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Journal of Echocardiography Mar 2024Stress echocardiography has been one of the most promising methods for the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary hypertension.... (Review)
Review
Stress echocardiography has been one of the most promising methods for the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary hypertension. The Japanese Society of Echocardiography produced practical guidance for the implementation of stress echocardiography in 2018. At that time, stress echocardiography was not yet widely disseminated in Japan; therefore, the 2018 practical guidance for the implementation of stress echocardiography included a report on stress echocardiography and a specific protocol to promote its use at many institutions in Japan in the future. And now, an era of renewed interest and enthusiasm surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of valvular heart disease and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has come, which are driven by emerging trans-catheter procedures and new recommended guideline-directed medical therapy. Based on the continued evidence of stress echocardiography, the new practical guideline that describes the safe and effective methodology of stress echocardiography is now created by the Guideline Development Committee of the Japanese Society of Echocardiography and is designed to expand the use of stress echocardiography for valvular heart disease and HFpEF, as well as ischemic heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary hypertension. The readers are encouraged to perform stress echocardiography which will enhance the diagnosis and management of these patients.
Topics: Humans; Echocardiography, Stress; Heart Failure; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Stroke Volume; Heart Valve Diseases; Myocardial Ischemia; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic
PubMed: 38358595
DOI: 10.1007/s12574-024-00643-1 -
Pulmonary Circulation Jan 2024Wave intensity analysis (WIA) uses simultaneous changes in pressure and flow velocity to determine wave energy, type, and timing of traveling waves in the circulation....
Wave intensity analysis (WIA) uses simultaneous changes in pressure and flow velocity to determine wave energy, type, and timing of traveling waves in the circulation. In this study, we characterized wave propagation in the pulmonary artery in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with left-sided heart disease (PHLHD) and the effects of dobutamine. During right heart catheterization, pressure and velocity data were acquired using a dual-tipped pressure and Doppler flow sensor wire (Combowire; Phillips Volcano), and processed offline using customized Matlab software (MathWorks). Patients with low cardiac output underwent dobutamine challenge. Twenty patients with PHLHD (all heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction) were studied. Right ventricular systole produced a forward compression wave (FCW), followed by a forward decompression wave (FDW) during diastole. Wave reflection manifesting as backward compression wave (BCW) following the FCW was observed in 14 patients. Compared to patients without BCW, patients with BCW had higher mean pulmonary artery pressure (28.7 ± 6.12 vs. 38.6 ± 6.5 mmHg, = 0.005), and lower pulmonary arterial capacitance (PAC: 2.88 ± 1.75 vs. 1.73 ± 1.16, = 0.002). Pulmonary vascular resistance was comparable. Mean pulmonary artery pressure of 34.5 mmHg (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.881) and PAC of 2.29 mL/mmHg (AUC: 0.833) predicted BCW. The magnitude of the FCW increased with dobutamine ( = 11) and correlated with pulmonary artery wedge pressure. Wave reflection in PHLHD is more likely at higher pulmonary artery pressures and lower PAC and the magnitude of reflected waves correlated with pulmonary artery wedge pressure. Dobutamine increased FCW but did not affect wave reflection.
PubMed: 38348196
DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12345 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... May 2024To highlight the use of procainamide as a potential alternative treatment modality in cases of ventricular tachycardia that are refractory to lidocaine and magnesium...
OBJECTIVE
To highlight the use of procainamide as a potential alternative treatment modality in cases of ventricular tachycardia that are refractory to lidocaine and magnesium sulfate.
