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Several studies have shown an association between aortic stenosis (AS) and coronary atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate the gender differences in aortic valve calcium (AVC) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) and the association between CAC and allcause mortality in patients with severe AS. A total of 260 patients (80 7 years, 39% men) with severe AS who were scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) were included. AVC and CAC before TAVI were assessed by noncontrast cardiac computed tomography. Patients with coronary intervention or aortic valve replacement before cardiac computed tomography were excluded. Standard reference values of CAC score were used to classify the percentile groups and the distribution of AVC was assessed. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. In men, the AVC score was 3,911 Hounsfield units (HUs) (interquartile range [IQR] 2,525 to 5,259) and in women, 2,409 HU (IQR 1,588 to 3,359) (p

Cardiac involvement is the main cause of death in Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). Identification of left ventricular (LV) function is crucial, but standard echocardiographic measurements such as LV ejection fraction (LVEF) might not be sensitive enough to detect early myocardial dysfunction. We explored the value of LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) as a more accurate echocardiographic parameter to detect and monitor LV dysfunction in BMD. Furthermore, we studied possible factors associated with LV dysfunction and progression. A total of 40 patients with BMD (age 39.0 +/- 13.2 years) and 21 matched controls were included. Clinical variables, pulmonary tests, serum biomarkers, and echocardiograms were collected at baseline and after 2 years. LV systolic function was assessed by LVEF and LV GLS; a significant progression in LV dysfunction was defined as an absolute LV GLS deterioration >= 15%. Responsiveness to cardiac disease progression was determined using standardized response means. Patients showed impaired LVEF and LV GLS compared with controls (p

Aims Aortic stenosis (AS) induces left atrial (LA) remodelling through the increase of left ventricular (LV) filling pressures. Peak LA longitudinal strain (PALS), reflecting LA reservoir function, has been proposed as a prognostic marker in patients with AS. Feature-tracking (FT) multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) allows assessment of LA strain from MDCT data. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between PALS using FT MDCT and survival in patients with severe AS who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods and results A total of 376 patients (mean age 80 ± 7 years, 53% male) who underwent MDCT before TAVI and had suitable data for assessment of PALS using dedicated FT software, were included. The patients were classified into four groups according to PALS quartiles; PALS > 19.3% (Q1, highest reservoir function), 15.0–19.3% (Q2), 9.1–14.9% (Q3), and ≤9.0% (Q4, lowest reservoir function). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. During a median of 45 (22–68) months follow-up, 148 patients (39%) died. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, PALS was independently associated with all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.044, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.012–1.076, P = 0.006]. Compared with patients in Q1, patients in Q3 and Q4 were associated with higher risk of mortality after TAVI [HR: 2.262 (95% CI: 1.335–3.832), P = 0.002 for Q3, HR: 3.116 (95% CI: 1.864–5.210), P < 0.001 for Q4]. Conclusion PALS assessed with FT MDCT is independently associated with all-cause mortality after TAVI.

Left ventricular (LV) systolic function is a prognostic factor in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) data are key in the evaluation of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and when acquired retrospectively, LV systolic function can be assessed. Novel software permits assessment of LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) from MDCT data.The present study investigated the feasibility of feature tracking MDCT-derived LV GLS and its agreement with echocardiographic LV GLS in patients treated with TAVI.LV GLS was measured on transthoracic echocardiography using speckle tracking analysis and on dynamic MDCT using feature tracking technology. Agreement between the measurements of two different modalities was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis.A total of 214 patients (51% male, mean age: 80 ± 7 years) were analysed. Mean LV GLS on echocardiography was -13.91 ± 4.32%, whereas mean feature tracking MDCT-derived GLS was -12.46 ± 3.97%. Correlation of measurements between feature tracking MDCT-derived LV GLS and echocardiographic LV GLS demonstrated a large effect size (r = 0.791, p 0.001). On Bland-Altman analysis, feature tracking MDCT-derived strain analysis underestimated LV GLS compared to echocardiography with a mean difference of 1.44% (95% limits of agreement -3.85% - 6.73%).Assessment of LV GLS on dynamic feature tracking MDCT data is feasible in TAVI patients. Compared to speckle tracking echocardiography, feature tracking MDCT underestimates the value of LV GLS.

