Rethinking appropriate blanking period after atrial fibrillation ablation.

BACKGROUND: Early recurrence (ER) within a 90-day blanking period (BP) in catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is a risk factor for late recurrence (LR) after 90 days postoperatively. However, few reports have examined them in the second CA and compared them to the first CA. Moreover, in recent years, there have been reports suggesting that BP should be reduced from 90 to 30 days. Therefore, the association between ER and LR in the first and the second CA was examined, and the validity of a 30-day BP was evaluated. METHODS: A total of 511 consecutive patients undergoing the first CA and 116 of these patients undergoing the second CA for AF at a single institution from November 2016 to December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: When ER within a 90-day BP was divided into 0-30 days and 31-90 days according to the timing of the last ER episode, the hazard ratios on LR of them relative to no ER were 2.7 {95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-4.2} and 9.7 (95% CI 6.6-14.3), respectively, for the first CA and 15.3 (95% CI 4.7-50.1) and 44.1 (95% CI 14.0-139.4), respectively, for the second CA. CONCLUSIONS: ER was strongly associated with LR, especially in patients with the last episode of ER more than 30 days after CA. This was pronounced in cases after the second CA, when PVI appeared to be completed. With the current improvement in PVI durability, BP may be acceptable for 30 days.

Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation Patients on Hemodialysis (From the Kansai Plus Atrial Fibrillation Registry)　- Clinical Impact of Early Recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients on hemodialysis (HD) is reported to have a high risk of late recurrence (LR). However, the relationship between early recurrence (ER) within a 90-day blanking period after CA in AF patients and LR in HD patients remains unclear.Methods and Results: Of the 5,010 patients in the Kansai Plus Atrial Fibrillation Registry, 5,009 were included in the present study. Of these patients, 4,942 were not on HD (non-HD group) and 67 were on HD (HD group). HD was an independent risk factor for LR after the initial CA (adjusted hazard ratio 1.6; 95% confidence interval 1.1-2.2; P=0.01). In patients with ER, the rate of sinus rhythm maintenance at 3 years after the initial CA was significantly lower in the HD than non-HD group (11.4% vs. 35.4%, respectively; log-rank P=0.004). However, in patients without ER, there was no significant difference in the rate of sinus rhythm maintenance at 3 years between the HD and non-HD groups (67.7% vs. 74.5%, respectively; log-rank P=0.62). CONCLUSIONS: ER in HD patients was a strong risk factor for LR. However, even HD patients could expect a good outcome without ER after the initial CA.

Fulminant myocarditis with complete atrioventricular block after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination: A case report.

A 71-year-old man was transferred urgently to our hospital after collapsing near his home post the first shot of the BNT162b2 coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech, Comirnaty®). Immediately after arrival at our hospital, cardiac arrest due to complete atrioventricular block with no ventricular escaped beats was observed on electrocardiogram. Echocardiography showed preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, however, diffuse severe hypokinesia was revealed after 3 weeks, and he died 3 months after admission because of worsening heart failure. An autopsy examination revealed eosinophilic myocarditis or hypersensitivity myocarditis with extensive fibrosis and widespread myocardial dropout throughout the heart. Learning objective: 1. Severe myocarditis occurs extremely rarely after mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. 2. Myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination might cause complete atrioventricular block, followed by a course of decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. 3. Histologically, severe myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination seems to present as fulminant necrotizing eosinophilic myocarditis or hypersensitivity myocarditis.

