Degenerative aortic stenosis in women: challenges and perspectives

Degenerative aortic stenosis is currently a public health problem. Affecting the elderly population, this pathology has been showing an increasing prevalence as a direct result of the population aging. In this context, women have a greater life expectancy, corresponding to most of the population with degenerative aortic stenosis. Specific characteristics of this pathology in females are present in the diagnosis, pathophysiology, anatomical aspects, imaging and in therapeutic approach. Women present a more severe disease with less valve calcification than men, more concentric ventricular remodeling, higher transvalvular gradients, and less myocardial fibrosis. Less evident symptoms mean that these patients are referred later for surgical or percutaneous therapeutic treatment. The greater comorbidity presented by females and possibly due to the smaller body surface, bring specific aspects that affect the surgery results, leading to higher mortality rates and, more often, the prosthesis-patient mismatch. Percutaneous valve implantation is a good alternative, with better results in females, when compared to surgery, both in the treatment of native valves and in the treatment of a previously implanted bioprosthesis' dysfunction. The challenges encountered for the treatment of aortic stenosis in women and their possible solutions are described in this article, focusing on the observed difference of aortic stenosis in females and their possible solutions.

Degenerative Aortic Stenosis in Women: Challenges and Perspectives

Abstract Degenerative aortic stenosis is currently a public health problem. Affecting the elderly population, this pathology has been showing an increasing prevalence as a direct result of the population aging. In this context, women have a greater life expectancy, corresponding to most of the population with degenerative aortic stenosis. Specific characteristics of this pathology in females are present in the diagnosis, pathophysiology, anatomical aspects, imaging and in therapeutic approach. Women present a more severe disease with less valve calcification than men, more concentric ventricular remodeling, higher transvalvular gradients, and less myocardial fibrosis. Less evident symptoms mean that these patients are referred later for surgical or percutaneous therapeutic treatment. The greater comorbidity presented by females and possibly due to the smaller body surface, bring specific aspects that affect the surgery results, leading to higher mortality rates and, more often, the prosthesis-patient mismatch. Percutaneous valve implantation is a good alternative, with better results in females, when compared to surgery, both in the treatment of native valves and in the treatment of a previously implanted bioprosthesis' dysfunction. The challenges encountered for the treatment of aortic stenosis in women and their possible solutions are described in this article, focusing on the observed difference of aortic stenosis in females and their possible solutions.

Sociedade brasileira de cardiologia a carta das mulheres / Brazilian society of cardiology the women's letter

O objetivo primordial desse documento é estimular a melhoria das condições de saúde das mulheres brasileiras, com foco na doença cardiovascular (DCV). A DCV é responsável por 17,5 milhões de mortes prematuras/ano no mundo, com previsão de aumento para 23 milhões em 2030. As DCV são responsáveis por um terço de todas as mortes no Brasil, com semelhança entre homens e mulheres após a menopausa. Esses dados revestem-se de maior importância quando consideramos que 80% das mortes prematura. (AU)

Consenso de especialistas sobre o implante por cateter de biopróteses valvares para o tratamento da estenose aórtica de alto risco cirúrgico: relato da Sociedade Brasileira de Hemodinâmica e Cardiologia Intervencionista / Expert consensus on transcatheter aortic-valve implantation for the treatment of high surgical risk aortic stenosis: report of the Brazilian Society of Hemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology

A substituição cirúrgica da valva aórtica é o tratamento de eleição para pacientes com estenose aórtica sintomática acentuada. Entretanto, o risco cirúrgico aumenta expressivamente com o avançar da idade e com a associação de comorbidades. Nessa situação clínica, o implante por cateter de bioprótese valvar aórtica deve ser considerado uma alternativa terapêutica válida e eficaz. O propósito deste Consenso é oferecer uma revisão crítica do conjunto de evidências e dos avanços mais recentes relacionados ao implante por cateter de bioprótese valvar aórtica e sumarizaro estado da arte atual, com o intuito de melhor guiar a tomada de decisão terapêutica. A seleção dos pacientes para o implante por cateter de prótese valvar aórtica deve obedecer aos seguintes critérios: 1) presença de estenose valvar aórtica acentuada, sintomática, definida como orifício valvar aórtico com área < 1 cm² (ou < 0,6 cm²/m²); 2) idade > 75 anos e alta probabilidade de morbidade e mortalidade cirúrgicas pela presença de comorbidades; e 3) presença de condição anatômica e morfológica favorável para o procedimento por cateter. As evidências científicas atuais indicam que esse procedimento melhora os sintomas e reduz a mortalidade de pacientes com estenose aórtica e com contraindicação cirúrgica, quando comparado ao tratamento conservador. Adicionalmente, em pacientes com estenose aórtica acentuada e alto risco cirúrgico, o implante por cateter apresenta-se como alternativa terapêutica eficaz, capaz de alterar o curso natural da doença deforma equivalente ao tratamento cirúrgico convencional.

