Need For Aortic Valve Replacement Research Articles

Blood culture-negative Haemophilus endocarditis with large vegetation and the use of broncho-alveolar lavage: a case report

Abstract Background Blood culture-negative endocarditis (BCNE) is a significant condition associated with cardiac vegetation. It often occurs alongside sepsis, autoimmune diseases, or malignancies, posing a risk of vegetation and embolization. Notable pathogens include Haemophilus species, Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens, and Kingella species. Case Summary A 60-year-old white male Belgian patient presented with worsening dyspnea. His recent medical history included chronic infections over the past 6 months. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe aortic stenosis with an 18x12 mm vegetation. Despite normal inflammatory markers and negative blood tests, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography excluded malignancy but identified multiple bilateral septic lung emboli. Sputum cultures and tuberculosis PCR (polymerase chain reaction) were negative. Facing the high risk of cardiac embolization and the need for aortic valve replacement, surgery was scheduled with an intraoperative broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) to investigate the lung lesions. Intraoperative findings confirmed valvular lesions, and a biological aortic valve was successfully implanted. The postoperative course was uneventful. Aortic valve cultures and eubacterial PCR results were negative, but BAL cultures were positive for Haemophilus influenzae), indicating a chronic infection. The patient showed favorable progress at 6 months post-surgery with ongoing antibiotherapy. Discussion This case illustrates a rare BCNE associated with large vegetation and symptomatic Haemophilus influenzae chronic respiratory tract colonization (CRTC). For BCNE cases with negative sputum cultures and suspected bacterial CRTC, we recommend performing BAL cultures for accurate diagnosis.

Prognostication and Interventional Guidance Using Acceleration-Ejection Time Ratio in Undifferentiated Paradoxical Low-Flow Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis.

Studies in paradoxical low-flow low-gradient aortic stenosis (PLFAS) have demonstrated conflicting outcomes with variable survival advantage from aortic valve replacement (AVR). PLFAS is a heterogeneous composition of patients with uncertainty regarding true stenosis severity that continues to confound decision-making for AVR. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of the Doppler acceleration (AT) to ejection (ET) time ratio (AT:ET) for prediction of prognosis and benefit from AVR in undifferentiated PLFAS. Patients with echocardiographic findings of PLFAS (aortic valve area<1.0cm2 or indexed aortic valve area<0.6cm2/m2, mean gradient<40mmHg, indexed stroke volume<35mL/m2, and left ventricular ejection fraction≥50%) were identified and grouped according to an AT:ET cutoff of 0.35. The primary outcome was a 5-year composite of cardiac mortality or AVR. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary endpoint and all-cause mortality at 5 years. Effect of AVR was analyzed in the AT:ET<0.35 and≥0.35 groups. A total of 171 PLFAS patients (median age 77.0 years, 57% women) were followed for a median of 8.9 years. AT:ET≥0.35 was an independent predictor of the primary outcome (HR: 4.77 [95%CI: 2.94-7.75]; P< 0.001) with incremental value over standard indices of stenosis severity (net reclassification improvement: 0.57 [95%CI: 0.14-0.84]). AT:ET≥0.35 also remained predictive of increased cardiac death (HR: 2.91 [95%CI: 1.47-5.76]; P = 0.002) and AVR (HR: 8.45 [95%CI: 4.16-17.1]; P< 0.001), respectively, following competing risk analysis. No difference in all-cause mortality was observed. AVR in the AT:ET≥0.35 group was associated with significant reductions in 5-year cardiac (HR:0.09 [95%CI: 0.02-0.36]; P< 0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR: 0.16 [95%CI: 0.07-0.38]; P< 0.001). Noimprovement in survival from AVR was demonstrated in AT:ET<0.35 patients. AT:ET≥0.35 in PLFAS predicts poorer outcomes and/or need for AVR. In undifferentiated PLFAS patients, AT:ET may have a potential role in improving patient selection for prognostic AVR.