The association between late-phase early recurrence within the blanking period after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation and long-term recurrence: Insights from a large-scale multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the timing of the first early recurrence and late recurrence after a single catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation is controversial. METHODS: The Efficacy of Short-Term Use of Antiarrhythmic Drugs After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation trial followed 2038 patients who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: Of the patients, 907 (45%) had early recurrences within 90 days after the initial ablation. We divided these patients into two groups according to the timing of the first early recurrence episode, namely the ER1 group (early recurrence during the early phase; 0-30 days, n = 814) and ER2 group (early recurrence during the late phase; 31-90 days, n = 93). Three years after ablation, patients with early recurrences had a significantly lower event-free rate from late recurrences after a 90-day blanking period than patients without early recurrences (36.2% and 74.2%, respectively; log-rank, P < 0.0001). Three years after ablation, the event-free rate was significantly higher in the ER1 than the ER2 group (38.3% and 17.1%, respectively; log-rank, P < 0.0001). Moreover, the event-free rate at 3 years in the ER2 group was extremely low (5.6%) in patient with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: Early recurrences were strongly associated with late recurrences, especially in patients with the first recurrence episode at >1 month within the blanking period after a single ablation procedure. Therefore, these patients should undergo close observation during follow-up, when they had especially with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Improvement in quality of life and cardiac function after catheter ablation for asymptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is widely performed. However, the indication for CA in patients with asymptomatic persistent AF is still controversial. METHODS: Among 259 consecutive patients who were hospitalized for initial CA of AF, a total of 45 patients who had asymptomatic persistent AF were retrospectively analyzed. Quality of life (QOL) before and 1 year after CA was evaluated, and changes in the cardiac function over 5 years after CA were also examined. QOL was assessed using the AF QOL questionnaire (AFQLQ) developed by the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society. In addition, cardiac function was assessed by measuring the plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial diameter (LAD) with transthoracic echocardiogram, and left atrial (LA) volume with computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: The AFQLQ significantly improved after CA in terms of "symptom frequency" and "activity limits and mental anxiety." The plasma BNP level, LVEF, and LAD significantly improved in the first 3 months after the first CA, with no significant changes thereafter (from 149.0 pg/dL [95% confidence intervals {CI}, 114.5-183.5 pg/dL] to 49.8 pg/dL [95% CI, 26.5-70.1], P < .0001; from 60.8% [95% CI, 58.1%-63.6%] to 65.0% [95% CI, 62.6-67.4], P = .001; and from 41.3 mm [95% CI, 39.7-42.9] to 36.8 [95% CI, 34.5-39.1 mm], P < .0001, respectively). LA volume revealed LA reverse remodeling after CA. CONCLUSION: Improvement in the QOL and cardiac function after CA of asymptomatic persistent AF was revealed. Asymptomatic persistent AF should be appropriately treated by CA.

Rate-dependent and unidirectional conduction block between the left pulmonary vein and left atrium after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

A 77-year-old woman with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), but subsequently experienced recurrence. In the second session, unidirectional left atrium (LA)-left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) conduction was revealed to exist at the carina of the LSPV. Left pulmonary vein (LPV) pacing performed in a cycle between 300 and 260 ms revealed rate-dependent pulmonary vein (PV)-LA conduction, and the location was estimated to be in the roof of the LSPV. PV isolation was achieved after ablation of two gaps. Consideration of the presence of rate-dependent gaps may be useful to confirm bidirectional block lines after ablation.

Relationship between left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and very late recurrences after multiple procedures for atrial fibrillation ablation.

Although very late recurrences (VLRs) (first recurrence >12 months after the last catheter ablation) of atrial fibrillation (AF) after multiple catheter ablation procedures are rare, it remains a critical issue. The risk factors for VLRs remain largely unclear. From December 2011 to April 2014, 253 patients underwent an initial catheter ablation. Of the 253 patients, 21 had AF recurrences within 1 year after the last catheter ablation. The study was conducted in the remaining 232 patients. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) was assessed by echocardiography using composite categories with tissue Doppler imaging and left atrial volume measurements, i.e., a septal e' < 8 cm/s, lateral e' < 10 cm/s, and left atrium volume index (LAV/body surface area) (LAVI) ≥34 mL/m2. LVDD was observed in 40 patients. Sinus rhythm was preserved in 220 patients after multiple catheter procedures, and 12 had VLRs. The clinical factors possibly related to VLRs were examined, and a multivariate regression analysis showed that LVDD was the only independent risk factor for VLRs (hazard ratio: 10.31, 95% confidence interval: 2.78-38.18, P < 0.0001). LVDD at baseline is a risk factor for a VLR after multiple catheter ablation procedures for AF.

