Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                
 
 
Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (395)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = speckle tracking

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
19 pages, 4022 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Assessment of Biventricular and Biatrial Myocardial Strain Parameters at 4 Years Postpartum in a Cohort of Women with Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
by Andrea Sonaglioni, Federica Casieri, Gian Luigi Nicolosi, Stefano Bianchi and Michele Lombardo
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(4), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14041271 - 14 Feb 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: No previous study has provided a comprehensive evaluation of all biventricular and biatrial myocardial strain parameters in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM). Accordingly, we aimed at investigating the structural and myocardial deformation properties of all cardiac chambers in a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: No previous study has provided a comprehensive evaluation of all biventricular and biatrial myocardial strain parameters in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM). Accordingly, we aimed at investigating the structural and myocardial deformation properties of all cardiac chambers in a cohort of pGDM women at 4 years postpartum. Methods: A consecutive cohort of pGDM women was compared to a control group of healthy women with previous uncomplicated pregnancy, matched by age, ethnicity and gestational week, at 4 years postpartum. Both groups of women underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) implemented with speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and subsequent carotid ultrasonography. The primary endpoint was subclinical myocardial dysfunction, defined as left-ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) < 20%, whereas the secondary endpoint was early carotid atherosclerosis, defined as common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (IMT) ≥ 0.7 mm. Results: A total of 32 pGDM women (39.1 ± 6.5 yrs) and 30 matched healthy controls (40.8 ± 5.0 yrs) were analyzed. Despite normal and similar systolic function on conventional TTE, all biventricular and biatrial strain parameters were significantly lower in pGDM women than controls. Mean follow-up period was 4.0 ± 1.9 yrs. During follow-up, 62.5% of pGDM women developed subclinical myocardial dysfunction, and 78.1% of them were diagnosed with early carotid atherosclerosis. Third-trimester BMI (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.19–2.98) and third-trimester glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.08–5.04) were independently associated with the primary endpoint. Third-trimester BMI and HbA1C also independently predicted the secondary endpoint. Third-trimester BMI > 27 kg/m2 and HbA1C > 33 mmol/mol showed the best sensitivity and specificity for predicting both endpoints. Conclusions: Women with a previous history of GDM complicated by overweight/obesity and uncontrolled diabetes have a significantly increased risk of subclinical myocardial dysfunction and early carotid atherosclerosis at 4 years postpartum. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3668 KiB  
Article
Complex Associations Between Systolic Left Atrial and Left Ventricular Deformations in Healthy Adults—Detailed Analysis from the Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiographic MAGYAR-Healthy Study
by Attila Nemes, Barbara Bordács, Nóra Ambrus and Csaba Lengyel
Life 2025, 15(2), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15020287 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 225
Abstract
Introduction. Volumetric changes in the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) are strongly associated in healthy circumstances, as recent three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic (3DSTE) studies confirmed. However, the complex relationship of LA and LV deformation in systole has never been assessed in healthy [...] Read more.
