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European Heart Journal. Case Reports Jun 2024The surface of the aorta generally does not show motion unless mobile atheroma, thrombi, vegetations, or intimal flaps are present. We previously described unusual...
BACKGROUND
The surface of the aorta generally does not show motion unless mobile atheroma, thrombi, vegetations, or intimal flaps are present. We previously described unusual mobile filamentous structures in the carotid artery. Here, we describe similar findings in the aorta and their possible cause.
CASE SUMMARY
An 88-year-old female with progressive exertional dyspnoea and severe aortic stenosis had a successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). A filamentous structure was noted on the focused pre-operative 2D transoesophageal echocardiography in the proximal descending aorta and post-TAVR as long strand-like structures attached to the thickened intimal wall with a planar component on 3D imaging. These findings were not associated with symptoms or clinical sequelae on short- and long-term follow-up.
DISCUSSION
The mobile structures that we describe are atypical for atheroma, thrombi, vegetations, and dissections in terms of their form and clinical presentation. 2D imaging showed that the filaments had focal thickening and emerged from the aortic surface. These findings suggest a relationship with the intima, perhaps from atherogenesis or injury with disruption or lifting of the intimal surface. No clinical sequelae were detected that may also relate to their position in the descending aorta and not the arch.
PubMed: 38938470
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae263 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports Jun 2024Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly utilized in cardiogenic shock and high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). These devices aspirate...
BACKGROUND
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly utilized in cardiogenic shock and high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). These devices aspirate and expel blood from the left ventricle (LV) into the aorta, consequently reducing left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). We report a case of unexpected LVEDP rise under LV-to-aorta LVAD in the context of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and concomitant multi-vessel PCI.
CASE SUMMARY
A patient with acute heart failure, severely depressed systolic LV function, severe aortic stenosis, and multi-vessel coronary artery disease underwent TAVI and concomitant PCI under pulsatile LVAD. Notably, the patient experienced unexpected shortness of breath and elevated LVEDP while under LVAD, which normalized immediately upon LVAD removal.
DISCUSSION
Pulsatile LVAD enhances cardiac output by providing pulsatile support through a percutaneous bi-directional flow catheter. Despite expectations of reduced LVEDP and improved myocardial oxygen supply under LVAD support, we observed high LVEDP and clinical complaints of shortness of breath following TAVI and multi-vessel PCI. This case illustrates that an LVAD across the aortic valve may immobilize aortic leaflets and generate acute aortic regurgitation.
PubMed: 38938469
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae291 -
JACC. Advances Oct 2023Clinical outcomes of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients with ascending aortic diameters ≥50 mm who are under surveillance are poorly defined.
BACKGROUND
Clinical outcomes of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients with ascending aortic diameters ≥50 mm who are under surveillance are poorly defined.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to assess clinical outcomes in BAV patients with ascending aorta ≥50 mm.
METHODS
Multicenter retrospective cohort study of BAV adults with ascending aorta diameters ≥50 mm by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Patients were categorized into 50 to 54 mm and ≥55 mm groups. Clinical outcomes were aortic dissection (AoD), aorta surgery, surgical mortality, and all-cause death.
RESULTS
Of 875 consecutive BAV patients (age 60 ± 13 years, 86% men, aortic diameter 51 mm [interquartile range (IQR): 50-53 mm]), 328 (37%) underwent early surgery ≤3 months from index TTE. Of the remaining 547 patients under surveillance, 496 had diameters 50 to 54 mm and 51 had diameters ≥55 mm and were collectively followed for 7.51 (IQR: 3.98-12.20) years. Of 496 patients with diameters 50 to 54 mm under surveillance, 266 (54%) underwent surgery 2.0 (IQR: 0.77-4.16) years from index TTE. AoD occurred in 9/496 (1.8%) patients for an incidence of 0.4 cases per 100 person-years, surgical mortality was 5/266 (1.9%); and ≥moderate aortic stenosis (but not aorta size) was associated with all-cause death, hazard ratio: 2.05 (95% CI: 1.32-3.20), = 0.001. Conversely, in 547 total patients under surveillance (including 50-54 mm and ≥55 mm), both aorta size and ≥moderate aortic stenosis were associated with all-cause death (both ≤ 0.027). AoD rate in patients ≥55 mm under surveillance was 5.9%.
CONCLUSIONS
In BAV patients with ascending aorta 50 to 54 mm under surveillance, AoD incidence is low and the overall rates of AoD and surgical mortality are similar, suggesting clinical equivalence between surgical and surveillance strategies. Conversely, patients with aortas ≥55 mm should undergo surgery. Aortic stenosis is associated with all-cause death in these patients.
