Temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) may be necessary to treat low cardiac output syndrome after mitral valve surgery (MVS) for chronic severe mitral regurgitation (MR). However, prevalence and predictors remain undetermined.

This single-center retrospective cohort study included 443 patients who underwent primary MVS for degenerative, ischemic, or functional MR between January 2013 and June 2023. Patients requiring tMCS intraoperatively or postoperatively were compared with patients who did not require tMCS. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent risk factors for tMCS requirement.

tMCS was required in 12 of 443 patients (2.7%), with degenerative (2.1%), functional (1.8%), and ischemic (8.3%) MR. Independent risk factors for tMCS requirement were preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (odds ratio, 4.94; P = .01) and mitral valve replacement (odds ratio, 5.85; P = .005). MR type was not independently influential. The 30-day mortality was 41.7% (5 of 12) in the tMCS group vs 3.5% (15 of 431) in the non-tMCS group (P < .0001).

Requirements for tMCS after MVS for MR are infrequent, but tMCS is associated with high mortality. Low preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction and mitral valve replacement are independent risk factors, thus suggesting that careful surgical planning and meticulous postoperative monitoring are warranted in high-risk cases.

Myocardial strain imaging by echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a powerful method to diagnose cardiac disease. Strain imaging provides measures of myocardial shortening, thickening, and lengthening and can be applied to any cardiac chamber. Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain by speckle-tracking echocardiography is the most widely used clinical strain parameter. Several CMR-based modalities are available and are ready to be implemented clinically. Clinical applications of strain include global longitudinal strain as a more sensitive method than ejection fraction for diagnosing mild systolic dysfunction. This applies to patients suspected of having heart failure with normal LV ejection fraction, to early systolic dysfunction in valvular disease, and when monitoring myocardial function during cancer chemotherapy. Segmental LV strain maps provide diagnostic clues in specific cardiomyopathies, when evaluating LV dyssynchrony and ischemic dysfunction. Strain imaging is a promising modality to quantify right ventricular function. Left atrial strain may be used to evaluate LV diastolic function and filling pressure.

Objectives: Randomized evidence on the role of heart failure guideline-directed medical therapy for patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is lacking. The present meta-analysis sought to investigate the prognostic impact of different pharmacotherapy categories recommended in heart failure on subjects with FMR. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies reporting the association of renin angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi), beta-blockers (BB), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) with outcomes in FMR. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios [(a)HRs] for all-cause death and the composite outcome in each medical category. Results: Twelve studies with 6,715 FMR patients were included. The use of RASi and BB was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.52 [0.39-0.68]; p < 0.00001, I2 = 62% and HR 0.62 [0.49-0.77]; p < 0.0001, I2 = 44%, respectively) and the composite outcome (HR 0.54 [0.44-0.67]; p < 0.00001, I2 = 33% and HR 0.62 [0.52-0.75], p < 0.00001, I2 = 35%, respectively) in unadjusted models. Both RASi (aHR 0.73 [0.56-0.95], p = 0.02, I2 = 52%) and BB (aHR 0.60 [0.41-0.88], p = 0.009, I2 = 55%) retained their association with the composite outcome in pooled adjusted models. The prognostic benefit of using RASi or BB was retained in subgroup analyses including only (1) patients with moderate or severe FMR and (2) patients with reduced or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. MRA did not demonstrate a significant association with improved outcomes. Conclusions: RASi and BB administration appear to have a favorable prognostic impact on patients with FMR, regardless of the severity of regurgitation.

The impact of functional mitral regurgitation and type 2 mellitus diabetes (T2DM) on left ventricular (LV) strain in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) patients remains unclear.

To evaluate the impact of mitral regurgitation severity on LV strain, and explore additive effect of T2DM on LV function across varying mitral regurgitation severity levels in NIDCM patients.

Retrospective.

352 NIDCM (T2DM-) patients (49.1 ± 14.6 years, 67% male) (207, 85, and 60 no/mild, moderate, and severe mitral regurgitation) and 96 NIDCM (T2DM+) patients (55.2 ± 12.4 years, 77% male) (47, 30, and 19 no/mild, moderate, and severe mitral regurgitation).

3.0 T/balanced steady-state free precession sequence.

LV geometric parameters and strain were measured and compared among groups. Determinants of LV strain were investigated.

Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, univariable and multivariable linear regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

LV GLPS and longitudinal PDSR decreased gradually with increasing mitral regurgitation severity in NIDCM patients with T2DM(GLPS: -5.7% ± 2.1% vs. -4.3% ± 1.6% vs. -2.6% ± 1.3%; longitudinal PDSR:0.5 ± 0.2 sec-1 vs. 0.4 ± 0.2 sec-1 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 sec-1). NIDCM (T2DM+) demonstrated decreased GCPS and GLPS in the no/mild subgroup, reduced LV GCPS, GLPS, and longitudinal PDSR in the moderate subgroup, and reduced GRPS, GCPS, GLPS, and longitudinal PDSR in the severe subgroup compared with NIDCM (T2DM-) patients. Multivariable regression analysis identified that mitral regurgitation severity (β = -0.13, 0.15, and 0.25 for GRPS, GCPS, and GLPS) and the presence of T2DM (β = 0.14 and 0.13 for GCPS and GLPS) were independent determinants of LV strains in NIDCM patients.

