Pulmonary Artery Diameter Research Articles

Baseline PA/BSA ratio in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement – A novel CT-based marker for the prediction of pulmonary hypertension and outcome

BackgroundPulmonary hypertension (pH) has a prognostic impact on patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Pulmonary artery (PA) dilatation assessed by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has the potential to predict PH. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical parameters associated with PA dilatation and to investigate its prognostic relevance in patients undergoing TAVR. MethodsIn 770 patients undergoing TAVR between February 2016 and July 2019, PA diameter was measured by MDCT before TAVR. Additionally, PA diameter divided by ascending aorta diameter or body surface area (BSA) was calculated. ResultsOf all the CT-derived parameters compared with a receiver operating characteristic curve, the value for PA/BSA with a median of 1.68 (IQR 1.47, 1.91) cm/m2 showed the greatest area-under-the-curve (0.75) for predicting PH at baseline. Based on this median, patients were assigned to a small PA/BSA (n = 386) or a large PA/BSA (n = 384) group. Hereby, a large PA/BSA was independently associated with PH at baseline (OR:8.39 [5.36–13.14], p < 0.001) and after TAVR (OR:1.73 [1.18–2.53], p = 0.005). A large PA/BSA was associated with a significantly higher cumulative two-year all-cause mortality compared to small PA/BSA (30.0% vs. 13.7%, p < 0.001), which was supported in the multivariable model (HR:1.87; 95%CI, 1.12–3.04; p = 0.017). ConclusionPatients with a large PA/BSA on MDCT are more likely to have PH at baseline and after TAVR. Large PA/BSA is associated with an increased risk of mortality and could provide additional information for risk stratification in patients undergoing TAVR.

Accuracy of echocardiography and chest tomography for pulmonary hypertension screening in patients awaiting lung transplantation.

ABSTRACTObjective To examine the accuracy of a pulmonary hypertension screening strategy based on a combination of echocardiographic data and tomographic measurements (pulmonary artery diameter and pulmonary artery diameter to ascending aorta diameter ratio) in patients with chronic lung disease referred for lung transplantation.Methods A retrospective observational study with patients with pulmonary emphysema or fibrosis referred for transplantation between 2012 and 2016. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25mmHg, or between 21 and 24mmHg, with pulmonary vascular resistance >3 Wood units on right heart catheterization. Tomographic measurements were made by two independent radiologists.Results This sample comprised 13 patients with emphysema and 19 patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Of these, 18 had pulmonary hypertension. The level of agreement in tomographic measurements made by radiologists was high (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.936 and 0.940, for pulmonary artery diameter and pulmonary artery diameter to ascending aorta diameter ratio, respectively). Areas under the ROC curves constructed for pulmonary artery diameter, pulmonary artery diameter to ascending aorta diameter ratio, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure as predictors of pulmonary hypertension were 0.540, 0.629 and 0.783, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of pulmonary artery systolic pressure ≥40mmHg were 67%, 79% and 65%, respectively. The combined criterion (pulmonary artery diameter to ascending aorta diameter ratio >1 and/or pulmonary artery systolic pressure ≥40mmHg) achieved sensitivity of 72%, specificity of 79%, and a negative predictive value of 69%.Conclusion Measurements of pulmonary artery and ascending aorta diameter were highly reproducible. The association of pulmonary artery and aortic diameter >1 and/or pulmonary artery systolic pressure ≥40mmHg improved the sensitivity and the negative predictive value for pulmonary hypertension screening. This strategy demands prospective validation to assess safety and cost-effectiveness.

Screening for portopulmonary hypertension using computed tomography-based measurements of the main pulmonary artery and ascending aorta diameters in patients with portal hypertension.

