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With increasing atrial septal defect (ASD) repairs, more women of childbearing age will have ASD closure devices. Current ASD closure trials have excluded women planning pregnancy, making their management challenging. We present a pregnant woman, with a repaired ASD, who presented with device-related infective endocarditis. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.), Graphical abstract

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Renewed attention has focused on the occupational health hazards posed by working in the fluoroscopic laboratory ([1–6][1]). Accumulated occupational radiation exposure is associated with health risks to physicians, nurses, and technologists working in this environment. Health care workers are

Renewed attention has focused on the occupational health hazards posed by working in the fluoroscopic laboratory ([1–6][1]). Accumulated occupational radiation exposure is associated with health risks to physicians, nurses, and technologists working in this environment. Health care workers are

• ASE guidance for patient and provider protection during echo exams in the COVID-19 pandemic. • Triaging approach for prioritizing echo exams during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Recommended imaging approach and appropriate PPE use during echo exams.

Background: There is a paucity of data regarding prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and corresponding cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in transgender individuals. We sought to assess the prevalence of CV risk factors and CVD in transgender persons in the United States. Methods: The 2018 Centers for Disease Control’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey was utilized to identify a cohort of 1,038 transgender individuals in the United States. Presence of CVD was noted with a single affirmative response to the following questions: “Has a health care professional ever told you that you had any of the following:” (1) a heart attack or myocardial infarction, (2) angina or coronary heart disease, (3) a stroke? Results: Among the 1,038 transgender individuals studied, a total of 145 (14.0%) had CVD while 893 (86.0%) did not. No differences in prevalence of CVD was noted in transgender individuals who transitioned from male-to-female (n=387), female-to-male (n=400), and gender nonconforming status (n=251) (15.0% vs 13.8% vs 12.7%, p=0.72). Transgender individuals with CVD were older, had lower annual income, higher rates of smoking (28.4% vs 18.1%, p=0.004), and higher rates of multiple co-morbidities including asthma (26.6% vs 17.4%, p = 0.009), skin cancer (21.8% vs 5.0%, p Conclusions: In this observational contemporary study, CVD was prevalent in 14% of transgender individuals in the United States. Predictors of CVD in the transgender population exist and transgender persons should be appropriately screened for CV risk factors so as to minimize their risk of CVD.

Observational data suggest that early- and long-term outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) differ significantly between men and women, but have demonstrated conflicting results. This study sought to examine early- and long-term mortality with TAVR and SAVR in women versus men.Electronic search was performed until February 2018 for studies reporting sex-specific mortality following TAVR or isolated SAVR. Data were pooled using random-effects models. Outcomes included rates of early mortality (in hospital or 30 days) and long term (1 year or longer).With 35 studies, a total of 80,928 patients were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis, including 40,861 men and 40,067 women. Pooled analyses suggested considerable sex-related differences in longterm mortality following TAVR and SAVR. Following SAVR, women had higher long-term mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-1.56; P.001) and a trend toward higher early mortality (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 0.97-2.97; P=.07) compared to men. Following TAVR, women had lower long-term mortality (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.71-0.86; P.001) and no difference in early mortality (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.96-1.23; P=.17) compared to men.In this systematic review and meta-analysis, women had higher long-term mortality and a trend toward higher early mortality compared to men following SAVR. Following TAVR, women had lower long-term mortality and no difference in early mortality compared with men.