Increased mitral regurgitation severity is associated with reduced LV strains in NIDCM patients with T2DM. The presence of T2DM exacerbated the decline of LV function across various mitral regurgitation levels in NIDCM patients, resulting in reduced LV strains.

Stage 3.

Chronic primary mitral regurgitation (MR) results in progressive left ventricular (LV) remodelling. Abnormal myocardial deformation (strain) can be present despite preserved ejection fraction (EF). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) feature-tracking techniques allow assessment of global longitudinal strain (GLS) from routine cine images. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of CMR feature tracking-derived GLS in patients with primary MR.

Consecutive patients undergoing CMR for chronic MR from January 2012 to June 2018 were enrolled. Patients with LVEF <50% were excluded. The composite primary outcome aiming to detect decompensation related to MR comprised (i) referral for mitral surgery owing to symptoms or LV systolic dysfunction or (ii) cardiovascular death. The secondary outcome was all-cause death. A total of 422 patients were followed for a median of 2.7 years, and the primary endpoint was met in 93 patients (34 patients reported symptoms at baseline). At multivariable analysis, GLS≥ -16.6% was associated with primary outcome [hazard ratio (HR) 1.90, P = 0.01]. In moderate MR cohort, patients with GLS≥ -16.6% had worse event-free survival, whereas there was no significant difference in mild or severe MR groups. GLS≥ -16.0% remained associated with all-cause death after adjusting for other covariates including the MR severity (HR 2.24, P = 0.02).

In patients with primary MR with preserved systolic function, GLS was associated with our composite outcomes and all-cause death. GLS may serve as a marker of cardiac dysfunction in the patients with primary MR with preserved systolic function allowing identification of patients likely to decompensate during observation.

Echocardiographic evaluation of the cardiopulmonary unit is difficult in case of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and combined echocardiographic parameters could be useful. This study aimed to assess the variation of simple and combined echocardiographic parameters analysing the cardiopulmonary unit according to the severity of TR. TR was graded according to Hahn's classification in 179 patients. Classical morphological, function and load parameters analysing right ventricle were assessed. Combined parameters of function and load; morphology and load; and morphology-load-function index were calculated. We used ROC curve analysis to analyze the diagnostic value of echocardiographic parameters to predict potential high or low surgical risk of mortality according to TRISCORE in 82 patients. Simple parameters were significatively different among groups with a nonlinear progression between the 5 levels of severity of TR. Combined parameters were also significatively different among groups. Among them, myomechanical index (MMI = RV-RA mean pressure gradient x RVFWS/indexed RAED area × 10-2) and morphology-load-function index (MLF = RVED length/area x TR TVI x RVFWS) had a linear progression between the 5 groups and had the best predictive value for TRISCORE high and low risk. Combined parameters are relevant to evaluate cardiopulmonary unit in patients with various degrees of TR, especially when combining morphology, function, and load parameters, and are potentially interesting in their prognostic assessment, as shown by the good predictive value for TRISCORE risk.

