Marianne Lafitte

Automated function imaging: a new operator-independent strain method for assessing left ventricular function.

BACKGROUND Speckle tracking is a new technique based on pure 2D grayscale ultrasound acquisition allowing calculation of segmental strains. To facilitate clinical application, speckle tracking has been integrated into the most recent echocardiographic systems for quick, automated evaluation of left ventricular function (Automated Function Imaging, AFI). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility, calculation time, accuracy and reproducibility of global longitudinal strain (GLS) from AFI in determining LV function in comparison to reference echocardiographic and angiographic methods-whatever the operators experience. METHODS Echocardiography was performed in 65 patients scheduled for cardiac catheterization using a Vivid 7 system. They were divided into 3 groups according to EF (>55%, 35< or =EF< or =55%,<35%). Image quality, global LV function parameters (ejection fraction, aortic flow, dp/dt) and segmental contraction were analyzed by one experienced operator and one beginner. GLS was obtained from apical 2, 3 and 4 chamber views. GLS was compared to both echocardiographic and angiographic EF, as well as to other echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS GLS was obtained successfully in 97% of patients. Mean calculation time including correction of endocardial detection was less than 60 seconds. GLS was significantly different between the 3 groups, respectively -18.1+/-2.5%, -11.5+/-2.1% and -6.0+/-1.2% (p<0.01). Strong correlations were observed between GLS and LV function (r from 0.68 to 0.87) with a high level of reproducibility. No difference was observed between experienced and inexperienced operators. CONCLUSION AFI is clinically applicable and an effective means of assessing LV function due to its short acquisition time, feasibility and accuracy, whatever the experience of the operator.

Very low levels of HDL cholesterol and atherosclerosis, a variable relationship - a review of LCAT deficiency

A number of epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated that plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level is a strong inverse predictor of cardiovascular events. HDL is believed to retard the formation of atherosclerotic lesions by removing excess cholesterol from cells and preventing endothelial dysfunction. Lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) plays a central role in the formation and maturation of HDL, and in the intravascular stage of reverse cholesterol transport: a major mechanism by which HDL modulates the development and progression of atherosclerosis. A defect in LCAT function would be expected to enhance atherosclerosis, by interfering with the reverse cholesterol transport step. As such, one would expect to find more atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events in LCAT-deficient patients. But this relationship is not always evident. In this review, we describe contradictory reports in the literature about cardiovascular risks in this patient population. We discuss the paradoxical finding of severe HDL deficiency and an absence of subclinical atherosclerosis in LCAT-deficient patients, which has been used to reject the hypothesis that HDL level is important in the protection against atherosclerosis. Furthermore, to illustrate this paradoxical finding, we present a case study of one patient, referred for evaluation of global cardiovascular risk in the presence of a low HDL cholesterol level, who was diagnosed with LCAT gene mutations.

Fast Track Echo of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Using a Real Pocket-Ultrasound Device at Bedside

Background: Ultraminiaturization of echographic systems extraordinarily provides the image “within” the clinical examination. Abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) diagnosis based on conventional evaluation with a dedicated operator and ultrasound machine is still controversial due to the lack of evidence of the proposed management and guidelines’ cost‐effectiveness. We hypothesized that less expensive ultraportable devices could identify AAA with the same level of accuracy as conventional approaches. Methods: A first step of this study was to validate the VSCANs image capabilities in patients referred to the vascular Doppler laboratory. Abdominal aorta measurements were performed by an experienced physician using conventional equipment followed by a second blinded physician using the ultraportable device VSCAN. Then, 204 patients hospitalized in our cardiology institute were prospectively included for a systematic screening of AAA at bedside using the VSCAN in order to determine the feasibility and impact of fast track evaluation compared to clinical examination. Results: A strong correlation was obtained between measurements of abdominal aorta diameters using the two ultrasound systems (r = 0.98, CI: 0.97–0.99, P < 0.001) with 100% of agreement for AAA diagnosis. In the second part of the study, visualization and measurement of the transverse diameter of the abdominal aorta was obtained in 199 patients, resulting in a feasibility of 97.5%. Among these patients, 18 AAAs were detected, which corresponds to a prevalence of 9%, whereas clinical evaluation did not detect any of them. Patients with AAA were more likely men (77.77% vs. 57.45%, P < 0.05) and hypertensive (88.8% vs. 56.9%, P < 0.05) as compared to those without AAA. Two patients with large AAA were quickly referred to the surgery department. Conclusion: Considering its low cost, diagnostic accuracy, and widespread availability, screening for AAA using an ultraportable ultrasound device such as VSCAN by an experienced physician is promising and should be used as an extension of routine physical examination in vascular patients. (Echocardiography 2012;29:285‐290)

