Echocardiographic Control Research Articles

Utilidad de la ecocardiografía transtorácica focalizada en emergencias hemodinámicas intraoperatorias

Echocardiography represents one of the most important advances in the monitoring of critical patients. Initially available only in cardiovascular surgery, currently, there is transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and transthoracic echocardiography (ETT) in non-cardiac surgery, for anesthesiologists. The advantages of ETT is a non-invasive tool, of lower cost than the transesophageal transducer and therefore more feasible to be overcrowded and available in the pavilion. To evaluate the usefulness of TTE in patients with hemodynamic compromise during non-cardiac surgery. In a prospective manner between April 2016 and September 2018, patients were studied who during their intraoperative period presented a compromise of their hemodynamic state, defined as an average blood pressure under 55 mm Hg, for more than 3 minutes and without response to the usual therapy based on vasopressors and volume. Each of these patients had a prospective protocol for focused ETT looking for the cause of this disorder, by a duly trained operator. 124 patients, with an average age of 67 years (range 42 to 93 years) were evaluated. In all cases, at least one echocardiographic window was obtained that allowed a diagnosis to be made and/or to guide the therapy. The main causes of hemodynamic compromise were hypovolemia (52%), poor left ventricular function (21%) and other causes such as pericardial effusion, suspected pulmonary thromboembolism, pulmonary pathology and suspected myocardial ischemia. The ETT could be a feasible tool to use in acute hemodynamic events, since it offers good quality windows that allow new decisions based on the diagnosis and also allows to guide the selected therapies. In addition, it has been shown to positively impact clinical behaviors in the perioperative period. ETT is a non-invasive monitor, reasonably easy to learn to use; In addition to directly visualizing cardiac structures, it allows differential diagnoses of the causes of intraoperative hypotension. The therapies can also be decided according to the echocardiographic images and control how they generate changes in the cardiac cavities and in the hemodynamic state of the patient.

P867 Mitral stenosis: from mild to severe in less than a year

Abstract We report the case of an 82-year-old woman, with personal history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipemia and permanent atrial fibrillation. In 2013 aortic valve substitution surgery was performed with a mechanic prosthetic valve. In her last echocardiogram in May 2018 a mild double mitral lesion was detected, with a normal aortic valve functioning. In March of 2019 she was admitted in hospital with symptoms of heart failure and 38ºC fever. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed, which revealed a vegetation in the native mitral valve that caused a severe mitral stenosis (area 0.64 cm2). In blood cultures Streptococcus gallolyticycus was isolated. In this situation, a tranesophagical echocardiogram was performed, which confirmed the diagnosis of an infective endocarditis in the native mitral valve. It also showed spontaneous echocontrast as well as a thrombus in the left atrial appendage, despite anticoagulant medication. Given these findings, antibiotic therapy was initiated and surgery programmed. Substitution of the native mitral valve for a biological prosthesis was made. In the transthoracic echocardiographic control the prosthesis was normal functioning. A colonoscopy was performed taking into account the strong association between Streptococcus gallolyticus and colonic lesions, which showed no abnormal findings. At the discharge the patient had no signs or symptoms suggestive of heart failure or infection. Streptococcus gallolytycus is included in the D group of Streptococci. Among hospitalized patients, this group accounts for approximately 5% of streptococcal bloodstream isolates. For humans, the gastrointestinal tract is the most frequent entry point, other potential sources include the hepatobiliary tree and the urinary tract. Clinical manifestations include bacteremia and endocarditis, which is usually highly destructive and frequently bivalvular. Bone infection, meningitis or peritonitis can also be present. Due to the frequent association between this microorganism and colonic neoplasm, colonoscopy is necessary to dismiss pathological findings. Typically D Streptococci can be treated with penicillins, ceftriaxone, carbapenems, vancomycin, daptomycin, and linezolid. The preferred regimen for streptococcal prosthetic valve endocarditis includes a beta-lactam combined with an aminoglycoside, to achieve synergistic effect. Abstract P867 Figure. Mitral stenosis

Endocarditis de Libman-Sacks de válvulas nativas derechas en contexto de síndrome antifosfolípido y lupus eritematoso sistémico: ¡cuando el tratamiento marca la diferencia!

