Elevated Central Venous Pressure Research Articles

July 2021 at a glance: focus on blood volume distribution, haemodynamics and adherence to therapy.

July 2021 at a glance: focus on blood volume distribution, haemodynamics and adherence to therapy.

Using a General Mathematical Model to Quantify the Fontan Paradox of Elevated Central Venous Pressure and Diminished Cardiac Output

A variety of serious complications often associated with Fontan procedure to palliate single ventricle physiology are related to elevated central venous pressure (CVP) and diminished cardiac output (CO). This “Fontan Paradox” is a fundamental challenge because some interventions benefit one of these variables at the cost of the other. Animal models employed to address the Fontan Paradox are limited, and the multiple mechanical properties affecting CVP and CO are difficult to measure, control, and scale to humans. Although complex mathematical models of the cardiovascular system have provided insights, the need to solve model equations numerically require that all parameter values are known a priori—results only apply to a subject characterized by a specific set of assumed parameter values. In contrast, it has been shown that the equations characterizing minimal closed-loop models can be solved algebraically, yielding algebraic formulas for hemodynamic variables in terms of mechanical properties of the heart and vasculature. Therefore, the purpose of the present work is to derive algebraic formulas for CVP and CO to address the Fontan Paradox. First, we utilized a modified minimal closed-loop model consisting of a single ventricle, arterial and venous vascular compartments, and systemic and pulmonary resistances. The end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship was linearized, and mean arterial pressure was assumed to be regulated by renal control of blood volume. Equations were solved algebraically for CVP, CO, and venous pressures. The resulting formulas for CVP and CO incorporate only five groups of parameters characterizing the 1) efficiency of heart-vascular interaction, 2) relative cardiac contractility, 3) relative pulmonary resistance, 4) theoretical stroke volume at zero ventricular pressure, and 5) theoretical CO at zero CVP. Of these, only mean arterial pressure (controlled by blood volume) and systemic resistance require a choice to be made of either rectifying CVP or CO. Furthermore, these general formulas indicate that altering blood volume or systemic resistance to treat low CO has a greater negative impact on CVP in subjects with diastolic dysfunction or high pulmonary resistance. The present work thus provides a novel tool for clinical investigators to explore the mechanical basis of the Fontan Paradox.

Release the Pressure! Does Jugular Venous Pressure Predict Rejection in Cardiac Biopsy?

<h3>Purpose</h3> Rejection in heart transplant recipients is often diagnosed by surveillance biopsies as most patients are asymptomatic. Nevertheless, rejection, if left untreated, can produce progressive diastolic dysfunction followed by systolic heart failure. This in turn will cause an increase in central venous pressure due to decreased ventricular compliance. With this in mind we sought out to determine if elevated central venous pressures measured invasively at the time of the biopsy correlated with the presence of rejection. <h3>Methods</h3> Patients undergoing an endomyocardial biopsy between June and October 2020 were included. The invasive JVP was measured before and after the procedure by measuring the height of the blood column in the side port of the sheath open to the atmospheric pressure. The biopsy results were reported according to the 2004 ISHLT revision. Differences in median JVP for each biopsy result group (0, 1R, 2R, 3R) were compared using a Mann-Whitney test. The histogram density for each biopsy group was graphed using a Kernel density plot. <h3>Results</h3> Eighty-four patients underwent one or more endomyocardial biopsies, with a total of 374 biopsies performed. Of all procedures, 187 were grade 0 for rejection, 168 were grade 1R and 18 were grade 2R. One patient had Grade 3R rejection (not shown in illustration) The median JVP was not statistically different between the three groups and the numerical difference was not clinically meaningful (figure 1 A). The Kernel density plot (figure 1 B) demonstrates the similarities between the groups. The lack of correlation between invasive JVP and rejection persists if data from the first 2 weeks post heart transplant are excluded. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In our dataset, there was no clinical or statistical difference in median invasive JVP and rejection grade between the biopsy result groups. One limitation is that we only had one patient with severe rejection (3R). Overall, our findings reinforce the need for surveillance biopsies.

