Proteomic profiling of epicardial fat in heart failure with preserved versus reduced and mildly reduced ejection fraction

In order to explore the proteomic signatures of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) related to the mechanism of heart failure with reduced and mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF/HFmrEF) and heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a comprehensive proteomic analysis of EAT was made in HFrEF/HFmrEF (n = 5) and HFpEF (n = 5) patients with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry experiments. The selected differential proteins were verified between HFrEF/HFmrEF (n = 20) and HFpEF (n = 40) by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). A total of 599 EAT proteins were significantly different in expression between HFrEF/HFmrEF and HFpEF. Among the 599 proteins, 58 proteins increased in HFrEF/HFmrEF compared to HFpEF, whereas 541 proteins decreased in HFrEF/HFmrEF. Of these proteins, TGM2 in EAT was down-regulated in HFrEF/HFmrEF patients and was confirmed to decrease in circulating plasma of the HFrEF/HFmrEF group (p = 0.019). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed plasma TGM2 could be an independent predictor of HFrEF/HFmrEF (p = 0.033). Receiver operating curve analysis indicated that the combination of TGM2 and Gensini score improved the diagnostic value of HFrEF/HFmrEF (p = 0.002). In summary, for the first time, we described the proteome in EAT in both HFpEF and HFrEF/HFmrEF and identified a comprehensive dimension of potential targets for the mechanism behind the EF spectrum. Exploring the role of EAT may offer potential targets for preventive intervention of HF.     

A comparison of clinical outcomes following atrial fibrillation ablation for heart failure patients with preserved or reduced left ventricular function: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThis review aims to determine if patients who undergo atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) do better, or worse or the same compared to patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).MethodsA search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed using the search terms: “atrial fibrillation”, “ablation” and terms related to HFpEF and HFrEF in order to identify studies that evaluated one or more of i) AF recurrence, ii) periprocedural complications and iii) adverse outcomes at follow up for patients with HFpEF and HFrEF who underwent AF ablation. Data was extracted from included studies and statistically pooled to evaluate adverse events and AF recurrence.Results5 studies were included in this review and the sample size of the studies ranged from 91 to 521 patients with heart failure. There was no significant difference in the pooled rate for no AF or symptom recurrence after AF ablation comparing patients with HFpEF vs HFrEF (RR 1.07 95%CI 0.86–1.33, p = 0.15). The most common complications were access site complications/haematoma/bleeding which occurred in similar proportion in each group; HFpEF (3.1%) and HFrEF (3.1%). In terms of repeat ablations, two studies were pooled to yield a rate of 78/455 (17.1%) for HFpEF vs 24/279 (8.6%) for HFrEF (p = 0.001.ConclusionsHeart failure patients with preserved or reduced ejection fraction have similar risk of AF or symptom recurrence after AF ablation but two studies suggest that patients with HFpEF are more likely to have repeat ablations.     

射血分数保留的老年心力衰竭患者的临床特征

目的:分析和比较射血分数保留的心力衰竭(HFp EF)、射血分数中间值(HFmr EF)及射血分数降低的老年心力衰竭(HFr EF)患者临床特征的差异。方法:选取2017年9月至2018年8月哈尔滨市第一医院收治的老年慢性心力衰竭患者共287例,根据心动超声所测左室舒张末期内径(LVEF)值将其分为3组:HFpEF组175例、HFmr EF组50例和HFr EF组62例。比较各组患者一般情况、心动超声检查结果、血清学指标的差异。结果:(1)与HFr EF组患者比较,HFpEF组患者年龄、性别、吸烟史、体重指数(BMI)、原发冠心病、高血压、2型糖尿病患者比例、房颤发生率及心功能分级构成比均具有统计学差异(P0.05);(2)与HFr EF组相比较,HFpEF组患者的E/A比值,左房内径、肺动脉内径、LVEDD较小,而室间隔厚度较厚(P0.05);(3)与HFr EF组患者相比,HFpEF组血清总胆固醇、甘油三酯较高;血肌酐、血尿素氮、血尿酸、超敏C反应蛋白、N-末端脑钠肽前体水平较低,具有统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:老年HFpEF心力衰竭患者以女性居多,体重指数较大,以向心性肥胖为主,血压水平较高,心功能II级者比例高,有明显的舒张功能不全,易发生房性心律失常,房颤发生率高,主要病因为高血压。     

