Early Aortic Valve Replacement in Symptomatic Normal-Flow, LowGradient Severe Aortic Stenosis:A Propensity Score–Matched Retrospective Cohort Study

Background and Objectives@#Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is considered a class I indication for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS). However, there is little evidence regarding the potential benefits of early AVR in symptomatic patients diagnosed with normal-flow, low-gradient (NFLG) severe AS. @*Methods@#Two-hundred eighty-one patients diagnosed with symptomatic NFLG severe AS (stroke volume index ≥35 mL/m 2 , mean transaortic pressure gradient <40 mmHg, peak transaortic velocity <4 m/s, and aortic valve area <1.0 cm 2 ) between January 2010 and December 2020 were included in this retrospective study. After performing 1:1 propensity score matching, 121 patients aged 75.1±9.8 years (including 63 women) who underwent early AVR within 3 months after index echocardiography, were compared with 121 patients who received conservative care. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization. @*Results@#During a median follow-up of 21.9 months, 48 primary outcomes (18 in the early AVR group and 30 in the conservative care group) occurred. The early AVR group demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of primary outcomes (hazard ratio [HR], 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29–0.93; p=0.028); specifically, there was no significant difference in all-cause death (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.23–1.16; p=0.110), although the early AVR group showed a significantly lower incidence of hospitalization for HF (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.19–0.95, p=0.037). Subgroup analyses supported the main findings. @*Conclusions@#An early AVR strategy may be beneficial in reducing the risk of a composite outcome of death or hospitalization for HF in symptomatic patients with NFLG severe AS.Future randomized studies are required to validate and confirm our findings.

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Clinical Significance of Concomitant Cardiomyopathies in Subjects with Bicuspid Aortic Valves

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and clinical significance of concomitant specific cardiomyopathies in subjects with bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1186 adults with BAV (850 males, mean age 56±14 years) at a single tertiary center were comprehensively reviewed. Left ventricular non-compaction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy were confirmed when patients fulfilled current clinical and echocardiographic criteria. Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, including comorbidities, heart failure presentation, BAV morphology, function, and aorta phenotypes, in BAV subjects with or without specific cardiomyopathies were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 67 subjects (5.6%) had concomitant cardiomyopathies: 40 (3.4%) patients with left ventricular non-compaction, 17 (1.4%) with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and 10 (0.8%) with dilated cardiomyopathy. BAV subjects with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy had higher prevalences of diabetes mellitus and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and tended to have type 0 phenotype, while BAV subjects with dilated cardiomyopathy showed higher prevalences of chronic kidney disease and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. BAV subjects with left ventricular non-compaction were significantly younger and predominantly male, and had greater BAV dysfunction and a higher prevalence of normal aorta shape. In multiple regression analysis, cardiomyopathy was independently associated with heart failure (odds ratio 2.795, 95% confidential interval 1.603–4.873, p<0.001) after controlling for confounding factors. CONCLUSION: Concomitant cardiomyopathies were observed in 5.6% of subjects with BAV. A few different clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were found. The presence of cardiomyopathy was independently associated with heart failure.

Diastolic Stress Echocardiography to Quantify the Response of Diastolic Functional Indices to Dynamic Exercise in Abnormal Relaxation: Unmasking Diastolic Abnormalities is Getting Ready for Prime Time

No abstract available.

Transvenous Implantation of an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in a Patient Who Had Undergone Tricuspid Valve Replacement / 대한내과학회지

Transvenous implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator in patients with a prosthetic valve in the tricuspid position is difficult because a defibrillator lead cannot be implanted into the right ventricle through the prosthetic valve. Hence, there are three options: epicardial implantation, subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation, and cardiac vein implantation. Here, we report the transvenous implantation of an implantable dual-chamber cardioverter defibrillator in a patient who had undergone tricuspid valve replacement with a prosthetic valve. The patient was a 70-year-old female with a prosthetic valve in the tricuspid position who had experienced two events of sudden cardiac arrest. We successfully performed the procedure by implanting the defibrillator lead into the middle cardiac vein.

