Measurement Of Aortic Annulus Research Articles

Diagnostic Efficacy and Safety of Low-Contrast-Dose Dual-Energy CT in Patients With Renal Impairment Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and safety of low-contrast-dose, dual-source dual-energy CT before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with compromised renal function. A total of 54 consecutive patients (female:male, 26:38; 81.9 ± 7.3 years) with reduced renal function underwent pre-TAVR dual-energy CT with a 30-mL contrast agent between June 2022 and March 2023. Monochromatic (40- and 50-keV) and conventional (120-kVp) images were reconstructed and analyzed. The subjective quality score, vascular attenuation, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were compared among the imaging techniques using the Friedman test and post-hoc analysis. Interobserver reliability for aortic annular measurement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. The procedural outcomes and incidence of post-contrast acute kidney injury (AKI) were assessed. Monochromatic images achieved diagnostic quality in all patients. The 50-keV images achieved superior vascular attenuation and CNR (P < 0.001 in all) while maintaining a similar SNR compared to conventional CT. For aortic annular measurement, the 50-keV images showed higher interobserver reliability compared to conventional CT: ICC, 0.98 vs. 0.90 for area and 0.97 vs. 0.95 for perimeter; 95% limits of agreement width, 0.63 cm² vs. 0.92 cm² for area and 5.78 mm vs. 8.50 mm for perimeter. The size of the implanted device matched CT-measured values in all patients, achieving a procedural success rate of 92.6%. No patient experienced a serum creatinine increase of ≥ 1.5 times baseline in the 48-72 hours following CT. However, one patient had a procedural delay due to gradual renal function deterioration. Low-contrast-dose imaging with 50-keV reconstruction enables precise pre-TAVR evaluation with improved image quality and minimal risk of post-contrast AKI. This approach may be an effective and safe option for pre-TAVR evaluation in patients with compromised renal function.

CT annulus sizing prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): evaluation of free-breathing versus breath-holding acquisition.

To assess feasibility and accuracy of aortic annulus measurements using cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) performed during free-breathing prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Sixty consecutive TAVR candidates underwent free-breathing wide-detector cardiac CTA, followed by a percutaneous valve replacement. For each, a theoretical valve size was suggested through CT measurements of the annulus, then compared to the size of the actual implanted transcatheter heart valve (THV). The procedural success and the 30-day outcomes were collected. Image quality of the annulus was also studied according to subjective and objective criteria. Data of a control group of 60 patients previously evaluated on breath-holding were also evaluated. A total of 120 patients (mean age, 83years ± 7, 60 men) were evaluated. All CT acquisitions provided sufficient image quality allowing precise annulus measurements. Mean attenuation (p < 0.001) and image noise (p = 0.01) were higher in the free-breathing group, while image quality was comparable (p = 0.36). The agreement rate between CT-suggested valve size and THV implanted size was comparable, estimated at 87% (κ = 0.79, 95%CI 0.566, 0.908) on free-breathing vs. 82% (κ = 0.78, 95%CI 0.634, 0.904) on breath-holding. The procedure was successful for all patients without increase in 30-day mortality or adverse events. Free-breathing cardiac CTA allows accurate aortic annulus measurements without compromising image quality or patients' outcome after TAVR. Elderly patients experiencing dyspnea, discomfort, or hearing loss that could prevent proper breath-holding should not be excluded from CT prior to TAVR. To decrease elderly patients' discomfort, MDCT evaluation prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be performed on quiet breathing with no significant impact on the outcome. • Adhering to CT breathing commands can be challenging for patients with dyspnea, hearing impairment, agitation, or pulmonary diseases. • Free-breathing cardiac CT may be an alternative to breath-holding for patients unable to follow the breathing commands. • Wide-detector CT acquisition on free-breathing does not impair annulus measurements and prosthesis sizing in patients scheduled for TAVR.

