Diagnostic Catheterization Research Articles

AB-452663-4 LEFT ATRIAL POSTERIOR WALL ABLATION USING PULSED FIELD ABLATION AS ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY DURING RE-DO PROCEDURES AFTER MULTIPLE FAILED PULMONARY VEIN ISOLATIONS USING THERMAL ENERGY

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the cornerstone for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Long-term efficacy is limited because of high PV reconnection rates. Ablation targets and strategies beyond PVI in re-do left atrial (LA) procedures have failed to improve outcome. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has recently been introduced as a novel ablation technology. We report the first experience of re-do PVI with adjunctive LA posterior wall ablation (LAPWA) in patients with multiple failed LA procedures using thermal energy (RF /cryo). After high-density bipolar 3D voltage maps using a pentaspline diagnostic catheter, ablation was performed in conscious sedation using a steerable sheath and a pentaspline over-the-wire basket and flower PFA catheter. After re-do PVI (irrespective of PV status), the pentaspline catheter was visualized in the 3D mapping system. The posterior wall was ablated using the PFA catheter in the flower configuration (Figure). Projected catheter images overlapped approx. 30% between sites across the posterior wall. Per ablation site, 4 applications were administered. Post ablation, 3D voltage maps confirmed complete PVI and LAPWA. Bidirectional PVI was also documented using pacing. Procedural parameters, acute success, in-hospital safety and arrhythmia recurrence were assessed. Between Sept. 2021 and Nov. 2022, 17 patients were enrolled. Mean age was 68±8 years. Time since first AF diagnosis was 72±46 months. Mean number of previous LA procedures was 3±1. Acute PVI and LAPWA were 100% successful. Median procedural time was 160±62 min (including 47±10 min for pre and post mapping). LA dwell time of the PFA catheter was 46±19 min. Fluoroscopy time and dose area product were 24±09 min and 13±13 Gy.cm2. All patients tolerated this approach without procedural interruption. There were no acute or chronic complications. After a follow-up of 163±105 days, 12/17 (71%) patients were free of documented AF, atrial flutter or tachycardia. In patients with multiple failed LA ablations for AF, re-do PVI (irrespective of PV status) and LAPWA using PFA seems to be a safe and feasible approach with promising short-term results. Larger studies are needed to investigate long-term efficacy and safety in this patient group with otherwise very limited therapeutic options.

PO-05-224 IDENTIFICATION OF CAVOTRICUSPID ISTHMUS CONDUCTION BLOCK – PITFALL OF DIFFERENTIAL PACING MANEUVER.

Differential pacing (DP) maneuver was generally used to assess bidirectional block of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) after catheter ablation. Nevertheless, in some cases, DP maneuver could be inaccurate in identification of bidirectional CTI block. The purpose of the study is to identify limitation of DP maneuver and suggest continuous sequence (CS) maneuver as a complement of differential pacing maneuver. Patients who were diagnosed to typical atrial flutter and underwent catheter ablation were enrolled. CTI conduction block was evaluated by two maneuvers, DP and CS maneuver. We tried to identify CTI conduction block for each patient with both maneuvers. Differential pacing maneuver was conducted according to conventional protocol. With CS maneuver, CTI conduction block was assessed with the recorded sequence of diagnostic catheter. Sixty two patients were investigated. Two maneuvers were performed in all patients. There were 8 cases (8/62, 12.9%) of discrepancy between the result of CS and DP maneuver. One of discrepancy cases, CTI conduction block was identified with CS maneuver, but insufficient conduction block with DP maneuver. The rest of discrepancy (11.2%) cases were the opposite. DP could not guarantee bidirectional block of CTI because of anatomical complexity and catheter instability. CS maneuver found incomplete block over 10% of conventional maneuver. CS maneuver is simple and can be complement to overcome limitation of DP maneuver.