Introduction. Volumetric changes in the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) are strongly associated in healthy circumstances, as recent three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic (3DSTE) studies confirmed. However, the complex relationship of LA and LV deformation in systole has never been assessed in healthy individuals. The present study purposed to perform comparative simultaneous analysis of systolic LA and LV strains in healthy adults by 3DSTE. Methods. The study consisted of 165 healthy adults (mean age: 33.2 ± 12.3 years; 90 males). Complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography with 3DSTE was performed in all cases. Results. The increase in global LA radial strain (RS) and longitudinal strain (LS) showed no associations with LV strains. The largest global LA circumferential strain (CS) was associated with the largest basal LV-RS. Lowest basal and global LV-CS could be demonstrated in the presence of mean global LA-CS as compared to the presence of lower than mean global LA-CS. Global LA-RS showed an increase, with global LV-RS being largest when global LV-RS was the largest. Basal and global LA-RS were largest in the case of lowest global LV-CS. Basal LA-LS was largest in the case of mean global LV-CS. With the increase in global LV-LS, basal and global LA-LS showed an increase but only up to a point; in the case of larger than mean global LV-LS, no further increase was detected in basal and global LA-LS. Conclusions. Complex associations between simultaneously assessed LA and LV deformations represented by 3DSTE-derived strains could be demonstrated in healthy adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Radiobiology and Nuclear Medicine)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2053 KiB  
Article
Detailed Insights into the Relationship Between Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography-Derived Systolic Left Atrial Global Strains and Left Ventricular Volumes in Healthy Adults from the MAGYAR-Healthy Study
by Attila Nemes, Nóra Ambrus and Csaba Lengyel
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(4), 1143; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14041143 - 10 Feb 2025
Viewed by 311
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The complex relationship between three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE)-derived left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) volumes and functional properties has been demonstrated in recent studies. A better understanding of LV volumetric dependence on systolic peak LA (reservoir) strains in [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The complex relationship between three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE)-derived left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) volumes and functional properties has been demonstrated in recent studies. A better understanding of LV volumetric dependence on systolic peak LA (reservoir) strains in healthy circumstances could complete this knowledge. Therefore, 3DSTE was used for the simultaneous evaluation of these parameters in healthy adults, aiming to examine their complex relationship. Materials and Methods: The present study consisted of 165 healthy individuals with a mean age of 33.1 ± 12.3 years and 90 men. A complete two-dimensional echocardiography with Doppler with 3DSTE was performed in all the cases. Results: The peak LA global radial (GRS), longitudinal (GLS), and 3D (G3DS) strains were increased in the subjects with a mean LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) as compared to those cases with a lower-than-mean LV-EDV. In the cases with a higher-than-mean LV-EDV, no further increase in these peak global LA strains could be detected. The peak LA global circumferential and area strains showed a tendentious (non-significant) increase with an increasing LV-EDV. The peak LA global strains showed similar non-significant associations with the LV end-systolic volume (except the peak LA-G3DS, which proved to be significant). Conclusions: In healthy adults, the 3DSTE-derived peak LA-GRS and LA-G3DS are increased with a larger LV-EDV up to a point, beyond which a further increase cannot be seen, suggesting a working Frank–Starling mechanism in this context similar to that for LA volumes. Similar associations are present for the peak LA-GLS as well. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 677 KiB  
Review
Normal Values for Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Children: A Review, Update, and Guide for Clinical Use of Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Pediatric Patients
by Massimiliano Cantinotti, Guglielmo Capponi, Pietro Marchese, Eliana Franchi, Giuseppe Santoro, Nadia Assanta, Kritika Gowda, Shelby Kutty and Raffaele Giordano
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(4), 1090; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14041090 - 8 Feb 2025
Viewed by 244
Abstract