Liver fibrosis in patients with tetralogy of Fallot, an unrecognised complication?

Improved survival has led to a growing population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), followed by numerous reports of late complications. Liver disease is a known complication in some patients, with most studies focusing on Fontan associated liver disease. Whether liver disease also exists in other patients with CHD is not fully investigated. Elevated central venous pressure is considered pivotal in the development of liver disease in Fontan associated liver disease, and other patients with alterations in central venous pressure may also be at risk for developing liver fibrosis. We wanted to see if liver fibrosis is present in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. Many patients with tetralogy of Fallot have severe pulmonary regurgitation, which can lead to elevated central venous pressure. Patients with tetralogy of Fallot may be at risk of developing liver fibrosis. Ten patients (24-56 years) with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary regurgitation were investigated for liver fibrosis. All patients were examined with magnetic resonance elastography of liver, hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan, indocyanine green elimination by pulse spectrophotometry, elastography via FibroScan, abdominal ultrasound including liver elastography, and blood samples including liver markers. Three out of ten patients had findings indicating possible liver fibrosis. Two of these had a liver biopsy performed, which revealed fibrosis stage 1 and 2, respectively. The same three patients had an estimated elevated central venous pressure in previous echocardiograms. Mild liver fibrosis was present in selected patients with tetralogy of Fallot and may be related to elevated central venous pressure.

Risk stratification with echocardiographic biomarkers in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: the media echo score.

AimsEchocardiographic predictors of outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have not been systematically or independently validated. We aimed at identifying echocardiographic predictors of cardiovascular events in a large cohort of patients with HFpEF and to validate these in an independent large cohort.Methods and resultsWe assessed the association between echocardiographic parameters and cardiovascular outcomes in 515 patients with heart failure with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (>50%) in the MEtabolic Road to DIAstolic Heart Failure (MEDIA) multicentre study. We validated out findings in 286 patients from the Karolinska‐Rennes Prospective Study of HFpEF (KaRen). After multiple adjustments including N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), the significant predictors of death or cardiovascular hospitalization were pulmonary arterial systolic pressure > 40 mmHg, respiratory variation in inferior vena cava diameter > 0.5, E/e' > 9, and lateral mitral annular s' < 7 cm/s. The combination of these four variables differentiated patients with <10% vs. >35% 1 year risk. Adding these four echocardiographic variables on top of clinical variables and NT‐proBNP yielded significant net reclassification improvement (33.8%, P < 0.0001) and increase in C‐index (5.3%, a change from 72.2% to 77.5%, P = 0.015) of similar magnitude as the addition of NT‐proBNP on top of clinical variables alone. In the KaRen cohort, these four variables yielded a similar improvement in net reclassification improvement (22.3%, P = 0.014) and C‐index (4.0%, P = 0.029).ConclusionsUse of four simple echocardiographic parameters (within the MEDIA echo score), indicative of pulmonary hypertension, elevated central venous pressure, LV diastolic dysfunction, and LV long‐axis systolic dysfunction, independently predicted prognosis and improved risk stratification additionally to clinical variables and NT‐proBNP in HFpEF. This finding was validated in an independent cohort.

Abstract P369: Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Enlarged Cardiac Ventricles

Introduction: White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are a radiographic marker for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Conditions altering cerebral venous outflow such as elevated central venous pressure and right atrial pressure in individuals with cardiac valvular disease have been implicated in the development of WMH. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that increased right-heart chamber size in individuals without significant cardiac valvular disease is associated with worse WMH. Methods: A retrospective chart review of adults with a brain MRI and a 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was performed. Worst burden of WMH by way of Fazekas score, either periventricular or deep white matter, served as the primary outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using a multivariate ordinal logistic regression model. Results: A total of 132 individuals were included. Right atrial area (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.00, p = 0.0041), right ventricular internal diameter (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.27 to 0.83, p = 0.008) and left atrial area (OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.88 to 0.98, p = 0.007) was identified as being significant. Cardiac functional markers were not significant, including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (OR 0.99, 95%CI 0.93 to 1.05, p = 0.670), right ventricular ejection fraction (OR 0.99, 95%CI 0.96 to 1.02, p = 0.670) and left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 0.99, 95%CI 0.96 to 1.02, p = 0.567). Analysis of isolated DWM or PVWM Fazekas scores did not find significant predictors in relation to cardiac structure or function. Conclusions: Through non-invasive cardiac imaging, we identified that cardiac structural abnormalities as opposed to functional abnormalities were associated with worse WMH. Mechanistically this may result from altered intracerebral arteriovenous coupling or a shared pathophysiologic pathway between WMH and coronary microvascular disease.