Short-Term Risk Estimation and Treatment Planning for Cardiovascular Disease Patients after First Diagnostic Catheterizations with Machine Learning Models

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death. CVD symptoms may develop within a short-term after diagnostic catheterizations and lead to life-threatening situations. This study is the first to apply machine learning (ML) methods to predict subsequent adverse cardiovascular events/treatments for patients within 90 days after their first diagnostic catheterizations. Patients (6539) without previously diagnosed CVD were selected from the DukeCath dataset. Ten ML methods were used. Three medical outcomes, varied cardiovascular-related scenarios, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatments, and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) treatments, were targeted individually. With patient medical history, vital measurements, laboratory results, and the number of diseased vessels, the random forest classifier (RFC) performed best in predicting combined cardiovascular scenarios, including CABG, PCI, valve surgery (VS), stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI), achieving accuracy: 88.17%, sensitivity: 89.72%, specificity: 86.98%, area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC): 91.68%. The gradient boosting classifier (GBC) performed best in predicting the PCI and CABG treatments (PCI treatments: accuracy: 89.21%, sensitivity: 90.20%, specificity: 88.74%, AUROC: 94.16%; CABG treatments: accuracy: 93.86%, sensitivity: 77.57%, specificity: 96.23%, AUROC: 96.47%). Our results show that the ML applications effectively identify high-risk patients, can provide diagnostic assistance in cardiovascular treatment planning, and improve outcomes in cardiovascular medicine.

TCTAP C-148 A Lucky Bail Out in a Case of Fractured Tip of Diagnostic Catheter

TCTAP C-148 A Lucky Bail Out in a Case of Fractured Tip of Diagnostic Catheter

Incidence, Clinical Significance, and Longitudinal Signal Characteristics of Ischemic Lesions Related to Diagnostic Cerebral Catheter Angiography

PurposeCerebral DSA is a routine procedure with few complications. However, it is associated with presumably clinically inapparent lesions detectable on diffusion-weighted MRI imaging (DWI lesions). However, there are insufficient data regarding incidence, etiology, clinical relevance, and longitudinal development of these lesions. This study prospectively evaluated subjects undergoing elective diagnostic cerebral DSA for the occurrence of DWI lesions, potentially associated clinical symptoms and risk factors, and longitudinally monitored the lesions using state-of-the-art MRI.Materials and MethodsEighty-two subjects were examined by high-resolution MRI within 24 h after elective diagnostic DSA and lesion occurrence was qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated. Subjects’ neurological status was assessed before and after DSA by clinical neurological examination and a perceived deficit questionnaire. Patient-related risk factors and procedural DSA data were documented. Subjects with lesions received a follow-up MRI and were questioned for neurological deficits after a median of 5.1 months.ResultsAfter DSA, 23(28%) subjects had a total of 54 DWI lesions. Significantly associated risk factors were number of vessels probed, intervention time, age, arterial hypertension, visible calcified plaques, and less examiner experience. Twenty percent of baseline lesions converted to persistent FLAIR lesions at follow-up. After DSA, none of the subjects had a clinically apparent neurological deficit. Self-perceived deficits were nonsignificantly higher at follow-up.ConclusionCerebral DSA is associated with a considerable number of postinterventional lesions, some persisting as scars in brain tissue. Presumably because of the small lesion size and inconsistent location, no clinically apparent neurological deficits have been observed. However, subtle self-perceived changes may occur. Therefore, special attention is needed to minimize avoidable risk factors.

Predictors of Post-catheterization Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm

Objectives: To compare the affected patients with the age- and sex-matched patients in the control group. Materials and Methods: All patients who had undergone PCI, left heart catheterization, or coronary angiography between July and November 2022 were prospectively recruited. We included 247 patients in our study who underwent cardiac catheterization via femoral access. Results: The incidence of FAP after a diagnostic catheterization was 5.97% and 8.69% after an interventional procedure. The mean age of the patients with FAP was 54.06 ± 15.04 years and 62.5% patients were females in the affected group. In FAP group, 14 patients (87.5%) had hypertension, 8 patients (50%) had diabetes, and 37.5% were had obesity. The systolic blood pressure was 145.38 ± 29.99 mmHg, while the diastolic blood pressure was 86 ± 14.59 mmHg. Data obtained from computed tomography scanning showed that the arterial wall of the CFA was healthy in 11 patients (68.5%), while diffuse atherosclerosis was detected in 5 (31.5%) patients. In 69% of the patients, FAPs were connected to the CFA and in 31% patients to the superficial femoral artery (SFA). In 38% (6) patients partial thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysm sac observed. Conclusion: FAP is a common vascular complication after a diagnostic procedure or percutaneous cardiac catheterization, and its prevalence is likely to rise.

Analysis of anesthesia related severe adverse events in congenital catheterization cases from a single institution.

Analysis of anesthesia related severe adverse events in congenital catheterization cases from a single institution.

