Transaortic Pressure Gradient Research Articles

Echocardiographic Features of Longevity: A Cross-Sectional Study of Centenarians.

Centenarians represent an under-studied population within cardiovascular medicine. This study aimed to describe the echocardiographic characteristics of a cohort of centenarians at a tertiary referral center. The institutional Echocardiography database was retrospectively reviewed and identified 100 consecutive centenarians referred for transthoracic echocardiography between January 2009 and December 2020. Cardiac chamber quantification, diastology, and valvular heart disease were assessed according to the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests compared data between males and females. The mean age was 101.5 ± 1.7 years, 78% were female, and the most common co-morbidities were hypertension (77%), coronary artery disease (46%), and congestive heart failure (42%). The mean left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction measured 56.9 ± 11.3% (females vs males, 58.4 ± 9.8 vs 51.6 ± 14.6%, p = 0.01). Males had larger LV end-diastolic (2.8 ± 0.6 vs 2.5 ± 0.5, p = 0.03) and end-systolic diameter (1.9 ± 0.6 vs 1.6 ± 0.4, p = 0.001) indices; a smaller relative wall thickness (0.54 ± 0.18 vs 0.69 ± 0.36, p = 0.06); and a lower E/e' ratio (13.3 [10.3-19.6] vs 17.3 [13.2-23], p = 0.05), when compared with females. The prevalence of severe valvular lesions was 13.5%, and similar between genders. However, in patients with aortic stenosis, the transaortic pressure gradients were significantly higher in females (mean gradient: 32.0 ± 17.7 vs 18.7 ± 9.2 mmHg, p = 0.04). The present study on centenarians affords a cross-sectional evaluation of cardiac structure and function in a growing population, and highlights important differences between male and female patients.

Safety and Efficacy of a Bodyweight Exercise Training Program in Symptomatic Patients With Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis

Conventional exercise therapy including aerobic and resistance training is desirable for cardiovascular disease, whereas it is generally considered contraindicated for symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bodyweight resistance exercise training (BRET), which is low-intensity exercise training in symptomatic patients with severe AS. A BRET program consisting of 8 exercises was performed 3 times a week by patients with AS with physical therapists. For the 78 symptomatic patients with severe AS, the median aortic valve area and mean transaortic valve pressure gradient were 0.56 cm2 and 48.9 mm Hg, respectively; none showed any harmful changes in blood pressure or heart rate in 11 sessions of the BRET program. There were no adverse events during hospitalization. Meanwhile, Barthel's Index score significantly improved at the time of hospital discharge. In conclusion, the BRET program in this study did not appear to cause harmful changes in hemodynamics during the program or adverse events during hospitalization, and it improved activities of daily living in symptomatic patients with severe AS, allowing doctors and physical therapists to conduct it safely, with less emotional stress, for cardiac rehabilitation for such patients.

Value of cardiopulmonary exercise test submaximal parameters in the assessment of aortic stenosis patients

Abstract Background Exercise test is recommended for risk stratification of asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), although a significant number of patients can't perform a maximal exercise test, increasing the potential value of sub-maximal parameters for the assessment of these patients. Aim To assess which parameters could be useful for risk stratification in case of a submaximal Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) in asymptomatic patients with severe AS. Methods Retrospective evaluation of adult patients with asymptomatic severe AS, in a single center, who underwent CPET between December 2016 and November 2021. All patients underwent a treadmill CPET using an exercise protocol with progressive increase in workload. Patients were divided in group A (maximal CPET) or group B, respectively, if respiratory exchange ratio (RER) was >1.10 at peak exercise or below this value. Known parameters accessed in a submaximal CPET were evaluated: mean minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope (VE/VCO2), VO2 value in first ventilatory threshold (VT1), peak circulatory power, and oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES). Results CPET was performed in 25 patients with severe asymptomatic AS (80 years ± 7 years, 56% male), median AVA was 0.86 cm2 [IQR 0.65–0.95 cm2] and transaortic pressure gradient was 46 mmHg [IQR 41–55 mmHg]. The most used protocol was a ramp slope. Nineteen patients (76%) didn't reach a RER>1.10 (group B) due to respiratory (26%) or peripheral limitation (53%). Comparing both groups, group B patients showed a shorter duration of exercise of (8±3 min vs. 9±4 min, p=0.422), and a lowest mean peak VO2 (16.3±3.6 vs. 20.5±6.9 ml/kg/min, p=0.207). In our population, bivariate analyses demonstrated that OUES was the only submaximal parameter that could discriminate both groups: Group B patients had the lowest values (1.53 [IQR 1.47–1.70] vs. 1.94 [IQR 1.56–2.11], p=0.042). ROC curve analysis of OUES values revealed an AUC of 0.78 (p=0.042) for maximal CPET prediction. The cut-off point with most sensitivity (S) and specificity (E) obtained using the Youden index (0.62) was 1.9 (S≈67%; E≈95%) (Figure 1). Conclusions In our cohort of asymptomatic AS patients, even with submaximal CPET, OUES accurately identify patients with higher degrees of functional limitation. Whether OUES is useful as prognostic marker to the workflow treatment of AS it's worth to be assessed prospectively. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Left ventricular remodeling in aortic stenosis patients referred for surgical aortic valve replacement

