Bicuspid aortic valve: long-term morbidity and mortality

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart anomaly. Lifetime morbidity and whether long-term survival varies according to BAV patient-sub-groups are unknown. This study aimed to assess lifetime morbidity and long-term survival in BAV patients in the community.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively identified all Olmsted County (Minnesota) residents with an echocardiographic diagnosis of BAV from 1 January 1980 to 31 December 2009, including patients with typical valvulo-aortopathy (BAV without accelerated valvulo-aortopathy or associated disorders), and those with complex valvulo-aortopathy (BAV with accelerated valvulo-aortopathy or associated disorders).

RESULTS

652 consecutive diagnosed BAV patients [median (IQR) age 37 (22-53) years; 525 (81%) adult and 127 (19%) paediatric] were followed for a median (IQR) of 19.1 (12.9-25.8) years. The total cumulative lifetime morbidity burden (from birth to age 90) was 86% (95% CI 82.5-89.7); cumulative lifetime progression to ≥ moderate aortic stenosis or regurgitation, aortic valve surgery, aortic aneurysm ≥45 mm or z-score ≥3, aorta surgery, infective endocarditis and aortic dissection was 80.3%, 68.5%, 75.4%, 27%, 6% and 1.6%, respectively. Survival of patients with typical valvulo-aortopathy [562 (86%), age 40 (28-55) years, 86% adults] was similar to age-sex-matched Minnesota population (P = .12). Conversely, survival of patients with complex valvulo-aortopathy [90 (14%), age 14 (3-26) years, 57% paediatric] was lower than expected, with a relative excess mortality risk of 2.25 (95% CI 1.21-4.19) (P = .01).

CONCLUSION

The BAV condition exhibits a high lifetime morbidity burden where valvulo-aortopathy is close to unavoidable by age 90. The lifetime incidence of infective endocarditis is higher than that of aortic dissection. The most common BAV clinical presentation is the typical valvulo-aortopathy with preserved expected long-term survival, while the complex valvulo-aortopathy presentation incurs higher mortality.

The 2022 FASEB Virtual Catalyst Conference on the Cardiac Interatrial Septum and Stroke Risk, December 7, 2022

There is emerging evidence that the cardiac interatrial septum has an important role as a thromboembolic source for ischemic strokes. There is little consensus on treatment of patients with different cardiac interatrial morphologies or pathologies who have had stroke. In this paper, we summarize the important background, diagnostic, and treatment considerations for this patient population as presented during the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Virtual Catalytic Conference on the Cardiac Interatrial Septum and Stroke Risk, held on December 7, 2022. During this conference, many aspects of the cardiac interatrial septum were discussed. Among these were the embryogenesis of the interatrial septum and development of anatomic variants such as patent foramen ovale and left atrial septal pouch. Also addressed were various mechanisms of injury such as shunting physiologies and the consequences that can result from anatomic variants, as well as imaging considerations in echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment options including anticoagulation and closure were addressed, as well as an in-depth discussion on whether the left atrial septal pouch is a stroke risk factor. These issues were discussed and debated by multiple experts from neurology, cardiology, and radiology.

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation With Pancytopenia: JACC Patient Care Pathways

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) provides temporary mechanical circulatory support and simultaneous extracorporeal gas exchange for acute cardiorespiratory failure. By providing circulatory support, VA-ECMO gives treatments time to reach optimal efficacy or may be used as a bridge to a more durable mechanical solution for patients with acute cardiopulmonary failure. It is commonly used when a readily reversible etiology of decompensation is identified with very strict inclusion criteria for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation use. We present a unique case in which VA-ECMO/extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation was used after cardiac arrest with pulseless electrical activity in a patient with recurrent lymphoma of the left thigh with recent autologous stem cell transplant.

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation With Pancytopenia: JACC Patient Care Pathways

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) provides temporary mechanical circulatory support and simultaneous extracorporeal gas exchange for acute cardiorespiratory failure. By providing circulatory support, VA-ECMO gives treatments time to reach optimal efficacy or may be used as a bridge to a more durable mechanical solution for patients with acute cardiopulmonary failure. It is commonly used when a readily reversible etiology of decompensation is identified with very strict inclusion criteria for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation use. We present a unique case in which VA-ECMO/extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation was used after cardiac arrest with pulseless electrical activity in a patient with recurrent lymphoma of the left thigh with recent autologous stem cell transplant.