Impact of aortic plaque on progression rate and prognosis of aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUNDS: Patients with aortic stenosis (AS) have a high prevalence of aortic plaque. However, no data exist regarding the clinical significance and prognostic value of aortic plaque in AS patients. This study examines the impact of aortic plaque on the rate of progression and clinical outcomes of AS. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 1812 transesophageal echocardiographic examinations between 2008 and 2015. We selected 100 consecutive patients (mean age; 75.1±7.4years) who showed maximal aortic jet velocity (AV-Vel) ≥2.0m/s by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and received follow-up TTE (mean follow-up duration 25±17months), and the mean progression rate of AV-Vel was calculated. Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, including severity of aortic plaque, and cardiac events were examined. RESULTS: At initial TTE, mean AV-Vel was 3.68±0.94m/s and mean aortic valve area 0.98±0.32cm2. Mean progression rate of AV-Vel was 0.41m/s/year in 38 patients with severe aortic plaque, and -0.03m/s/year in the remaining 62 patients without severe aortic plaque. Severe aortic plaque (odds ratio[OR], 8.32) and hemodialysis (OR, 6.03) were independent predictors of rapid progression. The event-free survival rate at 3years was significantly lower in patients with severe aortic plaque than in those without (52% vs 82%, p=0.002). Severe aortic plaque (hazard ratio[HR], 2.89) and AV-Vel at initial TTE (HR, 3.28) were identified as independent predictors of cardiac events. CONCLUSION: Severe aortic plaque was a predictor of rapid progression and poor prognosis in AS patients. Evaluation of aortic plaque provides additional information regarding surgical scheduling and follow-up.

Very long-term clinical outcomes after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: A large single-center experience.

AIMS: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has become widely used for drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is a paucity of data on the long-term clinical outcomes after RFCA for AF. The aim of the present study was to investigate the very long-term outcomes after RFCA for AF in a large number of consecutive patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this retrospective single-center study, we evaluated very long-term follow-up results in 1206 consecutive patients undergoing first RFCA for AF. The primary outcomes were adverse outcomes at 30-day as a safety outcome measure and event-free rates from recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias as efficacy outcome measures. Final follow-up rate reached 99.3% with a mean follow-up duration of 5.0±2.5years. The incidence of overall 30-day adverse outcomes was 3.6% without death. The 10-year event-free rates from recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias after the initial and last procedures were 46.9% and 76.4%, respectively. Arrhythmia recurrence occurred most commonly during the first year and decreased beyond 3-year, although it continued to occur at an annual rate of 2.0% and 1.3%, respectively, throughout the 10-year follow-up period. The cumulative 10-year incidences of stroke and major bleeding were 4.2% and 3.5%, respectively, with annual rates of 0.3%. Discontinuation rate of oral anticoagulation at 1-, 3-, and 10-year was 34.6%, 53.4%, 58.0% and 61.9%. CONCLUSIONS: RFCA for AF provided favorable very long-term arrhythmia-free survival without much safety concerns. The 10-year rates of stroke and major bleeding were low even with discontinuation of oral anticoagulation in a large proportion of patients.

Efficacy of Intensive Radiofrequency Energy Delivery to the Localized Dense Scar Area in Post-Infarction Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation　- A Comparative Study With Standard Strategy Targeting the Infarcted Border Zone.

BACKGROUND: Several reports have demonstrated the importance of severely low voltage areas as arrhythmogenic substrates of ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, a comparative study of dense scar-targeted and infarcted border zone-targeted strategies has not been reported.Methods and Results:We divided 109 consecutive patients with VT post-infarction from 6 centers into 2 groups according to the ablation strategy used: dense scar-targeted ablation (DS ablation, 48%) or border zone-targeted ablation (BZ ablation, 52%). During DS ablation, we attempted to identify VT isthmuses in the dense scar areas (≤0.6 mV) using detailed pace mapping, and linear ablation lesions were applied mainly to those areas. During BZ ablation, linear ablation of standard low voltage areas (0.5-1.5 mV) was performed along with good pace map sites of the clinical VT. Acute success was defined as complete success (no VTs inducible) or partial success (clinical VT was noninducible). The acute complete success rate was significantly higher for DS ablation than for BZ ablation (62% vs. 42%, P=0.043). During a median follow-up of 37 months, the VT-free survival rate was significantly higher for DS ablation than for BZ ablation (80% vs. 58% at 48 months; log-rank P=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: DS ablation may be a more effective therapy for post-infarction VT than BZ ablation in terms of the acute complete success rate and long-term follow-up.

