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Isoproterenol loading transesophageal echocardiography in atrial fibrillation. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING 2023; 39:511-518. [PMID: 36357528 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-022-02749-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In patients with sludge or severe spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in the left atrial appendage (LAA), cases with isoproterenol loading transesophageal echocardiography (ISP-TEE) have been reported to identify the presence of thrombus in the LAA. This study aimed to assess the validity and hemodynamic changes of ISP-TEE in the LAA. We prospectively enrolled patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent ISP-TEE. The degree of sludge/SEC was categorized as being either absent (grade 0), mild SEC (grade 1), moderate SEC (grade 2), severe SEC or sludge (grade 3). The hemodynamic evaluation was performed by measuring LAA flow velocity, LAA tissue Doppler imaging (LAA-TDI) velocity, and pulmonary vein systolic forward flow velocity (PVS). In total, 35 patients (mean age 71 ± 7 years; 71% male) underwent ISP-TEE. Among 35 patients, 30 patients had grade 3 or 2 SEC, 5 patients had grade 1 SEC. After ISP loading, 23 patients (66% of all patients) showed improved sludge/SEC and one patient was diagnosed with thrombus in the LAA. There were 25 patients with grade 1 SEC, or no SEC (classified as Group1), 10 patients had residual sludge or grade 2 to 3 SEC (classified as Group2) after ISP administration. LAA flow, LAA-TDI, and PVS velocities were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 after ISP administration. There was no complication during the examination and after 24 h and 3 months. ISP infusion may be a potential tool to recognize LAA thrombus under the sludge/SEC during TEE in AF.
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Quintana RA, Dong T, Vajapey R, Reyaldeen R, Kwon DH, Harb S, Wang TKM, Klein AL. Preprocedural Multimodality Imaging in Atrial Fibrillation. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2022; 15:e014386. [PMID: 36256725 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.122.014386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide and is associated with increased risk of heart failure, stroke, and death. In current medical practice, multimodality imaging is routinely used in the management of AF. Twenty-one years ago, the ACUTE trial (Assessment of Cardioversion Using Transesophageal Echocardiography) results were published, and the management of AF changed forever by incorporating transesophageal echocardiography guided cardioversion of patients in AF for the first time. Current applications of multimodality imaging in AF in 2022 include the use of transesophageal echocardiography and computed tomography before cardioversion to exclude left atrial thrombus and in left atrial appendage occlusion device implantation. Transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance are clinically used for AF ablation planning. The decision to use a particular imaging modality in AF is based on patient's characteristics, guideline recommendation, institutional preferences, expertise, and cost. In this first of 2-part review series, we discuss the preprocedural role of echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance in the AF, with regard to their clinical applications, relevant outcomes data and unmet needs, and highlights future directions in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymundo A Quintana
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO (R.A.Q.)
| | - Tiffany Dong
- Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pericardial Diseases, Section of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH (T.D., R.V., R.R., D.H.K., S.H., T.K.M.W., A.L.K.)
| | - Ramya Vajapey
- Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pericardial Diseases, Section of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH (T.D., R.V., R.R., D.H.K., S.H., T.K.M.W., A.L.K.)
| | - Reza Reyaldeen
- Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pericardial Diseases, Section of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH (T.D., R.V., R.R., D.H.K., S.H., T.K.M.W., A.L.K.)
| | - Deborah H Kwon
- Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pericardial Diseases, Section of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH (T.D., R.V., R.R., D.H.K., S.H., T.K.M.W., A.L.K.)
| | - Serge Harb
- Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pericardial Diseases, Section of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH (T.D., R.V., R.R., D.H.K., S.H., T.K.M.W., A.L.K.)
| | - Tom Kai Ming Wang
- Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pericardial Diseases, Section of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH (T.D., R.V., R.R., D.H.K., S.H., T.K.M.W., A.L.K.)
| | - Allan L Klein
- Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pericardial Diseases, Section of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH (T.D., R.V., R.R., D.H.K., S.H., T.K.M.W., A.L.K.)