Fluoroscopic and tomographic correlation for aortic annulus measurements in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: �follow the right cusp� rule

Fluoroscopic and tomographic correlation for aortic annulus measurements in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: �follow the right cusp� rule

Echocardiogram-Guided Balloon Valvuloplasty of the Aortic Valve in Neonates and Infants Reduces Contrast Exposure with Maintained Efficacy and Less Aortic Regurgitation.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is performed in children with significant aortic stenosis (AS). Traditionally, contrast angiography measures the annulus and assesses aortic regurgitation (AR) after each dilation. Echocardiographic guidance is hypothesized to reduce contrast and radiation exposure, without compromising efficacy or safety. Patients < 10kg undergoing BAV from 2013 to 2022 were retrospectively investigated. Agreement between echocardiographic and angiographic annulus measurements was assessed. Echocardiogram-guided (eBAV) and traditional angiogram-guided (tBAV) outcomes were compared controlling for weight, critical AS, and other congenital heart disease (CHD). Twelve eBAV and 19 tBAV procedures were performed. The median age was 33days, median weight was 4.3kg, 7 patients (23%) had critical AS, and 9 patients (29%) had other CHD. Annulus measurements by intraprocedural echocardiography and angiography displayed excellent correlation (ICC 0.95, p < 0.001). eBAV patients received less contrast (0.5 vs 3.5ml/kg, p < 0.01). Five recent eBAV procedures were performed contrast free. Radiation exposure was not statistically different between the eBAV and tBAV groups (155 vs 313µGy·M2, p = 0.12). One eBAV patient (8%) and 3tBAV patients (16%, p = 0.62) experienced serious adverse events. Technical success (gradient < 35mmHg and increase in AR by ≤ 1 grade) occurred in 11 eBAV patients (92%) and 16 tBAV patients (84%, p = 0.22). AR increased in 2 eBAV patients (17%) and 8 tBAV patients (44%, p = 0.02). eBAV was associated with similar efficacy and significantly lower contrast exposure and risk of aortic regurgitation. There was strong agreement between aortic valve annulus measurements by intraprocedural echocardiography and angiography, ultimately permitting contrast free BAV.

Evaluation of the second-generation whole-heart motion correction algorithm (SSF2) used to demonstrate the aortic annulus on cardiac CT

The main purpose of pre-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) cardiac computed tomography (CT) for patients with severe aortic stenosis is aortic annulus measurements. However, motion artifacts present a technical challenge because they can reduce the measurement accuracy of the aortic annulus. Therefore, we applied the recently developed second-generation whole-heart motion correction algorithm (SnapShot Freeze 2.0, SSF2) to pre-TAVI cardiac CT and investigated its clinical utility by stratified analysis of the patient's heart rate during scanning. We found that SSF2 reconstruction significantly reduced aortic annulus motion artifacts and improved the image quality and measurement accuracy compared to standard reconstruction, especially in patients with high heart rate or a 40% R-R interval (systolic phase). SSF2 may contribute to improving the measurement accuracy of the aortic annulus.

Accuracy of aortic annulus measurements by three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and predictive value for thoracic aorta aneurysm in patients with aortic regurgitation.

Accurate assessment of the aortic annulus (AA) dimension and judgment of thoracic aorta aneurysm is crucial for patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) before surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) methods for AA measurement and explore the predictive value of the AA dimensions obtained by 3D-TEE for high-risk thoracic aorta aneurysms using the gold standard of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT). 3D-TEE was performed on 111 patients with pure moderate-to-severe AR, and MSCT examination was conducted simultaneously. AA dimensions were obtained using reconstruction software for these two imaging techniques. Thoracic aortic diameters at standard anatomic landmarks were also measured by MSCT. All patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence of high-risk thoracic aorta aneurysms. Compared to MSCT, 3D-TEE overestimated all AA parameters. However, no statistically significant differences were found in the average bias between methods (minimum diameter: 26.07±3.57 vs. 25.88±3.68 mm, P=0.52; maximum diameter: 32.30±2.68 vs. 31.78±4.06 mm, P=0.11; area: 669.76±155.19 vs. 660.05±168.28 mm2, P=0.44; perimeter: 93.52±10.42 vs. 92.26±11.71 mm, P=0.12). 3D-TEE demonstrated good correlations with MSCT measurement for AA minimum diameter, maximum diameter, area, and perimeter (r=0.63, 0.64, 0.74, 0.69, P<0.05 for all). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the AA minimum diameter obtained by 3D-TEE was the best predictor for the presence of high-risk thoracic aorta aneurysms. The sensitivity and specificity for prediction were 84.6% and 63.9%, respectively, for an AA minimum diameter ≥25.74 mm (AUC: 0.759, 95% CI: 0.668-0.850). AA measurements obtained by the 3D-TEE method are feasible and reliable for patients with pure AR. The AA minimum diameter measured by 3D-TEE can effectively predict the presence of high-risk thoracic aorta aneurysms.

