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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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Civieri G, Masiero G, Osto E, Gambino A, Angelini A, Fraiese A, Fedrigo M, Toscano G, Bottio T, Perazzolo Marra M, Iliceto S, Gerosa G, Tona F. Coronary Collateral Circulation: A New Predictor of Mortality in Heart Transplant Recipients With Allograft Vasculopathy. Transplant Direct 2023; 9:e1470. [PMID: 37090121 PMCID: PMC10118324 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronary collateral arteries (CCAs) are anastomotic channels between vessels; although beneficial in atherosclerosis, their role in heart transplantation (HT) recipients is underinvestigated. CCAs initially develop as microcirculation and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), promoting immune-dependent proliferative angiogenic response, and play a role in their development. In our hypothesis, ischemia induced by coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) triggers the development of CCAs, which are, in turn, less functional as affected by CAV themselves. Methods One hundred twenty-one patients receiving HT at our institution were retrospectively evaluated and were included if transthoracic echocardiography with coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) assessment and coronary angiography were performed. CMD was defined as CFVR of ≤2.5. Patients with CAV were enrolled, and their angiograms were reviewed to evaluate the presence of CCAs. Cardiovascular mortality was assessed as the main clinical outcome. Results Forty patients were found to have CCAs. Patients with CCAs have lower CFVR than those without CCAs (2.22 ± 0.72 versus 2.69 ± 0.92;P = 0.003), reflecting in different rates of CMD in the 2 groups (72.5% versus 37%; P < 0.001). CMD is associated with higher CAV grades (P < 0.001), which are also associated with CCAs (P < 0.001). Patients with poorly developed CCAs have lower CFVR (P < 0.001). At multivariable analysis, CMD (P = 0.008) and higher CAV grades (P = 0.005) are independent predictors of CCAs. During the median follow-up time of 10.2 (6.6-13.3) y, patients with CCAs have been found to have higher mortality than those without CCAs (57.5% versus 32.1%; P = 0.007). CCAs are associated with a lower probability of survival also in patients with CMD (P < 0.001) and are independent predictors of mortality (P < 0.001). Conclusions Our results demonstrate an interplay between CAV, CMD, and CCAs. We confirm that CAV is associated with CMD, and we show, for the first time, that CMD is associated with CCAs. CCAs are pathophysiologically associated with more severe graft vasculopathy and independently predict mortality after HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Civieri
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Masiero
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Osto
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Gambino
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Annalisa Angelini
- Cardiac Pathology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Angela Fraiese
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marny Fedrigo
- Cardiac Pathology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toscano
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tomaso Bottio
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Perazzolo Marra
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sabino Iliceto
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gino Gerosa
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Tona
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Non-Invasive Imaging in the Evaluation of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy in Heart Transplantation: A Systematic Review. Curr Probl Cardiol 2022; 47:101103. [PMID: 35016989 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2022.101103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is the leading cause of long-term graft dysfunction in patients with heart transplantation and is linked with significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, the gold standard for diagnosing CAV is coronary imaging with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) during traditional invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Invasive imaging, however, carries increased procedural risk and expense to patients in addition to requiring an experienced interventionalist. With the improvements in non-invasive cardiac imaging modalities such as transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), an alternative non-invasive imaging approach for the early detection of CAV may be feasible. In this systematic review, we explored the literature to investigate the utility of non-invasive imaging in diagnosis of CAV in >3000 patients across 49 studies. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses for each imaging modality. Overall, all four imaging modalities show good to excellent accuracy for identifying CAV with significant variations across studies. Majority of the studies compared non-invasive imaging with ICA without intravascular imaging. In summary, non-invasive imaging modalities offer an alternative approach to invasive coronary imaging for CAV. Future studies should investigate longitudinal non-invasive protocols in low-risk patients after heart transplantation.
