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Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) usually develops secondarily to left-sided heart diseases, whereas primary lesions to the valve apparatus is less common. Untreated severe TR has a poor prognosis and surgical treatment, i.e., valve repair or replacement, is the only treatment option with class I recommendation. However, cardiac surgical procedures may be associated with a high risk of complications. Recent advances in percutaneous approaches to managing structural heart diseases, especially mitral valve diseases, have enabled the implementation of this therapeutic strategy in the population of patients with TR. This paper presents data on the clinical efficacy, cost-effectiveness and expected population size for one of these procedures, namely the TriClip TTVr System procedure. Its efficacy was assessed in the TRILUMINATE study involving 85 patients with co-morbidities and at high surgical risk. After 1 year of follow-up, the reduction in the TR grade was reported in 71% of patients. Clinical improvement in New York Heart Association functional class, a 6-minute walk test, and the quality of life were also observed. A published analysis comparing percutaneous treatment modalities with a drug therapy based on data from medical registers was utilized, and propensity score matching was also employed. Percutaneous treatment reduced 1-year mortality and rehospitalization risk. The economic analysis showed the use of TriClip TTVr System is cost-effective: the cost of an additional quality-adjusted life year ranged from approximately PLN 85,000 to PLN 100,000, which is below the official threshold in Poland. The potential annual number of candidates for this treatment modality in Poland is estimated at 265.

It is unclear whether patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) should be considered as an increased risk population with poor outcomes when suffering from COVID-19.This study aimed to collect clinical outcome data and to identify risk factors of a complicated course of COVID-19 among ACHD patients.Among all outpatients who came to medical attention via telemedicine or direct physician contact at our institution between September 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, we included all with a COVID-19 diagnosis. The incidence of COVID-19, a clinical course of the disease, and outcome were determined.One hundred and four (8.7%) out of 1 197 patients who were seen at our outpatient clinic for ACHD patients met the definition of COVID-19. Most of them reported a mild course of COVID-19 (99 [95.5%]). Five patients (4.5%) experienced severe symptoms and needed hospitalization. Two patients (1.9% of all with a confirmed diagnosis, 40% with severe infection) died. In the multivariable analysis, decreased systemic ventricular systolic function and any significant valve stenosis were predictors of a complicated disease course.Our study confirmed previous results showing that a physiology-based model, rather than an anatomy-based model, better predicted COVID-19 outcomes among ACHD patients, which is of importance for patients and healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background The number of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) surviving to old age is increasing worldwide. Acquired cardiovascular comorbidities may complicate the course and treatment of the underlying congenital disease and worsen the prognosis. Aims The aim of the study was to assess the burden of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors among elderly patients with ACHD. Methods A retrospective analysis of data on all patients ≥60 years of age hospitalized in a single tertiary clinic for ACHD between July 2013 and March 2020 was performed. We collected information on smoking status, body mass index, and the presence of dyslipidaemia, systemic hypertension, and diabetes. Results The most common CV risk factors among 322 patients ≥60 years of age (median age 66 years; 34% men) were: overweight/obesity (65.5%), dyslipidaemia (64.9%) and arterial hypertension (60.6%). Over 21% of patients suffered from diabetes and 25.8% were smokers. Over 54% of patients had two or 3 CV risk factors. Patients above 70 years of age were healthier in terms of overweight/obesity, dyslipidaemia, and smoking status. Patients with mild ACHD were more likely hypertensive compared to individuals with complex defects. The highest CV burden was noted in younger men with mild ACHD. Conclusions We demonstrated a high burden of CV risk factors in seniors with ACHD. Special attention should be paid to identification and control of classical CV risk factors in order to prevent acquired CV disease in this population.