We report the case of a 54 years old woman with antiphospholipid syndrome in irregular therapy, admitted due to exertional dyspnea and orthopnea. The transthoracic echocardiogram showed dilated cardiomyopathy with biventricular systolic dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension and masses related to the pulmonary and tricuspid valve without autonomic movement. The crops and white count were normal, with alteration of the SAF test, in addition, SLE was diagnosed. It was started therapy for heart failure, steroids, rituximab and anticoagulation, with improving of the symptoms. The echocardiographic control showed remission of the tricuspid masses and similar dimensions of the pulmonary mass.

Extraction through Minimal Invasive Partially Video-Assisted Anterolateral Right Thoracotomy of a Voluminous Left Atrial Thrombus Due to Unregulated Warfarin Treatment

A 62-year-old female patient with history of atrial fibrillation and protein C and S deficiency was admitted for acute dyspnea. Laboratory control demonstrated an unregulated warfarin treatment. Transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography revealed a giant left atrial thrombus and a severe mitral stenosis. The day after admission a full body tomography revealed spleen emboli and non-violation of hematoencephalic barrier. Surgical thrombus extraction and mitral valve replacement were successfully performed by minimal invasive, partially video-assisted, right anterolateral thoracotomy. Echocardiographic control after two months showed no evidence of residual thrombus. Massive left atrial thrombosis must be operated urgently because of the imminent risk of embolization. The described technique represents a good compromise between full video-assisted port-access surgery and traditional midline sternotomy.

COMPARISON OF EJECTION FRACTION AND END VOLUMES OF THE LEFT VENTRICLE AS INDICATORS OF THE SEVERITY OF HEART FAILURE

Aim. To demonstrate that the end volumes are indicative of the severity of the left ventricle pathological condition not only under preserved, but also under reduced ejection fraction. Material and methods. 32 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and severe heart failure, as well as with complete monitor and computer and echocardiographic control were examined. Results. The sensitivity of the ejection fraction and end volumes to the severity of heart failure (stroke index from 15.3 to 57.2, average 29.5±1.6; ejection fraction from 16.5 to 48.0, average 27.4±127; heart rate from 52 tо 113, average 81.8±2.4) was established. It is shown that the percentage change (sensitivity) of the ejection fraction (55%) is much lower than that of the end diastolic volume index (190%) and that of the end systolic volume index (438%) to the severity of heart failure. Conclusion. Indices of end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes of critical patients with dilated cardiomyopathy are more sensitive to the severity of heart failure than the ejection fraction. It is advisable to use end volumes as indicators of heart failure. An adequate quantitative assessment of the severity of heart failure should include the heart rate (duration of the cardiac cycle T).

Echocardiographic Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in Clinically Well Pediatric Heart Transplantation Patients and Comparison With Normal Control Subjects

Echocardiographic follow-up after pediatric heart transplantation is important because of the lifelong risk for rejection and resultant ventricular dysfunction. Although adult studies have shown that echocardiographic measures of right ventricular function are changed after transplantation, similar results have not been reported in the pediatric population. A single-center retrospective study of echocardiograms obtained among pediatric heart transplant recipients was conducted. All echocardiograms were selected remote from transplantation, rejection, or graft vasculopathy. These criteria identified 127 patients. Right ventricular systolic function was measured using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, fractional area change (FAC), and peak systolic tricuspid annular tissue velocity (S'). Results were compared with those in 380 healthy age-matched echocardiographic control subjects. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion values in pediatric heart transplant recipients were significantly lower than in control subjects at all ages (P<.0001), with a mean Z score of -3.38. FAC and S' did not vary by age in control patients >6months of age. FAC values in transplantation patients were significantly decreased compared with those in control subjects (P<.0001), but 83% of transplantation patients had FAC values within the control-derived normal range. S' values were also significantly lower in transplantation patients than control subjects (P<.0001). Heart transplantation patients have significantly decreased quantitative metrics of right ventricular function relative to healthy control subjects; longitudinal shortening (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and S') is particularly affected. FAC is relatively preserved and may be a better metric in this population. These results establish nomograms of RV function in pediatric heart transplantation patients and in normal pediatric control subjects, which may allow quantification of changes in this vulnerable population.

