Severe Aortic Calcification Research Articles

Diagnostic value of fibroblast growth factor 23 for abdominal aortic calcification in Indonesian hemodialysis patients.

Objective:Homeostasis of serum phosphorus and calcitriol level is regulated mainly by fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Studies show that elevated serum FGF23 level was significantly associated with aortic calcification severity, peripheral blood vessels, and a higher score of coronary artery calcification in patients undergoing hemodialysis. We did this cross-sectional study to determine the FGF23 diagnostic value for abdominal aortic calcification in Indonesian hemodialysis patients.Materials and Methods:This study included seventy-five, chronic hemodialysis patients. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to measure serum intact FGF23 level, and abdominal aortic calcification was detected by lateral lumbar X-ray. The diagnostic value of FGF23 was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results:fifty-one (68.0%) patients had abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). Serum intact FGF23 level ranged from 217 to 950 pg/mL with a median level of 328 pg/mL. The FGF23 levels in the serum of patients with AAC were significantly higher than those without AAC (P < 0.001). The best cutoff point was 277 pg/mL. The calculated area under the ROC curves was 0.959 (95% confidence interval, 0.912–1.00); sensitivity was 94.0% and specificity was 84.0% (P < 0.001).Conclusion:serum intact FGF23 level may be proposed as a proper tool for abdominal aortic calcification in Indonesian hemodialysis patients.

Abstract 14548: Coronary and Aortic Calcification Are Common in Men With Recurrent Prostate Cancer Undergoing PET/CT Imaging

Background: Men who receive androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer may be at increased risk for cardiovascular events. Vascular calcification is predictive of coronary events in the general population. The prevalence of vascular calcification in men with prostate cancer is not known. Methods: 211 consecutive patients who underwent 18F-fluciclovine positron emission tomography (PET) /computed tomography (CT) at Washington University School of Medicine for recurrent prostate cancer were retrospectively identified. Clinical, demographic, and cardiac biomarker data were obtained from the medical record. Coronary and aortic calcification were qualitatively assessed on non-gated CT scans using standardized scoring systems. Results: Among 211 men with recurrent prostate cancer, median age was 69 (IQR 64, 75) years. Cardiovascular comorbidities were common (70% hypertension, 65% hyperlipidemia, 20% diabetes mellitus, 47% current or former smoking). 21% carried a clinical diagnosis of coronary artery disease while 6% had peripheral vascular disease. On CT imaging, 147 patients (70%) had coronary artery calcification of whom 29 (20%) had severe calcification. Additionally, 189 patients (90%) had aortic calcification on CT imaging of whom 48 (25%) had severe thoracic aortic calcification and 109 (58%) had severe calcification at the aortoiliac bifurcation. Conclusions: Coronary and peripheral vascular calcification are common on PET/CT imaging in men with prostate cancer. Vascular calcification on CT imaging may have utility for cardiovascular risk stratification and guiding implementation of cardiovascular therapies in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy.

Abstract 14602: Vascular Calcification is Associated With Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Men With Recurrent Prostate Cancer Undergoing PET/CT Imaging

Background: Hormone therapy is a front-line therapy for men with prostate cancer and is associated with adverse cardiovascular events. The utility of vascular calcification for cardiovascular risk stratification in men with prostate cancer is unknown. Methods: 211 consecutive patients who underwent 18F-fluciclovine positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) at a single institution for recurrent prostate cancer were retrospectively identified. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from the medical record. Coronary and aortic calcification were qualitatively assessed on non-gated CT scans using standardized scoring systems. The primary outcome was a composite of subsequent major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE; myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary or peripheral revascularization, heart failure hospitalization) or all-cause mortality. Results: Median age was 69 (IQR 64, 75) years and cardiovascular comorbidities were common (70% hypertension, 65% hyperlipidemia, 47% current or former smoking, 20% diabetes mellitus). Over a median of 16.5 months, 8 patients (4%) met the primary outcome. Patients with MACE or death were older and had higher prevalence of traditional cardiovascular comorbidities (risk ratio [RR] 1.3 for hypertension, 1.4 for hyperlipidemia, 1.3 for diabetes mellitus; p&gt;0.05 for all). Coronary and aortic calcification were more common in patients with MACE or death. Severe coronary calcification (RR=6.1, 95% CI 1.6-23.2, p=0.008) and severe thoracic aortic calcification (RR=9.9, 95% CI 2.0-47.6, p=0.004) were associated with significantly increased risk of MACE or death. Conclusions: Coronary and aortic calcification on PET/CT imaging are associated with significantly increased risk of MACE or death in men with recurrent prostate cancer. Vascular calcification may have utility for cardiovascular risk stratification in men receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer.