Cardiac magnetic resonance correlates of staging algorithm in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis

Abstract Background The staging algorithm recently proposed to risk stratify patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) has not been largely applied to patients who are asymptomatic. While the presence of severe tricuspid regurgitation, pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction (stages 3-4) is expected to be low, the prevalence of left ventricular damage (LV), mitral regurgitation, left atrial (LA) dilation and atrial fibrillation (stages 1-2) can be higher in patients with asymptomatic severe AS. The cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) correlates of the staging algorithm have not been described. Purpose To investigate the distribution of patients with asymptomatic severe AS in the staging algorithm and its differences with CMR findings. In addition, differences in CMR data between patients presenting with AS-related adverse events at 1-year follow-up and patients free of events were compared. Methods Patients with asymptomatic severe AS (aortic valve area, AVA&amp;lt;1.0 cm2) and preserved LV ejection fraction (EF) (&amp;gt;50%) that were referred to CMR were included. Biomarkers, echocardiographic and CMR data were assessed retrospectively. CMR-derived parameters included LV and right ventricular (RV) volumes and systolic function, LA volumes and tissue characterization were reported at baseline and compared with AS-related events (a composite of all-cause mortality, symptoms onset, or need for aortic valve replacement) during 1-year follow-up. Results Of 97 patients included (73±9 years old; 36% males), 3 (%) patients were classified in Stage 0, 34 (35%) in Stage 1, 59 (61%) in Stage 2, and 1 (1%) in Stage 3 or 4. Compared to stage 1, patients in stage 2 were older (P=0.006) and had a higher prevalence of overweight (P=0.037), hypertension (P=0.018), NT-proBNP (P=0.030) and hsTnT (p=0.011) levels. On CMR, they showed higher LV volumes and mass index, larger LA volumes and reduced LA ejection fraction, but no differences on myocardial tissue characteristics (Table 1). Regarding prognosis, 45 (46.5%) patients presented AS-related events at 1-year follow-up. Those with events were mainly in stage 2 (36%) and presented higher NT-proBNP levels despite showing no differences in AVA. On CMR, those with events had lower LVEF, greater LV to RV end-diastolic volume ratio, greater left atrio-ventricular coupling index, reduced LA function and a higher extension of late gadolinium enhancement (Table 2). Conclusions In our cohort, most patients with severe asymptomatic AS were in stage 2. Stage 2 patients presented a higher degree of left-chambers remodelling on CMR compared to patients in stage 1. Patients in stage 2 or with lower LVEF, LV remodelling or reduced LAEF on CMR were those with an increased risk for events at follow-up.

Outcomes of neo-aortic valve and root surgery late after arterial switch operation

BackgroundNeo-aortic root dilatation and valve regurgitation are emerging problems late after arterial switch operation (ASO). We sought to evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of neo-aortic root or valve reoperation after ASO. MethodsAll patients with biventricular circulation who underwent an ASO between 1983 and 2015 were included at a single institution. ResultsIn our cohort of 782 late ASO survivors, the median duration of follow-up was 18.1 years (interquartile range [IQR], 11.3-25.6 years). During follow-up, 47 patients (6.0%) underwent 60 reoperations on the neo-aortic valve/root. The first neo-aortic valve/root reoperation occurred at a median of 15.2 years (IQR, 7.8-18.4 years) after ASO. Operations included mechanical Bentall (31.9%; n = 15), aortic valve repair (25.5%; n = 12), mechanical aortic valve replacement (AVR) (21.3%; n = 10), valve-sparing root replacement (19.1%; n = 9), and the Ross procedure (2.1%; n = 1). There was 1 late death (2.1%). Multivariable predictors of neo-aortic valve/root reoperation were bicuspid valve (hazard ratio [HR], 4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-10.7; P < .001), Taussig-Bing anomaly (HR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.2-7.4; P < .02), previous pulmonary artery band (HR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.3; P < .01) and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction before ASO (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.0-5.8; P < .04). Freedom from neo-aortic valve or root reoperation was 98.0% (95% CI, 96.7%-98.8%) at 10 years, 93.3% (95% CI, 90.8%-95.2%) at 20 years, and 88.5% (95% CI, 84.1%-91.8%) at 30 years after ASO. Among the 47 patients who underwent neo-aortic reoperation, freedom from AVR was 82.3% (95% CI, 67.7%-90.7%) at 10 years, 58.0% (95% CI, 41.8%-71.2%) at 20 years, and 43.2% (95% CI, 27.0%-58.3%) at 25 years after ASO. ConclusionsThe need for neo-aortic valve or root reoperation surpasses 10% by 30 years post-ASO. Evolving understanding of the mechanisms of neo-aortic valve insufficiency and techniques of neo-aortic valve repair may decrease the need for AVR.