Background/Objectives: While speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is increasingly gaining acceptance in the medical community, establishing normal pediatric values and interpreting data derived from software provided by various vendors can pose significant challenges. This review aims to present an updated compilation of nomograms pertinent to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: While speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is increasingly gaining acceptance in the medical community, establishing normal pediatric values and interpreting data derived from software provided by various vendors can pose significant challenges. This review aims to present an updated compilation of nomograms pertinent to speckle-tracking echocardiography. Methods: A review of research using three medical engine searches (National Library of Medicine, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library) for Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and the free text terms “echocardiography”, “STE”, “normal values”, and ”children” was performed and refined by adding the keywords “nomograms”, “z-scores”, and “healthy children”. Results: A total of twenty-five studies were selected for the final analysis. Our research indicated that current nomograms provide adequate coverage of most strain parameters; however, those pertaining to the right ventricle and the atria are less numerous than those for the left ventricle. A noted trend suggests a decrease in strain values with advancing age and increasing body surface area; nevertheless, the relationships observed were weak and nonlinear. The absence of robust correlations between strain values and age and body size parameters hindered the generation of a Z-score possessing sufficient statistical power. Consequently, normal values are primarily represented as mean values accompanied by standard deviation. A comparative analysis of vendors demonstrated good agreement between different versions of the same platform for Philips (except for QLAB 5) and, similarly, between General Electric (GE) and TomTec. The limited data available regarding the comparison between GE and Philips revealed significant findings that warrant further investigation of differences. Conclusions: A comprehensive review and an updated list of current pediatric nomograms for STE measurements have been presented. This may serve as a valuable guide for accurately interpreting STE in pediatric patients with congenital and acquired heart disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thoracic Imaging in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disease Diagnosis)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1514 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Prognostic Power of Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography-Derived Peak Left Atrial Reservoir Global Longitudinal Strain in Healthy Adults—An Analysis from the MAGYAR-Healthy Study
by Attila Nemes, Dorottya Lilla Olajos, Alexandru Achim, Zoltán Ruzsa, Nóra Ambrus and Csaba Lengyel
Life 2025, 15(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15020232 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 358
Abstract
Introduction: The contraction–relaxation pattern of the left atrial (LA) walls is opposite to that detected in the left ventricle, which includes thinning in radial, lengthening in longitudinal, and widening in circumferential directions in the systolic reservoir phase of LA function as measured by [...] Read more.
Introduction: The contraction–relaxation pattern of the left atrial (LA) walls is opposite to that detected in the left ventricle, which includes thinning in radial, lengthening in longitudinal, and widening in circumferential directions in the systolic reservoir phase of LA function as measured by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a quantitative feature of longitudinal wall contraction referring to the whole LA. The present study aims to clarify the expected prognostic impact of peak LA-GLS as assessed by 3DSTE in healthy participants during a long-term follow-up period. Methods: The study consisted of 142 healthy adults (with an average age of 32.1 ± 12.7 years; 72 of the participants were men), in whom complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and 3DSTE were performed on a voluntary basis. Results: Thirteen adults suffered from a cardiovascular event, including two cardiac deaths during a mean follow-up of 8.35 ± 4.20 years. Peak LA-GLS ≥ 20.9%, as assessed by 3DSTE, was found to be a significant predictor for cardiovascular event-free survival by using ROC analysis (specificity 74%, sensitivity 62%, area under the curve 0.69, p = 0.025). Healthy individuals with peak LA-GLS < 20.9% had a lower LV-EF and a significantly higher ratio of cardiovascular events compared to cases with peak LA-GLS ≥ 20.9%. Subjects who experienced cardiovascular events had lower peak LA-GLS and the ratio of subjects with peak LA-GLS < 20.9% proved to be significantly increased compared to that of cases without cardiovascular events. Conclusions: 3DSTE-derived peak LA-GLS representing LA lengthening in the end-systolic reservoir phase of LA function predicts future cardiovascular events in healthy adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Radiobiology and Nuclear Medicine)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3999 KiB  
Article
Longitudinal Displacement for Left Ventricular Function Assessment
by Marina Leitman and Vladimir Tyomkin
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(2), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12020053 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 369
Abstract
Background: Quantitative evaluation of myocardial function traditionally relies on parameters such as ejection fraction and strain. Strain, reflecting the relative change in the length of a myocardial segment over the cardiac cycle, has been extensively studied in various cardiac pathologies over the past [...] Read more.
