Semi-Automatic Refinement of Myocardial Segmentations for Better LVNC Detection.

Accurate segmentation of the left ventricular myocardium in cardiac MRI is essential for developing reliable deep learning models to diagnose left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC). This work focuses on improving the segmentation database used to train these models, enhancing the quality of myocardial segmentation for more precise model training. We present a semi-automatic framework that refines segmentations through three fundamental approaches: (1) combining neural network outputs with expert-driven corrections, (2) implementing a blob-selection method to correct segmentation errors and neural network hallucinations, and (3) employing a cross-validation process using the baseline U-Net model.

Improving a Deep Learning Model to Accurately Diagnose LVNC.

Accurate diagnosis of Left Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is critical for proper patient treatment but remains challenging. This work improves LVNC detection by improving left ventricle segmentation in cardiac MR images. Trabeculated left ventricle indicates LVNC, but automatic segmentation is difficult.

Late gadolinium enhancement distribution patterns in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy: genotype-phenotype correlation.

Aims: Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is frequently found in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM); there is little information about its frequency and distribution pattern according to the underlying genetic substrate. We sought to describe LGE patterns according to genotypes and to analyse the risk of major ventricular arrhythmias (MVA) according to patterns.

Methods And Results: Cardiac magnetic resonance findings and LGE distribution according to genetics were performed in a cohort of 600 DCM patients followed at 20 Spanish centres.

Combination of late gadolinium enhancement and genotype improves prediction of prognosis in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Aims: Genotype and left ventricular scar on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) are increasingly recognized as risk markers for adverse outcomes in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We investigated the combined influence of genotype and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in assessing prognosis in a large cohort of patients with DCM.

Methods And Results: Outcomes of 600 patients with DCM (53.

Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy automatic diagnosis using a deep learning approach.

Background And Objective: Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is an uncommon cardiomyopathy characterised by a thick and spongy left ventricle wall caused by the high presence of trabeculae (hyper-trabeculation). Recently, the percentage of the trabecular volume to the total volume of the external wall of the left ventricle (VT%) has been proposed to diagnose this illness.

Methods: This paper presents the use of a deep learning-based method to measure the (VT%) value and diagnose this rare cardiomyopathy.

Clinical Risk Prediction in Patients With Left Ventricular Myocardial Noncompaction.

Background: Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a heterogeneous entity with uncertain prognosis.

Objectives: This study sought to develop and validate a prediction model of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and to identify LVNC cases without events during long-term follow-up.

Methods: This is a retrospective longitudinal multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients fulfilling LVNC criteria by echocardiography or cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Towards an Enhanced Tool for Quantifying the Degree of LV Hyper-Trabeculation.

Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is defined by an increase of trabeculations in left ventricular (LV) endomyocardium. Although LVNC can be in isolation, an increase in hypertrabeculation often accompanies genetic cardiomyopathies. Current methods for quantification of LV trabeculae have limitations.

Trabeculated Myocardium in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Clinical Consequences.

Aims: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is often accompanied by increased trabeculated myocardium (TM)-which clinical relevance is unknown. We aim to measure the left ventricular (LV) mass and proportion of trabeculation in an HCM population and to analyze its clinical implication.

Methods And Results: We evaluated 211 patients with HCM (mean age 47.

A Novel Founder Mutation in MYBPC3: Phenotypic Comparison With the Most Prevalent MYBPC3 Mutation in Spain.

Introduction And Objectives: Mutations in MYBPC3 are the cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Although most lead to a truncating protein, the severity of the phenotype differs. We describe the clinical phenotype of a novel MYBPC3 mutation, p.

Three-Dimensional Morphology of the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract: Impact on Grading Aortic Stenosis Severity.

Background: Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) measurement is a critical step in the quantification of aortic valve area. The assumption of a circular morphology of the LVOT may induce some errors. The aim of this study was to assess the three-dimensional (3D) morphology of the LVOT and its impact on grading aortic stenosis severity.

Genetics of myocarditis in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.

Background: Myocarditis occasionally is related to arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) and sometimes overlaps during the early stages, which may lead to misdiagnosis. Acute myocarditis may reflect an active phase of ARVD.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the genetic basis of myocarditis in ARVD and to investigate the association with a poorer prognosis and a higher risk of ventricular arrhythmias.