Abstract Background Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is a common expected finding in aortic stenosis (AS) patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) plays an important role as a non-invasive method for determining LV mass and volume, and to characterize the LV remodeling response in AS. Aim To assess the prevalence, to describe the patterns and evolution of LV remodeling (by CMR) in AS patients referred for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods Single-center prospective cohort of 132 consecutive patients (73 years [68–77 years], 49% men] with severe AS: mean transaortic pressure gradient (AVmean): 61±1.5 mmHg; aortic valve area (AVA): 0.7±0.1 cm2, referred for surgical AVR, with no previous history of ischemic cardiomyopathy. Before surgery, all patients underwent electrocardiogram, complete transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and CMR for LV assessment and tissue characterization (mean LV indexed mass [LVMi]: 80.3±26.5 g/m2; mean end-diastolic LV indexed volume [LVEDVi]: 84.4±24.5 mL/m2 and median geometric remodeling ratio [M/V]: 0.95 g/mL [IQR 0. 81–1.08 g/mL]). Patterns of LV remodeling were investigated before and after AVR by CMR measurements of LVMi, LVEDVi and M/V. Besides normal LV ventricular structure, four other patterns were considered: concentric remodeling, concentric hypertrophy, eccentric hypertrophy, and adverse remodeling (Figure 1). Results Overall, 43% (n=58) of the patients had concentric hypertrophy, 30% (n=40) concentric remodeling, 22% (n=29) normal ventricular geometry, 4% (n=5) eccentric hypertrophy and in two patients we observed an adverse remodeling pattern. AVR was performed in 80 patients. At the 3rd to 6th month post-AVR assessment, LV remodeling changed to: normal ventricular geometry in 46%, concentric remodeling in 31%, concentric hypertrophy in 19%, eccentric hypertrophy in 3% and adverse remodeling in only one patient (Figure 1). Conclusions In this group of patients with severe aortic stenosis, concentric hypertrophy was not the sole pattern of LV remodeling and two out of every five still presented a normal ventricular geometry and mass as assessed by CMR. LV response was dynamic after AVR which stands for complex and multifactorial interaction in these group of patients despite similar valvular pathophysiology and therapeutic intervention. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Relative apical sparing in severe aortic stenosis: does it mean concomitant amyloid cardiomyopathy?

Abstract Background Relative apical sparing (RAS) of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (LS) is a red flag marker for the suspicion of amyloid cardiomyopathy. However, it has also been described in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Aim To assess the prevalence of RAS in patients with severe symptomatic AS referred for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR), to evaluate its clinical significance and assess its presence after surgery. Methods We prospectively studied 135 consecutive patients (age: 73 y [IQR 68–77 y], 49% men) with severe symptomatic AS – mean transaortic pressure gradient (AVmean): 60.9±17.7 mmHg; mean aortic valve area: 0.7±0.2 cm2, referred for surgical AVR with no previous history of ischemic cardiomyopathy or other. Beyond 12 lead-ECG and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), all patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) before surgery. RAS was defined by the ratio >1 of average LS at apical segments/sum of the average basal and mid LS at speckle tracking analysis. AVR with septal myocardial biopsy, for investigational purposes, was performed in 80 patients. AS severity indexes, LV remodeling and tissue characterization parameters were compared in both groups of patients, with and without RAS. LS deformation pattern was reassessed at 3–6 months after AVR. Results RAS was present in 24 patients (18%). In the whole cohort there were neither pseudoinfarct pattern or low voltage ECG criteria, nor infiltration suspicion from CMR (native T1 value 1053 ms [IQR 1025–1071 ms] for institutional reference values: 972–1070 ms; ECV 24% [IQR 21–27%]). None of the patients had amyloid deposition at histopathology. Overall, mean CMR LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 59.6±10.5% and 98 patients (74%) had non-ischemic delayed enhancement, with a median fibrosis fraction of 4.1% [IQR 1.6–7.8%]. RAS cohort had a significantly higher AVmean gradient, relative wall thickness, maximum septal thickness, peak systolic dispersion, with lower global LS at TTE, as well as higher LV mass and lower LVEF at CMR. RAS group has also higher NT-proBNP ambulatory values (Table 1). Follow-up evaluation after AVR revealed RAS disappearance in 19 patients (79.2%). Conclusions RAS occurs in almost one-fifth of the patients in this cohort despite the absence of signs of myocardial infiltration. This deformation pattern elapses with worse indexes of LV remodeling consistent with a more advanced stage of the disease, being reversible after AVR, which stands for the absence of concomitant myocardial infiltration. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Cardiac magnetic resonance patterns of left ventricular hypertrophy in aortic stenosis patients

