Transesophageal Echocardiography Research Articles

Hemodynamic Effects and Clinical Outcomes of Left Atrial Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (LAVA-ECMO) in Cardiogenic Shock.

Left atrial veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (LAVA-ECMO) in CS is a novel mechanical cardiocirculatory support strategy that provides robust cardiocirculatory support and simultaneous left and right atrial venting via a multi-fenestrated transeptal catheter. We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of all patients aged ≥ 18 years with CS who underwent LAVA-ECMO at a quaternary care institution from 2018-2023. Clinical outcomes as well as pre- and post-hemodynamics were evaluated. A total of 68 patients were analyzed (75% male, 72% white, median age 63). Indications for LAVA-ECMO were CS due to myocardial infarction (29.4%), biventricular failure (26.5%), and/or valvular heart disease (26.5%). Trans-septal puncture was guided by intracardiac echocardiography (86.8%) or transesophageal echocardiography (13.2%). Arterial cannulation was performed via transcaval access in 25% of the cases. Post-LAVA-ECMO cannulation was associated with substantial improvement in the hemodynamics within 24 hours post cannulation, including reduction in right atrial pressure (absolute mean difference: -5.0 mmHg, p<0.001), mean pulmonary artery pressure (-9.0 mmHg, p<0.001), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (-10.0 mmHg, p<0.001), and LV end-diastolic pressure (-14.0 mmHg, p<0.001). Survival to decannulation occurred in 69.1%, while 30-day survival from cannulation was 51.5%. In-hospital all-cause mortality was 51.5%. Only 5 patients (7.4%) required additional MCS (4 Impella, 1 VAV-ECMO). There were no complications related to transeptal placement of the venous ECMO cannula. In conclusion, LAVA-ECMO, a MCS strategy providing bi-atrial drainage, appears to also provide simultaneous LV venting as demonstrated by improved invasive hemodynamics. Although the procedure itself appears safe, with no direct complications to interatrial septal cannulation, post-cannulation complications remain high, and further studies are needed to evaluate the full safety profile of LAVA-ECMO compared to alternative MCS strategies.

Abstract 4135286: Comparative Efficacy of Intracardiac and Transesophageal Echocardiography in Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes

Background: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is essential for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation where anticoagulation is contraindicated. Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) has been proven effective and safe for LAAO since 2011, yet adoption rates remain low, with only 2.2% of LAAOs guided by ICE between 2015 and 2019. Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE), the current gold standard, and ICE differ significantly in operational dynamics and patient impacts, influencing procedural outcomes. Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of ICE and TEE in facilitating LAAO, offering insights into their comparative clinical use. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in MEDLINE/PubMed, OVID, and Scopus through December 2023, comparing ICE and TEE in LAAO. Inclusion criteria centered on studies reporting technical success, with secondary outcomes including length of stay (LOS), mortality, and adverse outcomes such as stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, device thrombosis, device embolization, and peri-device leaks. Data synthesis employed statistical methods utilizing R Studio. Results: Fourteen studies involving 4184 patients were included. The meta-analysis revealed no significant differences in technical success (OR 1.34, 95% CI: [0.76, 2.36]), LOS (OR 1.66, 95% CI: [0.80, 3.42]), or mortality (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: [0.50, 2.00]) between ICE and TEE. Similarly, non-significant differences were noted in stroke, TIA, pericardial effusion, and device leaks, with minimal heterogeneity (I 2 = 0%). Conclusion: ICE and TEE provide comparable clinical outcomes in LAAO, with no significant efficacy or safety differences. These results suggest that the choice between ICE and TEE should be based on procedural convenience, patient anatomy, and resource availability, rather than clinical outcomes alone. The equivalence in performance between these modalities allows for flexibility in clinical practice, ensuring that patient care can be customized to individual needs without compromising safety or effectiveness.

Abstract 4122350: Most Diabetes Mellitus Patients Had Right Lower Pulmonary Vein Thrombi; Additionally, Many Patients Had Extended Large Rod-Like Thrombi in the Left Atrium

