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Meredith T, Roy D, Hayward C, Feneley M, Kovacic J, Muller D, Namasivayam M. Strain Assessment in Aortic Stenosis: Pathophysiology and Clinical Utility. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2024; 37:64-76. [PMID: 37805144 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Contemporary echocardiographic criteria for grading aortic stenosis severity have remained relatively unchanged, despite significant advances in noninvasive imaging techniques over the last 2 decades. More recently, attention has shifted to the ventricular response to aortic stenosis and how this might be quantified. Global longitudinal strain, semiautomatically calculated from standard two-dimensional echocardiographic images, has been the focus of extensive research. Global longitudinal strain is a sensitive marker of subtle hypertrophy-related impairment in left ventricular function and has shown promise as a relatively robust prognostic marker, both independently and when added to severity classification systems. Herein we review the pathophysiological basis underpinning the potential utility of global longitudinal strain in the assessment of aortic stenosis, as well as its potential role in quantifying myocardial recovery and prognostic discrimination following aortic valve replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Meredith
- Department of Cardiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Roy
- Department of Cardiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher Hayward
- Department of Cardiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Feneley
- Department of Cardiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Kovacic
- Department of Cardiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Muller
- Department of Cardiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mayooran Namasivayam
- Department of Cardiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Prognostic Value of Left Atrial Strain in Aortic Stenosis: A Competing Risk Analysis. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2023; 36:29-37.e5. [PMID: 36441088 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of left atrial (LA) strain as an imaging biomarker in aortic stenosis is not well established. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic performance of phasic LA strain in relation to clinical and echocardiographic variables and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in asymptomatic and minimally symptomatic patients with moderate to severe aortic stenosis and left ventricular ejection fraction > 50%. METHODS LA reservoir strain (LASr), LA conduit strain (LAScd), and LA contractile strain (LASct) were measured using speckle-tracking echocardiography. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, progression to New York Heart Association functional class III or IV, acute coronary syndrome, or syncope. Secondary outcomes 1 and 2 comprised the same end points but excluded acute coronary syndrome and additionally syncope, respectively. The prognostic performance of phasic LA strain cutoffs was evaluated in competing risk analyses, aortic valve replacement being the competing risk. RESULTS Among 173 patients (mean age, 69 ± 11 years; mean peak transaortic velocity, 4.0 ± 0.8 m/sec), median LASr, LAScd, and LASct were 27% (interquartile range [IQR], 22%-32%), 12% (IQR, 8%-15%), and 16% (IQR, 13%-18%), respectively. Over a median of 2.7 years (IQR, 1.4-4.6 years), the primary outcome and secondary outcomes 1 and 2 occurred in 66 (38%), 62 (36%), and 59 (34%) patients, respectively. LASr < 20%, LAScd < 6%, and LASct < 12% were identified as optimal cutoffs of the primary outcome. In competing risk analyses, progressing from echocardiographic to echocardiographic-clinical and combined models incorporating N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, LA strain parameters outperformed other key echocardiographic variables and significantly predicted clinical outcomes. LASr < 20% was associated with the primary outcome and secondary outcome 1, LAScd < 6% with all clinical outcomes, and LASct < 12% with secondary outcome 2. LAScd < 6% had the highest specificity (95%) and positive predictive value (82%) for the primary outcome, and competing risk models incorporating LAScd < 6% had the best discriminative value. CONCLUSIONS In well-compensated patients with moderate to severe aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular ejection fractions, LA strain was superior to other echocardiographic indices and incremental to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide for risk stratification. LAScd < 6%, LASr < 20%, and LASct < 12% identified patients at higher risk for adverse outcomes.