Abstract Background Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is a known compensatory mechanism to pressure overload in aortic stenosis (AS) patients. However, by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) different patterns of LV adaptation are seen in this group of patients. Aim To describe the patterns of LV adaptation (by CMR) and to analyze its structure and function indexes in AS patients referred for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods We prospectively studied 134 consecutive patients (age: 73y [IQR 68–77y], 49% men) with severe symptomatic AS - mean transaortic pressure gradient (AVmean): 61±1.5 mmHg; mean aortic valve area: AVA): 0.7±0.1 cm2, referred for surgical AVR with no previous history of ischemic cardiomyopathy or other. All patients underwent electrocardiogram, 2D transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) before surgery for LV assessment and tissue characterization. Five patterns of LV structure were considered: normal ventricular structure (normal LV mass/volume ratio [M/V], normal LVMi and normal indexed LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDVi); concentric remodeling: increased M/V, normal LVMi; concentric hypertrophy: increased M/V and LVMi; eccentric hypertrophy: increased LVMi and LVEDVi, normal M/V and ejection fraction; and adverse remodeling: dilated left ventricle, increased LVMi and normal M/V in the context of an impaired ejection fraction. Echocardiogram and CMR structural and functional indexes were compared between these groups. Results At baseline study, at CMR: mean LV indexed mass [LVMi]: 80.3±26.5 g/m2; mean end-diastolic LV indexed volume [LVEDVi]: 84.4±24.5 mL/m2 and median geometric remodeling ratio [M/V]: 0.95 g/mL [IQR 0. 81–1.08 g/mL]. Overall, 22% patients had normal LV structure, 30% concentric remodeling ventricular geometry, and two patients had an adverse remodeling pattern. LV hypertrophy was the most prevalent pattern and occurred in 48% of subjects (concentric 43%; eccentric 4%). In our cohort, the severity of AS (AVmean (p<0.001), LV function (LV ejection fraction [p<0.001] and Global longitudinal strain [p<0.001]), LV loading conditions (indexed left atrial volume [p<0.001] and E/e' ratio [p<0.001]) and NT-proBNP (p<0.001) were related to the pattern of LV structure (Table 1). Conclusions In our cohort, AS patients presented several distinct patterns of LV remodeling. Disease severity, functional repercussion and loading conditions are distinct between them. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The Role of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis: A Feasibility Analysis.

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is the current treatment of choice for good surgical candidates with moderate to severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). As transcatheter aortic valvular replacement (TAVR) has shown an improved one and two-year all-cause mortality, it has been chosen for moderately symptomatic severe AS patients. The purpose of this review was to perform a clinical comparison of TAVR vs. SAVR and to analyze the Health Index Factor (HIF) that makes TAVR a treatment of choice in asymptomatic AS patients. An extensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases was performed using the keywords “Aortic stenosis”, “SAVR”, “TAVR”, and “Asymptomatic”. A total of 45 prospective randomized clinical trials in the English language that were published from the year 2000 onwards were included in the final analysis. It has been found that 59.3% of asymptomatic AS patients are likely to die in the next five years without proactive treatment. Multiple studies have proven that early intervention with aortic valve replacement is superior to conservative treatment in severe asymptomatic AS; however, the choice between SAVR and TAVR is not well established. The NOTION Trial, SURTAVI Trail, and PARTNER 3 study have shown the non-inferiority of TAVR over SAVR, during one-year follow-up for low surgical risk patients. Evolut Low-Risk study and Early TAVR are the only two prospective studies performed to date that have enrolled patients with asymptomatic severe AS. The Evolut Trial demonstrated no difference in all-cause mortality at 30 days (1.3% vs. 4.8%. p=0.23), and 12 days (1.3% vs. 6.5%, p=0.11). Additionally, TAVR also decreases the risk of post-procedural atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury (AKI), and rehospitalization, and leads to significant improvement in the mean trans-aortic pressure gradient. TAVR also showed marked improvement in the 30-day Quality of Life (QOL) index, where SAVR did not report any significant change in the QOL index. However, the official recommendations of Early TAVR are still awaited. TAVR has consistently shown a statistically non-significant difference in case mortality, risk of stroke, and rehospitalization with moderate to high surgical risk patients whereby recent initial trials have shown significant improvement in the QOL index and hemodynamic index for patients with asymptomatic disease. More extensive studies are required to prove the risk stratifications, long-term outcomes, and clinical characteristics that would make TAVR a preferred intervention in asymptomatic patients.

