Prognostic value of temporal patterns of left atrial reservoir strain in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Background: We investigated whether repeatedly measured left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients provides incremental prognostic value over a single baseline LASr value, and whether temporal patterns of LASr provide incremental prognostic value over temporal patterns of other echocardiographic markers and NT-proBNP.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, 153 patients underwent 6-monthly echocardiography, during a median follow-up of 2.5 years.

Potential role of left atrial strain in estimation of left atrial pressure in patients with chronic heart failure.

Aims: In a large proportion of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients, echocardiographic estimation of left atrial pressure (LAP) is not possible when the ratio of the peak early left ventricular filling velocity over the late filling velocity (E/A ratio) is not available, which may occur due to several potential causes. Left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) is correlated with LV filling pressures and may serve as an alternative parameter in these patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether LASr can be used to estimate LAP in HFrEF patients in whom E/A ratio is not available.

Prognostic value of temporal patterns of global longitudinal strain in patients with chronic heart failure.

Background: We investigated whether repeatedly measured global longitudinal strain (GLS) has incremental prognostic value over repeatedly measured left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and a single "baseline" GLS value, in chronic heart failure (HF) patients.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, echocardiography was performed in 173 clinically stable chronic HF patients every six months during follow up. During a median follow-up of 2.

A Modified Echocardiographic Classification of Mitral Valve Regurgitation Mechanism: The Role of Three-dimensional Echocardiography.

In this report, we provide an overview of a new, updated echocardiographic classification of mitral regurgitation mechanisms to provide a more comprehensive and detailed assessment of mitral valve disorders. This is relevant to modern mitral valve repair techniques, with special attention to the added value of 3D-echocardiography.

Quantitative assessment of the entire right ventricle from one acoustic window: an attractive approach.

Aims: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the feasibility and establish normal values of functional right ventricle (RV) parameters as assessed in our four, long-axis view RV model using iRotate echocardiography. Furthermore, we evaluated the potential use of this model in patients with abnormally loaded RVs.

Method And Results: One hundred and fifty-five healthy subjects aged 20-72 years (≥28 subjects per decile) were prospectively recruited.