RF06 THE CHOICE OF THE BEST PROSTHETIC VALVE IN CARDIAC OCHRONOSIS

Background: Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal genetic anomaly of the metabolism of tyrosine, and is characterized by the accumulation of homogentisic acid in the extracellular matrix with destruction of numerous tissues. Ocronosis is rarely associated with abnormalities of the cardiovascular system. The most common clinical manifestation is aortic valve stenosis. There is no specific therapy for alkaptonuria, limiting itself to the treatment of only the complications of the pathology. Methods: We report the case of a 69-year-old patient diagnosed with ochronosis following the detection of skin and scleral pigmentations. The patient was sent to our center with indication to replace the aortic valve for severe aortic stenosis after syncope episode. Results: Surgical intervention, the opening of the aorta, it is detected an abnormal blue-black pigmentation intima of the ascending aorta and aortic root with across where the flaps of the aortic valve and the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The aortic valve was replaced with a biological prosthesis No. 19. At follow up to twelve months, the patient is asymptomatic, at echocardiographic control the prosthetic valve appears normally functioning without signs of degeneration. The surgical technique of aortic valve replacement is not different in these patients, but the choice of the best prosthetic valve in cardiac ochronosis is still a matter of debate. In fact, the problem still remains discussed the possible deposition of the blue-black pigment at the level of biological prosthesis with its rapid deterioration. Our preliminary observations must naturally be confirmed by carefully conducted prospective studies.

PO652 Echocardiographic Mapping and Control of Rheumatic Heart Disease In Limited Resource Settings

To describe the financial implications, efficiency, and patient access to care with the use of a pharmacist–physician covisit model in a primary care practice.A rural satellite practice of a large, teaching, multidisciplinary, family medicine organization.Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) is a large, multisite, family medicine teaching practice. Our site is a rural practice of MAHEC that serves western North Carolina.Pharmacist–physician covisit model.Fourteen half-days of the covisit model from June 1, 2016, to January 31, 2017, were evaluated. Change in estimated clinic revenue was assessed for the physician only, separate pharmacist and physician visits, and the covisit model. Number and types of visits billed before and after implementation of the covisits were used to evaluate efficiency, and number of available appointments was used to evaluate patient access to care.Compared with physician billing alone, covisits generated an additional $4924.41 in 14 half-days or $158,291.04 over 1 year. Compared with separate visits, the covisit model increased estimated clinic revenue by $2757.89 over the 14 half-days and $88,646.47 over 1 year. During the pilot period of the covisit model, the pharmacist and physician combined billed a total of 189 visits, compared with 164 visits on matched days with separate visits. With covisits, more high-complexity codes and initial Medicare Annual Wellness Visits were billed. The physician was able to see an additional 1.3 patients per half-day in the covisit model compared with separate visits, and there was an average of 3.2 open physician appointments per half-day with covisits compared with 1.4 with separate visits.Compared with both the physician-only and the separate-visit models, the covisit model is projected to substantially increase clinic revenue. In this model, more patients can be seen, higher-complexity visits are billed, and there are more available appointments.

Hemodynamic monitoring by pulse contour analysis during trans-catheter aortic valve replacement: A fast and easy method to optimize procedure results.