Type IV Collagen 7s Reflects Central Venous Pressure and Right Ventricular End-Diastolic Pressure in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease After Biventricular Repair.

After congenital heart disease repair, right heart dysfunction facilitates venous stasis and elevated central venous pressure; however, methods to evaluate right heart dysfunction are limited. We aimed to evaluate right heart function using liver biomarkers. We investigated 62 patients more than 5years after congenital heart surgery. The patients underwent cardiac catheterization in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2019. To evaluate liver status, type IV collagen 7s, procollagen type III peptide, and hyaluronic acid levels were measured. The mean age of the 62 patients was 14.0 ± 7.2years. The mean central venous pressure was 6.8 ± 3.5mmHg and mean right ventricular end-diastolic pressure was 7.9 ± 3.5mmHg. The mean levels of serum type IV collagen 7s, procollagen type III peptide, and hyaluronic acid were 5.9 ± 1.6ng/mL, 24.3 ± 15.5ng/mL, and 18.5 ± 13.6ng/mL, respectively. There was a good correlation between central venous pressure, right ventricular end-diastolic pressure and type IV collagen 7s (r = 0.67 and r = 0.64). There was no correlation between central venous pressure and the procollagen type III peptide (r = 0.003), and slight correlation between central venous pressure and hyaluronic acid (r = 0.31). There was no correlation between right ventricular end-diastolic pressure and the procollagen type III peptide (r = 0.003), and slight correlation between right ventricular end-diastolic pressure and hyaluronic acid (r = 0.31). We found that changes in the hemodynamics of the right heart system can be evaluated using liver fibrosis markers. Type IV collagen 7s reflects central venous pressure and right ventricular end-diastolic pressure in postoperative patients with congenital heart disease.

An Unusual Cause of Irritability in a Single Ventricle Patient after Bidirectional Glenn Shunt

The differential diagnosis for irritability in children is broad. In patients with congenital heart disease, one must strongly consider cardiac etiologies such as low cardiac output or elevated central venous pressure (CVP). In patients with single-ventricle physiology, the second stage of palliation includes bidirectional Glenn, which involves anastomosis of the superior vena cava to the pulmonary artery resulting in volume offloading of the single systemic ventricle. Typically, early in the post-operative period, patients may experience a headache due to the acute increase in CVP, and symptoms improve over time. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a rare neurologic disorder in children, characterized by raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in the absence of brain parenchymal lesions or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities. While the pathogenesis of IIH is unknown, early recognition and treatment of IIH are important to prevent permanent vision loss. There are only rare reports of IIH in patients with Fontan circulation. To our knowledge, we report the first case of IIH in a 2-year-old female after bidirectional Glenn.

