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Little is known about mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) in patients with mitral annular disjunction (MAD). The authors sought to explore TEER for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) according to MAD status. We retrospectively analyzed 271 consecutive patients (median age 82 [Q1-Q3: 75-88] years, 60.9% men) undergoing an isolated, first-ever TEER for whom there were viewable preprocedural echocardiograms. Stratified by MAD status at baseline, the cohort was evaluated for all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and mitral reinterventions—the composite of which constituted the primary outcome—as well as functional capacity and residual MR, all along the first postprocedural year. Individuals with (n = 62, 22.9%) vs without MAD had more extensive prolapse and larger valve dimensions. Although the former's procedures were longer, utilizing more devices per case, technical success rate and residual MR were comparable. MAD presence was associated with higher mortality risk (HR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.82-5.52; P = 0.014), and increased MAD length—with lower odds of functional class ≤II (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47-0.88; P = 0.006). Among 47 MAD patients with retrievable 1-month data, MAD regressed in 91.5% and by an overall 50% (Q1-Q3: 22%-100%) compared with baseline (P < 0.001). A greater MAD shortening conferred attenuated risk for the primary outcome. In our experience, TEER for degenerative MR accompanied by MAD was feasible and safe; however, its postprocedural course was somewhat less favorable. MAD shortening following TEER was observed in most patients and proved prognostically beneficial. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is scarce data on transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for chronic functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) in the setting of very severe left ventricular dysfunction (LVD), defined by a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of <20%. We retrospectively explored periprocedural characteristics and one-year clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of consecutive patients with chronic FMR and very severe LVD who underwent an isolated, first-time TEER. The composite of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalizations constituted the primary outcome. Ninety-six patients (median age 69 [IQR, 55-76] years, 64 (66.7%) males, median LVEF 15 [IQR, 12-17] %) were included. In 47 (49.0%), TEER was performed urgently or in the setting of hemodynamic instability. Almost all procedures (98.0%) were technically successful, leading to ≤moderate MR in 94.7% and 90.7% of cases by 1-month and 1-year, respectively. New York Heart Association class ≤II was maintained in 60.0% of patients. One-year survival and freedom from the primary outcome were 74.0% and 50.0%, respectively. Functional and echocardiographic improvement compared to baseline was independent of procedural urgency, hemodynamic stability, and downstream left ventricular assist device implantation / heart transplantation (n = 12). Mortality was not predicted by COAPT exclusion criteria, nor was the primary outcome discriminated by published risk models. TEER for chronic FMR is feasible, safe, and efficacious in selected patients with very severe LVD. Preprocedural risk stratification in this population may be optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical prosthetic valve thrombosis (MPVT) is a common complication of valvular implantations. This study compared the efficacy and safety of different treatments for MPVT. A systematic search of electronic databases identified studies evaluating surgical, anticoagulant, and thrombolytic therapies. Although several studies of different types have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of these treatment strategies the lack of randomized controlled trials has resulted in the inability to make a definitive conclusion about the pros and cons of these treatments. Recent treatments, such as slow and ultraslow infusion of thrombolytics, showed comparable efficacy and lower complication rates than traditional methods. Inadequate anticoagulant use is a major risk factor for MPVT, highlighting the importance of prevention. Treatment selection should be individualized based on patient factors and available expertise. Overall, slow and ultraslow infusion of thrombolytics may be a promising treatment option for MPVT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to evaluate the prognostic value of an increased mean mitral valve pressure gradient (MVG) in patients with primary mitral regurgitation (MR) after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER). Conflicting data exist regarding impact of increased mean MVG on outcomes after TEER. This study included 419 patients with primary MR (mean age 80.6 ± 10.4 years; 40.6% female) who underwent TEER. Patients were divided into quartiles (Qs) based on discharge echocardiographic mean