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  • 1.
    Ahlm, Kristin
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Forensic Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Saveman, Britt-inger
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Surgery.
    Björnstig, Ulf
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Surgery.
    Suicidal drowning deaths in Northern Sweden 1992-2009Manuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
  • 2.
    Albano, Amanda
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Gustavsson, Sandra
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Wiklund, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Grönlund, Christer
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Echocardio-variability - Low and high frequency beat-to-beat variability in echocardiographic signals2013In: Computing in Cardiology 2013, 2013, p. 767-770, article id 6713490Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Measurement signals originating from the cardiovascular system are known to comprise oscillating components and beat-to-beat variability, e.g., heart-rate variability and blood pressure variability. In clinical echocardiographic procedures, typically only a few cardiac cycles are acquired. This pilot study analyses the beat-to-beat variability of echocardiographic variables (echocardio-variability) in minute long acquisitions. 

  • 3.
    Arnberg, Elsa
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Eldhagen, Per
    Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
    Löfbacka, Viktor
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Venkateshvaran, Ashwin
    Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
    Pilebro, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    RWT/SaVR-A Simple and Highly Accurate Measure Screening for Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis2022In: Journal of Clinical Medicine, E-ISSN 2077-0383, Vol. 11, no 14, article id 4120Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Cardiac amyloidosis is an underdiagnosed condition and simple methods for accurate diagnosis are warranted. We aimed to validate a novel, dual-modality approach to identify transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA), employing echocardiographic relative wall thickness (RWT), and ECG S-wave from aVR (SaVR), and compare its accuracy with conventional echocardiographic approaches.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated 102 patients with ATTR-CA and 65 patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), all with septal thickness > 14 mm. We validated the accuracy of echocardiographic measures, including RWT, RWT/SaVR, posterior wall thickness (PWT), LV mass index (LVMI), left atrial volume index (LAVI), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and relative apical sparing (RELAPS) to identify ATTR-CA diagnosed using DPD-scintigraphy or abdominal fat biopsy.

    RESULTS: PWT, RWT, RELAPS, troponin, and RWT/SaVR were significantly higher in ATTR-CA compared to LVH. RWT/SaVR > 0.7 was the most accurate parameter to identify ATTR-CA (sensitivity 97%, specificity 90% and accuracy 91%). RELAPS was found to have much less accuracy (sensitivity 74%, specificity 76% and accuracy 73%).

    CONCLUSION: We can confirm the very strong diagnostic accuracy of RWT/SaVR to identify ATTR-CA in patients with septal thickness > 14 mm. Given its high sensitivity and specificity, RWT/SaVR > 0.7 has the potential to implement as a non-invasive, simple, and widely available diagnostic tool when screening for ATTR-CA.

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  • 4.
    Arvidsson, Sandra
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Wikström, Gerhard
    Suhr, Ole B.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Right ventricular involvement in transthyretin amyloidosis2018In: Amyloid: Journal of Protein Folding Disorders, ISSN 1350-6129, E-ISSN 1744-2818, Vol. 25, no 3, p. 160-166Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The extent of right ventricular (RV) involvement in transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is unknown.

    Objectives: This study sought to establish the degree of RV involvement in ATTR amyloidosis, and compare findings with RV involvement in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

    Methods: Forty-two patients with ATTR amyloidosis and echocardiographic evidence of cardiac amyloidosis (cardiac ATTR), 19 ATTR patients with normal left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (non-cardiac ATTR), 25 patients with diagnosed HCM and 30 healthy controls were included in this study. Echocardiographic measurements for conventional parameters, as well as RV global and segmental strain, were recorded.

    Results: When comparing RV structure and function between cardiac ATTR amyloidosis and HCM patients, only segmental strain differed between the two groups. In cardiac ATTR amyloidosis, we found an RV apex-to-base strain gradient with highest deformation in the apex. This pattern was reversed in patients with HCM.

    Conclusions: RV involvement is common in cardiac ATTR patients. The present study also detected an RV apical sparing pattern in patients with ATTR cardiomyopathy, similar to what has previously been described for the left ventricle in these patients. This pattern was not seen in HCM patients. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical importance of these findings.

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  • 5.
    Arvidsson, Sandra
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Pilebro, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Westermark, Per
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Suhr, Ole B
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Amyloid Cardiomyopathy in Hereditary Transthyretin V30M Amyloidosis - Impact of Sex and Amyloid Fibril Composition2015In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 10, no 11, article id e0143456Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    PURPOSE: Transthyretin V30M (ATTR V30M) amyloidosis is a phenotypically diverse disease with symptoms ranging from predominant neuropathy to exclusive cardiac manifestations. The aims of this study were to determine the dispersion of the two types of fibrils found in Swedish ATTR V30M patients -Type A consisting of a mixture of truncated and full length ATTR fibrils and type B fibrils consisting of full length fibrils, and to estimate the severity of cardiac dysfunction in relation to fibril composition and sex.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: Echocardiographic data were analysed in 107 Swedish ATTR V30M patients with their fibril composition determined as either type A or type B. Measurements of left ventricular (LV) dimensions and evaluation of systolic and diastolic function including speckle tracking derived strain were performed. Patients were grouped according to fibril type and sex. Multivariate linear regression was utilised to determine factors of significant impact on LV thickness.

    RESULTS: There was no significant difference in proportions of the two types of fibrils between men and women. In patients with type A fibrils, women had significantly lower median septal (p = 0.007) and posterior wall thicknesses (p = 0.010), lower median LV mass indexed to height (p = 0.008), and higher septal strain (p = 0.037), as compared to males. These differences were not apparent in patients with type B fibrils. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that fibril type, sex and age all had significant impact on LV septal thickness.

    CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a clear difference between sexes in the severity of amyloid heart disease in ATTR V30M amyloidosis patients. Even though type A fibrils were associated with more advanced amyloid heart disease compared to type B, women with type A fibrils generally developed less cardiac infiltration than men. The differences may explain the better outcome for liver transplanted late-onset female patients compared to males.

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  • 6.
    Backman, Christer
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Mörner, Stellan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Burned out myocardium in biventricular hypertrophic cardiomyopathy presenting with congestive heart failure: importance of ECG changes2014In: International Cardiovascular Forum Journal, ISSN 2410-2636, Vol. 1, no 3, p. 159-160Article in journal (Refereed)
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  • 7.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Service of Cardiology, Internal Medicine Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Elezi, Shpend
    Berisha, Venera
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Rexhepaj, Nehat
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Left ventricular asynchrony and raised filling pressure predict limited exercise performance assessed by 6 minute walk test2011In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 146, no 3, p. 385-389Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Six minute walking test (6-MWT) may serve as a reproducible test for assessing exercise capacity in heart failure (HF) patients and can be clinically predicted. We aimed in this study to ascertain if global markers of ventricular asynchrony can predict 6MWT distance in a group of patients with HF and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) <45%.

    METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included 77 consecutive patients (60+/-12 years) with stable HF. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions, shortening fraction (SF), EF, myocardial velocities, t-IVT, and Tei index were measured, as well as 6-MWT distance. Patients with limited exercise performance (</=300 m) had lower SF (p=0.02) and EF (p=0.017), longer t-IVT (p=0.001), higher Tei index (p=0.002) and higher E/E' ratio (p<0.001) compared with good performance patients. In multivariate analysis, only E/E' ratio [0.800 (0.665-0.961), p=0.017], and t-IVT [0.769 (0.619-0.955), p=0.018] independently predicted poor exercise performance.

    CONCLUSIONS: In heart failure patients, the higher the filling pressures and the more asynchronous the left ventricle, the poorer is the patient's exercise capacity. These findings highlight specific LV functional disturbances that should be targeted for better optimization of medical and/or electrical therapy.

  • 8.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Left ventricular global dyssynchrony is exaggerated with age2013In: International Cardiovascular Forum, ISSN 2410-2636, Vol. 1, no 1, p. 47-51Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background and Aim. Total isovolumic time (t-IVT) and Tei index both reflect global left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony. They have been shown to be sensitive in responding to myocardial revascularization and in predicting clinical outcome in heart failure patients. Since most these patients are senior, determining the exact effect of age on such parameters remains mandatory. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age on LV t-IVT and Tei index compared with conventional systolic and diastolic parameters in normal individuals.