Residual aortic regurgitation (AR) complicates a not negligible number of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures, and its entity is not always clear at intraprocedural angiographic and echocardiographic control. We applied a minimally invasive hemodynamic monitoring system (Pressure Recording Analytical Method, PRAM) in the setting of TAVR, with the aim of identifying parameters that may help in detection and quantification of residual AR. We performed hemodynamic monitoring with PRAM in 43 patients undergoing trans-femoral TAVR. Investigated parameters were systolic (Psys, mm Hg), diastolic (Pdia, mm Hg), mean (MAP, mm Hg) and dicrotic pressure (Pdic, mm Hg), cardiac output (CO, L/min), stroke volume (SV, mL), cardiac cycle efficiency (CCE, Units), dP/dtmax_rad (mm Hg/ms), MAP-Pdic (mm Hg). Procedural success was achieved in 86% of the patients; vascular complications occurred in 3 (6.9%), death in 2 (4.7%). Twenty (46.5%) patients had at least mild residual AR. CO, SV, CCE and dP/dtmax_rad changed significantly (p < 0.001) between baseline and end of procedure in the overall population, with more evident modifications in the subgroup without residual AR. MAP-Pdic variations were statistically significant only in the subgroup without AR (p = 0.05). TAVR determined an improvement in hemodynamic parameters such as CO, SV, CCE, dP/dtmax_rad. MAP-Pdic was able to discriminate patients with significant residual AR. Hemodynamic monitoring with PRAM system during TAVR is easy and fast to obtain and may help in clinical decision-making in controversial cases.

Surgical treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: what’s new?

The aim — to investigate the effectiveness of surgical septal myectomy in patients with obstructive form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and to determine its effect on survival and quality of life.Materials and methods. The research included 118 consequential symptomatic patients with obstructive form of HCM who underwent surgical extensive myectomy with secondary chordae resection and mobilization of the anterior and posterior groups of papillary muscles (PM). An evaluation of the following parameters in group of patients before and after surgical intervention was performed: systolic pressure gradient (SPG) on the left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT), mitral regurgitation (MR) degree, NYHA functional class, survival rate and main post­operative complications.Results and discussion. According to the obtained data, SPG decreased from 93.6 ± 23.2 mmHg prior the surgery to 19.7 ± 11.4 mmHg after the treatment (p &lt; 0.001). 21 (17.8 %) patients had moderate degree of MR after the surgery, while before the intervention the number of patients who had moderate or severe MR degree made up 101 (85.5 %) out of 118 (p &lt; 0.001). Out of 118 patients, 36 (30.5 %) of whom had III — IV NYHA functional class of heart failure before the procedure, 115 (97.4 %) switched to functional class I — II in the latest follow­up (p &lt; 0.001). The mortality accounted for 1.7 %. Out of 118 patients under study, one (0.8 %) underwent cardioverter­defibrillator implantation in the post­operative period for the prophilaxis of sudden death, and 5 (4.2 %) patients underwent pacemaker implantation due to complete post­operative AV­block.Conclusions. Surgical septal myectomy by professor P. Ferrazzi procedure is a gold standard of treatment of patients with obstructive form of HCM. Successful correction of HCM can be conducted only by a high­qualified surgeon with experience of reconstruction of valvular pathologies and in an expert center, where it is possible to perform routine pre­operative MRI or CT‑planning and mandatory intraoperative echocardiographic control.

The impact of pericardial approach and myocardial protection onto postoperative right ventricle function reduction

BackgroundThe reduction of RV function after cardiac surgery is a well-known phenomenon. It could persist up-to one year after the operation and often leads to an incomplete recovery at follow-up echocardiographic control. The aim of the present study is to analyze the impact of different modalities of pericardial incision (lateral versus anterior) and of myocardial protection protocols (Buckberg versus Custodiol) onto postoperative RV dynamic by relating two- and three-dimensional echocardiographic parameters in patients undergoing mitral valve repair through minimally invasive or traditional surgery approach.MethodsWe have analyzed 44 consecutive patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation who underwent mitral reparation with different surgical approach and cardioplegia type: Group 1 (17 pts): sternotomy with Buckberg cardioplegia protocol; Group 2 (10 pts): sternotomy with Custodiol cardioplegia; Group 3 (17 pts): mini-invasive surgery with Custodiol cardioplegia. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was performed pre- and 6 months post-surgery to evaluate RV function by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE).ResultsAll patients underwent successful and uneventful. A postoperative TAPSE reduction was found in all groups. However, mini-invasive patients experienced a significant reduced variation versus traditional surgery.ConclusionsMini-invasive mitral repair, with lateral incision of pericardium, reduces postoperative TAPSE fall, while cardioplegia protocol fails to have an impact onto longitudinal RV function. In our study, the RV seems to experience a clinically irrelevant geometrical modification too, whose entity appears to be less evident in case of lateral pericardial approach. These results could strengthen the use of minimally invasive approach also to preserve RV function.