Background Cardiac involvement is an important cause of hospitalization and mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and advanced echocardiographic measures such as left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) have already demonstrated to improve risk-stratification. However, possible sex differences in echocardiographic parameters including LV GLS have not been explored so far. Purpose To compare standard and advanced echocardiographic parameters between men and women with SSc and evaluate their association with cardiovascular outcomes. Methods A total of 746 SSc patients from four different centers were included of which 628 (84%, 54±13 years) women and 118 (16%, 55±15 years) men. Baseline transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) data with standard and advanced (LV GLS) measurements as well as clinical characteristics were analysed. The study endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalisations. Results Men and women showed several differences in terms of disease characteristics: greater modified Rodnan skin score, higher prevalence of diffuse cutaneous SSc, lung fibrosis and myositis, more impaired pulmonary function (DLCO) and higher creatine phosphokinase were observed in men, while women were characterized by longer disease duration, higher NT-proBNP and lower glomerular filtration rate. By TTE, men showed larger LV indexed volumes, lower LV ejection fraction and more impaired LV GLS [−19% (IQR −20% to −17%) vs. −21% (IQR: −22% to −19%, p Conclusions Among patients with SSc, LV GLS is more impaired in men as compared to women even after matching for clinical characteristics, and its impairment is associated with higher prevalence of death and cardiovascular hospitalization. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Kontext: Ackoliv na depresi se v doporucenich AHA a EACPR již pohliži jako na rizikový faktor kardiovaskularnich onemocněni (KVO), k dispozici mame malo genderově zaměřene literatury. Studie prokazaly, že prevalence deprese může být v urcitem věku u žen vyssi a predisponuje ženy k umrti z kardiovaskularnich (KV) přicin významněji než muže. Cil: Cilem naseho clanku bylo podat přehled soucasných důkazů svědcicich pro prevalenci KVO a deprese u žen, nalezt spojitost mezi depresi a KVO u teto populace a urcit možne biologicke mechanismy, ktere zodpovidaji za tento vztah. Metody: Prochazeli jsme původni sděleni a metaanalýzy publikovane před 20. 4. 2019. Výsledky: Nas přehledový clanek rozpoznal konzistentni spojitost mezi depresi a KVO u žen a prediktivni hodnotu deprese u mortality z KV přicin, take jsou zde zdůrazněny některe možne patofyziologicke mechanismy zodpovědne za tento vztah zvlastě u žen. Zavěry: Ženy castěji zaživaji nedostatecnou socialni podporu a socialni integraci stejně jako depresi, ktera vede k nežadoucim parametrům týkajicim se KVO a zesiluje riziko umrti z kardialnich přicin, casne hodnoceni psychosocialnich rizikových faktorů i u žen s nizkým rizikem KVO bude prvořade pro to, abychom se vyhnuli budoucim komplikacim a definovali efektivni nacasovani kognitivně založene intervence. © 2019, CKS.