Feasibility of using aortic annulus measurement from two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography for transcatheter aortic valve device sizing

Computed Tomography (CT) is the recommended imaging modality for aortic root measurement prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The device-sizing is based on the aortic annulus measurement. In the setting where CT is not available or cannot be performed, three-dimensional echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is recommended. However, both modalities require expertise and are not widely available.

Eligibility assessment for aortic valve repair in adults congenital patients

Aortic valve (AV) pathology in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients has its own etiologies: bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), conotruncal anomalies, Laubry-Pezzi syndrome, subvalvular aortic membrane, genetic disorders or postoperative lesions (Ross procedure or previous AV repair). Following the example of mitral plasty in the 1980s, surgical techniques for AV repair have been standardized since the 2000s and show very good results in selected patients, allowing a substantial reduction in the risk of prosthesis-related complications. To present an accurate and reproducible transthoracic and transesophageal echo protocol analysing aorta phenotypes and AV and predict the immediate success of AV repair in ACHD patients. The study involved a retrospective analysis of all the ACHD patients operated between January 2018 and May 2022 for AV surgery at the Georges Pompidou European Hospital in Paris. Clinical characteristics, type of ACHD, severity and type of valve involvement (insufficiency, stenosis, or dilatation of the aortic root) were collected. Preoperative and postoperative transthoracic and transesophageal echography were performed using a unique protocol with a 3D approach. Preoperatively, the AV dysfunction, its lesion at the origin and its etiology were defined. Measurements of aortic annulus, effective heights, geometric heights, commissural angle if BAV were made, and the presence of fenestrations, calcifications were noted. In case of AV repair, all measurements were repeated postoperatively. The surgical techniques of aortic plasty were noted. Sixty-three patients were analyzed, 46% of whom were referred for AV repair. Fifty percent of them had BAV, 30% of them were redux of AV repair (20%) or Ross procedure (10%), 20% had conotruncal anomalies. Aortic plasty was performed in 33% of patients, including external ring annuloplasty in case of AV regurgitation with an annulus diameter ≥ 25 mm. We analyzed which patients have the best chance to be reparable. ACHD patients are challenging patients for AV repair. A standardized echo protocol helps to predict the reparability, in order to know if the cardiologist should address his patient in expert surgeons’ hands.

Multi-Slice Computed Tomography Analysis in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - Impact of Workflows on Measurement of Virtual Aortic Annulus and Valve Size.

Exact and reliable measurements of anatomical dimensions in pre-procedural multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) scans are crucial for optimal valve sizing and clinical results of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study aimed to investigate interrater reliability between routinely used workflows for pre-procedural analysis. MSCT scans of 329 patients scheduled for TAVR were analyzed using both a 3mensio and SECTRA IDS7 platform. The results were retrospectively compared using the intraclass correlation coefficient, revealing excellent correlation in the analysis of simple diameters and poor correlation in the assessment of more complex structures with impact on calculated valve size.

Preoperative TAVR Planning: How to Do It.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a well-established treatment option for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) whose procedural efficacy and safety have been continuously improving. Appropriate preprocedural planning, including aortic valve annulus measurements, transcatheter heart valve choice, and possible procedural complication anticipation is mandatory to a successful procedure. The gold standard for preoperative planning is still to perform a multi-detector computed angiotomography (MDCT), which provides all the information required. Nonetheless, 3D echocardiography and magnet resonance imaging (MRI) are great alternatives for some patients. In this article, we provide an updated comprehensive review, focusing on preoperative TAVR planning and the standard steps required to do it properly.

