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Kassab K, Doukky R. Cardiac imaging for the assessment of patients being evaluated for liver transplantation. J Nucl Cardiol 2022; 29:1078-1090. [PMID: 33825142 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-021-02591-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac risk assessment prior to liver transplantation has become widely accepted. With the emergence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis among the leading causes of end-stage liver disease and the steady rise of the age of liver transplant recipients, the burden of cardiovascular diseases has markedly increased in this population. Selecting appropriate liver transplant candidates is crucial due to the increasing demand for scarce donor organs. The use of noninvasive cardiac imaging for pre-operative assessment of the cardiovascular status of liver transplant recipients has been on the rise, yet the optimal assessment strategy remains an area of active debate. In this review, we examine the relevant literature pertaining to the diagnostic and prognostic applications of noninvasive cardiac imaging in this population. We also propose a simple literature-based evaluation algorithm for CAD surveillance in liver transplant candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameel Kassab
- Division of Cardiology, Cook County Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rami Doukky
- Division of Cardiology, Cook County Health, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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2
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McCarthy KJ, Motta-Calderon D, Estrada-Roman A, Cajiao KM, Curry MP, Bonder A, Anagnostopoulos AM, Gavin M. Introduction of a standardized protocol for cardiac risk assessment in candidates for liver transplant - A retrospective cohort analysis. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100582. [PMID: 34808392 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2021.100582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recommendations on non-invasive imaging to assess pre-operative cardiac risk among liver transplant candidates vary amongst societal guidelines and individual institutional practices. In 2018, a standardized pre-transplant coronary evaluation protocol was established at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston MA, to ensure appropriate and consistent pre-operative testing was performed. METHODS All patients who underwent liver transplant evaluation between January 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2019, were retrospectively analyzed and divided into three cohorts; before the introduction of the protocol (prior to 2018), initial protocol favoring invasive coronary angiography (ICA) (2018), and amended protocol favoring coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) (post-2018). We described clinical characteristics, candidacy for transplant, and cardiovascular complications during follow-up. As an unadjusted exploratory analysis, the Cochran-Armitage Exact Trend Test was used to examine univariate differences across time. RESULTS A total of 462 patients underwent liver transplant evaluation during the study period. Among these, 218 (47.2%) patients underwent stress test, 50 (10.8%) underwent CCTA, and 68 (14.8%) underwent ICA. Across the three time periods, there was an increase in the proportion of CCTAs performed (3%, 6.3%, and 26.3% respectively; p <0.001) and proportion of patients diagnosed with obstructive CAD using CCTA (0%, 30%, and 51.4% respectively; p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in post-transplant cardiac complications among patients evaluated before 2018, during 2018, and after 2018 (5.9% vs. 5.6 vs. 6.0%; p=1.0). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest it is reasonable to shift practice to a less invasive approach utilizing CCTA or nuclear stress testing when assessing liver transplant candidates at increased cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian J McCarthy
- Division of Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston MA, United States
| | - Daniel Motta-Calderon
- Division of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | | - Karen M Cajiao
- Division of Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, CT, United States
| | - Michael P Curry
- Division of Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alan Bonder
- Division of Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Michael Gavin
- Division of Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston MA, United States.
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3
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Moody WE, Holloway B, Arumugam P, Gill S, Wahid YS, Boivin CM, Thomson LE, Berman DS, Armstrong MJ, Ferguson J, Steeds RP. Prognostic value of coronary risk factors, exercise capacity and single photon emission computed tomography in liver transplantation candidates: A 5-year follow-up study. J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:2876-2891. [PMID: 32394403 PMCID: PMC8709822 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-020-02126-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although consensus-based guidelines support noninvasive stress testing prior to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), the optimal screening strategy for assessment of coronary artery disease in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) is unclear. This study sought to determine the relative predictive value of coronary risk factors, functional capacity, and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) on major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in liver transplantation candidates. METHODS Prior to listing for transplantation, 404 consecutive ESLD patients were referred to a University hospital for cardiovascular (CV) risk stratification. All subjects met at least one of the following criteria: inability to perform > 4 METs by history (62%), insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (53%), serum creatinine > 1.72 mg/dL (8%), history of MI, PCI or CABG (5%), stable angina (3%), cerebrovascular disease (1%), peripheral vascular disease (1%). Subjects underwent Technetium-99m SPECT with multislice coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) using exercise treadmill or standard adenosine stress in those unable to achieve 85% maximal heart rate (Siemens Symbia T16). Abnormal perfusion was defined as a summed stress score (SSS) ≥ 4. RESULTS Of the 404 patients, 158 (age 59 ± 9 years; male 68%) subsequently underwent transplantation and were included in the primary analysis. Of those, 50 (32%) died after a mean duration follow-up of 5.4 years (maximal 10.9 years). Most deaths (78%) were attributed to noncardiovascular causes (malignancy, sepsis, renal failure). Of the 32 subjects with abnormal perfusion (20%), nine (6%) had a high-risk perfusion abnormality defined as a total perfusion defect size (PDS) ≥ 15% and/or an ischemic PDS ≥ 10%. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated abnormal perfusion was associated with increased CV mortality (generalized Wilcoxon, P = 0.014) but not all-cause death. Subjects with both abnormal perfusion and an inability to exercise > 4 METs had the lowest survival from all-cause death (P = 0.038). Abnormal perfusion was a strong independent predictor of CV death (adjusted HR 4.2; 95% CI 1.4 to 12.3; P = 0.019) and MACE (adjusted HR 7.7; 95% CI 1.4 to 42.4; P = 0.018) in a multivariate Cox regression model that included age, sex, diabetes, smoking and the ability to exercise > 4 METs. There was no association between CACS and the extent of perfusion abnormality, nor with outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Most deaths following OLT are noncardiovascular. Nonetheless, abnormal perfusion is prevalent in this high-risk population and a stronger predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than functional status. A combined assessment of functional status and myocardial perfusion identifies those at highest risk of all-cause death. (Exercise Capacity and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Liver Transplantation Candidates [ExSPECT]; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03864497).
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Moody
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Clinical Cardiovascular Science, Nuffield House, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, B15 2TH, UK.
| | - Benjamin Holloway
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Clinical Cardiovascular Science, Nuffield House, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Parthiban Arumugam
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Sharon Gill
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Clinical Cardiovascular Science, Nuffield House, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Yasmin S Wahid
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Clinical Cardiovascular Science, Nuffield House, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Chris M Boivin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Clinical Cardiovascular Science, Nuffield House, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Louise E Thomson
- Departments of Imaging and Medicine, S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Daniel S Berman
- Departments of Imaging and Medicine, S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Matthew J Armstrong
- Department of Liver Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TH, UK
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - James Ferguson
- Department of Liver Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TH, UK
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard P Steeds
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Clinical Cardiovascular Science, Nuffield House, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, B15 2TH, UK
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4
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Gomez J. SPECT-MPI in evaluation of liver transplant candidates: Is the evidence mounting? J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:2892-2894. [PMID: 32566964 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-020-02240-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gomez
- Division of Cardiology, John H. Stroger Jr, Hospital of Cook County, 1901 W. Harrison St., Suite # 3620, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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5
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Kirkbride RR, Larkin E, Tuttle MK, Nicholson MD, Jiang BG, Liubauskas R, Matos JD, Gavin M, Litmanovich DE. Quality and diagnostic performance of coronary computed tomography angiogram (CCTA): A comparison between pre-liver and pre-kidney transplant patients. Eur J Radiol 2021; 143:109886. [PMID: 34412010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.109886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Assess and compare the quality and diagnostic performance of CCTA between pre-liver and pre-kidney transplant patients, and gauge impact of CCTA on ICA requirements. METHODS Patients without known coronary artery disease (CAD) were selected for CCTA if considered high-risk or after abnormal stress testing. All pre-liver and pre-kidney CCTAs between March 2018 and August 2020 were retrospectively included. CCTA quality was qualitatively graded as excellent/good/fair/poor, and CAD graded as < or ≥50% stenosis. Heart rate, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores, and fractional flow reserve CT (FFRCT) results were collected. CAD stenosis was graded on invasive coronary angiogram (ICA) images, with ≥50% stenosis defined as significant. RESULTS 162 pre-transplant patients (91 pre-liver, 71 pre-kidney). Pre-kidney patients had poorer CCTA quality (p = 0.04) and higher heart rate (median: 65 bpm vs 60 bpm, p < 0.001). Out of 147 diagnostic CCTAs (pre-liver: 84, pre-kidney: 63), 73 (49.7%) had a ≥50% stenosis (pre-liver: 38 (45.2%), pre-kidney:35 (55.6%)). 12/38 (31.6%) had a significantly reduced FFRCT, and 19/53 (35.8%) had ≥50% stenosis on ICA. Among patients whose CCTA was diagnostic and had ICA, stenosis severity was concordant in 10/23 (43.5%) pre-liver and 10/25 (40%) pre-kidney patients. All discordant cases had stenosis 'over-called' on CCTA. CONCLUSION Diagnostic-quality CCTAs in high-risk pre-transplant patients are achievable and can greatly reduce ICA requirements by excluding significant CAD. CCTA quality is poorer in pre-kidney transplant patients compared to pre-liver, possibly due to higher heart rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael R Kirkbride