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in women: the Dutch Queen of Hearts program

Heart failure (HF) poses a heavy burden on patients, their families and society. The syndrome of HF comes in two types: with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The latter is on the increase and predominantly present in women, especially the older ones. There is an urgent need for mortality-reducing drugs in HFpEF, a disease affecting around 5 % of those aged 65 years and over. HFpEF develops in patients with risk factors and comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, COPD, but also preeclampsia. These conditions are likely to drive microvascular disease with involvement of the coronary microvasculature, which may eventually evolve into HFpEF. Currently, the diagnosis of HFPEF relies mainly on echocardiography. There are no biomarkers that can help diagnose female microvascular disease or facilitate the diagnosis of (early stages of) HFpEF. Recently a Dutch consortium was initiated, Queen of Hearts, with support from the Netherlands Heart Foundation, with the aim to discover and validate biomarkers for diastolic dysfunction and HFpEF in women. These biomarkers come from innovative blood-derived sources such as extracellular vesicles and circulating cells. Within the Queen of Hearts consortium, we will pursue female biomarkers that have the potential for further evolution in assays with point of care capabilities. As a spin-off, the consortium will gain knowledge on gender-specific pathology of HFpEF, possibly opening up novel treatment options.     

左西孟旦治疗心脏术后左心室收缩功能低下

目的:明确左西孟旦治疗心脏术后左心室收缩功能低下的效果。方法:随即抽取2009年6月至今手术治疗后左室射血分数小于35%的患者,分为治疗组和对照组,各25例,给与不同治疗方案。比较两组患者治疗后效果;呼吸状况和全身状况;再次气管插管例数和监护室滞留时间;治疗后左心室射血分数(LVEF)、小轴短缩率(LVFS)。结果:治疗组和对照组分别有3例和5例因心力衰竭死亡。两组患者治疗后再次气管插管例数无统计学差异。与对照组比较,治疗组患者监护室滞留时间短、呼吸状况和全身状况较好(P<0.05),LVEF和LVFS较高有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:左西孟旦治疗心脏术后左心室收缩功能低下安全有效,缓解症状明显。     

Poor acute outcome in congestive heart failure is associated with increases in the plasma static oxidation–reduction potentials (sORP) in men but not in women

Objectives: In congestive heart failure (CHF), men are younger, more likely to have reduced ejection fraction (HF-rEF), and to be diabetic compared to women. Despite this, sex differences in oxidative stress have yet to be explored in CHF.

Methods: Data from 67 males and 63 females hospitalized for CHF were collected. Static oxidation–reduction potential (sORP), a relative indicator of oxidative stress, and capacity ORP (icORP), a relative indicator of antioxidant capacity, were measured from plasma samples. We examined whether sex modified the relationship between ORP and hospital discharge disposition (poor outcome: death, hospice), along with other demographics, medications, and diagnostic parameters.

Results: Males with poor outcomes had higher sORP and icORP values than females (P?P?>?0.05). Males were younger and more likely to have HF-rEF and diabetes. Controlling for these variables did not account for the sex differences in ORP measures. Regardless of sex, higher creatinine was related to higher sORP and icORP, while lower magnesium and potassium were related to higher sORP and icORP, respectively.

Discussion: Increases in sORP during CHF are partially affected by sex and acute outcomes, but are also related to variables without sexual biases.     

组织多普勒成像对射血分数正常的心衰患者左心功能评价

目的:探讨组织多普勒成像(TDI)技术评价射血分数正常的心衰患者左室长轴功能特点。方法:选取30名健康人(Ⅰ组)、EF>50%的心衰患者30名(Ⅱ组)和EF<50%的心衰患者30名(Ⅲ组)作为研究对象,采用TDI在二尖瓣环室间隔(ivs)、侧壁(l)、前壁(a)、后壁(p)、下壁(d)测量其Sm、DSm、IVCTm、TSm、Em、Am、IVRTm、TEm等指标。结果:Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组DSm、Sm逐渐减低,(P<0.05);而IVCTm、TSm逐渐升高(P<0.05);IVRTm、TEm在Ⅰ组、Ⅲ组、Ⅱ组逐渐升高(P<0.05);DSm及TEm在诊断EF>50%心衰患者心功能的指标中ROC曲线下面积最大,同样DSp及TEp在五个位点中ROC曲线下面积最大。结论:射血分数正常的心衰患者存在收缩减低;DSm及TEm是诊断EF>50%心衰患者心功能比较有效的指标;后壁是诊断的最佳位点。     

Usefulness of parathyroid hormone as a predictor of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Objective: To investigate the relation between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF) in outpatients.

