Presence Of Left Atrial Appendage Research Articles

Left atrial appendage filling defect in exclusive early-phase scanning of dual-phase cardiac computed tomography: An indicator for elevated thromboembolic risk.

Dual-phase cardiac computed tomography (CCT) has been applied to detect left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombosis, which is characterized as the presence of left atrial appendage filling defects (LAADF) in both early- and delayed-phase scanning. However, the clinical implication of LAAFD in exclusive early-phase scanning (LAAFD-EEpS) of CCT in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. The baseline clinical data and dual-phase CCT findings in 1183 AF patients (62.1 ± 11.6 years, 59.9% male) was collected and analyzed. A further analysis of CCT and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) data (within 5 days) in a subgroup of 687 patients was performed. LAAFD-EEpS was defined as LAAFD present in early-phase and absent in delayed-phase scanning of dual-phase CCT. A total of 133 (11.2%) patients were detected with LAAFD-EEpS. Patients with LAAFD-EEpS had a higher prevalence of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (p < 0.001) and a higher predefined thromboembolic risk (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, a history of ischemic stroke or TIA was independently associated with LAAFD-EEpS (odds ratio [OR] 11.412, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.561-19.851, p < 0.001). When spontaneous echo contrast in TEE was used as the reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of LAAFD-EEpS was 77.0% (95% CI 66.5-87.6%), 89.0% (95% CI 86.5-91.4%), 40.5% (95% CI 31.6-49.5%), 97.5% (96.3-98.8%), respectively. In AF patients, LAAFD-EEpS is not an uncommon finding in dual-phase CCT scanning, and is associated with elevated thromboembolic risk.

Isoproterenol-Assisted Differentiation Between Sludge and Organized Thrombus to Guide Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is contraindicated in presence of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus. It is often difficult to separate LAA sludge from an organized thrombus on transesophageal echocardiography. The inability to differentiate sludge from thrombus leads to patients not receiving LAAO despite contraindication to long-term anticoagulation. Retrospective 6-month follow-up outcomes are reported on patients undergoing LAAO in presence of LAA sludge cleared by isoproterenol. This study showed no increased risk of transient ischemic attack/stroke in the 6months following LAAO in the presence of LAA sludge, which was cleared with isoproterenol. This study suggests a role for isoproterenol in differentiating sludge from thrombus.

Fibrosis biomarkers as predictors of left atrial appendage thrombosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

Aim. To compare clinical, echocardiographic characteristics and blood biomarkers in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) depending on the presence of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus and to identify independent predictors of LAA thrombosis.Material and methods. Patients with nonvalvular AF subjected to transesopha geal echocardiography before catheter ablation were divided into 2 groups comparable by sex and age: group 1 (n=45) — with LAA throm bosis; group 2 (n=97) — without LAA thrombosis. The patients underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. In addition, the following blood biomarkers were analyzed: NT-proBNP (pg/ml), GDF-15 (pg/ml), TGF-β1 (pg/ml), PIIINP (ng/ml), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (mg/l), cystatin C (mg/l).Results. In group 1, persistent AF, coronary artery disease, heart failure were more often noted. In addition, group 1 patients had higher volume indices of both atria, left ventricular mass index and pulmonary artery systolic pressure, as well as lower left ventricular ejection fraction and blood flow velocity in the LAA. There were no differences in the groups in terms of the mean CHA2DS2VASc score, the proportion of patients taking oral anticoagulants (OAC), and the OAC spectrum. In group 1, higher levels of NT-proBNP (p=0,0001), GDF15 (p=0,0001), PIIINP (p=0,0002) were found with no differences in the levels of TGF-β1, hsCRP and cystatin C. A stepwise logistic regression revealed independent predictors of LAA thrombosis: LA volume index (ml/m2) — odds ratio (OR)=1,084, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1,028-1,143 (p=0,003); GDF15 ≥933 pg/ml — OR=3,054, 95% CI, 1,260-7,403 (p=0,013); PIIINP ≥68 pg/ml — OR=5,865, 95% CI, 2,404-14,308 (p&lt;0,001). There were following model quality parameters: AUC=0,815 (p&lt;0,001), specificity, 74,4%, sensitivity, 72,7%.Conclusion. In patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation taking OAC, serum levels of fibrosis biomarkers PIIINP ≥68 pg/mL and GDF-15 ≥933 pg/mL, along with the left atrial volume index, were independent predictors of LAA thrombosis.

