1
|
Nardi Agmon I, Barnea R, Levi A, Murad O, Shafir G, Naftali J, Schellekes N, Shiyovich A, Kornowski R, Auriel E, Hamdan A. Complex left appendage morphology is associated with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. Eur Stroke J 2024; 9:714-721. [PMID: 38616402 PMCID: PMC11418454 DOI: 10.1177/23969873241246592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Variations in the left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology are associated with different embolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Data are scarce regarding the association between LAA morphology and Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). PATIENTS AND METHODS Using cardiac computed tomography (CCT) scans, LAA morphology was categorized as either chicken wing (CW), cactus, windsock, or cauliflower. Furthermore, we examined the presence of large secondary lobes arising from the main lobe, considering their existence as indicative of a complex LAA morphology. LAA morphologies were compared between ESUS (n = 134) and AF patients (n = 120); and between ESUS patients with (n = 24) and without (n = 110) subsequent AF diagnosis during long-term follow-up. RESULTS ESUS patients had a significantly higher prevalence of cauliflower morphology compared to AF group (52% vs 34%, respectively, p = 0.01); however, no significant difference was found between the groups when categorizing LAA morphology to either CW or non-CW. ESUS patients had significantly higher prevalence of large secondary lobes compared with AF patients (50% vs 29%, respectively, p = 0.001). When comparing ESUS patients with and without AF diagnosis during follow-up (20-48 months of follow-up, median 31 months), there were no significant differences in the prevalence of the "classical" morphologies, but large secondary lobes were significantly more prevalent among those without subsequent AF diagnosis. CONCLUSION ESUS patients have a high prevalence of complex LAA morphology, which might be associated with an increased risk for thrombus formation even in the absence of AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inbar Nardi Agmon
- Cardiology Division, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rani Barnea
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Amos Levi
- Cardiology Division, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Omar Murad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wolfson Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gideon Shafir
- Department of Radiology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Jonathan Naftali
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | | | - Arthur Shiyovich
- Cardiology Division, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ran Kornowski
- Cardiology Division, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eitan Auriel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Ashraf Hamdan
- Cardiology Division, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Long B, Marcolini E, Gottlieb M. Emergency medicine updates: Transient ischemic attack. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 83:82-90. [PMID: 38986211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2024.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a condition commonly evaluated for in the emergency department (ED). Therefore, it is important for emergency clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of this disease. OBJECTIVE This paper evaluates key evidence-based updates concerning TIA for the emergency clinician. DISCUSSION TIA is a harbinger of ischemic stroke and can result from a variety of pathologic causes. While prior definitions incorporated symptoms resolving within 24 h, modern definitions recommend a tissue-based definition utilizing advanced imaging to evaluate for neurologic injury and the etiology. In the ED, emergent evaluation includes assessing for current signs and symptoms of neurologic dysfunction, appropriate imaging to investigate for minor stroke or stroke risk, and arranging appropriate disposition and follow up to mitigate risk of subsequent ischemic stroke. Imaging should include evaluation of great vessels and intracranial arteries, as well as advanced cerebral imaging to evaluate for minor or subclinical stroke. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) has limited utility for this situation; it can rule out hemorrhage or a large mass causing symptoms but should not be relied on for any definitive diagnosis. Noninvasive imaging of the cervical vessels can also be used (CT angiography or Doppler ultrasound). Treatment includes antithrombotic medications if there are no contraindications. Dual antiplatelet therapy may reduce the risk of recurrent ischemic events in higher risk patients, while anticoagulation is recommended in patients with a cardioembolic source. A variety of scoring systems or tools are available that seek to predict stroke risk after a TIA. The Canadian TIA risk score appears to have the best diagnostic accuracy. However, these scores should not be used in isolation. Disposition may include admission, management in an ED-based observation unit with rapid diagnostic protocol, or expedited follow-up in a specialty clinic. CONCLUSIONS An understanding of literature updates concerning TIA can improve the ED care of patients with TIA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brit Long
- SAUSHEC, Emergency Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Evie Marcolini
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Michael Gottlieb
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nicol E, Karim N, Semple T, Baleswaran S, Owen R, Riad O, Markides V, Padley SPG, Wong T. Left Atrial Appendage Pseudothrombus Is Associated With Stroke History in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Cardiac Computed Tomography. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e030147. [PMID: 38842331 PMCID: PMC11255678 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.030147] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), the left atrial appendage (LAA) is the source of thrombus in up to 90% of patients. LAA pseudothrombus (LAAPT), defined as a filling defect on the initial but not the 60-second delayed acquisition on cardiovascular computed tomography scan (CCT), is a recognized phenomenon in NVAF, with unknown clinical relevance. We aimed to determine the relationship between LAAPT and history of stroke in patients with NVAF. METHODS AND RESULTS The study included 213 consecutive patients with NVAF undergoing CCT who were assessed for LAAPT. LA and LAA dimensions and LAA morphology correlated with clinical demographics including cardiovascular risk factors, history of stroke, thromboembolic stroke, and transient ischemic attack. Mean age (±SD) was 65.1±10.5 years (range 31-89) and 150 of 213 (70.4%) were men. LAAPT was present in 59 of 213 (27.7%) patients. Greater mean LAA ostium area (5.7 versus 4.5, P<0.001), greater mean LAA ostium area:curved length (0.11 versus 0.08, P<0.001), increased LAA volume (14.0 versus 10.2, P<0.001), and lower mean LAA tortuosity index (1.17 versus 1.38, P<0.001) were all associated with the presence of LAAPT. On multivariable analysis, LAAPT on CCT (odds ratio [OR], 3.20 [95% CI, 1.40-7.20]; P<0.006) and higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (OR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.16-2.35]; P=0.01) were associated with all strokes, with LAAPT remaining a statistically significant risk factor even after adjustment for CHA2DS2-VASc score. CONCLUSIONS LAAPT on CCT is common in patients with NVAF. It has a strong positive association with stroke prevalence, even after adjustment for CHA2DS2-VASc score. LAAPT on CCT may potentially allow further stratification for stroke risk, additive to the CHA2DS2-VASc score.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Nicol
- Cardiology DepartmentRoyal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Radiology DepartmentRoyal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging SciencesKing’s CollegeLondonUK
| | - Nabeela Karim
- Heart Rhythm Centre, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Tom Semple
- Radiology DepartmentRoyal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | | | - Ruth Owen
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineUniversity of LondonLondonUK
| | - Omar Riad
- Heart Rhythm Centre, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Cardiology department, faculty of MedicineAin Shams UniversityCairoEgypt
| | - Vias Markides
- Cardiology DepartmentRoyal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Simon P. G. Padley
- Radiology DepartmentRoyal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Tom Wong
