The value of left ventricular strain–volume loops in predicting response to cardiac resynchronization therapy

Abstract Background Three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking imaging (STI) allows the simultaneous assessment of left ventricular (LV) strain and volume. We aim to explore the value of LV strain–volume loops in predicting response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Methods Forty heart failure (HF) patients scheduled for CRT and twenty healthy individuals were enrolled. All subjects received a 3D echocardiography and 3D STI analysis to acquire LV global and segmental principal strain (PS) and volume simultaneously. Values were plotted in a Cartesian system to construct PS–volume loop which was assessed using the two characteristics of the linear fitting curve: the slope and the coefficient of determination (R2-S/D coupling). Results HF patients at baseline showed significantly lower slope and R2-S/D coupling of all PS–volume loops than healthy subjects. As for as comparing Segmental PS–Global volume loop at baseline, Midseptal R2-S/D coupling was lower and Midlateral slope was higher in CRT responders than in non-responders. For each individual, the abnormal segmental heterogeneity of Midseptal slope and R2-S/D coupling were lower than Midlateral was observed only in responders. At follow-up, significant improvements of the Midseptal slope and R2-S/D coupling were observed in responders. Midseptal R2-S/D coupling at baseline was an independent predictor of CRT response and the cut-off value of 0.55 was recommended with sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 77%. Conclusions Analysis of strain–volume loops could provide unique information for predicting response to CRT. Assessment of septal myocardial wasted work at baseline is helpful to improve patient selection for CRT

Anomalous left coronary artery with single ostium (Shared with Right Coronary Artery) detected by echocardiography: Two case reports

Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) from the inappropriate sinus of Valsalva has received increasing attention due to its association with malignant cardiac events in otherwise healthy and asymptomatic individuals. Despite this, we still face tremendous challenges in detecting the anomalies in a timely fashion to prevent sudden cardiac death. Here, we present two cases of anomalous left coronary artery with single ostium (shared with right coronary artery); in patients with normal cardiac function. The diagnosis of AAOCA in both cases was first suspected on transthoracic echocardiography and was later established using either coronary computed tomography angiography or invasive coronary angiography. Although angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing AAOCA, echocardiography is a more frequently used imaging modality in the workup of cardiac patients