Abstract 14782: Sex Comparisons in Anticoagulation Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation in a Large Rural Healthcare System

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter lead to increased risk of thromboembolism (TE). The CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score is used to determine the risk of TE. Objective: We aim to evaluate the anticoagulation use across CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores calculated using a validated automatic calculator. Methods: An AF registry was created for patients with AF or atrial flutter who had seen a primary care or cardiology provider within the past 2 years (5/28/2018-5/28/2020). An automatic CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc calculator was integrated into the electronic medical record system at Essentia Health on 10/1/2019. High-risk of TE was defined as a score of ≥3 for females and a score of ≥2 for males. AF registry included demographics, anticoagulation prescription, CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and ATRIA bleed score, contraindications, and presence of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion device. Results: A total of 10992 patients with AF or atrial flutter were included in the registry (74.8 ±11.8 years, 41.7% female). A total of 6703 (61.0%) had a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score calculated (mean score 3.9 ± 1.5). Mean ATRIA bleed score was 3.0 ± 2.0. Within these patients, 90.7% of males and 93.0% of females were at high-risk of TE. Of these high-risk patients, anticoagulation use was 82.7% for females and 83.5% for males and increased with increasing score (p&lt;0.01 for males, p&lt;0.01 for females) (Figure 1). Overall, 36.9% were prescribed NOAC, 47.0% warfarin, and 0.8% heparin. There was no sex difference in the prescription of NOAC (37.7% male vs. 35.9% female, p=0.1). Fewer than 1% had WATCHMAN LAA device (0.3% male vs. 0.4% female, p=0.5). Conclusion: Four out of 5 patients at increased risk of TE are prescribed an anticoagulant. Interventions to improve anticoagulation use in high-risk patients are needed. Figure 1. Anticoagulation prescription use in atrial fibrillation patients by CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score and sex between 5/28/2018-5/28/2020 at Essentia Health (N=6703).

Association betweenLeft Atrial Appendage function assessed by speckle-tracking echocardiography and the presence ofLeft Atrial Appendage stasis in patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the association of LAA left atrial appendage funtion as assessed by speckle-tracking imaging with LAA stasis and thrombus in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods A total of 154 consecutive patients with AF referred for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were prospectively enrolled. Of these, 29 (18.8%) patients had LAA dense spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) and/or thrombus. Besides standard echocardiography we assessed global, basal, middle and apical LAA longitudinal strain (LS) in mid-esophageal TEE views obtained at 0°, 45°, 90° and 135° by using speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). Results Patients were comparable with regard to the clinical data. A subgroup with LAA stasis or thrombus had enlarged LAA size, impaired LAA emptying fraction (LAAEF) and reduced LAA emptying velocity than control group.LAA global and segmental LS were significantly decreased in patients with dense SEC or thrombus. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the LAAEF of 61.5%, the LAA GLS of 8.02%, LAA segmental LS of (basal) 8.07%, (middle) 9.08%, (apical) 8.43% (P&amp;lt;0.0001) were the optimal cutoff values for distinguishing both subgroups. All the LAA strain parameters as well as LAAEF were independently associated with the presence of LAA stasis or thrombus in multivariate analyses, with additional significance over the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Conclusion Speckle-tracking echocardiography may be used to describe LAA function during AF, allowing identification of patients with higher risk of LAA stasis or thrombus and providing incremental value over the CH2ADS2-VASc Score. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