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Nardi F, Pino PG, De Luca L, Riccio C, Cipriani M, Corda M, Francese GM, Gabrielli D, Oliva F, Gulizia MM, Colivicchi F. ANMCO position paper: 2022 focused update of appropriate use criteria for multimodality imaging: aortic valve disease. Eur Heart J Suppl 2022; 24:C289-C297. [PMID: 35602253 PMCID: PMC9117909 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/suac027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This document addresses the evaluation of the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis and management of aortic valve disease. The goal of this AUC document is to provide a comprehensive resource for multimodality imaging in the context of aortic valve disease, encompassing multiple imaging modalities. Clinical scenarios are developed in a simple way to illustrate patient presentations encountered in everyday practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Nardi
- Cardiology Department, Ospedale Santo Spirito, Via Giolitti 2, Casale Monferrato 15033, AL, Italy
| | - Paolo Giuseppe Pino
- Consultant Cardiologist of the Echo-Lab, Ospedale Santo Spirito, Casale Monferrato, AL, Italy
| | - Leonardo De Luca
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Roma, Italy
| | - Carmine Riccio
- Cardio-Vascular Department, AORN Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano, Caserta, Italy
| | - Manlio Cipriani
- Cardiology 2-Heart Failure and Transplants, Dipartimento Cardiotoracovascolare “A. De Gasperis”, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Corda
- Cardiology Department, Azienda Ospedaliera G. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Maura Francese
- Cardiology Department, Ospedale Garibaldi-Nesima—Azienda Rilievo Nazionale e Alta Specializzazione “Garibaldi”, Catania, Italy
| | - Domenico Gabrielli
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Roma, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Oliva
- Unit of Intensive Cardiological Care, Cardiology 1-Hemodynamics, Cardiothoracovascular Department “A. De Gasperis”, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Michele Massimo Gulizia
- Cardiology Department, Ospedale Garibaldi-Nesima—Azienda Rilievo Nazionale e Alta Specializzazione “Garibaldi”, Catania, Italy
- Fondazione per il Tuo cuore—Heart Care Foundation, Firenze, Italy
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Long Term Prognostic Value of Contractile Reserve Assessed by Global Longitudinal Strain in Patients with Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030689. [PMID: 35160140 PMCID: PMC8836506 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030689] [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: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) at rest has shown prognostic value in patients (pts) with severe aortic stenosis (SAS). Contractile reserve (CR) during exercise stress echo (ESE) estimated via GLS (CR-GLS) could better stratify the asymptomatic patients who could benefit from early intervention. Aims. To determine the long-term prognostic value of CR-GLS in patients with asymptomatic SAS with an ESE without inducible ischemia. Additionally, to compare the prognostic value of CR assessed via ejection fraction (CR-EF) and CR-GLS. Methods. In a prospective, single-center, observational study between 2013 and 2019, 101 pts with asymptomatic SAS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 55% were enrolled. CR was considered present with an exercise-rest increase in LVEF (Simpson’s rule) ≥ 5 points and > 2 absolute points in GLS. Patients were assigned to 2 groups (G): G1: 56 patients with CR-GLS present; and G2: 45 patients CR-GLS absent. All patients were followed up. Results. G2 Patients were older, with lower exercise capability, less aortic valve area (AVA), a higher peak aortic gradient, and less LVEF (71.5% ± 5.9 vs. 66.8% ± 7.9; p = 0.002) and GLS (%) at exercise (G1: −22.2 ± 2.8 vs. G2: −18.45 ± 2.4; p = 0.001). During mean follow-up of 46.6 ± 3.4 months, events occurred in 45 pts., with higher incidence in G2 (G2 = 57.8% vs. G1 = 42.2%, p < 0.01). At Cox regression analysis, CR-GLS was an independent predictor of major cardiovascular events (HR: 1.98, 95% CI 1.09–3.58, p = 0.025). Event-free survival was lower for patients with CR-GLS absent (log rank test p = 0.022). CR-EF was not outcome predictive (log rank test p 0.095). Conclusions: In patients with asymptomatic SAS, the absence of CR-GLS during ESE is associated with worse prognosis. Additionally, CR-GLS was a better predictor of events than CR-EF.
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Gonska B, Buckert D, Mörike J, Scharnbeck D, Kersten J, Cuspidi C, Rottbauer W, Tadic M. Imaging Challenges in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis and Heart Failure: Did We Find a Way Out of the Labyrinth? J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11020317. [PMID: 35054012 PMCID: PMC8777924 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11020317] [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: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most frequent degenerative valvular disease in developed countries. Its incidence has been constantly rising due to population aging. The diagnosis of AS was considered straightforward for a very long time. High gradients and reduced aortic valve area were considered as "sine qua non" in diagnosis of AS until a growing body of evidence showed that patients with low gradients could also have severe AS with the same or even worse outcome. This completely changed the paradigm of AS diagnosis and involved large numbers of parameters that had never been used in the evaluation of AS severity. Low gradient AS patients may present with heart failure (HF) with preserved or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), associated with changes in cardiac output and flow across the aortic valve. These patients with low-flow low-gradient or paradoxical low-flow low-gradient AS are particularly challenging to diagnose, and cardiac output and flow across the aortic valve have become the most relevant parameters in evaluation of AS, besides gradients and aortic valve area. The introduction of other imaging modalities in the diagnosis of AS significantly improved our knowledge about cardiac mechanics, tissue characterization of myocardium, calcium and inflammation burden of the aortic valve, and their impact on severity, progression and prognosis of AS, not only in symptomatic but also in asymptomatic patients. However, a variety of novel parameters also brought uncertainty regarding the clinical relevance of these indices, as well as the necessity for their validation in everyday practice. The aim of this review is to summarize the prevalence of HF in patients with severe AS and elaborate on the diagnostic challenges and advantages of comprehensive multimodality cardiac imaging to identify the patients that may benefit from surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement, as well as parameters that may help during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgid Gonska
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (B.G.); (D.B.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (J.K.); (W.R.)