Volume status and arterial stiffness evaluation in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Arterial stiffness represents an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients and is strongly connected to hypervolemia. The aim of the study was to evaluate different methods for fluid status assessment and their association with arterial stiffness parameters in peritoneal dialysis patients. In 16 peritoneal dialysis patients (53 ± 18 years, 9/16 men) fluid status was determined by clinical examination, lung ultrasound (number of B-lines, normal up to 4), overhydration degree by bioimpedance monitor device, estimation of central venous pressure by ultrasound measurement of vena cava inferior, measurement of serum N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and albumin level. Pulse wave velocity and augmentation index were measured non-invasively with an oscillometric device to indirectly assess arterial stiffness, blood pressure (BP) was obtained by the same device. Clinical evaluation (BP 136 ± 15/93 ± 15 mmHg, edema in 2/16 patients) and lung ultrasound (on average 3 ± 6 B-lines) showed mostly normal fluid status of patients. Patients had slightly lower albumin values (37 ± 4 g/L), slightly elevated central venous pressure (10 ± 4 mmHg), and elevated NT-proBNP (11,596 ± 13,635 ng/L). Body composition evaluation showed mild overhydration (1.5 ± 2 L), which significantly correlated with central venous pressure (p = 0.046) and NT-proBNP (p = 0.004). Lung ultrasound significantly negatively correlated with albumin (r = -0.82, p < 0.001) and positively with NT-proBNP (r = 0.62, p = 0.011). Augmentation index (22 ± 11%) and augmentation pressure correlated with lung ultrasound (r = 0.54, p = 0.032 and r = 0.67, p = 0.004, respectively), although pulse wave velocity (8.4 ± 2.5 m/s) showed no significant correlation with fluid status parameters. The multivariate model showed that lung ultrasound B-lines were an independent determinant of augmentation pressure (β = 0.58, p = 0.043). Fluid status evaluated with lung ultrasound showed good correlation with augmentation index and augmentation pressure, which are markers of arterial stiffness. The lung ultrasound B-lines were found to be an independent determinant of augmentation pressure. Overall arterial stiffness evaluated with pulse wave velocity and augmentation index was not markedly elevated in our patients, which could be due to a good euvolemic status. We conclude that different methods for fluid status evaluation are complementary, with lung ultrasound as a beneficial tool in routine clinical practice in peritoneal dialysis patients.

End‐Organ Function and Exercise Performance in Patients With Fontan Circulation: What Characterizes the High Performers?

BackgroundThe physiologic hallmarks of the Fontan circulation—chronically elevated central venous pressures and low cardiac output—have significant effects not only on cardiovascular status but also impact other organ systems. Exercise capacity is limited in many and declines with age, accelerating in adolescence, but with wide variability. We explore the relationship between exercise performance and end‐organ function in outpatient subjects with a Fontan circulation.Methods and ResultsThis is a cross‐sectional analysis of subject end‐organ characterization from our outpatient Fontan circulation clinic with peak oxygen consumption (peak Vo 2) at cardiopulmonary exercise testing as the primary outcome. We perform linear regression to assess associations between clinical characteristics and peak Vo 2 as well as the magnitude of the association of clinical characteristics with peak Vo 2. Of 265 subjects age 12.8 (9.5–16.4) years, there is a negative correlation between age and peak Vo 2 (−0.49, P<0.001). Of those undergoing ramp cycle exercise testing, 34% perform above 80% predicted peak Vo 2. Variables positively associated with peak Vo 2 and their effect size include vitamin D sufficiency (+3.00, P=0.020) and absolute lymphocyte count (+0.23, P=0.005). Status as overweight/obese (−3.91, P=0.003) and hemoglobin (−0.77, P=0.003) are negatively associated. Neither ventricular morphology, timing of Fontan palliation, nor Fontan circulation type affect peak Vo 2.ConclusionsHigher peak Vo 2 in those with a Fontan circulation is associated with younger age, vitamin D sufficiency, absence of overweight/obese, lower hemoglobin, and a healthier hepatic profile. Whether exercise training or other initiatives can modify organ characteristics in those with a Fontan circulation is worthy of exploration.

Reversal of blood flow in deep cerebral vein in preterm intraventricular hemorrhage: two case reports