Surgical replacement of the aortic valve is the therapy of choice for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis.However, surgical risk increases significantly with age and with the association of comorbidities. In this clinical context, transcatheter aortic-valve implantation must be consideredas a valid and effective therapeutic alternative. The purpose of this Consensus is to provide a critical review of all the evidence and recent advances related to transcatheter aortic valveimplantation and summarize the current state of the art, in order to better guide therapeutic decision-making. Patient selection for transcatheter aortic-valve implantation must meet the following criteria: 1) presence of severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis, defined as aortic valve orifice area < 1 cm² (or < 0.6 cm²/m²); 2) age > 75 years and a high probability of surgical morbidity and mortality due to pre-existing comorbidities; and 3) the presence of anatomical and morphological conditions favorable for transcatheter interventions. Current scientific evidence indicates that thisprocedure improves symptoms and reduces mortality in patients with aortic stenosis who were not suitable candidates for surgery, as compared to standard therapy. Additionally, inpatients with severe aortic stenosis and high surgical risk, transcatheter aortic-valve implantation is an alternative effective treatment, able to alter the natural course of disease in a manner equivalent to conventional surgical treatment.

Obesity and coronary intervention: should we continue to use Body Mass Index as a risk factor?

BACKGROUND: Central anthropometric indexes are better than the body mass index to discriminate elevated coronary risk. However, the Body Mass Index (BMI) is still the most frequently studied anthropometric index on outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCI). OBJECTIVE: To recognize, among several anthropometric indexes of obesity, which one best discriminates MACE (Major Adverse Cardiac Events) after PCI. METHODS: Subjects were 308 patients (mean age 61.92+/-11.06 years, 60.7% of them men) who had undergone successful coronary angioplasties. Six months after the procedure, patients were contacted for clinical follow-up. Major Adverse Cardiac Events included death, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, reintervention, angina, or evidence of myocardial ischemia on a non-invasive test. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (with MACE, n=91, 29.5%), Group 2 (with no MACE, n= 217; 70.45%). For men and women, the anthropometric indexes studied and their respective cut-off points were waist circumference >90/80 cm, Waist-Hip Ratio > 0.90/0.80 cm, Conicity Index > 1.25/1.18, and Body Mass Index > or =30. RESULTS: There were more cases of familial history and previous infarct in Group 2. For men, waist circumference >90 cm (p=0.0498) in multivariate analyses was an independent predictor of MACE. BMI was not related to MACE. In Group 1, the prevalence of an elevated BMI was significantly different compared to the other anthropometric indexes studied (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Waist circumference was an independent predictor of MACE in men. Body Mass Index was not related to MACE and was the least frequent anthropometric index in the MACE group.

Obesidade e intervenção coronariana: devemos continuar valorizando o Índice de Massa Corpórea? / Obesity and coronary intervention: should we continue to use Body Mass Index as a risk factor?

FUNDAMENTO: Para discriminar risco coronariano elevado, indicadores de obesidade central são melhores do que o Índice de Massa Corpórea (IMC), que é ainda o índice antropométrico (IA) mais utilizado para seguimento após intervenção coronariana percutânea (ICP). OBJETIVO: Reconhecer, entre os índices antropométricos (IA), os que melhor se correlacionam com ocorrência de desfechos após intervenção coronariana percutânea (ICP). MÉTODOS: Foram considerados 308 pacientes (p), idade média de 61,92±11,06 anos, 60,7 por cento do sexo masculino, submetidos a ICP com stent. Após seis meses, pesquisaram-se os desfechos: óbito, reintervenção por ICP ou cirurgia cardíaca, exame não-invasivo alterado por isquemia ou sintomas anginosos. Os p foram divididos em: Grupo 1 (com desfechos, n=91; 29,5 por cento) e Grupo 2 (sem desfechos, n=217; 70,45 por cento). No sexo masculino e feminino, os IA estudados e seus respectivos pontos de corte foram: circunferência abdominal (CA) > 90/80 cm, relação cintura-quadril (RCQ) > 0,90/0,80cm, índice de conicidade (IC) >1,25/1,18 e índice de massa corpórea (IMC) >30 para ambos os sexos. RESULTADOS: Os grupos diferiram quanto à maior ocorrência de histórico familiar e infarto prévio no Grupo 2. No sexo masculino, CA > 90 cm (p=0,0498) foi, em análise multivariada, preditor independente de desfechos. IMC não foi preditor de eventos. No Grupo 1, a probabilidade de ocorrência de IMC alterada é significativamente menor do que a ocorrência dos outros IA estudados (p<0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: CA anormal comportou-se como preditor independente de ocorrência de desfechos no sexo masculino dessa população pós-ICP. IMC elevado não foi preditor de desfechos e foi o índice antropométrico menos prevalente em pacientes com eventos.