Renal function changes associated with transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve for prosthetic regurgitation compared to stenosis

Background

Renal dysfunction is frequently encountered in patients with aortic prosthesis degeneration requiring valve-in-valve (VIV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The effect of VIV TAVR on renal function in patients with bioprosthetic aortic regurgitation (AR) and stenosis (AS) is unknown.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to describe the change in renal function after VIV TAVR and to compare differences in renal function changes in those with predominant prosthetic regurgitation compared to stenosis.

Methods

All VIV TAVR between June of 2014, and October 2019 (n = 141) at a single institution were reviewed. Baseline renal function parameters including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were compared with post-discharge follow-up values in both prosthetic AR and AS patient groups. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine correlates of renal function change.

Results

Mean baseline eGFR was lower in the AR group (55 SD21 vs. 64 SD24 ml/min/1.73 m² p = 0.0495). At post-discharge follow-up there was an increase in mean eGFR in the AR group which was not present in the AS group (8 SD12 vs. 0 SD11 ml/min/1.73 m² respectively p = 0.0006). There were strong correlations between change in creatinine (β = −0.57, R² = 0.64, p < 0.0001) and BUN (β = −0.61, R² = 0.51, p < 0.0001), and pre-procedure values in the AR group.

Conclusions

Patients who underwent VIV TAVR for AR experienced significant improvement of renal function at post-discharge follow-up. More advanced renal dysfunction at baseline was associated with greater improvement in renal function at post discharge in AR patients.

Best Practices for Imaging Cardiac Device-Related Infections and Endocarditis: A JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging Expert Panel Statement

The diagnosis of cardiac device infection and, more importantly, accurate localization of the infection site, such as defibrillator pocket, pacemaker lead, along the peripheral driveline or central portion of the left ventricular assist device, prosthetic valve ring abscesses, and perivalvular extensions, remain clinically challenging. Although transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography are the first-line imaging tests in suspected endocarditis and for assessing hemodynamic complications, recent studies suggest that cardiac computed tomography (CT) or CT angiography and functional imaging with ¹⁸F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) with CT (FDG PET/CT) may have an incremental role in technically limited or inconclusive cases on echocardiography. One of the key benefits of FDG PET/CT is in its detection of inflammatory cells early in the infection process, before morphological damages ensue. However, there are many unanswered questions in the literature. In this document, we provide consensus on best practices among the various imaging studies, which includes the detection of cardiac device infection, differentiation of infection from inflammation, image-guided patient management, and detailed recommendations on patient preparation, image acquisition, processing, interpretation, and standardized reporting.

Reduction in Right Atrial Pressures Is Associated With Hemodynamic Improvements After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair of the Tricuspid Valve

BACKGROUND

Investigational transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) has shown promise as an alternative to surgery, but factors influencing outcomes, optimal patient selection, and procedural timing remain incompletely defined. Given the limitations of determining TR severity by conventional echocardiography, our objectives were to determine whether invasive right atrial (RA) pressures performed during the procedure are related to patient outcomes.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective review of patients who underwent off-label tricuspid TEER using MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Menlo Park, CA) for significant TR at a single institution. Intraprocedural mean RA pressure, RA peak V-wave, RA pressure nadir, and systolic increase in RA pressure (XV height) were recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients underwent tricuspid TEER; 33 underwent concomitant mitral TEER for mitral regurgitation. The study cohort was 39% female with a mean age of 78.6±14.3 years. Median follow-up was 339 days (interquartile range, 100-601). Any reduction in mean RA pressure, RA peak V-wave, RA nadir, and XV height occurred in 74%, 82%, 45%, and 87% of patients, respectively. At 1 year, event-free survival was 47%. Postprocedure XV height correlated with TR severity as determined by echocardiography (P<0.0001). The highest quartile of postprocedure XV height (>8 mm Hg) had worse event-free survival compared with those who had concluding XV height ≤8 mm Hg (P=0.02). Attainment of a concluding XV height less than or equal to median value was associated with a lower creatinine the next day (1.27±0.47 versus 1.64±0.47 mg/dL, P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraprocedural XV height correlates with TR severity after tricuspid TEER, and lower concluding pressures are associated with improved outcomes. Analysis of RA pressures may serve as a complementary tool for the evaluation of disease severity and procedural guidance.