Background: Quantitative evaluation of myocardial function traditionally relies on parameters such as ejection fraction and strain. Strain, reflecting the relative change in the length of a myocardial segment over the cardiac cycle, has been extensively studied in various cardiac pathologies over the past two decades. However, the absolute length change, or longitudinal displacement, of myocardial segments during the cardiac cycle has received limited attention. This study aims to evaluate longitudinal displacement in two separate groups: healthy athletes and patients with left ventricular dysfunction, providing new insights into myocardial function assessment. Methods: Echocardiographic examinations were performed on 30 healthy football players and 30 patients with left ventricular dysfunction using speckle-tracking imaging analysis. Global and regional peak longitudinal displacement values were calculated and compared with corresponding global and regional peak longitudinal strain measurements. A manual alternative for calculating global longitudinal strain was also proposed. Results: An inverse correlation was found between regional longitudinal displacement and regional longitudinal strain. Longitudinal displacement was maximal in the basal segments and lowest in the apex of the left ventricle, exhibiting a reversed basal-to-apical gradient (17.6 ± 3.5 mm vs. 11.5 ± 2.9 mm vs. 4.22 ± 1.7 mm in basal, mid, and apical segments, respectively; p < 0.000001). Maximal longitudinal displacement was observed in the inferior and posterior walls of the left ventricle. In the 30 patients with left ventricular dysfunction, global longitudinal displacement was significantly lower than in healthy individuals (4.4 ± 1.7 mm vs. 11.7 ± 1.5 mm, p < 0.000001). Global longitudinal displacement and global longitudinal strain showed a strong negative correlation (r = −0.72, p < 0.000001). Manually calculated global longitudinal strain demonstrated good agreement with speckle-tracking-based global longitudinal strain. Conclusions: Peak longitudinal displacement can be used to evaluate both regional and global myocardial function, similarly to peak longitudinal strain. Unlike strain, longitudinal displacement exhibits a reversed basal-to-apical gradient, with the highest values at the base of the left ventricle and the lowest at the apex. Global and regional longitudinal displacement is significantly reduced in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Global longitudinal strain can be manually calculated using displacement measurements. Further studies are needed to evaluate peak longitudinal displacement in various cardiac pathologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Echocardiography in Cardiovascular Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 7063 KiB  
Review
Linking Epicardial Adipose Tissue to Atrial Remodeling: Clinical Implications of Strain Imaging
by Fulvio Cacciapuoti, Ilaria Caso, Salvatore Crispo, Nicola Verde, Valentina Capone, Rossella Gottilla, Crescenzo Materazzi, Mario Volpicelli, Francesca Ziviello, Ciro Mauro and Pio Caso
Hearts 2025, 6(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/hearts6010003 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 522
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia influenced by multifactorial mechanisms, including the emerging role of epicardial adipose tissue. Left atrial epicardial adipose tissue, through its endocrine and paracrine activities, contributes to atrial remodeling by fostering inflammation, fibrosis, and electrical remodeling. Objectives: [...] Read more.
Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia influenced by multifactorial mechanisms, including the emerging role of epicardial adipose tissue. Left atrial epicardial adipose tissue, through its endocrine and paracrine activities, contributes to atrial remodeling by fostering inflammation, fibrosis, and electrical remodeling. Objectives: This review aims to explore the interaction between left atrial epicardial adipose tissue and atrial dysfunction, highlighting the utility of strain imaging as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in atrial fibrillation management. Additionally, it examines emerging therapeutic strategies targeting epicardial adipose tissue to improve outcomes. Methods: We analyzed recent advances in imaging techniques, with a specific focus on speckle-tracking echocardiography for non-invasive strain assessment. Strain imaging parameters, including atrial reservoir, conduit, and contractile strain, were evaluated alongside volumetric measures of epicardial adipose tissue. Emerging therapies, such as weight management and GLP-1 receptor agonists, were reviewed for their impact on left atrial epicardial adipose tissue and atrial remodeling. Results: Strain imaging demonstrates a significant association between reduced strain parameters and atrial remodeling induced by left atrial epicardial adipose tissue. Combining strain assessment with volumetric measures enhances diagnostic accuracy and stratification of patients at risk for recurrent or progressive atrial fibrillation. Emerging therapies, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, show promise in reducing epicardial adipose tissue volume and mitigating atrial remodeling, thereby improving catheter ablation outcomes. Conclusions: Strain imaging is a valuable tool for the early detection of atrial dysfunction and personalized treatment planning in atrial fibrillation. Integrating these imaging approaches into routine clinical practice can optimize atrial fibrillation management and improve patient outcomes. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4200 KiB  
Systematic Review
Echocardiographic Assessment of Biventricular Mechanics in Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Andrea Sonaglioni, Antonella Caminati, Gian Luigi Nicolosi, Giovanna Elsa Ute Muti-Schünemann, Michele Lombardo and Sergio Harari
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(3), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14030714 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Background: Over the last few years, a few imaging studies have performed conventional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) implemented with speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for the assessment of biventricular mechanics in patients with non-advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at [...] Read more.
