1
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Chadha RM. CT coronary angiography: Is it the new standard in coronary assessment for liver transplant candidates? Int J Cardiol 2024; 406:131999. [PMID: 38574999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.131999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
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2
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Martinez-Perez S, McCluskey SA, Davierwala PM, Kalra S, Nguyen E, Bhat M, Borosz C, Luzzi C, Jaeckel E, Neethling E. Perioperative Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Management in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Review of the Literature Merging Guidelines and Interventions. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2024; 38:1015-1030. [PMID: 38185566 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2023.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the second most performed solid organ transplant. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a critical consideration for LT candidacy, particularly in patients with known CAD or risk factors, including metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease. The presence of severe CAD may exclude patients from LT; therefore, precise preoperative evaluation and interventions are necessary to achieve transplant candidacy. Cardiovascular complications represent the earliest nongraft-related cause of death post-transplantation. Timely intervention to reduce cardiovascular events depends on adequate CAD screening. Coronary disease screening in end-stage liver disease is challenging because standard noninvasive CAD screening tests have low sensitivity due to hyperdynamic state and vasodilatation. As a result, there is overuse of invasive coronary angiography to exclude severe CAD. Coronary artery calcium scoring using a computed tomography scan is a tool for the prediction of cardiovascular events, and can be used to achieve risk stratification in LT candidates. Recent literature shows that qualitative assessment on both noncontrast- and contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography can be used instead of calcium score to assess the presence of coronary calcium. With increasing prevalence, protocols to address CAD in LT candidates must be reconsidered. Percutaneous coronary intervention could allow a shorter duration of dual-antiplatelet therapy in simple lesions, with safer perioperative outcomes. Hybrid coronary revascularization is an option for high-risk LT candidates with multivessel disease nonamenable to percutaneous coronary intervention. The objective of this review is to evaluate existing methods for preoperative cardiovascular risk stratification, and to describe interventions before surgery to optimize patient outcomes and reduce cardiovascular event risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Martinez-Perez
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network and Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stuart A McCluskey
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network and Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Piroze M Davierwala
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre Toronto, General Hospital, University Health Network, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanjog Kalra
- Division of Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology Section, Peter Munk Cardiac Center Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network and Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elsie Nguyen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Cardiothoracic Imaging Division Lead, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryl Borosz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carla Luzzi
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network and Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elmari Neethling
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network and Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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3
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Sampaio Rodrigues T, Koshy AN, Gow PJ, Weinberg L, Cailes B, Testro A, Smith G, Lim HS, Teh AW, Lim RP, Farouque O. Atherosclerosis on CT coronary angiography and the risk of long-term cardiovascular events after liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:182-191. [PMID: 37432891 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) is increasingly utilized for preoperative risk stratification before liver transplantation (LT). We sought to assess the predictors of advanced atherosclerosis on CTCA using the recently developed Coronary Artery Disease-Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) score and its impact on the prediction of long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) following LT. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent CTCA for LT work-up between 2011 and 2018. Advanced atherosclerosis was defined as coronary artery calcium scores > 400 or CAD-RADS score ≥ 3 (≥50% coronary artery stenosis). MACE was defined as myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, or resuscitated cardiac arrest. Overall, 229 patients underwent CTCA (mean age 66 ± 5 y, 82% male). Of these, 157 (68.5%) proceeded with LT. The leading etiology of cirrhosis was hepatitis (47%), and 53% of patients had diabetes before transplant. On adjusted analysis, male sex (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.5-13.8, p = 0.006), diabetes (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.2, p = 0.01) and dyslipidemia (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3-6.9, p = 0.005) were predictors of advanced atherosclerosis on CTCA. Thirty-two patients (20%) experienced MACE. At a median follow-up of 4 years, CAD-RADS ≥ 3, but not coronary artery calcium scores, was associated with a heightened risk of MACE (HR 5.8, 95% CI 1.6-20.6, p = 0.006). Based on CTCA results, 71 patients (31%) commenced statin therapy which was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24-0.97, p = 0.04). The standardized CAD-RADS classification on CTCA predicted the occurrence of cardiovascular outcomes following LT, with a potential to increase the utilization of preventive cardiovascular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalys Sampaio Rodrigues