    Methods. We studied 47 healthy individuals, mean age 62±12 years (24 female), who were arbitrarily classified into three groups: M (middle age), S (seniors), and E (elderly), using spectral Doppler echocardiography and tissue-Doppler imaging. We studied the interrelation between age, LV systolic and diastolic function parameters as well as t-IVT [60 – (total ejection time + total filling time) in s/min], and Tei index (T-IVT/ejection time).

    Results. LV ejection fraction was 68±6%, E/A ratio 1±0.4, filling time 538±136ms, ejection time 313±26ms, t-IVT 7.7±2.6 s/min and Tei index 0.41±0.14. Age strongly correlated with t-IVT (r=0.8, p<0.001) and with Tei index (r=0.7, p<0.001) but not with QRS duration. Age also correlated with E/A ratio (r=-0.6, p<0.001), but not with global or segmental systolic function measurements. Mean values for t-IVT were 5.5 (95% CI, 4.6-6.3 s/min) for M, 6.9 (95% CI, 6.0-7.8 s/min) for S and 9.5 (95% CI, 8.4-10.6 s/min) for E groups. The corresponding upper limit of the t-IVT 95% normal CI (calculated as mean ±2SD) for the three groups was 8.3 s/min, 10.5 s/min and 14.5 s/min, respectively. The upper limit of normal t-IVT 95% CI was significantly shorter in the S compared with the E group (p=0.001). T-IVT correlated with A wave (r=0.66, p<0.001), E/A ratio (r=-0.56, p<0.001), septal e’ (r=-0.49, p=0.001) and septal a’ (r=0.4, p=0.006), but not with QRS.

    Conclusions. In normals, age is associated with exaggerated LV global dyssynchrony and diastolic function disturbances, but systolic function remains unaffected. The strong relationship between age and t-IVT supports its potential use as a marker of global LV dyssynchrony. In addition, variations in the upper limit of normal values, particularly in the elderly may have significant clinical applications in patients recommended for CRT treatment.

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  • 9.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Total isovolumic time correlates with limited exercise capacity in HFpEF - its shortening with stress suggests significant rise of filling pressure2014In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 35, no Supplement 1, Meeting abstract P6544, p. 1179-1179Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 10. Bergström, Göran
    et al.
    Persson, Margaretha
    Adiels, Martin
    Björnson, Elias
    Bonander, Carl
    Ahlström, Håkan
    Alfredsson, Joakim
    Angerås, Oskar
    Berglund, Göran
    Blomberg, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Brandberg, John
    Börjesson, Mats
    Cederlund, Kerstin
    de Faire, Ulf
    Duvernoy, Olov
    Ekblom, Örjan
    Engström, Gunnar
    Engvall, Jan E.
    Fagman, Erika
    Eriksson, Mats
    Erlinge, David
    Fagerberg, Björn
    Flinck, Agneta
    Gonçalves, Isabel
    Hagström, Emil
    Hjelmgren, Ola
    Lind, Lars
    Lindberg, Eva
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Ljungberg, Johan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Magnusson, Martin
    Mannila, Maria
    Markstad, Hanna
    Mohammad, Moman A.
    Nystrom, Fredrik H.
    Ostenfeld, Ellen
    Persson, Anders
    Rosengren, Annika
    Sandström, Anette
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Själander, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Sköld, Magnus C.
    Sundström, Johan
    Swahn, Eva
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Torén, Kjell
    Östgren, Carl Johan
    Jernberg, Tomas
    Prevalence of Subclinical Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis in the General Population2021In: Circulation, ISSN 0009-7322, E-ISSN 1524-4539, Vol. 144, no 12, p. 916-929Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Early detection of coronary atherosclerosis using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), in addition to coronary artery calcification (CAC) scoring, may help inform prevention strategies. We used CCTA to determine the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis and its association with CAC scores in a general population.

    Methods: We recruited 30 154 randomly invited individuals age 50 to 64 years to SCAPIS (the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study). The study includes individuals without known coronary heart disease (ie, no previous myocardial infarctions or cardiac procedures) and with high-quality results from CCTA and CAC imaging performed using dedicated dual-source CT scanners. Noncontrast images were scored for CAC. CCTA images were visually read and scored for coronary atherosclerosis per segment (defined as no atherosclerosis, 1% to 49% stenosis, or ≥50% stenosis). External validity of prevalence estimates was evaluated using inverse probability for participation weighting and Swedish register data.

    Results: In total, 25 182 individuals without known coronary heart disease were included (50.6% women). Any CCTA-detected atherosclerosis was found in 42.1%; any significant stenosis (≥50%) in 5.2%; left main, proximal left anterior descending artery, or 3-vessel disease in 1.9%; and any noncalcified plaques in 8.3% of this population. Onset of atherosclerosis was delayed on average by 10 years in women. Atherosclerosis was more prevalent in older individuals and predominantly found in the proximal left anterior descending artery. Prevalence of CCTA-detected atherosclerosis increased with increasing CAC scores. Among those with a CAC score >400, all had atherosclerosis and 45.7% had significant stenosis. In those with 0 CAC, 5.5% had atherosclerosis and 0.4% had significant stenosis. In participants with 0 CAC and intermediate 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease according to the pooled cohort equation, 9.2% had CCTA-verified atherosclerosis. Prevalence estimates had excellent external validity and changed marginally when adjusted to the age-matched Swedish background population.

    Conclusions: Using CCTA in a large, random sample of the general population without established disease, we showed that silent coronary atherosclerosis is common in this population. High CAC scores convey a significant probability of substantial stenosis, and 0 CAC does not exclude atherosclerosis, particularly in those at higher baseline risk.

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  • 11.
    Byström, Björn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Örnsköldsvik Hospital.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Henein, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    The right ventricle: knowing what is right2008In: The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging, ISSN 1569-5794, E-ISSN 1875-8312, Vol. 24, no 7, p. 701-702Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 12.
    Bytyci, Ibadete
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo; Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Fabiani, Iacopo
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Poniku, Afrim
    Pugliese, Nicola Riccardo
    Dini, Frank L.
    Henein, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. St George University London, London, UK.
    Left atrial compliance index predicts exercise capacity in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction irrespective of right ventricular dysfunction2019In: Echocardiography, ISSN 0742-2822, E-ISSN 1540-8175, Vol. 36, no 6, p. 1045-1053Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background and Aim: Predictors of exercise capacity in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remain of difficult determination. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of exercise capacity in a group of patients with HFpEF and right ventricle (RV) dysfunction

    Methods: In 143 consecutive patients with HFpEF (age 62 ± 9 years, LV EF ≥45) and 41 controls, a complete echocardiographic study was performed. In addition to conventional measurements, LA compliance was calculated using the formula: [LAV max − LAV min/LAV min × 100]. Exercise capacity was assessed using the six‐minute walking test (6‐MWT). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) < 1.7 cm was utilized to categorize patients with RV dysfunction (n = 40) from those with maintained RV function (n = 103).

    Results: Patients with RV dysfunction were older (= 0.002), had higher NYHA class (= 0.001), higher LV mass index (= 0.01), reduced septal and lateral MAPSE (all < 0.001), enlarged LA (= 0.001) impaired LA compliance index (< 0.001) and exhibited a more compromised 6‐MWT (= 0.001). LA compliance index correlated more closely with 6‐MWT (= 0.51, < 0.001) compared with the other LA indices (AP diameter, transverse diameter and volume indexed; = −0.30, = −0.35 and = −0.38, respectively). In multivariate analysis, LA compliance index <60% was 88% sensitive and 61% specific (AUC 0.80, CI = 0.67–0.92 = 0.001) in predicting exercise capacity.

    Conclusion: An impairment in LA compliance was profound in patients with HFpEF and RV dysfunction and seems to be most powerful independent predictor of limited exercise capacity.