This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of identifying candidates of portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) from general portal hypertension patients based on chest computed tomography (CT) results. One hundred and thirty patients with portal hypertension who had undergone interventional radiology therapies at our hospital between August 2011 and July 2021 were included, and preoperative clinical data were collected. Suspicious PoPH was defined as main pulmonary artery diameter (mPA-D)≥29mm or the ratio of mPA-D to ascending aorta diameter (mPA-D/aAo-D)≥1.0, and probable PoPH as mPA-D≥33mm based on the chest CT. Prevalence of suspicious and probable PoPH was evaluated, and the differences in clinical characteristics of each population were compared. Overall, 29 (22.3%) and 5 (3.8%) patients were categorized as suspicious and probable PoPH, respectively. Univariate analyses revealed that female sex, higher shortest diameter of inferior vena cava, presence of portosystemic shunts ≥5mm, and lower blood urea nitrogen levels were significantly associated with suspicious PoPH (p<0.05). Multivariate analyses identified all four factors as significantly independent determinants of suspicious PoPH (p<0.05). In addition, among the population of suspicious PoPH, there were significant differences in seven parameters, including total bilirubin levels and spleen volume between patients with and without probable PoPH (p<0.05). However, no significant independent indicators of probable PoPH were found. CT-based measurements of mPA-D and mPA-D/aAo-D have the potential to screen patients with suspicious PoPH in clinical practice focused on portal hypertension.

Половозрастные особенности взаимосвязей структурно-функциональных параметров сердца у юниоров-конькобежцев

Success of adaptive changes in young athletes in response to training and competition loads is predicted on the basis of a comprehensive assessment of quantitative and qualitative parameters of the state of critical body systems, primarily, the cardiovascular system. The aim of this paper was to determine sex- and age-related features of the morphofunctional parameters of the heart in young skaters and to identify the relationships that determine their adaptation to speed skating. Materials and methods. The research (with informed consent) included 49 athletes of both sexes with the rank of the First-Class Sportsman. The subjects were divided by age and sex into four subgroups: boys aged 13–15 and 16–18 years; girls aged 13–15 and 16–18 years. We performed electrocardiogram (ECG) recording and echocardiographic examination at rest in line with the existing protocols. Results. According to the screening of intra-system correlations between ECG and echocardiography contour analysis parameters, the following proved to be of prognostic significance: QT interval duration, heart rate and alpha angle for girls aged 13–15 years; duration of atrial excitation and pulmonary artery diameter for boys aged 13–15 years; ejection fraction and cardiac cycle duration for girls aged 16–18 years; duration of atrial excitation, which has four correlations with echocardiographic parameters, for boys aged 16–18 years. The revealed features of the structure of intra-system relationships between 21 morphofunctional parameters of the cardiovascular system are determined in the first age group (13–15 years) by athlete’s sex, while in the second age group (16–18 years) by sex and type of sport. For citation: Yarysheva V.B., Shibkova D.Z., Bayguzhin P.A., Erlikh V.V. Sex- and Age-Related Features of Interrelations Between Structural and Functional Parameters of the Heart in Junior Speed Skaters. Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 2021, vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 405–416. DOI: 10.37482/2687-1491-Z078

Impact of Pulmonary Artery Dilatation on Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of computed tomography (CT)-derived pulmonary artery dilatation (PAD) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Several studies have reported an association between pulmonary hypertension and cardiovascular events, but the prognostic value of PAD in patients undergoing TAVR remains unclear. The preprocedural computed tomographic studies of patients who underwent TAVR at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center between November 2013 and December 2017 were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of PAD assessed on CT (pulmonary artery [PA] diameter≥29mm). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 2 years. A total of 895 patients were included (mean age 81.3 ± 8.5 years), with a mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 4.8%. The median PA diameter was 28.0mm, and PAD was observed in 369 patients (41.2%). Compared with the no-PAD group, the PAD group had higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores and higher rates of atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The PAD group had higher 2-year all-cause mortality than the no-PAD group (28.9% vs 12.8%; P< 0.001), and PAD was independently associated with mortality (adjustedHR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.44-3.39; P< 0.001). Furthermore, PAD had strong prognostic power in the subgroup analysis, stratified according to PA pressure (>36mmHg). CT-derived PAD is a significant prognostic factor in patients undergoing TAVR.

