Thrombosis Of Prosthesis Research Articles

Non-Obstructive Thrombosis of Mechanical Mitral Prosthesis: About a Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction: Mechanical mitral valve prostheses are vital for patients with mitral valve disease. While obstruction is a well-recognized complication, non-obstructive dysfunction remains less understood. We present a case of non-obstructive mechanical mitral prosthesis to highlight its clinical importance and management challenges. Case Presentation: A 45-year-old female, who had undergone mechanical mitral valve replacement 9 years prior, presented with dysarthria and facial paralysis. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed preserved prosthesis function with no apparent obstruction. However, transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the non-obstructive thrombosis of the mitral prothesis. We opted for a medical treatment consisting in optimizing anticoagulation with the addition of aspirin. The evolution was favorable with complete regression of the thrombus at the control TEO. Discussion: Non-obstructive mechanical mitral prosthesis is a rare entity, often characterized by atypical symptoms. This case emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessment beyond prosthetic valve gradients. as well as the importance of combining several imaging methods, including radio cinema and TEO. Surgical intervention wasn’t necessary, as the medical treatment was sufficient. Conclusion: Non-obstructive mechanical mitral prosthesis dysfunction can be challenging to diagnose but is crucial to consider in symptomatic patients with mechanical valves. This case underscores the need for a multidimensional approach, including advanced imaging techniques, to uncover and manage non-obstructive prosthesis dysfunction, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

A new regional Rheumatic Heart Disease Registry: results of the first 2595 patients

Abstract Background Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. However, specific disease characteristics and progression varies in different regions. Purpose We here present preliminary results of a new regional RHD registry. Methods A total of 2595 consecutive patients with clinical and echocardiographic RHD were registered from March 2009 and February 2023, and their baseline clinical and echo characteristics, demographics, comorbidities, the pattern and severity of valvular involvement, intervention history and treatment practices were recorded. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 168 months (47±38.8) and was complete in 90.4% of the patients. Results The age of the patients ranged from 3-86 years (40.18±13.83). The majority was female (n=1765, 68%). At enrolment only 26 (1%) patients were on secondary penicillin prophylaxis. Symptoms were present in 73.8% (n=1916) of the patients (NYHA III: n=984, 37.9%). 2226 (85.8%) patients had moderate-to-severe multivalvular disease complicated by pulmonary hypertension (n=877, 33.8%), atrial fibrillation (AF) (n=750, 28.9%), cerebrovascular events (n=158, 6%), infective endocarditis (n=17, 0.66%) and thrombosis of valve prosthesis (n=14, 0.54%). Previous cardiac intervention was reported by 492 patients (19%). Regular 6 monthly follow-up at our centre for periods ranging from 1 to 168 months (47±38.8). During this period a total of 1309 (50.4%) patients underwent cardiac procedures. Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty was performed in 289 patients (11.1%). Cerebrovascular events (n=92, 3.5%), LA thrombus (n=22, 0.85%), infective endocarditis (n=13, 0.5%) and thrombosis of valve prosthesis (n=19, 0.73%) occurred during follow-up. Patient mortality was 12.6% (n=328) during the study period (47±38.8 months). Penicillin prophylaxis rate was 63.3% (n=1742), however, only 15% of these patients followed the penicillin prophylaxis schedule. Conclusions In spite of continued cardiac care in this study, young patients with rheumatic heart disease have high morbidity and mortality. Further efforts to determine the exact causes involved and improve prognosis are warranted.

PB1546 Time is Everything: Case Report of an Acute Thrombosis of Mechanical Aortic Valve Prosthesis in a Pregnant Woman

PB1546 Time is Everything: Case Report of an Acute Thrombosis of Mechanical Aortic Valve Prosthesis in a Pregnant Woman

Cone repair after tricuspid valve replacement in Ebstein anomaly.

Cone repair after tricuspid valve replacement in Ebstein anomaly.

Diagnosis of Left-Sided Mechanical Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis: A Pictorial Review.