Diagnostic accuracy of the Embolic Risk French Calculator for symptomatic embolism with infective endocarditis among Japanese population.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the Embolic Risk French Calculator (ER-Calculator) was designed to predict symptomatic embolism (SE) associated with infective endocarditis (IE), but external validation has not been reported. This study aimed to determine predictors of SE and the diagnostic accuracy of the ER-Calculator in left-sided active IE among a Japanese population. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 166 consecutive patients with a definite diagnosis of left-sided IE from 1994 to 2015 in our institution. SE during the period after initiation of antibiotic therapy was defined as new SE and embolism during the period before initiation of antibiotic therapy was defined as previous embolism. The primary endpoint was new SE. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 63±17 years. New SE occurred in 23 (14%) patients at a median of 6 days (interquartile range: 2.5-12.5 days) after initiation of antibiotic therapy. The cumulative incidence of new SE at 12 weeks was 18.2%. The 2-week probability by the ER-Calculator as well as previously reported predictors, such as previous embolism, vegetation length (>10mm), and their combination, were associated with a high risk of new SE. By receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve of the 2-week probability by the ER-Calculator for prediction of new SE was 0.75 and the optimal cut-off value was 8%. A 2-week probability >8% by the ER-Calculator was the most useful predictor of new SE (hazard ratio 3.63, 95% confidence interval 1.50-8.37; p=0.006), which was more remarkable for fatal embolic events (hazard ratio 13.9, 95% confidence interval 3.19-95.4; p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The ER-Calculator is a useful predictor of new SE. Predictive ability is more remarkable for critical embolic events.

Actual management and prognosis of severe isolated tricuspid regurgitation associated with atrial fibrillation without structural heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) without structural heart diseases can show severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), especially among aged people. The aim of this study was to clarify the actual management, prognosis, and prognostic factors for severe isolated TR associated with AF without structural heart diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively investigated actual management in 178 consecutive patients with severe isolated TR associated with AF between 1999 and 2011 in our institution. Prognosis and its predictors were also investigated in 115 patients (68 persistent TR and 47 transient TR) who were followed-up for >1year. During the follow-up period (mean: 5.9years), event free rate from death due to right-sided heart failure (RHF) was 97% at 5years. Persistent TR was associated with higher risk of hospitalization due to RHF than transient TR (log-rank P=0.048) and death due to RHF were all seen in patients with persistent TR who experienced hospitalization due to RHF. Among patients with persistent TR, right ventricular outflow tract dimension >35.3mm, right atrial area >40.3cm2, and tenting height >2.1mm were associated with higher risk of hospitalization due to RHF (adjusted hazard ratio: 3.32, 3.83, and 2.89, respectively; P=0.003, 0.002, and 0.009, respectively). CONCLUSION: The prognosis of severe isolated TR associated with AF was good with a focus on cardiac death. However, the incidence of cardiac death increased among patients who experienced hospitalization due to RHF. Larger right ventricular outflow tract dimension, right atrial area and tenting height were predictors of hospitalization due to RHF.

Risk Factors of Aortic Plaque Progression Evaluated by Long-Term Follow-Up Data With Transesophageal Echocardiography.

There are few longitudinal data regarding aortic plaque. This study aimed to examine chronological changes in aortic plaques with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and to clarify the risk factors of aortic plaque progression. Among 2,675 consecutive patients who underwent TEE, we retrospectively investigated 252 patients who underwent follow-up TEE with an interval >3 years. The thickness and morphology of aortic plaques were examined. Chronological changes in aortic plaques were investigated by comparing baseline and follow-up TEE. Clinical factors, laboratory data, and medications were evaluated. Among 252 study patients, the grade of aortic plaques was unchanged in 213 (group U), but progression was observed in 32 (group P) and regression in 7 patients (group R). Patients in group P were older; they had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, smoking habit, and moderate or severe plaque at baseline TEE; more patients were using statins and no warfarin; and they had higher creatinine levels than those in group U. In multivariate analysis, moderate or severe plaques at baseline TEE were the strongest predictor of plaque progression. Among 50 patients who showed moderate or severe plaque at baseline TEE, smoking habit and no anticoagulation therapy were predictors of plaque progression. In conclusion, aortic plaques should be followed up using TEE in patients with moderate or severe plaque at baseline TEE.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors After Pericardiectomy for Constrictive Pericarditis in a Japanese Population.