BACKGROUND: Central anthropometric indexes are better than the body mass index to discriminate elevated coronary risk. However, the Body Mass Index (BMI) is still the most frequently studied anthropometric index on outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCI). OBJECTIVE: To recognize, among several anthropometric indexes of obesity, which one best discriminates MACE (Major Adverse Cardiac Events) after PCI. METHODS: Subjects were 308 patients (mean age 61.92±11.06 years, 60.7 percent of them men) who had undergone successful coronary angioplasties. Six months after the procedure, patients were contacted for clinical follow-up. Major Adverse Cardiac Events included death, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, reintervention, angina, or evidence of myocardial ischemia on a non-invasive test. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (with MACE, n=91, 29.5 percent), Group 2 (with no MACE, n= 217; 70.45 percent). For men and women, the anthropometric indexes studied and their respective cut-off points were waist circumference >90/80 cm, Waist-Hip Ratio > 0.90/0.80cm, Conicity Index > 1.25/1.18, and Body Mass Index > 30. RESULTS: There were more cases of familial history and previous infarct in Group 2. For men, waist circumference >90cm (p=0.0498) in multivariate analyses was an independent predictor of MACE. BMI was not related to MACE. In Group 1, the prevalence of an elevated BMI was significantly different compared to the other anthropometric indexes studied (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Waist circumference was an independent predictor of MACE in men. Body Mass Index was not related to MACE and was the least frequent anthropometric index in the MACE group.

Valor prognóstico dos critérios de obesidade em pacientes submetidos a intervenção coronária percutânea / Prognostic value of obesity anthropometric indexes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions

Introdução: Não há critérios de obesidade específicos para a população brasileira. Os pontos de corte preconizados para os sexos feminino e masculino (circunferência abdominal [CA] 80 cm e 90 cm, relação cintura-quadril [RCQ] 0,80 e 0,90, índice de conicidade 1,18 e 1,25, e índice de massa corporal [IMC] 30, respectivamente) necessitam ser validados como fatores prognósticos após intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP). Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os pontos de corte de índices antropométricos da população estudada e compará-los à literatura, quanto à ocorrência de desfechos pós-ICP. Método: Foram incluídos nesta análise 308 pacientes submetidos a ICP, predominantemente do sexo masculino (60,7%), com idade de 61,9 ± 11,1 anos. Após seis meses, pesquisaram-se os desfechos óbito, infarto agudo do miocárdio, revascularização do vaso-alvo, angina ou prova funcional isquêmica. Os pacientes foram divididos em: Grupo 1 (com desfechos; n = 91) e Grupo 2 (sem desfechos; n = 217). Para obtenção dos pontos de corte, foram construídas curvas receiver operating characteristic (ROC) dos índices antropométricos versus desfechos. Resultados: Nas mulheres, os pontos de corte encontrados foram: CA, 102 cm; RCQ, 0,93; índice de conicidade, 1,18; e IMC, 24,5. Nos homens, os pontos de corte foram: CA, 102 cm; RCQ, 0,94; índice de conicidade, 1,24; e IMC, 24,98. Comparados à literatura, os valores obtidos de CA e RCQ, para ambos os sexos, ganharam em especificidade, mas perderam em sensibilidade, enquanto o contrário foi observado para o IMC. O índice de conicidade coincidiu com os valores da literatura no sexo feminino; no sexo masculino, porém, aumentou a sensibilidade, mas diminuiu a especificidade. O poder discriminatório foi baixo para todos os índices, que não se mostraram preditores de desfechos no médio prazo pós-ICP. Conclusão: Nesta comparação, os pontos de corte dos índices antropométricos que melhor se correlacionam com desfechos...

