Safety of catheter ablation of AF without pre- or periprocedural imaging for the detection of LA thrombus

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The need for pre- or peri-procedural imaging to rule out the presence of left atrial thrombus in patients undergoing catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear in the era of uninterrupted direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) regimen. We sought to examine the safety of catheter ablation in appropriately selected patients with paroxysmal AF without performing screening for left atrial thrombus.

Methods

Consecutive patients planned for radiofrequency AF catheter ablation between January 2016 and June 2020 were enrolled, and prospectively studied. All subjects were receiving uninterrupted anticoagulation with DOACs for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. All subjects were in sinus rhythm the day of the procedure. The primary outcome of the study was ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) during at 30 days.

Results

A total of 451 patients (age 59.7 ± 10.2 years, 289 males) with paroxysmal AF were included in the study. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 1.4 ± 1.2. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction and left atrial diameter were 60 ± 5% and 39.3 ± 4 mm, respectively. Regarding the anticoagulation regimen, apixaban was used in 197 (43.6%) patients, rivaroxaban in 148 (32.8%) patients, and dabigatran in 106 (23.5%) patients. None of the patients developed clinical ischemic stroke or TIA during the 30-day post-discharged period.

Conclusions

Catheter ablation can be safely performed in low-risk patients with paroxysmal AF without imaging for the detection of left atrial thrombus in the era of uninterrupted DOAC anticoagulation.

268 Smart polymer implants as an emerging technology for treating airway collapse in OSA: a proof of concept study

Introduction

Implantable 3D printed ‘smart’ polymers are an emerging technology with potential applications in treating collapse in adult obstructive sleep apnea through mechanical airway manipulation. There is a paucity of devices that are commercially available or in research and development stage. Limited studies have investigated the use of implantable smart polymers in reversing the collapsibility of the pharyngeal airway by creating counter forces during sleep. This paper describes an application of implantable magnetic polymer technology in an in-vivo porcine model. Study Objectives: To assess the use of a novel magnetic polymer implant in reversing airway collapse and identifying potential anatomical targets for airway implant surgery in an in-vivo porcine model.

Methods

Target sites of airway collapse were genioglossus muscle, hyoid bone and middle constrictor. Magnetic polymer implants were sutured to these sites and external magnetic forces, through magnets with pull forces rated at 102kg and 294kg, were applied at the skin. The resultant airway movement was assessed via nasendoscopy. Pharyngeal plexus branches to the middle constrictor muscle were stimulated at 0.5mA, 1.0mA and 2.0mA and airway movement assessed via nasendoscopy.

Results

At the genioglossus muscles large magnetic forces were required to produce airway movement. At the hyoid bone, anterior movement of the airway was noted when using a 294kg rated magnet. At the middle constrictor muscle, an anterolateral (or rotatory) pattern of airway movement was noted when using the same magnet. Stimulation of pharyngeal plexus branches to the middle constrictor revealed contraction and increasing rigidity of the lateral walls of the airway as stimulation amplitude increased. The resultant effect was prevention of collapse, a previously unidentified pattern of airway movement.

Conclusion

Surgically implanted smart polymers are an emerging technology showing promise in the treatment of airway collapse in obstructive sleep apnea. Future research should investigate their biomechanical role as an adjunct to treatment of airway collapse through nerve stimulation.

Support (if any)

Garnett-Passe and Rodney Williams Memorial Foundation, Conjoint Grant, 2016-18.

815 Australian Surgery Trainee Education for Contemporary Airway Management of OSA: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Study

Introduction

In Australia, ASOHNS delivers no formal curriculum for training of OHNS, or levels of competency required, to assess and treat complex OSA patients. Australian OHNS trainee confidence, knowledge and exposure to complex multi-level OSA surgery is lacking. Lack of exposure to sufficient complex OSA surgery case load has been identified as a major weakness in training within a recently published international survey. This study was a randomized clinical trial evaluating the effect of Australian OHNS trainee exposure to education materials compared with no exposure, on Sleep Surgery specific examination performance (multiple choice and short written answer).

Methods

70 accredited and 45 unaccredited OHNS trainees were invited to participate in this trial. Participants were randomly assigned to Sleep Surgery educational material exposure or no exposure to those materials. Those randomized to the exposure group were provided educational material and were given 2 weeks exposure time prior to the exam. Each participant then complete an online examin, consisting of 40 multiple choice questions and 1 short answer question (marked by a field expert). Differences between exposure and control group means were tested using independent t-tests.