BACKGROUND: Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is characterized by impaired diastolic cardiac function leading to heart failure. Pericardiectomy is considered effective treatment for CP, but data on long-term clinical outcomes after pericardiectomy are limited.Methods and Results:We retrospectively investigated 45 consecutive patients (mean age, 59±14 years) who underwent pericardiectomy for CP. Preoperative clinical factors, parameters of cardiac catheterization, and cardiac events were examined. Cardiac events were defined as hospitalization owing to heart failure or cardiac death.Median follow-up was 5.7 years. CP etiology was idiopathic in 16 patients, post-cardiac surgery (CS) in 21, tuberculosis-related in 4, non-tuberculosis infection-related in 2, infarction-related in 1, and post-radiation in 1. The 5-year event-free survival was 65%. Patients with idiopathic CP and tuberculosis-related CP had favorable outcomes compared with post-CS CP (5-year event-free survival: idiopathic, 80%; tuberculosis, 100%; post-CS, 52%). Higher age (hazard ratio: 2.51), preoperative atrial fibrillation (3.25), advanced New York Heart Association class (3.92), and increased pulmonary artery pressure (1.06) were predictors of cardiac events. Patients with postoperative right-atrial pressure ≥9 mmHg had lower event-free survival than those with right-atrial pressure <9 mmHg (39% vs. 75% at 5 years, P=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term clinical outcomes after pericardiectomy among a Japanese population were related to the underlying etiology and the patient's preoperative clinical condition. Postoperative cardiac catheterization may be helpful in the prediction of prognosis after pericardiectomy.

Pre- and Postoperative Predictors of Long-Term Prognosis After Aortic Valve Replacement for Severe Chronic Aortic Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: There are few data on the long-term prognosis and chronological changes in left ventricular (LV) function after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with severe chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) among the Japanese population.Methods and Results:We retrospectively investigated the long-term prognosis in 80 consecutive patients with severe chronic AR who underwent AVR. Additionally, 65 patients with follow-up echocardiography at 1 year after AVR were investigated to evaluate chronological changes in LV function. The mean follow-up period was 8.9±5.2 years. Freedom from all-cause death and cardiac death at 10 years after AVR was 76% and 91%, respectively. The preoperative ejection fraction (EF) and estimated glomerular filtration rate were independent predictors of all-cause death. Preoperative EF, LV end-systolic diameter, and diabetes might be useful predictors of cardiac death. Among the 65 patients with follow-up echocardiographic data, LV function had normalized at 1 year after AVR in all patients, except for 2 who died of cardiac causes in the long-term after AVR. LV end-diastolic diameter, LV end-systolic diameter, and EF at 1 year after AVR might be useful predictors of long-term cardiac death. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe chronic AR, preoperative LV dysfunction is remarkably improved at 1 year after AVR. Pre- and postoperative echocardiographic data are important for predicting long-term outcome after AVR. (Circ J 2016; 80: 2460-2467).

Late recurrence of left ventricular dysfunction after aortic valve replacement for severe chronic aortic regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) for chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) with a decreased ejection fraction (EF) leads to improvement in left ventricular (LV) function, but there are no reports on late recurrence of LV dysfunction over long-term after AVR. This study aimed to identify frequency and predictors of late recurrent LV dysfunction after AVR. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 58 consecutive patients undergoing AVR for severe chronic AR and with follow-up echocardiography for >5years after AVR. Late recurrence of LV dysfunction was defined as an EF of <50% late after AVR and a 10% reduction in the EF compared with that observed at 1year after AVR. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 10.3±5.2years. The preoperative EF was <50% in 21 (36%) patients, but it was normalized at 1year after AVR in all patients except for one. However, late recurrence of LV dysfunction developed in 7 (12%) of the 58 patients. These patients showed significantly higher LV end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters before and at 1year after AVR, a lower EF and relative wall thickness before AVR, a higher LV mass index at 1year after AVR, and a higher incidence of preoperative and postoperative atrial fibrillation than those without late recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Late recurrent LV dysfunction may occur after AVR for severe chronic AR despite EF being once normalized. Early surgery proceeding remarkable LV enlargement and maintaining sinus rhythm are important for LV function over the long-term after AVR.