Aortic valve replacement in non-elderly: the gap between reality, guidelines and evidence.

There are several treatment options for non-elderly adults (18-60 years) in need of aortic valve replacement (AVR): a mechanical or biological substitute, a homograft, the Ross procedure or nowadays even transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This study evaluated the current opinions and practices of cardiac surgeons and cardiologists concerning AVR strategies in this patient group. A 43-item online survey was sent out to several scientific organizations, individual cardiac surgeons, cardiologists and residents/fellows worldwide. Two hundred twenty-two physicians from 33 different countries answered the survey. The UK (24%), Belgium (23%) and North America (22%) are best represented. A mechanical valve is the most frequently used substitute in non-elderly. With increasing patient age, the popularity of a biological valve increases. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement and the Ross procedure are each used in <10% of this cohort. Only 12% of the cardiac surgeons has experience with the Ross surgery. In 23%, the patient seems not to be involved in the decision on the type of valve substitute. The preferred surgical treatment for non-elderly patients in need of AVR differs widely. To enable a shared decision-making process including patient preferences, there is more need for collaboration between cardiac departments, as well as education and scientific research about patient-centred outcomes of the different AVR techniques.

Lipoprotein(a) As a Potential Predictive Factor for Earlier Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) affects 0.5-2% of the general population and constitutes the major cause of severe aortic valve stenosis (AVS) in individuals ≤70 years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the parameters that may provide information about the risk of AVS developing in BAV patients, with particular emphasis on lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), which is a well-recognized risk factor for stenosis in the general population. We also analyzed the impact of autotaxin (ATX) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as parameters potentially related to the pathomechanism of Lp(a) action. We found that high Lp(a) levels (>50 mg/dL) occurred significantly more frequently in patients with AVS than in patients without AVS, both in the group below and above 45 years of age (p = 0.036 and p = 0.033, respectively). Elevated Lp(a) levels were also strictly associated with the need for aortic valve replacement (AVR) at a younger age (p = 0.016). However, the Lp(a) concentration did not differ significantly between patients with and without AVS. Similarly, we observed no differences in ATX between the analyzed patient groups, and both ATX activity and concentration correlated significantly with Lp(a) level (R = 0.465, p < 0.001 and R = 0.599, p < 0.001, respectively). We revealed a significantly higher concentration of IL-6 in young patients with AVS. However, this observation was not confirmed in the group of patients over 45 years of age. We also did not observe a significant correlation between IL-6 and Lp(a) or between CRP and Lp(a) in any of the analyzed groups of BAV patients. Our results demonstrate that a high level of Lp(a), greater than 50 mg/dL, may be a significant predictive factor for earlier AVR. Lp(a)-related parameters, such as ATX and IL-6, may be valuable in providing information about the additional cardiovascular risks associated with developing AVS.

АОРТАЛЬНАЯ РЕГУРГИТАЦИЯ В ПРАКТИКЕ ТЕРАПЕВТА

This lecture is intended to review the pathology of the aortic valve, and to provide a basis for the understanding of and treatment of the important life-threatening diseases that affect the aortic valve. This understanding is important for the internist to question whether pharmacological vasodilator therapy could preserve left ventricular function and delay the need for aortic valve replacement.

Outcomes benefit in asymptomatic patients with moderate aortic valve stenosis followed up in heart valve clinics