The intracavitary electrocardiography method for tip location of jugular internal vein access device in infants of less than 5 kg: A pilot study.

This is a prospective observational study conducted by neonatologists in neonatal intensive care unit from Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano Hospital, Caserta, Italy. The objective of the study is to verify the feasibility of intracavitary electrocardiography method for tip location of central venous access device in infants of less than 5 kg and evaluate the accuracy of the method in comparison with post-procedural echocardiographical verification of the tip position. We enrolled 27 patients weighted between 0.660 and 5 kg, requiring central vascular access. Ultrasound-guided jugular internal vein access was used and after cannulation, we applied the intracavitary electrocardiography for tip location as well as post-procedural echocardiography. No significant complication related to intracavitary electrocardiography occurred in the studied infants. The increase in P wave on intracavitary electrocardiography was detected in all cases (27/27). In only one case (false positive), the catheter had the tip out of cavoatrial junction-target zone (to post-procedural echocardiography). The intracavitary electrocardiography method for tip location of central venous access device is safe and accurate in infants, as demonstrated by post-procedural comparative echocardiographic controls. As an alternative to echocardiography, not always achievable, the diffusion of intracavitary electrocardiography method could reduce X-ray exposition and complications of a malpositioned tip.

Clinical Experience in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery With Virtually Wall-Less Venous Cannulas.

Inadequate peripheral venous drainage during minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) is a challenge and cannot always be solved with increased vacuum or increased centrifugal pump speed. The present study was designed to assess the benefit of virtually wall-less transfemoral venous cannulas during MICS. Transfemoral venous cannulation with virtually wall-less cannulas (3/8″ 24F 530-630-mm ST) was performed in 10 consecutive patients (59 ± 10 years, 8 males, 2 females) undergoing MICS for mitral (6), aortic (3), and other (4) procedures (combinations possible). Before transfemoral insertion of wall-less cannulas, a guidewire was positioned in the superior vena cava under echocardiographic control. The wall-less cannula was then fed over the wire and connected to a minimal extracorporeal system. Vacuum assist was used to reach a target flow of 2.4 l/min per m with augmented venous drainage at less than -80 mm Hg. Wall-less venous cannulas measuring either 630 mm (n = 8) in length or 530 mm (n = 2) were successfully implanted in all patients. For a body size of 173 ± 11 cm and a body weight of 78 ± 26 kg, the calculated body surface area was 1.94 ± 0.32 m. As a result, the estimated target flow was 4.66 ± 0.78 l/min, whereas the achieved flow accounted for 4.98 ± 0.69 l/min (107% of target) at a vacuum level of 21.3 ± 16.4 mm Hg. Excellent exposure and "dry" intracardiac surgical field resulted. The performance of virtually wall-less venous cannulas designed for augmented peripheral venous drainage was tested in MICS and provided excellent flows at minimal vacuum levels, confirming an increased performance over traditional thin wall cannulas. Superior results can be expected for routine use.

Cardiac Tumor in a 15-Year-Old Patient

Tumors of the heart are a very rare disease in cardiology practice. They are more frequently benign. Neonatal diagnosis is possible, but the accidental late discovery of a cardiac mass remains the most common situation. We report a case of a cardiac tumor in a 15-year-old patient symptomatic of palpitations. The belonging of the tissue to the cardiac muscle was confirmed on echocardiography and on other radiological findings. Regular monitoring was chosen at first then surgical resection was decided as an increase in the tumor’s size was noted on the echocardiographic control.