Spectrum of Complications and Complication Rates After Diagnostic Catheter Angiography in Neuroradiology

PurposeTo retrospectively evaluate the total complication rates and type of complications after diagnostic cerebral and spinal catheter angiography.MethodsData from 2340 patients undergoing diagnostic angiography over a period of 10 years in a neuroradiologic center were retrospectively evaluated. Local, systemic, neurological, and technical complications were analyzed.ResultsA total of 75 clinically noted complications occurred. The risk for clinical complications was increased when the angiography was performed under emergency conditions (p = 0.009). The most common complication was groin hematoma (1.32%). Neurological complications occurred in 0.68% of patients, of which 0.13% were stroke with permanent disability. Technical complications without noticeable clinical symptoms of the patients occurred in 2.35% of the angiographic procedures. Deaths caused by angiography did not occur.ConclusionThere is a definite risk for complications after diagnostic angiography. Although a very broad spectrum of complications was considered, complications in the individual subgroups showed a low incidence.

Abstract Number ‐ 79: Flow Diversion for Traumatic Vertebral Artery Arteriovenous Fistula: A Case Report

Introduction Arterial pseudoaneurysms and arteriovenous fistulas of intracranial and extracranial vessels are an uncommon occurrence following blunt and penetrating trauma and are commonly treated by vessel sacrifice,dependent on collateral flow1‐3. Others have treated these cases with covered stents4 and flow diversion5. Advances in flow diversion technology have led to their use in other pathologies, including carotid cavernous fistulas6 and vertebral artery pseudoaneurysms7. We present a case of a traumatic arteriovenous fistula of the dominant vertebral artery requiring vessel preservation and reconstruction. Methods A 42‐year‐old male presented with a gunshot wound to the face below the right eye. Trauma imaging identified fractures of the right maxillary sinus and orbital floor. CTA of the head/neck showed a dominant right vertebral artery dissection and pseudoaneurysm with a non‐dominant left vertebral artery (VA), effectively ending in PICA. Results Due to the inefficient supply to the posterior circulation via the left VA, the decision was made to preserve and reconstruct the right VA and the patient was brought to the angiography suite. Angiographically, the patient was noted to have retrograde filling of the posterior circulation, basilar and right VA through the anterior circulation in injection of both ICAs, suggesting decreased antegrade flow from the injured right VA. The right VA was catheterized which showed a high‐flow, high‐grade arteriovenous fistula from the V3 segment with venous drainage into multiple extraspinal cervical and epidural cervical veins. This also identified the fistulous point at the location of the pseudoaneurysm on CTA. The diagnostic catheter was exchanged for a guide catheter, and a Phenom 27 microcatheter (Medtronic; Minneapolis, MN) was navigated into the basilar artery. A Duo microcatheter (Microvention; Aliso Viejo, CA)/Synchro 2 (Stryker; Kalamazoo, MI) standard microwire complex was used to identify the fistulous point and positioned for jailing. A Pipeline Flex 4.75×20mm (Medtronic; Minneapolis, MN) was deployed from the proximal V4 segment across the pseudoaneurysm with persistence of the AVF. A second Pipeline Flex 5×20mm was placed in telescoping fashion with persistence of the AVF. A third Pipeline Flex 5×16mm was placed in telescoping fashion and flow diversion was observed. Using the jailed catheter, the pseudoaneurysm and fistulous point were coil embolized using a combination of helical and 3D HydroSoft coils (Microvention; Aliso Viejo, CA) of varying sizes. Final angiogram demonstrated resolution of the high‐flow AVF, improvement of antegrade flow through the right vertebral artery, and a slow‐flow low‐grade fistulous communication with the posterior extraspinal cervical veins. There were no thromboembolic complications and the patient recovered well from the procedure. Follow‐up angiography at 2 months post‐treatment showed obliteration of the AVF with a small remnant pseudoaneurysm of the right V3 segment. Conclusions Flow diversion is viable in the setting of a traumatic arteriovenous fistula requiring reconstruction of the parent vessel.