Aims Peak left atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) is a marker of the left atrial (LA) reservoir function. Novel feature tracking (FT) software allows assessment of LA strain from multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) data. This study aimed at evaluating the agreement between speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and FT MDCT for the measurement of PALS in patients with sinus rhythm (SR) and with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and results The current study included 318 patients (80 ± 7 years, 54% male) with dynamic MDCT data acquired prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation. PALS was measured by transthoracic echocardiography using STE (PALSecho) and MDCT using dedicated FT software (PALSCT). In the overall population, the median values of PALSecho and PALSCT were 19.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 12.0–25.0] % and 15.3 (IQR 9.2–19.7) %, respectively. High correlation between PALSecho and PALSCT was observed (r = 0.789, P Conclusion PALSecho and PALSCT showed a good agreement in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) regardless of the cardiac rhythm. FT MDCT may be an important adjuvant modality for assessing LA reservoir function in patients with severe AS.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the agreement between three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for assessing mitral annular (MA) dimensions. A total of 105 patients (79 ± 9 years old, 52% male) who underwent clinically indicated 3D TEE and MDCT feasible for MA geometrical assessment were included. Using dedicated semi-automated postprocessing software, MA geometry, including mitral annular area (MAA), perimeter, septal-lateral (SL) diameter, and inter-trigonal (TT) diameter, was evaluated using 3D TEE and MDCT. Compared to 3D TEE, MAA, perimeter, and SL distance measured on MDCT data were larger (9.9 ± 3.0 vs. 9.3 ± 3.1 cm2 for MAA, 115 ± 18 vs. 108 ± 18 mm for perimeter, and 35 ± 5 vs. 32 ± 5 cm for SL distance, all p &lt, 0.001). By contrast, the TT distance was comparable between MDCT and 3D TEE (26 ± 4 vs. 26 ± 4 cm, p = 0.258). The correlations of all the MA dimensions were good to excellent between the two modalities (R = 0.911 for MAA, 0.890 for perimeter, 0.739 for TT distance, and 0.857 for SL distance, respectively, all p &lt, 0.001). This study showed good agreement between 3D TEE- and MDCT-derived MA measurements although MDCT systematically provided larger MAA, perimeter, and SL distance compared with 3D TEE.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with potential cardiovascular involvement. The aim of this study was to assess left ventricular (LV) systolic function in a large cohort of patients with SLE using standard echocardiographic measurements and global longitudinal strain (GLS) by two-dimensional speckle-tracking analysis. Furthermore, the association between echocardiographic parameters and the occurrence of cardiovascular events was assessed.Methods: A total of 102 patients with SLE (88% women; mean age, 43 ± 14 years) undergoing a dedicated multidisciplinary assessment were analyzed, including echocardiography, at the time of their first visit. A control group consisted of 50 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects.Results: Compared with control subjects, patients with SLE showed impaired LV systolic function on the basis of LV ejection fraction (51 ± 6% vs 62 ± 6%, P < .001) and by LV GLS (-15 ± 3% vs -19 ± 2%, P < .001). During a median follow-up period of 2 years (interquartile range, 1-6 years), 38 patients (37%) developed cardiovascular events. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients with SLE with more impaired LV GLS (on the basis of the median value of -15%) experienced higher cumulative rates of cardiovascular events compared with those with less impaired LV GLS (χ2 = 8.292, log-rank P = .004). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, LV GLS demonstrated an independent association with cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 2.171; 95% CI, 1.015-4.642; P = .046), whereas LV ejection fraction was not significantly associated with the outcome.Conclusions: In patients with SLE, LV systolic function as measured by LV GLS is significantly impaired and associated with cardiovascular events, potentially representing a new tool to improve risk stratification in these patients.