BackgroundIntraventricular hemorrhage during the early stage is a major complication in very low birth weight infants. Elevation of venous pressure is one of the contributing factors. The internal cerebral vein receives most of the venous flow from the subependymal germinal matrix, the most common site of origin of intraventricular hemorrhage. Recently, it has been reported that pulsatile or partially interrupted internal cerebral vein waveforms might also be risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage in extremely low birth weight infants. Here, we report two cases of partially reversed internal cerebral vein flow with intraventricular hemorrhage. There are no published reports documenting this unique flow pattern.Case presentationBetween 2013 and 2020, we had in our neonatal intensive care unit two cases of very low birth weight infants (27 and 25 weeks of gestational age) who showed a partially reversed internal cerebral vein waveform pattern, which was recognized as a new blood flow pattern. Their internal cerebral vein flow patterns were continuously flat early after birth. They showed an intraventricular hemorrhage on the unilateral side with partially interrupted internal cerebral vein flow at 31 and 41 hours after birth (27- and 25-week-old neonates, respectively). Consecutively, their internal cerebral vein flow changed to a partially reversed pattern with intraventricular hemorrhage on the contralateral side at 43 and 87 hours after birth (27- and 25-week-old neonates, respectively). Their flow patterns improved by day 7. These partially reversed patterns were equivalent to triphasic venous flow, and the reverse flow corresponded to A- and V-waves.ConclusionIn the two cases, the internal cerebral vein flow patterns were normal and flat before intraventricular hemorrhage and changed to a severe flow pattern (partially interrupted or reversed flow) at the same time as the detection of intraventricular hemorrhage. After the development of intraventricular hemorrhage, they improved. These cases indicate that a partially reversed or interrupted internal cerebral vein flow pattern may be derived from central venous pressure elevation and related to intraventricular hemorrhage in very low birth weight infants, however, it is difficult to determine when this flow pattern occurs in relation to intraventricular hemorrhage.

Increased Hepatic Stiffness in Young Adults After Biventricular Repair of Congenital Heart Disease

This study evaluated hepatic stiffness by shear wave elastography to investigate subclinical hepatic changes in a cohort of patients with congenital biventricular heart disease (BHD). The BHD patients and age-matched healthy controls were prospectively recruited for hepatic ultrasonography and shear wave elastography. Real-time B-mode imaging with Doppler was performed for celiac axis, superior mesenteric artery, and main portal vein, and hepatic shear wave elastography was assessed. Vascular Doppler indices included peak velocities; velocity time integral, resistive, pulsatility, and acceleration indices; and portal vein volumetric flow. One-way analysis of variance was used for comparisons between controls, BHD, and a cohort of Glenn and Fontan patients. In all, 66 subjects were included. Thirty-six subjects were in the BHD group (male, 25; female, 11; mean age 27.4 ± 4.6 years; mean weight 76.8 ± 18.5 kg), and 30 were healthy controls (male, 11; female, 23, mean age 27.4 ± 3.8 years; mean weight 70 ± 17.2 kg). Shear wave elastography was increased in BHD (8.11 ± 2.07 kPa) compared with controls (5.44 ± 1.18 kPa; P < .001). Hepatic stiffness in BHD was significantly different from that in the Fontan cohort but not in the infant Glenn cohort. Increased hepatic stiffness was observed in young adults with repaired BHD. Although cause is not established, possibilities include hepatic congestion early in life or elevated central venous pressures due to right heart burden. Further research is required to determine whether these patients will ultimately have clinically relevant liver disease.

Fluctuations of driving pressure during mechanical ventilation indicates elevated central venous pressure and poor outcomes.

Inappropriate mechanical ventilation may induce hemodynamic alterations through cardiopulmonary interactions. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between airway pressure and central venous pressure during the first 72 h of mechanical ventilation and its relevance to patient outcomes. We conducted a retrospective study of the Department of Critical Care Medicine of Peking Union Medical College Hospital and a secondary analysis of the MIMIC-III clinical database. The relationship between the ranges of driving pressure and central venous pressure during the first 72 h and their associations with prognosis were investigated. Data from 2790 patients were analyzed. Wide range of driving airway pressure (odds ratio, 1.0681; 95% CI, 1.0415–1.0953; p < 0.0001) were independently associated with mortality, ventilator-free time, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay. Furthermore, wide range of driving pressure and elevated central venous pressure exhibited a close correlation. The area under receiver operating characteristic demonstrated that range of driving pressure and central venous pressure were measured at 0.689 (95% CI, 0.670–0.707) and 0.681 (95% CI, 0.662–0.699), respectively. Patients with high ranges of driving pressure and elevated central venous pressure had worse outcomes. Post hoc tests showed significant differences in 28-day survival rates (log-rank (Mantel–Cox), 184.7; p < 0.001). In conclusion, during the first 72 h of mechanical ventilation, patients with hypoxia with fluctuating driving airway pressure have elevated central venous pressure and worse outcomes.