Background: No evidence supports obesity cutoff points recommended by literature for the Brazilian population. Some female/male known cutoff points are: waist circumference (WC) 80/90cm, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) 0.80/0.90, conicity index (CI) 1.18/1.25, body mass index (BMI) 30. These cutoff points need to be validated for the Brazilian population as prognostic after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Objective: To verify cutoff points of obesity anthropometric indexes in this population and to compare them to International Diabetes Federation values for Latin America in determining MACE after PCI. Methods: 308 patients (mean age 61.92 ± 11.06 years old, 60.7% men) undergoing successful PCI. Six months after, patients were contacted for clinical follow-up. MACE included death, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, reintervention or evidence of myocardial ischemia in a non-invasive test. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (with MACE, n = 91), Group 2 (without MACE, n = 217). In order to obtain cutoff points, ROC curves were plotted based on anthropometric indexes and MACE. Results: The cutoff points obtained for women were: WC 102cm, WHR 0.93, CI 1.18 and BMI 24.53. Compared with IDF values, WC and WHR obtained had more specificity (76.83% X 31.71% and 43.9% X 7.32%), BMI had more sensibility (66.67% X 20.51%). For men, the cutoff points were: WC 102 cm, WHR 0.94, CI 1.24 and BMI 24.98. WC and WHR had more specificity (69.63% X 45.19% and 7.41% X 2.94%). BMI and CI had more sensibility (65.38% X 28.85% and 55.77% X 53.85%). Conclusion: Cutoff points of anthropometric indexes of this population that better correlate with MACE are different than the literature. Our results suggest that, for prognostic information, we need specific anthropometric cutoff points for each population or disease.

Changes in P-wave after percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty in patients with mitral stenosis and left atrial enlargement.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential clinical, echocardiographic and/or hemodynamic predictors of the regression of electrocardiographic (ECG) signs of left atrial enlargement (LAE) after successful percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV). METHODS: We studied 24 patients (75% female, mean age =37.1 +/- 11.9 years) with moderate to severe mitral stenosis (MS), sinus rhythm (SR) and ECG signs of LAE who underwent successful PMV between 2002 and 2004. At least 6 months after the procedure (388.2 +/- 192.9 days), the patients returned for clinical, ECG and echocardiographic follow-up. They were then divided in 2 groups: patients of group 1 (n = 8; 33.3%) still had ECG signs of LAE, and patients of group 2 (n = 16; 66.6%), had normal P wave. A multivariate analysis of clinical, ECG, echocardiographic and hemodynamic variables was performed. RESULTS: The mitral valve area (MVA) increased from 1.12 +/- 0.15 cm2 to 1.9 +/- 0.35 cm2 immediately after the procedure (p < 0.0001) and decreased to 1.89 +/- 0.41 cm2 at follow-up (p = NS). Left atrium diameter decreased from 48 +/- 2.9 mm pre-procedure to 43 +/- 4.8 mm at follow-up (p = 0.0001). P-wave duration decreased from 0.12 +/- 0.01 sec pre-PMV to 0.09 +/- 0.02 sec at follow-up (p = 0.0001). An MVA > or = 1.7 cm2 at follow-up was the only independent predictor of a normal P-wave after PMV (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: ECG changes suggestive of LAE regress in the majority of patients with MS and sinus rhythm that undergo a successful PMV. An MVA > or = 1.7 cm2 at late follow-up was found to be an independent predictor of such normalization.

Evolução da onda P do eletrocardiograma após valvoplastia mitral em pacientes portadores de sobrecarga atrial esquerda / Changes in P-wave after percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty in patients with mitral stenosis and left atrial enlargement