MVG. Primary outcome was the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality and the secondary composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and mitral valve reintervention. The median number of MitraClips used was 2 per patient. MR reduction ≤moderate was achieved in 407 (97.1%) patients. Mean MVG was 1.9 ± 0.3 mm Hg, 3.0 ± 0.1 mm Hg, 4.0 ± 0.1 mm Hg, and 6.0 ± 1.2 mm Hg in Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. There was no significant differences across quartiles in the primary outcome (15.4%, 19.6%, 22.0%, and 21.9% in Q1-Q4, respectively; P = 0.63), all-cause mortality (15.9% vs 18.6% vs 19.4% vs 17.1%, respectively; P = 0.91), and the secondary composite endpoint at 2 years (33.3% vs 29.5% vs 22.0% vs 31.6%, respectively; P = 0.37). After multivariate adjustment for baseline clinical and procedural variables, the mean MVG in Q4 compared with Q1 to Q3 was not independently associated with the primary outcome (HR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.82-1.83; P = 0.33), all-cause mortality, and the secondary composite endpoint. Increased mean MVG was not independently associated with adverse events after TEER in patients with primary MR. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Annick Haouzi, Hans Berglund, Peter C.D. Pelikan, Gerald Maurer, Robert J. Siegel Abstract: Although prophylactic treatment with [beta]-blockers is used to retard aortic root dilatation in Marfan syndrome, it is not effective in all patients. To assess the effects of [beta]-adrenergic blockade on the aorta's elastic properties, aortic stiffness index and distensibility were calculated in 13 patients with Marfan syndrome and 10 control subjects before and after [beta]-adrenergic blockade. At baseline, patients with Marfan syndrome had a significantly increased stiffness index and decreased distensibility. After [beta]-adrenergic blockade, 8 patients with Marfan syndrome developed stiffness indexes and distensibility values that were closer to normal, whereas these variables deteriorated in 5 patients. Thus the benefit of [beta]-adrenergic blockade in Marfan syndrome may be the reduction in pulse pressure and myocardial contractility and also promotion of the elastic properties of the aorta. Moreover, the differential responses of aortic mechanics (normalizing or worsening) to [beta]-adrenergic blockade may possibly have implications for the prognosis in these patients. (Am Heart J 1997;133:60-3.) Author Affiliation: Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France, Los Angeles and Santa Monica, Calif., and Vienna, Austria Article History: Received 13 November 1995; Accepted 11 March 1996 Article Note: (footnote) [star] From the aDepartment of Cardiovascular Surgery, HA[acute accent]pital de Brabois; b Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine; the cPacific Heart Institute, St. Johns Hospital and Heart Center; and d Cardiology Department, University of Vienna., [star][star] Supported by grants from the Swedish Society of Medicine, Wenner-Gren Center Foundation, Swedish Institute, Einar Belven Foundation, Herbert Stein MD Research Fund, and Lee E. Siegel MD Memorial Fund, Western Cardiac Foundation., a Reprint requests: Hans Berglund, MD, Division of Cardiology, Room 5335, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048., aa 4/1/75315

It is estimated that in 1991, 75,000 cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) will be diagnosed in the US, and there will be 60,000 deaths. By 1992, the number of cases of AIDS is estimated to be more than 365,000, resulting in 200,000 deaths. Heart and circulatory system complications are common with AIDS, although they are not usually fatal. Heart conditions commonly associated with AIDS are: dilated cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart) and other diseases of the pericardium, endocarditis (inflammation of the membrane lining the heart), and complications arising from cancer, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, which initially affects the skin, but can spread to other parts of the body. A diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy using echocardiography (noninvasive imaging) indicates a poor prognosis, with half of these patients dying within six months. However, these patients often respond to conventional drug therapy for congestive heart failure. Noninvasive studies have demonstrated cardiac abnormalities in 30 percent to 40 percent of adult patients, and up to 26 percent of pediatric AIDS patients. Most AIDS patients have no definitive symptoms of heart disease. Pulmonary (lung) failure causes more than half of AIDS deaths, but as more effective therapies are developed, there will be fewer deaths from pulmonary failure, and heart diseases will become more common. A better understanding of the causes, as well as more accurate diagnosis, are important in treating heart diseases in AIDS patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Angiography, serial X-raying of blood vessels after injection of a dye, can show the contours of blood vessels, while