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Poppe M, Magnet I, Müller M, Janata-Schwatczek K. Thrombolysis of a massive intracardiac thrombus during resuscitation: documentation by transoesophageal echocardiography. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:e239063. [PMID: 33541993 PMCID: PMC7868184 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-239063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute pulmonary embolism is a frequent potentially reversible cause of sudden cardiac arrest. The early diagnosis is challenging but essential for further treatment. New therapeutic options in resuscitation, such as extracorporeal resuscitation, are leading to frequent transports of patients to emergency rooms with ongoing resuscitation. A transoesophageal echo performed during resuscitation can give hints for reversible causes for the cardiac arrest. We present a case of a 40-year-old female patient who was transferred to our department with ongoing resuscitation and received a transoesophageal echo immediately on arrival. The examination showed a massive intracardiac thrombus. The subsequent thrombolysis and following resuscitation were observed and documented via transoesophageal echo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Poppe
- Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Ingrid Magnet
- Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Matthias Müller
- Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
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4
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Gilhofer TS, Saw J. Periprocedural Imaging for Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Computed Tomography, Transesophageal Echocardiography, and Intracardiac Echocardiography. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2020; 12:55-65. [PMID: 32067648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2019.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure is increasingly performed for stroke prevention for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with contraindications to oral anticoagulation. The success and complication rates with left atrial appendage closure have dramatically improved with maturing experience, growing procedural familiarity, and preprocedural planning. Multimodality imaging involving cardiac computer tomography angiography, transesophageal echocardiography, or intracardiac echocardiography in conjunction with fluoroscopy has improved the efficacy, procedural success, and safety of left atrial appendage closure in recent years. Proceduralists need to familiarize themselves with the various modalities and understand their complimentary roles and their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Gilhofer
- Interventional Cardiology, Division of Cardiology, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Saw
- Interventional Cardiology, Division of Cardiology, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Level 9, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z1M9, Canada.
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Pathan F, Hecht H, Narula J, Marwick TH. Roles of Transesophageal Echocardiography and Cardiac Computed Tomography for Evaluation of Left Atrial Thrombus and Associated Pathology: A Review and Critical Analysis. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 11:616-627. [PMID: 29622180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2017.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of the left atrium and left atrial appendage for the presence of thrombus prior to cardioversion and pulmonary vein isolation, and of the entire heart for embolic sources in the setting of cryptogenic stroke, has long been standard medical care. Guidelines have uniformly recommended transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to accomplish these goals. In recent years, computed tomographic angiography has demonstrated diagnostic accuracy similar to that of TEE for the detection of thrombus. Analysis of the pertinent data and relative merits of the 2 technologies leads to the conclusions that: 1) both modalities have some unique, nonoverlapping capabilities that may dictate their use in specific situations; 2) computed tomographic angiography is a reasonable alternative to TEE when the primary aim is to exclude left atrial and left atrial appendage thrombus and in patients in whom the risks associated with TEE outweigh the benefits; and 3) both options should be discussed with the patient in the setting of shared decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz Pathan
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Hobart, Australia
| | - Harvey Hecht
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
| | - Jagat Narula
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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Yang Y, Du X, Dong J, Ma C. Outcome of Anticoagulation Therapy of Left Atrial Thrombus or Sludge in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter. Am J Med Sci 2019; 358:273-278. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2019.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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7
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Posada-Martinez EL, Trejo-Paredes C, Ortiz-Leon XA, Ivey-Miranda JB, Lin BA, McNamara RL, Arias-Godinez JA, Lombo B, Sugeng L. Differentiating spontaneous echo contrast, sludge, and thrombus in the left atrial appendage: Can ultrasound enhancing agents help? Echocardiography 2019; 36:1413-1417. [DOI: 10.1111/echo.14405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ben A. Lin
- Cardiovascular Division; Yale University; New Haven Connecticut
| | | | | | - Bernardo Lombo
- Cardiovascular Division; Yale University; New Haven Connecticut
| | - Lissa Sugeng
- Cardiovascular Division; Yale University; New Haven Connecticut
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8
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Ito T, Suwa M. Left atrial spontaneous echo contrast: relationship with clinical and echocardiographic parameters. Echo Res Pract 2019; 6:R65-R73. [PMID: 30959476 PMCID: PMC6499934 DOI: 10.1530/erp-18-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) indicates blood stasis in cardiac chambers and major vessels, and is a known precursor of thrombus formation. Transesophageal echocardiography plays a pivotal role in detecting and grading SEC in the left atrial (LA) cavity. Assessing LA SEC can identify patients at increased risk for thromboembolic events. LA SEC also develops in patients who have sinus rhythm, especially in those with heart failure. Detection of LA SEC is not uncommon in subjects who have multiple cardiovascular comorbidities, although mechanisms behind this association are not fully understood. In patients with atrial fibrillation, the role of mitral regurgitation in counteracting LA SEC and subsequent thromboembolism is controversial. Moreover, alterations of blood coagulability and elevated levels of certain biological markers in the blood contribute to occurrence of LA SEC. This review describes the pathogenesis and assessment of SEC, in addition to the relationship between LA SEC and clinical, biological and echocardiographic parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahide Ito
