Dmitrij Kravchenko, Muhammad Taha Hagar, Milan Vecsey-Nagy, Giuseppe Tremamunno, Bálint Szilveszter, Borbála Vattay, Emese Zsarnóczay, Sámuel Beke, Pál Maurovich-Horvat, Tilman Emrich, Akos Varga-Szemes
{"title":"Value of Ultrahigh-Resolution Photon-Counting Detector Computed Tomography in Cardiac Imaging","authors":"Dmitrij Kravchenko, Muhammad Taha Hagar, Milan Vecsey-Nagy, Giuseppe Tremamunno, Bálint Szilveszter, Borbála Vattay, Emese Zsarnóczay, Sámuel Beke, Pál Maurovich-Horvat, Tilman Emrich, Akos Varga-Szemes","doi":"10.1111/echo.70100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/echo.70100","url":null,"abstract":"<p>It was only fitting that when computed tomography (CT) was celebrating its 50th birthday since its maiden scan in 1971, it was also entering into a new generation in 2021 with the Food and Drug Administration's approval of the first photon-counting detector (PCD)-CT. As non-invasive cardiac imaging is evolving into an ever more important medical field, the introduction of this new technology promises a slew of improvements over energy-integrating detector (EID)-CTs, most importantly improved spatial resolution in the form of ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) imaging, reduced radiation exposure, and routinely acquired spectral information. Spatial resolution has historically been a key hurdle for cardiac CT, especially for coronary imaging where structures in the realm of 2 mm need to be assessed. Initial reports on the use of PCD-CT in cardiac imaging so far have been promising, but many questions ranging from standardized scan protocols to evidence-based recommendations remain. The aim of this review is to discuss the currently available literature regarding the use of UHR PCD-CT for cardiac imaging and explore if it has led to changes in guidelines or patient workflows.</p>","PeriodicalId":50558,"journal":{"name":"Echocardiography-A Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques","volume":"42 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/echo.70100","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143396901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gianluca G. Siciliano, Carlotta Onnis, Jaret Barr, Marly van Assen, Carlo N. De Cecco
{"title":"Artificial Intelligence Applications in Cardiac CT Imaging for Ischemic Disease Assessment","authors":"Gianluca G. Siciliano, Carlotta Onnis, Jaret Barr, Marly van Assen, Carlo N. De Cecco","doi":"10.1111/echo.70098","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/echo.70098","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed medical imaging by detecting insights and patterns often imperceptible to the human eye, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. In cardiovascular imaging, numerous AI models have been developed for cardiac computed tomography (CCT), a primary tool for assessing coronary artery disease (CAD). CCT provides comprehensive, non-invasive assessment, including plaque burden, stenosis severity, and functional assessments such as CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRct). Its prognostic value in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) has increased the demand for CCT, consequently adding to radiologists’ workloads. This review aims to examine AI's role in CCT for ischemic heart disease, highlighting its potential to streamline workflows and improve the efficiency of cardiac care through machine learning and deep learning applications.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50558,"journal":{"name":"Echocardiography-A Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques","volume":"42 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143380724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Increased Afterload in Patients With Acute Reduction in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Following Mitral Valve Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair","authors":"Kaho Hashimoto, Tomoo Nagai, Norihiko Kamioka, Satoshi Noda, Hitomi Horinouchi, Tsutomu Murakami, Junichi Miyamoto, Koichiro Yoshioka, Yohei Ohno, Yuji Ikari","doi":"10.1111/echo.70095","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/echo.70095","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The mechanisms and clinical importance of acute reduction (ARD) in left ventricular (LV) function following transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for mitral regurgitation (MR) remains unclear. This study aimed to non-invasively evaluate the cardio-mechanical parameters, including end-systolic elastance (Ees) and arterial elastance (Ea), to explore their association with ARD following mitral TEER.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods and Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We performed a retrospective analysis of serial transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) studies before and after mitral TEER. Cardio-mechanical parameters were evaluated non-invasively using a modified single-beat method. After the exclusion of nine patients requiring intravenous catecholamine infusion, the study cohort comprised 49 consecutive patients (25 men; mean age: 81 ± 9 years) with successful mitral TEER. ARD in LV function was defined as a decrease in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≥5 points following the procedure by TTE, which was reported in 18 patients. The hospitalization period was longer in patients with ARD in LVEF than in those without ARD (5.5 days vs. 4 days, <i>p</i> = 0.031). Following improvement in MR, Ea increased (1.54 ± 0.49 mmHg/mL vs. 1.84 ± 0.55 mmHg/mL, <i>p</i> = 0.004). Linear regression analysis revealed a correlation between Δtotal stroke volume (SV) and ΔEa (<i>r</i> = 0.614, <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Notably, ΔEa was higher in patients with ARD in LVEF than in those without ARD in LVEF (0.60 ± 0.73 mmHg/mL vs. 0.14 ± 0.39 mmHg/mL, <i>p</i> = 0.006).