Background: Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is a rare disease of unknown cause. We aimed to better understand familial recurrence patterns. Methods: An international, multicentre, retrospective cohort study was conducted in 29 tertiary hospitals in 6 countries between 1990 and 2018, entailing investigation of 1043 unrelated ccTGA probands. Results: Laterality defects and atrioventricular block at diagnosis were observed in 29.9% and 9.3%, respectively. ccTGA was associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia in 11 patients. Parental consanguinity was noted in 3.4% cases. A congenital heart defect was diagnosed in 81 relatives from 69 families, 58% of them being first-degree relatives, including 28 siblings. The most prevalent defects in relatives were dextro-transposition of the great arteries (28.4%), laterality defects (13.6%), and ccTGA (11.1%); 36 new familial clusters were described, including 8 pedigrees with concordant familial aggregation of ccTGA, 19 pedigrees with familial co-segregation of ccTGA and dextro-transposition of the great arteries, and 9 familial co-segregation of ccTGA and laterality defects. In one family co-segregation of ccTGA, dextro-transposition of the great arteries and heterotaxy syndrome in 3 distinct relatives was found. In another family, twins both displayed ccTGA and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Conclusions: ccTGA is not always a sporadic congenital heart defect. Familial clusters as well as evidence of an association between ccTGA, dextro-transposition of the great arteries, laterality defects and in some cases primary ciliary dyskinesia, strongly suggest a common pathogenetic pathway involving laterality genes in the pathophysiology of ccTGA.

Objectives The present study was a prospective, single-center, single-arm study to investigate the efficacy of transcatheter pulmonary artery denervation (TPADN) in patients with combined postcapillary and precapillary PH (Cpc-PH) associated with left heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HF-rEF). Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction has a negative impact on outcome. Methods The combination of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PAPs) ≥60 mmHg, transpulmonary pressure gradient (TPG) ≥12 mmHg, nonreversible mean PAP, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) ≥3.5 Wood Units was considered as too high risk for heart transplantation (HTx). The clinical efficacy endpoint was an improvement in 6-min walking test and the hemodynamic endpoints were changes in PAPs, PVR, and TPG between baseline and 6 months. Circumferential radiofrequency applications were delivered around distal main, left and right pulmonary arteries. At each ablation point temperature was 45°C and energy 10 W. Results TPADN was performed in 10 patients. At 6-month in 5 patients we observed reduction in PAP, PVR, TPG, and DPG and then 1 had successful HTx, 2 are on HTx waiting list, 2 received LVADs, 2 patients did not improve, and 3 patients died. Conclusions TPADN may be beneficial in selected patients with HF-rEF and Cpc-PH.

Aim: To assess galectin-3 (Gal-3) levels and their relationship with clinical status and right ventricular (RV) performance in adults with RV pressure overload of various mechanisms due to congenital heart disease. Materials & methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients underwent clinical examination, blood testing and transthoracic echocardiography. Results: The study included 63 patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, 41 patients with Eisenmenger syndrome and 20 healthy controls. Gal-3 concentrations were higher in patients compared with controls (7.83 vs 6.11 ng/ml; p = 0.002). Biomarker levels correlated with age, New York Health Association class, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide and RV function only in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries patients. Conclusion: Gal-3 profile in congenital heart disease patients and pressure-overloaded RV differs according to the cause of pressure overload.

We investigated factors associated with right ventricular (RV) function and size in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. Two hundred fifty-three consecutive HCM patients and 20 healthy volunteers underwent cardiac magnetic resonance examination. In addition to measuring RV function (ejection fraction—RVEF) and size (end-diastolic volume—RVEDV), each image was inspected for the presence of RV and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, and the maximal wall thickness of the left and right ventricles was recorded. HCM patients had higher RVEF and lower RVEDV than healthy volunteers and similar RV mass. The mean RV wall thickness was higher in HCM patients than in controls. LV late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was present in 89.7% of patients, and RV LGE was present in 3.1% of patients (p

Background Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is a rare clinical condition in which the morphologically right ventricle sustains systemic circulation. This congenital heart anomaly exposes patients with ccTGA to adverse events over time. Strategies to identify persons who are at high risk of clinical events will be crucial for improving patient outcomes. Thus the aim of this study was to identify screening tools that enable morbidity and mortality risk stratification in adults with ccTGA. Methods This was a prospective observational study. Electrocardiography, laboratory testing, echocardiography, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing were performed at baseline. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to establish determinants of composite clinical endpoints, including death, heart transplantation, systemic ventricular device assist implantation, worsening of heart failure, vascular events, tricuspid valve regurgitation requiring intervention, and clinically relevant arrhythmias. Results Fifty-one patients—30 male and 21 female—with a mean age of 36 years were studied. During a median follow-up period of 3.15 years, 19 patients experienced 39 clinical events. Detectable high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) combined with echocardiography-derived systemic right ventricular end-diastolic (sRVED) area were the best predictors of adverse outcomes (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.25, P = 0.02 and HR = 1.05, P = 0.02, respectively). Conclusions A combination of detectable hsTnT and an increased sRVED area are the best predictors of adverse clinical events in adults with ccTGA. This observation may be useful to guide follow-up, as both risk determinants are widely available and simple to obtain in everyday practice.