Lack of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Accelerates Ectopic Calcification in Uremic Mice Fed an Adenine and High Phosphorus Diet

Ectopic calcification is a risk of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and impaired endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is involved in the CKD complications. However, whether eNOS dysfunction is a cause of ectopic calcification in CKD remains to be elucidated. To address this issue, we investigated the role of eNOS in ectopic calcification in mice with renal injury caused by an adenine and high-phosphorus (Ade+HP) diet. DBA/2J mice, a calcification-sensitive strain, were fed Ade+HP for 3 weeks. Expression levels of eNOS-related genes were reduced significantly in their calcified aorta. C57BL/6J is a calcification-resistant strain, and wild-type mice showed mild calcified lesions in the aorta and kidney when given an Ade+HP diet for 4 weeks. In contrast, a lack of eNOS led to the development of severe aortic calcification accompanied by an increase in runt-related transcription factor 2, an osteochondrogenic marker. Increased renal calcium deposition and the tubular injury score were remarkable in mice lacking eNOS-fed Ade+HP. Exacerbation of ectopic calcification by a lack of eNOS is associated with increased oxidative stress markers such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases. In conclusion, eNOS is critically important in preventing ectopic calcification. Therefore, the maintenance of eNOS is useful to reduce cardiovascular disease events and to improve prognosis in CKD patients.

Stroke after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: new insights into risk prediction

Abstract Background Stroke is still a feared complication following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), associated with increased mortality and severe impact on patients' daily living. Despite technological development and knowledge improvement, cerebrovascular events (CVE) are still not predictable so far and simple risk scores are lacking. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate different preprocedural factors that may favour stroke after TAVI, especially regarding severity of aortic calcification. Methods From May 2011 to January 2018 a total of 1365 patients underwent TAVI with a balloon-expandable (n=442, 32.4%) or self-expandable (n=923, 67.6%) device at our institution. All patients underwent multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) before TAVI. To obtain the significant factors for stroke risk prediction we performed multivariate regression analysis and selected the optimal cut-off values according to the maximum Youden index for dichotomization of the risk score items. Finally, we used receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and areas under the ROC curves (AUC) to validate our risk score in comparison to other existing models. Results 60 of 1365 patients (4.4%) had new neurological impairment after TAVI during hospital stay (mean 11.2±6.7 days). We performed propensity score matching (1:10) to balance baseline characteristics between patients with and without stroke following TAVI, resulting in 56 patients with in-hospital stroke and 521 patients without. Preprocedural factors associated with stroke turned out to be history of prior stroke (OR 1.94; 95% CI 0.85–4.43; p=0.114), aortic valve area ≥0.545 cm2 (OR 3.11; 95% CI 1.16–8.34; p=0.024), atrioventricular angle ≥48.5° (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.20–4.49; p=0.013), RCC Agatston Score ≥447.2 AU (OR 1.8; 95% CI 0.94–3.44; p=0.077), LVOT Agatston Score ≥262.4 AU (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.08–3.75; p=0.028) and ascending thoracic aorta Agatston Score ≥116.4 AU (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.17–4.17; p=0.015). ROC analysis showed that our risk model had an AUC of 0.73 (95% CI 0.66–0.80; p&amp;lt;0.001), a sensitivity of 70.6%, a specificity of 69.0%, a positive predictive value of 19.5% and a high negative predictive value of 95.7%. Our risk model appeared to be the best for stroke prediction after TAVI compared to other risk scores used in literature before like EuroSCORE II (AUC 0.50; 95% CI 0.43–0.58; p=0.950) or CHA2DS2-VASc Score (AUC 0.62; 95% CI 0.55–0.70; p=0.004). Conclusion Especially aortic root calcium volume assessed by MSCT predicts CVE after TAVI and could be integrated into a six items risk model for preprocedural prediction of stroke after TAVI. This model could guide us in identifying those patients who are most likely to benefit from transcatheter cerebral embolic protection devices. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Robotic-assisted cardiac surgery without aortic cross-clamping: A safe alternative approach.