Background: Retrieved thrombus studies have shown that retrieved thrombi have calcifications, indicating that the thrombi are old. Left atrium diverticula (LADs) are common; however, the mechanisms of LAD formation are poorly understood. Pulmonary vein thrombi (PVTs) are common and are underestimated. In 2022, we reported that 98.6% of senior patients with age-related diseases such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and atrial fibrillation had PVTs, as estimated by cardiac computed tomography (CT) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Additionally, we reported a case in which a malignant lymphoma patient had ATs in the right lower pulmonary vein, in which extended large rod-like thrombi in the left atrium (LA) were found, as determined by TEE. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) must have PVTs. The characteristics of extended LA thrombi in patients with T2DM are unclear. Methods: Thirty-one patients with T2DM (73.5 +/- 8.9 y.o., from 50 y.o. to 88 y.o.; male, 24) were examined for PVTs, as estimated via TEE and cardiac CT. Results: Thirty (97%) patients with T2DM had PVTs in the right lower pulmonary vein (RLPV) and connected LA thrombi, as estimated using TEE. Among them, 27 (87%) patients had large white rod-like LA thrombi extending from RLPV thrombi, and the diameter of the thin part of the rod-like LA thrombi was approximately 5 mm. The end of the LA thrombi was mainly attached to the left side of the anterior wall or the posterior side of left side wall of the LA. Additionally, there were left atrium diverticula (LADs) around the attachment regions. Three patients had RLPV thrombi and connected shorter LA thrombi. A 79-year-old male patient did not have detectable PVTs. The patient had taken apixaban (2.5 mg, twice daily) for six years due to atrial fibrillation and stroke. Conclusions: Most (97%) elderly T2DM patients had RLPV thrombi. Additionally, many (87%) patients had extended large rod-like thrombi in the LA. The diameter of the thin part of the large rod-like LA thrombi was approximately 5 mm. There were LADs around the attachment regions where the ends of the LA thrombi from the RLPV thrombi were attached.

Abstract 4136721: Reducing the Use of Transesophageal Echocardiogram Prior to Cardioversion Using Machine Learning

Introduction/Background: Direct current cardioversion (DCC) is used to terminate atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Due to increased stroke risk post DCC, a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is performed in selected patients to rule out left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) prior to DCC. The prevalence of LAAT is around 2.5% in the era of direct oral anticoagulants. This is a large proportion of patients with no LAAT on TEE and calls for strategies to improve patient selections for TEE before DCC. Research Questions/Hypothesis: In this study we aimed to determine if the use of machine learning could accurately predict the presence of LAAT among patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Methods/Approach: We collected demographic, comorbid, and transthoracic echocardiographic data on 795 patients who underwent TEE prior to DCC for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. We developed and validated an explainable machine learning model using the eXtreme Gradient Boosting algorithm with 5x5 nested cross-validation. The algorithm used 37 variables to predict the probability of LAAT. Results/Data: The prevalence of LAAT in our cohort was 11.3%. Our model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79 in predicting LAAT, figure 1A. In comparison, CHA2DS2-VASc score performed poorly in our cohort with an AUC of 0.48, figure 1B. The ranking of variables most strongly predictive of LAAT is shown in figure 1C, with left ventricle ejection fraction as the most instrumental. Patients were categorized into 10 groups based on the percentile of their predicted probability of having a thrombus. A lower percentile (e.g., 10%) indicates a lower probability of having a thrombus. By utilizing a cutoff point of 0.16, which includes 10.0% of the patients, we can exclude the presence of thrombus with 100% certainty. Conclusion: Machine learning, compared to traditional risk scores, offers enhanced predictive model for identifying LAAT and provides better guidance for TEE and anticoagulation therapy before DCC.

Abstract 4118882: Decompensated Heart Failure Secondary to a Non-Coronary Sinus of Valsalva to Right Atrium Fistula: A Case Report

Introduction: Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) accounts for 3.5% of all congenital cardiac anomalies. Rupture occurs in 35% of cases and can lead to life-threatening fistulas, predominantly involving the right ventricle or right atrium. Description of Case: 62-year-old female with hypertension and hypothyroidism presented to the ER with progressively worsening dyspnea over the past week. She also reported worsening lower extremity edema, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Chest X-ray showed large pleural effusions. Her ejection fraction was 66% ejection fraction with a fistula between the right sinus of Valsalva and the right atrium on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) which was also seen on transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Her heart failure was due to the fistula as she had no coronary artery disease on coronary angiogram. She had cardiothoracic surgery for fistula repair. Postoperatively, she developed complete heart block requiring a permanent pacemaker. She had no further complications and was discharged home in good condition. Discussion: SVA affects the right sinus (94%), with the non-coronary (5%) and left sinus (1%) being less commonly involved. Aneurysm rupture typically forms a fistula into the right ventricle (60%), right atrium (29%), left atrium (6%), or left ventricle (4%), and rarely into the pericardial cavity (1%). Symptoms vary by rupture size and location. TTE is the initial diagnostic tool but has limited sensitivity (50%) for detecting fistulas, whereas TEE has a 90% sensitivity. Cardiac MRI and CT can further refine diagnoses, and cardiac catheterization assesses coronary arteries preoperatively. Surgical closure with a patch is the primary treatment for ruptured SVA, significantly improving survival rates compared to non-surgical management.