Successful Ablation with a Multipolar Mapping Catheter for Swallowing-induced Atrial Tachycardia.

We herein report a case of a 52-year-old woman who presented with a history of recurrent palpitations that occurred during swallowing solid food. On a Holter electrocardiogram, paroxysmal atrial tachycardias (PATs) were detected while eating. We mapped the right atrium (RA) with a multipolar mapping catheter while she swallowed a rice ball and it was revealed that the earliest endocardial breakthrough was on the anterior septal side near the superior vena cava junction of the RA. We successfully eliminated PAT at both the site in the RA and the adjacent right superior pulmonary vein ostium. After ablation, no PAT was documented while eating.

Multiple Coronary Artery Aneurysms and Thoracic Aortitis Associated with IgG4-related Disease.

A 60-year-old man was admitted due to the onset of right coronary artery (RCA) aneurysms. Coronary angiography showed two RCA aneurysms and focal stenosis with limitations in the blood flow. Balloon angioplasty was performed. However, the follow-up coronary angiography showed restenosis, an enlarged proximal aneurysm and a newly formed aneurysm. The serum immunoglobulin G4 level was elevated to 1,350 mg/dL and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed increased uptake in the ascending aorta, so the patient was diagnosed with immunoglobulin G4-related vascular disease. The prevention of further enlargement of the aneurysms and an improvement in the RCA flow were achieved with steroid therapy. Steroid therapy may therefore be effective for immunoglobulin G4-related vascular disease.

Predictors of Rapid Progression and Clinical Outcome of Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of aortic valve replacement (AVR) is controversial in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) except when very severe. Prediction of progression of severe AS is helpful in deciding on the timing of AVR. The purpose of this study was to clarify the predictors of progression rate and clinical outcomes of severe AS. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively investigated 140 consecutive patients with asymptomatic severe AS (aortic valve area [AVA], 0.75-1.0 cm(2)). First-year progression rate and annual progression rate of AVA and of aortic jet velocity (AV-Vel) were calculated. Cardiac events were examined and the predictors of rapid progression and cardiac events were analyzed. The median follow-up period was 36 months. The median annual progression rate was -0.05 cm(2)/year for AVA and 0.22 m/s/year for AV-Vel. Dyslipidemia, moderate-severe calcification, and first-year AV-Vel progression ≥0.22 m/s/year were independent predictors of cardiac events. Cardiac event-free rate was lower in patients with AV-Vel first-year progression rate ≥0.22 m/s/year than in those with a lower rate. Diabetes and moderate-severe calcification were related to first-year rapid progression. CONCLUSIONS: The annual progression rate of severe AS was -0.05 cm(2)/year for AVA and 0.22 m/s/year for AV-Vel. Patients with first-year rapid progression or severely calcified aortic valve should be carefully observed while considering an early operation. (Circ J 2016; 80: 1863-1869).

Progression of aortic regurgitation after subpulmonic infundibular ventricular septal defect repair.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with subpulmonic infundibular ventricular septal defect (VSD), postoperative progression of aortic regurgitation (AR) sometimes occurs despite early operation before the development of AR. The present study was aimed to identify the occurrence rate and predictors of late AR progression after VSD repair alone. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 91 consecutive patients who underwent subpulmonic infundibular VSD repair alone and were followed up with echocardiography for >3 years postoperatively. The clinical backgrounds and chronological changes in postoperative AR were evaluated. RESULTS: The median follow-up period after VSD repair was 13.4 years. Among 91 patients, 7 patients showed postoperative AR progression (AR progression group) and 84 patients did not (No AR progression group). No patient in AR progression group revealed more than moderate AR preoperatively. The incidence of postoperative VSD leakage was significantly higher in AR progression group than No AR progression group (43.0% vs 2.4%, respectively; p<0.01). No significant differences were present in sex, age, preoperative AR severity, VSD diameter or rate of cusp herniation. All patients in AR progression group showed deformity of the right coronary cusp or leaflet, resulting in AR progression. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with subpulmonic infundibular VSD, the incidence of late AR progression after VSD repair alone was unexpectedly high (7.7%). Postoperative VSD leakage may be a significant risk factor for late AR progression. Long-term follow-up of postoperative AR is needed even for patients who undergo VSD repair alone.