ANIMAL
1 adult horse weighing 380 kg.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES
A 25-year-old Arabian gelding presented with severe colic signs. Due to persistent pain, it was elected to carry out an exploratory laparotomy. During the procedure a diagnosis of severe, unstable ventricular tachycardia was made based on the ECG findings, with an initial heart rate of 195 beats per minute and severe hypotension.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
Initial treatment consisted of discontinuing dobutamine and the administration of a 2 mg/kg IV lidocaine bolus followed by a continuous rate infusion at 50 μg/kg/min. Twenty grams magnesium sulfate (5 mg/kg) was administered IV in 1 L of lactated Ringer solution as a slow bolus over 30 minutes. Ventricular tachycardia persisted with poor peripheral pulses, a severely dampened arterial waveform, and a MAP of 30 to 45 mm Hg. Two milligrams/kg IV procainamide was administered over 3 minutes, 3 separate times, at 5-minute intervals. Immediately following the third dose sinus rhythm was detected on the ECG, the arterial waveform improved, and MAP increased to 85 mm Hg.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Ventricular tachycardia is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication in horses undergoing general anesthesia. The potential of this arrhythmia to progress to ventricular fibrillation is of grave concern, as the option to attempt to externally defibrillate horses back to normal sinus rhythm does not exist. This case highlights procainamide as a potential option for cases of ventricular tachycardia that are refractory to more standard treatment modalities.
PubMed: 38335722
DOI: 10.2460/javma.23.09.0535 -
Clinical Physiology and Functional... May 2024Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with higher incidence of cardiovascular death. Screening for coronary artery disease in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic...
BACKGROUND
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with higher incidence of cardiovascular death. Screening for coronary artery disease in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients is challenging.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the incremental value of resting deformation analysis in predicting positive results for myocardial ischemia during stress transthoracic echocardiography in patients with end-stage CKD.
METHODS
Sixty-one patients (mean age: 62.3 ± 11.8, 65.7% men) with end-stage CKD were included in the study. Patients underwent a resting transthoracic echocardiogram and a dobutamine stress contrast echo (DSE) protocol. Positive results of DSE were defined as stress-induced left ventricular (LV) wall motion abnormalities.
RESULTS
The study cohort had normal or mildly impaired systolic function: mean LV ejection fraction (EF) was 49.2% (±10.4) and mean LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) was 14.4% (±4.5). Half of our population had impaired left atrial (LA) strain: mean LA reservoir, conduit, and contractile reserve were 24.1% (±12.6), 10.6% (±5.9), and 13.6% (±9.2), respectively. DSE was positive for ischemia in 55.7%. A significant negative association with DSE results was found for LV EF, LV GLS and the conduit phase of LA strain. Both LV and LA dimensions showed positive correlation with presence of ischemia in DSE. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LV GLS was independently associated with DSE (p = 0.007), after controlling for covariates, with high diagnostic accuracy.
CONCLUSION
Resting LV deformation could predict positive results during DSE, thus may be useful to better identify renal patients who might benefit from coronary artery screening.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Coronary Artery Disease; Myocardial Ischemia; Echocardiography; Echocardiography, Stress; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Ischemia; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left
PubMed: 38314900
DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12871 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Mar 2024Different stress models are employed to enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and explore potential interventions. However, the utility of these models... (Review)
Review
Different stress models are employed to enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and explore potential interventions. However, the utility of these models remains a critical concern, as their validities may be limited by the complexity of stress processes. Literature review revealed that both mental and physical stress models possess reasonable construct and criterion validities, respectively reflected in psychometrically assessed stress ratings and in activation of the sympathoadrenal system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The findings are less robust, though, in the pharmacological perturbations' domain, including such agents as adenosine or dobutamine. Likewise, stress models' convergent- and discriminant validity vary depending on the stressors' nature. Stress models share similarities, but also have important differences regarding their validities. Specific traits defined by the nature of the stressor stimulus should be taken into consideration when selecting stress models. Doing so can personalize prevention and treatment of stress-related antecedents, its acute processing, and chronic sequelae. Further work is warranted to refine stress models' validity and customize them so they commensurate diverse populations and circumstances.