Clinical predictors and impact of postoperative mean gradient on outcome after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair

BACKGROUND

The predictors and clinical significance of increased Doppler-derived mean diastolic gradient (MG) following transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (MVTEER) remain controversial.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to examine baseline correlates of Doppler-derived increased MG post-MVTEER and its impact on intermediate-term outcomes.

METHODS

Patients undergoing MVTEER were analyzed retrospectively. Post-MVTEER increased MG was defined as >5 mmHg or aborted clip implantation due to increased MG intraprocedurally. Baseline MG and 3D-guided mitral valve area (MVA) by planimetry were retrospectively available in 233 and 109 patients.

RESULTS

243 patients were included; 62 (26%) had MG > 5 mmHg post-MVTEER or aborted clip insertion, including 7 (11%) that had aborted clip implantation. Mortality occurred in 63 (26%) during a median follow up of 516 days (IQR 211, 1021). Increased post-MVTEER MG occurred more frequently in females (44% vs. 16%, p <  0.001), those with baseline MVA <4.0 cm² (71% vs. 16%), baseline MG ≥4 mmHg (61% vs. 20%), or multiple clips implanted (33% vs. 21%, p = 0.04). Increased post-MVTEER MG was associated with increased subsequent mortality compared to those with normal gradient (HR 1.91 95% CI 1.15-3.18 p = 0.016) as was aborted clip insertion compared to all others (HR 5.23 95% CI 2.06-13.28 p <  0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Smaller baseline MVA and increased baseline MG are associated with increased MG post-MVTEER and patients with a Doppler-derived post-MVTEER MG >5 mmHg suffered excess subsequent mortality. In high risk patients considered for MVTEER, identification of those at risk of iatrogenic mitral stenosis with MVTEER is important as they may be optimally treated with alternate surgical or transcatheter therapies.

Noninvasive Hemodynamic Assessment of Shock Severity and Mortality Risk Prediction in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to define the 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic hemodynamics associated with each Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) stage, and to determine their association with mortality.

BACKGROUND

The SCAI shock stages classification stratifies mortality risk in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients, but the echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters that define these SCAI shock stages are unknown.

METHODS

Unique CICU patients admitted from 2007 to 2015 who had a transthoracic echocardiogram within 1 day of CICU admission were included. Echocardiographic variables were evaluated as a function of SCAI shock stage. Multivariable logistic regression determined the association between echocardiographic parameters with adjusted hospital mortality.

RESULTS

We included 5,453 patients with a median age of 69.3 years (interquartile range: 58.2 to 79.0 years) (37% women), and a median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 50% (interquartile range: 35% to 61%). Higher SCAI shock stages were associated with lower LVEF and worse systemic hemodynamics. Hospital mortality was higher in patients with LVEF <40%, cardiac index <1.8 l/min/m², stroke volume index <35 ml/m², cardiac power output <0.6 W, or medial early mitral valve inflow velocity to early diastolic annular velocity (E/e') ratio >15 (particularly in SCAI shock Stages A to C). After multivariable adjustment, only stroke volume index <35 ml/m² (adjusted odds ratio: 2.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.4 to 3.0; p < 0.001) and E/e' ratio >15 (adjusted odds ratio: 1.52; 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 2.23; p = 0.03) remained associated with higher hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Noninvasive 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic parameters correlate with the SCAI shock stages and improve risk stratification for hospital mortality in CICU patients. Low stroke volume index and high E/e' ratio demonstrated the strongest association with hospital mortality.

Institutional learning experience for combined edge-to-edge tricuspid and mitral valve repair

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with MitraClip is only approved for treatment of mitral regurgitation but is increasingly used to treat concomitant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) due to its common coexistence and association with poor outcomes. This study aimed to describe the learning curve associated with the challenge of off-label treatment of concomitant TR.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of initial and consecutive patients who underwent combined edge-to-edge repair of mitral and tricuspid valves (TVs) at our institution from August 2017 to October 2019.