Methods: One hundred consecutive patients who had preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and heart failure (HF) symptoms, were enrolled. Echocardiography, assessing the diastolic functions was performed. Blood samples were collected for intact PTH and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).

Results: Significant correlations between PTH level and predictors of advanced HF-PEF were found (p < 0.05). PTH level and left atrium diameter were found to be independent predictors of DHF.

Conclusion: Measurement of serum PTH provides complementary information for the diagnosis and prognosis of HF-PEF.     

血清Irisin水平与心衰的相关性研究

目的:观察心衰患者血清IRISIN水平变化规律,研究Irisin对心衰诊疗的临床价值。方法:连续收集西京医院心内科住院的心衰患者132例,根据NYHA心功能分级将患者分为三组,其中心功能Ⅱ级48例,Ⅲ级44例,Ⅳ级40例,同时选取心功能正常(左室射血分数LVEF50%)的30例健康体检者为对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测患者血清中Irisin水平,根据Irisin水平分为低Irisin组和高Irisin组,比较两组间心衰的发生率,分析Irisin水平与心衰的关系。结果:①心衰组Irisin水平显著低于心功能正常组(6790±3628 ng/mL vs 12691±2272 ng/mL,P0.01),且从Ⅱ级到Ⅳ级,逐渐降低;②心衰组LVEF值显著低于心功能正常组(45.7±8 vs 59.7±4.3,P0.01),且从Ⅱ级到Ⅳ级,逐渐降低;③心衰组N末端B型利钠肽原(ProBNP)水平显著高于心功能正常组(2938±2795 pg/mL vs 184±151 pg/mL,P0.01),且从Ⅱ级到Ⅳ级,逐渐升高;④低Irisin组心衰发生率明显高于高Irisin组(92.6%vs47.5%,P0.01);⑤单因素相关分析显示:血清Irisin水平与左室射血分数呈正相关(r=0.694,P0.05),与proBNP呈负相关(r=-0.45,P0.05);结论:心衰患者血清Irisin水平降低,而且随着心功能的恶化显著降低,心衰患者血清Irisin水平与心衰程度有一定的相关性。     

Características y resultados tras un año en pacientes ancianos ingresados con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección reducida,intermedia o conservada

IntroductionThe latest European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure (HF) guidelines define three types of HF according to the ejection fraction (EF): HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) when EF < 40%, HF with mid-range EF (HFmrEF), when EF 40-49%, and HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) when EF ≥ 50%. The objective of this study was to analyse the characteristics and results of elderly patients hospitalised with HF according to the new classification using EF.MethodsA prospective study was carried out with 531 HF patients aged ≥ 75 years classified according to EF, and admitted in the geriatric wards of 6 hospitals in Spain. An analysis was performed on the demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as well as the morbidity and mortality at one year of follow-up.ResultsAs regards EF, 17.1% had HFrEF, 10% had HFmrEF, and 72.9% had HFpEF. Patients with HFmrEF were more similar to those with HFrEF in terms of a younger age, predominance of men, and previous admission due to HF. This was also the case with the use of drugs for neurohormonal blockade. Patients with HFrEF (compared to those with HFmrEF and HFpEF), had higher mortality (35.2%, 24.5%, and 25.6%, respectively), more readmissions for HF (17.6%, 15.1%, and 14.5%, respectively), and more events (61.5%, 45.3%, and 52.5%, respectively), although there were no significant differences. There were also no differences observed in the survival analysis between the EF groups and the time-dependent outcome variables.ConclusionsIn elderly patients hospitalised with HF, those classified as HFmrEF did not show any clear differences with respect to those with HFrEF or HFpEF. There were no differences in terms of morbidity and mortality.     

Assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction in patients eligible for ICD therapy: Discrepancy between cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and 2D echocardiography

Objective

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) have substantially improved the survival of patients with cardiomyopathy. Eligibility for this therapy requires a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35 %. This is largely based on studies using echocardiography. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is increasingly utilised for LVEF assessment, but several studies have shown differences between LVEF assessed by CMR and echocardiography. The present study compared LVEF assessment by CMR and echocardiography in a heart failure population and evaluated effects on eligibility for device therapy.