Machine learning applications in cardiac computed tomography: a composite systematic review.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) models are rapidly being applied to the analysis of cardiac computed tomography (CT). We sought to provide an overview of the contemporary advances brought about by the combination of ML and cardiac CT. Six searches were performed in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to November 2021 for (i) CT-fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR), (ii) atrial fibrillation (AF), (iii) aortic stenosis, (iv) plaque characterization, (v) fat quantification, and (vi) coronary artery calcium score. We included 57 studies pertaining to the aforementioned topics. Non-invasive CT-FFR can accurately be estimated using ML algorithms and has the potential to reduce the requirement for invasive angiography. Coronary artery calcification and non-calcified coronary lesions can now be automatically and accurately calculated. Epicardial adipose tissue can also be automatically, accurately, and rapidly quantified. Effective ML algorithms have been developed to streamline and optimize the safety of aortic annular measurements to facilitate pre-transcatheter aortic valve replacement valve selection. Within electrophysiology, the left atrium (LA) can be segmented and resultant LA volumes have contributed to accurate predictions of post-ablation recurrence of AF. In this review, we discuss the latest studies and evolving techniques of ML and cardiac CT.

Echocardiography is inferior to computed tomography in predicting balloon expandable transcutaneous implantation valve size in routine clinical setting-single centre study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) became standard of care for selected patients with severe aortic stenosis. Computed tomography (CT) and 2D/3D echocardiography (ECHO) are used for aortic annulus sizing. As a result of increasing number of TAVR more imaging specialists participate in pre-procedural TAVR assessment. Purpose The aim of this study was to compare accuracy of ECHO aortic annulus measurements vs CT based parameters for Edward Sapiens TAVR in such environment. Methods Data of 145 consecutive patients with TAVR (Sapiens XT or Sapiens 3S) were analysed retrospectively. One radiologist and six echocardiographers trained in aortic annulus size measurements participated in pre-procedural aortic anulus assessment. Aortic annulus area and area derived diameter were measured/calculated in each patient from 3D ECHO data set acquired from mid-oesophageal view and from CT data set, using multiplanar reconstruction. 2D ECHO aortic annulus size was measured from mid-oesophageal 120º view in early systole. Results 139 (96%) patients had favourable TAVR result (max. mild aortic regurgitation, single valve implanted). 3D ECHO aortic anulus area and area derived diameter were smaller than corresponding CT parameters (464 ± 99 vs 479 ± 88 mm2, p &amp;lt; 0.001 and 24.2 ± 2.7 mm vs 25.0 ± 5.5, p = 0.002, respectively) and differed between echocardiographers (p &amp;lt; 0.001). 2D ECHO anulus measurement were smaller in comparison to both CT and 3D ECHO area derived diameter (22.6 ± 2.9 vs 25.0 ± 5.5mm, p = 0,013 and 22.6 ± 2.9 vs 24.2± 2.7mm, p &amp;lt; 0.001, respectively). In implanted valves with favourable procedure result, concordance of CT and 3D ECHO aortic annulus area with manufacturer recommended ranges was 79.4% vs 61% (p= 0.001) and for area derived diameter 80.1% vs 61.7% (p = 0.001). Using 3D ECHO measurements 33% of the patients would have hypothetically received inappropriate valve size. Conclusion 3D ECHO aortic annulus measurements are generally smaller then CT ones. If 3D ECHO based parameters only were used for TAVR (Edward Sapiens) size selection, it would have resulted in underestimation of the valve size in up to 1/3 of the patients. CT aortic annulus size assessment should be preferred method over 3D ECHO in daily practice. Abstract Figure 1 Abstract Table 1

A discrepancy between CT angiography and transesophageal echocardiographic measurements of the annular size affect long-term survival following trans-catheter aortic valve replacement.

Introduction: Accurate measurement of the aortic valve annulus is critical for proper valve sizing for the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. While computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the widely-accepted standard, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional(3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is commonly performed to measure the size of the aortic valve and to verify appropriate seating of prostheses. Methods: Patients undergoing TAVR between 2013-2015 were examined. 2D- and 3D-TEEmeasurements were compared to CTA taken as standard. Patients were followed for at least one year. The presence and effect of discrepancy (defined as a difference of more than 10%) between CTA and TEE measurements on survival were examined. Results: One hundred eighty-five patients (70 men) were included. 2D- and 3D-TEE measurements underestimated the annulus size by -1.49 and -1.32 mm, respectively. Discrepancies > 10% between TEE and CTA methods in estimating the aortic annulus size were associated with a decrease in post implant survival. The peak pressure gradient across the aortic prosthesis measured one year after the implant was higher in patients with an initial discrepancy between 3D-TEE and CTA measurements. In a multivariate cox-regression model, the discrepancy between CTA and 2D-TEE readings and the smaller size of the aortic annular area were the predictors of long-term survival. Conclusion: Both 2D and 3D-TEE underestimate the aortic annulus measurements compared to CTA, with 2D-TEE being relatively more precise than 3D-TEE technology. The presence of a discrepancy between echocardiographic and CTA measurements of the aortic annulus is associated with a lower survival rate.