RESULTS

Repair of both valves with MitraClip was performed in 22 patients (median age 81.5 years, 32% female). Mean procedure time was 176 ± 47 min; mean fluoroscopy time was 65 ± 24 min. Procedure duration in the first tertile was significantly longer (223 ± 13 min) than in the third tertile (143 ± 23 min, p = .0003). Median number of total clips placed per case was 3; in 15 patients (68%), the anterior and septal leaflets of the TV were clipped. The average changes in mean right atrial (RA) and left atrial (LA) pressures were -1.7 ± 2.5 mmHg (p = .0080) and -3.2 ± 4.6 mmHg (p = .0045), respectively. The average changes in RA and LA V-wave heights were -3.3 ± 4.0 mmHg (p = .0009) and -8.1 ± 9.9 mmHg (p = .038), respectively. There was a significant trend toward decreasing residual TR over the course of the series (p = .046). At 30 days, survival was 100% and mean NYHA class decreased from 2.8 to 1.8 (p < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined edge-to-edge tricuspid and mitral valve repair is safe and feasible. With experience, procedure duration and residual TR decreased.

P1798 Determinants of increased mitral mean diastolic gradient after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair

Background

Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVR; MitraClip, Abbott Vascular) is clinically approved for treatment of severe, symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) in high or prohibitive surgical risk patients. Iatrogenic mitral stenosis is a known complication of TMVR, but determinants of increased post-procedure mean diastolic gradient are not well defined.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the determinants of increased mitral mean diastolic gradient after TMVR.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 59 patients. 2D and 3D TEE data sets acquired before and immediately after procedure were analyzed. 4D Cardio-View and 4D MV-Assessment (TomTec, Germany) were used for the analysis of the 3D volume data set. Quantitative mitral valve analysis was done at the end of systole. Increased mitral mean diastolic gradient after TMVR was correlated with pre-procedure 2D and 3D echocardiographic data.

Results

34 patients had primary MR, 25 patients had mixed/secondary MR. Baseline mean mitral diastolic gradient was 2.0 ± 0.9mmHg and increased to 3.9 ± 1.8mmHg post-TMVR and the mean 3D planimetric mitral valve area decreased from 5.3 ± 1.5cm2 to 2.6 ± 1.0cm2. Implantation of multiple clips was performed less frequently in patients with smaller baseline mitral valve area; 8% vs 47% in the lowest quartile vs all others (p = 0.006). 12(20%) of patients had a mean diastolic gradient &gt;5mmHg post-TMVR and 15(25%) of patients had a post-TMVR mitral valve area &lt;2.0 cm2. There was no significant difference in post-procedure heart rate between patients with mean diastolic gradient ≤5mmHg vs &gt;5mmHg (p = 0.08). Patient characteristics according to post-TMVR mean diastolic gradient are shown in the Table. Post-TMVR mean diastolic gradient &gt;5mmHg was more common in patients with increased pre-procedure mean diastolic gradient(p = 0.006), post-TMVR mitral valve area &lt;2.0 cm2(40% vs 14%, p = 0.03), and ≥moderate residual mitral regurgitation(38% vs 11%, p = 0.02). Post-TMVR mitral valve area &lt;2.0cm2 was present in 50% vs 19% of patients with vs without a mean gradient &gt;5mmHg(p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Elevated post-TMVR mean diastolic gradient is multifactorial and related to mitral stenosis, but residual mitral regurgitation also appears to be an important contributor to increased gradients in some patients. Larger cohorts are likely needed to assess the concurrent impact of mitral annular calcification, leaflet calcification, and other variables on post-TMVR mean gradient.

Abstract P1798 Figure. 2D and 3D Echocardiographic Parameters

P6474Hidden in plain sight: diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate and physical examination are independent predictors of mortality in chronic aortic regurgitation

Background

In patients with hemodynamically-significant chronic aortic valve regurgitation (AR), the prognostic significance of routinely-measured diastolic blood pressure (DBP), resting heart rate (RHR) and physical examination signs of heart failure (HF), is unknown.

Purpose

To investigate the association of DBP, RHR and HF signs, with all-cause mortality.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all consecutive patients with moderately-severe or severe AR within a tertiary-referral center from 2006–2017. Patients with ≥moderate aortic stenosis and those with ≥moderate mitral stenosis/regurgitation were excluded.