Methods

152 patients (106 male, mean age 65.5 ± 9.9 years) referred for device therapy were included. During evaluation of eligibility they underwent both CMR and echocardiographic LVEF assessment. CMR volumes were computed from a stack of short-axis images. Echocardiographic volumes were computed using Simpson’s biplane method.

Results

The study population demonstrated an underestimation of end-diastolic volume (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV) by echocardiography of 71 ± 53 ml (mean ± SD) and 70 ± 49 ml, respectively. This resulted in an overestimation of LVEF of 6.6 ± 8.3 % by echocardiography compared with CMR (echocardiographic LVEF 31.5 ± 8.7 % and CMR LVEF 24.9 ± 9.6 %). 28 % of patients had opposing outcomes of eligibility for cardiac device therapy depending on the imaging modality used.

Conclusion

We found EDV and ESV to be underestimated by echocardiography, and LVEF assessed by CMR to be significantly smaller than by echocardiography. Applying an LVEF cut-off value of 35 %, CMR would significantly increase the number of patients eligible for device implantation. Therefore, LVEF cut-off values might need reassessment when using CMR.     

芪苈强心胶囊辅助治疗射血分数保留的心力衰竭的临床研究

目的：探讨芪苈强心胶囊辅助治疗射血分数保留的心力衰竭的临床疗效。方法：选择我院2012年6月-12月收治的108例射血分数保留的心力衰竭患者并将其随机分为两组,其中对照组46例,给予西医常规抗心衰治疗,治疗组62例,在对照组基础上加用芪苈强心胶囊。分别于治疗前、治疗8周后分析和比较两组的舒张早期峰值血流速度（EV）、舒张晚期峰值血流速度（AV）、E/A、E峰减速时间（EDT）、等容舒张时间（IRT）、脑钠肽等指标。结果：治疗组和对照组的总有效率分别为93.5%和80.4%,治疗组显著高于对照组（P〈0.05）。治疗后,两组患者的舒张EV、AV、E/A、EDT、IRT、脑钠肽水平均较治疗前明显改善,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,且治疗组患者的E/A、EDT改善显著优于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。两组治疗过程中均无明显毒副反应发生。结论：芪苈强心胶囊辅助治疗能有效改善射血分数保留的心力衰竭患者的临床症状及其左室舒张功能。     

诺欣妥联合心脏运动康复对射血分数降低的心力衰竭疗效的研究

目的:探讨诺欣妥联合心脏运动康复对射血分数降低(HFr EF)的心力衰竭(HF)的临床疗效。方法:将我院心内科于2018年1月～2019年4月收治的70例HFr EF患者随机分为两组,各35例。对照组均给予诺欣妥规范治疗,实验组在此基础上根据心肺运动测试(CPET)测得代谢当量制定个性化心脏运动康复,包括院内、院外心脏康复干预及定期随访,为期6个月。采用彩色心脏超声诊断仪、心肺运动测试(CPET)分析两组治疗前后心肺功能变化,同时观察住院及随访期间的预后情况。结果:治疗6个月后,两组左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、左心室射血分数(LVEF)均明显改善,且实验组显著优于对照组(P0.05)。治疗6个月后,实验组AT明显升高,峰值VO2/kg、峰值VO2水平均有一定程度上升,且明显优于对照组(P0.05)。与对照组比较,实验组90d内HF再住院率(8.6%vs.28.6%)、随访期间MACEs发生率(17.1%vs.40.0%)均显著降低(P0.05)。结论:诺欣妥联合心脏运动康复治疗可使HFr EF患者显著获益,在改善心肺功能、运动能力及近期预后方面疗效显著,可作为HFr EF患者的一线治疗方案。     

A pilot study of angiogenin in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a novel potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis?