Influence of aortic regurgitation after TAVI on left ventricular filling pattern.

Background: Paravalvular aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation is associated with a hemodynamic deterioration and a poor outcome. We aim to determine the early hemodynamic effect of paravalvular aortic regurgitation in relation with the change in the left ventricle filling pattern and to assess their clinical outcome.

Material And Methods: Eighty-two consecutive patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation were included.

Aortic valve stenosis planimetry by means of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the real clinical setting: feasibility, reliability and systematic deviations.

Aims: To assess the feasibility and reliability of aortic valve area (AVA) planimetry by means of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) as compared with the transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) calculation of AVA, to determine the systematic deviations between measurements, and to describe the distribution of mean systolic in relation with 3DTEE anatomical AVA.

Methods And Results: Three hundred seven patients with aortic valve stenosis (AVS) underwent both TTE and 3DTEE for AVA measurement by means of the continuity equation and direct anatomical planimetry, respectively. AVA planimetry was achieved in 282 (91.

Desmoplakin truncations and arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy: characterizing a phenotype.

Aims: Risk stratification for sudden death in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is challenging in clinical practice. We lack recommendations for the risk stratification of exclusive left-sided phenotypes. The aim of this study was to investigate genotype-phenotype correlations in patients carrying a novel DSP c.

Severe aortic valve stenosis with low-gradient and preserved ejection fraction: a misclassification issue?

Introduction And Objectives: Low-gradient severe aortic stenosis with preserved ejection fraction is a controversial entity. Misclassification of valvulopathy severity could explain the inconsistencies reported in the prognosis of these patients. Planimetry of the aortic area using three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography could clear up these doubts.

Penetrance and risk profile in inherited cardiac diseases studied in a dedicated screening clinic.

Genetically transmitted cardiomyopathies can affect several members in a family. Identification of high-risk patients could lead to a preventive treatment. We report the results of a 5-year experience of a dedicated clinic.

Gadolinium-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance and exercise capacity in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Introduction And Objectives: Using gadolinium-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance, it is possible to evaluate the presence of myocardial fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Classical disease markers are weak predictors of functional disability in affected patients. Our objective was to study the relationship between the degree of myocardial fibrosis observed by cardiac magnetic resonance and exercise capacity.

Prognostic value of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk score in a unselected population with chest pain. Construction of a new predictive model.

Introduction: The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score (TRS) has proven to be a useful and simple tool for risk stratification of patients with chest pain in intermediate- and high-risk populations. There is little information on its applicability in daily clinical routine with unselected populations.

Aims: The aims of the study were to prospectively analyze the predictive value of the TRS in a heterogeneous population admitted for chest pain and to construct where possible a new modified model with a greater prognostic capacity.

[Value of coronary blood flow pattern as a predictor of functional recovery and short-term left ventricular remodeling after primary coronary angioplasty. A transthoracic Doppler study].

Introduction And Objectives: Coronary blood flow measurement using a Doppler guidewire is the most sensitive way of detecting the no-reflow phenomenon following reperfusion of a myocardial infarction (MI). New high-frequency Doppler probes enable coronary blood flow velocity to be measured noninvasively. Our aims were to study the different patterns of left anterior coronary artery blood flow observed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, and to describe their association with functional recovery following reperfusion of an anterior MI.

[Evolution of severe mitral regurgitation after optimization of pharmacological therapy in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy].

In dilated cardiomyopathy, severe functional mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with a poor prognosis. In 112 consecutive clinically stable patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, echocardiography identified 15 (14%) patients who had severe MR (age, 53+/-12 years; 80% male; left ventricular ejection fraction, 26 +/- 8%). Existing medical treatment with ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers was increased up to the maximum tolerated doses.

[Impact of primary angioplasty on the indication for implantable cardiac defibrillator in patients with myocardial infarction].

Introduction And Objectives: Implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD) have been shown to improve survival in patients with myocardial infarctionand LVEF < 0.30 or LVEF < 0.40 + nonsustained ventricular tachycardia + inducible sustained arrhythmias.