Serowate włóknienie pierścienia zastawki mitralnej — groźny wygląd, łagodny charakter*

Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is a rare form of mitral valve calcification. We present a 82-year-old female patient, who was hospitalized due to heart failure symptoms and atrial fibrillation with heart rate 180/min. Echocardiography revealed a round mass attached to annulus and posterior leaflet of mitral valve. Based on the multimodal diagnostics: transoesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, CCMA was diagnosed. The improvement of the general state and conversion to sinus rhythm was achieved with pharmacotherapy. The patient was excluded from surgery, and qualified for periodic echocardiographic control.

Decellularized Allografts for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction in Children.

Determine the midterm outcomes of decellularized allografts for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction in children less than 12 years of age. The study included all consecutive patients submitted to RVOT reconstruction with decellularized allografts between June 2006 and June 2016. Besides clinical and echocardiographic control, 20 patients with more than five years of follow-up were evaluated with computed tomography (CT) scans to determine allograft diameters and calcium scores. Structural valve deterioration was defined as any peak gradient above 40 mm Hg and/or insufficiency of moderate or severe degree. Conduit failure was defined as the need for allograft reintervention. There were 59 patients with a median age of six years (range = 0.01-12 years). The most common operation was the Ross procedure (34%). Mean clinical follow-up was 5.4 (2.8) years and was 94% complete. At eight years, only two patients needed a reintervention, with a 90.9% freedom from this event. Structural valve deterioration occurred in 13 patients, 5 due to stenosis and 8 due to insufficiency, with a freedom from structural valve deterioration due to any cause of 64.9% at eight years. Late CT scans demonstrated the absence or minimal calcification of the conduits. Decellularized allografts for RVOT reconstruction in children were associated with a low incidence of structural valve deterioration and conduit failure. Although these results still need to be confirmed in larger series and with longer follow-up, our data suggest favorable outcomes, at least in the first decade after the operation.

Assessment of left ventricular function with tissue Doppler echocardiography and of B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

IntroductionTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an emerging minimally invasive treatment modality in high surgical risk or inoperable patients. AimThe aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of TAVI on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function and serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in high surgical risk or inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis. MethodsFifty-five patients were included in our retrospective study. LV systolic and diastolic function was assessed with conventional and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) prior to and after TAVI. Additionally, BNP was measured 24 h before and three months after the procedure. Echocardiographic controls were performed at one, three and six months and one year and mean values were taken. At the end of the study, LV systolic and diastolic function, serum BNP levels and New York Heart Association functional capacity were assessed and compared to baseline parameters. ResultsThe TAVI procedure was successful in all patients. In-hospital mortality was 1.8% (one patient). There was a substantial improvement in LV function and functional capacity at follow-up. In addition, a statistically significant decrease was detected in serum BNP levels post-TAVI (median 380 pg/ml [176.6-929.3] vs. 215 pg/ml [96.0-383.0], p=0.0001). Only one patient required a permanent pacemaker (1.8%) and there was no mortality after TAVI during follow-up. There were significant increases in LV ejection fraction and aortic valve area (51.0±13.1% vs. 58.4±9.1%, p<0.001, and 0.6±0.1 cm2 vs. 2.1±0.2 cm2, p=0.0001, respectively). At the end of the study, conventional Doppler echocardiography revealed improvement in diastolic function, with an increase in mitral E wave, a decrease in mitral A wave and an increase in E/A ratio. Deceleration time and isovolumetric relaxation time were shortened and myocardial performance (Tei) index decreased. TDI showed an increase in systolic myocardial velocity (Sm) and early diastolic velocity (Em). Septal mitral annular Sm and Em were increased, whereas MPI was reduced. ConclusionWe found that LV structural changes and diastolic dysfunction occur in patients with severe aortic stenosis and that TAVI is able to reverse these abnormalities, which we demonstrated by both conventional echocardiography and TDI. In addition, serum BNP levels were decreased after TAVI.

