Accuracy of predicted orthogonal projection angles for valve deployment during transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) predicted orthogonal projection angles have been introduced to guide valve deployment during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Our aim was to investigate the accuracy of MDCT prediction methods versus actual angiographic deployment angles. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 2 currently used MDCT methods: manual multiplanar reformations (MR) and the semiautomatic optimal angle graph (OAG). Paired analysis was used to compare the 2-dimensional distributions and means. RESULTS: We included 101 patients with a mean (±SD) age of 81 ±â€¯9 years. The MR and OAG methods were used in 46 and 55 patients, respectively. A ≥5% change from the predicted MDCT range in left anterior oblique/right anterior oblique (LAO/RAO) and the cranial/caudal (CRA/CAU) angle occurred in 42% and 58% of patients, respectively. The mean predicted versus actual deployment angles were significantly different (CRA/CAU: -2.6 ±â€¯11.5 vs. -7.6 ±â€¯10.7, p < 0.001; RAO/LAO 8.1 ±â€¯10.9 vs. 9.5 ±â€¯10.6, p = 0.048; respectively). The MR method resulted in a more accurate CRA/CAU angle (CRA/CAU: -4.6 ±â€¯11.1 vs. -6.5 ±â€¯11.8, p = 0.139; RAO/LAO 7.4 ±â€¯11.2 vs. 10.4 ±â€¯11.2, p = 0.008; respectively), whereas the use of the OAG resulted in a more accurate RAO/LAO angle (CRA/CAU: -0.9 ±â€¯10.8 vs. -9±11.2, p < 0.001; RAO/LAO 9.05 ±â€¯10.6 vs. 8.5 ±â€¯9.9, p = 0.458; respectively). For the entire cohort, the 2-dimensional distributions and means of the predicted versus the actual angles were significantly different from each other (p < 0.001). We repeated our analysis using both MDCT methods and demonstrated similar results with each method. CONCLUSIONS: Currently used MDCT methods for TAVR implantation angles are significantly modified before actual valve deployment. Thus, further refinement of these prediction methods is required.

Management and Outcome of Residual Aortic Regurgitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

We aimed to evaluate the success rates of balloon valvuloplasty post-dilation (BVPD) and a second-valve deployment in reducing residual aortic regurgitation (AR) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and its impact on outcome. Residual AR immediately post-TAVI in patients with aortic stenosis is a common condition that adversely affects outcome. Patients who underwent TAVI who had more-than-mild residual AR were managed either with medical therapy, re-intervention with BVPD, or a second valve. The clinical impact of these strategies was evaluated, and the anatomical features of patients with successful and unsuccessful intervention were compared. Among 572 patients with TAVI, 110 (19%) had significant residual AR after initial device deployment. Sixty patients were treated by BVPD (n = 49) or second-device deployment (n = 11), whereas 50 patients were treated medically. Successful reduction in residual AR to mild and below was achieved in 56% of the intervention group. Eccentric and calcified annuli were present in patients in whom residual AR remained despite re-intervention (p = 0.004). Interventions to reduce residual AR were independently associated with improved survival compared with conservative medical therapy (hazard ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.94 to 0.21, p = 0.03). BVPD or a second valve were safe and were not associated with increased rate of periprocedural complications. In conclusion, both BVPD and a second-valve deployment to reduce residual AR post-TAVI are effective and safe. The success rates are inversely correlated with the annulus eccentricity and calcification. These measures should be encouraged to reduce acute residual AR as they are associated with improved long-term survival.

A 28-year-old man with chest and joint pains.

CLINICAL INTRODUCTION: A 28-year-old man with extensive travel history to developing countries was hospitalised for intermittent sharp chest pains, worst when supine and with inspiration. Two weeks prior to presentation, he had suffered a flu-like illness with a sore throat, which was resolving. Physical examination was notable for mild fever and tachycardia with cervical lymphadenopathy and painful bilateral knee and wrist effusions. Cardiac auscultation was remarkable for a soft early-peaking systolic murmur over the aortic area with a decrescendo early diastolic murmur along the left sternal edge. There was mild leucocytosis, elevation of serum troponin and acute-phase reactants with an ECG showing sinus tachycardia. Echocardiographic windows were extremely limited but suggested the presence of pericardial effusion and aortic regurgitation. Cardiac MRI was performed (figure 1). Viral, microbiological and autoimmune testing was remarkable only for significant elevation of antistreptolysin-O titres (1450 IU rising to 1940 IU, normal <200 IU). Pericardiocentesis revealed an exudative effusion, which was negative by cytology and microbiological analysis, including for tuberculosis and fungi. QUESTION: The most appropriate next step is? Coronary angiographyEndomyocardial biopsyTreatment with colchicine for 3 monthsTreatment with corticosteroidsTreatment with high-dose salicylates and long-term penicillinFor the answer see page 808For the question see page 769.