Attempting to place an aortic cross-clamp may complicate surgery and postoperative outcomes in patients who have mediastinal adhesions or in those with extensive aortic calcification. Although right-sided cardiac surgery via thoracotomy is not a new technique in these patients, robotic-assisted intracardiac repair without cross-clamping was not reported in a large group of patients previously. In this study, the safety of robotic-assisted cardiac surgery without aortic cross-clamping was examined. From January 2010 to March 2020, 304 patients underwent robotic-assisted cardiac surgery in our center and in 25 of these patients (8.2%) with a mean age of 65.5 ± 20 years myocardial protection was succeeded with moderate hypothermic ventricular fibrillatory arrest. Severe pericardial adhesions or existence of highly calcified ascending aorta were the indications for fibrillatory arrest during robotic assistant surgery. Most patients were in New York Heart Association Class ≥II (88.0%) and the mean logistic Euroscore value was 18.5 ± 22.3. The typeof operations were mitral/tricuspid valve repair/replacement, cryoablation, atrial septal defect closure, and pericardiectomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass times were 141.5 ± 47 (minimum 77-maximum 252) min. There was no case of conversion to open thoracotomy or sternotomy. Hemiparesis was observed in one patient. Two patients with 78.2 and 81.9 Euroscore values had mesenteric ischemia and multiorgan failure, respectively, and died at postoperative period. Robotic-assisted cardiac surgery without cross-clamping may provide reasonable outcomes in patients with severe aortic calcification or mediastinal adhesions undergoing intracardiac repair. These acceptable outcomes may encourage surgeons to perform this approach in appropriate group of patients.

Transcatheter cerebral embolic protection in open heart surgery: our initial experience in Ancona, Italy

Neurological events after cardiac surgery or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have a dramatic effect on patients' prognosis. Recent development of transcatheter cerebral protection systems aims to reduce their incidence, even if their use is currently limited to TAVI. Here we report our initial experience with transcatheter cerebral protection devices used in patients at high brain embolic risk undergoing cardiac surgery. Between December 2018 and March 2020, at the Cardiac Surgery Unit of Lancisi Cardiovascular Center in Ancona, Italy, 9 patients (mean age 77 years; median EuroSCORE II: 2.2%) underwent cardiac surgery using a transcatheter cerebral protection system (Sentinel, Claret Medical, Santa Rosa, CA, USA). In all cases, a preoperative computed tomography scan highlighted the presence of severely calcified ascending aorta. The brain protection system was successfully implanted in all patients. Total time for device implantation and removal was less than 10 min in all cases. Four patients underwent aortic valve replacement, 2 mitral surgery, whereas 3 received combined valve surgery. Calcified debris were found within filters in 100% of patients. Postoperatively, there were neither neurological events nor major complications. In our experience, transferring transcatheter brain protection techniques and technologies to cardiac surgery allowed us (with excellent results) to avoid palliative percutaneous or medical management in patients with severe aortic calcifications. Waiting for more solid evidence, we believe that our example supports the concept of hybrid surgery as a therapeutic approach capable of extending traditional surgical indications with improved patients' outcomes.

Modified New Zealand rabbit model produces severe aortic valve calcification and stenosis via extracellular membranous particles