Results

24 trainees were allocated to exposure and 22 to control. 33 participants attempted the examination. The were no significant differences between groups in the multiple choice (mean difference 1.3 ± 1.6 [3.3%], p=0.41) or written exam test scores (mean difference 1.8 ± 1.2 [9.0%], p=0.14). Accredited trainees performed better in the written exam (mean difference 2.6 ± 1.1 [13.0%], p=0.03). The mean test score in a separate exploratory group of 2 sleep fellowship trained OHNS was considerably higher in both exams.

Conclusion

This study suggests that exposure to formal education material may improve understanding of sleep surgery. Accredited trainees performed better than unaccredited trainees but the difference was small. Poor test performance in both groups may indicate further formal sleep surgery teaching is required in the ASOHNS training curriculum. Further research is required to identify the best ways possible to educate OHNS trainees in the complex and nuanced decision making required for OSA patients.

Support (if any)

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute Grant 2019.

Acinic cell carcinoma of the salivary gland in the adult and paediatric population: a survival analysis

BACKGROUND

Acinic cell carcinoma (AcCC) is a rare malignant neoplasm of the salivary glands and generally considered to be a low-grade tumour. Surgical treatment is often curative, but a more aggressive high-grade variant has been associated with poorer survival and propensity for distant metastasis. No standard treatment guidelines exist and the approach to treatment is varied in the published series. The aim of this study is to present the experience of three major hospitals in Sydney, Australia, in treating AcCC of the salivary gland, with a focus on clinico-pathological features of disease and their associations with survival outcomes.

METHODS

Adult and paediatric cases of AcCC of the salivary gland during the time period 1979-2018 were retrospectively included. Demographic, clinico-pathological, treatment and survival outcome data were extracted. Survival analysis was undertaken to assess the effect of clinical and pathological variables on overall and disease-free survival.

RESULTS

Thirty-two cases were reviewed (29 adult and three paediatric). Thirty tumours (93.8%) were parotid gland primary tumours. Mean overall and disease-free survival was 17.0 ± 0.7 and 16.0 ± 0.9 years, respectively. Features associated with poorer survival were cT staging >1, presence of preoperative clinical facial nerve deficit and local recurrence. Positive margins were associated with recurrence.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that disease-free and overall survival in AcCC of the salivary gland is excellent with surgery as the first-line treatment. Poor survival outcomes are uncommon and may be associated with locally advanced disease in the presence of other well-established high-risk features.

Does Botulinum Toxin Therapy Improve Quality of Life in Patients with Facial Palsy?

OBJECTIVES

To review the current literature for the efficacy of botulinum toxin therapy to improve quality of life in patients with facial palsy.

METHODS

A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed of the Medline, EMBase, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. The population of interest was patients with facial palsy and the intervention of interest was botulinum toxin injection. The primary outcome of this review was quality of life outcomes before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Six studies were included for review. Outcome data were not amenable to meta-analysis due to the heterogeneity of outcome measures. There was an overall trend towards improvement in quality of life after botulinum toxin therapy with the majority of studies demonstrating a statistically significant benefit. The aspects of life in which patients saw benefit varied amongst studies. No patient factors were identified to predict which sub-cohort would likely have the greatest benefit from therapy. Two studies reported adverse effects to be common however minor in nature.

CONCLUSION

This review presents contemporary evidence that botulinum toxin is of benefit to the quality of life of patients with facial palsy. Additional larger randomised control trials would aid clinicians in quantifying the benefit of such therapies for patients with facial palsy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

414 Ventricular-arterial interaction predicts response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: a link with improvement of endothelial function and arterial elastic properties

Background

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a hall mark of chronic heart failure and has been linked to disease progression, hospitalizations and mortality.

Purpose

to evaluate the impact of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in ED and to determine predictors of response to CRT

Methods

CRT recipients from 19/07/2016 until 19/10/2018 were studied at baseline and 3 months after. In each visit we evaluated a 12 lead ECG, carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery (FMD), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS). We evaluated arterial elastance (Ea) to ventricular elastance (Ees) ratio (Ea/Ees) by echocardiography and the ratio of cfPWV to GLS, as valid markers of ventricular-arterial interaction. We also assessed the layer of endothelial glycocalyx by measurement of Perfused Boundary Region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessel range:5-25 microns.

