Choice of echocardiography method for postoperative evaluation of mitral valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis.

OBJECT: The French Cardiology Society (SFC) systematically recommends (Class I) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) after any mitral valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis (MMVR). Taking into account the increasing workload of echocardiography laboratories, our attitude was to propose that only post-operative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is performed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible risks of this simplified procedure. METHODS: We performed a precise analysis of one full year of practice of MMVR with exhaustive follow-up for the first 2 years concentrating on thromboembolic complications. RESULTS: From January to December 2003, 84 MMVRs (46 after rheumatic fever, 22 degenerative disease, 11 infective endocarditis (IE) and 5 ischemia) were conducted in 45 women and 39 men of average age 61 years. Early mortality (<30 days) concerned 5 patients (5.9%). A control TTE to determine normal prosthetic function was performed 7+/-2 days after surgery and this revealed 2 cases of nonobstructive thrombosis which were treated medically, 3 cases of paraprosthetic regurgitation, and 1 vegetation due to underlying IE. Actuarial survival was 90.5% at 1 year and 83.3% at 2 years. After a mean follow-up of 179.3 patient-years, 5 patients were reoperated (5.9%): 1 for IE, 1 for paravalvular regurgitation, 1 for mitral valve insufficiency with haemolysis, and 2 for obstructive prosthetic valve thromboses. In addition there were 2 cases of prosthetic valve thrombosis, 8 ischemic strokes (2 ministrokes, 6 sequelar strokes), and 1 peripheral embolism. The global thromboembolic complication rate was therefore 6.1 per 100 patient-years (n=11). There were 4 hemorrhagic events, i.e. a rate of 2.2 events per 100 patient-years. 63% of the 1193 INR conducted were within the target range (3-4.5), 26% were below 3 and 11% were greater than 4.5. 35% of patients with thromboembolic complications had an INR<3. CONCLUSION: Morbidity and mortality during the first 2 years after MMVR were relatively high but equivalent to the values of comparable series in the literature. These complications would not have been reduced by a more precise screening based on early TEE. Despite the increasingly litigious nature of the doctor-patient relationship, it would probably be excessive to oppose that this guideline was not followed in a dispute; in particular as it is difficult to apply this measure as echocardiography departments are overworked.

[Replacement of the ascending aorta with conservation of the aortic valve. Results of 50 cases using the Tirone David procedure]. / Remplacement de l'aorte ascendante avec conservation valvulaire aortique.

Aortic valve sparing operations are now widely accepted for ascending aortic aneurysm surgery. We herein report our experience of the Tirone David procedure in larger indications. From January 1997 to August 2003, 50 Tirone David procedure have been performed on 36 male and 14 female (mean age: 60 +/- 15). Five patients presented a Marfan disease and 4 acute dissections. Grade III or IV aortic insufficiency was frequent (40%). Aortic diameter was not particularly dilated, ranging from 44 to 78 mm (mean: 57 +/- 10 mm). Mean ejection fraction: 57 +/- 10%. Mean left ventricular end diastolic diameter =63 +/- 7 mm. An associated mitral valve repair and 1 coronary bypass were necessary. Mean cross clamp and bypass times =94 min and 122 +/- 28 min respectively. There was one in-hospital mortality. Secondary mortality affected 2 patients (non-cardiac deaths), for a cumulative follow-up of 946 months. During follow-up continence control was always excellent, only 1 bicuspid valve had an aortic insufficiency >grade II. Tirone David procedure gave satisfactory results as regards both aortic ectasia and aortic regurgitation control. We consider it feasible even in case of aortic dissection but caution is required when facing bicuspid aortic valves.

Alteration of the left ventricular contractile reserve in heart transplant patients: a dobutamine stress strain rate imaging study.