- Heart Rhythm Centre, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & MedicineKing’s College LondonLondonUK
- National Heart and Lung InstituteFaculty of Medicine, Imperial CollegeLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Simon J, Smit JM, El Mahdiui M, Száraz L, van Rosendael AR, Zsarnóczay E, Nagy AI, Gellér L, van der Geest RJ, Bax JJ, Maurovich-Horvat P, Merkely B. Association of Left Atrial Appendage Morphology and Function With Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack in Atrial Fibrillation Patients. Am J Cardiol 2024; 221:37-43. [PMID: 38552710 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2024.03.025] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to correlate left atrial appendage (LAA) structure and function with the history of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We analyzed the data of 649 patients with AF who were scheduled for catheter ablation. Patients underwent cardiac computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography before ablation. The LAA morphologies depicted by cardiac computed tomography were categorized into 4 groups: cauliflower, chicken wing, swan, and windsock shapes. The mean age was 61.3 ± 10.5 years, 33.9% were women. The prevalence of stroke/TIA was 7.1%. After adjustment for the main risk factors, the LAA flow velocity ≤35.3 cm/s (odds ratio [OR] 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09 to 4.61, p = 0.033) and the swan LAA shape (OR 2.69, 95% CI 0.96 to 6.86, p = 0.047) independently associated with a higher risk of stroke/TIA, whereas the windsock LAA morphology proved to be protective (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.77, p = 0.017) compared with the cauliflower LAA shape. Comparing the differences between the LAA morphology groups, we measured a significantly smaller LAA orifice area (389.3 ± 137.7 mm2 in windsock vs 428.3 ± 158.9 ml in cauliflower, p = 0.021) and LAA volume (7.4 ± 3.0 mm2 in windsock vs 8.5 ± 4.8 mm2 in cauliflower, p = 0.012) in patients with windsock LAA morphology, whereas the LAA flow velocity did not differ significantly. Reduced LAA function and swan LAA morphology were independently associated with a higher prevalence of stroke/TIA, whereas the windsock LAA shape proved to be protective. Comparing the differences between the various LAA morphology types, significantly lower LAA volume and LAA orifice area were measured in the windsock LAA shape than in the cauliflower LAA shape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Simon
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Medical Imaging Centre, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jeff M Smit
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mohammed El Mahdiui
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lili Száraz
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Medical Imaging Centre, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Emese Zsarnóczay
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Medical Imaging Centre, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anikó Ilona Nagy
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lászlo Gellér
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rob J van der Geest
- Division of Image Processing, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J Bax
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center Leiden, The Netherlands; Heart Center, Turku University Hospital Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Pál Maurovich-Horvat
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Medical Imaging Centre, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xie Z, Chen T, Lu X, Zhao M, Chen Y, Wang X, Zhou H, Shen J, Guo J, Li Y. Proteomic biomarkers for noninvasive left atrial appendage thrombus prediction in patients with atrial fibrillation. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH ED.) 2024:S1885-5857(24)00150-6. [PMID: 38729344 DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The CHA2DS2-VASc score, used to assess the risk of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) formation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), has limited predictive value. Moreover, transesophageal echocardiography imaging, the gold standard diagnostic method to identify thrombi, is semi-invasive. Consequently, there is a need for alternative and noninvasive diagnostic methods for LAAT risk assessment. METHODS Deep proteomic analysis was conducted in plasma samples from 8 patients with nonvalvular AF, divided into thrombus and control groups (4 patients in each group) based on the presence or absence of LAAT. Biomarkers associated with LAAT were validated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a cohort of 179 patients with available clinical, transthoracic, and transesophageal echocardiography data. Predictive models were developed to assess the improvement in LAAT identification. RESULTS The LAAT group had higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores, larger LA diameter, and lower LAA flow velocities. Deep proteomic analysis identified 30 differentially expressed proteins, including myosin light chain 4, prenylcysteine oxidase 1 (PCYOX1), and decorin as potential diagnostic biomarkers of LAAT. The model showed that PCYOX1 and decorin provided an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.970 for LAAT prediction compared with 0.672 in a model including the CHA2DS2-VASc score and LAA cauliflower morphology. The incremental value of proteomic biomarkers for LAAT in patients with nonvalvular AF was further confirmed with the net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement indices. CONCLUSIONS Protein levels of PCYOX1 and decorin improve the predictive performance for LAAT in patients with nonvalvular AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- ZhongHui Xie
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Lu
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; Outpatient Department, The 44th Sanatorium of Retired Cadres in Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - MaoXiang Zhao
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yating Chen
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - XinYan Wang
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Shen
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Yang Li
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Noubiap JJ, Nyaga UF, Middeldorp ME, Stokes MB, Sanders P. Cardiac imaging correlates and predictors of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2024; 25:280-293. [PMID: 38407860 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New nonclinical parameters are needed to improve the current stroke risk stratification schemes for patients with atrial fibrillation. This study aimed to summarize data on potential cardiac imaging correlates and predictors of stroke or systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched to identify all published studies providing relevant data through 16 November 2022. Random effects meta-analysis method was used to pool estimates. RESULTS We included 64 studies reporting data from a pooled population of 56 639 patients. Left atrial spontaneous echo-contrast [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.98-5.49], nonchicken wing left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology (aOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.11-4.18), left atrial enlargement (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.45-3.08), and higher LAA orifice diameter (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.18-2.05) were highly associated with stroke. Other parameters associated with stroke included higher left atrial sphericity (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.29), higher left atrial volume (aOR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.04), higher left atrial volume index (aOR 1.014, 95% CI 1.004-1.023), lower left atrial reservoir strain [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.86, 95% CI 0.76-0.98], higher left ventricular mass index (aOR 1.010, 95% CI 1.005-1.015) and E / e' ratio (aOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07-1.16). There was no association between LAA volume (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 0.85-2.21) and stroke. CONCLUSION These cardiac imaging parameters identified as potential predictors of thromboembolism may improve the accuracy of stroke risk stratification schemes in patients with atrial fibrillation. Further studies should evaluate the performance of holistic risk scores including clinical factors, biomarkers, and cardiac imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Jacques Noubiap
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Melissa E Middeldorp
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedar-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael B Stokes