Background/Objectives: In patients with chronic primary mitral regurgitation (MR), postoperative persistent left ventricular (LV) dysfunction underlines the lack of a sensitive parameter that can identify subclinical LV dysfunction and optimize the timing of intervention. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) is a measure of the longitudinal left ventricular systolic function, with prognostic significance. Its role in the follow-up of asymptomatic patients with MR is, however, poorly defined. The aim of this study was to assess the relative changes in LV-GLS in a cohort of MR patients and to correlate these changes with the need for intervention during a follow-up period. Methods: We conducted a prospective study on a cohort of 218 patients, divided into three subgroups according to MR severity (mild, moderate, severe). LV-GLS was measured at baseline and every six months during a median follow-up period of 30 months. The composite endpoint was the occurrence of heart failure symptoms, hospitalization for heart failure, LVEF < 60%, LVEDD > 45 mm, new onset atrial fibrillation, or cardiovascular death. Results: Patients with moderate and severe MR had a significantly lower GLS at baseline than those with mild MR (19.5% and 19.1% versus 22.3%, p < 0.01) despite a normal LVEF in all subgroups. The relative decrease in LV-GLS occurred earlier (at 12 months vs. 24 months) and was more evident in patients with moderate and severe MR (13.6% and 14.5%, respectively) versus patients with mild MR (6.72%). The baseline LV-GLS being under 18% and a relative decrease of over 10% in GLS were independent predictors of a composite outcome (HR = 1.59, CI 95% 1.17-2.86; HR = 1.74, CI 95% 1.2-2.91, p < 0.01). Conclusions: LV-GLS is a valuable monitoring tool for asymptomatic MR patients, a relative decrease > 10% in GLS may be predictive for the need for valve intervention.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is one of the most common valvular pathologies worldwide, contributing to the morbidity and mortality of several cardiovascular pathologies, including heart failure (HF). Novel transcatheter treatment for MR has given the opportunity for a safe and feasible alternative, to surgery, in order to repair the valve and improve patient outcomes. However, after the results of early transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) trials, it has become evident that subcategorizing the mitral regurgitation etiology and the left ventricular function, in patients due to undergo TEER, is of the essence, in order to predict responsiveness to treatment and select the most appropriate patient phenotype. Thus, a novel MR phenotype, atrial functional MR (AFMR), has been recently recognized as a distinct pathophysiological entity, where the etiology of the regurgitation is secondary to annular dilatation, in a diseased left atrium, with preserved left ventricular function. Recent studies have evaluated and compared the outcomes of TEER in AFMR with ventricular functional MR (VFMR), with the results favoring the AFMR. In specific, TEER in this patient substrate has better echocardiographic and long-term outcomes. Thus, our review will provide a comprehensive pathogenesis and mechanistic overview of AFMR, insights into the echocardiographic approach of such patients and pre-procedural planning, discuss the most recent clinical trials and their implications for future treatment directions, as well as highlight future frontiers of research in the setting of TEER and transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) in AFMR patients.

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) represents a novel treatment option for patients with mitral regurgitation (MR), but little is known about the hemodynamic impact of MR elimination following TMVR. We sought to investigate the hemodynamic impact of TMVR on left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function using noninvasive pressure-volume loops.

All consecutive patients undergoing TMVR with dedicated devices between May 2016 and August 2022 were enrolled. The end-diastolic and end-systolic pressure-volume relationships were estimated from 26 patients using single-beat echocardiographic measurements at baseline and after TMVR at discharge. RV function was assessed by RV-pulmonary artery (PA) coupling and RV fractional area change. One-year follow-up was available for 19 patients. The prognostic impact of calculated end-diastolic volume at an end-diastolic pressure of 20 mmHg (VPed20) reduction was assessed by Cox regression.

A total of 26 patients (77.0 years [interquartile range 73.9-80.1], N = 17 [65.4%] male) with successful TMVR were included (secondary MR [N = 21, 80.8%]; median LV ejection fraction was 37.0% [interquartile range 30.7-50.7]). At discharge, a decrease in VPed20 (p < 0.001) indicating leftward shift of end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship, and an increase of the end-systolic elastance slope (p = 0.007) were observed after TMVR. No changes were observed for RV-PA coupling (p = 0.19) and RV fractional area change (p = 0.22). At 1-year follow-up, LV contractility (end-systolic elastance) and RV-PA coupling remained stable. Vped20 reduction at discharge was significantly associated with 1-year all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.71, p = 0.016).

Noninvasive assessment of pressure-volume loops demonstrated early LV reverse remodeling and improved LV contractility, while RV performance was preserved. These results indicate the potential prognostic impact of complete MR elimination after TMVR.

This manuscript represents the official position of the Korean Society of Echocardiography on valvular heart diseases. This position paper focuses on the diagnosis and management of valvular heart diseases with referring to the guidelines recently published by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology. The committee sought to reflect national data on the topic of valvular heart diseases published to date through a systematic literature search based on validity and relevance. In the part II of this article, we intend to present recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of mitral valve disease and tricuspid valve disease.

The increasing prevalence of valvular heart diseases, specifically mitral regurgitation (MR), underscores the need for a careful and timely approach to intervention. Severe MR, whether primary or secondary, when left untreated leads to adverse outcomes, emphasizing the critical role of a timely surgical or transcatheter intervention. While left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remains the guideline-recommended measure for assessing left ventricle damage, emerging evidence raises concerns regarding its reliability in MR due to its volume-dependent nature. This review summarizes the existing literature on the role of LVEF and deformation imaging techniques, emphasizing the latter's potential in providing a more accurate evaluation of intrinsic myocardial function. Moreover, it advocates the need for an integrated approach that combines traditional with emerging measures, aiming to optimize the management of patients with MR. It attempts to highlight the need for future research to validate the clinical application of deformation imaging techniques through large-scale studies.

Although mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is a common valvular heart disease in patients with heart failure (HF), there is a paucity of data on the characterization and outcomes of patients with HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) and concomitant MR.

From 2016 to 2022, consecutive patients hospitalized with HFmrEF (i.e., left ventricular ejection fraction from 41% to 49% and signs and/or symptoms of HF) were retrospectively included at one institution. Patients with MR were compared with patients without MR. Further risk stratification was performed according to MR severity and etiology (i.e., primary vs. secondary MR). The primary end point was all-cause mortality at 30 months (median follow-up), and the key secondary end point was hospitalization for worsening HF.