BACKGROUND: Strain rate imaging (SRI), a recently developed Doppler-derived process, allows quantification of myocardial systolic function. We investigate whether SRI quantifies the contractile reserve during dobutamine stress tests in heart transplant patients (HT), when compared with normal individuals. METHODS: An incremental dobutamine test (5 to 40 microg/kg per minute) was performed in 10 HT and 15 control subjects, all of whom displayed normal coronary angiography. Gray-scale and color myocardial Doppler data were acquired in standard B-mode views at baseline, low-dose, peak, and recovery. Longitudinal SR was processed from the myocardial velocities for each segment. The changes in maximal systolic SR were used to quantify myocardial contractile reserve. RESULTS: Dobutamine infusion failed to induce clinical symptoms or electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in either group. Visually determined wall motion score was considered normal in all segments for each stage of the dobutamine stress. Heart rate was augmented similarly in both groups during dobutamine infusion. In controls, systolic SR increased gradually with incremental dobutamine dose and returned to baseline values upon recovery. Conversely, in HT patients, the increase in systolic SR was blunted at peak dobutamine, at which point it was significantly different vs controls. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative assessment of myocardial function using SRI during dobutamine stress revealed an impaired contractile reserve in HT patients with normal coronary angiography. These subtle changes in regional myocardial function could not be identified using visual wall motion scoring. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate whether SR imaging detection of contractile reserve impairment will improve clinical efficiency or event prediction in this population.

[Hypoxemia secondary to inferior vena cava return into left atrium]. / Hypoxémie secondaire à un abouchement de la veine cave inférieure dans l'oreillette gauche.

The case of a right-to-left shunt-induced hypoxemia with an abnormal return of the inferior vena cava (AIVCR) into the left atrium (LA) is reported in a 30-year-old male with cyanosis and polycythemia. The chest X ray and the lung CT scan was normal. Spirometry was normal but the transfert-CO coefficient (KCO) was lowered. Hypoxemia was observed at rest and worsening during exercise. The alveolo-arterial oxygen tension difference under hyperoxia was increased (56 kPa). Contrast echocardiography (CEch) suggested the presence of an AIVCR with a right-to-left shunt only observed by the inferior route. The inferior vena cava (IVC) angiography and the magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an AIVCR characterized by a direct drainage of IVC in the left atrium. The good tolerance can be explained by the association of AIVCR with an inter-auricular septal defect resulting in a left-to-right shunt which partially corrected the right-to-left shunt. After surgical treatment, arterial blood gases normalized, KCO remained low and CEch became negative.

A closed interatrial septum aneurysm, filled with blood, mimicking a tumour in the right atrium.

We report the case of a 70-year-old woman with rheumatic mitral stenosis and a transient ischaemic attack. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed a cystic mass in the right atrium, hanging to the interatrial septum by a pedicle, not circulating. The mass was heterogeneous and suggested a tumour (myxoma) or a thrombus. Surgical resection showed it was an interatrial septal aneurysm, closed on itself, filled with blood. The usual causes of cardiac tumours and pathogeny of large interatrial aneurysms are discussed.

Course of valvular strands in patients with stroke: cooperative study with transesophageal echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Native valve strands might be related to the acute stage of thrombosis or might suggest a long-term valvular change. We aimed to estimate changes in the strands in patients with stroke through a serial transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) study. METHODS AND RESULTS: A study was conducted among patients who were referred for TEE for stroke or cardiac pathology. Patients had TEE examinations with a 5-MHz multiplane TEE probe. Echocardiography was repeated 3 months later in patients with stroke. TEE was performed in 180 patients admitted to cardiology units and in 160 patients referred to neurology units. Among 34 patients with valvular strands, 30 were referred to neurology for stroke, whereas 4 patients were admitted to cardiology (18.8% versus 2.2%, difference 16.5%, 95% confidence interval 10% to 22.9%, P =.001). Strands were located on the mitral valve in 16 patients, the aortic valve in 6 patients, and both left heart valves in 8 patients. Among the 38 valves with strands, 17 (44. 7%) were morphologically normal, 4 (10.5%) were thickened, 7 (18.4%) were redundant, and 10 (26.3%) had both abnormalities. TEE showed other abnormalities in 16 (53.3%) patients, whereas 14 patients had only strands. Twenty-six (86.6%) patients had a second TEE study 3 months later. Strands were not found in 4 (15.4%) patients (95% confidence interval 4.3% to 34.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Valvular thickening or redundancy may predispose valves to strand formation. Native valve strands usually persist and thus reflect a chronic valvular change.

Giant lambl excrescences. An unusual source of cerebral embolism.