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Paliwal N, Park HC, Mao Y, Hong SJ, Lee Y, Spragg DD, Calkins H, Trayanova NA. Slow blood-flow in the left atrial appendage is associated with stroke in atrial fibrillation patients. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26858. [PMID: 38449599 PMCID: PMC10915374 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients are at high risk of stroke with ∼90% clots originating from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Clinical understanding of blood-flow based parameters and their potential association with stroke for AF patients remains poorly understood. We hypothesize that slow blood-flow either in the LA or the LAA could lead to the formation of blood clots and is associated with stroke for AF patients. Methods We retrospectively collected cardiac CT images of paroxysmal AF patients and dichotomized them based on clinical event of previous embolic event into stroke and non-stroke groups. After image segmentation to obtain 3D LA geometry, patient-specific blood-flow analysis was performed to model LA hemodynamics. In terms of geometry, we calculated area of the pulmonary veins (PVs), mitral valve, LA and LAA, orifice area of LAA and volumes of LA and LAA and classified LAA morphologies. For hemodynamic assessment, we quantified blood flow velocity, wall shear stress (WSS, blood-friction on LA wall), oscillatory shear index (OSI, directional change of WSS) and endothelial cell activation potential (ECAP, ratio of OSI and WSS quantifying slow and oscillatory flow) in the LA as well as the LAA. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the parameters between the groups. Results Twenty-seven patients were included in the stroke and 28 in the non-stroke group. Examining geometrical parameters, area of left inferior PV was found to be significantly higher in the stroke group as compared to non-stroke group (p = 0.026). In terms of hemodynamics, stroke group had significantly lower blood velocity (p = 0.027), WSS (p = 0.018) and higher ECAP (p = 0.032) in the LAA as compared to non-stroke group. However, LAA morphologic type did not differ between the two groups. This suggests that stroke patients had significantly slow and oscillatory circulating blood-flow in the LAA, which might expose it to potential thrombogenesis. Conclusion Slow flow in the LAA alone was associated with stroke in this paroxysmal AF cohort. Patient-specific blood-flow analysis can potentially identify such hemodynamic conditions, aiding in clinical stroke risk stratification of AF patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Paliwal
- Alliance for Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hwan-Cheol Park
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri City, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuncong Mao
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Su Jin Hong
- Department of Radiology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonggu Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri City, Republic of Korea
| | - David D. Spragg
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hugh Calkins
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Natalia A. Trayanova
- Alliance for Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ueno Y, Miyamoto N, Hira K, Doijiri R, Yamazaki H, Sonoda K, Koge J, Iwata T, Todo K, Yamagami H, Kimura N, Morimoto M, Kondo D, Okazaki S, Koga M, Nagata E, Hattori N. Left atrial appendage flow velocity predicts occult atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke: a CRYPTON-ICM registry. J Neurol 2023; 270:5878-5888. [PMID: 37612538 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11942-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are useful for investigating potential embolic sources in cryptogenic stroke, of which atrial fibrillation (AF) is a critical risk factor for stroke recurrence. The association of left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAA-FV) on TEE with ICM-detected AF is yet to be elucidated. METHODS CRYPTON-ICM (CRYPTOgenic stroke evaluation in Nippon using ICM) is a multicenter registry of cryptogenic stroke with ICM implantation, and patients whose LAA-FV was evaluated on TEE were enrolled. The primary outcome was the detection of AF (> 2 min) on ICM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off of LAA-FV, and factors associated with ICM-detected AF were assessed. RESULTS A total of 307 patients (age 66.6 ± 12.3 years; 199 males) with median follow-up of 440 (interquartile range 169-726) days were enrolled; AF was detected in 101 patients. The lower-tertile LAA-FV group had older age, more history of congestive heart failure, and higher levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal proBNP (all P < 0.05). On ROC analysis, LAA-FV < 37.5 cm/s predicted ICM-detected AF with sensitivity of 26.7% and specificity of 92.2%. After adjustment for covariates, the lower tertile of LAA-FV (hazard ratio [HR], 1.753 [1.017-3.021], P = 0.043) and LAA-FV < 37.5 cm/s (HR 1.987 [1.240-3.184], P = 0.004) predicted ICM-detected AF. CONCLUSIONS LAA-FV < 37.5 cm/s predicts AF. TEE is useful not only to evaluate potential embolic sources, but also for long-term detection of AF on ICM by measuring LAA-FV in cryptogenic stroke. http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ (UMIN000044366).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Ueno
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
| | - Nobukazu Miyamoto
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Hira
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Doijiri
- Department of Neurology, Iwate Prefectural Central Hospital, Morioka, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Yamazaki
- Department of Neurology, Yokohama Shintoshi Neurosurgical Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Sonoda
- Department of Neurology, Saiseikai Fukuoka General Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Junpei Koge
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Tomonori Iwata
- Department of Neurology, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
| | - Kenichi Todo
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yamagami
- Department of Stroke Neurology, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoto Kimura
- Department of Neurology, Iwate Prefectural Central Hospital, Morioka, Japan
| | - Masafumi Morimoto
- Department of Neurology, Yokohama Shintoshi Neurosurgical Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kondo
- Department of Neurology, Saiseikai Fukuoka General Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shuhei Okazaki
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Koga
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | | | - Nobutaka Hattori
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu J, Yu T, Tan C, Li H, Zheng Y, Zheng S, Wen K, Wang J, Geng D, Zhou S. How the trabeculae protrude within the left atrial appendage is the key factor affecting thrombosis in patients with atrial fibrillation. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING 2023; 39:2259-2267. [PMID: 37665485 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-023-02933-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a major site of thrombosis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The myocardial trabeculae within the LAA have a peculiar tendency to protrude but its relationship to thrombosis remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the condition of trabeculae protrusion and LAA thrombosis. This retrospective study consecutively selected patients diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and prepared for radiofrequency ablation from January 2011 to May 2020. Patients were divided into the thrombus group (n = 43), the sludge group (n = 35), and the normal group (n = 407) according to whether the thrombus or sludge was present. The trabeculae protruding angle (TPA), which was measured by the CT scans, was used to quantify the trabeculae protrusion condition. Patients' clinical data, TPA, LAA emptying velocity, and other factors were collected and compared among the three groups. A total of 485 patients were enrolled. The range of TPA was between 0 and 158 degrees, with an average of 89.3 ± 35.6 degrees. The TPA was significantly greater in the thrombus (109.3 ± 14.8 degrees) and sludge groups (110.8 ± 12.8 degrees) than in the normal group (85.3 ± 37.1). The incidence of LAA thrombus and sludge increased with increasing TPA. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the TPA was an independent risk factor for LAA thrombus (OR = 1.046, 95%CI: 1.020-1.073, p < 0.001) and sludge (OR = 1.035, 95%CI: 1.017-1.053, p < 0.001). Further analysis revealed that the TPA was negatively correlated with LAA emptying velocity but its effect on promoting thrombosis was not only mediated by slowing down the flow velocity. The TPA can well reflect the condition of trabeculae protrusion. This study revealed that the TPA was an independent risk factor for LAA thrombus or sludge, providing a potential indicator for future thrombosis risk assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juanzhang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Taihui Yu