Of 2181 patients hospitalized with HFmrEF, 59% presented with mild, 10% with moderate, and 2% with severe MR. MR was associated with increased all-cause mortality at 30 months (HR = 1.756; 95% CI 1.458-2.114; p = 0.001), with higher risk in more advanced stages. Furthermore, MR patients had higher risk of HF-related re-hospitalization at 30 months (HR = 1.560; 95% CI 1.172-2.076; p = 0.002). Even after multivariable adjustment, mild, moderate, and severe MR were still associated with all-cause mortality. Finally, the risk of all-cause mortality was lower in patients with secondary MR compared with patients with primary MR (HR = 0.592; 95% CI 0.366-0.956; p = 0.032).

MR is common in HFmrEF and independently associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization.

The gram-negative bacterial cell wall component endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) is a key component of particulate matter (PM). PM exposure is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the contribution of individual components of PM to acute and chronic cardiovascular measures is not clear. This study examines whether systemic inflammation induced by LPS inhalation causes acute changes in cardiovascular physiology measures.

In this double blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study, fifteen adult volunteers underwent inhalation exposure to 20,000 EU Clinical Center Reference Endotoxin (CCRE). Peripheral blood and induced sputum neutrophils were obtained at baseline and six hours post-exposure. Blood pressure, measures of left ventricular function (ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (LVGLS)), and indices of endothelial function (flow mediated dilation (FMD) and velocity time integral during hyperemia (VTIhyp)) were measured before and after treatment. Wilcoxon sign-rank tests and linear mixed models were used for statistical analysis.

In comparison with normal saline, LPS inhalation resulted in significant increases in peripheral blood and sputum neutrophils but was not associated with significant alterations in blood pressure, LVGLS, LVEF, FMD, or VTIhyp.

In healthy adults, systemic inflammation after LPS inhalation was not associated with acute changes in cardiovascular physiology. Larger studies are needed to investigate the effects of other PM components on inflammation induced cardiovascular dysfunction.

Background Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) provides incremental prognostic information over LV ejection fraction in patients with heart failure (HF) and secondary mitral regurgitation. We examined the prognostic impact of LV GLS improvement in this population. Methods and Results The COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial randomized symptomatic patients with HF with severe (3+/4+) mitral regurgitation to transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with the MitraClip device plus maximally tolerated guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) versus GDMT alone. LV GLS was measured at baseline and 6-month follow-up. The relationship between the improvement in LV GLS from baseline to 6 months and the composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization between 6- and 24-month follow-up were assessed. Among 383 patients, 174 (45.4%) had improved LV GLS at 6-month follow-up (83/195 [42.6%] with transcatheter edge-to-edge repair+GDMT and 91/188 [48.4%] with GDMT alone; P=0.25). Improvement in LV GLS was strongly associated with reduced death or HF hospitalization between 6 and 24 months (P<0.009), with similar risk reduction in both treatment arms (Pinteraction=0.40). By multivariable analysis, LV GLS improvement at 6 months was independently associated with a lower risk of death or HF hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 0.55 [95% CI, 0.36-0.83]; P=0.009), death (HR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.29-0.81]; P=0.006), and HF hospitalization (HR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.31-0.81]; P=0.005) between 6 and 24 months. Conclusions Among patients with HF and severe mitral regurgitation in the COAPT trial, improvement in LV GLS at 6-month follow-up was associated with improved outcomes after both transcatheter edge-to-edge repair and GDMT alone between 6 and 24 months. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01626079.

Patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are complex patients who often have a high prevalence of co-morbidities and risk factors. In the present study, we investigated the prognostic significance of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) along with important clinical and echocardiographic variables in patients with HFrEF. Patients who had a first echocardiographic diagnosis of LV systolic dysfunction, defined as LV ejection fraction ≤45%, were selected. The study population was subdivided into 2 groups based on a spline curve analysis derived optimal threshold value of LV GLS (≤10%). The primary end point was occurrence of worsening HF, whereas the composite of worsening HF and all-cause death was chosen for the secondary end point. A total of 1,873 patients (mean age 63 ± 12 years, 75% men) were analyzed. During a median follow-up of 60 months (interquartile range 27 to 60 months), 256 patients (14%) experienced worsening HF and the composite end point of worsening HF and all-cause mortality occurred in 573 patients (31%). The 5-year event-free survival rates for the primary and secondary end point were significantly lower in the LV GLS ≤10% group compared with the LV GLS >10% group. After adjustment for important clinical and echocardiographic variables, baseline LV GLS remained independently associated with a higher risk of worsening HF (hazard ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.90 to 0.99, p = 0.032) and the composite of worsening HF and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.90 to 0.97, p = 0.001). In conclusion, baseline LV GLS is associated with long-term prognosis in patients with HFrEF, independent of various clinical and echocardiographic predictors.

