Jong Won Ha

The Clinical Use of Stress Echocardiography in Non-Ischaemic Heart Disease: Recommendations from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and the American Society of Echocardiography

A unique and highly versatile technique, stress echocardiography (SE) is increasingly recognized for its utility in the evaluation of non-ischaemic heart disease. SE allows for simultaneous assessment of myocardial function and haemodynamics under physiological or pharmacological conditions. Due to its diagnostic and prognostic value, SE has become widely implemented to assess various conditions other than ischaemic heart disease. It has thus become essential to establish guidance for its applications and performance in the area of non-ischaemic heart disease. This paper summarizes these recommendations.

Impact of serum calcium and phosphate on coronary atherosclerosis detected by cardiac computed tomography

AIMS High calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and Ca-P product (CPP) are associated with cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Whether this relationship persists in individuals with normal kidney function is not yet elucidated. We explored the relationship of serum Ca, P, and CPP to coronary atherosclerosis assessed by cardiac computed tomography angiography (cCTA) in participants with normal kidney function. METHODS AND RESULTS This study included 7553 participants (52 ± 10 years, male 57%) with near-normal kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) who underwent cCTA. The relationship of Ca, P, and CPP to coronary atherosclerosis [coronary artery Ca score (CACS) >100 and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD)] was evaluated. Higher Ca, P, and CPP were significantly associated with CACS > 100 continuously [adjusted odds ratio (OR) per mg/dL: Ca 1.21, P = 0.026; P 1.29, P < 0.001; CPP 1.03, P < 0.001]. However, they correlate only weakly with the presence of CAD (OR: Ca 1.17, P = 0.001; P 1.05, P = 0.173; CPP 1.01, P = 0.034). This discrepancy was because calcified or mixed plaque and non-calcified plaque (NCP) were included in CAD. A significant relationship was demonstrated between calcified or mixed plaque and Ca, P, and CPP (OR: Ca 1.20, P = 0.001; P 1.13, P = 0.003; CPP 1.02, P = 0.001), but not NCP. CONCLUSION Elevated serum levels of Ca, P, and CPP are significantly associated with the presence of calcified coronary atherosclerotic plaque. It is unclear if there is a causal relationship. This relationship is thought to contribute to vascular calcification, but is less closely associated with NCP.

Transoesophageal echocardiography in patients with acute stroke with sinus rhythm and no cardiac disease history

Background Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is the gold standard for detecting potential cardiac sources of embolism (PCSE). However, the role of TOE in patients with ischaemic stroke with normal sinus rhythm (NSR) and no cardiac disease remains uncertain. Methods The authors retrospectively analysed 1833 consecutive patients with ischaemic stroke with NSR and no history of cardiac disease who were examined by TOE. The authors investigated the frequency of PCSE and aortic plaques detected in these patients. Determination of high- and medium-risk PCSE was based on the Trial of ORG 10172 in the Acute Stroke Treatment classification. The authors also determined how the proportions of stroke subtypes and treatment strategies based on current guidelines have been changed after TOE. Results PCSE and/or aortic plaques were detected in 753 (41.1%) of 1833 patients. After TOE, a total of 355 PCSE (45 high-risk PCSE and 310 medium-risk PCSE) were found in 323 patients (17.6%). Aortic plaques were found in 502 patients (27.4%). Among these, complex aortic plaques, which are significant sources of embolism, were found in 157 patients (8.5%). Changes in treatment strategies for secondary prevention based on the current guidelines would have been necessary in 63 patients (3.4 %) after TOE examination. Conclusion Potential embolic sources from the heart and aorta can be detected by TOE examination in many patients with stroke with NSR and no cardiac disease, which enables a better determination of stroke mechanisms.

Relation of inflammation and left atrial remodeling in atrial fibrillation occurring in early phase of acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND Inflammation is frequently associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was performed to investigate whether the high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) present during acute inflammation could predict early AF and its relationship to left atrial (LA) enlargement in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS AND RESULTS In 401 consecutive AMI patients, AF predictors were compared between those with and without early AF. Early AF was defined as AF developing within 24 h after AMI. In order to identify the difference in the AF predictors according to LA enlargement, patients were subgrouped according to an LA volume index (LAVI) of <32 cm(3)/m(2) (group 1, n=321) and ≥32 cm(3)/m(2) (group 2, n=80). Thirty-three (8.2%) patients developed early AF including 17 (5.3%) and 16 (20%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The independent predictors of AF were multivessel involvement (OR=2.51, p=0.03), LAVI≥32 cm(3)/m(2) (OR=2.47, p=0.03), higher hsCRP (OR=2.24, p=0.05), and old age (OR=1.06, p=0.01) in all patients. In the subgroups divided by the LAVI, higher hsCRP was a predictor of early AF only in group 1 (OR=4.56, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that multivessel involvement, enlarged LA, higher hsCRP, and old age are predictors of early AF after AMI. However, hsCRP could be strongly related to early AF only in AMI patients with less dilated LA.