Validation of the Smallest Pocket Echoscopic Device’s Diagnostic Capabilities in Heart Investigation

We hypothesized that, based on greyscale imaging and color Doppler capabilities, a new pocket ultrasound device (PUD) could accurately record cardiologic diagnostic findings. One hundred patients referred for conventional clinical indications underwent a standard echocardiography. Subsequently, a second physician blinded to the results performed an evaluation using the PUD on the same patients. Study end-points were echocardiographic window quality; left ventricular (LV) morphology; function; hypertrophy; right ventricular, atrial and vena caval morphologies; aortic and mitral valvulopathies; and pericardial structure. Using a scale of three grades, concordance in image quality proved good with a kappa coefficient (κ) of 0.71. Concordances between systems were excellent for LV function and morphology (κ = 0.91 and 0.96). Concordance for LV hypertrophy was good (κ = 0.74). Concordances for mitral regurgitation grades were 0.90, 0.95 and 1.00, respectively. In conclusion, a new PUD enabled scanning examinations, which showed good concordance of basic and qualitative diagnostic capability to standard echocardiographic instruments.

Screening abdominal aorta aneurysm during echocardiography: Literature review and proposal for a French nationwide study

Several international guidelines, including those in France, recommend the screening of abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) by ultrasound in high-risk populations. However, this preventive screening strategy is poorly implemented. Many patients who undergo transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) are at risk of AAA as defined by the guidelines, and the cardiac ultrasound machines and probes fit perfectly for AAA screening. In this literature review, we collected data from more than 20,000 patients who underwent screening for AAA during TTE, from 10 single-centre series. While the studies differed regarding patient selection and AAA definition, the feasibility of AAA screening during TTE was excellent (mostly >90%), with the need for an average of 2-7 minutes to be added to the cardiac imaging time. The prevalence of AAA >30 mm ranged from 0.8% to 6.5%, and up to 19% in men aged >70 years. The risk factors for the presence of AAA among attendees of echocardiography laboratories were similar to those reported in the general population: age, male gender, smoking, hypertension, family history of AAA and prevalent atherosclerotic diseases. Some echocardiography-specific factors, such as left ventricular hypertrophy or dilation and poor left ventricular ejection fraction were also reported. To better assess the benefit of and indications for AAA screening during TTE in clinical practice, we propose a multicentre, nationwide, screening study in echocardiography laboratories in our country.

Efficacy over time of a short overall atherosclerosis management programme on the reduction of cardiovascular risk in patients after an acute coronary syndrome

INTRODUCTION The prognostic significance of monitoring risk factors and adjusting treatments in patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is well documented. However, studies over the last few years show that secondary prevention objectives are rarely met. Prevention programmes are effective but their benefit is only partially maintained in long-term follow-up. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the efficacy of a global management programme for atherosclerosis (the CEPTA programme) on the long-term monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors, on adherence to treatment, and to compare the data of clinical events post-ACS with that contained in the scientific literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS Six hundred and sixty consecutive patients were hospitalised three months after the occurrence of an ACS to evaluate residual risk factors, the atherosclerosis burden, and to undergo a treatment adjustment and a therapeutic and dietary education programme. We evaluated the impact of this long-term programme on the balance of risk factors, treatment maintenance and clinical events. At the end of an average follow-up of 20 months, 96.3% of patients were on antiaggregates, 86.0% were on beta-blockers or Verapamil, 62.4% were on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin to receptor antagonists, 88.4% were on cholesterol-lowering medication and 75.5% were receiving a combination of beta-blocker antiaggregates and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Monitoring of LDL cholesterol and blood pressure was done in over 81 and 71% of patients, respectively. At 20 months of follow-up, total mortality was 3.6% and one cardiovascular event occurred in 12% of patients. In conclusion, this short programme following ACS is beneficial for the long-term management of cardiovascular risk factors and the sustainability of drug treatments.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in very high-risk patients: adjustment and preliminary results

