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Sharma SP, Sanz J, Hirsch A, Patel R, Constantinescu AA, Barghash M, Mancini DM, Brugts JJ, Caliskan K, Taverne YJHJ, Manintveld OC, Budde RPJ. Temporal changes in CT-derived fractional flow reserve in patients after heart transplantation. Eur Radiol 2024:10.1007/s00330-024-10932-z. [PMID: 39014089 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-024-10932-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adding functional information by CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRct) to coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and assessing its temporal change may provide insight into the natural history and physiopathology of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in heart transplantation (HTx) patients. We assessed FFRct changes as well as CAV progression over a 2-year period in HTx patients undergoing serial CT imaging. METHODS HTx patients from Erasmus MC and Mount Sinai Hospital, who had consecutive CCTAs 2 years apart were evaluated. FFRct analysis was performed for both scans. FFRct values at the most distal point in the left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA) were measured after precisely matching the anatomical locations in both analyses. Also, the number of anatomical coronary stenoses of > 30% was scored. RESULTS In total, 106 patients (median age 57 [interquartile range 47-67] years, 67% male) at 9 [6-13] years after HTx at the time of the baseline CCTA were included. Median distal FFRct values significantly decreased from baseline to follow-up for the LAD from 0.85 [0.79-0.90] to 0.84 [0.76-0.90] (p = 0.001), LCX from 0.92 [0.88-0.96] to 0.91 [0.85-0.95] (p = 0.009), and RCA from 0.92 [0.86-0.95] to 0.90 [0.86-0.94] (p = 0.004). The number of focal anatomical stenoses of > 30% increased from a median of 1 [0-2] at baseline to 2 [0-3] at follow-up (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS The distal coronary FFRct values in post-HTX patients in each of the three major coronary arteries decreased, and the number of focal coronary stenoses increased over a 2-year period. Temporal FFRct change rate may become an additional parameter in the follow-up of HTx patients, but more research is needed to elucidate its role. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRct) is important post-heart transplant because of additional information on coronary CT angiography for cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) detection. The decrease and degree of reduction in distal FFRct value may indicate progression in anatomic CAV burden. KEY POINTS CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRct) is important for monitoring cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in heart transplant patients. Over time, transplant patients showed a decrease in distal FFRct and an increase in coronary stenoses. Temporal changes in FFRct could be crucial for transplant follow-up, aiding in CAV detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran P Sharma
- Department of Cardiology, Thorax Centre, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Javier Sanz
- Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Hirsch
- Department of Cardiology, Thorax Centre, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richa Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alina A Constantinescu
- Department of Cardiology, Thorax Centre, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maya Barghash
- Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donna M Mancini
- Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jasper J Brugts
- Department of Cardiology, Thorax Centre, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kadir Caliskan
- Department of Cardiology, Thorax Centre, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olivier C Manintveld
- Department of Cardiology, Thorax Centre, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ricardo P J Budde
- Department of Cardiology, Thorax Centre, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Bacich D, Tessari C, Ciccarelli G, Lucertini G, Cerutti A, Pradegan N, Toscano G, Di Salvo G, Gambino A, Gerosa G. A Comprehensive Excursus of the Roles of Echocardiography in Heart Transplantation Follow-Up. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3205. [PMID: 38892916 PMCID: PMC11172807 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Current guidelines for the care of heart transplantation recipients recommend routine endomyocardial biopsy and invasive coronary angiography as the cornerstones in the surveillance for acute rejection (AR) and coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Non-invasive tools, including coronary computed tomography angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance, have been introduced into guidelines without roles of their own as gold standards. These techniques also carry the risk of contrast-related kidney injury. There is a need to explore non-invasive approaches providing valuable information while minimizing risks and allowing their application independently of patient comorbidities. Echocardiographic examination can be performed at bedside, serially repeated, and does not carry the burden of contrast-related kidney injury and procedure-related risk. It provides comprehensive assessment of cardiac morphology and function. Advanced echocardiography techniques, including Doppler tissue imaging and strain imaging, may be sensitive tools for the detection of minor myocardial dysfunction, thus providing insight into early detection of AR and CAV. Stress echocardiography may offer a valuable tool in the detection of CAV, while the assessment of coronary flow reserve can unravel coronary microvascular impairment and add prognostic value to conventional stress echocardiography. The review highlights the role of Doppler echocardiography in heart transplantation follow-up, weighting advantages and limitations of the different techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Bacich
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (G.C.); (G.L.); (N.P.); (G.T.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Chiara Tessari
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (G.C.); (G.L.); (N.P.); (G.T.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulia Ciccarelli
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (G.C.); (G.L.); (N.P.); (G.T.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Giovanni Lucertini
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (G.C.); (G.L.); (N.P.); (G.T.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Alessia Cerutti
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.C.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Nicola Pradegan
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (G.C.); (G.L.); (N.P.); (G.T.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Toscano
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (G.C.); (G.L.); (N.P.); (G.T.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Giovanni Di Salvo
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.C.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Antonio Gambino
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (G.C.); (G.L.); (N.P.); (G.T.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Gino Gerosa
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (G.C.); (G.L.); (N.P.); (G.T.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
