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Quantification of myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) using vasodilator stress cardiac magnetic resonance is increasingly used to detect coronary artery disease. However, MPR can also be altered because of changes in microvascular function. We aimed to determine whether MPR can distinguish between ischemic cardiomyopathy (IC) secondary to coronary artery disease and non-IC (NIC) with microvascular dysfunction and no underlying epicardial coronary disease. A total of 60 patients (mean age 65 ± 14 years, 30% women), including 31 with IC and 29 with NIC, were identified from a pre-existing vasodilator stress cardiac magnetic resonance registry. Short-axis cine slices were used to measure left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) using the Simpson method of disks. MPR index (MPRi) was determined from first-pass myocardial perfusion images during stress and rest using the upslope ratio, normalized for the arterial input and corrected for rate pressure product. Patients in both groups were divided into subgroups of LVEF ≤35% and LVEF >35%. Differences in MPRi between the subgroups were examined. MPRi was moderately correlated with LVEF in patients with NIC (r = 0.53, p = 0.03), whereas the correlation in patients with IC was lower (r = 0.32, p = 0.22). Average LVEF in NIC and IC was 34% ± 8% and 35% ± 8%, respectively (p = 0.63). MPRi was not significantly different in IC compared with NIC (1.17 [0.88 to 1.61] vs 1.23 [1.07 to 1.66], p = 0.41), including the subgroups of LVEF (IC: 1.20 ± 0.56 vs NIC: 1.15 ± 0.24, p = 0.75 for LVEF ≤35% and IC: 1.35 ± 0.44 vs NIC: 1.58 ± 0.50, p = 0.19 for LVEF >35%). However, MPRi was significantly lower in patients with LVEF ≤35% compared with those with LVEF>35% (1.17 ± 0.40 vs 1.47 ± 0.47, p = 0.01). Similar difference between LVEF groups was noted in the patients with NIC (1.15 ± 0.24 vs 1.58 ± 0.50, p = 0.006) but not in the patients with IC (1.20 ± 0.56 vs 1.35 ± 0.44, p = 0.42). MPRi can be abnormal in the presence of left ventricular dysfunction with nonischemic etiology. This is a potential pitfall to consider when using this approach to detect ischemia because of epicardial coronary disease using myocardial perfusion imaging.

Background COVID-19 infection is known to cause a wide array of clinical chronic sequelae, but little is known regarding the long-term cardiac complications. We aim to report echocardiographic follow-up findings and describe the changes in left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function that occur following acute infection. Methods Patients enrolled in the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography-COVID study with acute COVID-19 infection were asked to return for a follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram. Overall, 198 returned at a mean of 129 days of follow-up, of which 153 had paired baseline and follow-up images that were analyzable, including LV volumes, ejection fraction (LVEF), and longitudinal strain (LVLS). Right-sided echocardiographic parameters included RV global longitudinal strain, RV free wall strain, and RV basal diameter. Paired echocardiographic parameters at baseline and follow-up were compared for the entire cohort and for subgroups based on the baseline LV and RV function. Results For the entire cohort, echocardiographic markers of LV and RV function at follow-up were not significantly different from baseline (all P > .05). Patients with hyperdynamic LVEF at baseline (>70%), had a significant reduction of LVEF at follow-up (74.3% ± 3.1% vs 64.4% ± 8.1%, P < .001), while patients with reduced LVEF at baseline (−20%) at baseline had significant improvement at follow-up (−15.2% ± 3.4% vs −17.4% ± 4.9%, P = .004). Patients with abnormal RV basal diameter (>4.5 cm) at baseline had significant improvement at follow-up (4.9 ± 0.7 cm vs 4.6 ± 0.6 cm, P = .019). Conclusions Overall, there were no significant changes over time in the LV and RV function of patients recovering from COVID-19 infection. However, differences were observed according to baseline LV and RV function, which may reflect recovery from the acute myocardial injury occurring in the acutely ill. Left ventricular and RV function tends to improve in those with impaired baseline function, while it tends to decrease in those with hyperdynamic LV or normal RV function.