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5
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Abstract
Heart transplantation (HTx) remains the optimal treatment for selected patients with end-stage advanced heart failure. However, survival is limited early by acute rejection and long term by cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Even though the diagnosis of rejection is based on histology, cardiac imaging provides a pivotal role for early detection and severity assessment of these hazards. The present review focuses on the use and reliability of different invasive and non-invasive imaging modalities to detect and monitor CAV and rejection after HTx. Coronary angiography remains the corner stone in routine CAV surveillance. However, angiograms are invasive and underestimates the CAV severity especially in the early phase. Intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography are invasive methods for intracoronary imaging that detects early CAV lesions not evident by angiograms. Non-invasive imaging can be divided into myocardial perfusion imaging, anatomical/structural imaging and myocardial functional imaging. The different non-invasive imaging modalities all provide clinical and prognostic information and may have a gatekeeper role for invasive monitoring. Acute rejection and CAV are still significant clinical problems after HTx. No imaging modality provides complete information on graft function, coronary anatomy and myocardial perfusion. However, a combination of invasive and non-invasive modalities at different stages following HTx should be considered for optimal personalized surveillance and risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hans Eiskjær
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
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Fine NM, Greenway SC, Mulvagh SL, Huang R, Maxon SA, Hepinstall MJ, Anderson JH, Johnson JN. Feasibility of Real-Time Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography to Detect Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy in Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2020; 34:503-510. [PMID: 33359634 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is an important adverse prognostic factor for pediatric heart transplant (HT) recipients. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is the gold standard for CAV detection but lacks sensitivity for early microvascular changes and cumulative radiation exposure is of concern. Real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE) using ultrasound enhancing (contrast) agents performed during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) can assess myocardial function, perfusion, and microvascular integrity. The objective of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of RTMCE during DSE to detect CAV in a pediatric HT population. METHODS HT patients 10-21 years of age were recruited to undergo DSE with RTMCE to determine technical feasibility, test tolerability and adverse event rate, and detection of perfusion defects compared with ICA-detected CAV. Thirty-six patients from two centers were enrolled, with a mean age 13.5 ± 4.3 years; 21 (58%) were male. Wall motion and myocardial perfusion were qualitatively assessed and compared with ICA findings of CAV. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) at rest and peak stress was quantified, and myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR) was defined as the ratio of peak to rest MBF. RESULTS Five (14%) patients had CAV by ICA, two with obstructive disease and three with mild CAV. Real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography was feasible in 32 (89%) patients. Three patients had wall motion defects, including one with a mixed defect and two with fixed defects. A perfusion abnormality was present in five patients, two of whom had obstructive CAV and one with mild CAV. Sensitivity and specificity of RTMCE for CAV detection were 60% and 94%, respectively, and diagnostic accuracy was 89%. MBFR assessment was feasible in 20 (63%) patients. The mean MBFR was 3.4 ± 0.7. Patients with CAV had lower MBFR than those without (2.0 ± 0.2 vs 3.7 ± 0.8; P < .01). There were no serious adverse events related to RTMCE. CONCLUSIONS Dobutamine stress RTMCE appears to be safe and feasible for the assessment of CAV in pediatric HT recipients. Further assessment is warranted to determine whether this noninvasive technique could provide a reliable alternative to ICA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nowell M Fine
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Cardiac Sciences and Community Health Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
| | - Steven C Greenway
- Section of Cardiology, Departments of Pediatrics, Cardiac Sciences, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Sharon L Mulvagh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic Children's Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Runqing Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic Children's Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Shalon A Maxon
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic Children's Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mary J Hepinstall
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic Children's Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jason H Anderson
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic Children's Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic Children's Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jonathan N Johnson
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic Children's Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic Children's Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Pichel IÁ, Fernández Cimadevilla OC, de la Hera Galarza JM, Pasanisi E, Ruiz JMG, Molina BD, Rodriguez JLL, Sicari R, Fernández MM. Usefulness of dual imaging stress echocardiography for the diagnosis of coronary allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant recipients. Int J Cardiol 2019; 296:109-112. [PMID: 31324395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2019.06.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is the main factor limiting long-term survival after cardiac transplantation. Dual imaging stress echocardiography with wall motion and Doppler-derived coronary flow reserve (CRF) of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) is a state-of-the-art methodology during dipyridamole stress echocardiography (DiSE). This study involving 74 heart transplanted patients has the purpose to assess the diagnostic value of dipyridamole stress echocardiography with evaluation of wall motion (WM) and Doppler-derived coronary flow reserve for the diagnosis of coronary allograft vasculopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS All patients underwent DiSE and coronary angiography. Moderate-severe CAV was defined according to International Society of Heart and Lung Transplant (ISHLT) recommended nomenclature for CAV, and CFR < 2 was considered to be impaired. Moderate-severe CAV was present in 11 patients. WM analysis revealed four patients (5%) with rest WM abnormalities. CFR analysis revealed that 40 (54%) individuals had an abnormal result. The combined evaluation of WM analysis and CFR resulted in a sensitivity of 72.7% (95% CI: 39.3 to 92.6%), a specificity of 49.2% (95% CI: 36.5 to 61.9%), a positive predictive value of 20% (95% CI: 9.6 to 36.1%), and negative predictive value of 91.1% (95% CI: 75.1 to 97.6%) for the diagnosis of CAV. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the inclusion of DiSE performance in Heart transplant follow up protocol. The addition of CFR evaluation offers valuable information to the angiography findings in the detection of CAV and could be helpful in selected patients to adjust the time and indications of coronary angiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Álvarez Pichel
