Background Left atrial (LA) enlargement is associated with adverse events in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, the role of LA mechanics (i.e., LA strain measures) in HFpEF has not been well studied. We hypothesized that in HFpEF, reduced (worse) LA strain is a key pathophysiologic abnormality and is a stronger correlate of adverse events than left ventricular (LV) or right ventricular (RV) longitudinal strain. Methods and Results We evaluated baseline LA function in 308 patients with HFpEF who were followed longitudinally for adverse outcomes. All patients underwent speckle-tracking echocardiography for measurement of LV longitudinal strain, RV free wall strain, and LA booster, conduit, and reservoir strains. The clinical and prognostic significance of LV, RV, and LA strain measures was assessed by regression analyses. The mean age was 65±13 years; 64% were female; 26% had atrial fibrillation; and LA enlargement was present in the majority (67%) of patients. Decreased LA reservoir strain was associated with increased pulmonary vascular resistance (P<0.0001) and decreased peak oxygen consumption (P=0.0001). Of the LV, RV, and LA strain measures, LA reservoir strain was the strongest correlate of adverse events, and was independently associated with the composite outcome of cardiovascular hospitalization or death (adjusted HR per 1-SD decrease in LA strain = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.15–2.07; P=0.006). Conclusions Abnormal indices of LA mechanics (particularly LA reservoir strain) are powerful clinical and prognostic factors in HFpEF. Unloading the LA and/or augmentation of LA function may be important future therapeutic targets in HFpEF. Registration Information URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01030991.

Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with worse outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Whether this association is due the effect of CKD on intrinsic abnormalities in cardiac function is unknown. We hypothesized that CKD is independently associated with worse cardiac mechanics in HFpEF. Methods and Results We prospectively studied 299 patients enrolled in the Northwestern University HFpEF Program. Using the creatinine-based CKD-Epi equation to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), study participants were analyzed by CKD status (using eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 to denote CKD). Indices of cardiac mechanics (longitudinal strain parameters) were measured using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Using multivariable-adjusted linear and Cox regression analyses, we determined the association between CKD and echocardiographic parameters and clinical outcomes (cardiovascular hospitalization or death). Of 299 study participants, 48% had CKD. CKD (dichotomous variable) and reduced eGFR (continuous variable) were both associated with worse cardiac mechanics indices including LA reservoir strain, left ventricular longitudinal strain, and right ventricular free wall strain, even after adjusting for potential confounders, including comorbidities, EF and volume status. For example, for each 1-SD decrease in eGFR, LA reservoir strain was 3.52%-units lower (P<0.0001) after multivariable adjustment. Reduced eGFR was also associated with worse outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.28 [95% CI 1.01–1.61] per 1-SD decrease in eGFR; P=0.039). The association was attenuated after adjustment for indices of cardiac mechanics (P=0.064). Conclusion In HFpEF, CKD is independently associated with worse cardiac mechanics, which may explain why HFpEF patients with CKD have worse outcomes.

Background and Purpose— Paradoxical embolization is frequently posited as a mechanism of ischemic stroke in patients with patent foramen ovale. Several studies have suggested that the deep lower extremity and pelvic veins might be an embolic source in cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients with patent foramen ovale. Methods— Consecutive adult patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and a patent foramen ovale who underwent pelvic magnetic resonance venography as part of an inpatient diagnostic evaluation were included in this single-center retrospective observational study to determine pelvic and lower extremity (LE) deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prevalence in CS versus non-CS stroke subtypes. Results— Of 131 patients who met inclusion criteria, 126 (96.2%) also had LE duplex ultrasound data. DVT prevalence overall was 7.6% (95% confidence interval, 4.1–13.6), pelvic DVT 1.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.1–5.8), and LE DVT 7.1% (95% confidence interval, 3.6–13.2). One patient with a pelvic DVT also had a LE DVT. Comparing patients with CS (n=98) with non-CS subtypes (n=33), there was no significant difference in the prevalence of pelvic DVT (2.1% versus 0%, P =1), LE DVT (6.2% versus 10.3%, P =0.43), or any DVT (7.2% versus 9.1%, P =0.71). Conclusions— Among patients with ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack and patent foramen ovale, the majority of detected DVTs were in LE veins rather than the pelvic veins and did not differ by stroke subtype. The routine inclusion of pelvic magnetic resonance venography in the diagnostic evaluation of CS warrants further prospective investigation.

Background. Majority of dengue fever cases follow a benign self-limiting course but recently rare presentations and complications are increasingly seen due to rising burden of disease. Cardiac involvement in dengue fever with fatal outcome is a very rare complication. We report a case of 44-year-old patient who presented with symptoms of severe acute congestive heart secondary to myocarditis induced cardiomyopathy caused by dengue virus infection. Case Presentation. A 44-year-old man presented to ER with the complaints of high fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Patient was lethargic and blood pressure was low when he was brought to the ER. CXR showed cardiomegaly with pulmonary congestion and echocardiography revealed dilated left ventricle and ejection fraction of 10%. Patient condition worsened and he got admitted to the ICU because of acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Despite aggressive measures, patient died on day 5. Conclusion. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a rare complication of dengue myocarditis. Early recognition of acute DCM caused by dengue myocarditis is imperative in the management of dengue fever as early detection and management of cardiac failure can improve the survival of patient.

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Pivot-shift examination is a better measure than Lachman examination or instrumented knee laxity as far as patients' functional outcome and overall satisfaction is concerned.

Pseudoperipheral palsy has been used to characterize isolated monoparesis secondary to stroke. Isolated hand nerve palsy is a rare presentation for acute cerebral stroke. Our patient presented with clinical features of typical peripheral radial nerve palsy and a normal computed tomography scan of the head, which, without a detailed history and neurological examination, could have been easily misdiagnosed as a peripheral nerve lesion deferring further investigation for a stroke. We stress the importance of including cerebral infarction as a critical differential diagnosis in patients presenting with sensory-motor deficit in an isolated peripheral nerve pattern. A good history and physical exam can differentiate stroke from peripheral neuropathy as the cause of radial nerve palsy.