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine whether left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) and left ventricular mass (LVM) measurements made using 3 fully automated deep learning (DL) algorithms are accurate and interchangeable and can be used to classify ventricular function and risk-stratify patients as accurately as an expert. Background Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to assess cardiac function and LVM from cardiac magnetic resonance images. Methods Two hundred patients were identified from a registry of individuals who underwent vasodilator stress cardiac magnetic resonance. LVEF, LVM, and RVEF were determined using 3 fully automated commercial DL algorithms and by a clinical expert (CLIN) using conventional methodology. Additionally, LVEF values were classified according to clinically important ranges: Results Excellent correlations were seen for each DL-LVEF compared with CLIN-LVEF (r = 0.83-0.93). Good correlations were present between DL-LVM and CLIN-LVM (r = 0.75-0.85). Modest correlations were observed between DL-RVEF and CLIN-RVEF (r = 0.59-0.68). A >10% error between CLIN and DL ejection fraction was present in 5% to 18% of cases for the left ventricle and 23% to 43% for the right ventricle. LVEF classification agreed with CLIN-LVEF classification in 86%, 80%, and 85% cases for the 3 DL-LVEF approaches. There were no differences among the 4 approaches in associations with major adverse cardiovascular events for LVEF, LVM, and RVEF. Conclusions This study revealed good agreement between automated and expert-derived LVEF and similarly strong associations with outcomes, compared with an expert. However, the ability of these automated measurements to accurately classify left ventricular function for treatment decision remains limited. DL-LVM showed good agreement with CLIN-LVM. DL-RVEF approaches need further refinements.

Aneurysms of the left atrial appendage (LAA) are rare entities that often require surgical intervention. We demonstrate multimodality imaging features of a giant LAA aneurysm, with a focus on 3-dimensional blood flow dynamics by using 4-dimensional-flow cardiac magnetic resonance. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.), Graphical abstract

Background The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 virus, which has led to the global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is known to adversely affect the cardiovascular system through multiple mechanisms. In this international, multicenter study conducted by the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography, we aim to determine the clinical and echocardiographic phenotype of acute cardiac disease in COVID-19 patients, to explore phenotypic differences in different geographic regions across the world, and to identify parameters associated with in-hospital mortality. Methods We studied 870 patients with acute COVID-19 infection from 13 medical centers in four world regions (Asia, Europe, United States, Latin America) who had undergone transthoracic echocardiograms. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, including patient outcomes. Anonymized echocardiograms were analyzed with automated, machine learning–derived algorithms to calculate left ventricular (LV) volumes, ejection fraction, and LV longitudinal strain (LS). Right-sided echocardiographic parameters that were measured included right ventricular (RV) LS, RV free-wall strain (FWS), and RV basal diameter. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with in-hospital mortality. Results Significant regional differences were noted in terms of patient comorbidities, severity of illness, clinical biomarkers, and LV and RV echocardiographic metrics. Overall in-hospital mortality was 21.6%. Parameters associated with mortality in a multivariate analysis were age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12 [1.05, 1.22], P = .003), previous lung disease (OR = 7.32 [1.56, 42.2], P = .015), LVLS (OR = 1.18 [1.05, 1.36], P = .012), lactic dehydrogenase (OR = 6.17 [1.74, 28.7], P = .009), and RVFWS (OR = 1.14 [1.04, 1.26], P = .007). Conclusions Left ventricular dysfunction is noted in approximately 20% and RV dysfunction in approximately 30% of patients with acute COVID-19 illness and portend a poor prognosis. Age at presentation, previous lung disease, lactic dehydrogenase, LVLS, and RVFWS were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. Regional differences in cardiac phenotype highlight the significant differences in patient acuity as well as echocardiographic utilization in different parts of the world.

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess 1-year clinical outcomes among high-risk patients with failed surgical mitral bioprostheses who underwent transseptal mitral valve-in-valve (MViV) with the SAPIEN 3 aortic transcatheter heart valve (THV) in the MITRAL (Mitral Implantation of Transcatheter Valves) trial. Background The MITRAL trial is the first prospective study evaluating transseptal MViV with the SAPIEN 3 aortic THV in high-risk patients with failed surgical mitral bioprostheses. Methods High-risk patients with symptomatic moderate to severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) or severe mitral stenosis due to failed surgical mitral bioprostheses were prospectively enrolled. The primary safety endpoint was technical success. The primary THV performance endpoint was absence of MR grade ≥2+ or mean mitral valve gradient ≥10 mm Hg (30 days and 1 year). Secondary endpoints included procedural success and all-cause mortality (30 days and 1 year). Results Thirty patients were enrolled between July 2016 and October 2017 (median age 77.5 years [interquartile range (IQR): 70.3 to 82.8 years], 63.3% women, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 9.4% [IQR: 5.8% to 12.0%], 80% in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV). The technical success rate was 100%. The primary performance endpoint in survivors was achieved in 96.6% (28 of 29) at 30 days and 82.8% (24 of 29) at 1 year. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 3.3% and was unchanged at 1 year. The only death was due to airway obstruction after swallowing several pills simultaneously 29 days post-MViV. At 1-year follow-up, 89.3% of patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II, the median mean mitral valve gradient was 6.6 mm Hg (interquartile range: 5.5 to 8.9 mm Hg), and all patients had MR grade ≤1+. Conclusions Transseptal MViV in high-risk patients was associated with 100% technical success, low procedural complication rates, and very low mortality at 1 year. The vast majority of patients experienced significant symptom alleviation, and THV performance remained stable at 1 year.