- Department of Cardiology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anoop N Koshy
- Department of Cardiology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J Gow
- Victorian Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laurence Weinberg
- Department of Anesthesiology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin Cailes
- Department of Cardiology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam Testro
- Victorian Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gerard Smith
- Department of Radiology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Han S Lim
- Department of Cardiology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew W Teh
- Department of Cardiology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ruth P Lim
- Department of Radiology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Omar Farouque
- Department of Cardiology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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4
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Tsochatzis EA, Watt KD, VanWagner LB, Verna EC, Berzigotti A. Evaluation of recipients with significant comorbidity - Patients with cardiovascular disease. J Hepatol 2023; 78:1089-1104. [PMID: 37208096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplant(ation) (LT) is the most effective treatment for patients with decompensated liver disease. The increasing prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes and the growing number of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease being evaluated for LT, have resulted in a greater proportion of LT candidates presenting with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. As cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after LT, a thorough cardiovascular evaluation pre-LT is crucial. In this review, we discuss the latest evidence on the cardiovascular evaluation of LT candidates and we focus on the most prevalent conditions, namely ischaemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, and cardiomyopathies. LT candidates undergo an electrocardiogram, a resting transthoracic echocardiography and an assessment of their cardiopulmonary functional ability as part of their standardised pre-LT work-up. Further diagnostic work-up is undertaken based on the results of the baseline evaluation and may include a coronary computed tomography angiography in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. The evaluation of potential LT candidates for cardiovascular disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, with input from anaesthetists, cardiologists, hepatologists and transplant surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel A Tsochatzis
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Campus, London, UK; Sheila Sherlock Liver Unit, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Kymberly D Watt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lisa B VanWagner
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Verna
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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5
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Battistella S, D'Arcangelo F, Grasso M, Zanetto A, Gambato M, Germani G, Senzolo M, Russo FP, Burra P. Liver transplantation for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: indications and post-transplant management. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:S286-S301. [PMID: 36577425 PMCID: PMC10029965 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the fastest growing indication to liver transplantation (LT) in Western Countries, both for end stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is often expression of a systemic metabolic syndrome; therefore, NAFLD/NASH patients require a multidisciplinary approach for a proper pre-surgical evaluation, which is important to achieve a post-transplant outcome comparable to that of other indications to LT. NAFLD/NASH patients are also at higher risk of post-transplant cardiovascular events, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, renal impairment and recurrent NASH. Lifestyle modifications, included diet and physical activity, are key to improve survival and quality of life after transplantation. A tailored immunosuppressive regimen may be proposed in selected patients. Development of new drugs for the treatment of recurrent NASH is awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Battistella
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Arcangelo
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Grasso
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Zanetto
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Martina Gambato
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giacomo Germani
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Senzolo
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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6
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Cheng XS, VanWagner LB, Costa SP, Axelrod DA, Bangalore S, Norman SP, Herzog C, Lentine KL. Emerging Evidence on Coronary Heart Disease Screening in Kidney and Liver Transplantation Candidates: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association: Endorsed by the American Society of Transplantation. Circulation 2022; 146:e299-e324. [PMID: 36252095 PMCID: PMC10124159 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Coronary heart disease is an important source of mortality and morbidity among kidney transplantation and liver transplantation candidates and recipients and is driven by traditional and nontraditional risk factors related to end-stage organ disease. In this scientific statement, we review evidence from the past decade related to coronary heart disease screening and management for kidney and liver transplantation candidates. Coronary heart disease screening in asymptomatic kidney and liver transplantation candidates has not been demonstrated to improve outcomes but is common in practice. Risk stratification algorithms based on the presence or absence of clinical risk factors and physical performance have been proposed, but a high proportion of candidates still meet criteria for screening tests. We suggest new approaches to