BACKGROUND: A possible association of giant Lambl excrescences (LEs) with stroke has been suggested. However, the treatment of giant LEs is controversial because minimal data are available. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the management of giant LEs through a clinicopathologic study. CASE SERIES: Three young patients (2 women and 1 man) who experienced ischemic stroke were studied. Results of general examinations were normal, as were chest x-ray films, electrocardiograms, ultrasonograms of the neck, and cerebral angiograms. Extensive serological and blood testing failed to show any coagulopathies or systemic disorders that favored a stroke in these patients. Transesophageal echocardiography showed a mitral valve lesion (width, > 1 mm). Two patients (cases 1 and 3) were discharged on a regimen of anticoagulant therapy and sequential transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring was planned, whereas 1 patient (case 2) was promptly scheduled for surgery. A second stroke occurred in patients 1 and 3 at 3 and 6 months, respectively, thus leading to surgery in these 2 patients. Findings from histopathologic studies were consistent with the diagnosis of giant LEs. The patients' outcomes were uneventful after surgery, and none had a recurrence of a stroke. CONCLUSIONS: A relationship between giant LEs and stroke may be suggested. In patients who have transesophageal echocardiographic findings that are consistent with this diagnosis and recurrent stroke despite antithrombotic therapy and without an alternative explanation for the ischemic symptoms, surgery should be considered in view of these findings.

Potential cardioembolic sources of stroke in patients less than 60 years of age.

Minor potential cardioembolic sources of stroke such as atrial septal aneurysm or patent foramen ovale are important risk factors for cryptogenic stroke. We aimed to determine the prevalence of these abnormalities through an exhaustive aetiological work-up. One hundred and eighteen stroke patients under 60 years of age, who had no evidence of a significant cardiac source of embolism, were classified into four groups following transoesophageal echocardiography and assessment of cervical arteries. Group A comprised 30 patients (25.4%) who had an arteriopathy, probably related to stroke without any cardiac abnormality; group B, had only a potential cardiac source; group C, nine (7.6%) had an obvious arterial source of stroke and incidental cardiac abnormalities; group D, 30 (25.4%) had neither cardiac or arterial source. Data were analysed with the Chi-square test to compare risk factors between groups, and variance analysis was used to compare age between groups. Significance was assessed as P < 0.05. Fisher's exact test was used to test the association between arterial septal aneurysm and patient foramen ovale. In groups B and D atrial septal aneurysm represented 56.8% of the cardiac abnormalities and was diagnosed in 35.4% of the 79 patients who had an unexplained stroke, and a patent foramen ovale was found in 34.1% of the patients. According to Fisher's exact test, atrial septal aneurysm was significantly associated with patent foramen ovale (P < < 0.001). On this basis, one fourth of the patients might be said to have had a truly cryptogenic stroke as the aetiological work-up failed to demonstrate any source of stroke. Comparison between groups showed that in 23% of the patients in whom an arterial source was detected, there was also a potential cardioembolic source (group C), vs 62% in patients who had no arterial source (groups B and D) (P = 0.0007). Our study confirmed the strong association between atrial septal aneurysm, patent foramen ovale and stroke. Although there was a lower incidence of cardiac risk factors for stroke in patients who had cervical artery disease, we suggest that all patients who have a stroke without evidence of a major cardiac source should undergo transoesophageal echocardiography, in order to ensure a better prevention.

Transesophageal echocardiography in patients less than 60 years of age without obvious cardiac source of embolism.