Objectives We investigated the durability of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) reduction and the clinical outcomes through 12 months after transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVr) with the PASCAL Transcatheter Valve Repair System. Background TTVr has rapidly developed and demonstrated favorable acute outcomes, but longer follow-up data are needed. Methods Overall, 30 patients (age 77 ± 6 years; 57% female) received PASCAL implantation from September 2017 to May 2019 and completed a clinical follow-up at 12 months. Results The TR etiology was functional in 25 patients (83%), degenerative in three (10%), and mixed in two (7%). All patients had TR severe or greater (massive or torrential in 80%) and heart failure symptoms (90% in NYHA III or IV) under optimal medical treatment. Single-leaflet device attachment occurred in two patients. Moderate or less TR was achieved in 23/28 patients (82%) at 30 days, which was sustained at 12 months (86%). Two patients underwent repeat TTVr due to residual torrential TR (day 173) and recurrence of severe TR (day 280), respectively. One-year survival rate was 93%; 6 patients required rehospitalization due to acute heart failure. NYHA functional class I or II was achieved in 90% and 6-minute walk distance improved from 275 ± 122 m at baseline to 347 ± 112 m at 12-month (+72 ± 82 m, p

Introduction The development of right atrial (RA) thrombus (RAT) is a known complication of central venous catheter insertion (CVC). Deeper insertion of CVC within the RA may increase the risk for RAT development versus those placed at the superior vena cava (SVC)-RA junction. We sought to evaluate the incidence of catheter-associated RAT as detected by transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs), characterize thrombi though multimodal imaging, and evaluate thrombi management with follow-up imaging. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of consecutive TTEs from our institution between October 1, 2018, and January 1, 2020, in which a venous catheter was visualized in the RA. Studies were reviewed in detail to determine the presence of suspected RAT. Demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory values, characteristics of the catheter and the thrombus, subsequent imaging and management, and outcomes were collected. Results A total of 364 TTEs were performed in 290 patients with a venous catheter visualized in the RA. Of these 290 patients, 15 had an imaging suspicion for RAT yielding an incidence of 5.2%. Management strategies included anticoagulation in 13 (86.7%) patients and catheter removal in 11 (73.3%) patients. At eight months of follow-up, 11 (73.3%) patients had resolution of RAT based on subsequent imaging. Conclusion In patients with deeply placed CVC catheters, the incidental detection of RAT by TTE was not trivial. Anticoagulation and catheter removal and replacement, if deemed safe, were effective methods of thrombus management. RAT as a complication of CVCs must be accounted for when addressing factors that influence depth of CVC insertion.

Three-dimensional echocardiographic (3DE) imaging and cardiac computed tomographic (CCT) imaging are important cardiac imaging tools. Despite the three-dimensional nature of these image acquisitions and reconstructions, they are visualized on two-dimensional monitors with shading and coloring to create the illusion of three dimensions. Virtual reality (VR) is a novel tool that allows true three-dimensional visualization and manipulation. The aims of this study were to test the feasibility of converting 3DE and CCT data into three-dimensional VR models, compare the variability of measurements performed in VR and conventional software, assess the diagnostic quality of VR models, and understand the value of VR over conventional viewing.Custom software with clinically relevant postprocessing tools (interactively adjustable visualization parameters, multiplanar reconstructions, cropping planes, and nonplanar measurements) was developed to convert 3DE and CCT data into VR models. Anatomic measurements of 15 3DE and 15 CCT data sets of the mitral valve were compared using conventional software and in the VR environment. Additionally, the diagnostic quality of the VR models created from 3DE and CCT data sets was assessed.The 3DE and CCT data sets were successfully converted into VR models in3 min. The measurement variabilities were reduced by 40% (20.1% vs 12.2%) for 3DE imaging and 34% (15.3% vs 10.1%) for CCT imaging by using VR. The mean time needed for measurements was reduced by 31% (from 61 to 42 sec) for 3DE imaging and 39% (from 37 to 23 sec) for CCT imaging. Most users reported facile manipulation of VR models, diagnostic quality visualization of the anatomy, and high confidence in the measurements.This study demonstrates the feasibility of converting 3DE and CCT data into diagnostic-quality VR models. Compared with conventional imaging, VR analysis is associated with faster navigation and accurate measurements with lower variability.

Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve replacement (TMVR) offers a less invasive strategy for managing bioprosthetic mitral valve dysfunction. TMVR positioning is challenging in the setting of a radiolucent bioprosthetic sewing ring. We present 2 cases demonstrating the roles of fluoroscopy and echocardiography in guiding TMVR placement within bioprostheses with radiolucent sewing rings. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.), Graphical abstract, Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve replacement (TMVR) offers a less invasive strategy for managing bioprosthetic mitral valve dysfunction…

Tricuspid valve (TV) degeneration after surgical repair with an annuloplasty ring is problematic as redo operation carries high mortality. This can be addressed with transcatheter therapies to implant a valve within in prior ring (tricuspid valve-in-ring). When an incomplete ring is present, paravalvular leak is commonly encountered after tricuspid valve-in-ring (TViR) implant; however, this can be addressed with paravalvular leak closure devices. Multimodality imaging including cardiac computed tomography and three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are important for successful TViR implant. We report a case of tricuspid regurgitation after tricuspid repair with an incomplete annuloplasty ring and subsequent paravalvular leak closure.

The TRISCEND study (Edwards EVOQUE Tricuspid Valve Replacement: Investigation of Safety and Clinical Efficacy after Replacement of Tricuspid Valve with Transcatheter Device) is evaluating the safety and performance of transfemoral transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement in patients with clinically significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and elevated surgical risk.Transcatheter valve replacement could lead to a paradigm shift in treating TR and improving patient quality of life.In the prospective, single-arm, multicenter TRISCEND study, patients with symptomatic moderate or greater TR, despite medical therapy, underwent percutaneous transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement with the EVOQUE system. A composite rate of major adverse events, echocardiographic parameters, and clinical, functional, and quality-of-life measures were assessed at 30 days.Fifty-six patients (mean age of 79.3 years, 76.8% female, 91.1% TR severe or greater, 91.1% atrial fibrillation, and 87.5% New York Heart Association functional class III or IV) were treated. At 30 days, TR was reduced to mild or less in 98%. The composite major adverse events rate was 26.8% at 30 days caused by 1 cardiovascular death in a patient with a failed procedure, 2 reinterventions after device embolization, 1 major access site or vascular complication, and 15 severe bleeds, of which none were life-threatening or fatal. No myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, major cardiac structural complications, or device-related pulmonary embolism were observed. New York Heart Association significantly improved to functional class I or II (78.8%; P 0.001), 6-minute walk distance improved 49.8 m (P 0.001), and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score improved 19 points (P 0.001).Early experience with the transfemoral EVOQUE system in patients with clinically significant TR demonstrated technical feasibility, acceptable safety, TR reduction, and symptomatic improvement at 30 days. The TRISCEND II randomized trial (NCT04482062) is underway.

Cardiovascular imaging is essential in the evaluation and management of patients with pulmonary hypertension. Echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging, in particular, provide basic measurements of pulmonary pressure and right ventricular function, but current technology allows for a much more comprehensive assessment. Many of these advancements have the potential to enhance risk stratification and provide additional phenotypic data that may strengthen or alter the therapeutic approach. This review will highlight multiple novel techniques from various imaging modalities and how this information can be applied in clinical practice.

Objectives The purpose of this observational first-in-human experience was to investigate the feasibility and safety of the PASCAL transcatheter valve repair system and its impact on short-term clinical outcomes in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Background Transcatheter repair of severe TR is a promising treatment option for patients at prohibitive surgical risk. Large leaflet coaptation gaps and tethering represent common features that challenge the application of transcatheter repair techniques. Methods Twenty-eight patients with severe TR were treated with the PASCAL system in a compassionate use experience at 6 sites. All patients had heart failure due to severe TR and were deemed at high surgical risk by institutional heart teams. The primary outcome was procedural success, defined as the implantation of at least 1 device with post-procedural TR grade ≤2+, without mortality or conversion to surgery. Results All patients (mean age 78 ± 6 years, 54% women) were at high surgical risk (mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score 6.2 ± 5.2%). TR etiology was functional in 92%, with mean tricuspid annular diameter of 49.5 ± 6 mm and mean coaptation gap of 6.9 ± 3 mm. Procedural success was 86%, with 1.4 ± 0.6 devices implanted per patient. There were no intraprocedural complications. At 30-day follow-up, mortality was 7.1%, 88% of patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II, with TR grade ≤2+ in 85%. There were 2 single-leaflet device attachments, which were managed conservatively. Six-min walk distance improved from 240 m (interquartile range: 172 to 337 m) to 335 m (interquartile range: 251 to 385 m) (p Conclusions This first-in-human experience evaluating transcatheter tricuspid repair with the PASCAL system demonstrated high procedural success, acceptable safety, and significant clinical improvement. Larger prospective studies with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these initial promising results and further define the impact of PASCAL tricuspid repair on clinical outcomes.