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Pergola V, Cameli M, Mattesi G, Mushtaq S, D’Andrea A, Guaricci AI, Pastore MC, Amato F, Dellino CM, Motta R, Perazzolo Marra M, Dellegrottaglie S, Pedrinelli R, Iliceto S, Nodari S, Perrone Filardi P, Pontone G. Multimodality Imaging in Advanced Heart Failure for Diagnosis, Management and Follow-Up: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7641. [PMID: 38137711 PMCID: PMC10743799 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced heart failure (AHF) presents a complex landscape with challenges spanning diagnosis, management, and patient outcomes. In response, the integration of multimodality imaging techniques has emerged as a pivotal approach. This comprehensive review delves into the profound significance of these imaging strategies within AHF scenarios. Multimodality imaging, encompassing echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), nuclear imaging and cardiac computed tomography (CCT), stands as a cornerstone in the care of patients with both short- and long-term mechanical support devices. These techniques facilitate precise device selection, placement, and vigilant monitoring, ensuring patient safety and optimal device functionality. In the context of orthotopic cardiac transplant (OTC), the role of multimodality imaging remains indispensable. Echocardiography offers invaluable insights into allograft function and potential complications. Advanced methods, like speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), empower the detection of acute cell rejection. Nuclear imaging, CMR and CCT further enhance diagnostic precision, especially concerning allograft rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy. This comprehensive imaging approach goes beyond diagnosis, shaping treatment strategies and risk assessment. By harmonizing diverse imaging modalities, clinicians gain a panoramic understanding of each patient's unique condition, facilitating well-informed decisions. The aim is to highlight the novelty and unique aspects of recently published papers in the field. Thus, this review underscores the irreplaceable role of multimodality imaging in elevating patient outcomes, refining treatment precision, and propelling advancements in the evolving landscape of advanced heart failure management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pergola
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.M.); (F.A.); (M.P.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Sienna, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.C.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Giulia Mattesi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.M.); (F.A.); (M.P.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Saima Mushtaq
- Department of Perioperative Cardiology and Cardiovascular Imaging, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (C.M.D.); (G.P.)
| | | | - Andrea Igoren Guaricci
- University Cardiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Policlinic University Hospital, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Maria Concetta Pastore
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Sienna, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.C.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Filippo Amato
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.M.); (F.A.); (M.P.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Carlo Maria Dellino
- Department of Perioperative Cardiology and Cardiovascular Imaging, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (C.M.D.); (G.P.)
| | - Raffaella Motta
- Unit of Radiology, Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy;
| | - Martina Perazzolo Marra
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.M.); (F.A.); (M.P.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Santo Dellegrottaglie
- Division of Cardiology, Ospedale Medico-Chirurgico Accreditato Villa dei Fiori, 80011 Acerra, Italy;
| | - Roberto Pedrinelli
- Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Department, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Sabino Iliceto
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.M.); (F.A.); (M.P.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Savina Nodari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Institute of Cardiology, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Perrone Filardi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Pontone
- Department of Perioperative Cardiology and Cardiovascular Imaging, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (C.M.D.); (G.P.)
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Feher A, Sinusas AJ. Evaluation of cardiac allograft vasculopathy by positron emission tomography. J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:2616-2628. [PMID: 33389637 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-020-02438-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains one of the most important late occurring complications in heart transplant (HT) recipients significantly effecting graft survival. Recently, there has been tremendous focus on the development of effective and safe non-invasive diagnostic strategies for the diagnosis of CAV employing a wide range of imaging technologies. During the past decade multiple studies have been published using positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging, establishing the value of PET myocardial blood flow quantification for the evaluation of CAV. These independent investigations demonstrate that PET can be successfully used to establish the diagnosis of CAV, can be utilized for prognostication and may be used for serial monitoring of HT recipients. In addition, molecular imaging techniques have started to emerge as new tools to enhance our knowledge to better understand the pathophysiology of CAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Feher
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208017, Dana 3, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Albert J Sinusas
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208017, Dana 3, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Sciaccaluga C, Ghionzoli N, Mandoli GE, Sisti N, D'Ascenzi F, Focardi M, Bernazzali S, Vergaro G, Emdin M, Valente S, Cameli M. The role of non-invasive imaging modalities in cardiac allograft vasculopathy: an updated focus on current evidences. Heart Fail Rev 2021; 27:1235-1246. [PMID: 34383194 PMCID: PMC9197817 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-021-10155-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is an obliterative and diffuse form of vasculopathy affecting almost 50% of patients after 10 years from heart transplant and represents the most common cause of long-term cardiovascular mortality among heart transplant recipients. The gold standard diagnostic technique is still invasive coronary angiography, which however holds potential for complications, especially contrast-related kidney injury and procedure-related vascular lesions. Non-invasive and contrast-sparing imaging techniques have been advocated and investigated over the past decades, in order to identify those that could replace coronary angiography or at least reach comparable accuracy in CAV detection. In addition, they could help the clinician in defining optimal timing for invasive testing. This review attempts to examine the currently available non-invasive imaging techniques that may be used in the follow-up of heart transplant patients, spanning from echocardiography to nuclear imaging, cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac computed tomography angiography, weighting their advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sciaccaluga
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Section of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - N Ghionzoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Section of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - G E Mandoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Section of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - N Sisti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Section of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - F D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Section of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - M Focardi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Section of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - S Bernazzali
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - G Vergaro
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.,Division of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Emdin
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.,Division of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Valente
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Section of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - M Cameli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Section of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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