| | - Dominik Buckert
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (B.G.); (D.B.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (J.K.); (W.R.)
| | - Johannes Mörike
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (B.G.); (D.B.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (J.K.); (W.R.)
| | - Dominik Scharnbeck
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (B.G.); (D.B.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (J.K.); (W.R.)
| | - Johannes Kersten
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (B.G.); (D.B.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (J.K.); (W.R.)
| | - Cesare Cuspidi
- Department for Internal Medicine, University of Milan-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Wolfang Rottbauer
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (B.G.); (D.B.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (J.K.); (W.R.)
| | - Marijana Tadic
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (B.G.); (D.B.); (J.M.); (D.S.); (J.K.); (W.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-176-3236-0011
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Shimoni S, Zikri M, Haberman D, Livschitz S, Tshori S, Fabricant Y, Meledin V, Gandelman G, Goland S, George J. Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis in patients after TAVR: clinical and echocardiographic findings and long term survival. ESC Heart Fail 2021; 8:4549-4561. [PMID: 34704399 PMCID: PMC8712785 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.13667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of amyloid transthyretin (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis in patients 1–2 years after trans‐catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and to assess their clinical and echocardiographic outcome and long‐term survival. Methods and results We enrolled 88 patients, mean age 81 years, 534 (390–711) days after TAVR. Patients underwent a Tc99m‐PYP scintigraphy for the diagnosis of ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. Eleven (12.5%) participants were diagnosed with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. Eighty eight per cent of patients without amyloidosis were in New York Heart Association Classes 1–2 after TAVR, compared with 64% patients with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis (P = 0.022). There were no differences in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (P = 0.69) between patients with and without ATTR cardiac amyloidosis at enrolment. The LV mass index and pulmonary artery pressure were significantly higher in patients with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis (P = 0.046 and P = 0.002, respectively). Global longitudinal strain and myocardial work efficiency were significantly lower in patients with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis (P = 0.031 and P = 0.048, respectively). We assessed changes in echocardiographic data, from the time of TAVR to enrolment, and as expected, there was a significant decrease in aortic valve gradient in both groups. There was a significant reduction in LV mass and LV mass index and improvement in basal segment LV strain in the ATTR cardiac amyloidosis negative group (P = 0.045, P = 0.046 and 0.023, respectively). However, in the ATTR cardiac amyloidosis group the change in LV mass and LV mass index and LV basal strain values was not significant (P = 0.24, P = 0.13 and P = 0.35, respectively). The were no significant changes in other echocardiographic parameters in both groups. The patients were followed for 1150 (1086–1221) days after enrolment. Twenty seven patients had at least one cardiac hospitalization during of follow up, of them seven were with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis and 20 patients without amyloidosis (P = 0.017). Eighteen patients (20%) died during follow up; 12 (14%) patients died due to cardiac causes. There was no difference in all‐cause and cardiac mortality between patients with and without ATTR cardiac amyloidosis (P = 0.6 and P = 0.53, respectively). Conclusions The long‐term survival after TAVR is not significantly affected by the presence of ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. However, the clinical course of these patients and the LV hemodynamic improvement is less favourable. This hypothesis‐generating study suggests screening for ATTR cardiac amyloidosis in patients who underwent TAVR and have limited clinical or echocardiographic improvement, because they may potentially improve with new therapies for ATTR cardiac amyolidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Shimoni
- The Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel.,Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Meital Zikri
- The Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dan Haberman
- The Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shay Livschitz
- The Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sagi Tshori
- The Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel.,Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Valery Meledin
- The Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gera Gandelman
- The Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sorel Goland
- The Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel.,Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jacob George