Background: In congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries the right ventricle (RV) supports systemic circulation, and patients are prone to develop heart failure over time. Chronic volume overload secondary to obesity may contribute to premature dysfunction of the systemic RV. Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the systemic RV function in overweight/obese adult patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. Methods: Transthoracic echocardiographic studies and laboratory testing (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP] assessment) were performed in patients with congenitally corrected transposition, who were scheduled for a routine examination, and the body mass index was calculated for each patient. Results: We studied 56 adults (31 men; mean age 33.9 years); 22 of whom were overweight (body mass index [BMI] of 25–29.9 kg/m 2 ) or obese (BMI of 30 kg/m 2 or more), and 34 of whom were normal weight (BMI below 25 kg/m 2 ). Age, gender, heart rate, and blood pressure were similar in both groups. The mean NT-proBNP levels were not significantly different. On echocardiography, the overweight/obese patients had a decreased systemic RV fractional area change (0.38) compared to normal weight patients (0.43); p = 0.02. Moreover, a significant reduction in the global longitudinal strain in the overweight/obese group was observed (–15.3% vs. –18.3%; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Overweight/obesity in adult patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries is associated with impaired systemic RV function.

A 36-year-old male with positive family history of sudden cardiac death (his uncle"s son died suddenly at the age of 25), hospitalized a month ago in a local hospital due to acute hypertensive cardiogenic pulmonary edema, was referred to our institution for further evaluation with suspicion of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. On admission patient was asymptomatic, without fatigue, exertional dyspnoea, chest pain or syncope. On physical examination his BP was significantly elevated (180/100 mmHg). The lungs were clear on auscultation, liver was not enlarged, jugular veins were normal, there was no oedema of lower extremities. Abdominal auscultation revealed vascular murmur in umbilical region. The baseline level of NT-proBNP was 811.4 (range 0–125) pg/mL, and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T was 20.2 (range 0–14) ng/L. The standard 12-lead electrocardiogram demonstrated sinus rhythm, left atrial enlargement and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy with nonspecific ST segment and T-wave changes (Fig. 1A). No significant pathology was present on chest X-ray (Fig. 1B). Transthoracic echocardiography revealed significant concentric LV hypertrophy with preserved LV ejection fraction (EF 70%) and moderately decreased global longitudinal strain (GLS-13.7%). There was mild dilatation of left atrium. Ascending aorta diameter was in normal range (Fig. 1C-D). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scan confirmed concentric LV hypertrophy with the maximal wall thickness of 18 mm at interventricular septum, and increased myocardial mass (LV mass index 124 ml/m2, range 59–92). Moreover, small areas of late gadolinium enhancement were found in LV segments (Fig. 1E-F). Due to presence of vascular murmur in abdomen, ultrasound imaging was performed. The exam revealed abdominal aortic dissection (Fig. 1G-H). Patient was transferred to the computed tomography (CT) unit to confirm the diagnosis. Aortic dissection originated below renal arteries and involving common illiac arteries was detected (Stanford B). The presence of thrombi within the lumen created by the aortic dissection suggested chronic presentation. Patient was managed conservatively with strict blood pressure control and close follow up arranged. We decided to perform genetic analysis. Currently we are awaiting the results in hope that it will help us to establish the diagnosis and differentiate hypertensive heart from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In conclusion, aortic dissection typically presents with tearing chest pain and severe hemodynamic compromise. Painless dissection, like in this case, is relatively rare. Differential diagnosis between hypertensive heart and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is crucial as it has direct therapeutic impact. Abstract P881 Figure 1