Impact of Ambulatory Blood Pressure on Early Cardiac and Renal Dysfunction in Hypertensive Patients without Clinically Apparent Target Organ Damage

PURPOSE: Impaired left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) and the presence of microalbuminuria indicate early cardiac and renal dysfunction. We aimed to determine the relationships among 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) variables, LV GLS, and urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) in hypertensive patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 130 hypertensive patients (mean age 53 years; 59 men) underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring, measurements of peripheral and central BPs, and transthoracic echocardiography. Patients with apparent LV systolic dysfunction (LV ejection fraction < 50%) or chronic kidney disease were not included. LV GLS was calculated using two-dimensional speckle tracking, and UACR was analyzed from spot urine samples. RESULTS: In simple correlation analysis, LV GLS showed the most significant correlation with mean daytime diastolic BP (DBP) (r=0.427, p < 0.001) among the various BP variables analyzed. UACR revealed a significant correlation only with night-time mean systolic BP (SBP) (r=0.253, p=0.019). In multiple regression analysis, daytime mean DBP and night-time mean SBP were independent determinants for LV GLS (β=0.35, p=0.028) and log UACR (β=0.49, p=0.007), respectively, after controlling for confounding factors. Daytime mean DBP showed better diagnostic performance for impaired LV GLS than did peripheral or central DBPs, which were not diagnostic. Night-time mean SBP showed satisfactory diagnostic performance for microalbuminuria. CONCLUSION: There are different associations for daytime and night-time BP with early cardiac and renal dysfunction. Ambulatory BP monitoring provides more relevant BP parameters than do peripheral or central BPs regarding early cardiac and renal dysfunction in hypertensive patients.

Predictors of Long-Term Outcomes of Percutaneous Mitral Valvuloplasty in Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis

PURPOSE: We determined factors associated with long-term outcomes of patients who underwent successful percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 1980 and May 2013, 1187 patients underwent PMV at Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. A total of 742 patients who underwent regular clinic visits for more than 10 years were retrospectively analyzed. The endpoints consisted of repeated PMV, mitral valve (MV) surgery, and cardiovascular-related death. RESULTS: The optimal result, defined as a post-PMV mitral valve area (MVA) >1.5 cm² and mitral regurgitation ≤Grade II, was obtained in 631 (85%) patients. Over a mean follow up duration of 214±50 months, 54 (7.3%) patients underwent repeat PMV, 4 (0.5%) underwent trido-PMV, and 248 (33.4%) underwent MV surgery. A total of 33 patients (4.4%) had stroke, and 35 (4.7%) patients died from cardiovascular-related reasons. In a multivariate analysis, echocardiographic score [p=0.003, hazard ratio=1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–2.41] and post-MVA cut-off (p 8 and post-MVA ≤1.76 cm² were independent predictors of poor long-term clinical outcomes after PMV, including MV reintervention, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death.

Future Development for the Board Licensing Examination of Internal Medicine / 대한내과학회지

No abstract available.

Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder after pediatric solid organ transplantation: experiences of 20 years in a single center / 소아과

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical spectrum of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) after solid organ transplantation (SOT) in children. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 18 patients with PTLD who underwent liver (LT) or kidney transplantation (KT) between January 1995 and December 2014 in Seoul National University Children's Hospital. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (3.9% of pediatric SOTs; LT:KT, 11:7; male to female, 9:9) were diagnosed as having PTLD over the last 2 decades (4.8% for LT and 2.9% for KT). PTLD usually presented with fever or gastrointestinal symptoms in a median period of 7 months after SOT. Eight cases had malignant lesions, and all the patients except one had evidence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) involvement, assessed by using in situ hybridization of tumor tissue or EBV viral load quantitation of blood. Remission was achieved in all patients with reduction of immunosuppression and/or rituximab therapy or chemotherapy, although 1 patient had allograft kidney loss and another died from complications of chemotherapy. The first case of PTLD was encountered after the introduction of tacrolimus for pediatric SOT in 2003. The recent increase in PTLD incidence in KT coincided with modification of clinical practice since 2012 to increase the tacrolimus trough level. CONCLUSION: While the outcome was favorable in that all patients achieved complete remission, some patients still had allograft loss or mortality. To prevent PTLD and improve its outcome, monitoring for EBV infection is essential, which would lead to appropriate modification of immunosuppression and enhanced surveillance for PTLD.