Aortic prosthetic size predictor in aortic valve replacement

BackgroundPatient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) is a major concern in aortic valve replacement (AVR) and leads to perioperative morbidity and rehospitalization. Predicting aortic annulus diameter pre-procedurally is crucial to managing patients with high-risk of PPM.ObjectivesTo compare preoperative measurements of aortic annulus from echocardiography and CT scan with surgical sizing and develop an imaging-based algorithm to predict PPM.MethodsFrom January 2017 to December 2020, patients underwent AVR at a teaching hospital were examined. The relationship between imaging measurements with operative values was assesed using scatter plots and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Univariable linear regression was then used to build the predictive model.ResultsA total of 144 patients underwent AVR during the study period. Suture types and surgical approaches were not significantly associated with prosthesis size. CT scan-based measurements showed strong correlation with prosthesis size: mean diameter (R = 0.79), perimeter-derived diameter (R = 0.76), and area-derived diameter (R = 0.75). Mechanical valve and tissue valve shared similar correlation coefficients. Prosthesis size predictive models based on CT scan were 12.89 + 0.335 × d for mean diameter, 13.275 + 0.315 × d for perimeter-derived diameter and 13.626 + 0.309 × d for area-derived diameter.ConclusionsPreoperative CT scan measurements are a reliable predictor of aortic prosthesis size. Transthoracic echocardiography is a possible alternative, though it is highly performer-dependent and unable to represent the aortic annulus fully. Together, these two imaging modalities can be used to quantitatively anticipate PPM preoperatively.

Aortic Annular Sizing Using Novel Software in Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: We performed this study to evaluate the agreement between novel automated software of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for aortic annular measurements of preprocedural transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR); (2) Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (Wiley) databases were systematically searched for studies that compared 3D-TEE and MDCT as the reference standard for aortic annular measurement of the following parameters: annular area, annular perimeter, area derived-diameter, perimeter derived-diameter, maximum and minimum diameter. Meta-analytic methods were utilized to determine the pooled correlations and mean differences between 3D-TEE and MDCT. Heterogeneity and publication bias were also assessed. Meta-regression analyses were performed based on the potential factors affecting the correlation of aortic annular area; (3) Results: A total of 889 patients from 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled correlation coefficients between 3D-TEE and MDCT of annulus area, perimeter, area derived-diameter, perimeter derived-diameter, maximum and minimum diameter measurements were strong 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84–0.92), 0.88 (95% CI: 0.83–0.92), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.77–0.93), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.77–0.93), 0.79 (95% CI: 0.64–0.87), and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.61–0.84) (Overall p < 0.0001), respectively. Pooled mean differences between 3D-TEE and MDCT of annulus area, perimeter, area derived-diameter, perimeter derived-diameter, maximum and minimum diameter measurements were −20.01 mm2 ((95% CI: −35.37 to −0.64), p = 0.011), −2.31 mm ((95% CI: −3.31 to −1.31), p < 0.0001), −0.22 mm ((95% CI: −0.73 to 0.29), p = 0.40), −0.47 mm ((95% CI: −1.06 to 0.12), p = 0.12), −1.36 mm ((95% CI: −2.43 to −0.30), p = 0.012), and 0.31 mm ((95% CI: −0.15 to 0.77), p = 0.18), respectively. There were no statistically significant associations with the baseline patient characteristics of sex, age, left ventricular ejection fraction, mean transaortic gradient, and aortic valve area to the correlation between 3D-TEE and MDCT for aortic annular area sizing; (4) Conclusions: The present study implies that 3D-TEE using novel software tools, automatically analysis, is feasible to MDCT for annulus sizing in clinical practice.

The role of trans-thoracic echocardiography in the assessment of aortic annular diameter.