Abstract 4136516: Intraventricular pseudoaneurysm: A diagnosis with high mortality that demands a good eye

Traumatic left ventricular (LV) pseudoaneurysms (PSA) are rare, life-threatening complications of blunt chest trauma and the management is heavily reliant on early identification and diagnosis. A healthy 55-year-old female presented after blunt chest trauma from a car accident. Bedside echocardiogram revealed a mid-septal LV discontinuity with myocardial outpouching. Lab work was significant for high sensitivity troponin of 22,000 ng/L which peaked at 24,000 in 5 hours. ECG revealed normal sinus rhythm with a QRS duration of 102ms. No ventricular ectopy was detected. Transthoracic echocardiograph (TTE) using echo contrast agent and computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the intraventricular pseudoaneurysm (Fig 1-A&amp;B). A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) showed an intact PSA at 3.7 x 2.5 cm LV PSA with a 5mm neck extending from the mid septum superiorly into the right ventricle (RV) with no Doppler evidence of rupture or shunt (Fig 2). With cardiology and cardiac surgery shared decision making, conservative therapy was elected in the setting of polytrauma and hemodynamic stability. Serial TTEs showed stable size and appearance of the PSA during her month long hospitalization. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) 7 months later showed significant improvement in the PSA size to 0.3 cm 2 and extensive myocardial remodeling (Fig 1-C). LV septal PSA is rare following blunt chest trauma, and it confers a considerable risk of rupture with the highest risk occurring within 3 months of formation. Untreated PSA presents with risks including thromboembolism, infection, and arrhythmia. Multimodal cardiac imaging is paramount for diagnosis and surveillance. There are no guidelines for serial monitoring in hemodynamically stable patients and an individualized approach should be taken. In this patient TTE, TEE, and CT imaging modalities were utilized. Our patient progressed without complication following conservative management with shrinking and scarring of the aneurysm characterized by the cMRI.

Abstract 4138030: Eustachian Valve Endocarditis Successfully Extracted Using the Angio-Vac Aspiration System

Introduction: Eustachian valve endocarditis is a rare right-sided endocarditis that is often poorly visualized on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Here is a case of eustachian valve endocarditis first identified on TTE. It was refractory to intravenous antibiotic therapy and was successfully treated using the AngioVac aspiration system for percutaneous debulking. Case: A 36-year-old female with a past medical history of depression, intravenous heroin use, and substance-induced mood disorder presented with altered mental status and respiratory distress. She was found to have methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia, a gluteal abscess, multiple septic pulmonary emboli, and a left-sided empyema. She was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics that were narrowed to cefazolin. Her gluteal abscess was drained, and a left-sided chest tube was placed with pleural cultures growing MSSA. TTE demonstrated a mass on the eustachian valve. Subsequent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) demonstrated two echogenic masses adherent to the eustachian valve, one measuring 17 by 9 millimeters and one measuring 15 by 8 millimeters, consistent with eustachian valve endocarditis. Despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, she continued to have intermittent fevers with persistently positive blood cultures. The patient underwent TEE-guided extraction of the eustachian valve vegetation using the AngioVac aspiration system. TEE at the end of the case demonstrated complete removal of her eustachian valve masses. Blood cultures cleared post-procedure, and she was eventually discharged to acute rehabilitation. Conclusion: In cases of eustachian valve endocarditis refractory to appropriate antibiotic therapy, the AngioVac aspiration system offers an option for percutaneous extraction of eustachian valve vegetations.

Abstract 4138717: Infective Root Aortitis: Medical Therapy Alone or Medical Therapy and Surgery?