Abstract Background The management of patients with asymptomatic moderate aortic stenosis (AS), particularly the follow-up and the choice between early intervention vs watchful waiting, remains debated. A progressively increasing number of patients with valvular heart disease (VHD) were diagnosed and followed in an ambulatory setting with a dedicated cardiologist and cardiac imaging specialist: the Heart Valve Clinics (HVC). However, the number of patients with VHD is that high, that these patients are also followed by routine cardiac care consultations (standard-of-care). Purpose To determine the benefit of a HVC approach and outcomes compared to standard-of-care for patients with moderate asymptomatic AS. Methods From November 2014 a HVC environment was introduced at our Cardiovascular Center, to follow patients with moderate and severe VHD by an imaging and valve specialist. Patients who received at least one visit in the Ambulatory HVC were included in a prospective registry. All consecutive patients with aortic valve velocity max&amp;gt;3 cm/sec diagnosed with 2-D echocardiography according to the ESC Guidelines were included in this study. Exclusion criteria included more than moderate aortic regurgitation and prior aortic valve replacement (AVR). Natural history, need for AVR, and survival of patients with baseline moderate AS were assessed at follow up. Cox proportional hazard model, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and propensity score matching where used to assess the HVC approach effect on the mortality. Results A total of 2130 patients were included (1879 in the standard-of-care group and 251 in the Ambulatory HVC group). 1187 (55.7%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 77.2±12.2 years. A total of 919 patients (43.1%) had severe AS (aortic valve area &amp;lt;1.0 cm2). Mean clinical follow-up was 1.2±2.4 years. A total of 822 patients (38.6%) died during the follow up and 114 patients (55.6%) underwent AVR during the study period. After using 1:1, nearest neighbour, without replacement propensity score matching, baseline characteristics between the two groups were balanced. The introduction of Ambulatory HVC was associated with a reduction of adjusted all-cause mortality compared to the standard-of-care group (HR=0.53, 95% CI 0.35–0.82, p=0.004) (Figure1). At multivariable analysis, the Ambulatory HVC pathway was a significant predictor of reduced all-cause of death (HR=0.46, 95% CI 0.33–0.65, p&amp;lt;0.001), together with younger age and higher GFR, independently of AVA, tricuspid regurgitation gradient, LVEF and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Conclusions Patients with moderate AS followed up in HVC had lower rate of all-cause of death compared to the standard-of-care group. The Ambulatory HVC was a significant predictor of reduced all-cause of death and was associated with more efficient patient management and lower mortality. Dedicated HVC have the potential to improve patient care and clinical outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Well-functioning bicuspid aortic valves should be preserved during aortic replacement for the ascending aortopathy phenotype

ObjectivesConsensus has not been reached on whether or not to replace or preserve a well-functioning bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) in patients undergoing aortic replacement for the ascending phenotype of BAV aortopathy. We characterize morphology, evaluate progression of aortic regurgitation or aortic stenosis, and investigate the need for aortic valve replacement in patients whose well-functioning BAV was preserved during ascending aortic replacement ≥10 years prior. MethodsFrom January 1991 to August 2011, 191 patients with a well-functioning BAV underwent supracoronary aortic replacement (113 valves were minimally repaired). Aortic morphology was evaluated, aortic regurgitation grade and transvalvular aortic gradient modeled parametrically, and survival assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Median follow-up was 10 years. ResultsMean aortic diameter was 2.9 ± 0.53 cm at the annulus and 4.2 ± 0.55 cm at the sinuses. Mean maximum ascending diameter was 5.1 ± 0.49 cm. All patients exhibited a cusp-fusion BAV phenotype. Fifteen-year progression to severe aortic regurgitation was 3.2%. Mean aortic valve gradient began to rise 5 years postoperatively to 27 mm Hg by 14 years. Freedom from aortic valve replacement at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years was 100%, 95%, 83%, and 63%, respectively. Minimal valve repair was not associated with late aortic valve replacement. Fifteen-year survival was 74%. ConclusionsPreserving a well-functioning BAV should be considered in carefully selected patients undergoing aortic replacement for the ascending phenotype of BAV aortopathy. The valves remain durable in the long term, with slow progression of regurgitation or stenosis, and low probability of aortic valve replacement through 10 years.

Prognosis of Paradoxical Low-Flow Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis: A Severe, Non-critical Form, With Surgical Treatment Benefits.