  • 13.
    Bytyci, Ibadete
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine. Clinic of Cardiology, Prishtina, Albania.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine. Clinic of Cardiology, Prishtina, Albania.
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine. Clinic of Cardiology, Prishtina, Albania.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine. Clinic of Cardiology, Prishtina, Albania.
    Henein, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine. Clinic of Cardiology, Prishtina, Albania.
    The relationship between left atrial measurements and cavity pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis2018In: Journal of the American College of Cardiology, ISSN 0735-1097, E-ISSN 1558-3597, Vol. 71, no 11, p. 911-911Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 14.
    Bytyci, Ibadete
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Molecular and Clinic Research Institute, St George University, London, UK.
    Improved Left Atrial Function in CRT Responders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2020In: Journal of Clinical Medicine, E-ISSN 2077-0383, Vol. 9, no 2, article id 298Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is associated with reverse left atrial (LA) remodeling. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the relationship between clinical response to CRT and LA function changes. We conducted a systematic search of all electronic databases up to September 2019 which identified 488 patients from seven studies. At (mean) 6 months follow-up, LA systolic strain and emptying fraction (EF) were increased in CRT responders, with a -5.70% weighted mean difference (WMD) [95% confidence interval (CI) -8.37 to -3.04, p < 0.001 and a WMD of -8.98% [CI -15.1 to -2.84, p = 0.004], compared to non-responders. The increase in LA strain was associated with a fall in left ventricle (LV) end-systolic volume (LVESV) r = -0.56 (CI -0.68 to -0.40, p < 0.001) and an increase in the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) r = 0.58 (CI 0.42 to 0.69, p < 0.001). The increase in LA EF correlated with the fall in LVESV r = -0.51 (CI -0.63 to -0.36, p < 0.001) and the increase in the LVEF r = 0.48 (CI 0.33 to 0.61, p = 0.002). The increase in LA strain correlated with the increase in the LA EF, r = 0.57 (CI 0.43 to 0.70, p < 0.001). Thus, the improvement of LA function in CRT responders reflects LA reverse remodeling and is related to its ventricular counterpart.

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  • 15.
    Bytyci, Ibadete
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, and Universi College, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    D'Agostino, Andreina
    Bajraktari, Gani
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, and Universi College, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Dini, Frank L.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Department, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Molecular and Clinic Research Institute, St George University, Brunel University, London, UK.
    Left atrial stiffness predicts cardiac events in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: The impact of diabetes2021In: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, ISSN 1475-0961, E-ISSN 1475-097X, Vol. 41, no 2, p. 208-216Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and left atrial (LA) remodelling in a group of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and their combined impact on cardiac events (CE).

    Methods: This study included 136 consecutive HFrEF patients (65 +/- 11 years), 36 had DM, and 86 had increased LA stiffness (LASt). All patients underwent complete conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiographic measurements were made including LA volumes and function. LASt was calculated using the formula: LASt = E/e' ratio / PALS.

    Results: At 55 +/- 37 months follow-up, free survival from CE was 69% in patients without DM and 44.4% in those with DM (p < .0001). The CE free survival was lower in patients with increased LASt compared to normal LASt, (50 versus. 80%, p < .001), irrespective of the presence of DM (27 versus. 71%, p < .001).The best cut-off value of LASt for predicting CE in the group as a whole was >= 0.82% [81% sensitivity, 72% specificity and AUC 0.82 (p < .001)]. LASt >= 0.82% also predicted CE in no DM patients [78% sensitivity, 71% specificity and AUC 0.80 (p < .001)] and was a stronger predictor in DM patients [85% sensitivity, 71% specificity and AUC = 0.847 (p < .001)].

    Conclusion: High LA stiffness is associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with HFrEF. Diabetes has an additional incremental value in determining clinical outcome in those patients.

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  • 16.
    Bytyci, Ibadete
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Dini, Frank L.
    Bajraktari, Artan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Pugliese, Nicola Riccardo
    D'Agostino, Andreina
    Bajraktari, Gani
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Speckle Tracking-Derived Left Atrial Stiffness Predicts Clinical Outcome in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced to Mid-Range Ejection Fraction2020In: Journal of Clinical Medicine, E-ISSN 2077-0383, Vol. 9, no 5, article id 1244Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background and Aim: Left atrial stiffness (LASt) is an important marker of cardiac function, especially in patients with heart failure (HF); it explains symptoms on the basis of pressure transfer to the pulmonary circulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between LASt and cardiac events (CE) in HF patients with reduced to mid-range ejection fraction.

    Methods: The study included 215 consecutive ambulatory HF patients with ejection fraction (EF) < 50% (162 HF reduced EF and 53 HF mid-range EF) of mean age 66 +/- 11 years and 24.4% females. Peak LA strain (PALS) was measured by speckle tracking echocardiography and E/e' recorded from the apical four-chamber view. Non-invasive LASt was calculated using the equation: LASt = E/e' ratio/PALS. Documented cardiac events (CE) were HF hospitalization and cardiac death.

    Results: During a median follow up of 41 +/- 34 months, 65 patients (30%) had CE. In multivariate analysis model, only raised LV filling pressure (E/e') (OR = 0.292, (95% CI 0.099 to 0.859), p = 0.02), peak pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) (OR = 1.050 (1.009 to 1.094), p = 0.01), PALS (OR = 0.932 (0.873 to 0.994), p = 0.02) and LASt (OR = 3.781 (1.144 to 5.122), p = 0.001) independently predicted CE. LASt >= 0.76% was the most powerful predictor of CE, with 80% sensitivity and 73% specificity (AUC 0.82, CI = 0.73 to 0.87, p < 0.001) followed by PALS <= 16%, with 74% sensitivity and 72% specificity (AUC 0.77, CI = 0.71 to 0.84, p < 0.001). These results were consistent irrespective of EF (p < 0.05).

    Conclusion: In this cohort of ambulatory HFrEF and HFmrEF patients, LASt proved the most powerful predictor of clinical outcome.

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  • 17.
    Bytyçi, Ibadete
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Universi College, Pristina, Kosovo, Albania; Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, Pristina, Kosovo, Albania.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Universi College, Pristina, Kosovo, Albania.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Molecular and Clinic Research Institute, St George University, and7Brunel University, London, UK.
    Compromised left atrial function and increased size predict raised cavity pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis2019In: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, ISSN 1475-0961, E-ISSN 1475-097X, Vol. 39, no 5, p. 297-307Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aim: This meta-analysis assesses left atrial (LA) cavity and myocardial function measurements that predict pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP).

    Methods: PubMed-MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Central Registry were searched up to December 2018 for studies on the relationship of LA diameter, LA indexed volume (LAVI max, LAVI min), peak atrial longitudinal (PALS), peak atrial contraction (PACS) strain and total emptying fraction (LAEF) with PCWP. Eighteen studies with 1343 patients were included. sensitivity and specificity (with 95% CI) for evaluation of diagnostic accuracy and the best cut-off values for different LA indices in predicting raised PCWP were estimated using summary receiver operating characteristic analysis.

    Results: The pooled analysis showed association between PCWP and LA diameter: Cohen's d = 0 center dot 87, LAVI max: d = 0 center dot 92 and LAVI min: d = 1 center dot 0 (P<0 center dot 001 for all). A stronger correlation was found between PCWP and PALS: d = 1 center dot 26, and PACS: d = 1 center dot 62, total EF d = 1 center dot 22 (P<0 center dot 0001 for all). PALS <= 19% had a summary sensitivity of 80% (65-90) and summary specificity of 77% (52-92), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) 3 center dot 74, negative likelihood ratio (LR-) DOR > 15 center dot 1 whereas LAVI >= 34 ml m(-2) had summary sensitivity of 75% (55-89) and summary specificity 77% (57-90), with LR+ >3, LR- 0 center dot 32 and DOR >10 center dot 1.

    Conclusions: Compromised LA myocardial function and increased size predict raised cavity pressure. These results should assist in optimum follow-up of patients with fluctuating LA pressure.

  • 18.
    Calcutteea, Avin
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Chung, Robin
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Hodson, Margaret
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Differential right ventricular regional function and the effect of pulmonary hypertension: three-dimensional echo study2011In: Heart, ISSN 1355-6037, E-ISSN 1468-201X, Vol. 97, no 12, p. 1004-1011Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The right ventricle has distinct features for the inflow, apical and outflow tract compartments, with different extent of contribution to the overall systolic function. In PAH, the right ventricle becomes one dyssynchronous compartment, which itself may have perpetual effect on overall cardiac dysfunction.

  • 19.
    Calcutteea, Avin
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Holmgren, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Surgery.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Organised right ventricular remodelling in aortic stenosis even after valve replacement2013In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 168, no 2, p. 1549-1550Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 20.
    Calcutteea, Avin
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå Heart Center.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå Heart Center.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå Heart Center.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå Heart Center.
    Global and regional right ventricular dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension2014In: Echocardiography, ISSN 0742-2822, E-ISSN 1540-8175, Vol. 31, no 2, p. 164-171Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is known to affect the right ventricular (RV) function.