P1376 The utility of platelets indices in predicting the presence of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia with a high risk for thromboembolic events. The presence of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus is associated with a greater risk for stroke, yet few papers investgated predictor factors for LAA thrombus. Platelets indices-Mean platelet volume (MPV) and plateletcrit (PTC)-have been correlated with platelet reactivity, thrombogenicity and a high cardiovascular risk. Purpose The aim of this study is to determine if MPV-to-PCT and MPV-to-platelet (PLT) ratios could predict the presence of LAA thrombus in nonvalvular AF patients. Methods This retrospective study includes 112 patients screened with trans-esophageal echography (TEE) for LAA thrombus from January 2018 to Aprilie 2019. We excluded patients with manifest, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary trombembolism and malignancies. The platelets indices were measured on admission. ROC curve analysis and the Youden index associated criterion was used to determine the cut-off values and Chi –square test to estimate associated risks. Results The focus group consisted of 112 AF patients, with a mean age of 67 ± 10.02 and 52.3% males. 71% patients had persistent AF, 19.64% (22) patients had LAA thrombi. Higher MPV-to-PCT, respectively MPV-to-PLT ratios were associated with LAA thrombus. In ROC curve analysis MPV-to-PLT ratio (AUC 0.618 95% CI 0.521 to 0.708, p = 0.0729) and MPV-to-PCT ratio (AUC 0.627, 95% CI 0.530 to 0.716, p = 0.05) predicted LAA thrombi, with a cut-off value of &amp;gt;38 for MPV-to-PCT and &amp;gt;0.049 for MPV-to-PLT ratio. Patients with an MPV-to-PCT ratio &amp;gt; 38 had a risk ratio of 1.21 (95% CI 1.03 - 1.44, p = 0.039) and those with an MPV-to-PLT ratio&amp;gt; 0.049 a risk ratio of 1.27 (95%CI 1.03 - 1.58, p = 0.01 ) of having a LAA thrombus. Conclusion Platelets indices are cost efficient, readily available thrombogenesis biomarkers that could be auxilliary parameters useful for the associtation of LAA thrombi in non-valvular AF patients undergoing TEE before cardioversion. We suggest the cut-off values of MPV-to-PCT&amp;gt; 38 and MPV-to-PLT &amp;gt; 0.049 to be considered as risk indicator.

Association between the N-terminal plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels or elevated left ventricular filling pressure and thromboembolic risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the role of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and left ventricular (LV) filling pressures in thromboembolic risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsAmong 327 patients with non-valvular AF, the ratio of peak early filling velocity to mitral annulus velocity (E/Ea) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) was compared according to the presence of left atrial appendage (LAA) dysfunction [presence of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC)≥grade 3 and/or reduced LAA emptying flow velocity <20cm/s]. ResultsCompared to patients without LAA dysfunction, patients with LAA dysfunction presented with significantly higher CHADS2 scores (1.24±1.14 vs. 1.68±1.31, p=0.005), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (0.36±1.18mg/dl vs. 0.66±1.32mg/dl, p=0.043), and NT-proBNP (765.3±2534.8pg/ml vs. 2266.9±6117.4pg/ml, p=0.002). Furthermore, patients with LAA dysfunction showed significantly higher left atrial volume index (LAVI, 25.1±10.9 vs. 43.1±22.1, p<0.001) and E/Ea (10.8±7.27 vs. 7.97±2.50mg/dl, p<0.001). Plasma logNT-proBNP levels were significantly correlated with the presence of SEC (r=0.276, p<0.001), LAA emptying flow velocity (r=−0.492, p<0.001), LAVI (r=0.405, p<0.001), and E/Ea (r=0.353, p<0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that high NT-proBNP level >249.7pg/ml (odds ratio, OR 6.79, 95% confidence interval, CI 3.16–15.55, p<0.001) and E/Ea >10 (OR 4.41, 95% CI 2.39–8.15, p<0.001) were independent predictors of LAA dysfunction after adjustment of known thromboembolic risk factors. ConclusionElevated plasma NT-proBNP concentrations and LV filling pressures represented by LAA dysfunction may be reliable surrogate markers for predicting thromboembolic risk in patients with AF.