Background: Stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has demonstrated excellent diagnostic and prognostic value in single-center studies. Objectives: This study sought to investigate the prognostic value of stress CMR and downstream costs from subsequent cardiac testing in a retrospective multicenter study in the United States. Methods: In this retrospective study, consecutive patients from 13 centers across 11 states who presented with a chest pain syndrome and were referred for stress CMR were followed for a target period of 4 years. The authors associated CMR findings with a primary outcome of cardiovascular death or nonfatal myocardial infarction using competing risk-adjusted regression models and downstream costs of ischemia testing using published Medicare national payment rates. Results: In this study, 2,349 patients (63 ± 11 years of age, 47% female) were followed for a median of 5.4 years. Patients with no ischemia or late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by CMR, observed in 1,583 patients (67%), experienced low annualized rates of primary outcome (4-fold higher annual primary outcome rate and a >10-fold higher rate of coronary revascularization during the first year after CMR. Patients with ischemia and LGE both negative had low average annual cost spent on ischemia testing across all years of follow-up, and this pattern was similar across the 4 practice environments of the participating centers. Conclusions: In a multicenter U.S. cohort with stable chest pain syndromes, stress CMR performed at experienced centers offers effective cardiac prognostication. Patients without CMR ischemia or LGE experienced a low incidence of cardiac events, little need for coronary revascularization, and low spending on subsequent ischemia testing. (Stress CMR Perfusion Imaging in the United States [SPINS]: A Society for Cardiovascular Resonance Registry Study; NCT03192891).

Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) allows accurate and reproducible measurements of right ventricular (RV) size and function. However, widespread implementation of 3DE in routine clinical practice is limited because the existing software packages are relatively time-consuming and skill demanding. The aim of this study was to test the accuracy and reproducibility of new machine learning- (ML-) based, fully automated software for three-dimensional quantification of RV size and function.Fifty-six unselected patients with a wide range of RV size and function and image quality, referred for clinically indicated cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, underwent a transthoracic 3DE exam on the same day. End-systolic and end-diastolic RV volumes (ESV, EDV) and ejection fraction (EF) were measured using the ML-based algorithm and compared with CMR reference values using Bland-Altman and linear regression analyses.RV function quantification by echocardiography was feasible in all patients. The automatic approach was accurate in 32% patients with analysis time of 15 ± 1 seconds and 100% reproducible. Endocardial contour editing was necessary after the automated postprocessing in the remaining 68% patients, prolonging analysis time to 114 ± 71 seconds. With these minimal adjustments, RV volumes and EF measurements were accurate in comparison with CMR reference (biases: EDV, -25.6 ± 21.1 mL; ESV, -7.4 ± 16 mL; EF, -3.3% ± 5.2%) and showed excellent reproducibility reflected by coefficients of variation7% and intraclass correlations ≥0.95 for all measurements.The new ML-based 3DE algorithm provided accurate and completely reproducible RV volume and EF measurements in one-third of unselected patients without any boundary editing. In the remaining patients, quick minimal editing resulted in reasonably accurate measurements with excellent reproducibility. This approach provides a promising solution for fast three-dimensional quantification of RV size and function.

International audience; Vasodilator-stress CT perfusion imaging in addition to CT coronary angiography (CTCA) may provide a single-test alternative to nuclear stress testing, commonly used to assess hemodynamic significance of stenosis. Another alternative is fractional flow reserve (FFR) calculated from cardiac CT images. We studied the concordance between these two approaches and their relationship to outcomes. We prospectively studied 150 patients with chest pain, who underwent CTCA and regadenoson CT. CTCA images were interpreted for presence and severity of stenosis. Fused 3D displays of subendocardial X-ray attenuation with coronary arteries were created to detect stress perfusion defects (SPD) in each coronary territory. In patients with stenosis > 25%, CT-FFR was quantified. Significant stenosis was determined by: (1) combination of stenosis > 50% with an SPD, (2) CT-FFR ≤ 0.80. Patients were followed-up for 36 ± 25 months for death, myocardial infarction or revascularization. After excluding patients with normal arteries and technical/quality issues, in final analysis of 76 patients, CTCA depicted stenosis > 70% in 13/224 arteries, 50-70% in 24, and < 50% in 187. CT-FFR ≤ 0.80 was found in 41/224 arteries, and combination of SPD with > 50% stenosis in 31/224 arteries. Inter-technique agreement was 89%. Despite high incidence of abnormal CT-FFR (30/76 patients), only 7 patients experienced adverse outcomes; 6/7 also had SPDs. Only 1/9 patients with CT-FFR ≤ 0.80 but normal perfusion had an event. Fusion of CTCA and stress perfusion can help determine the hemodynamic impact of stenosis in one test, in good agreement with CT-FFR. Adding stress CT perfusion analysis may help risk-stratify patients with abnormal CT-FFR.