    AIMS: To assess the extent of global and regional RV dysfunction in PH patients.

    METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study on 20 controls (age 62 ± 15 years, 7 males) and 35 patients (age 67 ± 12 years, 13 males) with PH of mixed etiologies and assessed RV inflow and outflow tracts (OTs) function, using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) based myocardial deformation and its time relations. RV inlet and OT dimensions (2D), inlet myocardial velocities (TDI), myocardial strain and strain rate (SR), TAPSE (M-mode), ejection and filling times (pulsed-wave [PW] Doppler), and pulmonary artery acceleration (PAc) were measured.

    RESULTS: RV inlet and OT were dilated (P < 0.001 for both) and TAPSE (P < 0.001), inlet velocities (P < 0.001), basal and mid-cavity strain, SR and longitudinal displacement reduced (P < 0.001 for all). The time to peak systolic SR at basal, mid-cavity (P < 0.001 for both), and RVOT (P = 0.007) was short as was that to peak displacement (P < 0.001 for all). The time to peak pulmonary ejection correlated with time to peak SR at RVOT (r = 0.7, P < 0.001) in controls, but with that of the mid-cavity in patients (r = 0.71, P < 0.001). PAc was faster (P = 0.001) and RV filling time shorter in patients (P = 0.03) with respect to controls.

    CONCLUSIONS: PH has drastic effects on RV structure and intrinsic myocardial function, significantly disturbing its ejection time relations and overall pump performance. Increased RV afterload results in RV configuration changes with the inflow tract determining peak ejection rather than OT.

  • 21.
    Cameli, Matteo
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
    Mondillo, Sergio
    Righini, Francesca Maria
    Lisi, Matteo
    Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
    Dokollari, Aleksander
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Maccherini, Massimo
    Henein, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Left Ventricular Deformation and Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure Requiring Transplantation2016In: Journal of Cardiac Failure, ISSN 1071-9164, E-ISSN 1532-8414, Vol. 22, no 11, p. 901-907Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    PURPOSE: To evaluate potential relationships between different components of left ventricular (LV) function and histopathological evidence for myocardial fibrosis in patients undergoing heart transplantation.

    METHODS: The study population included patients with advanced heart failure, referred for an echocardiographic examination before heart transplantation. Traditional LV function measurements and global longitudinal strain (GLS) by speckle tracking echocardiography, averaging all LV segments in 4-, 2-, and 3-chamber views were obtained in all subjects. LV tissue samples were obtained from all patients who underwent heart transplantation. Myocardial fibrosis was assessed using Masson's staining.

    RESULTS: Of 106 patients referred for cardiac transplantation, 47 underwent cardiac transplantation and were enrolled in the study. LV myocardial fibrosis and its grade strongly correlated with GLS (r = 0.75, P = .0001), modestly with global circumferential strain and LV torsion (r = 0.61, P = .001 and r = 0.52, P = .01, respectively) and weakly with mitral S' wave (r = -0.41; P = .01) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (r = -0.35; P = .05) but did not correlate with LV ejection fraction (r = -0.12; P = NS). GLS had the strongest accuracy for detecting LV fibrosis (area under the curve, 0.92). None of the echo parameters correlated with patient's exercise capacity.

    CONCLUSION: Global longitudinal strain is the most accurate LV global function measure that correlates with the extent of myocardial fibrosis in patients with advanced systolic HF requiring heart transplantation.

  • 22.
    Ding, Wenhong
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Zhao, Ying
    Watt, Astrid
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Nilsson, Johan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Weintar, Reidar
    Holmgren, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Ruck, Andreas
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Early effect of TAVI on left ventricular function in severe aortic stenosis: trans-apical vs. trans-femoral approachManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
  • 23.
    Engvall, Christer
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Henein, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Holmgren, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Surgery.
    Suhr, Ole B
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Mörner, Stellan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Can myocardial strain differentiate hypertrophic from infiltrative etiology of a thickened septum?2011In: Echocardiography, ISSN 0742-2822, E-ISSN 1540-8175, Vol. 28, no 4, p. 408-415Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Septal systolic strain measurements showed reduced longitudinal function but its localized nature failed to demonstrate radial disturbances in patients with pathologically thickened septum. No difference was found in systolic strain between patients according to the etiology of septal thickness. This limitation might be either technical or is explained by the maintained radial function in all patient groups.

  • 24.
    Forsblad-d'Elia, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Rheumatology.
    Law, Lucy
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Rheumatology.
    Bengtsson, Karin
    Smeds, Johan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Rheumatology.
    Ketonen, Maria
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Sundström, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Rheumatology.
    Ljung, Lotta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Rheumatology.
    Geijer, Mats
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Biomechanical properties of common carotid arteries assessed by circumferential two-dimensional strain and β stiffness index in patients with ankylosing spondylitis2021In: Journal of Rheumatology, ISSN 0315-162X, E-ISSN 1499-2752, Vol. 48, no 3, p. 352-360Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVE: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) related to atherosclerosis, preceded by arterial stiffness. We aimed to examine common carotid artery (CCA) biomechanical properties using ultrasound to calculate β stiffness index (indicating arterial stiffness) and, a more recently developed technique, two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking strain (indicating arterial motion and deformation, strain) to 1) compare with age- and sex-matched controls and to 2) analyze relationships between strain and stiffness with disease characteristics and traditional risk factors for CVD in AS patients.

    METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a cohort of 149 patients with AS, mean age 55.3±11.2 years, 102(68.5%) men, 146 (98%) HLA-B27 positive, were examined. Bilateral CCAs were examined for circumferential 2D strain and β stiffness index. A subgroup of 46 patients were compared with 46 age- and sex-matched controls, both groups without hypertensive disease, diabetes, myocardial infarction or stroke.

    RESULTS: Mean bilateral circumferential 2D strain was lower in AS patients compared with controls, 7.9±2.6% vs 10.3±1.9%, p<0.001 whereas mean bilateral β stiffness index was higher, 13.1±1.6mmHg/mm vs 12.3±1.3mmHg/mm, p=0.018. In multivariable linear regression analyses strain was associated with age, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, history of anterior uveitis and treatment with csDMARD and/or bDMARD (R2 0.33), while stiffness was associated with age (R2 0.19).

    CONCLUSION: Both CCA circumferential 2D strain and β stiffness index differed between AS patients and controls. Strain was associated with AS-related factors and age while stiffness with age, suggesting that the obtained results reflect different pathogenic vascular processes.

  • 25.
    Forsblad-d'Elia, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Rheumatology.
    Law, Lucy
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Rheumatology.
    Bengtsson, Karin
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences.
    Educed strain and increased stiffness of common carotid arteries in patients with ankylogin spondylitis2019In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, ISSN 0003-4967, E-ISSN 1468-2060, Vol. 78, p. 1241-1241Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) which also contributes to the increased mortality observed in AS. It is therefore important to develop non-invasive, accurate methods for early detection of atherosclerotic vascular changes. Studies, in other populations, have demonstrated associations between arterial stiffness and atherosclerotic burden and incident cardiovascular events. The arterial stiffness can be examined by ultrasound providing the β stiffness index that evaluates mechanical deformation properties. Technological advancements in ultrasound have developed a method assessing strain, using speckle tracking technique, which measures deformation mechanics in more dimensions. The speckle tracking method assessing arterial wall motion might permit earlier detection of subclinical CVD.

    Objectives: To study, for the first time, bilateral common carotid arterial (CCA) circumferential strain and β stiffness index in patients with AS and 1) compare the results with age and sex-matched controls and 2) explore relationships between circumferential strain and β stiffness index with disease activity, physical function and traditional risk factors for CVD in patients with AS.

    Methods: A cohort of 149 patients with AS from Northern Sweden (Modif NY, mean age 55.3±11.2 years, 102(68.5%) men, 146(98%) HLAB27) were assessed with spinal radiographs for mSASSS, clinical examination and BASMI, BASFI, ASDAS-CRP and BASDAI. Forty-six patients with AS (50.4±8.7 years, 31(67%) men) and 46 age- and sex-matched controls (49.8±9.2 years, 31(67%) men) with no known hypertension, diabetes or previous CV events were compared. Bilateral CCA ultrasound was carried out on all patients and controls. The circumferential systolic strain was measured and the β stiffness index was calculated. To analyze factors associated with strain and β stiffness index univariate and standard multivariable linear regression analyses were used. Variables with a univariate p-value ≤ 0.1 were considered for the multivariable models. For dichotomous variables, yes was coded 1 and no was coded 0.