Predictive Preoperative Characteristics For Right Ventricular Failure After Left Ventricle Assist Device Placement

Introduction The current literature reports a 10-40% occurrence rate of right ventricular (RV) failure after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We assessed our institution's incidence of RV failure after LVAD implantation to determine specific predictive values for developing RV failure after LVAD implantation. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent LVAD implantation from 2013 to 2019 at a single academic hospital. RV failure was defined according to the INTERMACS definition, with elevated central venous pressure (CVP) documented by right atrial pressure > 16mmHg, and manifestations of elevated CVP including renal dysfunction, or elevated bilirubin. Based on the duration of inotropes, severity of RV failure was further risk stratified as mild ( 14 days). Preoperative demographic, hemodynamic, echocardiographic and laboratory characteristics were identified amongst each group. Using patients without RV failure as the control arm, comparisons were made with independent two sample t-tests and multivariate analysis. Results Between 2013 to 2019, there were a total of 136 LVAD implantations at our institution in which 22.1% were as bridge to transplant, and 77.9% as destination therapy. RV failure was diagnosed in 44.1% of patients, in which 14.7% were categorized as mild, 17.7% as moderate, and 11.8% as severe. Preoperative parameters that predicted RV failure after LVAD implantation included right atrial pressure (RAP) > 10mmHg (RR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.08 to 2.32, p=0.0174), preoperative renal dysfunction with BUN > 20 mg/dL (RR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.45 to 3.41, p=0.0003) or Cr > 1.3 mg/dL (RR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.63, p = 0.001) and total bilirubin > 1.5mg/dL (RR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.46, p=0.0025). Conclusions Postoperative RV failure is a common occurrence after LVAD implantation. We identified that patients with elevated CVP, renal dysfunction and elevated total bilirubin pre operatively are at higher risk for developing RV failure after LVAD, and these patients should have a low threshold for RV support at the time of LVAD surgery.

Elevated Central Venous Pressure As A Trigger For Right Heart Failure Evaluation In Patients Receiving Left-sided Mechanical Support For Cardiogenic Shock

Right ventricular failure (RVF) is associated with increased mortality among patients receiving left ventricular mechanical circulatory support (LV-MCS) for cardiogenic shock and requires prompt recognition and management. Increased central venous pressure (CVP) is an indicator of potential RVF. We analyzed the association between hemodynamic parameters and clinical outcomes among 132 patients with cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction in the cVAD registry who had a CVP measured during left-sided Impella support. CVP was significantly higher among patients who died in the hospital (14.0 vs 11.7 mmHg, p=0.014), and a CVP > 12 identified patients at significantly higher risk for in-hospital mortality (65% vs 45%, p=0.02). CVP remained significantly associated with in-hospital mortality even after adjustment in a multivariable model (adjusted OR 1.10 [95% CI 1.02-1.18] per 1 mmHg increase). LV-MCS suction events were non-significantly more frequent among patients with high versus low CVP (62.11 vs 7.14 events, p=0.067). CVP is a single, readily accessible hemodynamic parameter which predicts a higher rate of short-term mortality and may identify sub-clinical RVF in patients receiving LV-MCS for cardiogenic shock.

Hepatocyte growth factor predicts failure of Fontan circulation.