Transthoracic echocardiography is the leading cardiac imaging modality for patients admitted with COVID-19, a condition of high short-term mortality. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that artificial intelligence (AI)-based analysis of echocardiographic images could predict mortality more accurately than conventional analysis by a human expert.Patients admitted to 13 hospitals for acute COVID-19 who underwent transthoracic echocardiography were included. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular longitudinal strain (LVLS) were obtained manually by multiple expert readers and by automated AI software. The ability of the manual and AI analyses to predict all-cause mortality was compared.In total, 870 patients were enrolled. The mortality rate was 27.4% after a mean follow-up period of 230 ± 115 days. AI analysis had lower variability than manual analysis for both LVEF (P = .003) and LVLS (P = .005). AI-derived LVEF and LVLS were predictors of mortality in univariable and multivariable regression analysis (odds ratio, 0.974 [95% CI, 0.956-0.991; P = .003] for LVEF; odds ratio, 1.060 [95% CI, 1.019-1.105; P = .004] for LVLS), but LVEF and LVLS obtained by manual analysis were not. Direct comparison of the predictive value of AI versus manual measurements of LVEF and LVLS showed that AI was significantly better (P = .005 and P = .003, respectively). In addition, AI-derived LVEF and LVLS had more significant and stronger correlations to other objective biomarkers of acute disease than manual reads.AI-based analysis of LVEF and LVLS had similar feasibility as manual analysis, minimized variability, and consequently increased the statistical power to predict mortality. AI-based, but not manual, analyses were a significant predictor of in-hospital and follow-up mortality.

Introduction: Standard two-dimensional (2D), phased-array intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is routinely used to guide interventional electrophysiology (EP) procedures. A novel four-dimensional (4D) ICE catheter (VeriSight Pro®, Philips, Andover, MA) can obtain 2D and three-dimensional (3D) volumetric images and cine-videos in real time (4D). The purpose of this study was to determine the early feasibility and safety of this 4D ICE catheter during EP procedures. Methods: The 4D ICE catheter was placed from the femoral vein in ten patients into various cardiac chambers to guide EP procedures requiring transseptal catheterization, including ablation for atrial fibrillation and left atrial appendage closure. 2D- and 3D- ICE images were acquired in real time by the electrophysiologist. A dedicated imaging expert performed digital steering to optimize and post-process 4D images. Results: Eight patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation (cryoballoon in 7 patients, pulsed field ablation in 1, additional radiofrequency left atrial ablation in 1). Two patients underwent left atrial appendage closure. High quality images of cardiac structures, transseptal catheterization equipment, guide sheaths, ablation tools, and closure devices were acquired with the ICE catheter tip positioned in the right atrium, left atrium, pulmonary vein, coronary sinus, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery. There were no complications. Conclusion: This is the first-in-human experience of a novel deflectable 4D ICE catheter used to guide EP procedures. 4D ICE imaging in safe and allows for acquisition of high-quality 2D and 3D images in real-time. Further use of 4D ICE will be needed to determine its added value for each EP procedure type.

INTRODUCTION Standard two-dimensional (2D), phased-array intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is routinely used to guide interventional electrophysiology (EP) procedures. A novel four-dimensional (4D) ICE catheter (VeriSight Pro, Philips) can obtain 2D and three-dimensional (3D) volumetric images and cine-videos in real-time (4D). The purpose of this study was to determine the early feasibility and safety of this 4D ICE catheter during EP procedures. METHODS The 4D ICE catheter was placed from the femoral vein in ten patients into various cardiac chambers to guide EP procedures requiring transseptal catheterization, including ablation for atrial fibrillation and left atrial appendage closure. 2D- and 3D-ICE images were acquired in real-time by the electrophysiologist. A dedicated imaging expert performed digital steering to optimize and postprocess 4D images. RESULTS Eight patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation (cryoballoon in seven patients, pulsed field ablation in one, additional radiofrequency left atrial ablation in one). Two patients underwent left atrial appendage closure. High quality images of cardiac structures, transseptal catheterization equipment, guide sheaths, ablation tools, and closure devices were acquired with the ICE catheter tip positioned in the right atrium, left atrium, pulmonary vein, coronary sinus, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery. There were no complications. CONCLUSION This is the first experience of a novel deflectable 4D ICE catheter used to guide EP procedures. 4D ICE imaging is safe and allows for acquisition of high-quality 2D and 3D images in real-time. Further use of 4D ICE will be needed to determine its added value for each EP procedure type.