During the last few years, increasing focus has been placed on heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), an intermediate phenotype from preserved to reduced ejection fraction (EF). However, clinical features and outcome of HFmrEF in elderly patients aged ≥ 70 yrs have been poorly investigated.

The present study retrospectively included all consecutive patients aged ≥ 70 yrs discharged from our Institution with a first diagnosis of HFmrEF, between January 2020 and November 2020. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, while the secondary one was the composite of all-cause mortality + rehospitalization for all causes over a mid-term follow-up.

The study included 107 HFmrEF patients (84.3 ± 7.4 yrs, 61.7% females). Patients were classified as "old" (70-84 yrs, n = 55) and "oldest-old" (≥ 85 yrs, n = 52) and separately analyzed. As compared to the "oldest-old" patients, the "old" ones were more commonly males (58.2% vs 17.3%, p < 0.001), with history of coronary artery disease (CAD) (54.5% vs 15.4%, p < 0.001) and significantly lower EF (43.5 ± 2.7% vs 47.3 ± 3.6%, p < 0.001) at hospital admission. Mean follow-up was 1.8 ± 1.1 yrs. During follow-up, 29 patients died and 45 were re-hospitalized. Male sex (HR 6.71, 95% CI 1.59-28.4), history of CAD (HR 5.37, 95% CI 2.04-14.1) and EF (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.34-0.68) were independently associated with all-cause mortality in the whole study population. EF also predicted the composite of all-cause mortality + rehospitalization for all causes. EF < 45% was the best cut-off value to predict both outcomes.

EF at hospital admission is independently associated with all-cause mortality and rehospitalization for all causes in elderly HFmrEF patients over a mid-term follow-up.

Frequent right ventricular (RV) pacing is associated with cardiomyopathy. The impact of RV pacing on left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) and clinical outcomes is unclear.

We analyzed GLS via two-dimensional speckle tracking and LV ejection fraction (EF) on pre- and post-implantation transthoracic echocardiograms of patients undergoing dual chamber pacemaker implantation. We collected long-term data on strain, LVEF, and clinical outcomes.

One hundred and ten patients (mean age 76 ± 12 years; 59 [54%] female) were followed for mean 23 ± 17 months. Mean baseline LVEF was 58 ± 11% and mean GLS was -17 ± 4%. Twenty-four (22%) patients had an absolute decrease in LVEF > 10% and 43 (39%) patients had a relative reduction of GLS > 15%. Among patients with a reduction of GLS, a larger proportion of patients had RV pacing burden ≥20% (67% vs. 46%; p = .048). Compared to patients without GLS reduction, more patients with a reduction in GLS reached a composite endpoint of HF hospitalization, CRT upgrade or death (47% vs. 16%; p = .001).

Reduction in LV GLS was seen in nearly four in 10 patients undergoing pacemaker implantation and was significantly associated with increased RV pacing burden. LV GLS reduction was associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes. LV GLS may have utility in predicting outcomes among patients with RV pacing.

Transcatheter mitral valve interventions (TMVI), either repair or replacement, are established alternative options for patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) deemed not suitable for conventional open-heart surgery. Multi-modality imaging plays a pivotal role in the selection of patients, gaining insights into the anatomy of the mitral valve the mechanism and the severity of MR, which are essential to predict the success of these procedures. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on the role of multi-modality imaging in the patient selection and pre-procedural planning of TMVI.

Although real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE) has only been introduced in the last decades, its use still needs to be improved since it is a time-consuming and operator-dependent technique and acquiring a good quality data can be difficult. Moreover, the additive value of this important diagnostic tool still needs to be wholly appreciated in clinical practice. This review aims at explaining how, why, and when performing RT3DE is useful in clinical practice.

Despite ongoing treatment advancements in chronic heart failure (HF), mortality and readmission rates remain high for patients hospitalized for decompensated acute HF. These patients represent a distinct HF group, which requires emergent echocardiographic evaluation in an attempt to provide optimal and individualized acute care. The role of serial advanced echocardiographic assessment in acute HF for risk stratification and treatment guidance has not been thoroughly explored.

The "Beyond Myo-HF Study" is a prospective, non-interventional cohort trial designed to enroll acutely admitted patients with symptoms and/or signs of HF. The aim of this study is to investigate whether intrahospital changes of conventional and novel echocardiographic indices of myocardial function and congestion-related markers can predict early mortality, late mortality, and HF rehospitalization. As per the protocol, all patients undergo a pair of state-of-the-art echocardiographic assessments, with a rigorous protocol including speckle tracking analysis of all cardiac chambers and myocardial work analysis for the left and right ventricle, upon admission and pre-discharge. Their laboratory profile is captured at those two time-points, and their therapeutic management is recorded. Patients will be followed-up for a median period of 12 months after enrollment.

