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We compared procedural outcomes of patients undergoing patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure using Helex (W.L. Gore & Assoc., Flagstaff, AZ, USA) and Amplatzer (AGA Medical Corp., Plymouth, MN, USA) devices using intracardiac echocardiographic (ICE) versus fluoroscopic-only guidance. Use of transesophageal or ICE to guide PFO closure is associated with patient discomfort and cost. While fluoroscopic guidance of septal closure using Amplatzer is well established, there is no published experience for Helex. We performed a single-center, single-operator analysis of patients undergoing PFO closure using Helex or Amplatzer occluders. Device and guidance strategy was selected by the operator. Of the 132 PFO patients, 23 were closed with Helex, and 109 were closed with Amplatzer (103 Cribriforms, 4 PFO occluders, and 2 atrial septal occluders). Fluoroscopic guidance was used for 15 (65%) Helex and 102 (94%) Amplatzer cases. Successful device placement was achieved in all patients with a 1.5% complication rate (1 arrhythmia and 1 device embolization). Procedure time was shorter for fluoroscopic guidance of Amplatzer cases compared to ICE guidance (P = 0.023), and for Amplatzer versus Helex cases (P = 0.0004). Among the Helex cases, there were no differences in procedure or fluoroscopy time comparing ICE to fluoroscopic guidance. There was no residual shunting by transthoracic echocardiographic bubble study in 93% of Helex and 95% of Amplatzer cases at 6 months. Use of right atrial angiography and fluoroscopic-only guidance for PFO closure using Helex and Amplatzer devices provides an efficient alternative to ICE guidance. While procedure and fluoroscopy times were significantly shorter for Amplatzer versus Helex cases, these times were similar for Helex comparing fluoroscopy versus ICE guidance. (J Interven Cardiol 2011;24:271-277) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The signs and symptoms of systolic heart failure are frequently insensitive and nonspecific, making an accurate bedside diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) challenging. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is often used, but is not diagnostically useful when in the indeterminate range. The authors investigated the diagnostic test characteristics of acoustic cardiographic parameters to identify patients with LVSD. Four hundred thirty-three patients with contemporaneous measurements of computerized acoustic cardiography, BNP, and echocardiography were included. The acoustic cardiographic model outperformed BNP alone at detecting reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (C statistic, 0.88 vs 0.67; P<.0001). The acoustic model with BNP did not perform better than the acoustic model alone (P=.14). Within the indeterminate BNP range, the acoustic model outperformed BNP (C statistic, 0.89 vs 0.64; P<.0001). Noninvasive computerized acoustic cardiography predicted LVSD in a diverse population. This acoustic cardiographic model outperformed BNP alone for predicting LVSD. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:249-253. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 27-year-old male with dextro-transposition of great arteries had Senning atrial switch repair in childhood and dual-chamber pacemaker placement for sinus node dysfunction in adulthood. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a lead in the systemic (anatomic right) ventricle. Multidetector computed tomography showed the lead perforating the baffle in the region of the body of the systemic venous atrium into the systemic ventricle. The lead was extracted, and a new lead was placed in the pulmonary (anatomic left) ventricle. A bidirectional baffle shunt persisted. The iatrogenic baffle leak was percutaneously closed with an Amplatzer septal occluder device using both intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE). We report the first use of ICE for baffle leak closure, which provided a good definition of the complex anatomy and guided the procedure. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E90-E93) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We sought to create a model that adjusts B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) for specific covariates to better distinguish cardiac from non-cardiac dyspnoea. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Previous studies have suggested that ventricular function may be impaired without or prior to electrocardiographic changes or angina during ischemia. Understanding of temporal sequence of electrical and functional ischemic events may improve the detection of myocardial ischemia. Methods: A prospective study was performed in 21 subjects undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who had both ST amplitude changes >2 standard deviations above baseline on 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG), and new or increased third or fourth heart sound (S3 or S4) intensity measured by computerized acoustic cardiography. The sequence of the onset and resolution of these signs of ischemia were examined following coronary balloon inflation and deflation. Results: Electrocardiographic ST amplitude and diastolic heart sound changes occurred contemporaneously, shortly after coronary occlusion (mean onset from balloon inflation; ST changes, 21 ± 17 seconds; S4, 25 ± 26 seconds; S3, 45 ± 43 seconds). In 40% of patients, a new or increased S3 or S4 developed earlier than ST changes. Anginal symptoms occurred in only 2 of the 21 subjects during ischemia with a mean onset time of 68 seconds. ST-segment changes resolved earliest (33 seconds after balloon deflation) while diastolic heart sounds (89 ± 146 seconds) and angina (586 ± 653 seconds) resolved later. Conclusion: A new or intensified S3 and/or S4 occurred contemporaneously with electrocardiographic changes during ischemia. These diastolic heart sounds persisted longer than ST changes