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Kardiologia Polska Nov 2019Stress echocardiography is a safe, low‑cost, widely available, radiation‑free versatile imaging modality that is becoming increasingly recognized as a valuable tool... (Review)
Review
Stress echocardiography is a safe, low‑cost, widely available, radiation‑free versatile imaging modality that is becoming increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in the assessment of coronary heart disease. In recent years, there has also been an increasing use of stress echocardiography in the assessment of nonischemic cardiac disease given its unique ability for simultaneous assessment of both functional performance and exercise‑related noninvasive hemodynamic changes, which can help guide treatment and inform about the prognosis of the patients. Today, in the echocardiography laboratory, we can not only detect wall motion abnormalities resulting from coronary artery stenosis, but also detect alterations to the coronary microvessels, left ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters, heart valves, pulmonary circulation, alveolar‑capillary barrier, and right ventricle. The role of stress echo has been well established in several pathologies, such as aortic stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; however, other indications, namely the results of diastolic stress testing and pulmonary hypertension, need additional data and research. This paper presents the current evidence for the role of stress testing in mitral regurgitation, aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and pulmonary hypertension.
Topics: Aortic Valve Stenosis; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic; Cardiovascular Diseases; Echocardiography, Stress; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Mitral Valve Insufficiency
PubMed: 31647477
DOI: 10.33963/KP.15032 -
Current Cardiology Reports Oct 2022Stress echocardiography is recommended in valvular heart disease when there is a mismatch between resting transthoracic echocardiography findings and symptoms during... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Stress echocardiography is recommended in valvular heart disease when there is a mismatch between resting transthoracic echocardiography findings and symptoms during activities of daily living. We describe the current methodology and the evidence supporting these applications.
RECENT FINDINGS
The comprehensive stress echo assessment includes valve function (gradients and regurgitation), left ventricular global systolic and diastolic function, left atrial volume, pulmonary congestion, pulmonary arterial pressure, and right ventricular function, integrated with blood pressure response with cuff sphygmomanometer, chronotropic reserve with heart rate, and symptoms. Recent guidelines recommend the evaluation of asymptomatic severe or symptomatic non-severe mitral regurgitation or stenosis with exercise stress and suspected low-flow, low-gradient severe aortic stenosis with reduced ejection fraction with low dose (up to 20 mcg, without atropine) dobutamine stress. Prospective, large-scale studies based on a comprehensive protocol (ABCDE +) capturing the multiplicity of clinical phenotypes are needed to support stress echo-driven treatment strategies.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Atropine Derivatives; Dobutamine; Echocardiography, Stress; Heart Valve Diseases; Humans; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Prospective Studies; Ventricular Function, Left
PubMed: 36040552
DOI: 10.1007/s11886-022-01765-7 -
The International Journal of... Feb 2024At the present time, right ventricular function in patients with aortic stenosis is insufficiently taken into account in the decision-making process of aortic valve...
At the present time, right ventricular function in patients with aortic stenosis is insufficiently taken into account in the decision-making process of aortic valve replacement. The aim of our study was to evaluate significance of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe aortic stenosis by modern 3D echocardiographic methods. This is prospective analysis of 68 patients with severe high and low-gradient aortic stenosis. We evaluated function of left and right ventricle on the basis of 3D reconstruction. Enddiastolic, endsystolic volumes, ejection fraction and stroke volumes of both chambers were assessed. There were more patients with right ventricular dysfunction in low-gradient group (RVEF < 45%) than in the high-gradient group (63.6% vs 39%, p = 0.02). Low-gradient patients had worse right ventricular function than high-gradient patients (RVEF 36% vs 46%, p = 0.02). There wasn't any significant correlation between the right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension (r = - 0.25, p = 0.036). There was significant correlation between left and right ejection fraction (r = 0.78, p < 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the only predictor of right ventricular function is the left ventricular function. According to our results we can state that right ventricular dysfunction is more common in patients with low-gradient than in high-gradient aortic stenosis and the only predictor of right ventricular dysfunction is left ventricular dysfunction, probably based on ventriculo-ventricular interaction. Pulmonary hypertension in patients with severe AS does not predict right ventricular dysfunction.
Topics: Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right; Predictive Value of Tests; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Ventricular Function, Left; Stroke Volume; Aortic Valve; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37950827
DOI: 10.1007/s10554-023-02986-9 -
Pediatric Cardiology Mar 2022Percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (PBPV) is the treatment of choice for isolated pulmonary valve stenosis. While this procedure is highly efficacious and has...
Percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (PBPV) is the treatment of choice for isolated pulmonary valve stenosis. While this procedure is highly efficacious and has an excellent safety profile, as currently practiced, patients are obligatorily exposed to the secondary risks of ionizing radiation and contrast media. To mitigate these risks, we developed a protocol which utilized echo guidance for portions of the procedure which typically require fluoroscopy and/or angiography. Ten cases of echo-guided pulmonary valvuloplasty (EG-PBPV) for isolated pulmonary stenosis in children less than a year of age were compared to a historical cohort of nineteen standard cases using fluoroscopy/angiography alone, which demonstrated equivalent procedural outcomes and safety, while achieving a median reduction in radiation (total dose area product) and contrast load of 80% and 84%, respectively. Our early experience demonstrates that EG-PBPV in neonates and infants has results equivalent to standard valvuloplasty but with less radiation and contrast.
Topics: Balloon Valvuloplasty; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Child; Fluoroscopy; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Pulmonary Valve Stenosis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34839381
DOI: 10.1007/s00246-021-02771-2 -
Journal of the American College of... Feb 2023Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is characterized by obstruction of major pulmonary arteries with organized thrombi. Clinical risk factors for...
BACKGROUND
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is characterized by obstruction of major pulmonary arteries with organized thrombi. Clinical risk factors for pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease including metabolic syndrome, left-sided valvular heart disease, and ischemic heart disease are common in CTEPH patients.
OBJECTIVES
The authors sought to investigate prevalence and prognostic implications of elevated left ventricular filling pressures (LVFP) in CTEPH.
METHODS
A total of 593 consecutive CTEPH patients undergoing a first diagnostic right and left heart catheterization were included in this study. Mean pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (mPAWP) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were utilized for assessment of LVFP. Two cutoffs were applied to identify patients with elevated LVFP: 1) for the primary analysis mPAWP and/or LVEDP >15 mm Hg, as recommended by the current pulmonary hypertension guidelines; and 2) for the secondary analysis mPAWP and/or LVEDP >11 mm Hg, representing the upper limit of normal. Clinical and echocardiographic features, and long-term mortality were assessed.
RESULTS
LVFP was >15 mm Hg in 63 (10.6%) and >11 mm Hg in 222 patients (37.4%). Univariable logistic regression analysis identified age, systemic hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, calcific aortic valve stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and left atrial volume as significant predictors of elevated LVFP. Atrial fibrillation, calcific aortic valve stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and left atrial volume remained independent determinants of LVFP in adjusted analysis. At follow-up, higher LVFPs were measured in patients who had meanwhile undergone pulmonary endarterectomy (P = 0.002). LVFP >15 mm Hg (P = 0.021) and >11 mm Hg (P = 0.006) were both associated with worse long-term survival.
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated LVFP is common, appears to be due to comorbid left heart disease, and predicts prognosis in CTEPH.
Topics: Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Ventricular Function, Left; Mitral Valve Stenosis; Atrial Fibrillation; Hypertension; Pulmonary Wedge Pressure; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Ventricular Pressure
PubMed: 36792280
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.11.049 -
Journal of the American College of... Jan 2021Transcatheter balloon valvuloplasty for the treatment of aortic and pulmonary valve stenosis was first described nearly 40 years ago. Since that time, the technique has... (Review)
Review
Transcatheter balloon valvuloplasty for the treatment of aortic and pulmonary valve stenosis was first described nearly 40 years ago. Since that time, the technique has been refined in an effort to optimize acute outcomes while reducing the long-term need for reintervention and valve replacement. Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is considered first-line therapy for pulmonary valve stenosis and generally results in successful relief of valvar obstruction. Larger balloon to annulus (BAR) diameter ratios can increase the risk for significant valvar regurgitation. However, the development of regurgitation resulting in right ventricular dilation and dysfunction necessitating pulmonary valve replacement is uncommon in long-term follow-up. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty has generally been the first-line therapy for aortic valve stenosis, although some contemporary studies have documented improved outcomes following surgical valvuloplasty in a subset of patients who achieve tri-leaflet valve morphology following surgical repair. Over time, progressive aortic regurgitation is common and frequently results in the need for aortic valve replacement. Neonates with critical aortic valve stenosis remain a particularly high-risk group. More contemporary data suggest that acutely achieving an aortic valve gradient <35 mm Hg with mild aortic regurgitation may improve long-term valve performance and reduce the need for valve replacement. Continued study will help to further improve outcomes and reduce the need for future reinterventions.
