Transcarotid versus transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the 2021 Transcatheter Valve Therapy (TVT) registry, 8.9 % of patients underwent TAVR via access sites other than the femoral artery. Transthoracic approaches may be contraindicated in some patients and may be associated with poorer outcomes. Therefore other alternative access routes are increasingly being performed. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on transcarotid transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TC-TAVR) and meta-analysis comparing outcomes of TC-TAVR and other access routes. METHODS: We comprehensively searched for controlled randomized and non-randomized studies from 4 online databases. We presented data using risk ratios (95 % confidence intervals) and measured heterogeneity using Higgins' I2. RESULTS: Sixteen observational studies on transcarotid TAVR were included in the analysis; 4 studies compared TC-TAVR vs TF-TAVR. The mean age and STS score for patients undergoing TC-TAVR were 80 years and 7.6 respectively. For TF-TAVR patients, mean age and STS score were 81.2 years and 6.5 respectively. There was no difference between patients undergoing TC-TAVR and TF-TAVR in the following 30-day outcomes: MACE [8.4 % vs 6.7 %; OR 1.32 (95 % CI 0.71-2.46 p = 0.38) I2 = 0 %], mortality [5.6 % vs 4.0 %; OR 0.42 (95 % CI 0.60-3.37, P = 0.42) I2 = 0 %] and stroke [0.7 % vs 2.3 %; OR 0.49 (95 % CI 0.09-2.56, P = 0.40) I2 = 0 %]. There was no difference in 30-day major vascular complications [0.7 % vs 3 %; OR 0.55 (95 % CI 0.06-5.29, P = 0.61) I2 = 39 %], major bleeding [0.7 % vs 3.8 %; OR 0.39 (95 % CI 0.09-1.67, P = 0.21) I2 = 0 %], and moderate or severe aortic valve regurgitation [8.6 % vs 9.9 %; OR 0.89 (95 % CI 0.48-1.65, P = 0.72) I2 = 0 %]. CONCLUSION: There are no significant differences in mortality, stroke MACE and major or life-threatening bleeding or vascular complications when TC-TAVR is compared to TF-TAVR approaches.

Transcarotid versus transthoracic transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic approaches may be contraindicated in some patients and may be associated with poorer outcomes. Therefore other alternative access routes are increasingly being performed. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on Transcarotid transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TC-TAVR) and meta-analysis comparing outcomes of TC-TAVR and other access routes. METHODS: We comprehensively searched for controlled randomized and non-randomized studies from 4 online databases. We presented data using risk ratios (95 % confidence intervals) and measured heterogeneity using Higgins' I2. RESULTS: Sixteen observational studies on Transcarotid TAVR were included in the analysis; 4 studies compared 180 TC-TAVR patients vs 524 TT-TAVR patients. The mean age and STS score for patients undergoing TC-TAVR were 80 years and 7.6 respectively. For TT-TAVR patients, the mean age and STS score were 79.7 years and 8.7 respectively. TC-TAVR patients had lower 30-day MACE [7.8 % vs 13.7 %; OR 0.54 (95 % CI 0.29-0.99, P = 0.05)] and major or life-threatening bleeding [4.0 % vs 14.2 %; OR 0.25 (95 % CI 0.09-0.67, P = 0.006)]. There was no significant difference in 30-day: mortality [5.0 % vs 8.6 %; OR 0.61 (95 % CI 0.29-1.30, P = 0.20)], stroke or transient ischemic attack [2.8 % vs 4.0 %; OR 0.65 (95 % CI 0.25-1.73, P = 0.39)] and moderate or severe aortic valve regurgitation [5.0 % vs 4.6 %; OR 1.14. (95 % CI 0.52-2.52, P = 0.75)]. There was a trend towards fewer major vascular complications in TC-TAVR [3.0 % vs 7.8 %; OR 0.42 (95 % CI 0.16-1.12, P = 0.08)]. CONCLUSION: Compared with transthoracic TAVR, TC-TAVR patients had lower odds of 30-day MACE and life-threatening bleeding and no differences in 30-day mortality, stroke or TIA, aortic valve regurgitation.