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Vital Álvarez Buylla, Mieres, Asturias, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rosa Sicari
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy
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8
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Barberato SH, Romano MMD, Beck ALDS, Rodrigues ACT, Almeida ALCD, Assunção BMBL, Gripp EDA, Guimarães Filho FV, Abensur H, Castillo JMD, Miglioranza MH, Vieira MLC, Barros MVLD, Nunes MDCP, Otto MEB, Hortegal RDA, Barretto RBDM, Campos TH, Siqueira VND, Morhy SS. Position Statement on Indications of Echocardiography in Adults - 2019. Arq Bras Cardiol 2019; 113:135-181. [PMID: 31411301 PMCID: PMC6684182 DOI: 10.5935/abc.20190129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Henrique Barberato
- CardioEco-Centro de Diagnóstico Cardiovascular, Curitiba, PR - Brazil.,Quanta Diagnóstico e Terapia, Curitiba, PR - Brazil
| | - Minna Moreira Dias Romano
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP - Brazil
| | - Adenalva Lima de Souza Beck
- Instituto de Cardiologia do Distrito Federal, Brasília, DF - Brazil.,Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia (ICDF/FUC), Brasília, DF - Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Tude Rodrigues
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | | | | | - Eliza de Almeida Gripp
- Hospital Pró-Cardíaco, Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil.,Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Niterói, RJ - Brazil.,DASA, São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | | | - Henry Abensur
- Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Haertel Miglioranza
- Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia (ICDF/FUC), Brasília, DF - Brazil.,Instituto de Cardiologia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil
| | - Marcelo Luiz Campos Vieira
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (InCor-HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP - Brazil.,Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | - Márcio Vinicius Lins de Barros
- Faculdade de Saúde e Ecologia Humana (FASEH), Vespasiano, MG - Brazil.,Rede Materdei de Saúde, Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil.,Hospital Vera Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Thais Harada Campos
- Diagnoson-Fleury, Salvador, BA - Brazil.,Hospital Ana Nery, Salvador, BA - Brazil
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9
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Arsanjani R, Khitri A, Hashemzadeh M, Movahed MR. Initial Intravascular Ultrasound Without a Routine Early Baseline Study in the Evaluation of Cardiac Transplant Vasculopathy has Prognostic Valve. CARDIOVASCULAR REVASCULARIZATION MEDICINE 2019; 20:1105-1109. [PMID: 30745023 DOI: 10.1016/j.carrev.2019.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal minimal intimal thickening (MIT) on intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) defined as difference of ≥0.5 mm between baseline and one-year post-transplantation has been shown to have prognostic value. The goal of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate whether abnormal MIT found on routine IVUS studies in cardiac transplant patients after 6 months without an early baseline study (modified MIT or MMIT), has any prognostic value. Furthermore, we evaluated the prognostic effect of serial IVUS performed beyond one year. METHODS A cohort of 149 cardiac transplant patients who underwent IVUS examination > 6 months post-transplant were evaluated retrospectively. Of these 149 patients, 109 patients underwent a subsequent IVUS study approximately 1 year following the initial study. MMIT values of ≥0.5 mm without an early baseline study were correlated with major adverse cardiac event (MACE). RESULTS The all-cause mortality was 4.7% (5/107) in patients with MMIT of <0.5 mm vs. 14.6% (6/41) in patients with MMIT of ≥0.5 mm [hazards ratio (HR): 3.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.002-12.17; p = 0.039]. The overall MACE rate was 8.4% (9/107) in patients with MMIT of <0.5 mm vs. 24.4% (10/41) in patients with MMIT of ≥0.5 mm [HR: 6.7; 95% CI: 1.30-9.42; p = 0.009]. After adjusting for age, abnormal MMIT remained a significant independent predictor of MACE (HR: 3.93; CI 1.21-12.81; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS The presence of abnormal MMIT noted on IVUS performed after 6 months post-transplantation without a routine baseline IVUS carries important prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Arsanjani
- Division of Cardiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America
| | - Avinash Khitri
- Division of Cardiology, The University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - Mehrnoosh Hashemzadeh
- Division of Cardiology, The University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Reza Movahed
- Division of Cardiology, The University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, Tucson, AZ, United States of America; CareMore HealthCare, Tucson, AZ, United States of America.
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Clemmensen TS, Holm NR, Eiskjær H, Jakobsen L, Berg K, Neghabat O, Løgstrup BB, Christiansen EH, Dijkstra J, Terkelsen CJ, Maeng M, Poulsen SH. Detection of early changes in the coronary artery microstructure after heart transplantation: A prospective optical coherence tomography study. J Heart Lung Transplant 2018; 37:486-495. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2017.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Clemmensen TS, Holm NR, Eiskjær H, Løgstrup BB, Christiansen EH, Dijkstra J, Barkholt TØ, Terkelsen CJ, Maeng M, Poulsen SH. Layered Fibrotic Plaques Are the Predominant Component in Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2017; 10:773-784. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2016.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a major limitation to long-term survival after heart transplantation. Innovative new techniques to diagnose CAV have been applied to detect disease. This review will examine the current diagnostic and treatment options available to clinicians for CAV. RECENT FINDINGS Diagnostic modalities addressing the pathophysiology underlying CAV (arterial wall thickening and decreased coronary blood flow) improve diagnostic sensitivity when compared to traditional (angiography and dobutamine stress echocardiography) techniques. SUMMARY Limited options are available to prevent and treat CAV; however, progress has been made in making an earlier and more accurate diagnosis. Future research is needed to identify the optimal time to modify immunosuppression and investigate novel treatments for CAV.