Minor potential cardioembolic sources of stroke such as atrial septal aneurysms (ASA) or patent foramen ovale (PFO) are important risk factors for cryptogenic stroke. We aim to determine the prevalence of these abnormalities through an exhaustive etiological workup including transesophageal echocardiography and cervical arteries assessment in stroke patients younger than 60 years of age who had no evidence of a significant source of embolism. We classified 118 stroke patients into four groups according to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cervical arteries assessment findings. Group A, consisted of 30 (25.4%) patients who had an arteriopathy likely related to stroke without any cardiac abnormality; Group B, 49 (41%) patients who had only a potential cardiac source; Group C, 9 (7.6%) patients who had an obvious arterial source of stroke and incidental cardiac abnormalities, and Group D, 30 (25.4%) patients who had neither cardiac nor arterial source. Data were analysed with X2 test for the comparison of risk factors between groups. Variance analysis was used to compare age between groups. Significance was assessed as p < 0.05. ASA represented 56.8% of the cardiac abnormalities and was diagnosed in 35.4% of the 79 patients who had an unexplained stroke (B and D). A PFO was found in 34.1% of the patients who had a cryptogenic stroke (B and D). According to Fisher's exact test, ASA was significantly associated to PFO (p << 0.001). According to this selection one fourth of the patients might have a truly cryptogenic stroke as the etiological workup failed to demonstrate any source of stroke. Comparison between groups showed that the patients in whom an arterial source was detected also had a potential cardioembolic source in 23% of the cases (C), versus 62% in patients who had no arterial source (B and D) (p = 0.0007). Our study confirmed the strong association between ASA, PFO and stroke. Although there was a lower incidence of minor potential cardioembolic sources in patients who had a cervical artery disease, we suggest a systematic TEE screening in all patients with stroke without major cardiac source, in order to ensure a better prevention.

[Lambl's excrescence: an uncommon cause of cerebral embolism]. / Excroissance de Lambl: une cause inhabituelle d'embolie cérébrale.

A 31 year old right handed woman presented with acute onset of aphasia which cleared over two days. CT-scan showed a left middle cerebral artery infarct within Wernicke area. Initial transesophageal two-dimensional echocardiography disclosed a mitral valve lesion suggesting a thrombus. She was discharged on oral anticoagulant treatment. A second stroke occurred ten months later involving left lenticulo-striate arteries area. Echocardiography remain unchanged. Subsequently, giant Lambl's excrescences of mitral valve was confirmed by operation and pathologic examination. The majority of patients with Lambl's excrescences are asymptomatic. However surface thrombus is common with this tumors which reposant a potential us for cerebral embolization. These tumors should be operated since complete excision is the only definitive means of eliminating the source of recurrent embolization.

[Clinical and hemodynamic prognosis after tricuspid valve replacement with bioprosthesis]. / Pronostic clinique et hémodynamique après remplacement valvulaire tricuspide par bioprothèse.

Between 1974 and 1990, 58 patients underwent tricuspid valve replacement with a porcine bioprosthesis (Hancock 42, Carpentier-Edwards 16) in the course of polyvalvular replacement (double 21, triple 37). Early postoperative mortality was 12%: 16 patients died secondarily, usually of cardiac causes. The actuarial survival (1 patient lost to follow-up) was 81 +/- 11% at 5 years and 60 +/- 17% at 10 years. Two patients were reoperated for dysfunction of a Hancock bioprosthesis, 11 and 15 years after implantation. At long-term, with an average follow-up of 108 +/- 48 months, 82% of survivors (28/34) were clinically improved. Doppler echocardiography was performed in 29 patients in February 1991. In 21 cases, with a follow-up of 88 +/- 40 months, the bioprosthesis was normal with an average diastolic transprosthetic pressure gradient of 3.8 +/- 1.7 mmHg. In 7 patients followed up for 129 +/- 40 months (p < 0.05) moderate dysfunction of the Hancock prosthesis was observed with a mean diastolic pressure. Severe dysfunction of a Hancock prosthesis was observed in 1 case. Fixed pulmonary hypertension was noted in 11 cases and was associated with a poor clinical result and a raised mean diastolic transprosthetic pressure gradient. The durability and haemodynamic performance of tricuspid porcine bioprostheses are satisfactory in the long term. Prosthetic dysfunction is correlated to the duration of implantation of the bioprosthesis and to persistent pulmonary hypertension.

Long-term results of porcine bioprostheses in the tricuspid position.