Topics: Aortic Valve Insufficiency; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Balloon Valvuloplasty; Heart Defects, Congenital; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Pulmonary Valve; Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency; Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
PubMed: 33413944
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.10.052 -
Pediatric Cardiology Feb 2021In this review, we provide a brief description of recently published articles addressing topics relevant to pediatric cardiologists. Our hope is to provide a summary of... (Review)
Review
In this review, we provide a brief description of recently published articles addressing topics relevant to pediatric cardiologists. Our hope is to provide a summary of the latest articles published recently in other journals in our field. The articles address (1) outcomes after anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery repair which showed relief of ischemia in most patients with low mortality, (2) the role of lymphatic imaging to predict post-Fontan complications which showed that lymphatic imaging by MRI may have an added prognostic value, (3) European guidelines for participation in competitive sports in congenital heart disease patients using a systematic approach based on ventricular structure and function, pulmonary pressure, aortic root, arrhythmia, and cyanosis, (4) fenestrated atrial septal defect closure combined with medical therapy in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension which resulted in improved pulmonary pressure and offered hope for this population, (5) animal model study for pulmonary vein stenosis postsurgery showing activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and that application of rapamycin at the anastomosis location may prevent pulmonary vein stenosis, and (6) mitral valve replacement with the 15-mm mechanical valve describing a 20-year multicenter experience from the Netherland that showed that this "dime valve" may be a good option for small infants with mitral valve disease.
PubMed: 33025027
DOI: 10.1007/s00246-020-02478-w -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Apr 2022Patients with severe aortic valve stenosis and concomitant pulmonary hypertension show a significantly reduced survival prognosis. Right heart catheterization as a... (Review)
Review
Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis and Pulmonary Hypertension: A Systematic Review of Non-Invasive Ways of Risk Stratification, Especially in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.
Patients with severe aortic valve stenosis and concomitant pulmonary hypertension show a significantly reduced survival prognosis. Right heart catheterization as a preoperative diagnostic tool to determine pulmonary hypertension has been largely abandoned in recent years in favor of echocardiographic criteria. Clinically, determination of echocardiographically estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure falls far short of invasive right heart catheterization data in terms of accuracy. The aim of the present systematic review was to highlight noninvasive possibilities for the detection of pulmonary hypertension in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis, with a special focus on cardiovascular biomarkers. A total of 525 publications regarding echocardiography, cardiovascular imaging and biomarkers related to severe aortic valve stenosis and pulmonary hypertension were analyzed in a systematic database analysis using PubMed Central. Finally, 39 publications were included in the following review. It was shown that the current scientific data situation, especially regarding cardiovascular biomarkers as non-invasive diagnostic tools for the determination of pulmonary hypertension in severe aortic valve stenosis patients, is poor. Thus, there is a great scientific potential to combine different biomarkers (biomarker scores) in a non-invasive way to determine the presence or absence of PH.
PubMed: 35455719
DOI: 10.3390/jpm12040603 -
The Journal of Thoracic and... May 2022
Topics: Humans; Philosophy; Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
PubMed: 34756430
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2021.10.016 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2023The aim of the present review is to highlight the strengths and limitations of echocardiographic parameters and scores employed to predict favorable outcome in complex... (Review)
Review
Echocardiographic Parameters for Risk Prediction in Borderline Right Ventricle: Review with Special Emphasis on Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum and Critical Pulmonary Stenosis.
The aim of the present review is to highlight the strengths and limitations of echocardiographic parameters and scores employed to predict favorable outcome in complex congenital heart diseases (CHDs) with borderline right ventricle (RV), with a focus on pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and critical pulmonary stenosis (PAIVS/CPS). A systematic search in the National Library of Medicine using Medical Subject Headings and free-text terms including echocardiography, CHD, and scores, was performed. The search was refined by adding keywords "PAIVS/CPS", Ebstein's anomaly, and unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect with left dominance. A total of 22 studies were selected for final analysis; 12 of them were focused on parameters to predict biventricular repair (BVR)/pulmonary blood flow augmentation in PAIVS/CPS. All of these studies presented numerical (the limited sample size) and methodological limitations (retrospective design, poor definition of inclusion/exclusion criteria, variability in the definition of outcomes, differences in adopted surgical and interventional strategies). There was heterogeneity in the echocardiographic parameters employed and cut-off values proposed, with difficultly in establishing which one should be recommended. Easy scores such as TV/MV (tricuspid/mitral valve) and RV/LV (right/left ventricle) ratios were proven to have a good prognostic accuracy; however, the data were very limited (only two studies with <40 subjects). In larger studies, RV end-diastolic area and a higher degree of tricuspid regurgitation were also proven as accurate predictors of successful BVR. These measures, however, may be either operator and/or load/pressure dependent. TV Z-scores have been proposed by several authors, but old and heterogenous nomograms sources have been employed, thus producing discordant results. In summary, we provide a review of the currently available echocardiographic parameters for risk prediction in CHDs with a diminutive RV that may serve as a guide for use in clinical practice.
PubMed: 37510714
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144599