Evolution of non-invasive myocardial work parameters after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with severe aortic stenosis

Abstract

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Guidelines recommend replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) who present with symptoms or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%, both conditions representing a late stage of the disease. While global longitudinal strain (GLS) is load dependant but interesting for assessing prognosis, myocardial work has emerged. We aim to evaluate acute changes in myocardial work occurring in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods Patients who underwent TAVI were evaluated before and after by echocardiography. Complete echocardiographies were considered. Myocardial work indices (global work index (GWI), Global constructive work (GCW), Global work efficiency (GWE), Global wasted work (GWW)) were calculated integrating mean transaortic pressure-gradient and brachial-cuff systolic pressure. Results 125 patients underwent successful TAVI with significant decrease of the transaortic mean gradient (52.5 ± 16.1 to 12.2 ± 5.0, P<.0001). There was no significant change in LVEF post-TAVI. Myocardial work data post-TAVR showed a significant reduction of GWI (1389 ± 537 vs. 2014 ± 714, P<.0001), GCW (1693 ± 543 vs. 2379 ± 761, P<.0001) and GWE (85,0 ± 7,06 vs. 87,1 ± 5,98, P=0,0034). Decrease of GWI and GCW after TAVI was homogeneous among different sub-groups based on their GLS, LVEF of NYHA status before TAVI. We observed a significant association between GWI and GCW before TAVI and a GLS degradation after TAVI. Conclusion Myocardial work parameters show promising potential in best understanding the LV-myocardial consequences of AS and its correction. By their ability to discriminate NYHA status and GLS evolution, we can hypothesize on their clinical value.