Importance Artificial intelligence (AI) has been applied to analysis of medical imaging in recent years, but AI to guide the acquisition of ultrasonography images is a novel area of investigation. A novel deep-learning (DL) algorithm, trained on more than 5 million examples of the outcome of ultrasonographic probe movement on image quality, can provide real-time prescriptive guidance for novice operators to obtain limited diagnostic transthoracic echocardiographic images. Objective To test whether novice users could obtain 10-view transthoracic echocardiographic studies of diagnostic quality using this DL-based software. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective, multicenter diagnostic study was conducted in 2 academic hospitals. A cohort of 8 nurses who had not previously conducted echocardiograms was recruited and trained with AI. Each nurse scanned 30 patients aged at least 18 years who were scheduled to undergo a clinically indicated echocardiogram at Northwestern Memorial Hospital or Minneapolis Heart Institute between March and May 2019. These scans were compared with those of sonographers using the same echocardiographic hardware but without AI guidance. Interventions Each patient underwent paired limited echocardiograms: one from a nurse without prior echocardiography experience using the DL algorithm and the other from a sonographer without the DL algorithm. Five level 3–trained echocardiographers independently and blindly evaluated each acquisition. Main Outcomes and Measures Four primary end points were sequentially assessed: qualitative judgement about left ventricular size and function, right ventricular size, and the presence of a pericardial effusion. Secondary end points included 6 other clinical parameters and comparison of scans by nurses vs sonographers. Results A total of 240 patients (mean [SD] age, 61 [16] years old; 139 men [57.9%]; 79 [32.9%] with body mass indexes >30) completed the study. Eight nurses each scanned 30 patients using the DL algorithm, producing studies judged to be of diagnostic quality for left ventricular size, function, and pericardial effusion in 237 of 240 cases (98.8%) and right ventricular size in 222 of 240 cases (92.5%). For the secondary end points, nurse and sonographer scans were not significantly different for most parameters. Conclusions and Relevance This DL algorithm allows novices without experience in ultrasonography to obtain diagnostic transthoracic echocardiographic studies for evaluation of left ventricular size and function, right ventricular size, and presence of a nontrivial pericardial effusion, expanding the reach of echocardiography to clinical settings in which immediate interrogation of anatomy and cardiac function is needed and settings with limited resources.

Introduction: The development of right atrial (RA) thrombus (RAT) is a known complication of central venous catheter insertion (CVC). Deeper insertion of CVC within the RA may increase the risk for RAT development versus those placed at the superior vena cava (SVC)-RA junction. We sought to evaluate the incidence of catheter-associated RAT as detected by transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs), characterize thrombi though multimodal imaging, and evaluate thrombi management with follow-up imaging. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of consecutive TTEs from our institution between October 1, 2018, and January 1, 2020 in which a venous catheter was visualized in the RA. Studies were reviewed in detail to determine presence of suspected RAT. Demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory values, characteristics of the catheter and the thrombus, subsequent imaging and management, and outcomes were collected. Results: A total of 364 TTEs were performed in 290 patients with a venous catheter visualized in the RA. Of these 290 patients, 15 had an imaging suspicion for RAT yielding an incidence of 5.2%. Management strategies included anticoagulation in 13 (86.7%) patients and catheter removal in 11 (73.3%) patients. At eight months follow-up, 11 (73.3%) patients had resolution of RAT based on subsequent imaging. Conclusion: In patients with deeply placed CVC catheters, the incidental detection of RAT by TTE was not trivial. Anticoagulation and catheter removal and replacement, if deemed safe, were effective methods of thrombus management. RAT as a complication of CVCs must be accounted for when addressing factors that influence depth of CVC insertion.