Is prophylactic aortic valve replacement indicated during mitral valve surgery for mild to moderate aortic valve disease

BACKGROUND Determining the need for surgical treatment of coexisting mild to moderate aortic valve disease in patients referred for mitral valve surgery is often difficult. The purpose of this study was to assess long-term clinical outcome and the need for subsequent aortic valve replacement in patients with mild to moderate rheumatic aortic valve disease at the time of mitral valve surgery. METHODS A total of 275 patients (90 men and 185 women, mean age 43 years) with rheumatic disease who underwent mitral valve surgery were followed up for an average of 9 years. Patients were classified into two groups: those with coexisting mild to moderate aortic valve disease at the time of mitral valve surgery (141 patients, group A) and those without (134 patients, group B). Primary outcomes (death and subsequent aortic valve surgery) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS At the time of mitral valve surgery, 104 patients (74%) in group A had mild aortic regurgitation, 37 (26%) had moderate aortic regurgitation, 5 had (4%) mild aortic stenosis, and 2 (1%) had moderate aortic stenosis. At the end of follow-up, no patient had severe aortic valve disease. In all, 12 patients (5%) in group A had primary events (eight deaths and four subsequent aortic valve replacements), and 12 patients (9%) in group B had such events (12 deaths). According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, neither the survival rate nor the event-free survival rate differed significantly over the follow-up period between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS In most patients who have mild to moderate rheumatic aortic valve disease at the time of mitral valve surgery, the long-term outcome is comparable to that of subjects without aortic valve disease at the time of mitral valve surgery. Subsequent aortic valve replacement is rarely needed after a long follow-up period.

Stroke severity in concomitant cardiac sources of embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF), which is the most common etiology of cardioembolic stroke, may be accompanied by other cardiac sources of embolism. The heterogeneity and multiplicity of the cardiac sources of embolism may influence stroke severity via formation of thrombi with heterogenous compositions, ages, and sizes. We investigated among stroke patients with AF whether stroke severity is different between patients with concomitant potential cardiac sources of embolism and those without. METHODS The subjects for this study were consecutive patients with cerebral infarction and AF who underwent transesophageal echocardiography during a 10-year period. The definitions and determination of high- and medium-risk potential cardiac sources of embolism were based on the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification. Initial stroke severity and infarct sizes were compared between patients with concomitant potential cardiac sources of embolism and those without. RESULTS Of the 266 patients enrolled, 181 (68.0%) had one or more concomitant potential cardiac sources of embolism. Left atrial thrombus and spontaneous echo contrast were most common. Patients with concomitant potential cardiac sources of embolism had a higher median score on the initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (6 vs. 3, p=0.005) and a larger infarction diameter (45.4±31.3 mm vs. 35.5±26.6 mm, p=0.002) than those without. Occlusion of the symptomatic arteries was more frequently detected in patients with concomitant potential cardiac sources of embolism. CONCLUSIONS Stroke patients with AF frequently had concomitant potential cardiac sources of embolism, and strokes were more severe in them.

Combination of a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma agonist and an angiotensin II receptor blocker attenuates myocardial fibrosis and dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats

We aimed to examine the effect of an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐gamma agonist, and their combination on myocardial fibrosis and function in type 2 diabetic rats.

Incremental Value of Left Atrial Global Longitudinal Strain for Prediction of Post Stroke Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-established risk factor for stroke. Interestingly, ischemic stroke increases risk of incident AF in patients without prior diagnosed AF. For better risk stratification for post-stroke AF, we studied left atrial (LA) size and mechanical function using two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking imaging in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods A total of 227 patients (132 males, age 67 ± 12) with acute ischemic stroke without a history of AF underwent 2D transthoracic echocardiography and speckle tracking imaging for the assessment of LA volume index and global LA longitudinal strain (LALS). From clinical variables, the CHA2DS2-VASc score and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were calculated in each patient. Post-stroke AF was defined as newly diagnosed AF during the course after ischemic stroke. Results Post-stroke AF occurred in 25 patients (11%). Patients with post-stroke AF were older and showed a higher tendency of CHA2DS2-VASc score, significantly higher log NIHSS, larger LA volume index and lower global LALS than those without. In multivariate analysis, global LALS was an independent predictor for post-stroke AF (hazard ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.83.0.97, p < 0.01) after controlling for confounding factors. Furthermore, global LALS provided incremental predictive value for post-stroke AF over the CHA2DS2-VASc score, NIHSS, and LA volume index. The global LALS < 14.5% better distinguished post-stroke AF (area under the curve 0.837, sensitivity 60%, specificity 95%, p < 0.01) than CHA2DS2-VASc score. Conclusion Global LALS as a marker of LA mechanical function has incremental predictive value for post-stroke AF in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch after Mitral Valve Replacement: Comparison of Different Methods of Effective Orifice Area Calculation