PubMed: 38938356
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100626 -
JACC. Advances Jun 2023Symptoms associated with severe aortic stenosis (AS) are used to guide management.
BACKGROUND
Symptoms associated with severe aortic stenosis (AS) are used to guide management.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to examine the pattern of symptoms, comorbidities, and cardiac damage in moderate and severe AS.
METHODS
A total of 846,198 echocardiographic investigations from 330,940 individuals aged >18 years were selected for the most recent echocardiogram, moderate or severe AS (mean gradient 20.0-39.9 mm Hg, aortic valve peak gradient 3.0-3.9 m/s and aortic valve area >1.0 cm; or 40.0 mm Hg, ≥4.0 m/s or ≤1.0 cm, respectively), and a cardiologist consultation. Natural Language Processing was applied to letters to extract comorbidities, dyspnea, chest pain, and syncope. Patients with prior aortic valve replacement were excluded.
RESULTS
2,213 patients (0.7% overall, 32.8% females) had moderate and 3,416 (1.0%, 47.3% females) had severe AS. Comorbidities were common, including hypertension, (56.6% moderate AS, 53.1% severe AS, = 0.01), coronary disease (46.0% and 46.8%, respectively, = 0.58) and atrial fibrillation (29.6% and 34.8%, respectively, < 0.001). Symptoms were also common in moderate (n = 915, 41.3%) and severe (n = 1,630, 47.7%) AS ( < 0.001). Comorbidities were more likely in symptomatic vs asymptomatic patients ( < 0.001). Dyspnea was more likely in severe AS, whereas angina and syncope were similar in moderate vs severe AS. In multivariable analysis, only dyspnea was associated with severe (vs moderate) AS (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.41-2.13, < 0.001). In both adjusted and unadjusted models, the degree of cardiac damage did not relate to presence of any symptoms but was associated with AS severity.
CONCLUSIONS
Dyspnea is common in moderate and severe AS, is associated with comorbidities and is not related to the degree of cardiac damage. Symptom-guided management decisions in AS may need revision.
PubMed: 38938261
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100356 -
JACC. Advances Jun 2023
PubMed: 38938225
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100396 -
JACC. Cardiovascular Imaging Jun 2024
PubMed: 38934977
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2024.04.018 -
Cardiology Jun 2024High-molecular-weight (HMW) von Willebrand Factor (VWF) multimer deficiency occurs in classical low-flow, low-gradient (LF/LG) aortic stenosis (AS) due to shear...
INTRODUCTION
High-molecular-weight (HMW) von Willebrand Factor (VWF) multimer deficiency occurs in classical low-flow, low-gradient (LF/LG) aortic stenosis (AS) due to shear force-induced proteolysis. The prognostic value of HMW VWF multimer deficiency is unknown. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the impact of HMW VWF multimer deficiency on clinical outcome.
METHODS
In this prospective research study, a total of 83 patients with classical LF/LG AS were included. All patients underwent dobutamine-stress-echocardiography to distinguish true-severe (TS) from pseudo-severe (PS) classical LF/LG AS. HMW VWF multimer ratio was calculated using densitometric Western blot band quantification. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.
RESULTS
Mean age was 79 ± 9 years and TS classical LF/LG AS was diagnosed in 73% (n=61) and PS classical LF/LG AS in 27% (n=22) of all patients. Forty-six patients underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) and 37 were treated conservatively. During a mean follow-up of 27 ± 17 months, 47 deaths occurred. Major bleeding complications after AVR (10/46; 22%) were more common in patients with HMW VWF multimer ratio <1 (8/17; 47%) in comparison to patients with a normal multimer pattern (2/29; 7%) at baseline (p=0.003). In a multivariable Cox regression analysis HMW VWF multimer deficiency was a predictor of all-cause mortality (HR: 3.02 [95% CI: 1.31-6.96], p=0.009) in the entire cohort. This association was driven by higher mortality rates in the AVR group (multivariable-adjusted HR: 9.4; 95%CI 2.0-43.4, p=0.004).
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to demonstrate the predictive value of HMW VWF multimer ratio for risk stratification in patients with classical LF/LG AS. HMW VWF multimer deficiency was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and major bleeding complications after AVR.
PubMed: 38934149
DOI: 10.1159/000539731 -
VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten Jun 2024Heavily calcified peripheral artery lesions increase the risk of vascular complications, constituting a severe challenge for the operator during catheter-based...