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Larkin
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark K Tuttle
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Division), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael D Nicholson
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brian G Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rokas Liubauskas
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jason D Matos
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Division), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Gavin
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Division), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diana E Litmanovich
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Robertson M, Chung W, Liu D, Seagar R, O'Halloran T, Koshy AN, Horrigan M, Farouque O, Gow P, Angus P. Cardiac Risk Stratification in Liver Transplantation: Results of a Tiered Assessment Protocol Based on Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors. Liver Transpl 2021; 27:1007-1018. [PMID: 33606328 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) confers increased perioperative risk in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). Although routine screening for CAD is recommended, there are limited data on the effectiveness of screening strategies. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a 3-tiered cardiac risk-assessment protocol that stratifies patients based on age and traditional cardiac risk factors. We peformed a single-center, prospective, observational study of consecutive adult patients undergoing LT assessment (2010-2017). Patients were stratified into low-risk (LR), intermediate-risk (IR), or high-risk (HR) cardiac groups and received standardized investigations with selective use of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE), computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA), and coronary angiography (CA). Primary outcomes were cardiac events (CEs) and cardiovascular death up to 30 days after LT. Overall, 569 patients were included, with 76 patients identified as LR, 256 as IR, and 237 as HR. Cardiac risk factors included diabetes mellitus (26.0%), smoking history (47.3%), hypertension (17.8%), hypercholesterolemia (7.2%), family (17.0%) or prior history of heart disease (6.0%), and obesity (27.6%). Of the patients, 42.0% had ≥2 risk factors. Overall compliance with the protocol was 90.3%. Abnormal findings on TTE, DSE, and CTCA were documented in 3, 23, and 44 patients, respectively, and 12 patients were not listed for transplantation following cardiac assessment (1 LR, 2 IR, and 9 HR). Moderate or severe CAD was identified in 25.4% of HR patients on CTCA following a normal DSE. CEs were recorded in 7 patients (1.2%), with 2 cardiovascular deaths (0.4%). Cardiac risk stratification based on traditional cardiac risk factors with the selective use of DSE, CTCA, and CA is a safe and feasible approach that results in a low perioperative cardiac event rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Robertson
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - William Chung
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dorothy Liu
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rosemary Seagar
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tess O'Halloran
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anoop N Koshy
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Horrigan
- Department of Cardiology, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Omar Farouque
- Department of Cardiology, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Gow
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Angus
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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Maliakkal BJ. Pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and implications on cardiovascular outcomes in liver transplantation. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 5:36. [PMID: 32632387 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2019.12.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Along with the obesity epidemic there has been a major increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence, paralleling a steady increase in cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular cancer (HCC) related to NAFLD. Currently, NAFLD (related HCC and cirrhosis) is the second most common cause for liver transplantation (LT) and it is projected to take the top spot in the next 3-5 years. Patients with NAFLD cirrhosis and HCC have a unique set of comorbidities which potentially increases their risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. However, a review of the published data in NAFLD patients who undergo LT, does not paint a clear picture. While CVD is the most common cause of non-graft related mortality over the long-term, the short and intermediate-term survival post LT in NAFLD cirrhosis appears to be on par with other etiologies when age and comorbidities are factored. The cardiovascular complications are increased in the immediate post-transplant period but there is a shift from ischemic complications to arrhythmias and heart failure (HF). NAFLD recurs in 80-100% patients and occurs de novo in about 50% after LT, potentially impacting their long-term morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes the available data on CVD in NAFLD patients before and after LT, explains what is currently known about the epidemiology and pathogenesis of CVD in NAFLD and posits strategies to improve wait-list and post-transplant survival.