Purpose Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a deadly disease leading to right ventricular (RV) failure. The aim of this study was to establish whether aetiology of PH has a greater impact on RV longitudinal deformation than cardiac catherization parameters. Methods We retrospectively analyzed echocardiographic studies and cardiac catherization parameters of 25 patients with pulmonary hypertension : 13 pts with precapillary PH associated with atrial/ventricular septum defect and 12 pts with postcapillary PH due to dilated cardiomyopathy. We measured regional strain and regional systolic and diastolic strain rates (SR) in right ventricular free wall in basal, mid and apical segments. Results Aside from TAPSE, echocardiographic parameters indicate no difference. Even though mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular residence significantly higher in patients with precapillary PH, strain was significantly decreased in patients with postcapillary PH. Statistically significant differences were observed between pre- and postcapillary PH patients" strain in apical and mid myocardial segments. Early diastolic strain rate (SR) in apical RV segment in precapillary PH patients was significantly higher than in patients with postcapillary PH. In other myocardial segments there were no differences between systolic, early diastolic and late diastolic SR. Conclusion Our study suggests that RV free wall strain in patients with PH moderately correlate with aetiology of PH. We did not find correlation between higher RA pressure or PVR and worsening of RV function in PH of different aetiologies. Precapillary PH Postcapillary PH p value PA mean pressure (mmHG) 75,2 ± 17,7 42,0 ± 7,3

Background: The Fontan procedure is performed in patients with congenital heart diseases and abnormal anatomy of the heart, which preclude intracardiac repair involving a separation of the systemic and pulmonary circulations. The role of computed tomography (CT) in assessing patients’ clinical status after the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) procedure is not well defined. Aims: To determine a potential role and diagnostic capability of CT in the functional assessment of adults with the TCPC. Methods: Data obtained from 18 patients (10 women; mean [SD] age, 27.9 [6.3] years) with the TCPC were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent biochemical evaluation, cardiopulmonary exercise test, transthoracic echocardiography, and CT. Upon CT examination, the dimensions of the left and right pulmonary arteries, superior and inferior venae cavae, all pulmonary veins, and extracardiac conduits were measured. The measurements acquired by CT were correlated with the results of transthoracic echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise test, and biochemical analysis. Results: The mean (SD) time after the TCPC was 18.5 (6.5) years. The area and circumference of the inferior vena cava significantly correlated with age (r = 0.503, P

Aim: Knowledge of the human body’s ability to adapt to repeated endurance efforts during swimming is limited. We echocardiographically assessed the impact of an exhausting and repetitive swimming effort on cardiac activity. Materials: Fourteen well-trained amateur swimmers (8 female swimmers aged 16–43 years and 6 male swimmers aged 13–67 years old) participated in an ultramarathon relay. Over 5 days, swimmers swam 500 km in the Warta River (in 5-km intervals). Each swimmer swam seven intervals, each within 44:46 to 60:02 min. Objective difficulties included low water temperatures, strong winds, rain, and night conditions. Methods: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed three times: at baseline (the day before exertion), at peak effort, and during recovery (48 h after the event). The heart rate (HR) of each swimmer was monitored. Results: Swimmers completed the ultramarathon relay within approximately 91 h. The average HR value at the end of each interval was 91% HRmax. TTE test results showed no significant changes indicative of deterioration of myocardial function at peak effort or after 48 h. Significant increases in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV fractional shortening (LVFS), LV myocardial systolic velocity, and right ventricular (RV) fractional area changes observed on day 2 after swimming were compared to baseline values and peak effort values. No significant changes in diastolic heart function were observed. Conclusion: Echocardiography assessment indicated that prolonged intense swimming does not affect LV or RV function. Supercompensation of the post-event RV function and increased global LV systolic function demonstrated ventricular interaction after prolonged intense swimming.

Background The survival in adults with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) might be reduced due to dysfunction of the systemic right ventricle (sRV). The quantitative echocardiographic assessment of sRV function and tricuspid (systemic atrioventricular valve) regurgitation (TR) is still a diagnostic challenge. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare echocardiographic indices of sRV function and the degree of TR with corresponding MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)-derived parameters in adults with ccTGA. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study of adults with ccTGA referred to a tertiary congenital heart disease center was conducted. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and MRI examinations. Thirty-three adults (19F/14M, mean age 34.1 years) were included. Results We found significantly lower fractional area change (FAC) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) values in patients with MRI-derived RV ejection fraction (EF)