pretransplantation evaluation grounded on the presence or absence of known coronary heart disease and cardiac symptoms and emphasize multidisciplinary engagement, including involvement of a dedicated cardiologist. Noninvasive functional screening methods such as stress echocardiography and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy have limited accuracy, and newer noninvasive modalities, especially cardiac computed tomography-based tests, are promising alternatives. Emerging evidence such as results of the 2020 International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical and Invasive Approaches-Chronic Kidney Disease trial emphasizes the vital importance of guideline-directed medical therapy in managing diagnosed coronary heart disease and further questions the value of revascularization among asymptomatic kidney transplantation candidates. Optimizing strategies to disseminate and implement best practices for medical management in the broader end-stage organ disease population should be prioritized to improve cardiovascular outcomes in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Charles Herzog
- Hennepin Healthcare/University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Krista L. Lentine
- Saint Louis University Center for Abdominal Transplantation, St. Louis, MO
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7
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Kassab K, Doukky R. Cardiac imaging for the assessment of patients being evaluated for liver transplantation. J Nucl Cardiol 2022; 29:1078-1090. [PMID: 33825142 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-021-02591-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac risk assessment prior to liver transplantation has become widely accepted. With the emergence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis among the leading causes of end-stage liver disease and the steady rise of the age of liver transplant recipients, the burden of cardiovascular diseases has markedly increased in this population. Selecting appropriate liver transplant candidates is crucial due to the increasing demand for scarce donor organs. The use of noninvasive cardiac imaging for pre-operative assessment of the cardiovascular status of liver transplant recipients has been on the rise, yet the optimal assessment strategy remains an area of active debate. In this review, we examine the relevant literature pertaining to the diagnostic and prognostic applications of noninvasive cardiac imaging in this population. We also propose a simple literature-based evaluation algorithm for CAD surveillance in liver transplant candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameel Kassab
- Division of Cardiology, Cook County Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rami Doukky
- Division of Cardiology, Cook County Health, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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8
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Dangl M, Eisenberg T, Grant JK, Vincent L, Colombo R, Sancassani R, Braghiroli J, Martin P, Vianna R, Nicolau-Raducu R, Mendoza C. A comprehensive review of coronary artery disease in patients with end-stage liver disease. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2022; 36:100709. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2022.100709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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9
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Barman PM, Chadha RM, VanWagner LB. Cardiac Risk Assessment in Liver Transplant Candidates: A Survey of National Practice Patterns. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:501-504. [PMID: 34536331 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pranab M Barman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Ryan M Chadha
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Lisa B VanWagner
- Department of Medicine-Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.,Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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10
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Lee MS. Diagnostic Yield of Coronary Angiography in Asymptomatic Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Candidates. CARDIOVASCULAR REVASCULARIZATION MEDICINE 2022; 35:59-63. [PMID: 33685794 DOI: 10.1016/j.carrev.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ideal cardiac risk stratification strategy for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is unknown. Our institution performed coronary angiography for asymptomatic OLT candidates at high risk for CAD: ≥65 years of age, diabetic and ≥55 years of age or diagnosed ≥5 years, abnormal stress test, or at the discretion of the OLT committee. METHODS The analysis included 301 consecutive, asymptomatic OLT candidates who underwent coronary angiography. The primary outcome was the prevalence of obstructive CAD. RESULTS At 2-year follow-up, OLT was performed in 44.9%, and 42.2% died. The prevalence of obstructive CAD, involvement of the proximal or mid LAD, and 3-vessel CAD were 10.3%, 6.6%, and 0.7%, respectively. Percutaneous and surgical revascularization were performed in 7.0% and 1.3%, respectively. Stress test was performed in 54.8%. The sensitivity and specificity of stress testing were 0% and 87.1%, respectively. The negative and positive predictive values of stress testing were 91.4% and 0%, respectively. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed in 83.1%. Moderate or severe coronary artery calcification (CAC) was present in 47.8%. The sensitivity and specificity of moderate or severe CAC were 88.9% and 57.3%, respectively. The negative and positive predictive values of moderate or severe CAC were 97.7% and 20.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that CAC was an independent predictor of obstructive CAD (HR 10.7; 95% CI 3.2-37.9; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of obstructive CAD in asymptomatic OLT candidates at high risk was uncommon. Alternative diagnostic strategies may be preferred to coronary angiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Lee
- Divsion of Cardiology, UCLA Medical Center, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 630, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America.