OR29. Echocardiography Parameters Affecting Hospitalization in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients: A Single Center Study

Abstract Aims Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one form of pulmonary hypertension characterized by increased of mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance with normal pulmonary arterial wedge pressure. Echocardiography is one of modalities to assess PAH. The aim of this study is to describe hospitalization risk based on echocardiography parameters in patients with PAH in DR. M. Djamil Hospital. Methods and Results We enrolled patients with PAH who underwent echocardiography examination from January 2016 until July 2020. There were 47 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean of age was 34±13 years old. About 68% patients were female and the most common symptom was dyspnea (92%). Congenital heart disease was the most common etiology in PAH (89%) and about 53% patients got vasodilator. Mean of systolic pulmonary artery (PA) pressure was 68±35 mmHg, tricuspid valve gradient was 60±35 mmHg, and tricuspid regurgitation velocity maximum was 3.7±1.1 m/s. Hospitalization within a year after first echocardiography is found in 21 patients (45%). By T-test analysis, we found a significant difference in mean PA pressure between hospitalized and non-hospitalized group (69 mmHg vs 24 mmHg, p = 0.000). There were no significant difference in another echocardiography parameter such as right atrial dimension, right ventricular dimension and function, estimating right atrial pressure, pericardial effusion, pulmonary acceleration time, and pulmonary artery diameter. Conclusion Higher mean PA pressure was a significant factor affecting hospitalization in PAH patients. Further study using invasive examination is needed to confirm the result.

Pulmonary artery diameter: means and normal limits-assessment by computed tomography angiography.

OBJECTIVESNormal pulmonary artery (PA) diameter remains blurred and the definitions of PA aneurysm are heterogenous. We aimed to assess PA diameters, identify a threshold for normal diameters, define PA aneurysms, possible predictors of PA size and evaluate the correlation with mid-ascending aortic diameters.METHODSBetween April 2018 and August 2019, 497 consecutive patients who underwent whole-body computed tomographic angiography were reviewed. Clinical and imaging data were collected from our institutional database. Precise three-dimensional centreline measurements were taken. Linear regression analysis was performed to detect parameters associated with PA diameter. A two-stage model was created to identify potential predictors and the resulting statistically significant interactions were tested. Data were grouped and PA, standard deviation, and upper normal limits were calculated.RESULTSAmong 497 patients with an average age of 51.4 (20.2) (74.6% males), the mean PA diameter measured 32.0 (4.6) mm [female: 31.2 (4.7) mm vs male: 32.2 (4.5) mm; P = 0.032]. The mean PA length, left PA and right PA diameters were similar between male and female patients. We found a significant correlation (r = 0.352; P < 0.001) between the PAs and mid-ascending aortic diameters. Body surface area (P = 0.032, β = 4.52 [0.40; 8.64] 95% CI) was the only significant influencing variable for PA diameter.CONCLUSIONSThe normal mean PA diameter in a reference cohort is 32.0 (4.6) mm. Body surface area is the only influencing variable of PA diameter. The normal diameters measured and corresponding upper limits of normal revealed that a PA aneurysm should not be considered below a threshold of 45 mm.

Abstract 17147: Multidisciplinary-team Management Of A Severely-ill Pregnant Covid-19 Patient With A Newly Diagnosed Severe Mitral Stenosis