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>ARD in LVEF after mitral TEER was reported in a substantial proportion of patients and may have prognostic implications. Evaluating cardio-mechanical parameters may aid in understanding complex hemodynamics and guiding treatment strategies for patients with MR undergoing TEER.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50558,"journal":{"name":"Echocardiography-A Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques","volume":"42 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143362716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Left Ventricular Myocardial Work Indices Post-TAVR: A New Paradigm for Prognosis in Aortic Stenosis","authors":"Erwan Donal, Frédéric Myon","doi":"10.1111/echo.70034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/echo.70034","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50558,"journal":{"name":"Echocardiography-A Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques","volume":"42 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143362521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Hemangioma: A Rare Cause of Obstruction","authors":"Huiying Chen, Jing Li, Laichun Song, Xiaojing Ma","doi":"10.1111/echo.70097","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/echo.70097","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Cardiac hemangiomas (CH) arise predominantly from the epicardium and their location in the right ventricular outflow tract is uncommon; we report a unique case of RVOT cardiac hemangioma. Urgent operative intervention resulted in immediate relief and was associated with an uneventful recovery.\u0000\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":50558,"journal":{"name":"Echocardiography-A Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques","volume":"42 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143362537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Valve It Right? Can Transthoracic Imaging Prevent CIED-Induced Tricuspid Regurgitation?","authors":"Corentin Bourg, Erwan Donal","doi":"10.1111/echo.70062","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/echo.70062","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The subcostal en face view of the tricuspid valve has emerged as a promising echocardiographic technique for visualizing right ventricular (RV) lead positions in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). This approach offers the potential to prevent tricuspid regurgitation (TR) by allowing rhythmologists to adjust lead positions in real time, ensuring optimal device placement and minimizing valve interference. A study by Zach et al. (2024) demonstrated the feasibility of this technique in 64% of patients, offering a viable alternative when 3D echocardiography is unavailable or non-diagnostic. The study found no significant correlation between lead position and TR severity, suggesting that other factors may contribute to TR development. While the subcostal en face view holds significant promise, limitations such as poor image quality in patients with obesity, abdominal pathologies, or multiple leads, as well as the need for experience to maximize success rates, must be addressed. Future prospective studies are needed to validate the clinical benefits of the subcostal en face view during CIED implantation, including its impact on procedural duration and TR prevention. This technique represents an important step toward enhancing patient safety and improving CIED implantation protocols.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50558,"journal":{"name":"Echocardiography-A Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques","volume":"42 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143362335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multimodality Imaging of Bilateral Ductus Arteriosus in a Patient With Complex Heterotaxy and a Univentricular Heart","authors":"Kathryn Hughes Schwartzman, Utkarsh Kohli","doi":"10.1111/echo.70057","DOIUrl":"10.1111/echo.70057","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The images presented show heterotaxy (right atrial isomerism), mitral and pulmonary valve atresia, single ventricle physiology, non-confluent branch pulmonary arteries supplied by ipsilateral ductus, and a large VSD. Non-confluent branch pulmonary arteries which are supplied by bilateral ducts are a rare cardiac anomaly which is illustrated by multimodality imaging in this patient.\u0000\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":50558,"journal":{"name":"Echocardiography-A Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques","volume":"42 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143257290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Özden Seçkin Göbüt, Burak Sezenöz, Muhammet Küçükbardaslı, Betül Ayça Yamak, Serkan Ünlü
{"title":"Evaluation of Right and Left Ventricular Deformation Analysis in İdiopathic Right Bundle Branch Block by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography","authors":"Özden Seçkin Göbüt, Burak Sezenöz, Muhammet Küçükbardaslı, Betül Ayça Yamak, Serkan Ünlü","doi":"10.1111/echo.70056","DOIUrl":"10.1111/echo.70056","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Idiopathic right bundle branch block (RBBB) is often seen as harmless and common. However, many studies show it might be linked to negative health outcomes. So, it is crucial to fully understand how RBBB affects the heart's ventricles.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aims to examine the right and left ventricular systolic functions in patients with idiopathic RBBB and compare them to those in a healthy control group.