    Results: The mean strain was significantly lower in AS patients compared with controls, 7.9±2.6% vs 10.3±1.9%, p<0.001 and the mean β stiffness index was significantly higher in AS compared to controls, 13.1±1.6 mmHg/mm vs 12.3±1.3 mmHg/mm, p=0.018.

  • 26.
    Gottfridsson, Peter
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Aroch, Roman
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Law, Lucy
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Aroch, Alexander
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Johansson, Göran
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Myrberg, Tomi
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Haney, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Global longitudinal strain: effects by load and autonomic nervous system expression2018Conference paper (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Intrathoracic pressure related to breathing or positive pressure ventilatory support has effects on venous return to the heart and transmyocardial pressures. In addition, autonomic nerve system activity affects cardiac inotropy, chronotropy, and loading. Knowledge of these physiological interactions is relevant when interpreting atrial and ventricular strain results as part of heart function assessment by echocardiography in patients with ventilatory support. 

    Purpose: We aimed to assess 2-D global longitudinal strain (GLS%) for all four heart chambers (atria and ventricles) during controlled changes in intrathoracic pressure, as well as sympathetic nerve system activation. We hypothesized that GLS% is affected by both load and sympathetic tone. 

    Methods: With ethical approval and participant consent, 20 healthy volunteers (medical students) performed a controlled Valsalva manoeuvre, a mask positive pressure inspiration (CPAP) manoeuvre (25 cm H2O) and a Hand Grip manoeuvre (squeezing a rolled towel with 75% of maximum force with one hand for 2 minutes). We monitored continuous blood pressure and heart rate (using a Finapres) during the manoeuvres to make sure that the manoeuvres caused the desired physiologic effects.

    GLS% of the individual chambers were measured before and during these manoeuvres using commercially available post- processing software, from the 4-chamber view. 2 different operators measured independently the GLS% for every manoeuvre.  Paired measurement comparisons were performed (paired t test). 

    Results: Both the Valsalva maneuverer and CPAP caused reductions in GLS % in all four chambers. The Hand Grip manoeuvre did not cause any change in GLS % in any chamber.

    Conclusion: Since both CPAP and late Valsalva causes a reduction in preload, we assume that a decrease in preload causes a reduction in GLS% in the heart chambers. Both Valsalva and Handgrip manoeuvres causes a raised sympathicus tone which does not seem to affect GLS% in any chamber. (In the Hand Grip manoeuvre there was a rise in blood pressure and pulse during the manoeuvre, as a sign of increased sympathetic tone.)

    From these preliminary findings, we conclude that for healthy young individuals GLS% appears to decrease in all chambers during Valsalva and CPAP, while no change in GLS% is caused by the Hand Grip manoeuvre.

  • 27.
    Gottfridsson, Peter
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    A’Roch, Roman
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Law, Lucy
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Myrberg, Tomi
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Hultin, Magnus
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    A'Roch, Alexander
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Haney, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Left atrial contraction strain and controlled preload alterations, a study in healthy individuals2022In: Cardiovascular Ultrasound, E-ISSN 1476-7120, Vol. 20, no 1, article id 8Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: In order to assess left atrial contractile function in disturbed circulatory conditions, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of how it behaves in a normal resting state with changes in loading conditions. However, currently the understanding of this relationship is incomplete. We hypothesize that in healthy individuals, left atrial contraction strain and its peak strain rate are increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing preload, respectively.

    METHODS: Controlled maneuvers used to change preload included continuous positive airway pressure by mask (CPAP 20 cmH2O) for preload decrease, and passive leg raise (15 degrees angle) for preload increase. Cardiac ultrasound 4-chamber views of the left atria and left ventricle were acquired at baseline and during maneuver. Acquired images were post processed and analyzed offline. Comparisons were made using paired t-test and means with 95% confidence interval.

    RESULTS: There were 38 participants, complete results were obtained from 23 in the CPAP maneuver and 27 in the passive leg raise maneuver. For the CPAP group, left atrial contraction strain was 11.6% (10.1 to 13.1) at baseline and 12.8% (11.0 to 14.6) during the maneuver (p = 0.16). Left atrial contraction peak strain rate was - 1.7 s- 1 (- 1.8 to - 1.5) at baseline and - 1.8 s- 1 (- 2.0 to - 1.6) during the maneuver (p = 0.29). For the passive leg raise-group, left atrial contraction strain was 10.1% (9.0 to 11.2) at baseline and 10.8% (9.4 to 12.3) during the maneuver (p = 0.28). Left atrial contraction peak strain rate was - 1.5 s- 1 (- 1.6 to - 1.4) at baseline and - 1.6 s- 1 (- 1.8 to - 1.5) during the maneuver (p = 0.29). Left atrial area, an indicator of preload, increased significantly during passive leg raise and decreased during CPAP.

    CONCLUSION: In healthy individuals, left atrial contraction strain and its peak strain rate seem to be preload-independent.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was 2018-02-19 registered at clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT03436030 ).

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  • 28.
    Gottfridsson, Peter
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Law, Lucy
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Aroch, Roman
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Myrberg, Tomi
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Hultin, Magnus
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Haney, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Left atrial contraction strain during a Valsalva manoeuvre: A study in healthy humans2023In: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, ISSN 1475-0961, E-ISSN 1475-097X, Vol. 43, no 3, p. 165-169Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Cardiac mechanics are influenced by loading conditions as well as sympathetic tone. Left atrial (LA) contractile function assessed by two-dimensional (2D) strain has been described in the setting of controlled preload alterations; however, studies show conflicting findings about change or direction of change. We hypothesized that the controlled preload reduction and the sympathetic nervous system activation that occurs during a standardized Valsalva manoeuvre would bring about a change in LA contraction strain.a

    METHODS: Healthy young adults of both sexes were recruited. Transthoracic echocardiographic ultrasound images were collected before and during a Valsalva manoeuvre. Standard imaging windows for LA strain assessment were used and the images were copied and stored for later offline analysis. These were assessed for adequate atrial wall visualization in 2D strain assessment. Paired comparisons were carried out using Student's T test.

    RESULT: Thirty-eight participants were included and there were 22 complete studies with paired pre- and during Valsalva manoeuvre. LA contraction strain at baseline was 10.5 ± 2.8% (standard deviation) and during the Valsalva manoeuvre 10.6 ± 4.6%, p = 0.86.

    CONCLUSION: The Valsalva manoeuvre, a combination of preload reduction and sympathetic nervous system activation, seems not to be associated with a change in LA contraction strain in healthy young individuals. LA contraction strain should be interpreted in the context of both atrial loading conditions and prevailing autonomic nervous system activity.

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  • 29.
    Grönlund, Christer
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Albano, Amanda
    Gustavsson, Sandra
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Wiklund, Urban
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Significant beat-to-beat variability of E/e’ irrespective of respiration2013In: International cardiovascular forum, ISSN 2409-3424, Vol. 1, no 2, p. 88-89Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The E/e’ ratio is commonly used in Doppler echocardiographic examinations to estimate the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. The rationale of using this ratio is to combine left ventricular (LV) filling (E) and relaxation (e’) velocities to indirectly assess left atrial pressure. However, the accuracy of this index has recently been questioned, particularly in patients with controlled heart failure. Likewise, the potential beat-to-beat variability of such measurements remains undetermined. The cardiovascular system is subject to several oscillations with the potential of influencing LV function and its intra-cavitary pressures, hence measurements of its filling and relaxation velocities. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the beat-to-beat variability of the E/e’ ratio in one minute long examination in healthy subjects, and patients with various severity of amyloid heart disease. The results show that despite critical application of the standard echocardiographic recording recommendations, E/e’ beat-to-beat variability was 36 % (22 to 50%) in healthy subjects and 17 % (11-26%) in patients, and where the most severe amyloid heart disease had the least variability. Thus, clinical use of a single or few cardiac beats might not necessarily reflect an accurate ratio between the two velocities, and hence casts doubt over their diagnostic value.