Background: Over the last few years, a few imaging studies have performed conventional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) implemented with speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for the assessment of biventricular mechanics in patients with non-advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the overall effect of mild-to-moderate IPF on the main indices of biventricular systolic function assessed by TTE and STE. Methods: All imaging studies assessing right ventricular (RV)-global longitudinal strain (GLS), left ventricular (LV)-GLS, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in IPF patients vs. healthy controls, selected from PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, were included. Continuous data (RV-GLS, LV-GLS, TAPSE, and LVEF) were pooled as standardized mean differences (SMDs) comparing the IPF group with healthy controls. The SMD of RV-GLS was calculated using the random-effect model, whereas the SMDs of LV-GLS, TAPSE, and LVEF were calculated using the fixed-effect model. Results: The full texts of 6 studies with 255 IPF patients and 195 healthy controls were analyzed. Despite preserved TAPSE and LVEF, both RV-GLS and LV-GLS were significantly, although modestly, reduced in the IPF patients vs. the controls. The SMD was large (−1.01, 95% CI −1.47, −0.54, p < 0.001) for RV-GLS, medium (−0.62, 95% CI −0.82, −0.42, p < 0.001) for LV-GLS, small (−0.42, 95% CI −0.61, −0.23, p < 0.001) for TAPSE, and small and not statistically significant (−0.20, 95% CI −0.42, 0.03, p = 0.09) for LVEF assessment. Between-study heterogeneity was high for the studies assessing RV-GLS (I2 = 80.5%), low-to-moderate for those evaluating LV-GLS (I2 = 41.7%), and low for those measuring TAPSE (I2 = 16.4%) and LVEF (I2 = 7.63%). The Egger’s test yielded a p-value of 0.60, 0.11, 0.31, and 0.68 for the RV-GLS, LV-GLS, TAPSE, and LVEF assessment, respectively, indicating no publication bias. On meta-regression analysis, none of the moderators was significantly associated with effect modification for RV-GLS (all p > 0.05). The sensitivity analysis supported the robustness of the results. Conclusions: RV-GLS impairment is an early marker of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in mild-to-moderate IPF. STE should be considered for implementation in clinical practice for early detection of RV dysfunction in IPF patients without advanced lung disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interstitial Lung Disease: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 302 KiB  
Review
Echocardiography with Strain Assessment in Psychiatric Diseases: A Narrative Review
by Aleksandra Spyra, Aleksandra Sierpińska, Alexander Suchodolski, Szymon Florek and Mariola Szulik
Diagnostics 2025, 15(3), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15030239 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 443
Abstract
Mental disorders (MDs) are among the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Individuals with severe MDs have a shorter life expectancy, primarily due to cardiovascular diseases. Echocardiography facilitates the evaluation of alterations in cardiac morphology and function, resulting from various cardiac pathologies. [...] Read more.