Clinical presentation: A 75-year-old male with previous 3 vessel CABG and bioprosthetic aortic valve (BAV) surgical replacement in 2013 was admitted with severe sepsis from diabetic foot ulcer complicated with Group A Streptococcus bacteremia and infective root aortitis. Imaging Findings: Initial technically limited transthoracic echocardiogram was followed by a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) that demonstrated a well seated BAV with mildly thickened leaflets but no vegetations, mild intra-valvular regurgitation, and 9 mm end-diastolic soft tissue echoreflectant thickening of the posterior aortic root (AoR) extending up 3 cm from the aortic annulus to the ascending aorta (Fig 1A,B). There were no signs of perivalvular abscess formation. Initial FDG PET-CT demonstrated heterogenous hypermetabolic activity at the annulus of the BAV (Fig 1C) and AoR (Fig 1D) consistent with aortitis. Decision-making: In the absence of guidelines for the management of these patients, a multidisciplinary team including cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and infectious disease opted for a conservative medical therapy instead of high-risk surgery. Patient then underwent left foot first digit amputation to achieve infectious source control. Upon completion of 4 out of 6 weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone 2 grams daily, repeat TEE showed improved AoR thickening to 6 mm (Fig 1E,F), no AoR abscess, and unchanged BAV structure and function. Repeat FDG PET-CT at the same time of TEE demonstrated persistent but improved hypermetabolic activity of the BAV annulus and AoR. After 10 weeks of IV antibiotics, repeat FDG PET-CT showed further decrease in metabolic activity on both areas. However, an Indium-111 labeled leukocyte scan showed no activity at the BAV annulus and root (Fig 1G) and therefore indicated healed AoR aortitis, which was further supported by significant decrease of ESR and CRP initial values of 126 mm/hr and 122.7 mg/L to 11 mm/hr and 3 mg/L, respectively. Patient is currently clinically stable 8 months later. Conclusion: This case illustrates that a conservative management of infective AoR aortitis with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics is a reasonable alternative to high-risk re-do valve and root surgery.

Abstract 4139198: A Systematic Approach to Prompting Large Language Models for Automated Feature Extraction from Cardiovascular Imaging Reports

Introduction: Cardiovascular radiology reports contain valuable diagnostic information linked to images, but the unstructured text format makes feature extraction difficult on a large scale. Large language models (LLMs) allow for feature extraction where string parsing alone is insufficient, but require careful prompting for accurate results. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that a systematic prompting approach using LLMs can expedite the extraction of features from unstructured text in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) reports. Methods: The data consisted of 7106 intraoperative TEE reports, 600 of which were manually reviewed to obtain pre- and post-intervention ground truth values for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right ventricular systolic function (RVSF), and tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Reports are paired with an imaging study consisting of 50-200 clips. For each feature considered, 100 of the 600 labeled reports were used to engineer a prompt in Llama-2 that maximized feature extraction accuracy. Results: We found that using multiple, shorter prompts yielded higher accuracy than did fewer, longer prompts. Additionally, when imposing semantic information onto a numerical scale, prompt engineering in combination with string parsing (Figure 1) gave the best results. When evaluated on the 500 labeled reports withheld for testing, the finalized prompts had accuracies of 94.1%, 94.8%, and 91.3% for LVEF, RVSF, and TR, respectively. Using this strategy, 5000 intraoperative TEE reports were analyzed and used to train and evaluate a regression model for LVEF estimation from TEE clips (Figure 2). Conclusion: We have shown that performing prompt engineering on Llama-2 can be used to extract features from unstructured TEE reports in an accurate manner. As an extension of these methods, automated feature prediction from echocardiograms can be used to create rapid, low-cost, and accessible cardiac assessments.

Abstract 4124839: Does Anticoagulation Status Before LAA Thrombus Detection Influence Stroke Risk?

Introduction: Thrombus in the left atrial appendage (LAA) is known to be one of the risk factors for ischemic stroke, and after the detection of LAA thrombus, anticoagulation therapy is usually administered. However, the role of anticoagulation therapy before the detection of LAA thrombus in the prognosis is still unclear. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that the anticoagulation status at the time of LAA thrombus detection with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) affects the future incidence of ischemic stroke. Methods: Patients who underwent TEE and were found to have LAA thrombus were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on their anticoagulation status before TEE. To exclude strokes that might occur due to the detected LAA thrombus itself, landmark analysis was performed by excluding patients who had a stroke or died within 30 days after detection of the LAA thrombus. The difference in the 7-year cumulative incidence of ischemic stroke was assessed using the Gray-test. Fine-Gray proportional hazard regression was utilized to assess the impact of anticoagulation status on ischemic stroke. Results: Among 183 patients detected with LAA thrombus, 15 suffered ischemic stroke or death within 30 days of detection, and 168 patients were included in this study. Of these, 58 patients were treated with anticoagulation therapy before the index detection of LAA thrombus (PreAC group). Patients in the PreAC group were older (median 76 years [interquartile range 51-88 years] vs. 74 years [38-89 years], P = 0.032) than those in the non-PreAC group. The rates of CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2 (93% vs. 89%, P = 0.582), male sex (64% vs. 70%, P = 0.488), and history of atrial fibrillation (98% vs. 95%, P = 0.667) were similar between the two groups. The cumulative ischemic stroke rate was higher in the PreAC group than in the non-PreAC group (P = 0.048, Figure). Even after adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc score, anticoagulation therapy before detection of LAA thrombus was significantly associated with the cumulative incidence of ischemic stroke (P = 0.049). Conclusions: Anticoagulation status before the detection of LAA thrombus is a determinant of a higher incidence of ischemic stroke. The background mechanisms suggesting a tendency toward thrombus generation even when treated with anticoagulation are proposed.