A 30-year-old female who was 26 weeks pregnant, presented to an outside facility with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and was initially treated as an asthma exacerbation. Her chest X-ray and CT revealed extensive bilateral airspace disease of ground glass opacities (Figure 1A) and a main pulmonary artery diameter of 3.5 cm. Transesophageal echocardiogram revealed severe mitral stenosis (MS) with a high Wilkins-Abascal score of 11/16, a mean mitral gradient of 19 mmHg, and a right ventricular systolic pressure of 94 mmHg consistent with severe pulmonary hypertension (Figure 1B, 1C). Rapid COVID test was positive, patient clinically deteriorated and was emergently transferred to our facility. She rapidly required intubation and vasopressor support. Our multi-disciplinary team (MDT) decided to perform an emergent rescue percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty, which led to an improvement of mitral stenosis, but with a resultant significant MR. Intraoperative decision was taken to proceed with an emergency cesarean section and a live male was delivered. Postoperatively, she was treated supportively for COVID pneumonia with rapid improvement in clinical status. She was extubated on the 3 rd postoperative day (POD), and was ambulating without any need for oxygen by the 7 th POD, and discharged home on the 11 th POD. Her infant continued to improve and was discharged 1 month later. Discussion: Rheumatic MS constitutes a major cause of acquired heart disease complicating pregnancy in the developing world. This case report features some of the challenges in the diagnosis and management of a complex condition in the pandemic environment and highlights the importance of MDT approach.

Pulmonary Artery Diameter (PAD) and the Pulmonary Artery to Aorta Ratio (PAD/AAD) as Assessed by Non-contrast Cardiac CT: The Association with Left Ventricular (LV) Remodeling and the LV Function.

Objective Dilatation of the pulmonary artery itself (PAD: pulmonary artery diameter) or in relation to the ascending aorta (PAD/AAD: pulmonary artery diameter to ascending aortic diameter ratio) has been reported to be associated with pulmonary hypertension and with a prognostic outcome of either heart failure or cardiovascular events. We herein aimed to assess the correlations between pulmonary hypertension-related parameters PAD (or PAD/AAD) and left ventricular (LV) remodeling and LV function. Methods This retrospective study included 193 patients (ages: 67±12 years) who underwent both coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and echocardiography. The PAD and the AAD were measured on a transaxial non-contrast CCTA image at the level of the pulmonary artery bifurcation. Left ventricular mass (LVM), relative wall thickness ratio (RWT), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial volume (LAV), and early mitral inflow velocity to mitral annular early diastolic velocity ratio (E/e') were evaluated by echocardiography. The relationships between PAD (or PAD/AAD) and echocardiography parameters were assessed, and adjusted for the demographic data and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors by a multivariable linear regression analysis. Results PAD (mean±SD: 2.6±0.4 cm) was positively correlated with LVM (r=0.34, p＜0.001), LAV (r=0.41, p＜0.001), and E/e' (r=0.29, p＜0.001). PAD/AAD (mean±SD: 0.76±0.12 cm) was positively correlated with LVM (r=0.12, p=0.09), LAV (r=0.24, p＜0.001), and E/e' (r=0.15, p=0.04). These correlations remained significant after adjusting for demographic data and CVD risk factors. PAD (or PAD/AAD) did not correlate with LVEF or RWT (p＞0.05). Conclusion Greater PAD or PAD/AAD is significantly associated with LV remodeling and an impaired LV function.

Prenatal cardiac biometry and flow assessment in fetuses with bicuspid aortic valve at 20 weeks' gestation: multicenter cohort study.

