Transesophageal Echocardiography Findings Research Articles

Is transesophageal echocardiography needed for evaluating tissue-based transient ischemic attack?

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a warning signal for stroke. A comprehensive evaluation of TIA may reduce the risk for subsequent stroke. Data on the findings of cardiac evaluation with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with TIA are sparse. Our aims were to determine the frequency of TEE performance and to investigate the findings of TEE in patients with TIA based on the new definition of TIA (i.e., transient neurological symptoms without evidence of infarction). During a 4-year period (2011–2014), 1071 patients (mean age, 70 ± 13 years; female, 49.7%) with TIA were included in a prospective study and evaluated. Of 1071 consecutive patients suffering from TIA, 288 patients (27%) underwent TEE. The median time between admission and TEE was 6 days. Patients with TIA who were evaluated by TEE were younger (67 vs. 71 years, P < 0.001) than those who were not evaluated by TEE. They had a higher rate of sensibility disturbance as a TIA symptom (39% vs. 31%, P = 0.012) but a lower rate of previous stroke (15% vs. 25%, P = 0.001) and atrial fibrillation (2% vs. 21%, P < 0.001) than those who did not. Foramen ovale was detected in 71 patients (25.7%), atrial septal aneurysm in 13 patients (4.6%), and severe atherosclerotic plaques (grade 4 and 5) in the aortic arch in 25 patients (8.7%). One patient (0.3%) had a fibroma detected by TEE. In 17 of the 288 patients (6%) who underwent TEE, the indication for anticoagulation therapy was based on the TEE results, and 1 patient with fibroma underwent heart surgery. During hospitalization, 7 patients experienced a subsequent stroke, and 27 patients had a recurrent TIA. At 3 months following discharge, the rates of readmission, stroke, recurrent TIA, and death were 19%, 2.7%, 4.2%, and 1.6%, respectively. The rates of mortality (0.9% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.7), stroke risk (1.9% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.8), and recurrent TIA (5.0% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.8) were similar in patients who underwent TEE and in those who did not. Performing TEE in patients with tissue-based TIA is helpful in detecting cardiac sources for embolism and may indicate for anticoagulation.

Early Clinical Results of Perceval Sutureless Aortic Valve in 139 Patients: Freeman Experience.

ObjectiveThe aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the safety and performance of the Perceval sutureless valve in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. We report the 30-day clinical outcomes of 139 patients.MethodsFrom January 2014 to December 2016, 139 patients underwent sutureless aortic valve replacement. Their operation notes, National Adult Cardiac Surgery Database and perioperative transoesophageal echocardiography findings were studied retrospectively.ResultsNinety-two patients underwent isolated aortic valve replacement (group A) with Perceval valve and 47 patients had combined procedures of aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting (group B). The patients received a size S (n=23), M (n=39), L (n=42) or XL (n=35) prosthesis. Perceval valve was successfully implanted in 135 (97.1%) patients. Mean cross-clamping time and bypass time were 40 and 63 minutes for isolated cases, while 68 and 107 minutes for combined cases. Three (2.1%) patients died within 30 days. Four patients suffered stroke and 5 patients went into acute renal failure. Median intensive care unit and hospital stay was 2 and 8.5, respectively. Four valves were explanted due to significant paravalvular leak after surgery. Five patients had permanent pacemaker as a result of complete heart block and mean postoperative drainage was 295 mL for isolated case and 457 mL for combined cases. The mean gradient across Perceval valve was 12.5 mmHg while its effective orifice area was 1.5 cm2.ConclusionEarly postoperative results showed that Perceval valve is safe. Further follow up is needed to evaluate the long-term outcome with this bioprosthesis.

Left Atrial Strain Predicts Pro-Thrombotic State in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has a high prevalence in the population and it is responsible for up to the 25% of the strokes in elderly people. The aim of our study was to assess the correlations of left atrial (LA) functional parameter, global peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), derived from speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) findings in patients with persistent AF undergoing TEE before electrical cardioversion or ablation procedures. 79 patients (58 males, 21 females) with persistent AF waiting for cardioversion were included in the study. The patients underwent conventional two-dimensional (2D) and 2D speckle tracking echocardiogram. PALS were measured in all subjects. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of reduced LA appendage (LAA) emptying velocity (<25 cm/s) and/or thrombus in the LAA at TEE examination. Patients with reduced LAA emptying velocity and/or thrombus at TEE examination showed a significantly higher LA volume and increased E/E' ratio. 4-chamber, 2-chamber and global PALS were significantly lower in patients with reduced LAA emptying velocity and/or thrombus (6.8 ± 2.0% vs. 27.5 ± 5.4%, P < 0.0001; 8.6 ± 3.5% vs. 29.4 ± 7.1%, P < 0.0001; 7.9 ± 3.2% vs. 28.5 ± 6.1%, P <0.0001, respectively). Among all variables analyzed, global PALS demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC of 0.92) and, with a cut-off value less than 8.1%, good sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 94%, respectively, to predict LAA thrombus and/or reduced LAA emptying velocity.