Topics: Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Stress, Physiological; Disease Progression; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 38307304
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105566 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Mar 2024The Swan Ganz Catheter (SGC) allows us to diagnose different types of cardiogenic shock (CS). (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
The Swan Ganz Catheter (SGC) allows us to diagnose different types of cardiogenic shock (CS).
OBJECTIVES
1) Determine the frequency of use of SGC, 2) Analyze the clinical characteristics and mortality according to its use and 3) Analyze the prevalence, clinical characteristics and mortality according to the type of Shock.
METHODS
The 114 patients (p) from the ARGEN SHOCK registry were analyzed. A "classic" pattern was defined as PCP > 15 mm Hg, CI < 2.2 L/min/ m2, SVR > 1,200 dynes × sec × cm-5. A "vasoplegic/mixed" pattern was defined when p did not meet the classic definition. CS due to right ventricle (RV) was excluded.
RESULTS
SGC was used in 35 % (n:37). There were no differences in clinical characteristics according to SGC use, but those with SGC were more likely to receive dobutamine, levosimendan, and intra aortic balloon pump (IABP). Mortality was similar (59.4 % vs 61.3 %). The pattern was "classic" in 70.2 %. There were no differences in clinical characteristics according to the type of pattern or the drugs used. Mortality was 54 % in patients with the classic pattern and 73 % with the mixed/vasoplegic pattern, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p:0.23).
CONCLUSIONS
SGC is used in one third of patients with CS. Its use does not imply differences in the drugs used or in mortality. Most patients have a classic hemodynamic pattern. There are no differences in mortality or in the type of vasoactive agents used according to the CS pattern found.
Topics: Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Treatment Outcome; Shock, Cardiogenic; Hemodynamics; Cardiovascular Agents
PubMed: 38281675
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102418 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Dec 2023Little is known about the impact of treatment with inotropic drugs on the interaction of hemodynamics, biomarkers, and end-organ function in patients with acute...
BACKGROUND
Little is known about the impact of treatment with inotropic drugs on the interaction of hemodynamics, biomarkers, and end-organ function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF) of different origins and heart rhythms.
METHODS
Fifty patients with different causes of acute decompensated HF (dilated cardiomyopathy DCM, ischemic cardiomyopathy ICM, atrial fibrillation AF, sinus rhythm/pacemaker lead rhythm SR/PM) were treated with dobutamine or levosimendan. Non-invasive hemodynamics, biomarkers, and parameters of renal organ function were evaluated at hospital admission and after myocardial recompensation (day 5 to 7).
RESULTS
Twenty-seven patients with ICM and twenty-three patients with DCM were included. Thirty-nine patients were treated with dobutamine and eleven with levosimendan. Sixteen were accompanied by persistent AF and thirty-four presented either with SR or PM. In the overall cohort, body weight and biomarkers (NT-proBNP/ST2) significantly decreased. GFR significantly increased during therapy with either dobutamine or levosimendan. However, hemodynamic parameters seem to be only improved in patients with DCM, in the levosimendan sub-group, and in patients with SR/PM.
CONCLUSION
Patients with acute decompensated HF benefit from positive inotropic therapy during short-term follow-ups. In particular, patients with DCM, those after levosimendan therapy and those with SR/PM, seem to benefit most from inotropic therapy.
PubMed: 38248718
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010017 -
Pediatric Cardiology Mar 2024Anomalous aortic origin of right coronary artery (AAORCA) is associated with myocardial ischemia and sudden cardiac arrest/death. Risk stratification remains challenging...
Dobutamine Stress Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Derived 2-Dimension Feature Tracking Strain Analysis in Pediatric Population with Anomalous Aortic Origin of Right Coronary Artery.