Abstract Number ‐ 114: Deep Cerebral Venous Thrombosis requiring Venous Thrombectomy and Intra‐arterial Thrombolysis in Young Pregnant Female

Introduction Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare cause of stroke and mortality especially in young women and children (1). Even though, first‐line treatment remains anticoagulation, some patients deteriorate and endovascular treatment is needed. Currently there are no randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy and safety of intracranial thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy to standard‐of‐care anticoagulation therapy (2). We present a case of a pregnant lady with CVST with successful clinical outcomes with venous thrombectomy and intraarterial thrombolysis. Methods Case Report Results 30 year old lady with no past medical history, 7 weeks and 4 days pregnant presented with acute progressive encephalopathy associated with nausea, vomiting and headaches. On admission, she was stuporous, had dysarthria, severe hemiparesis, and hemineglect on the right side. She had COVID‐19 infection and her fetus had subchorionic hematoma by ultrasound. Initial CT brain showed extensive cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). She was intubated and MRI showed venous infarcts. MR venography revealed acute extensive CVST of superior sagittal sinus, vein of galen, right transverse sinus, right sigmoid sinus, and right jugular vein. IV Heparin drip was initiated. Her follow‐up neurological exam deteriorated despite maximal medical therapy. The decision was made for endovascular recanalization. The cerebral angiogram confirmed the occlusion of deep venous system. Thrombectomy of bilateral internal jugular vein and sigmoid sinus was performed with retrieval of thrombi. Post‐thrombectomy runs demonstrated persistent extensive CVST and decision was made for intra‐arterial thrombolysis. A diagnostic catheter was secured in the right internal carotid artery catheter (ICA). Thombolysis was performed with 4 mg/hr recombinant tissue‐plasminogen activator (rt‐PA). Heparin drip IV was continued. Subsequently, the repeat CT brain showed significant improvement in the CVST and interval development of intraparenchymal hemorrhages and subarachnoid hemorrhages. Heparin and rt‐PA were held. The patient was found to have Factor V Leiden mutation and she was started on Enoxaparin 1mg/kg throughout her pregnancy and 6 weeks postpartum. Clinically she demonstrated significant neurologic improvement and was discharged to home from rehabilitation center. Currently, she is thirty‐ four weeks pregnant and neurologically intact without any deficits. Conclusions Pharmacological and mechanical endovascular interventions can have significantly successful clinical outcomes in deep cerebral venous thrombosis. Controlled studies are required to assess the safety and efficacy of these interventions when compared to standard systemic anticoagulation.

Evaluation of Peripheral Vascular Function After Distal Radial Artery Access for Invasive Percutaneous Coronary Procedures

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the difference in impact between distal transradial access (dTRA) and classical transradial access (TRA) on vascular function using flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) following coronary diagnostic and therapeutic catheterizations. Methods: The analysis involves a non-randomized inclusion of patients undergoing either diagnostic or elective percutaneous coronary intervention, using a dTRA access or a conventional standard TRA. Two hours after the procedure ended, the endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery was measured by ultrasound. Results: A total number of 50 patients were included. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (7.20% vs 6.99%, p < 0.09 for non-inferiority). Additionally, there were higher baseline values observed for BA diameters in the conventional approach group. Regarding the other secondary endpoints, there were no major access site complications, radial occlusion, in-hospital major bleeding or severe arterial spasm recorded in both groups. Conclusion: Compared to conventional TRA, accessing distal radial artery for diagnostic and therapeutic coronary interventions has the same impact on short-term vascular endothelial function and was safely performed without any major vascular complications.

Abstract Number ‐ 40: Unique presentation of Dural AV fistula with brainstem stroke and extensive edema

Introduction Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVFs) are typified by pathological anastomoses between meningeal arteries and dural venous sinuses or cortical veins. DAVFs can mimic other neurologic disorders and produce a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms, including headache, tinnitus, vertigo, Parkinsonism, and visual field and gait disturbances. We present a case report of extensive dural AV Fistula which lead to brainstem ischemic stroke from compression of brainstem flow void. Methods Case Report Results 64 year old man with past medical History of Rheumatoid arthritis, presented with sudden onset of right facial weakness. On arrival patient was noted to be hypertensive to 200/105 and on exam noted to have right complete facial nerve palsy. Patient also revealed a significant history of severe, throbbing, posterior headaches in the last 1–2 months. Patient had CT head which was negative for bleed. CT angiography showed Abnormal hyperattenuating tubular vessel extending along the right cerebellar hemisphere and posterolateral pons extending towards the venous confluence at Galen. Over the course of 5 hours, the patient reported difficulty swallowing and intense headaches. MRI brain showed acute to early subacute infarct involving the right dorsolateral medulla and abnormal T2 prolongation involving essentially the entire cross‐section of the upper medulla and inferior pons representing edema. The patient was taken for Diagnostic catheter angiogram which showed dural AV fistula extending along the right cerebellar hemisphere. Onyx embolization was performed on the Right Middle meningeal artery and right Superior cerebellar artery with complete obliteration of dAVF. Conclusions The spectrum of signs and symptoms associated with DAVFs has been attributed to any one or combination of 6 pathophysiologic factors: the arteriovenous shunt, cerebral hypoxia and ischemia, increased venous pressure, retrograde drainage and secondary engorgement of basal sinuses, sinus obstruction, and subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to involvement of the pial venous system. Prompt evaluation and management is necessary for patients presenting with neurological symptoms with headache.