Abstract 21337: Comparison of Cardiac Computerized Tomography Angiography and Transesophageal Echocardiography for Device Surveillance After Endovascular Left Atrial Appendage Closure

Background: Surveillance after left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is important to assess for device success and complications. There is limited data on the role of cardiac computerized tomography angiography (CCTA) for LAA device monitoring. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who underwent LAA closure who had both trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) and CCTA performed post-LAA closure. Prospective cardiac-gated CCTA were performed with Toshiba 320-detector or Siemens 2nd generation 128-slice dual-source scanners. We assessed for residual contrast patency of the LAA by comparing linear attenuation coefficient (Hounsfield unit, HU) in the LAA and left atrium (LA) on CCTA. Residual contrast patency was categorized as due to peri-device leak (presence of ostial gap) or fabric leak (diffusion of contrast through device membrane). We also assessed for device compression, thrombus and pericardial effusion on CCTA. These were compared to TEE findings. Results: Sixty-one patients underwent CCTA at median 93.5d (1-267) post-LAA closure (55 WATCHMAN, 4 Amulet, 2 ACP). Post-procedural TEE was done at median 93d (0-289). The median age was 77.5yrs (60-88) and median CHADS-VASc score 4 (2-8). Procedural success was 100%. On TEE, the presence of any peri-device leak was 26 (41.9%), with &gt;3mm leak observed in 10/62 (16.1%), and &gt;5mm observed in none. The presence of residual contrast patency in the LAA was observed in 36/61 (59%) on CCTA, of these, 29 (80.5%) had peri-device leak, and 7 (19.4%) had fabric leak. The median linear attenuation coefficient in patients with residual contrast patency was 328 (133-652) HU, and all had &gt;100 HU in the LAA and HU attenuation ratio LA/LAA of &gt;0.25. Median maximum device compression was 5.7% in those with peri-device leak, and 19.4% (p=0.027) for those without peri-device leak on CCTA. Among patients with peri-device leak on CCTA, 89.6% had peri-device leak on TEE, with corresponding 93.8% sensitivity, 69.9% specificity, and AUC=0.82 (95% CI 0.72-0.93). Conclusions: CCTA is more sensitive than TEE for assessing peri-device leak after LAA closure. Greater device compression appears to be associated with lower incidence of peri-device leak.

Transesophageal echocardiographic findings associated with recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS)

Transesophageal echocardiographic findings associated with recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS)

Clinical Relevance of Patent Foramen Ovale and Atrial Septum Aneurysm in Stroke: Findings of a Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study

Background: A significant proportion of ischemic strokes are cryptogenic. In this context, the clinical pertinence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) with and without atrial septum aneurysm (ASA) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to identify how PFO +/–ASA and cryptogenic stroke are associated in a representative sample of stroke patients. Methods: We enrolled all patients (n = 909) with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack admitted to the certified stroke unit or neurological intensive care unit of our university medical center who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) between 2012 and 2014. The baseline characteristics, cardio-/neurovascular risk factors, clinical parameters and TEE findings were analyzed. Results: PFO was present in 26.2%, and PFO was combined with an ASA in 9.9%. In cryptogenic stroke, the prevalence of PFO was higher compared to other etiologies (30.9 vs. 21.9%; p < 0.002). Patients with PFO had lower National Institute of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS) values at admission than those without (2 [0–5] vs. 3 [1–7]; p = 0.001; 95% CI [0.62–0.88]). No difference was found in NIHSS values of PFO patients with or without ASA (2 [0–5] vs. 2 [0–5]; p = 0.683; 95% CI 0.94 [0.68–1.28]). Conclusions: Our study indicates that a detected PFO +/–ASA could exhibit a stroke-relevant finding, if classical risk factors for the stroke were lacking.

Intraoperative assessment of transient and persistent regional left ventricular wall motion abnormalities in patients undergoing coronary revascularization surgery using real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography: A prospective observational study.