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Tona F, Silvestre C, Rigato M, Famoso G, Marchini F, Bonfante L, Neri F, Furian L, Crepaldi C, Iliceto S, Rigotti P. Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Predicts Long-Term Outcome in Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation. Transplant Proc 2017; 48:344-8. [PMID: 27109952 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2015.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with diabetes are at increased cardiovascular risk. Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) is the treatment of choice in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy. We assessed coronary flow reserve (CFR) by transthoracic echocardiography as a marker of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in SPKT patients. METHODS We studied 48 consecutive SPKT patients (28 male, age at SPKT 54 ± 8 years). Time from transplantation was 8.5 ± 3 years. Follow-up was 4.6 ± 1.8 years. Coronary flow velocity in the left anterior descending coronary artery was detected by Doppler echocardiography at rest and during adenosine infusion. CFR was the ratio of hyperemic diastolic flow velocity (DFV) to resting DFV. A CFR ≤ 2 was considered abnormal and a sign of coronary microvascular dysfunction. MACE were cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. RESULTS CFR was 2.55 ± 0.8. CFR was ≤2 in 13 (27%) patients. CFR was lower in SPKT patients with MACE (2.1 ± 0.7 vs 2.7 ± 0.8, P = .03) and patients with MACE had a higher incidence of CFR ≤ 2 (P = .03). Time from transplantation was shorter in patients with MACE (P < .0001). Patients with CFR ≤ 2 had a lower MACE-free survival (P = .03). CFR ≤ 2 predicted the risk of MACE (P = .007) independently from coronary artery disease and metabolic control. However, this predicted role is lost when adjusted for the time from transplantation, which plays a protective role (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS In SPKT, CFR ≤ 2 may be a reliable marker for MACE, independent of coronary artery disease diagnosis. However, this role seems to be reduced over time. This finding suggests a gradual reduction of cardiovascular risk in SPKT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Tona
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - C Silvestre
- Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - M Rigato
- Nephrology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - G Famoso
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - F Marchini
- Nephrology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - L Bonfante
- Nephrology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - F Neri
- Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - L Furian
- Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - C Crepaldi
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - S Iliceto
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - P Rigotti
- Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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14
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Dobutamine stress echocardiography is inadequate to detect early cardiac allograft vasculopathy. J Heart Lung Transplant 2016; 35:1040-1. [PMID: 27318788 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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15
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Clemmensen TS, Eiskjær H, Løgstrup BB, Tolbod LP, Harms HJ, Bouchelouche K, Hoff C, Frøkiær J, Poulsen SH. Noninvasive Detection of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy by Stress Exercise Echocardiographic Assessment of Myocardial Deformation. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2016; 29:480-90. [PMID: 26898523 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2016.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of noninvasive assessment of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in heart-transplanted patients by exercise stress myocardial deformation and coronary flow reserve (CFR) assessment. METHODS Fifty-eight heart-transplanted patients underwent semisupine exercise echocardiography with assessment of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal myocardial deformation. CAV was assessed by coronary angiography and noninvasive CFR by (15)O-H2O positron emission tomographic imaging and Doppler echocardiography. Patients were divided into three groups on the basis of angiographic CAV: no CAV (n = 21), mild CAV (n = 19), and severe CAV (n = 18). RESULTS Patients with severe CAV had significantly lower LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) at rest (no CAV, -16 ± 2%; mild CAV, -15 ± 2%; severe CAV, -12 ± 4%; P < .001), failed to increase LV GLS during exercise (no CAV, -5.7 ± 2.0%; mild CAV, -3.3 ± 2.9%; severe CAV, -0.2 ± 2.8%; P < .0001), and had significantly lower echocardiographic coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) (no CAV, 3.2 ± 0.4; mild CAV, 2.7 ± 0.7; severe CAV, 1.8 ± 0.5; P < .0001) and PET CFR (no CAV, 3.4 ± 0.9; mild CAV, 3.1 ± 0.9; severe CAV, 1.9 ± 0.8; P < .0001). Furthermore, patients with mild CAV had significantly lower exercise LV GLS and echocardiographic CFVR than patients with no CAV. Exercise LV GLS, echocardiographic CFVR, and PET CFR were significantly correlated with the presence of severe CAV in a logistic regression model (LV GLS odds ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60-0.84; P < .0001; echocardiographic CFVR odds ratio: 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.23; PET CFR odds ratio, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.07-0.46). This relation remained significant after adjustment for symptoms and time since transplantation. CONCLUSIONS Noninvasive assessment of LV longitudinal myocardial deformation during exercise is feasible and strongly associated with the presence and degree of CAV. Exercise stress myocardial deformation analysis, echocardiographic CFVR, or PET CFR may serve as a noninvasive model for the detection of CAV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hans Eiskjær
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | | | - Lars Poulsen Tolbod
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | - Hendrik J Harms