Abstract Background/Purpose In aortic valve stenosis calcification begins with nucleation on extracellular vesicles. In order to study early-stage disease, validated animal models are needed. The Drolet rabbit model is relevant due to tricuspid valve, but failed to consistently produce stenosis probably due to regimen administration. We compared a modified rabbit model and investigated the mechanisms and patterns of calcification. Methods New Zealand rabbits introduced to normal chaw+1% cholesterol+8750 IUs Vitamin D2/kg (Sigma) daily, in olive oil given in a bisquit vs control animals, for 8 weeks. Aortic valve area (AVA) and mean gradient (meanGr) was assessed with echocardiography (Vivid 7, M3S transducer, GE). At 8 weeks animals were sacrificed and valves were snap-frozen to −80°C. From each animal, one cusp was analyzed with Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR, Nicolet 6700 spectrometer, OMNIC 7.3 software), another cusp was processed in alcoholic solution and the third was fixed 0.5 μm thin on 4% PFA; supernatant and tissue respectively examined with multispectral optical imaging. Valves from patients with severe stenosis were used for qualitative comparisons. Results At 8 weeks versus baseline, AVA reduced (0.5 cm2 to 0.3 cm2) and meanGr increased (1.1 to 2.95 mmHg, p&amp;lt;0.05), in control was unchanged. FT-IR vibrations in the region of 1800–800 cm–1 demonstrated changes in the protein structure and deposition of CaCO3 and non-hydroxyapatite Ca3(PO4)2 identical to patients' lesions. Multispectral optical imaging of supernatants revealed numerous membranous particles and conductivity analysis indicated calcium cations accumulation on the phospholipids of membrane. The tissue images confirmed the degradations and dendrimer-like depositions of calcium cations most likely on carbonates of amino acids. Conclusions The modified high-fat-vitamin D2 rabbit model produces aortic valve stenosis, with chemically identical mineralization to human lesion. Multispectral photonics demonstrate the presence of calcified membranous extracellular particles, a hallmark of cardiovascular calcification. Dendrimer-like depositions correspond to growing deposits. The model is suitable as a research platform purposed for aortic valve stenosis. Figure 1. A: Image from alcoholic solution supernatant. The bright spots have high conductivity due to Ca 2+ deposition. B: ImageJ surface plot of circulated region confirms calcification. C: 3D-plot illustrates mineralization of membranes. D: 3D-plot of human aortic valve. E: Hypermicroscopic image of rabbit valve tissue: dendrimer-like and mineral cation deposits. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Concordia University, Montreal, Canada

Aortic Arch Calcification and the Risk of Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background: Atherosclerosis and cancer share multiple disease pathways. Yet, it is unclear if atherosclerosis is associated with a subsequent higher cancer risk. We determined the association of atherosclerotic calcification in the aortic arch, as proxy for systemic atherosclerosis, with the risk of cancer.Methods: Between 2003 and 2006, 2,404 participants (mean age: 69.5 years, 52.5% women) from the prospective population-based Rotterdam Study underwent computed tomography to quantify calcification in the aortic arch. Participants were followed for the onset of cancer, death, loss to follow-up, or January 1st, 2015, whichever came first. We computed sex-specific tertiles of aortic arch calcification volumes. Next, we examined the association between the volume and severity (i.e., tertiles) of aortic arch calcification and the risk of cancer using Cox proportional hazard models.Results: During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 9.6 years (8.9–10.5), 348 participants were diagnosed with cancer. Participants with the greatest severity of aortic arch calcification had a higher risk of cancer [hazard ratio for the third tertile compared to the first tertile of aortic arch calcification volume in the total population is 1.39 (95% CI = 1.04–1.86)].Conclusions: Individuals with the most severe aortic arch calcification had a higher risk of cancer. While this could reflect the impact of long-term exposure to shared risk factors, it might also point toward the co-occurrence of both conditions.

Red blood cell folate and severe abdominal aortic calcification: Results from the NHANES 2013–2014

Background and aimsAbdominal aortic calcification (AAC) has been introduced as a good predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, but no previous study has investigated the relationship between folate levels and AAC. The present study aims to explore the relationship between red blood cell (RBC) folate, a better indicator reflecting long-term folate intake, and severe AAC in the United States (US) middle-aged and elderly population. Methods and resultsCross-sectional data were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014 of 2818 men and women aged 40 years or older. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for severe AAC of each RBC folate quintile category. The restricted cubic spline model was used for the dose–response analysis. A U-shaped dose–response relation between RBC folate and the odds of severe AAC was found after adjustment for multiple potential confounding factors, p for nonlinear = 0.0032. With the third quintile category of RBC folate as the reference, multivariable-adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of the lowest, second, fourth, and the highest quintile categories were 2.34 (1.37–4.00), 1.24 (0.70–2.19), 1.58 (0.92–2.70), and 2.26 (1.35–3.76), respectively. ConclusionsIndividuals with either low or high levels of RBC folate were at increased risks of severe AAC in a representative sample of US adults. While folate deficiency is widely recognized as harmful, these results highlight the need to investigate the potential adverse health outcomes of high folate level.