Assessment of left ventricular function with tissue Doppler echocardiography and of B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

IntroductionTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an emerging minimally invasive treatment modality in high surgical risk or inoperable patients. AimThe aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of TAVI on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function and serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in high surgical risk or inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis. MethodsFifty-five patients were included in our retrospective study. LV systolic and diastolic function was assessed with conventional and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) prior to and after TAVI. Additionally, BNP was measured 24 h before and three months after the procedure. Echocardiographic controls were performed at one, three and six months and one year and mean values were taken. At the end of the study, LV systolic and diastolic function, serum BNP levels and New York Heart Association functional capacity were assessed and compared to baseline parameters. ResultsThe TAVI procedure was successful in all patients. In-hospital mortality was 1.8% (one patient). There was a substantial improvement in LV function and functional capacity at follow-up. In addition, a statistically significant decrease was detected in serum BNP levels post-TAVI (median 380 pg/ml [176.6-929.3] vs. 215 pg/ml [96.0-383.0], p=0.0001). Only one patient required a permanent pacemaker (1.8%) and there was no mortality after TAVI during follow-up. There were significant increases in LV ejection fraction and aortic valve area (51.0±13.1% vs. 58.4±9.1%, p<0.001, and 0.6±0.1 cm2 vs. 2.1±0.2 cm2, p=0.0001, respectively). At the end of the study, conventional Doppler echocardiography revealed improvement in diastolic function, with an increase in mitral E wave, a decrease in mitral A wave and an increase in E/A ratio. Deceleration time and isovolumetric relaxation time were shortened and myocardial performance (Tei) index decreased. TDI showed an increase in systolic myocardial velocity (Sm) and early diastolic velocity (Em). Septal mitral annular Sm and Em were increased, whereas MPI was reduced. ConclusionWe found that LV structural changes and diastolic dysfunction occur in patients with severe aortic stenosis and that TAVI is able to reverse these abnormalities, which we demonstrated by both conventional echocardiography and TDI. In addition, serum BNP levels were decreased after TAVI.

Śluzak lewej komory serca powikłany zatorowością obwodową

Left ventricular myxoma is a very rare, benign primary cardiac tumor. Due to its localization, size and mobility, it may be a source of peripheral embolism. The recurrence of myxoma after surgical removal is rare, ranging from 0% to 3% in solitary tumors and 12–22% in the familial type. We report two cases of left ventricular myxomas complicated by arterial embolism. In the first case of a 19-years old male, apart from systemic embolisation, a very fast tumor growth, suggesting thrombus formation, was observed. In the second case of a 42-years old male, the recurrence of myxoma in left ventricle apex was found 2 months after surgical excision, together with de novo development of two additional tumors in the right atrium. Clinical features of cardiac myxoma, both in terms of complications and recurrences, necessitate careful follow up with an echocardiographic control in all patients after tumor removal surgery.

Mitral implant of the Inovare transcatheter heart valve in failed surgical bioprostheses: a novel alternative for valve-in-valve procedures.

Reoperative procedure for the treatment of a failed mitral bioprosthesis is associated with considerable risk. In some cases, mortality is high and might contraindicate the benefit of the procedure. The minimally invasive valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter mitral valve implant offers an alternative less-invasive approach, reducing morbidity and mortality. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the mitral ViV approach using the Braile Inovare prosthesis. The transcatheter balloon-expandable Braile Inovare prosthesis was used in 12 cases. Procedures were performed in a hybrid operating room, under fluoroscopic and echocardiographic control. Through left minithoracotomy, the prostheses were implanted through the cardiac apex. Serial echocardiographic and clinical examinations were performed. Follow-up varied from 1 to 30 months. A total of 12 transapical mitral ViV procedures were performed. Patients had a mean age of 61.6 ± 9.9 years and 92% were women. Mean logistic EuroSCORE was 20.1%. Successful valve implantation was possible in all cases. In one case, a right lateral thoracotomy was performed for the removal of an embolized prosthesis. There was no operative mortality. Thirty-day mortality was 8.3%. Ejection fraction was preserved after the implant (66.7%; 64.8%; P = 0.3). The mitral gradient showed a significant reduction (11 mmHg; 6 mmHg; P < 0.001). Residual mitral regurgitation was not present. There was no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The mitral ViV implant in a failed bioprosthesis is an effective procedure. This possibility might alter prosthesis selection in the future initial surgical prosthesis selection, favouring bioprostheses. Further large trials should explore its safety.