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaodi Tan
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuping Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoxin Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Kexin Wen
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingfeng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dengfeng Geng
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shuxian Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Castellani C, Gao Y, Kim H, Thompson C, Ning J, Lohr N, Welsh A, Berger M. Left atrial appendage structural characteristics predict thrombus formation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2023; 34:1683-1689. [PMID: 37403777 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15994] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is a highly prevalent arrhythmia where loss of synchronized atrial contraction increases the risk of intracardiac thrombus particularly within the left atrial appendage (LAA). Anticoagulation is the mainstay of stroke prevention based on the CHA2 DS2 -VASc score; however, it does not account for LAA structural characteristics. METHODS The research comprises a retrospective matched case-control study of 196 subjects with NVAF who underwent transesophageal echo (TEE). The control group, without thrombus (n = 117), was selected from two different groups, both pools had: NVAF and CHA2 DS2 -VASc score ≥ 3. One group underwent screening TEE before Watchman closure device placement from January 2015 to December 2019 (n = 74) the second underwent TEE before cardioversion from February to October 2014 (n = 43). The study group, with thrombus (n = 79), included patients with NVAF, TEE study performed between February 2014 and December 2020, and LAA thrombus. The propensity score method was utilized to determine the matched controls while accounting for confounding from prognostic variables resulting in 61 matched pairs included in the analysis data set. LAA ostial area (OA) (calculated from orthogonal measurements 0°, 90° or 45°, 135°), LAA maximal depth, and peak LAA outflow velocity were measured. RESULTS Patient characteristics and TEE data were collected and compared using the t test or χ2 analysis. We observed a lower LAA peak exit velocity in the thrombus group as compared to the control group. Additionally, we found that patients in the thrombus group had smaller LAA OA at 0° and 90°, at 45° and 135°, using largest diameter, as well as using aggregate OA, and smaller maximum LAA depth compared to patients in the control group. Candidate conditional logistic regression models for the outcome of the presence of thrombus were evaluated. Statistical results from the best-fitting conditional regression model were calculated showing a significant association between aggregate OA and LAA exit velocity with presence of thrombus. CONCLUSION Utilizing LAA structural characteristics to predict thrombus formation may help refine current cardioembolic stroke (CES) risk estimation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carson Castellani
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Yan Gao
- Division of Biostatistics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Colton Thompson
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - John Ning
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nicole Lohr
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Aimee Welsh
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Marcie Berger
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Qureshi A, Lip GYH, Nordsletten DA, Williams SE, Aslanidi O, de Vecchi A. Imaging and biophysical modelling of thrombogenic mechanisms in atrial fibrillation and stroke. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 9:1074562. [PMID: 36733827 PMCID: PMC9887999 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1074562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) underlies almost one third of all ischaemic strokes, with the left atrial appendage (LAA) identified as the primary thromboembolic source. Current stroke risk stratification approaches, such as the CHA2DS2-VASc score, rely mostly on clinical comorbidities, rather than thrombogenic mechanisms such as blood stasis, hypercoagulability and endothelial dysfunction-known as Virchow's triad. While detection of AF-related thrombi is possible using established cardiac imaging techniques, such as transoesophageal echocardiography, there is a growing need to reliably assess AF-patient thrombogenicity prior to thrombus formation. Over the past decade, cardiac imaging and image-based biophysical modelling have emerged as powerful tools for reproducing the mechanisms of thrombogenesis. Clinical imaging modalities such as cardiac computed tomography, magnetic resonance and echocardiographic techniques can measure blood flow velocities and identify LA fibrosis (an indicator of endothelial dysfunction), but imaging remains limited in its ability to assess blood coagulation dynamics. In-silico cardiac modelling tools-such as computational fluid dynamics for blood flow, reaction-diffusion-convection equations to mimic the coagulation cascade, and surrogate flow metrics associated with endothelial damage-have grown in prevalence and advanced mechanistic understanding of thrombogenesis. However, neither technique alone can fully elucidate thrombogenicity in AF. In future, combining cardiac imaging with in-silico modelling and integrating machine learning approaches for rapid results directly from imaging data will require development under a rigorous framework of verification and clinical validation, but may pave the way towards enhanced personalised stroke risk stratification in the growing population of AF patients. This Review will focus on the significant progress in these fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Qureshi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Ahmed Qureshi,
| | - Gregory Y. H. Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Nordsletten
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom,Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Steven E. Williams
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom,Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Oleg Aslanidi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adelaide de Vecchi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Atrial fibrillation ablation: the position of computed tomography in pre-procedural imaging. CURRENT ISSUES IN PHARMACY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/cipms-2022-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia. Despite significant advances in its treatment, it still remains one of the leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In the last two decades, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was developed as the most effective treatment option. The reported effectiveness of a single ablation procedure ranges from 40% to 69% with single, and up to 88% with repeated procedures, with acceptable safety profile. The PubMed database was searched, using terms including ‘atrial fibrillation ablation’, ‘pulmonary vein isolation’, ‘computed tomography’, ‘pulmonary vein anatomy’ and ‘ovality index’. Papers were reviewed for relevance and scientific merit. Different imaging techniques are used for pre-procedural assessment of left atrial (LA) anatomy, of which computed tomography (CT) is the most common. It allows assessing pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy, the LA wall thickness in different regions and the left atrial appendage (LAA) anatomy, together with excluding the presence of intracardiac thrombi. Pre-procedural PVs imaging is important regardless of the selected ablation technique, however, cryoballoon (CB) ablation seems to be particularly anatomy-dependent. Additionally, CT also permits assessment of several PVs characteristics (geometry, dimensions, angulations, the ostium area, orientation and ovality index (OI), which are essential for the patients’ qualification and designing the strategy of AF ablation. In this paper, we have reviewed the role of CT imaging in patients undergoing ablation procedure due to recurrent/symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Moreover, we discussed the relevant literature.