The "Beyond Myo-HF" study is an ongoing, prospective trial aspiring to provide deep insight into the pathophysiology of acute HF, to enlighten the reverse cardiac functional and anatomical remodeling during hospitalization, and to recognize echocardiographic patterns capable of predicting adverse outcomes during and post decompensation of acute HF.

Left ventricular systolic function may be overestimated in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation when using left ventricle ejection fraction. The Global longitudinal strain is a measure less dependent on left ventricle load. However, the clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with the alteration of Global longitudinal strain in secondary mitral regurgitation have not been evaluated.

A total of 96 patients (mean age 62.3 ± 12.1 years, 59.3% male) with secondary mitral regurgitation and low left ventricle ejection fraction < 50% were included. The study population was subdivided according to the Global longitudinal strain value with which an increased risk of all-cause mortality was associated (Global longitudinal strain < 7.0%, left ventricle systolic function impaired compared to Global longitudinal strain ≥ 7.0%, in absolute value). The clinical and echocardiographic endpoints are analysed in both groups of patients.

The strong and clear correlation between Global longitudinal strain (mean ± standard deviation: 7,2 ± 2,7) and parameters of systolic function (left ventricle ejection fraction mean ± standard deviation: 32,4 ± 8,0%) and contractility (dp/dt mean ± standard deviation: 682,5 ± 204,7 mmHg/s). the mean of left ventricle ejection fraction = 26.4 ± 5.3% in the Global longitudinal strain < 7 group, and the bivariate study using the 30% threshold shows that the Global longitudinal strain < 7 group presents a more altered left ventricle ejection fraction with odds ratio = 12, 5 (CI: 4.7-33.0) p < 0.001. In multivariate analysis of ultrasound parameters and linear regression shows a significant correlation between Global longitudinal strain and left ventricle ejection fraction (p < 0.001). The dp/dt analysis found a mean of 509.3 ± 99.1 mmHg/s in the Global longitudinal strain < 7 group and of 822.9 ± 154.1 in the Global longitudinal strain ≥ 7 group with significant difference (p < 0.001). In bivariate and multivariate analysis, the alteration of Global longitudinal strain is associated with a significantly lower dp / dt p < 0.001.

A Global longitudinal strain < 7 (in absolute value) reflects a severe impairment of left ventricle function. In addition, several parameters were associated with this severe alteration of the Global longitudinal strain, namely a lower left ventricle ejection fraction, a lower dp/dt and more severe symptoms permitting to characterized this group of patients in addition to an integration in a multiparametric evaluation of the secondary mitral regurgitation.

Background and Objectives: Increasing reluctance to perform surgical mitral valve repair or replacement particularly in high-risk patients with poor left-ventricular function is trending. These patients are increasingly treated interventionally, e.g., by MitraClip, but often show only low to moderate improvement. The primary objective of the study was to investigate whether left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) influences postoperative mortality. Materials and Methods: The study included 903 patients undergoing mitral valve repair or replacement between 2009 and 2021. Statistical comparison was performed between patients with LVEF ≤ 30% and LVEF > 30%. Finally, statistical analysis was performed according to propensity score matching (1:3 PS matching). Results: No significant difference in in-hospital mortality was found before and after matching regarding LVEF ≤ 30% and LVEF > 30% (Pre: 10.8% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.241, after: 11.6% vs. 18.1%, p = 0.142). After PS matching, the 112 patients with LVEF ≤ 30% compared with 336 patients with LVEF > 30% showed a significantly higher preoperative NT-proBNP (p < 0.001), larger diameters at preoperative left ventricle and atrium (p < 0.001), lower preoperative TAPSE (p = 0.003) and PAP (p = 0.003), and more dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic kidney disease (p < 0.001, p = 0.045). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that poor preoperative LVEF alone does not play a significant role in postoperative outcome and long-term mortality. Prognosis appears to be multifactorial. Poor preoperative LVEF is not a contraindication for surgery and does not justify primary interventional treatment accepting inferior hemodynamic results impeding outcome.

The estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by 2D echocardiography (2D-ECHO) is the most used tool to assess LV systolic function (LVSF). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) has recently been suggested as a superior method for several evaluations. This study explored the association and prevalence of LV systolic dysfunction (LVSD) by using these methods in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and severe hyperparathyroidism (SHPTH); both associated with cardiovascular events (CEs).

To evaluate the myocardial function in patients with ESRD and SHPTH by using the GLS and LVEF measured through conventional 2D-ECHO.

In 62 patients with ESRD and SHPTH, asymptomatic, and without a history of CEs, LVSF was evaluated by 2D-ECHO, obtaining the EF, by the Simpson biplane method, and GLS by speckle tracking.