Results

Of 820 patients (age 59±17 years; 82% men) with DBP 64±13mmHg and RHR 64±12bpm, followed for 5.5±3.5 years, 104 died under medical management and 400 underwent aortic valve surgery (AVS). In multivariable analysis, DBP (adjusted-hazard ratio [HR] 0.82 [0.68–0.98] p=0.031, per 10mmHg increase), RHR (adjusted HR 1.2 [1.01–1.41] p=0.034 per 10bpm increase), and any HF signs (adjusted HR 1.66 [1.04–2.61] p=0.032) were associated with all-cause death independently of demographics, comorbidities, and guideline-derived surgical triggers. Mortality increased in a J-curve fashion for DBP starting at 70 mmHg and peaking at 55 mmHg (Fig A,C), and in a linear fashion for RHR starting at 60bpm (Fig B, D). The association persisted after additional adjustment for medications, presence of hypertension and time-dependent AVS. A clinical score combining DBP, RHR and any HF signs increased the mortality risk-discrimination of demographics and comorbidities from 74% to 79% (p=0.01), and from 79% to 82% after addition of surgical triggers (p=0.04).

Figure. Risk of death by DBP and RHR

Conclusions

In patients with AR, routinely-measured vital signs and physical examination are strongly associated with all-cause mortality; lower DBP, higher RHR and any HF signs are independent predictors of mortality, and provide incremental mortality risk-discriminating value to baseline demographics, comorbidities and guideline-derived surgical triggers. These findings represent a clinical paradigm shift and have guideline implications.

Changes in comorbidities, diagnoses, therapies and outcomes in a contemporary cardiac intensive care unit population

Prior studies have demonstrated that the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patient population has evolved over time. We sought to describe the temporal changes in comorbidities, illness severity, diagnoses, procedures and adjusted mortality within our CICU practice in recent years.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed unique CICU admissions at the Mayo Clinic from January 2007 to April 2018. Comorbidities, severity of illness scores, discharge diagnosis codes and CICU procedures and therapies were recorded, and temporal trends were assessed using linear regression and Cochran-Armitage trend tests. Trends in adjusted hospital mortality over time were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

We included 12,418 patients with a mean age of 67.6 years (including 37.7% females). Temporal trends in the prevalence of several comorbidities and discharge diagnoses were observed, reflecting an increase in the prevalence of non-coronary cardiovascular diseases, critical care diagnoses, and organ failure (all P ≪ .05). The use of several CICU therapies and procedures increased over time, including mechanical ventilation, invasive lines and vasoactive drugs (all P ≪ .05). A temporal decrease in adjusted hospital mortality was observed among the subgroup of patients with (adjusted OR per year 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-0.99, P = .023) and without (adjusted OR per year 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.96, P = .002) a critical care discharge diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed an increasing prevalence of critical care and organ failure diagnoses as well as increased utilization of critical care therapies in this CICU cohort, associated with a decrease in risk-adjusted hospital mortality over time.

Severity of illness assessment with application of the APACHE IV predicted mortality and outcome trends analysis in an academic cardiac intensive care unit

PURPOSE

To assess trends in life support interventions and performance of the automated Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV model at mortality prediction compared with Oxford Acute Severity of Illness Score (OASIS) in a contemporary cardiac intensive care unit (CICU).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Retrospective analysis of adults (age ≥ 18 years) admitted to CICU from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2015. Temporal trends were assessed with linear regression. Discrimination of each risk score for hospital mortality was assessed with use of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values. Calibration was assessed with Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.

RESULTS

The study analyzed 10,004 patients. CICU and hospital mortality rates were 5.7% and 9.1%. APACHE IV predicted death had an AUROC of 0.82 (0.81-0.84) for hospital death, compared with 0.79 for OASIS (P < .05). Calibration was better for OASIS than APACHE IV. Increases were observed in CICU and hospital lengths of stay (both P < .001), APACHE IV predicted mortality (P = .007), Charlson Comorbidity Index (P < .001), noninvasive ventilation use (P < .001), and noninvasive ventilation days (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Contemporary CICU patients are increasingly ill, observed in upward trends in comorbid conditions and life support interventions. APACHE IV predicted death and OASIS showed good discrimination in predicting death in this population. APACHE IV and OASIS may be useful for benchmarking and quality improvement initiatives in the CICU, the former having better discrimination.

Echocardiographic left ventricular diastolic dysfunction predicts hospital mortality after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

PURPOSE

To determine whether systolic or diastolic dysfunction on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) predicts mortality after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 173 OHCA subjects undergoing targeted temperature management who underwent TTE during hospitalization. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine associations between TTE measurements of systolic and diastolic function and systemic hemodynamics with all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Mean age was 61.6 ± 12.4 years (72.7% male) and initial rhythm was shockable in 89%. Hospital mortality was 30.6%. Mean LVEF was 40% and was not different in hospital survivors (p = 0.81). TTE parameters reflecting systolic function and systemic hemodynamics did not predict hospital mortality. Medial mitral E/e' ratio was associated with hospital mortality, with an optimal cut-off > 13 (p = 0.002). After multivariate adjustment, medial mitral E/e' ratio remained predictive of hospital mortality (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03-1.20, p = 0.004). Subjects with a medial mitral E/e' ratio > 13 had higher mortality during long-term follow-up (p < 0.001 by log-rank).