Background: It is unclear whether artificial intelligence (AI) can provide automatic solutions to measure right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), due to the complex RV geometry. Although several deep learning (DL) algorithms are available to quantify RVEF from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images, there has been no systematic comparison of these algorithms, and the prognostic value of these automated measurements is unknown. We aimed to determine whether RVEF measurements made using DL algorithms could be used to risk stratify patients similarly to measurements made by an expert. Methods: We identified from a pre-existing registry 200 patients who underwent CMR. RVEF was determined using 3 fully automated commercial DL algorithms (DL-RVEF) and also by a clinical expert (CLIN-RVEF) using conventional methodology. Each of the DL-RVEF approaches was compared against CLIN-RVEF using linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses. In addition, RVEF values were classified according to clinically important cutoffs: Results: The CLIN-RVEF and the three DL-RVEFs were obtained in all patients. We found only modest correlations between DL-RVEF and CLIN-RVEF (figure). The DL-RVEF algorithms had accuracy ranging from 0.59 to 0.78 for categorizing RV function. Nevertheless, ROC analysis showed no significant differences between the 4 approaches in predicting MACE, as reflected by respective AUC values of 0.68, 0.69, 0.64 and 0.63. Conclusions: Although the automated algorithms predicted patient outcomes as well as the CLIN-RVEF, the agreement between DL-RVEF and the clinical expert’s measurements was not optimal. DL approaches need further refinements to improve automated assessment of RV function.

Background A novel, recently FDA-authorized software uses deep learning (DL) to provide prescriptive transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) guidance, allowing novices to acquire standard TTE views. The DL model was trained by >5,000,000 observations of the impact of probe motion on image orientation/quality. This study evaluated whether novice-acquired TTE images guided by this software were of diagnostic quality in patients with and without implanted electrophysiological (EP) devices, focusing on RV size and function, which were thought to be sensitive to EP devices. Some aspects of the study have previously been presented. Methods 240 patients (61±16 years old, 58% male, 33% BMI >30 kg/m2, 91% with cardiac pathology) were recruited. 8 nurses without echo experience each acquired 10 view TTEs in 30 patients guided by the software. 235 of the patients were also scanned by a trained sonographer without assistance from the software. 5 Level 3 echocardiographers independently assessed the diagnostic quality of the TTEs acquired by the nurses and sonographers to evaluate the effect of EP devices on DL software performance. Results Nurses using the AI-guided acquisition software acquired TTEs of sufficient quality to make qualitative assessments of right ventricular (RV) size and function in greater than 80% of cases for patients with and without implanted EP devices (Table). There was no significant difference between nurse- and sonographer-acquired scans. Conclusion These results indicate that new DL software can guide novices to obtain TTEs that enable qualitative assessment of RV size even in the presence of implanted EP devices. The results of the comparison to sonographer-acquired exams indicate the software performance is robust to presence of pacemaker/ICD leads visible in the images (Figure). Nurse-acquired TTE with visible ICD lead Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Caption Health, Inc.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a prevalent disease with limited treatment options.This is the first 30-day report of the U.S. single-arm, multicenter, prospective CLASP TR early feasibility study of the PASCAL transcatheter valve repair system in the treatment of TR.Patients with symptomatic TR despite optimal medical therapy, reviewed by the local heart team and central screening committee, were eligible for the study. Data were collected at baseline, discharge, and the 30-day follow-up and were reviewed by an independent clinical events committee and echocardiographic core laboratory. Feasibility endpoints included safety (composite major adverse event [MAE] rate), echocardiographic, clinical, and functional endpoints.Of the 34 patients enrolled in the study, the mean age was 76 years, 53% were women, the mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 7.3%, 88% had atrial fibrillation/flutter, 97% had severe or greater TR, and 79% had New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III/IV symptoms. Twenty-nine patients (85%) received implants; at 30 days, 85% of them achieved a TR severity reduction of at least 1 grade, with 52% with moderate or less TR (p 0.001). The MAE rate was 5.9%, and none of the patients experienced cardiovascular mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, renal complication, or reintervention. Eighty-nine percent of the patients improved to NYHA functional class I/II (p 0.001), the mean 6-min walk distance improved by 71 m (p 0.001), and the mean Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score improved by 15 points (p 0.001).In this early experience, the repair system performed as intended, with substantial TR reduction, favorable safety results with a low MAE rate, no mortality or reintervention, and significant improvements in functional status, exercise capacity, and quality of life. (Edwards CLASP TR EFS [CLASP TR EFS]; NCT03745313).

Cardiology professionals have used social media platforms such as Twitter to gain exposure to new research, network with experts, share opinions, and engage in scientific debates. The power of social media to communicate openly, with wide-reaching access worldwide, and at a rate faster than ever before makes it a formidable force and voice. However, evolving individual and institutional use has resulted in uncertainty for all parties on how to optimally advance this newer digital frontier. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to: 1) introduce the basics of social media usage (with the focus on Twitter); 2) provide perspective on best social media practices in academic and clinical cardiovascular medicine; and 3) present a vision for social media and the future of cardiovascular medicine.