Although transcatheter valve therapy is rapidly evolving, surgical valve replacement is still required in many patients with severe left-side valve stenosis or regurgitation, the mechanical bi-leaflet heart valve being the standard prosthesis type in younger patients. Moreover, the prevalence of valvular heart disease is steadily increasing, especially in industrialized countries, and the problem of lifelong efficient anticoagulation of these patients remains fundamental, especially in the context where vitamin K antagonists continue to be the current standard of anticoagulation despite a level of oscillating anticoagulation. In this setting, avoiding prosthetic valve thrombosis after surgery is the number one objective for both the patient and the responsible physicians. Although rare, this complication is life threatening, with the sudden onset of acute cardiac failure such as acute pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock, or sudden cardiac death and inadequate anticoagulation remaining the leading cause of prosthesis thrombosis, along with other risk factors. The availability of multimodal imaging techniques enables and encompasses to a full extent the diagnosis of mechanical valve thrombosis. The gold-standard diagnostic methods are transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Moreover, 3D ultrasound has undoubted value in giving a more accurate description of the thrombus's extension. When transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography are uncertain, the multidetector computer tomography examination is an important complementary imaging method. Fluoroscopy is also an excellent tool for evaluating the mobility of prosthetic discs. Each method complements the other to differentiate an acute mechanical valve thrombosis from other prosthetic valve pathologies such as pannus formation or infective endocarditis and aids the physician in accurately establishing the treatment method (surgical or pharmaceutical) and its optimal timing. The aim of this pictorial review was to discuss from an imagistic perspective the mechanical prosthetic aortic and mitral valve thrombosis and to provide an overview of the essential role of non-invasive exploration in the treatment of this severe complication.

C38 EARLY AND MID-TERM RESULTS FROM THE RESILIA AORTIC TISSUE VALVE ITALIAN REGISTRY (RES-ITA)

Abstract Objective The objective of our study is to evaluate safety, hemodynamic performance and durability of the new generation aortic bioprosthesis with Resilia Tissue. Methods RES-ITA Registry is the Italian multicenter registry created in 2017, enrolling patients who underwent isolated or combined AVR with Resilia tissue valve. The Registry was recently recognized by SICCH as the official national registry of Resilia tissue valve implantations, with Potenza’s Cardiac Surgery Unit as its coordinating center. Isolated AVR (50%) was performed predominantly through an upper J mini-sternotomy or a right anterior mini-thoracotomy, while combined procedures (50%) were performed in full sternotomy and included associated CABG, ascending aorta surgery, mitral valve repair or replacement, aortic annulus enlargement. For all patients, clinical and echocardiographic assessment were evaluated at discharge, 30 days, 6 months and every year after surgery. Results Between June 2017 and March 2022, about 1000 patients were included, coming from 13 Italian cardiac surgery centers. During last year, 6 more Italian centers have asked to join the Registry. Mean age was 57±11 years. Mean Euroscore II was 2.24±3.01%. Redo surgery was performed in 11%. Most frequently implanted valve sizes were 23 mm (30%), 25 mm (27.7%) and 27 mm (19%). Two-year freedom from all-cause mortality for isolated AVR and for all patients was 97.4±1.3% and 95.7±1.1%, respectively. Two-year freedom from major paravalvular leaks (≥2+/4) was 98.4±0.8; freedom from prosthesis thrombosis was 96.7±2 and freedom from prosthesis dysfunction (according to VARC-2 criteria) was 96.7±1.7. Mean gradient was 13.3±8.3 mmHg and maximum gradient was 23.2±16.2 mmHg at 2-year follow-up. Conclusions The new generation aortic prosthesis with RESILIA tissue demonstrates versatility of use, safety, good early and mid-term outcomes and hemodynamic performance. Further investigations and longer follow-up are needed to evaluate long-term durability.

Echocardiography in cardioembolic stroke prevention.

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability, and cardiac embolism accounts for one-third of all ischaemic strokes. Thirty per cent of strokes are cryptogenic. In this setting, echocardiography is essential in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of embolic stroke of undetermined source since it is a widely available, safe, and inexpensive tool. Transthoracic echocardiography and transoesophageal echocardiography, furthermore, are proven to change therapeutic management leading to initiation of anti-coagulation, anti-microbial therapy, patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure, or cardiac tumour resection. The most common cardioembolic sources include left atrial appendage thrombus, left ventricular thrombus, vegetations in endocarditis, paradoxical embolization in PFO, prosthesis thrombosis, and intracardiac tumours. Although the presence of a cardioembolic source only represents a risk factor for an ischaemic stroke, it could not assure the certain or the unique cause of the event. The purpose of this review is to underline the importance of echocardiography and overview the main sources of cardiac embolism and the echocardiographic features.

