Valvular heart disease: diagnosis and management

Detecting aortic valve stenosis based on the non-invasive blood pressure waveform-a proof of concept study

The incidence of aortic valve stenosis (AoS) increases with age, and once diagnosed, symptomatic severe AoS has a yearly mortality rate of 25%. AoS is diagnosed with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), however, this gold standard is time consuming and operator and acoustic window dependent. As AoS affects the arterial blood pressure waveform, AoS-specific waveform features might serve as a diagnostic tool. Aim of the present study was to develop a novel, non-invasive, AoS detection model based on blood pressures waveforms. This cross-sectional study included patients with AoS undergoing elective transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement. AoS was determined using TTE, and patients with no or mild AoS were labelled as patients without AoS, while patients with moderate or severe AoS were labelled as patients with AoS. Non-invasive blood pressure measurements were performed in awake patients. Ten minutes of consecutive data was collected. Several blood pressure-based features were derived, and the median, interquartile range, variance, and the 1st and 9th decile of the change of these features were calculated. The primary outcome was the development of a machine-learning model for AoS detection, investigating multiple classifiers and training on the area under the receiver-operating curve (AUROC). In total, 101 patients with AoS and 48 patients without AoS were included. Patients with AoS showed an increase in left ventricular ejection time (0.02 s, p = 0.001), a delayed maximum upstroke in the systolic phase (0.015 s, p < 0.001), and a delayed maximal systolic pressure (0.03 s, p < 0.001) compared to patients without AoS. With the logistic regression model, a sensitivity of 0.81, specificity of 0.67, and AUROC of 0.79 were found. The majority of the population without AoS was male (85%), whereas in the population with AoS this was evenly distributed (54% males). Age was significantly (5 years, p < 0.001) higher in the population with AoS. In the present study, we developed a novel model able to distinguish no to mild AoS from moderate to severe AoS, based on blood pressure features with high accuracy. Clinical registration number: The study entailing patients with TAVR treatment was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03088787, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03088787 ). The study with elective cardiac surgery patients was registered with the Netherland Trial Register (NL7810, https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NL7810 ).

Quantifying cardiac dysfunction and valvular heart disease associated with subretinal drusenoid deposits in age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Demonstrate through objective multidisciplinary imaging that subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are linked to both coexistent valvular heart disease (VHD) and reduced systemic perfusion via cardiac index (CI).

METHODS

Post-hoc analysis of cross-sectional study. 200 intermediate AMD (iAMD) subjects were assigned by masked readers to two groups: SDD (with or without drusen) and drusen (only) based on multimodal ophthalmic imaging. 65 transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs) reports were available for cardiologist evaluation of VHD severity of the four cardiac valves and the presences of precursor lesions of aortic sclerosis (ASc) and mitral annular calcification (MAC). Necessary parameters to calculate CI were also obtained. Univariate testing was performed using Fisher's Exact test and t-test.

RESULTS

82.6% (19/23) of the iAMD subjects with at least one moderate/severe VHD had concurrent SDDs (p = 0.0040). All cases of aortic regurgitation (6/6, p = 0.0370) and mitral regurgitation (13/13, p = 0.0004) were found with coexisting SDDs. Stenotic VHD was not significantly associated with SDDs, however 70.7% of subjects with ASc (29/41, p = 0.0108) and 76.0% of subjects with MAC (19/25, 0.0377) had coexisting SDDs. CI was available in 48 subjects and was significantly below normal levels in the SDD cohort (mean CI SDD 1.95 ± 0.60 L/min/m2, non-SDD 2.71 ± 0.73 L/min/m2, p = 0.0004).

CONCLUSIONS

Several specific VHDs have been found associated with the SDD form of AMD. Decreased systemic perfusion as measured by CI was also associated with SDDs, which supports a perfusion hypothesis of SDD pathogenesis. Further research is warranted to understand the relationship between cardiovascular disease and SDDs.

Machine learning-based classification of valvular heart disease using cardiovascular risk factors

Valvular Heart Disease (VHD) is a globally significant cause of mortality, particularly among aging populations. Despite advancements in percutaneous and surgical interventions, there are still uncertainties that remain regarding the risk factors that significantly contribute to this condition within the domain of cardiovascular disease. This study investigates these uncertainties and the role of machine learning in categorizing VHD based on cardiovascular risk factors. It follows a two-part investigation comprising feature extraction and classification phases. Feature extraction is initially performed using a wrapping approach and refined further with binary logistic regression. The second phase employs five classifiers: Artificial Neural Network (ANN), XGBoost, Random Forest (RF), Naïve Bayes, and Support Vector Machine (SVM), along with advanced methods such as SVM combined with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and a majority-voting ensemble method (MV5). Data on VHD cases were collected from DHQ Hospital Faisalabad using simple random sampling. Various statistical measures, such as the ROC curve, F-measure, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, MCC, and Kappa are applied to assess the results. The findings reveal that the combination of SVM with PCA achieves the highest overall performance while the MV5 ensemble method also demonstrates high accuracy and balance in sensitivity and specificity. The variation in VHD prevalence linked to specific risk factors highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to reduce this disease's burden. The Exceptional performance of SVM + PCA and MV5 highlights their significance in diagnosing VHD and advancing knowledge in biomedicine.

A three-dimensional valve-on-chip microphysiological system implicates cell cycle progression, cholesterol metabolism and protein homeostasis in early calcific aortic valve disease progression

BACKGROUND

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is one of the most common forms of valvulopathy, with a 50 % elevated risk of a fatal cardiovascular event, and greater than 15,000 annual deaths in North America alone. The treatment standard is valve replacement as early diagnostic, mitigation, and drug strategies remain underdeveloped. The development of early diagnostic and therapeutic strategies requires the fabrication of effective in vitro valve mimetic models to elucidate early CAVD mechanisms.

METHODS

In this study, we developed a multilayered physiologically relevant 3D valve-on-chip (VOC) system that incorporated aortic valve mimetic extracellular matrix (ECM), porcine aortic valve interstitial cell (VIC) and endothelial cell (VEC) co-culture and dynamic mechanical stimuli. Collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) based hydrogels were assembled in a bilayer to mimic healthy or diseased compositions of the native fibrosa and spongiosa. Multiphoton imaging and proteomic analysis of healthy and diseased VOCs were performed.

RESULTS

Collagen-based bilayered hydrogel maintained the phenotype of the VICs. Proteins related to cellular processes like cell cycle progression, cholesterol biosynthesis, and protein homeostasis were found to be significantly altered and correlated with changes in cell metabolism in diseased VOCs. This study suggested that diseased VOCs may represent an early, adaptive disease initiation stage, which was corroborated by human aortic valve proteomic assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we developed a collagen-based bilayered hydrogel to mimic healthy or diseased compositions of the native fibrosa and spongiosa layers. When the gels were assembled in a VOC with VECs and VICs, the diseased VOCs revealed key insights about the CAVD initiation process.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) elevates the risk of death due to cardiovascular pathophysiology by 50 %, however, prevention and mitigation strategies are lacking, clinically. Developing tools to assess early disease would significantly aid in the prevention of disease and in the development of therapeutics. Previously, studies have utilized collagen and glycosaminoglycan-based hydrogels for valve cell co-cultures, valve cell co-cultures in dynamic environments, and inorganic polymer-based multilayered hydrogels; however, these approaches have not been combined to make a physiologically relevant model for CAVD studies. We fabricated a bi-layered hydrogel that closely mimics the aortic valve and used it for valve cell co-culture in a dynamic platform to gain mechanistic insights into the CAVD initiation process using proteomic and multiphoton imaging assessment.

Diagnostic Accuracy of AI Algorithms in Aortic Stenosis Screening: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) is frequently identified at an advanced stage after clinical symptoms appear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for AS screening.Methods: We conducted a thorough search of six databases. Several evaluation parameters, such as sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and area under the curve (AUC) value were employed in the diagnostic meta-analysis of AI-based algorithms for AS screening. The AI algorithms utilized diverse data sources including electrocardiograms (ECG), chest radiographs, auscultation audio files, electronic stethoscope recordings, and cardio-mechanical signals from non-invasive wearable inertial sensors.Results: Of the 295 articles identified, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled estimates for AI-based algorithms in diagnosing AS were as follows: sensitivity 0.83 (95% CI: 0.81-0.85), specificity 0.81 (95% CI: 0.79-0.84), PLR 4.78 (95% CI: 3.12-7.32), NLR 0.20 (95% CI: 0.13-0.28), and DOR 27.11 (95% CI: 14.40-51.05). The AUC value was 0.909 (95% CI: 0.889-0.929), indicating outstanding diagnostic accuracy. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed that continent, type of AS, data source, and type of AI-based method constituted sources of heterogeneity. Furthermore, we demonstrated proof of publication bias for DOR values analyzed using Egger's regression test (P = 0.002) and a funnel plot.Conclusion: Deep learning approaches represent highly sensitive, feasible, and scalable strategies to identify patients with moderate or severe AS.