Collapse
|
13
|
Fang R, Li Y, Wang J, Wang Z, Allen J, Ching CK, Zhong L, Li Z. Stroke risk evaluation for patients with atrial fibrillation: Insights from left atrial appendage. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:968630. [PMID: 36072865 PMCID: PMC9441763 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.968630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Left atrial appendage (LAA) is believed to be a common site of thrombus formation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the commonly-applied stroke risk stratification model (such as. CHA2DS2-VASc score) does not include any structural or hemodynamic features of LAA. Recent studies have suggested that it is important to incorporate LAA geometrical and hemodynamic features to evaluate the risk of thrombus formation in LAA, which may better delineate the AF patients for anticoagulant administration and prevent strokes. This review focuses on the LAA-related factors that may be associated with thrombus formation and cardioembolic events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runxin Fang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Zhongda Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zidun Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - John Allen
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chi Keong Ching
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Liang Zhong
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhiyong Li
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Zhiyong Li
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dudziñska-Szczerba K, Kułakowski P, Michałowska I, Baran J. Association Between Left Atrial Appendage Morphology and Function and the Risk of Ischaemic Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2022; 11:e09. [PMID: 35846423 PMCID: PMC9272406 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2022.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and has been identified as an independent risk factor for stroke. The European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend a thromboembolic event risk assessment based on the CHA2DS2-VASc score. However, stroke also occurs in some patients with a low CHA2DS2-VASc score. Therefore, it is necessary to find new factors to improve thromboembolic risk stratification in AF patients. Over 90% of embolic strokes are caused by thrombi originating from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Thus, certain anatomical or functional parameters of the LAA could potentially be used to predict cardioembolic stroke. Studies have suggested that some of these factors, such as LAA morphology, number of LAA lobes, LAA dimensions, LAA volume, distance from the LAA ostium to the first bend of LAA, LAA orifice diameter, extent of LAA trabeculations, LAA takeoff, LAA flow velocity and LAA strain rate, are independently associated with a higher risk of stroke in a population of patients with AF and improve the performance of the CHA2DS2-VASc score. However, the results are conflicting and, so far, no new parameter has been added to the CHA2DS2-VASc score.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Piotr Kułakowski
- Division of Clinical Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Grochowski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Jakub Baran
- Division of Clinical Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Grochowski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li C, Dou G, Ding Y, Xin R, Wang J, Guo J, Chen Y, Yang J. Machine Learning Model-Based Simple Clinical Information to Predict Decreased Left Atrial Appendage Flow Velocity. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12030437. [PMID: 35330437 PMCID: PMC8954392 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the first technique of choice for evaluating the left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAV) in clinical practice, which may cause some complications. Therefore, clinicians require a simple applicable method to screen patients with decreased LAAV. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility and accuracy of a machine learning (ML) model to predict LAAV. Method: The analysis included patients with atrial fibrillation who visited the general hospital of PLA and underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) between January 2017 and December 2020. Three machine learning algorithms were used to predict LAAV. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was measured to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. Results: Of the 1039 subjects, 125 patients (12%) were determined as having decreased LAAV (LAAV < 25 cm/s). Patients with decreased LAAV were fatter and showed a higher prevalence of persistent AF, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes and stroke, and the decreased LAAV group had a larger left atrium diameter and a higher serum level of NT-pro BNP than the control group (p < 0.05). Three machine-learning models (SVM model, RF model, and KNN model) were developed to predict LAAV. In the test data, the RF model performs best (R = 0.608, AUC = 0.89) among the three models. A fivefold cross-validation scheme further verified the predictive ability of the RF model. In the RF model, NT-proBNP was the factor with the strongest impact. Conclusions: A machine learning model (Random Forest model)-based simple clinical information showed good performance in predicting LAAV. The tool for the screening of decreased LAAV patients may be very helpful in the risk classification of patients with a high risk of LAA thrombosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Haidian District, Beijing 100039, China;
| | - Guanhua Dou
- Chinese PLA General Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing 100039, China; (G.D.); (J.W.)
| | - Yipu Ding
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Y.D.); (R.X.)
| | - Ran Xin
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Y.D.); (R.X.)
| | - Jing Wang
- Chinese PLA General Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing 100039, China; (G.D.); (J.W.)
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing 100039, China; (J.G.); (J.Y.)
| | - Yundai Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing 100039, China; (J.G.); (J.Y.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Junjie Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing 100039, China; (J.G.); (J.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Smit JM, Simon J, El Mahdiui M, Szaraz L, van Rosendael PJ, Kolassváry M, Szilveszter B, Delgado V, Merkely B, Maurovich-Horvat P, Bax JJ. Anatomical Characteristics of the Left Atrium and Left Atrial Appendage in Relation to the Risk of Stroke in Patients With Versus Without Atrial Fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2021; 14:e009777. [PMID: 34279121 DOI: 10.1161/circep.121.009777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeff M Smit
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands (J.M.S., M.E.M., P.J.v.R., V.D., J.J.B.)
| | - Judit Simon
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center (J.S., L.S., M.K., B.S., B.M., P.M.-H.), Medical Imaging Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mohammed El Mahdiui
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands (J.M.S., M.E.M., P.J.v.R., V.D., J.J.B.)
| | - Lili Szaraz
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center (J.S., L.S., M.K., B.S., B.M., P.M.-H.), Medical Imaging Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Philippe J van Rosendael
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands (J.M.S., M.E.M., P.J.v.R., V.D., J.J.B.)
| | - Márton Kolassváry
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center (J.S., L.S., M.K., B.S., B.M., P.M.-H.), Medical Imaging Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balint Szilveszter
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center (J.S., L.S., M.K., B.S., B.M., P.M.-H.), Medical Imaging Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Victoria Delgado
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands (J.M.S., M.E.M., P.J.v.R., V.D., J.J.B.)