OBJETIVO: Investigar potenciais preditores clínicos, ecocardiográficos e/ou hemodinâmicos de regressão de sinais eletrocardiográficos (ECG) de sobrecarga atrial esquerda (SAE) após valvoplastia mitral percutânea (VMP) com sucesso. MÉTODOS: Estudaram-se 24 pacientes (75 por cento do sexo feminino, idade média 37,1 ± 11,9 anos) com estenose mitral moderada a grave, ritmo sinusal (RS) e sinais de SAE no ECG, submetidos a VMP entre 2002 e 2004. Pelo menos seis meses após o procedimento (388,2 ± 192,9 dias), os pacientes retornaram para acompanhamento clínico, eletro e ecocardiográfico. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1(n = 8; 33,3 por cento), ainda com sinais ECG de SAE, e Grupo 2 (n = 16; 66,6 por cento), com onda P normal. Realizou-se análise multivariada de variáveis clínicas, ECG, ecocardiográficas e hemodinâmicas. RESULTADOS: A área valvar mitral (AVM) aumentou de 1,12 ± 0,15 para 1,9 ± 0,35cm² imediatamente após o procedimento (p< 0,0001), e diminuiu para 1,89 ± 0,41cm² no acompanhamento (p = NS). O diâmetro do átrio esquerdo variou de 4,8 ± 0,29 cm pré-procedimento para 4,28 ± 0,48cm na reavaliação (p = 0,0001). A duração da onda P diminuiu de 0,12 ± 0,01 seg pré-VMP para 0,09 ± 0,02 seg no controle (p = 0,0001). Uma AVM > 1,7 cm² no acompanhamento foi o único preditor independente de onda P normal após VMP (p = 0,02). CONCLUSÃO: Alterações ECG sugestivas de SAE regridem na maioria dos pacientes com estenose mitral e RS submetidos a VMP com sucesso. Uma AVM > 1,7 cm² no controle tardio é preditor independente para essa normalização.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential clinical, echocardiographic and/or hemodynamic predictors of the regression of electrocardiographic (ECG) signs of left atrial enlargement (LAE) after successful percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV). METHODS: We studied 24 patients (75 percent female, mean age =37.1 ± 11.9 years) with moderate to severe mitral stenosis (MS), sinus rhythm (SR) and ECG signs of LAE who underwent successful PMV between 2002 and 2004. At least 6 months after the procedure (388.2 ± 192.9 days), the patients returned for clinical, ECG and echocardiographic follow-up. They were then divided in 2 groups: patients of group 1 (n = 8; 33.3 percent) still had ECG signs of LAE, and patients of group 2 (n = 16; 66.6 percent), had normal P wave. A multivariate analysis of clinical, ECG, echocardiographic and hemodynamic variables was performed. RESULTS: The mitral valve area (MVA) increased from 1.12 ± 0.15 cm2 to 1.9 ± 0.35 cm² immediately after the procedure (p < 0.0001) and decreased to 1.89 ± 0.41 cm² at follow-up (p = NS). Left atrium diameter decreased from 48 ± 2.9mm pre-procedure to 43 ± 4.8mm at follow-up (p = 0.0001). P-wave duration decreased from 0.12 ± 0.01 sec pre-PMV to 0.09 ± 0.02 sec at follow-up (p = 0.0001). An MVA > 1.7 cm² at follow-up was the only independent predictor of a normal P-wave after PMV (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: ECG changes suggestive of LAE regress in the majority of patients with MS and sinus rhythm that undergo a successful PMV. An MVA>1.7 cm² at late follow-up was found to be an independent predictor of such normalization.

Treatment of calcific aortic stenosis with the percutaneous heart valve: mid-term follow-up from the initial feasibility studies: the French experience.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to study the feasibility, safety, efficacy, and durability of percutaneous heart valve (PHV) implantation in the aortic position. BACKGROUND: We developed a PHV (equine pericardium valve in a balloon-expandable, stainless-steel stent) to treat patients with inoperable aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS: Thirty-six patients (aortic valve area < or =0.7 cm2, New York Heart Association [NYHA] functional class IV, and severe comorbidities), formally declined for surgery, were recruited on a compassionate basis. The PHV was implanted by retrograde or antegrade trans-septal approach. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were assessed serially. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were implanted successfully (23 antegrade, 4 retrograde) in the subcoronary position with improvement in valve area (0.60 +/- 0.11 cm2 to 1.70 +/- 0.10 cm2, p < 0.0001) and transvalvular gradient (37 +/- 13 mm Hg to 9 +/- 2 mm Hg, p < 0.0001). Paravalvular aortic regurgitation was grade 0 to 1 (n = 10), grade 2 (n = 12), and grade 3 (n = 5). One week post-procedure, improvement in left ventricular function (45 +/- 18% to 53 +/- 14%, p = 0.02) was most pronounced in patients with ejection fraction <50% (35 +/- 10% to 50 +/- 16%, p < 0.0001). Thirty-day major adverse events after successful implantation were 26% (pericardial tamponade, stroke, arrhythmia, urosepsis, and one death unexplained at autopsy). Eleven patients are currently alive with follow-up of 9 months (n = 2), 10 months (n = 3), 11 months (n = 1), 12 months (n = 2), 23 months (n = 1), and 26 months (n = 2). All patients experienced amelioration of symptoms (>90% NYHA functional class I to II). Percutaneous heart valve function remained unchanged during follow-up, and no deaths were device-related. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous heart valve implantation is feasible in inoperable patients with end-stage AS leading to hemodynamic and clinical improvement. Continued advances and improved patient selection should decrease adverse events in the near future.