Left ventricular lead delivery system used to implant right ventricular lead via persistent left superior vena cava.

Left ventricular lead delivery system used to implant right ventricular lead via persistent left superior vena cava.

Left Ventricular Filling Pressure in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

BackgroundChronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is characterized by obstruction of major pulmonary arteries with organized thrombi. Clinical risk factors for pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease including metabolic syndrome, left-sided valvular heart disease, and ischemic heart disease are common in CTEPH patients. ObjectivesThe authors sought to investigate prevalence and prognostic implications of elevated left ventricular filling pressures (LVFP) in CTEPH. MethodsA total of 593 consecutive CTEPH patients undergoing a first diagnostic right and left heart catheterization were included in this study. Mean pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (mPAWP) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were utilized for assessment of LVFP. Two cutoffs were applied to identify patients with elevated LVFP: 1) for the primary analysis mPAWP and/or LVEDP >15 mm Hg, as recommended by the current pulmonary hypertension guidelines; and 2) for the secondary analysis mPAWP and/or LVEDP >11 mm Hg, representing the upper limit of normal. Clinical and echocardiographic features, and long-term mortality were assessed. ResultsLVFP was >15 mm Hg in 63 (10.6%) and >11 mm Hg in 222 patients (37.4%). Univariable logistic regression analysis identified age, systemic hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, calcific aortic valve stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and left atrial volume as significant predictors of elevated LVFP. Atrial fibrillation, calcific aortic valve stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and left atrial volume remained independent determinants of LVFP in adjusted analysis. At follow-up, higher LVFPs were measured in patients who had meanwhile undergone pulmonary endarterectomy (P = 0.002). LVFP >15 mm Hg (P = 0.021) and >11 mm Hg (P = 0.006) were both associated with worse long-term survival. ConclusionsElevated LVFP is common, appears to be due to comorbid left heart disease, and predicts prognosis in CTEPH.

Prognostic value of follow-up vasoreactivity test in pulmonary arterial hypertension

BackgroundAcute vasoreactivity test with inhaled nitric oxide (NO) is performed during diagnostic right heart catheterization (RHC) to identify patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) who respond to calcium channel blockers. Our purpose was to investigate the prognostic importance of follow-up vasoreactivity test after treatment. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 36 PAH patients (mean age, 47 years; 61 % treatment-naïve), who underwent diagnostic and follow-up RHC and vasoreactivity tests at our center. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. ResultsThe median time between baseline and follow-up RHC was 9.7 months. Absolute change in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (ΔmPAP) during NO challenge was less pronounced after treatment, but there was great variability among patients. Overall cohort was dichotomized into two groups: preserved vasoreactivity (ΔmPAP ≤ −1 mmHg) and less vasoreactivity (ΔmPAP ≥0 mmHg) at follow-up RHC. Less vasoreactivity group had higher usage rate of endothelin receptor antagonists and parenteral prostacyclin analogues. During a median observation period of 6.3 years after follow-up RHC, 7 patients died, of which 6 showed less vasoreactivity at follow-up. Absolute ΔmPAP ≥0 at follow-up RHC was associated with all-cause mortality in univariable Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio, 8.728; 95 % confidence interval, 1.045–72.887; p = 0.045), whereas other hemodynamic parameters were not. Absolute ΔmPAP ≥0 at follow-up RHC was associated with all-cause mortality in multivariable Cox analysis adjusted for age and known PAH prognostic factors (HR, 12.814; 95 % CI, 1.088–150.891; p = 0.043). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a significantly worse survival of less vasoreactivity group compared to preserved vasoreactivity group (log-rank test, p = 0.016). ConclusionsFollow-up vasoreactivity test after treatment could contribute to the detection of high-risk subgroups who might need careful monitoring and referral for lung transplantation.