Heavily calcified peripheral artery lesions increase the risk of vascular complications, constituting a severe challenge for the operator during catheter-based cardiovascular interventions. Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) technology disrupts subendothelial calcification by using localized pulsative sonic pressure waves and represents a promising technique for plaque modification in patients with severe calcification in peripheral arteries. Our aim was to systematically review and summarize available data regarding the safety and efficacy of IVL in preparing severely calcified peripheral arteries and its use in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases from their inception to February 23, 2023, for studies assessing the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing IVL in the peripheral vasculature. The diameter of the vessel lumen before and after IVL was estimated. The occurrence of peri-procedural complications was assessed using a random-effects model. 20 studies with a total of 1,223 patients with heavily calcified peripheral lesions were analysed. The mean age of the cohort was 70.6 ± 17.4 years. Successful IVL delivery achieved in 100% (95% CI: 100%-100%, I = 0%), with an increase in the luminal diameter (SMD: 4.66, 95% CI: 3.41-5.92, I = 90.8%) and reduction in diameter stenosis (SMD: -4.15, 95% CI: -4.75 to -3.55, I = 92.8%), and a concomitant low rate of complications. The procedure was free from dissection in 97% (95% CI: 91%-100%, I = 81.4%) while dissections of any type (A, B, C, or D) were observed in 6% (95% CI: 2%-10%, I = 85.3%) of the patients. Several rare cases of abrupt closure, no-reflow phenomenon, perforation, thrombus formation, and distal embolization were recorded. Finally, the subgroup analysis of patients who underwent a TAVI with IVL assistance presented successful implantation in 100% (95% CI: 100%-100%, I = 0%) of the cases, with only 4% (95% CI: 0%-12%, I = 68.96%) presenting dissections of any sort. IVL seems to be an effective and safe technique for modifying severely calcified lesions in peripheral arteries and it is a promising modality in TAVI settings. Future prospective studies are needed to validate our results.
PubMed: 38934125
DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a001133 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024: Severe aortic stenosis (AS) is the most frequent valvular heart disease. Models for stratifying cardiac damage associated with aortic stenosis have been developed to...
: Severe aortic stenosis (AS) is the most frequent valvular heart disease. Models for stratifying cardiac damage associated with aortic stenosis have been developed to predict outcomes following valve replacement. However, evidence regarding morphological and functional evolution, as well as potential changes in the degree of cardiac damage, is limited. We aim to provide information on the evolution of cardiac morphology and the function of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) who have been classified using a cardiac damage staging system. : In total, 496 patients were included in the analysis, and were classified into four stages based on the extent of cardiac damage as follows: Stage 0, no cardiac damage: left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) < -17%; right ventricular-arterial coupling (RVAc) ≥ 0.35), and absence of significant mitral regurgitation (MR). Stage 1, left-sided subclinical damage: LV-GLS ≥ -17%. Stage 2, left-sided damage: significant MR. Stage 3, right-sided damage: RVAc < 0.35. : The mean age was 82.1 ± 5.9 years, and 53.0% were female. In total, 24.5% of patients met the criteria for Stage 0, and Stage 1 included 42.8% of patients, Stage 2 included 16.5%, and Stage 3 comprised 16.2% of patients. Mortality was 8.4% for stage 0, 17.4% for stage 1, 25.6% for stage 2, and 28.6% for stage 3 patients ( = 0.004). Diabetes mellitus (DM) ( = 0.047) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) ( = 0.024) were the only clinical predictors of no change or worsening in the stage of cardiac damage. Regarding echocardiographic variables, concomitant tricuspid, and mitral regurgitation, ≥ 2 were both significantly associated with no change or worsening, also ( < 0.001). : Cardiac damage that is secondary to severe aortic stenosis has morphological and functional repercussions that, even after valve replacement, persist and might worsen the prognosis.
PubMed: 38930068
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123539 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024The optimal timing to perform percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is not well established.... (Review)
Review
The optimal timing to perform percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is not well established. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing PCI before versus after TAVR. A comprehensive literature search was performed including Medline, Embase, and Cochrane electronic databases up to 5 April 2024 for studies that compared PCI before and after TAVR reporting at least one clinical outcome of interest (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023470417). The analyzed outcomes were mortality, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) at follow-up. A total of 3 studies involving 1531 patients (pre-TAVR PCI = 1240; post-TAVR PCI = 291) were included in this meta-analysis following our inclusion criteria. Mortality was higher in the pre-TAVR PCI group (OR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.19-5.20; = 0.02). No differences were found between PCI before and after TAVR for the risk of stroke (OR: 3.58; 95% CI: 0.70-18.15; = 0.12) and MI (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.30-1.42; = 0.29). This meta-analysis showed in patients with stable CAD undergoing TAVR that PCI after TAVR is associated with lower mortality compared with PCI before TAVR.
PubMed: 38930050
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123521