To investigate prenatal changes in cardiac biometric and flow parameters in fetuses with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) diagnosed neonatally compared with controls with normal cardiac anatomy. This analysis was conducted as part of the Copenhagen Baby Heart Study, a multicenter cohort study of 25 556 neonates that underwent second-trimester anomaly scan at 18 + 0 to 22 + 6 weeks' gestation and neonatal echocardiography within 4 weeks after birth, in Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Hvidovre Hospital and Rigshospitalet in greater Copenhagen, between April 2016 and October 2018. From February 2017 (Rigshospitalet) and September 2017 (Herlev and Hvidovre hospitals), the protocol for second-trimester screening of the heart was extended to include evaluation of the four-chamber view, with assessment of flow across the atrioventricular valves, sagittal view of the aortic arch and midumbilical artery and ductus venosus pulsatility indices. All images were evaluated by two investigators, and cardiac biometric and flow parameters were measured and compared between cases with BAV and controls. All cases with neonatal BAV were assessed by a specialist. Maternal characteristics and first- and second-trimester biomarkers were also compared between the two groups. Fifty-five infants with BAV and 8316 controls with normal cardiac anatomy were identified during the study period and assessed using the extended prenatal cardiac imaging protocol. There were three times as many mothers who smoked before pregnancy in the group with BAV as in the control group (9.1% vs 2.7%; P = 0.003). All other baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Fetuses with BAV, compared with controls, had a significantly larger diameter of the aorta at the level of the aortic valve (3.1 mm vs 3.0 mm (mean difference, 0.12 mm (95% CI, 0.03-0.21 mm))) and the pulmonary artery at the level of the pulmonary valve (4.1 mm vs 3.9 mm (mean difference, 0.15 mm (95% CI, 0.03-0.28 mm))). Following conversion of the diameter measurements of the aorta and pulmonary artery to Z-scores and Bonferroni correction, the differences between the two groups were no longer statistically significant. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) multiples of the median (MoM) was significantly lower in the BAV group than in the control group (0.85 vs 1.03; P = 0.04). Our findings suggest that fetuses with BAV may have a larger aortic diameter at the level of the aortic valve, measured in the left-ventricular-outflow-tract view, and a larger pulmonary artery diameter at the level of the pulmonary valve, measured in the three-vessel view, at 20 weeks' gestation. Moreover, we found an association of maternal smoking and low PAPP-A MoM with BAV. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Prognostic Significance of Pulmonary Artery to Aorta Ratio and Other CT Markers in Pulmonary Fibrosis With and Without Emphysema.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with decreased survival in patients with pulmonary fibrosis and combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema. Main pulmonary artery (PA) diameter and PA diameter/ascending aortic diameter (PA/AA) ratio, as measured on CT, have recently emerged as specific markers for PH. Our single-center retrospective study found that PA/AA ratio > 1 is associated with decreased survival in individuals with pulmonary fibrosis, with or without emphysema. Our study also describes markers of cardiac remodeling, and the echocardiographic diagnosis of PH in this patient population.

Effects of Rapid Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery on Prevention of Pulmonary Hypertension Measured by the Pulmonary Artery Diameter and Its Ratio to the Ascending Aorta Diameter

Effects of Rapid Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery on Prevention of Pulmonary Hypertension Measured by the Pulmonary Artery Diameter and Its Ratio to the Ascending Aorta Diameter

Changing of pulmonary artery diameter in accordance with severity of COVID-19 (assessment based on non-contrast computer tomography)

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography is the method of choice for assessing the volume of lung damage in viral pneumonia, including those associated with COVID-19. In addition, computed tomography can determine the main vessels size of the thorax. This allowed us to analyze the relationship between the severity of COVID-19 and the changes in the diameters of the pulmonary artery (PA) and ascending aorta (Ao). Dilation of the PA is a sign of pulmonary hypertension. The study of these patterns may be of clinical significance in determining the treatment tactics and prognosis of the course of COVID-19 disease.&#x0D; AIM: To evaluate the relationship between PA diameter and the severity of the COVID-19 course in patients of different ages.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a single-centered, cross-section, continuous, uncontrolled study performed on a group of patients (n=511, 267 men, median 59 years, IQR 49.065.0, ages 3184 years) who were treated in a temporary hospital to treat patient with COVID-19. During hospitalization all patients were examined by CT scan of the chest. All studies were carried out using a mobile CT scan system Airo TruCT (Stryker, USA). The degree of damage to the lung tissue was assessed using the CT volume scale 14. Measurement of the LA and Ao diameters was carried out using standard instruments of the radiologists CT workstation perpendicular to the long axis of the vessel.&#x0D; RESULTS: The following statistically significant regularities were obtained: the detection of a dilated pulmonary artery (PA) and an increased PA/Ao ratio correlated to an increase in the degree of lung damage in COVID-19 (Kruskal-Wallis test, K-W p 0.001; median test, MT p 0.001), the diameter of the ascending aorta (Ao) significantly increases with the patients age (K-W p 0.001; MT p 0.001). An insignificant correlation between an increase in the diameter of the pulmonary artery (PA) and the patients age (K-W p=0.094; MT p=0.311) and an insignificant correlation between detection of a change in aortic (Ao) diameter and the degree of lung damage (K-W p=0.061; MT p=0.165) were shown. In groups with a severe course of the disease and a large volume of lung lesions (CT-3 and CT-4), a significantly greater number of patients with signs of pulmonary hypertension (detection of the dilated pulmonary artery: 29 mm and more) was shown for all age groups.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The study showed that PA dilatation and increased PA/Ao diameter ratio were significantly associated with increased pulmonary lesion volume in COVID-19 in all age groups.