The total patients with ESRD had a preserved LVEF (> 50%) but abnormal GLS (< 13.55%). Additionally, multivariate analysis showed an independent association of GLS and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), LV mass index, and hemoglobin. Also, PTH was independently associated with lateral e' wave and tricuspid regurgitation velocity.

In patients with SHPTH linked to ESRD, the use of GLS by 2D-ECHO is a more sensitive tool than LVEF for detecting LVSD.

In patients with heart failure and functional mitral regurgitation (FMR), the assessment of left ventricular (LV) function is important for risk stratification and decision making. As LV ejection fraction (LVEF) might not be an optimal metric for LV systolic performance in this population, alternatives such as global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global myocardial work index (GWI) have been proposed. In the present study, we investigated the prognostic value of GLS and GWI and compared these measures to other LV systolic performance parameters. A prospective and consecutive cohort of 181 patients (median age 72 years, 76% male) with LVEF < 50% and FMR underwent comprehensive echocardiographic examination including speckle tracking echocardiography and grading of FMR severity. During a median follow-up of 42 months, 72 cardiovascular (CV) events occurred. In univariate analysis, LVEF, GLS, GWI, mitral S', LV outflow tract time velocity integral, forward LVEF and LV ejection time were associated with CV events. After multivariate adjustment only GLS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.884, p = 0.015) and GWI (HR = 0.927, p = 0.034) remained independently associated with CV events. There was no difference in the incremental prognostic value of GWI compared to GLS (delta -2 log likelihood = 0.8; p = 0.37). In this cohort of heart failure patients with FMR, GLS and GWI were independently associated with cardiovascular events, whereas other systolic performance parameters were not. However, GWI did not outperform GLS, and further research is required to determine the value of these strain-based measures in clinical practice.

Assessment of left ventricular (LV) function in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) remains challenging but is an important parameter for risk stratification. The association of LV myocardial work components (work index [GWI], constructive [GCW] and wasted [GWW] work, and work efficiency) derived from pressure-strain loops obtained with speckle tracking echocardiography, and all-cause mortality in patients with SMR was investigated.

LV myocardial GWI, GCW, GWW, and global work efficiency were measured with speckle tracking strain echocardiography in 373 patients (72% men, median age 68 years) with various grades of SMR. All-cause mortality was the primary end point.

Mild SMR was observed in 143 patients, 128 had moderate SMR, and 102 had severe SMR. Patients with severe SMR had the largest LV volumes and the worst LV ejection fraction and LV global longitudinal strain. In patients with severe SMR, LV GWI and GCW were more impaired (500 mm Hg% versus 680 mm Hg% P=0.024 and 678 mm Hg% versus 851 mm Hg% P=0.006, respectively), while GWW was lower (130 mm Hg% versus 260 mm Hg% P<0.001, respectively) and global work efficiency was significantly higher (82% versus 76%, P=0.001) compared with patients with mild SMR. After a median follow-up of 56 months, 161 patients died. LV GWI≤500 mm Hg%, LV GCW≤750 mm Hg%, and LV GWW<300 mm Hg% were independently associated with excess mortality.

Patients with severe SMR had the worst LV GWI and LV GCW but better LV GWW and global work efficiency reflecting the unloading of the LV in the low-pressure left atrial chamber. These parameters were independently associated with worse long-term survival in patients with SMR.

The aim of this study is to analyse the prognostic implications of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction as detected by strain analysis in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The evaluation of RV systolic function in presence of severe TR is of paramount importance for operative risk stratification; however, it remains challenging, as conventional echocardiographic indexes usually lead to overestimation.

We enrolled 250 consecutive patients with severe TR referred to our centre. Baseline clinical and echocardiographic data and follow-up outcomes were collected. Patients were predominantly female, with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities, history of heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Most of them had presented with clinical signs of RV heart failure (RVHF) and advanced New York Heart Association class. The RV strain analysis [both RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) and RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS)] reclassified ∼42-56% of patients with normal RV systolic function according to conventional parameters in patients with impaired RV systolic function. RVFWLS ≤17% (absolute values, AUC: 0.66, P = 0.002) predicted the presence of RVHF [odds ratio (OR) 0.93, P = 0.01]. At follow-up, patients with RVFWLS >14% (absolute values, AUC: 0.70, P = 0.001, sensitivity 72%, specificity 54%) showed a better survival (P = 0.01).

Different ranges of RVFWLS have different implications in patients with severe TR, allowing to identify a preclinical and a clinical window, with correlations to RVHF and survival.

The study sought to investigate the long-term outcome after transcatheter mitral valve annuloplasty for secondary mitral regurgitation (MR).