Serum concentrations of levosimendan and its metabolites OR-1855 and OR-1896 in cardiac surgery patients with cardiopulmonary bypass

Background

The inotropic drug levosimendan is often used as an individualized therapeutic approach perioperatively in cardiac surgery patients with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Data regarding serum concentrations of levosimendan and its metabolites within this context is lacking.

Methods

In this retrospective descriptive proof-of-concept study, total serum concentrations (TSC) and unbound fractions (UF) of levosimendan and its metabolites OR-1896 and OR-1855 in cardiac surgery patients with CPB were measured using LC-ESI-MS/MS. Simulation of expected levosimendan TSC was performed using Pharkin 4.0. Serum NT-proBNP was assessed with ELISA.

Results

After levosimendan infusion (1.25 mg or 2.5 mg, respectively) after anaesthesia induction, a median TSC of 1.9 ng/ml and 10.4 ng/ml was determined in samples taken directly after surgery (T1). Median TSC of 7.6 ng/ml and 22.0 ng/ml, respectively, were simulated at T1. Whereas 1.1 ng/ml and 1.6 ng/ml TSC of OR-1896, respectively, was quantified the day after surgery (T2), TSC of the intermediate metabolite OR-1855 was mostly below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ). The UF was 0.5% and 1.1% for levosimendan and 64.1% and 52.1% for OR-1896, respectively, with over half the samples being below LLOQ. NT-proBNP concentrations before surgery and T2 did not differ.

Discussion

The low TSC, UF and unchanged NT-proBNP levels in combination with high variation of serum levels between patients suggest a need for optimized dosing regimen of levosimendan combined with therapeutic drug monitoring for such an individualized approach. In addition, the differences between the measured and estimated concentrations may suggest a possible influence of CPB on levosimendan serum concentrations.

Immunotherapy in the Context of Aortic Valve Diseases

PURPOSE

Aortic valve disease (AVD) affects millions of people around the world, with no pharmacological intervention available. Widely considered a multi-faceted disease comprising both regurgitative pathogenesis, in which retrograde blood flows back through to the left ventricle, and aortic valve stenosis, which is characterized by the thickening, fibrosis, and subsequent mineralization of the aortic valve leaflets, limiting the anterograde flow through the valve, surgical intervention is still the main treatment, which incurs considerable risk to the patient.

RESULTS

Though originally thought of as a passive degeneration of the valve or a congenital malformation that has occurred before birth, the paradigm of AVD is shifting, and research into the inflammatory drivers of valve disease as a potential mechanism to modulate the pathobiology of this life-limiting pathology is taking center stage. Following limited success in mainstay therapeutics such as statins and mineralisation inhibitors, immunomodulatory strategies are being developed. Immune cell therapy has begun to be adopted in the cancer field, in which T cells (chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells) are isolated from the patient, programmed to attack the cancer, and then re-administered to the patient. Within cardiac research, a novel T cell-based therapeutic approach has been developed to target lipid nanoparticles responsible for increasing cardiac fibrosis in a failing heart. With clonally expanded T-cell populations recently identified within the diseased valve, their unique epitope presentation may serve to identify novel targets for the treatment of valve disease.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, targeted T-cell therapy may hold promise as a therapeutic platform to target a multitude of diseases with an autoimmune aspect, and this review aims to frame this in the context of cardiovascular disease, delineating what is currently known in the field, both clinically and translationally.

Evaluation of cardiothoracic ratio as a potential predictor of cardiovascular abnormalities in individuals with type II diabetes mellitus: a case-control study

Cardiovascular complications represent a significant health concern for individuals with diabetes mellitus. The relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases is complex and multifaceted, involving a variety of pathophysiological mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of the cardiothoracic ratio as a prognostic tool for cardiovascular disorders in patients with diabetes. A retrospective case-control study of 530 adult patients referred to a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia was conducted. Medical records, including chest X-rays, were analyzed to determine the cardiothoracic ratio. Patients diagnosed with diabetes who experienced cardiac disorders had significantly higher cardiothoracic ratios compared to patients with diabetes alone and controls. HbA1c was significantly elevated among patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disorders (mean = 71.5 ± 25.43 mmol/mol) compared to the other patients. There was a significant positive correlation between the duration of diabetes and the cardiothoracic ratio (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the cardiothoracic ratio above 0.51 was a good discriminator of cardiovascular disorders in patients with diabetes, with an area under the curve of 0.737, sensitivity of 97.1%, and specificity of 87.2%. This study provided comprehensive evidence supporting the association between cardiothoracic ratio and subsequent cardiovascular adverse outcomes in patients with diabetes. We recommend adopting the cardiothoracic ratio as a valuable prognostic tool for risk stratification among people with diabetes.

Molecular Interaction of Soluble Klotho with FGF23 in the Pathobiology of Aortic Valve Lesions Induced by Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is linked to greater prevalence and rapid progression of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) characterized by valvular leaflet fibrosis and calcification. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) level is elevated, and anti-aging protein Klotho is reduced in CKD patients. However, the roles of FGF23 and Klotho in the mechanism of aortic valve fibrosis and calcification remain unclear. We hypothesized that FGF23 mediates CKD-induced CAVD by enhancing aortic valve interstitial cell (AVIC) fibrosis and calcification, while soluble Klotho inhibits FGF23 effect. Methods and Results: In an old mouse model of CKD, kidney damages were accompanied by aortic valve thickening and calcification. FGF23 levels in plasma and aortic valve were increased, while Klotho levels were decreased. Recombinant FGF23 elevated the inflammatory, fibrogenic, and osteogenic activities in AVICs. Neutralizing antibody or shRNA targeting FGF23 suppressed the pathobiological activities in AVICs from valves affected by CAVD. FGF23 exerts its effects on AVICs via FGF receptor (FGFR)/Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling, and inhibition of FGFR/YAP reduced FGF23's potency in AVICs. Recombinant Klotho downregulated the pathobiological activities in AVICs exposed to FGF23. Incubation of FGF23 with Klotho formed complexes and decreased FGF23's potency. Further, treatment of CKD mice with recombinant Klotho attenuated aortic valve lesions. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that CKD induces FGF23 accumulation, Klotho insufficiency and aortic valve lesions in old mice. FGF23 upregulates the inflammatory, fibrogenic and osteogenic activities in AVICs via the FGFR/YAP signaling pathway. Soluble Klotho suppresses FGF23 effect through molecular interaction and is capable of mitigating CKD-induced CAVD.

The assessment of left ventricular diastolic function: guidance and recommendations from the British Society of Echocardiography

Impairment of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function is common amongst those with left heart disease and is associated with significant morbidity. Given that, in simple terms, the ventricle can only eject the volume with which it fills and that approximately one half of hospitalisations for heart failure (HF) are in those with normal/'preserved' left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF) (Bianco et al. in JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 13:258-271, 2020. 10.1016/j.jcmg.2018.12.035), where abnormalities of ventricular filling are the cause of symptoms, it is clear that the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) is crucial for understanding global cardiac function and for identifying the wider effects of disease processes. Invasive methods of measuring LV relaxation and filling pressures are considered the gold-standard for investigating diastolic function. However, the high temporal resolution of trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) with widely validated and reproducible measures available at the patient's bedside and without the need for invasive procedures involving ionising radiation have established echocardiography as the primary imaging modality. The comprehensive assessment of LVDF is therefore a fundamental element of the standard TTE (Robinson et al. in Echo Res Pract7:G59-G93, 2020. 10.1530/ERP-20-0026). However, the echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function is complex. In the broadest and most basic terms, ventricular diastole comprises an early filling phase when blood is drawn, by suction, into the ventricle as it rapidly recoils and lengthens following the preceding systolic contraction and shortening. This is followed in late diastole by distension of the compliant LV when atrial contraction actively contributes to ventricular filling. When LVDF is normal, ventricular filling is achieved at low pressure both at rest and during exertion. However, this basic description merely summarises the complex physiology that enables the diastolic process and defines it according to the mechanical method by which the ventricles fill, overlooking the myocardial function, properties of chamber compliance and pressure differentials that determine the capacity for LV filling. Unlike ventricular systolic function where single parameters are utilised to define myocardial performance (LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS)), the assessment of diastolic function relies on the interpretation of multiple myocardial and blood-flow velocity parameters, along with left atrial (LA) size and function, in order to diagnose the presence and degree of impairment. The echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function is therefore multifaceted and complex, requiring an algorithmic approach that incorporates parameters of myocardial relaxation/recoil, chamber compliance and function under variable loading conditions and the intra-cavity pressures under which these processes occur. This guideline outlines a structured approach to the assessment of diastolic function and includes recommendations for the assessment of LV relaxation and filling pressures. Non-routine echocardiographic measures are described alongside guidance for application in specific circumstances. Provocative methods for revealing increased filling pressure on exertion are described and novel and emerging modalities considered. For rapid access to the core recommendations of the diastolic guideline, a quick-reference guide (additional file 1) accompanies the main guideline document. This describes in very brief detail the diastolic investigation in each patient group and includes all algorithms and core reference tables.