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11
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De Gasperi A, Zorzi A. Cardiac evaluation before liver transplantation: A step forward? J Hepatol 2021; 75:19-21. [PMID: 33985819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Gasperi
- Former Head, 2° Anaesthesia Intensive Care Service ASST GOM Niguarda, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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12
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Zorzi A, Brunetti G, Cardaioli F, D'Arcangelo F, Fabris T, Gambato M, Iliceto S, Martini A, Mattesi G, Peluso C, Polacco M, Sartori C, Lorenzoni G, Feltracco P, Angeli P, Burra P, Cillo U, Pontisso P. Coronary artery calcium on standard chest computed tomography predicts cardiovascular events after liver transplantation. Int J Cardiol 2021; 339:219-224. [PMID: 34181996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2021.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Cardiac complications are a leading cause of mortality after orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) and pre-operative risk stratification is challenging. We evaluated whether coronary artery calcium (CAC) score calculated on a standard (non-thin layer, non-ECG gated) chest computed tomography (CT) predicted cardiac outcome after LT. METHODS We included a consecutive series of LT recipients who underwent pre-operative cardiac evaluation including stress-testing or cardiac catheterization in high-risk patients. Patients with a history of coronary artery disease or coronary revascularization were excluded. The CAC score was calculated from the chest CT routinely performed before LT. CAC values were not available at the time of pre-transplant cardiac evaluation and did not affect LT eligibility. The primary end-point included peri-operative arrhythmic cardiac arrest and sustained ventricular arrhythmias; heart failure, myocardial infarction and cardiac death within 1-year after LT. RESULTS The study population consisted of 301 patients (median age 56 years, 76% males). At chest CT, 49% had CAC = 0; 27% had CAC = 1-99, 15% had CAC = 100-399 and 9% CAC > 400. The primary end-point incidence increased from 7% in patients with CAC = 0 to 27% in patients with CAC > 400 (p = 0.007). At multivariable analysis including traditional risk factors, CAC remained an independent predictor of cardiac events (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS CAC score calculated on a standard chest CT stratified the risk of cardiac events in patients who underwent LT after negative pre-transplant cardiac evaluation. These findings suggest that evaluation of CAC from a standard chest CT performed for other reasons can be used as an early cardiac risk stratification tool before LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Zorzi
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Giulia Brunetti
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Francesco Cardaioli
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Francesca D'Arcangelo
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Fabris
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Martina Gambato
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Sabino Iliceto
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Andrea Martini
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Giulia Mattesi
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Claudia Peluso
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Marina Polacco
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Chiara Sartori
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Giulia Lorenzoni
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Paolo Feltracco
- Unit of Anestestesiology and Intensive Care in Complex Surgery and Transplants, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Pontisso
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.
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13
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Bonou M, Mavrogeni S, Kapelios CJ, Skouloudi M, Aggeli C, Cholongitas E, Papatheodoridis G, Barbetseas J. Preoperative Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease in Liver Transplant Candidates: Many Unanswered Questions in Clinical Practice. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11010075. [PMID: 33466478 PMCID: PMC7824885 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular (CV) complications represent the first non-graft-related cause of death and the third overall cause of death among patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). History of coronary artery disease is related to increased CV mortality following LT. Although it is of paramount importance to stratify CV risk in pre-LT patients, there is no consensus regarding the choice of the optimal non-invasive cardiac imaging test. Algorithms proposed by scientific associations include non-traditional risk factors, which are associated with increased cardiac risk profiles. Thus, an individualized pre-LT evaluation protocol should be followed. As the average age of patients undergoing LT and the number of candidates continue to rise, the “3 W” questions still remain unanswered, Who, Which and When? Who should be screened for coronary artery disease (CAD), which screening modality should be used and when should the asymptomatic waitlisted patients repeat cardiac evaluation? Prospective studies with large sample sizes are warranted to define an algorithm that can provide better risk stratification and more reliable survival prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bonou
- Department of Cardiology, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.B.); (M.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Sophie Mavrogeni
- Department of Cardiology, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece;
| | - Chris J. Kapelios
- Department of Cardiology, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.B.); (M.S.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +30-213-2061032; Fax: +30-213-2061761
| | - Marina Skouloudi
- Department of Cardiology, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.B.); (M.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Constantina Aggeli
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Evangelos Cholongitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - George Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - John Barbetseas
- Department of Cardiology, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.B.); (M.S.); (J.B.)
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14
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Jesudian AB. Improving Perioperative Cardiac Risk Stratification in Liver Transplant: A New Role for Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography? Liver Transpl 2020; 26:1389-1390. [PMID: 32916772 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arun B Jesudian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
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