Hepatocyte growth factor is associated with greater risk of extracoronary calcification: results from the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a biomarker with potential for use in the diagnosis, treatment and prognostication of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Elevated HGF is associated with calcification in the coronary arteries. However, knowledge is limited on the role HGF may play in extracoronary calcification (ECC). This study examined whether HGF is associated with ECC in the aortic valve (AVC), mitral annulus (MAC), ascending thoracic aorta and descending thoracic aortic (DTAC). METHODS: At baseline, adults aged 45-84 years, free of CVD, in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis had HGF and ECC measured by ELISA and cardiac CT scan, respectively. ECC measurements were repeated after an average of 2.4 years of follow-up. Prevalent ECC was defined as Agatston score >0 at baseline. Incident ECC was defined as Agatston score >0 at follow-up among participants with Agatston score=0 at baseline. We used Poisson and linear mixed-effects regression models to estimate the association between HGF and ECC, adjusted for sociodemographic and CVD risk factors. RESULTS: Of 6648 participants, 53% were women. Mean (SD) age was 62 (10) years. Median (IQR) of HGF was 905 (757-1087) pg/mL. After adjustment for CVD risk factors, the highest HGF levels (tertile 3) were associated with greater prevalence and extent of AVC, MAC and DTAC at baseline compared with the lowest tertile (tertile 1). Additionally, the risk of incident AVC and MAC increased by 62% and 45%, respectively, in demographic-adjusted models. However, the associations were not statistically significant in fully adjusted models. The highest HGF levels were also associated with 10% and 13% increase in MAC and DTAC progression, respectively, even after adjustment for CVD risk factors. CONCLUSION: Higher HGF levels were significantly associated with a greater risk of calcification at some extracoronary sites, suggesting an alternate biological pathway that could be targeted to reduce CVD risk.

Cardiovascular Outcomes Associated With Adult Electronic Cigarette Use.

Electronic cigarettes (E-Cigs) have been advertised as a safer alternative to smoking. However, E-Cigs use, like smoking, delivers ultra-small aerosol particles, which may be associated with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to look into the association between E-Cigs use and cardiovascular disease outcomes. The study involved self-reported data from 16,855 participants from the National Health Interview Survey data from years 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Results from the logistic regression analysis report E-Cigs users had higher odds of having myocardial infarction (OR 4.09, 95% CI [1.29, 12.98], P<0.05) when compared to non-users. Dual users had higher odds of myocardial infarction (OR 5.44, 95% CI [2.90, 10.22], P<0.05), stroke (OR 2.32, 95% CI [1.44, 3.74], P<0.05), and coronary artery disease (OR 2.27, 95% CI [1.37, 2.44], P<0.05) when compared to non-users.

Clinical Outcomes of the Dual-Therapy CD34 Antibody-Covered Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Versus Standard Drug-Eluting Coronary Stents: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronary stent neoatherosclerosis, thrombosis, and restenosis remain significant concerns with new-generation drug-eluting stents (DES). The Dual-Therapy CD34 antibody-covered sirolimus-eluting stent [dual therapy stent (DTS)] is a sirolimus-eluting stent with CD34 antibodies immobilized on its luminal surface to capture circulating endothelial progenitor cells and promote early endothelialization. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine whether the DTS was superior to standard DES. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search for controlled randomized and non-randomized studies. We presented data using risk ratios (95% confidence intervals) and measured heterogeneity using Higgins' I2. RESULTS: Five studies with a low risk of bias met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 1884 patients in the DTS and 1819 in standard DES arms. There was no difference between the 2 arms in the following 1-year outcomes: cardiac death [1% vs 0.9% RR 1.13 (95% CI 0.49-2.62) I2 = 0%], target lesion failure [6.2% vs 5.3% RR 1.12 (0.80-1.58) I2 = 0%], target lesion revascularization (TLR) [4.9% vs 3.4% RR 1.40 (0.93-2.10) I2 = 15%], target vessel failure [8.2% vs 6.1% RR 1.24 (0.75-2.04) I2 = 0%], target vessel myocardial infarction [1.1% vs 1.8% RR 0.73 (0.19-2.90) I2 = 62%] and stent thrombosis [0.4% vs 0.6% HR 0.85 (0.27-2.62) I2 = 0%]. However, compared with second-generation DES (EES and ZES), the DTS had significantly higher one-year TLR [5% vs. 3.1% RR 1.58 (1.02-2.46) P = 0.04 I2 = 0%]. CONCLUSION: One-year TLR was significantly higher in the DTS arm compared with second-generation DES. There was no difference in the other 1-year clinical outcomes compared with standard DES.