Computed tomography plays a central role in the evaluation of patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Advances in left ventricular (LV) analysis with multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) permit measurement of LV global longitudinal strain (GLS). The present study aimed at evaluating the association between feature tracking (FT) MDCT derived LV GLS and all-cause mortality in patients treated with TAVI. A total of 214 patients with severe aortic stenosis (51% male, 80 +/- 7 years) who underwent TAVI and with dynamic MDCT data allowing LV GLS measurement with novel FT algorithm were included. LV GLS was measured at baseline and were divided according to a previously published cut-off value of LV GLS associated with all-cause mortality (-14% [more impaired LV systolic function]). Patients were followed for the occurrence of all-cause mortality. Mean FT MDCT-derived LV GLS was -12.5 +/- 4%. During a median follow-up of 45 months (interquartile range: 29 to 62 months), 67 (31%) patients died. The cumulative rate of all-cause mortality for the patients with FT MDCT-derived LV GLS -14%, Log rank p = 0.001). FT MDCT-derived LV GLS was independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 0.851; 95% confidence interval: 0.772 to 0.937; p = 0.001). In conclusion, impaired FT MDCT-derived LV GLS is independently associated with all-cause mortality in patients treated with TAVI. Besides aortic valve area and calcification, FT MDCT-derived LV GLS is an important prognostic marker. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Introduction Cardiac involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) may lead to left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy with possible impairment of LV diastolic function and left atrial (LA) function, particularly in patients with severe forms of SLE with neuropsychiatric manifestations (NPSLE) and can also be associated with cardiovascular outcome. Purpose We evaluated the prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction and LA dysfunction in a large cohort of SLE patients including also NPSLE patients, and their association with the occurrence of cardiovascular events (cerebrovascular accidents, lung-embolism, coronary revascularisation, heart failure hospitalisations and development of supraventricular arrhythmias). Methods A total of 102 SLE patients (87% female, 42±15 years) were included, of which 43 (42%) with NPSLE according to a multidisciplinary team assessment. All patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR 1997) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC 2012) classification criteria for SLE. Echocardiography was performed at the first visit: LV diastolic function was assessed according to current recommendations and including Tissue Doppler Imaging measures; LA volume (LAVI) was also measured and LA function was assessed by LA reservoir strain using 2D speckle tracking imaging. Results In the SLE patients, mean LV mass index was 82±32 g/m2, 29% of patients showed an e'septal 14, 16% a LAVI>34 ml/m2 and 5% a tricuspid velocity >2.8m/s. When applying the currently recommended multiparametric approach, only 4% of SLE patients showed LV diastolic dysfunction. In NPSLE patients, the prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction was not significantly higher (5%). However, an impaired LA reservoir strain (based on the median value of 25%) was observed in 54% of the total SLE population and in 77% of NPSLE patients suggesting higher sensitivity of this parameter to detect impaired LA function and LV diastolic function. During a median follow up of 11 years (Interquartile range: 4–19 years), 43 (42%) patients developed a cardiovascular event. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that SLE patients with impaired LA strain LA reservoir strain Conclusions LA dysfunction as assessed by LA reservoir strain is significantly impaired in SLE and particularly in NPSLE patients and improve detection of myocardial involvement in these patients. Furthermore, LA reservoir strain is independently associated with the development of cardiovascular events.

Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that may involve the cardiovascular system. Diagnosis of cardiac involvement, particularly at an early stage, represents challenge since symptoms in SLE patients are often atypical and current diagnostic tools are characterized by a low sensitivity to detect myocardial dysfunction. Purpose of this study was to assess left ventricular (LV) systolic function in a large cohort of SLE patients in comparison with a control group of healthy subjects and using standard echocardiographic measures and global longitudinal strain (GLS) by 2D speckle tracking analysis. Furthermore, the association between echocardiographic parameters and the occurrence of cardiovascular events was tested. Methods A total of 102 patients (87% female, 42±15 years) were analysed including echocardiography at the time of their first visit. All patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR 1997) and The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC 2012) classification criteria for SLE. During follow-up, cardiovascular events included cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, pulmonary embolism, coronary artery interventions, hospitalisations for heart failure and development of supraventricular arrhythmias. The control group consisted of 50 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. Results Prevalence of comorbidities, such as hypertension (8%), hypercholesterolemia (4%) and diabetes mellitus (2%) was relatively low in SLE patients. In comparison with the control group, SLE patients were characterized by worse LV systolic function as measured by LV ejection fraction (51±6% vs 62±6%, p LV GLS in SLE patients Conclusions In SLE patients, LV systolic function as measured by GLS is significantly impaired and independently associated with cardiovascular events. Incorporation of LV GLS in the early assessment of these patients may significantly improve risk-stratification for cardiovascular events.

Introduction Known predictors of poor outcome in aortic valve stenosis patients include older age, significant valvular calcification, rapid hemodynamic progression and impaired left ventricular (LV) systolic function. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) quantifies myocardial deformation and LV function and is associated with prognosis in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) data are key in the evaluation of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and when acquired throughout the entire cardiac cycle, LV systolic function can be assessed. Novel software can assess LV GLS from MDCT-data. Purpose The present study aimed at assessing the feasibility of determining novel MDCT-derived LV GLS as well as MDCT-derived LV ejection fraction (EF) and their agreement with echocardiographic LV GLS and LVEF in patients treated with TAVI. Methods LVEF and LV GLS were measured on echocardiography and dynamic MDCT using novel CT-software. Agreement between the measurements of two different modalities was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis. Results A total 214 patients (51% male, mean age: 80±7 years) were analysed retrospectively. Mean value of LV GLS on echocardiography was −14±4% whereas mean MDCT-derived GLS was −12.5±4%. Mean value of LVEF on echocardiography was 47±10% and mean MDCT-derived LVEF was 39±11%. On Bland-Altman analysis, MDCT-derived strain analysis underestimated LV GLS compared to echocardiography with a mean difference of 1.44% (95% limits of agreement −3.8 to 6.7%). LVEF was also underestimated on CT with a mean difference of 7.68% (95% limits of agreement −11.5% to −26%). Correlation of measurements between MDCT-derived LV GLS and echocardiographic LV GLS was significant (r=0.791, p Conclusions Assessment of LV GLS and LVEF on dynamic MDCT data provides similar values to those obtained with echocardiography and could be used in the risk-stratification of severe AS patients undergoing TAVI.

Aortic stenosis (AS) and renal dysfunction share risk factors and often occur simultaneously. The influence of renal dysfunction on the prognosis of patients with various grades of AS has not been extensively described. The present study aimed to assess the prognostic implications of renal dysfunction in a large cohort of patients with aortic sclerosis and patients with various grades of AS. Patients diagnosed with various grades of AS by transthoracic echocardiography were assessed and divided according to renal function by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The occurrence of all-cause mortality (primary end point) and aortic valve replacement (AVR) was noted. Of 1,178 patients (mean age 70 +/- 13 years, 60% male), 327 (28%) had aortic sclerosis, 86 (7%) had mild AS, 285 (24%) had moderate AS, and 480 (41%) had severe AS. Renal dysfunction (eGFR

Recent developments in multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) permits assessment of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) with feature tracking (FT) and may play an important role in the risk-stratification of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Calcification of the thoracic aorta is an important determinant of the stiffness of the aorta and has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) [(1)][1]. Recently, Lantelme et al. [(2)][2] showed that thoracic aorta calcification (

Background: After transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), changes in left ventricular (LV) function are partly influenced by the vascular afterload. The burden of thoracic aorta calcification is a component of vascular afterload.Objective: To assess changes in LV systolic function measured with global longitudinal strain (GLS) in relation to the burden of thoracic aorta calcification in patients with severe aortic stenosis treated with TAVR.Methods: Calcification of the thoracic aorta was estimated on noncontrast computed tomography in 210 patients (50% male, 80 ± 7 years) undergoing TAVR. Conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography were performed at baseline (prior to TAVR) and 3-6 months and 12 months after TAVR. Patients were divided according to tertiles of calcification burden of the thoracic aorta.Results: At baseline, patients within the first tertile of thoracic aorta calcification (0-1,395 Hounsfield Units, HU) had better LV systolic function (LV ejection fraction [LVEF], 47% ± 9%; and LV GLS, -15% ± 5%) as compared with the second tertile (1,396-4,634 HU; LVEF, 46% ± 10%; and LV GLS, -14% ± 4%), and the third tertile (>4,634 HU; LVEF, 44% ± 10%; and LV GLS, -12% ± 4%). During follow-up, patients within tertile 1 of calcification of thoracic aorta achieved significantly better LV systolic function and larger regression of LV mass at 12 months of follow-up than patients within the other tertiles. This pattern was more pronounced in patients with reduced LVEF at baseline.Conclusions: After TAVR, LVEF and GLS improves and LV mass index is reduced significantly at 3-6 and 12 months of follow-up. Patients within the lowest burden of thoracic aorta calcification achieved the best values of LVEF and LV GLS at 1-year follow-up.Keywords: Global longitudinal strain; Left ventricular mass; Thoracic aorta calcification; Transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

In the majority of developing economies there has been limitation to rapid growth of technology-rich and expensive broadband telecommunication infrastructure (e.g. optical fiber networks), which is prerequisite of e-Health. However, along with the emergence of broadband mobile communication networks, mHealth seems advantageous and cost-efficient mode of e-Health in those countries, likewise Georgia. The first mHealth project in Georgia on m-Telemonitoring (MTM-1) of Cardiac arrhythmia - 54 patients with main medical results, Quality of Service (QoS), Quality of Experience (QoE), cost-efficiency and remaining challenges - is presented, as well as the outline of its continuation - MTM-2 project, which aims improvement of decision making for emergency cardiac patients and usage of mHealth applications for integrated care provision in remote regions of Georgia.