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Bouchelouche
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | - Camilla Hoff
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Frøkiær
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
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Gupta B, Jacob D, Thompson R. Imaging in patients after cardiac transplantation and in patients with ventricular assist devices. J Nucl Cardiol 2015; 22:617-38. [PMID: 25832983 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-015-0115-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The field of cardiac imaging and the management of patients with severe heart failure have advanced substantially during the past 10 years. Cardiac transplantation offers the best long-term survival with high quality of life for the patients with end stage heart failure. However, acute cardiac rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) can occur post cardiac transplantation and these problems necessitate regular surveillance. The short-term success of mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSD), such as ventricular assist devices (VADs), in improving survival and quality of life has led to a dramatic growth of the patient population with these devices. The development of optimal imaging techniques and algorithms to evaluate these advanced heart failure patients is evolving and multimodality non-invasive imaging approaches and invasive techniques are commonly employed. Most of the published studies done in the transplant and VAD population are small, and biased based on the strength of the particular program, and there is a relative lack of published protocols to evaluate these patient groups. Moreover, the techniques of echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear cardiology have all progressed rapidly in recent years. There is thus a knowledge gap for cardiologists, radiologists, and clinicians, especially regarding surveillance for CAV and ideal imaging approaches for patients with VADs. The purpose of this review article is to provide an overview of different noninvasive imaging modalities used to evaluate patients after cardiac transplantation and for patients with VADs. The review focuses on the role of echocardiography, CT, and nuclear imaging in surveillance for CAV and rejection and on the assessment of ventricular structure and function, myocardial remodeling and complications for VAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanu Gupta
- Department of Cardiology, St. Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, 4330 Wornall Rd, Suite 2000, Kansas City, MO, USA
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17
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Badano LP, Miglioranza MH, Edvardsen T, Colafranceschi AS, Muraru D, Bacal F, Nieman K, Zoppellaro G, Marcondes Braga FG, Binder T, Habib G, Lancellotti P, Sicari R, Cosyns B, Donal E, Lombardi M, Sarvari S. European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging/Cardiovascular Imaging Department of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology recommendations for the use of cardiac imaging to assess and follow patients after heart transplantation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 16:919-48. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jev139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi P. Badano
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, School of Medicine, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Thor Edvardsen
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Denisa Muraru
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, School of Medicine, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Fernando Bacal
- Heart Transplant Department, Heart Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Koen Nieman
- Intensive Cardiac Care Unit and Cardiac CT Research, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giacomo Zoppellaro
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, School of Medicine, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Thomas Binder
- Department of Cardiology, University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Gilbert Habib
- Service de Cardiologie, Hôpital La Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Patrizio Lancellotti
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Valve Clinic, University of Liège, GIGA Cardiovascular Sciences, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
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18
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Tona F, Osto E, Famoso G, Previato M, Fedrigo M, Vecchiati A, Perazzolo Marra M, Tellatin S, Bellu R, Tarantini G, Feltrin G, Angelini A, Thiene G, Gerosa G, Iliceto S. Coronary microvascular dysfunction correlates with the new onset of cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant patients with normal coronary angiography. Am J Transplant 2015; 15:1400-6. [PMID: 25766634 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Coronary microvascular dysfunction is emerging as a strong predictor of outcome in heart transplantation (HT). We assessed the validity of microvascular dysfunction, defined by means of a reduced coronary flow reserve (CFR), as a factor associated with new onset epicardial cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) or death. We studied 105 patients at 4 ± 1 years post-HT with a normal coronary angiography (CA). New onset CAV was assessed by CA. CFR was assessed in the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography and calculated as the ratio of hyperaemic to basal blood flow velocity. A CFR ≤ 2.5 was considered abnormal. Epicardial CAV onset or death was assessed during a follow-up of 10 years. New onset CAV was diagnosed in 30 patients (28.6%) (Group A), and the CA was normal in the remaining 75 patients (71.4%) (Group B). Group A had reduced CFR compared with group B (2.4 ± 0.6 vs. 3.2 ± 0.7, p < 0.0001). A CFR ≤ 2.5 was independently associated with a higher probability of new onset CAV (p < 0.0001) and a higher probability of death, regardless of CAV onset (p < 0.01). Microvascular dysfunction is independently associated with the onset of epicardial CAV, and associated with a higher risk of death, regardless of CAV onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Tona