Aortic coarctation (CoA) in adults is associated with reduced survival. Despite successful repair, some unfavorable changes in the left ventricular (LV) myocardial function are reported. Three-dimensional speckle-tracking imaging (3D-STE) is a novel method that allows to assess regional myocardial function in all directions simultaneously and to calculate global area strain which integrates longitudinal and circumferential deformation. The aim of our study was to assess whether 3-D STE provides any new characteristics of LV deformation in patients with optimal CoA repair. Adults after CoA correction underwent transthoracic echocardiographic examinations. Patients with significant concomitant lesions were ruled out. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS), and global radial strain (GRS) were assessed using 3D-STE (Echopac Software, GE). The data were compared with those obtained from healthy subjects. 26 adults (9F/17M; mean age 24.4 years) with repaired CoA were studied. Despite preserved LVEFs, patients with repaired CoA had decreased GAS compared with controls (−28.8 vs. −31.7 %; p = 0.007). No differences between patients and healthy subjects in terms of GLS, GCS and GRS were observed. We found a significant correlation between mean blood pressure and GAS (R = 0.39; p

Data on right ventricle (RV) regional function in adults with interatrial shunt are scarce. The aim of the study was to assess the regional RV deformation in the population of adults with uncorrected atrial left-to-right shunt and to estab- lish a potential relationship between its magnitude and RV regional deformation. Methods and results We studied 40 adults (30F/10M; mean age 39.2 years) with atrial septal defect (ASD) (average pulmonary-to-systemic blood flow ratio (Qp/Qs) 2.1+0.7). Standard echocardiographic evaluation was completed with right ventricular dimensions, parameters of its global (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change, myo- cardial performance index), and regional (strain/strain rate (1/SR)) function. Among echocardiographic indices describing RV global function, only TAPSE was increased when compared with healthy subjects. No differences in RV deformation data (1/SR) between ASD patients and control group were found. Non-linear relationship between the differing Qp/Qs and maximal 1 in the mid-segments of the RV free wall was observed. In patients with moderate shunt, maximal 1 values were higher when compared with the values obtained in mild and large shunts. Conclusion Regional RV deformation (1/SR) does not differ significantly in the group of patients with various degrees of the left- to-right shunts when compared with healthy subjects. However, a non-linear correlation between Qp/Qs and 1 could be observed. The affected region of the RV wall is the mid-segment and the highest values of 1 were recorded in patients with moderate left-to-right shunts.

To the Editor We read, with great interest, the recent review of contemporary management and outcomes in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) by Kutty et al .1 The authors mainly focused on surgical management of ccTGA, nearly omitting pharmacotherapy and general prevention strategies. However, in our experience, pharmacotherapy is effective in properly selected patients …

Objective To define maternal/neonatal outcomes and long-term cardiovascular effects of pregnancy in women with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA). Methods Clinical records of all women with ccTGA who were followed at a tertiary care center in Poland between April 1991 and April 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Results Of the 20 pregnancies among 13 women identified, 19 (95%) were successful. Of the 19 deliveries, 14 (74%) were vaginal and 5 (26%) were cesarean. Cardiovascular complications during pregnancy and childbirth occurred in 3 patients (16% of successful pregnancies). Two women developed supraventricular arrhythmias; they were observed and required no pharmacologic treatment. One patient required premature delivery for documented deterioration of right ventricular function. There were no pregnancy-related maternal deaths. In 1 case, congenital heart disease was diagnosed in the offspring. With regard to long-term follow-up, no differences were found in terms of heart failure admissions, pharmacologic treatment, deaths, or echocardiographic parameters compared with non-pregnant women with ccTGA. Conclusion Successful pregnancy can be achieved by most women with ccTGA. The most common cardiovascular complications are supraventricular arrhythmias but pregnancy does not seem to impair right ventricular function in the long term. Nevertheless, preconception counseling and tertiary care during pregnancy for women with ccTGA are recommended.

Papillary muscles (PM) dyssynchrony is among the crucial mechanisms leading to mitral valve regurgitation (MR). The purpose of this study was to find a potential relationship between the level of PM asynchrony and the degree of MR in patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies (ICM and nICM, respectively).Twenty-one ICM and ten nICM patients with EF ≤ 35% and sinus rhythm were enrolled in the study. The parameters describing the degree of MR and the deformation of mitral apparatus and PM function were obtained using standard echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging, respectively. The difference of 65 ms and more in time to peak strain (ε) between anterolateral and postero-medial PM was considered indicative of PM dyssynchrony.PM dyssynchrony correlated with mitral tenting area and left atrial area. The correlation between nICM PM dyssynchrony and nICM LAA was stronger and far exceeded the one observed for ICM patients. The relationship between the PM asynchrony and the remainder of the indices characterizing the degree of MR was weak.PM dyssynchrony did not reflect the degree of MR but seems to be associated with the deformation of mitral apparatus measured by tenting area. The level of haemodynamic consequences of MR can be better characterized by PM dyssynchrony in nICM than in ICM patients.