We aimed to compare two-dimension transthoracic echocardiogram (2D-TTE) and three-dimension transthoracic echocardiogram (3D-TTE) measurements of the aortic annular diameter using multi-detector CT (MDCT) as a gold standard.This prospective observational study included 50 consecutive patients who came to the cardiology department, Al-Azhar University Hospital, New Damietta, for MDCT coronary angiography. The study was carried out in the period from July 2016 until February 2017. All patients were subjected to informed consent, clinical history, physical examination, transthoracic echocardiography 2D and 3D, and MDCT.The aortic annular areas measured by MDCT and 3D-TTE were significantly larger than areas by 2D-TTE. A good correlation (r = 0.82) was observed between the areas obtained by 3D-TTE and MDCT; however, the correlation between the values by 2D-TTE and MDCT was rough (r = 0.30). Eccentricity Index (EI) values in 28% of the patients were greater than 0.1, that is, the aortic annulus was elliptical.Accuracy of aortic annular diameter measurement by 3D-TTE was superior to that by 2D-TTE. Three-D TTE and MDCT revealed that the shape of the aortic annulus was elliptical in 28% to 30% respectively of study subjects. There is a strong concordance between the minimum and the maximum diameter determine by 3D-TTE and MDCT.

Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography as an Alternative to Multidetector Computed Tomography in Aortic Annular Diameter Measurements for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Simple SummaryPatients who have multiple associated comorbidities and need to change the aortic valve may have a contraindication to open-heart surgery, the alternative being transcatheter aortic valve implantation, which requires very precise measurements of the aortic annulus to determine the dimensions of the prostheses. Ultrasonographic imaging techniques, such as transesophageal echocardiography, are constantly evolving. The aim of our study was to compare the three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and multi-detector computer tomography methods, with the former being an alternative for patients who cannot undergo computer tomography because of a major contraindication. We have demonstrated that there were small differences between aortic annular measurements using multi-detector computer tomography (2.25 ± 0.19 cm) and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2.25 ± 0.15 cm). Thus, three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography can be the solution for aortic annular measurements used to select the correct prosthesis for the transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure in patients who cannot undergo computer tomography.Background and objectives: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a therapeutic choice for high surgical risk patients, serving as an alternative to open-heart surgery. Correct measurement of the aortic annulus, which leads to the selection of a suitable prosthesis and accurate outcome prediction, is essential for the success of TAVI. The objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of novel imaging te chniques in measuring the aortic annulus by comparing multi-detector computer tomography (MDCT) and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) for the selection of the optimal prosthesis. Materials and Methods: Measurements of the aortic annulus have been performed on 25 patients using MDCT and TEE, and the correlation and agreement levels between the two measuring techniques were analyzed. MDCT measurements were used for the sizing of the prostheses. Results: MDCT and TEE measurements of aortic annular diameters were significantly correlated, with a mean difference of 0.001 cm. Conclusions: 3D TEE measurements have been in good agreement with MDCT and, therefore, 3D TEE can be used as an alternative in cases where MDCT is contraindicated or not available.

Evaluation of ECG-gated and Fast Low-Angle Shot (FLASH) Dual Source Computed Tomography Scanning Protocols for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedural success relies heavily on volumetric reconstruction imaging, particularly ECG-gated multi-detector row computed tomography. We postulated that single examination using fast low-angle shot (FLASH) dual source CT scanning (DS-CTA) could provide lower dose than ECG-gated CTA while maintaining the image quality. In this single-centre cohort study, all patients who underwent ECG-gated and FLASH DS-CTA were evaluated. Volumetric reconstructions were performed for both ECG-gated and FLASH DS-CTA to obtain nonsagittal views of the structures. ECG-gated cardiac CT was obtained to evaluate the aortic annular size while FLASH DS-CTA was obtained to examine the aortic and iliac vasculature as part of TAVR imaging protocol. We evaluated measures of aortic annulus, coronaries and sinus of Valsalva using ECG-gated and FLASH DS-CTA scanning protocols. Image quality assessments were performed using aortic root region-of-interest signal-to-noise ratio. A total of 130 patients (mean age 81.5 ± 9.2 years, 46.2% female, and 99.2% white) underwent both ECG-gated CT and FLASH DS-CTA. There were excellent correlations between aortic annular area (R2 = 0.934) and aortic annular perimeter (R2 = 0.923) measured by the two protocols. Only 2 (1.5%) patients had >10% difference between aortic annular measurements by ECG-gated and FLASH DS-CTA, while none of the patients had a >10% difference between aortic annular perimeter measured by ECG-gated and FLASH DS-CT scans. There was no significant difference in signal-to-noise ratio between the two methods (mean difference 13.4; 95% CI -2.1-28.8, p = 0.09). There was significantly lower radiation dose for FLASH DS-CTA than ECG-gated CT scan (mean dose-length product difference 404.38; 95% CI 328.9-479.87, p <0.001). The measurements by the two scans led to the same transcatheter valve size selection in majority of the 128 (98.5%) patients by balloon expandable valve sizing recommendations and 130 (100%) of patients by self-expanding valve sizing recommendations. Overall, FLASH DS-CTA and ECG-gated CT scans provided comparable image quality and aortic annular dimensions for pre-TAVR evaluation. DS-CTA additionally provided the necessary angiographic imaging of the aorta and peripheral access vessels while still maintaining a lower radiation dose. We propose that a single non-ECG gated FLASH DS-CTA could be utilized to provide all the necessary pre-TAVR imaging information without a gated CT scan.