angioscopy, which involves threading a microscopic tube into vessels, and ultrasound imaging can provide information about abnormalities of vessel surfaces and walls. These techniques are not usually used together. Two cases are reported in which all three methods were used before and after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), in which a balloon catheter is threaded into a constricted blood vessel and then inflated. The first patient was a 72-year-old man with claudication (leg pain during activity) who had no pulse in the right foot. Angiography showed 75 percent narrowing of a leg artery due to atherosclerosis, while angioscopy showed a clot. The clot was aspirated. Ultrasound confirmed atherosclerotic narrowing and suggested calcification of the area, so that high pressures would be needed during balloon inflation. Following inflation, only a 25 percent narrowing remained, and angioscopy and ultrasound showed tearing of the arterial lining. The second case was a 75-year-old man with similar symptoms. All three imaging techniques indicated the patient had an atherosclerotic plaque next to an area of complete blockage. Following catheter inflation, the area was found to be 65 percent constricted, and angioscopy and ultrasound but not angiography indicated that the plaque had a disrupted surface. The study demonstrates that angiography is best for analysis of an entire area of blood vessels, while angioscopy is best for evaluating the vessel surface, and ultrasound provides information about the vessel wall. The last two techniques are not yet easy to use, but led to alterations in treatment in a fourth of the cases where they were employed. Use of angiography with the other techniques should lead to improved patient treatment and should improve understanding of disease processes in blood vessels. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Blood clotting is an essential protective mechanism. However, thrombi (immobile clots) and emboli (formed clots that travel through the cardiovascular system before lodging) may be life-threatening; pulmonary embolism (in which a clot lodges in the pulmonary artery) is the third largest cause of death in the US. Thrombolytic (clot-dissolving) therapy with heparin or proteins like streptokinase have been effective in some patients, but can cause bleeding and thus these agents can often not be used. Ultrasound has been used to disrupt thrombi, but the process has not been well-characterized. The effectiveness of ultrasound on disrupting clots was studied in terms of clot age, ultrasound probe length, size of breakdown particles, and role of thrombolysis. Ultrasound was effective within 60 minutes of use on clots that were one to seven days old. The time needed for clot disruption increased as the length of the ultrasound probe wire increased. Almost all particulates produced by ultrasound clot disruption were smaller than blood cells, and thus were unlikely to cause clots themselves. Streptokinase had little effect on clot breakdown, and ultrasound disruption was related to mechanical breakdown of the structure, rather than to the biochemical aspect of thrombolysis (the endogenous mechanism for clot breakdown). The study suggests that ultrasound may be an effective technique for disruption of human blood clots without the complications associated with thrombolysis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with a prevalence of 23% and incidence of 3.1%. The risk of thromboembolism is high in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy regardless of CHADS2-VASc score. This review includes 5 observational studies that focused on prevention of thromboembolism in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation. The studies evaluated and compared outcomes between patients receiving either warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants. Data showed that direct oral anticoagulants are effective and safe in this patient population and may have a benefit over warfarin for thromboprophylaxis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation. Because of the high risk of thromboembolism, lifelong anticoagulation with warfarin is recommended to prevent thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The available observational data reviewed suggest that direct oral anticoagulants may be safe and effective in this patient population. However, adequately powered randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of pulmonary venous (PV) flow during MitraClip implantation. Background The clinical significance of PV flow information during MitraClip implantation is unknown. Methods A total of 300 patients who underwent MitraClip implantation and in whom the measurement of PV flow was completed using intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography were retrospectively reviewed. The optimal threshold of the ratio of systolic velocity-time integral (Svti) to diastolic velocity-time integral (Dvti) ratio after MitraClip placement for major adverse cardiovascular events (all-cause death, redo MitraClip implantation, mitral