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De Gasperi A, Spagnolin G, Ornaghi M, Petrò L, Biancofiore G. Preoperative cardiac assessment in liver transplant candidates. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol 2020; 34:51-68. [PMID: 32334787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpa.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
New and extended indications, older age, higher cardiovascular risk, and the long-standing cirrhosis-associated complications mandate specific skills for an appropriate preoperative assessment of the liver transplant (LT) candidate. The incidence of cardiac diseases (dysrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease) are increasing among LT recipients: however, no consensus exists among clinical practice guidelines for cardiovascular screening and risk stratification. In spite of different "transplant center-centered protocols", basic "pillars" are common (electrocardiography, baseline echocardiography, functional assessment). Owing to intrinsic limitations, yields and relevance of noninvasive stress tests, under constant scrutiny even if used, are discussed, focusing the definition of the "high risk" candidate and exploring noninvasive imaging and new forms of stress imaging. The aim is to find an appropriate and rational stepwise algorithm. The final commitment is to select the right candidate for a finite resource, the graft, able to save (and change) lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Gasperi
- 2°Servizio Anesthesia Rianimazione, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gregorio Spagnolin
- 2°Servizio Anesthesia Rianimazione, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Ornaghi
- 2°Servizio Anesthesia Rianimazione, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Petrò
- 2°Servizio Anesthesia Rianimazione, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianni Biancofiore
- Transplant Anesthesia and Critical Care Unit, University School of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
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Akincioglu C, Malhotra S. Low yield of routine stress testing in patients awaiting liver transplantation. J Nucl Cardiol 2020; 27:266-268. [PMID: 30168030 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-018-1409-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cigdem Akincioglu
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Saurabh Malhotra
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, USA.
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, 875 Ellicott Street, Suite 7030, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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10
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Alexander S, Teshome M, Patel H, Chan EY, Doukky R. The diagnostic and prognostic utility of risk factors defined by the AHA/ACCF on the evaluation of cardiac disease in liver transplantation candidates. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2019; 19:102. [PMID: 31046672 PMCID: PMC6498507 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-019-1088-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The diagnostic and prognostic utility of risk factors proposed by the 2012 American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology Foundation (AHA/ACCF) Scientific Statement on the cardiac assessment of asymptomatic liver transplantation candidates have not been validated. We investigated whether the sum of risk factors proposed by the AHA/ACCF can identify liver transplant candidates at increased cardiac risk. Methods In a retrospective cohort of consecutive liver transplantation recipients, we calculated, for each subject, the pre-transplantation sum of AHA/ACCF risk factors (age > 60 years, prior cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and left ventricular hypertrophy). The primary outcome was the presence of severe coronary artery disease (CAD), defined as ≥70% stenosis or ≥ 50% left main stenosis on pre-transplantation angiography. The secondary outcomes were the composite of cardiac death or myocardial infarction (MI) and the composite of cardiac death, MI, or coronary revascularization. Results Among 220 liver transplant recipients, the sum of AHA/ACCF risk factors had good discriminatory capacity for severe CAD [area under the curve, 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.62–0.92; P = 0.007]; having ≥3 risk factors provided 75% sensitivity and 77% specificity for severe CAD. During mean post-transplantation follow-up of 48 ± 31 months, having ≥3 risk factors was associated with increased risk of the secondary composite outcomes of cardiac death or MI [hazard ratio, 2.39; P = 0.044] and cardiac death, MI, or coronary revascularization [hazard ratio, 2.39; P = 0.044]. Conclusions In patients undergoing cardiac assessment prior to liver transplantation, the sum of risk factors proposed by the AHA/ACCF provides significant diagnostic and prognostic utility. Having ≥3 AHA/ACCF risk factors is a reasonable threshold to prompt non-invasive stress testing in asymptomatic liver transplantation candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Alexander
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Meron Teshome
- Division of Cardiology, Cook County Health, 1901 W. Harrison St., Suite # 3620, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Hena Patel
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Edie Y Chan
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rami Doukky
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Division of Cardiology, Cook County Health, 1901 W. Harrison St., Suite # 3620, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Combination with Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring for the Preoperative Cardiac Evaluation of Liver Transplant Recipients. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:4081525. [PMID: 28164120 PMCID: PMC5259617 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4081525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the best treatment option for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cirrhosis, fulminant liver failure, and end-stage liver diseases. Even though advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care have improved postoperative outcomes, perioperative cardiovascular complications are a leading cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality following liver transplantation. Ischemic coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiomyopathy are the most common cardiovascular diseases and could be negative predictors of postoperative outcomes in liver transplant recipients. Therefore, comprehensive cardiovascular evaluations are required to assess perioperative risks and prevent concomitant cardiovascular complications that would preclude good outcomes in liver transplant recipients. The two major types of cardiac computed tomography are the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). CCTA in combination with the CACS is a validated noninvasive alternative to coronary angiography for diagnosing and grading the severity of CAD. A CACS > 400 is associated with significant CAD and a known important predictor of posttransplant cardiovascular complications in liver transplant recipients. In this review article, we discuss the usefulness, advantages, and disadvantages of CCTA combined with CACS as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for preoperative cardiac evaluation and for maximizing the perioperative outcomes of liver transplant recipients.
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