Results

32 patients with a mean age 65.5 (±10.9) years and severe LV systolic dysfunction were enrolled. During follow-up, LVEF, GLS, LVESV and all ED markers exhibited significant improvement (table 1). 23 patients were responders. Among the baseline vascular function markers, only the ratio cfPWV/GLS predicted response to CRT (OR: 0.245, 95%CI: 0.042-0.759, p = 0.044).Threshold analysis showed that the best threshold of cfPWV/GLS for response to CRT was 2.75 (specificity: 0.67%, sensitivity: 0.94%).

Conclusions

After 3 months of CRT, endothelial function, arterial elasticity and ventricular arterial interaction are improved. The baseline ratio cfPWV/GLS, a novel marker of ventricular arterial interaction, can be applied to predict response to CRT.

table 1 Baseline Follow-up Change Measurement mean (sd) mean (sd) mean (sd) p-value SBP (mmHg) 126 (19) 128 (16) 2.18 (11.98) 0,465 DBP (mmHg) 79 (9) 80 (9) 1.06 (8.58) 0,618 LVEF (%) 27 (7) 35 (9) 7.50 (4.77) <0.001 LVESV (mL) 151 (42) 120 (46) -26.91 (17.20) <0.001 GLS (%) 6.47 (2.89) 9.33 (4.18) 2.85 (2.28) <0.001 FMD (%) 5.88 (2.79) 10.25 (3.67) 4.37 (3.34) <0.001 Ea/Ees 2.81 (1.10) 2.04 (0.99) -0.77 (0.47) <0.001 cfPWV 11.11 (2.61) 10.01 (2.45) -1.10 (1.56) 0,003 PBR 5-25(microns) 2.26 (0.20) 2.14 (0.24) -0.13 (0.25) 0,028 cfPWV/GLS 2.18 (1.46) 1.45 (1.11) -0.73 (0.55) <0.001 Measurements at baseline, follow-up and their change during study

Abstract 414 Figure. picture 1

P709Improvement in endothelial function and arterial elastic properties facilitates response to cardiac resynchronization therapy

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a well-established therapy in heart failure (HF) patients with prolonged QRS. In HF patients, reduced nitric oxide availability and increased oxidative stress promote endothelial dysfunction (ED) and arterial stiffness.

Purpose

To investigate the pathophysiologic changes in endothelium and arterial elastic properties in CRT patients and their correlation to therapy.

Methods

We studied 32 HF patients before and 3 months after CRT implantation. In each visit we performed a 12-lead ECG and assessed markers of endothelial function. Specifically, we examined flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery (FMD), carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), as well as the layer of endothelial glycocalyx using the Perfused Boundary Region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessel range: 5–25 microns. We also evaluated left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) and arterial elastance (Ea) to ventricular elastance (Ees) ratio (Ea/Ees) by echocardiography.

Results

32 HF CRT patients, at age 65.5 (±10.9) years, with reduced LVEF (baseline LVEF: 27±7%, LVESV: 151±42 ml, GLS: 6.47±2.89%) were followed-up for a median of 115 days (IQR: 36). During follow up, all markers of ED demonstrated significant change: FMD was increased by 4.37±3.34% (p<0.001), cfPWV and PBR 5–25 were reduced by 1.10±1.56 (p=0.003) and 0.13±0.25 microns (p=0.028) respectively. LVEF was significantly increased (mean change: 7.50±4.77%) and LVESV was significantly reduced (mean change: −26.91±17.20 ml). 16 of 32 patients were responders (LVESV change ≥15% compared to baseline). Among the changes of the examined markers during follow-up, response to CRT correlated with the change of FMD (OR: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.47–15.51, p=0.039) and change of Ea/Ees (OR: 0.000, 95% CI: 0.000–0.061, p=0,0239).

Effect of change in measurements during follow-up on response to CRT Measurement OR (95% CI) Main effect p-value FMD change 3.100 (1.470–15.513) 0.0397 cfPWV change 0.669 (0.295–1.354) 0.0622 PBR 5–25 change 1.773 (0.008–455.458) 0.828 Ea/Ees change 0.000 (0.000–0.061) 0.0239

Conclusion

Improvement in endothelial function and arterial elastic properties evaluated by FMD and Ea/Ees respectively are related with effective CRT.