Mitral stenosis and percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (part 1).

Although the incidence and severity of rheumatic mitral stenosis have declined in developed countries, the disease is still highly prevalent in many of the poorer and most densely populated areas of the globe, remaining a major public health issue and reflecting the socioeconomic status of the region. In the last 30 years, mitral stenosis therapy has undergone a reorientation with the introduction of percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty. This manuscript is an updated review of percutaneous dilation of mitral stenosis in its different aspects, encompassing traditional techniques, technical innovations, the most significant case loads worldwide, an analysis of the procedure as well as immediate and late outcomes.

Randomized comparison between Inoue balloon and metallic commissurotome in the treatment of rheumatic mitral stenosis: immediate results and 6-month and 3-year follow-up.

The metallic commissurotome (MC) technique is a cheaper alternative to the Inoue balloon (IB) technique for percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV). There are no randomized trials comparing these techniques with longer follow-up of the patients. The objective of this study was to compare the immediate results and short- and medium-term follow-up of PMV using either the IB or the MC technique. Fifty patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis were randomly assigned to PMV using the IB (n = 27) or the MC (n = 23) technique. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding baseline clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic data. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up were done 6 months and 3 years after the procedure. The success rate was 100% in the IB group and 91.3% in the MC group (P = 0.15); two patients in the latter group developed mitral regurgitation grade 3/4, requiring elective surgery. The mean final mitral valve area was bigger in the MC group (2.17 +/- 0.13 vs. 2.00 +/- 0.36 cm2; P = 0.04), but after 6-month and 3-year follow-up, this difference was no longer significant (2.06 +/- 0.27 vs. 1.98 +/- 0.38 cm2, P = 0.22, and 1.86 +/- 0.32 vs. 1.87 +/- 0.34 cm2, P = 0.89, respectively). This finding suggests valve stretching as an important mechanism of valve dilation with the MC. Three patients in the MC group and two patients in the IB group (P = 0.65) developed mitral valve restenosis; one of them underwent repeat PMV and the other four, all asymptomatic, were clinically followed. PMV performed either with the IB or the MC technique is effective and provides excellent short- and medium-term outcomes regardless of the technique employed.

Implante percutáneo de una bioprótesis aórtica en pacientes portadores de estenosis aórtica severa descartados de cirugía: experiencia en Francia / Percutaneous implant of an aortic bioprosthesis in high surgical risk or non operable patients with severe aortic stenosis: french experience

Introducción: El reemplazo valvular aórtico (RVA) es el tratamiento de elección en pacientes portadores de estenosis aórtica severa adquirida. Sin embargo, en cierto grupo de pacientes, el riesgo quirúrgico es extremadamente alto o inaceptable debido a factores de comorbilidad. Se ha puesto el interés en una nueva técnica que evite la reestenosis debido al bajo resultado en el mediano plazo de la valvuloplastia aórtica. El reemplazo valvular aórtico por vía percutánea sería una alternativa terapéutica en pacientes de alto riesgo quirúrgico o con contraindicación para el RVA. En este artículo se describen los aspectos técnicos en la implantación percutánea de bioprótesis aórtica desarrollada por el pionero Alain Cribier en Rouen, Francia. Material y métodos: La válvula cardíaca percutánea es una bioprótesis trivalva de pericardio de equino montada en un balón de 22 mm que alcanza en su máxima apertura un área de 1,7 cm². El procedimiento se realizó bajo anestesia local y mediante la vía anterógrada en 9/15 casos exitosamente implantados. Una predilatación aórtica es realizada en todos los casos con un balón de 23 mm. Resultados: En todos los casos se logró implantar la bioprótesis sin complicación (migración u obstrucción coronaria). El área valvular fue mejorada de 0,58 ± 0,12 a 1,70 ± 0,08 y un descenso del gradiente transvalvular de 45 ± 12 a 9 ± 3 mm Hg (p < 0,0001): el tiempo promedio de procedimiento fue de 75 minutos. La vía anterógrada se terminó por compresión manual. Conclusión: Esta serie preliminar demuestra que la implantación por vía percutánea de una bioprótesis aórtica es posible y podría ser una opción terapéutica en pacientes de alto riesgo quirúrgico o inoperables.