Surgical aortic valve replacement provides better left ventricular mass regression than transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with small aortic annulus.

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) and degree of left ventricular (LV) mass regression after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with small aortic annulus (defined as annular diameter of ≤ 21mm). We retrospectively analyzed echocardiographic findings in total of 277 patients with aortic stenosis and small aortic annulus (63 underwent SAVR and 214 underwent TAVR) between October 2013 and March 2019. PPM was defined as an effective orifice area index (EOAI) ≤ 0.85 cm2/m2. LV mass regression was evaluated as percentage change in LV mass index (LVMI) from baseline to the 1-year follow-up. The median EOAI before discharge was slightly larger in the TAVR group than in the SAVR group (1.09 vs. 1.07 cm2/m2; P = 0.030). However, the incidence of PPM before discharge (9.4 vs. 12.7%; P = 0.438) and at the 1-year follow-up (11.7 vs. 11.1%; P = 0.901) was similar between groups. Mild or greater paravalvular leakage (PVL) after the procedure was more frequent in the TAVR group (11.7 vs. 0%; P = 0.002). Reduction in LVMI was significantly higher in the SAVR group (19.3 vs. 6.4%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that reduction in LVMI was positively associated with higher baseline transaortic pressure gradient (P < 0.001) and higher baseline LVMI (P < 0.001) and negatively associated with older age (P < 0.001) and mild or greater PVL (P < 0.001). SAVR provides better LV mass regression than TAVR with a comparable rate of PPM in patients with small aortic annulus.

Late Progression of Tricuspid Regurgitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Few studies have investigated the progression of baseline mild or less tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of late progression of baseline mild or less TR and the impact of late progression on outcomes after TAVR. We reviewed 1615 patients who had baseline mild or less TR and 1-year echocardiographic follow-up registered in the Optimized Catheter Valvular Intervention-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation registry. We compared outcomes including 2-year all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and heart failure hospitalization between groups with and without progression of TR on 1-year transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and investigated predictors of progression of TR after TAVR. On 1-year TTE, TR worsened to a moderate or severe grade in 87 patients (5.4%). The group with TR progression had higher 2-year all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and heart failure hospitalization than the group without TR progression. The multivariable analysis showed that TR progression was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 4.08; 95% CI, 1.92-8.67; P < .001) and heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.64-4.93; P < .001). Independent predictors of TR progression included atrial fibrillation, transaortic mean pressure gradient <40​mm Hg on pre-TAVR TTE, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure ≥40​mm Hg. TR progression from mild or less to moderate or severe after TAVR was more likely observed in patients with low transaortic gradients, atrial fibrillation, or pulmonary hypertension. TR progression after TAVR was associated with increased all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization.

How myocardial work could be relevant in patients with an aortic valve stenosis?

Myocardial work (MW) calculation is an attractive method to assess left ventricular (LV) myocardial function. In case of aortic stenosis (AS), assessment of work indices is challenging because it requires an accurate evaluation of LV-pressure curves. We sought to evaluate the performances of two distinct methods and to provide a quantitative comparison with invasive data. Model-based and template-based methods were defined and applied for the evaluation of LV-pressures on 67 AS-patient. Global Constructive (GCW), Wasted (GWW), Positive (GPW), Negative (GNW) MW and Global Work Efficiency (GWE), and Index (GWI) parameters were calculated using the available software computing the indices using brachial blood-pressure and trans-aortic mean pressure gradient (MPG) for estimating the LV-pressures vs. using a model-based and homemade software. A complete comparison was performed with invasive measurements. Patients were characterized by MPG of 49.8 ± 14.8 mmHg, the global longitudinal strain (GLS) was -15.0 ± 4.04%, GCW was 2107 ± 800 mmHg.% (model-based) and 2483 ± 1068 mmHg.% (template-based). The root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation were calculated for each patient and pressure estimation methods. The mean RMSE are 33.9 mmHg and 40.4 mmHg and the mean correlation coefficients are 0.81 and 0.72 for the model-based and template-based methods, respectively. The two methods present correlation coefficient r2 >0.75 for all the indices. The two non-invasive methods of LV pressure estimation and work indices computation correlate with invasive measurements. Although the model-based approach requires less information and is associated with slightly better performances, the implementation of template-based method is easier and is appropriate for clinical practice.