Purpose The incidence of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) after mitral valve replacement (MVR) has been reported to vary. The purpose of the current study was to investigate incidence of PPM according to the different methods of calculating effective orifice area (EOA), including the continuity equation (CE), pressure half time (PHT) method and use of reference EOA, and to compare these with various echocardiographic variables. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 166 individuals who received isolated MVR due to rheumatic mitral stenosis and had postoperative echocardiography performed between 12 and 60 months after MVR. EOA was determined by CE (EOACE) and PHT using Doppler echocardiography. Reference EOA was determined from the literature or values offered by the manufacturer. Indexed EOA was used to define PPM as present if ≤1.2 cm2/m2. Results Prevalence of PPM was different depending on the methods used to calculate EOA, ranging from 7% in PHT method to 49% in referred EOA method to 62% in CE methods. The intraclass correlation coefficient was low between the methods. PPM was associated with raised trans-prosthetic pressure, only when calculated by CE (p=0.021). Indexed EOACE was the only predictor of postoperative systolic pulmonary artery (PA) pressure, even after adjusting for age, preoperative systolic PA pressure and postoperative left atrial volume index (p<0.001). Conclusion Prevalence of mitral PPM varied according to the methods used to calculate EOA in patients with mitral stenosis after MVR. Among the various methods used to define PPM, EOACE was the only predictor of postoperative hemodynamic parameters.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol-lowering Efficacy of a Fixed-dose Combination With Irbesartan and Atorvastatin in Patients With Hypertension and Hypercholesterolemia: A Randomized, Double-blind, Factorial, Multicenter Phase III Study

PURPOSE A fixed-dose combination of a stain and an antihypertensive drug may be useful for the treatment of patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia. It may also improve patient drug compliance to help control risk factors of cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to evaluate the blood pressure-lowering and cholesterol-lowering effect of a fixed-dose combination of irbesartan-atorvastatin compared with monotherapy by either agent over an 8-week treatment period. METHODS Patients with comorbid hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were screened for this randomized, double-blind, Phase III study. Eligible study patients were randomly assigned to test groups receiving a combination of irbesartan 300 mg and atorvastatin 40 mg or 80 mg (IRB300 + ATO40 and IRB300 + ATO80). Comparator groups comprised monotherapy groups with irbesartan 300 mg (IRB300) or atorvastatin 40 mg (ATO40) or atorvastatin 80 mg (ATO80), or placebo. Patients who were eligible at screening were subjected to a 4- to 6-week washout period before commencing 8 weeks of therapy per their assigned group. The primary efficacy end points were percent change in LDL-C and sitting diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels from baseline to end of therapy. Tolerability profiles of combination therapy were compared with other groups. FINDINGS A total of 733 patients with comorbid hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were screened for this study; 230 eligible patients were randomized to treatment. The mean age of patients was 58.9 (8.5) years, and their mean body mass index was 25.8 (3.2) kg/m2. More than two thirds (70.9%) of the study patients were male. Mean LDL-C and sitting DBP levels at baseline were 149.54 (29.19) mg/dL and 92.32 (6.03) mm Hg, respectively. Percent reductions in LDL-C after 8 weeks were 46.74% (2.06%) in the IRB300 + ATO40 group and 48.98% (2.12%) in the IRB300 + ATO80 group; these values were 47.13% (3.21%) and 48.30% (2.98%) in the ATO40 and ATO80 comparator groups. Similarly, a reduction in sitting DBP after 8 weeks was -8.50 (1.06) mm Hg in the IRB300 + ATO40 group and 10.66 (1.08) mm Hg in the IRB300 + ATO80 group compared with 8.40 (1.65) mm Hg in the IRB300 group. The incidence rate for treatment-emergent adverse events was 22.27% and was similar between the monotherapy and combination groups. IMPLICATIONS A once-daily combination product of irbesartan and atorvastatin provided an effective, safe, and more compliable treatment for patients with coexisting hypertension and hyperlipidemia. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01442987.