valve surgery, and heart transplantation) during 12 months was assessed. The best cutoff ratio was 0.72. Patients were divided into 2 groups using this cutoff ratio (low Svti/Dvti, n = 91; high Svti/Dvti, n = 209). Results Following mitral regurgitation reduction by MitraClip placement, Svti increased in the both groups. The frequency of mitral regurgitation 3/4+ immediately after MitraClip implantation, at 1-month follow-up, and at 12-month follow-up was significantly higher in patients with low Svti/Dvti ratios than in those with high Svti/Dvti ratios (after MitraClip placement, 5.5% vs. 0%; p < 0.001; at 1 month; 26% vs. 5.2%; p < 0.001; at 12 months, 18% vs. 5.3%; p = 0.006). Major adverse cardiovascular events during 12 months were significantly higher in patients with low Svti/Dvti ratios than in those with high Svti/Dvti ratios (23% vs. 6.2%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that low Svti/Dvti ratio was significantly associated with major adverse cardiovascular events during 12 months after adjustment for age, baseline renal function, and mean transmitral pressure gradient (adjusted hazard ratio: 4.00; 95% confidence interval: 2.02 to 8.23; p < 0.001). Conclusions PV flow information in the catheterization laboratory immediately after MitraClip implantation predicted recurrent mitral regurgitation and worse long-term outcomes. Graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Postprocedural mitral stenosis (MS) is a main limitation for MitraClip™ (Abbot Vascular, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA) procedure. The purpose of this study was to detect the preprocedural predictors of high transmitral pressure gradient (TMPG) after MitraClip™ implantation, which indicated postprocedural mitral stenosis (MS). Methods We studied 79 patients who were implanted with MitraClip™ in our institute. Before the procedure, mitral valve orifice area (MVOA), and anterior–posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) mitral annular diameters were measured at diastole using three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) data set. After the procedure, the mean TMPG was assessed using continuous-wave (CW) Doppler by periprocedural TEE. Results Preprocedural MVOA, and AP and ML diameter of left ventricular (LV) inflow orifices were larger in patients with mean TMPG ≤4 mmHg than in patients with TMPG >4 mmHg after 1-and 2-clip implantation. The large MVOA and ML diameter of LV inflow orifice strongly correlated with the low TMPG after 1- and 2-clip implantation. As a result of the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the preprocedural MVOA predicted the low postprocedural TMPG more accurately than the ML diameter of LV inflow orifice after 1-clip implantation either in the degenerative or functional mitral regurgitation (MR) patients. After 2-clip implantation, however, the preprocedural ML diameter of LV inflow orifice predicted it more accurately than the MVOA in the degenerative and functional MR patients. Conclusions 3D TEE derived MVOA predicts the postprocedural MS after 1-clip implantation, however, preprocedural ML diameter of LV inflow orifice is more useful to predict after 2-clip implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term performance of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) through longitudinal echocardiographic analysis. Background The long-term performance of the SAPIEN TAVR is not well-described. Therefore, we examined the hemodynamic and valvular profile of the SAPIEN TAVR over 5 years. Methods All patients receiving TAVR or SAVR with first post-implant (FPI) and 5-year echoes were analyzed for aortic valve (AV) peak velocity, AV mean gradient, AV area, peak left ventricular (LV) outflow tract and in-stent velocities, Doppler velocity index, aortic regurgitation (AR), LV mass index, stroke volume index, and cardiac index. The FPI and 5-year data were compared using a paired t test or McNemar’s analyses. Results There were 86 TAVR and 48 SAVR patients with paired FPI and 5-year echocardiograms. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The AV area did not change significantly 5 years after TAVR (p = 0.35). The AV mean gradient also remained stable: 11.5 ± 5.4 mm Hg at FPI to 11.0 ± 6.3 mm Hg at 5 years (p = 0.41). In contrast, the peak AV and LV outflow tract velocities decreased (p = 0.03 and p = 0.008, respectively), as did in-stent velocity (p = 0.015). Correspondingly, the TAVR Doppler velocity index was unchanged (p = 0.07). Among TAVR patients, there was no change in total AR (p = 0.40), transvalvular AR (p = 0.37), or paravalvular AR (p = 0.26). Stroke volume index and cardiac index remained stable (p = 0.16 and p = 0.25, respectively). However, there was a significant regression of LV mass index (p < 0.0001). The longitudinal evaluation among SAVR patients revealed similar trends. There was a low rate of adverse events among TAVR and SAVR patients alive at 5 years. Conclusions Longitudinal assessment of the PARTNER (THE PARTNER TRIAL: Placement of AoRTic TraNscathetER Valve Trial) I trial