Abstract 4136698: Comparative Analysis of Transthoracic and Transesophageal Echocardiography for Diagnosis of High-Risk Patent Foramen Ovale

Background: Transthoracic contrast echocardiography using hand-agitated saline and provocative maneuver (cTTE) has been considered a gold standard of diagnosis of patent foramen ovale (PFO), and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is generally recommended for selected patients who are going to undergo percutaneous closure of PFO. Recent studies have highlighted the clinical significance and prognostic implication of various anatomical features of PFO and the adjacent atrial septum, and risk stratification using the concept of ‘a high-risk PFO (HRPFO)’ has been widely accepted. We sought to evaluate the diagnostic role of TEE with contrast study (cTEE). Methods: Clinical data from patients who underwent both cTTE and cTEE without sedation for evaluation of cryptogenic stroke was retrospectively analyzed. The bubble gradings of right-to-left shunt were classified into four groups: grade 0 (none), grade 1 (&lt; 20), grade 2 (20-99 bubbles), and grade 3 (≧100 bubbles). HRPFO was defined as PFO with an atrial septal aneurysm or hypermobile atrial septum, or PFO with large amount of shunt (≧20 bubbles), or PFO size (distance between septum secundum and primum) of ≧2 mm. Results: From January 2017 to December 2022, a total of 572 patients underwent both cTTE and cTEE. The prevalence of PFO was 65.9 % (377 patients), and 331 patients (57.9% of the total, 87.8% of those with PFOs) were diagnosed with HRPFO using cTTE or cTEE. The prevalence of grade 2 and 3 was significantly higher in cTEE than in cTTE among proven PFO cases (68.7 % vs 75.6 %, P = 0.04). Among patients initially assessed as having a low-risk PFO or no PFO by cTTE, 22% were subsequently reclassified as having a HRPFO following cTEE. As a result, the positivity of HRPFO significantly increased from 46% to 56.8% after cTEE (P &lt; 0.001). The sensitivity of cTTE for diagnosing a HRPFO was significantly lower than that of cTEE (79.5 % vs 98.2 %, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Diagnostic performance of cTTE can be significantly improved with the addition of cTEE without sedation. Given the beneficial effects of percutaneous closure of HRPFO, cTEE without sedation should be considered a useful screening test for patients with cryptogenic stroke.

Abstract 4129273: Severe Mitral Regurgitation from Impella-associated Mitral Chordae Rupture with Successful Transcatheter Edge-to-edge Repair

Background: Limited data exists describing Impella-related mechanical mitral valve complications. Diagnosis and management can be challenging due to potential underestimation of mitral regurgitation severity from Impella and acute clinical deterioration upon removal. We present a case of successful mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for acute severe MR secondary to Impella-related mitral chordae rupture resulting in acute pulmonary edema post-Impella removal. Case Summary: A 37-year-old male smoker presented with chest pain complicated by cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. Spontaneous circulation could not be restored, requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Coronary angiography revealed total occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending artery, which was successfully stented. Transfemoral Impella CP was placed for left ventricular venting under fluoroscopy (Panel A) with TTE showing no complications. In the intensive care unit, the Impella was advanced under TTE guidance; its tip was found to be positioned deep at the base of the posteromedial pupillary muscle without suction alarms or ventricular arrhythmias on the following day (Panel B). Several days later, TTE revealed new eccentric MR with hyperdynamic left ventricular motion (Panel C). The patient remained hemodynamically stable after VA-ECMO decannulation with Impella at P4. Following Impella removal, he developed repeated flash pulmonary edema despite aggressive fluid removal attributed to acute severe MR secondary to a flail P3 leaflet with ruptured chordae tendineae confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography (Panel D). Given the patient's poor surgical candidacy with a STS score of 13.2%, the team proceeded with mitral TEER, successfully reducing MR severity from severe to mild with a single NT Mitraclip ® across the medial commissure (Panel E). His post-operative cardiac course was uneventful without recurrence of pulmonary edema. Discussion: Irreversible mechanical damage to the mitral valve apparatus caused by Impella placement and repositioning is a rare, potentially fatal complication requiring emergent intervention. Mitral TEER can be a viable salvage option for poor surgical candidates.