To evaluate the feasibility of intraoperative real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) for identification and quantification of transient and persistent regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A prospective observational study SETTING: Single-center study in an academic tertiary care hospital PARTICIPANTS: A series of 42 patients undergoing elective CABG over a 2-year period were included. After induction of anesthesia, a comprehensive transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination was performed to evaluate regional wall motion using two-dimensional wall motion score index (WMSI) and RT3D echocardiographic parameters at three specific time points during the operative phase. The 3D assessment of LV function was based on the quantification of change in LV chamber volume over time from each segment excursion. Patients were divided into two groups and subgroups based on TEE findings. There was significant mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with RWMAs (WMSI>1; systolic dyssynchrony index [SDI]=7.0±3.66) as compared to the patients having normal wall motion (WMSI=1; SDI=2.0±0.95; P=.001). Patients with contractile dysfunction were found to have low values of segmental excursion and high values of negative excursion on parametric imaging. Persistent RWMAs due to hibernating myocardium showed significant resolution of mechanical dyssynchrony after revascularization. Parametric imaging could detect transient RWMAs due to stunning and graft dysfunction. Early activating segments (EAS) on "timing bull's-eye" may represent hypercontractile segments and may influence inotrope administration. The RT3DE is a valuable modality for precise quantification of regional wall motion during revascularization procedure.

Doppler Parameters Derived from Transthoracic Echocardiography Accurately Detect Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve Dysfunction

Detecting bioprosthetic mitral valve dysfunction on transthoracic echocardiography can be challenging because of acoustic shadowing of regurgitant jets and a wide normal range of transvalvular gradients. Several studies in mechanical mitral valves have demonstrated the utility of the transthoracically derived parametersE (peak early mitral inflow velocity), pressure half-time, and the ratio of mitral inflow velocity-time integral(VTIMV) to left ventricular outflow tract velocity-time integral (VTILVOT) in detecting significant prostheticdysfunction. Uncertainty exists as to their applicability and appropriate cutoff levels in bioprosthetic valves. This study was designed to establish the accuracy and appropriate normal limits of routinely collected transthoracic Doppler parameters when used to assess bioprosthetic mitral valve function. A total of 135 clinically stable patients with bioprosthetic mitral valves who had undergone both transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography within a 6-month period were retrospectively identified from the past 11years of the echocardiography database. Transthoracic findings were labeled as normal (n=81), regurgitant (n=44), or stenotic (n=10) according to the patient's transesophageal echocardiographic findings. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify Doppler parameters that detected dysfunction; then receiver operating characteristic curves were created to establish appropriate normal cutoff levels. The VTIMV/VTILVOT ratio was the most accurate Doppler parameter at detecting valvular dysfunction, with a ratio of >2.5 providing sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95%. E>1.9m/sec was slightly less accurate (93% sensitivity, 72% specificity), while a pressure half-time of >170msec had both 100% specificity and sensitivity for detecting significant bioprosthetic mitral valve stenosis, (although it did not differentiate between regurgitant and normal). This study demonstrates that Doppler parameters derived from transthoracic echocardiography can accurately detect bioprosthetic mitral valve dysfunction. These parameters, particularly a VTIMV/VTILVOT ratio of >2.5, are a sensitive way of selecting patients to undergo more invasive examination with transesophageal echocardiography.

Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiographic Findings in Surgical Resection of a Giant Right Atrial Diverticulum That Severely Compressed the Right Ventricle

Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiographic Findings in Surgical Resection of a Giant Right Atrial Diverticulum That Severely Compressed the Right Ventricle

Unexpected Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiographic Finding Before Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

Unexpected Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiographic Finding Before Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

Evaluation of tricuspid valve regurgitation following laser lead extraction†.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of laser lead extraction (LLE) on the development of post-procedural tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Some reports have suggested an increase in TR associated with LLE. We present a series of patients who underwent both, LLE and complete echocardiographic evaluation for TR. A single centre analysis of consecutive patients referred for LLE between January 2012 and August 2015. One hundred and three patients had tricuspid valve function evaluated before the procedure with a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), during the procedure using transoesophageal echocardiography and postoperatively using a TTE. TR was graded from 0 (none) to 4 (severe). We treated 235 leads in 103 patients, including 118 ventricular leads. Seventy-seven were male (74.8%) and 26 female (25.2%), with a mean age of 65.6 ± 15.4 years. Mean time from initial lead implantation was 98.0 ± 67.3 months. Twenty-one patients (20.4%) had ejection fraction below 30%. No intra-procedural worsening of tricuspid valve function was seen with TEE in any of the patients. Ten patients (9.7%) were found to have TR before LLE that returned to normal valve function after the procedure. Two patients (1.9%) experienced mild TR after the procedure (both with tricuspid valve endocarditis). Ninety-one patients (88.3%) did not experience any significant change of the tricuspid valve function after LLE. Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography findings showed that laser lead extraction was not associated with a significant increase in the incidence of tricuspid valve regurgitation.