The predictive value of serum galectin 3 for abdominal aortic calcification in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A prospective cohort study

Heterotopic vascular calcification is a common complication of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Galectin 3 (Gal-3) has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular calcification. The current study aims to explore the potential predictive value of serum Gal-3 for severe abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and AAC progression in MHD patients. A prospective cohort who underwent hemodialysis during July 2014 at the Blood Purification Center of Ruijin Hospital were followed up for 3 years. Two AAC assessments were performed: one at baseline and one after the 3-year follow-up period. Serum Gal-3 was detected with quantitative ELISA kits. SPSS 23.0 and MedCalc 11.4.2.0 were used to analyze the data. One hundred and fifty-two patients were recruited. Approximately 59.9% were male, the median age was 60 (50-67) years. Logistic regression analysis indicated that serum Gal-3 was an independent risk factor for both follow-up severe AAC and AAC progression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed significant prognostic value of serum Gal-3 for predicting severe AAC and AAC progression within 3 years. We found serum Gal-3 is correlated to vascular calcification in ESRD patients. Gal-3 may be a potential biomarker of vascular calcification for MHD patients.

Association Between Serum Cotinine and Severe Abdominal Aortic Calcification in US Adults.

This study aims to explore the association between serum cotinine and severe abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in the US adults. We examined 2840 participants with a weighted mean age of 57.4 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014. Serum cotinine was analyzed as the main exposure both continuously and categorically (tertiles). Abdominal aortic calcification detected with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was quantified using the Kauppila score system. Severe AAC was detected in 252 (8.9%) participants. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the middle and top cotinine categories were 1.14 (0.79-1.64) and 1.80 (1.21-2.68), respectively, P for trend = .004. Per unit increase in log-transformed serum cotinine was associated with 10% (95% CI: 6%-15%) higher odds of severe AAC when serum cotinine was analyzed as a continuous variable. The association was consistent across sex and ethnic groups. In conclusion, elevated serum cotinine level was associated with higher odds for severe AAC in a representative sample of US adults.

Artificial Heart Valves with Balanced Charged Networks Exhibiting Anti-Calcification Properties.

Currently, the only treatment for moderate and severe aortic valve calcification disease is valve replacement. The clinical use of bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) is limited because of device failure caused by structural degeneration, such as the calcification of BHV leaflets. In the present study, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) was incorporated with zwitterion (2-[methacryloyloxy]ethyl)dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide (SBMA) forming a balanced charged network, which was further used to modify decellularized heart valves (DHV) and improve anticalcification properties. Valvular prostheses were designed and manufactured to comply with the requirements of ISO-5840 for valve fluid dynamics (i.e., effective orifice area = 1.9 cm2, regurgitant fraction = 1.5% for Φ25 mm surgical valve at heart stroke of 80 mL). Weight loss of artificial heart valves (PEGDA-SBMA-DHV) was less than 5.5% after enzymatic hydrolysis for 12 h. No obvious calcification was observed in artificial heart valves that were modified with PEGDA-SBMA, whereas calcification was found in decellularized heart valves and the PEGDA-modified group. Furthermore, histological staining results indicated that artificial heart valves (PEGDA-SBMA-DHV) with a balanced charged network elicited negligible inflammation. Thus, balanced charged networks of PEGDA-SBMA with cationic and anionic groups can prevent the transportation of Ca2+ ions and enzyme molecules, conferring efficient anticalcification properties to artificial heart valves.

The "UFO" procedure.