AimsThis study aimed to assess the value of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as an independent predictor of a Fontan circulation failure.Methods and resultsThis retrospective case–control study included 34 consecutive patients (19 men and 15 women) who underwent a post‐operative cardiac catheterization after a Fontan operation at the Saitama Medical University International Medical Center between April 2017 and December 2019. We divided the patients into two groups according to the HGF level: HGF < 0.4 ng/mL (n = 20, normal HGF group) and HGF ≥ 0.4 ng/mL (n = 14, elevated HGF group). The age at the time of the cardiac catheterization was 59.3 ± 7.9 months. The range of the duration between the Fontan operation and the cardiac catheterization was 37.5 ± 7.9 months. The age (P = 0.417), gender (P = 0.08), morphology of the functional ventricle (P = 0.99), presence or closure of the Fontan fenestration (P = 0.704), and rate of medication use (angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers) (P = 0.99) were equivalent between the two groups. Laboratory parameters including the brain natriuretic peptide level (P = 0.085), serum creatinine level (P = 0.27), and aspartate aminotransferase level (P = 0.235) were similar between the two groups. The elevated HGF group had a higher C‐reactive protein level than the normal HGF group (0.42 ± 0.14 and 0.05 ± 0.01 mg/dL, P = 0.005). The elevated HGF group had a higher central venous pressure (CVP) level than the normal HGF group (13.4 ± 0.7 and 9.7 ± 0.4 mmHg, P < 0.0001), and the HGF was positively correlated with the CVP (P = 0.0004, r 2 = 0.33). The SvO2 level was significantly lower in the elevated HGF group than in the normal HGF group (61.9 ± 2.3% and 75.0 ± 1.2%, P < 0.0001), and the HGF was negatively correlated with the SvO2 (P < 0.0001, r 2 = 0.65). Of the 34 patients, six underwent catheter interventions. Patients who underwent catheter interventions had a higher HGF level than those who did not (0.44 ± 0.03 and 0.37 ± 0.01 ng/mL, P = 0.032). The receiver operating characteristic curve created for the discrimination of a catheter intervention revealed that an HGF value of >0.405 ng/mL could detect the need for a catheter intervention with 75.0% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity. A multivariable regression analysis showed that an elevated HGF was an independent predictor of an elevated CVP (β‐coefficient 21.2, SE 5.5, P = 0.0005) and decreased SvO2 (β‐coefficient −92.9, SE 12.4, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe HGF is an independent predictor of a failure of a Fontan circulation. The HGF is an indicator for an additional catheter intervention after a Fontan operation.

Comprehensive MRI assessment of the cardiovascular responses to food ingestion in Fontan physiology.

In univentricular (Fontan) physiology, peripheral and splanchnic vascular tone may be raised to counteract reduced cardiac output (CO) and elevated central venous pressure and thus maintain vital organ perfusion. This could negatively affect the normal cardiovascular response to food ingestion, where mesenteric vasodilation and a concurrent rise in CO are central. We sought to elucidate this using rapid cardiovascular MRI. Thirty fasting subjects (50% controls, 40% women and 60% men) ingested a standardized meal. Responses over ~50 min in mean arterial pressure (MAP), CO, and blood flow in all major aortic branches were measured, and regional vascular impedance (Z0) was calculated. Differences from baseline and between groups were assessed by repeated-measures mixed models. Compared with the control group, the Fontan patient group had greater fasting Z0 of the legs and kidneys, resulting in greater systemic Z0 and similar MAP. They further had similar blood flow to the digestive organs at baseline, despite larger variation in mesenteric resistance. Postprandially, blood flow to the legs decreased in the control group but not in the Fontan patient group. Increases in CO and superior mesenteric blood flow were similar in both groups, but the celiac response was blunted in the Fontan patient group. No significant differences in MAP responses were observed. In conclusion, alterations in vascular tone to counteract adverse hemodynamics and raised hepatic afterload may blunt vasoreactivity in the legs and the celiac axis in Fontan physiology. Further study is needed to determine whether blunted celiac or mesenteric vasoreactivity is linked to deteriorating hemodynamics and poor prognosis in Fontan patients.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Novel data on cardiovascular physiology in response to a meal in Fontan patients are presented. Using a previously validated dynamic MRI protocol, we demonstrated that the usual increase in cardiac output and the dilation of the superior mesenteric artery are preserved in clinically well Fontan patients. In contrast, vasoconstriction of the legs may have prevented redistribution of blood flow from this region in response to the meal. This may also affect responses to other types of stress. Celiac vasodilation was also absent in Fontan patients. This may be due to abnormal hepatic circulation. The proposed protocol may be used to study Fontan complications secondary to abnormal regional hemodynamics.