MO785: Balancing the Covid-19 Pandemic Impact on the Maintenance of Haemodialysis Vascular Access

BACKGROUND AND AIMSThe new coronavirus disease, named by World Health Organization (WHO) as COVID-19 brought great challenges to patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In general, ESRD patients have a higher number of comorbidities and are at risk for the severe presentation of this disease.As a lifeline of haemodialysis patients, vascular access (VA) care has a profound impact on the patient's quality of dialysis and life but the ideal management of VA during the pandemic is currently unknown.Many centres differed on their approach and referral criteria to minimize COVID-19 risk but the impact on VA and patient survival is unknown.In this multicentre retrospective cross-sectional study, we analysed the impact of the pandemic on VA maintenance in Vascular Access Centres of Nephrocare Portugal.METHODThe authors collected VA data from haemodialysis patients treated at three Vascular Access Centers of NeproCare Portugal from January 2019 to July 2021 and compared the year before and after the pandemic.RESULTSOf the 14 352 haemodilaysis patients included, with a mean age of 68 ± 14 years, 7.161 procedures were analysed.A total of 4086 endovascular procedures and 3075 surgeries were performed from January 2019 to July 2021 in the three national vascular access centres of Nephrocare.Blood flow decrease measured by the blood temperature sensor BTM_ (Blood Temperature Monitor), Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany was the most frequent motive of referral to an endovascular procedure before and after the pandemic (P .221).During both waves, physical examination and clinical signs were the most affected motives of referral, followed by a rebound significantly increase (P .058).Thrombosis remained stable during the lockdown followed by a non-significant trend to increase.New vascular access creation was the most frequent motive to send a patient to surgery before and after the pandemic (P .480).Fistula and prosthesis thrombosis also didn't significantly increase as a motive of referral to a VAC (P .221 and 1.0 respectively).Angioplasty without stent followed by thrombolysis was the most frequent types of endovascular procedures before and during the pandemic without significant differences (P .430).Surgical thrombectomy followed by fistula creation were the most frequent types of surgical procedures before and during the pandemic without significant differences (P .683).During the first wave, there was a decrease in procedures without possibility to intervention (P .037) with posterior significant rebound increase.Although there was a trend to a decrease in intervention, the number and types of procedures didn't significantly change before and during the pandemic even after separating different centres.Additionally, the number of hospital admissions related to vascular access also didn't significantly change (P .368).CONCLUSIONWith the implementation of proactive infection control measures, it was possible to maintain proper monitoring, surveillance and VA care without significantly increasing the rate of thrombosis and minimizing related hospital admissions of haemodialysis patients.

Two-Stage Total Hip Arthroplasty for Primary Advanced Septic Arthritis of the Hip in Adults.

Background Comparing the outcomes of debridement and total hip arthroplasty (THA) with antibiotic-loaded spacer implantation and subsequent THA for the treatment of patients affected by primary advanced septic arthritis (SA) of the hip in adults. Methods All of the 20 patients (20 hips) underwent two-stage surgery. Nine patients were submitted to surgical debridement first and then THA (group 1), while 11 patients were treated with antibiotic-loaded spacer and subsequent THA (group 2). Patients were evaluated based on the recurrence of infection, Harris hip score, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, and leg length discrepancy. Results No cases of infection, deep vein thrombosis, death, and loosening of the hip prosthesis were observed during follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 29.09 ± 10.80 months in group 1 and 28.22 ± 14.80 months in group 2. Before the THA surgery, the mean leg length discrepancy was 2.80 ± 2.03 cm in group 1 and 0.50 ± 0.23 cm in group 2 (P < 0.05). In the latest follow-up, the Harris hip scores of patients were 90.33 ± 4.85 in group 1 and 94.36 ± 2.34 in group 2 (P < 0.05), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the VAS pain score of the hip between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions Debridement and antibiotic-loaded spacer and subsequent THA were effective in eradicating the infection for advanced SA. However, antibiotic-loaded spacer and subsequent THA was superior for effectively maintaining the length of the lower limb and function of the hip.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE IN LEIOMYOSARCOMA OF THE INFERIOR VENA CAVA DEPENDING ON ITS LOCATION