demonstrates that valve performance and cardiac hemodynamics are stable after implantation in both SAPIEN TAVR and SAVR in patients alive at 5 years. (THE PARTNER TRIAL: Placement of AoRTic TraNscathetER Valve Trial [PARTNER]; NCT00530894 ) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine which echocardiographic parameters, including holodiastolic flow reversal (HDFR) in the descending aorta, were useful for grading of post-procedural aortic regurgitation (PAR) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography. Background Reliable assessment of PAR in a catheterization laboratory is essential for an optimal outcome after TAVR; however, such an assessment has not been determined. Methods Three hundred eighty patients who underwent TAVR with the Edwards (Irvine, California) balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve were retrospectively assessed by intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography. PAR was evaluated by 2-dimensional color Doppler and pulse-wave Doppler in the descending aorta. Using 2-dimensional color Doppler, we measured the cross-sectional area of the vena contracta, the circumferential extent at the aortic annular plane, the longitudinal jet length, and the jet extent (with a mosaic pattern in the left ventricular outflow tract) compared with the location of the tip of the anterior mitral leaflet (AML). Grading of PAR was determined using the following vena contracta cutoffs: mild ≤9 mm 2 ; moderate 10 to 29 mm 2 ; and severe ≥30 mm 2 . Significant PAR was defined as at least moderate grade. Results All patients with consistent HDFR had significant PAR. By multivariable analysis, consistent HDFR and the jet extent beyond the tip of AML were independent predictors of significant PAR. Consistent HDFR and jet extent beyond the tip of AML predicted significant PAR with specificities of 100% and 97%, respectively. In contrast, patients with both negative HDFR and a jet extent of less than halfway to the tip of AML had no significant PAR, with 97% specificity. Conclusions The presence of consistent HDFR and jet extent beyond the tip of AML are indicative of significant PAR after TAVR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion is an evolving treatment to prevent embolic events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. In the past few years multiple percutaneous devices have been developed to exclude the LAA from the body of the left atrium and thus from the systemic circulation. Two- and 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is used to assess the LAA anatomy and its suitability for percutaneous closure to select the type and size of the closure device and to guide the device implantation procedure in conjunction with fluoroscopy. In addition, 2- and 3-dimensional TEE is also used to assess the effectiveness of device implantation acutely and on subsequent follow-up examination. Knowledge of the implantation options that are currently available along with their specific characteristics is essential for choosing the appropriate device for a given patient with a specific LAA anatomy. We present the currently available LAA exclusion devices and the echocardiographic imaging approaches for evaluation of the LAA before, during, and after LAA occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a finger-like extension originating from the main body of the left atrium. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically important cardiac arrhythmia, occurring in approximately 0.4% to 1% of the general population and increasing with age to >8% in those >80 years of age. In the presence of AF thrombus, formation often occurs within the LAA because of reduced contractility and stasis; thus, attention should be given to the LAA when evaluating and assessing patients with AF to determine the risk for cardioembolic complications. It is clinically important to understand LAA anatomy and function. It is also critical to choose the optimal imaging techniques to identify or exclude LAA thrombi in the setting of AF, before cardioversion, and with current and emerging transcatheter therapies, which include mitral balloon valvuloplasty, pulmonary vein isolation, MitraClip (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois) valve repair, and the implantation of LAA occlusion and exclusion devices. In this review, we present the current data regarding LAA anatomy, LAA function, and LAA imaging using the currently available noninvasive imaging modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive pulmonary artery catheter measurements are the standard method for assessment of hemodynamic evaluation at the present time. However, this invasive approach is associated with an increase in patient morbidity and without evidence of a reduction in mortality. Doppler echocardiography is a noninvasive method that provides robust data regarding patients' hemodynamic indices. Several parameters are available for noninvasive hemodynamic evaluation using Doppler echocardiography. Most of these measurements are easily obtained and provide a safe