Incremental Value of Left Atrial Global Longitudinal Strain for Prediction of Post Stroke Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-established risk factor for stroke. Interestingly, ischemic stroke increases risk of incident AF in patients without prior diagnosed AF. For better risk stratification for post-stroke AF, we studied left atrial (LA) size and mechanical function using two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking imaging in patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: A total of 227 patients (132 males, age 67 ± 12) with acute ischemic stroke without a history of AF underwent 2D transthoracic echocardiography and speckle tracking imaging for the assessment of LA volume index and global LA longitudinal strain (LALS). From clinical variables, the CHA2DS2-VASc score and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were calculated in each patient. Post-stroke AF was defined as newly diagnosed AF during the course after ischemic stroke. RESULTS: Post-stroke AF occurred in 25 patients (11%). Patients with post-stroke AF were older and showed a higher tendency of CHA2DS2-VASc score, significantly higher log NIHSS, larger LA volume index and lower global LALS than those without. In multivariate analysis, global LALS was an independent predictor for post-stroke AF (hazard ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.83.0.97, p < 0.01) after controlling for confounding factors. Furthermore, global LALS provided incremental predictive value for post-stroke AF over the CHA2DS2-VASc score, NIHSS, and LA volume index. The global LALS < 14.5% better distinguished post-stroke AF (area under the curve 0.837, sensitivity 60%, specificity 95%, p < 0.01) than CHA2DS2-VASc score. CONCLUSION: Global LALS as a marker of LA mechanical function has incremental predictive value for post-stroke AF in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch after Mitral Valve Replacement: Comparison of Different Methods of Effective Orifice Area Calculation

PURPOSE: The incidence of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) after mitral valve replacement (MVR) has been reported to vary. The purpose of the current study was to investigate incidence of PPM according to the different methods of calculating effective orifice area (EOA), including the continuity equation (CE), pressure half time (PHT) method and use of reference EOA, and to compare these with various echocardiographic variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 166 individuals who received isolated MVR due to rheumatic mitral stenosis and had postoperative echocardiography performed between 12 and 60 months after MVR. EOA was determined by CE (EOA(CE)) and PHT using Doppler echocardiography. Reference EOA was determined from the literature or values offered by the manufacturer. Indexed EOA was used to define PPM as present if < or =1.2 cm2/m2. RESULTS: Prevalence of PPM was different depending on the methods used to calculate EOA, ranging from 7% in PHT method to 49% in referred EOA method to 62% in CE methods. The intraclass correlation coefficient was low between the methods. PPM was associated with raised trans-prosthetic pressure, only when calculated by CE (p=0.021). Indexed EOA(CE) was the only predictor of postoperative systolic pulmonary artery (PA) pressure, even after adjusting for age, preoperative systolic PA pressure and postoperative left atrial volume index (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of mitral PPM varied according to the methods used to calculate EOA in patients with mitral stenosis after MVR. Among the various methods used to define PPM, EOA(CE) was the only predictor of postoperative hemodynamic parameters.

Relationship between Myocardial Extracellular Space Expansion Estimated with Post-Contrast T1 Mapping MRI and Left Ventricular Remodeling and Neurohormonal Activation in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE: Post-contrast T1 values are closely related to the degree of myocardial extracellular space expansion. We determined the relationship between post-contrast T1 values and left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, LV remodeling, and neurohormonal activation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with DCM (mean age, 55 +/- 15 years; 41 males and 18 females) who underwent both 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography were enrolled. The post-contrast 10-minute T1 value was generated from inversion time scout images obtained using the Look-Locker inversion recovery sequence and a curve-fitting algorithm. The T1 sample volume was obtained from three interventricular septal points, and the mean T1 value was used for analysis. The N-Terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level was measured in 40 patients. RESULTS: The mean LV ejection fraction was 24 +/- 9% and the post-T1 value was 254.5 +/- 46.4 ms. The post-contrast T1 value was significantly correlated with systolic longitudinal septal velocity (s'), peak late diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (a'), the diastolic elastance index (Ed, [E/e']/stroke volume), LV mass/volume ratio, LV end-diastolic wall stress, and LV end-systolic wall stress. In a multivariate analysis without NT-proBNP, T1 values were independently correlated with Ed (beta = -0.351, p = 0.016) and the LV mass/volume ratio (beta = 0.495, p = 0.001). When NT-proBNP was used in the analysis, NT-proBNP was independently correlated with the T1 values (beta = -0.339, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Post-contrast T1 is closely related to LV remodeling, diastolic function, and neurohormonal activation in patients with DCM.