Usefulness of transthoracic echocardiography for pulmonary artery aneurysm screening in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract Background/Introduction Pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA), defined as a pulmonary artery (PA) diameter &amp;gt;40 mm, is a common finding among pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. Although often asymptomatic, PAA may lead to life-threatening complications such as left main coronary artery compression or PA dissection. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is regularly employed for risk assessment in PAH patients. However, TTE accuracy for PA measurement has not been evaluated, and current practice guidelines lack formal recommendations for PAA screening and follow-up. We aim to determine whether TTE is an appropriate tool for PA diameter measurement and determine an optimal cut-off point to diagnose a PAA through TTE. Methods We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 657 PAH patients followed up at a national referral centre. For this analysis, we selected those patients who had undergone at least one TTE and one computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) within six months before or after the TTE. We performed an agreement analysis between CT/MR-based and TTE-based PA diameter using the Passing–Bablok method. Furthermore, we calculated the area under the curve for the identification of a PAA with a TTE (compared to CT/MR). Results We analyzed 281 simultaneous CT/MR and TTE of a total of 178 PAH patients (71% women). Median age at diagnosis was 42.1 (32.2–58.0) years. PAH etiology was idiopathic or familial in 67 (38%), associated with congenital heart disease in 28 (16%) and associated with connective tissue disease in 36 (20%) patients. In 46 (26%) patients PAH was associated with other entities, such as human immunodeficiency virus, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, drugs or portal hypertension. We found a significant correlation between PA diameter measured in TTE and CT/CMR (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient = 0.851) (Figure 1). The area under the curve for the detection of PAA was 0.91 (95% CI 0.88–0.95, p=0.018) (Figure 2). We selected a TTE-based PA diameter 37 mm as the optimal cut-off point for PAA identification. This diameter correctly classified 85.4% of measurements with a sensitivity and a specificity of 83.2% and 87.2%, respectively. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that TTE is an adequate tool for PA diameter quantification with a strong correlation with CT/MR. This good correlation makes TTE an excellent tool for PAA screening among PAH patients, avoiding unnecessary CT or MR scan and helping to identify those patients in whom close follow-up is advisable. Based on these results, we recommend the inclusion of PA diameter measurement in TTE acquisition protocols for PAH patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Passing–Bablok regression lineFigure 2. ROC curve for PAA detection with TTE

Novel computed-tomography derived prognostic markers in patients undergoing TAVI with a self-expanding valve