How myocardial work could be relevant in patients with an aortic valve stenosis?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Speckle tracking based myocardial work calculation is an attractive method to assess left ventricular (LV) myocardial function. In case of aortic stenosis (AS), assessment of work indices is challenging because it requires an accurate evaluation of LV-pressure curves. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the performances of two distinct methods for the estimation of myocardial work indices and to provide a quantitative comparison with invasively measured data. Methods Model-based and template-based methods were defined and applied for the evaluation of LV pressures on 67 AS patients. Global Constructive (GCW), Wasted (GWW), Positive (GPW), Negative (GNW) myocardial work and Global Work Efficiency (GWE) and Index (GWI) parameters were calculated using the available software computing the indices using brachial blood pressure and trans-aortic mean pressure gradient for estimating the LV pressures versus using a model-based and homemade software. A complete comparison was performed with invasive measurements. Results Patients were characterized by mean pressure gradient of 49.8 ± 14.8 mmHg, LV ejection fraction of 59 ± 8%, the global longitudinal strain was -15.0 ± 4.04%, GCW was 2107 ± 800mmHg.% (model-based method) and 2483 ± 1068mmHg.% (template-based method). The root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation were calculated for each patient and for each pressure estimation methods. The mean RMSE are 33.9mmHg and 40.4mmHg and the mean correlation coefficients are 0.81 and 0.72 for the model-based and template-based methods respectively. Correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis were performed for the six work indices. The two methods present correlation coefficient r2 &amp;gt; 0.75 for almost all the indices. Conclusion The two non-invasive methods of LV pressure estimation and the work indices computation correlate with invasive measurements and computations for AS patients. Although the model-based approach requires less information and is associated with slightly better performances, the implementation of template-based method is easier and seems more appropriate in a clinical practice. Abstract Figure. SUMMARY

Abstract 11582: Prognostic Implications of Anatomical Aortic Valve Area in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis by Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provides high-resolution images of aortic valve area (AVA) in patients with bicuspid aortic stenosis (AS). However, the correlation with pressure gradient compared with conventional echocardiographic indices and prognostic implications of 3D TEE derived valve area (AVA 3DTEE ) has not been evaluated. Therefore, we assessed the disease severity and the prognostic value of AVA 3DTEE in patients with bicuspid AS. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 105 patients with at least mild bicuspid AS (peak aortic velocity &gt;2.5m/sec) and LVEF ≥50% (mean transaortic pressure gradient 46±17 mm Hg) underwent transthoracic echocardiography, two-dimensional (2D) and 3D TEE between 2012 and 2019. AVA was measured using (i) the continuity equation (CE) obtained with transthoracic echocardiography, (ii) planimetric 2D TEE, and (iii) volumetric 3D TEE. Cardiac events were defined as surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement and/or aortic replacement, heart failure admission, or cardiac death. Results: AVA 3DTEE was larger than AVA CE (mean difference 0.21±0.03, P &lt;0.001), and smaller than AVA 2DTEE (mean difference 0.11±0.02, P &lt;0.001). AVA 3DTEE had an excellent correlation with mean transaortic pressure gradient (r=0.91, P &lt;0.001), whereas AVA 2DTEE and AVA CE showed lower correlations (r=0.81 and r=0.59, both P &lt;0.001). AVA 3DTEE significantly reduced the proportion of inconsistent AS grading, compared with AVA CE (6% versus 17%, P &lt;0.001). During a follow-up period (median, 853 days; range 513 to 1287 days), 101 surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement and/or aortic replacement, 6 heart failure admission, or 1 cardiac death occurred. AVA 3DTEE ≤1cm 2 was an independent predictor of cardiac events (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.40, (1.41 to 4.09), P =0.001) and AVA 3DTEE of 1 cm 2 was the optimal cutoff value for predicting cardiovascular events with sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 100%. Conclusions: AVA measured by 3D TEE has a good correlation with mean transaortic pressure gradient and improved the hitherto inconsistent AS grading. AVA 3DTEE ≤1cm 2 is an important predictor for cardiac events of patients with bicuspid AS.

Abstract 12935: Lack of Correlation Between Echocardiographic Parameters and Cardiac Hemodynamics in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis

Introduction: Aortic stenosis (AS) affects ~10% of population over 65 years of age. Severe AS is defined as mean trans-aortic pressure gradient (MG) of ≥40 mmHg and/or aortic valve area (AVA) of &lt;1.0 cm 2 . Patients’ symptoms correlate with cardiac output, and the ability to augment with exercise. However, the relationship between AVA/MG and stroke volume/cardiac output is not well defined. Hypothesis: We aimed to identify the relationship between conventional echocardiography-based parameters (i.e., AVA/MG) and non-echocardiography-based hemodynamics in AS. Methods: Consecutive patients with severe symptomatic AS undergoing TAVI between June and September 2020 at St. Boniface Hospital in Manitoba, Canada were recruited. Hemodynamics was measured using whole-body impedance-based Non-Invasive Cardiac System (NICaS). Evaluated hemodynamics include stroke volume index (Svi), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) and were compared to conventional parameters. Results: Thirty patients (37% females; mean age 79.0 ± 1.7 years) were enrolled. Average MG was 41.8 ± 2.2 mmHg (16.94 - 70.0) and mean AVA was 0.81 ± 0.04 cm 2 (0.30 - 1.10). A linear regression model revealed a poor correlation between AVA and both Svi and CI (r 2 =0.012 and 0.025, respectively). Similarly, MG correlated poorly with Svi and CI (r 2 =0.017 and 0.024, respectively). Interestingly, 60% patients displayed a low-flow state (defined as Svi &lt;35 ml/m 2 ), despite a normal left ventricular ejection fraction (EF &gt;50%, r 2 =0.011). Conclusions: There is incongruence between hemodynamics and conventional parameters defining severe AS. A subset of patients have low-flow state, despite normal left ventricular function. It is plausible that some of these patients, based on their hemodynamics, may benefit from valvular intervention earlier, even at a lower MG. Long-term hemodynamic assessment may guide identification of outcomes in AS patients post-TAVI.

Left ventricular myocardial work in patients with high gradient severe symptomatic aortic stenosis

Abstract Background Left ventricular myocardial work (LVMW) is a novel method to evaluated left ventricular (LV) function using pressure-strain loops. It might correct global longitudinal strain (GLS) for afterload, being eventually useful to assess whether GLS reduction is due to reduced contractility (reflected as reduced myocardial work) or increased afterload (reflected as increased myocardial work). Aim To describe indices of LVMW in a group of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). Methods We prospectively studied 104 consecutive patients (age: 71 years [IQR 66.5–75.5] years, 51% men) with severe symptomatic high gradient AS: mean transaortic pressure gradient: 56.5mmHg [IQR 46.8–67.8]; aortic valve area: 0.73cm2 [IQR 0.61–0.88]; indexed stroke volume: 47.7±1.3 mL/m2 (11 patients with low-flow AS), preserved LV ejection fraction (EV) (LVEF: 56.0% [51.0–61.3]; GLS: −14.5% [IQR −16.1 to −10.6]), with no previous coronary artery disease and no history of cardiomyopathy. Beyond complete transthoracic echocardiography, all patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance for LV myocardium tissue characterization. As proposed for AS, LV systolic pressure was corrected adding the mean transaortic pressure gradient to non-invasive systolic blood pressure cuff measurement in the echocardiographic algorithm. Four LVMW indices were collected in 83 patients (patients excluded for atrial fibrillation, left bundle branch block or absence of non-invasive blood pressure registration) and correlated to LV function indexes, LV hypertrophy and remodeling, myocardial tissue characterization, BNP and troponin levels (Pearson or Spearman correlation). These same indexes were compared in patients with LV ejection fraction (EF) below and above 50%, normal and reduced flow and presence of replacement fibrosis. Results Global constructive work (GCW) (2658.6±76.4mmHg%), global myocardial work (GMW) (2218.7±74.9mmHg%) and global wasted work (GWE) (262.0mmHg% [198.8–339.5]) were high above normal with concomitant lower work efficiency (WE) (88.0% [83.2–91.8]. Weak correlations were found between LVMW indexes and parameters describing aortic valve severity, flow and LV function (table). Except for significant differences of LVMI in patients with reduced LV ejection fraction (GCW 2770.3±687.4 vs 2056.0±380.7mmHg%, p=0,014 and GMW 2362.5±657.9 vs 1621.3±319.9, p=0,021 in patients with LV EF&amp;gt;50% vs. LV EF&amp;lt;50%, respectively) work indexes were neither significantly different in low-flow patients nor in those with myocardial late gadolinium enhancement. Conclusions Global constructive and myocardial work are increased in these patients with severe aortic stenosis. This might reflect an increased afterload predominance rather than a LV functional impairment, particularly relevant in this group of patients with exclusive high gradient disease and preserved LVEF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Correlations between LVMI – LV function

Long-term durability of transcatheter aortic valve replacement: outcomes from a contemporary cohort from a tertiary reference center at 5-years and beyond