The Interplay Between Cardiovascular Disease and Lung Cancer

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and lung cancer are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with a significant interplay that complicates patient management and treatment outcomes. This review explores the complex relationship between various forms of CVD - such as coronary artery disease, heart failure (HF), arrhythmias, and valvular heart disease - and lung cancer. Shared risk factors, including smoking, aging, and chronic inflammation, contribute to the co-occurrence of these conditions. Additionally, treatments for lung cancer, particularly chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can exacerbate CVD, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. We delve into specific CVD-related impacts on lung cancer prognosis and vice versa, examining mechanisms, clinical outcomes, and management strategies. Our findings highlight the need for integrated care involving oncologists, cardiologists, and other healthcare providers to optimize treatment plans and improve patient outcomes. Emphasizing comprehensive cardiovascular risk management in lung cancer patients, we advocate for further research to deepen our understanding and develop novel therapeutic approaches, ultimately enhancing the quality of life and survival rates in patients suffering from both CVD and lung cancer.

Mitral Annular Tissue Velocity Predicts Survival in Patients With Primary Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Early diastolic mitral annular tissue (e') velocity is a commonly used marker of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic implications of e' velocity in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 1,536 consecutive patients aged <65 years with moderate or severe chronic primary MR diagnosed between 2009 and 2018. The primary and secondary outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively. According to the current guidelines, the cut-off value of e' velocity was defined as 7 cm/s.

RESULTS

A total of 404 individuals were enrolled (median age, 51.0 years; 64.1% male; 47.8% severe MR). During a median 6.0-year follow-up, there were 40 all-cause mortality and 16 cardiovascular deaths. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between e' velocity and all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.770; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.634-0.935; p=0.008) and cardiovascular death (aHR, 0.690; 95% CI, 0.477-0.998; p=0.049). Abnormal e' velocity (≤7 cm/s) independently predicted all-cause death (aHR, 2.467; 95% CI, 1.170-5.200; p=0.018) and cardiovascular death (aHR, 5.021; 95% CI, 1.189-21.211; p=0.028), regardless of symptoms, LV dimension and ejection fraction. Subgroup analysis according to sex, MR severity, mitral valve replacement/repair, and symptoms, showed no significant interactions. Including e' velocity in the 10-year risk score improved reclassification for mortality (net reclassification improvement [NRI], 0.154; 95% CI, 0.308-0.910; p<0.001) and cardiovascular death (NRI, 1.018; 95% CI, 0.680-1.356; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients aged <65 years with primary MR, e' velocity served as an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular deaths.

Reduction of contrast medium for transcatheter aortic valve replacement planning using a spectral detector CT: a prospective clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated the use of dual-energy spectral detector computed tomography (CT) and virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) reconstructions in pre-interventional transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) planning. We aimed to determine the minimum required contrast medium (CM) amount to maintain diagnostic CT imaging quality for TAVR planning.

METHODS

In this prospective clinical trial, TAVR candidates received a standardized dual-layer spectral detector CT protocol. The CM amount (Iohexol 350 mg iodine/mL, standardized flow rate 3 mL/s) was reduced systematically after 15 patients by 10 mL, starting at 60 mL (institutional standard). We evaluated standard, and 40- and 60-keV VMI reconstructions. For image quality, we measured signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and diameters in multiple vessel sections (i.e., aortic annulus: diameter, perimeter, area; aorta/arteries: minimal diameter). Mixed regression models (MRM), including interaction terms and clinical characteristics, were used for comparison.

RESULTS

Sixty consecutive patients (mean age, 79.4 ± 7.5 years; 28 females, 46.7%) were included. In pre-TAVR CT, the CM reduction to 40 mL is possible without affecting the image quality (MRM: SNR: -1.1, p = 0.726; CNR: 0.0, p = 0.999). VMI 40-keV reconstructions showed better results than standard reconstructions with significantly higher SNR (+ 6.04, p < 0.001). Reduction to 30 mL CM resulted in a significant loss of quality (MRM: SNR: -12.9, p < 0.001; CNR: -13.9, p < 0.001), regardless of the reconstruction. Across the reconstructions, we observed no differences in the metric evaluation (p > 0.914).

CONCLUSION

Among TAVR candidates undergoing pre-interventional CT at a dual-layer spectral detector system, applying 40 mL CM is sufficient to maintain diagnostic image quality. VMI 40-keV reconstructions improve the vessel attenuation and are recommended for evaluation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Contrast medium reduction to 40 mL in pre-interventional transcatheter aortic valve replacement CT using dual-energy CT maintains image quality, while 40-keV virtual monoenergetic imaging reconstructions enhance vessel attenuation. These results offer valuable recommendations for interventional transcatheter aortic valve replacement evaluation and potentially improve nephroprotection in patients with compromised renal function.

KEY POINTS

• Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), requiring pre-interventional CT, are often multimorbid with impaired renal function. • Using a spectral detector dual-layer CT, contrast medium reduction to 40 mL is feasible, maintaining diagnostic image quality. • The additional application of virtual monoenergetic image reconstructions with 40 keV improves vessel attenuation significantly in clinical practice.

Comprehensive clinical application analysis of artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiograms for screening multiple valvular heart diseases

BACKGROUND

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is becoming increasingly important to manage the risk of future complications. Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes may be related to multiple VHDs, and (AI)-enabled ECG has been able to detect some VHDs. We aimed to develop five deep learning models (DLMs) to identify aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, pulmonary regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation, and mitral regurgitation.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2021, 77,047 patients with echocardiography and 12-lead ECG performed within 7 days were identified from an academic medical center to provide DLM development (122,728 ECGs), and internal validation (7,637 ECGs). Additional 11,800 patients from a community hospital were identified to external validation. The ECGs were classified as with or without moderate-to-severe VHDs according to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) records, and we also collected the other echocardiographic data and follow-up TTE records to identify new-onset valvular heart diseases.

RESULTS

AI-ECG adjusted for age and sex achieved areas under the curves (AUCs) of >0.84, >0.80, >0.77, >0.83, and >0.81 for detecting aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, pulmonary regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation, and mitral regurgitation, respectively. Since predictions of each DLM shared similar components of ECG rhythms, the positive findings of each DLM were highly correlated with other valvular heart diseases. Of note, a total of 37.5-51.7% of false-positive predictions had at least one significant echocardiographic finding, which may lead to a significantly higher risk of future moderate-to-severe VHDs in patients with initially minimal-to-mild VHDs.

CONCLUSION

AI-ECG may be used as a large-scale screening tool for detecting VHDs and a basis to undergo an echocardiography.

Cardiac Computed Tomography of Native Cardiac Valves

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is a significant clinical problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although not being the primary imaging modality in VHD, cardiac computed tomography (CCT) provides relevant information about its morphology, function, severity grading, and adverse cardiac remodeling assessment. Aortic valve calcification quantification is necessary for grading severity in cases of low-flow/low-gradient aortic stenosis. Moreover, CCT details significant information necessary for adequate percutaneous treatment planning. CCT may help to detail the etiology of VHD as well as to depict other less frequent causes of valvular disease, such as infective endocarditis, valvular neoplasms, or other cardiac pseudomasses.

Trends and Disparities in Valvular Heart Disease Mortality in the United States From 1999 to 2020

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous heart valve procedures have been increasingly performed over the past decade, yet real-world mortality data on valvular heart disease (VHD) in the United States remain limited.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We queried the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database among patients ≥15 years old from 1999 to 2020. VHD and its subtypes were listed as the underlying cause of death. We calculated age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) per 100 000 individuals and determined overall trends by estimating the average annual percent change using the Joinpoint regression program. Subgroup analyses were performed based on demographic and geographic factors. In the 22-year study, there were 446 096 VHD deaths, accounting for 0.80% of all-cause mortality (56 014 102 people) and 2.38% of the total cardiovascular mortality (18 759 451 people). Aortic stenosis recorded the highest mortality of VHD-related death in both male (109 529, 61.74%) and female (166 930, 62.13%) populations. The AAMR of VHD has declined from 8.4 (95% CI, 8.2-8.5) to 6.6 (95% CI, 6.5-6.7) per 100 000 population. Similar decreasing AAMR trends were also seen for the VHD subtypes. Men recorded higher AAMR for aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation, whereas women had higher AAMR for mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation. Mitral regurgitation had the highest change in average annual percent change in AAMR.