following coronary reperfusion. Acoustic cardiographic assessment of diastolic heart sounds may aid in the early detection of myocardial ischemia, particularly in those patients with an uninterpretable ECG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate the usefulness of currently accepted echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function to assess the acute change in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) following the administration of nesiritide in a heart failure population. Methods: In 25 heart failure patients (15 with systolic dysfunction, 10 with preserved ejection fraction [EF]), Doppler echocardiography, right and left heart catheterization, and invasive biventricular pressure hemodynamics were obtained at baseline and 30 minutes after nesiritide infusion. Results: Twenty-four patients had sufficient echocardiographic images for analysis. The mean age was 60 ± 11 years, 48% were male, 56% had coronary artery disease, and 64% had hypertension. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) had the highest correlation with LV filling pressure: pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), pre-A wave LV, and LVEDP (r = 0.66, P = 0.0009; r = 0.63, P = 0.002; r = 0.72, P = 0.0002, respectively). Following nesiritide administration, the mean PCWP decreased from 17.1 ± 7.8 mmHg at baseline to 9.6 ± 6.2 mmHg (P < 0.001). Change in RVSP had the highest correlation with change in PCWP (r =−0.67, P = 0.10) and change in LVEDP (r =−0.71, P = 0.07). Conclusion: Echocardiographic parameters are frequently assessed in attempts to estimate left heart diastolic pressures. In heart failure patients, RVSP appears to be the best predictor of LVEDP, outperforming tissue Doppler E/E′. RVSP was found to be the best echocardiographic predictor of change in LV filling pressure with intravenous vasodilator therapy in heart failure patients. RVSP may provide a noninvasive means of assessing response to cardiac therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipyridamole increases adenosine levels and augments coronary collateralization in patients with coronary ischemia. This pilot study tested whether a 6-month course of sustained-release dipyridamole/aspirin improves coronary flow reserve and left ventricular systolic function in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Six outpatients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% were treated with sustained-release dipyridamole 200 mg/aspirin 25 mg twice daily for 6 months. Myocardial function and perfusion, including coronary sinus flow at rest and during intravenous dipyridamole-induced hyperemia, were measured using velocity-encoded cine magnetic resonance stress perfusion studies at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. There was no change in heart failure or angina class at 6 months. LVEF increased by 39%±64% (31.0%±13.3% at baseline vs 38.3%±10.7% at 6 months; P =.01), hyperemic coronary sinus flow increased more than 2-fold (219.6±121.3 mL/min vs 509.4±349.3 mL/min; P =.01), and stress-induced relative myocardial perfusion increased by 35%±13% (9.4%±3.4% vs 13.9%±8.5%; P =.004). Sustained-release dipyridamole improved hyperemic myocardial blood flow and left ventricular systolic function in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Systolic time intervals measured by echocardiography and carotid artery tracings are validated methods of assessing left ventricular function. However, the clinical utility of phonoelectrocardiographic systolic time intervals for predicting heart failure using newer technology has not been evaluated. Methods: We enrolled 100 adult patients undergoing left heart catheterization. Participants underwent computerized phonoelectrocardiographic analysis, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) measurement, transthoracic echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing. The heart rate-adjusted systolic time intervals included the time from the Q wave onset to peak S1 (electromechanical activation time, EMAT), Q wave onset to peak S2 (electromechanical systole, Q-S2), and peak S1 to peak S2 (left ventricular systolic time, LVST). Left ventricular dysfunction was defined as the presence of both LVEDP >15 mmHg and LVEF <50%. Results: EMAT (r =−0.51; P < 0.0001), EMAT/LVST (r =−0.41; P = 0.0001), and Q-S2 (r =−0.39; P = 0.0003) correlated with LVEF, but not with LVEDP. An abnormal EMAT ≥15 (odds ratio 1.38, P < 0.0001) and EMAT/LVST ≥0.40 (OR 1.13, P = 0.002) were associated with left ventricular dysfunction. EMAT ≥15 had 44% sensitivity, 94% specificity, and a 7.0 likelihood ratio for left ventricular dysfunction, while EMAT/LVST ≥0.40 had 55% sensitivity, 95% specificity, and a 11.7 likelihood ratio. In patients with an intermediate BNP (100–500 pg/mL), the likelihood ratio increased from 1.1 using the BNP result alone to 11.0 when adding a positive EMAT test for predicting left ventricular dysfunction. Conclusions: Phonoelectrocardiographic measures of systolic time intervals are insensitive but highly specific tests for detecting abnormalities in objective markers of left ventricular function. EMAT and EMAT/LVST provide diagnostic information independent of BNP for detecting patients with left ventricular dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bedside diagnostic tools remain important in the care of patients with heart failure. Over the past two centuries, cardiac auscultation and phonocardiography have been essential in understanding cardiac pathophysiology and caring for patients with heart disease. Diastolic heart sounds (S3 and S4) and systolic time intervals have been particularly useful in this regard. Unfortunately, auscultation skills have declined considerably, and systolic time intervals have traditionally required carotid pulse tracings. Newer technology allows the automated detection of heart sounds and measurement of systolic time intervals in a simple, inexpensive, noninvasive system. Using