CONCLUSIONS

Diastolic dysfunction (higher medial mitral E/e' ratio) on TTE independently predicted mortality after OHCA; systolic dysfunction and TTE hemodynamic parameters did not. This reflects a novel use of Doppler TTE to predict outcomes after OHCA.

Basic and advanced echocardiographic evaluation of myocardial dysfunction in sepsis and septic shock

Sepsis continues to be a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the intensive care unit. Cardiovascular dysfunction in sepsis is associated with worse short- and long-term outcomes. Sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction is noted in 20%-65% of these patients and manifests as isolated or combined left or right ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction. Echocardiography is the most commonly used modality for the diagnosis of sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction. With the increasing use of ultrasonography in the intensive care unit, there is a renewed interest in sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction. This review summarises the current scope of literature focused on sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction and highlights the use of basic and advanced echocardiographic techniques for the diagnosis of sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction and the management of sepsis and septic shock.

A case of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome: first report with advanced cardiac imaging using MRI

This present case pertains to a 48-year-old woman with a history of antiphospholipid syndrome, who presented with progressive fatigue, generalized weakness, and orthopnea acutely. She had a prior diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome with recurrent deep vein thromboses (DVTs) and repeated demonstration of lupus anticoagulants. She presented in cardiogenic shock with markedly elevated troponin and global myocardial dysfunction on echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization revealed minimal disease. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed, which revealed findings of perfusion defects and microvascular obstruction, consistent with the pathophysiology of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS). Diagnosis was made based on supportive imaging, including head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealing multifocal, acute strokes; microvascular thrombosis in the dermis; and subacute renal infarctions. The patient was anticoagulated with intravenous unfractionated heparin and received high-dose methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, and one dose each of rituximab and cyclophosphamide. She convalesced with eventual myocardial recovery after a complicated course. The diagnosis of CAPS relies on the presence of (1) antiphospholipid antibodies and (2) involvement of multiple organs in a microangiopathic thrombotic process with a close temporal association. The myocardium is frequently affected, and heart failure, either as the presenting symptom or cause of death, is common. Despite echocardiographic evidence of myocardial dysfunction in such patients, MRIs of CAPS have not previously been reported. This case highlights the utility in assessing the involvement of the myocardium by the microangiopathic process with MRI. Because the diagnosis of CAPS requires involvement in multiple organ systems, cardiac MRI is likely an underused tool that not only reaffirms the pathophysiology of CAPS, but could also clue clinicians in to the possibility of a diffuse thrombotic process.

Dynamic Phenotypes of Degenerative Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease

Background—

Fibro-elastic deficiency (FED) and diffuse myxomatous degeneration (DMD) are phenotypes of degenerative mitral valve disease defined morphologically. Whether physiological differences in annular and valvular dynamics exist between these phenotypes remains unknown.

Methods and Results—

We performed triple quantitation of cardiac remodeling and of mitral regurgitation severity and of annular and valvular dimensions by real-time 3-dimensional-transesophageal-echocardiography. Forty-nine patients with degenerative mitral valve disease classified as FED (n=31) and DMD (n=18) by surgical observation showed no difference in age (65±10 versus 59±13; P =0.5), body surface area (2.0±0.2 versus 2.0±0.2 m 2 ; P =0.5), left ventricular and atrial dimensions (all P >0.55), and mitral regurgitation regurgitant orifice ( P =0.62). On average, annular dimensions were larger in DMD versus FED, but height was similar resulting in lower saddle shape. Dynamically, annular DMD versus FED display poorer contraction and saddle-shape accentuation in early systole and abnormal enlargement, particularly intercommissural, in late-systole (all P <0.05). Valvular dynamics showed stable valvular area in systole in FED versus considerable systolic increased area in DMD ( P <0.001). Prolapse height and volume increased little throughout systole in FED versus marked increase in DMD ( P <0.001).