Intracardiac echocardiography for verification for left atrial appendage thrombus presence detected by transesophageal echocardiography: the ActionICE II study

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) remains the gold standard for exclusion of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus in patients scheduled for direct electrical cardioversion (DEC) or atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Recently, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) of the pulmonary artery (PA) has been shown to provide excellent LAA images and to be useful in verification of equivocal TEE findings. ICE of the PA may have a role in detecting false-positive TEE results. Twenty-one patients (12 male, age 65 ± 8 years, CHADS2VASC2 score [congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75, age 65-74, diabetes mellitus, stroke/TIA/thrombo-embolism, vascular disease, sex female] = 2.2; HAS-BLED score [hypertension, abnormal renal and liver function, stroke, bleeding, labile International Normalized Ratio, elderly, drugs or alcohol] = 1.1), in whom a thrombus in the LAA was detected during TEE before DEC or AF ablation, underwent ICE of the PA. On TEE, in 7 (33%) patients, the LAA thrombus was described as "solid" and in the remaining 14 (67%) as "soft." Disagreement between the TEE and ICE (thrombus in TEE and no thrombus in ICE) was found in 9 (43%) patients. In the solid thrombus group, ICE confirmed thrombi existence in 6 and excluded thrombi in 1 patient. In the soft thrombus group, ICE confirmed thrombi in 6 patients and excluded thrombi in the remaining 8 patients. Of the demographic and clinical variables, only the longstanding persistent type of AF was significantly associated with the presence of an LAA thrombus detected both by TEE and ICE. With TEE, a false positive of an LAA thrombus may be indicated, especially when a thrombus is described as soft rather than solid. Our study suggests that ICE may be a valuable option for verification of a TEE-based diagnosis of a thrombus.

Feasibility of intraoperative water testing in aortic valve repair: Direct visualization from left ventricle with a videoscope

ObjectiveWe describe a simple method to assess the aortic valve using a videoscope inserted in the left ventricle (LV-VS) during valve-sparing root replacement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of this technique by comparing it with the findings of postoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). MethodsThirty-six patients (29 male, mean age 45.4 ± 20.1 years) undergoing aortic root reimplantation were assessed intraoperatively with LV-VS. The LV-VS was inserted from the right upper pulmonary vein into the left ventricle and set toward the aortic valve. After completion of graft implantation, inspection was performed with LV-VS by pressurizing the neo-sinus before attachment of coronary arteries. Valve competency evaluated by LV-VS was compared with postoperative TEE findings, according to the group of cusp morphologies. Group 1 included 26 patients with tricuspid aortic valve, and group 2 included 9 patients with bicuspid aortic valve and 1 quadricuspid aortic valve. ResultsThe grade of aortic regurgitation (AR) improved from 2.9 ± 1.6 preoperatively to 0.33 ± 0.6 postoperatively (P < .001 vs preoperatively). In 4 patients, LV-VS was used only before repair. In group 1, intraoperative LV-VS showed a competent valve in 20 and an incompetent valve in 3 patients, and postoperative TEE showed non/trivial AR in 15, mild AR in 5, and mild-to-moderate AR in 3 patients. In group 2, 9 patients achieved a competent valve on intraoperative LV-VS and non/trivial AR on postoperative TEE. ConclusionsIntraoperative direct inspection with LV-VS is a feasible method for confirming the completion of cusp repair.

Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis in the Acute Phase of the Stroke: Relevance of Detection and Follow-Up

Stroke may be the first symptom of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT); therefore, rapid diagnosis and therapy are crucial. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, main predictors, and long-term clinical evolution of patients with PVT in the acute phase of stroke. We studied consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients with prosthetic heart valves who underwent emergent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during a 5-year period. Two groups were defined depending on the presence of PVT (PVT or non-PVT groups). Baseline characteristics, TEE findings, and international normalized ratios (INRs) at the stroke event were registered. Follow-up visits and TEE control examinations were performed. Sixty-seven patients were registered. TEE was performed within the first week in 85% of patients (n = 57). PVT was diagnosed in 41.8% of cases (n = 28). Clinical severity and baseline INR level showed no differences when the PVT and non-PVT groups were compared. The presence of PVT was associated with the mitral valve location as compared with the aortic valve location (75% versus 25%, P = .003), the presence of spontaneous echocontrast (64.3% versus 35.9%, P = .022), and low ejection fraction (66.7% versus 32.7%, P = .019). The PVT group showed a trend toward higher percentage of recurrence (10.7% versus 2.5%, P = .102) in the follow up period (mean follow-up 25 months). The detection of PVT in the acute stroke phase was relevant, as the stroke recurrence rate was considerable. Therefore, all patients with prosthetic heart valve should undergo emergent TEE.

Сlinical features of left atrial myxoma in comorbidity with active lung tuberculosis

The symptoms and syndromology of myxomas with clinical features of a rare comorbidity – lung tuberculosis and left atrial myxoma in a 69-old year woman, are described in the article. The description includes the clinical history, transesophageal echocardiography findings, pathomorphological characteristics of myxoma, also photoillustrations of tumor’s macro- and microstructures. The analysis reflects the troubles in differential diagnosis of the clinical case due to non-specific symptoms of both diseases. The discussion provides the information about the possible pathophysiological link between myxoma and tuberculosis and the role of interleukin6 inthis process.

Trends in Transesophageal Echocardiography Use, Findings, and Clinical Outcomes in the Era of Minimally Interrupted Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

This study assessed trends in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) use, rate of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus detection, and incidence of periprocedural cerebrovascular accident (CVA) since transitioning to a strategy of uninterrupted warfarin or briefly interrupted novel oral anticoagulant therapy in2010. TEE is routinely performed before ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) to ensure absence of LAA thrombus. Patients with AF ablation presenting between January 2010 and September 2015 at Johns Hopkins Hospital were enrolled in an AF ablation registry; TEE and ablation outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Presence of LAA thrombus, dense spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), or patent foramen ovale (PFO) were recorded. CVA incidence from procedure onset to 30 days post-procedure was evaluated using electronic medical record review. Pre-procedure TEE was performed in 646 of 1,224 AF ablation cases (52.8%). There was a decline in pre-procedure TEE use from 86% in 2010 to 42% in 2015 (p< 0.001). CVA incidence was 4/1,224 (0.33%) cases, and did not change during the study period. TEE findings included LAA thrombus (n= 6; 0.93%), PFO (n= 23; 3.6%), and dense spontaneous echo contrast (n= 99; 15.3%). Both SEC and LAA thrombus were associated with persistent AF, higher CHA2DS2VASC score, increased LA size, reduced LAA flow velocity, and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. PFO was not associated with prior AF ablation, and SEC was not associated with increased CVA incidence. CVA is a rare complication of AF ablation in patients with minimally interrupted anticoagulation. Pre-ablation TEE may be reasonably avoided in patients without high-risk features.

Characteristic lesion pattern and echocardiographic findings in extra-cardiac shunt-related stroke

Among embolic strokes of undetermined source, under-recognized etiology such as extra-cardiac shunt could be a potential risk factor. We sought to characterize infarction patterns on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) findings in extra-cardiac shunt-related stroke. We enrolled 96 consecutive patients with cryptogenic stroke who had an extra- or intra-cardiac shunt. Diagnosis of the shunt was performed using TEE with agitated saline contrast and pulmonary vein isolation. Infarction patterns on DWI and total lesion volume were analyzed. Bubble amounts through the shunt were classified via the International Consensus Criteria (ICC). Short-term prognosis, patterns and size of DWI lesions, and involved vascular territories were not significantly different between two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that extra-cardiac shunt group has a smaller total infarct volume (odds ratio [OR]=0.427, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.228–0.799, p=0.008), and significantly higher bubble grade during resting state and lower grade during the Valsalva maneuver (OR= 0.539, 95% CI 0.438–0.663, p<0.001). Stroke related to an extra-cardiac shunt presented smaller infarct volume, favorable clinical outcomes and characteristic finding on TEE with agitated saline contrast. Further study is needed to confirm whether the extra-cardiac shunt is an independent risk factor.

The value of transesophageal echocardiography for embolic strokes of undetermined source.

Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in consecutive patients with ischemic stroke (IS) fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of embolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS). We prospectively evaluated consecutive patients with acute IS satisfying ESUS criteria who underwent in-hospital TEE examination in 3 tertiary care stroke centers during a 12-month period. We also performed a systematic review and meta-analysis estimating the cumulative effect of TEE findings on therapeutic management for secondary stroke prevention among different IS subgroups. We identified 61 patients with ESUS who underwent investigation with TEE (mean age 44 ± 12 years, 49% men, median NIH Stroke Scale score = 5 points [interquartile range: 3-8]). TEE revealed additional findings in 52% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40%-65%) of the study population. TEE findings changed management (initiation of anticoagulation therapy, administration of IV antibiotic therapy, and patent foramen ovale closure) in 10 (16% [95% CI: 9%-28%]) patients. The pooled rate of reported anticoagulation therapy attributed to abnormal TEE findings among 3,562 acute IS patients included in the meta-analysis (12 studies) was 8.7% (95% CI: 7.3%-10.4%). In subgroup analysis, the rates of initiation of anticoagulation therapy on the basis of TEE investigation did not differ (p = 0.315) among patients with cryptogenic stroke (6.9% [95% CI: 4.9%-9.6%]), ESUS (8.1% [95% CI: 3.4%-18.1%]), and IS (9.4% [95% CI: 7.5%-11.8%]). Abnormal TEE findings may decisively affect the selection of appropriate therapeutic strategy in approximately 1 of 7 patients with ESUS.

Surgical decision-making in aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis: the influence of electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography.

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated computed tomography (CT) in the surgical decision-making and preoperative evaluation in patients with aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). Sixty-eight prosthetic valves in 67 patients with aortic PVE were prospectively evaluated with ECG-gated CT and transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Imaging findings considered indications for surgery were as follows: (i) abscess/pseudoaneurysm formation; (ii) prosthetic valve dehiscence; (iii) valve destruction with valvular regurgitation; (iv) large vegetations (>1.5 cm). The coronary arteries were evaluated with ECG-gated CT. Clinical data including surgical reports and mortality data were collected. Fifty-eight of 68 cases had indication for surgery based on imaging findings (ECG-gated CT/TEE). In 8 of these cases (14%), there was indication for surgery based on CT but not on TEE findings (all had perivalvular pseudoaneurysms). In 11 cases (19%), there was indication for surgery based on TEE but not on CT findings [non-drained abscess (n = 5), prosthetic valve dehiscence (n = 4), large vegetation (n = 1), valve destruction (n = 1)]. In 31 of 32 patients with indication for preoperative coronary angiography, ECG-gated CT coronary angiography was diagnostic. In 1 patient, ECG-gated CT coronary angiography was inconclusive and invasive coronary angiography was performed. In patients with aortic PVE, ECG-gated CT provides additional information over TEE regarding perivalvular extension of infection, which can influence surgical decision-making. Furthermore, ECG-gated CT provides a non-invasive coronary angiogram and can in most cases replace invasive coronary angiography in the preoperative evaluation.

Diagnostic Impact of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients with Acute Cerebral Ischemia.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the diagnostic gold standard for the detection of structural heart diseases as potential sources of cardiac emboli in patients with acute cerebral ischemia. We sought to determine the diagnostic yield of TEE in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with acute cerebral ischemia who were admitted to our hospital between October 2008 and December 2011. TEE reports were screened for detection of cardiac source of embolism judged by the recommendation to change medical management. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify predictors of clinically relevant TEE findings among baseline characteristics. Of 3314 patients with ischemic stroke or TIA, TEE was performed in 791 (24%) patients (mean age 64 ± 13 years, 589 [74%] ischemic stroke, 202 [26%] TIA). A potential cardioembolic source was found in 71 (9%) patients with patent foramen ovale with atrial septal aneurysm being the most common finding (24/71 patients, 34%). In multivariate analysis, peripheral vascular disease (OR 2.57; 95%CI 1.00-6.61), imaging evidence of infarction in multiple locations (OR 4.13; 95%CI 1.36-12.58), and infarction in the posterior circulation (OR 2.11; 95%CI 1.01-4.42) were associated with the identification of a potential cardioembolic source with TEE. TEE identified a potential structural cardioembolic source in nearly 10% of our selected patient population with acute ischemic stroke or TIA, thus underlining its diagnostic value. Our data suggest that patients with hitherto unknown stroke etiology should be considered for additional TEE.