the newer system, the authors present data on the hemodynamic correlates of the S3 and abnormal systolic time intervals. These data serve as the foundation for using the system to better understand the test characteristics and pathophysiology of the S3 and systolic time intervals, and help to define their use in improving the bedside diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to assess survival, predictors of adverse outcomes, and complication rates in a more recent series of adults undergoing percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty (PABV) for symptomatic calcific aortic stenosis. While aortic valve replacement is the treatment of choice for adults with symptomatic calcific aortic stenosis, PABV has been used in selected patients who are not good surgical candidates. Registries of patients who underwent PABV over 15 years ago have shown poor long-term survival and high procedural complication rates. This single-center cohort study enrolled consecutive adults undergoing PABV between 1989 and 2005 for calcific aortic stenosis. Demographic, hemodynamic, and procedural data, as well as vital status, were collected by chart review and query of the National Death Index. The study included 78 patients: mean age 78 ± 11 years, 51% female, 90% heart failure, 61% coronary disease, and 8% end-stage renal disease. While 22% had a major procedural complication, this rate tended to decrease over time (P= 0.068). In the cohort, 87% died with a median survival of 6.6 months. According to NDI records, the primary cause of death was cardiac in 54% of deaths. Survival was significantly higher in patients ≤70 years and those bridged to aortic valve replacement. PABV in patients who are elderly and not candidates for bridge to aortic valve replacement is associated with poor long-term survival. The decrease in the complication rate over the past 15 years has important implications regarding the morbidity associated with percutaneous aortic valve replacement techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a risk factor for the development of heart failure, but the causal mechanism remains unclear. Impaired production or enhanced clearance of natriuretic peptides, which regulate sodium balance and sympathetic activation, may play an important role. The authors investigated the relationship of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide and atrial natriuretic peptide levels to body mass index in 100 patients referred for left heart catheterization. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic data were obtained for all study participants. Atrial natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide levels were compared in obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m²) and nonobese (body mass index <30 kg/m²) subjects. Multivariate regression analyses were performed, adjusting for clinical and hemodynamic covariates. Obese patients had significantly lower B-type natriuretic peptide (p=0.03) and atrial natriuretic peptide (p=0.04) levels compared with nonobese. Multivariate analysis revealed lower B-type natriuretic peptide (p=0.095) and atrial natriuretic peptide (p=0.007) levels in obese patients while controlling for age, sex, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Low levels of circulating natriuretic peptides are thus associated with obesity and may contribute to the development of heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elderly patients with severe symptomatic calcific aortic stenosis do poorly with medical management. The optimal treatment for this group of patients is surgical valve replacement. Balloon valvuloplasty may be useful as a bridge to aortic valve replacement in hemodynamically unstable patients, in patients undergoing emergent noncardiac surgery, and in patients with severe comorbidities who are too ill to undergo cardiac surgery. Balloon valvuloplasty often results in symptomatic improvement; however, the postvalvuloplasty valve area is usually >1.0 cm 2 , the major periprocedural complication rate is roughly 5%, and the 6-month restenosis rate is quite high. There is no evidence that balloon valvuloplasty alters the natural history of aortic stenosis, although no randomized study has been performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to determine whether enhanced external counterpulsation is a safe and effective treatment for angina in octogenarians. In this prospective observational study, demographic and clinical outcome data on patients consecutively enrolled in the International EECP Patient Registry was examined. Of the 3037 patients analyzed, 249 (8%) were =80 years old. Octogenarians were more likely to be female and have a history of congestive heart failure (41% vs. 29%; p<0.001). They were less likely to have had previous revascularization. Fewer patients in the octogenarian group (76% vs. 84%; p<0.01) completed a course of treatment. Of those octogenarian patients who completed treatment, 76% reported a reduction in angina and quality of life improved significantly. Adverse events related to treatment were low. At 6-month follow-up, 81% reported maintenance of angina improvement. Thus, enhanced external counterpulsation is a low-risk intervention that offers octogenarians the ability to return to more normal activity and a better quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of a 22-year-old female who presented with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. She was diagnosed with a right atrial mass by computed tomography and was referred to our institution for biopsy of this mass. Transcatheter biopsy was performed with intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) guidance, avoiding the need for transesophageal echocardiography or surgery to obtain the biopsy. ICE for transcatheter biopsy of an intracardiac mass is an attractive modality which provides precise localization of the cardiac structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]