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality rate of VHD among the US population has declined over the past 2 decades. This highlights the likely efficacy of increasing surveillance and advancement in the management of VHD, resulting in improved outcomes.

Remodeling in Aortic Stenosis With Reduced and Preserved Ejection Fraction: Insight on Motion Abnormality Via 3D + Time Personalized LV Modeling in Cardiac MRI

BACKGROUND

Increased afterload in aortic stenosis (AS) induces left ventricle (LV) remodeling to preserve a normal ejection fraction. This compensatory response can become maladaptive and manifest with motion abnormality. It is a clinical challenge to identify contractile and relaxation dysfunction during early subclinical stage to prevent irreversible deterioration.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the changes of regional wall dynamics in 3D + time domain as remodeling progresses in AS.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective.

POPULATION

A total of 31 AS patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction (14 AS_rEF: 7 male, 66.5 [7.8] years old; 17 AS_pEF: 12 male, 67.0 [6.0] years old) and 15 healthy (6 male, 61.0 [7.0] years old).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

1.5 T Magnetic resonance imaging/steady state free precession and late-gadolinium enhancement sequences.

ASSESSMENT

Individual LV models were reconstructed in 3D + time domain and motion metrics including wall thickening (TI), dyssynchrony index (DI), contraction rate (CR), and relaxation rate (RR) were automatically extracted and associated with the presence of scarring and remodeling.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Shapiro-Wilk: data normality; Kruskal-Wallis: significant difference (P < 0.05); ICC and CV: variability; Mann-Whitney: effect size.

RESULTS

AS_rEF group shows distinct deterioration of cardiac motions compared to AS_pEF and healthy groups (TIAS_rEF : 0.92 [0.85] mm, TIAS_pEF : 5.13 [1.99] mm, TIhealthy : 3.61 [1.09] mm, ES: 0.48-0.83; DIAS_rEF : 17.11 [7.89]%, DIAS_pEF : 6.39 [4.04]%, DIhealthy : 5.71 [1.87]%, ES: 0.32-0.85; CRAS_rEF : 8.69 [6.11] mm/second, CRAS_pEF : 16.48 [6.70] mm/second, CRhealthy : 10.82 [4.57] mm/second, ES: 0.29-0.60; RRAS_rEF : 8.45 [4.84] mm/second; RRAS_pEF : 13.49 [8.56] mm/second, RRhealthy : 9.31 [2.48] mm/second, ES: 0.14-0.43). The difference in the motion metrics between healthy and AS_pEF groups were insignificant (P-value = 0.16-0.72). AS_rEF group was dominated by eccentric hypertrophy (47.1%) with concomitant scarring. Conversely, AS_pEF group was dominated by concentric remodeling and hypertrophy (71.4%), which could demonstrate hyperkinesia with slight wall dyssynchrony than healthy. Dysfunction of LV mechanics corresponded to the presence of myocardial scarring (54.9% in AS), which reverted the compensatory mechanisms initiated and performed by LV remodeling.

DATA CONCLUSION

The proposed 3D + time modeling technique may distinguish regional motion abnormalities between AS_pEF, AS_rEF, and healthy cohorts, aiding clinical diagnosis and monitoring of AS progression. Subclinical myocardial dysfunction is evident in early AS despite of normal EF.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.

Prevalence of valvular heart disease in cardiac amyloidosis and impact on survival

BACKGROUND

Limited data exists on the prognostic impact of valvular heart disease in cardiac amyloidosis (CA). We therefore sought to define the prevalence of valvular disease in patients with CA and assess the effects of significant valve disease on survival.

METHODS

This multi-center retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with confirmed transthyretin (TTR) or light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Echocardiographic data closest to the date of amyloid diagnosis was reviewed, and severity was graded according to ASE guidelines. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to compare survival between patients with moderate or greater valve disease against those with mild or less disease.

RESULTS

We included 345 patients (median age 76 years; 73 % men; 110 AL, 235TTR). The median survival for the total patient cohort with cardiac amyloidosis was 2.92 years, with 30 % of patients surviving at five years after their diagnosis. Median survival comparing AL vs ATTR was 2.58 years vs 2.82 years (p = 0.67) The most common valvular abnormalities in the total cohort were mitral (62 %) and tricuspid (66 %).regurgitation There was a statistically significant difference in median survival between patients with no or mild MR compared to those with moderate or severe MR (2.92 years vs 3.35 years, p = 0.0047) (Fig. 5). There was a statistically significant difference in median survival in patients with no or mild TR compared to those with moderate or severe TR (3.35 years vs 2.3 years, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates a significant prevalence of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation in CA, with patients with moderate to severe MR and TR having a poorer prognosis.

Extraintestinal Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Unraveling Valvulopathy Connections

The clinical presentation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes both gastrointestinal manifestations and extraintestinal manifestations (EIM). Over the past years, a growing number of studies have indicated that patients suffering from IBD have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Although the precise prevalence of cardiac complications in IBD remains uncertain, emerging evidence suggests a heightened incidence compared to the general population. Valvular heart disease (VHD) in IBD encompasses calcific aortic valve disease, mitral valve prolapses, and endocarditis, potentially associated with chronic inflammation. Considering the role of inflammation in developing cardiovascular manifestations, the management should include preventing flares and maintaining remission for as long as possible. This case highlights the intricate interplay between IBD and cardiovascular complications, particularly valvular abnormalities. We present a 37-year-old male with a history of ulcerative colitis (UC) who was found to have multiple valvular diseases.

Mitral valvular surgery outcomes in a centre with a dedicated mitral multi-disciplinary team

International guidelines recommend 'heart teams' as the preferred method for decision-making. Heart team processes, mandatory attendees and investigations vary significantly between hospitals. We assessed outcomes following mitral valvular surgery in a tertiary referral centre with a dedicated mitral multi-disciplinary team (MDT). This was a single-centre retrospective review of prospectively collected data within the 'mitral database' of mitral valvular disease patients. The 'mitral MDT' meeting involved pre-operative imaging and clinical data review, including mandatory transoesophageal echocardiography; recommendation for planned procedure, as well as an appropriate surgeon; and review of echocardiography images and clinical outcomes after surgery had been performed. Between 2016 and 2020, 395 patients with mitral valvular disease were discussed at MDT. Of these, 310 patients underwent surgery. During the same time interval, 75 patients had surgery without MDT discussion: 84% of patients not discussed were urgent or emergent procedures and, in these, the most common pathology was degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR, 46%) followed by infective endocarditis (30%). Of those discussed at MDT the pathology was: DMR 65%; mitral stenosis 14%; functional mitral regurgitation (MR) 5%; rheumatic MR 4%; endocarditis 4%; ischaemic MR 4%; and other pathologies 4%. For patients with DMR having elective surgery, the repair rate was 93% with mortality 2% and median (IQR) length of stay 5 (4-6) days. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated 99% of elective DMR patients had ≤2+ MR and <1% severe (3+) MR. In conclusion, a dedicated 'mitral MDT' can enhance the safe delivery of care with consistently high repair rates for DMR patients with excellent outcomes.

Does Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Reduce the Incidence of Postoperative Delirium? A Quasi-experimental Study in Older Adults Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Purpose

Postoperative delirium (POD) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is frequent in older adults and associated with multiple negative outcomes including a higher mortality. We aimed to investigate whether a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) prior to TAVI reduces the odds of POD and results in a positive change in self-care ability, intended to lay a foundation for future geriatric comanagement.

Patients and methods

We used a retrospective, single-center study with a quasi-experimental design enrolling patients aged 70 years and older undergoing CGA before elective TAVI, and a nonrandomized comparison group without preoperative CGA. Data on POD occurrence during the first 5 days after TAVI (primary outcome) and change in self-care ability index (SPI) between admission and discharge (secondary outcome) were collected from electronic health records and CGA data (exposure) by clinical assessment. To explore associations between (1) CGA and POD, and (2) CGA and SPI, multivariate logistic regression and linear regression models were applied adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and number of medications.

Results

Among 435 patients (mean age 81.0 ± 5.6 years, 43.6% women, median [IQR] SPI at baseline 40 [39, 40] points), POD incidence was 14.3% in the CGA group vs 18.8% in the non-CGA group (P 0.219). Undergoing CGA before TAVI was not associated with the odds for POD (OR: 1.15; 95%CI: 0.65-2.04) or improved SPI (P 0.073).