Conclusions—

Our novel observations show that FED and DMD, although both labeled myxomatous, display considerable physiological phenotypic differences. In DMD, the annular increased size and profoundly abnormal dynamics demonstrate DMD-specific annular degeneration compared with the enlarged but relatively normal FED annulus. DMD does not incur more severe mitral regurgitation, despite larger prolapse and valve redundancy, underscoring potential compensatory role of tissue redundancy of DMD (or aggravating role of tissue paucity of FED) on mitral regurgitation severity.

Unveiling nonischemic cardiomyopathies with cardiac magnetic resonance

Cardiomyopathy is defined as a heterogeneous group of myocardial disorders with mechanical or electrical dysfunction. Identification of the etiology is important for accurate diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, but continues to be challenging. The ability of cardiac MRI to non-invasively obtain 3D-images of unparalleled resolution without radiation exposure and to provide tissue characterization gives it a distinct advantage over any other diagnostic tool used for evaluation of cardiomyopathies. Cardiac MRI can accurately visualize cardiac morphology and function and also help identify myocardial edema, infiltration and fibrosis. It has emerged as an important diagnostic and prognostic tool in tertiary care centers for work up of patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. This review covers the role of cardiac MRI in evaluation of nonischemic cardiomyopathies, particularly in the context of other diagnostic and prognostic imaging modalities.

Severe sepsis and septic shock in patients with pre-existing non-cardiac pulmonary hypertension: contemporary management and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To review treatment and outcomes of septic shock in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) managed at a tertiary care institution.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS

We identified consecutive patients with non-cardiac PH (non-Group 2 in the World Health Organization classification) who were treated for septic shock in four intensive care units at a tertiary care institution between July 2004 and July 2007. Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, diastolic dysfunction, pericardial effusion or significant valve disease were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Hospital mortality, duration of vasopressor and ventilatory support, length of hospital and ICU stay.

RESULTS

The final group for analysis comprised 82 patients. The major causes of PH were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease and portopulmonary hypertension. PH was mild in 46 patients (56%), moderate in 21 (26%) and severe in 15 (18%). Vasopressor treatment was initiated in 69 patients (84%) within the first 48 hours: noradrenaline was most commonly used (53 patients, 65%), and 51 patients (62%) were treated with more than one agent. Sixty-seven patients (82%) were mechanically ventilated, and 33 (40%) required renal replacement therapy. Fortythree patients (52%) survived to hospital discharge; 23 (28%) remained alive at 1 year. Hospital mortality increased with severity of PH: 28% in mild, 67% in moderate and 80% in severe PH. Nonsurvivors were more likely to have plateau pressures beyond 30 cm H(2)O while mechanically ventilated within the first 48 hours in the ICU (56% v 29%, P = 0.03), to develop atrial fibrillation (AF) (46% v 12%, P < 0.001), and to require longer vasopressor support (mean, 5.3 v 2.6 days, P = 0.003). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, severity of PH (odds ratio [OR], 1.55; 95% CI, 1.04-2.46; P = 0.04), new-onset AF (OR, 6.51; 95% CI, 2.24-22.07; P < 0.001) and longer duration of vasopressor support (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03-1.34; P = 0.04) were associated with increased hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The severity of PH, new-onset AF, and longer vasopressor support were associated with poor outcomes in patients with PH who developed severe sepsis and septic shock.

Real-time 3-dimensional dynamics of functional mitral regurgitation: a prospective quantitative and mechanistic study

Background

Three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3D‐TTE) with dedicated software permits quantification of mitral annulus dynamics and papillary muscle motion throughout the cardiac cycle.

Methods and Results

Mitral apparatus 3D‐TTE was acquired in controls (n=42), patients with left ventricle dysfunction and functional mitral regurgitation (LVD‐FMR; n=43) or without FMR (LVD‐noMR, n=35). Annulus in both normal and LVD‐noMR subjects displayed saddle shape accentuation in early‐systole (ratio of height to intercommissural diameter, 10.6±3.7 to 13.5±4.0 in normal and 9.1±4.3 to 12.6±3.6 in LVD‐noMR; P<0.001 for diastole to early‐systole motion, P=NS between those groups). In contrast, saddle shape was unchanged from diastole in FMR patients (10.0±6.4 to 8.0±5.2; P=NS, P<0.05 compared to both other groups). Papillary tips moved symmetrically towards to the midanterior annulus in control and LVD‐noMR subjects, maintaining constant ratio of the distances between both tips to midannulus (PtAR) throughout systole. In LVD‐FMR patients midsystolic posterior papillary tip to anterior annulus distance was increased, resulting in higher PtAR (P=0.05 compared to both other groups). Mechanisms of early‐ and midsystolic FMR differed between different etiologies of LV dysfunction. In patients with anterior MI and global dysfunction annular function and dilatation were the dominant parameters, while papillary muscle motion was the predominant determinant of FMR in patients with inferior MI.