  • 30.
    Grönlund, Christer
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics. Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics (CMTF).
    Claesson, Kenji
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    D'hooge, Jan
    Department of Cardiovascular sciences, Leuven, Belgium.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå Heart Centre.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå Heart Centre.
    Simultaneous quantification of myocardial and blood flow velocities based on duplex mode ultrasound imaging2013In: Biomedical engineering online, E-ISSN 1475-925X, Vol. 12, article id 107Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Ultrasound imaging of the heart is a commonly used clinical tool to assess cardiac function. The basis for this analysis is the quantification of cardiac blood flow and myocardial velocities. These are typically measured using different imaging modes and on different cardiac cycles. However, due to beat-to-beat variations such as irregular heart rhythm and transient events, simultaneous acquisition is preferred. There exists specialized ultrasound systems for this purpose; however, it would be beneficial if this could be achieved using conventional ultrasound systems due to their wide availability. The conventional Duplex mode ultrasound allows simultaneous acquisition, however at a highly reduced spatial and temporal resolution.

    METHODS: The aim of this work was to present and evaluate the performance of a novel method to recover myocardial tissue velocity using conventional Duplex ultrasound imaging, and to demonstrate its feasibility for the assessment of simultaneous blood flow and myocardial velocity in-vivo. The essence of the method was the estimation of the axial phase shift of robust echogenic structures between subsequent image frames. The performance of the method was evaluated on synthetic tissue mimicking B-mode image sequences at different frame rates (20--60 Hz) and tissue velocities (peak velocities 5-15cm/s), using cardiac deformation and displacement characteristics. The performance was also compared to a standard 2-D speckle tracking technique.

    RESULTS: The method had an overall high performance at frame rates above 25 Hz, with less than 15% error of the peak diastolic velocity, and less than 10 ms peak timing error. The method showed superior performance compared to the 2-D tracking technique at frame rates below 50 Hz. The in-vivo quantification of simultaneous blood flow and myocardial tissue velocities verified the echocardiographic patterns and features of healthy subjects and the specific patient group.

    CONCLUSIONS: A novel myocardial velocity quantification method was presented and high performance at frame rates above 25Hz was shown. In-vivo quantification of simultaneous myocardial and blood flow velocities was feasible using the proposed method and conventional Duplex mode imaging. We propose that the methodology is suitable for retrospective as well as prospective studies on the mechanics and hemodynamics of the heart.

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  • 31.
    Gustafsson, Sandra
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Granåsen, Gabriel
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Wiklund, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Grönlund, Christer
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Suhr, Ole B.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Discriminating hereditary transthyretin cardiomyopathy from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using an echocardiographic and ECG based classification tree2014In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 35, no Supplement 1, Meeting abstract P5254, p. 929-929Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 32.
    Gustafsson, Sandra
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå Heart Centre.
    Grönlund, Christer
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Mörner, Stellan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå Heart Centre.
    Suhr, Ole
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology. Umeå Heart Centre.
    Can echocardiography differentiate hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?2013In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 34, no Supplement: 1, p. 213-213Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) andhypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have many phenotypic similarities when examined by echocardiography. As the two conditions have different treatment strategies it is of importance to accurately diagnose these patients early in the disease. This study aimed to identify the most accurate echocardiographic method in differentiating these two conditions by using traditional and speckle tracking echocardiographyas well as myocardial texture analysis.

    Methods: We investigated 40 healthy controls, 33 patients with biopsy proven ATTR and 20 with HCM. All patients had septal thickness >12 mm. We measured left ventricular (LV) global strain as intrinsic systolic function and LV E/e' to estimate filling pressures. We also tested septal cyclic integrated backscatter (cIBS) and septal entropy as both being measures for myocardial highly reflection pattern whereas cIBS showing motion of highly reflective echoes and entropy the distribution of highly reflective echoes.

    Results: LV global strain, cIBS and E/e' were not useful in differentiating ATTR from HCM. However, septal entropy was found to be significantly different and showed an area under the curve from ROC analysis of 0.66 separating ATTR from HCM.

    Conclusion: After using detailed analysis of different aspects of LV morphology and function we found that myocardial texture behavior from entropy analysis was the only method useful in differentiating patients with ATTR fromHCM.

  • 33.
    Gustafsson, Sandra
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Ihse, Elisabet
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Westermark, Per
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Suhr, Ole B.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Amyloid Fibril Composition as a Predictor of Development of Cardiomyopathy After Liver Transplantation for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis2012In: Transplantation, ISSN 0041-1337, E-ISSN 1534-6080, Vol. 93, no 10, p. 1017-1023Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background. Liver transplantation (LTx) is an accepted treatment for hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTR). However, unforeseen heart complications, especially a rapid development of cardiomyopathy after LTx has affected mortality and morbidity. Recently, a relationship between ATTR-fibril composition and cardiomyopathy has been noted. The aim of this study was to investigate whether development of cardiomyopathy and heart failure in LTx ATTR amyloid patients is related to amyloid fibril composition. Methods. Twenty-four patients with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis who had undergone LTx and have had their amyloid fibril type tested were available for the study. They had been examined by echocardiography including tissue Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography before and after LTx. Patients were divided into two groups according to fibril composition, 10 patients with type A fibrils (a mixture of truncated and full-length TTR) and 14 patients with type B fibrils (full-length TTR fibrils only). There was no difference in time to the follow-up echocardiography between the two groups. Results. After LTx, the group consisting of type A patients developed symptoms of heart failure and with reduced systolic and diastolic ventricular function as shown by echocardiography, whereas no similar deterioration was noted for the group of patients with type B fibrils. Conclusion. Patients with type A fibrils deteriorate an already existing cardiomyopathy and heart failure after LTx, in contrast to patients with type B fibrils. These results might have significant clinical implications in optimizing best patients selection criteria for LTx.

  • 34.
    Gustafsson, Ulf
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Larsson, M
    School of Technology and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Bjällmark, A
    School of Technology and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Aroch, Roman
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Haney, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Waldenström, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    The effect of acute myocardial ischemia on the rotation axis of the left ventricleManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: We have developed a method to assess the axis around which the left ventricle (LV) rotates. The aim was to assess the effect of acute regional ischemia on the otation axis.

    Method: Mid‐LAD occlusion was induced in six anesthetised pigs and echocardiographic images were recorded at baseline and after LAD occlusion. The rotation axis was calculated at three different levels of the LV throughout the cardiac cycle. Results: The direction of the rotation axis was significantly changed (p<0.01) after LAD occlusion, being directed towards the ischemic area. AV‐plane displacement was significantly reduced (p<0.05) during ischemia. No significant difference in twist or otation amplitudes was found.

    Conclusion: This new method of assessing rotational function seems as sensitive as AV‐plane displacement and superior to traditional rotation and twist parameters in detecting dysfunction in acute ischemic myocardium. The rotation axis method has the advantage of potentially identifying areas with dysfunction.

  • 35.
    Gustafsson, Ulf
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Larsson, M
    School of Technology and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Bjällmark, A
    School of Technology and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Brodin, LA
    School of Technology and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Waldenström, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    The rotation axis of the left ventricle: a new concept derived from ultrasound data in healthy individualsManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: The axis around which the left ventricle (LV) rotates has never previously been described. The aim was to develop a method to calculate the spatial motion of the rotation axis throughout the cardiac cycle.

    Method: By constructing a model of the LV, based on dimensions and rotation values at the basal, mid ventricular and apical levels, a rotation axis could be calculated at each level in 39 healthy subjects. The transition plane, defined as the level without rotation, where basal and apical rotation meet was also calculated.

    Results: The rotation axis was not congruent to the longitudinal axis of the LV at any time point. A significant and specific mean direction for each of the rotation axes for the majority of the tested time points displayed a physiological pattern.

    Conclusion: This new method introduces a new concept in cardiac function and provides further insight into the complexity of LV mechanics.