ObjectivesTo determine the risk of mortality and need for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with low-flow low-gradient (LFLG) aortic stenosis (AS).MethodsA longitudinal multicentre study including consecutive patients with severe AS (aortic valve area [AVA] < 1.0 cm2) and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients were classified as: high-gradient (HG, mean gradient ≥ 40 mmHg), normal-flow low-gradient (NFLG, mean gradient < 40 mmHg, indexed systolic volume (SVi) > 35 ml/m2) and LFLG (mean gradient < 40 mmHg, SVi ≤ 35 ml/m2).ResultsOf 1,391 patients, 147 (10.5%) had LFLG, 752 (54.1%) HG, and 492 (35.4%) NFLG. Echocardiographic parameters of the LFLG group showed similar AVA to the HG group but with less severity in the dimensionless index, calcification, and hypertrophy. The HG group required AVR earlier than NFLG (p < 0.001) and LFLG (p < 0.001), with no differences between LFLG and NFLG groups (p = 0.358). Overall mortality was 27.7% (CI 95% 25.3–30.1) with no differences among groups (p = 0.319). The impact of AVR in terms of overall mortality reduction was observed the most in patients with HG (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.12–0.23; p < 0.001), followed by patients with LFLG (HR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.13–0.49; p < 0.001), and finally patients with NFLG (HR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.20–0.44; p < 0.001), with a risk reduction of 84, 75, and 71%, respectively.ConclusionsParadoxical LFLG AS affects 10.5% of severe AS, and has a lower need for AVR than the HG group and similar to the NFLG group, with no differences in mortality. AVR had a lower impact on LFLG AS compared with HG AS. Therefore, the findings of the present study showed LFLG AS to have an intermediate clinical risk profile between the HG and NFHG groups.

Association of Mortality With Aortic Stenosis Severity in Outpatients

Modern data regarding incidence and modes of death of patients with aortic stenosis (AS) are restricted to tertiary centers or studies of aortic valve replacement (AVR). To provide new insights into the natural history of outpatients with native AS based on a large regionwide population study with inclusion by all cardiologists regardless of their mode of practice. Between May 2016 and December 2017, consecutive outpatients with mild (peak aortic velocity, 2.5-2.9 m/s), moderate (peak aortic velocity, 3-3.9 m/s), and severe (peak aortic velocity, ≥4 m/s) native AS graded by echocardiography were included by 117 cardiologists from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in France. Analysis took place between August and November 2020. Natural history, need for AVR, and survival of patients with AS were followed up. Indications for AVR were based on current guideline recommendations. Among 2703 patients (mean [SD] age, 76.0 [10.8] years; 1260 [46.6%] women), 233 (8.6%) were recruited in a university public hospital, 757 (28%) in nonuniversity public hospitals, and 1713 (63.4%) by cardiologists working in private practice. A total of 1154 patients (42.7%) had mild, 1122 (41.5%) had moderate, and 427 (15.8%) had severe AS. During a median (interquartile range) of 2.1 (1.4-2.7) years, 634 patients underwent AVR and 448 died prior to AVR. Most deaths were cardiovascular (200 [44.7%]), mainly associated with congestive heart failure (101 [22.6%]) or sudden death (60 [13.4%]). Deaths were noncardiovascular in 186 patients (41.5%) and from unknown causes in 62 patients (13.8%). Compared with patients with mild AS, there was increased cardiovascular mortality in those with moderate (hazard ratio, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.07-2.02]) and severe (hazard ratio, 3.66 [95% CI, 2.52-5.31]) AS. The differences remained significant when adjusted for baseline characteristics or in time-dependent analyses considering AS progression. In asymptomatic patients, moderate and mild AS were associated with similar cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.44-2.21]). While patients in this study with moderate AS had a slightly higher risk of cardiovascular death than patients with mild AS, this risk was much lower than that observed in patients with severe AS. Moreover, in asymptomatic patients, moderate and mild AS were associated with similar cardiovascular mortality.

Regional Replacement and Diffuse Interstitial Fibrosis in Aortic Regurgitation: Prognostic Implications From Cardiac Magnetic Resonance

ObjectivesThis study used cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to assess left ventricular (LV) remodeling in chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) to identify both forms of myocardial fibrosis and examine its association with clinical outcomes. BackgroundChronic AR leads to LV remodeling, which is associated with 2 forms of myocardial fibrosis: regional replacement fibrosis that is directly imaged by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) CMR; and diffuse interstitial fibrosis, which can be inferred by T1 mapping techniques. MethodsPatients with chronic AR who were undergoing contrast CMR with T1 mapping for valve assessment from 2011 to 2018 were enrolled. Patients with a confounding etiology of myocardial fibrosis were excluded. In addition to quantification of AR severity and LV volumetrics, LGE and T1 mapping pre- and post-contrast were performed to measure extracellular volume (ECV) and indexed ECV (iECV). Patients were followed up longitudinally to assess for the composite event of death and the need for aortic valve replacement. ResultsA total of 177 patients with isolated chronic AR were included (66% males, median age 58 years [IQR: 47.0-68.0 years]) with a median follow up of 2.5 years (IQR: 1.07-3.56 years). The iECV significantly increased with AR severity (P < 0.001), whereas ECV and replacement fibrosis did not (P = NS). On multivariate analysis, iECV remained associated with the composite event (P = 0.01). On Kaplan-Meier analysis stratified by AR regurgitant fraction (RF) and iECV, patients with AR RF severity ≥30% and iECV ≥24 mL/m2 demonstrated the highest event rate. ConclusionsAmong CMR biomarkers of fibrosis, iECV was more closely associated than replacement fibrosis or ECV with survival free of aortic valve replacement.