- The Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel.,Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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Jin XY, Petrou M, Hu JT, Nicol ED, Pepper JR. Challenges and opportunities in improving left ventricular remodelling and clinical outcome following surgical and trans-catheter aortic valve replacement. Front Med 2021; 15:416-437. [PMID: 34047933 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-021-0852-7] [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: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the last half century, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) has evolved to offer a durable and efficient valve haemodynamically, with low procedural complications that allows favourable remodelling of left ventricular (LV) structure and function. The latter has become more challenging among elderly patients, particularly following trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Precise understanding of myocardial adaptation to pressure and volume overloading and its responses to valve surgery requires comprehensive assessments from aortic valve energy loss, valvular-vascular impedance to myocardial activation, force-velocity relationship, and myocardial strain. LV hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis remains as the structural and morphological focus in this endeavour. Early intervention in asymptomatic aortic stenosis or regurgitation along with individualised management of hypertension and atrial fibrillation is likely to improve patient outcome. Physiological pacing via the His-Purkinje system for conduction abnormalities, further reduction in para-valvular aortic regurgitation along with therapy of angiotensin receptor blockade will improve patient outcome by facilitating hypertrophy regression, LV coordinate contraction, and global vascular function. TAVI leaflet thromboses require anticoagulation while impaired access to coronary ostia risks future TAVI-in-TAVI or coronary interventions. Until comparable long-term durability and the resolution of TAVI related complications become available, SAVR remains the first choice for lower risk younger patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Yu Jin
- Surgical Echo-Cardiology Services, Oxford Heart Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
- Cardiac Surgical Physiology and Genomics Group, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
| | - Mario Petrou
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, SW3 6NP, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, SW3 6LY, UK
| | - Jiang Ting Hu
- Cardiac Surgical Physiology and Genomics Group, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Ed D Nicol
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, SW3 6LY, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, SW3 6NP, UK
| | - John R Pepper
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, SW3 6NP, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, SW3 6LY, UK
- NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, W2 1NY, UK
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Mann TD, Loewenstein I, Ben Assa E, Topilsky Y. Natural History of Moderate Aortic Stenosis with Preserved and Low Ejection Fraction. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2021; 34:735-743. [PMID: 33652083 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2021.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a shortage of data concerning the natural history of patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of moderate AS on mortality in the general population and in the subgroups of patients with moderate AS and reduced ejection fractions (EF) and patients with moderate AS and low aortic valve gradients. The study was not designed to address the applicability of treatment in this population. METHODS Outcomes were compared between patients with moderate AS and a propensity-matched cohort (1:3 ratio) without AS. The primary outcome was survival until end of follow-up. RESULTS Among approximately 40,000 patients who underwent echocardiographic evaluations between 2011 and 2016, 952 had moderate AS. Median follow-up duration was 181 weeks (interquartile range, 179-182 weeks) for the entire cohort and 174 weeks (interquartile range, 169-179 weeks) for the propensity-matched groups. Propensity matching successfully balanced most preexisting clinical differences. Increased mortality was observed in the group of patients with moderate AS before propensity matching and persisted following propensity matching (median survival 4.1 vs 5.2 years, P = .008). Survival rates and corresponding standard errors at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years were 80 ± 1% versus 82 ± 0.7%, 70 ± 1.5% versus 74 ± 0.8%, 62 ± 1.7% versus 66 ± 0.9%, and 47 ± 2.4% versus 52 ± 1.3%, respectively. A survival difference was similarly observed for the subgroup analyses of moderate AS and reduced ejection fraction (P = .028) and moderate AS and low aortic valve gradients (P = .039). CONCLUSIONS Moderate AS is associated with increased mortality. The increased mortality was also observed in the subgroups of patients with either reduced ejection fraction or low aortic valve gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomer D Mann
- Department of Cardiology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Mina and Evrard Faculty of Life Science, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel; Tel Aviv Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Itamar Loewenstein
- Tel Aviv Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eyal Ben Assa
- Department of Cardiology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Tel Aviv Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yan Topilsky