A Vanishing Left Atrial Cystic Mass: A Ruptured Blood Cyst?

Cardiac blood cysts are very rare in adults. Their etiology, pathogenesis, and optimal management remain unclear. We report a case of a large left atrial cystic mass with clinical and imaging characteristics of a blood cyst that vanished between chest CT angiogram and trans-esophageal echocardiogram examinations done 2 days apart, without embolic phenomena. This patient likely had a blood cyst that spontaneously ruptured. This case is unusual since we did not find a case published in the English literature of a spontaneously ruptured blood cyst.

Clinical Outcomes of Sentinel Cerebral Protection System Use During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with and without the use of the Sentinel Cerebral Protection System (Sentinel CPS). BACKGROUND: Stroke occurs in 2-5% of patients at 30 days after TAVR and increases mortality >3 fold. The Sentinel CPS is the only FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved cerebral embolic protection device. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Two authors independently screened and included studies comparing the clinical outcomes after TAVR with and without the Sentinel CPS. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tools (RoB2.0 and ROBINS-I). RESULTS: Four studies comparing 606 patients undergoing TAVR with Sentinel CPS to 724 without any embolic protection device were included. Sentinel CPS use was associated with lower rates of 30-day mortality [0.8% vs 2.7%; RR 0.34 (95% CI 0.12, 0.92) I2 = 0%], 30-day symptomatic stroke [3.5% vs 6.1%; RR 0.51 (95% CI 0.29, 0.90) I2 = 0] and major or life-threatening bleeding [3.3% vs 6.6%; RR 0.50 (0.26, 0.98) I2 = 16%]. There was no significant difference between the two arms in the incidence of acute kidney injury [0.8% vs 1%; RR 0.85 (95% CI 0.22, 3.24) I2 = 0%] and major vascular complications [5.1% vs 6%; RR 0.74 (0.33, 1.67) I2 = 45%]. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that Sentinel CPS use in TAVR is associated with a lower risk of stroke, mortality and major or life-threatening bleeding at 30 days.

Clinical Outcomes of Transcatheter vs Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis.

Background: Chronic liver disease increases cardiac surgical risk, with 30-day mortality ranging from 9% to 52% in patients with Child-Pugh class A and C, respectively. Data comparing the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with liver disease are limited. Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for relevant studies and assessed risk of bias using the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) Cochrane Collaboration tool. Results: Five observational studies with 359 TAVR and 1,872 SAVR patients were included in the analysis. Overall, patients undergoing TAVR had a statistically insignificant lower rate of in-hospital mortality (7.2% vs 18.1%; odds ratio [OR] 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25, 1.82; I2=61%) than patients receiving SAVR. In propensity score-matched cohorts, patients undergoing TAVR had lower rates of in-hospital mortality (7.3% vs 13.2%; OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.27, 0.98; I2=13%), blood transfusion (27.4% vs 51.1%; OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.21, 0.60; I2=31%), and hospital length of stay (10.9 vs 15.7 days; mean difference -6.32; 95% CI -10.28, -2.36; I2=83%) than patients having SAVR. No significant differences between the 2 interventions were detected in the proportion of patients discharged home (65.3% vs 53.9%; OR 1.3; 95% CI 0.56, 3.05; I2=67%), acute kidney injury (10.4% vs 17.1%; OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.29, 1.07; I2= 0%), or mean cost of hospitalization ($250,386 vs $257,464; standardized mean difference -0.07; 95% CI -0.29, 0.14; I2=0%). Conclusion: In patients with chronic liver disease, TAVR may be associated with lower rates of in-hospital mortality, blood transfusion, and hospital length of stay compared with SAVR.