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Skorić B, Čikeš M, Ljubas Maček J, Baričević Ž, Škorak I, Gašparović H, Biočina B, Miličić D. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy: diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis. Croat Med J 2015; 55:562-76. [PMID: 25559827 PMCID: PMC4295072 DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2014.55.562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy represents the major determinant of long-term survival in patients after heart transplantation. Due to graft denervation, these patients seldom present with classic symptoms of angina pectoris, and the first clinical presentations are progressive heart failure or sudden cardiac death. Although coronary angiography remains the routine technique for coronary artery disease detection, it is not sensitive enough for screening purposes. This is especially the case in the first year after transplantation when diffuse and concentric vascular changes can be easily detected only by intravascular ultrasound. The treatment of the established vasculopathy is disappointing, so the primary effort should be directed toward early prevention and diagnosis. Due to diffuse vascular changes, revascularization procedures are restricted only to a relatively small proportion of patients with favorable coronary anatomy. Percutaneous coronary intervention is preferred over surgical revascularization since it leads to better acute results and patient survival. Although there is no proven long-term advantage of drug-eluting stents for the treatment of in-stent restenosis, they are preferred over bare-metal stents. Severe vasculopathy has a poor prognosis and the only definitive treatment is retransplantation. This article reviews the present knowledge on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cardiac allograft vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boško Skorić
- Bosko Skoric, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia,
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20
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Dal Lin C, Tona F, Osto E. Coronary Microvascular Function and Beyond: The Crosstalk between Hormones, Cytokines, and Neurotransmitters. Int J Endocrinol 2015; 2015:312848. [PMID: 26124827 PMCID: PMC4466475 DOI: 10.1155/2015/312848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Beyond its hemodynamic function, the heart also acts as a neuroendocrine and immunoregulatory organ. A dynamic communication between the heart and other organs takes place constantly to maintain cardiovascular homeostasis. The current understanding highlights the importance of the endocrine, immune, and nervous factors to fine-tune the crosstalk of the cardiovascular system with the entire body. Once disrupted, this complex interorgan communication may promote the onset and the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, expanding our knowledge on how these factors influence the cardiovascular system can lead to novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient care. In the present paper, we review novel concepts on the role of endocrine, immune, and nervous factors in the modulation of microvascular coronary function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Dal Lin
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Tona
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Osto
- Centre for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich and University Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- *Elena Osto:
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21
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Dedieu N, Greil G, Wong J, Fenton M, Burch M, Hussain T. Diagnosis and management of coronary allograft vasculopathy in children and adolescents. World J Transplant 2014; 4:276-293. [PMID: 25540736 PMCID: PMC4274597 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v4.i4.276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronary allograft vasculopathy remains one of the leading causes of death beyond the first year post transplant. As a result of denervation following transplantation, patients lack ischaemic symptoms and presentation is often late when the graft is already compromised. Current diagnostic tools are rather invasive, or in case of angiography, significantly lack sensitivity. Therefore a non-invasive tool that could allow early diagnosis would be invaluable.This paper review the disease form its different diagnosis techniques,including new and less invasive diagnostic tools to its pharmacological management and possible treatments.
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23
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Lopez-Fernandez S, Manito-Lorite N, Gómez-Hospital JA, Roca J, Fontanillas C, Melgares-Moreno R, Azpitarte-Almagro J, Cequier-Fillat A. Cardiogenic shock and coronary endothelial dysfunction predict cardiac allograft vasculopathy after heart transplantation. Clin Transplant 2014; 28:1393-401. [DOI: 10.1111/ctr.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lopez-Fernandez
- Àrea de Malalties del Cor; Bellvitge University Hospital; IDIBELL; L′Hospitalet de Llobregat; Barcelona Spain
- Department of Cardiology; Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital; FIBAO; Granada Spain
| | - Nicolas Manito-Lorite
- Àrea de Malalties del Cor; Bellvitge University Hospital; IDIBELL; L′Hospitalet de Llobregat; Barcelona Spain
| | - Joan Antoni Gómez-Hospital
- Àrea de Malalties del Cor; Bellvitge University Hospital; IDIBELL; L′Hospitalet de Llobregat; Barcelona Spain
| | - Josep Roca
- Àrea de Malalties del Cor; Bellvitge University Hospital; IDIBELL; L′Hospitalet de Llobregat; Barcelona Spain
| | - Carles Fontanillas
- Àrea de Malalties del Cor; Bellvitge University Hospital; IDIBELL; L′Hospitalet de Llobregat; Barcelona Spain
| | - Rafael Melgares-Moreno
- Department of Cardiology; Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital; FIBAO; Granada Spain
| | - José Azpitarte-Almagro
- Department of Cardiology; Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital; FIBAO; Granada Spain
| | - Angel Cequier-Fillat