The aim: To improve the outcomes of inferior vena cava (IVC) leiomyosarcoma, propose own classification of IVC segments, which correlates with surgical access, methodology, sequence and amount of surgery. Materials and methods: In the period from 1991 to 2021 in the Transcarpathian Regional Clinical Hospital named after A. Novak and in the Transcarpathian Antitumor Center 8 patients with IVC leiomyosarcoma were operated. The prevalence of leiomyosarcoma in IVC was determined according to the division of IVC into 7 segments. Defeat of one segment of IVC was in 50% of cases, two - in 37.5%, three - in 12.5%. In 5 (62.5%) cases circular resection and alloprosthesis of IVC were performed; in 2 (25%) – circular resection, alloprosthesis of IVC and implantation of the right and left renal veins in the prosthesis; in 1 (12.5%) - circular resection, alloprosthesis of IVC and implantation of the left renal vein in the prosthesis. All surgeries were performed with laparotomy access (87.5% by Chevron type). Results: The average operation time was 215 (160-320) minutes, the average blood loss was 305 (250-500) ml. Postoperative complications were recorded in 2 (25%) cases. There were no cases of pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis, prosthesis thrombosis, perioperative mortality. In 7 (87.5%) cases, surgery was radical. The overall 1-year, 2-year and 3-year survival rates were 87.5%, 71.4% and 57.7%. Conclusions: The division of IVC into 7 segments characterizes the detailed definition of the cranial limit of leiomyosarcoma and segmental involvement of IVC in the tumor process, which allows to choose the right surgical tactics, perform radical resection of IVC and maintain laminar blood flow to IVC and its tributaries.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE IN LEIOMYOSARCOMA OF THE INFERIOR VENA CAVA DEPENDING ON ITS LOCATION.

The aim: To improve the outcomes of inferior vena cava (IVC) leiomyosarcoma, propose own classification of IVC segments, which correlates with surgical access, methodology, sequence and amount of surgery. Materials and methods: In the period from 1991 to 2021 in the Transcarpathian Regional Clinical Hospital named after A. Novak and in the Transcarpathian Antitumor Center 8 patients with IVC leiomyosarcoma were operated. The prevalence of leiomyosarcoma in IVC was determined according to the division of IVC into 7 segments. Defeat of one segment of IVC was in 50% of cases, two - in 37.5%, three - in 12.5%. In 5 (62.5%) cases circular resection and alloprosthesis of IVC were performed; in 2 (25%) - circular resection, alloprosthesis of IVC and implantation of the right and left renal veins in the prosthesis; in 1 (12.5%) - circular resection, alloprosthesis of IVC and implantation of the left renal vein in the prosthesis. All surgeries were performed with laparotomy access (87.5% by Chevron type). Results: The average operation time was 215 (160-320) minutes, the average blood loss was 305 (250-500) ml. Postoperative complications were recorded in 2 (25%) cases. There were no cases of pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis, prosthesis thrombosis, perioperative mortality. In 7 (87.5%) cases, surgery was radical. The overall 1-year, 2-year and 3-year survival rates were 87.5%, 71.4% and 57.7%. Conclusions: The division of IVC into 7 segments characterizes the detailed definition of the cranial limit of leiomyosarcoma and segmental involvement of IVC in the tumor process, which allows to choose the right surgical tactics, perform radical resection of IVC and maintain laminar blood flow to IVC and its tributaries.

Minimal Invasive Thoracoscopic Mitral Valve Surgery.