Potential impact of dynamic automated CT aortic annular measurements on outcomes for transcatheter aortic valve replacement sizing.

To determine the potential impact of automated computed tomography (CT) software used for aortic annular sizing for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on paravalvular leak (PVL) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as compared to standard CT manual measurement. In 60 TAVR patients (84 ± 7years, 60% male), we evaluated the preprocedural CT scans. For the standard manual measurement, we measured the perimeter and area from a single cardiac phase deemed to be of maximum systolic opening. Valve type and size were determined by a multidisciplinary TAVR team per clinical routine. From the dynamic automated software, we determined the aortic annular perimeter and area as the maximum value from an entire cardiac cycle. Valve size was readjudicated by a blinded interventional cardiologist who was provided with valve type and automated values. Clinical endpoints were adjudicated for presence of at least mild PVL and MACE at 30days. There were 16 (28%) patients with PVL and 4 (7%) with 30-day MACE. When reclassifying valve size using dynamic automated values, 12 (20%) patients were undersized and 3 (5%) patients were oversized. Undersized patients were more likely to have mild-to-moderate PVL at 30days (27% vs 4%, p = 0.04) than those not undersized. Of the 5 (45%) undersized patients with at least mild PVL, all were balloon-expandable valves. Automated dynamic CT annular measurements have the potential to reclassify patients with PVL with larger TAVR valve size, particularly balloon-expandable valves.

Retrospectively ECG-gated helical vs. non-ECG-synchronized high-pitch CTA of the aortic root for TAVI planning.

BackgroundMultidetector computed tomography (MDCT) plays a key role in patient assessment prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, to date no consensus has been established on what is the optimal pre-procedural imaging protocol. Variability in pre-TAVI acquisition protocols may lead to discrepancies in aortic annulus measurements and may potentially influence prosthesis size selection.PurposeThe current study evaluates the magnitude of differences in aortic annulus measurements using max-systolic, end-diastolic, and non-ECG-synchronized imaging, as well as the impact of method on prosthesis size selection.Material and methodsFifty consecutive TAVI-candidates, who underwent retrospectively-ECG-gated CT angiography (CTA) of the aortic root, directly followed by non-ECG-synchronized high-pitch CT of the entire aorta, were retrospectively included. Aortic root dimensions were assessed at each 10% increment of the R-R interval (0–100%) and on the non-ECG-synchronized scan. Dimensional changes within the cardiac cycle were evaluated using a 1-way repeated ANOVA. Agreement in measurements between max-systole, end-diastole and non-ECG-synchronized scans was assessed with Bland-Altman analysis.ResultsMaximal dimensions of the aortic root structures and minimum annulus-coronary ostia distances were measured during systole. Max-systolic measurements were significantly and substantially larger than end-diastolic (p<0.001) and non-ECG-synchronized measurements (p<0.001). Due to these discrepancies, the three methods resulted in the same prosthesis size selection in only 48–62% of patients.ConclusionsThe systematic differences between max-systolic, end-diastolic and non-ECG-synchronized measurements for relevant aortic annular dimensions are both statistically significant and clinically relevant. Imaging strategy impacts prosthesis size selection in nearly half the TAVI-candidates. End-diastolic and non-ECG-synchronized imaging does not provide optimal information for prosthesis size selection. Systolic image acquisition is necessary for assessment of maximal annular dimensions and minimum annulus-coronary ostia distances.