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries is a rare anomaly, where the systemic circulation is supported by the morphological right ventricle. We present a 43 year-old asymptomatic male, a former competitive short-distance runner, with recently diagnosed congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. To our knowledge this is the first report of such a case.

Phosphonic and phosphinic acid analogues of glutamic and aspartic acids were synthesized and screened for herbicidal activity on Lepidium sativum L. Depending on the chemical structure, they exhibited significant or moderate herbicidal activity against L. sativum roots (with some representatives being equipotent with phosphinothricin), while their influence on shoot growth was negligible. Cucumis sativus L. appeared to be more tolerant to these analogues. The origin of this selectivity remains to be determined.

Determination of the mechanical properties of the myocardium is crucial for cardiac diagnosis. Cardiac strain and strain rate imaging may enable such quantification. To further develop these methodologies, an experimental setup allowing the recording of ultrasonic deformation data in a reproducible manner is necessary. Such setup with biventricular polyvinyl alcohol heart phantoms has been built. To test this setup, segmental longitudinal, radial and circumferential displacement, velocity, strain and strain rate in the phantoms were measured using a clinical ultrasound scanner and commercially available deformation imaging algorithms (based on both tissue velocity imaging and speckle tracking). The model deformation was close to that observed in the human left ventricular wall and was highly reproducible (e.g., the average peak longitudinal strain for the mid- and apical phantom segments equals −15.32 ± 0.53% and −19 ± 6% for the ventricle wall). The experimental setup is a valuable source of data for the development of algorithms for deformation estimation. (E-mail: b.lesniak-plewinska@mchtr.pw.edu.pl )

Early results of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) surgical repair are excellent, but patients are at risk for long-term complications. The purpose of the study was to determine to what extent ultrasonic tissue indices can be helpful in assessing the degree of pulmonary regurgitation (PR).Fifty adults (26 men, 24 women; mean age, 34.4 years) who had undergone TOF correction were studied.Compared with normal controls, patients had decreased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (20.66 vs 26.79 mm, P.05). In patients with TOF, maximal strain was reduced in all right ventricular free wall and interventricular septal segments. In patients with previous palliative shunts, lower maximal strain for RV basal segment was observed compared with subjects with no palliative surgery (-18.22% vs -22.27%, P.05). Maximal systolic and early diastolic strain and strain rate values were significantly higher in patients with PR widths ≥ 3 mm compared with patients with PR widths3 mm.Adults after TOF repair have decreased regional deformation of the right ventricle and intraventricular septum. Prior palliative treatment reduces the indices of right ventricular regional deformation. PR severity can be described by the extent of right ventricular regional deformation.

Despite successful repair of aortic coarctation (AoC), changes in the left ventricular (LV) regional myocardial function are reported. The aims of this study were (i) to determine LV regional longitudinal deformation in patients who underwent a repair of AoC, who were normotensive and who had normal LV global function; and (ii) to establish a potential correlation between the degree of residual narrowing in the descending aorta and the extent of LV regional deformation. We studied 22 normotensive patients aged 19-58 y (mean 32.6; SD+/-11.3). Maximal strain, epsilon (%), as well as peak systolic and early and late diastolic strain rates (SRs; s(-1)), were obtained on the basis of speckle tracking. The data were compared with those obtained from sex and age-matched controls. Regional SRs were significantly reduced for the LV anterior wall during systole and early diastole -1.1 vs. -1.39; 1.41 vs. 1.86 s(-1), respectively; p