The term "UFO" is not a medical term, but helps emphasize the extremely high degree of complexity of a surgical repair that is akin to someone observing an unidentified flying object. It involves replacement of the mitral and aortic valves with reconstruction of the intervalvular fibrous body (IVFB). Specific pathologies that render this operation necessary usually involve the IVFB, which is located between the aortic and mitral valves and constitutes a major portion of the fibrous skeleton of the heart. Patients that most often require such an operation are those with extensive aortic and mitral valve endocarditis with perivalvular extension into the IVFB. Other infrequent situations such as severe aortic and mitral annular calcification involving the IVFB, double valve replacement in patients with extremely small aortic and mitral annuli or double valve reoperations in which no IVFB is available following excision of both valves, necessitating the UFO procedure. The basic surgical principle has been first described as early as 1980. Depending on the extent of excised tissue due to the underlying disease, modifications and additional complex repair techniques have to be adopted. It is of utmost importance to have adequate visibility and exposure. There are certain important structures, which are at a risk of either injury or neglect, that can result in development of life-threatening complications during this operation, which a surgeon should be aware of. A step by step description of the "UFO" procedure can help guide the surgeon to perform this operation safely and efficiently. Although clinical complications are high, they are often related to the underlying disease and not specifically to the procedure itself, if performed perfectly.

P3859Stroke after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: an unpredictable risk?

Abstract Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the preferred alternative to surgical valve replacement in high risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Stroke is still a feared complication following TAVI, associated with increased mortality and severe impact on patients' daily living. Despite technological development and knowledge improvement, cerebrovascular events (CVE) are still not predictable so far and simple risk scores are lacking. The expansion of TAVI therapy towards younger and lower risk populations will force us to discover the mechanisms determining stroke after TAVI. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate different patient and procedure related factors for prediction of stroke after TAVI, especially regarding severity of aortic calcification. Methods From May 2011 to January 2018 a total of 1365 patients underwent TAVI with a balloon-expandable (32.4%) or self-expandable (67.6%) valve at our institution. 60 patients (4.4%) suffered from new neurological impairment in terms of CVE after TAVI during hospital stay (mean 11.2±6.7 days). We performed propensity score matching (1:10) to balance baseline characteristics between patients with and without stroke following TAVI, resulting in 56 patients with in-hospital stroke and 521 patients without neurological disorder. Stroke was defined according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium recommendations (VARC-2). Results Body surface area (stroke vs. control: 2.73±0.27 vs. 2.81±0.29 m2; p=0.0451) and prior stroke (stroke vs. control: 17.86% vs. 8.64%; p=0.0256) were patient related predictors of stroke after TAVI during in-hospital stay. While aortic valve Agatston score (stroke vs. control: 2475±1593 vs. 2060±1344 AU; p=0.0383) and ascending thoracic aorta Agatston score (stroke vs. control: 986.5±1989 vs. 505.2±1018 AU; p=0.0045) showed to be good predictors, peripheral vascular diseases were not associated with stroke (stroke vs. control: 35.7% vs. 31.3%; p=0.4986). A procedural predictor of acute CVE was extended procedure time (stroke vs. control: 101.8±39.6 vs. 90.0±31.3 hours; p=0.0105). Finally, stroke after TAVI resulted in clearly prolonged hospital stay (stroke vs. control: 16.1±9.0 vs. 10.7±6.2 days; p&lt;0.0001). Conclusion The severity of aortic valve and ascending thoracic aorta calcification predicts stroke after TAVI as well as extended procedure time, possibly due to increased mechanical intravascular manipulation by prolonged catheterisation. These correlations could guide us in identifying those patients who are most likely to benefit from transcatheter cerebral embolic protection devices.

Selected serum microRNA, abdominal aortic calcification and risk of osteoporotic fracture.

ContextMicroRNA (miRNA) regulate post-transcriptionally the expression of osteogenesis and angiogenesis associated genes and emerge as potential non-invasive biomarkers in vascular and bone diseases. Severe abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular event and of fragility fracture.ObjectiveTo identify miRNA linked to the aggravation of AAC and to incident osteoporotic fracture.DesignPostmenopausal women (>50 years) with available serum at inclusion and data for each outcome (Kauppila score and incident fracture) were selected from the OFELY prospective cohort. We conducted a case-control study in 434 age-matched women, 50% with incident osteoporotic fracture over 20 years of follow-up and a second study in 183 women to explore AAC over 17 years.MethodsSerum expression of three miRNA involved in vascular calcification and bone turnover regulation (miRs-26a-5p,-34a-5p, and -223-5p) was quantified at baseline by TaqMan Advanced miRNA technology and expressed by relative quantification. Outcomes were the association of miRNA levels with (1) incident osteoporotic fractures during 20 years, (2) AAC aggravation during 17 years.ResultsMiRNA level was not associated with incident fractures (miR-26a-5p: 1.06 vs 0.99, p = 0.07; miR-34a-5p: 1.15 vs 1.26, p = 0.35; miR-223a-5p: 1.01 vs 1.05, p = 0.32). 93 women had an increase in Kauppila score over 17 years while 90 did not. None of the miRNAs was associated with an aggravation in AAC (miR-26a-5p: 1.09 vs 1.10, p = 0.95; miR-34a-5p: 0.78 vs 0.73, p = 0.90; miR-223-5p: 0.97 vs 0.78, p = 0.11).ConclusionsCirculating miR-26a-5p, -34a-5p and -223-5p are not significantly associated with incident fracture and AAC aggravation.