Conclusion

We observed no association of CGA prior to TAVI with POD incidence or postoperative self-care, highlighting the need for additional studies investigating the effect of POD preventive measures in older TAVI patients integrated into a comprehensive geriatric comanagement program.

Maternal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure Induces Abnormalities of the Developing Heart in Mice

Introduction: Cannabis is increasingly being consumed by pregnant women for recreational purposes as well as for its antiemetic and anxiolytic effects despite limited studies on its safety during pregnancy. Importantly, phytocannabinoids found in cannabis can pass through the placenta and enter the fetal circulation. Recent reports suggest gestational cannabis use is associated with negative fetal outcomes, including fetal growth restriction and perinatal intensive care, however, the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on fetal heart development remains to be elucidated. Materials and Methods: We aimed to determine the outcomes of maternal THC exposure on fetal heart development in mice by administering 0, 5, or 10 mg/kg/day of THC orally to C57BL/6 dams starting at embryonic day (E)3.5. Offspring were collected at E12.5 for molecular analysis, at E17.5 to analyze cardiac morphology or at postnatal day (PND)21 to assess heart function. Results: Maternal THC exposure in E17.5 fetuses resulted in an array of cardiac abnormalities with an incidence of 44% and 55% in the 5 and 10 mg/kg treatment groups, respectively. Maternal THC exposure in offspring resulted in ventricular septal defect, higher semilunar valve volume relative to orifice ratio, and higher myocardial wall thickness. Notably, cell proliferation within the ventricular myocardium was increased, and expression of multiple cardiac transcription factors was downregulated in THC-exposed E12.5 fetuses. Furthermore, heart function was compromised with lower left ventricular ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and cardiac output in PND21 pups exposed to THC compared to controls. Discussion: The results show that maternal THC exposure during gestation induces myocardial hyperplasia and semilunar valve thickening in the fetal heart and postnatal cardiac dysfunction. Our study suggests that maternal cannabis consumption may induce abnormalities in the developing heart and cardiac dysfunction in postnatal life.

Presurgical circulating platelet-derived microparticles level as a risk factor of blood transfusion in patients with valve heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Cell-derived microparticles (MPs) are membrane vesicles that have emerged as a potential biomarker for various diseases and their clinical complications. This study investigates the role of MPs as a risk factor for blood transfusion in patients with valve heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Forty adult patients undergoing heart valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were enrolled, and venous blood samples were collected prior to surgical incision. Plasma rich in MPs was prepared by double centrifugation, and the concentration of MPs was determined using the Bradford method. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to determine MPs count and phenotype. Patients were divided into "with transfusion" (n = 18) and "without transfusion" (n = 22) groups based on red blood cell (RBC) transfusion.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in MPs concentration between the "with transfusion" and "without transfusion" groups. Although the count of preoperative platelet-derived MPs (PMPs), monocyte-derived MPs (MMPs), and red cell-derived MPs (RMPs) was higher in "without transfusion" group, these differences were not statistically significant. The preoperative PMPs count was negatively correlated with RBC transfusion (P = 0.005, r = -0.65). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the count of CD41+ PMPs, Hemoglobin (Hb), and RBC count were risk factors for RBC transfusion.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the presurgical levels of PMPs, Hb, and RBC count can serve as risk factors of RBC transfusion in patients with valve heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery. The findings provide insights into the potential use of MPs as biomarkers for blood transfusion prediction in cardiac surgery.

Efficacy and safety of a minimalistic balloon aortic valvuloplasty strategy in a centre without heart surgery

Background

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is a palliative tool for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) at prohibitive risk for surgery or as a bridge to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). BAV is traditionally performed in hospitals with onsite cardiac surgery due to its potential complications.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of BAV procedures performed by trained high-volume operators in a centre without onsite surgery and to assess the effect of a minimalistic approach to reduce periprocedural complications.

Methods

From 2016 to 2021, 187 BAV procedures were performed in 174 patients. Patients were elderly (mean age: 85.0±5.4 years) and had high-risk (mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score [EuroSCORE] II: 10.1±9.9) features. According to the indications, 4 cohorts were identified: 1) bridge to TAVR (n=98; 56%); 2) bridge to SAVR (n=8; 5%); 3) cardiogenic shock (n=11; 6%); and 4) palliation (n=57; 33%). BAV procedures were performed using the standard retrograde technique via femoral access in 165 patients (95%), although radial access was used in 9 patients (5%). Ultrasound-guided vascular puncture was performed in 118 patients (72%) and left ventricular pacing was administered through a stiff guidewire in 105 cases (60%).

Results

BAV safety was confirmed by 1 periprocedural death (0.6%), 1 intraprocedural stroke (0.6%), 2 major vascular complications (1%) and 9 minor vascular complications (5%). Nine cases of in-hospital mortality occurred (5%), predominantly in patients with cardiogenic shock.

Conclusions

BAV is a safe procedure that can be performed in centres without onsite cardiac surgery using a minimalistic approach that can reduce periprocedural complications.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Detection, Severity and Mechanism of Significant Valvular Heart Disease and Clinical Management

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of significant valvular heart disease (VHD) enables appropriate implementation of the best therapeutic strategy and follow-up. Cardiac auscultation remains suboptimal in early detection of VHD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for early detection of VHD and its severity.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with VHD who did not have a standard echocardiogram prior to first outpatient cardiology consultation underwent history and physical examination followed by POCUS study by an experienced physician in a general cardiology clinic from June 2017 to August 2022 at our institution. Subsequent standard transthoracic echocardiography (sTTE) was performed as the gold standard. Comparison was performed between POCUS and sTTE for the presence and severity of VHD. sTTE was performed by registered cardiac sonographers and interpreted by another cardiologist blinded to the POCUS results.

RESULTS

A total of 77 patients were studied (ge 72 ± 11 years, 58.4% males). A total of 89 significant valvular abnormalities were diagnosed. There were 39 (43.8%) cases of regurgitant VHD, 16 (18.0%) of stenotic VHD and 34 (38.2%) had evaluation for prosthetic valve function. The sensitivity (90.9%; 82.4%; 83.3%; 100%) and specificity (100%; 96.7%; 100%; 100%) were high for detecting ≥ moderate aortic regurgitation (AR), mitral regurgitation (MR), aortic stenosis (AS) and prosthetic valvular abnormality, respectively. The weighted κ coefficient between POCUS and sTTE for the assessment of ≥ moderate MR, AR and AS was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.65-0.97), 0.94 (95% CI, 0.84-1.00) and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.76-1.0), respectively, indicating excellent agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

POCUS can identify patients with significant VHD and may serve as a powerful screening tool for early detection of significant VHD in the outpatient clinical practice with downstream impact on clinical management of significant VHD.

Right coronary artery kinking after tricuspid valve annuloplasty: a case report

Background

Right coronary artery (RCA) injury is a rare complication of valvular surgery. However, complications should be considered, due to the significant clinical consequences. Identifying the coronary injury type and understanding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms is essential to managing these complications.

Case summary

The case of a 59-year-old man who underwent conservative mitral valve surgery with tricuspid valve annuloplasty is presented. The early post-operative period was complicated by acute coronary syndrome with inferior persistent ST-segment elevation. A coronary angiogram confirmed critical RCA hazy lesions, raising the suspicion of coronary kinking. To confirm the underlying mechanism for these lesions and determine the best treatment strategy, endocoronary imaging was performed, revealing coronary kinking of the RCA. Based on the persistent acute ischaemia, a long-lasting drug-eluting stent (DES) was implanted in the lower and upper knees of the RCA. After angioplasty, electrocardiography showed regression of the ST-segment elevation. Ten days later, coronary angiography and optical coherence tomography showed good results. The patient recovered from his myocardial infarction.

Discussion

Only a few reports describe the use of endocoronary imaging for diagnosing coronary artery injury after tricuspid annuloplasty. The variety of lesion types that could underlie a single post-operative myocardial infarction makes endocoronary imaging a relevant technique to guide management strategy and optimize DES implantation.

Diagnosis of Coexisting Valvular Heart Diseases Using Image-to-Sequence Translation of Contact Microphone Recordings

OBJECTIVE

Development of a contact microphone-driven screening framework for the diagnosis of coexisting valvular heart diseases (VHDs).

METHODS

A sensitive accelerometer contact microphone (ACM) is employed to capture heart-induced acoustic components on the chest wall. Inspired by the human auditory system, ACM recordings are initially transformed into Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) and their first and second derivatives, resulting in 3-channel images. An image-to-sequence translation network based on the convolution-meets-transformer (CMT) architecture is then applied to each image to find local and global dependencies in images, and predict a 5-digit binary sequence, where each digit corresponds to the presence of a specific type of VHD. The performance of the proposed framework is evaluated on 58 VHD patients and 52 healthy individuals using a 10-fold leave-subject-out cross-validation (10-LSOCV) approach.