Transesophageal Echocardiography in Atrial Fibrillation

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays an important role in atrial fibrillation (AF), mainly to detect the presence of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus. It is useful in direct current cardioversion (DCC) guidance and for AF ablation and LAA occlusion. With the increasing number of patients affected by AF, the use of TEE will grow and become an important screening modality for LAA thrombus. Future direction includes broader multi-institutional use; further tools to risk stratify patients; and the use of a new spectrum of oral anticoagulants and their cost-effectiveness in patients with AF undergoing DCC, AF ablation, and LAA occlusion.

TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHO STUDY IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE

Background: Stroke is one of the major causes of death and disability and due to the high mortality and morbidity rates associated with stroke ,it is becoming a major community health problem worldwide. It has been estimated that cardiogenic emboli are a source of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke in 20% to 40% of all cases. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been proven superior to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for the detection of potential sources of cardiac embolism in patients with previous stroke. In particular, the additional value of TEE in the patients above 45 years of age, in whom TEE is still far from routine procedure, was evaluated. In addition, emphasis was placed on therapeutic consequences, ie, the indication for anticoagulation, based on the results of TEE. Aim of the work : The aim of our study is to evaluate the role of TEE (transesophagealecho) to find indications of anticoagulation despite false absence of its benefit by clinical and transthoracicecho (TTE) examination. Patient and methods: The study was conducted in Zagazig university hospitals and included 100 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke The diagnosis of stroke was made based on clinical data and brain CT. A full TEE was done and the presence of the following potential sources of embolism was specifically examined (a)left atrial spontaneous echo contrast and thrombus , (b)Impaired Left atrial appendage velocity and the presence of LAA (Left atrial appendage )thrombi , (c)Atheroma in the thoracic aorta, (d)Patent foramen ovale and atrial septal aneurysm (e) others, including valvular vegetations and intracardiac masses . Results:Among the different age groups studied , the prevalence of PFO and MVP (mitral valve prolapse) were highest in patients ˂ 45 years old while the prevalence of complex aortic atheroma was highest in patients ˃45 years old .Risk of stroke recurrence was highest in patients with complex aortic atheroma .Among patients with dyslipidemia,prevalance of ischemic stroke was highest in those older than 45 years old and was significantly higher in low HDL (high density lipoprotein ) (˂40 mg/dl ) and high cholesterol (˃200 mg/dl) group.Furthermore, the risk of stroke recurrence was significantly higher in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Conclusion: TEE has proved to be a very useful tool in diagnosing causes of ischemic stroke .The benefit was not only seen in young age (˂45 years old), but also in those in older age groups . Key words: Mitral valve prolapse, patent foramen ovale, interatrial septal aneurysm , complex aortic ahteroma ,Transesophageal Echocardiography.

Exclusion of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus Using Single Phase Coronary Computed Tomography as Compared to Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients Undergoing Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Background. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is used for the evaluation of the presence of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus prior to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), while coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is used for anatomic mapping during PVI. Methods. We compared the diagnostic performance of single phase CCTA to TEE in excluding the presence of LAA thrombus in patients undergoing PVI in 172 subjects performed during index hospitalization. Results. The mean age was 51 ± 13 years, a median CHADS2 score of 1 [IQR25,75 0,1, range 0–3] and a mean periprocedural INR of 2.1 ± 0.6. The prevalence of an LAA filling defect on single phase CCTA was 9.3% (6/183) and on TEE was 1.2% (2/183). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 100% (95% CI, 19.8–100%), 91.8% (95% CI, 94–99%), 12.5% (95% CI, 60–76%), and 91.8% (95% CI, 97–100%) for the detection of LAA filling defect, respectively. Conclusion. Given the utility of a preprocedural single phase CCTA for the performance of PVI, the absence of a filling defect negates the need for a subsequent TEE as an adjunct for exclusion of LAA thrombus.