- Àrea de Malalties del Cor; Bellvitge University Hospital; IDIBELL; L′Hospitalet de Llobregat; Barcelona Spain
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Tona F, Fedrigo M, Famoso G, Previato M, Tellatin S, Vecchiati A, Bellu R, Marra M, Feltrin G, Gerosa G, Thiene G, Iliceto S, Angelini A. Everolimus Prevents Coronary Microvasculopathy in Heart Transplant Recipients With Normal Coronary Angiograms: An Anatomo-Functional Study. Transplant Proc 2014; 46:2339-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Vecchiati A, Tellatin S, Angelini A, Iliceto S, Tona F. Coronary microvasculopathy in heart transplantation: Consequences and therapeutic implications. World J Transplant 2014; 4:93-101. [PMID: 25032098 PMCID: PMC4094955 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v4.i2.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the progress made in the prevention and treatment of rejection of the transplanted heart, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains the main cause of death in late survival transplanted patients. CAV consists of a progressive diffuse intimal hyperplasia and the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, ending in wall thickening of epicardial vessels, intramyocardial arteries (50-20 μm), arterioles (20-10 μm), and capillaries (< 10 μm). The etiology of CAV remains unclear; both immunologic and non-immunologic mechanisms contribute to endothelial damage with a sustained inflammatory response. The immunological factors involved are Human Leukocyte Antigen compatibility between donor and recipient, alloreactive T cells and the humoral immune system. The non-immunological factors are older donor age, ischemia-reperfusion time, hyperlipidemia and CMV infections. Diagnostic techniques that are able to assess microvascular function are lacking. Intravascular ultrasound and fractional flow reserve, when performed during coronary angiography, are able to detect epicardial coronary artery disease but are not sensitive enough to assess microvascular changes. Some authors have proposed an index of microcirculatory resistance during maximal hyperemia, which is calculated by dividing pressure by flow (distal pressure multiplied by the hyperemic mean transit time). Non-invasive methods to assess coronary physiology are stress echocardiography, coronary flow reserve by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, single photon emission computed tomography, and perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance. In this review, we intend to analyze the mechanisms, consequences and therapeutic implications of microvascular dysfunction, including an extended citation of relevant literature data.
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Puehler T, Ensminger S, Schulz U, Fuchs U, Tigges-Limmer K, Börgermann J, Morshuis M, Hakim K, Oldenburg O, Niedermeyer J, Renner A, Gummert J. [Heart and combined heart-lung transplantation. Indications, chances and risks]. Herz 2014; 39:66-73. [PMID: 24452762 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-013-4042-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Orthotopic heart transplantation (HTX) is nowadays the worldwide accepted gold standard for the treatment of terminal heart failure. The main indications for HTX are non-ischemic dilatative (54%) and ischemic (37%) heart failure. In the acute phase after HTX the survival rate is approximately 90%. Good short and long-term results with survival rates ranging from 81% after 1 year to more than 50% after 11 years demonstrate that there is currently no real treatment alternative to HTX for treatment of end-stage heart failure. In the case of irreversible pulmonary hypertension in combination with end-stage heart failure or complex congenital heart syndromes, a combined heart and lung transplantation (HLTX) is necessary. Compared with HTX the short-term survival of HLTX is reduced, mostly for technical reasons. Improved long-term results after HTX and HLTX are a result of highly specialized transplantation units and effective immunosuppression. However, a major problem is the shortage of organ donors in Germany and the resulting long waiting times for patients with frequently occurring blood groups of up to 10 months for transplantation. The consequence of the latter is the ever increasing number of implanted cardiac assist devices in patients not only as a bridge to transplant but also as destination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Puehler
- Klinik für Thorax- und Kardiovaskularchirurgie, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Georgstr. 11, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, Deutschland,
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27
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Caretta N, Feltrin G, Tarantini G, D'Agostino C, Tona F, Schipilliti M, Selice R, Minicuci N, Gerosa G, Foresta C. Erectile dysfunction, penile atherosclerosis, and coronary artery vasculopathy in heart transplant recipients. J Sex Med 2013; 10:2295-302. [PMID: 23809661 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vascular erectile dysfunction (ED) is the expression of a systemic vascular disease and in particular of endothelial dysfunction. Dysfunctional endothelium plays also a significant role in the onset and progression of coronary artery vasculopathy (CAV). AIM This pilot study was designed to evaluate the prevalence and pathogenesis of ED and its correlation with CAV in heart transplanted male. METHODS A total of 77 male heart transplanted patients (HTx) evaluated in our center (mean age 61.6 + 10.6 years) were enrolled in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES All subjects underwent accurate medical history collection, including lifestyle (cigarette smoking, dietary and sedentary habits, drug intake, and erectile function before cardiac transplantation), physical examination (body mass index and arterial pressure), biochemical blood tests (fasting glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides), and hormones (prolactin, luteinizing hormone and total testosterone). Furthermore, they were studied with penile, carotid, femoral echo-color Doppler ultrasonography and coronary angiogram. RESULTS Incidence of ED was 24% before HTx and increased up to 65% after. Postischemic cardiomiopathy was an