RESULTS

Statistical analyses suggest an average sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and F1 score of 93.28%, 98.07%, 96.87%, 92.97%, and 92.4% respectively, for the detection of coexisting VHDs. Furthermore, areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.99 and 0.98 are respectively reported for the validation and test sets.

CONCLUSION

The high performances achieved prove that local and global features of ACM recordings effectively characterize heart murmurs associated with valvular abnormalities.

SIGNIFICANCE

Limited access of primary care physicians to echocardiography machines has resulted in a low sensitivity of 44% when using a stethoscope for the identification of heart murmurs. The proposed framework provides accurate decision-making on the presence of VHDs, thus reducing the number of undetected VHD patients in primary care settings.

The impact of valvular heart disease in patients with chronic coronary syndrome

Background

The European Society of Cardiology 2019 Guidelines on chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) recommend echocardiographic measurement of the left ventricular function for risk stratification in all patients with CCS. Whereas CCS and valvular heart disease (VHD) share common pathophysiological pathways and risk factors, data on the impact of VHD in CCS patients are scarce.

Methods

Clinical data including treatment and mortality of patients diagnosed with CCS who underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in two tertiary centers were collected. The outcome was all-cause mortality. Data were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard analysis adjusting for significant covariables and time-dependent treatment.

Results

Between 2014 and 2021 a total of 1,984 patients with CCS (59% men) with a median age of 65 years (interquartile range [IQR] 57-73) underwent comprehensive TTE. Severe VHD was present in 44 patients and moderate VHD in 325 patients. A total of 654 patients (33%) were treated with revascularization, 39 patients (2%) received valve repair or replacement and 299 patients (15%) died during the median follow-up time of 3.5 years (IQR 1.7-5.6). Moderate or severe VHD (hazard ratio = 1.33; 95% CI 1.02-1.72) was significantly associated with mortality risk, independent of LV function and other covariables, as compared to no/mild VHD.

Conclusions

VHD has a significant impact on mortality in patients with CCS additional to LV dysfunction, which emphasizes the need for a comprehensive echocardiographic assessment in these patients.

Development of a nomogram for predicting nosocomial infections among patients after cardiac valve replacement surgery

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To construct a predictive nomogram of the risk of nosocomial infections among patients after cardiac valve replacement surgery.

BACKGROUND

Nosocomial infections are a standout challenge that worsens the prognosis of patients after valve replacement surgery. However, studies on the nomogram of nosocomial infections in these patients have remained scarce.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Patients (n = 720) following valve replacement surgery from 2018 to 2019 were selected. LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression were utilised to ascertain predictors of nosocomial infections. The predictive performance of the nomogram was appraised by calibration and discrimination. Decision and impact curves were used to assess the clinical utility. Internal validation was implemented via 1000 bootstrap samples to mitigate overfitting. TRIPOD guidelines were used in this study.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty one patients (20.97%) experienced nosocomial infections following valve replacement surgery. Heart failure, preoperative anaemia, valve material, American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥ IV, prolonged duration of surgery, duration of mechanical ventilation ≥ 24 h and indwelling nasogastric tube were predictors of nosocomial infections. Using these variables, we developed a predictive nomogram of the occurrence of nosocomial infections and the internal validation results demonstrated good discrimination and calibration of the nomogram. The clinical decision and impact curve revealed significant clinical utility.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study constructed a nomogram for predicting the risk of nosocomial infections in patients following cardiac valve replacement surgery. This nomogram may strengthen the effective screening of patients at high risk of nosocomial infections.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This risk warning tool can assist clinical staff in making decisions and providing individualised infection control measures for patients, which has a significant reference value for clinical practice.

NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

The data for this study were obtained from the hospital database, and the entire process of the study did not involve patient participation.

Slice positioning in phase-contrast MRI impacts aortic stenosis assessment

AIMS

To determine the phase-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (PC-CMR) slice-position above aortic leaflet-attachment-plane (LAP) that provides flow-velocity, -volume and aortic valve area (AVA) measurements with best agreement to invasive and echocardiographic measurements in aortic stenosis (AS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fifty-five patients with moderate/severe AS underwent cardiac catheterization, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and CMR. Overall, 171 image-planes parallel to LAP were measured via PC-CMR between 22 mm below and 24 mm above LAP. AVA via PC-CMR was calculated as flow-volume divided by peak-velocity during systole. Stroke volume (SV) and AVA were compared to volumetric SV and invasive AVA via the Gorlin-formula, respectively. Above LAP, SV by PC-CMR showed no significant dependence on image-plane-position and correlated strongly with volumetry (rho: 0.633, p < 0.001, marginal-mean-difference (MMD): 1 ml, 95 % confidence-interval (CI): -4 to 6). AVA assessed in image-planes 0-10 mm above LAP differed significantly from invasive measurement (MMD: -0.14 cm², 95 %CI: 0.08-0.21). In contrast, AVA-values by PC-CMR measured 10-20 mm above LAP showed good agreement with invasive determination without significant MMD (0.003 cm², 95 %CI: -0.09 to 0.09). Within these measurements, a plane 15 mm above LAP resulted in the lowest bias (MMD: 0.02 cm², 95 %CI:-0.29 to 0.33). SV and AVA via TTE correlated moderately with volumetry (rho: 0.461, p < 0.001; bias: 15 ml, p < 0.001) and cardiac catheterization (rho: 0.486, p < 0.001, bias: -0.13 cm², p < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

PC-CMR measurements at 0-10 mm above LAP should be avoided due to significant AVA-overestimation compared to invasive determination. AVA-assessment by PC-CMR between 10 and 20 mm above LAP did not differ from invasive measurements, with the lowest intermethodical bias measured 15 mm above LAP.

Characterization of rheumatic heart disease from electrocardiogram recordings

Objective. Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is one of the highly prevalent heart diseases in developing countries that can affect the pericardium, myocardium, or endocardium. Rheumatic endocarditis is a common RHD variant that gradually deteriorates the normal function of the heart valves. RHD can be diagnosed using standard echocardiography or listened to as a heart murmur using a stethoscope. The electrocardiogram (ECG), on the other hand, is critical in the study and identification of heart rhythms and abnormalities. The effectiveness of ECG to identify distinguishing signs of rheumatic heart problems, however, has not been adequately examined. This study addressed the possible use of ECG recordings for the characterization of problems of the heart in RHD patients.Approach. To this end, an extensive ECG dataset was collected from patients suffering from RHD (PwRHD), and healthy control subjects (HC). Bandpass filtering was used at the preprocessing stage. Each data was then standardized by removing its mean and dividing by its standard deviation. Delineation of the onsets and offsets of waves was performed using KIT-IBT open ECG MATLAB toolbox. PR interval, QRS duration, RR intervals, QT intervals, and QTc intervals were computed for each heartbeat. The median values of the temporal parameters were used to eliminate possible outliers due to missed ECG waves. The data were clustered in different age groups and sex. Another categorization was done based on the time duration since the first RHD diagnosis.Main results. In 47.2% of the cases, a PR elongation was observed, and in 26.4% of the cases, the QRS duration was elongated. QTc was elongated in 44.3% of the cases. It was also observed that 62.2% of the cases had bradycardia.Significance. The end product of this research can lead to new medical devices and services that can screen RHD based on ECG which could somehow assist in the detection and diagnosis of the disease in low-resource settings and alleviate the burden of the disease.

Pathophysiology, emerging techniques for the assessment and novel treatment of aortic stenosis

Our perspectives on aortic stenosis (AS) are changing. Evolving from the traditional thought of a passive degenerative disease, developing a greater understanding of the condition's mechanistic underpinning has shifted the paradigm to an active disease process. This advancement from the 'wear and tear' model is a result of the growing economic and health burden of AS, particularly within industrialised countries, prompting further research. The pathophysiology of calcific AS (CAS) is complex, yet can be characterised similarly to that of atherosclerosis. Progressive remodelling involves lipid-protein complexes, with lipoprotein(a) being of particular interest for diagnostics and potential future treatment options.There is an unmet clinical need for asymptomatic patient management; no pharmacotherapies are proven to slow progression and intervention timing varies. Novel approaches are developing to address this through: (1) screening with circulating biomarkers; (2) development of drugs to slow disease progression and (3) early valve intervention guided by medical imaging. Existing biomarkers (troponin and brain natriuretic peptide) are non-specific, but cost-effective predictors of ventricular dysfunction. In addition, their integration with cardiovascular MRI can provide accurate risk stratification, aiding aortic valve replacement decision making. Currently, invasive intervention is the only treatment for AS. In comparison, the development of lipoprotein(a) lowering therapies could provide an alternative; slowing progression of CAS, preventing left ventricular dysfunction and reducing reliance on surgical intervention.The landscape of AS management is rapidly evolving. This review outlines current understanding of the pathophysiology of AS, its management and future perspectives for the condition's assessment and treatment.

