Age- and Sex-Specific Nomographic CT Quantitative Plaque Data From a Large International Cohort.

With growing adoption of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA), there is increasing evidence for and interest in the prognostic importance of atherosclerotic plaque volume. Manual tools for plaque segmentation are cumbersome, and their routine implementation in clinical practice is limited. The aim of this study was to develop nomographic quantitative plaque values from a large consecutive multicenter cohort using coronary CTA. Quantitative assessment of total atherosclerotic plaque and plaque subtype volumes was performed in patients undergoing clinically indicated coronary CTA, using an Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Quantitative Coronary Plaque Analysis tool. A total of 11,808 patients were included in the analysis; their mean age was 62.7 ± 12.2 years, and 5,423 (45.9%) were women. The median total plaque volume was 223 mm <sup>3</sup> (IQR: 29-614 mm <sup>3</sup> ) and was significantly higher in male participants (360 mm <sup>3</sup> ; IQR: 78-805 mm <sup>3</sup> ) compared with female participants (108 mm <sup>3</sup> ; IQR: 10-388 mm <sup>3</sup> ) (P < 0.0001). Total plaque increased with age in both male and female patients. Younger patients exhibited a higher prevalence of noncalcified plaque. The distribution of total plaque volume and its components was reported in every decile by age group and sex. The authors developed pragmatic age- and sex-stratified percentile nomograms for atherosclerotic plaque measures using findings from coronary CTA. The impact of age and sex on total plaque and its components should be considered in the risk-benefit analysis when treating patients. Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Quantitative Coronary Plaque Analysis work flows could provide context to better interpret coronary computed tomographic angiographic measures and could be integrated into clinical decision making

Effects of Low-Energy Diet or Exercise on Cardiovascular Function in Working-Age Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Blinded End Point Trial

OBJECTIVE To confirm the presence of subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction in working-age adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and determine whether this is improved by a low-energy meal replacement diet (MRP) or exercise training. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This article reports on a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded end point trial with nested case-control study. Asymptomatic younger adults with T2D were randomized 1:1:1 to a 12-week intervention of 1) routine care, 2) supervised aerobic exercise training, or 3) a low-energy (∼810 kcal/day) MRP. Participants underwent echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) at baseline and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in left ventricular (LV) peak early diastolic strain rate (PEDSR) as measured by CMR. Healthy volunteers were enrolled for baseline case-control comparison. RESULTS Eighty-seven participants with T2D (age 51 ± 7 years, HbA1c 7.3 ± 1.1%) and 36 matched control participants were included. At baseline, those with T2D had evidence of diastolic dysfunction (PEDSR 1.01 ± 0.19 vs. 1.10 ± 0.16 s−1, P = 0.02) compared with control participants. Seventy-six participants with T2D completed the trial (30 routine care, 22 exercise, and 24 MRP). The MRP arm lost 13 kg in weight and had improved blood pressure, glycemia, LV mass/volume, and aortic stiffness. The exercise arm had negligible weight loss but increased exercise capacity. PEDSR increased in the exercise arm versus routine care (β = 0.132, P = 0.002) but did not improve with the MRP (β = 0.016, P = 0.731). CONCLUSIONS In asymptomatic working-age adults with T2D, exercise training improved diastolic function. Despite beneficial effects of weight loss on glycemic control, concentric LV remodeling, and aortic stiffness, a low-energy MRP did not improve diastolic function

Defining myocardial fibrosis in haemodialysis patients with non-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance

Background: Extent of myocardial fibrosis (MF) determined using late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) predicts outcomes, but gadolinium is contraindicated in advanced renal disease. We assessed the ability of native T1-mapping to identify and quantify MF in aortic stenosis patients (AS) as a model for use in haemodialysis patients. Methods: We compared the ability to identify areas of replacement-MF using native T1-mapping to LGE in 25 AS patients at 3 T. We assessed agreement between extent of MF defined by LGE full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) and the LGE 3-standard-deviations (3SD) in AS patients and nine T1 thresholding-techniques, with thresholds set 2-to-9 standard-deviations above normal-range (1083 ± 33 ms). A further technique was tested that set an individual T1-threshold for each patient (T11SD). The technique that agreed most strongly with FWHM or 3SD in AS patients was used to compare extent of MF between AS (n = 25) and haemodialysis patients (n = 25). Results: Twenty-six areas of enhancement were identified on LGE images, with 25 corresponding areas of discretely increased native T1 signal identified on T1 maps. Global T1 was higher in haemodialysis than AS patients (1279 ms ± 5.8 vs 1143 ms ± 12.49, P < 0.01). No signal-threshold technique derived from standard-deviations above normal-range associated with FWHM or 3SD. T11SD correlated with FWHM in AS patients (r = 0.55) with moderate agreement (ICC = 0.64), (but not with 3SD). Extent of MF defined by T11SD was higher in haemodialysis vs AS patients (21.92% ± 1 vs 18.24% ± 1.4, P = 0.038), as was T1 in regions-of-interest defined as scar (1390 ± 8.7 vs 1276 ms ± 20.5, P < 0.01). There was no difference in the relative difference between remote myocardium and regions defined as scar, between groups (111.4 ms ± 7.6 vs 133.2 ms ± 17.5, P = 0.26). Conclusions: Areas of MF are identifiable on native T1 maps, but absolute thresholds to define extent of MF could not be determined. Histological studies are needed to assess the ability of native-T1 signal-thresholding techniques to define extent of MF in haemodialysis patients. Data is taken from the PRIMID-AS (NCT01658345) and CYCLE-HD studies (ISRCTN11299707)

Patterns and Structure of Calcification in Aortic Stenosis: An Approach on Contrast-Enhanced CT Images

Procedural  planning  for  transcatheter  aortic  valvereplacement  (TAVR)  is  routinely  performed  usingcontrast computed tomography (CT) in patients withsevere aortic stenosis (AS). Despite its potential, littleinvestigation has been done into the possibility ofaortic  valve  (AV)  calcification scoring in  contrast-enhanced  CT.  This  is  valuable  because  contrast-enhanced  CT  has  better  dynamic  contrast  andspatial resolution than noncontrast CT, allowing forbetter descriptors of calcific lesions on the leaflets.</p

Cardiovascular Determinants of Aerobic Exercise Capacity in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between subclinical cardiac dysfunction and aerobic exercise capacity (peak VO2) in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D), a group at high risk of developing heart failure. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional study. We prospectively enrolled a multiethnic cohort of asymptomatic adults with T2D and no history, signs, or symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched control subjects were recruited for comparison. Participants underwent bioanthropometric profiling, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance with adenosine stress perfusion imaging. Multivariable linear regression analysis was undertaken to identify independent associations between measures of cardiovascular structure and function and peak VO2. RESULTS A total of 247 adults with T2D (aged 51.8 ± 11.9 years, 55% males, 37% black or south Asian ethnicity, HbA1c 7.4 ± 1.1% [57 ± 12 mmol/mol], and duration of diabetes 61 [32–120] months) and 78 control subjects were included. Subjects with T2D had increased concentric left ventricular remodelling, reduced myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR), and markedly lower aerobic exercise capacity (peak VO2 18.0 ± 6.6 vs. 27.8 ± 9.0 mL/kg/min; P < 0.001) compared with control subjects. In a multivariable linear regression model containing age, sex, ethnicity, smoking status, and systolic blood pressure, only MPR (β = 0.822; P = 0.006) and left ventricular diastolic filling pressure (E/e′) (β = −0.388; P = 0.001) were independently associated with peak VO2 in subjects with T2D. CONCLUSIONS In a multiethnic cohort of asymptomatic people with T2D, MPR and diastolic function are key determinants of aerobic exercise capacity, independent of age, sex, ethnicity, smoking status, or blood pressure

Clinical associations with stage B heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes

Background:There is a high prevalence of asymptomatic (American Heart Association Stage B) heart failure (SBHF) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to identify associations between clinical characteristics and markers of SBHF in adults with T2D, which may allow therapeutic interventions prior to symptom onset.Methods:Adults with T2D from a multi-ethnic population with no prevalent cardiovascular disease [n = 247, age 52 ± 12 years, glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 7.4 ± 1.1% (57 ± 12 mmol/mol), duration of diabetes 61 (32, 120) months] underwent echocardiography and adenosine stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify independent associations between clinical characteristics and markers of SBHF.Results:In a series of multivariable linear regression models containing age, sex, ethnicity, smoking history, number of glucose-lowering agents, systolic blood pressure (BP) duration of diabetes, body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, serum creatinine, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, independent associations with: left ventricular mass:volume were age (β = 0.024), number of glucose-lowering agents (β = 0.022) and systolic BP (β = 0.027); global longitudinal strain were never smoking (β = −1.196), systolic BP (β = 0.328), and BMI (β = −0.348); myocardial perfusion reserve were age (β = −0.364) and male sex (β = 0.458); and aortic distensibility were age (β = −0.629) and systolic BP (β = −0.348). HbA1c was not independently associated with any marker of SBHF.Conclusions:In asymptomatic adults with T2D, age, systolic BP, BMI, and smoking history, but not glycaemic control, are the major determinants of SBHF. Given BP and BMI are modifiable, these may be important targets to reduce the development of symptomatic heart failure.</div