Predictive value of D-dimer levels and tissue doppler mitral annular systolic velocity for detection of left atrial appendage thrombi

Systemic thrombo-embolism represents a major complication in patients with mitral stenosis (MS). Several chemical and echocardiographic parameters have been suggested to predict the presence of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombi in these patients. To assess the predictive value of mitral annular TDI systolic velocity and D-dimer for thedetection of LAA thrombus in patients with MS in sinus rhythm (SR). Ninety one patients with MS, in sinus rhythm were evaluated by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. The annular systolic (S) and diastolic (E and A waves) velocities were recorded. Plasma concentrations of the D-dimer fragment were measured. Fifteen patients (16.48%) had LAA thrombi whereas 76(82.52%) patients had no evidenceof thrombi. Patients with LA thrombus showed a significantly higher D-dimer levels (965.67 ± 570.27 μg/L vs 261.20 ± 193.80 μg/L, P < 0.0001) and a significantly lower mitral annular S wave velocity (10.7 ± 2.1 cm/s vs 15.2 ± 3.5 cm/s, P < 0.001) than those without LA thrombi. The LAA emptying velocity showed a significant positive correlation with the S wave velocity ( r = 0.884, P < 0.0001) and a significant negative correlation with the D-dimer levels ( r = −0.643, P < 0.0001). Multivariable analysis revealed that the most powerful predictors of LA thrombus were the plasma D-dimer level (OR = 19.6, 95% CI = (1.25–308), P < 0.05) and the S wave velocity (OR = 32.0, 95% CI = (2.1–490), P < 0.01). ROC analysis yielded an optimal D-dimer cutoff value of 423.25 μg/L for prediction of LAA thrombi with a sensitivity of 85.7%, a specificity of 92.1%, a positive predictive value of 66.7% and a negative predictive value of 95.9% while S wave of 12.5 cm/s predicted LA thrombus with a sensitivity of 92.9%, a specificity of 78.1%, a positive predictive value of 86.5% and a negative predictive value of 82.2%. D-dimer and S wave velocity are independent predictors of LAA thrombus in MS patients with SR. The S wave velocity has a better positive predictive value than the D-dimer which has a better negative predictive values.

Balloon mitral valvotomy in patients with mitral stenosis and left atrial thrombus

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV) in symptomatic rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) patients with left atrial (LA) thrombus and to address the technical issues. LA thrombus in patients with MS has long been regarded as a contraindication for BMV. There are few reports of BMV in presence of LA appendage (LAA) thrombus and reports of BMV in presence of LA body thrombus are still rare. 2,763 patients with suitable valve morphology were screened for BMV. 194 patients had LA/LAA thrombus and were put on adequate anticoagulation for 8-12 weeks. A total of 108 patients with persistent LA thrombus who satisfied the inclusion criteria (LA thrombus type Ia, Ib, and IIa) formed the study group and the remaining 2,622 patients who did not have any LA thrombus constituted the control group. All patients in the study group underwent BMV by modified over the wire technique. There was significant and comparable improvement in the mitral valve area, mitral valve gradient, LA mean and pulmonary artery systolic pressure following the procedure in both groups. In the study group, there were no thromboembolic episodes during the procedure. However, there was one case of transient ischemic attack in the study group which occurred 6 hr after a successful BMV. In the study group, one patient had cardiac tamponade needing aspiration and there was no in-hospital death. In selected patients of mitral stenosis with LA thrombus (type Ia, Ib, and IIa), BMV can be performed safely with the modified over the wire technique. Systemic thromboembolism, technical failures and other complications are very rare when performed by experienced operators.