Estimating the Potential Economic Impact of Tissue Valve Replacement for Heart Valve Disease in China: Patient-Level and Population-Level Cost-Benefit Simulation Analyses

OBJECTIVES

This study seeks to estimate the potential societal economic impact of treating patients with heart valve disease (HVD) in China with surgical tissue valve replacement versus mechanical valves.

METHODS

This societal economic cost-benefit evaluation is based on an individual simulation model for subgroups of patients with HVD that is also aggregated to a macrosocietal model. The individual simulation model was developed to estimate the likely economic impact of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with tissue versus mechanical valves for different subgroups among all eligible patients with HVD over their remaining lifetimes. Clinical inputs were informed by health claims database analysis, expert clinical opinion, and published literature. Epidemiological inputs and demographic inputs were sourced from the published literature and the China Statistical Yearbook 2020. Health gains were valued at 3 times the average national income.

RESULTS

Projected total lifetime economic gains were greater for patients receiving tissue valves. Costs were reported in 2021 US dollars. The average lifetime net economic gain for tissue valve patients was $51 736 (20.0% more than for mechanical valve patients). Increasing the use of tissue valves to 50% among all eligible patients with HVD would provide aggregate long-term economic gains of $167 billion during their remaining lifetimes. The economic gains from greater tissue valve use were due to avoiding anticoagulation monitoring costs, improved quality of life, and greater post-SAVR labor force participation.

CONCLUSION

Increased use of tissue valves versus mechanical values in SAVR procedures in China would be likely to generate a substantial societal economic gain.

Heart Rate Variability Analysis on Electrocardiograms, Seismocardiograms and Gyrocardiograms of Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Valvular Heart Diseases

Heart rate variability (HRV) is the physiological variation in the intervals between consecutive heartbeats that reflects the activity of the autonomic nervous system. This parameter is traditionally evaluated based on electrocardiograms (ECG signals). Seismocardiography (SCG) and/or gyrocardiography (GCG) are used to monitor cardiac mechanical activity; therefore, they may be used in HRV analysis and the evaluation of valvular heart diseases (VHDs) simultaneously. The purpose of this study was to compare the time domain, frequency domain and nonlinear HRV indices obtained from electrocardiograms, seismocardiograms (SCG signals) and gyrocardiograms (GCG signals) in healthy volunteers and patients with valvular heart diseases. An analysis of the time domain, frequency domain and nonlinear heart rate variability was conducted on electrocardiograms and gyrocardiograms registered from 29 healthy male volunteers and 30 patients with valvular heart diseases admitted to the Columbia University Medical Center (New York City, NY, USA). The results of the HRV analysis show a strong linear correlation with the HRV indices calculated from the ECG, SCG and GCG signals and prove the feasibility and reliability of HRV analysis despite the influence of VHDs on the SCG and GCG waveforms.

Assessment of Right Ventricular Systolic Function with 3-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Isolated Mild Mitral Stenosis

BACKGROUND

In rheumatic severe mitral stenosis, right ventricular mechanics deteriorate with the increasing severity of mitral stenosis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate right ventricular mechanics in patients with mild mitral stenosis using 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

METHODS

In total, 40 patients with mild mitral stenosis and 36 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included. Conventional echocardiographic examination was performed and 3-dimensional data sets were acquired for strain analysis. Besides conventional echocardiographic parameters, right ventricular volume and function and 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography-derived right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain were compared between patients with mild mitral stenosis and healthy controls.

RESULTS

Although 3-dimensional right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction were similar between the groups, 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography-derived right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain was significantly lower in patients with mild mitral stenosis than in controls (25.57 ± 4.39% vs. 27.90 ± 4.71%, P =.028). Significant correlations were observed between right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain and mitral valve area and estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.597, P <.001; r = -0.508, P =.003, respectively). Another significant positive correlation was observed between planimetric mitral valve area and 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography-derived right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (r = 0.597, P <.001).

CONCLUSION

The degree of severity of mild mitral stenosis in terms of mitral valve area can help in the early detection of subclinical right ventricular systolic function impairment which can be easily detected by 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Right ventricular contractile performance could decrease even in mild mitral stenosis.

Correlation between Murmurs and Echocardiographic Findings; From an Imaging Cardiologist Point of View

A heart murmur in adults is a common reason for referral for echocardiography at most general cardiology clinics in Europe. A murmur may indicate either a mild age-related valvular calcification or regurgitation, or represent a significant heart valve disease requiring valvular intervention. Generally, the correlation between murmurs by auscultation and severity of heart valve disease by echocardiography is poor. Particularly, the severity and characterization of diastolic murmurs by auscultation may poorly correlate with echocardiographic findings. This narrative review aims to summarize the differential diagnoses of physiological and pathological murmurs, describes the current referral practice of murmur patients for echocardiography, and presents a single-center experience on the correlation of auscultation and echocardiographic findings with a particular focus on aortic and mitral valve diseases. A careful auscultation of the heart prior to the echocardiogram is mandatory and may help to predict the echocardiographic findings and their interpretation in view of the clinical information. The correlation between clinical examination, point of care ultrasound and standard echocardiography is a matter of continued exploration.

Enhancing user awareness on inferences obtained from fitness trackers data

In the IoT era, sensitive and non-sensitive data are recorded and transmitted to multiple service providers and IoT platforms, aiming to improve the quality of our lives through the provision of high-quality services. However, in some cases these data may become available to interested third parties, who can analyse them with the intention to derive further knowledge and generate new insights about the users, that they can ultimately use for their own benefit. This predicament raises a crucial issue regarding the privacy of the users and their awareness on how their personal data are shared and potentially used. The immense increase in fitness trackers use has further increased the amount of user data generated, processed and possibly shared or sold to third parties, enabling the extraction of further insights about the users. In this work, we investigate if the analysis and exploitation of the data collected by fitness trackers can lead to the extraction of inferences about the owners routines, health status or other sensitive information. Based on the results, we utilise the PrivacyEnhAction privacy tool, a web application we implemented in a previous work through which the users can analyse data collected from their IoT devices, to educate the users about the possible risks and to enable them to set their user privacy preferences on their fitness trackers accordingly, contributing to the personalisation of the provided services, in respect of their personal data.

Hospital admissions for mitral stenosis in pregnancy in the United States: a thirteen-year analysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac conditions are a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, significantly exacerbated during the hemodynamic demands of pregnancy. Mitral stenosis in pregnancy (MSp) is rare in the USA however, it has a high risk for maternal complications.

METHODS

We aim to outline the burden of MSp hospitalizations nationally. A retrospective review of HCUP/NIS data from 2002-2014 was conducted.

RESULTS

There were 2014 weighted discharges for both pregnancy and mitral stenosis (MS). Patients diagnosed with MS had a more considerable mean cost per discharge than the comparison group. Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), Atrial Arrhythmias (AA), Stroke, and Heart Failure (HF) were respectively reported in 25.71%, 7.14%, 0.95%, and 19.28% of the discharges. Our study identified a low incidence of MS in the US over the 12-year period; no deaths were identified.

CONCLUSION

Our results substantiate MSp as a risk factor for PH, AA, HF, and stroke in pregnancy. Even though the mortality is low, it is essential that clinicians be aware of this diagnosis due to higher associated morbidity and costs.

Impact of cystatin C-derived glomerular filtration rate in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts prognosis in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). While estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated from serum creatinine [eGFR (creatinine)] is affected by body muscle mass which reflects frailty, eGFR calculated from serum cystatin C [eGFR (cystatin C)] is independent of body composition, resulting in better renal function assessment.

Methods

This study included 390 consecutive patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) who underwent TAVI, and measured cystatin C-based eGFR at discharge. Patients were divided into two groups, with or without CKD estimated with eGFR (cystatin C). The primary endpoint of this study was the 3-year all-cause mortality after TAVI.

Results

The median patient age was 84 years, and 32.8% patients were men. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that eGFR (cystatin C), diabetes mellitus, and liver disease were independently associated with 3-year all-cause mortality. In the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the predictive value of eGFR (cystatin C) was significantly higher than that of eGFR (creatinine). Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier estimates revealed that 3-year all-cause mortality was higher in the CKD (cystatin C) group than that in the non-CKD (cystatin C) group with log-rank p = 0.009. In contrast, there was no significant difference between the CKD (creatinine) and non-CKD (creatinine) groups with log-rank p = 0.94.