- Department of Cardiology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Tel Aviv Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Markers of Elevated Left Ventricular Filling Pressure Are Associated with Increased Mortality in Nonsevere Aortic Stenosis. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2021; 34:465-471. [PMID: 33388447 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2020.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Echocardiographic measures of elevated left ventricular filling pressures are associated with an adverse prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between acute (ratio of early transmitral flow to mitral annular velocity [E/e']) and chronic (indexed left atrial volume) markers of left ventricular filling pressure and mortality in patients with nonsevere aortic stenosis (AS), within the National Echo Database Australia cohort, testing the hypothesis that they would reflect the early hemodynamic consequences of AS and be associated with increased mortality in this setting. METHODS The first record for patients ≥18 years of age showing hemodynamically significant but nonsevere (mild or moderate) AS (mean pressure gradient ≥ 10 to <40 mm Hg and aortic valve area > 1 cm2) was analyzed. Baseline demographics and echocardiographic variables were compared with those among patients without AS (mean pressure gradient < 10 mm Hg). Mortality linkage data were available for all patients. RESULTS Of 78,886 patients with aortic valve mean pressure gradients < 40 mm Hg and aortic valve areas > 1 cm2, 13,768 (17%) were identified with nonsevere AS (aortic valve mean pressure gradient 10-40 mm Hg), of whom 57% were men (mean age, 73 ± 13.4 years) with a median follow-up of 3.4 years (interquartile range, 1.7-6.1 years). In unadjusted time-varying coefficient models, nonsevere AS and indexed left atrial volume > 34 mL/m2 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.29; 95% CI, 2.03-2.58), E/e' ratio > 14 (HR, 2.27; 95% CI, 2.08-2.49), left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% (HR, 2.82; 95% CI, 2.50-3.19), and tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity > 280 cm/sec (HR, 2.54; 95% CI, 2.30-2.80) were associated with increased mortality hazard at the time of echocardiography. All markers were significant when combined in a multivariate model. CONCLUSIONS Indices of elevated left ventricular filling pressure are independently associated with death in patients with nonsevere AS. Risk stratification models incorporating these variables may identify patients at risk for complications, warranting closer surveillance and possibly earlier intervention.
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Prognostic Importance of Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis and Preserved Ejection Fraction. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2020; 33:1454-1464. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
The appropriate timing of intervention and follow-up in asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis remains controversial. Risk stratification is a key, especially with the use of a multimodality imaging approach, including exercise stress echocardiography. This review focuses on the use of exercise echocardiography in asymptomatic patients with moderate and severe aortic stenosis with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. It describes the exercise echocardiography protocol, parameters to be evaluated, and its role in guiding the timing of intervention and follow-up in these patients.
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Klaeboe LG, Brekke PH, Aaberge L, Haugaa K, Edvardsen T. Impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation on mechanical dispersion. Open Heart 2020; 7:e001199. [PMID: 32153792 PMCID: PMC7046982 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2019-001199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The physiological determinants of left ventricular (LV) mechanical dispersion (MD) are not fully explored. We aimed to investigate the impact of afterload reduction and changes in ventricular conduction on LV MD after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) were examined in a prospective, repeated measures observational cohort study before and after an uncomplicated transfemoral TAVI in a single tertiary centre. LV MD was assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography. Valvulo-arterial impedance (ZVA) was used as a measure of global afterload. Results We included 140 consecutive patients (83±8 years old, 49% women, logistic EuroSCORE 16±10) with severe AS (valve area 0.7±0.2 cm2, mean transvalvular gradient 54±18 mm Hg) and a relatively preserved LV ejection fraction (52%±11%). After TAVI, we observed favourable changes in transvalvular gradients and ZVA in all patients. Compared with baseline, postprocedural MD was significantly lower in 108 patients with unchanged ventricular conduction (55±17 ms vs 51±17 ms, p=0.02) and higher in 28 patients with TAVI-induced left bundle branch block (51±13 ms vs 62±19 ms, p≤0.001). During 22±9 months observation, 22 patients died. Postprocedural MD was associated with mortality in a univariate Cox regression model (HR=1.24 (1.01-1.52), p<0.04, per 10 ms increase). Conclusions Isolated afterload reduction was associated with reduction of MD, while concomitant impairment of ventricular conduction resulted in a more pronounced MD after TAVI, indicating that loading conditions and conduction should be considered when evaluating MD. A pronounced postprocedural LV MD was associated with mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Gunnar Klaeboe
- Department of Cardiology and Center for Cardiological Innovation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Haugar Brekke
- Department of Cardiology and Center for Cardiological Innovation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Aaberge
- Department of Cardiology and Center for Cardiological Innovation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristina Haugaa
- Department of Cardiology and Center for Cardiological Innovation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Edvardsen
- Department of Cardiology and Center for Cardiological Innovation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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