Abstract Background and aim Long-term data on the durability of transcatheter heart valves is scarce. This is of particular interest as indications expand to younger and lower surgical risk patients. We sought to assess the incidence of long-term structural valve dysfunction (SVD) and bioprosthetic valve failure (BVF) in a cohort of patients with TAVR who reached at least 5-year follow-up, as compared to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), performed within the same time-frame at the same institution. Methods and results Consecutive patients with at least 5-year available follow-up, who underwent TAVR between November 2008 to December 2015 in a tertiary single center, were included. From a group of 246 patients undergoing TAVR, 126 had available follow-up data (age at implantation: 83.0 [77.8–87.0] years; EuroScore II: 4.54 [2.60–6.29]%; follow-up: 5.94 [5.06–7.67] years). First generation Corevalve® and Sapien® prosthesis were implanted in 56% and 38% patients, respectively. SVD and BVF were defined according to the new consensus statement from the EAPCI endorsed by the ESC and the EACTS. Mean transaortic pressure gradients decreased from 53.2±1.3 mmHg (pre-TAVR) to 10.4±0.4 mmHg (at discharge or up to one-year after TAVR, p&amp;lt;0.001), and there was a small non-significant increase at the fifth-year and the last available follow-up (11.2±0.6 mmHg; 14.7±1.8 mmHg, respectively). Moderate and severe SVD were reported in 12 and 4 patients, respectively (8-year cumulative incidence function to SVD: 2.67%; 95% CI, 2.12–3.89). Of these 8 had BVF, 7 of them with hospitalization for acute heart failure. A total of 4 patients died and none required reintervention (redo TAVR or SAVR). BVF for non-SVD were observed in 4 patients (2 subclinic thrombosis successfully treated with anticoagulation and 2 paravalvular regurgitation due to endocarditis). As comparator, from a cohort of 587 patients submitted to biological SAVR, 247 (age 75.0 [70.0–79.0] years; EuroScore II 1.43 [1.06–2.17]%) had available long-term follow-up (6.89 [6.08–8.19] years). Moderate and severe SVD were reported in 42 and 3 patients, respectively (8-year cumulative incidence function to SVD: 3.13%; 95% CI, 2.45–4.21). These events were clinically relevant (BVF) in 19 of them: 8 performed TAVR valve-in-valve procedures and 3 redo SAVR. At the fifth-year of follow-up the incidence of SVD was not statistically different between TAVR (8%) and SAVR (15%), with a p for comparison of 0.137. Conclusions In our population of patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis treated with first-generation percutaneous bioprostheses, TAVR was associated with a low incidence of BVF and SVD at the long-term follow-up. These outcomes seem indistinct from those occurring in patients submitted to conventional SAVR Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. KM curve reporting probability of SVD

Prevalence and determinants of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe symptomatic high gradient aortic stenosis

Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) function in aortic stenosis (AS) has been largely neglected. Recently it was demonstrated that right ventricular impairment may be influenced by left ventricular (LV) function and afterload, well before overt pulmonary hypertension development. Aim To describe the prevalence of RV dysfunction in a group of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) and its relation to LV function parameters and afterload. Methods We prospectively studied 93 consecutive patients (age: 73 years [IQR 68–77] years, 55% women) with pure severe symptomatic high gradient aortic stenosis: mean transaortic pressure gradient: 57.0mmHg [IQR 46.9–71.1]; aortic valve area: 0.72cm2 [IQR 0.61–0.88]; indexed stroke volume: 48.8±1.5 mL/m2 (11 patients with low-flow AS), preserved LV ejection fraction (EV) (LVEF: 56.0% [51.0–61.3]; GLS: −14.5% [IQR −16.1 to −10.6]), with no previous coronary artery disease and no history of cardiomyopathy. Beyond complete transthoracic echocardiography, all patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for LV myocardium tissue characterization (late gadolinium enhancement and extracellular volume). Normal RV function was defined according to TAPSE ≥17mm, tricuspid annular systolic velocity ≥12cm/s, mean free wall longitudinal strain ≤−20%. Patients were divided into four groups: (0) – all three RV parameters below normal (1.1%), (1) – 1 normal parameter (12.9%), (2) – 2 normal parameters (44.1%), (3) – 3 normal parameters (41.9%). Indexes of LV systolic and diastolic function, CMR derived LV geometric remodeling, hypertrophy and tissue characterization, aortic valve disease severity and afterload were compared across the 4 groups of patients. We tried to identify predictors of RV dysfunction (group 0, 1, 2 vs. group 3) at multivariate regression analysis. Results Left ventricular performance parameters, diastolic and myocardial work indexes were significantly different across the groups (Figure). Neither AV severity indexes nor LV tissue characterization were distinct. At multivariate analysis only global constructive work was an independent predictor of RV dysfunction. Conclusion RV dysfunction is common in this group of patients with severe high gradient aortic stenosis and preserved ejection fraction. RV impairment is significantly related to several LV systolic and diastolic parameters and also to LV afterload, probably accounting for RV-LV interdependence. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of Systolic Blood Pressure on Heart Failure Symptoms With Moderate Aortic Stenosis

In patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS), heart failure (HF) symptoms are often unrelated to the AS severity, and the causes of HF symptoms are often unclear. Hypertension is known as one of the most common comorbidities in degenerative AS. Therefore, we assessed the impact of systolic blood pressure (BP) on HF symptoms in patients with moderate AS. We retrospectively analyzed 317 patients with moderate AS (mean transaortic pressure gradient 20 to 39 mm Hg) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%). We classified patients according to the presence or absence of HF symptoms. One hundred patients (32%) had HF symptoms. Symptomatic patients had higher systolic BP (141±21 versus 129±21 mm Hg; p<0.001) and mean transaortic pressure gradient, and lower aortic valve area than asymptomatic patients. In the multivariable analysis after adjustment for age, atrial fibrillation, Charlson comorbidity index, brain natriuretic peptide, and the use of diuretics, HF symptoms in patients with moderate AS were independently associated with systolic BP (odds ratio, 1.43 per 10 mm Hg increase in systolic BP; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.78; p=0.001) and left atrial volume index (odds ratio, 1.04 per 1 mL/m2 increase in left atrial volume index; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.08; p=0.026). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis identified systolic BP 133 mm Hg as the cutoff value associated with HF symptoms. In conclusion, systolic BP as well as left atrial volume index were independent correlates of HF symptoms in patients with moderate AS.

English

BACKGROUND Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common, single, native valvular heart disease in adult population. The purpose of this study was to detect abnormalities in global longitudinal strain (GLS) and strain rate using 2D - STI in patients with severe AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The effect of aortic valve replacement (AVR) on changes in strain parameters 30 days after surgery was also analysed. METHODS A total number of 60 patients aged more than 18 years with aortic valve disease scheduled for surgical aortic valve replacement admitted in Department of Cardiology, KMC hospital Mangalore, were included over a period of 18 months from January 2017 to June 2018. RESULTS A total of 60 patients with severe AS, defined by an aortic valve area of &lt; 1 cm², mean transaortic pressure gradient ( P) of &gt; 40 mmHg and maximum aortic velocity (Vmax) of &gt; 4 m/sec were studied. Mean age of the study population was 63.5 years. 60 % of the population were males and 40 % being females. Most common risk factor present in the study population was diabetes mellitus (DM). 83% of the patients in the study population had at least one symptom. Most common symptom with which the patients presented was exertional dyspnoea. All patients had normal left ventricle (LV) cavity dimensions and LVEF prior to surgery with diastolic dysfunction being present in all patients. The LV ejection fraction is not significantly altered. The aortic valve area calculated by continuity equation has significantly increased post AVR with a significant reduction in transaortic peak and means pressure gradients. Mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) improved from -15.1 % to - 16.9 % (P &lt; 0.001) and longitudinal strain rate improved from -0.8 to -0.9/s (P &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Global longitudinal strain and strain rate can be adequately measured by 2D speckle-tracking imaging and can be used to detect subtle changes of myocardial function in patients with severe AS with preserved LVEF. KEYWORDS Aortic Stenosis, Exertional Dyspnoea, Global Longitudinal Strain, Transaortic Pressure Gradient, Ventricular Hypertrophy

Low Relative Valve Load is Associated With Paradoxical Low-Flow Aortic Stenosis Despite Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Adverse Clinical Outcomes

Paradoxical low-flow (LF) severe aortic stenosis (AS) despite preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) has been shown to be distinct from normal-flow (NF) AS, with a poorer prognosis. Relative valve load (RVL) is a novel echocardiographic haemodynamic index based on the ratio of transaortic mean pressure gradient to the global valvulo-arterial impedance (Zva) in order to estimate the contribution of the valvular afterload to the global LV load. We aimed to determine the usefulness of RVL in LF AS versus NF AS. A total of 450 consecutive patients with medically managed severe AS (aortic valve area <1.0 cm2) with preserved LVEF (>50%) were studied. Patients were divided into LF (stroke volume index <35 mL/m2) or NF, and high RVL or low RVL. Baseline clinical and echocardiographic profiles, as well as clinical outcomes, were compared. There were 149 (33.1%) patients with LF. Despite higher global impedance in LF (Zva 6.3±2.4 vs 3.9±0.9 mmHg/mL/m2; p<0.001) compared with NF, the RVL in LF AS was significantly lower (5.4±2.7 vs 9.8±5.1 mL/m2; p<0.001). On multivariable analysis, low RVL (≤7.51) remained independently associated with poor clinical outcomes on Cox regression (hazard ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.68), with 53.2% sensitivity and 70.3% specificity. This was comparable to other prognostic indices in AS. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that low RVL was associated with increased mortality. Increased systemic arterial afterload may be important in the pathophysiology of LF AS. Low RVL was an independent predictor of poor clinical outcomes in medically managed severe AS. There may be a greater role in the attenuation of systemic arterial afterload in AS to improve outcomes.

A Double-Envelope Mitral Inflow Spectral Doppler Profile After MitraClip

A Double-Envelope Mitral Inflow Spectral Doppler Profile After MitraClip