| | - Béla Merkely
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center (J.S., L.S., M.K., B.S., B.M., P.M.-H.), Medical Imaging Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pál Maurovich-Horvat
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center (J.S., L.S., M.K., B.S., B.M., P.M.-H.), Medical Imaging Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Radiology (P.M.-H.), Medical Imaging Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jeroen J Bax
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands (J.M.S., M.E.M., P.J.v.R., V.D., J.J.B.).,Heart Center, University of Turku, Turku University Hospital, Finland (J.J.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lu X, Chen T, Liu G, Guo Y, Shi X, Chen Y, Li Y, Guo J. Relations between left atrial appendage contrast retention and thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2021; 53:191-201. [PMID: 34128199 DOI: 10.1007/s11239-021-02490-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Left atrial appendage (LAA), a blind pouch, accounts for more than 90% of the source of cardiac thrombus formation. Contrast retention (CR) in the LAA has been frequently observed during left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures, especially in patients with stroke history. This study was designed to assess the relations between LAA contrast retention and thrombogenesis risk of the LAA in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. A total of 132 consecutive patients who underwent LAAO were enrolled. The data collected from computed tomography (CT), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and blood samples were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess the association between CR, left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) and other factors. Contrast retention was observed in 33 patients, accounting for 25% of the population. Compared to the non-CR group, patients in the CR group had a larger left atrium anteroposterior diameter (49.64 ± 11.57 vs. 42.42 ± 7.04, P = 0.002), higher CHADS2 (3.88 ± 0.99 vs. 2.97 ± 1.35, P = 0.001) and CHA2DS2-VASc scores (5.79 ± 1.14 vs. 4.89 ± 1.56, P = 0.003), a higher rate of prior stroke (90.9% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.007), more LAA lobes (3.13 ± 1.18 vs. 2.64 ± 1.12, P = 0.038), and a higher prevalence of LAAT (63.6% vs. 13.1%, P < 0.001). After having adjusted the logistic model, only contrast retention, LAA cauliflower morphology and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were independently associated with LAAT. Patients with LAA contrast retention have a higher risk of left atrial appendage thrombosis. Contrast retention may be a cardiac factor strongly associated with cardiogenic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Lu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.,Department of Cardiology, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.,Outpatient Department, The 44th Sanatorium of Retired Cadres in Haidian District, No. 19 Dahuisi Road, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Cardiology, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ge Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yutao Guo
- Department of Cardiology, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xiangmin Shi
- Department of Cardiology, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yundai Chen
- Department of Cardiology, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Cardiology, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Cardiology, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dudzińska-Szczerba K, Michałowska I, Piotrowski R, Sikorska A, Paszkowska A, Stachnio U, Kowalik I, Kułakowski P, Baran J. Assessment of the left atrial appendage morphology in patients after ischemic stroke - The ASSAM study. Int J Cardiol 2021; 330:65-72. [PMID: 33524464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ASSAM study was designed to evaluate the association between left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology and stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS The study included 85 randomly chosen AF patients with acute ischemic stroke matched with 84 AF without stroke. All patients had left atrial (LA) computed tomography performed to analyze LAA anatomy. RESULTS Patients in the stroke group had a larger LAA volume (10.22 [7.83-13.62] vs. 9.33 cm3 [7.33-11.47], p = 0.046], greater distance from LAA ostium to the first LAA bend (9.25 ± 3.85 vs. 7.23 ± 2.95 mm, p = 0.0002), and more frequently had round LAA ostium shape (11.8 vs. 1.2%, p = 0.005). According to a multivariable model, significant predictors of ischemic stroke were distance from LAA ostium to the first LAA bend (OR 1.202 [1.065-1.356], p = 0.003), LAA ostium round shape of (OR 16.813 [1.857-152.231], p = 0.012), LAA ostium surface area (OR 0.612 [0.457-0.819], p = 0.009), and cactus LAA morphology (OR 2.739 [1.176-6.380], p = 0.016). After adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc score, only the distance from LAA ostium to the first LAA bend remained a significant risk factor for stroke (OR 1.154 [1.014-1.314], p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS The distance from LAA ostium to the first bend of the LAA was independently associated with stroke risk in patients with AF. Whether this parameter may help improve identification of patients at risk of ischemic stroke, needs to be confirmed in larger studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Dudzińska-Szczerba
- Department of Cardiology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Grochowski Hospital, Grenadierów 51/59, 04-073 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ilona Michałowska
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Cardiology, Alpejska 42, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Roman Piotrowski
- Division of Clinical Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Grochowski Hospital, Grenadierów 51/59, 04-073 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Sikorska
- Division of Clinical Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Grochowski Hospital, Grenadierów 51/59, 04-073 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Paszkowska
- Department of Therapy and Neurological Rehabilitation, Grochowski Hospital, Grenadierów 51/59, 04-073 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Stachnio
- Department of Therapy and Neurological Rehabilitation, Grochowski Hospital, Grenadierów 51/59, 04-073 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ilona Kowalik
- Heart Arrhythmia Ward, II Department of Coronary Artery Disease, Institute of Cardiology, Alpejska 42, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Piotr Kułakowski
- Division of Clinical Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Grochowski Hospital, Grenadierów 51/59, 04-073 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jakub Baran
- Division of Clinical Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Grochowski Hospital, Grenadierów 51/59, 04-073 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Parra-Díaz P, Salido-Tahoces L, Pardo-Sanz A, Beltrán-Corbellini Á, Rodríguez-Jorge F, Chico-García JL, García-Madrona S, Matute-Lozano C, Vera-Lechuga R, Cruz-Culebras A, Masjuan J, DeFelipe-Mimbrera A. Malignant Left Atrial Appendage Morphology: Current Classification vs H-L System. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2021; 30:105570. [PMID: 33387891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In previous studies the risk of stroke recurrence has been associated with the left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology (non-chicken wing (NCW)), knowing those with a greater risk as malignant LAA. Recently, a simpler morphological classification has been suggested with two categories: Low-risk (LAA-L) and High-risk (LAA-H); which could be easier to apply and may correlate better with the risk of embolic stroke. METHODS Retrospective analysis from a registry of patients with recurrent cardioembolic strokes despite appropriate anticoagulant therapy, in which LAA morphology was studied with cardiac CT scan. LAA morphology was classified according to the four current categories and H-L morphology by the same cardiologist. Other variables associated with a high risk of stroke were also assessed, such as CHA2DS2-VASc score and left atrial (LA) size. RESULTS Twenty-six cases were included in the analysis. We identified 22 (84.6%) chicken wing (CW), 1 (3.8%) windsock and 3 (11.5%) cactus by the current classification system, while 15 (57.7%) were classified as LAA-H and 11 (42.3%) as LAA-L by the new system. Half of the 22 cases with CW morphology were considered LAA-H, whereas all NCW were also classified as LAA-H. LA diameter and area were significantly higher in cases with LAA-H morphology (p=0.03 and 0.014), and also in those CW and LAA-H, compared to those CW with LAA-L (p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS With this new classification system more than half of the cases of our malignant LAAs were classified as high-risk morphology. This morphology was also associated with an increased LA size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Parra-Díaz
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, Km 9100, Madrid 28034, Spain.
| | | | - Ana Pardo-Sanz
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Álvaro Beltrán-Corbellini
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, Km 9100, Madrid 28034, Spain.
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-Jorge
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, Km 9100, Madrid 28034, Spain.
| | - Juan Luis Chico-García
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, Km 9100, Madrid 28034, Spain.
| | - Sebastián García-Madrona
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, Km 9100, Madrid 28034, Spain.
| | - Consuelo Matute-Lozano
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, Km 9100, Madrid 28034, Spain.
| | - Rocío Vera-Lechuga
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, Km 9100, Madrid 28034, Spain.
| | - Antonio Cruz-Culebras
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, Km 9100, Madrid 28034, Spain.
| | - Jaime Masjuan
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, Km 9100, Madrid 28034, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universidad de Alcalá. IRYCIS. Madrid, Spain.