alternative to invasive hemodynamic assessment. As Doppler echocardiography is able to provide additional valuable information, such as cardiac systolic and diastolic function, and the presence of pericardial and pleural effusions, which can play a significant role in the patients' hemodynamic status, using this noninvasive modality in the daily practice for hemodynamic assessment can prove an alternative to invasive measures in selected patients as well as a complementary tool for those still in need of invasive monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the prevalence of rheumatic fever is decreasing in developed countries, it still affects numerous areas in the nonindustrialized world. Untreated mitral stenosis (MS) contributes to a significant global morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography is the main diagnostic imaging modality with which to evaluate mitral valve (MV) obstruction and assess the severity and hemodynamic consequences of MS as well as valve morphology. According to current guidelines and recommendations for clinical practice, the severity of MS should not be defined by a single value but assessed by valve areas, mean Doppler gradients, and pulmonary pressures. Transthoracic echocardiography is usually sufficient to grade MS severity and to define the morphology of the valve. Transesophageal echocardiography is used when the valve cannot be adequately assessed with transthoracic echocardiography and to exclude intracardiac thrombi before a percutaneous or surgical intervention. Three-dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic assessment provide more detailed physiological and morphological information. Current definitive treatment for severe MS involves percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) or surgery. The effectiveness of PMBV is related to the etiology of MS, and certain anatomic characteristics tend to predict a more successful outcome for PMBV, whereas other MV structural findings might suggest balloon valvuloplasty to be less likely successful or even contraindicated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Patients with severe mitral regurgitation may be screened for coronary artery disease with the use of cardiac computed tomography before valve surgery. Objective: We hypothesized that dual-source multidetector computed tomography (DSCT) could effectively predict the culprit mitral valve scallop identified during surgery among patients with degenerative mitral valve disease undergoing surgical mitral valve repair. Methods: Twenty-six patients (7 women) with known severe mitral regurgitation underwent elective mitral valve repair from September 2006 through December 2009 at our institution. An additional 10 patients underwent aortic valve replacement and had no documented history of mitral valve disease. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and had retrospectively gated DSCT performed to evaluate the coronary arteries before surgery. Each mitral scallop was identified as either normal, prolapsed, or flail. CT findings were compared with operative findings, which were guided by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Results: In the 26 patients examined, DSCT identified flail in 23 scallops and prolapse in 48. DSCT agreed with operative findings on identification of the culprit scallop in 25 of 26 patients. On a per-patient and per-scallop basis, the observed κ statistic for agreement between DSCT and operative findings was 0.82. Of the 60 scallops in the aortic valve group, all were judged to be normal by both DSCT and TEE. Conclusions: In patients with degenerative mitral valve disease undergoing cardiac surgery, DSCT demonstrates excellent agreement with intraoperative findings. DSCT can be used to identify the affected mitral valve scallop and its structure in patients who are candidates for mitral valve repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute hemodynamic consequences of mitral valve (MV) repair with the MitraClip device (Abbott Vascular, Menlo Park, California). Background: Whether surgical correction of mitral regurgitation (MR) results in a low cardiac output (CO) state because of an acute increase in afterload remains controversial. The acute hemodynamic consequences of MR reduction with the MitraClip device have not been studied. Methods: We evaluated 107 patients with cardiac catheterization before and immediately following percutaneous MV repair with the MitraClip device. In addition, pre- and post-procedural hemodynamic parameters were studied by transthoracic echocardiography. Results: MitraClip treatment was attempted in 107 patients, and in 96 (90%) patients, a MitraClip was deployed. Successful MitraClip treatment resulted in: 1) an increase in CO from 5.0 ± 2.0 l/min to 5.7 ± 1.9 l/min (p = 0.003); 2) an increase in forward stroke volume (FSV) from 57 ± 17 ml to 65 ± 18 ml (p < 0.001); and 3) a decrease in systemic vascular resistance from 1,226 ± 481 dyn·s/cm5 to 1,004 ± 442 dyn·s/cm5 (p < 0.001). In addition, there was left ventricular (LV) unloading manifested