Long-term peritoneal dialysis followed by kidney transplantation for Takayasu arteritis: a case report

BackgroundTakayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic vasculitis of unknown etiology that primarily affects large vessels. Although renal involvement is frequent in TA, patients with TA undergoing renal replacement therapy, especially long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) and kidney transplantation (KTx), are rarely reported. We herein present the case of an elderly patient with TA treated by PD for more than 5 years and underwent KTx thereafter.Case presentationA 69-year-old female diagnosed with TA at the age of 19 was treated by PD for seven and a half years for end-stage renal disease due to TA. Dialysate-to-plasma ratio of creatinine, which was well maintained during this period, reflected the efficacy of long-term PD. However, her residual renal function declined; she developed malnutrition, inflammation, and atherosclerosis syndrome and underwent living-related KTx from her husband. Due to the total occlusion of the external iliac arteries with compensatory development of the internal iliac arteries, the right internal iliac artery was used as the anastomosis site. After KTx, the patient developed chronic active antibody-mediated rejection; however, the graft function was maintained throughout the follow-up period. Despite severe aortic calcification and intermittent claudication in the legs, her condition did not worsen, and the blood flow of the graft was preserved.ConclusionsThe current case illustrating the success of long-term PD and living-related KTx in maintaining kidney function in an elderly patient with TA is the first to demonstrate the potential of PD and KTx as feasible options for renal replacement therapy in TA accompanied by severe cardiac involvement.

Prevalence of Unexplained Left Ventricular Hypertrophy by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in MESA.

BackgroundHypertrophic cardiomyopathy is defined as unexplained left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (wall thickness ≥15 mm) and is prevalent in 0.2% of adults (1:500) in population‐based studies using echocardiography. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for more accurate wall thickness measurement across the entire ventricle than echocardiography. The prevalence of unexplained LV hypertrophy by cardiac MRI is unknown. MESA (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) recruited individuals without overt cardiovascular disease 45 to 84 years of age.Methods and ResultsWe studied 4972 individuals who underwent measurement of regional LV wall thickness by cardiac MRI as part of the MESA baseline exam. American Heart Association criteria were used to define LV segments. We excluded participants with hypertension, LV dilation (≥95% predicted end‐diastolic volume) or dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤50%), moderate‐to‐severe left‐sided valve lesions by cardiac MRI, severe aortic valve calcification by cardiac computed tomography (aortic valve Agatston calcium score >1200 in women or >2000 in men), obesity (body mass index >35 kg/m2), diabetes mellitus, and current smoking. Sixty‐seven participants (aged 64±10 years, 9% female) had unexplained LV hypertrophy (wall thickness ≥15 mm in at least 2 adjacent LV segments), representing 1.4% (1 in 74) participants, 2.6% of men and 0.2% of women. Prevalence was similar across categories of race/ethnicity. Hypertrophy was focal in 17 (25.4%), intermediate in 44 (65.7%), and diffuse in 5 (7.5%) participants.ConclusionsThe prevalence of unexplained LV hypertrophy in a population‐based cohort using cardiac MRI was 1.4%. This may have implications for the diagnosis of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and will require further study.