- Department of Cardiology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Michihiro Suwa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hokusetsu General Hospital, Takatsuki, Japan
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Squara F, Bres M, Scarlatti D, Moceri P, Ferrari E. Clinical outcomes after AF cardioversion in patients presenting left atrial sludge in trans-esophageal echocardiography. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2019; 57:149-156. [PMID: 31119494 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-019-00561-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct-current cardioversion (DCC) for atrial fibrillation carries a risk of stroke, probably associated with the temporary atrial stunning following cardioversion. The presence of a cardiac thrombus, usually localized in the left atrial appendage (LAA), is recognized as a clear contra-indication to the cardioversion. However, the presence of atrial sludge without LAA thrombus in trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) remains, for many cardiologists, a relative contra-indication to the cardioversion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of DCC in patients presenting atrial sludge without LAA thrombus. METHODS We prospectively included all consecutive patients demonstrating atrial sludge without LAA thrombus in TEE and undergoing DCC for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Safety of DCC was evaluated by the occurrence of clinical events at 1 month following cardioversion, i.e., up to the end of the atrial stunning period, as assessed by clinical examination and the standardized and validated Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-Free Status (QVSFS). RESULTS Over a period of 2 years, 21 patients presenting atrial sludge without LAA thrombus underwent DCC for AF. During the follow-up period of 1 month after DCC, no clinical embolic event, cardiac event, or unscheduled consultations/hospitalizations occurred. At 1 month, 67% of the patients remained in sinus rhythm. CONCLUSION No clinical event occurred in patients demonstrating atrial sludge without thrombus and undergoing DCC for AF. These findings support current guidelines that only keep atrial thrombus as a contraindication to cardioversion, but warrant further investigation in large studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Squara
- Hôpital Pasteur, Service de Cardiologie, 30 avenue de la Voie Romaine, CS 51069 06001, Nice Cedex 1, France.
| | - Mikael Bres
- Hôpital Pasteur, Service de Cardiologie, 30 avenue de la Voie Romaine, CS 51069 06001, Nice Cedex 1, France
| | - Didier Scarlatti
- Hôpital Pasteur, Service de Cardiologie, 30 avenue de la Voie Romaine, CS 51069 06001, Nice Cedex 1, France
| | - Pamela Moceri
- Hôpital Pasteur, Service de Cardiologie, 30 avenue de la Voie Romaine, CS 51069 06001, Nice Cedex 1, France
| | - Emile Ferrari
- Hôpital Pasteur, Service de Cardiologie, 30 avenue de la Voie Romaine, CS 51069 06001, Nice Cedex 1, France
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Role of Echocardiography in Assessment of Cardioembolic Sources: a Strong Diagnostic Resource in Patients with Ischemic Stroke. Curr Cardiol Rep 2018; 20:136. [PMID: 30310999 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-018-1085-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will discuss the most frequent sources of cardiac embolism and the role of echocardiography in these different clinical settings, and, in addition, provide suggestions about the choice between transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). RECENT FINDINGS Stroke is the third leading cause of death in industrial countries, and 15-40% of all ischemic strokes are due to cardioembolism. TTE and TEE are cornerstones in the detection of cardioembolic sources and provide fundamental information about the embolic risk and most suitable treatment of these patients, improving long-term outcomes. Echocardiography is a widely available, inexpensive, and safe diagnostic tool that is almost free from contraindication, and these elements allow the common use of this technique in almost all the patients with ischemic stroke. The most common cardioembolic sources include left atrial appendage thrombosis during atrial fibrillation; vegetations in infective endocarditis; cardiac masses including left ventricular thrombosis, cardiac tumors, etc.; atherosclerotic plaques; and passageways within the heart serving as conduits for paradoxical embolization, e.g., patent foramen ovale.
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11
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Alqarawi W, Birnie DH, Spence S, Ramirez FD, Redpath CJ, Lemery R, Nair GM, Nery PB, Davis DR, Green MS, Beauchesne L, Chan K, Ascah K, Burwash I, Sadek MM. Prevalence of left atrial appendage thrombus detected by transoesophageal echocardiography before catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients anticoagulated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants. Europace 2018; 21:48-53. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euy129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wael Alqarawi
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiac Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - David H Birnie
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Stewart Spence
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - F Daniel Ramirez
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Calum J Redpath
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Lemery
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Girish M Nair
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Pablo B Nery
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Darryl R Davis
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Martin S Green
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Luc Beauchesne
- Echocardiography Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kwan Chan
- Echocardiography Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kathryn Ascah
- Echocardiography Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Burwash
- Echocardiography Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mouhannad M Sadek
- Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Saric M, Armour AC, Arnaout MS, Chaudhry FA, Grimm RA, Kronzon I, Landeck BF, Maganti K, Michelena HI, Tolstrup K. Guidelines for the Use of Echocardiography in the Evaluation of a Cardiac Source of Embolism. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2016; 29:1-42. [PMID: 26765302 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Embolism from the heart or the thoracic aorta often leads to clinically significant morbidity and mortality due to transient ischemic attack, stroke or occlusion of peripheral arteries. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography are the key diagnostic modalities for evaluation, diagnosis, and management of stroke, systemic and pulmonary embolism. This document provides comprehensive American Society of Echocardiography guidelines on the use of echocardiography for evaluation of cardiac sources of embolism. It describes general mechanisms of stroke and systemic embolism; the specific role of cardiac and aortic sources in stroke, and systemic and pulmonary embolism; the role of echocardiography in evaluation, diagnosis, and management of cardiac and aortic sources of emboli including the incremental value of contrast and 3D echocardiography; and a brief description of alternative imaging techniques and their role in the evaluation of cardiac sources of emboli. Specific guidelines are provided for each category of embolic sources including the left atrium and left atrial appendage, left ventricle, heart valves, cardiac tumors, and thoracic aorta. In addition, there are recommendation regarding pulmonary embolism, and embolism related to cardiovascular surgery and percutaneous procedures. The guidelines also include a dedicated section on cardiac sources of embolism in pediatric populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhamed Saric
- New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | - M Samir Arnaout
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farooq A Chaudhry
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Richard A Grimm
- Learner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | | | | | | | - Kirsten Tolstrup
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Beigel R, Wunderlich NC, Ho SY, Arsanjani R, Siegel RJ. The left atrial appendage: anatomy, function, and noninvasive evaluation. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2015; 7:1251-65. [PMID: 25496544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a finger-like extension originating from the main body of the left atrium. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically important cardiac arrhythmia, occurring in approximately 0.4% to 1% of the general population and increasing with age to >8% in those >80 years of age. In the presence of AF thrombus, formation often occurs within the LAA because of reduced contractility and stasis; thus, attention should be given to the LAA when evaluating and assessing patients with AF to determine the risk for cardioembolic complications. It is clinically important to understand LAA anatomy and function. It is also critical to choose the optimal imaging techniques to identify or exclude LAA thrombi in the setting of AF, before cardioversion, and with current and emerging transcatheter therapies, which include mitral balloon valvuloplasty, pulmonary vein isolation, MitraClip (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois) valve repair, and the implantation of LAA occlusion and exclusion devices. In this review, we present the current data regarding LAA anatomy, LAA function, and LAA imaging using the currently available noninvasive imaging modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Beigel
- The Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; The Heart Institute, Sheba Medical Center, and the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Siew Yen Ho
- Cardiac Morphology Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, England
| | - Reza Arsanjani
- The Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Robert J Siegel
- The Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
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Kurakula N, Durgaprasad R, Velam V, Akula VS, Kasala L, Muvva KV. Predictive Value of D-Dimer Levels and Tissue Doppler Mitral Annular Systolic Velocity for Detection of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Patients with Mitral Stenosis in Sinus Rhythm. Echocardiography 2015; 33:264-75. [PMID: 26239565 DOI: 10.1111/echo.13026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a gold standard test for diagnosis of left atrial (LA) thrombus, but it has limited sensitivity for identification of small thrombi within side lobes. Thus, the absence of visualizing a left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus does not equate with the absence of a LAA thrombus. AIM To assess the predictive value of mitral annular systolic velocity (Sa) and D-dimer for the detection of LA thrombus and spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) in mitral stenosis (MS) patients with sinus rhythm (SR). METHODS Transthoracic echocardiogram, TEE, and D-dimer analysis were performed in 104 severe MS patients and divided them into three groups: Group I:no LA thrombus or SEC; Group II:LA SEC only; and Group III:LA thrombus. RESULTS Group III had more severe New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (III-IV) dyspnea and lower Sa (6.9 ± 0.7 vs.10.0 ± 1.2 cm/sec), lower LAA late emptying velocity (17.7 ± 2.1 vs. 24.4 ± 4.2 cm/sec), larger LA transverse dimension, and LAA area (LAAA) than group I+II. Mean D-dimer levels were higher in groups III and II than in group I. In multivariate analysis Sa, D-dimer levels, LAAA, and NYHA class were independent predictors of LA thrombus. ROC curve analysis revealed that higher Sa >8 cm/sec and lower D-dimer levels <370 μg/L predict the absence of LA thrombus and lower Sa <8 cm/sec and higher D-dimer levels >510 μg/L predict the presence of LA thrombus. CONCLUSION Measurement of Sa and D-dimer levels is necessary for better assessment of LA thrombus and SEC, for identification of patients who are at high risk for LA thrombus formation and for initiation of prophylactic anticoagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Kurakula
- Department of Cardiology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, India
| | - Rajasekhar Durgaprasad
- Department of Cardiology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, India
| | - Vanajakshamma Velam
- Department of Cardiology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, India
| | - Vidya Sagar Akula
- Department of Cardiology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, India
| | - Latheef Kasala
- Department of Cardiology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, India
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15
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Detection of left atrial thrombus by intracardiac echocardiography in patients undergoing ablation of atrial fibrillation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2015; 43:227-36. [DOI: 10.1007/s10840-015-0008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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