Association of Tube Voltage With Plaque Composition on Coronary CT Angiography Results From PARADIGM Registry

OBJECTIVES This study sought to investigate the impact of low tube voltage scanning heterogeneity of coronary luminal attenuation on plaque quantification and characterization with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). BACKGROUND The impact of low tube voltage and coronary luminal attenuation on quantitative coronary plaque remains uncertain. METHODS A total of 1,236 consecutive patients (age: 60 +/- 9 years; 41% female) who underwent serial CCTA at an interval of $2 years were included from an international registry. Patients with prior revascularization or nonanalyzable coronary CTAs were excluded. Total coronary plaque volume was assessed and subclassified based on specific Hounsfield unit (HU) threshold: necrotic core, fibrofatty plaque, and fibrous plaque and dense calcium. Luminal attenuation was measured in the aorta. RESULTS With increasing luminal HU (500 HU), percent calcified plaque was increased (16%, 27%, and 40% in the median; P < 0.001), and fibrofatty plaque (26%, 13%, and 4%; P < 0.001) and necrotic core (1.6%, 0.3%, and 0.0%; P < 0.001) were decreased. Higher tube voltage scanning (80,100, and 120 kV) resulted in decreasing luminal attenuation (689 +/- 135, 497 +/- 89, and 391 +/- 73 HU; P < 0.001) and calcified plaque volume (59%, 34%, and 23%; P < 0.001) and increased fibrofatty plaque (3%, 9%, and 18%; P < 0.001) and necrotic core (0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.6%; P < 0.001). Mediation analysis showed that the impact of 100 kV on plaque composition, compared with 120 kV, was primarily caused by an indirect effect through blood pool attenuation. Tube voltage scanning of 80 kV maintained a direct effect on fibrofatty plaque and necrotic core in addition to an indirect effect through the luminal attenuation. CONCLUSIONS Low tube voltage usage affected plaque morphology, mainly through an increase in luminal HU with a resultant increase in calcified plaque and a reduction in fibrofatty and necrotic core. These findings should be considered as CCTA-based plaque measures are being used to guide medical management and, in particular, when being used as a measure of treatment response. (Progression of Atherosclerotic Plaque Determined by Computed Tomographic Angi-ography Imaging [PARADIGM]; NCT02803411) (J Am Coll Cardiol Img 2021;14:2429-2440) (c) 2021 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.Cardiolog

Cardiovascular Determinants of Aerobic Exercise Capacity in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between subclinical cardiac dysfunction and aerobic exercise capacity (peak VO2) in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D), a group at high risk of developing heart failure. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. We prospectively enrolled a multiethnic cohort of asymptomatic adults with T2D and no history, signs, or symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched control subjects were recruited for comparison. Participants underwent bioanthropometric profiling, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance with adenosine stress perfusion imaging. Multivariable linear regression analysis was undertaken to identify independent associations between measures of cardiovascular structure and function and peak VO2. RESULTS: A total of 247 adults with T2D (aged 51.8 ± 11.9 years, 55% males, 37% black or south Asian ethnicity, HbA1c 7.4 ± 1.1% [57 ± 12 mmol/mol], and duration of diabetes 61 [32-120] months) and 78 control subjects were included. Subjects with T2D had increased concentric left ventricular remodelling, reduced myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR), and markedly lower aerobic exercise capacity (peak VO2 18.0 ± 6.6 vs. 27.8 ± 9.0 mL/kg/min; P CONCLUSIONS: In a multiethnic cohort of asymptomatic people with T2D, MPR and diastolic function are key determinants of aerobic exercise capacity, independent of age, sex, ethnicity, smoking status, or blood pressure.</div