Anatomic eligibility for transcarotid artery revascularization and transfemoral carotid artery stenting

ObjectiveTranscarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) has emerged as an alternative to transfemoral carotid artery stenting (tfCAS). We investigated the proportion of carotid arteries undergoing revascularization procedures that would be eligible for TCAR based on anatomic criteria and how many arteries at high anatomic risk for tfCAS would be amenable to TCAR. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting between 2012 and 2015. Patients were excluded if computed tomography angiography of the neck was not performed within 6 months of the procedure. We assessed TCAR eligibility on the basis of the instructions for use of the ENROUTE Transcarotid Neuroprotection System (Silk Road Medical, Sunnyvale, Calif) and high anatomic risk for tfCAS on the basis of anatomic factors known to make carotid cannulation more difficult or hazardous. ResultsOf the 118 patients and 236 carotid arteries identified, 12 carotid arteries were excluded for presence of an occluded internal carotid artery (ICA). Of the remaining 224 carotid arteries, 72% were eligible for TCAR on the basis of the instructions for use criteria; 100% had 4- to 9-mm ICA diameters, 100% had ≥6-mm common carotid artery (CCA) diameter, 75% had ≥5-cm clavicle to carotid bifurcation distance, and 96% lacked significant CCA puncture site plaque. In addition, 7% of carotid arteries had bifurcation anatomy unfavorable for stenting; thus, of the entire cohort of arteries examined, 68% were eligible for TCAR. Hyperlipidemia (odds ratio [OR], 6.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-26; P < .01), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.5-8.3; P < .01), and older age (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1; P < .01) were independently associated with TCAR ineligibility, whereas white race (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.0-1.0; P = .048) and beta-blocker use (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.7; P < .01) were independently associated with TCAR eligibility. In addition, 24% of carotid arteries were considered to be at high risk for tfCAS for the presence of a type III aortic arch (7.6%), severe aortic calcification (3.3%), tandem CCA lesions (7.1%), moderate to severe stenosis at the carotid ostium (8.9%), and tortuous distal ICA precluding embolic filter placement (4.5%). Active smoking (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.9-10; P < .01), hyperlipidemia (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.2-14; P = .03), and older age (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1; P = .02) were independently associated with tfCAS ineligibility, whereas preoperative aspirin (OR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.0-0.4; P < .001) or clopidogrel (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.8; P = .01) use was associated with tfCAS eligibility. Of the arteries that were considered to be at high risk for tfCAS, 69% were eligible for TCAR. ConclusionsThe majority of carotid arteries in individuals selected for revascularization meet TCAR eligibility, making TCAR a viable treatment option for many patients.

Use of Composite Graft in Patients with Coronary Artery Diseases Concomitant with Porcelain Aorta: A Safe Technique and case series in Severe Aortic Calcification

Background:Surgery in patients with severe calcification of the aorta, also known as “porcelain aorta”, is challenging for cardiac surgeons. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of composite grafts in avoidance of aortic manipulation among patients with porcelain aorta undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Objectives: The aim of current study was to investigate of use of composite graft in patients with coronary artery diseases concomitant with porclain aorta. Methods: Ten patients among admitted ones for CABG over 3 years showed severe calcification of the aorta. We used a composite graft for revascularization of the target vessel without manipulation of the aorta. In patients with CAD and porcelain aorta, off-pump CABG was applied to avoid cannulation of the aorta. Moreover, a composite graft was used for internal mammary artery (unilateral/bilateral) to avoid partial clamping of the aorta. Results: Among ten patients with the mean age of 72.5 years seven patients were male and 3 were female. The most common risk factors were diabetes (6 patients), hypertension (5 patients), smoking (5 patients), and hyperlipidemia. Four patients had thetwo-vessel disease, while the remaining had thesix-vessel disease. In the intraoperative and postoperative periods, no hemodynamic instability was reported in any of the patients. Similarly, no ischemic complications due to femoral artery cannulation (lower limb ischemia) were reported. Based on the findings, no neurologic complications occurred in the early postoperative period and 12-month follow-up (causing no neurologic deficits). Postoperative evaluation of the grafts via computed tomography showed sufficient patency in all patients. Conclusion: Coronary artery disease, concomitant with severe calcification of the aorta, is a challenging condition for cardiac surgeons, given the higher risk of atheroembolic events and serious morbidity. Although multiple techniques have been described for avoiding manipulation of the aorta in these patients, the composite graft technique may be a simple and safe procedure with reduced ri sk of cerebrovascular events due to atheroembolism.