Conclusions

eGFR (cystatin C) was associated with 3-year all-cause mortality in patients who underwent TAVI, and it was superior to eGFR (creatinine) as a prognostic biomarker.

Epidemiologic Profile of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease in Korea: A Nationwide Hospital-Based Registry Study

BACKGROUND

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is a common cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide; however, its epidemiological profile in Korea requires elucidation.

METHODS

In this nationwide retrospective cohort study from the Korean valve survey, which collected clinical and echocardiographic data on VHD from 45 medical centers, we identified 4,089 patients with VHD between September and October 2019.

RESULTS

The aortic valve was the most commonly affected valve (n = 1,956 [47.8%]), followed by the mitral valve (n = 1,598 [39.1%]) and tricuspid valve (n = 1,172 [28.6%]). There were 1,188 cases of aortic stenosis (AS) and 926 cases of aortic regurgitation. The most common etiology of AS was degenerative disease (78.9%). The proportion of AS increased with age and accounted for the largest proportion of VHD in patients aged 80-89 years. There were 1,384 cases of mitral regurgitation (MR) and 244 cases of mitral stenosis (MS). The most common etiologies for primary and secondary MR were degenerative disease (44.3%) and non-ischemic heart disease (63.0%), respectively, whereas rheumatic disease (74.6%) was the predominant cause of MS. There were 1,172 tricuspid regurgitation (TR) cases, of which 46.9% were isolated and 53.1% were associated with other valvular diseases, most commonly with MR. The most common type of TR was secondary (90.2%), while primary accounted for 6.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

This report demonstrates the current epidemiological status of VHD in Korea. The results of this study can be used as fundamental data for developing Korean guidelines for VHD.

Cardiac Valve Disease and Prevalent and Incident CKD in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Rationale & Objective

Recent literature suggests improvement in kidney function after percutaneous valvular replacement therapies, implying a pathophysiological contribution of valvular heart disease to chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, this association has not been investigated epidemiologically. We aimed to assess the association of valvular abnormality with prevalent and incident CKD.

Study Design

Cross-sectional and prospective analyses.

Setting & Participants

Community-dwelling participants (mean age 75.5 [standard deviation 5.1] years) from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (2011-2013).

Exposure

Valvular abnormality defined as echocardiography-based aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, and mitral regurgitation.

Outcomes

Prevalent CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR]) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Incident CKD was defined as progression to eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 with ≥25% decline or hospitalization/deaths with CKD diagnosis.

Analytical Approach

We cross-sectionally evaluated the association between valvular abnormality and prevalent CKD with logistic regression in 5,216 participants. Then, 3,752 participants without prevalent CKD were analyzed for incident CKD using Cox models.

Results

There were 1.4% (n = 74) with any aortic stenosis, 10.6% (n = 555) with any aortic regurgitation, and 43.1% (n = 2,249) with any mitral regurgitation. After adjustment for potential confounders, any mitral regurgitation and moderate/severe aortic regurgitation showed significant associations with prevalent CKD (adjusted OR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.03-1.34] and 2.82 [95% CI, 1.12-7.10]), as did any aortic stenosis in a sensitivity analysis with prevalent CKD defined including albuminuria ≥30 mg/g (1.83 [95% CI, 1.10-3.05]). Only any aortic stenosis showed an independent association with incident CKD (adjusted HR, 2.12 [95% CI, 1.13-4.00]).

Limitations

Despite a relatively large study population, some subgroups had small numbers. Although we minimized reverse causation, we cannot completely rule it out.

Conclusions

Different valvular abnormality types were associated with prevalent CKD. Only aortic stenosis was robustly associated with incident CKD. These findings suggest an etiological link between valvular abnormality and CKD, highlighting the importance of clinical attention to kidney function in individuals with aortic stenosis.

Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Valvular Disease in the Elderly

Aortic valvular disease, including aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation, is increasingly common with age. Due to the aging population, more elderly patients are presenting with aortic valve pathology and expectations for prompt diagnosis and efficacious treatment. The current paradigm for aortic valve disease is based on surgical or interventional therapy. In this review, we discuss the approach to diagnosing aortic valvular disease and the different options for treatment based on the most recent evidence.

Incidence and clinical impact of tachyarrhythmic events following transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A review

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is well established for treating severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Whereas broad information on the epidemiology, clinical implications, and management of bradyarrhythmias after TAVR is available, data about tachyarrhythmic events remain scarce. Despite the progressively lower risk profile of TAVR patients and the improvement in device characteristics and operator skills, approximately 10% of patients develop new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) after TAVR. The proportion of patients in whom NOAF actually corresponds to previously undiagnosed silent atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been properly determined. The transapical approach, the need for pre- or post- balloon dilation, and the presence of periprocedural complications have been associated with a higher risk of NOAF. Older age, left atrial volume, or worse functional class are patient-derived risk factors shared with preprocedural AF. NOAF after TAVR has been associated with poorer survival and a higher incidence of cerebrovascular events. However, patient management differs markedly among different centers, especially with regard to anticoagulation in patients with short-duration AF episodes detected in the periprocedural setting and in cases of silent NOAF detected during continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. Evidence about ventricular arrhythmias is even more scarce than for AF. Some case reports of sudden cardiac death after TAVR in patients with a pacemaker have identified ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation in device interrogation. TAVR has been shown to reduce the arrhythmic burden, but a significant proportion of patients (16%) present with complex premature ventricular complex arrhythmias within the year after TAVR. Whether these events are related to poorer outcomes is unknown. Continuous ECG monitoring after TAVR may help describe the frequency, risk factors, and prognostic implications of tachyarrhythmias in this population.

Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve on the Move

• Acute bioprosthetic aortic valve regurgitation can present with cardiogenic shock. • Echocardiography is critical in the assessment of bioprosthetic aortic valve function. • In up to 6% of patients with infectious endocarditis, no microbiologic agent is identified. • Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for prosthetic acute aortic regurgitation.

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and their manifestations in the visual system

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare, genetically variable, heterogenous group of (currently recognized) thirteen connective tissue disorders characterized by skin hyperextensibility, tissue fragility, and generalized joint hypermobility. In addition to these commonly recognized phenotypes, recent studies have notably highlighted variable ophthalmic features in EDS. In this review, we comprehensively gather and discuss the ocular manifestations of EDS and its thirteen subtypes in the clinical setting.

The Medical versus Zoological Concept of Outflow Tract Valves of the Vertebrate Heart

The anatomical elements that in humans prevent blood backflow from the aorta and pulmonary artery to the left and right ventriclesare the aortic and pulmonary valves, respectively. Each valve regularly consists of three leaflets (cusps), each supported by its valvular sinus. From the medical viewpoint, each set of three leaflets and sinuses is regarded as a morpho-functional unit. This notion also applies to birds and non-human mammals. However, the structures that prevent the return of blood to the heart in other vertebrates are notably different. This has led to discrepancies between physicians and zoologists in defining what a cardiac outflow tract valve is. The aim here is to compare the gross anatomy of the outflow tract valvular system among several groups of vertebrates in order to understand the conceptual and nomenclature controversies in the field.

60-year-old Female with Edema

Introduction: Many patients present to the emergency department (ED) with nonspecific, acute-on-chronic complaints. It requires a thorough diagnostic approach and broad differential diagnosis to determine whether there is serious, undiagnosed pathology. Case Presentation: A 60-year-old female presented to the ED for gradually worsening bilateral lower extremity swelling with associated abdominal distension, ascites, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Discussion: This case takes the reader through the evaluation of a patient with acute-on-chronic complaints who presented in a decompensated state.

Cardiac and Vascular Causes of Syncope and Atherosclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Among the most common causes of cardiac syncope are arrhythmias and ischemic heart disease, both of which can coexist. The purpose of this review is to discuss the main causes of cardiac and vascular syncope related to atherosclerosis, its epidemiological and clinical aspects, warning signs, and initial approach.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cardiac syncope may have a frequency of up to 34% in elderly people. Atherosclerosis-related causes of cardiac and vascular syncope may be due to cardiac arrhythmia and/or structural impairment of the heart or arteries. Late ventricular tachycardia and late-onset high-grade atrioventricular block associated with myocardial ischemia may occur with syncope, which is related to higher mortality. Besides ventricular dysfunction, concentric remodeling is also a prognostic factor. In calcific degenerative aortic stenosis, syncope carries a worse prognosis than the other cardinal signs. Cardiac syncope has a high recurrence and mortality rate. There are red flag alerts that must be considered in risk stratification.