Erratum: Relationship between Myocardial Extracellular Space Expansion Estimated with Post-Contrast T1 Mapping MRI and Left Ventricular Remodeling and Neurohormonal Activation in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The publisher and authors would like to draw the reader's attention to an error.

Safety and Cost-Effectiveness of Bridge Therapies for Invasive Dental Procedures in Patients with Mechanical Heart Valves

PURPOSE: Bridge anticoagulation therapy is mostly utilized in patients with mechanical heart valves (MHV) receiving warfarin therapy during invasive dental procedures because of the risk of excessive bleeding related to highly vascular supporting dental structures. Bridge therapy using low molecular weight heparin may be an attractive option for invasive dental procedures; however, its safety and cost-effectiveness compared with unfractionated heparin (UFH) is uncertain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study investigated the safety and cost-effectiveness of enoxaparin in comparison to UFH for bridge therapy in 165 consecutive patients (57+/-11 years, 35% men) with MHV who underwent invasive dental procedures. RESULTS: This study included 75 patients treated with UFH-based bridge therapy (45%) and 90 patients treated with enoxaparin-based bridge therapy (55%). The bleeding risk of dental procedures and the incidence of clinical adverse outcomes were not significantly different between the UFH group and the enoxaparin group. However, total medical costs were significantly lower in the enoxaparin group than in the UFH group (p or =65 years) was significantly associated with an increased risk of total bleeding independent of bridging methods (odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-5.48; p=0.022). Enoxaparin-based bridge therapy (beta=-0.694, p<0.001) and major bleeding (beta=0.296, p=0.045) were significantly associated with the medical costs within 30 days after dental procedures. CONCLUSION: Considering the benefit of enoxaparin in cost-effectiveness, enoxaparin may be more efficient than UFH for bridge therapy in patients with MHV who required invasive dental procedures.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Mitral Valve Regurgitation / 대한내과학회지

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is defined as the reflux of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during systole, resulting from the loss of adequate closure of the mitral valve. Echocardiography has become the primary noninvasive imaging method for evaluating mitral valvular regurgitation, since it provides structural and hemodynamic information. The echocardiographic assessment of mitral regurgitation should quantify the regurgitation, assess the valve anatomy and function, and evaluate the consequences of mitral regurgitation on the cardiac chambers. In clinical practice, the management of patients with mitral regurgitation is based largely on the echocardiography results. This article describes the echocardiographic assessment of mitral regurgitation, emphasizing the usefulness of echocardiography in primary care.

Benidipine has effects similar to losartan on the central blood pressure and arterial stiffness in mild to moderate essential hypertension / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Central blood pressure (BP) is pathophysiologically more important than peripheral BP for the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Arterial stiffness is also a good predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The effects of benidipine, a unique dual L-/T-type calcium channel blocker, on central BP have not been reported. This study aimed to compare the effect of benidipine and losartan on the central BP and arterial stiffness in mild to moderate essential hypertensives.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This 24 weeks, multi-center, open label, randomized, active drug comparative, parallel group study was designed as a non-inferiority study. The eligible patients (n = 200) were randomly assigned to receive benidipine (n = 101) or losartan (n = 99). Radial artery applanation tonometry and pulse wave analysis were used to measure the central BP, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx). We also measured the metabolic and inflammatory markers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 24 weeks, the central BP decreased significantly from baseline by (16.8 ± 14.0/10.5 ± 9.2) mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) (systolic/diastolic BP; P < 0.001) in benidipine group and (18.9 ± 14.7/12.1 ± 10.2) mmHg (P < 0.001) in losartan group respectively. Both benidipine and losartan groups significantly lowered peripheral BP (P < 0.001) and AIx (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between the two groups. The mean aortic, brachial and femoral PWV did not change in both groups after 24-week treatment. There were no significant changes of the blood metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in each group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Benidipine is as effective as losartan in lowering the central and peripheral BP, and improving arterial stiffness.</p>

The Case of Isolated Double Atrial Septum with Persistent Interatrial Space

Double atrial septum is very rare atrial septal malformation which has double layered atrial septum with persistent interatrial space between the two atria. Clinically, most cases of this anomaly are asymptomatic unless manifest as thromboembolic complications, such as stroke, or transient ischemic attack, that thrombus may be originated from this interatrial space. We report a case of a 69-year-old man who was diagnosed with isolated double atrial septum by transthoracic echocardiography.