by a decrease in LV end-diastolic pressure from 11.4 ± 9.0 mm Hg to 8.8 ± 5.8 mm Hg (p = 0.016) and a decrease in LV end-diastolic volume from 172 ± 37 ml to 158 ± 38 ml (p < 0.001). None of the patients developed acute post-procedural low CO state. Conclusions: Successful MV repair with the MitraClip system results in an immediate and significant improvement in FSV, CO, and LV loading conditions. There was no evidence of a low CO state following MitraClip treatment for MR. These favorable hemodynamic effects with the MitraClip appear to reduce the risk of developing a low CO state, a complication occasionally observed after surgical MV repair for severe MR. (A Study of the Evalve Cardiovascular Valve Repair System Endovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair Study [EVEREST I]; NCT00209339 and EVEREST II; NCT00209274) [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of clinical and echo-Doppler parameters for the prognosis of unoperated severe aortic stenosis (AS). Background: Approximately one-third of severe, symptomatic AS patients are denied surgery. Risk stratification of unoperated AS is important to determine eligibility for percutaneous aortic valve replacement, an evolving treatment option for AS patients deemed suboptimal for surgical aortic valve replacement. Methods: We retrospectively compared clinical and echo-Doppler parameters between survivors and nonsurvivors of 125 patients with unoperated severe AS. Results: The 1-year survival rate was 62.4%. In univariate analysis, survivors compared with nonsurvivors were younger (80.0 ± 10.9 years vs. 84.9 ± 11.1 years, p = 0.02), had a greater left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (55 ± 15% vs. 50 ± 16%, p = 0.042), a higher left ventricular stroke volume (63 ± 19 ml vs. 56 ± 13 ml, p = 0.015), a lower E/E′ ratio (12.19 ± 5.7 vs. 16.87 ± 7.43, p < 0.001), and a lower prevalence of E/E′ >15 (20% vs. 55%, p < 0.001). Symptomatic status was nonsignificantly different between survivors and nonsurvivors. In patients with an LVEF ≥50%, the subgroup with E/E′ ≤15 and with E/E′ >15 had a 73.8% and 47.8% 1-year survival rate, respectively (p = 0.027). In the patients with an LVEF <50%, the patients with E/E′ ≤15 and those with E/E′ >15 demonstrated a 70.6% and 22.3% 1-year survival rate, respectively (p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, significant predictors of mortality were E/E′ >15 and a combination of E/E′ >15 and B-type natriuretic peptide >300 ng/ml: adjusted mortality risk 2.34 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27 to 4.33, p = 0.0072) and 2.59 (95% CI 1.21 to 5.55, p = 0.014), respectively. Conclusions: The E/E′ ratio is the single most predictive clinical and echo-Doppler parameter in the assessment of overall prognosis in patients with unoperated severe AS. LVEF was a significant predictor of survival only in the univariate analysis. B-type natriuretic peptide alone was not a predictor of prognosis in the study population. However, the combination of E/E′ and B-type natriuretic peptide is even more predictive of the 1-year prognosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the interobserver agreement of proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) and vena contracta (VC) for differentiating severe from nonsevere mitral regurgitation (MR). Background: Recommendation for MR evaluation stresses the importance of VC width and effective regurgitant orifice area by PISA measurements. Reliable and accurate assessment of MR is important for clinical decision making regarding corrective surgery. We hypothesize that color Doppler-based quantitative measurements for classifying MR as severe versus nonsevere may be particularly susceptible to interobserver agreement. Methods: The PISA and VC measurements of 16 patients with MR were interpreted by 18 echocardiologists from 11 academic institutions. In addition, we obtained quantitative assessment of MR based on color flow Doppler jet area. Results: The overall interobserver agreement for grading MR as severe or nonsevere using qualitative and quantitative parameters was similar and suboptimal: 0.32 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1 to 0.52) for jet area–based MR grade, 0.28 (95% CI: 0.11 to 0.45) for VC measurements, and 0.37 (95% CI: 0.16 to 0.58) for PISA measurements. Significant univariate predictors of substantial interobserver agreement for: 1) jet area–based MR grade was functional etiology (p = 0.039); 2) VC was central MR (p = 0.013) and identifiable effective regurgitant orifice (p = 0.049); and 3) PISA was presence of a central MR jet (p = 0.003), fixed proximal flow convergence (p = 0.025), and functional etiology (p = 0.049). Significant multivariate predictors of raw interobserver agreement ≥80% included: 1) for VC, identifiable effective regurgitant orifice (p = 0.035); and 2) for PISA, central regurgitant jet (p = 0.02). Conclusions: The VC and PISA measurements for distinction of severe versus nonsevere MR are only modestly reliable and associated with suboptimal interobserver agreement. The