| | - Alicia DeFelipe-Mimbrera
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, Km 9100, Madrid 28034, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Karim N, Ho SY, Nicol E, Li W, Zemrak F, Markides V, Reddy V, Wong T. The left atrial appendage in humans: structure, physiology, and pathogenesis. Europace 2019; 22:5-18. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euz212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
For many years, the left atrial appendage (LAA) was considered a dormant embryological remnant; however, it is a structurally complex and functional organ that contributes to cardiac haemodynamic changes and volume homeostasis through both its contractile properties and neurohormonal peptide secretion. When dysfunctional, the LAA contributes to thrombogenesis and subsequent increased predisposition to cardioembolic events. Consequently, the LAA has gained much attention as a therapeutic target to lower this risk. In addition, attention has focused on the LAA in its role as an electrical trigger for atrial tachycardia and atrial fibrillation with ablation of the LAA to achieve electrical isolation showing promising results in the maintenance of sinus rhythm. This in-depth review explores the structure, physiology and pathophysiology of the LAA, as well as LAA intervention and their sequelae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabeela Karim
- Department of Cardiology, The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College London, Sydney Street, London, UK
| | - Siew Yen Ho
- Department of Cardiology, The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College London, Sydney Street, London, UK
| | - Edward Nicol
- Department of Cardiology, The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College London, Sydney Street, London, UK
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College London, Sydney Street, London, UK
| | - Filip Zemrak
- Barts Heart Centre, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Vias Markides
- Department of Cardiology, The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College London, Sydney Street, London, UK
| | - Vivek Reddy
- Helmsley Centre for Cardiac Electrophysiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Tom Wong
- Department of Cardiology, The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College London, Sydney Street, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Anan AR, Fareed J, Suhaib J, Rafat R, Murad D, Isam B, Tariq M, Patricia E, Alexander E, Vaidya V, Peter A N, Abhishek D. Left Atrial Appendage Morphology as a Determinant for Stroke Risk Assessment in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Atr Fibrillation 2019; 12:2183. [PMID: 32002111 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.2183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a leading source of emboli that precipitate cerebrovascular accident (CVA) which is correlated with left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology. We aimed to elaborate the relationship between CVA and LAA morphology in AF patients. Methods Medline and EMBASE databases were thoroughly searched between 2010-2018 for studies that included atrial fibrillation patients and classified them into two groups based on CVA occurrence. Four different LAA morphologies (Chicken wing CW, Cauliflower, cactus and windsock) were determined in each group by 3D TEE, MDCT or CMRI. New Castle Ottawa Scale was used to appraise the quality of included studies. The risk of CVA before cardiac ablation and/or LAA intervention in CW patients was compared to each type of non-CW morphologies. The extracted data was statistically analyzed in the form of forest plot by measuring the risk ratio (RR) using REVMAN software. P value and I square were used to assess the heterogeneity between studies. Results PRISMA diagram was illustrated showing 789 imported studies for screening. Three duplicates were removed, and the rest were arbitrated by 2 reviewers yielding 12 included studies with 3486 patients including 1551 with CW, 442 with cauliflower, 732 with cactus 765 with windsock. The risk of CVA in CW patients was reduced by 41% relative to non-CW patients (Total RR=0.59 (0.52-0.68)). Likewise, the risk of CVA in CW patients was less by 46%, 35% and 31% compared to cauliflower (Total RR =0.54(0.46-0.64)), cactus (Total RR =0.65(0.55-0.77)) and windsock (Total RR =0.69(0.58-0.83)) patients respectively. Low levels of heterogeneity were achieved in all comparisons (I square <35% and p value > 0.1). Conclusions Patients with non-CW morphologies (cauliflower, cactus and windsock) show a higher incidence of CVA than CW patients. For that reason, LAA appendage morphology could be useful for risk stratification of CVA in AF patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abu Rmilah Anan
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jumah Fareed
- Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Universty Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | - Bsisu Isam
- Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Erwin Patricia
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Egbe Alexander
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Vaibha Vaidya
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Deshmukh Abhishek
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fastner C, Nienaber CA, Park JW, Brachmann J, Zeymer U, Goedde M, Sievert H, Geist V, Lewalter T, Krapivsky A, Käunicke M, Maier J, Özdemir B, Hochadel M, Schneider S, Senges J, Akin I. Impact of left atrial appendage morphology on indication and procedural outcome after interventional occlusion: results from the prospective multicentre German LAARGE registry. EUROINTERVENTION 2019; 14:151-157. [PMID: 29508766 DOI: 10.4244/eij-d-17-00866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Interventional left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an emerging alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) in concomitance with a contraindication for standard OAC. This sub-analysis of the LAARGE registry aimed to investigate differences between different LAA morphologies in a real-world setting. METHODS AND RESULTS This prospective, multicentre, observational registry included 562 patients from 37 centres with ineligibility for long-term OAC between April 2014 and January 2016. Baseline characteristics, indications, procedural data and complications were registered according to each LAA morphology (i.e., chicken wing, cauliflower, windsock, cactus and atypical morphologies). Implantation success was high across the four typical anatomies (≥97.5%, p=n.s.); only atypical anatomies exhibited a lower success rate (94%). The cactus-shaped LAA was linked to a trend indicating a shorter fluoroscopy time, while the atypical LAA was linked to a significantly prolonged fluoroscopy time (p=0.089 and p=0.025 versus the overall mean, respectively). Periprocedural and intra-hospital complications were generally rare, with no differences among the different morphologies (p=n.s.). CONCLUSIONS Procedural success as well as the complication rates of LAAC were not different among the four typical LAA morphologies. A lower implantation success rate was only obvious in patients with atypical LAA morphologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Fastner
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim (UMM), Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, European Center for AngioScience (ECAS), and DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Yaghi S, Chang AD, Akiki R, Collins S, Novack T, Hemendinger M, Schomer A, Grory BM, Cutting S, Burton T, Song C, Poppas A, McTaggart R, Jayaraman M, Merkler A, Kamel H, Elkind MSV, Furie K, Atalay MK. The left atrial appendage morphology is associated with embolic stroke subtypes using a simple classification system: A proof of concept study. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2019; 14:27-33. [PMID: 31023631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The current left atrial appendage (LAA) classification system (cLAA-CS) categorizes it into 4 morphologies: chicken wing (CW), windsock, cactus, and cauliflower, though there is limited data on either reliability or associations between different morphologies and stroke risk. We aimed to develop a simplified LAA classification system and to determine its relationship to embolic stroke subtypes. METHODS Consecutive patients with ischemic stroke from a prospective stroke registry who previously underwent a clinically-indicated chest CT were included. Stroke subtype was determined and LAA morphology was classified using the traditional system (in which CW = low risk) and a new system (LAA-H/L, in which low risk morphology (LAA-L) was defined as an acute angle bend or fold from the proximal/middle portion of the LAA and high risk morphology (LAA-H) was defined as all others). As a proof of concept study, we determined reliability for the two classification systems, and we assessed the associations between both classification systems with stroke subtypes in our cohort and previous studies. RESULTS We identified 329 ischemic stroke patients with a qualifying chest CT (126 cardioembolic subtype, 116 embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), and 87 non-cardioembolic subtypes). Intra- and inter-rater agreements improved using the LAA-H/L (0.95 and 0.85, respectively) vs. cLAA-CS (0.50 and 0.40). The LAA-H/L led to classifying 69 LAA morphologies that met criteria for CW as LAA-H. In fully adjusted models, LAA-H was associated with cardioembolic stroke (OR 5.4, 95%CI 2.1-13.7) and ESUS (OR 2.8 95% CI 1.2-6.4). Non-CW morphology was also associated with embolic stroke subtypes, but the effect size was much less pronounced. Studies using the cLAA-CS yielded mixed results for inter- and intra-rater agreements but most showed an association between a non-CW morphology and stroke with no difference among the three non-CW subtypes. CONCLUSION The LAA-H/L classification system is simple, has excellent intra and inter-rater agreements, and may help risk identify patients with cardioembolic stroke subtypes. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Yaghi