The association of hematological indices with the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: a single-center study

BACKGROUND

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established therapeutic option for patients with heart failure (HF) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35 % who meet specific criteria according to current guidelines. However, up to 40 % of patients have no response to CRT. Our study aimed to investigate the association between different hematological and biochemical indices and response to CRT.

METHODS

Patients with HF due to ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy referred to our hospital for CRT implantation from January 2013 to November 2017 were included in the study. Response to CRT was defined as an increase in LVEF ≥10 % or a decrease in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) ≥15 % at six months of follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 48 patients (mean age: 66.2 ± 9.5 years, 81.3 % males) were included in the study. Of these HF patients, 29 (60.4 %) had ischemic cardiomyopathy, and 19 (39.6 %) had dilated cardiomyopathy. At six months of follow-up, 37 patients (77.1 %) had responded to CRT. Ten patients (20.8 %) had ventricular tachycardia (VT), 24 (50 %) patients were hospitalized, and two patients (4.2 %) died during the follow-up period. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age (p =0.03) and creatinine levels (p =0.02) were independent predictors of the response to CRT. No significant associations between hematological markers (white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, red blood cells distribution width) and CRT response were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

A smaller increase in LVEF and a smaller decrease in LVESV were predictive for VT occurrence and hospitalizations in patients receiving CRT. No significant association between hematological markers and response to CRT was found. HIPPOKRATIA 2019, 23(3): 118-125.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of predictors of airway intervention in adult epiglottitis

OBJECTIVE

Epiglottitis is typically considered a pediatric disease; however, there is growing evidence that the incidence of adult epiglottitis has changed since the introduction of the Haemophilus influenzae vaccine. The literature is composed of multiple small series with differing findings. To date, there has been no attempt to collaborate evidence on predictors of airway intervention in this disease.

METHODS

The population of interest was adults with a diagnosis of epiglottitis. The primary outcome in this review was incidence of airway intervention. A comprehensive literature search was conducted of the MEDLINE and Embase databases, and a separate random-effects model meta-analysis was undertaken for all outcome data. Moderator tests for comparison between prevaccine and postvaccine estimates were made, and absolute risk difference (RD) and relative risk (RR) calculations were made for all predictors of airway intervention.

RESULTS

Thirty studies and a total of 10,148 patients were finally included for meta-analysis. A significant decrease in airway intervention was seen post vaccine introduction introduction from 18.8% to 10.9% (P = 0.01). The presence of an abscess (RD 0.27, P = 0.04; RR 2.45, P < 0.001), stridor (RD 0.64, P < 0.001; RR 7.15, P < 0.001), or a history of diabetes mellitus (RD 0.11, P = 0.02; RR 2.15, P = 0.01) were associated with need for airway intervention.

CONCLUSION

In the postvaccine era, clinicians should expect to have to secure airways in 10.9% of cases. The presence of an epiglottic abscess, stridor, or a history of diabetes mellitus are the most reliable clinical features associated with need for airway intervention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 130:465-473, 2020.

Knee kinematics in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with four- and five-strand hamstring tendon autografts

An alternative to the gold standard fourstrand hamstring tendon autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is the five-strand graft. The rationale for its use is to increase graft width to better restore the anatomical footprint and biomechanical properties of the native ACL when unable to create a four-strand graft of 8 mm in diameter. To date, there are no trials assessing the use of this wider graft and its effect on the kinematics of the knee. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of a wider five-strand hamstring tendon autograft in ACL reconstructive surgery better replicated the kinematics of a normal non-injured knee than the gold standard four-strand graft. Forty-four patients (27 operative and 17 normal control) were recruited for this study over a 12-month period. Twenty patients underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the four-strand hamstring tendon autograft construct and seven with the five-strand construct. All patients underwent kinematic testing using the KneeKG System (EMOVI, CA) according to a strict testing protocol. The operative group underwent testing at six (T1) and twelve (T2) weeks postoperatively. Analysis of variance was used to compare six degrees of freedom kinematic data across groups and correlations were made between kinematic data and intraoperatively measured graft width. Postoperative kinematic data revealed no statistically significant differences between graft types. At 12 weeks significant differences were seen between the four-strand and control group in the flexion/extension cycle in the preloading phase and at terminal stance. Significant correlations were seen between graft width and rotational stability at Preloading (Pearson’s r=0.415) and Maximum Internal Rotation (Femoral Width Pearson’s r=0.456 and Tibial Width Pearson’s r=0.476) at 12 weeks regardless of graft type.

