European heart journal cardiovascular Imaging
-
Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging · May 2017
Comparative Study Observational StudyPrevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease and prognosis in patients with stable symptoms and a zero-coronary calcium score.
CT calcium scoring (CTCS) and CT cardiac angiography (CTCA) are widely used in patients with stable chest pain to exclude significant coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to resolve uncertainty about the prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease and long-term outcomes in patients with a zero-calcium score (ZCS). ⋯ In patients with stable symptoms and a ZCS, obstructive CAD is rare, and prognosis over the long-term is excellent, regardless of whether non-calcified atheroma is identified. A ZCS could reliably be used as a 'gatekeeper' in this patient cohort, obviating the need for further more expensive tests.
-
Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging · May 2017
Comparative StudyDeceleration time of left ventricular outflow tract flow as a simple surrogate marker for central haemodynamics at rest and as well as during exercise.
The shape and duration of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) flow has not been applied to assess the central haemodynamics, although LVOT flow is confronted with afterload of arterial system during systole. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the LVOT flow parameters are related with central systolic blood pressure (BP) and arterial compliance at rest and as well as during exercise. ⋯ Prolongation of LVOT flow DTc represents raised central systolic BP and increased arterial stiffness not only at rest but also during exercise. Therefore, central aortic pressures and arterial stiffness influence the DT of LVOT flow at rest as well as during exercise in individuals with normal LV systolic function.
-
Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging · Apr 2017
Assessment of global longitudinal strain at low-dose anthracycline-based chemotherapy, for the prediction of subsequent cardiotoxicity.
We sought to assess whether global longitudinal strain (GLS) measured early during treatment with anthracyclines (at a cumulative dose of 150 mg/m2) can predict subsequent alterations in left ventricular ejection fraction. ⋯ GLS greater than -17.45%, obtained after 150 mg/m2 of anthracycline therapy, is an independent predictor of future anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. These findings should encourage physicians to perform echocardiography earlier during treatment with anthracyclines.