Kevin E. Boczar

Right heart function deteriorates in breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy

Background Cardiotoxicity from anthracycline-based chemotherapy is an important cause of early and late morbidity and mortality in breast cancer patients. Left ventricular (LV) function is assessed for patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy to identify cardiotoxicity. However, animal studies suggest that right ventricular (RV) function may be a more sensitive measure to detect LV dysfunction. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy experience RV dysfunction. Methods Forty-nine breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy at the Ottawa Hospital between November 2007 and March 2013 and who had 2 echocardiograms performed at least 3months apart were retrospectively identified. Right atrial area (RAA), right ventricular fractional area change (RV FAC) and RV longitudinal strain of the free wall (RV LSFW) were evaluated according to the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Results The majority (48/49) of patients were females with an average age of 53.4 (95% CI: 50.1–56.7years). From baseline to follow-up study, average LV ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased from 62.22 (95% CI: 59.1–65.4) to 57.4% (95% CI: 54.0–60.9) (P=0.04). During the same time period, the mean RAA increased from 12.1cm2 (95% CI: 11.1–13.0cm2) to 13.8cm2 (95% CI: 12.7–14.9cm2) (P=0.02), mean RV FAC decreased (P=0.01) from 48.3% (95% CI: 44.8–51.74) to 42.1% (95% CI: 38.5–45.6%), and mean RV LSFW worsened from −16.2% (95% CI: −18.1 to −14.4%) to −13.81% (95% CI: −15.1 to −12.5%) (P=0.04). Conclusion This study demonstrates that breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy experience adverse effects on both right atrial size and RV function. Further studies are required to determine the impact of these adverse effects on right heart function and whether this represents an earlier marker of cardiotoxicity.

Left Atrial Volume Assessed by Coronary Computed Tomography in Mid Ventricular Diastasis Predicts Adverse Events.

Purpose: Previous studies have demonstrated that left atrial (LA) volume has incremental prognostic value in predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACE). However, the predictive ability of LA volume in mid diastasis has not been investigated. We determined the incremental predictive value of LA volume indexed to body surface area (LAVi) measured in mid ventricular diastasis. Materials and Methods: A total of 96 patients with MACE (all-cause mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction) were matched to 96 controls without adverse events on follow-up. Coronary computed tomographic angiography images were reconstructed at the 75% phase (mid ventricular diastasis). LA volumes were measured and indexed to the body surface area. The predictive value of LAVi was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models for the MACE. Results: LAVi was significantly larger (P<0.001) in the cases with adverse clinical outcomes (63.8±2.1 mL/m2) versus the controls (50.3±1.2 mL/m2). In a multivariate analysis, both significant coronary artery disease (defined as >70% stenosis in at least 1 coronary artery) and LAVi emerged as significant predictors of MACE with P-values of 0.0022 and 0.0001, respectively. Conclusions: A significantly larger LAVi was associated with MACE. LAVi was an incremental predictor to traditional clinical variables for MACE. The assessment of LAVi may be considered during coronary computed tomographic angiography and could potentially be incorporated into risk stratification and decision-making strategies.

Incremental Prognostic Value of Estimated LV End-Diastolic Volume by Cardiac CT

Identifying characteristics that predict future adverse events can be used to facilitate patient monitoring or therapy. Although, computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA) measures of coronary atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease severity, and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction are

Sex Considerations in Aneurysm Formation, Progression, and Outcomes

Aneurysm formation is a complex multifactorial process with both genetic and environmental influences. Over recent years, there has been increasing recognition of sex-specific differences regarding the prevalence and natural history of cardiovascular diseases in the population. In particular, there is a growing body of evidence showing that aneurysm behaviour differs based on sex. Although most types of aneurysms are more common in men, their growth rates and outcomes are worse in women. This fact raises attention about potential underlying differences in the arteries of men and women that may contribute to differences in aneurysm prevalence and outcomes. There are complex biochemical and mechanical mechanisms at play that contribute to vascular health. Furthermore, many studies have suggested potential differences in the hormonal milieu and underlying arterial anatomy between men and women. Based on the data reviewed in this article, assessment of the underlying pathophysiology of aneurysms in women might prove clinically useful regarding prevention, early detection, and management of aneurysms in women. Sex-specific research, screening, and treatment guidelines for aneurysm disease should be introduced to reflect the differing natural history of these diseases in men and women.

Right Heart Function During and After Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults

BACKGROUND New-onset or worsening heart failure is the most common extra-pulmonary complication of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) during the first 30 days after diagnosis. METHODS We evaluated the changes in the right ventricular function amongst adult CAP survivors from the time of acute infection to its resolution. We performed comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic examinations to assess right heart function during the acute illness and the convalescent period (4 to 6 weeks after hospital discharge). RESULTS Twenty-six patients underwent acute measurements, of which convalescent measurements were completed in 19 subjects. There was no significant change in any of the right heart function parameters from the acute to convalescent stage of CAP. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that right ventricular function does not meaningfully change in the transition from the acute to convalescent stage of CAP in non-critically ill adult CAP survivors.