Mental disorders (MDs) are among the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Individuals with severe MDs have a shorter life expectancy, primarily due to cardiovascular diseases. Echocardiography facilitates the evaluation of alterations in cardiac morphology and function, resulting from various cardiac pathologies. The aim of this review was to explore the current evidence base behind the myocardial deformation observed in echocardiography in patients with MDs. We primarily focused on the data regarding speckle tracking echocardiography. PubMed, using medical subject headings, was searched to identify studies on this topic. The collected data demonstrated changes in myocardial function in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorder, stressor-related disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, sleep–wake disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and borderline personality disorder. The recurrent findings included impaired Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy. Global Longitudinal Strain was significantly altered in patients with anorexia nervosa, bipolar disorder, and substance-related disorders. All reported studies support the consideration of cardiology consultations and a multidisciplinary approach in the care of patients with MDs with suspected cardiac dysfunction. Further investigation is warranted to determine the significance and prognostic value of myocardial deformation and strain measurements among individuals with MDs, focusing on the value of early detection, especially in asymptomatic cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances and New Applications in Cardiovascular Imaging)
14 pages, 1733 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Factors Related to Early Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Hypertensive Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction Using Speckle Tracking Echocardiography: A Cross-Sectional Study in Vietnam
by Hoang M. Tran, Hung P. Truong, Cuong C. Tran, Tuan M. Vo, Dung N. Q. Nguyen and Liem T. Dao
Diagnostics 2025, 15(2), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15020222 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 633
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess the factors linked to early left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in hypertensive patients who have preserved ejection fraction (EF ≥ 50%) using speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 579 [...] Read more.
Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess the factors linked to early left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in hypertensive patients who have preserved ejection fraction (EF ≥ 50%) using speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 579 outpatients recruited from City International Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City using a total sampling approach, where echocardiographic measurements and clinical data were gathered and analyzed. Results: The prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction among hypertensive individuals was found to be 45.25%, with 9.15% showing abnormal global longitudinal strain (GLS). Factors such as being over the age of 60, having diabetes, concentric LV hypertrophy, concentric LV remodeling, and LV diastolic dysfunction were identified as correlating with abnormal GLS (p < 0.05). In contrast, other cardiovascular risk factors, including smoking and dyslipidemia, did not significantly influence the GLS index (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Key factors including diabetes, diastolic dysfunction, concentric hypertrophy, and concentric remodeling of the LV are significant predictors of abnormal GLS. These results are important for the management of hypertensive patients aimed at enhancing cardiac function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: Diagnosis and Management)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1193 KiB  
Article
Pulmonary Embolism in the Elderly: From Symptoms to Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
by Christos Ballas, Dimitrios Sfairopoulos, Ioanna Samara, Lampros Lakkas, Olga Kardakari, Athanasios Konstantinidis, Katerina K. Naka, Lampros K. Michalis and Christos S. Katsouras
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12010015 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 566
Abstract
(1) Background: There are little data about the differences in clinical and echocardiographic characteristics between elderly (aged ≥ 65 years) and younger patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). (2) Methods: Consecutive patients diagnosed with PE in a tertiary hospital were identified. Clinical characteristics, [...] Read more.
(1) Background: There are little data about the differences in clinical and echocardiographic characteristics between elderly (aged ≥ 65 years) and younger patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). (2) Methods: Consecutive patients diagnosed with PE in a tertiary hospital were identified. Clinical characteristics, biomarkers and transthoracic echocardiography indices including right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FWLS) were recorded. (3) Results: Of 200 patients enrolled, 19 patients had high-risk PE and were excluded from the study. Compared to younger patients, elderly patients with PE had less frequently pain and typical symptoms and more often were hospitalized due to another reason before the PE diagnosis. The elderly had higher values of D-dimer, high-sensitivity troponin I and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Echocardiographic differences were noted and the elderly had lower values of pulmonary vascular acceleration time, RV E/A ratio and lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary artery systolic pressure ratio. The RV-FWLS index did not show a statistically significant difference in distribution between age groups ≥ 65 and <65 years old. The RV diameter was similar across all age groups. (4) Conclusions: The elderly have differences compared with younger patients with PE regarding the mode of presentation, the values of biomarkers like D-dimer, BNP and troponins and some echocardiographic indices of RV affection. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 736 KiB  
Opinion
Joint Group and Multi Institutional Position Opinion: Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy—From Fundamentals to Applied Tactics
by Ivan Rankovic, Ivana Babic, Jelena Martinov Nestorov, Jelena Bogdanovic, Maja Stojanovic, Jovanka Trifunovic, Nikola Panic, Mihailo Bezmarevic, Jelena Jevtovic, Dusan Micic, Vladimir Dedovic, Nemanja Djuricic, Filip Pilipovic, Elena Curakova Ristovska, Tijana Glisic, Sanja Kostic, Nemanja Stojkovic, Nata Joksimovic, Mileva Bascarevic, Aleksandra Bozovic, Lewis Elvin, Ajibola Onifade, Keith Siau, Elizaveta Koriakovskaia and Vladimir Milivojevicadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Medicina 2025, 61(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010046 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 871
Abstract
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a diagnostic entity defined as cardiac dysfunction (diastolic and/or systolic) in patients with liver cirrhosis, in the absence of overt cardiac disorder. Pathogenically, CCM stems from a combination of systemic and local hepatic factors that, through hemodynamic and neurohormonal [...] Read more.