Trans-Catheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement Outcomes in Patients with Dialysis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dialysis is associated with higher rate of aortic valve calcification and higher cardiovascular mortality. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established alternative for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with higher and intermediate co-morbidities including dialysis. METHODS: Two independent investigators systematically searched Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The ROBINS-I tool was used to analyze and assess the bias from the selected studies. RESULTS: The search resulted in 4 observational studies with a total of 966 patients. TAVR in dialysis patients was associated with no significant difference in in-hospital mortality [8.1% vs 10.3%; OR (95% CI) 0.74 (0.35, 1.60), I2 = 50%, P = 0.45], risk-of-strokes at 30 days [2% vs 4.4%; OR (95% CI) 0.49 (0.22, 1.09), I2 = 0%, P = 0.08], vascular complications [12.7% vs 13.2%; OR (95% CI) 0.96 (0.55, 1.67), I2 = 0%, P = 0.89], need of blood transfusion [43.1% vs 66.4%; OR (95% CI) 0.27 (0.05, 1.39), I2 = 89%, P = 0.12], or bleeding risk [5.6% vs 6.8%; OR (95% CI) 0.91 (0.18, 4.64), I2 = 5%, P = 0.91] when compared to SAVR. TAVR was associated with significantly shorter length of stay [8.5 days vs 14.2 days; mean difference (95% CI) -5.89 (-9.13, -2.64), I2 = 76%, P < 0.0001] and higher pacemaker implantation [11.4% vs 6.8%; OR (95% CI) 1.74 (1.07, 2.81), I2 = 5%, P = 0.02]. CONCLUSION: TAVR outcomes were comparable to SAVR but had a significantly shorter length of stay and a higher pacemaker implantation rate in dialysis patients.

Sudden Death from Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection due to Polyarteritis Nodosa.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an emerging and rare cause of acute coronary syndrome and sudden cardiac death. While it was previously reported among young females with fibromuscular dysplasia, new literature indicates that this condition could occur in older populations. Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) causes systemic necrotizing vasculitis which typically affects small to medium-sized muscular arteries and could affect the coronary arteries. A few case reports of PAN causing acute coronary artery disease have been reported in the literature. We report a case of a 62-year-old lady who presented with abdominal pain and died abruptly during her stay; she was found to have PAN-associated SCAD on autopsy.

Decreased Renal Function Is Associated with Elevated CHA2DS2VASC and R2CHADS2 Scores in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients Presenting with Stroke.

Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affects approximately 2.3 million patients in the United States, costing around $26 billion. Atrial fibrillation is associated with a two- to seven-fold increased risk of stroke, one of the most serious complications. Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 13% of the US population and has been associated with higher rates of AF than the general population. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the risk of stroke increases as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases, especially in CKD stages three and four. Several risks stratification scores such as CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, stroke), CHA2DS2VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease, age, sex), and R2CHADS2 (renal failure, congestive heart failure, age, diabetes, stroke) scores are used for stroke risk assessment in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This study investigates the association between renal functions and risk stratification scoring systems in patients with non-valvular AF presenting with stroke. Methods Using the convenience sampling method, 171 subjects were selected from the eligible population (n = 386). A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the association between the GFR and each of the CHA2DS2VASc and R2CHADS2 scores. In addition, a Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the association between the CHA2DS2VASc and R2CHADS2 scores. Results The selected population represented 44.3% of the eligible subjects. Of these, 88% were Caucasian, 60% were female, and the mean age was 78 years. The mean CHA2DS2VASc score was six (range 2-9). The mean eGFR was 69.77 (range 6-108). Both the mode and the median CHA2DS2VASc score was four (range 2-8). A weak, but significant, negative correlation was found between renal function (eGFR) and the CHA2DS2VASc score (r = -0.263; p = 0.0005). There was a stronger negative correlation between the eGFR and R2CHADS2score (r = -0.70; p < 0.00001). The CHA2DS2VASc and R2CHADS2scoring schemes were significantly and positively correlated (r = 0.627; p < 0.00001). Discussion In NVAF patients presenting with stroke, renal failure is associated with higher CHA2DS2VASc and R2CHADS2 scores. One must consider renal failure (end-stage or non-end stage renal failure) as an additional potential risk factor for stroke when recommending anticoagulation in non-valvular atrial fibrillation.