Conclusions

Inadequate early‐systolic annular contraction and saddle‐shape accentuation in patients with impaired LV contribute to early–mitral incompetency. Asymmetric papillary tip movement towards the midanterior annulus is a major determinant of mid‐ and late‐systolic functional mitral regurgitation.

Electrophysiological and hemodynamic characteristics associated with obesity in patients with atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to characterize the left atrial (LA) and pulmonary vein (PV) electrophysiological and hemodynamic features in obese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with increased risk for AF.

METHODS

A total of 63 consecutive patients with AF who had normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and who underwent catheter ablation were studied. Atrial and PV electrophysiological studies were performed at the time of ablation with hemodynamic assessment by cardiac catheterization, and LA/LV structure and function by echocardiography. Patients were compared on the basis of body mass index (BMI): <25 kg/m(2) (n = 19) and BMI ≥30 kg/m(2) (n = 44).

RESULTS

At a 600-ms pacing cycle length, obese patients had shorter effective refractory period (ERP) in the left atrium (251 ± 25 ms vs. 233 ± 32 ms, p = 0.04), and in the proximal (207 ± 33 ms vs. 248 ± 34 ms, p < 0.001) and distal (193 ± 33 ms vs. 248 ± 44 ms, p < 0.001) PV than normal BMI patients. Obese patients had higher mean LA pressure (15 ± 5 mm Hg vs. 10 ± 5 mm Hg, p < 0.001) and LA volume index (28 ± 12 ml/m(2) vs. 21 ± 14 ml/m(2), p = 0.006), and lower LA strain (5.5 ± 3.1% vs. 8.8 ± 2.8%; p < 0.001) than normal BMI patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased LA pressure and volume, and shortened ERP in the left atrium and PV are potential factors facilitating and perpetuating AF in obese patients with AF.

Care of patients with acute pulmonary emboli: a clinical review with cardiovascular focus

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common, multidisciplinary disease with substantial associated morbidity, mortality and healthcare expense. In this article we present a succinct review of diagnostic tools, risk stratification and medical therapies for cardiovascular care of patients with acute PE. While pulmonary angiography remains the 'gold standard' for diagnosis, a host of diagnostic modalities, interpreted in the setting of clinical probability, are available for patient assessment, including ECG, chest radiography, D-dimer, lower-extremity venous ultrasound, ventilation-perfusion scans, computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography, and echocardiography, each with associated value. Diagnostic algorithms incorporate multiple tools in order to obtain a more comprehensive evaluation. Therapeutic anticoagulation remains the mainstay of therapy in PE. In massive PE, utilization of thrombolysis is reasonable in the absence of contraindications. Submassive PE, characterized by right ventricular dysfunction as assessed by echocardiography and ECG, is associated with higher mortality. Use of thrombolysis in submassive PE remains controversial. Catheter-directed therapies are emerging as an added approach to acute PE and have the potential to improve outcomes in PE. Use of inferior vena cava filters should be pursued in a select patient population as they serve to reduce recurrent acute PE; however, they are associated with more frequent deep venous thrombosis and provide no mortality benefit. In risk-stratified hemodynamically stable patients, an outpatient management strategy inclusive of therapeutic anticoagulation and careful clinical follow-up may be appropriate.

Measuring Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction – Techniques and Potential Pitfalls

Prognosis and therapeutic decisions are often based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which means the LVEF needs to be accurately measured. Many imaging modalities can measure LVEF. Each of these modalities is subject to measurement errors that can lead to the inaccurate calculation of LVEF. This article reviews the most common non-invasive imaging modalities – i.e., echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), radionuclide angiography, gated myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and gated myocardial perfusion positron emission tomography (PET) – used to measure LVEF, as well as the common sources of error with each of them. It is important to understand these sources of errors in order to prevent them, and recognise them when they do occur so that they can be corrected if possible.