Abstract 4131838: Heart’s Deception: A Venous Villain Hiding in the Heart

A 66-year-old male presented with 5 months of worsening left flank and lower back pain. Three weeks prior to this presentation, he was seen at an outside facility where he was found to have a left renal mass that was not further worked up. CT Abdomen and Pelvis showed an enhancing heterogenous lesion at the left superior renal pole, left adrenal gland lesion, and a pulmonary artery filling defect. This defect, along with concern for metastasis, led to a CT chest angiogram that reported small left upper and lower lobe pulmonary emboli. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was ordered and showed a linear highly mobile mass in the right atrium that was intermittently protruding into the right ventricle and into the main pulmonary artery through the pulmonic valve. There was no visible evidence of tumor extension of the renal mass into the inferior vena cava. Based on this, the highest differential was a clot-in-transit. After collaboration with the pulmonary embolism response team and echo team, the patient underwent aspiration thrombectomy via AngioVac system with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance. Most of the mass was removed, but there was a residual small portion adherent to the superior vena cava that was not amenable to aspiration. Grossly, the removed mass did not have the classic appearance of thrombus. The specimen was sent to pathology and returned as poorly differentiated carcinoma with spindle cell pattern positive for PAX8, CK7, CD10, pancytokeratin, and vimentin concerning for renal cell carcinoma. Post procedural transthoracic echo found to have new basal septal globular mass with vascularity seen on echo contrast imaging concerning for vascular involvement consistent with myocardial metastatic invasion. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging could have aided in more precise tissue characterization to differentiate between clot or tumor prior to aspiration thrombectomy. This case demonstrates the significance of a detailed history and physical exam, use of multimodality imaging, and multidisciplinary collaboration to manage a rare cardiac condition.

Abstract 4112591: Delayed Migration of a Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Introduction: Migration of a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a rare, life-threatening complication that typically occurs during or shortly after the procedure. We present a unique case of an exceptionally rare, delayed migration of a valve-in-valve TAVR three years post-procedure that was subsequently treated with surgical explantation of the TAVR prosthesis and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Clinical Case: A 64-year-old male presented to an outpatient cardiology visit with one month of exertional dyspnea and near-syncopal episodes with a new diastolic murmur. Notable history included aortic regurgitation due to bicuspid aortic valve resulting in subcoronary implantation of a 27 mm Medtronic Freestyle stentless porcine bioprosthesis 20 years prior to presentation. Following the development of severe bioprosthetic regurgitation, a valve-in-valve TAVR with a 26 mm Edwards SAPIEN 3 Ultra was implanted 3 years prior to presentation with no evidence of stenosis or regurgitation on transthoracic echocardiograms completed 1 month and 1 year after implantation. Transesophageal echocardiogram now demonstrated migration of the TAVR valve into the left ventricular outflow tract 2 cm proximal to the surgical bioprosthesis. Severe eccentric transvalvular regurgitant flow through the surgical bioprosthesis and severe paravalvular regurgitation around the TAVR valve was seen with an unstable “rocking appearance”. No evidence of abscess or endocarditis was appreciated and blood cultures showed no growth. Following a short hospitalization, the patient underwent TAVR explantation and implantation of a 25 mm Edwards Inspiris Resilia stented bovine bioprosthesis with subsequent resolution of his symptoms. Discussion: Recognizing atypical presentations of TAVR complications such as delayed valve migration is facilitated by understanding key risk factors. This case highlights notable risk factors for TAVR migration including a valve-in-valve TAVR over a degenerative regurgitant bioprosthesis, decreased aortic annulus calcification resulting in suboptimal anchoring, the patient’s younger age, and the lack of a radiopaque marker on the stentless bioprosthesis which increases the potential for malpositioning.

Abstract 4135279: The Watchman Device needs to be Watched: A Case of Device Related Thrombus