Between 1974 and 1990, 58 patients underwent tricuspid valve replacement with porcine bioprostheses (Hancock 42, Carpentier-Edwards 16) during multiple valve replacement (double, 21; triple, 37). Perioperative mortality was 12%; 16 patients died later, mostly from cardiac causes. Actuarial survival (1 patient lost to follow-up) was 81% +/- 11% at 5 years, and 60 +/- 17% at 10 years. Reoperation because of Hancock prosthesis deterioration was performed in 2 patients at 11 and 15 years, respectively. At last follow-up (mean 108 +/- 48 months), 82% of survivors (28/34) were functionally improved. Doppler echocardiography was performed in 29 patients in February 1991. In 21 patients, after 88 +/- 40 months of follow-up, the bioprosthesis was normal, there was no leaflet malformation, no significant tricuspid regurgitation and the mean diastolic transprosthetic gradient (DTPG) was 3.8 +/- 1.7 mmHg. In 7 patients (follow-up: 129 +/- 40 months, P less than 0.05), there was moderate dysfunction (all Hancock prostheses) with leaflet sclerosis, tricuspid regurgitation grade 2, and mean DTPG 5.7 +/- 1.8 mmHg (P less than 0.05). Only 1 patient (Hancock prosthesis implanted in 1981) had severe tricuspid prosthesis stenosis with very thickened leaflets and mean DTPG 13 mmHg. Pulmonary artery hypertension (most often fixed) was present in 11 patients, associated with a poor functional result and a significantly higher DTPG. We conclude that porcine bioprostheses in tricuspid position have an acceptable long-term durability and satisfactory performance. Prosthetic dysfunction correlates with the length of follow-up of patients and with the presence of fixed pulmonary artery hypertension.

[Estimate of the frequency of excessive diagnosis and treatment of hypertension]. / Une estimation de la fréquence des diagnostics et traitements abusifs de l'hypertension.

The ALPHA program aimed at testing the feasibility and the efficiency of a multifactorial, primary preventive intervention for cardiovascular diseases. It dealt with two occupational populations: intervention and control (without any randomization), each amounting to about 12,000 people. Largely because of the economic crisis, only 9,598 and 9,558 people were seen at the 1976 initial examination, and only 43 per cent of these were re-examined at the 1981-82 final examination. In 1976, there were some significative differences between the two populations (more smokers, and less anti-hypertensive treatments in the intervention group). The same differences were found in 1981-82. So the intervention was not proved efficient, and the two populations could be pooled for the present analysis restricted to the french people (to diminish the risk of misunderstanding), aged 20-59 at the initial 1976 examination. We used the following (arbitrary) criteria of hypertension: being treated for hypertension, and/or two BP readings at 160 and/or 94 mmHg at a few minutes interval. 1) In 1981-82, 659 men and 492 women answered that they were still treated for hypertension, and/or had been previously said that they had hypertension or too much blood pressure. At this 1981-82 examination, 298 of these men (45 per cent) and 294 of these women (58 per cent) did not meet the criteria of hypertension. 2) In 1976, 3,114 men and 2,429 women did not meet the criteria of hypertension. At the 1981-82 examination, they were asked whether they had had any antihypertensive treatment previously given. 139 were still under antihypertensive treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Prognostic value of serum creatinine in treated hypertensives. A case-controlled study]. / Valeur pronostique de la créatininémie chez l'hypertendu traité. Etude cas-contrôle.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic value of serum creatinine (SC), in treated hypertensive subjects (HT). In a clinical population of 2738 HT consecutively examined between october 1969 and december 1982, as in-patients (n = 1599) or out-patients (n = 1139): 152 had a moderate elevation (ME) of SC: below 178 USI but above the "normal limit" (124 USI in men, 106 USI in women); 95 had a severe elevation (SE) of SC: above 17 USI. Whenever possible, each of these cases was matched to a control, belonging to the same population: same sex, same age (+/- 5 years), same group (in-patient or out-patient), same date of initial examination (+/- 6 months), but normal SC. 119 ME and 63 SE could be matched. The response rate of the mortality survey (november 1985) was 100 per cent. The mean follow-up period was 10 years (range 3 to 16 years). RESULTS: At initial examination, ME and SE cases differed significantly from their controls in several variables (mainly: more frequent T or J-ST ECG abnormalities and stage III-IV retinal changes); The life-table survival rate was moderately and non significantly reduced in ME cases (57 per cent at 10 years vs 66 per cent in controls); this decrease was only observed and significant (p less than 0.001) in subjects aged 60 to 79 years. In SE cases, survival rate was markedly reduced (43 per cent at 10 years vs 73 per cent in controls, p less than 0.001) and this reduction is observed at least since the age 40.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)