This document is 1 of 2 companion appropriate use criteria (AUC) documents developed by the American College of Cardiology, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American Heart Association, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons. This document addresses the evaluation and use of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis and management of valvular heart disease, whereas the second, companion document addresses this topic with regard to structural heart disease. Although there is clinical overlap, the documents addressing valvular and structural heart disease are published separately, albeit with a common structure. The goal of the companion AUC documents is to provide a comprehensive resource for multimodality imaging in the context of valvular and structural heart disease, encompassing multiple imaging modalities. Using standardized methodology, the clinical scenarios (indications) were developed by a diverse writing group to represent patient presentations encountered in everyday practice and included common applications and anticipated uses. Where appropriate, the scenarios were developed on the basis of the most current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines. A separate, independent rating panel scored the 92 clinical scenarios in this document on a scale of 1 to 9. Scores of 7 to 9 indicate that a modality is considered appropriate for the clinical scenario presented. Midrange scores of 4 to 6 indicate that a modality may be appropriate for the clinical scenario, and scores of 1 to 3 indicate that a modality is considered rarely appropriate for the clinical scenario. The primary objective of the AUC is to provide a framework for the assessment of these scenarios by practices that will improve and standardize physician decision making. AUC publications reflect an ongoing effort by the American College of Cardiology to critically and systematically create, review, and categorize clinical situations where diagnostic tests and procedures are utilized by physicians caring for patients with cardiovascular diseases. The process is based on the current understanding of the technical capabilities of the imaging modalities examined.

Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion has become the mainstay for treatment in adults with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a high bleeding risk. While accurate device sizing is critical for successful LAA occlusion and optimal clinical outcomes, it is unknown whether gender impacts LAA anatomy and

The association between Medicare Severity-Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) and 30-day outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has not been well studied. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between DRG and 30-day clinical outcomes in patients with severe

The association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the setting of newer-generation transcatheter heart valves (THVs) is not well known. Accordingly, we sought to assess the impact of CKD severity on outcomes in adults undergoing TAVR with newer-generation THVs.The study population included 298 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR with a newer-generation THV (Sapien 3 [Edwards Lifesciences] or CoreValve Evolut R or Evolut Pro [Medtronic]) from December 2015 to June 2018 at an academic tertiary medical center. Patients were classified into three groups: group I, defined as creatinine clearance (CrCl) ≥60 mL/ min (n = 133); group II, defined as CrCl ≥30 mL/min and60 mL/min (n = 128); and group III, defined as CrCl30 mL/min (n = 37).Median length of stay was longer in groups II and III (2.0 days in group I vs 3.0 days in group II vs 4.0 days in group III; P.01). While rates of 30-day readmission were significantly higher in groups II and III compared with group I (14.5% in group I vs 26.6% in group II vs 37.1% in group III; P.01), rates of in-hospital and 30-day mortality and disabling stroke were similar. In multivariable analysis, CKD was independently associated with higher 30-day readmission rates (group II: odds ratio, 2.10; 95% confidence interval 1.02-4.32; group III: odds ratio, 3.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-8.87; group I: referent).In this prospective study of adults undergoing TAVR with newer-generation THVs, moderate and severe CKD was associated with a nearly 2-fold and 3-fold higher risk of 30-day readmission, respectively.

This document is the second of 2 companion appropriate use criteria (AUC) documents developed by the American College of Cardiology, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American Heart Association, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons. The first document

Identifying patients at risk of progression of Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis (pCAVS) is important for optimal timing of diagnosis and treatment. Systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Search was preformed using databases for studies including patients with pCAVS

Highlights • ASE guidance for patient and provider protection during echo exams in the COVID-19 pandemic. • Triaging approach for prioritizing echo exams during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Recommended...

The impact of gender on early outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the setting of contemporary valves is not well known. We aimed to evaluate gender-specific differences on 30-day outcomes in adults undergoing TAVR with contemporary valves. The study population

Limited data exists regarding gender differences in outcomes following transcatheter (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). We sought to review the published data and perform a systematic review to investigate differences in mortality between men and women following TAVR and SAVR. We

Medicare's Post-Acute Transfer (PACT) policy costs hospitals nationwide penalties following transcatheter aortic valve replacement. While discharging home without home services avoids PACT policy activation, its impact on 30-day outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is not

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) closure device related infective endocarditis a year after implantation in a pregnant woman. 29 year old 20 week pregnant female s/p ASD closure a year ago for primary stroke prevention, presented with fever, and myalgias. She underwent dental cleanings while on

The impact of chronic renal disease on outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is not well known. Moreover, readmission rates following TAVR have not been adequately studied in the era of contemporary newer generation valves. We aimed to evaluate the impact of moderate and