Consecutive patients with symptomatic secondary MR undergoing transcatheter mitral valve annuloplasty with the Carillon device at Leipzig University Hospital between 2012 and 2018 were studied prospectively. Left ventricular (LV) function and MR severity were quantified by standardized echocardiography. 33 patients were included. Mean age was 75 ± 10 years, and 20 patients were women. A Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 8.1 ± 7.2% indicated high-risk status. In 24 patients, MR resulted from LV remodelling and dysfunction, eight suffered from left atrial dilatation, and one patient had MR due to combined primary and secondary aetiology. LV ejection fraction at baseline was (median) 38% [inter-quartile range (IQR) 30-49%]. During the mean follow-up time of 45 ± 20 months, 17 patients died, two patients withdraw consent, and four patients were lost. Of the remaining patients, four were hospitalized for decompensated heart failure. Two of these patients underwent additional transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair. At follow-up, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class improved from 95% in Class III/IV at baseline to 70% in Class I/II with no patients in NYHA Class IV (P < 0.0001). Mitral regurgitant volume was reduced from 27 mL (IQR 25-42 mL) to 8 mL (IQR 3-17 mL) (P = 0.018) and regurgitant fraction from 42% (IQR 34-54%) to 11% (IQR 8-24%) (P = 0.014). LV end-diastolic volume index [92 mL/m2 (IQR 74-107 mL/m2 ) vs. 67 mL/m2 (IQR 46-101 mL/m2 ), P = 0.065] and end-systolic volume index [50 mL/m2 (IQR 44-69 mL/m2 ) vs. 32 mL/m2 (IQR 20-53 mL/m2 ), P = 0.037] decreased. Total stroke volume remained unchanged [38 mL/m2 (IQR 33-43 mL/m2 ) vs. 33 mL/m2 (IQR 26-44 mL/m2 ), P = 0.695], while LV ejection fraction increased [43% (IQR 35-49%) vs. 54% (IQR 46-57%), P = 0.014]. Forward stroke volume, heart rate, and forward cardiac output were not significantly altered.

Among high-risk patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve annuloplasty for symptomatic secondary MR, mortality was ~50% at 4 years. In the surviving patients, reduced MR severity was associated with reduced NYHA functional class, reverse LV remodelling, and improved LV function.

Whether the combination of ventricular strain with high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TNI) has an incremental prognostic value in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has not been evaluated. The study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of biventricular longitudinal strain and its combination with hs-TNI in COVID-19 patients.

A total of 160 COVID-19 patients who underwent both echocardiography and hs-TNI testing were enrolled in our study. COVID-19 patients were divided into two groups (critical and non-critical) according to severity-of-illness. The clinical characteristics, cardiac structure and function were compared between the two groups. The prognostic value of biventricular longitudinal strain and its combination with hs-TNI were evaluated by logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic curves. Left ventricular longitudinal strain (LV LS) and right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) were determined by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography.

The LV LS and RVFWLS both were significantly lower in critical patients than non-critical patients (LV LS: -16.6±2.4 vs -17.9±3.0, P = .003; RVFWLS :-18.8±3.6 vs -23.9±4.4, P<.001). During a median follow-up of 60 days, 23 (14.4%) patients died. The multivariant analysis revealed that LV LS and RVFWLS [Odd ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.533 (1.131-2.079), P = .006; 1.267 (1.036-1.551), P = .021, respectively] were the independent predictors of higher mortality. Further, receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed that the accuracy for predicting death was greater for the combination of hs-TNI levels with LV LS than separate LV LS (AUC: .91 vs .77, P = .001), and the combination of hs-TNI levels with RVFWLS than RVFWLS alone (AUC: .89 vs .83, P = .041).

Our study highlights that the combination of ventricular longitudinal strain with hs-TNI can provide higher accuracy for predicting mortality in COVID-19 patients, which may enhance risk stratification in COVID-19 patients.

Regional left ventricular (LV) mechanics in mitral regurgitation (MR) patients, and local changes in function after transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) have yet to be evaluated. Herein, we introduce a method for creating high resolution maps of endocardial function from 4DCT images, leading to detailed characterization of changes in local LV function. These changes are particularly interesting when evaluating the effect of the Tendyne™ TMVI device in the region of the epicardial pad.

Regional endocardial shortening from CT (RSCT) was evaluated in Tendyne (Abbott Medical) TMVI patients with 4DCT exams pre- and post-implantation. Regional function was evaluated in 90 LV segments (5 longitudinal × 18 circumferential). LV volumes and ejection fraction (EF) were also computed. A reproducibility study was performed in a subset of patients to determine the precision of RSCT measurements in this population.

Baseline and local changes in RSCT post TMVI were highly variable and extremely spatially heterogeneous. Both inter- and intra-observer variability were low and demonstrated the high precision of RSCT for evaluating regional LV function.

RSCT is a reproducible metric which can be evaluated in patients with highly abnormal regional LV function and geometry. After TMVI, significant spatially heterogeneous changes in RSCT were observed in all subjects; therefore, it is unlikely that the functional state of TMVI patients can be fully described by changes in LV volume or EF. Measurement of RSCT provides precise characterization of the spatially heterogeneous effects of MR and TMVI on LV function and remodeling.