presence of an identifiable effective regurgitant orifice improves reproducibility of VC and a central regurgitant jet predicts substantial agreement among multiple observers of PISA assessment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Transcutaneous low-frequency ultrasound (US) preserves myocardial and skeletal muscle viability by increasing tissue perfusion through an undefined nitric oxide (NO)-dependent mechanism. We have examined whether US increases tissue expression and activity of the three nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms: endothelial (eNOS), neuronal (nNOS) and inducible (iNOS). The two femoral arteries of four New Zealand rabbits were ligated for a total of 120 min. After 60 min of ligation, transcutaneous low-frequency US (27 kHz, 0.13 W/cm2) was applied for 60 min to one thigh, while the contra-lateral artery served as a control (total ischemia time = 120 min). Calcium-dependent (cNOS) and -independent (ciNOS) NOS activity, and concentration of total eNOS, ser-1177 phosphorylated eNOS (P-eNOS), nNOS and iNOS were then determined in the gracilis muscle. Compared with the control, US application significantly increased cNOS activity [3.34 ± 0.28 versus 3.87 ± 0.10 × 1000 counts per minute (cpm), respectively, p = 0.031] and ciNOS activity (1.99 ± 0.09 versus 3.26 ± 0.68 cpm, respectively, p < 0.001). Western immunoblotting revealed a significant increase in protein content of both iNOS (184.5 ± 1.08%; p < 0.0001) and P-eNOS (381.5 ± 2.47%; p <0.001), with only a small increase in total eNOS and nNOS expression. In conclusion, application of transcutaneous low-frequency US to ischemic muscular tissue significantly increases both cNOS and ciNOS activity by increasing eNOS phosphorylation and iNOS expression, respectively. (E-mail: yobirnba@utmb.edu) [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pacing atrial stress echocardiography (PASE) has been studied over the past 3 decades for the evaluation of myocardial ischemia. Published studies suggest that PASE may be used as an alternative to exercise or pharmacologic stress imaging. The recent introduction of improved pacing electrodes, together with use of accelerated and shortened pacing protocols and improvements in transthoracic echocardiographic imaging techniques, makes PASE an appealing stress imaging method. A critical analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of PASE shows equivalence with other imaging stress modalities. PASE has been found to be highly feasible and accurate technique that may expedite the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease. This review addresses the history, hemodynamics, protocols, accuracy, clinical utility, and cost-effectiveness of PASE as well as elucidating its place among other stress modalities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: In this study we compared the surgical management of ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) by revascularization alone and by revascularization combined with mitral valve repair. Methods: We studied 355 patients who underwent revascularization alone (n = 168) or revascularization combined with mitral valve repair (n = 187) for IMR from March 1994 to September 2003. Preoperative and operative characteristics, postoperative mitral regurgitation severity, operative mortality, and late survival were examined for each surgical group. Results: No differences were noted between the two groups in age, sex, history of diabetes or hypertension, and number of bypass grafts. The combined surgical group had a lower preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (0.38 ± 0.14 versus 0.44 ± 0.15), greater severity of IMR, higher frequency of prior myocardial infarction, and longer cross-clamp and pump times (p &#60; 0.01). The combined surgical group had a greater reduction in IMR grade (2.7 ± 0.1 grades versus 0.2 ± 0.1 grade), a lower postoperative IMR grade (0.9 ± 0.1 versus 2.3 ± 0.1), and a higher success with reduction of IMR by two or more grades (89% versus 11%) (p &#60; 0.001). In patients with 3+ or 4+ IMR, both groups had similar operative mortality (11.0% in the combined group compared with 4.7% for revascularization alone, p = 0.11) and actuarial survival at 5 years (44% ± 5% versus 41% ± 7%, p = 0.53). Independently predictive of higher early mortality (≤30 days) by Cox analysis were longer pump time (p &#60; 0.001) and older age (p &#60; 0.02). Predictive of late mortality (>30 days) were older age (p &#60; 0.001), fewer bypass grafts (p &#60; 0.01), and lower ejection fraction (p &#60; 0.01). After adjustment for these variables, there was a trend (p = 0.08) toward a higher late survival with the combined surgical procedure. Conclusions: In patients with IMR, combined mitral valve repair and revascularization resulted in less postoperative mitral regurgitation and similar 5-year survival when compared with revascularization alone. Attempts to reduce pump time by using off-pump techniques may reduce early mortality in these high-risk patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]