  • 36.
    Gustafsson, Ulf
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Mörner, Stellan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Waldenström, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Assessment of regional rotation patterns improves the understanding of the systolic and diastolic left ventricular function: an echocardiographic speckle-tracking study in healthy individuals2009In: European Journal of Echocardiography, ISSN 1525-2167, E-ISSN 1532-2114, no 10, p. 56-61Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIM To elucidate the complexity of left ventricular motion throughout the cardiac cycle, we studied regional rotation in detail. METHODS AND RESULTS: Regional rotation in six subdivisions of the circumference at three levels was studied by using speckle-tracking echocardiography in 40 healthy subjects. At the basal level the inferoseptal segments rotated significantly more clockwise during systole than the opposing anterolateral segments. At the papillary level the inferoseptal segments differed significantly from the anterolateral segments, where the inferoseptal segments rotated clockwise and the anterolateral segments rotated counter-clockwise. The apical level showed significant difference in regional rotation only at aortic valve opening. In early systole, untwist before the main systolic twist was seen at the basal and apical levels; however, the duration of the basal untwist was much longer than that of the apical. The diastolic phases of rotation at the basal and apical levels matched the different filling phases. CONCLUSION: Large regional differences in rotation are present at the basal and papillary levels in healthy subjects. The diastolic untwist matches the phases of both the E-wave and A-wave and seems to be related with intraventricular pressure differences, indicating that untwist plays an important role in the filling of the ventricle.

  • 37.
    Gustafsson, Ulf
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Waldenström, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Apical circumferential motion of the right and the left ventricles in healthy subjects described with speckle tracking2008In: Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, ISSN 0894-7317, E-ISSN 1097-6795, Vol. 21, no 12, p. 1326-1330Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background

    The aim of this study was to determine whether right ventricular (RV) apical rotation could be of importance in RV function and compare this with left ventricular (LV) apical rotation.

    Methods

    Short-axis images at the apical level of both ventricles were simultaneously recorded in 14 healthy subjects (mean age, 62 ± 11 years).

    Results

    There was a significant difference in mean rotation between the two ventricles in the time interval between 50% of ejection and aortic valve closure (P < .05). At aortic valve closure, LV rotation was 10.9 ± 4.8° counterclockwise, and RV rotation was 1.1 ± 5.8° clockwise. The anterior and inferior parts of the right ventricle rotated in opposite directions toward the septum. The septal segments of both ventricles rotated inferiorly, thus likely reducing interventricular stress.

    Conclusion

    This study showed clear differences in apical rotation between the two ventricles. Whereas the left ventricle displayed uniform rotation, the right ventricle showed heterogeneous rotation, resulting overall in almost no rotation but in a “tightening belt” motion.

  • 38.
    Gustavsson, Sandra
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Granåsen, Gabriel
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Grönlund, Christer
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences. Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics (CMTF).
    Wiklund, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Mörner, Stellan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Henein, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Suhr, Ole B
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Can echocardiography and ECG discriminate hereditary transthyretin V30M amyloidosis from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?2015In: Amyloid: Journal of Protein Folding Disorders, ISSN 1350-6129, E-ISSN 1744-2818, Vol. 22, no 3, p. 163-170Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective: Hereditary transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis with increased left ventricular wall thickness could easily be misdiagnosed by echocardiography as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Our aim was to create a diagnostic tool based on echocardiography and ECG that could optimise identification of ATTR amyloidosis. Methods: Data were analysed from 33 patients with biopsy proven ATTR amyloidosis and 30 patients with diagnosed HCM. Conventional features from ECG were acquired as well as two dimensional and Doppler echocardiography, speckle tracking derived strain and tissue characterisation analysis. Classification trees were used to select the most important variables for differentiation between ATTR amyloidosis and HCM. Results: The best classification was obtained using both ECG and echocardiographic features, where a QRS voltage >30 mm was diagnostic for HCM, whereas in patients with QRS voltage <30 mm, an interventricular septal/posterior wall thickness ratio (IVSt/PWt) >1.6 was consistent with HCM and a ratio <1.6 supported the diagnosis of ATTR amyloidosis. This classification presented both high sensitivity (0.939) and specificity (0.833). Conclusion: Our study proposes an easily interpretable classification method for the differentiation between HCM and increased left ventricular myocardial thickness due to ATTR amyloidosis. Our combined echocardiographic and ECG model could increase the ability to identify ATTR cardiac amyloidosis in clinical practice.

  • 39.
    Gustavsson, Sandra
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Pilebro, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Westermark, P.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Suhr, Ole B.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Gender related differences in cardiac function in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis2015In: European Journal of Heart Failure, ISSN 1388-9842, E-ISSN 1879-0844, Vol. 17, p. 64-65Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 40.
    Hagström, Linn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Karp, Kjell
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Waldenström, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Impact of age and sex on normal left heart structure and function2017In: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, ISSN 1475-0961, E-ISSN 1475-097X, Vol. 37, no 6, p. 759-766Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Accurate age- and sex-related normal reference values of ventricular structure and function are important to determine the level of dysfunction in patients. The aim of this study therefore was to document normal age range sex-related measurements of LV structural and functional measurements to serve such purpose.

    METHODS: We evaluated left ventricular structure and function in 293 healthy subjects between 20 and 90 years with equally distributed gender. Doppler echocardiography was used including measure of both systolic and diastolic functions.

    RESULTS: Due to systolic LV function, only long axis function correlated with age (r = 0·55, P<0·01) and the correlation was stronger in females. Concerning diastolic function, there was a strong age correlation in all parameters used (r = 0·40-0·74, P<0·001). Due to LV structural changes over age, females showed a larger reduction in end-diastolic volumes, but no or trivial difference in wall thickness after the age of 60 years.

    CONCLUSION: Age is associated with significant normal changes in left ventricular structure and function, which should be considered when deciding on normality. These changes are related to systemic arterial changes as well as body stature, thus reflecting overall body ageing process. Furthermore, normal cardiac ageing in females might partly explain the higher prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection in females.

  • 41.
    Henein, Mark
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Left atrial function in idiopathic pulmonary hypertensionManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
  • 42.
    Henein, Mark
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Suppressed left atrial function in PAF2012In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 157, no 2, p. 272-272Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 43.
    Henein, Mark
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Gonzalez, Manuel
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Tossavainen, Erik
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Left atrial strain rate using speckle tracking echocardiography during atrial systole in estimation of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure: a simultaneous echocardiography and cardiac catheterization studyManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
  • 44.
    Henein, Mark
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Tossavainen, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Grönlund, Christer
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Gonzalez, Manuel
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Left atrial strain rate estimates PCWP2013In: International cardiovascular forum, ISSN 2409-3424, no 1, p. 25-30Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVE: Raised left atrial (LA) pressure is a common pathway for many pathologies and is known for its complications. It has a direct effect on LA cavity size and potentially also its function. We hypothesized that raised LA pressure, as shown by pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), correlates with severity of global LA deformation abnormalities during atrial systole (LASRa). DESIGN AND PATIENTS: We prospectively studied 46 consecutive patients, mean age 61 ±13 years, 17 males, of various etiologies who underwent right heart catheterization and simultaneous Doppler echocardiography using spectral, tissue Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography techniques for assessing LA structure and function. RESULTS: PCWP correlated with direct measurements of LA structure and function: LA volume (r= 0.43, p<0.01) and LASRa (r=0.79, p<0.001). PCWP correlated also with other indirect measures of LA pressure such as E/A (r=0.65, p<0.001), E wave deceleration time (r=0.54, p<0.001), E/e’ (r=0.49, p<0.001) and LA systolic filling fraction (r=0.52, p<0.001). However, LASRa together with LA systolic filling fraction, had the highest areas under the curve (0.83 and 0.87, respectively) for identifying patients with PCWP > 15 mmHg. CONCLUSION: PCWP correlates with LA deformation rate during atrial systole and to a higher extent than conventional Doppler measures of raised LA pressures. These findings should have significant clinical implications in correctly identifying breathless patients due to raised LA pressure.

  • 45.
    Henein, Mark
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Zhao, Ying
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Disturbed left atrial mechanical function in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a speckle tracking study2012In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 155, no 3, p. 437-441Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess left atrial (LA) intrinsic myocardial function and its relationship to left ventricular (LV) filling pattern in a group of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients.

    METHODS: Twenty-three PAF patients (age 68±7year, 10 males) were studied using speckle tracking echocardiography and compared with 18 age and sex matched controls. LA segmental longitudinal strain (S), strain rate (SR) and myocardial velocities during atrial systole were measured as were LA diameters. E/A and E/Em were also measured.