The totally thoracoscopic approach for mitral valve (MV) disease is a minimally invasive method. We investigated the procedure's feasibility, safety and effectiveness when it was performed by an experienced operator. We retrospectively analysed 96 consecutive patients with MV disease treated between March 2016 and November 2019 by minimally invasive procedures. The procedures were performed on a femoral artery-vein bypass through two ports, including a main operation port and a thoracoscopic port. The clinical data of patients were collected, including preoperative cardiac function, operative data, postoperative complications, and follow-up. A total of 96 patients (57 male patients; average age, 49.7±14.5 years; left ventricular ejection fraction, 65.6±7.7%) were enrolled in this study. No intraoperative conversion incision or death occurred. The cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were 163.8±50.6 minutes and 119.7±38.9 minutes, respectively. Postoperative chest tube drainage in the first 24 hours was 232.8±108.1 ml. The ventilation time and length of intensive care unit stay were 13.2±6.2 hours and 2.9±2.2 days, respectively. One patient died of disseminated intravascular coagulation and prosthesis thrombosis 3 days after the operation, fearing anticoagulant-related hemorrhage. The overall success rate of valve repair during 1-year follow-up was 97.9%. The totally thoracoscopic procedure on mitral valves by an experienced surgeon is technically feasible, safe, effective and worthy of widespread adoption in clinical practice.

Surgical treatment of the inferior vena cava (IVC) leiomyosarcoma

Objective. To propose and introduce a diagnostic-treatment algorithm for the inferior vena cava (IVC) leiomyosarcoma into clinical practice.&#x0D; Materials and methods. During last 30 years in Zakarpattya Regional Clinical Hospital Named After Andriy Novak and Zakarpattya Antitumoral Centre were operated 8 patients, suffering the IVC leiomyosarcoma - 7 (87.5%) women and 1 (12.5%) man. Median of the patients' age have constituted 57 yrs old. For characterization of the affection localization in accordance to own views on the subject the classification of the IVC division into 7 segments was applied: infrarenal, іnterrenal, suprarenal, retrohepatic, іnfradiaphragmatic, supradiaphragmatic,іntracardial. Іntravasal localization of the tumor was observed in 3 (37.5%), extravasal - in 1 (12.5%), mixed - in 4 (50%) patients. In all the patients the open laparotomy approach was applied: in 1 (12.5%) patient median laparotomy was performed, and in 7 (87.5%) - bilateral subcostal laparotomy of a «Chevron» type. For the IVC alloprosthesis in 6 (75%) patients a politetrafluoroethylene prosthesis was applied, while in 2 (25%) - Gore-tex prosthesis of 18-22 mm in diameter. In 5 (62.5%) patients circular resection with the IVC alloprosthesis was done, in 2 (25%) - circular resection, the IVC alloprosthesis and іmplantation of right and left renal veins into the prosthesis, and in 1 (12.5%) - circular resection, alloprosthesis of IVC and implantation of left renal vein into prosthesis.&#x0D; Results. The operation median duration have constituted 215 (160 - 320) min, while the average volume of the blood loss - 305 (250 - 500) ml. The Degree II postoperative complications in accordance to classification of Clavien-Dindo were registered in 2 (25%) patients. Pulmonary thromboembolism, venous thrombosis, thrombosis of prosthesis, as well as intraoperative or immediate postoperative lethality were not observed. In 7 (87.5%) patients a radical intervention was performed. In 3 (37.5%) patients a remote hepatic and pulmonary metastases have been developed, leading to their death in terms from 10 to 34 mo. General one-, two- and a three-ear survival have constituted 87.5, 75 and 62.5%, accordingly.&#x0D; Conclusion. Surgical approach of a «Chevron» type and the staged dissection of IVC guarantees an adequate visualization of its іnfra-, іnter- and suprarenal segments. The «piggyback» procedure of hepatic mobilization and Pringle maneuver constitute necessary parts on the stage of dissection in retrohepatic, infradiaphragmatic and supradiaphragmatic segments of IVC. Radical tumoral excision with the IVC prosthesis and implantation, when needed, of renal or hepatic veins - is the only one possibility for improvement of the patients' quality of life in the IVC leiomyosarcoma.