Early Ventricular Septal Defect Closure Prevents the Progression of Aortic Regurgitation: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study.

According to current short-term evidence, ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure should be performed as early as possible after aortic regurgitation (AR) diagnosis in pediatric patients to prevent AR progression. However, long-term follow-up data are lacking. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the long-term follow-up (≥ 10years) of patients who underwent VSD closure as early as possible after AR diagnosis and to evaluate whether early VSD closure prevents progression of AR. This was a retrospective cohort study of 42 patients with VSD and AR who had undergone VSD closure at a median age of 2.9years, with a median waiting period from AR diagnosis to VSD closure of 3.4months and follow-up of a median 13.1years (interquartile range 10.0-15.8years). The preoperative degree of AR was trivial in 25 patients, mild in 15, and moderate in 2. Of the 33 patients followed up for ≥ 10years, none required aortic valve replacement and there was no incidence of mortality. The degree of AR improved or did not change, except in 1 patient. The size of the VSD (odds ratio [OR] 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-1.18; p = 0.33), time from diagnosis to surgery (OR 1.00; 95% CI 1.000-1.001; p = 0.657), and age at the time of surgery (OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.998-1.004; p = 0.452) were not predictive of persistent postoperative AR. Therefore, VSD closure performed as early as possible after AR diagnosis could successfully prevent AR progression in patients with less than moderate preoperative AR, eliminating the need for aortic valve replacement and valvuloplasty.

The fate of aortic valve after rheumatic mitral valve surgery

ObjectiveDeterioration of the native aortic valve function by a late progression of rheumatic disease is not infrequent in patients who underwent rheumatic mitral valve surgery; however, this phenomenon has not been clearly quantified. MethodsA total of 1155 consecutive patients (age 52.0 ± 12.9 years; 807 female) who underwent rheumatic mitral valve surgery without concomitant aortic valve surgery from 1997 to 2015 were enrolled. The primary end point was the composite of progression to severe aortic valve dysfunction or a requirement of subsequent aortic valve replacements during follow-up. To determine the risk factors of the primary outcome, we performed the generalized linear mixed model. ResultsThe baseline severities of aortic valve were none to trivial in 880 patients (76.2%), mild in 256 patients (22.2%), and moderate in 19 patients (1.6%). The latest 1062 echocardiographic assessments (91.9%; median, 81.2 postoperative months; interquartile range, 37.3-132.1 months) demonstrated 26 cases (0.33%/patient-year) meeting the primary end point during follow-up. Cumulative incidence of the primary end point at 10 years was 0.4% ± 0.3% and 7.4% ± 2.5% depending on the presence of mild or greater aortic valve dysfunction at baseline (P < .01). In multivariable analyses, aortic valve peak pressure gradient (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.20), aortic regurgitation degree (mild over none: odds ratio, 3.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-9.23), and time (odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval 1.19-1.41) were significantly associated with the occurrence of the primary end point. ConclusionsProgression of severe aortic valve dysfunction and the need for aortic valve replacement are uncommon in patients undergoing rheumatic mitral valve surgery. However, such events were relatively common among those with mild or greater aortic valve dysfunction at the time of mitral valve surgery.

Multimodality Imaging for Discordant Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis: Assessing the Valve and the Myocardium.