    RESULTS: LA longitudinal diameter was larger in patients (5.5±0.6 vs. 4.8±0.6cm, p<0.01) and global LA S (-9.2±4.3 vs. -12.9±4.6%, p=0.01) and SR (-1.1±0.5 vs. -1.6±0.7 1/s, p<0.01) were reduced and correlated with E/A (r=0.52, p=0.01 and r=0.43, p<0.05, respectively). LA lateral S and SR were uniformly reduced compared with controls (p<0.05 for all). Both septal and lateral wall SR correlated with E/A (p<0.05 for all), only septal S correlated with E/A (p<0.05). LA myocardial velocities were highest at the annular level and lowest at the rear in both patients and controls (p<0.01 for all).

    CONCLUSION: In PAF patients, LA systolic function is suppressed and is directly related to the pattern of LV filling which itself may suggest raised pressures. While intrinsic global and segmental function can reproducibly be studied by S and SR, myocardial velocities reflect only regional motion, thus less sensitive in demonstrating localize dysfunction.

  • 46.
    Henein, Michael
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Arvidsson, Sandra
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Pilebro, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Backman, Christer
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences.
    Mörner, Stellan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Long mitral valve leaflets determine left ventricular outflow tract obstruction during exercise in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy2016In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 212, p. 47-53Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Development of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is important for explaining symptoms and designing management. LVOTO is mostly caused by a combination of septal hypertrophy and systolic anterior movement of the mitral valve (SAM). The aim of the present study was to determine predictors of exercise induced LVOTO in a group of HCM patients.

    METHODS: We performed supine exercise Doppler echocardiography, including measurements of LV morphology and function and anterior mitral leaflet length, in 51 mildly symptomatic HCM (septal thickness≥15mm) and compared them with 50 healthy controls. Measurements were made at 1) rest, 2) Valsalva maneuver, 3) peak exercise and 4) post exercise. LVOTO was diagnosed as a LVOT gradient of >30mmHg at rest, after Valsalva and after exercise or ≥50mmHg at peak exercise.

    RESULTS: All patients stopped exercise because of exhaustion. 35% of the patients had resting LVOTO and 48% during Valsalva. At peak exercise, only 37% had LVOTO, who increased to 64% post exercise. Patients who developed LVOTO at peak exercise were more prone to continue having it post exercise (p<0.001), to have attenuated systolic blood pressure rise (p=0.011) and to have long anterior mitral valve leaflets (p<0.001). Backward multiple regression analysis showed the anterior mitral leaflet length as the strongest single independent predictor (β=0.36, p=0.010) for increased LVOT velocities, followed by basal septal thickness.

    CONCLUSION: In patients with HCM, LV outflow tract obstruction seems to be relatively uncommon during exercise but rather occurring minutes after stopping exercise. Exercise LVOTO seems to be determined by long anterior mitral leaflets in addition to the well established septal hypertrophy.

  • 47.
    Henein, Michael
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Holmgren, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Holmner, Fredrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences.
    Mörner, Stellan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Long anterior mitral leaflet causing outflow tract obstruction in a symptomatic patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: the role of mitral valve surgical correction2016In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 204, p. 86-87Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 48.
    Henein, Michael
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Mörner, Stellan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindmark, Krister
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Impaired left ventricular systolic function reserve limits cardiac output and exercise capacity in HFpEF patients due to systemic hypertension2013In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 168, no 2, p. 1088-1093Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVES: Heart failure (HF) patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) (HFpEF) due to systemic hypertension (SHT) are known to have limited exercise tolerance. Despite having normal EF at rest, we hypothesize that these patients have abnormal systolic function reserve limiting their exercise capacity. METHODS: Seventeen patients with SHT (mean age 68±9years) but no valve disease and 14 healthy individuals (mean age of 65±10years) underwent resting and peak exercise echocardiography using conventional, tissue Doppler and speckle tracking techniques. The differences between resting and peak exercise values were also analyzed (Δ). Exercise capacity was determined as the workload divided by body surface area. RESULTS: Resting values for left atrial (LA) volume/BSA (r=-0.66, p<0.001) and global longitudinal strain rate (GLSR) in early (e) and late (a) diastole (r=0.47 and 0.46, p<0.05 for both) correlated with exercise capacity. LVEF increased during exercise in normals (mean Δ EF=10±8%) but failed to do so in patients (mean Δ EF=0.6±9%, p<0.001 between groups). LV GLSR during systole (s) also failed to increase with exercise in patients, to the same extent as it did in normals (0.2±0.2 vs. 0.6±0.3 1/s, p<0.001). The difference between rest and exercise (Δ) in LV lateral wall systolic velocity from tissue Doppler (s') (0.71, p<0.001), Δ in cardiac output (r=0.60, p<0.001) and Δ GLSRs (r=0.48, p<0.05) all correlated with exercise capacity independent of changes in heart rate. CONCLUSION: HFpEF patients with hypertensive LV disease have significantly limited exercise capacity which is related to left atrial enlargement as well as compromised LV systolic function at the time of the symptoms. The limited myocardial systolic function reserve seems to be underlying important explanation for their limited exercise capacity.

  • 49.
    Henein, Michael
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Waldenström, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Mörner, Stellan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology. Umeå Heart Center.
    The normal impact of age and gender on right heart structure and function2014In: Echocardiography, ISSN 0742-2822, E-ISSN 1540-8175, Vol. 31, no 1, p. 5-11Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: As the proportion of elderly population increases rapidly, it might be difficult to differentiate physiological changes in cardiac function due to age from the pathophysiological ones. In addition, cardiac function variations with gender are well established. The right ventricular (RV) plays an important role in the overall cardiac function, but reference values varying with age and gender are lacking.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 255 healthy individuals from a general population register, mean age of 58 ± 19 (range 22-89) years, 125 were females. We used 2D and M-mode echocardiography to measure RV inflow tract (RVIT) and RV outflow tract (RVOT) dimensions and fractional shortening (fs). Spectral Doppler echocardiography was also used.

    RESULTS: We found a modest decrease in RVIT dimensions (P < 0.05), but increase in RVOT dimensions with advancing age (P < 0.05). A small decrease in RVOT fs with age was also found (P < 0.05). Estimated pulmonary pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance increased (P < 0.001) as did RVOT wall thickness (P < 0.001), but RV diastolic function was not altered (P < 0.001) with age. Despite correction for the BSA, males showed larger RVIT dimensions (P < 0.001 for both), but RVOT end-diastolic dimension was larger in females (P < 0.05). RVIT and RVOT fractional shortening were increased in females (P < 0.01 for both).

    CONCLUSION: In a cohort of normal individuals, age has significant impact on RV structure and function, inlet area falls and outflow tract dimensions increase and fractional shortening also increase in females. In addition, RVOT wall thickness significantly increases and Doppler markers of pulmonary vascular resistance show a consistent rise. The age-related changes should carefully be considered when commenting on normality and when using absolute values.

  • 50.
    Henein, Michael Y
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Grönlund, Christer
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Tossavainen, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Gonzalez, Manuel
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Right and left heart dysfunction predict mortality in pulmonary hypertension2017In: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, ISSN 1475-0961, E-ISSN 1475-097X, Vol. 37, no 1, p. 45-51Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In pulmonary hypertension (PH), the right heart dysfunction is a strong predictor of adverse clinical outcome, while the role of the left heart is not fully determined. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of mortality in precapillary PH including measures of both right and left heart function. We studied 34 patients (mean age 64 ± 13, range 31-82 years, 24 females) with precapillary PH, all of whom underwent detailed Doppler echocardiographic examination of the right and left heart function using conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography. Patients were followed up for up to 8 years (mean 4·2 ± 1·9 years). At follow-up, 16 patients survived. Left ventricular (LV) filling time (P = 0·007), pulmonary artery acceleration time (P = 0·009), right atrial pressure (RAP) (P<0·001) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity (P = 0·007) were worse in the deceased group. RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) (P = 0·001), RAP (P≤0·001), LV filling time (P<0·001) and TR severity (P<0·001) were the most accurate predictors, having the largest AUC (>0·65) and carried the highest risk for mortality (P<0·001 for all). The strongest predictors of mortality in precapillary PH indirectly reflect both left and right heart dysfunction including atrial structure and function disturbances. While an interaction pattern is observed, it needs to be confirmed in a larger cohort.

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