Cardiac pathologies such as ischemia or infarction affect myocardial wall contractility. Strain (e) and strain rate (SR) imaging may enable to detect and quantify alterations in regional myocardial wall contractility and viability. However, the range and rate of cardiac wall deformation make development and evaluation of e and SR estimation algorithms difficult. A well-controlled experimental setup producing the deformation patterns similar to those encountered in vivo may provide controlled data for this development. Such a setup was build, consisting of a biventricular homogeneous Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) heart model connected to a hydraulic pulsatile mock circulation system. Two type of phantoms have been used: one mimicking normal heart wall and second with a harder inclusion representing post infarct stiffness located at the border of lateral and posterior wall in the middle segment. The models were cyclically deformed using a computer controlled piston pump at a stroke volume app. 105 ml, stroke rate of 1.1 Hz, and systole/diastole ratio 2/3. The internal left ventricular pressure data were collected using a catheter manometer (Millar Instruments, USA). B-mode data were recorded from the phantoms (2.4 MHz, Vivid 7, GE, Norway). Segmental e and SR values for radial, circumferential and longitudinal wall deformation were estimated (EchoPac, GE, speckle tracking method). The obtained values of e and SR are close to those found in clinical research. The inclusion is manifested mostly by the decreased circumferential and radial strain values. The experimental setup appears to be an interesting tool providing controlled data for testing new methods and algorithms for myocardial strain and strain rate estimation.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a myocardial disease associated with fibrofatty tissue replacement in heart muscle leading to arrhythmia, heart failure or sudden death (SCD) often being the first manifestation in probands. At least 50% of cases of ARVC are inherited.To evaluate costs and cost-effectiveness of diagnosis of the disease in asymptomatic relatives in Poland.239 asymptomatic subjects (mean age 35 years, 120 male) belonging to 42 families affected with ARVC were examined between May 2003 and May 2005. The costs of outpatient visits and additional diagnostic tests were included. Payer perspective was used.In all individuals ECG and transthoracic echocardiography were performed. Magnetic resonance imaging and signal-averaged ECG were performed in 35 patients suspected of having ARVC. The diagnostic criteria for ARVC were fulfilled in 29 patients and 57 subjects were recognised borderline. Total costs of screening amounted to 71 090 PLN (approximately 20,000 euro). The average cost per one case of detected ARVC was 2451 PLN (approximately 680 euro).Costs of early detection of ARVC in individuals with a family history of the disease in Polish settings are low. Due the avilability of primary prevention of SCD the family screening in asymptomatic subjects is a cost-effective procedure.

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) is a rare form of congenital heart disease characterised by atrioventricular as well as ventriculoarterial discordance. The life expectancy of individuals with CCTGA is limited by the onset of the systemic ventricular failure. There have been only a few patients with CCTGA and age50 years reported in literature. We describe a 72-year-old man with CCTGA who was admitted to the hospital because of severe congestive heart failure. Our patient s survival is one of the longest ever described.

Strain (S) and strain rate (SR) imaging may enable to detect and quantify changes in regional myocardial wall contractility and viability. However, the range and rate of cardiac wall deformation make development and evaluation of strain estimation algorithms difficult. A well-controlled experimental setup capable of producing the deformation patterns similar to those encountered in vivo may provide controlled data for this development. Such a setup was build, consisting of a 2-chamber biventricular homogeneous Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) heart phantom connected to a hydraulic pulsatile mock circulation system. The phantom was cyclically deformed using a computer controlled piston pump at a stroke volume near 83 ml, stroke rate of 1 Hz, and systole/diastole ratio 2/3. The internal LV pressure data were collected using a tip-catheter manometer (F 4.1, Sentron, Nl). Two dimensional color Doppler myocardial imaging (CDMI) data were recorded from the phantom using standard long and short axis views (∼200 frames/s, 2.4 MHz, Vivid 7, GE, Norway). Tissue velocity (TV), S and SR values for both radial and longitudinal phantom wall deformation were estimated. For radial deformation SR and S profiles were computed for anterior, lateral, posterior and inferior LV wall segments. For longitudinal deformation, they were determined for mid segment of the lateral LV wall. The obtained values of TV, SE and S are close to those found in clinical research. The experimental setup appears to be an interesting tool providing controlled data for testing new methods and algorithms for myocardial strain and strain rate estimation.

Plasma atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and catecholamine concentrations were determined in 11 untreated patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension and seven normotensive subjects during graded submaximal exercise on a treadmill (loads: I 40%, II 60%, III 80% of maximal oxygen consumption). No significant differences in plasma ANF and catecholamine concentrations were found between the hypertensive and the normotensive subjects. The results do not support the presence of significant differences in the release of ANF and catecholamines during dynamic exercise between patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension and normotensive subjects.