Volume of surgical intervention in renal cancer, complicated by invasion of tumoral thrombus into venous wall

Objective. To determine the volume of surgical intervention on vena cava inferior in renal cancer, complicated by invasion of tumoral thrombus into the vein wall.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Into the investigation were included 147 patients, suffering renal cancer, complicated by tumoral venous thrombosis, who were treated surgically in the Zakarpattya Regional Clinical Hospital named after Andriy Novak or in the Zakarpattya Antitumoral Centre in 2005 - 2020 yrs. The patients’ age varied from 27 to 79 yrs old, their average age have constituted 58 yrs old. There were 97 (66%) men and 50 (34%) women. The null level of venous spread of tumoral thrombus was diagnosed in 55 (37.4%), І – in 32 (21.8%), ІІ – in 30 (20.4%), ІІІ – in 22 (15.0%), and IV - in 8 (5.4%) patients. The tumor was localized in right kidney in 51 (34.7%) patients. Surgical treatment in all the patients was performed - nephrectomy and various interventions on the vein. Longitudinal resection of the vein was performed in 55 (37.4%), resection with suturing of alloflap - in 5 (3.4%), circular resection with prosthesis “end-to-end” - in 4 (2.7%) patients. In the tumoral thrombus localization, including a renal vein, the uxtaosteum resection was performed in 100% of the patients.&#x0D; Results. Average duration of the operation was 165 (102 - 292) min, average volume of the blood loss - 780 (240 - 2250) ml. Mild and moderate postoperative complications in accordance to classification of Clavien-Dindo (Degree I - II) was registered in 38 (21.8%), and the severe (Degree ІІІ - V) - in 6 (4.1%) patients. Surgical complications of Degree III or complications, which demanded urgent relaparotomy, were not observed. In early postoperative period 1 patient died. General postoperative lethality have constituted 0.7%. In all the patients a laminar blood flow was preserved. In no one patient the prosthesis thrombosis, recurrence of the prosthesis thrombus, recurrence of tumoral venous thrombus or pulmonary thromboembolism.&#x0D; Conclusion. Radical method of surgical treatment of renal cancer, complicated by tumoral thrombosis of vena cava inferior, must include nephrectomy, cavatomy, thrombectomy, various variants of resection and prosthesis of the vein. In the null level of the tumoral thrombus venous spread the performance of uxtaosteum resection of renal vein is obligatory.

Obstructive thrombosis of mitral prosthesis — diagnostic trap during a pandemic

Prosthetic obstructive thrombosis, being a major emergency, requires the identification of symptoms of heart failure, which are crucial elements in the early diagnosis and initiation of prompt therapeutic management. Adequate clinical, preclinical and instrumental assessment is the key tactic, used both to confirm the diagnosis and to assess the severity of the general condition and the prognosis of survival of the patient with obstructive thrombosis of the valve prosthesis. Prosthetic heart valve thrombosis is a rare but serious complication. Surgery is the first-line therapy in symptomatic obstructive mechanical valve thrombosis, thrombolytic therapy has been used as an alternative to surgical treatment. In this case report we described a 63-year-old woman who had undergone mitral valve replacement operation 11 months ago, presenting to the guard room in an extremely serious general condition, in polyvisceral and polysystemic dysfunction syndrome (MODS). A thrombus was detected on the prosthetic mitral valve with high transmitral gradient by transthoracic echocardiography. Tissue plasminogen activator treatment was administered successfully. The gradient was improved on prosthetic mitral valve and embolic complications or bleeding were not occurred.

EACVI recommendations on cardiovascular imaging for the detection of embolic sources: endorsed by the Canadian Society of Echocardiography.

Cardioaortic embolism to the brain accounts for approximately 15-30% of ischaemic strokes and is often referred to as 'cardioembolic stroke'. One-quarter of patients have more than one cardiac source of embolism and 15% have significant cerebrovascular atherosclerosis. After a careful work-up, up to 30% of ischaemic strokes remain 'cryptogenic', recently redefined as 'embolic strokes of undetermined source'. The diagnosis of cardioembolic stroke remains difficult because a potential cardiac source of embolism does not establish the stroke mechanism. The role of cardiac imaging-transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), cardiac computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-in the diagnosis of potential cardiac sources of embolism, and for therapeutic guidance, is reviewed in these recommendations. Contrast TTE/TOE is highly accurate for detecting left atrial appendage thrombosis in patients with atrial fibrillation, valvular and prosthesis vegetations and thrombosis, aortic arch atheroma, patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defect, and intracardiac tumours. Both CT and MRI are highly accurate for detecting cavity thrombosis, intracardiac tumours, and valvular prosthesis thrombosis. Thus, CT and cardiac magnetic resonance should be considered in addition to TTE and TOE in the detection of a cardiac source of embolism. We propose a diagnostic algorithm where vascular imaging and contrast TTE/TOE are considered the first-line tool in the search for a cardiac source of embolism. CT and MRI are considered as alternative and complementary tools, and their indications are described on a case-by-case approach.