Introduction: Left atrial appendage (LAA) harbors approximately 90% of thrombi in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) for which an anticoagulant (AC) is indicated to prevent cardio-embolic stroke. Alternatively, the benefits of LAA occlusion (LAAO) devices to those patients who encounter life-threating bleeding with AC are also well established. However, the LAAO device comes with the risk of device related thrombus (DRT), which is a real challenge. Case: A 68 year-old-male with history of chronic AF on apixaban and recurrent ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke was evaluated for LAAO device placement procedure. Initially, when the patient was not taking AC, he had an ischemic stroke likely cardio-embolic source, which necessitated the initiation of apixaban. Unfortunately, while he was taking apixaban, he had a right thalamic bleed causing persistent left sided paresis. Subsequently, AC was held for 6 months and he underwent watchman device placement. He remained on apixaban for 45 days post procedure and was continued on aspirin only. After 10 months, on routine cardiac computerized tomographic arteriography (CTA), a large filling defect measuring 1.7 x 1.4 cm on the left atrial side of the watchman device was seen (Figure 1A) which was confirmed with transesophageal echocardiogram. Then, he was re-started on apixaban for a short period of time, which culminated him to have a right temporal bleed. After holding AC for 3 months, repeat CTA showed persistent filling defect suggestive of DRT (Figure 1B). Therefore, AC was permanently discontinued and patient was evaluated for DRT removal procedure. Utilizing a shared decision model, the option of mechanical thrombectomy with cerebral protection device (CPD) was chosen to mitigate the risk of embolic stroke. Post procedure, he was continued on apixaban 2.5 mg twice daily for 3 months and then aspirin forever. Subsequent surveillance CTA did not show DRT (Figures 1C and D). Patient has remained asymptomatic thereafter. Conclusion: 3-7% of patients with Watchman device suffer from DRT. Life threatening bleeding from AC further complicates the management of such patients. Mechanical thrombectomy with CPD is an established procedure for the removal of intra-arterial or intravenous thrombus. However, the feasibility of the routine use of mechanical thrombectomy with CPD for persistent DRT in-patient like ours is yet to be studied in detail.

Abstract 4135360: Eosinophilic Myocarditis: An Atypical Presentation with a Labile Course: A Case Report

Case presentation: A 64-year-old man presented with one day of chest pain. Initial evaluation showed elevated cardiac enzymes (CE) and normal eosinophil count. Electrocardiogram (EKG) was unremarkable. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed an ejection fraction (EF) of 40% and a moderate-large pericardial effusion with signs of tamponade. Pericardiocentesis was deferred due to the lack of a safe window. Left and right heart catheterization showed no occlusive disease or chamber pressure equalization. The patient developed worsening shock, raising suspicion for myocarditis and prompting an endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). He was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on day 3. The EMB resulted as eosinophilic myocarditis (EM), and high dose Methylprednisolone was started. He was decannulated from ECMO on day 10. Intra-operative transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) post-decannulation showed a normal EF without segmental abnormalities. Three hours later, a rise in CEs was noted, and EKG showed ST elevations inferiorly. TTE showed a reduced EF with multiple segmental abnormalities concerning for myocardial infarction. A repeat coronary angiogram was unremarkable. Due to the residual pericardial effusion, the patient underwent a pericardial window draining 200 cc of serosanguinous fluid. Intra-operative TEE showed an EF of 20% with no improvement after drainage. He had a cardiac arrest during the procedure and was placed back on ECMO. High-dose steroids were resumed along with intravenous immunoglobulin. Despite interventions, the patient continued to deteriorate and he ultimately expired. Discussion: EM has high mortality and a variable course, often requiring EMB for diagnosis. As in our case, about 25% of cases present without peripheral eosinophilia. Pericardial effusion occurs in 34% of cases and tamponade in 6%. A distinct feature of this case is the decompensation associated with ST elevation and segmental abnormalities, thought initially to be myocardial infarction (MI), after an initial response to steroids. While the etiology of such decompensation is unclear, relapsing EM in the setting of tapering steroids is one explanation, as myocarditis and MI can share similar clinical features. Another explanation is cardiac tamponade, which has also been reported to mimic MI and myocarditis. Air embolism from ECMO decannulation is another possibility, though air embolisms may include cerebrovascular pathology, which was not observed.

Abstract 4135311: Cryptogenic stroke associated with a double interatrial septum treated with surgical closure

Introduction: A double atrium septum is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by a double-walled atrial septum with persistent interatrial space. This could be an asymptomatic presentation but also serve as a nidus of thromboembolic complications. We hereby present a case of a 57-year-old female with a cryptogenic stroke found to have a patent foramen ovale and double atrial septum. Case Description: A 57 year-old-female with a past medical history of hypertension presented with acute complaints of word-finding difficulty, left-sided neck pain and lightheadedness after a head strike while swimming. She was found to have a right-sided cerebellar stroke. A carotid artery ultrasound showed no evidence of atherosclerotic disease. Her lipid profile was normal. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a patent foramen ovale with a positive bubble study revealing a large right to left shunt with Valsalva. A transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed a patent foramen ovale with an incidental finding of a double atrial septum with extreme redundancy of septal issue. The patient had a surgical closure of the interatrial septum and resection of the accessory interatrial septum tissue. She developed chronic post-sternotomy pain and subsequently had sternal wire removal. Discussion: A double atrial septum is a rare congenital anomaly seen as two parallel interatrial septa accompanied by a distinct echo-lucent midline space that expands during systole and contracts during diastole. It can happen embryologically by either the abnormal development of the septum secundum, resorption failure of the superior portion of the septum primum, or the persistence of the left venous valve of the sinus venosus. Typically, individuals with double atrial septum are asymptomatic, but they may encounter cardioembolic events due to the potential thrombi formation in the interatrial space. Communication between the septa increases the likelihood of such events. Unlike atrial fibrillation/flutter, there are currently no established criteria for initiating anticoagulation therapy for double atrial septum, primarily due to its rarity. Some options include antiplatelet agents, oral anticoagulation therapy, and percutaneous or surgical PFO closure. Surgical closure provides a permanent closure of the defect, thereby preventing future paradoxical emboli without the potential risks associated with long-term anticoagulation.