Anomalous aortic origin of right coronary artery (AAORCA) is associated with myocardial ischemia and sudden cardiac arrest/death. Risk stratification remains challenging and relies upon provocative test results. This study describes the utility of dobutamine stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DSCMR) and potential benefit of strain analysis in children with AAORCA. All patients less than 21 years of age with AAORCA who underwent DSCMR between July 2018 and December 2022 were included. Visual wall motion abnormalities (VWMA) at rest and during protocolized increments of dobutamine infusion were assessed. Regional and global left ventricular circumferential (GCS) and radial (GRS) strain using 2-dimension Feature tracking (2D-FT) analysis (cvi42, Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc.) were calculated at rest and peak response. Of the total 54 DSCMR studies performed in 51 children with median age (IQR) of 13.5 (11-15) years, FT analysis was reliably performed in 52 (96%) studies. None had VWMA. The absolute change in GCS and GRS from rest to peak dobutamine stress was 4% (1-6%) and 11% (4-18%), respectively. There was no significant difference in GCS and GRS in patients with exertional symptoms vs no/non-exertional symptoms as well as between those considered to be high-risk vs low-risk anatomical features. DSCMR-derived 2D-FT strain analysis is feasible to assess myocardial deformation in children with AAORCA and may enhance this method of provocative testing. Although there were no statically significant differences in GCS and GRS values between high and low-risk subgroups, the absolute change in GCS between rest and peak stress is diminished when compared to normal adult reports.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Child; Adolescent; Dobutamine; Coronary Vessels; Myocardial Contraction; Heart; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
PubMed: 38233665
DOI: 10.1007/s00246-023-03401-9 -
Indian Pediatrics Mar 2024The three pathophysiologic contributors to septic shock include varying combinations of hypovolemia (relative > absolute), decreased vascular tone or vasoplegia, and...
The three pathophysiologic contributors to septic shock include varying combinations of hypovolemia (relative > absolute), decreased vascular tone or vasoplegia, and myocardial dysfunction. The three pillars of hemodynamic support include fluid boluses, vasopressors with or without inotrope infusions. The three end-points of hemodynamic resuscitation include an adequate cardiac output (CO), adequate mean arterial pressure (MAP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for organ perfusion, and avoiding congestion (worse filling) parameters. Only 33-50% of septic patients show post-fluid bolus CO improvements; this may be sustained in ≥10% on account of sepsis-mediated glycocalyx injury. A pragmatic approach is to administer a small bolus (10 mL/kg over 20-30 min) and judge the response based on clinical perfusion markers, pressure elements, and congestive features. Vasoplegia marked by low DBP is a major contributor to hypotension in septic shock. Hence, a strategy of restricted fluid bolus with early low-dose norepinephrine (NE) (0.05-0.1 µg/kg/min) can be helpful. NE may also be useful in septic myocardial dysfunction (SMD) as an initial agent to maintain adequate coronary perfusion and DBP while minimizing tachycardia and providing inotropy. Severe SMD may benefit from additional inotropy (epinephrine/dobutamine). Except vasopressin, most vasoactive drugs may safely be administered via a peripheral route. The lowest MAP (5th centile for age) may be an acceptable target, provided end-organ perfusion is satisfactory. A clinical individualized approach combining the history, serial physical examination, laboratory analyses, available monitoring tools, and repeated assessment to individualize circulatory support may to lead to better outcomes than one-size-fits-all algorithms.
Topics: Humans; Child; Shock, Septic; Vasoplegia; Sepsis; Norepinephrine; Hemodynamics; Hypotension
PubMed: 38217271
DOI: No ID Found -
Cureus Dec 2023Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is characterized by severe left ventricular dysfunction. It presents as an acute coronary syndrome; however, the difference lies in the...
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is characterized by severe left ventricular dysfunction. It presents as an acute coronary syndrome; however, the difference lies in the lack of coronary artery obstruction during a coronary angiogram. The left ventricular dysfunction extends beyond the area supplied with concordant coronary arteries. We describe a case of a 41-year-old female evaluated for acute coronary syndrome, later diagnosed with a unique reverse subtype of TCM.
PubMed: 38213359
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50390