Thromboembolic complications in antiphospholipid syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis (two clinical cases)

We presented two clinical cases with clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The peculiarity of these cases is the onset of diseases in childhood, as well as the presence of not only extra-skeletal manifestations, but also complications or manifestations of other pathology. In the first case, it was thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower limbs with the development of postthrombotic syndrome. In the second case, aortic valve defect, as a result of aortitis with a dilatation of the ascending aorta, which led to aortic valve replacement and its subsequent dysfunction because of thrombosis of the valve prosthesis. The frequency of detection of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), APS and thrombosis in AS is discussed. The role of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitors in the induction of aPL synthesis and the development of APS in patients with AS is considered either. Separately, we discussed the role of TNFα inhibitors, which are the main drugs in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis, in the induction of aPL synthesis and the development of APS. Data on the occurrence of aPL, the reasons for the development of thrombosis in APS and the role of TNFα inhibitors remains incomplete. Perhaps the combination of APS and AS is an underestimated problem, and the information available in the literature does not reflect the real numbers. It is obvious that further research is needed to improve the treatment of patients with AS with thrombosis.

Intraoperative finding of immobile leaflet(s) following freshly implanted bioprosthetic valves: clinical characteristics and impact on outcomes

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. BACKGROUND Detection of immobile leaflets immediately following bioprosthetic valve implantation is a rare but important intraoperative finding. Restriction of leaflet movement can occur in the closed or open position, leading to abnormal prosthesis function. We sought to determine the clinical implications of immobile leaflets seen on intraoperative echocardiography. METHODS Patients with immobile leaflets identified on intra-operative/procedure echocardiography immediately post implantation between 2009-2020 were identified from an institutional database. All echocardiograms were reviewed de-novo to confirm immobile leaflets in the immediate post-implantation period. Identified cases were matched 1:2 to controls for age; sex; prosthesis position, model and size; and implantation approach (surgical vs. transcatheter). Nominal logistic regression and proportional hazards were used to analyze outcomes. RESULTS Thirty patients with immobile leaflets immediately post-bioprosthesis implantation were included. Clinical characteristics are summarized in the Table. Immobile leaflets were documented in procedural reports in only 18 (60%) patients. Moderate stenosis was present intraoperatively in 1 patient, none demonstrated ≥moderate regurgitation, and none resulted in immediate corrective action. In 3 (10%), valve re-intervention was required within 30 days due to symptomatic prosthesis dysfunction. Presence of restricted leaflet motion was associated with higher need for post-operative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use (odds-ratio 7.3, p = 0.02) and composite end-point of death, valve re-replacement, prosthesis thrombosis, or cardiac hospitalizations (risk ratio 2.1, p = 0.03, Figure). CONCLUSION Immobile leaflet(s) immediately post-bioprosthetic valve implantation is an uncommon, under-reported, and under-treated phenomenon. Even in the absence of significant prosthetic valve dysfunction, it can be associated with worse post-operative course as well as worse outcomes. Baseline characteristics Age 76 (67-84) Sex, male 10 (33%) Surgical approach 25 (83%) Aortic 5 (17%) Mitral 12 (40%) Tricuspid 12 (40%) Pulmonary 1 (3%) Re-intervention within 10 days 3 (10%) Numbers are presented as median (interquartile range) or number (percentage). Abstract Figure. Clinical outcome of stuck leaflets

Thrombosis of Mechanical Mitral Valve Prosthesis Treated With Fibrinolysis

Mechanical prosthetic valve thrombosis is an uncommon but serious complication associated with high mortality and morbidity. Conventionally, prosthetic valve thrombosis is treated with surgical intervention, but recent literature has shown that slow-infusion of low-dose fibrinolytic therapy could be of equal efficacy.

Pregnant Woman who Developed Critical Thrombosis of Mitral Valve Mechanical Prosthesis Due to Warfarin Self-Interruption

Pregnant Woman who Developed Critical Thrombosis of Mitral Valve Mechanical Prosthesis Due to Warfarin Self-Interruption