Abstract Introduction Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is the treatment of choice in a consistently expanding group of patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. Tricuspid and mitral annular dilatation with consequent valvular regurgitation are associated with adverse outcome. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is routinely performed for preprocedural evaluation of vascular access and prosthesis sizing. Purpose To evaluate the impact of mitral and tricuspid annular dimensions in preprocedural CTA on prognosis of patients undergoing TAVI with a self-expanding valve. Methods CTAs of consecutive patients undergoing TAVI in a single high-volume center between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Maximal septolateral tricuspid annular diameters (TAD) and mitral annular diameters (MAD) were obtained and measured from properly angulated three dimensional CTA datasets. Moreover, maximal pulmonary artery diameter perpendicular to the long axis was measured in every patient. Patients were followed up by clinical visits or telephone contacts. As clinical events were defined all-cause mortality, stroke and heart failure hospitalization. Results In total 123 patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up duration was 875±383 days and 21 clinical events were recorded. There was a moderate but statistical significant correlation between TAD and both pulmonary artery diameter (r=0.39, p&amp;lt;0.001) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure by echocardiography (r=0.23, p=0.015). In univariate logistic regression analysis pulmonary artery diameter and TAD were both associated with heart failure hospitalization (p=0.03 and 0.02 respectively). In addition, MAD was associated with total events (OR: 0.43, 95% CI 0.19–0.99, p=0.048). The relationship of MAD with events remained significant after adjustment for sex, age and tricuspid annular dimensions (OR: 0.28, 95% CI 0.1–0.79, p=0.02). Conclusions TAD and MAD were associated with heart failure rehospitalization and clinical events respectively in patients undergoing TAVI with a self-expanding valve. Further larger prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the prognostic value of these CTA markers. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Clinical impact of pulmonary artery to aorta diameter ratio on left ventricular reverse remodeling in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) is an important predictor for a good prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Previous reports indicated the pulmonary artery diameter (PAD) to ascending aortic diameter (AoD) ratio as a predictor of adverse outcomes in heart failure patients. However, the impact of the PAD/AoD ratio for predicting LVRR in patients with DCM is unknown. Aim The aim of this study is to investigate the association between PAD/AoD ratio and LVRR in patients with DCM. Methods From a prospective study, clinically stable DCM patients who were investigated the LVRR on echocardiography and underwent CT at baseline were enrolled. LVRR is defined as left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction increase of 10% and a decrease in indexed LV end-diastolic diameter of 10% compared to those at baseline. PAD and AoD data was collected with nonenhanced computed tomography images at baseline. Results In sixty-nine patients (mean age 50.0±13.3 years), the mean LV ejection fraction was 29.8%, and mean LV end-diastolic dimension was 64.5mm, and both of which data was no significant difference between patients with or without LVRR. LVRR was observed in 23 (33.3%) patients. The PAD/AoD ratio was significantly lower in patients with LVRR than without LVRR (81.4% vs. 92.4%, p=0.003). By ROC analysis, the best cut-off for the detection of LVRR was found for a PAD/AoD ratio of 0.9. From multivariate analyses, PAD/AoD ratio was identified as a significant predictor of LVRR. After a median follow-up duration of 2.5 years, the DCM patients with PAD/AoD≥0.9 revealed a significant higher cardiac event than those with PAD/AoD&amp;lt;0.9 (log-rank, p=0.007) Conclusions The PAD/AoD ratio is useful for predicting LVRR in patients with DCM. The DCM patients with high PAD/AoD ratio had a poor long-term outcome. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. ROC curve for LVRR predictionKaplan-Meier survival curves

Evaluation of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Stenting as Palliative Treatment in Severely Cyanotic Tetralogy of Fallot: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Background: Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) is a cardiac malformation that accounts for up to 1/10 of all congenital diseases. Although surgical repair serves as a treatment of choice, it cannot be performed unless weight and anatomical key factors are favorable. The stenting of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) has become an alternative palliative procedure for ToF as an option to alleviate infundibular obstruction with minimal invasion. Methods: A literature search was conducted through 7 databases, followed by the screening and independent assessment of 6 final studies, using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). Analysis was then conducted using inverse variance analysis, and cumulative data were presented with forest and funnel plots. Results: Studied patients were referred for RVOT stenting due to the marked obstruction of the pulmonary blood flow, a low birth weight, or a small pulmonary artery size. The analysis revealed a significant increase in O2 saturation (mean difference [MD=18%; 13–23.78). The same trend was observed concerning an increase in the Nakata index (MD=54.59; 10.05–99.14), the right pulmonary artery diameter (MD=2.28; 1.20–3.36), and the left pulmonary artery diameter (MD=1.77; 0.22–3.32). Several complications were found, including tricuspid regurgitation and frequent premature beats. Conclusion: RVOT stenting is considered a feasible palliative treatment for ToF, with its high effectiveness in improving patients’ condition, especially their pulmonary flow. While complications are scarce, several conditions should be noted, particularly for fatal complications. Finally, this study has limitations as catheterization details in studies and diverse infants’ conditions may have caused potential bias