Characteristics of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) have not yet been fully understood. The objectives of this pilot study are to detect protein expression profile in the sera of HFPEF patients, and to identify potential biomarkers for the disease. Five hundred and seven proteins were detected in the sera of healthy volunteers and patients with either HFPEF or hypertension using antibody microarrays (three in each group). The results showed that the serum concentrations of 17 proteins (e.g. angiogenin, activin A and artemin) differed considerably between HFPEF and non‐HFPEF patients (hypertensive patients and healthy controls), while a protein expression pattern distinct from that in non‐HFPEF patients was associated with HFPEF patients. The up‐regulation of angiogenin in both HFPEF patients with LVEF ≥50% (P = 0.004) and a subset of HFPEF patients with LVEF = 41–49% (P < 0.001) was further validated in 16 HFPEF patients and 16 healthy controls. Meanwhile, angiogenin distinguished HFPEF patients from controls with a mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 (P < 0.001) and a diagnostic cut‐off point of 426 ng/ml. Moreover, the angiogenin levels in HFPEF patients were positively correlated with Lg(N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, NT‐proBNP) (P < 0.001). In addition, high angiogenin level (≥426 ng/ml) was a predictor of all‐cause death within a short‐term follow‐up duration, but not in the longer term of 36 months. This pilot study indicates that the aforementioned 17 potential biomarkers, such as angiogenin, may hold great promise for both diagnosis and prognosis assessment of HFPEF.     

伊伐布雷定治疗高龄老年射血分数中间值心衰患者的疗效观察

目的 评价伊伐布雷定治疗高龄老年射血分数中间值心衰(HFmrEF)患者的临床疗效.方法 选择我院治疗的120例高龄老年HFmrEF患者,按随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组各60例,对照组给予规范化抗心衰治疗,观察组在此基础上加用伊伐布雷定治疗.随访6个月后,比较两组治疗前后静息心率(RHR)、氨基末端脑钠肽前体(NT-p...     

非侵入性起搏器负荷超声心动图对永久起搏器植入术后合并冠脉病变的临床诊断意义

目的：探讨非侵入起搏器负荷超声心动图对永久起搏器植入术后合并冠脉病变的临床诊断意义。方法：采用前瞻性研究,实验对象为24名因房室传导阻滞或慢性心房纤颤而植入永久起搏器的患者（男12人,女12人,平均年龄70.2±6.1岁）,所有患者均因不典型心绞痛入院和完全起搏依赖,心电图改变无法判断是否存在心肌缺血。通过体外程控进行非侵入性起搏器负荷超声心动图检测室壁运动幅度如左室射血分数评估心功能,检测后行冠脉造影术评估冠脉狭窄情况,及实验前后测定B型脑钠肽的变化。结果：24例患者中,有13例通过起搏器负荷超声心动图应激实验测得LVEF随起搏心率增加而降低,这其中又有11例患者通过冠状动脉造影证实其冠脉存在不同程度的狭窄,诊断的准确性84.62%;11例冠脉造影结果阳性的患者实验后30分钟测得的BNP水平较实验前明显升高。结论：非侵入性起搏器负荷超声心动图应激实验作为一种简单、快速、安全及具有诊断意义的方法,可用来评价植入起搏器术后完全起搏依赖,心电图继发性ST-T改变难以判断的心肌缺血,为进一步检查及治疗提供可靠临床数据。     

沙库巴曲缬沙坦钠在射血分数降低的心力衰竭患者的临床研究

摘要 目的：观察沙库巴曲缬沙坦钠治疗射血分数降低的心力衰竭(heart failure with reduced ejection fraction,HFrEF)患者的效果。方法：选取2018年1月-2018年12月内蒙古自治区人民医院心脏中心心血管内科收治的90例HFrEF患者,随机分为观察组和对照组,每组45例。对照组患者常规抗心衰治疗,其中血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂（angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor,ACEI）为盐酸贝那普利;观察组患者将常规抗心衰治疗中的ACEI替换为沙库巴曲缬沙坦钠,两组患者均治疗1月。比较两组患者治疗的总有效率、血浆N端前脑钠肽（N-terminal pro-B-type natriaretic peptide,NT-proBNP）、血浆肌钙蛋白T（cardiac troponin T,cTnT）、肌酸激酶同工酶（creatine kinase isoenzymes,CK-MB）、左室舒张末期内径（left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,LVEDD）、左室收缩末期内径（left ventricular end systolic diameter,LVESD）、左室射血分数（left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF）、6分钟步行距离（6 minutes walking distance,6MWD）及不良反应。结果：观察组患者临床疗效优于对照组（P<0.05）,NT-proBNP、cTnT、LVEDD和LVESD较对照组明显降低（P<0.05）,LVEF和6MWD 较对照组明显增加（P<0.05）;对照组血肌酐水平显著高于观察组（P<0.05）。结论：沙库巴曲缬沙坦钠治疗HFrEF临床疗效好,能有效改善心功能。     