Central Venous Pressure and Clinical Outcomes During Left-Sided Mechanical Support for Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock.

Background: Right ventricular failure (RVF) is associated with increased mortality among patients receiving left ventricular mechanical circulatory support (LV-MCS) for cardiogenic shock and requires prompt recognition and management. Increased central venous pressure (CVP) is an indicator of potential RVF.Objectives: We studied whether elevated CVP during LV-MCS for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock is associated with higher mortality.Methods: Between January 2014 and June 2019, we analyzed hemodynamic parameters during Impella LV-MCS from 28 centers in the United States participating in the global, prospective catheter-based ventricular assist device (cVAD) study. A total of 132 patients with a documented CVP measurement while on Impella left-sided support for cardiogenic shock were identified.Results: CVP was significantly higher among patients who died in the hospital (14.0 vs. 11.7 mmHg, p = 0.014), and a CVP >12 identified patients at significantly higher risk for in-hospital mortality (65 vs. 45%, p = 0.02). CVP remained significantly associated with in-hospital mortality even after adjustment in a multivariable model (adjusted OR 1.10 [95% CI 1.02–1.19] per 1 mmHg increase). LV-MCS suction events were non-significantly more frequent among patients with high vs. low CVP (62.11 vs. 7.14 events, p = 0.067).Conclusion: CVP is a single, readily accessible hemodynamic parameter which predicts a higher rate of short-term mortality and may identify subclinical RVF in patients receiving LV-MCS for cardiogenic shock.

Cor Triatriatum Dexter: A Case Report in a 70-Year-Old Male

Cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) is a rare congenital heart disease resulting from persistence of the right valve of the sinus venosus. The persistent valve forms a membrane that divides the right atrium into a proximal and a distal chamber. This disorder exhibits varying clinical manifestations depending on the degree of partitioning or septation of the right atrium. In asymptomatic patients, the disease may be discovered during surgical procedures, diagnostic testing such as echocardiography, or hemodynamic monitoring. Severe septation abnormalities may cause right-sided heart failure and elevated central venous pressures due to obstruction of the tricuspid valve, right ventricular outflow tract, or inferior vena cava. Here we report a case of CTD in a patient presenting with symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue, followed by a short discussion of the embryology and clinical implications of this congenital disease, as well as current advances in management. J Med Cases. 2020;11(8):234-238 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3506

Pulmonary hypertension with adult respiratory distress syndrome: prevalence, clinical impact, and association with central venous pressure.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) occurs in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); the most severe form comprises acute cor pulmonale (ACP). Here, we investigated the prevalence of PH in patients with ARDS to evaluate its correlation with ACP risk, ARDS severity and central venous pressure (CVP). We conducted a secondary analysis using data from the MIMIC-III open-source clinical database. The prevalence of PH associated with new-onset ARDS during the first 72 h after intensive care unit admission was investigated; moreover, the association between ACP risk score and PH was validated. We also evaluated the association between elevated CVP (mean CVP > 10 mmHg) and PH and other clinical outcomes. Among 2434 patients who met the ARDS Berlin criteria and underwent echocardiography or pulmonary artery catheterization evaluation, a total of 583 (24.0%) patients were diagnosed with moderate or severe PH, of which 418 had low and 165 had high ACP risk. After adjustment for disease/ARDS severity, ACP risk score, and other demographic variables, elevated CVP was independently associated with the occurrence of PH (odds ratio, 2.239 (1.674, 2.993), p < 0.005). Among patients with PH, higher mean CVP was associated with prolonged hospital stay (13.4 vs. 15.2 days, p = 0.041) and duration of ventilation (116.5 vs. 150.5 h, p = 0.023). Incidence of PH was 24.0% in patients with new-onset ARDS in this retrospective study. Elevated CVP is relevant with higher incidence of PH and worse clinical outcome; these highlighted the importance of hemodynamic monitoring in the management of ARDS.