Prediction of Hemorrhagic Transformation Following Embolic Stroke in Patients with Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) of stroke is a disastrous complication in patients with infective endocarditis (IE). In patients with mechanical heart valves complicated by IE, physicians struggle with the appropriateness of anticoagulation administration given the risk of thromboembolism and HT of stroke. In this study, we aimed to define predictive parameters of HT of stroke in patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). METHODS: This study was a multicenter, retrospective design. We recruited from 7 institutions a total of 111 patients diagnosed with PVE during May, 2011 to April, 2012. RESULTS: Complication of stroke was seen in 26/111 patients (23%), and HT of stroke was seen in 11/111 patients (10%). Most patients with HT (9/11, 82%) had supratherapeutic prothrombin times. However, there were no significant differences in clinical and laboratory values between PVE patients without stroke and those patients who had a stroke and with or without concurrent HT. Furthermore, echocardiographic parameters also did not show significant between-group differences. CONCLUSION: Even though this was a multicenter study, a limited number of patients was identified and may explain the negative results seen here. However, a large number of PVE patients with stroke also developed HT. Therefore, further studies to define predictive parameters of HT should be implemented in a larger population.

Prosthetic Mitral Valve Leaflet Escape

Leaflet escape of prosthetic valve is rare but potentially life threatening. It is essential to make timely diagnosis in order to avoid mortality. Transesophageal echocardiography and cinefluoroscopy is usually diagnostic and the location of the missing leaflet can be identified by computed tomography (CT). Emergent surgical correction is mandatory. We report a case of fractured escape of Edward-Duromedics mitral valve 27 years after the surgery. The patient presented with symptoms of acute decompensated heart failure and cardiogenic shock. She was instantly intubated and mechanically ventilated. After prompt evaluation including transthoracic echocardiography and CT, the escape of the leaflet was confirmed. The patient underwent emergent surgery for replacement of the damaged prosthetic valves immediately. Eleven days after the surgery, the dislodged leaflet in iliac artery was removed safely and the patient recovered well.

Successful One-Stage Transabdominal Excision of Intravenous Leiomyomatosis with Extension into the Right Atrium / 대한혈관외과학회지

Intravenous leiomyomatosis is a rare benign tumor originating from the uterus that spreads through vessels. In rare cases, intracaval and intracardiac involvement has been described. We report a case of a 64-year-old woman who presented intravenous leiomyomatosis, which originated from the right uterine vein and extended through the inferior vena cava into the right atrium. The tumor was completely removed through a one-stage transabdominal approach with transesophageal echocardiography monitoring. Sparing thoracotomy is important in order to reduce postoperative morbidity and tumor removal by pulling down was technically possible without the risk of embolization.

Incidence of post-transplant glomerulonephritis and its impact on graft outcome

BACKGROUND: Herein, the significance of post-transplant glomerulonephritis (PTGN) has been revisited to investigate whether PTGN induces allograft failure. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of PTGN and its association with allograft failure, as well as to analyze the risk factors for PTGN. METHODS: Among the 996 Korean patients who underwent kidney transplantation in a multicenter cohort from 1995 to 2010, 764 patients were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: The incidence rate of PTGN was 9.7% and 17.0% at 5 and 10 years of follow-up, respectively. PTGN was diagnosed in 17.8% of the recipients with results of biopsy tests or clinical diagnosis identifying glomerular diseases as the underlying cause, compared with 0.0%, 4.4%, 4.9%, 5.5%, and 5.7% of the recipients with renal vascular diseases, renal interstitial diseases/pyelonephritis/uropathy, diabetic renal disease, hereditary renal diseases, and diseases with unknown etiologies, respectively. Allograft survival was significantly decreased in patients with PTGN. PTGN was associated with a fourfold increase in graft failure with a hazard ratio of 7.11 for both acute rejection and PTGN. Results of the risk factor analysis for PTGN revealed that the underlying glomerular renal diseases and treatment methods using drugs such as tacrolimus and basiliximab significantly increased PTGN development, after adjusting for other risk factors. CONCLUSION: We conclude that PTGN is strongly associated with poor kidney allograft survival. Therefore, optimal management of recurrent or de novo GN should be the critical focus of post-transplant care.