Implante percutáneo de una bioprótesis aórtica en pacientes portadores de estenosis aórtica severa descartados de cirugía: experiencia en Francia / Percutaneous implant of an aortic bioprosthesis in high surgical risk or non operable patients with severe aortic stenosis: french experience

Introducción: El reemplazo valvular aórtico (RVA) es el tratamiento de elección en pacientes portadores de estenosis aórtica severa adquirida. Sin embargo, en cierto grupo de pacientes, el riesgo quirúrgico es extremadamente alto o inaceptable debido a factores de comorbilidad. Se ha puesto el interés en una nueva técnica que evite la reestenosis debido al bajo resultado en el mediano plazo de la valvuloplastia aórtica. El reemplazo valvular aórtico por vía percutánea sería una alternativa terapéutica en pacientes de alto riesgo quirúrgico o con contraindicación para el RVA. En este artículo se describen los aspectos técnicos en la implantación percutánea de bioprótesis aórtica desarrollada por el pionero Alain Cribier en Rouen, Francia. Material y métodos: La válvula cardíaca percutánea es una bioprótesis trivalva de pericardio de equino montada en un balón de 22 mm que alcanza en su máxima apertura un área de 1,7 cm². El procedimiento se realizó bajo anestesia local y mediante la vía anterógrada en 9/15 casos exitosamente implantados. Una predilatación aórtica es realizada en todos los casos con un balón de 23 mm. Resultados: En todos los casos se logró implantar la bioprótesis sin complicación (migración u obstrucción coronaria). El área valvular fue mejorada de 0,58 ± 0,12 a 1,70 ± 0,08 y un descenso del gradiente transvalvular de 45 ± 12 a 9 ± 3 mm Hg (p < 0,0001): el tiempo promedio de procedimiento fue de 75 minutos. La vía anterógrada se terminó por compresión manual. Conclusión: Esta serie preliminar demuestra que la implantación por vía percutánea de una bioprótesis aórtica es posible y podría ser una opción terapéutica en pacientes de alto riesgo quirúrgico o inoperables. (AU)

Acute improvement in global and regional left ventricular systolic function after percutaneous heart valve implantation in patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The newly developed percutaneous heart valve (PHV) implantation technique decreases transaortic pressure gradient in patients with aortic stenosis. PHV replacement effects on left ventricular (LV) global and regional systolic function are currently unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eight patients with severe aortic stenosis had 2D echocardiography at baseline and 24 hours after PHV implantation to evaluate changes in LV volume and LV ejection fraction. Regional function, ie, both peak systolic anterior and posterior wall tissue velocity, as well as strain and strain rate imaging, were measured by tissue Doppler imaging from a short-axis view. At 24 hours, a significant reduction in transaortic mean pressure gradient (from 46+/-15 to 8+/-3 mm Hg; P<0.0001) was accompanied by an increase in aortic valve area (from 0.59+/-0.11 to 1.69+/-0.11 cm2; P<0.0001). LV end-diastolic volume remained unchanged (102+/-36 to 101+/-12 mL; P=NS), whereas LV ejection fraction increased (48+/-18% to 57+/-12%; P<0.01). Improvement in posterior wall displacement (posterior wall tissue velocity increased from 2.2+/-0.5 to 4.4+/-1.0 cm/s(-1); P=0.0003) and deformation (strain rate imaging increased from 1.0+/-0.3 to 1.9+/-0.7 s(-1), P=0.009, and strain increased from 11+/-5% to 17+/-9%; P=0.02) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Immediately after PHV replacement, improvement of LV global and regional systolic function was evidenced by tissue Doppler imaging.

Dual anterior descending coronary artery associated with coronary artery disease.

The patient is a male with risk factors for coronary artery disease, who was referred for cardiac catheterization after acute myocardial infarction in the inferior wall. The patient underwent transluminal coronary angioplasty in the right coronary artery with successful stent implantation.