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a diagnostic entity defined as cardiac dysfunction (diastolic and/or systolic) in patients with liver cirrhosis, in the absence of overt cardiac disorder. Pathogenically, CCM stems from a combination of systemic and local hepatic factors that, through hemodynamic and neurohormonal changes, affect the balance of cardiac function and lead to its remodeling. Vascular changes in cirrhosis, mostly driven by portal hypertension, splanchnic vasodilatation, and increased cardiac output alongside maladaptively upregulated feedback systems, lead to fluid accumulation, venostasis, and cardiac dysfunction. Autocrine and endocrine proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6), as well as systemic endotoxemia stemming from impaired intestinal permeability, contribute to myocardial remodeling and fibrosis, which further compromise the contractility and relaxation of the heart. Additionally, relative adrenal insufficiency is often present in cirrhosis, further potentiating cardiac dysfunction, ultimately leading to the development of CCM. Considering its subclinical course, CCM diagnosis remains challenging. It relies mostly on stress echocardiography or advanced imaging techniques such as speckle-tracking echocardiography. Currently, there is no specific treatment for CCM, as it vastly overlaps with the treatment of heart failure. Diuretics play a central role. The role of non-selective beta-blockers in treating portal hypertension is established; however, their role in CCM remains somewhat controversial as their effect on prognosis is unclear. However, our group still advocates them as essential tools in optimizing the neurohumoral pathologic axis that perpetuates CCM. Other targeted therapies with direct anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects still lack sufficient evidence for wide approval. This is not only a review but also a comprehensive distillation of the insights from practicing clinical hepatologists and other specialties engaged in advanced approaches to treating liver disease and its sequelae. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2762 KiB  
Review
The Role of Advanced Cardiac Imaging in Monitoring Cardiovascular Complications in Patients with Extracardiac Tumors: A Descriptive Review
by Annamaria Tavernese, Valeria Cammalleri, Rocco Mollace, Giorgio Antonelli, Mariagrazia Piscione, Nino Cocco, Myriam Carpenito, Carmelo Dominici, Massimo Federici and Gian Paolo Ussia
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12010009 - 29 Dec 2024
Viewed by 796
Abstract
Cardiac involvement in cancer is increasingly important in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients. A thorough cardiovascular evaluation using multimodal imaging is crucial to assess any direct cardiac involvement from oncological disease progression and to determine the cardiovascular risk of patients undergoing oncological [...] Read more.