Left ventricle dysfunction and comorbidities are responsible for a large number of complications after CABG. OPCAB could be an interesting alternative for very high-risk patients. Patients were included if EuroSCORE >9, or with at least two of the following criteria, severe LV dysfunction, recent myocardial infarction (MI), terminal renal failure, lung dysfunction, PVD, BMI>30. Patients were operated using the Octopus (Medtronic) system. One hundred and twenty patients, mean age 68+/-10 years, 72% male, were operated. Mean EuroSCORE was 10.2+/-5.3, LV function 36.79+/-11.3%, recent MI 57%, renal failure 52%, COPD 44%, PVD 52%, obesity 34%. Mean graft per patient was 2.1+/-0.8. Three patients underwent secondary PTCA treatment for incomplete revascularization. Combined surgery was required for 20%. Early mortality was 3%. Intensive care unit stay was 2.7 days. Early complications were: low output syndrome 3%, MI 0.8%, stroke 0.8%, kidney support 7%. Graft patency was systematically analyzed with MCTA or angiocardiography. OPCAB strategy seems to be safe and secure in this population of very high-risk patients reducing multi-organ failure. However, long-term results are needed to confirm this strategy.

Education and home based training for intermittent claudication: functional effects and quality of life

Background Supervised exercise programs increase physical performance in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, there are a limited number of programs, and to date they have failed to provide evidence of long-term adherence to exercise or any meaningful effect on Quality of Life (QoL). We created a program of therapeutic education and a personalized program of reconditioning exercise for patients with PAD. Methods Patients with an ankle-brachial index (ABI) below 0.9 in at least one limb, and an absolute claudication distance (ACD) ≤500 meters, were included in the study. Quality of Life (QoL) as measured by SF-36, cardiovascular risk factors and functional parameters were evaluated at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months. Results Forty-six patients completed the program. Cardiovascular risks were controlled and stabilized over time. SF-36 scores improved significantly and remained stable. Initial and absolute claudication distance (ICD and ACD) as well as other functional parameters improved significantly (6 months: +138 m or +203% ICD and +139 m or +84% ACD). Ten patients (22%) did not show improvement in ICD or ACD within the first 3 months, but their SF-36 score did increase at subsequent visits. Interestingly, these patients had a significantly lower ACD at baseline. Conclusions This study measured beneficial effects of an educational therapeutic program for patients with PAD. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in functional and QoL parameters during the first 3 months of coaching, and long-term persistence of the results even when patients were no longer coached.

Predictors of cardiovascular prognosis in patients receiving optimized secondary prevention measures after acute coronary syndrome

Background: After an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), optimal medical therapy (OMT) has been shown to be effective in reducing subsequent cardiovascular (CV) events. However, even in populations that reach recommended secondary prevention goals, there is a subset of patients that experience subsequent CV events. Aim: To identify biological or clinical predictors of residual risk of CV events in post-ACS patients receiving OMT. Patients and methods: A total of 990 post-ACS patients benefited from OMT (optimized treatment during the acute and chronic post-ACS phase, along with a therapeutic and dietary education programme). Traditional CV risk factors and atheroma disease markers (intima‐media thickness measurement, carotid atheroma, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) measured by ankle brachial index, and the number of coronary arteries with a >50% stenosis) were evaluated at 3 months post ACS. Cardiovascular events were recorded at follow up. Results: At 20-month follow up, >80% of the patients reached the recommended secondary prevention goals. In this population, diabetes was the only CV risk factor significantly associated with CV events in multivariate analysis including traditional risk factors (HR 1.61, p = 0.017). In multivariate analyses including CV risk factors and atheroma disease markers, only PAD remained significantly associated with CV events (HR 1.83, p = 0.04). The number of vascular beds involved was associated with poorer prognosis (HR for disease in 3-vascular-beds 3.85, p = 0.001, using disease in 1-vascular-bed as a reference group). Conclusion: In post-ACS patients with OMT, atheroma burden is a powerful prognostic marker of recurrent CV events, while diabetes remains the only independent marker of CV events among traditional CV risk factors.

Negative impact of physician prescribed drug dosing schedule requirements on patient adherence to cardiovascular drugs.

The aim of this study was to determine whether dosing schedule requirements impair overall cardiovascular drug adherence.