Acute reperfusion therapy via occluded vertebral artery using a guiding sheath for posterior circulation tandem occlusion: illustrative case

Vertebral artery (VA) size, anatomy, and occlusion status should be considered when selecting endovascular access for basilar artery mechanical thrombectomy. In a patient with concomitant basilar artery and VA occlusion and a patent but hypoplastic contralateral VA, the occluded VA should be selected. The authors report a technique that utilizes advancing a guiding sheath with attached dilator via an occluded VA. A 65-year-old male presented with disturbed consciousness because of an acute infarction of the brainstem and cerebellum caused by a basilar artery occlusion. Cerebral angiography showed a hypoplastic right VA and occlusion of the left VA at the origin. A regular wire was easily advanced through the occlusion and a 4-Fr diagnostic catheter was advanced into the distal left VA. A 6-Fr guiding sheath with attached dilator was placed in the left VA beyond the occlusion by exchanging it over a long wire. After removing the basilar artery thrombus, balloon angioplasty was performed at the left VA origin. Complete revascularization of the posterior circulation was achieved. A guiding sheath with dilator can advance across and dilate a VA occlusion at the origin to provide rapid access to the basilar artery.

A novel balloon-assisted technique to secure visceral catheterization during a chimney endovascular repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in a centenarian patient.

A 100-year-old male patient was admitted with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm due to type IA endoleak. Given the proximity of the ruptured site to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and renal arteries, a ChEVAR was indicated. Catheterization of the target visceral vessels was a challenging procedural step because of an intensely tortuous thoracic aorta. This hostile aortic anatomy also inhibited exchange for a super stiff guide-wire and selective cannulation with the diagnostic catheter was repeatedly lost when guidewire exchange was attempted. To overcome this issue, a 5 x 40 mm balloon catheter was placed 3cm into the target arteries. The balloon was then inflated below the nominal pressure limit enabling safe exchange for a super stiff guidewire and placement of three 90-cm long 7Fr guiding sheaths. The procedure was thus safely performed with deployment of an aortic extension and the bridging stents.

COUNTERPOINT: Pulmonary Vascular Resistance 2.0— Shedding Light or Casting Shadows?

COUNTERPOINT: Pulmonary Vascular Resistance 2.0— Shedding Light or Casting Shadows?

Noninvasive determinants of pulmonary hypertension in interstitial lung disease.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with increased mortality and impaired exertional capacity. Right heart catheterization is the diagnostic standard for PH but is invasive and not readily available. Noninvasive physiologic evaluation may predict PH in ILD. Forty-fourpatients with PHand ILD (PH-ILD) were compared with 22 with ILDalone (non-PH ILD). Six-minwalk distance (6MWD, 223 ± 131vs. 331 ± 125 m, p = 0.02) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO, 33 ± 14% vs. 55 ± 21%, p < 0.001) were lower in patients with PH-ILD. PH-ILD patients exhibited a lower gas-exchange derived pulmonary vascular capacitance (GXCAP, 251 ± 132vs. 465 ± 282 mL × mmHg, p < 0.0001) and extrapolated maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) (56 ± 32% vs. 84 ± 37%, p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis was performed to determine predictors of VO2 max. GXCAP was the only variable that predicted extrapolated VO2 max among PH-ILD and non-PH ILD patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis assessed the ability of individual noninvasive variables to distinguish between PH-ILD and non-PH ILD patients. GXCAP (area under the curve[AUC] 0.85 ± 0.04, p < 0.0001) and delta ETCO2 (AUC 0.84 ± 0.04, p < 0.0001) were the strongest predictors of PH-ILD. A CART analysis selected GXCAP, estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (eRVSP) by echocardiogram, and FVC/DLCO ratio as predictive variables for PH-ILD. With this analysis, the AUC improved to 0.94 (sensitivity of 0.86 and sensitivity of 0.93). Patients with a GXCAP ≤ 416 mL × mmHg had an 82% probability of PH-ILD. Patients with GXCAP ≤ 416 mL × mmHg and high FVC/DLCO ratio >1.7 had an 80% probability of PH-ILD. Patients with GXCAP ≤ 416 mL × mmHg and an elevated eRVSP by echocardiogram >43 mmHg had 100% probability of PH-ILD. The incorporation of GXCAP with either eRVSP or FVC/DLCO ratio distinguishes between PH-ILD and non-PH-ILD with high probability and may therefore assist in determining the need to proceed with a diagnostic right heart catheterizationand potential initiation of pulmonary arterial hypertension-directed therapy in PH-ILD patients.

Novel method for predicting the optimal diagnostic catheter by coronary computed tomographic angiography.

Novel method for predicting the optimal diagnostic catheter by coronary computed tomographic angiography.