PH-ILD: Identification, Evaluation, and Monitoring: A Diagnostic View From Both Sides

PH-ILD: Identification, Evaluation, and Monitoring: A Diagnostic View From Both Sides

Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of CT pulmonary artery to aorta diameter ratio in screening for pulmonary hypertension in end-stage COPD patients

AimTo determine the diagnostic accuracy of pulmonary artery to aorta ratio in screening for pulmonary hypertension in advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.MethodsA prospective, diagnostic study was conducted in University Hospital Center Zagreb between January 2015 and March 2018. The study enrolled 100 patients who consecutively underwent chest computed tomography (CT), echocardiographic exam, and right heart catheterization. Two independent observers measured pulmonary artery and ascending aorta diameters. The correlation between the ratio and mean pulmonary artery pressure, measured invasively, was assessed. Patients with echocardiographic signs of moderate systolic or diastolic left ventricular dysfunction were excluded (n = 44).ResultsSixty-six patients (55.5% men), with a median age of 61, were identified. Median forced expiratory volume during the first second (FEV1) was 34 ± 12, FEV1/forced vital capacity <0.70. Patients with and without pulmonary hypertension had pulmonary artery diameter of 36 ± 7 mm and 27 ± 4.6 mm, respectively (P < 0.001). Median pulmonary artery/aorta (PA/A) ratios for patients with and without pulmonary hypertension were 1.05 and 0.81, respectively (P < 0.001). PA/A ratio above 0.95 was an independent predictor of pulmonary hypertension with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 74.51% (area under the curve = 0.882; standard error = 0.041; P < 0.001).ConclusionPA/A ratio as measured on chest CT images can be used as a screening tool instead of echocardiography.

Main pulmonary artery enlargement predicts 90-day readmissions in Chinese COPD patients.

BackgroundNumerous studies have shown pulmonary artery enlargement when measured by chest computed tomography (CT) could predict a worse outcome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Herein, we studied the prognostic implication of main pulmonary artery diameter (MPAD) in Chinese COPD patients.MethodsThis is an observational case-control study. Patients with 90-day readmissions are case group and those without 90-day readmission are control group. The study comprised of 417 COPD patients who underwent chest CT in their initial admission due to acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). We analyzed their clinical characteristics such as MPAD, arterial blood gas (ABG) results, other chest CT findings and comorbidities to identify the cause of readmission within 90 days.ResultsMedian age of our study population is 75 years old, and 79.6% of them are male. The median MPAD is 2.8 cm and 80.6% were also diagnosed with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in their first admission. The median MPAD in patients with 90-day readmission was 3.1 cm while patients without 90-day readmission had median MPAD of 2.8 cm. Through multivariate logistic regression analysis CAP (P=0.019, OR: 3.105, 95% CI: 1.203–8.019) and MPAD (P<0.001, OR: 2.898, 95% CI: 1.824–4.605) were statistically significant. In the second stage of analysis, subgroup of patients diagnosed with CAP and AECOPD (pAECOPD) were analyzed, MPAD remained statistically significant (P<0.001, OR: 3.490, 95% CI: 1.929–6.316) and receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve for pAECOPD patients; area under the curve (AUC) was 0.704 (95% CI: 0.631–0.778) with a MPAD cut off value of 2.9 cm (sensitivity 72%, specificity 53%).ConclusionsEnlarged MPAD and pAECOPD in initial admission are independent risk factors for 90-day readmission. In our pAECOPD patient population, MPAD >2.9 cm are at increased risk of 90-day readmission.