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a disease of the valve and the myocardium. A correct assessment of the valve disease severity is key to define the need for aortic valve replacement (AVR), but a better understanding of the myocardial consequences of the increased afterload is paramount to optimize the timing of the intervention. Transthoracic echocardiography remains the cornerstone of AS assessment, as it is universally available, and it allows a comprehensive structural and hemodynamic evaluation of both the aortic valve and the rest of the heart. However, it may not be sufficient as a significant proportion of patients with severe AS presents with discordant grading (i.e., an AVA ≤ 1 cm2 and a mean gradient <40 mmHg) which raises uncertainty about the true severity of AS and the need for AVR. Several imaging modalities (transesophageal or stress echocardiography, computed tomography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, positron emission tomography) exist that allow a detailed assessment of the stenotic aortic valve and the myocardial remodeling response. This review aims to provide an updated overview of these multimodality imaging techniques and seeks to highlight a practical approach to help clinical decision making in the challenging group of patients with discordant low-gradient AS.

Structural and Functional Correlates of Gradient-Area Patterns in Severe Aortic Stenosis and Normal Ejection Fraction

ObjectivesThe authors sought to characterize the functional and structural myocardial phenotypes of patients with moderate-to-severe aortic stenosis (AS) and to determine whether severe paradoxical low-gradient AS (LG-AS) is specifically associated with left ventricular (LV) remodeling and fibrosis. BackgroundRecently, it was suggested that severe paradoxical LG-AS is a more advanced form of AS, with greater reduction of longitudinal deformation, adverse LV remodeling, and more interstitial fibrosis. MethodsThe study population includes 147 patients with moderate-to-severe AS and a normal LV ejection fraction, and 75 normal control subjects. They prospectively underwent 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance to evaluate myocardial deformation, LV remodeling, and age- and sex-adjusted extravascular volume fraction (ECV, %). Among AS patients, 18 had moderate AS, 74 had severe high-gradient AS (HG-AS), and 55 had severe paradoxical LG-AS. ResultsReduced longitudinal and circumferential deformation was observed in 21% and 6% of the AS patients, respectively. Multivariate analyses identified increased ECV (ß = 1.99; p = 0.001) and the absence of normal LV geometry (ß = −1.37; p = 0.007) and as independent predictors of reduced longitudinal deformation. Increased ECV was an independent predictor of reduced circumferential deformation (ß = 2.19; p = 0.001). Over a median follow-up of 29 months, reduced longitudinal deformation (hazard ratio: 0.82; p = 0.023) and higher transvalvular gradients (hazard ratio: 1.05; p < 0.001) increased the risk of death or need for aortic valve replacement. LV hypertrophy was more frequently observed among patients with severe HG-AS (65%) than among the other AS patients (14%; p < 0.001). On average, ECV was within normal limits and did not differ among gradient-area subgroups. When present, increased ECV was associated with reduced longitudinal deformation. ConclusionsThis study’s data show that patients with severe paradoxical LG-AS less frequently display reduced longitudinal deformation, LV hypertrophy, or myocardial fibrosis than patients with HG-AS. Also, interstitial fibrosis only occurs when reduced longitudinal deformation and severe HG-AS are present together. Finally, this study suggests that reduced longitudinal deformation and higher transvalvular gradients adversely affect patients’ outcomes.

Abstract 14682: Impact of Atrial Fibrillation in Aortic Stenosis Patients: Insights From the United States Readmissions Database

Introduction: Even though atrial fibrillation (AF) is present in &gt;30% of patients with aortic stenosis (AS), it is not typically included in the decision-making algorithm for the timing or need for aortic valve replacement (AVR), either by transcatheter (TAVR) or surgical (SAVR) approaches. Large scale data on how AF affects outcomes of AS patients remain scarce. Methods: From the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD), we retrospectively identified AS patients aged ≥18years, with and without AF admitted between January and June in 2016 and 2017 (to allow for a six month follow up), using the International Classification of Diseases-10 th revision codes. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the predictors of in-hospital mortality during index hospitalization. In-hospital complications and 6 month in-hospital mortality during any readmission after being discharged alive were compared in patients with and without AF, for patients undergoing TAVR, SAVR or no-AVR. Results: We identified 403,089 AS patients, of which 41% had AF. Patients with AF were older (median age in years: 83 vs. 79) and were more frequently females (52% vs. 48%; p&lt;0.001). Table summarizes outcomes of AS patients with and without AF. TAVR in patients with AF was associated with higher in-hospital mortality and follow-up mortality as compared to patients without AF. Although AF did not influence in-hospital mortality in SAVR population, follow-up mortality was also significantly higher after SAVR in patients with AF compared to patients without AF. For patients not undergoing AVR, in-hospital and follow-up mortality were higher in AF population compared to no AF and was higher than patients undergoing AVR (Table). Conclusions: AF is associated with worse outcomes in patients with AS irrespective of treatment (TAVR, SAVR or no-AVR). More studies are needed to understand the implications of AF in AS population and whether earlier treatment of AS in patients with AF can improve outcomes.