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Material and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Echocardiographic images were obtained from patients with idiopathic RBBB and healthy control participants. Conventional echocardiographic parameters were measured. Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking strain analysis was used to assess deformation indices.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Thirty-nine patients with idiopathic RBBB and 35 healthy participants were included in the study. There were no significant differences in the chamber dimensions of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) between the groups. LV ejection fraction (EF), RV fractional area change (FAC), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) measurements were similar between the groups. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) (−25.5 ± 5.7% vs. −22.1 ± 4.2%, <i>p</i> < 0.05), RV GLS (−26.9 ± 4.6% vs. −24.0 ± 4.4%, <i>p</i> < 0.05), and interventricular septum longitudinal strain (IVS LS) (−24.3 ± 4.9% vs. −19.1 ± 4.2%, <i>p</i> < 0.05) were significantly reduced in patients with idiopathic RBBB compared to controls, indicating impaired myocardial shortening. Significant differences were also observed in LV (15 [5–30] vs. 30 [20–60], <i>p</i> < 0.05) and RV (18 [7–35] vs. 36 [24–80], <i>p</i> < 0.05) mechanical dispersion, with the differences being more pronounced for the RV between the groups. LV torsion (2.1 ± 0.6 vs. 1.6 ± 0.5, <i>p</i> < 0.05) was also worse in patients with idiopathic RBBB.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our findings show that idiopathic RBBB significantly affects the longitudinal strain and synchronization of both the LV and RV.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50558,"journal":{"name":"Echocardiography-A Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques","volume":"42 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143054196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fetal Cardiac Function and Remodeling in In Vitro Fertilization Pregnancies: A Tertiary Center Experience","authors":"Akgun Aktas Betül, Agaoglu Zahid, Tanacan Atakan, Kara Ozgür, Sahin Dilek","doi":"10.1111/echo.70089","DOIUrl":"10.1111/echo.70089","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To investigate fetal cardiac functions and remodeling in pregnancies conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This prospective case–control study included 40 singleton IVF pregnancies and 46 uncomplicated control pregnancies at 28–36 weeks of gestation. The IVF group consisted of pregnancies applied to the outpatient clinic, excluding those with anatomical or chromosomal abnormalities. Fetal cardiac morphological measurements, left myocardial performance index (MPI), cardiac output, spectral, tissue Doppler, and M-mode measurements were recorded. Ventricular and great vessel size were assessed for fetal cardiac morphology, while MPI, spectral Doppler, and tissue Doppler parameters were assessed for cardiac function.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The right atrial area was statistically increased and the right ventricular basal sphericity index was statistically decreased in the IVF group. The mitral and aortic valves were smaller in the IVF group, while tricuspid and pulmonary valve measurements were similar. Left ventricular ejection time was statistically lower in the IVF group, although the MPI was similar. The IVF group had a higher right fetal MPI on tissue Doppler imaging, but the difference was not statistically significant.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study suggests that IVF pregnancies may demonstrate some effects of fetal cardiac remodeling and mild systolic dysfunction.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50558,"journal":{"name":"Echocardiography-A Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques","volume":"42 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143061309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Left Atrial Markers in Diagnosing and Prognosticating Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathies: Ready for Prime Time?","authors":"Mina M. Benjamin, Mark G. Rabbat","doi":"10.1111/echo.70088","DOIUrl":"10.1111/echo.70088","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The left atrium (LA) is pivotal in cardiac hemodynamics, serving as a dynamic indicator of left ventricular (LV) compliance and diastolic function. The LA undergoes structural and functional adaptations in response to hemodynamic stress, infiltrative processes, myocardial injury, and arrhythmic triggers. Remodeling of the LA in response to these stressors directly impacts pulmonary circulation, eventually leading to pulmonary capillary involvement, pulmonary artery hypertension, and eventually right ventricular failure. LA dysfunction and fibrosis also contribute to the future risk of atrial arrhythmias and mitral regurgitation. The parameters of LA size and function are being recognized as robust markers for the progression of several cardiac pathologies as well as important tools for prognostication. In this article, we briefly describe the different modalities and markers used to evaluate LA pathology in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathies (NICM). We then provide an overview of the studies that compared the association of the different LA parameters with disease severity and future prognosis. We also identify the gaps in knowledge before these LA parameters make a case for clinical adoption.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50558,"journal":{"name":"Echocardiography-A Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound and Allied Techniques","volume":"42 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143061314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}