- Department of Neurology, New York Langone Hospital, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - Andrew D Chang
- Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ronald Akiki
- Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Scott Collins
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA
| | - Tracy Novack
- Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Morgan Hemendinger
- Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ashley Schomer
- Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Brain Mac Grory
- Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Shawna Cutting
- Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Tina Burton
- Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Christopher Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Athena Poppas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ryan McTaggart
- Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Mahesh Jayaraman
- Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Alexander Merkler
- Departments of Neurology and Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hooman Kamel
- Departments of Neurology and Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mitchell S V Elkind
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karen Furie
- Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael K Atalay
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
New Insights Into the Use of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Guide Decision Making in Atrial Fibrillation Management. Can J Cardiol 2018; 34:1461-1470. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
|
25
|
Left Atrial Appendage Membrane in a Patient Presenting with Stroke. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 1:179-181. [PMID: 30062276 PMCID: PMC6058301 DOI: 10.1016/j.case.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
LAA membranes are a rare abnormality of the LAA. Left-sided cardiac myxomas may be associated with LAA membranes. Comprehensive perioperative TEE should be performed in cardiac surgery.
Collapse
|
26
|
Giannopoulos G, Kekeris V, Vrachatis D, Kossyvakis C, Ntavelas C, Tsitsinakis G, Koutivas A, Tolis C, Angelidis C, Deftereos S. Effect of pulmonary vein isolation on left atrial appendage flow in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2018; 41:1129-1135. [PMID: 30028029 DOI: 10.1111/pace.13436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Left atrial appendage (LAA) functional modification in the context of pulmonary vein isolation has been a focus point of research and LAA emptying flow velocity (LAAEFV) is considered to reflect LAA contractility, stunning, and fibrosis. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we sought to prospectively evaluate short-term LAAEFV changes after radiofrequency (RF) or cryoballoon ablation in paroxysmal AF. METHODS This was a prospective substudy of the Effect of Cryoballoon and RF Ablation on Left Atrial Function (CryoLAEF) study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02611869). Thirty patients, randomly assigned to RF or cryoablation, were prospectively followed. Transesophageal echocardiograms were performed at baseline and at 3 months postablation to measure LAAEFV. RESULTS All measurements were performed in sinus rhythm. Overall, LAAEFV was 44.2 [38.5-62.8] cm/s at baseline and was increased to 70.8 [64.8-77.6] cm/s at 3 months' postablation (P < 0.001). Baseline LAAEFV was 52.5 [37.7-68.0] cm/s in the RF group and 42.8 [38.7-52.9] cm/s in the CryoBalloon group (P = 0.653). At 3 months, the corresponding values were 68.5 [61.9-76.6] cm/s and 73.9 [69.2-79.9] cm/s, respectively (P = 0.081 for the difference between the two groups at 3 months). The median change in LAAEFV was 11.0 [4.7-26.2] cm/s in the RF group versus 29.6 [15.8-37.0] cm/s in the CryoBalloon group (P = 0.033). CONCLUSION LAA function is improved after catheter ablation with RF or balloon cryoablation in patients with paroxysmal AF, evaluated while in sinus rhythm both at baseline and on follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Giannopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece.,2nd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Attikon Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasileios Kekeris
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vrachatis
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | | | - Charalampos Ntavelas
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsitsinakis
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Koutivas
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Tolis
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Angelidis
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Deftereos
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Attikon Hospital, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Korhonen M, Mustonen P, Hedman M, Vienonen J, Onatsu J, Vanninen R, Taina M. Left atrial appendage morphology and relative contrast agent concentration in patients undergoing coronary artery CTA. Clin Radiol 2018; 73:982.e17-982.e26. [PMID: 30029834 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate whether certain morphological features of the left atrial appendage (LAA) would influence the LAA/ascending aorta (AA) radiodensity ratio, as a reflection of the blood flow conditions in the LAA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight-hundred and eight consecutive patients undergoing computed tomography angiography (CCTA) were evaluated. Of these, 749 had no history of atrial fibrillation and none had suffered acute stroke. The LAA/AA radiodensity ratio, and the length, lobe number, and morphological classification of LAAs were assessed. RESULTS The distribution of morphological classes for LAAs were: windsock 62.3%, cactus 18.6%, chicken wing 10.0%, and cauliflower 9.2%. The mean LAA/AA radiodensity ratio was 0.87±0.14 (range 0.22-1.44). Female gender (p=0.001), elevated body mass index (BMI; r=-0.129; p=0.003), and diabetes (p=0.03) were associated with lower LAA/AA radiodensity ratios, while heart failure (p=0.017), significant coronary artery stenosis (p=0.010), and LAAs with multiple lobes (p=0.018), exhibited higher LAA/AA radiodensity ratios. Multiple regression analysis revealed that a short one-lobed cauliflower morphology was an independent predictor (p=0.007) of a decreased LAA/AA radiodensity ratio. CONCLUSION A decline in the LAA/AA radiodensity ratio may reflect decreased blood flow in the LAA, paralleling spontaneous echo contrast in transoesophageal echocardiography. Thus, CCTA might be of value in recognising LAA structures that predispose to decreased blood flow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Korhonen
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, FI-70029 KYS, Kuopio, Finland; Unit of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - P Mustonen
- Department of Cardiology, Keski-Suomi Central Hospital, Keskussairaalantie 19 40620 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - M Hedman
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100 FI-70029 KYS, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J Vienonen
- Unit of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J Onatsu
- NeuroCenter, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100 FI-70029 KYS, Kuopio, Finland
| | - R Vanninen
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, FI-70029 KYS, Kuopio, Finland; Unit of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - M Taina
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, FI-70029 KYS, Kuopio, Finland; Unit of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|