Clinical implications of exercise-induced regional wall motion abnormalities in significant aortic regurgitation.

Significant aortic regurgitation (AR) is sometimes accompanied by regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) during exercise stress echocardiography. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between RWMA after exercise and in the presence of significant AR in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or volume overload and to predict the eventual need for aortic valve replacement (AVR). We retrospectively reviewed 182 patients with significant AR who underwent exercise echocardiography. In addition, we investigated patients with AR who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) or coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and were diagnosed with CAD. The presence of RWMA after exercise was defined as newly developed RWMA after exercise and included all changes in wall motion. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of RWMA after exercise: the RWMA group (n=42) and non-RWMA group (n=140). In the RWMA group, 31 patients (73.8%) underwent coronary artery evaluation by CAG or CCTA. Only two patients in the RWMA group were diagnosed with current CAD and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients with RWMA were older (61.6±10.8 vs 52.0±13.7years, P<.001), had more severe AR (54.8% vs 32.9%), and underwent AVR more frequently (40.5% vs 14.3%, P=.001) than patients without RWMA. METs (odds ratio [OR], 0.796; P=.019), difference between rest and postexercise left ventricular end-diastolic volume (OR, 0.967; P=.001), and the difference between pre- and postexercise left ventricular end-systolic volume (OR, 1.113; P<.001) were identified as independent factors associated with RWMA after exercise according to multivariable logistic regression analysis. The majority of wall motion changes were seen in the lateral and inferior segments, and the locations of wall motion changes were relatively consistent with the direction of the AR jet. The relationship between RWMA after exercise and time to AVR was investigated by simple linear regression (hazard ratio [HR], 3.402; P<.001). After adjusting for baseline parameters of diastolic blood pressure, left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD), aorta size, deceleration time, and METs, the presence of RWMA after exercise was not predictive of time to AVR (HR, 1.106; P=.81). On the other hand, without forcible entry of RWMA after exercise, LVESD (HR, 1.119; P<.001) and METs (HR, 0.828; P=.006) independently predicted the eventual need for AVR as an outcome. The degree of change in wall motion from rest to exercise in those with significant AR was not correlated with CAD, but was correlated with the severity of volume overload and exercise-induced preload changes, as well as the direction of the AR jet. In addition, RWMA after exercise had no role in predicting the need for AVR.

Global longitudinal strain in chronic asymptomatic aortic regurgitation: systematic review

Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) patients typically remain asymptomatic for a long time. Left ventricular mechanics, namely global longitudinal strain (GLS), has been associated with outcomes in AR patients. The authors conducted a systematic review to summarize and appraise GLS impact on mortality, the need for aortic valve replacement (AVR) and disease progression in AR patients. A literature search was performed using these key terms ‘aortic regurgitation’ and ‘longitudinal strain’ looking at all randomized and nonrandomized studies conducted on chronic aortic regurgitation. The search yielded six observational studies published from 2011 and 2018 with a total of 1571 patients with moderate to severe chronic AR. Only two studies included all-cause mortality as their endpoint. The other studies looked at the association between GLS with AVR and disease progression. The mean follow-up period was 4.2 years. We noted a great variability of clinical, methodological and/or statistical origin. Thus, meta-analytic portion of our study was limited. Despite a relevant heterogeneity, an impaired GLS was associated with adverse cardiac outcomes. Left ventricular GLS may offer incremental value in risk stratification and decision-making.

THE DIFFERENCE IN CARDIAC REMODELING IN LEFT-SIDED VALVULAR REGURGITATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE OPTIMAL DEFINITION OF SEVERE AORTIC REGURGITATION

Grading of aortic regurgitation (AR) and mitral regurgitation (MR) is similar in the guidelines despite distinct differences in LV pathophysiology. We compared LV remodeling in AR and MR patients and evaluated optimal cutoffs for significant AR in relation to the need for aortic valve replacement (