This study demonstrated that to achieve anatomic knee kinematics in primary ACL reconstruction in the first 12 weeks postoperatively, a technique to optimise autograft width using a five-strand hamstring tendon autograft is useful. A relationship was found between graft width and more stable rotational kinematics of the knee during walking, regardless of graft type.

Intermuscular implantation technique for subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillators

BACKGROUND

The conventional technique for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation has been associated with pocket complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an alternative intermuscular technique for S‑ICD implantation.

METHODS

S-ICDs were implanted in ten consecutive patients (ten males, mean age: 46.8 ± 14.7 years). The pocket for the pulse generator was made above the serratus anterior muscular fascia and beneath the latissimus dorsi muscle by detaching the fibrous tissue between the muscles. Electrode implantation was performed using the three- (n = 4) or the two-incision technique (n = 6).

RESULTS

All S‑ICDs were successfully implanted in the absence of any procedure-related complications with a successful 65-J standard polarity defibrillation threshold testing, apart from one patient with Brugada syndrome who needed device repositioning more dorsally. During a mean follow-up of 16.5 ± 7.3 months, no major complications requiring surgical repair were encountered, while patients demonstrated high levels of comfort and satisfaction with the cosmetic result. One patient experienced an inappropriate shock due to noise detection, which was resolved after reprogramming to a different sensing vector.

CONCLUSION

The intermuscular technique is a safe and efficacious approach for S‑ICD implantation. This technique could lead to fewer pocket-related complications and better cosmetic results.

Effect of atrial pressure increase on effective refractory period and vulnerability to atrial fibrillation in patients with lone atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

There is evidence suggesting that atrial fibrillation (AF) may be induced by acute increase of atrial pressure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of alterations in atrial pressure, induced by varying the atrioventricular (AV) interval, on atrial refractoriness, and on the frequency of induction of (AF), in patients with a history of lone atrial fibrillation (LAF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were included in this study. The patients were divided in two groups: the LAF group, and the control group. None of the patients in either group had organic heart disease. Effective refractory period (ERP) and duration of atrial extrastimulus electrogram (A(2)) were measured at two right atrial sites (high lateral wall, atrial appendage) during AV pacing (cycle length: 500 msec) with different AV intervals. Peak, minimal and mean atrial pressure increased from 8.57 +/- 2.37 to 18.14 +/- 4.74 mm Hg, 2 +/- 2.23 to 5.14 +/- 2.60 mm Hg (p = 0.0001) and from 4.28 +/- 1.6 mm Hg to 9.77 +/- 2.9 mm Hg (p = 0.001), respectively during AV interval modification. During lateral and atrial appendage pacing, with a progressive decrease of AV interval to 160, 100, 80, 40, 0 msec, the ERP, the dispersion of ERP, functional refractory period (FRP), A2 and latency period (LP) did not change significantly, in both groups. The frequency of induction of AF was not statistically different in both lateral atrial wall and appendage, during pacing in different AV intervals.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that alterations in the intraatrial pressure does not have important effects on atrial refractoriness and does not increase vulnerability to AF in patients with a history of LAF.

Excessive sinus pauses and their elimination in a patient with sleep apnea syndrome

A 40-year-old man with severe sleep apnoea syndrome presented significant sinus pauses during a 48 h electrocardiogram Holter recording. Holter analysis showed one sinus pause of 6.4 s duration, and many pauses greater than 3 s. The 48 h Holter reevaluation, after a continuous positive air pressure device was applied, showed no pauses. The electrophysiological study was negative for sick sinus syndrome.