Abstract 4119116: Percutaneous Aspiration of Mitral Valve Endocarditis using the AngioVac Device

Case Description: A 68-year-old man with end-stage renal disease on dialysis, peripheral vascular disease with metatarsal amputations, atrial fibrillation and type 1 diabetes was admitted for foot osteomyelitis secondary to MSSA bacteremia. Transesophageal echocardiogram revealed mobile mitral valve vegetations up to 1.8cm on the atrial aspect of the posterior mitral valve leaflet which prolapsed through the mitral valve during diastole. Ejection fraction was 60% and there was trivial-mild mitral regurgitation without valvular destruction or peri-annular extension into the mitral annulus. MRI brain showed bilateral cerebral and cerebellar hemispheric infarcts, consistent with acute embolic stroke. He was at high risk for both recurrent embolism and operative mortality (STS risk score 51%) due to his comorbidities and risk of hemorrhagic conversion of stroke. After shared decision making, percutaneous aspiration of the mitral vegetation was performed with AngioVac (Fig). Cerebral embolism protection devices were deployed prior to AngioVac evacuation of the mass. There was no residual mitral regurgitation and only a small vegetation strand remained (Fig). Surgical pathology confirmed MSSA endocarditis. Blood cultures remained negative, and the patient did not suffer from recurrent embolic events. The patient underwent revision metatarsal amputation and was discharged with a 6-week course of IV cefazolin. Discussion: Infective endocarditis with high embolic risk is life-threatening and challenging to treat in patients with high surgical risk. We illustrate a case of percutaneous vegetation aspiration using the AngioVac device in our patient who suffered from embolic strokes due to MSSA mitral valve endocarditis. Meta-analyses have shown clinically successful debulking in 90% of cases, with 82% of patients able to clear bacteremia with AngioVac. Although most commonly used in right-sided lesions, percutaneous debulking of left-sided endocarditis with AngioVac and cerebral protection can be considered as a treatment strategy in select patients with prohibitive surgical risk.

Left atrial appendage aneurysm: a descriptive systematic review of 177 cases.

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a distinct structure with unique developmental and structural characteristics. The LAA is involved in the formation of intra-atrial thrombi, particularly in patients with conditions such as atrial fibrillation and mitral valve disease. Left atrial appendage aneurysms (LAAA) are rare abnormal dilations of the LAA that may cause hazardous complications. However, there are limited data on the demographic features, clinical characteristics, management modalities, and prognosis of LAAA patients. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the reported cases of LAAA to explore the baseline characteristics, presentation, preferred diagnostic modalities, and optimal management of LAAA. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. We performed a literature search using MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar. Eligible articles published between January 1940 and November 2022 were included. The eligibility criteria included case reports and case series of LAAA in English language articles. The data extracted included information on the authors, publication year, patient characteristics, signs/symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and outcomes. We identified 177 patients with LAAA in our study. There was a slight female predominance (50.9%), and the mean age was 29.7 years. Palpitations were the most common symptom reported, followed by shortness of breath and thromboembolic events. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms were the most common modalities for investigating and diagnosing LAAA, and the mean size of the aneurysm was 7.8 (5.7-9.6) × 5.9 (5.0-6.2) cm. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for most patients with excellent prognoses. Older age and the presence of arrhythmia were significantly associated with thrombus formation and embolic events. Left atrial appendage aneurysm is a rare but potentially life-threatening heart pathology that can lead to arrhythmias and thromboembolic events. Surgical resection appears to be the primary treatment option in the current literature, and most patients show improvement or are asymptomatic after treatment. Additionally, alternative approaches, such as transcatheter closure of LAAA, ablation, and medical treatments, have been reported as viable alternatives to surgical intervention.

Pediatric 3D transesophageal echocardiography reveals prolapse of accessory mitral valve tissues into the left atrium in a neonate.

Pediatric 3D transesophageal echocardiography reveals prolapse of accessory mitral valve tissues into the left atrium in a neonate.