Cardiac involvement in cancer is increasingly important in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients. A thorough cardiovascular evaluation using multimodal imaging is crucial to assess any direct cardiac involvement from oncological disease progression and to determine the cardiovascular risk of patients undergoing oncological therapies. Early detection of cardiac dysfunction, particularly due to cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy or radiotherapy, is essential to establish the disease’s overall prognostic impact. Comprehensive cardiovascular imaging should be integral to the clinical management of cancer patients. Echocardiography remains highly effective for assessing cardiac function, including systolic performance and ventricular filling pressures, with speckle-tracking echocardiography offering early insights into chemotoxicity-related myocardial damage. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) provides precise anatomical detail, especially for cardiac involvement due to metastasis or adjacent mediastinal or lung tumors. Coronary assessment is also important for initial risk stratification and monitoring potential coronary artery disease progression after radiotherapy or chemotherapeutic treatment. Finally, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for myocardial tissue characterization, aiding in the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses. CMR’s mapping techniques allow for early detection of myocardial inflammation caused by cardiotoxicity. This review explores the applicability of echocardiography, cardiac CT, and CMR in cancer patients with extracardiac tumors. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 9072 KiB  
Article
Layer-Specific Strain Analysis in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
by Despina-Manuela Toader, Alina Paraschiv, Georgică Târtea, Gabriela Tiucu, Mihai Chițu, Raluca Stănișor and Oana Mirea
Biomedicines 2025, 13(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13010011 - 25 Dec 2024
Viewed by 426
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate layer-specific strain according to etiology and assess whether subtle changes in longitudinal and circumferential layer strain are involved in predicting cardiac mortality during a two-year follow-up in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy admitted with heart failure decompensation. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate layer-specific strain according to etiology and assess whether subtle changes in longitudinal and circumferential layer strain are involved in predicting cardiac mortality during a two-year follow-up in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy admitted with heart failure decompensation. Methods: 97 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and a left ventricle ejection fraction ≤ 40% were recruited, 51 with ischemic and 46 with nonischemic etiologies. Conventional and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) were conducted in dilated cardiomyopathy patients with a compensated phase of heart failure before discharge. Layer-specific longitudinal and circumferential strain was assessed from the endocardium, mid-myocardium, and epicardium by two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography. The gradient between the endocardium and epicardium was calculated. Results: Patients with nonischemic etiology of dilated cardiomyopathy presented smaller values of global and layer strain than patients in the ischemic group. GLS, GLSend, GLSend-GLSepi, CSPMend, CSPMend-CSPMepi, CSAP, CSAPend, and CSAPend-CSAPepi were the parameters with statistically significant decreased values in non-survivors compared with survivors. In multivariate analysis, only CSPMend showed an independent value in predicting mortality at two-year follow-up. Receiver operator curve analysis provided CSPMend of −10.8% as a cut-off value with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 61.05% in identifying the dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure patients with a risk of death at two-year follow-up. Conclusions: GLS, GCS, and layer-specific strain analysis showed decreased values in nonischemic compared with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and also in non-survivors compared with survivors. CSPMend was the most sensitive strain parameter to identify patients with increased mortality risk at two-year follow-up. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 966 KiB  
Review
Relationship Between Left Atrial Strain and Atrial Fibrillation: The Role of Stress Echocardiography
by Alfredo Mauriello, Adriana Correra, Antonia Ascrizzi, Gerardo Elia Del Vecchio, Giovanni Benfari, Federica Ilardi, Matteo Lisi, Alessandro Malagoli, Giulia Elena Mandoli, Maria Concetta Pastore, Simona Sperlongano, Matteo Cameli, Vincenzo Russo and Antonello D’Andrea
Diagnostics 2025, 15(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15010007 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 640
Abstract
Interest in advanced echocardiographic imaging methods is growing. Left atrial strain (LAS) is among recently developed echocardiographic parameters. LAS represents an index of tissue deformation of the left atrium (LA). This parameter is an expression of LA function. Several arrhythmias are caused by [...] Read more.
Interest in advanced echocardiographic imaging methods is growing. Left atrial strain (LAS) is among recently developed echocardiographic parameters. LAS represents an index of tissue deformation of the left atrium (LA). This parameter is an expression of LA function. Several arrhythmias are caused by impaired LA function. LAS can be assessed with a resting echocardiogram. The evaluation of LAS during stress echocardiography represents another model for assessing LA function. The development of altered LAS during physical or pharmacological stress is a predictor of early LA disease. Our review aims to evaluate the relationship between alterations in LAS and the development of atrial fibrillation (AF), and the diagnostic and prognostic roles of the stress echocardiogram in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Progress in Diagnosis and Management of Cardiovascular Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop