumulative in-hospital mortality was 36%. Univariate predictors of in-hospital mortality included shock, preceding cardiac arrest, and angiographic failure (all P < 0.05). At a mean follow-up of 26 ± 12 months in hospital survivors, there were two TVR (elective CABGs), one death, and no reinfarctions. Conclusion: We report a lower than previously reported in-hospital mortality of 36% in contemporary patients undergoing primary PCI for unprotected LMS thrombosis. Long-term outcomes in hospital survivors appear favorable. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

This study sought to determine the prevalence as well as clinical and electrocardiographic correlates of patients referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who had angiographically normal coronary arteries. Data for 690 consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) referred for primary PCI within a metropolitan area health service were reviewed. Characteristics of patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries (n = 87; 13%) were compared with patients with angiographically shown culprit lesions (control group; n = 594). Nine patients with significant coronary disease, but no identifiable culprit lesion, were excluded. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) from both groups were reviewed by 2 cardiologists blinded to angiographic findings. Patients in the normal coronaries group were younger and had fewer risk factors. On expert review of ECGs, 55% of patients in the normal coronaries group had ST-elevation criteria for STEMI (vs 93% in the control group; p

Introduction: Severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is associated with worse prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Twenty percent of patients have a restrictive filling pattern (RFP) following MI, and this is associated with a fourfold increase in mortality. The determinants of diastolic function in this setting are not well defined. Aim: We sought to determine the correlation between enzymatic infarct size and RFP in patients with a first ever MI. We hypothesized that a larger infarct size would result in greater impairment of left ventricular diastolic function. Methods: Data analysis was performed on consecutive patients admitted with first ever non-ST elevation MI (NSTEMI) or ST-elevation MI (STEMI) to a single large tertiary referral hospital from January 2013 to December 2014. All patients underwent coronary angiography during the index admission. Infarct size was determined by peak troponin I. Doppler transmitral flow pattern was obtained from the initial transthoracic echocardiogram performed within 48 hours of admission. RFP was defined as: E/A ratio >2.0 and/or E-wave deceleration time Results: Data were available on 645 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography for MI. We excluded 160 patients with a previous MI. Of the remaining 485 patients (mean age 62±13 years; mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 53±12%), there were 338 NSTEMIs (70%) and 147 STEMIs (30%). PCI was performed in 360 (74%) patients (single vessel (82%), ≥2 vessels (18%)); coronary artery bypass surgery in 58 (13%); and medical management in 67 (13%). Sixty-nine patients (14.4%) had RFP; 52% of these had a LVEF ≥45%. Peak troponin I levels were higher in the RFP group (31.8±30.9μg/L vs 16.8±25.2μg/L, p= Conclusion: Infarct size was a major determinant of diastolic dysfunction following first ever MI. Whilst LV systolic dysfunction was strongly associated with impaired diastolic function, 52% of patients with severe diastolic dysfunction had relatively preserved LVEF.