Carotid sinus hypersensitivity in patients undergoing coronary arteriography: relation with the severity of carotid atherosclerosis and the extent of coronary artery disease

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the present investigation was to study the precise relationship between carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) and both the severity of carotid atherosclerosis and the extent of coronary artery disease in patients who were referred for evaluation for suspected ischemic heart disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Duplex echocardiography and coronary angiography were used to assess carotid and coronary artery atherosclerosis in 130 consecutive patients. Carotid sinus stimulation was performed before coronary arteriography with simultaneous recordings of the ECG and aortic pressure. Coronary artery disease was present in 103 patients (79%). Thirty patients (23.08%) had one-vessel disease (1-VD), 31 (23.85%) had 2-VD, 29 (22.31%) had 3-VD, and 13 patients (10%) had left main coronary artery disease. Carotid artery atherosclerosis was present in 100 patients (76.92%) and carotid disease (diameter stenosis > 50%) was present in 24 patients (18.46%). CSH was found in 33 patients (25%). The incidence of CSH was 9% in patients with carotid stenosis 1%-15%, 17% in patients with stenosis 16%-49%, 85% in patients with stenosis 50%-79%, and 100% in patients with stenosis > or = 80%. The incidence of CSH was 11%, 17%, 23%, 34%, and 62% in patients with no VD, 1-VD, 2-VD, 3-VD, and left main coronary artery disease, respectively. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that carotid disease and left main coronary artery disease were the most significant determinants of CSH (P < 0.001 and P = 0.013, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of CSH increased in proportion to the severity of carotid and coronary atherosclerosis. These data provide evidence that CSH is closely related to severe carotid atherosclerosis or left main coronary artery disease in patients being evaluated for suspected ischemic heart disease.

Stress echocardiography using adenosine combined with nitroglycerin-dobutamine in the detection of viable myocardium in patients with previous myocardial infarction

The aim of this study was to assess the value of adenosine (A) and the combination of nitroglycerin (N) with dobutamine (D) stress echocardiography (SE) in the identification of viable myocardium. The clinical and electrocardiographic (ECG) effects of both tests were also evaluated. Fifty-two coronary artery disease patients, aged 56.4 +/- 8 years, with left ventricular dysfunction due to a previous myocardial infarction (mean ejection fraction: 49 +/- 8%) were included in the study. Cardiac catheterization was performed in all patients before A (140 micrograms/kg/minute for five minutes) and the combination of N with D (5-10 micrograms/kg/minute) stress echocardiography. On the echocardiogram, the left ventricle was divided into 16 segments and wall motion was graded semiquantitatively from 1 (normal) to 4 (dyskinesia). The echocardiographic index was also estimated. A segment was considered viable during A infusion when resting asynergy showed deterioration of one grade or more. In contrast, segmental viability was considered to be present during the combination of N with D infusion when resting asynergy showed improvement of one grade or more. A thallium 201 single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with reinjection was performed as reference standard for the identification of viable myocardium. Stress echocardiography during infusion of A was associated with short-duration angina attacks in 3 (5.8%) patients and transient complete atrioventricular (AV) block in 1 (1.9%), whereas during the combination of N with D infusion, 6 (11.5%) patients experienced ventricular bigeminy lasting for a short period. ST segment elevation greater than 1 mm was recorded in those leads having a Q wave, in 19 (36.5%) patients. In 10 of these 19 (52.6%), viable myocardium was present in SPECT, as it was in 33 patients (63.5%) having no ST segment elevation (P = NS). Of a total of 832 segments that were graded during A-SE, 276 exhibited resting asynergy and the remaining 556 had normal motion and thickening at rest. The echocardiographic index during A infusion increased from 1.52 +/- 0.22 to 1.71 +/- 0.24 (P < 0.001), whereas during D and N infusion it decreased from 1.53 +/- 0.31 to 1.30 +/- 0.42 (P < 0.001). With SPECT considered as the gold standard for the identification of viable myocardium, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of A-SE in detecting viable myocardium were 54%, 86%, 65% and 80%, respectively. The respective values for the combination of nitroglycerin with D-SE were 91%, 89%, 78%, and 96%, respectively. Stress echocardiography during A, and the combination of N with D, constitute safe methods in the identification of viable myocardium. The detection of ST segment elevation in the ECG leads with a Q wave during the combined infusion of nitroglycerin and dobutamine is not related to the presence of viable myocardial tissue. The A-SE provide moderate diagnostic accuracy, while the combination of N with D during SE is much superior in detecting viable myocardium.

Analysis of left atrioventricular plane movement during diastole in ischemic heart disease

The aim of the present study was to investigate the properties of diastolic left atrioventricular plane displacement (AVPD) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. In 125 patients (mean age 58.7 +/- 13.7) with CAD and in 51 age-matched healthy subjects, a complete transthoracic echocardiographic study was performed. The AVPD was recorded by M-mode echocardiography, from apical four and two chamber views at four sites corresponding to the septal, lateral, anterior and inferior walls of the left ventricle. Mean AVPD in early diastole (E-AVPD), mean AVPD from atrial systole (A-AVPD) and the ratio A-AVPD/E-AVPD were determined. In normal subjects, such as in 35 patients without left ventricular segmental wall motion abnormalities (SWMA), stepwise multiple regression analysis showed none of these factors to be significantly related to E-AVPD or A-AVPD. Aging was correlated negatively to the E-AVPD/A-AVPD ratio (p < 0.05). In 90 patients with left ventricular SWMA, stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that indices of left ventricular systolic function correlated positively to E-AVPD (p < 0.001) and A-AVPD (p < 0.001). The E-AVPD/A-AVPD ratio was correlated to left ventricular ejection fraction and heart rate (p < 0.005). Mean E-AVPD was significantly lower in CAD patients than in normal subjects (p 0.001), while A-AVPD was higher in patients without left ventricular SWMA in comparison to normal subjects (p = 0.02). Also, mean A-AVPD/E-AVPD was higher in CAD patients than in the control group (p < 0.001). Mean E-AVPD/A-AVPD was correlated to the E/A ratio of transmitral flow in CAD patients with (r = 0.669) and without (r = 0.771) SWMA. The E-AVPD and A-AVPD in CAD patients with SWMA is reduced according to the deterioration of left ventricular systolic function. The atrial contribution to the longitudinal distension of the left ventricle is increased in CAD patients. In CAD patients, especially those without left ventricular SWMA, the E-AVPD/A-AVPD ratio has a good correlation to left ventricular filling behavior.

Retrograde nontransseptal balloon mitral valvuloplasty using a modified Inoue balloon catheter

Retrograde nontransseptal balloon mitral valvuloplasty, a method developed in our institution for the treatment of symptomatic mitral stenosis, avoids transseptal catheterization. Until recently, the self-positioning Inoue balloon catheter, unlike all other commercially available balloon catheters, had not been employed in this nontransseptal technique due to the short length of its catheter shaft. To employ a self-positioning balloon in retrograde nontransseptal balloon mitral valvuloplasty, we modified the Inoue device by extension of the catheter shaft. After retrograde nontransseptal left atrial catheterization using a steerable cardiac catheter, the modified Inoue balloon catheter was inserted through the femoral artery and advanced to the mitral valve retrogradely. Valvuloplasty was performed in 20 patients, with a successful result achieved in all. The modified Inoue balloon catheter was easy to use in retrograde nontransseptal balloon mitral valvuloplasty and showed excellent stability during inflation. Mean mitral valve area increased from 1.0 +/- 0.29 to 2.23 +/- 0.64 cm2 (P < 0.001) and mean transmitral gradient decreased from 11.4 +/- 6 to 4.3 +/- 2.1 mm Hg (P < 0.001). No major or minor complications were observed. Retrograde nontransseptal balloon mitral valvuloplasty using a modified Inoue balloon catheter is a feasible and effective technique for the treatment of symptomatic mitral stenosis. It appears to combine the advantages of avoiding transseptal catheterization with the advantages of this balloon's special configuration.

Mitral regurgitation from papillary muscle rupture: role of transesophageal echocardiography

A case of a 61 year old male with lateral myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and fever of days is presented. The exact etiology of this patient's heart failure was established with the application of transesophageal echocardiography. The transthoracic two-dimensional and Doppler echo showed a mobile echogenic density attached to the tip of the anterior mitral leaflet accompanied by moderate mitral regurgitation. Transesophageal echocardiography attributed this echogenic density to a ruptured head of the anterolateral papillary muscle, resulting in severe mitral regurgitation. Cardiac catheterization confirmed the severe mitral regurgitation and uncovered significant stenotic lesions of the coronary arteries. The resultant surgical treatment for the replacement of the mitral valve and coronary artery by-pass confirmed the rupture of the head of the anterolateral papillary muscle. It is suggested that transesophageal echocardiography is particularly capable of providing a definitive and prompt diagnosis of papillary muscle rupture.