Early calcium handling imbalance in pressure overload-induced heart failure with nearly normal left ventricular ejection fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common clinical syndrome associated with high morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic options are limited due to a lack of knowledge of the pathology and its evolution. We investigated the cellular phenotype and Ca²⁺ handling in hearts recapitulating HFpEF criteria. HFpEF was induced in a portion of male Wistar rats four weeks after abdominal aortic banding. These animals had nearly normal ejection fraction and presented elevated blood pressure, lung congestion, concentric hypertrophy, increased LV mass, wall stiffness, impaired active relaxation and passive filling of the left ventricle, enlarged left atrium, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Left ventricular cell contraction was stronger and the Ca²⁺ transient larger. Ca²⁺ cycling was modified with a RyR2 mediated Ca²⁺ leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and impaired Ca²⁺ extrusion through the Sodium/Calcium exchanger (NCX), which promoted an increase in diastolic Ca²⁺. The Sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase (SERCA2a) and NCX protein levels were unchanged. The phospholamban (PLN) to SERCA2a ratio was augmented in favor of an inhibitory effect on the SERCA2a activity. Conversely, PLN phosphorylation at the calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII)-specific site (PLN-Thr17), which promotes SERCA2A activity, was increased as well, suggesting an adaptive compensation of Ca²⁺ cycling. Altogether our findings show that cardiac remodeling in hearts with a HFpEF status differs from that known for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. These data also underscore the interdependence between systolic and diastolic “adaptations” of Ca²⁺ cycling with complex compensative interactions between Ca²⁺ handling partner and regulatory proteins.     

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

Background: A significant proportion of heart failure (HF) patients have preserved ejection fraction (EF). Considering that inflammation and oxidative stress are involved in HF evolution, we investigated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2), an enzyme involved in these pathophysiologic processes in relation to EF.

Methods and results: The study included 208 HF patients and 20 healthy controls. HF patients with preserved EF (HFpEF) represented 42.31% of all HF patients. LpPLA2 activity was significantly increased in HF patients when compared with controls and was higher in HFpEF than in HF with reduced EF patients (HFrEF). The incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy was higher in HFpEF than in HFrEF (EF < 50).

Conclusion: Confirming its role as a marker of vascular inflammation, LpPLA2 seems to be a biomarker constantly correlated with HF, regardless of etiology. Elevated plasma values of LpPLA2 in HFpEF are consistent with the exacerbated inflammatory status.     

Impact d’une réduction d’activité sur la mesure de la fraction d’éjection du ventricule gauche sur caméra D-SPECT

IntroductionRadionuclide ventriculography provides a reproducible measurement of the left ventricular fraction ejection (LVEF) but with a significant body radiation (effective dose of 5,9 mSv for the injection of 850 Mbq of ^99mTc). The highly sensitive semi-conductor (CZT) cameras could allow decreasing the injected activity by a factor 3, similarly to that of myocardial perfusion imaging. Our study was aimed to determine whether the LVEF measurement provided by radionuclide ventriculography on the CZT D-SPECT camera is impacted by a 70% reduction in recorded counts.Materials and methodsAfter the in vivo labeling of red blood cells with 850 MBq of ^99mTc, 49 patients completed a conventional 2D recording (Conv-2D) on Anger camera followed by a 3D recording on the D-SPECT camera (3D-100%). The CZT recordings of all projections were subsequently shortened to 30% of their initial durations (3D-30%) in order to assess the LVEF measured with a 70% reduction in recorded counts.ResultsMean LVEF values were 62.7 ± 11.1% on Conv-2D and higher on both 3D-100% (66.8 ± 14.8%, P < 0.001) and 3D-30% (66.3 ± 15.7%, P < 0.001). The correlation coefficients with the LVEF determined with the reference Conv-2D method were equivalents for 3D-100% (r² = 0.73) and 3D-30% (r² = 0.70) and with a similar level of overestimation for the highest LEVF values.ConclusionA 70% reduction in recorded counts does not significantly impact the LVEF measured with radionuclide ventriculography on the CZT D-SPECT camera. These values are coherent with those obtained with the reference 2D method but with a clear overestimation for the highest LVEF values.