indication to HTx in ED group more frequently than in patients without ED (No-ED group) (45.1% vs. 20%). ED patients showed a lower peak systolic velocity, a higher cavernosal intima-media thickness (IMT), a higher prevalence of cavernosal plaques (26.7% vs. 5.2%, P < 0.05), peripheral vascular disease (60.87% vs. 26.1%, P < 0.05) and CAV (45.8% vs. 25.8%, P < 0.05) with respect to No-ED patients. Coronary flow reserve was significantly reduced in ED vs. No-ED patients (2.43 + 0.7 vs. 2.9 + 0.8, P < 0.04). Finally, cavernous plaque and testosterone plasma levels were statistically associated with CAV. CONCLUSIONS We showed that ED is a frequent disease in HTx patients, more common when the original pathology is postischemic cardiomiopathy and associated with higher prevalence of cavernous plaques and CAV. Its evaluation should be integral to an HTx rehab program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Caretta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Section of Clinical Pathology, Centre for Human Reproduction Pathology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Pollack A, Nazif T, Mancini D, Weisz G. Detection and Imaging of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2013; 6:613-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Revised: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Impact of donor benign intimal thickening on cardiac allograft vasculopathy. J Heart Lung Transplant 2013; 32:454-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2013.01.1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Calé R, Rebocho MJ, Aguiar C, Almeida M, Queiroz e Melo J, Silva JA. Diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cardiac allograft vasculopathy. REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repce.2012.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Calé R, Rebocho MJ, Aguiar C, Almeida M, Queiroz E Melo J, Silva JA. [Diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cardiac allograft vasculopathy]. Rev Port Cardiol 2012; 31:721-30. [PMID: 22999223 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The major limitation of long-term survival after cardiac transplantation is allograft vasculopathy, which consists of concentric and diffuse intimal hyperplasia. The disease still has a significant incidence, estimated at 30% five years after cardiac transplantation. It is a clinically silent disease and so diagnosis is a challenge. Coronary angiography supplemented by intravascular ultrasound is the most sensitive diagnostic method. However, new non-invasive diagnostic techniques are likely to be clinically relevant in the future. The earliest possible diagnosis is essential to prevent progression of the disease and to improve its prognosis. A new nomenclature for allograft vasculopathy has been published in July 2010, developed by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT), establishing a standardized definition. Simultaneously, the ISHLT published new guidelines standardizing the diagnosis and management of cardiac transplant patients. This paper reviews contemporary concepts in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of allograft vasculopathy, highlighting areas that are the subject of ongoing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Calé
- Departamento de Cardiologia e Cirurgia Cardiotorácica, Hospital Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Miller CA, Chowdhary S, Ray SG, Sarma J, Williams SG, Yonan N, Mittal TK, Schmitt M. Role of Noninvasive Imaging in the Diagnosis of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2011; 4:583-93. [PMID: 21934085 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.110.961425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Miller
- From the North West Regional Heart Centre and Heart and Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital of South Manchester, Wythenshawe, Manchester, United Kingdom (C.A.M., S.C., S.G.R., J.S., S.G.W., N.Y., M.S.); and Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom (T.K.M.)
| | - Saqib Chowdhary
- From the North West Regional Heart Centre and Heart and Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital of South Manchester, Wythenshawe, Manchester, United Kingdom (C.A.M., S.C., S.G.R., J.S., S.G.W., N.Y., M.S.); and Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom (T.K.M.)
| | - Simon G. Ray
- From the North West Regional Heart Centre and Heart and Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital of South Manchester, Wythenshawe, Manchester, United Kingdom (C.A.M., S.C., S.G.R., J.S., S.G.W., N.Y., M.S.); and Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom (T.K.M.)
| | - Jaydeep Sarma
- From the North West Regional Heart Centre and Heart and Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital of South Manchester, Wythenshawe, Manchester, United Kingdom (C.A.M., S.C., S.G.R., J.S., S.G.W., N.Y., M.S.); and Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom (T.K.M.)
| | - Simon G. Williams
- From the North West Regional Heart Centre and Heart and Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital of South Manchester, Wythenshawe, Manchester, United Kingdom (C.A.M., S.C., S.G.R., J.S., S.G.W., N.Y., M.S.); and Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom (T.K.M.)
| | - Nizar Yonan
- From the North West Regional Heart Centre and Heart and Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital of South Manchester, Wythenshawe, Manchester, United Kingdom (C.A.M., S.C., S.G.R., J.S., S.G.W., N.Y., M.S.); and Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom (T.K.M.)
| | - Tarun K. Mittal
- From the North West Regional Heart Centre and Heart and Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital of South Manchester, Wythenshawe, Manchester, United Kingdom (C.A.M., S.C., S.G.R., J.S., S.G.W., N.Y., M.S.); and Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom (T.K.M.)
| | - Matthias Schmitt
- From the North West Regional Heart Centre and Heart and Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital of South Manchester, Wythenshawe, Manchester, United Kingdom (C.A.M., S.C., S.G.R., J.S., S.G.W., N.Y., M.S.); and Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom (T.K.M.)
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