Background— Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a pulmonary vasodilator and inhibitor of vascular smooth muscle proliferation, has been reported absent in pulmonary arteries from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We have tested the hypothesis that targeted deletion of the VIP gene may lead to PAH with pulmonary vascular remodeling. Methods and Results— We examined VIP knockout (VIP −/− ) mice for evidence of PAH, right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Relative to wild-type control mice, VIP −/− mice showed moderate RV hypertension, RV hypertrophy confirmed by increased ratio of RV to left ventricle plus septum weight, and enlarged, thickened pulmonary artery and smaller branches with increased muscularization and narrowed lumen. Lung sections also showed perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates. No systemic hypertension and no arterial hypoxemia existed to explain the PAH. The condition was associated with increased mortality. Both the vascular remodeling and RV remodeling were attenuated after a 4-week treatment with VIP. Conclusions— Deletion of the VIP gene leads to spontaneous expression of moderately severe PAH in mice during air breathing. Although not an exact model of idiopathic PAH, the VIP −/− mouse should be useful for studying molecular mechanisms of PAH and evaluating potential therapeutic agents. VIP replacement therapy holds promise for the treatment of PAH, and mutations of the VIP gene may be a factor in the pathogenesis of idiopathic PAH.

The early recognition and treatment of hydatid disease of the heart is important as it can result in potentially lethal complications. We present the clin- ical and echocardiographic features of a 71 year old Afghanistani man who pre- sented with left-sided chest pain. Transthoracic (TTE), transesophageal (TEE), and contrast echo demonstrated a calcified cystic structure within the distal ante- rior septum consistent with an echinococcal cyst, despite negative serologies. Treatment strategies for this patient are discussed.

Although emerging data support the utility of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) during dobutamine stress testing, the feasibility of performing contrast enhanced RT3DE during exercise treadmill stress has not been explored. Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) acquisition were performed in 39 patients at rest and peak exercise. Contrast was used in 29 patients (74%). Reconstruction was performed manually by generating short axis cut planes at the base, mid-ventricle and apex, and automatically by generating 9 short axis slices. Three-dimensional acquisition was feasible during rest and stress regardless of the use of contrast. Time to acquire stress images was reduced using 3D (35.2±17.9 s) as compared to 2D acquisition (51.6±14.7 s; P less then 0.05). Using a 17-segment model, of all 663 segments, 588 resting (88.6%) and 563 stress segments (84.9%) were adequately visualized using manually reconstructed 3D data, compared with 618 resting (93.2%) and 606 stress segments (91.4%) using 2D data (P rest=0.06; P stress=0.07). We concluded that contrast enhanced RT3DE is feasible during treadmill stress echocardiography.

FOCUS is an ACC quality improvement initiative based on Appropriate Use Criteria. Using it results in reduced inappropriate radionuclide tests ordered, however, little is known about using FOCUS at the point of care. Although it could be used by non-physicians, the association between level of

Background Aortic valve thickening (AVT) without aortic stenosis (AS) is common and was often considered benign. However, it has recently been found to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is unknown whether patients with AVT are at risk for the development of AS. Methods Our echocardiography database from 1987 to 1993 was searched for cases of AVT with at least 1 year of echocardiographic follow-up. The risk of the development of AS was compared in patients with and without AVT. Results There were 2131 patients with AVT and at least 1 year of echocardiographic follow-up. Aortic stenosis developed in 338 patients (15.9%) (mild, 10.5%; moderate, 2.9%; and severe, 2.5%). Multivariate analysis, including age, left ventricular hypertrophy, and mitral annular calcification, revealed that only mitral annular calcification was independently and significantly associated with progression to AS. Conclusions Aortic valve thickening without stenosis is common, and it may progress to significant AS. It is possible that this development of AS may be responsible for some of the increased morbidity and mortality in patients with AVT.

Little is known regarding the various clinical predictors of myocardial recovery in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) is commonly observed during AMI, but few

Lower mortality rates have been described in obese patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (obesity paradox) and in smokers with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (smoker's paradox). We sought to evaluate the impact of obesity and smoking on mortality in AMI patients