Assessment of global myocardial perfusion reserve using cardiovascular magnetic resonance of coronary sinus flow at 3 Tesla.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing clinical use, there is limited data regarding regadenoson in stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). In particular, given its long half-life the optimal stress protocol remains unclear. Although Myocardial Perfusion Reserve (MPR) may provide additive prognostic information, current techniques for its measurement are cumbersome and challenging for routine clinical practice.The aims of this study were: 1) To determine the feasibility of MPR quantification during regadenoson stress CMR by measurement of Coronary Sinus (CS) flow; and 2) to investigate the role of aminophylline reversal during regadenoson stress-CMR. METHODS: 117 consecutive patients with possible myocardial ischemia were prospectively enrolled. Perfusion imaging was performed at 1 minute and 15 minutes after administration of 0.4 mg regadenoson. A subgroup of 41 patients was given aminophylline (100 mg) after stress images were acquired. CS flow was measured using phase-contrast imaging at baseline (pre CS flow), and immediately after the stress (peak CS flow) and rest (post CS flow) perfusion images. RESULTS: CS flow measurements were obtained in 92% of patients with no adverse events. MPR was significantly underestimated when calculated as peak CS flow/post CS flow as compared to peak CS flow/pre CS flow (2.43±0.20 vs. 3.28±0.32, p=0.03). This difference was abolished when aminophylline was administered (3.35±0.44 vs. 3.30±0.52, p=0.95). Impaired MPR (peak CS flow/pre CS flow<2) was associated with advanced age, diabetes, current smoking and higher Framingham risk score. CONCLUSIONS: Regadenoson stress CMR with MPR measurement from CS flow can be successfully performed in most patients. This measurement of MPR appears practical to perform in the clinical setting. Residual hyperemia is still present even 15 minutes after regadenoson administration, at the time of resting-perfusion acquisition, and is completely reversed by aminophylline. Our findings suggest routine aminophylline administration may be required when performing stress CMR with regadenoson.

Myocardial infarction due to intracoronary embolization of percutaneous coronary intervention packaging.

Intracoronary device loss is occasionally encountered and removal is commonly performed at the time of the procedure. We report a case of removal of a retained coronary balloon protective plastic tubing inadvertently left in the coronary artery for a month and associated with myocardial infarction. Optical coherence tomography was used to visualize the foreign body prior to removal with a snare. To our knowledge this is the first report of a removal of disposable packaging equipment after prolonged intracoronary dwell time.

Hemodynamic Consequences of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Midventricular Obstruction: Apical Aneurysm and Thrombus Formation.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with midventricular hypertrophy is an uncommon phenotypic variant of the disease. Midventricular hypertrophy predisposes to intracavitary obstruction and downstream hemodynamic sequelae. CASE REPORT: We present a case of HCM with midventricular hypertrophy and obstruction diagnosed after a CT scan of the abdomen incidentally revealed a filling defect in the left ventricular apex. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated mid left ventricular hypertrophy and obstruction, as well as an aneurysmal apex containing a large thrombus. Cardiovascular MRI showed a spade-shaped left ventricle with midcavitary obliteration, an infarcted apex and regions of myocardial fibrosis. Due to the risk of embolization and a relative contraindication to anticoagulation, the patient underwent surgery including thrombectomy, septal myectomy and aneurysmal ligation. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with midventricular hypertrophy leads to cavity obstruction, increased apical wall tension, ischemia and ultimately fibrosis. Over time, patchy apical fibrosis can develop into a confluent scar resembling a transmural myocardial infarction in the left anterior descending coronary artery distribution. Aneurysmal remodeling of the left ventricular apex potentiates thrombus formation and risk of cardioembolism. For these reasons, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with midventricular obstruction portends a particularly poor prognosis and should be recognized early in the disease process.